WebsiteauthorDallas
WebsiteauthorDallas's Stats
- Review Count6
- Helpfulness Votes50
- First ReviewMarch 3, 2013
- Last ReviewOctober 17, 2014
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating3.8
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentNone
- Last Review CommentNone
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count6
- Helpfulness Votes2
- First AnswerSeptember 7, 2013
- Last AnswerJanuary 7, 2014
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers0
WebsiteauthorDallas's Reviews
Nikon - D5300 DSLR Camera with F 18-140mm Lens - Black
Take crisp shots with the vibration reduction feature of this Nikon lens kit. It reduces the impact of shaky hands when images are captured, and the kit lets you create detailed videos with its high-definition recording capabilities. Shoot videos from a distance with the wide focal length lens range of this Nikon lens kit.
D5300 convinced me to leave Canon after 25 years
Customer Rating
5.0
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I've been a Canon user for more than 25 years, going back to the 35mm days and up through the whole DSLR revolution. I own multiple Canon lenses and accessories and I've taken literally hundreds of thousands of shots with Canons.
After shooting the D5300, I am selling off my Canon gear and going Nikon.
The camera feels solid and durable. Its weight is comparable to the Canon 4Ti (one of my previous issues with Nikons was their weight#. Ergonomically I prefer the Canon to the D5300 #particularly the right side# but the difference is minor . . . the D5300 just feels much better to shoot.
The real difference for me is the metering and focus. The D5300 has 39 metering points compared to the 4Ti's nine . . . what a huge difference that makes. I find that I am compensating on exposure FAR less with the Nikon than I ever had to with the Canon, and the focus gets fooled very rarely. More accurate RAW images means less post-processing and fewer bad shots, and it didn't take long for me to see the difference.
The lens that came with this kit is the 18-140, which is a terrific range for the vast majority of your shooting situations. The Nikon's 1.5 magnification factor is a little better than the Canon's 1.6 so your lower end isn't as badly affected. And the lens has the same quality feel and function as the camera. It takes beautiful shots, clear and sharp.
I also added the Sigma 10-20 lens and the Nikon 55-300 to give me the full range I need. Both of the lenses work very well #55-300 does have significant vignetting) and both were remarkably affordable - another of my gripes with Nikon is the cost of lenses, but that isn't necessarily the case any more.
The bottom line - the Nikon D5300 takes wonderful shots with accurate metering and focus, and it just feels like a better quality camera. The difference between the D5300 and the Canon 4Ti is so significant that I'm abandoning a quarter century of brand loyalty and a half dozen lenses to make the switch. THAT should tell you something.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0038079252
+41points
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Nikon - AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens - Black - Black
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55–300mm f/4.5–5.6G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens: Be ready for almost any shot with this Nikon telephoto zoom lens. Lightweight and versatile, this lens captures crisp images even from a distance, allowing you to take sports photos from the bleachers and extend your reach for landscape and wildlife photography. Vibration reduction technology smooths out images for blur-free panning and still photography.
Solid lens, sharp, some vignetting
Customer Rating
4.0
Love the build and feel of this lens . . . I've used cheap lenses before and they feel flimsy and clicky. The Nikon 55-300 is solid and smooth in its use.
Photo sharpness is very nice with this lens and I've found it to be more reliable than my comparable Canon lens. One issue I had with the Nikon, however - its photos had significant vignetting. I found this to be disappointing.
I've attached a photo that shows the vignetting, particularly in the upper corners.
Overall, this is a solid lens with good sharpness - vignetting aside, it's a bargain for a Nikon lens.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0038079252
0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
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Bose - SoundLink® Wireless Around-Ear Headphones - Black
Formerly called Bose® AE2w Bluetooth headphones, these Bose® SoundLink® around-ear headphones feature Bluetooth technology and earcup controls for simple operation of certain Apple® iPad® functions and rich wireless audio.
These are terrific headphones
Customer Rating
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Durability
5.0
What's great about it: superb sound quality, especially bass, comfort, range on wifi
What's not so great: too expensive, not noise reducing
I finally broke down and bought new Bose AE2w headphones - I've owned two other Bose headphones - AE2 an IE2 - previously and loved the sound, so I sucked it up and paid the outrageously high price to go wireless with the AE2w.
The AE2w has the same luxurious feel that I enjoyed with my wired over the ear AE2 headphones. Unlike other over the ear headsets, I can wear the AE2w for hours with no problem. I love the feel of these headphones. Truly, your ears feel like they’re being pampered. Construction of the headphones is very durable and easy to adjust. Clearly top quality.
The real test was the sound, of course. I loved the sound of the AE2 . . . unlike any other brand of headphones I’ve tried, the Bose AE2 had the warm lower range and full bass that you get with high quality speakers. Other headphones lack the depth and warmth in the bass range and instead have a “middy” sound. So I knew the AE2 had the sound quality I wanted. My concern was that the wireless AE2w wouldn’t have the same quality.
I tested the AE2w with Manheim Steamroller’s Carol of the Bells. The first 60 seconds of that song are the perfect test for highs, lows, sound separation, and clarity. The AE2w performed extremely well, just as good as the AE2. I thought the high end of the spectrum was a bit muffled, but a quick adjustment of the EQ cleaned that right up. My only other beef with the sound was volume – even when the headphones and the Ipod both are maxed in volume the music isn’t that loud. It’s loud enough for me but metal heads and volume junkies may not be satisfied.
I ran a wide range of music through the AE2w, from classical to rock to country to male/female vocalists, and they all sounded wonderful. I detected no loss of quality from what I enjoyed from the AE2. The sound was unaffected as I moved away from the Ipod, even going from second to first floors and to the other side of the house. It wasn’t until I got all the way across the house that the sound began to cut off. .I was completely happy with the range of these headphones.
Setup for the headphones was easy, in spite of the tiny print instructions in seven thousand different languages. Synching the headphones and Ipod went off seamlessly. I’ve run the headphones for over six hours and they still are going off the same charge. Every aspect of the setup and operation works beautifully.
For this price I would have liked to get noise cancelling as well as wireless capabilities.
I didn’t like the price tag so I tested a bunch of other headphones at Best Buy. I really wanted to find something else. Ultimately, out of frustration I even tried headphones that were priced the same – or even more – than the AE2w. Nothing that I tested matched the sound I get from the AE2w.
I’m frustrated to have to spend $250 on headphones to get the sound I want with wireless capabilities, but I’m truly impressed with the quality of the AE2w. If you’re willing to spend that much on headphones, I think you’ll be really happy with these.
This product has... Perfect fit, outstandng bass, durable construction, outstanding comfort, terrific wifi range, easy setup
About me... former musician, music connoisseur
I would recommend this to a friend!
How Often Used:3-5 times a week
My Best Buy number: 0038079252
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Mach Speed - Eclipse 180G2 Series 4GB* Video MP3 Player - Red
Listen to your tunes on the go with this Mach Speed Eclipse 180G2 Series video MP3 player that features 4GB* of built-in flash memory to accommodate your favorite songs. The 1.8" color LCD screen offers a clear view of photos and video.
bad product in every respect
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: WebsiteauthorDallas
from Dallas, Texas
on September 30, 2013
Durability
1.0
Sound Quality
1.0
Features
4.0
Ease of Use
1.0
What's great about it: the fact that I could return it for a refund
What's not so great: cheap materials, bad screen, bad sound, difficult to use, slow to charge
Bought this to use as an mp3 player for a wedding, so I only needed something I could load with a couple play lists and use one time. This device wasn't trustworthy for even that simple task.
It takes 6 hours to charge, which Is nuts.
It is cheaply made with flimsy buttons and a very lame screen.
It's sound is crummy even when you go through the various EQ settings.
The interface is TERRIBLE - It's not even clear how you adjust the volume on this thing, let alone build playlists, transfer files, etc. Plan to spend hours figuring this thing out, then not being happy with the sound you get from it.
I'm taking this back and spending more on an Ipod. I want the sound quality, reliability, durability and ease of use that the Eclipse lacks in every respect. Hate paying the Ipod's price but I need something I could trust.
About me... Audiophile, Tech savvy
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Apple - iPod nano® 16GB MP3 Player (7th Generation) - Silver
(673)
Apple - iPod nano® 16GB MP3 Player (7th Generation) - Blue
(965)Age Range:45 and up
Number of MP3 Players Owned:3-5
My Best Buy number: 38079252
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
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Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
good for underwater stuff, otherwise just ok
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: WebsiteauthorDallas
from Dallas, Texas
on September 7, 2013
Features
5.0
Picture Quality
4.0
What's great about it: small, easy to use, underwater capabilities
What's not so great: a little slow on focus, photo quality very good not great
I bought this camera for my fiancée to use on a cruise. She found it to be very easy to use and carry around with her. She really liked the flotation wristband while she was snorkeling.
Looking at the pictures I thought they were good if not great - several times the camera was fooled on its exposure, and since the camera shoots in JPEG only it limits your ability to correct exposures afterwards. She said the camera focused very slowly. Any camera of this type will struggle with underwater photography because of its small lens and the relatively low-light nature of the environment - this camera had a little trouble with blur and focus underwater,, but with some practice I think it could be very effective. To get more capability I think you'd have to spend a whole lot more.
Overall I think this is a really good camera to carry around as a quick point and shoot with underwater capabilities. If the underwater features aren't important, I'd probably prefer a Canon or Nikon for their better photo quality.
About me... semi-pro photographer
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 38079252
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Dynex™ - Lens Cleaning Kit - Multi
Dirt and dust on a lens can appear as annoying black spots on photos and video. Keep your lenses clean with this handy kit so that once-in-a-lifetime shot isn't ruined.
Reasonable Product
Customer Rating
4.0
What's great about it: lens solution and cloth work just fine
What's not so great: brush and air puffer are cheap
The lens cleaner works very well for the purpose it is intended - that is, for cleaning the glass at both ends of your lenses. The cloth and fluid are good; soft so it doesn't scratch the glass and it does clean off the glass very well. Small and light they travel well in the camera bag.
The puffer brush is pretty much worthless.
A little bag to hold the kit in the camera bag would be a nice addition.
I've found this package to be worth the purchase price and worth having. You'll still need a sensor cleaner for your DSLR but this kit is worthwhile.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
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WebsiteauthorDallas's Questions
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WebsiteauthorDallas's Answers
Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
battery question?
Is the NP-45 battery the same as the NP-45A battery?
According to bestbatt.com, yes.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas
Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
how big of a camera case do you need?
looki/ng to get a case for this camera;how big of a case would be needed to hold camera and
any accessories that go with it?
any accessories that go with it?
The camera is small so it requires very little space. Likewise, there are few accessories you would add to a point and shoot like this. A lens cleaner, extra battery or media card, that's about it. Even a small case that clips to your belt should be sufficient.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas
Dynex™ - Lens Cleaning Kit - Multi
Dirt and dust on a lens can appear as annoying black spots on photos and video. Keep your lenses clean with this handy kit so that once-in-a-lifetime shot isn't ruined.
Ho do I get a MSDS for the cleaning solution in Model: DX-DA101401?
I doubt that one is available, but I'd contact Dynex, the manufacturer, to see if they can provide one.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas
Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
trying to decide between the 60 and the 200, any difference in picture capability
Few people will have the chance to shoot with both cameras, so it will be tough to answer that question.
Best bet is to go to dpreviewDOTcom and look at sample pictures from both cameras.
Best bet is to go to dpreviewDOTcom and look at sample pictures from both cameras.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas
Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
Can you choose what format the files are saved (jpeg or Raw)?
I don't believe the Fuji shoots in RAW mode. It's JPEG or movie files only.
If you want RAW you pretty much have to go with a DSLR.
If you want RAW you pretty much have to go with a DSLR.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas
Fujifilm - FinePix XP60 16.4-Megapixel Digital Camera with Float Strap - Blue
Capture vivid images with this Fujifilm FinePix 600012683 digital camera, which features a 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos and 1080i videos. The rugged design resists water, freezing, shock, dust and sand for durability.Memory card sold separately.
What kind of memory card does it require?
What size of memory card does it take?
This camera uses an SD card - it shoots in JPEG so a 16GB card will be plenty unless you plan to do video. Try to go with a Class 10 card or better if you want to do video or will shoot lots of pix quickly.
10 years, 8 months ago
by
Posted by:
WebsiteauthorDallas
from
Dallas, Texas