Digital Camera

Remember the ELE Explorer action camera I reviewed a few months back ( review here )? It was one of my favorites of this year so far, but had a few issues with image colors in high-contrast scenes. ELE has since released a new camera, the ELE Explorer Pro , and I just got my hands on it courtesy of GearBest. Take a look at the full video with sample footage and read the review below for this hot camera: Features The really exciting features on this ELE are the promised gyro stabilization, powerful image sensor (Sony IMX117, although some sites report  IMX 078) and chipset (NT96660). I loved the stabilization feature on the GitUp2 (currently my favorite action camera) and I was excited to try it out on the ELE Explorer Pro. Take a look at the complete set of features below: Model: ELE Explorer Pro Camera: Sony IMX 117 sensor (Or 078?), 170 degree wide angle Screen Size: 2.0 inch Screen Type: TFT LCD（960*240） Video Compression: H.264 Video Resolution : 4K interpolated(3840*2160)15fps...

Picked up a couple of new fishing reels recently and finally compiled my thoughts on 'em. First is the SeaKnight CM3000 reel (http://goo.gl/DXs7db), which I'm using for bass and carp fishing. I have it spooled with 8lb monofilament line for now, but I'll be putting heavier line on it soon.  It comes with two spools, so I can swap lines easily. I initially bought it for $17, it's now closer to $20 but still a steal. The second is a interesting JS3000 Ming Bu reel ( http://goo.gl/uojjh0 ). It has a useful folding reel handle and I've been using it for light fishing, both saltwater and freshwater. Works great for me so far. This one was an absolute bargain at $7, but it's since gone up in price as well, closer to $15-$17.

Remember the GitUp1 action camera I reviewed several months back? I recently got to try out the latest upgrade to the GitUp series, with the GitUp2 courtesy of GearBest. Wow! I am happy to report that it blew away my expectations and has taken the premium features seen in many more expensive action cameras, and packaged it all into a very affordable package.  First, let's start with the specification. The GitUp2 the high-quality Sony Ezmor IMX206 16MP image sensory + Novatek NTK96660 chipset, a significant upgrade from the GitUp 1. This allows it to take not only high quality video (with resolution up to 2K video resolution) but also photopgraphs in up to true 16MP quality. One of the weak points of the original GitUp was the very low-quality photographs (unless you extracted individual frames from each video); the GitUp2 has rectified that problem nicely. (Continued below the jump!) The GitUp2 also rocks 1080p 60FPS resolution, in addition to the higher resolution 1440p and 2...

The a7 and a7R are identical in terms of physical design, with the main differences being the sensor and autofocus system. The a7 features a full-frame 24 megapixel CMOS, while the a7R has a 36 megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter. The a7 uses a Hybrid AF system (with on-chip phase detection) similar to the one found on the NEX-6, while the a7R has traditional contrast detection. The a7 is also capable of electronic first curtain mode, which allows for a quieter shutter, and reduces the potential for 'shutter shock' vibration; this is absent from the a7R. Both cameras use Sony's latest Bionz X processor and also have XGA electronic viewfinders, tilting LCDs, Wi-Fi, and weatherproof bodies that resemble that of the Olympus E-M1. Here's a quick summary of the differences between the a7 and a7R: As you'd expect, Sony had to come up with new lenses to take advantage of the full-frame sensors, and they'll be known as 'FE-series'. ...

How much should an action camera with 4k video cost? $200? $100? $60? How about $ 4 6 ? The Eken H9 Action Camera is simply the cheapest 4K video option on the block today. It is really shocking how the price on these action cameras has dramatically dropped just over the last year. Still, what use is a 4K camera if it doesn't hold up under use? Is the Eken H9 worth picking up? Keep reading for my full review of the Eken H9, courtesy of GearBest and check out the sample footage while fishing and hitting up local beaches in California! Features Right out of the box you will notice the Eken looks very similar to the SJ400 and associated clones. It utilizes the typical boxy form-factor that GoPro helped popularize, complete with a similar waterproof case. The LCD screen on the back is a little larger than the stock SJ4000 screen at 2 inches from corner to corner. Eken on left, SJ4000 on right The Eken comes with the usual selection of accessories: waterproof case,USB charger, wall char...

Canon PowerShot SX600 HS Though there's nothing extraordinary about it, the SX600 HS is a solid choice for snapshooters wanting a simple step up from a smartphone without sacrificing on-the-go sharing. Price: $179.00 - $234.00 Nikon Coolpix L830 With easy-to-use controls, a nice tilting LCD, and pleasing photo quality, the affordable 34x zoom Nikon Coolpix L830 is a solid pick. Price: $239.95 - $299.99 Check prices Canon PowerShot N If you can get past the supercompact design and reimagined controls, the Canon PowerShot N is a fine point-and-shoot companion for your smartphone. Price: $124.95 - $299.99 Check prices Samsung Smart Camera WB350F An affordable long-zoom point-and-shoot to supplement your smartphone photography. Price: $119.99 - $259.99 Check prices

Canon IXUS 150/Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS Sensor:  16.0 megapixels, 1/2.3-inch CCD  Lens:  8x optical zoom, 28-224mm-equivalent focal range  Screen:  2.7-inch LCD, 230,000 dots  Max continuous shooting rate:  0.8fps  Max video resolution:  HD 720p The IXUS 150 may be light on your pocket, but it isn't light on features, packing a 16-megapixel sensor and Canon's powerful Digic 4+ image processor. It'll also record HD video and there are several art filters to play with, too. It's a breeze to use as well, thanks to features like Live Mode that allows you to see the effect of setting changes in real time, plus there's a help button to explain various functions. Once you get familiar with the camera, you've also got the ability to manually tweak several settings. Unlike some cut-down compacts, the IXUS 150 doesn't sacrifice speed. It's quick to focus and you won't have to waste time waiting for the screen to clear before you can snap a...

The BlackVue Sport SC500 is a new action camera from developer Pittasoft. This powerful action cam takes aim at GoPro with an impressive set of specification, better price point, and excellent video quality. Read on for the full review, photos, videos and more! Feature s: Following are the solid specifications provided for the BlackVue Sport SC500 : Camera Pixels 12 MP Angle of View 157° Weight 72g (LCD : 22g) Size W55mm x L36.7mm x H44.2mm Sensor SONY Exmor CMOS Sensor Hardware interface Storage microSD USB 2.0 Recharging/File Transfer Buttons Power/Mode, Wi-Fi, Shutter/Choice LCD 2.0 inch Battery Capacity 3.7V, 1050mAh Running time 1080p 60/30fps : 2 hours @ 15Mbps Charging USB to computer or optional power ...

The BlackVue SC500 from Pittasoft looks like an interesting HD action camera. With a planned upcoming release (November 18th, 2013), and plenty of useful features for anglers (waterproof housing, real-time playback, 1080p at 60 fps, wide-angle 152 degrees view, and much more), this camera looks like one I'll be watching. Expect an in-depth review of this new action camera soon, with plenty of fishing footage! In the meantime, here is one of their promotional videos for this BlackVue SC500 http://youtu.be/gLCDg4cKB-c

Recently revealed at iCast 2013 are the fascinating line of Pirana Lures . At first glance, they are just another set of jerkbaits. However, a closer look will reveal some rather unique features not seen on other lures; namely, a patented Jet Trail System and a toothy set of fangs in the front (hence the "Pirana" aspect of these lures). Offered in Silver, Gold, and Green, these 0.25 oz, 3.25" fishing lures feature holographic eyes, 5 bilateral hollow gill slits, and slick, glossy finish. They feel really nice in hand and seem quite durable in use (bang 'em up on several rocks and concrete during mis-casts with no obvious damage done). Each lure comes separately packaged, carefully packed in a manner more reminiscent of high-dollar Japanese baits. In the water, the Jet Trail System results in a unique bubble trail as the lure is initially retrieved or jerked below the surface. This "JTS" design features multiple open gill slits along both sides of the lure. ...