Friday, March 24, 2017
Finally ordered a camcorder. The final decision came down to these two:
- Canon Vixia HF R700
- Canon Vixia HF R800 [see this link]
I opted for the 2016 unit [R700] because it was $41.00 cheaper. The specs on both almost the same, however the R800 has one or two added features.
I am very pleased with my new hardware. Its light, easy to use and has the high definition and external microphone support I was looking for. Two items I will be ordering in the near future, an external microphone and one additional battery pack.
A short demo video to show the type of output you can expect from this camcorder.
Above, I am using the HTML5 Video Player to provide either a MP4, OGV or WEBM version of the video- depending on the browser requesting the playback.
I am using a commercial software app "TheFileConverter" to convert the MTS video file the camcorder created, into the MP4, OGV and WEBM formats for use with web browsers. Shown below- part of the underlying html for the HTML5 Video Player.
I do not need to provide different video formats for my social media accounts and am so pleased I can now upload Full HD Video to my Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and Youtube accounts.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Thursday, March 09, 2017
I have been researching digital video camera options, and recently added two new cameras to my resources.
- Action Camera-- it is so small and light I actually carry it in my purse.
- Dash-Cam for the car.
I like using resources in multiple environments and have found I can use each new camera as a webcam as well. Shown below, photos of the dash-cam as a webcam.
Another set of images showing screen-shots of the Camera application [app] I use with webcams. The screen-shots show me as depicted by the webcam and my environment when working just off the kitchen.
Late last year, I posted a video to one of my social media accounts that was so grainy, I decided I needed a new video camera. I like the action cam and dash cam, however there are limitations to the types of video I can shoot. Also the new cameras support resolutions a lot higher than that of my older digital camera, the Canon Powershot A590.
Currently, I use my digital camera for both video and still shots. What I love about my camera? Its many features and the low resolution options for videos and images. Like most who pay for web hosting for their domains, I have limits to the amount of storage I can use. Videos and photos can take up a lot of storage- quickly.
Important features I am looking for in a video camera:
- Optical zoom at least 20x
- External microphone support [already have a stereo microphone]
- Macro lens support.
- Full HD recording
My research has led me to some interesting finds-- and I have listed some of the results in my stores under the "Just Want" Category and the "Computer Electronics & Home Office" Category. [New finds added at the end.]
I think my finds can provide a good basis for your own research and help in determining what you need based on your requirements. For instance, you may not have my concerns about storing videos online. You may only need a great video camera for life's moments or a vacation. There are a lot of great options.
Saturday, March 04, 2017
A few years ago, I wondered what I would do with an iPad or Android. I need power for software development and at the time, could think of no reason I would need a tablet. These days, I wonder what I would do without such a device.
For instance, this morning I noticed that my credit card company had closed the monthly ending period, because Bank of America [one of the banks I use], provided the updated rewards data from the credit card company. I noted this because I quickly checked the balances via my tablet, before getting out of bed.
To be able to do this, I linked all of my accounts [business and personal] to the Bank of America account so that I could check things with one login.
Last month, amongst other things, I used my credit card to pay the annual rental fee for my business address, and the items shown below from a recent Amazon order.
This morning, I also paid off the credit card bill via my tablet [also while in bed] even before the statement was emailed later in the morning.
I do a lot of things with a tablet, especially while thinking about hopping out of bed.
In summary, things I use my tablet for:
- Order items online
- Pay bills
- Review business and personal financial data
- Review marketing reports
- Update my stores.
- Social Media [i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter] account maintenance and posting
Needless to say, I no longer wonder what others are doing with their iPads and Androids.
That said, recent software development tasks were done using my Macbook, see here and here, so I still need a bit more power and a more robust operating system for the type of software development I provide.
Also because I use Thingamablog for two of my blogs, I use a Macbook and a Windows XP platform for posting to the blogs in question [Remix Business Blog and this one].
I cannot do everything, however I can do a lot with a tablet.
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Last Friday, I finally had news about my state taxes, that I am not sure about nor pleased with. My request for a hearing was ignored without explanation.
This post, simply to publicly note my objection.
