MAMA's Techno-Geek Thread

[blalor]

That's a really good idea. I've seen some carputer setups that "read" the Valentine One display and, along with location from the GPS, can keep historical data of what the radar detector's doing where. Theoretically you could mute the detector under normal circumstances, but go ape**** when a cop's hiding amongst the other signals!

[jwardell]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung (original)

Just got an email from Verizon that my FiOS has been upgraded, from 15/2 to 20/5 (DL/UL), and no increase in monthly.

Of course, they're the theoretical maximum, but uploading my pics to albums, and to online printers just got faster

I think I posted about that a few months ago when I did it. But the price does increase from $45 to $49.
The speeds are not theoretical at all. I've even attained speeds slightly higher with speed tests.

[Oldpaint]

Getting back to your gps question. I had the opportunity to use both a TomTom and Garmin on the Labrador trip. Both for hundreds of miles.

The Garmin had better maps than the Tom Tom in remote Quebec and Labrador by far. No comparison. The TomTom maps were not even close with the latest version.

The Garmin also had some nice trip computer type functions.

However, If you are in an area that the TomTom maps cover well, like the United States, the TomTom provides better information about upcoming curves. Even though the Garmin has an adjustable zoom for viewing the road, I could never get it quite right for judging the severity of the curves.

The Garmin does have a car outline as the pointer, so driving is really like a real time video game. Try to keep the little car on the line.

[Aqualung]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

I think I posted about that a few months ago when I did it. But the price does increase from $45 to $49.
The speeds are not theoretical at all. I've even attained speeds slightly higher with speed tests.

Interesting, I've had FiOS for over a year, and just got this notice, so maybe it took awhile to upgrade my area....and according to the letter, I won't see a price increase.

I've seen the 15 sometimes, except when going to the West Coast....which is usually lower.

here's a test tonight, to Miami

and a test to San Francisco

[GadgetGav]

Here's my test to Miami
And San Fransisco

Seems slow tonight...

[blalor]

Canon released an updated to the 1D, the Mark aiee!-aiee!-aiee!

Canon EOS-1D Mark III, 10 mp, 10 fps: Digital Photography Review

One of the new features is a live preview; pretty cool! I hope that'll trickle down in the future to the cheaper models. It would also appear they've tapped one of the Stig's family members to model it.

[jwardell]

The live view most likely requires a second CCD, up in the prism; added cost may keep that feature in only the high end SLRs. After 2 or 3 more generations though, competition may make them include that in all.

Interesting in the 580 EX II description: "A new Off-Camera Shoe Cord, Compact Battery Pack and Speedlite Bracket (also released today)" ...the off-camera shoe cord is one accessory I've been meaning to get. I wonder what's changed.

[Pamlico]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

The live view most likely requires a second CCD, up in the prism; added cost may keep that feature in only the high end SLRs. After 2 or 3 more generations though, competition may make them include that in all.

I recall reading an article about a year or so ago where some company, I think Canon, had released a camera in Japan that used a semi-transparent mirror in the prism to allow real time viewing on the LCD screen as well as through the viewfinder. While it apparently worked, neither image was especially impressive and was dimmer than normally observed. Unless they've incorporated some sort of amplification the second CCD seems to be the solution.

[cyclotouriste]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

If you had a life you wouldn't be reading this thread.
At least I can get a biking partner without creating a second name to fake a companion.

I most strenuously object! There is no need for the great Cyclotouriste to create such a pestilent proxy as the limp-wristed Flouriste to have a conversation or a cycling partner. I'll have you know I've had numerous inquiries as to my availability for cycling tours of the White Mountains and other environs in the Northeast and upstate New York. Many people have asked when and where I will be cycling, so that they may visit with me along the route.
You sir, are a lowly poltroon, in desperate need of a real life!

[psychoflouriste]

Quote: Originally Posted by cyclotouriste (original)

the limp-wristed Flouriste

Keep it up bucko. You will find youself on the front page of Advocate.Com.
Next time I see you-and it will be soon-I am going to slap you silly.Right out of oyuer skintinght biking shorts.

[snid]

That's hot?

[GadgetGav]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

The live view most likely requires a second CCD, up in the prism; added cost may keep that feature in only the high end SLRs. After 2 or 3 more generations though, competition may make them include that in all.

Interesting in the 580 EX II description: "A new Off-Camera Shoe Cord, Compact Battery Pack and Speedlite Bracket (also released today)" ...the off-camera shoe cord is one accessory I've been meaning to get. I wonder what's changed.

Doesn't the metering already rely on at least some part of the mirror being semi-reflective?
I'd go with Pamlico's speculation that it's something like that. They tout the live view as being useful when shooting from an awkward position, but since the LCD is still fixed to the camera back and can't tilt and swivel like a point and shoot, I'd think it has limited usefulness...
Also, what's with the top of the line camera going down from a full frame to APS-H (and what's that anyway) size sensor..? Now there's a 1.3 mag factor on the 1D... that seems like a step backwards.

Waiting to see what the 40D holds...

[Actual Size]

Hey...I used to have one of these...

Canon Pellix Camera

[Pamlico]

I've got an early Digital Rebel (300D or Kiss Digital depending upon your county of residence) - takes nice pics, but I'm not enamored of the 1.6 x nominal focal length correction for the lens. I'm in the crowd waiting for a reasonable priced full frame CMOS system so I can get the ultra wide lens I'd like.

[blalor]

I'm pretty happy with my Canon 10-22mm lens. I agree it'd be nice to have a full-frame sensor, but I don't think it's as much of a handicap as it was a couple of years ago.