Joby still makes one of the best mini tripods around.
(Credit: Joby)Despite point-and-shoot camera manufacturers' best efforts to reduce the effects of hand shake--digitally, optically, and mechanically--as long as you're holding the camera there's a very good chance you'll end up with blurry shots. Add in softening caused by noise reduction at higher ISO sensitivities, and getting a sharp shot of moving subjects or in low-light conditions can be tricky. The disappearance of viewfinders from compact cameras doesn't help things either as it encourages you to extend your arms to use the LCD.
Taking the camera out of your hands and putting it on a tripod or other support is one of the best ways to improve your odds. However, when I suggest this to point-and-shoot users I typically get in response that it's not practical to carry a tripod and it kills the point of having a very portable camera. But the solution is easy: get a very portable mini tripod.
Below are five favorites ranging in size, price, and flexibility, and though they aren't all technically tripods, they'll certainly help keep your pocket camera still whether you're behind or in front of it.
In lieu of buying a support, there are free options for helping control hand shake. Look for a lamp post, wall, tree, or any solid vertical structure you can lean against for support. Don't fully extend your arms, but instead pull them into your body as closely as possible with your elbows tucked into your sides or rest on a ledge or wall. Also, even if your camera has a lot of zoom range and optical image stabilization, it's always better to move yourself closer to a subject if possible than using your zoom. Lastly, if you use a tripod or anything else that's stable to support your camera, be sure to shut off any in-camera image stabilization--in this case, more stabilization is not better.
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Captain's log, stardate: 62515.5
Today, while on an away mission to Red5, I discovered a new drinking accessory.
The Enterprise (NCC-1701--"no bloody 'A', 'B', 'C', or 'D' ") from the original Star Trek series has been immortalized, or at least recast, as a bottle opener. I don't know if it will help you seek out new life and new civilizations, but it should open bottles you've never opened before.
The opener is available for about $18 (12 pounds); however, I'm not certain they ship outside of the U.K. You can e-mail Red5 at customer.services@red5.co.uk to find out.
Keeping the drinks cool and the mood warm.
(Credit: Drinkstuff)Mood lighting is important in any situation. However, when a bottle of wine is opened the need is even more pronounced. It just calls for having the lights down low and some pleasant tunes on the hi-fi. Of course some friendly company is an agreeable accompaniment too.
But what of the times when the lights just aren't right? Too low or too bright, sometimes it's tricky to set the proper mood.
Enter the Drink Light Bottle Cooler. Or rather, turn it on.
This combination designed by Jorge Najera takes the lowly ice bucket and transforms it into something special. Weighing in at about 13 pounds and reaching up to about 2 1/2 feet, the freestanding ice bucket makes a great piece to have set up anywhere in the room. Just watch out for that power cable as it does, after all, light up.
In case you haven't noticed, the Drink Light Bottle Cooler is from across the pond. But don't let that stop you. If you have more than $400 (£274.99) to spend, you can get it shipped right on over. Of course at that price money might be an issue, so you may want to opt for the old-fashioned ice bucket and a candle instead.
(Via Appliancist)
This GreenSmart case is made from recycled water and sodapop bottles.
(Credit: Shoreline)Act2 GreenSmart laptop jackets are an ecofriendly spin-off from the people who make Shoreline laptop cases. Each jacket is made from the remains of 17 PET beverage bottles, with padding that reuses industrial waste and recycled paper tags printed with soy ink. They come in seven sizes, with a shoulder strap and extra pockets enabling access to the innards while on the go. You can open the laptop on a desk and access the ports without removing the jacket. Each black, blue, or brown jacket costs $40, and sleeves are $25. The StuffBak return policy offers protection should you leave the bag in a cab.
Rebe laptop sleeves come in eight Mac-friendly sizes.
(Credit: Rebe)Jeff at Sustainablog, an early and innovative green blog, loves the one he bought, although he'd like a bit more cushioning for his computer.
GreenSmart bags are just one of the latest options in an ever-greening market of electronics cases. Among the more creative goods are Rebe sleeves (also here) that dress up a Mac laptop in Pucci-style '70s prints from recycled vintage fabrics. Newshounds might appreciate a shoulder bag made from recycled newspapers. FarmDesigns in London crafts cases from corrugated cardboard.
Extra! Read all about yesterday's news covering this laptop sac.
(Credit: hip & zen)Targus offers more sober, basic black EcoSmart laptop bags that are PVC-free. TREAD cases made of recycled tires come from Solio, maker of solar-powered iPod chargers, but they're out of stock. Livity sells hemp and recycled PET cases. To be truly nerdy, you can make your own laptop cozy with all sorts of materials, like bubble wrap or a pillowcase.
More holiday tips for green geeks: tech gifts, holiday decorations, virtual presents, getting paid to recycle.
(Credit:
Pek Preservation Systems)
Thanks to certain other Cravers who fancy themselves oenophiles, we've managed to keep up on all manner of wine refrigerators and preservers. But surprisingly enough in this world where everything is converging, we haven't seen an appliance that could provide both functions until now.
The "Pek VinoVault" claims to be the first wine refrigerator of its kind, using argon technology to preserve open bottles while keeping them chilled. Luxist says it holds 14 bottles, which may not seem like much until you think about it. (Why would you have that many unfinished bottles in the first place?)
The compact box also displays the bottle of your choosing in an oblong window bathed in blue LEDs. Classy.
tipsy wine bag
(Credit: Illu Stration)Been a lot of wine goodies popping up over at NOTCOT and TasteSpotting the last week or so, and with all the summer pot lucks and parties on the rise, how you present that bottle of wine can be key! So here are a few greener and more gorgeous ways to tote them around.
First here's the Tipsy Bag in felt by Illu Stration. Notice how the zipper that holds the bottle in actually doubles as the strap as well? Mary-Ann Williams is actually called the "Queen of Felt" and has many more felt wine options for you at Illu Stration. Three more options below...
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(Credit:
Mophie)
This is one of those accessories that made me think, "Wow, I'm surprised nobody came up with this before." The Bevy case for the iPod Shuffle, manufactured by Mophie, is a key ring that holds your itty bitty music player, lets you neatly wrap your earbud cord around it when you're not listening in, and throws in a bottle opener for good measure. Yes, a bottle opener.
It's actually the product of a design competition that took place at Macworld earlier this year.
(Credit:
Mophie)
Personally, I think attaching the Shuffle to a set of keys is a good idea anyway; just this morning, on the way to the office, my Shuffle managed to unclip itself from my pocket and went flying (but luckily, it stayed attached to my headphone cord, so I was able to retrieve it easily). But adding on that bottle opener? Pure genius. The only catch is that judging by the photo gallery on Mophie's site, you need to take out the Shuffle before cracking open a cold one. That's a drawback, in my opinion, but maybe the Bevy 2.0 will fix this iffy design flaw.
You can pre-order the Bevy case for $15 now.
How far the technology of physical fitness has come. We remember commercials touting the scientific principles of Gatorade and its revolutionary effects on the human hydration process. What Neanderthals.
(Credit:
Trend Hunter)
Today, what's being touted as "the world first interactive water bottle" promises to calculate a person's specific hydration needs with its patented monitoring technology and dispense advice accordingly. According to a post on Trend Hunter, the "HydraCoach" supposedly "tracks every sip taken, monitors daily progress and motivates individuals to achieve and maintain proper hydration."
Now if it only had some kind of way to address the bladder issues.
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