When Apple added a camcorder to the iPod Nano the resounding response was: “Nice camera. Wrong iPod.” Everyone expected the iPod Touch to be the rightful heir of the iPhone’s tiny but mighty video recording capability. Maybe Apple didn’t want to cannibalize iPhone sales (not a very Apple move) or maybe there was a supply chain glitch. But, for whatever reason, the Nano got the camcorder. It’s a great freebie. Continue Reading

When many people hunt for a DSLR they get as far as Nikon and Canon and stop dead in their tracks. That’s too bad. Both companies make great DSLRs, no question. But Pentax, always the underdog in the DSLR pack, has been producing solid units for years. The new Pentax K-7 and K-x are two great examples. I’m lumping them together because they share many of the same leading-edge features. The K-7 is certainly the superior camera for pro shooting. The K-x is a terrific value if you’re just getting into DSLRs and want a full-featured, small camera to cut your teeth on. Continue Reading

Sean Carruthers has been navigating the world of technology for almost all of his 40 years, but only figured out how to make a living at it a decade ago. Starting out as Test Lab Editor at the Computer Paper and HUB: Digital Living. Carruthers jumped over to the world of television in 2004, acting as a researcher and content producer at G4TechTV Canada shows Call For Help and The Lab With Leo Laporte. Currently a producer at the technology help website butterscotch.com, and co-host of the weekly technology podcast Lab Rats, Carruthers has opened his gadget bag for your inspection. Read his music, video, photo and more picks below. Continue Reading

What would you get if you took a Flip Mino HD camcorder and let it loose at a Mandarin Buffet steam table day after day? The end result would look a lot like the Flip Ultra HD, a camcorder that has the HD chops of the Mino and the more bulky form factor of the original SD-quality Flip camcorder from a few years back. For the extra ounce-age, the Ultra HD shoots two hours of HD video to the Mino’s one. It also features a much bigger, brighter, sharper and more saturated 16:9 screen than the international postage stamp one on the Mino. The digital zoom (no optical) feels a tad smoother too. Plus, the Ultra comes with a rechargeable (via USB) AA battery pack, while the Mino relies on regular double AAs. In general, the Ultra HD gives competitors like the Kodak Zi8 a run for its money except that it has no external storage and no external mic jack — both of which the Zi8 has. But, the Ultra still boasts the “press-the-red-button” ease-of-use that’s made Flip famous. So, if longer record times, simplicity and a bigger screen are what you need in a cheap, pocketable (it you have roomy pockets) camcorder the Ultra is certainly worth a heft and try. Need more control? The Zi8 or the Canon F200 (SD video only) are probably better bets. [See more reviews in the Mondoville Gizmo Guide]