Progression of Digital Camera Technology

Digital cameras are devices that record images digitally on a light sensitive sensor. They can be used to take still photographs or videos. Highly versatile, they can take thousands of images on a single memory device, can record video with sound, edit these images and delete them allowing re-use of space. Digital cameras have been incorporated into many other devices like PDA'S mobile phones and vehicles. The Hubble Space Telescope is a digital camera.

Initially, the idea of digitizing images on scanners was used by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide astronauts with navigational information. A mosaic photo sensor would record locations of planets and stars. This would help astronauts to orbit and land. The FUJI-DS-ISP 1986 was the first true digital device that recorded images in a computerized file. The first digital camera with LCD was the Casio QV-10 in 1995.The image resolution is achieved by the camera sensor that turns light into discrete signals. Millions of "buckets that make up the sensor, count the number of photons that strike it. The brightness of the image is dependant on the number of pixels (the smallest unit of information for an image).

The rapid technological improvements have dramatically reduced costs. "Pixels per dollar" has become the measurement of value of a digital camera. The camera either uses the single shot or the multi-shot method of capturing an image. This refers to the number of times the sensor is exposed to the light passing through the lens. Scanning is another method wherein the sensor moves like a desk-top scanner. In some cases, scanning is achieved by rotating the whole camera, enabling one to get images of a very high resolution. In recent years, technical improvements have made single shot and LCD based cameras very popular in commercial and digital photography.

Let us dwell on the connectivity of these new model digital cameras. Early computers used the Serial port to transfer data. There are cameras that use wireless connections via Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi.Modern cameras come equipped with Pict Bridge Standard which allows for the automatic transfer of data to a Pict Bridge capable computer printer, thereby circumventing the need for a computer.

These cameras lend themselves to a variety of uses. They allow one to view a photograph as soon as it is taken. With constant improvements in technology, and cutting-edge software available, modifications and digital manipulations seem almost endless. They are ideal for sports enthusiasts, who can capture fast action in all its glory. They are ideal for capturing loving moments of family get-togethers. Professionals and amateurs can use these cameras to freeze those special moments of life that come rarely!

You can compare cheap digital cameras and read reviews on Epson, Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Sony Digital Camera Reviews at Digital Camera Reviews Site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Thomas

Important Facts About Mp3 And Mp4 Players

Mpeg-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as mp3, is a popular digital audio encoding format. A device that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, by retaining the sound from the original uncompressed state. Mp3 is an audio-specific compression format. By compressing, certain sounds that cannot be heard by the listener outside the normal human hearing range, are removed. This makes the sound clearly audible to the listener.

The mp3 players have changed the evolution of music. The good old records, eight-track tapes, cassette tapes and CDs no doubt gave the music lovers a good time but none of these earlier music formats provided the convenience and control that mp3 players provide. It is as convenient as keeping it in your hand or pocketing it. You can create personalized music lists and carry thousands of songs wherever you go. Mp3 players are offered in different shapes and sizes.

For those who want to be with the time by possessing the latest gadgets or be the first ones to have them, here is a list of some popular mp3 player brands: Apple, Archos, Creative, Olympus, RCA, Rio, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony and iRiver. Most of these have good amount of storage capacity, screen size, compatable to Apple MacOS X 10.3.4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later.

Mpeg-4 Part 14, a multimedia container format commonly known as Mpeg-4. It is a device that stores digital audio and digital video streams, especially those defined by mpeg. Subtitles and still images are also stored. Mpeg-4 Part 14 allows streaming over the Internet. The filename extension for Mpeg-4 Part 14 files is .mp4, thus the name mp4. Devices that play .mp4 files are referred to as mp4 players.

The evolution of mp4 player devices has lead to providing more features such as fm tuner, voice recorder, email, and Internet browser capability. As it is capable of delivering audio and video at the same time, mp4 devices can offer a wide range of interesting features, such as web browsing, email, instant messaging, video and music download, Bluetooth wireless technology, digital camera and others. Not to forget the game capability, voice recording and multiple language options. The storage capacity is amazing which can start from 256 mega bites up to 40, 60 and up giga bites.

Mp4 is the next step in the evolution of music after mp3. The difference between mp4 and mp3 formats is that, mp4 devices hold both audio and video files. As for the mp3 it only holds the audio type file.

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple. The iPod name has become synonymous with mp3 or mp4 players as it is the most popular brand and holds the biggest share of the market. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players. These devices can be used to store an entire music library. This is not all, it can also be used to view and transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them.

With PDA-like functionality, text files can be displayed, while contacts and schedules can be viewed and synchronized with the host computer. It comes with built-in games like Brick, Parachute, Solitaire, and Music Quiz. It is condensed, brawny and frivolous, and is easy enough to carry along in your palm, in your pocket, or purse.

The storage capacity varies from 512 mb to 80+ gb. It has a powerful 60 mw amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 MZ to 20 khz frequency responses. This means, you can hear distortion free music at the least pitches. iPod is a very handy mp3 mp4 player indeed!

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-mp4-audio-portatil.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberto_Sedycias

What Are the Top Toys For Christmas 2008

Are you wondering what your little ones are hoping to find under the tree this year? The top toys for Christmas, of course! There are more of these than you can imagine, but some stand out among the rest.

High on the list of hi-tech kids out there are robotics. This year you will see the introduction of a dinosaur named Pleo. Pleo is the most interactive robotic child friendly to date. Big enough for your child to actually ride, you will be amazed by all its features. The different way your child interacts with Pleo sets the pace of Pleo growing up. These features make this one of the top toys for Christmas.

There is a new Elmo Live being added to the line of Elmo's we all know and love. Every child can learn from Elmo. Whether it's a new song or dance, a story or a joke, your child will be entertained by this new friend. If it's creativity you want to encourage, the traditional art easel has a new design making it very user friendly for your child. Also something to consider is the new, what is being toted as "indestructible," digital cameras just for kids. This updated version is waterproof. As one of the top toys for Christmas, bringing photography to your child has never been easier.

An indoor or outdoor game, Hyper Dash will certainly burn off the extra energy the kids have stored up being patient for Santa to arrive. Entertaining and never boring, it's a game that never gets old. It is also reasonably priced and holds up well. For those who love disguise, a voice changer helmet will transform them into Darth Vader or Dr. Who. This one is guaranteed to provide hours of adventures for ages 5 and up. Accessories such as gloves are available with some characters. Top toys for Christmas this year include plenty of role playing and entertainment.

Lego's is sweetening up the market with 6 new play sets. What do you wish to add, or even introduce to your child? From the police station to the cherry picker the play time here is endless as your child reaches a new level of creation with the old favorite Lego's. Some favorite board games have a new look and a new spin. Candyland, for example, now has a castle that is a game all in itself! Twister Hopscotch is just that, more interactive and designed for even more fun than before as one of the top toys for Christmas.

Does your child crave speed? Is he old enough to handle one of the many riders out there? There are so many to choose from you may have just as much fun picking it out for your child, as your child has riding it. From a Ford150 to a John Deere tractor, your child's favorite should be easy to pick out. Of course there is the new Ford Mustangs and the Jeep Hurricane that would suit your daughter just fine. The scooters and skaters on the market will have your speed demon ready to roll, making them top toys for Christmas.

If you would like more information on what are the Top 12 Girls Toys For Christmas 2008 visit the authors site http://toptoysforxmas.com/Top-12-Girls-Toys-For-Christmas-2008.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hobbs

Elmo Live Vs Hasbro's Fur Real Biscuit Doll - Which is the Better Gift?

There are two top 'robot dolls' fighting for the spot of Top Christmas Gift in 2008. These two battling it out are Elmo Live on one side, and Fur Real Friend's Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup on the other. But both of them represent a decent investment of money... so which one should you get? The answer of course lies in each doll's features and how they relate to you and your child personally.

First of all, both Elmo Live and Biscuit: My Lovin' Pup react to their owner's actions, but in different ways. Elmo Live will do things like sneeze when you pinch his nose, or laugh and shake and go 'That tickles!' when you tickle him in the stomach. Biscuit, on the other hand, will do things like lie down in you pat him on the back, or some to you when you call him. So Elmo Live's reactions are just a little bit more tender and personal than Biscuit's, whose main strength lie in doing things like interacting with his bone and learning tricks.

So speaking of tricks, Biscuit can recognize and react to a variety of commands, like speak, sit, and lay down. He does this to imitate and act like an actual real live puppy dog, which he succeeds at. Meanwhile, Elmo Live doesn't react to spoken commands, but he does do another kind of trick; mainly he tells stories and jokes, just like the real Elmo character does on his TV show. The stories are pretty funny, and are based an fairy tales and stuff that appeals to young children.

Of course, we would be amiss if we didn't take into account Elmo's attraction and fame from Sesame Street. For many very young children, this is bound to be the make-it-or-break it factor, as meeting Elmo in person is going to be a huge thing for them. Obviously the same child would be much less impressed by meeting Biscuit, although he might still like it. The puppy doll doesn't fall too far behind though, since slightly older kids who wouldn't be as impressed with Elmo Live are often at the age where they would be very impressed indeed with the idea of owning a puppy.

So all in all, we can say that if your child is on the slightly younger side, you're really best advised in going with Elmo Live, while if your kid is a bit older or he's never watched Sesame Street, your better choice is definitely Fur Real Friend's Biscuit. Whichever gift you choose from these two is bound to make a huge impression anyway, so don't sweat it too much.

Have a safe and happy Christmas by becoming informed on every gift you buy this year! Simon Schwartz advises on every worthwhile Christmas toy in 2008, including Elmo Live at Fisher Price Elmo Live and Biscuit the animatronic puppy at Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Schwartz