Casio Exilim EX-S3 3MP Digital Camera and Docking Station
by Casio
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $369.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Casio Exilim EX-S3 digital camera packs a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor and a large 2.0-inch LCD screen into a body that's only a half-inch thick. Its high-speed startup minimizes the time until the camera is ready to shoot after being turned on and a 0.01 release time lag records the image virtually as soon as you press the shutter release button.

Optics and Resolution
The Exilim EX-S3's 3.2-megapixel CCD image sensor yields a maximum image size of 2048 x 1536 pixels, for print enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches. While the Exilim EX-S3 doesn't have an optical zoom feature, you can get closer to your subject with the 4x digital zoom.

Storage and Transfer
In addition to its 10 MB of built-in memory, the Exilim EX-S3 also supports use of thin, compact Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards (not included). An easy operation copies images between a memory card and built-in memory. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
The Exilim EX-S3 captures 320 x 240 resolution video clips (with no sound) at 12 frames per second up to 30 seconds in length. The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features
The Best Shot Mode provides optimum camera setups in an instant. Simply select the sample scene that is similar to the image you want to record, and the camera's exposure compensation, white balance, and other settings are configured accordingly.

With the included cradle, you can connect to your PC or Mac and transfer images easily via USB. The PhotoLoader software automatically transfers all JPEG and AVI files in image memory to the computer. You can also start a slideshow of images currently in the camera's memory.

Other features include:

• Built-in flash with auto, on, off, and red-eye reduction modes.
• Calendar screen provides visual diary of images to help you quickly search and locate the image you want.
• Direct print ability to select Epson printers without the need of transferring images to PC.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches and weighs 2.5 ounces. This package includes the Exilim EX-S3 digital camera, battery, AC adapter, dock, USB cable, hand strap, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• Best Shot mode provides optimum camera setups in an instant; captures videos up to 30 seconds
• 10 MB of built-in memory; compatible with Secure Digital and MMC memory cards
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery(included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1
• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 4x digital zoom; large 2-inch LCD screen

Reviews (37)

excellent camera!
The Casio Exilim EX-S3 3MP Digital Camera is a masterpiece.
Consistently awesome photographs when set on the "fine" setting (no pixelated images).
Operating it is a no-brainer even though it has a lot of high-end user adjustable features.The "best shot" feature takes any quesswork out of the picture-taking process.

You will need an additional mmc card (256 Megs recommended).

[...]

This camera rocks!

Excellent, Tiny, Lightweight, Take-Everywhere Dig Cam...
My overall rating of this tiny digital camera has been positive so far.When buying a digital camera, I basically wanted to focus on shutter speed since my last digital camera, Kodak LS 443's shutter speed was so slow compared to Casio Exilim.I also wanted a lightweight digital camera.I also had a budget in which I didn't want to spend tons of money on a gadget in which will be replaced by a newer higher-tech gadget later on. And wanted a user-friendly digital camera in which I didn't need to carry their manual with me.Here were my reasons for buying this digital camera:

First of all, I bought this camera after my x-bf got his Exilim M2 which I fell in love and had to get my own Casio Exilim.It is such a small digital camera in which I take with me in purse and can snap a quick picture anywhere and anytime.

Second of all, it has a HUGE LCD display which makes it easier to see what your picture will look like when you are trying to center the picture.

Third of all, price of this digital camera was very reasonable compared to other high-end digital camera, like Sony.

Fourt of all, it is such an user-friendly digital camera that I didn't need to read the manual at all.

Lastly, I set my picture resolution to FINE in order to see the best picture quality and I love the fast shutter-speed.Keep up the great work @ Casio.I can't wait for S100 price to go down since that will be my next gadget purchase.It's too bad that Casio is not being sold in a lot of the bigger electronics store but more available online in which case, I bought it from Amazon.com site.I bought this camera last 5/2004 and it still takes excellent pictures.I take a lot of events pictures.

Great camera but not durable at all
Lovely camera, great photos while it lasts.Fits wonderfully in your pocket.But that's exactly the problem--the camera seems to be extremely heat or moisture sensitive.Though I was careful not to carry it with anything else that might scratch it, small "blooms" or spots gradually form on the LCD display and inside the lens, ruining both the viewfinder and the pictures.Perhaps this is the reason they have discontinued this model. ... Read more

Asin: B00008PVXB
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Olympus C-740 3MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom
by Olympus
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $459.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Point and shoot ease and full manual controls, the Olympus Camedia C-740 delivers sharp, crisp 3.2-megapixel images for print enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches. With its powerful 10x optical zoom digital camera (30x total zoom when combined with the 3x digital zoom), you'll capture image detail you didn't know existed. The Camedia C-740 also features a more compact body than its predecessor (the C-730), a new extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, movie mode, a built-in flash, and compatibility with XD memory cards.

Optics and Resolution
The 3.2-megapixel Olympus C-740 digital camera can capture images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels; it can also produce 3200 x 2400 pixel images through interpolation for extra-large prints. It boasts an outstanding Olympus aspherical glass 10x zoom lens with 11 lenses in 7 groups. When combined with the 3x digital zoom, you get a total zoom of 30x. The F2.8-F3.7 lens has a focal range of 6.3-63mm, or 38–380mm equivalent in 35mm photography. The ED coating on the lens helps reduce the purple fringing normally seen on larger zoom cameras.

The C-740 also features Olympus TruePic technology, which optimizes the image information captured on the CCD before the data is saved by using the brightness and color information of the neighboring pixels when processing the pixel data. This leads to digital pictures that set standards for picture sharpness, contrast, true colors, and gradation.

Storage and Transfer
With the C-740, you can store images on XD memory cards. With the included 16 MB XD card, you can store 20 images at HQ mode (2048 x 1536 pixels). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In moviemode, the C-740 captures continuous video (without sound) at 15 frames per second in two formats: 320 x 240 (up to 33 seconds) or 160 x 120 pixels (up to 148 seconds). The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features

• 1.5-inch low-temperature poly-silicon LCD screen and electronic viewfinder.
• Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, slow synch, and fill in modes.
• Stitch up to 10 frames to create a panorama effect with Camedia Master software when using Olympus brand XD memory cards.
• Six scene program modes; Four customizable My Modes let you choose and save preferred settings
• Image adjustment modes include sharpness, contrast, and saturation (adjustable +/- 5 steps).
• Super macro mode gets as close as 1.2 inches away from your subject.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by two CR-V3 lithium battery packs (LB-01, included); rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries are recommended (four are needed to power the C-740). It measures 4.2 x 3.0 x 3.1inches and weighs 10.4 ounces. This package includes the Camedia C-740 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, batteries, USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with Camedia Master imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• Extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, movie mode, built-in flash
• Included 16 MB XD memory card stores 20 images at 2048 x 1536, HQ mode
• Powered by 2 CR-V3 batteries (4 AA NiMH rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1
• 3.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 10x optical zoom with 3x digital zoom (30x total)

Reviews (37)

Pricing
On the Olympus site this model lists a retal price of $349 so the savings are $50

Great on my Germany Vacation
I purchased this camera about 3 weeks ago before a 10 day trip to Germany.I was looking for something with a lot of optical zoom, and 10x was plenty.Shooting a lot of sites like castles and such, the zoom really came through.However, a 10x zoom is pretty powerful and no matter the camera you will need a lot of light and a very steady hand to take advantage of the full zoom.I usually shot around 5x - 8x to avoid blurry, shakey pictures.The zoom was awesome on a couple of occasions when a smaller zoom would have made worthless pictures.

On one day I was trying to shoot the Neuschwanstein Castle (Disney's model castle in Bavaria) and it was very foggy.My 2x Canon just could not get close enough to get any detail through the fog.The Olympus took some spectacular pictures.Some were very cool with the fog, and I was excited at how well they turned out when I got them up on my computer monitor.

This camera is easy to use with the "Auto" mode, but you can also customize a lot of stuff if you are a really photo pro.3.2 megapixels is plenty enough for me.In fact, I would rather have this camera with the huge zoom than another camera with more pixels.

I've not taken a bad picture yet
I've not taken a bad picture with this camera yet that wasn't a user error.I love the crisp, clear pictures I get with both macro settings and in shooting long distances.I've uploaded a couple of macro shots to show what an amateur can do with this camera.For the price, you can't go wrong.(I actually traded *down* from a 6 MP Sony to this and like this one MUCH better.) ... Read more

Asin: B00008IHTY
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon EOS-10D 6.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $1,899.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Canon's EOS-10D 6.3-megapixel digital SLR builds on the strengths of the award-winning EOS-D60 and offers a range of improvements to both the camera's design and its feature set. It offers a seven-point wide-area autofocus system, fast 3-frames-per-second burst rate, and an ergonomic, super-tough magnesium alloy body shell.

The 6.3-million effective pixel CMOS sensor--providing up to 3,072 x 2,048 pixels--is supported by Canon's unique high-power DIGital Imaging Core (DIGIC) processor. The speed at which the DIGIC processor works has allowed Canon to extend the number of full resolution images in burst sequences to nine, at a rate of 3 frames per second. As well as improved speed, DIGIC also helps produce more accurate color rendition while reducing image noise.

The metering system, using the newest metering algorithm available and a 35-zone evaluative metering system linked to all seven focus points, offers improved exposure consistency and stability. A range covering ISO 100 to 1,600 offers high-quality images across a very broad spectrum of shooting conditions. Photographers working in particularly poor light may also take advantage of an option to extend this range to ISO 3,200.

The EOS-10D is the first digital SLR camera to feature direct printing. Linking via a USB cable, you can make prints immediately from any of Canon's range of compatible bubble jet or CPprinters--including the S830D, S530D, and CP-100--without the need to connect to a computer. Controls within the camera's own menu system allow you to choose print quantity, size, and image cropping. When using Canon's card photo printer CP-100, with the optional battery pack, prints can be made in the field away from a power supply.

Other features include:

• Automatic selection of FAT16 or FAT32 file systems, to supportlarge-capacity CompactFlash Type I or II memory cards of over 2 GB storage size (such as Microdrives).
• 1.8-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor with five brightness levels and 10x zoom.
• Super Intelligent Orientation Sensor detects whether the camera is being held in the portrait or landscape orientation when an image is captured, and automatically rotates the image in the camera's LCD preview screen and on a computer when downloading using Canon's ZoomBrowser software.
• Extended battery life providing approximately 650 images without flash or 500 images with 50 percent flash.
• Ability to save an image in RAW format even when it was shot in JPEG mode.

The EOS-10D comes complete with battery pack, compact singlebattery-charging unit, USB cable, video cable, the latest Canon software and Photoshop Elements. The EOS-10D accepts the same BP-511 battery pack, and the same BG-ED3 battery grip as the EOS-D60. ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I and II cards; no card included
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery (BP-511); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1
• 6.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor for images up to 3072 x 2048 pixels
• Magnesium body; can save images simultaneously in both RAW and JPEG formats
• 3 frames per second (fps) burst rate up to 9; Adobe RGB color space; 7-area AF sensor

Reviews (63)

A Very Solid Product
The controls are a little complicated to get used to, especially the all-manual settings -- which should by definition be easy to use -- but overall this camera is very rugged and very capable.After I bought it, I took the D10 to Budapest, Hungary.I had a great view of the Danube and set my camera up for night shots.It did a brilliant job.How about this:take a digital night shot (use the largest image size possible), use a 300mm lense and blow the results up to 24x30 through Shutterfly.com. Image remained amazingly sharp. Colors were fantastic.The camera made it easy to look like a pro. The only gripe I have with this camera is that I wish it had a black and white setting like other less expensive Canon digitals, but this can be overcome with software so it's not a huge issue.The price is great, it has a magnesium body (vs. the Rebel's plastic body).You get a lot of the D1/D20/D30, without the cost.

Great Camera, one major flaw
I have had this camera for about 6 months.I love digital cameras, but my early sony'swere too slow.This camera is very very fast.The detail is incredible.I have taken thousands of photos and rarely have any that are under exposed.probably one in two hundred.This would be even less if I were more competent.

The one major short coming I have had with this camera is that it locks up.I will get the display "PA-A" and it won't go away.This is generally only displayed when I first turn the camera on and it last only a split second.Othertimes, however, this message pops up in the middle of shoots and locks up the camera.The fix is a quick removal of the battery from its contacts.I have gotten pretty fast at it, but this should never be an issue.I have heard that this is a problem with the new 20D as well.That is not very reassuring.

Excellent technology, one big disappointment
Since there are tons of rave reviews about the features of this camera, I won't bother you with the details. Instead, I will tell you about the one HUGE letdown of this camera and the likes (Rebel, 20D): the 1.6x focal length factor. This means my dear 28-105 lens is now a sorry 45-170. To recoup the loss I'd have to spend $700 on a 17-40 4.0 lens. This is a consequence of using a small CCD. Cameras like the 1D with full-size 35mm CCD sell for over $4,000. I cannot wait for that price to go down. I also cannot help to wonder whether the focal reading of the Speedlite flashes will be correct (I own a 540EZ and discovered with dismay that it doesn't work in these cameras).

I look at my A2 (still infatuated with it) and I wonder if I did the right thing. I think I will keep it around for a while, just in case... ... Read more

Asin: B00008OT2G
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon Optura 20 MiniDV Camcorder with 3.5-inch LCD and 16x Optical Zoom
by Canon Video
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $999.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Canon Optura 20 camcorder is equipped with a full range of sophisticated features to capture outstanding video and digital photos. It features high-quality Canon optics with a 16x optical zoom, image stabilization, a 1.33 megapixel CCD, and advanced photo capabilities. The Optura 20 improves on its counterpart, the Optura 20, with Super Night Shooting mode, a larger 3.5-inch LCD, and higher capacity battery.

Lens and Optics
The powerful 16x optical zoom lets you capture your subject with razor-sharp detail even from a distance, while the 320x digital zoom takes you even closer, revealing details too small to see with the naked eye. When capturing digital still images, the lens provides a 15x optical zoom--the equivalent of a 41-620 mm lens on a 35mm photo camera. The Optura 20 also features a 1.33-megapixel CCD and an image stabilization system that compensates for camcorder shake, even while panning and zooming.

Canon's DIGIC DV system makes it possible to achieve accurate color for both video and digital photos. Since video and photos have different color requirements, DIGIC DV utilizes two different color techniques to maximize video quality on a TV and still image quality for print or computer display.

Digital Stills
With its 1.33-megapixel resolution, you can capture digital stills up to 1280 by 960 pixels (for 4 x 6-inch prints). Additionally, the Optura 20's Simultaneous Photo Record featureenables you to record high-quality video to a MiniDV tape and e-mail-ready digital photos (640 x 480 pixels) to a memory card at the same time. You can also capture a rapid succession of photos just like the motor drive on a camera. With a single press of a button, the Opture 20 records 30 VGA (640 x 480) frames at a rate of 3 frames per second or 20 SXGA (1280 x 960) frames at 2 frames per second.

Images are stored on the included 8 MB Secure Digital memory card; the camcorder is also compatible with MultiMedia (MMC) cards.

More Features
The Optura 20 also offers a Super Night mode and Low Light Plus mode, allowing for continued recording even in virtual darkness. An assist lamp in the front of the camera illuminates the subject just enough to allow excellent image quality while retaining the desired mood or effect. The Optura 20 is also bundled with a higher capacity battery, the BP-512, for longer continuous shooting.

Other features include:

• The Advanced Accessory Shoe allows you to add optional lights, flashes, and microphones.
• Manual controls include focus, AE shift, shutter speeds, and white balance.
• Direct print feature with optional Canon Card Photo Printers CP-200 and CP-20 and select Canon Bubble Jet Printers.

Inputs and Outputs
The Optura 20 standard DV IEEE1394 port (also referred to as Firewire), which provides a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. It also features USB 1.1 connectivity for transferring still photos

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Size and Contents
The camcorder measures 3 x 7.3 x 3.6 inches and weighs 1.4 pounds (625 grams). This package includes the Optura 20 camcorder, 8 MB Secure Digital memory card, battery (BP-512), power adapter (CA-570), wireless controller, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, USB cable, Digital Video Solution CD-ROM, and DV Messenger software CD-ROM. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder and still camera with 1.33-megapixel CCD
• 16x optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 320x) and image stabilizer
• 3.5-inch LCD with 180-degree rotation
• Capture low-light recordings with Super Night Mode
• Record for up to 1 hour and 50 minutes on one battery charge

Reviews (15)

So far--I love it!
I just bought this camcorder and took it to an MLB game. It was

Nothing to dislike
I have owned this camcorder for six months now, and have found no fault with it.Before buying it, I was concerned about negative reviews regarding motor noise, low light, and body size.Fortunately, none of these has caused me a problem.The surroundings have to be completely silent to hear the motor; I have yet to have a problem with low light, and I like the feel of the body.I particularly like the ease with which I can take a still photo with only a minor interruption in video recording.I wanted the 16X zoom for sporting events, but I found it also useful at a recent graduation.While seated, I find I can hold the camcorder adequately still, even at 16X zoom, but a tripod is always useful.In the presence of a live orchestra, the audio quality is outstanding.

Good One
This is my first camcorder. I am satisfied with the quality in comparision with the money that I spent on it. ... Read more

Asin: B00008RHA3
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Features

• Includes 64 MB Secure Digital card; connects to PCs via USB 1.1
• MPEG4 camcorder records video onto Secure Digital memory card
• Digital still capability--2.1 megapixel resolution for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
• 1.8-inch TFT (transreflective) color LCD screen
• NTSC/PAL output; voice recording feature

Asin: B00008RH8Q
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Samsung ITCAM7 Gadget Cam MPEG4 Camcorder with MP3 Player and 10x Optical Zoom
by SAMSUNG
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Records more than an hour of high-quality MPEG-4 movie clips as distinct files
• 10x optical zoom; 2-inch fold-out LCD screen
• Also functions as digital camera, stereo audio recorder, MP3 player, data storage, and media player with both NTSC and PAL TV compatibility
• Compatible with USB 2.0 for fast, easy transfers
• World's first hard disk drive (HDD) digital camcorder--save video clips on the 1.5 GB HDD or Memory stick

Reviews (2)

Any body Know what happen to this model?
It was preorder on Jan 2004. But soon it just disappears in the market without a trace. I was hoping to get 1, but nowhere could be found. Anybody know why Samsung abandon this cool garget?

which mpeg4 codec(divx codec) this camcorder use?
I really wondered about this. Samsung itcam-7 and panasonic sv-av100 which codec these camcorders use? so many codecs are realised day by day. Xvid,divx,mpeg2... so many. Can ý upgrade firmware of these machines? ... Read more

Asin: B0000899LS
Sales Rank: 9489
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Driver 23/Atlas Moth
by Image Entertainment
Average Customer Review:
DVD (27 May, 2003)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $17.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Color

Reviews (7)

HELP
Hello,will someone please help me find any Dark Horse albums.Laugh if you must, but did you actually listen to one whole song?They are ROCKING

American C.D. ?
When I first saw 'Driver 23' on Sundance my impression was, Oh, someone's trying to do 'American Movie' with an inept metal head and his band!I'm not sure if there was any direct inspiration or influence, but comparisons are unavoidable.'Driver 23' deals, as does 'American Movie' with a marginally talented guy trying to get his dream project off the ground while plagued by lack of funding, bad luck, and inability to keep people interested in participating in his peculiar artistic visions.However, we've already seen this whole hard luck-hard rock band bit done better in fictional movies like 'This is Spinal Tap,' 'Almost Famous,' 'Rock Star,' and even on the real-life Osbournes T.V. show.There are a few really funny moments, like when the band leader attempts to rationalize his band's demise:"We're not broken up -- we're just a studio band now that's lacking a few members..."The main problem is, just as in fictional movies, the keys to great documentaries (even concert movies) are colorful characters, engaging dialogue, interesting individual scenes, suspense, plot twists, and an emotional climax.'Driver 23' tends to be lacking in all of these elements.Aside from some funny dialogue, you get lots of fairly boring scenes of studio construction, recording, and make-up application by the main character's wife, and then the whole thing just kind of winds down with the wife leaving for a job in another town.I haven't seen the second part, but my recommendation would be don't run out and buy this based on the reviews here.Try to catch it on t.v., or see if you can rent it first.

Will success spoil Dan Cleveland?
I bought this based on the good reviews posted here, and I can say that I wasn't disappointed.In Driver 23/Atlas Moth, a window is provided into the world of Dan Cleveland, and what a strange world it is...one filled with delusions of grandeur and unfulfilled dreams.I knew a guy exactly like Dan, someone who was involved in so many projects, who had big dreams, but was never quite able to grab that brass ring.What's so endearing about Dan is his eternally optimistic outlook, the 'never say die' attitude.No matter what roadblocks are placed before him, he tries to go over them, around them, or even under them and continue to plod along.While endearing, this attitude can be harmful.Most people know when to quit, change gears, and focus their energies towards more fruitful ventures, but Dan seems determined to ride it out, regardless of the consequences, even if it means losing everything.Sorry to say my friend passed away sometime ago, but I feel like I got to spend a little more time with him in watching Dan and his travails.

Driver 23 is a movie about Dan, a delivery driver by day, and the lead singer of a Minneapolis-based rock band called Dark Horse.Dan suffers from a myriad of problems that he takes medication for, but none of that seems to slow him down.Half of his band quits, and he keeps going....his wife moves across the country to take a job, and he keeps going.A man truly determined to fly into the face of logic regardless.And I swear, that guy must always have a roll of duct tape with him, and he's quite liberal with its uses.Oh yeah, I also loved when Dan built his own recording studio in his basement.It looked so creepy and funky as he used whatever materials he had handy, cinder blocks, pieces of wood, etc.

In Atlas Moth, we get to see a continuance to where Driver 23 left off.Dan, now that his wife has left for good, lives a somewhat squalid apartment, but is still pressing on, despite his faculties sometimes being hamstringed by various medications (seems like he is taking more than before).After seven long years, we find that the Dark Horse CD is nearing completion.Being the perfectionist he is, Dan is taking an extra long time in postproduction, and his fellow band members are getting a little antsy.No real conclusions here, but another very intimate, uncensored glimpse into one man's life, duct taped slippers and all.At the very least, no one can say he did try to follow his dreams.Can we say the same about ourselves? ... Read more

Asin: B00008RH0X
Sales Rank: 24344
Subjects:  1. Documentary   

Rainy Day Music (Limited Edition w/ Bonus CD)
by Universal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 April, 2003)
list price: $18.98
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Somewhere inside Rainy Day Music beats the heart of a very fine folk-rock record. All chiming guitars and flawless falsetto, "Stumbling Through the Dark" captures the classic Jayhawks sound, and mid-tempo rockers "Tailspin" and "Eyes of SarahJane" recall older favorites like "I'd Run Away." "All the Right Reasons" floats on heavenly harmonies and "Save It for a Rainy Day" succeeds with nifty vocal interplay and a bright melodic hook. Yet, even with its share of jangle-pop gems, the disc also offers a few bland strummers that never quite take off. "One Man's Problem" boasts a catchy chorus but a dragging verse, and when chief songwriter Gary Louris hands the reins to drummer Tim O'Reagan or bassist Marc Perlman, the results suffer. The tasty pop treat "Angelyne" and an album-closing acoustic reprise of the opening track help redeem the disc's latter half, but in the end they only hint at how strong an album this might have been. (The bonus CD offers a mix of demos, alternate mixes, and live cuts.) --Anders Smith Lindall ... Read more

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (71)

The most accurately titled cd ever
One of Amazon's most helpful (and fun) features is the "Customers who shopped for this item also shopped for these items" section usually found in the middle of the screen of each item you view.This is an invitation to serendipity!If you are adventurous, you can click and find treasures you would otherwise probably never discover.This is how I found this cd.

Having no prior background of The Jayhawks, my review is not a comparison of their previous work, it focuses strictly on this cd.This is a beautiful piece of work.The style is hard to pigeonhole, but I would describe it as a combination of countrified-folk-rock.The songs are lyrically simple/basic, but the instrumentation has such a variety of sonic layers and the melodies are so classic that when combined, they become a feast for your soul.This really is rainy day music.The first time I listened to it was at work and I noted to myself "This would be great rainy day music" and then I realized that was the title! It is also great driving music, particularly when it is late at night and you are driving a minivan full of sleeping kids who are exhausted after a big day at Disneyland.This cd has provided a soundtrack for my contented moments, as well as my sullen moments.It's pleasant and unobtrusive.While I enjoy the cd as a whole, my favorite songs are "Stumbling Through The Dark", "Tailspin", "All the Right Reasons" and "Save it For a Rainy Day".Get the Limited Edition w/Bonus CD if you can!

I suspect Ethan Johns' contributions, as "Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by" and instrumentally, are a big factor in the ultimate sound of this cd, so I am now going to skip along that tangent and find other Ethan Johns' productions, as well as devour other The Jayhawks works.All because I was willing to take a gamble with Amazon's recommendations.This cd will be a favorite in my collection for a very long time.

Their best in many years
This is the Jayhawks second best album, behind only Hollywood Town Hall. If you were a fan from the Hollywood Town Hall era and have been less than impressed with the last few albums, take the chance and get this one. If you can still get the version with the bonus disc, do so; it is surprisingly good (unusual for extra alternate and live tracks often found on such "bonus" discs, in my experience).

For more than just rainy days!
I love this disc.I have everything they've ever recorded and this is my favourite.The song "Angelyne", I believe, is the best they've ever done.When I hear it, which is often, it stays in my head all day.Song composition, lyrics, and sound are great throughout the disc. Of course, as a big fan of the Jayhawks, I'd find it difficult to find fault, but I believe this one is more than worth a listen. ... Read more

Asin: B00008I8IF
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

The In-Laws
by Warner Home Video
Average Customer Review:
DVD (13 May, 2003)
list price: $19.98 -- our price: $15.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This 1979 comedy is absolutely indispensable for fans of Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, or Andrew Bergman, who wrote the film's screenplay and went on to direct The Freshman and Honeymoon in Vegas. (Let's forgive him for Striptease.) Arkin is extraordinarily funny as a dentist who quickly grows skeptical about the wild claims of his daughter's future father-in-law (Peter Falk) that he is a CIA agent. When he is drawn into a bizarre adventure in a banana republic, however, he takes a different view. Arthur Hiller (Love Story) provides serviceable direction, but the real draw here is the perfect chemistry between the two leads and Bergman's weirdly comic mind. Watch for the look on Arkin's face when Falk's character tells a story about giant tse-tse flies. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen

Reviews (61)

One of the greatest comedies of all time
My parents introduced me to this movie, which came out before I was born.I'm so glad it was finally released on DVD so that we don't have to watch our VHS-off-television copy when we want to see this movie.It's a delightful comedic romp, and Arkin and Falk playing perfectly off one another.Some of the other characters are a little flat (the marrying son and daughter), but the action is hilarious for the two main characters.My favorite scenes take place when they travel out of the country illegally towards the end (I won't say more so I don't ruin the plot).Definitely check this movie out, and it is one you'll want to own on DVD to watch again and again.

Part of the reason I married my husband....
On our first date, my husband and I discovered that we both thought this was a hysterical movie.On our second date, we rented and watched it.One of my all-time favorite movies - I laugh every time I watch it, even though I can recite most of the dialogue!Arkin & Falk are both superb in the roles they play - I can't imagine anyone else in them, and agree with another reviewer that you shouldn't even bother with the remake - it absolutely does not do justice to the original!

Perhaps the best comedy ever
There are only a handful of truly great comedies and the original In-Laws (Falk/Arkin) is certainly among them, if not topping the list.

Skip the remake... it's simply awful; insulting to the original. ... Read more

Asin: B00008MTY5
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Pentax * ist 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)
by Pentax
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

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Editorial Review

Packing a high level of quality and performance into the world's smallest 35mm SLR (as of February 2003), the Pentax *ist measures just 4.8 by 3.3 by 2.5 inches and weighs a mere 11.8 ounces. It offers a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions for a wide range of photographers--from the most demanding professionals to SLR novices. All controls are functionally positioned on the top and back panels for maximum ease of operation and accessibility.

The newly developed 16-segment multipattern metering system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions to produce beautifully exposed photographs, frame after frame. In addition to all-purpose multipattern mode, the *ist also offers spot and center-weighted modes to meet specialized applications.

Thanks to the advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus (AF) system, the *ist assures sharp, crisp focus on the subject, even under poor lighting conditions. Its newly developed 11-point AF sensor constantly monitors 11 different points in the image field and covers a wide area, both vertically and horizontally, to assure optimum focus.

The multi-data LCD panel offers a full range of information, with large icons and numbers to supplement the camera's user-friendly operation system. With its natural-bright-matte focusing screen, the *ist offers a sharp, clear viewfinder image even under unfavorable lighting conditions. The LCD viewfinder indicator at the bottom provides a full range of information, including the selected picture mode and exposure compensation factors.

Covering a view angle as wide as 28mm, the auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. It also retracts to the storage position automatically when the camera's power is turned off. Its red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect in subjects' eyes.

Other features include:

• The high-speed motor drive winds the film at a speed of 2.5 frames per second
• Automatically record the date, or day and time, of picture-taking on the photograph for quick, easy reference of captured images
• Depth-of-field preview function is electronically operated for easy confirmation of the in-focus area in the image field before actually taking a picture
• 17 custom functions enable you to customize some basic camera functions to suit individual preferences

... Read more

Features

• World's smallest 35mm autofocus SLR camera (March 2003)
• Multi-mode exposure system; 16-segment multi-pattern metering system
• 11-point autofocus system; 1/4000-second high-speed shutter
• Large LCD panel with multi-data LCD viewfinder indicator
• Retractable auto pop-up flash

Reviews (2)

What a delight
I have had my *ist D for about a month. What a delight to own and use. I like almost everything about it. I am a long time Pentax owner with a collection of lenses so have never considered any other brand as I patiently waited for Pentax to come out with a digital camera. I am so not disappointed. As a camera, not considering the digital part, it is the best of all the ones I have (LX, ZX-M, ZX-5n, ME, ME Supper, Spotmatic, etc). It is well balanced and small. I love the controls and the features. You may read reviews that say the memory card is difficult to remove. With my ScanDisk flash this is not a problem. Just tilt the camera slightly, press the release with your thumb and the card magically moves to your hand. It is really very easy, the trick is you don't try and grab it, you let it come to you. The first time I used it I took over 200 high-resolution JPEG shots of my daughters ballet performance. I used my old 85mm f2 lens and it was wonderful in the dim light. I also have the two new zooms (18-55 and 75-300) and recommend both as they are very reasonable in cost. The only thing I don't like is that using the old manual lenses requires either full aperture (OK for my use so far) or a manual setting of the exposure as you cannot do stop down metering as far as I have been able to find. Other than that, I like everything. The only point to consider is that I have no knowledge of any of the competitive digital cameras, have never even held one. But when you are in love with the one you have, who cares about the others.

very good new camera
This is an excellent new camera.Pentax has definitely innovated in the design and manufacture of the *ist.The form factor and light weight, yet well constructed, make it seem like a next generation camera compared to the Canon Rebel Ti and the Nikon N75 (both very good cameras also).The advanced features are all easy to access and use on the *ist, or you can use the pre-programmed mode wheel (sports, macro, landscape, portrait, etc.) to let the *ist make the decisions.So far, the pre-programmed modes have produced excellent photos in a variety of conditions.

One recommendation, upgrade to the Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.7 Lens that Amazon sells for $149.99. It is highly rated and produces excellent photos.The Pentax SMC 50mm/1.7 probably offers the best price/performance ratio of any Pentax lens made and will allow you to tap the full potential of the *ist.(Pentax, Canon, and Nikon tend to sell their consumer SLRs with mediocre zoom lenses to keep the overall cost down, and the quality of the photos produced is average as a result and often disappointing to new SLR owners.)The Pentax SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 (IF) Zoom Lens is also a very good lens. ... Read more

Asin: B00008MNCJ
Subjects:  1. SLR (Single Lens Reflex)    2. Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)    4. Manual    5. Autofocus (Auto Focus)   

The camera uses 120 color or black-and-white film. Rough it out with this affordable camera and reap the rewards of distinctly daring photography. Just don't forget to remove the lens cap. ... Read more

Features

• Uses 120 color or black and white film
• Unabashedly low-tech and ideal for beginning photographers
• Starter kit includes photo book, 1 roll of film, and 2 AA batteries
• Completely manual control; 60mm lens with adjustable focusing
• Built-in flash

Asin: B00008Y2DX
Subjects:  1. Camera (Cameras)    2. 35 mm (millimeter)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

The DVD set has numerous extras spread throughout the three discs; the end result is a superior collection. Each disc has a short retrospective, culled together from new interviews with Kieslowski's crew, plus film critic Geoff Andrew, biographer Annette Insdorf (who also does the commentaries), and fellow Polish director Ageniska Holland. Producer Marin Karmitz also reminisces about the experience. There's an exceptional effort to show the magic of Kieslowski (who died two years after the trilogy) through a discussion of his various career phases, interviews with the three lead actresses, four student films, and archival materials including simple--and wonderful--glimpses of the director at work. Excellent insight is also provided by Dominique Rabourdin's filmed "cinema lessons" with Kieslowski. Without viewing any of his other films, this set illustrates the uniqueness of Kieslowski. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Widescreen
• Box set

Asin: B000083C5F
Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - French   

While Richard Dorfmeister will always be remembered along with Peter Kruder for the now-classic 1998 downtempo record The K&D Sessions, both Kruder and Dorfmeister have given over substantial time since then to Peace Orchestra and Tosca, their respective "side projects." Dehli9 isn't quite in the class of Tosca's best work (namely, 1999's Suzuki), but it's still hypnotically impressive, using cyclic beats, lazy electronics, and a few choice vocalists to induce an active dream state. "Rolf Royce," featuring Stephan Graf Hadik Wildner's druggy vocal swoops, pits long melodic phrases against a staccato bassline to create a nice flow, while Earl Zinger's laconic style matches up well with the jazzier textures of "Wonderful." Fans of minimalism will want to investigate a bonus CD included with the record from Tosca's other member, fellow Austrian and like-minded beathead Rupert Huper. Based on an earlier piece from Huper titled "12 Easy-to-Play Piano Pieces," it's a somber, icily beautiful song cycle. Like late afternoon sunshine on a hazy winter's day, Dehli9's elegant and haunting mixture lingers in the background, barely holding onto the day as whatever light seeps through slowly fades to shadow. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Asin: B00007L6RZ
Subjects:  1. Austria    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance    4. Dance Music    5. Downtempo    6. Electronica    7. Pop    8. Trip-Hop