Reviews
Enough storage to fit most photographers needs
This product hit many of the points I was looking for in a backpack to hold my DLSR and lenses. It has been performing admirably and even can fit under most airline seats. Just recently I was tighenting the waste strap to hold it closed because I rarely use it and the plastic clip snapped. I didn't even pull it very tight. This is the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. The zippers are very good quality but the plastic clips are just standard ones that will break under normal/light use.
15/07/2023
Related Reviews
Pretty good!
It came perfectly packaged and so far everything is smooth sailing! Great little camera for the price.
18/01/2023
Great quality and happy with the price and ease of
So far this camera is just as advertised and I’m thinking about ordering a second one!
16/12/2022
Great Flash
Excellent piece of equipment - for most Nikon shooters, this should be their first choice for a flash.If you're doing anything but shooting family snaps, you'll have use for this piece of equipment and once you do you'll know why it's a required piece for Nikon shooting pros. Expensive, but worth it if you intend to grow as a photographer. Other reviewers have done an excellent job outlining the details of why you might want this flash.3 caveats -- This is the most sophisticated piece of photo equipment I've ever owned (and I've owned professional Norman units back in the film days). You'll need to do more than just read the manual to get the most out of this unit. Check out some of the Joe McNally tutorials at Kelby Training online or the wealth of stuff at Strobist.- As soon as you watch those tutorials, you'll want more than one SB-800!! That's right - these things are like potato chips - you can't have just one!- It's big, and when using all 5 batteries, is heavy, although not as big or as expensive as the new SB-900. In other words, once you own more than one of these, you'll need a new camera bag too.
03/09/2022
SUPER kids camera - a professional perspective
DISCLOSURE: I'm a professional photographer. Why is that important? When it comes to cameras, it's easier for me to be far more critical of picture quality, features, ergonomics, interface, usability, and accessories than most folks. Those criteria are exactly what I will use to grade this camera below. If you don't have time to read the whole review, scroll down to the bottom for my summary.If I was buying this camera for myself, this would be a vastly different review. However, putting that aside, I'm reviewing this little snap shooter for its stated purpose: A kids' camera. Or, more specifically, a camera for my six-year old daughter. When taken from that perspective, this camera SHINES! Why is that? Read on...1) PICTURE QUALITY, 3.5 Stars: Not the greatest, but far from abysmal. Colors are a little washed out and images aren't as crisp even as you might expect, even if you were taking photos from the latest iPhone or Android smartphone. BUT, they are better than what I would call a kids' "starter" camera.My daughter has used a starter camera for the last year or so. To say that she loves it would be an understatement. And she doesn't give a rip about the image quality. For younger kids, generally speaking, image quality doesn't really matter. She doesn't rely on her images for income. She isn't entering competitions or displaying at exhibitions. She takes photos for the sheer joy of capturing the moment and gleefully returning to it at a later date when reviewing her images. In other words, it's about the experience, not the technical side of the image. That's not too say quality doesn't matter at all. It is certainly helpful to make out some basic level of details, i.e. people's smiles or whether a bird is green or blue.The image quality of the camera featured in this review is a step above the starter level. It has improved capacity for capturing low-light images (although not great), a somewhat accurate color palette, and doesn't experience wash-out as easily. Each of these is important to eyes of children as they grow in their discernment of how well their captured image turns out. Now on to the areas where this camera really stands out...2) FEATURES, 5 Stars: I was taken completely by surprise at how robust the features are of this camera. It includes nearly every basic and intermediate option that I would use to teach my daughter about photography: Resolution, white balance, sharpness, exposure adjustment, self-timer, digital zoom, ISO, etc. There are also multiple macro type settings such as "Beauty Face" (for glamour portraits?), nighttime, landscapes, etc. and also automatic versions of all the previously mentioned options. Also worth noting is an anti-shake setting which may help to steady fidgety kid hands.Most people have little knowledge or experience in using anything besides the "AUTO" setting of cameras. And, to be honest, today's cameras set on Auto are extremely capable. But there are times when knowing a bit more can turn a good image into a great one. White balance, for example, is one of the easiest things to understand and, if you know how to use it manually, can completely change the mood of a photo. Similarly, being able to control ISO can mean the difference between a blurry action shot and a crisp one. The only options that I don't think the camera includes are the ability to control shutter speed or aperture. Not a deal breaker by any means.That there is even a flash included on a kids camera is a big plus. That it works reasonably well is even better. My one critique is that there is not an automatic option to deploy it. It is easy enough to find and turn on (it has a dedicated spot at the top of the circular selection rocker on the right, backside of the camera), but it stays on continuously until the button is pushed again. That takes a little getting used to. On the plus side, this works well when taking video indoors or in certain low-light settings.The digital zoom is really pretty good. Up to a point. The nice thing is that there is a bar on the right side of the view screen that pops up when you zoom in/out which is colored orange up to about halfway and then turns red when the image quality begins to suffer too much. Thoughtful touch. I could wish for a true, optical zoom (even 2x), but that would probably have meant requisite moving internal parts (greater chance for breakage in the hands of a kid) and increased price. Digital zoom may be a smart trade-off in light of that.Video is not what I would call a strong point for this camera. It does, however, take tolerable 1080P video. The included mic does an OK job recording ambient noises but makes human voices sound electronic. Don't count on anything approaching high definition sound.Perhaps worth noting is there is a screw mount on the bottom that gives an option for the camera to be placed on a tripod. If your child likes to take selfies or group photos they will also be in, the purchase of a small tripod might be a consideration for you. Since the camera is so light and tiny, a similarly sized tripod would work well.Probably the biggest selling point in terms of features is this: Set the camera to Auto Mode and your child will be able to have fun taking great photos all day long. OR, set aside some special time with your young person and teach them a few of the fundamentals of photography. Either way, this camera is fully capable.3) ERGONOMICS, 4.5 Stars: Great size for small hands! As you can see from the review images, my hands look very large in comparison to the camera (and I have very average hand size for a dude). But, remember, this camera is designed for kids. That said, the rounded edges and raised grip on the right side are subtle, but thoughtful, details that make a noticeable difference. Likewise, button layout is intuitive, if not compliant with typical industry standard configurations. Some of the buttons lean toward the small side but, again, this is designed for small hands.Not to be overlooked, access to the battery and memory card compartment is simple and classically incorporated via a small sliding door on the bottom of the camera. Both battery and memory card insert easily, with little force, and are likewise extracted in an intuitive and straightforward manner with a light push against spring-action mechanisms.So, why not 5 stars? The texture of the plastic is very smooth. In other words, the camera is more likely to slide around on flat surfaces and possibly even slip out of a kid's hands. If there was just a tiny amount of rubberized texture placed in strategic locations, that would make all the difference. If the corners/edges were reinforced with some sort of cushion to guard against inevitable bumps or small drops, that would be even better.4) INTERFACE, 5 Stars: The icons, navigation, and layout are all thoughtfully put together. Quite intuitive, no manual necessary to figure out the vast majority of options. As seen in at least one of the sample images, all options are also displayed on the live photo or video screen by mostly industry standard icons or abbreviations. The photographer can see, at a glance, what has been selected. What's more, current mode and battery charge status are displayed in a bright yellow/green. Video has a red dot indicating when in use. Everything important, easily seen. Love it.5) USABILITY, 5 Stars: From the "Welcome" screen at startup to "Bye-Bye" at shutdown, every basic user option has been included and a few that go a step beyond. One of my personal favorites is being able to choose how quickly the camera automatically shuts off to conserve battery power if not in use. The choices include: Always On (if your child is using the camera, this setting makes absolutely no sense) and 1, 3 or 5 minutes. 5 minutes seems a bit lengthy to me. My guess is that either the 1 or 3 minute option will be the best choice. Additionally, there are multiple language options (English is the default), sound options (beeps or no beeps), time/date set, resolution (lower resolution = slightly lower quality but more room to store images), format (you should always format a new memory card with your camera before use, if possible), and more.6) ACCESSORIES, 5 Stars: As seen in the first sample image, this camera is actually more of a kit which is fantastic! It includes not just one, but TWO batteries. Batteries must be charged by inserting them into the camera and plugging the camera into a power supply using the included USB charging cord (with AC adapter). A small, red LED indicator light on the camera will turn on when charging is in progress and turn off when charging is complete. A 32GB micro SD memory card is included. It comes with a larger standard SD card adapter making this combo fully versatile for a variety of applications. The included hand strap is smallish for adult hands, but absolutely perfect for kid hands. I love the velvety storage bag that comes with the kit - great for keeping the camera safe when traveling and stowing in the car, backpack, or coat pocket. Finally, not to be overlooked, is the instruction booklet which is written entirely in English. Most refreshing is that it is very easily read and truly helpful. All the features of the camera are logically presented and fully explained. Magic.OVERALL, 5 Stars: This little camera is perfect for your little one. I'd say the ideal age range is likely 5-14 years old, although it would certainly also work for older photographers in a pinch. The value is great for its price point. You'll do a lot of shopping before coming up with a camera that does so much, so well as this one. Don't agonize over what to buy - here's your solution. Highly recommend.
04/08/2022
5 star review
My son is loving this camera it’s user friendly and has good quality images and videos
17/02/2022
Well constructed and sturdy with clear optics
I purchased this little 7 x 18 scope to view distant animals and geological features while hiking and working. It’s quite good for the job. The shape is nice as it allows the scope to be in a pocket or pouch without trouble. The ultralight design is nice as it doesn’t really add weight to my gear belt. Because of its light design it seems like it may be flimsy when first unpackaged. This is not at all true, and the scope is well constructed and can handle a mild beating in its little case in my pocket or bag. For the low price it is well built and comes with a well made case.Overall I enjoy this little scope and would purchase another for my wife or a friend.I must add that the optics are quite clear compared to other low cost scopes. For reference I have attached two pictures. The first shows a mountain with a antenna farm on top that is hardly visible. The second picture is through my Roxant scope showing the antenna farm clearly. Though it’s through a phone camera it is still a great image. I love it!The only thing I would add to this scope is perhaps a zoom ability even if it is a weak zoom it would be nice.I’ll be keeping Roxant on my list for affordable optics in the future.
09/02/2022
Great camera for a great price
Really great picture. I love that it's waterproof. It's an affordable camera and for an amazing picture.
08/01/2022
Good quality and highly recommended
We were very surprised, Good quality and highly recommended. Top camera, it really delivered
08/10/2021