Digital prosumer cameras are very convenient and rather small and compact cameras that have a great potential as part of the basic birding equipment. Normally we think of cameras for birders like with big telephoto lenses on digital single lens reflex cameras.

These are still the optimal camera equipment for real bird photographers. But for the many birders who are keener on observing the birds without breaking the back – or breaking the bank – the modern prosumer cameras come in very handy.

In the following article I will offer you my own experience from using a number of rather small digital super zoom cameras and highlight the qualities you should look for when deciding what kind of camera to buy for your birding activities. But first let us see the camera as a part of the birders total equipment.

The camera as part of the birder’s equipment

When we go birding we bring the following equipment:

– binoculars for birding

– our bird note book

– a bird field guide book

– food and drinks according to the length of the trip and character of the birding location

– rain coat or whatever extra protection might be needed

Some birders also bring:

– a telescope for birding

– a stable tripod for the telescope

– a map and other equipment facilitating the observations

– mobile phone / smart phone to be in contact with other birders

– electronic devices to replay bird songs or to make play backs to call the birds, or to record our findings

– a small chair if you expect to sit and observe the birds for a longer time

– camera equipment

– first aid kit

– other tools and items of convenience

– all typically packed in a backpack.

If bird photography is your main passion when going birding then the bulk of your camera gear would probably be the most heavy to carry and handle of your total equipment. But for the birder – man or woman alike – the convenience of being able to move around fast and silent without fatigue might be more important. So let us see what the birder needs from a suitable camera to carry on for every birding trip.

Requirements for a camera for birders

No need to say that these days a digital camera is a must. With a digital camera you can take 1000 frames and throw 990 away and it will not cost you anything extra even with this extraordinary waste. This is not just speculation, as all bird photographers will know we make a lot of bird pictures that are not sharp or not good from other criteria and we have to through them away.

But in fact we will want to use the camera for many kinds of bird motives:

Taking pictures of:

– standing individual birds on the ground, in vegetation, on the water or elsewhere

– flocks of birds on the ground or flying in the air

– birds doing their specific behaviour

– bird’s nets

– found dead birds

– found bird feathers etc.

– close-ups of birds cached for bird ringing by others (or ourselves)

– bird habitats

– displays at bird sanctuaries and natural parks

– local maps displayed at birding locations

– fellow birders and friends on the trip

A so-called prosumer camera with a long zoom lens should be able to provide you with all these opportunities. Compared to a big single lens reflex camera equipment these different kinds of pictures would require at least 2- 3 interchangeable lenses to use on the camera body.

What is a prosumer camera?

Among camera producers the different segments of potential camera buyers are divided into the professional photographer segment and the consumer segment. We are all to be regarded as common consumers for areas that are not our occupation area.

With the wording prosumer camera the understanding is cameras of rather professional quality but expected to be bought by consumers who are more serious with their photography than the mainstream consumer.

Essential this means that prosumer cameras are very capable cameras with plenty of options and very good picture quality. To be accessible for the not-professional kinds of comsumers the pricing needs to be rather low compared to full-fledged big camera systems.

The capacity of prosumer cameras As a bird watcher who is also doing professional stock photography I know these distinctions rather well. As an author of a number of published printed books I have with full satisfaction made use of digital pictures from prosumer cameras and even from less sophisticated cameras. This tells me that these kinds of digital cameras – if treated well – are very capable of producing pictures for quality printing; at least when the printing is for normal book size pictures.

Prosumer cameras for birders

When we discuss prosumer cameras for us birders we have to be more selective. As mentioned we need a camera with a lot of options build in. The most important will be long zoom range. When I started bird photography for a generation ago, the standard lens for a 24×36 mm single lines reflex camera was a 400 mm, focus 5.6 telephoto lens.

These were rather expensive lenses for a normal household budget. A 400 mm tele photo lens would give a magnification of 8 times compared to the standard lens of 50 mm.

When we talk about modern digital cameras this is a rather small magnification. The camera manufacture will often display the exact magnification in all promotion material for the camera.

For Olympus SP-800 UZ it is 30× magnification but be aware that is measured from the wide level of the zoom (28 mm) to the long tele photo reach (840 mm) here mentioned as 35 mm film camera equivalent.

As impressive such data is do not be fooled by this aspect of the lens in itself. It is next to impossible to keep such a camera steady when using the longest zoom function. And even with a good tripod and optimum photo conditions you might not be able to take your dream shot of your seldom bird or whatever in your mind.

On the other hand most of these super zoom cameras now come with lens stabilisers that will help you 2-4 f.-stops to avoid hand shake.

Such cameras are often in trouble when focussing on rather small items in low light or with less contrast when using the full zoom.

To take sharp pictures of birds in flight is often impossible with these small and convenient cameras.

The camera models are becoming better and better to take pictures in high ISO settings with a low noise level. Luckily, every year these aspects are being improved.

To feel comfortable with your prosumer camera for birding you might want to get a new camera model every second year to feel you have the best equipment for your bird watching.

Tips & Tricks For Photographing an Exterior BPO

1. Order of operations

Generally, you should complete the report portion of the exterior Broker Price Opinion after taking photographs of the home. Implementation of this method will result in a more accurate as-is value if you personally observe the home and neighborhood prior to performing the report. In addition, the inspection will also be fresh in your memory.

2. Avoid confrontation

The bank may have ordered a BPO on an occupied property but the people are most likely unaware that you will be taking pictures of their house. Any typical homeowner or renter would get suspicious if they notice you taking pictures. To minimize confrontation, you should be discreet and stay in the vehicle unless approached. If this doesn’t remain an option, the best thing for you to do is simply explain who you are and what you are doing to ease any concern. If you ever feel you are in a threatening situation, leave the property immediately.

3. Carry business cards

It is impossible to perform every exterior BPO without confrontation from curious onlookers. It’s simply going to happen. The business card works like a get out of jail free card. If you hand it to them while you explain you’re performing an exterior BPO for the bank that’s usually the beginning and end of the conversation. Most homeowners don’t have a clue what an exterior BPO is anyway.

4. Purchase a quality camera

A camera or smartphone which features at least 30x zoom (3x optical and 10x digital) should be optimal. This will enable you to zoom in on a home address. Any houses that are set on a deep lot will be easier to photograph as well. If the photo is too small or unclear, the valuation company will request a new photo be taken at your time and expense. Save yourself the hassle.

5. Do not take pictures of people

Valuation firms consider this unprofessional and will request new photos or Photoshop editing. People in the picture could present racial/religious/gender bias when determining home values, which is illegal.

6. Take note of visible damages

Boarded windows, outdated roofing, and peeling paint are a few examples. An exterior BPO can normally pass quality controls without needing to identify repairs. However, the lender will want to see the report reflect what is visible in the pictures. Repairs will ultimately affect the as-is value of the exterior BPO so they should be added when necessary.

7. Selecting comparables

To perform an exterior BPO report you must search for six comparable homes (comps) in the immediate area of the subject. Three comps must be sale comps; the other three must be listing comps. The selection of comps is determined using a variety of similarities to the subject property. These similarities may include size, age, and location to name a few. Price is the one statistic not taken into consideration when choosing comps. Predetermining a value is not wise since it would create a biased report.

Following these easy steps will help you go from a Broker Price Opinion amateur to expert in no time.

As you rush to catch your breath at the end of your day, how many of you realize that you’re (stuck) in the fast lane? A whole lot of rushing around, more hurry-hurry-WAIT- going no where fast, and at the end of the day, there ain’t a lot left to give?

This phenomenon of American’s living life at this break neck pace is a lethal way to live. When predictions consistently read that 80% of modern illness or diseases are stress related, many of these conditions are related to lifestyle/eating habits! Shouldn’t we all be choking on the smell of burnt coffee? At least ask yourselves: is this really how I want to live? Is this how I want my family to live? How I want my family to see me? What I want to teach my kids?

These topics beg a broader question of awareness: much like the old joke where the patient shows up at the doctor’s office with pain in his left arm, crying, “Doctor, it hurts when I touch here!” Of course, “Well, then don’t touch there!” gets us all rolling on the floor over the hilarity of the doctor’s apt retort to the patient’s foolishness.

Awareness brings a double-edged sword to the table. You can live with many select layers of awareness. But with greater awareness you can learn phenomenal things. As you learn, you can change. As you change you can grow more deeply. This is how you can live with deeper appreciation of what you DO have, and of the trials before you, to recognize that life in the fast lane is a choice. Sure, some days, it is truly inevitable. But how many times do you mistake today’s TO DO list for a MUST DO or DIE list? Survey says: You are not alone!

What would really happen if you didn’t get the TO DO list eliminated and off your plate? How would you actually feel to release the hold of stress over you? The truth is the world would still spin, you would still get paid the same, and if you were aware of your true efforts, perhaps you could let yourself off the hook if the results of those efforts did not show up immediately.

If you cannot enjoy the fruits of your labors, what is the point exactly? If you value your family above all else, but work 80 hours a week, where is the value for them? Or for you? Perhaps unknowingly you value the appearance that more stress means greater success? Simply because the neighbors, or other family are out of their minds with stress means you should be too? It is a quandary that Americans seem addicted to. Yet the stress of trying to squeeze so much into 24 hours is, literally, killing us.

You have innumerable choices daily, and as you ponder your options or your pace, remember to breathe to clear and calm the mind…or slow down so you can breathe and feel the present that is the gift of today. If it sounds too simple to be true, see what happens when you keep yourself (and your mind) open to the possibilities. Surprises are meant to bring us the unexpected. Embracing the unknown is an incredible way to step into the greater power of inner peace.

Namaste’

Are you on the lookout for the best possible running shoes that will help you achieve the maximum possible speed? Lots of people who want good running shoes look no further than Nike Air shoes. These shoes have been designed specifically for people who run a lot and there have been various versions of them right from the time the first version was launched in the 1970s. Even so, it is best to read reviews about any product before you buy it so that you can be certain that you have the right product.

There are many different types of Nike Air shoes designed for different purposes. They include Nike Air, Air Max, Zoom Air and Nike Tuned Air. However, they have certain features in common. The biggest advantage of Nike Air shoes comes from its design that gives maximum cushioning. The shoe has been specially designed to have tubes in its soles that permit a great deal of air under the foot. The purpose of this is to increase resilience and ensure that the runner gets the maximum help from the shoe when his or her foot strikes the ground and takes off.

Another major benefit offered by the shoe comes from the specially designed mesh upper. The shoes gives plenty of ventilation to the foot whilst also providing it with the necessary support. The upper of the shoe is made of a special type of foam that adjusts to the shape of the foot. It is also very light on account of having plenty of perforations. Light shoes require less effort from the runner. The shoe is also provided with a rubber outsole that has a waffle pattern. This gives the user a lot of traction. The shoe is also very durable as a result of this.

Even though these shoes are technologically advanced, they do have certain drawbacks. The most obvious one is that the front part of the shoes tends to have a rounded toe shape that can be fairly unwieldy. Users also take a bit of time to get used to the heel to toe transition that the shoe offers. In fact, first time users tend to feel that the shoe is very bouncy but they get accustomed to it fairly quickly. This is without doubt a very costly shoe but people who need to achieve a lot of speed when running are generally willing to buy these shoes.

CCTV surveillance systems play an important role in fighting and preventing local and international crime. These closed circuit television systems were in place in London before the July 7th bombings and this footage is being used to identify suspects and investigate the attacks.

Besides fighting terrorism, CCTV security systems installed in public places or retail markets can deter crime, provide the police with leads, help citizens feel safer, and improve the economy of a crime-stricken area. Most CCTV systems have now gone digital for improved performance, surveillance camera maneuverability, and quicker feedback as compared to analog systems.

Implementing CCTV systems

Law enforcement or security professionals best support CCTV systems. These teams of professionals need to monitor the CCTV video evidence on a timely basis and they need to be properly trained in order to interpret suspicious behavior caught on the system. When all of these factors are in place, then the CCTV security system will be effective for keeping citizens and shoppers safe.

In the case of some municipalities or businesses not being able to afford all of the necessary components of a CCTV system, many CCTV providers can recommend a scalable approach so that priority security needs may be addressed first. Then, additional surveillance cameras can be purchased in succeeding years as the budget allows.

Digital CCTV systems and surveillance cameras

A modern digital CCTV security system consists of hardware and software components that collect and transmit vital surveillance camera information over fiber optic lines to control rooms staffed by security professionals and equipped with digital CCTV monitors. An example of the surveillance cameras used for reducing crime in LA’s MacArthur Park include CyberDome DayNite 25X cameras equipped with removable infrared cut filters, 25x optical zoom lenses, 12x digital zoom capabilities, and 360-degree PTZ (pan tilt zoom) capabilities. This MacArthur Park system also includes GE Storesafe DVRs (digital video recorders) and GE KTD-405 keypad controllers. DVRs are capable of saving CCTV data to a PC for up to ten weeks of recording and some even feature motion detection technology, which means that the footage is only recorded when motion triggers the DVR system.

Digital surveillance cameras range in type from compact, fixed cameras to direction-controlled models that can see in the dark under various lighting conditions. CCTV decision-makers need to know what kind of job each surveillance camera must fulfill. Will it watch the flow of passersby (fixed cameras) or will it need to monitor a crime-targeted area (dome cameras with PTZ functions)? These video security managers also need to consider weatherproofing their surveillance cameras if the cameras are mounted in an especially hot or cold climate, or if the viewing fields could be obscured by dirt or dust.

What kind of crimes do CCTV systems prevent?

Evidence has shown that CCTV systems mostly deter property crimes and robberies, but not more violent crimes such as rape and aggravated assault. CCTV systems may not catch these crimes because they may occur away from the surveillance cameras in more deserted areas. Fortunately in most situations, when a CCTV system is in place, criminals generally shy away from these monitored areas fearing prosecution since these recorded images can be used in court. As noted previously, in order for a CCTV system to be effective, the electronic system must be used in conjunction with human know-how and skills and it should be carefully integrated into existing security plans.

CCTV: Looking ahead

In the next few years, digital CCTV systems will evolve into wireless CCTV systems that employ GSM (global system for mobile communication) or 3G (third generation) connections. These wireless systems are completely portable and can deliver live images to a PC, an Internet phone, or a laptop. The cameras are tiny, but include many of the sophisticated features of full size digital CCTV cameras. CCTV customers are also seeking IP-based solutions with LAN/WAN delivery options despite some lags in the technology’s image quality and frame rate. “Make no mistake about it, the future is wireless,” says Thomas M. Wade, president of Samsung CCTV. “We’ll be pushing crime-related images to police cars in the future. Imagine an abduction or robbery in which the responding units are seeing the video and the suspects as they are rolling to the scene. It’s all possible and it is the general direction of the industry.”

There is also talk of linking CCTV cameras together to form a worldwide network to prevent terrorism, but this international surveillance system would cost billions of dollars and would require extensive international cooperation.

Copyright © 2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

Many of us baby boomers had active and social lives before the coronavirus pandemic abruptly interrupted our routines. With social distancing and quarantining to help curb the spread of the virus, it’s easy to feel lonely, isolated, and depressed. What can we do?

Just because we can’t physically be with each other doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected and socialize safely – which isn’t too difficult, thanks to technology. We can still manage to have some fun instead of wasting away here in Coronaville.

If you aren’t up-to-date with the latest offerings that assist with socializing virtually, here are some options:

* If you haven’t started using Zoom, it’s pretty amazing and allows you to host up to 100 people. On a budget? They have a free plan that allows you an unlimited number of meetings as long as you keep each meeting no longer than 40 minutes.

* Houseparty is a free app that allows eight people on a video call at once. You’ll find fun activities to do with your friends once you’ve joined. For example, you can play games such as entertainment trivia or play music.

* Marco Polo lets you send messages that are only a few seconds long. But unlike Snapchat, the app saves videos so you can have a running conversation with your friend or a group of friends.

* Of course, there’s still Facetime – which now can host up to 32 people (if everyone has the latest iOS), Google Hangouts, and Skype.

Okay, so let’s say you’re set up to go. Not sure how to entertain virtually? Or maybe you dread making conversations in virtual social settings? Here are some great ideas to help you:

Host a Virtual Happy Hour

Virtual happy hours can bring back some normalcy and fun to our lives while giving us something to look forward to during these difficult days. My husband and I were recently invited to one and were surprised at how relaxing this virtual social event can be. The host had everyone make their favorite drink and then share the recipe with the other guests. We also shared tips on how to get through the pandemic. One couple explained how they do their grocery shopping online through Instacart – which I hadn’t heard about before. Another explained that there was a Secret “Touch Up” Filter on Zoom that helps you look better (my vanity loved this tip!).

Need some icebreakers? Start off with a virtual check-in to see how everyone is doing. What Netflix show are they bingeing on while in quarantine? What movies or books would they recommend? What great podcast have they discovered? What new music have they come across? What workout videos inspire them?

Or have guests give a virtual tour of the room they’re calling from and point out something fascinating. Maybe it’s a souvenir from another country, a treasure from childhood, or a manuscript of a book they’ve started writing. Once people have had a drink, maybe they’d be willing to share the most embarrassing item of clothing they wear while quarantined. Or share hidden talents. Can they touch their tongue to their nose or wiggle their ears? That’s always good for a laugh! Want to put everyone in a cheerful mood? Ask people what their first trip or vacation will be once everything returns to normal.

Do a Workout Video with a Friend on Zoom

Feeling uninspired to exercise? Used to working out in a group setting at the gym? There are plenty of YouTube channels, like Fitness Blender, teeming with free at-home workouts. Invite a friend or two to join you on Zoom and click on the share screen button. Websites like Orangetheory offer daily free workouts. Many fitness studios like Retro Fitness have also started live-streaming workout classes for free on Facebook.

Enjoy Virtual Movie Nights

You can also use Zoom’s shared screen function to watch a movie together with friends. Or try Netflix Party, an extension that lets multiple Netflix users watch a show together from different locations. It synchronizes your video and has a group chat function letting you swap commentary.

If that’s too much technology for you, agree to watch the same movie or show and hop on the phone, Skype, or FaceTime to discuss afterwards.

Host a Virtual Dinner with Friends

Since restaurants have been off limits, my husband and I offered to pick up some take-out from a local restaurant and dropped it off at our friend’s door. We then hooked up on Zoom to have dinner together virtually, complete with a white tablecloth, flowers, and candles.

Prefer to cook at home? Invite guests to cook their favorite meal on Zoom and share the recipe with the others. You could even have a theme. Maybe everyone dresses island style and makes a Hawaiian chicken dish. Or dresses 70s style and makes fondue. Extra points if you make your Zoom background match the theme.

Have a Virtual Game Night

Charades or Karaoke can work using Zoom or Houseparty. Two Truths and a Lie is another simple yet entertaining game that will help everyone learn more about each other. Have your guests tell two true statements and one lie and make people guess which is which. Play for bragging rights to see who really knows each other best.

Or perhaps you’ve seen the Instagram social distancing Bingo going around. Instead of letters and numbers, these Bingo boards list activities that people do while quarantined. Items on the board may include “stayed in PJs for two days straight,” “finished a puzzle,” “snacked all day,” “Googled my symptoms,” “baked for fun,” or “shopped online.” You can make a free space for washing your hands. You can find sample boards by searching for the hashtag #socialdistancingbingo on Instagram or by Googling “social distancing Bingo.” If you don’t want to play on Instagram, make your own Bingo boards and text or email them to your friends, then join together virtually to play.

Did you know that you can play board games with friends online on the computer or a mobile app? Digital versions of Boggle, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Risk, Uno, Scattergories, and Scrabble are available that can be played with friends. Or try Cluedo, an app that’s a digital version of the classic mystery game Clue. While the board looks different, thanks to the 3D graphics, this adaptation remains mostly faithful to the board game version and is family-friendly.

“Try to be simple in everything. Drop all complexities and then many things will follow spontaneously. If you are simple you cannot lie because a lie can never be simple; it has to be complicated. The very nature of a lie has to be complex. Only truth can be simple.” -Osho

The dictionary meaning of “simple” is easy to understand, plain without anything extra or unnecessary.

Think of two identical rooms. One is full of furniture and the other is simple, having just a few objects. If you have lost something in these rooms, in which room will it take you less time to complete your search and find what you are looking for?

Imagine that our minds resemble a room. When we chose to talk simple, without anything extra or unnecessary, we cleanse our mind. Then, we can easily find what we are looking for. The solution will be easily visible. Simplicity and focus require sacrifice – the sacrifice of all the other things you could be saying. Simple is good because it is hard to miss.

Choosing simplicity in our talk, gives us clarity and it is also time saving.

So, when do we create complexity? Mainly in two situations:

• When we cannot see the solution because of our thinking habits: Some people are lost in the details and do not know how to think simple.
• When we do not want to see the solution: We avoid seeing the reality and live in denial out of fear. We might be escaping from the reality. Simplicity breaks this denial, clears the unnecessary and helps us to see the things from a different perspective.

When we miss the big picture and focus on the details of the problem, we create complexity. As a result, we get lost. We forget our priorities. We miss to see the simple solution.

In one of the books of the Adventures of Tintin series, Captain Haddock finds himself face to face with his old enemy Captain Allan. Allan has the Haddock locked in a cabin overnight, and leaves him with a question to ponder: “Do you sleep with your beard under or over the cover?” Wrangling over the question leaves Captain, as his enemy predicted, unable to sleep. After long hours, he finally falls asleep when he realizes that it is a summer night and there is no need to use a cover.

As above, if we miss the big picture, we create complexity and find ourselves in a hard-to-solve puzzle. Captain managed to relieve after he changed his zoom level. He looked at the situation from a higher perspective: “Do I need it?”

There are many times in our lives when we miss to see a simple solution.

Sometimes, people ask us yes-no questions. We make huge explanations and at the end, we even forget to give an answer. We develop habits for doing something. Then we hardly challenge or question that habit if we can do it in a simpler way.

As Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who really understands his work should be able to explain it to an eight-year-old”. The opposite is also true, if the client is able to tell “his story” to an eight year old, it means that he has a clear understanding of what is going on. The simpler it is, the more understandable it becomes for the client himself as well.

As Edward de Bono said, “Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple”.

A coaching session during which we encourage simplicity becomes time efficient. It consumes less mental energy and brings clarity for both parties. It helps the coach to create more “Aha!” moments for the client.

Creating simplicity for the client

The client creates complexity when he:

• Starts telling his story but as he talks, he forgets where he is coming from,
• Tells about many things but gives no answer to the question,
• Adds irrelevant details to the story,
• Keeps repeating himself.

In these cases the coach might interrupt the client politely, focusing on the need of using the time more efficiently. Then the coach might:

• Ask the client to summarize the whole story in one sentence.
• Ask the client to group the problems,
• Ask the client “What is the question whose answer you are looking for?”
• Speed up the client by asking “So, what is the conclusion?”
• Ask the client to summarize by saying: “So, what do you see here?”
• Identify the similar patterns in the story and reflect it to the client,
• Try to identify the real feelings and the needs of the client.

Imagine that the client is lost and trying to orientate himself in life. He is trying to find the answers to the questions “Where am I now? Where do I want to go from here?” He is looking at the Google maps and his zoom level is 18 where he sees himself stuck between the buildings and the streets. He does not even know which city he is in.

The coach’s first duty here is to lead the client to zoom out and help him identify where he is. When the client zooms out, if he is familiar with the environment, then he can locate himself, which city he is in. If he is not familiar, then keep zooming out till he sees the planet as a dot. He is now focused to the big picture. At this time, the client’s an-hour-long-story is cut to a single sentence. Also, since he knows where he is now, he is at a point to choose where to go from here.

Below, you will see different client talks on different zoom levels. Please read each case, from top to bottom.

Client Talk Case 1

Zoom Level 3 – (Story phase – Complexity)

She said bla-bla, I said bla-bla. She said bla-bla, I said bla-bla.

Zoom Level 2 – (Grouping phase – Clarity)

I am angry with her/him.

Zoom Level 1 – (Reality phase – Simplicity)

I am angry with someone.

Client Talk Case 2

Zoom Level 3 – (Story phase – Complexity)

This happened, that happened, this happened, etc.

Zoom Level 2 – (Grouping phase – Clarity)

Many things happened.

Zoom Level 1 – (Reality phase – Simplicity)

I am confused. (or) I am hurt. (or) I am tired.

The more you change the zoom level of the client, the more he gets out of the story where he is stuck. The aim here is to change the zoom level as much as possible so that the client is free from all the prejudice coming from the event or the person in the story. For instance, if the client sees the situation as “I am angry with someone” instead of “I am angry with her”, then he can take a less prejudiced action.

During the coaching session, it is not only the client whom you ask a question. When you start asking yourself “What is the client telling me?” you start changing your zoom level as well as the client’s. This question will bring simplicity to the session.

When you reach Zoom Level 1, the point of simplicity, you can ask the client a call-to-action question. This will help the client to identify the direction of the next move. For instance, “What can you do when you are angry with someone?” As a coach, you can even create an action plan with the client from this point.

The entry of Nokia N series in the world of mobile phone handset has taken the mobile phone users by pleasant surprise. Almost all the sets of the series are completely compatible to serve the purpose of a busy bureaucrat, ambitious businessman and any other fun-loving mobile user. Let us see the features and functionalities of the most favourite member of the series— Nokia N70.

Nokia N70 is most famous for its high resolution video camera. Simply unfold and twist the main display and the hand set is ready to shoot superb quality video using the high-resolution colour landscape display as a viewfinder. For convenient one-hand operation there are zoom keys including up to 8x digital zoom for video.

You can easily connect it to the Internet thereby to communicate with others, create and share experiences, participate in Internet communities, and access digital content using available mobile broadband connections. How interesting is it to communicate with the rest of the world or enjoy your favourite channel using a small tool which remains well-fit within the fist of your hand!

May be for serious work or simply having sheer fun Nokia N70 can provide unparallel multimedia experience. With its powerful functionality and winsome design it can arrest the attention of any fashionable person. With all these wonders packed in a small and cute device will Nokia N70 be an ideal for any group of mobile phone users, irrespective of their age and status.

The Olympus MJU 5000 is a stylish digital camera. At just under 25mm wide it will fit into larger pockets or a small bag. In terms of the design Olympus has rounded off one of the corners. Although this might not sound much of a difference it does help to distinguish this camera from the mass of strictly rectangular models out there on the market. It is available in blue and black. I was quite taken with the blue version that I had for review.

This is a step up from a more basic camera. There may not be any major differences, but there are a number of small enhancements to features. To start with there is a 5x zoom lens. I have noticed over the past year that lenses are getting longer and even this fairly small amount of extra zoom can help you to get in that bit closer for your shots. Next up is the 2.7 inch LCD screen. This is another area where cameras are advancing with a number of models offering this size as opposed to the smaller 2.5 inch screens. Image stabilisation is included too. This feature is available on more and more cameras as well. Just how important this is can depend on how steady you can hold a camera and whether or not you take a lot of photos in less than perfect light. I would not describe it as a necessity on a camera with a 5x lens as opposed to say one with 15x zoom, but every little helps when it comes to taking sharp photos.

After a photo has been taken you have the chance to change it to be in black and white or sepia. There is also a tool that can automatically remove red eye. You can also add short voice clips to a photo to help jog your memory at a later date. These are limited to 4 seconds, so you are going to have to speak pretty quickly if you want to say much! Other cameras allow 30 seconds of commentary for a photo.

When it comes to picture quality the MJU 5000 delivers inline with what I have come to expect from a typical point and shoot digital camera. There are no major issues. Pictures could have been a shade sharper, but this is unlikely to be noticeable unless you are planning to make king sized prints. So I would say the MJU 5000 handles most snapshot situations well.

For storing photos Olympus has provided three options. The first is a small amount of internal memory. This will get full after about a dozen shots. This is enough to test the camera out, but not much more. It can also be used as an emergency back up if a card fails or you suddenly find your card is full. The MJU 5000 is compatible with both xD cards and micro SD cards.

There may be plenty of alternative cameras you can consider. These include smaller, ultra compact models or others around the same size such as the Canon IXUS 990 IS. That is another camera launched in the Spring of 2009 and one I plan to review shortly. If you would consider a camera that has been a round a little longer and may therefore offer a bit of extra value for money than the Fuji Finepix F60fd is a very good choice. In the same range Olympus also produce what they now call Tough cameras. These are waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. So cameras such as the Tough 6000 and Tough 8000 are also options you may wish to consider, especially of you have a young family and your camera might come in for some wear and tear.

Underwater digital cameras are fun and easy to use under the water and great above the water as well. Use your underwater digital camera in all kinds of weather, for many activities and in a variety of locations that could be either wet or wild.

Are underwater digital cameras better than the film underwater cameras? It’s up to you to decide. The digital camera cannot run out of film. It has the ability to delete bad shots or change to a lower resolution if you need extra shots.

They have better (up to 4 times) depth of field. This is also great for wide-angle photography in low light conditions. Shooting with film at f4 would typically produce fuzzy backgrounds and edges. The same scene shot in digital will give you sharp photos

When using a strobe, most film cameras are limited to shutter speeds of 1/60th – 1/250th of a second. The new consumer digital cameras don’t have mechanical shutters and will sync at speeds up to 1/800th of a second. Therefore, you can shoot in bright shallow water where high f-stops would make strobes ineffective. Higher shutter speed options allow you to keep your f-stop at a better setting. These high shutter speeds are also great for freezing light rays and fast action.

35mm zoom lenses don’t do well underwater. They are bad at close-focus. The built-in lens in the new digital systems offer a large zoom range with minimum focus ability to 8 inches or less. So if you had a new digital camera and a high quality aspheric housing port, you could take a 100degree wide-angle shot and zoom into 1:3 macro shot without changing lenses. Who likes to change lenses all the time?

Underwater digital cameras are small and lightweight, and the quality is comparable to film if you go for the higher resolution shots. Scans and digital camera images require a small amount of sharpening in Adobe PhotoShop®. Just apply the “”unsharp mask”” filter for an instant improvement.

Underwater digital cameras are not perfect, however and like video, the cameras have a tough time with high contrast scenes. Also, it’s fairly expensive to transfer your digital files to slides if you are interested in having your images presented in slide shows. However, most digital cameras allow you to plug directly into a television for image display. And there are digital projectors on the market that produce brilliant images and even professional presentations complete with audio tracks.

Unfortunately the underwater digital camera has not fixed the one worst digital camera problem: when you press the shutter release, the camera will not immediately take the picture. This shutter delay could be a problem–fish swim fast.

If you’re just starting with underwater photography, it would probably be best to purchase a digital underwater camera instead of a film underwater camera. The instant feedback of digital imaging will take years off your learning curve. With the 5 megapixel cameras, print qualities are great.

Regardless of your photo experience, think about your goals with underwater imaging. Shooters looking for instant results, quick web posts and prints of 11 in. x 14 in. and smaller will be thrilled with digital. Digital is probably the best solution for all new shooters that are comfortable with computers. Instant feedback is always great.

If you are still not sure, however, try out the equipment before you buy it. Take a class with demo gear and instruction. Then buy something wonderful and go out and have a great time with your new digital underwater camera.