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Two Topping Pizza

So, I'm sitting next to my buddy Brad, who's about to go onto TSS and demonstrate Object Desktop to Leo, when I hear someone announce that Michael Robertson is in the studio. Yes, the same Michael Robertson who helped get Lockergnome's Web site started in 1996; the same Michael Robertson who took on the music industry with MP3.com; the same Michael Robertson who is working on making Lindows the choice for people who are tired of Microsoft's tactics and policies. It was the first time we met each other face-to-face. Unfortunately, he had to jet off to another meeting after his appearance, but we had about 15 minutes to grab a quick cup of coffee at Peet's. I'm not sure if he (or his PR agent) liked the brew, but I talked their ears off - trying to catch up on six years of wonky business deals and near misses. I told him a bit about Gnomedex, but it may be too late to get him out to Iowa this time around. Even so, we made tentative plans for the next time he was breezing through town. Unless he pulls a fast one and calls my show with a fake question about his printer not workin' with that dern Winders.

I'm debating whether or not I should get a digital video camera before heading back to Des Moines in a couple of weeks. For all practical purposes, the instant AVI recording capability of my PowerShot G2 is suitable for uploading to the Web (which is what I'd most likely do with it). I'd look awfully silly carrying around a tripod, but I know it's necessary to get the best shots; even with some kind of anti-jitter feature enabled, the difference between a good shot and a great shot often boils down to the composition of the scene. Again, I'm faced with having to choose from a wide variety of able models. The Canon ZR series is awfully tempting; I don't want to “invest” more than a grand on the equipment. I'm looking for your experiences now - with whatever camera. Don't worry; the most helpful notes will get published in this very space. What good is knowledge if you don't share it with your friends? Ah, while you're collecting your thoughts, I have to start writing next month's CPU Magazine article. It'll be about the misconceptions of the shareware industry - a real eye opener.

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4 Comments

Chris I don't know how you find the time to juggle so many activities. Your day job, email newsletters, websites, blog, magazine articles, Gnomedex….and I'm sure I've missed a few dozen more. On top of keeping the wife and dog happy. Your a bundle of energy ….keep it up. I'm just now looking around for my first digital camera (so many to pick from). I want the best for the best price of course so the research continues. A video camera will be next after the camera most likely. If you haven't heard this lately “Thanks” for all your help. Have fun at Gnomedex….unfortunately I can't make it. Maybe , you could set up a live webcam at Gnomedex for your fans that can't attend. (wink wink, Nug Nug ….say no more).

We bought our Canon ZR10 2 years ago and love it. Its a great camera and has an awesome zoom. We used it when we went to Germany last year and found it to be worth the investment. We also purchased the Powershot G1 last year to take on our trip. It worked out well since the batteries are interchangeable - while one was charging we still had a spare.

Another thing even more important than composition or stability, is the quality of the light in the shot ;)
The Canon ZR cameras are really spiffy, thumbs high.
I like Sony cameras better tho. Some Sony cameras use Carl Zeiss lenses, and as you might know, Zeiss makes some kick *** lenses, hehe. Also Sony camera's have a spiffy little “Nightvision” feature that is just tons of fun. Sony also has the longest lasting batteries I have ever used.
anywho…. whatever you get. make sure not to forget to buy:
1. Extra battery
2. Wide Angle Converter (things in small spaces look oh so much nicer with one of these)
3. Seperate battery charger, so you can charge one battery while using another.
4. Filters! (UV filer, and a Circular Polarizer)- UV protects your lens. and a CP, Saturates colors and removes unwanted reflections.
Thats it, oh and camera bag, tripod, cleaning kit and what not also.
Good luck

I recently got the Panasonic PV-DV401 for about $450. Its a great MiniDV cam. With Firewire, USB, and the ability to take 640×480 digital stills on a flashcard, it makes a great buy.
I use it with Pinnacle Studio DV, which is a great “home” use editor.
And the $450 price tag wasn't too bad, either.

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