Sony HDRPJ260V High Definition Handycam Camcorder

Being one of the latest 2012 models, the Sony HDRPJ260V is a compact camcorder with many useful features. Equipped with a 16GB internal flash memory, this video camera is readily usable and can record up to 3 hours of video in HDLP quality.

There is an additional capability to shoot stills with resolution up to 8.9 Megapixels.

Main Features of Sony HDRPJ260V

Full HD Video Recording – Offering the highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 with 60i recording, the Sony HDRPJ260V lets the user to shoot videos in full high definition. With a highly sensitive Back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor, low-light situations can be captured with reduced noise and grains. Combined with the Optical SteadyShot Image stabilization and three-way shake cancellation features, the result is an amazingly clear and smooth footage.

Advanced Audio Capabilities – The HDRPJ260V Camcorder comes with improved audio input (5.1 channel surround mic) and output (Clear Phase stereo speakers with digital amplification). The capabilities can be expanded with the help of external mic and headphone inputs. With advanced acoustic processor and improved noise reduction techniques, the voices are clearly recorded after cancelling out wind noise and other distortions.
Sony G Wide Angle Lens – Manufactured using superior Sony technology, this fine lens captures all colors and details close to reality. Optical zoom is capable of reaching 30 times farther and extended zoom increases it up to 55x. High clarity is maintained even at greater zoom levels.
Built-in Projector – This attractive feature brings alive the video recordings anywhere and is a great way of sharing memories with friends. It displays the videos in high contrast and projects well on screens or any clear surface up to 100 inches wide diagonally.

Intelligent Auto Mode – The compact Sony Handycam offers up to 120 combination of scene modes, which include tripod, walk, landscape, portrait, baby, back light, low light, spot light and many more, to cater to a wide variety of situations. This offers lot of choice to the user without having to bother about appropriate lighting and exposure.
Face Detection, Smile Detection and Tracking Focus – With these features, it is easy to locate a moving subject, a baby for instance, and maintain the focus on it while recording a video. A simple touch on the LCD is required to choose the object of focus, and the camcorder does the rest. The focus is maintained even when the subject goes in and out of the frame. The Smile Detection automatically clicks a picture during a video, whenever it sees a smiling face.
Highlight Playback – This function is a better alternative to tedious video editing. With this mode, it is easy to compile only the key shots into a complete movie with background music and transition effects. This task can be done within the camcorder itself without having to connect to a computer.

File Transfer Options – A built-in USB cable, which sits conveniently in the hand strap, enables PC connection for easy access of files and software without needing a separate cable. This cable also serves to recharge the camcorder. There is also a facility to connect directly to an external hard drive for file transfer without using a computer. This establishes a two way connection, which allows video files on HDD to be played back in the camera.
Built-in GPS Receiver – This feature is highly useful while travelling, which automatically tags your video with locations and allows viewing them on the built-in map display. With this function, the internal clock is also adjusted automatically to the changing time zones.

Negative Aspects

While many other features of HDRPJ20V are commendable, the absence of viewfinder may be bothersome, especially while trying to get a video in strong light. To take advantage of some of the features, especially HDTV playback and External HDD connection, compatible cables should be bought separately. Another limitation is that the video format is not compatible with Apple devices and needs to be converted using external software.

53 Of The Best Tech Blogs Out There

On Twitter yesterday, I asked my followers for some of their favorite blogs. I got some great answers, which I’ll share, but what was more interesting to me was how many people were in my situation: liking reading blogs, and finding it harder and harder to find new good ones.

I’ve also realized that, for most people, blogs are still a totally foreign concept. We don’t know how to find good ones, how to use those to find others, or how to connect to this whole crazy blogging world. I think that’s why the reactions to my lists of great business blogs and great blogs for foodies
were hits.

Let’s be honest: my thing is tech. I read tech, write tech, talk tech, eat, sleep and breathe tech. With that in mind, what better to share than some of my favorite tech blogs?

The number could probably be higher, but here’s 53 fantastic tech blogs you really ought to read.

Some are super nerdy and for techies only, but many aren’t, and are an awesome way to access the tech world and the blogging world all at the same time.

(A disclaimer: I’ve written, or still write, for a number of these blogs. But I write for them because I love them, so my recommendation shouldn’t be tainted whatsoever. I hope.)

Tech News and Analysis

TechCrunch – LOTS of news. Not always right, but always interesting and frequently first.
VentureBeat – A firehose of news about startups, innovation, and cool products coming in the tech world.
GigaOm – Some news, but mostly really smart analysis of the tech world.
ReadWriteWeb- Ditto above. Some news, lots of smart people talking tech.
Wired– Less about startups and the valley, more about tech and real life.
The Next Web – Funnier, more lighthearted, but still great news.
Webware – News, always with a focus on “what does it mean for users?”
Mashable – Nowhere else to go for social media news, this one’s dominant.
Bits – Not a lot of exclusive content, but brilliant writers and smart commentary.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog – An awesome resource for anything and everything Apple.
Business Insider Tech – Very business-heavy, but great angles on news stories.
Ars Technica – Heavy on the geekery, but full of interesting thoughts and niche pieces.
Reddit Technology – Not a blog per se, but a great source for tech news and other edifying and entertaining content.

Tech and Web Design

Six Revisions – Tips, tools, and great lists of design resources.
Smashing Magazine – Perfect site for the designer newbie, full of great tips and tutorials.
Noupe – I love their roundups (like “50 best free icon sets”), and constantly bookmark this site.
Hongkiat – Basically ditto above, but with a slightly broader focus in design.
I Love Typograhy – Love fonts and typefaces? Can’t beat this site.
Design Observer – More tips, tricks, and tutorials.
Swiss Miss – The musings of a designer, with a heavy focus on the funky and quirky bits of the design world.

How-Tos and Reviews

MakeUseOf – Endless resource of Top 10 Lists, and geeky hacks you might want to try.
gHacks – Deeper cuts in tech than MUO, but still great for news, tips, and tutorials.
Lost in Technology – Much more approachable than the above sites, it’s a great blog to wade into without much knowledge required.
Mac AppStorm – The best Mac apps on the planet get showcased here.
Web AppStorm – Ditto above, but with Web apps.
FreelanceSwitch – Tips, tools, tricks and help for anyone living the freelance lifestyle (more and more of us these days).
40Tech – Encountering tech, particularly geared toward those over 40, but really useful for anyone.

Commentators

Daring Fireball – John Gruber is the smartest man on the planet when it comes to Apple.
Pogue’s Posts – David Pogue’s funny, smart, and a great representative of the common man.
Scripting News – Dave Winer’s as important to the tech landscape as anyone (he’s the godfather of RSS, among other things), and his thoughts on any subject are a must-read.
Search Engine Land – Danny Sullivan knows his stuff when it comes to search—and there’s a lot more to it than you might think.
All Things D – A group of thinkers from the Wall Street Journal, all discussing, analyzing and talking tech. My favorite? Kara Swisher.
Dustin Curtis – I love the way his site looks more than anything, but he’s a great observer of the world of blogging, design, and art.
MinimalMac – Mostly a links roundup, but a phenomenal resource for anyone looking to make their Mac work for them.
Robert Scoble – The blog of author, tech evangelist, & Rackspace employee Robert Scoble.

Tips, Tricks and Hackery

Lifehacker – The grand poobah of “little things to make your life more productive, more efficient, and more awesome” blogs.
Digital Inspiration – Amit is clever, easy to understand, and full of cool and interesting tips for everyone.
Unclutterer – Much-needed help for getting the crap out of our way so we can get important things done.
HackCollege – Tons of useful tips on hacking college and succeeding in school, but with ideas useful for anyone.
Smarterware – Gina, the founder of Lifehacker, took to Smarterware to share more great tricks, and never disappoints.
Lifehack – Somewhat broader in its thinking than Lifehacker, but a great place to find tips to make every little piece of your life work a little better.
Switched – All things geek, particularly the culture of techies that is forming.
Make Magazine – Do awesome stuff with your stuff. That should totally be their tagline.

Cool Stuff

Gizmodo – Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets!
Engadget – Oh my goodness, more gadgets!
Boy Genius Report – They’re full of rumors and leaks, and are almost always right.
jkOnTheRun – Arguably the most seasoned gadget-heads out there, they’re a smart, thoughtful, and objective resource for all things gadget and mobile.

For Funsies

Xkcd – Want to know how nerds think? Read this comic. That’s exactly it.
Boing Boing – The interesting, quirky, strange, and weird things in the tech world.
Neatorama – Awesome things. I think that’s their only criteria for inclusion, and they stick to it well.
There’s a lot here, many of which may not be for everyone. But there’s an incredible amount of quality in the tech blogosphere, and I’m willing to bet there’s something out there for everyone, no matter who you are or what you know.
What’s on your tech blogroll? Share it in the comments!