Don't worry--you still have a couple of days to get it together for Mother's Day. If your favorite mom already has a digital camera, getting her one of these cool camera accoutrements is sure to put a smile on her face.
Don't worry--you still have a couple of days to get it together for Mother's Day. If your favorite mom already has a digital camera, getting her one of these cool camera accoutrements is sure to put a smile on her face.
Pandigital's latest line of digital photo frames adds a cool new interface that utilizes touch-sensor controls. Rather than a touch-screen (which would leave you with fingerprints all over the photo display) the PanTouch's touch sensor is in the surrounding matte. I tested out an 8-inch model ($169.99) and found it to be surprisingly intuitive, with good image quality. Flip through "pages" of photos with forward or backward swiping motions (think iPhone) or tap to activate adjacent on-screen icons that the plentiful access menu options. The frame comes with 512MB of internal memory as well as a 6-in-1 memory card reader and a USB 2.0 port which allows you to connect a camera directly or even a thumbdrive. I wish the frame had built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, but it is compatible with both so you can add a WiFi or Bluetooth adapter in the USB port. Check out a nice video review from CNET here.
The Cyber II pouch from Mountainsmith lets you protect your digital camera and the environment at the same time. The fleece-lined, padded pouch uses fabric made from recycled soda bottles and comes in four sizes (X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large). It has convenient features like an internal memory card sleeve and velcro opening (for fast access) as well as a more-secure zipper. Belt and shoulder strap options let you carry it in various ways ($13 for X-Small, $22 for Large).
I have way too unidentified cables lying around my office, so I've gotten rid of all my camera connection cables and use an SD card reader exclusively to download photos from my camera. This little gem from SanDisk is simple and effective and small enough to drop into a purse or pocket so you can take it with you wherever you go. When I need to travel light, I take one with me and download images in a hotel business center or Internet cafe. At just $19.99, you can snap a couple up so you have a spare.
This clever little device helps you take perfectly aligned panoramic photos. Just screw it onto your tripod, attach your camera, and the gadget will let you turn and click your camera to 12 fixed-interval positions, keeping it completely stable horizontally. Your resulting shots will be perfectly aligned and can be stitched together cleanly into a perfect panoramic image. LensPen sells them for $24.95.
The Millipod is a cleverly designed, super-compact tripod that mounts to the bottom of your compact digital camera. So slim you can leave it permanently attached, the legs fold up under you camera adding just a 5mm thick attachment at the bottom. The Millipod/Wrap-up Combo combines the mini tripod with a nice wraparound case for camera protection. Made of stretchy neoprene, the case fits cameras up to 1 inch thick (and fits the Millipod inside as well). You can get the Combo for $34.95 or buy the Millipod alone for $24.95. Wrap-up cases are available separately for $19.95 and come in a variety of designs (including zebra stripes, fuzzy pink dots, and different neoprene colors).
