Zooming in
Casio’s 7-megapixel EX-V7 digital camera packs an inordinate number of features into its 2.4-by-3.8- by-1-inch body. The 7X zoom lens is long enough to catch action across the soccer field.
At these lengths, zoom lenses let in less light, forcing cameras to use slower shutter speeds, which can result in blurred action.
The EX-V7, which will go on sale in early March for $399, addresses this age-old problem by tracking moving objects and boosting both shutter speed and the camera’s sensitivity – the ISO speed, which can reach a high 1600.
To counter the increased graininess of images taken at higher ISO speeds, the camera applies noise reduction to areas where it is most noticeable, such as skin and sky. An image stabilization circuit further reduces blur from hand motion that can be magnified by the long lens. – The New York Times
Protecting rental homes
Those who rent their homes are just as vulnerable to burglars as homeowners, but they are less likely to have burglar alarms.
And who can blame them? What renter wants to pay to install a system that has to be left behind in a move or be locked into a monitoring company’s contract that is longer than the lease?
Into the breach comes LaserShield, a portable burglar alarm system available at CompUSA, Costco and Kmart stores.
The $200 starter kit comes with a master alarm unit, a wireless detection unit and two key-chain remotes. The detection unit can monitor rooms of up to 1,200 square feet.
When a motion detector’s infrared beam is broken, it signals the master alarm unit, which can be placed up to 150 feet away. The system lets out a 105-decibel siren and calls a monitoring service.
The monitoring service charges a monthly fee of $20, after a $25 activation charge. The master unit and detectors have backup batteries that last for 12 hours, and they are easy to pack up and move when the time comes. – The New York Times
