Canon D10 great for underwater photography

I might be a little biased since I have worked for Canon, but the proof is in the photos. I took the camera on a snorkeling trip last month in the Caribbean, in addition to lots of use in swimming pools, and each time it performed to perfection.

In each case, I set the camera on auto white balance (AWB) and chose the underwater scene mode. In addition to being waterproof, the submarine looking camera is 12 megapixels, freeze proof and shockproof. Even with all these features, it requires no underwater housing like previous Canon cameras.

Other features include a 3X optical zoom with 35mm film equivalent of 35-105mm, optical image stabilization and a movie mode, which films at 30 frames per second. The waterproof feature is good to 33 feet and can operate in temperatures from 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The shockproof feature works from four feet.

Face recognition, red-eye controls, a 2.5-inch LCD and Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 image processor are included. In simple terms, the processor is what makes the digital images look good in both day and night scenes.

The D10 offers 21 shooting modes, including auto, sunset, fireworks, aquarium, underwater, ISO 3200, indoor, kids & pets and movie mode.

An optional accessory kit can be purchased separately and includes cables that can tether the camera to a carabineer strap, a shoulder and neck strap as well as front covers. The covers simply change the look of the camera but the cables are a handy item when underwater.

Taking underwater photos is very different than on land. Before going into the water, users should set all their settings and become familiar with the camera's functions. Testing it in a pool is a great idea before adventuring into deeper water.

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Protection is a good thing for today's digital gadgets and iSkin has few new products to help out.

The first is the ProTouch keyboard protector, which is a silicone product for Macintosh computers.

To me, it's a rubber mat, which fits nicely on top of your keyboard. iSkin says it has "built-in Microban protection provides continuous cleaning action, inhibiting the growth of damaging microbes, such as bacteria, that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration."

What it all means is the product is a nice addition to any of today's current Macintosh laptops. When not in use, it can be rolled up or just stuffed into any computer bag, but with my MacBook Pro I'm able to keep it on the keyboard even when the laptop is closed.

If you do get a spill on it or it gets dirty, just wash it with warm water and detergent. Please make sure its 100 percent dry before using it again.

They come in different styles and colors depending on the computer model so check the iSkin website for pricing and styles.

Another new product is the iSkin Vibes and Vibes FX. These are a new line of cases designed to protect several of today's popular BlackBerrys (Curve 8900, Bold 9000 and Storm 9500).

They fit on the devices like a glove to offer protection from dust, dirt and scratches. Each case also features a non-slip surface along with built-in button and port access along with a protective ultra-clear screen film cover.

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YesVideo has a solution for the stacks of VHS tapes or even 8mm movies many people have tucked away in a closet. With technology changing by the minute, it's even hard to find a VHS player at most any electronic store and an 8mm projector is limited to garage sales or eBay.

YesVideo makes it simple for users to put those old memories to use by converting them to DVD's. In addition to the footage you supply, they will add chapter menus, themes and other personalized touches to produce professional-quality videos. The service also includes the transfer of 35mm slides and prints to DVD's.

The company's new Order Form Wizard online tool helps customers through the ordering process. The step-by-step form will prepare the DVD orders and give an estimate of costs.

With the new system, users will easily find features, pricing, options and instructions before dropping the order off for processing at one of the participating retailers. Those include Costco, CVS/pharmacy, Ritz/Wolf Camera, Rite Aid and Walgreens.

"Consumers know their memories fade away on legacy formats such as 8mm film or VHS tapes and it's smart to move to the latest DVD technologies. We are committed not only to providing the highest quality video transfer service available, but to ensure that the customer experience as hassle-free as possible," said Gregory Ayres, Chief Operating Officer of YesVideo in a recent press release.

On the web: yesvideo.com
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(c) 2009, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services