ARCWuLF
ARCWuLF's Stats
- Review Count5
- Helpfulness Votes22
- First ReviewMarch 19, 2015
- Last ReviewSeptember 24, 2016
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating5
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 Count12
- Helpfulness Votes9
- First AnswerMarch 19, 2015
- Last AnswerSeptember 24, 2016
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers3
ARCWuLF's Reviews
Logitech - C920 Pro Webcam - Black
Stay connected with this Logitech C920 Pro webcam that features 1080p resolution when video chatting via Skype and 15.0-megapixel still image capture for crisp visuals. The built-in microphone offers stereo sound for video chatting with loved ones.
Great little camera for the money
Customer Rating
5.0
Let me get this out of the way: This is BY FAR the best dedicated web-cam I have ever used. This is the second of these Logitech web cams that I've purchased, and the price just dropped so it's an even better value than before! If you're looking to shoot 1080p HD video from your computer for game streaming, YouTube, or whatever, you could do a lot worse than this camera. Bear in mind that this isn't a $500+ DSLR and as such doesn't quite have the picture quality; but the only real downside I have experienced with these cameras is that the footage looks a little washed out in good lighting, and it takes a little bit of tweaking (both with the capture software and your editing software) to get it looking just right. Still, even in low light it will give you a working image at a passable framerate, and even has a decent built-in stereo microphone if you need it (though the capture software included also lets you use other microphones connected to your computer).
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
Share this review:
SanDisk - Ultra PLUS 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
Add storage to your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra Plus microSDXC memory card that features a 64GB capacity for ample space to hold your photos and videos. The rugged design resists damage caused by water, shock, extreme temperatures and more.
A terrific card for very little money.
Customer Rating
5.0
I often use these cards to shoot in 1080p HD video, and they're fast enough to work really well. They're not fast enough for say, sports photography or 4k video, but for everyday use they work just fine and have an extremely low failure rate (I don't think I've ever had a SanDIsk silver or gold card go bad on me, can't say the same for PNY).
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Zoom - H4n Handy Recorder - Silver
Don't miss a word with this Zoom Handy H4NSP recorder, which records up to 4 tracks simultaneously with the built-in X/Y microphone, which can be adjusted between 90° and 120°. The large, 1.9" backlit LCD offers a clear view of settings.
A great add-on for the budget videographer
Customer Rating
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Let's get this out of the way right now: I'm not a "sound guy," and I'm sure that there are many other better (more expensive) options for sound. However, even given my limited budget I am not completely unfamiliar with sound editing. I have been using a Zoom H1 at work for the last couple of years, but I wanted something with a little more oomph for my own projects, so I upgraded to the Zoom H4. I will be comparing the two throughout this review, so bear in mind that I am not coming at this from a completely fresh perspective.
PROS:
Even though the H4 costs nearly twice as much as the H1, they balance out in some ways. For example, they both feature pretty good stereo sound capture from the built-in microphones. They both allow for an external input for recording, and they both allow you to connect a pair of headphones to listen to the sound as you record. If you want, you can use the headphone jack via a male-to-male stereo 1/8" audio cable to connect to a camera's microphone input (I typically use a Canon EOS Rebel T5i). Whereas the H1 only features a single simple stereo input, the H4 also features two XLR microphone connectors which gives it far more versatility. The H4 also features a more active display for greater visual feedback as you record, which is a step up from the H1. More buttons and switches allow you to have more direct control over the quality of your audio when using the H4 instead of the H1. Best of all, if you're just using it to dictate or record conversations, the H4 has a built-in mono speaker for playback, which the H1 lacks. Both the H1 and the H4 can be used as high-quality USB microphones when connected to a PC, just remember to use a pop shield. The H4 has a standard size SDXC card slot, while the H1 only has a micro SDXC slot, which makes it a little more attractive when looking for a blank card to record to (I've been getting a lot use from my old class 4 SDHC cards that are too slow for my DSLR cameras).
CONS:
The H4 is considerably heavier than the H1, which will add more bulk to your recording setup. Even though the H4 takes two AA batteries (as opposed to the H1's single AA), it drains them really quickly -- you'll get more uptime from the H1 even though it uses less power. The flatter, more rectangular shape of the H4 makes wind screens difficult to find, and when you do they don't always fit the best (plus the H1's slimmer profile makes it easier to fit inside a zeppelin enclosure). My biggest complaint about the H4 as opposed to the H1 is that the tripod mount is too shallow -- you can't get enough of the threading into the H4 to give it a stable base. This can be corrected using some washers around the mounting screw, and I suspect it is because the H4 is so jam-packed full of features that they couldn't make the hole any deeper, but it is really inconvenient at times, especially since... the external "line in" port is located on the bottom of the unit. This means that if you want to use a simple wired lapel mic or audio line to record, tripod mounting is pretty much a necessity so that you don't bend the wires or damage the unit. Because there is only one stereo output, if you have the H4 connected directly to a camera you can no longer listen to the audio as you record, which can be a problem (though in fairness, the H1 has this flaw too).
The H4 is considerably heavier than the H1, which will add more bulk to your recording setup. Even though the H4 takes two AA batteries (as opposed to the H1's single AA), it drains them really quickly -- you'll get more uptime from the H1 even though it uses less power. The flatter, more rectangular shape of the H4 makes wind screens difficult to find, and when you do they don't always fit the best (plus the H1's slimmer profile makes it easier to fit inside a zeppelin enclosure). My biggest complaint about the H4 as opposed to the H1 is that the tripod mount is too shallow -- you can't get enough of the threading into the H4 to give it a stable base. This can be corrected using some washers around the mounting screw, and I suspect it is because the H4 is so jam-packed full of features that they couldn't make the hole any deeper, but it is really inconvenient at times, especially since... the external "line in" port is located on the bottom of the unit. This means that if you want to use a simple wired lapel mic or audio line to record, tripod mounting is pretty much a necessity so that you don't bend the wires or damage the unit. Because there is only one stereo output, if you have the H4 connected directly to a camera you can no longer listen to the audio as you record, which can be a problem (though in fairness, the H1 has this flaw too).
CONCLUSION:
For the nearly $200 I spent on this recorder, I am extremely happy with it. It's considerably more professional than a normal audio recorder, it's a lot easier than lugging a trunk full of professional sound gear out on shoots, it's small enough that you could carry it with you in a backpack or camera bag, and it's much better than using even the best consumer-grade camera's on-board microphone. If you already own the H1 and aren't sure whether to upgrade, it's a toss-up, but if you are looking for your first audio recorder and are trying to decide, I recommend going for the H4.
For the nearly $200 I spent on this recorder, I am extremely happy with it. It's considerably more professional than a normal audio recorder, it's a lot easier than lugging a trunk full of professional sound gear out on shoots, it's small enough that you could carry it with you in a backpack or camera bag, and it's much better than using even the best consumer-grade camera's on-board microphone. If you already own the H1 and aren't sure whether to upgrade, it's a toss-up, but if you are looking for your first audio recorder and are trying to decide, I recommend going for the H4.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
+11points
11out of 11found this review helpful.
Share this review:
SanDisk - Ultra PLUS 32GB SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
With a 32GB storage capacity, this SanDisk Ultra Plus SDSDUSC-032G-AN6IN SDHC memory card features ample space to store your photos, high-definition videos and other content.
A great card for a questionable price
Customer Rating
5.0
Please note that when I purchased this card, it was on sale at Best Buy for about half their normal price. I say this, because half their normal price still seems to be high compared with everywhere else I buy these cards from (for the record, SanDisk 48mbps Ultra Plus "Silver" cards). I purchase these cards because they are fast enough for HD video and I've never had one go bad on me (which I can't say about their "gold" micro SD cards). I never delete these cards, even after I've backed the pictures up on a hard drive, so I'm very price-conscious about them.
I was there (at the Best Buy in Millcreek, Erie, PA) buying a tripod, and on my way to a shoot, so I picked one up for the convenience. The next time I went to the store, I was floored by how much they were overcharging for them (almost $70 opposed to $30 everywhere else), so when I filled out the survey they sent me for that trip I let them know that the outrageous price kept me from buying again. This led to a personal call from the store's manager who was a little irate that I didn't ask about price matching, which they do. I apologized for not asking about this, and then proceeded to exclaim that when I am looking for a product such as this I usually buy for convenience, and having to talk to an employee, get another store's advertisement or waiting for the employee to call and get that information was definitely NOT convenient.
I'm not trying to disparage Best Buy, and I'm certainly not going to complain about the quality of this very reliable memory card. All that I'm saying is check the price before you purchase - if enough people are aware then maybe Best Buy will change its suggested retail price to match y'know, reality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Sunpak - UltraPRO 65" Tripod - Black
Capture steady footage and photographs with this Sunpak UltraPRO 620-423-UPG tripod that features a pistol-grip ball head, so you can easily follow movement and precisely frame your shots. The lightweight carbon fiber material offers durability.
Excellent tripod for the budding video newbie
Customer Rating
5.0
Lets get this out of the way right now: if you're a pro, you've probably already invested in better. If you're a wet-behind-the-ears beginner, you're going to be intimidated by the price. If you're an intermediate who has been looking for a good all-around workhorse, this is your tripod.
I shopped around before I settled on this model. The similarly-sized and featured Manfrotto tripods were much too flimsy, and I've had my fill of cheap Targus units that shake when my DSLR is attached. I don't have the largest budget to work with, so I went to go see this one in person at the nearest Best Buy, and I'm so glad I did!
This is the heaviest tripod I own, which makes it a burden to hike with, but if you want a great stable surface to shoot pictures or video with you could do a LOT worse. Carbon fiber construction gives this thing almost zero shake even in high wind. The included (and replaceable) ball-grip head makes panning a snap and holds position even with a DSLR camera that has been equipped with a battery grip and larger-than standard lens (I wouldn't trust it with a bulky zoom lens though -- something could get damaged). The legs have a cushion wrapped around the top section making it easy to grip. The leg hinges have a "manual override" that allows you to spread them past the normal tripod stance to get even lower angles, and the center column comes out so that you can replace it with a shorter one (included) to get the camera even closer to the floor. Levels on the base and on the head make it easy to get a starting position. Lastly, the rubber feet on the tripod screw up to reveal stainless steel spikes, which gives it extra grip on ice and dirt.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
My Best Buy number: 0778699598
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
ARCWuLF's Questions
ARCWuLF has not submitted any questions.
What is the benefit of an 18-55mm DSLR cameral lens over an 18-135mm lens? It seems like the 135 would be a lot more flexible.
In short, it depends on the lens. For example, Canon typically includes an 18-55mm lens with their DSLR cameras, but it's not always the best quality lens, and there a LOT of factors to consider when you're looking to upgrade. The price of the lens has a lot to do with the quality of the glass (which effects how much light travels through it), what sort of features the lens has (image stabilization, auto focus, etc.), and of course, if it zooms and how much it zooms to.
While an 18-135mm lens might seem like a logical choice, these lenses usually have a high amount of distortion at the longer focal distances. If the lens is rated with a high F-stop you will need to keep the camera steady and keep the shutter open for a long time just to have the images come out less blurry (your chances of zero blur are pretty slim), and if you're trying to capture moving subjects like people or animals, well... forget about it. With a low quality lens at 135mm, your images will most likely come out blurry, with lots of "noise" (artifacts in the image due to the camera increasing the capture speed to compensate for less light), and (in my experience) a weird purple sheen.
That's not to say that there aren't professional 135mm lenses out there that will do the job, but I am assuming that you're not considering shelling out $5000-$10,000 for a lens quite yet (if you are, more power to you). If you don't want to shell out that kind of cash, I recommend buying the 18-55mm to start, and later supplementing it with an affordable fixed (not a "zoom") long-focus lens with a low F-stop rating.
While an 18-135mm lens might seem like a logical choice, these lenses usually have a high amount of distortion at the longer focal distances. If the lens is rated with a high F-stop you will need to keep the camera steady and keep the shutter open for a long time just to have the images come out less blurry (your chances of zero blur are pretty slim), and if you're trying to capture moving subjects like people or animals, well... forget about it. With a low quality lens at 135mm, your images will most likely come out blurry, with lots of "noise" (artifacts in the image due to the camera increasing the capture speed to compensate for less light), and (in my experience) a weird purple sheen.
That's not to say that there aren't professional 135mm lenses out there that will do the job, but I am assuming that you're not considering shelling out $5000-$10,000 for a lens quite yet (if you are, more power to you). If you don't want to shell out that kind of cash, I recommend buying the 18-55mm to start, and later supplementing it with an affordable fixed (not a "zoom") long-focus lens with a low F-stop rating.
9 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
ARCWuLF
from
Warren, PA
SanDisk - Ultra 64GB microSDXC Class 10 Memory Card
Easily store and access your media with this 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC Class 10 memory card that includes a SD/SDHC adapter to provide expanded compatibility options.
1 corrupt music file stopping me from re-formatting card?
starts reformatting and when it's almost done,freezes and says corrupt file,then get into card to delete bad file and will not delete.any ideas now?
I had a similar problem with a SanDIsk Ultra "Gold" 32GB microSDXC card. Unfortunately, you're probably going to have to replace it - the semiconductors in the older SanDisk microSDXC cards degrade pretty fast I've found. I stopped buying them because of their unreliability. I don't know if the new ones are any better.
You may be able to get a disk manager for your computer that can find the bad memory sectors and partition around them, but that's JUST a long shot and you have to be fairly technically-minded to figure it out.
You may be able to get a disk manager for your computer that can find the bad memory sectors and partition around them, but that's JUST a long shot and you have to be fairly technically-minded to figure it out.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
ARCWuLF
from
Warren, PA