Instead of fast-forwarding or rewinding, the camera lets you view each clip as it is recorded. The camera can take snapshots even while recording video, storing still shots to the DVD-R/RW or MiniSD memory card. One charge of the lithium-ion battery will drive the camera for about 85 minutes.
The camera has image stabilization to compensate for shaky hands and an easy recording mode for novices. It also has a 10x optical zoom and a digital zoom up to 200x. A virtual motor drive function takes 3.8 standard resolution photos per second, so you won't miss action shots.
The DC40 includes video editing software for Windows or Mac.
Who knows? The camera's multitude of features might even make it possible for amateur filmmakers to create videos worth showing at family gatherings.
When a rechargeable battery goes dead on one of your gadgets, you can usually plug in a charger and bring it back to life. If those batteries are AA or AAA cells, you can even buy non-rechargeable ones to keep you going until the old cells are charged up again. But what if you're out where there are no AC outlets and no stores?
One solution is to tuck your dead batteries into a Ridata SP 1300 charger, and leave it in the sun. The SP 1300 uses solar power to recharge a pair of AA or AAA cells.
According to Advanced Media, the US distributor, the unit can fully charge two AAA cells in five hours and two AA's in 10 hours, even on cloudy days. (The charger works with nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells.) It will be available shortly through online retailers and at some retail stores.
The SP 1300 weighs just 652g, making it all the more likely that you will carry it with you to places where you need it most.
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