ZipReviews: Electronics Reviews & News

Apple iPod Minis Are Hot!

The iPod minis are among the hottest sellers of the year in digital music, and along with Apple's popular iTunes site, have sent Apple's stock skyrocketing this year. It's no wonder. With the beautiful design and ergonomics, and 5 playful colors, the iPod Mini is really a perfect gift for any music lover — even yourself!

Weighing in at just 3.6 ounces and featuring an 8 hour battery life, the iPod mini is enough player for most music lovers. It works with both Macs and PCs, and with iTunes 4 you can organize music on your computer and then transfer it to your iPod over Firewire or USB 2.0.

And best of all, the iPod mini comes in 5 dazzling colors:

ZipReviews.com: MP3 Player Reviews

Creative DC-CAM 4200ZS Digital Camera

Creative Technology Ltd. introduced the DC-CAM 4200ZS, an ultra-compact digital camera with a new 4.2-Megapixel CCD sensor that captures and saves images onto the bundled 32MB SD card (expandable up to 512MB). The camera is also robustly constructed and compact in design, measuring only 3.45" (W) x 0.95" (D) x 2.15" (H), and weighing only 4.4 oz. (without battery and SD card).

Users can compose their shots using the standard viewfinder, or through the large 2-inch Color LTPS TFT LCD display which ensures clear reviewing of images. LTPS (Low Temperature Poly Silicon) technology is a leading-edge manufacturing process for making TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCDs that uses laser annealing to achieve crystallization of silicom film with substrate temperature of less than 400¡ãC. This offers inherent advantages such as less power consumption, improved screen brightness, and enhanced durability (LCD's life span).

In addition, the DC-CAM 4200ZS features 3x Optical Zoom (f2.8-f4.8 equivalent in 35mm photography) which works with 3.6x Digital Zoom to deliver a combined 10.8x maximum precision zoom. It is also fitted with Auto Focus capability that enables users to accurately frame and focus shots in Normal (50cm to infinity) as well as Macro (6cm to infinity) mode.

Photography enthusiasts who wish to control their photography settings, according to the lighting conditions, will be able to do so through a host of advanced controls such as exposure compensation, white balance, and built-in flash modes.

The DC-CAM 4200ZS is also equipped with some extras, like a video and voice recording/playback feature. It captures unlimited (depending on card memory) AVI-format video with audio in 320 x 240 resolution and with the bundled Audio/Video (A/V) cable, users can easily output their video files onto conventional TV and view it with their friends.

ZipReviews.com: Digital Cameras

Sony Cybershot DSCM1 5MP Digital Camera with 3x MPEG4 Video

The revolutionary Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 Digital Camera allows you to record 5 MP-resolution still images, and also to capture TV-quality MPEG4 video using Sony's Memory Stick DUO media. The camera retails for about $599.

The length of the video is limited only by the capacity of media. The camera's 1" slim profile design and 2 1/2" screen makes it small enough to stow in a pocket or purse, and once folded back, the screen can then be used as a personal media viewer.

The Sony DSCM1 comes with a 3x optical zoom, and the Precision Digital Zoom provides an additional 2x magnification. There are various modes, including nine Scene Selection modes (Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, High Speed Shutter, Fireworks, Magnifying Glass, and Candle). Magnifying Glass (Macro) Mode has a 1/2" focusing capability (1 centimeter), which allows you to display images at over 3x actual size.

Read more about: Sony DSCM1 Digital Camera with Video

ZipReviews.com: Digital Video Cameras

Best Samsung HDTVs, DVD & Home Theater, and Digital Audio MP3 Players

Samsung Electronics, came out of the International CES Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Showcase Awards with ten award-winning products.

Samsung's winners include five HDTVs and a Home Theater in a Box system in the Home Theater category; two digital audio players and Samsung's advanced Portable Media Center in the Portable Audio category; and a High-Definition Conversion DVD Player in the Accessories category.

According to Samsung, the awards are based on several criteria including value, aesthetics, innovation and contribution to quality of life. Sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) with the endorsement of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).

The winning products include:

Home Theater Category:

Samsung LNR409D 40-inch Widescreen LCD HDTV
Samsung HPR5072 50inch Widescreen Plasma HDTV
Samsung LNR460D 46-inch Widescreen LCD HDTV
Samsung HPR8072 80-inch Widescreen Plasma HDTV
Samsung's TXR3079WH 30" SlimFit HDTV
Samsung HT-DS1100 HTiB

Portable Audio Category:

Samsung YP-T7 Digital Audio Player
Samsung YH-926 Digital Audio Player
Samsung YH-999 Portable Media Center

Accessories Category:

Samsung DVD-HD950 High-Definition Conversion DVD Player

The products can be seen at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 6-9, 2005, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Related Resources:

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Named Camera of the Year

The Nikon D70 Digital SLR was named "Camera of the Year 2004" by the editors of Popular Photography & Imaging (Pop Photo) who called it "the camera that best refines or redefines photography."

"For sheer technical virtuosity, there's the D70's color accuracy ... the best of any digital SLR we've ever tested," stated the current issue. "And its startup time -- nearly instantaneous. Plus a burst mode that gives you more than a dozen fine-quality JPEGs at 3 frames per second ... It has the look, feel and functions that have led many pros to make the D70 their backup or even primary camera."

"Yet," notes the magazine, "for all the pro-caliber talk, this camera reaches out to beginners. With its program modes, extensive but easily understood menus including handholding help menus, this camera really does allow any photographer to move smoothly and painlessly into a digital SLR."

The 6.0 mega pixel D70 retails for $999 for the body and $1,299 with an 18-70mm f/35-4.5G AF-S DX Nikkor lens.

ZipReviews.com: Nikon D70 Review

Sanyo MM-7400 Camera & Video Phone

Sprint and Sanyo announced plans today to offer Sanyo's first multimedia phone, the Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Phone MM-7400 by Sanyo.

This feature-rich phone allows customers to view on-demand streaming video and audio as well as shoot VGA pictures and extended 30-second video clips with the integrated camera and camcorder. The phone also offers Sprint PCS Ready Link capabilities for walkie-talkie style communication.

This sporty and stylish phone features a rugged, slip-resistant body and interchangeable face plates, and will be available later this month for a suggested retail price of $379.99 or $229.99 after rebate.

The handset also has the capability to record extended 30-second video and audio clips as well as shoot VGA still photos. The integrated camera features a built-in three-mode flash, and the camcorder has a movie light to improve the outcome in low-light situations. Using Picture Mail and Sprint PCS Video Mail, users can instantly take pictures and share them with family and friends.

There are five different interchangeable faceplate colors available. Titanium and metallic-red colors are included with the handset while three optional colors, deep blue, ocean blue and black onyx, are available to purchase separately. The MM-7400 by Sanyo's exclusive rubber Dura-Grip protects against surface damage and gives the phone a sporty look.

ZipReviews.com: Camera Phones

Nikon Offers Digital Camera Rebates

Nikon just announced "Fall Rebates" with great rebates on a number of Nikon digital camera bodies:

Nikon D70 (body only): $100 rebate
Nikon D70 w/18-70mm Nikkor Lens: $100 rebate
Nikon D100: $200 rebate
Nikon D1X: $500 rebate

You can also find rebates of up to $800 on Nikkor lenses.

The Nikon offer ends December 31.

ZipReviews.com: Advanced Digital Camera Reviews

Nikon Rebate Information Sheet.

Canon EOS-1D 16.7 MP Digital Camera Now Available

Many of you have been waiting for the new 16.7 Megapixel Canon EOS-1D to be released. You may have to get in line to be sure to get one -- the EOS-1D is now available for pre-order at Amazon for 33% off the retail price. There may also be additional rebates that apply if you purchase this camera along with some other items (see the Canon Triple Rebate offer).

The EOS-1D can shoot about four frames per second for up to 32 JPEG or 11 RAW images. The camera can handle up to 1,200 shots on a full battery (at 68 degrees F), and boasts a startup time of 0.3 seconds due to the new image processor.

Shutter speeds are from 1/8000 to 30 seconds and bulb, a the camera has a 1/250-second flash synchronization, E-TTL II flash metering, ISO speeds of 100 to 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Shutter lag is only 55 milliseconds, focus is extremely fast and precise, with a 45-point AF system, and the exposure meter uses a 21-zone sensor for accuracy. You should definitely read the manual for this camera to take advantage of the 20 custom functions with 65 settings and 27 personal function settings for personal customization.

More information from ZipReviews.com: Canon EOS-1D

Pre-Order Canon EOS-1D at 33% Discount

inMotion iPod Portable Speakers Audio System

We found this gadget at the Sharper Image. Just drop your iPod into the built-in dock of the inMotion Portable Audio System, which includes speakers and amp, and you can listen to listen to your music anywhere without headphones. It also works with laptops, older iPods and other MP3 players, using the auxiliary input jack and a 3.5mm stereo cable, and can be used for up to 24 hours straight.

The amplifier runs with an included DC adapter or 4 AA batteries, and powers four full-range micro drivers to deliver a full spectrum of sound. The system also comes with an adapter so you can recharge your iPod too.

Measures 8" x 5 1/2" x 1 1/4". One-year warranty.

More information: inMotion Portable Audio System

New Motorola i833 Mobile Phone Inspired by Ferrari

Motorola Ferrari Mobile Phone Motorola has just released the new Pininfarina Limited Edition Motorola i833 mobile phone.

A bit bland for the price tag, the phone is based on the popular Motorola i830 handset. The Pininfarina Limited Edition Motorola i833 mobile phone has a titanium-colored finish and a sleek shape inspired by the lines of a Ferrari car. The housing of the handset also features a translucent internal lens that lets you see inside the phone.

According to the company, the Pininfarina Limited Edition Motorola i833 offers a bright internal color display, walkie-talkie service for instant communication at the touch of a button from coast to coast and throughout much of the Americas, voice dialing and voice recorder, built-in speakerphone, external caller ID, GPS technology for location-based services, and Java technology.

The phone comes with a calculator, pre-installed ring tones (including hte songs "Gloria," "Born to be Wild," "Satisfaction," "Start Me Up," and the sound of a car engine starting, as well as various wallpaper designs, such as pictures of Ferrari cars and images of open roads.

You can buy the Pininfarina Limited Edition Motorola i833 mobile phone at Bloomingdale's stores for a suggested retail price of $599, which includes a special wooden box, a leather carrying case, and a desktop holder/charger. Service is available through Nextel Communications in the United States.

See more Nextel Service Plan phones.

Find All Phone Service Plans in your area.

ZipReviews.com: Mobile Phones.

Samsung Electronics develops Bright 4-inch Wide-Screen LCD for Portable Media Players

Samsung LCD Display Samsung Electronics just announced that it has developed a new 4-inch screen digital interface LCD with a 16:9 screen ratio exclusively for Portable Media Players (PMP).

PMP is a next-generation multimedia player that can play video images downloaded from the Internet at any time, any where in a convenient format. Market anticipation for a full-scale portable video player has increased dramatically in recent months. PMP's expanded capacity allows for a variety of media player features, including music and video.

The screen is a 4-inch LCD with a 16:9 ratio and is made specifically for the PMP market. The LCD panel used for existing PMPs is generally 3.5 inches and has a 4:3 ratio. When a 16:9 Digital Internet Video eXpress (Divx) file is played in the current format, the screen is not fully utilized, particularly at the top and bottom of the screen. In addition, its 8-bit digital interface allows for 16.7 million-color video images, and its 50 percent color gamut offers a clear and crisp image display.

According to Samsung, research into the most appropriate screen size has found that 4-inch screens are the most efficient. A 3-inch screen is hard to view due to its small screen size; a 5-inch screen is too large to fit into a pocket.
Considering that many consumers use PMPs outdoors, the brightness has been enhanced from 150cd--the general brightness of mobile handsets--to 180cd. Visibility has also been enhanced through TMR (Transmissive with Micro Reflective) mode, which reduces the reflection of sunlight.

ZipReviews.com: Consumer Electronics

New Black Canon EOS Digital Rebel Limited Edition Digital Camera

Canon has just released a Limited Edition version of the top-selling EOS Digital Rebel. The new black-body edition of the Digital Rebel digital SLR will sell with the digitally enhanced EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens kit for $999 retail price.

The Limited Edition black Digital Rebel has the same features as the current Canon EOS 6.3 MP Digital Rebel, including fast seven point autofocus, 6.3 megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC imaging processor, and the same design and durability that has established the EOS Rebel line of SLRs as quality performers.

The black edition of the Digital Rebel is compatible with more than 50 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including the new EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the wide-angle EF-S 10-22 mm. f/3.5-4.5 USM.

Canon is also currently offering a Canon Digital Camera Triple Rebate for savings up to $600.

ZipReviews.com: Advanced Digital Cameras

Canon 6.3 MP Digital Rebel, EOS-1D, 10D, 20D: $600+ Rebates

Canon Digital Rebel 6.3 MP Digital Camera Canon has an excellent Triple Rebates offer right now for possible savings of over $600 on canon cameras and lenses.

The rebate offer applies to purchase of several models of digital cameras, as well as Canon EF single lenses, zoom lenses, and specialty macro and fish-eye lenses. The offer doubles and triples the rebate amount, depending on how many items you purchase from a list of 6 camera models and over 20 Canon lenses.

The camera models eligible for the rebate are range from the 6.3 MP Digital Rebel to the professional-grade 16.7 MP Canon 1D. Eligible cameras include:

According to Canon, you can get "cash back when you buy qualifying Canon digital SLR cameras or lenses between October 15, 2004, and January 31, 2005. Double or triple your rebate amounts on each item--for totals of up to $600 or more--when you buy two, three, or more qualifying items."

Terms of the rebate offer are: "Buy one qualifying item to get a single cash-back rebate, buy two items to double the rebate amount for both items, or buy three or more items to triple the rebate amount for all the items.

You have to buy two or three different items to qualify for double or triple rebates. The offer applies only to items on the rebate list (see below).

See the Amazon Rebates Page for more information on the Canon Rebate offer, listed lenses, and rebate forms.

ZipReviews.com: Advanced Digital Camera Reviews

Creative Labs Rhomba 256 MB MP3 Player: Price Drop Alert

Creative Labs Rhomba MP3 Player Prices for the Creative Labs Rhomba 256 MB MP3 Player just plummeted by 50%. If you can still find one available, you may want to consider snapping up this MP3 player, which currently sells for about $99 (free shipping at Amazon).

The Creative Rhomba features an FM and voice recorder built-in. You can plug it into any USB computer port, drag and drop music and other files including documents, photos and other data files.

ZipReviews.com - MP3 Players: Creative Labs Rhomba 256 MB MP3 Player

All Black Canon EOS Digital Rebel Limited Edition Digital Camera

Canon's EOS Digital Rebel, the top-selling digital SLR, will now be available for a limited time in a new all-black camera body style. The new model will be available only for a limited time, and will sell with the digitally enhanced EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens kit at a suggested retail price of $999.

The black Digital Rebel has the same features as the current Canon EOS 6.3 MP Digital Rebel version, including seven point autofocus, 6.3 megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC imaging processor, and the same design and durability that has established the EOS Rebel line of SLRs as quality performers.

The black edition of the Digital Rebel is compatible with more than 50 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including the new EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the wide-angle EF-S 10-22 mm. f/3.5-4.5 USM.

Canon is also currently running a Canon Digital Camera Triple Rebate offer for up to $600 in rebates on many Canon camera bodies and lenses.

DigitalLife Expo Winners

Editors from PC Magazine and the Ziff Davis Game Group diligently worked the DigitalLife show floor over 2 days to find and test the most innovative consumer electronics, online and videogame products at the show. As a result, 17 products earned the coveted "Best of Show" award at DigitalLife in 2004. The Best of Show Winners include:

Game for Kids: Nintendo's Donkey Konga
Digital Camera: Konica's Minolta Maxxum 7D
Portable Music Player: Creative Lab's Zen Micro
Phone: Research in Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry 7100t
Personal Computer: Toshiba's Qosmio G15-AV501