product-reviews

Nikon S210

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:22:32 +0100

I bought a secondary camera for those occasions when my DSLR just wouldn't do, like going to a game with friends or out somewhere crazy like a concert. I gave it some thought and did a bit of research as to what to get and finally decided on the Nikon Coolpix S210. It's a small and lightweight camera that can easily fit into a pocket while out and about on adventures. It seemed like the perfect companion for my other Nikon.

Generally I carried the two cameras together in the same case if I out using my Nikon D40. On occasion I would use the S210 to snap some shots that I'd want while not having to worry about switching out lenses on the other camera. It worked perfectly and was just what I needed so I wasn't constantly switching back and forth.

Well, while I was out on my big trip through Utah to Las Vegas, the S210 decided to die in my camera bag with the lense open. It wouldn't turn off, take pictures, or display anything in the LCD screen. I had only used the camera modestly over the two years I owned it, so I was surprised, and rather pissed off, by its sudden departure from this world.

The Coolpix S210 is a relatively cheap camera, running right around $100 USD, but it should definitely still last longer than the short two years I had it, especially considering how infrequently I used it. I liked the resolution and the zoom on the camera, which is probably why I'll get another one to replace it, but just wasn't impressed with the durability in the mechanics. I also didn't like how the SD memory cards weren't interchangeable between the two cameras without reformatting.

Because of my appreciation for Nikon products, and the relative inexpensiveness of this camera, I'm getting another one to replace it, the S4000 actually. For the very same reasons I recommend it as a camera for others, just don't expect it to have a longer shelf life than two years. But, when doing the math with it, that still ends up only being about $4 per month for the camera; not too bad all in all.

Nikon D40

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:22:35 +0100

When it comes to cameras, generally speaking, the extent of my knowledge is to point and shoot. All the talk about f-stop this or that makes absolutely no sense to me. I've had so many people try to explain different aspects of photography, but none of it has stuck. All I really want to do is point, shoot and get a good picture in return. So imagine how I felt when I bought my first digital SLR, the Nikon D40.

I loved the way many of my Antarctic photos turned out, but while I was on the trip I was incredibly frustrated almost any time I took a photo. I loved the digital camera I had at the time, but there was always that half-second delay from when I pushed the button to when the picture was actually taken. And as anyone that photographs wildlife knows, that can make for a trying experience. So, when I returned from my Australia and New Zealand adventure with what was essentially a dead camera, I knew it was time to make my move to something a bit better.

Approximately two years ago, months before my trip to France with my father, I picked up the Nikon D40 at a local camera store. It was a big purchase, especially considering my limited knowledge with photography, but one that I was willing to take a risk on. Thankfully I never regretted it for one single moment. The D40 is easy to use, even if you're not a manual reader, and perfect in most any situation based on my experiences. I have greatly enjoyed using it and definitely plan to stick with this line if and when this camera burns out. Based on the quality I've become used to with Nikon though, I'm not sure that'll be any time soon.

The camera has a bunch of bells and whistles, everything that makes such cameras fancy and sought after, but it's not necessary to know how to use them to get the most out of the camera. It's a great point and shoot camera with a few extra features for those that want to step it up a notch. And unlike my previous camera, it takes pictures when the button is pushed; a feature that's absolutely necessary in so many situations, whether you're an avid parent or a wildlife enthusiast.

I bring up this review, two years after purchasing it and a few more since it was put on sale to the public, because the camera has dropped in price as updated models have been released. It's still rather pricey, but as far as good cameras are concerned it's definitely affordable. I have zero regrets in taking a chance on this gem and love almost every picture that I get from it, no matter where I go or what I'm shooting. And since it's light weight and easy to carry, I make sure to take it most anywhere I plan to get at least one great photo.

The tugo Cup Holder

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:09:01 +0100

The "tugo" is a cup holder designed to hang between the poles of your luggage case as you pull it along behind you while on vacation. It can hold a nice cup of coffee for you as you pull the suitcase with one hand and talk on the phone with the other, all the while racing to the plane that you're about to miss. It gives you an extra bit of flexibility to do everything you need to do while traveling.

Well, of course that's what I thought before I put it on my own luggage to give it a try.

The tugo, made of a sturdy rubber-like material, doesn't sit quite right between the rods of the handle. I tightened everything up to keep it from sliding down the sticks, but it hung awkwardly and didn't seem as though it fit quite right. It still did the job of firmly holding a cup of coffee, or the like, though and didn't move. But, this is where I found the problem.

I'm not necessarily a coffee drinker. I'd rather have a soda, bottle of water or some juice. When I tried to place one of those in the tugo, it wouldn't fit. A can of soda would fall right through and a regular bottle would take some maniuplation to get it in and out. So, something that should be a time and hand saver actually ends up being more of a pain in the butt.

That whole idea of being in a hurry is squashed too as it does not collapse down when you put the handle down, ready to store it in the overhead bin. Instead the tugo must be removed, to be put somewhere else, and take up space that you might not have in another case. Of course that's not exactly practical if you're in a hurry and only have so many hands to do things.

Plainly enough, that defeats the purpose of what the tugo seems to be all about - convenience.

After running these tests I decided to check their photos on flickr, which I'm using here in this post per their news release, to see if I was missing something and maybe using the tugo wrong. As it turns out I was, but not in the matter of how I fixed it to my suitcase or used it with a drink. I was silly enough not to use it while relaxing by the river and doing a bit of fishing!

The tugo, in principal, is a good travel accessory, but not something that is terribly practical - especially if you're in a hurry. Having an item like this already built in to a suitcase though would be ideal, particularly if it collapses down with the handle, but otherwise it just doesn't work how it needs to. The tugo is ideal for someone in a hurry trying to make their flight while having to use their free hand for something else, like the phone, but the time and even small bit of space it uses for storage just doesn't work for me personally as a water and soda drinker.

Blog Introduction

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:19:44 +0100

I'm adding a new blog section to the site for travel product reviews. In my posts here I will discuss different items that are related to travel and my thoughts as I use them. The products that I will review may be anything from a new set of luggage to a reading light; anything and everything that can be used in traveling will be fair game.

I'm happy to receive comments and suggestions. Feel free to leave a note here, or email me, if you know of something that you'd like reviewed. I'll do what I can to take a look at it, but it can be cost dependent as I presently self-fund all of my travels and reviews.

Thanks for reading and interest. I look forward to helping make your travels in the future easier and more enjoyable.