Have you ever thought how those cameras produced the “flash of light” effect when somebody is taking a shot? I was surprised to know that it can be a separate unit and is actually called flash. A flash is used as a main source of light when there is no sufficient close light for a desired shutter speed. Well if you want to know about it and how it evolved over the past decades, below are some of its major types:

• Flash Bulb – believed to be the pioneer in flash technology . It contains magnesium filaments that were electrically fired up by a contact in the camera shutter. Flash bulbs usually take more time to accomplish full brightness compare to electronic flashes. One of the most commonly used flash bulbs during the height of its popularity is the so-called “number 25”.

• Flashcube – consists of 4 electrically fired flashbulbs that have a central reflector arranged in a cube-shaped pattern that permits taking 4 images in a row. It automatically rotates 90 degrees to a new bulb upon advancing the film to the subsequent exposure. Flashcube is Kodak’s replacement to the flashbulb technology.

• Magicube – also uses the 4-bulb design but each bulb was set out using a plastic pin inside the cube mount. This type of flash does not require a battery since a cocked spring strikes a primer tube that contains a fulminating substance.

• Flipflash – was called as such because when half the flashes had been expended, the unit had to be flipped and put it again to use the remaining. It utilizes about 10 bulbs in a single unit.

• Electronic xenon flash lamps – today’s widely used flash models . These types have a tube packed with xenon gas where a high current of electricity is released to create an electrical arc that discharges a short flash or light. The normal duration of the flash impulse is 1/1000 second.

• Microflash – is another modern flash technology designed to emit an extremely quick light flash that has sub-microsecond duration. Scientists and engineers typically explore this kind of flash for observing remarkably quick moving objects or effects.

The earliest DVD players were first introduced in Japan in November of 1996. The following year, the US market launched the first DVD players to the public. As of 2005, the suggested retail price of DVD players is between 30 and 80 USD/Euro based on features and functionalities. DVD players are generally cheaper than VCRs.

Almost every DVD player can play audio CDs such as MP3, CDDA, etc. and video CDs (VCD). It usually has a home cinema decoder for a more enhanced listening experience like Digital Theater System (DTS) and Dolby Digital. New models can also read MPEG-4 ASP format videos such as DivX. Portable DVD players are quite popular to travelers and people who are always on the go. It is regularly run by lithium ion batteries. If your PC has a DVD-ROM and you want to listen to DVD music or watch DVD movies, then you will needing a software DVD player. The most widely used DVD software include VLC, MPlayer, WinDVD, and PowerDVD.

By the end of 2002, China has become the biggest manufacturer of DVD players. It produced almost 30 million units during that year which is above 70% of the total world output. It was believed that the successor to the DVD player would be the HD DVD player and the Blu-ray Disc player. But in February of 2008, Toshiba declared that it will stop its production of all DVD products consequently identifying Blu-ray player as the sole successor to DVD player.

A Compact Disc player, or popularly known as CD player, is an electronic gadget that plays audio compact discs. CD players are normally set up in home stereo systems, car sound systems and personal computers. Before the IPO MP3 and DVD players seize the music industry, the CD player is one of the coolest things back then. Though its fame had declined over the past years, enhanced CD players are still marketed. Some CD players support other formats such as DVDs, MP3 CDs and CD-ROMS with video CDs.

A lot of CD players are enclosed in steel and plastic covering that also houses the electrical components. The ports used in connecting the player to a headphones, speaker, radio or tape deck, and power system are also contained in the exterior. A portable CD player is typically equipped with its own power source in the form of batteries. There are 3 major parts inside a CD player that generally summarizes its functions, these are:

1. drive motor – rotates the disc from 200 to 500 revolutions in minute;

2. lens – reads information on the CD; and

3. Tracking mechanism – moves the lens along the a spiral path.

Sounds confusing? Let me give you more details. The various information contained in a CD are stored in a so-called subcode. Data such total number of songs, running time for each track, total CD running time and other details are all maintained. When a CD player starts reading your disc, it actually scans the subcode first. Then, the drive motor speeds up or slow down in order to read information at a constant rate. The lens system interprets data using a laser beam that is reflected back to a sensor. I know what you are thinking right now, you’ll rather listen to it!

A CD changer is one of the features that made CD players more popular back then. It can hold multiple CDs, which permits the user to play any of it at a time. This eliminates the trouble of replacing CDs over and over again. There are 3 main types of CD changers. The first kind is an external cartridge CD changer that can house a maximum of 12 CDs per cartridge. CD players set up in vehicles are often equipped with external cartridge since the driver can easily switch between hundreds of songs. The second type is an internal cartridge that basically functions as external CD changers. The main difference is it never leaves the CD player. It can also house multiple CD’s through a particular slot. The last type is the carousel CD changer. Typically, a carousel holds between 3 and 7 CDs through a circular platter. The mega-disc or “jukebox” is probably the most famous amongst the carousel family. It can hold 50 to 300 discs.

Good old times may have past for CD players but everybody would most likely agree that it already made its mark in history. CD players had become a household term around the globe and for others, it is still!

A Frenchman named Louis Lumiere is frequently recognized for inventing the first motion picture camera.  In 1895, he invented the “Cinematographe” – a portable motion-picture camera, projector and film processing device, all in one invention.  Motion pictures started to become very popular after the introduction of Cinematographe.  Of course it didn’t stop there.  The technological era produced various and more sophisticated equipment for the movie industry.  Movie cameras have significantly evolved for the last century.  But how does a film camera work?  Read on the rest of this article and see for yourself… 

A film or movie camera works by capturing a series of images.  This is in contrast with still cameras that take a snapshot at a time.  These series of images is called a “frame” and is achieved by using a sporadic mechanism.  The frames are then replayed in a movie projector at a certain speed, known as “frame rate” (the number of frames by second).  So actually, the film camera and your eyes and brain are responsible for creating the illusion of motion by merging the individual pictures.   Commercial films like those produced in Hollywood uses the standardized frame rate of 24 frames per second while the standard width 35 millimeter.  Other film formats that are also widely used include PAL, plays at 25 frames per second and NTSC (common in Japan and North America) at 29.97 frames/s.  People in the movie industry find rendering from one format to another as one of the technical difficulties they have to face.

Majority of film cameras in the market do not capture the sound internally.  The sound is record independently using a precision audio device.  This setup is referred to as “double-system”.  There is also the so-called single-system.  These are new film cameras that have either an optical or magnetic recording apparatus inside.  If you have seen those clapper boards in film production with the guy holding it and yelling these words “Title of the movie take 3 action”, they not jut simple boards.  Aside from the fact that it normally starts a take it used as a reference point in synchronizing the picture with the sound. Furthermore, it allows scene and take numbers or any other important details to be included on the film itself.  Currently, the most frequently applied system is unique identifier digits displayed on the border of the film.  This whole process is accompanied by a computer editing system.  Every film stock manufacturer has its own name for such identification system, Kodak call their version as KeyCode.  There are cameras as well that have low-accuracy film systems.  They are some dubbed as “non-sync” or MOS.  MOS cameras are used in for second-unit work and other jobs that do not require standard filming speed.  The most widely used 35 mm cameras today are Arriflex, Moviecam and Panavision versions.  PhotoSonics is used in high speed filmmaking.

A video camera and a VCR are two inseparable devices during the time when camcorder was not yet out in the market.  JVC introduced VHS while Sony launched Umatic and Betamax making video recording more mobile.  The VCR comprised of a detachable cassette player and a television tuner unit.  Since during that time video cameras were initially intended for TV broadcasting purposes, the introduction of portable VCR’s and camera made significant impact to the broadcasting industry.

The giants that were responsible for the popularity of portable video recording made another history in 1982 when they initiated the camcorder era.  JVC launched the VHS-C format Sony started selling Betacam, considered as the first professional camcorder.  The VHS-C was basically a reduced-size cassette version of the VHS.  On the other hand, Betacam was designed to be a standard for professional camcorders.  It provided more superior images because of the component video it utilizes.  But it was not accepted instantly since handling and operating of the VCR was the responsibility of a video engineer.  When Betacam came to the scene, cameramen were obliged to manage both the video camera and VCR.  Nevertheless this downside was immediately disregarded by the fact that cameramen have more freedom to move around because the cables between them and the VCR were eliminated.  Since then Sony’s Betacam promptly became the standard for studio video editing and news gathering coverage.

The Japanese corporation was not contented with the success of Betacam.  In 1983, it launched the first consumer camcorder, the Betamovie.  The unit was huge and is normally resting on a shoulder since one hand is not enough to hold it.  A lot of other consumer camcorders were released to the market after then which are even bigger than the Betamovie.  Sony’s version had only optical viewfinders with no rewind or playback functionality.  Using its VHS-C format, JVC soon marketed its own camcorder.  The VHS-C cassette can hold tape that record 40 or 120 minutes of video whereas the mechanical adapter had playback capability.  But Sony was not ready to lose the fight and redesign the Betamax lineup to build the Video8 standard.  This new device used a tape that has a width almost 35% smaller that VHS and Betamax tapes.  Video8 made use of an all-new metal composition vide cassette that removes the trouble of short running time.  In 1986, Panasonic made an entry by releasing its full-sized VHS/S-VHS camcorders version that record up to 3 or 9 hours of video time.  It was a success to many videophiles, university TV studios and industrial videographers.

Camcorders continued to evolve significantly over time and the digital era was an exception.  The DVminiDV were launched in the mid-1990s.  The cassette tapes for these devices were even smaller than their Video8 predecessors.   The miniDV also featured a more enhanced audio and video quality.  Digital8 and MPEG2-based DVD camcorder were the succeeding variations of the DV.  Currently, an entry-level camcorder will cost you about US$100. and

For almost 300 years, binocular telescopes, or simply binoculars, have been part of almost every human activity.  It is use in astronomy, leisure, military, marine, science, tourism, and security.  From the time since binoculars have been discovered, its features and functionalities have evolved and become more and more sophisticated.  So if you still think that binoculars are just gadgets to view distant objects, then I suggest you read further.

Uses of binoculars

• Security – binoculars are not just all pleasure and fun.  They are also helpful in assisting various groups in maintaining and assuring safety and orderliness.  Police personnel use binoculars to monitor suspected criminals at a distance without being notice. 

• Sightseeing – nothing is more breathtaking than taking a closer look at magnificent places and structures without moving your feet.  Coin-operated binoculars are very common in most tourist destinations.  Binoculars are practical and handy devices that every traveler should bring especially for those who are always on the go.

• Hunting – timing, speed, good reflex and of course effective gadgets are what you need when you are out there tracking.  Binocular telescopes specifically night-vision ones are great partners especially for adventurers who enjoy nocturnal excitement.
  

• Astronomy – if you love observing stars, comets and other astronomical bodies then I do no have to give you reasons why binocular telescopes can be your best buddy.  There are binoculars that still perform to their utmost performance even when weather is bad or other natural hindrances impend.  Now it is easier to be amazed by these galactic phenomenons anytime and anywhere you are.

• Marine – binocular telescopes used in various marine goings-on generally can withstand effects from extreme and weather occurrences such as temperature, fog, pressure and of course water.

Types of binoculars

• Compact – they have the same functionalities and features as their big brother counterparts plus portability and convenience. Compact binoculars are quite popular to frequent travelers and vacationers because of its handiness.
  

• Waterproof – this type of binoculars are suggested for people who do marine activities and quite exposed to harsh environment.  Waterproof binoculars are usually nitrogen-filled, fog proof and some models also float in case you accidentally dropped it overboard.  They also have special materials like rubber coated case, improved lens caps, and customized straps.

• Zoom – for activities and applications that require precise and detailed capture, zoom binoculars are the way to go.  Zoom binocular telescopes are excellent for military exercises, sporting events, and other extreme observations.
  

• Night vision – they say it is the toy for the big boys.  With night vision binoculars, anything is possible even when the sun is down.  Thermal imaging, image enhancement, improved magnification are just some of the key features of night vision binocular telescopes.

• Digital Camera – this is a combination of a digital camera  and binocular telescopes.  This type of binocular is recommended for watching or observing objects that are usually in motion.  One can instantly take a photograph those hard to capture moments without changing equipment.

A digital camera is a camera that captures images on a light-sensitive sensor.  It can record video or still photograph, or both.  It has many features that are not available in film cameras such as displaying an image on the screen right after it was taken, the capability to save thousands of pictures, the ability to revise and delete images, and record video with sound.  Nowadays, digital cameras are integrated in almost every high-tech gadget like PDA’s, notebooks, mobile phone , and even astronomical equipment.

Nearly every digital camera uses some kind of storage device to store image data.  Some of the most common removable storage tools include CompactFlash (CF-I), Memory Stick, Microdrive (CF-II), MicroSD, MiniSD Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital Card (SD), SmartMedia, USB flash drive, and xD-Picture Card (xD).  The general data formats for digital camera images are the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) and Joint Photography Experts Group (JPEG).  Though there are a number of cameras, particularly DSLR cameras, that support a Raw format.  A raw image data is an unprocessed set of pixels found from the camera’s sensor.  Some manufacturers have their own formats to save raw data.  Nikon has NEF type, CR2 or CRW for Canon, and MRW for Minolta.  If you are planning to buy a digital camera or already have one, you may want to check the types of digital cameras listed below.  The more you know about your gadget, the better you can take advantage of its potentials.

Bridge  Also referred to as SLR-like cameras, bridge types are high-end cameras that are sort of the combination of DSLRs and compact cameras thus called “bridge”.  Models of bridge cameras currently out in market include the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs, Canon PowerShot S5 IS, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 and Olympus SP-570UZ. 

Compact Digital  For informal and “snapshot” uses,  compact cameras are highly recommended.  They are small and very handy but the disadvantage with this type is some functionalities are compromised.  Mainly all compact cameras have built-in flash typically of low power, restricted capability for motion picture, and macro capability.

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)  It is a type of digital camera that applies an automatic mirror mechanism that guides light from the lens all the way through the viewfinder eyepiece.  One of the reasons why DSLR has so much popularity despite its very high cost is its ability to replace and attach specialized lenses based on one’s photographic requirements.

Digital Rangefinder  A camera equipped with a rangefinder is called a rangefinder camera.  It uses a focusing mechanism that permits the photographer to gauge the distance of the subject before taking the shots that are in sharp focus.  This is in contrast with most digital cameras that have automatic focus.  The first ever  digital rangefinder camera is the Epson R-D1 which is the result of Epson and Cosina’s partnership.

Video Camera  This type are used to record images in motion such as professional video cameras (used in TV and movie production); camcorders (used by beginners and includes a microphone to record sound); and webcams (for people chatting over the internet).