Point and Shoot with ease.

We love the good old shoot ‘em up western’s with Gary Cooper and John Wayne quick on the draw, shooting from the hip which was important to winning the show downs at high noon.  Nowadays shooting from the hip is important for photography as well so that you don’t miss that perfect sunset or tiger in the bushes (not a euphemism).

Obviously it’s not just about pointing and shooting with any digital camera on the market.  You need to have a digital camera that has features which allow it to adapt quickly to any situation such as; fast shutter speed, size of image sensors (the bigger the better), image and sensor-shift stabilization, face detection, amount of zoom available etc.  Once you have these features at your finger tips then the world of quick shot photography is all yours.

So how do you find the best possible point and shoot digital camera on the market?  Well there are a lot of digital camera brands and models to choose from but we think we might have cracked it.  This list has been based on; price, quality, features, and durability.

Sony Cyber Shot – We recommend the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2MP

Olympus Stylus Tough – We recommend the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 14MP

Canon PowerShot – We recommend the Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP

Panasonic Lumix – We recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof

Fujifilm FinePix – We recommend the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3

Nikon COOLPIX – We recommend the Nikon COOLPIX P300 12.2 CMOS

Fujifilm X100 – We recommend the Fujifilm X100 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS EXR

Leica M9 - We recommend the Leica M9 18MP Digital Range Finder Camera

Sony TX – We recommend the Sony TX Series DSC-TX9/H 12.2MP 

Leica V-LUX – We recommend the Leica V-LUX 30 14.1 MP

Star Trek?

Flying is tedious at the best of times.  Not only do you have to deal with moody flight attendants and rubbish food but the share boredom you experience on flights anything over 3 hours can be soul destroying.

But what if you could make a difference to you flight? What if the next flight you jumped on you can prepared and ready to take boredom head on?  Well we think we can help alleviate this boredom and give you the best possible opportunity to enjoy the flight and believe us when we say we have enough experience in this area to sink a battle ship. Unfortunately we do not have a gadget that removes the people sitting next to you who; snore, smell, or silent fart but the below gadgets might help you through the trip.

Smart Phone – You simply get more bang for your buck and let’s face it the gameplay is getting pretty darn good (well enough to make Angry Birds into a movie).  It also cut’s down on the bulk of carrying multiple entertainment devices and hence why it makes it to number 1. Android or iOS platforms, we don’t discriminate in this particular list but we would recommend either the Apple iPhone 4G 16GB or Google Nexus One Unlocked Phone with Android

Handheld Gaming Console – A dedicated gaming console will currently give you greater game play and video capabilities but this is quickly changing and therefore can only make it to number 2.  We recommend the always reliable PlayStation Vita – WiFi

Kindle – Yes we are specifically naming this device as it’s simply the best and most reliable in the market.  Upload a gazillion books, sit back, order a vodka on the rocks and enjoy the best literature the world has to offer. We recommend the Kindle 3G Wi-Fi

Laptop – You can get a lot of extra work or movie watching done on a laptop.  Especially if you have a laptop that is light weight, compact, energy efficient and has long battery life. We recommend the Toshiba Portege R835-P56x 13.3-Inch LED Laptop (Magnesium Blue)

In Flight Charger – With all the electrical devices floating about and lack of planes with power points (the newer planes are getting better with this) then you are going to potentially need this.  We recommend the Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 (See all Laptop Computer Battery Chargers)

MyVu Glasses – Again we are naming the brand here but again it’s because they are the market leader.  Yes you will look like a knob but combine it with some noise cancelling headphones (number 7) and you will be in your own world. Take a look at the Myvu Personal Media Viewer Solo Plus Edition (See all Portable Audio & Video)

Noise Cancelling Headphones – We have a whole post dedicated to headphones and in the world of travel they become a life line of sanity.  In particular the noise cancelling headphones which can even be used when not listening to music or movies as they act as ear plugs.  From experience the most robust and well priced are Sennheiser Earbuds (See all Headphones)

Water – It really should be number 1 but it’s probably too boring and if you are brave enough you can make the Air stewards get you an abundance without buying liters at the airport. If you are looking for some water then we recommend FIJI Natural Artesian Water

Flight Spray – One of the worst things about long haul flights is the dry air and block nose that follows.  Stop that from happening with a really good nasal spray.  We recommend Flight Spray, Nasal Hydration Spray (See all Cold & Flu Medicine)

Travel Pillow – It’s simple but it can save you some serious neck pain and improve the amount of sleep you get.  Just make sure you don’t get a cheap one as these ones tend to have the worst pillow design ever.  The  most cost effective and well designed pillow we have used is the HoMedics Ortho Therapy Neck Support Pillow

Don't keep your camera lonely.

Are you a budding photographer with aspirations of eventually selling your pictures for millions or maybe you just want a digital camera to take on holiday? Either way you are going to need the best possible accessories to make your camera taking process that little bit more convenient.

We are not talking about hiring 10 dwarfs to follow you round, lugging all your camera equipment with them and making sure you have the perfect lighting. No. We have taking a rather large amount of our time out of the day to research the best possible accessories available in the market at the moment.  

If you haven’t quite made that decision on what camera you would so you can accessorize then you can also check out the following Quick Ten’s which will give you a better idea of what to buy:

• Top Ten Digital Camera Brands
• Top Ten Digital SLR Camera’s
• Top Ten Waterproof Digital Camera’s

So let’s now get into the best camera accessories:

Tripod - This little accessory is not only for the professional but can come in handy for even the basic photographer.   The Quick Ten recommends: Professional 67 Inch Tripod for Olympus, Kodak, Panasonic, Sony, Nikon, Canon Cameras

Memory Card - Don’t get caught short on that next trip to New Zealand and have to delete some photos just to be able to take some more. The Quick Ten Recommends: Transcend 32 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Waterproof Case – No matter where you go you are going to be near water.  So if you are going close to the wet stuff on purpose or by mistake make sure your camera is protected.  The Quick Ten Recommends: Aquapac Mini Waterproof Camera Case

Digital Frame – The best thing about digital camera’s is the amount of photos you can take, this is also the worst thing.  So rather than finding your top pics to print, put them on display with a Digital Frame.  The Quick Ten recommends: Kodak W1030S Pulse 10-Inch Digital Frame

Projector – Take your image viewing to a new level with a projector.  Now I know what you are thinking: “A projector for photos??”. Well in a way yes, but you can also use them for a multitude of other uses like watching the latest Steven Spielberg film. The Quick Ten Recommends: Epson PowerLite

Lens Cleaner – Think of your lens as you would do your ears, only use something specialized to clean them other wise you will end up doing more damage: The Quick Ten Recommends: LensPEN Lens Cleaning System

Digital Photo Printer - If you feel the urge to print out some of your best photo’s then do it from home with a digital photo printer. The Quick Ten recommends: Canon SELPHY DS810 Photo Printer

Hard Case - Make sure your compact camera has a the best possible protection when you go travelling.  The Quick Ten recommends: Rugged POD Sunglasses Hard Case by Civilian Lab

Large Carry Case – When you are looking to take more than just a compact digital camera with you then make sure you have the best possible carry case.  The key being protective measures.  The Quick Ten recommends: Case Logic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling

Light Meter – Make sure you get the best possible lighting for that next iconic landscape shot you have been searching for. The Quick Ten recommends: Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter

Milford Sound, New Zealand

When you start talking about Digital SLR’s or Single-Lens Reflex digital camera’s then you are starting to get serious about photography.  That’s right, you are not just looking for a digital camera that is going to take that next photo for you to use as your Facebook profile picture.  You are wanting a digital camera that is going to capture every wrinkle, every shadow, every spectrum of colour available at the time of capture.

This is where we step it up a notch from our post about the Top Ten Digital Camera Brands and get a little more specific for the budding or even professional photographer.   We also realsie that you are not just buying any digital camera here, you are investing your time and money into a piece of equipment that could or is, making you a living.

So take your time to research and use this as a guide to help you make the best possible decision for either your first or next Digital SLR Camera purchase……maybe even post one of your favorite photo’s taken with your new camera to our Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/TheQuickTen

Nikon – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Cannon – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS

Panasonic – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 12.1 MP Live MOS

Pentax – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Pentax K-5 16.3 MP Digital SLR

Sony – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Sony a55 DSLR Camera

Olympus – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS

Ricoh – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Ricoh A12 GR

Samsung – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Samsung GX-10 10.2MP

Sigma – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Sigma SD15 14MP X3 FOVEON CMOS

Leica – The Quick Ten’s favorite pick is the: Leica DIGILUX 3 7.5MP

If you are really serious about photography then check out the Hasselblad H4D-50 Medium Format DSLR Camera!

You cannot go wrong with this bad boy.

Are you heading away on a summer holiday that is going to involve you spending most of your time either sunbathing, drinking or swimming? Well if this is the case then chances are pretty high that you will need a digital camera that is going to be waterproof.

We are not talking underwater digital cameras that Jacques Cousteau could have taken on his next underwater exploration.  No. We are talking about the most practical and robust cameras in the market that will allow you to remove the worry of dropping it in water.  In fact these cameras will quite happily go with you in the water.

Without further ado here are the top ten waterproof digital cameras that every traveler should consider buying.

1. Olympus Stylus Tough 8010

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2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1

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3. Canon PowerShot D10

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4. Fujifilm Finepix XP10

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5. Pentax Optio W90

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6. Nikon COOLPIX S8100

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7. Panasonic Lumix FT2

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8. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5

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9. Samsung AQ100

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10. Genius G-Shot D508

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1 Device, Million's of Options

The Kindle has become a phenomenon since launching back in November 19th 2007.  Initially written off as a fad that would never last it has grown from strength to strength every year.  In an attempt to fight off it’s competitors (Apple’s Ipad etc), Amazon has even starting signing up Authors for exclusive Kindle Deals via their attractive and every increasing royalty rates.

But whether you have received the Kindle as a Christmas gift, birthday present or gone out and treated yourself to one, you need to get some books on it. But what are the best books to download? Well, we have compiled a list of the Top Ten bestsellers on the Kindle device.  This should hopefully give you a head start in building your library of classic’s old and new.

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
2. The Confession: A Novel
3. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
4. Cross Fire
5. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
6. Decision Points
7. The Girl Who Played with Fire
8. The Hunger Games
9. Room: A Novel
10. The Help

Canon Digital Rebel T2i

So you are looking for a digital camera that is not going to delete all your wedding photo’s, maybe blur every second shot, or even fall apart after it’s first little knock.  Well this top ten list looks to pull together the best over all digital camera brands which will last the distance and keep your snap happy fingers going for years to come.

Remember to also check out our posts on:

• Top Ten Digital Camera Accessories
• Top Ten Digital SLR Cameras
• Top Ten Waterproof Digital Cameras

Cannon – We recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Nikon –  We recommend the Nikon D90

Panasonic - We recommend the Panasonic Lumix

Olympus - We recommend the Olympus Stylus Tough

Sony- We recommend the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V

Fuji - We recommend the Fujifilm FinePix

Pentax - We recommend the Pentax K-x Digital SLR

Casio - We recommend the Casio EX-H10

Kodak - We recommend the Kodak EasyShare

Leica - We recommend the Leica 18151 D-Lux

Social Networking

Social Networking sites have been around since 1997 when Sixdegrees.com launched the very first site which allowed you to stay in touch with friends. Now they are a worldwide phenomenon that has changed the face of how people interact with each other but at the same time making our lives very public.  Some people see this as a good thing (most of them have slight to extreme narcissistic tendencies), some see it as a way to make money, some see it as a way to get information out in real time about government violence, some even see it as a way to get back at an ex-girlfriend/boyfriend by posting horrible photos of them.

But no matter what anyone thinks or says about Social Networking it has changed our lives forever and will remain a large influence in on the evolution of media  for many years to come.  But what are the best sites out there, not only based on size but usability and all round coolness?

1. Facebook
2. Twitter
3. MySpace
4. Linkedin
5. Bebo
6. Flixster
7. Windows Live Spaces
8. Faceparty
9. Friends Reunited
10. Tagged