Amazon Green Monday 2015 'Mystery Digital Camera' Deal: Canon EOS Rebel SL1?

   Today for Green Monday, Amazon has a bunch of deals on cameras, but none is more enticing than the 'Mystery Digital Camera' Deal. This deal saves you $101 on a $500 digital camera (20%), however, the catch is that Amazon doesn't actually reveal what camera it is, instead just showing a picture of a box.

Why I think it's the Canon SL1?

   The first reason that leads me to believe that the mystery camera is the Canon SL1 is the cryptic message Amazon wrote in the description:

We've got a secret deal today...can't say much now....will provide more hints later...however, customers loved when we ran a similar deal on this product earlier this year.

   Now they did something like this during the underwhelming event which was PrimeDay back in July, offering what turned out to be the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 for $413 (marked down from its MSRP of $500). 

   Besides that, a couple of key specs on the page seem to point conclusively to the Canon SL1. Amazon includes a review from DP Review which states (among other things) that the camera has an

Canon EOS 5DS & EOS 5DS R Press Release

Canon revolutionises resolution with the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R
London, UK, 6 February 2015 – Canon today transforms the EOS system with the arrival of the EOS 5DS and the EOS 5DS R – a new breed of ultra-high resolution full-frame DSLRs.

Breaking the boundaries of 35mm sensors,the new cameras offer the highest megapixels ever seen in a full frame sensor, an astonishing 50.6MP. Delivering unparalleled quality, the cameras provide an exceptional combination of resolution, responsiveness and durability, whether shooting landscapes, architecture, high fashion or portraiture, either personally or professionally. When nothing but the sharpest image is expected, the EOS 5DS R also features a low pass cancellation filter to maximise the sensor’s resolution and visible image quality.Alongside the new DSLRs, Canon also introduces the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM, the world’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens(1), the perfect companion for landscape and architecture photographers.

Establishing new standards for full-frame DSLRs
Setting a new benchmark for full-frame cameras, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R combine fast, instinctive DSLR handling with the newly-developed 50.6MP CMOS sensor, providing the flexibility to shoot a wide range of scenes and subjects, making it ideal for large format mediums, such as advertising billboards and magazine covers, where every pixel matters. The sensor’s advanced architecture provides

ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, further expandable to 50-12800, ensuring high quality images with low noise, accurate colours and wide dynamic range. For added flexibility, the cameras’ resolution enables three new in-camera crop shooting modes–1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1. Visible through the viewfinder, the crop modes deliver outstanding results, with stills at 19 MP even when cropped to 1.6x. Built to withstand the most demanding shoots, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R’s dual DIGIC 6 processors provide the rapid performance and responsiveness required to deliver first-class images with exceptional colour reproduction. Both processors are designed to comfortably manage huge levels of image data from the 50.6MP sensor, whilst simultaneously reducing image noise and providing the freedom to shoot at five frames per second.

Automatically exceptional
Created to ensure every detail of your exquisite landscape or high-fashion studio shoot is in focus, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R feature an advanced 61-point AF system, with 41 cross-type points, delivering incredible levels of image sharpness and accuracy across the frame. Both cameras comfortably maintain focus with moving subjects, using EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF (iTR) to track both faces and colour. To reduce image blur, Canon’s Mirror Vibration Control System uses cams to drive the cameras’ mirror up and down in a highly controlled fashion, avoiding all sudden stops and softening the shutter-release sound. Additionally, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R’s 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection ensures images can be captured with consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including florescent.

Incredible detail and unrestricted creativity
Putting unrivalled image quality at your fingertips, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R include a number of customisable modes and settings to ensure stunning results every time. A new Fine Detail Picture Style maximises the level of detail that can be achieved from the sensor, enabling advanced sharpness adjustment without the need for edit ing software. Popular creative modes, including Multiple Exposure and HDR, provide instant, in-camera creativity, while a built-in timer allows you to shoot over long periods and create stunning time lapse videos, without being tied to the camera or needing advanced software and excessive kit.

First-class professional construction, customisable features
The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R have been expertly constructed to allow you to operate quickly, regardless of the environment you’re shooting in. The 100% viewfinder with electronic overlay makes framing vital shots easy and can be customised to your preferred style. The large, 8.11cm (3.2”) Clear View II LCD screen, with an anti-reflective structure, minimises reflection or glare when reviewing shots and also acts as a visual and accessible dashboard of the most commonly used settings. The cameras’ new Custom Quick Control screen means that the type, size and position of icons are also easily customisable to the user or shooting scenario. Both cameras utilise Canon’s iconic design DNA–a highly durable body constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy to provide weather resilient shooting – ideal for landscape photographers who are dedicated to getting the perfect shot, whatever the weather.

EOS 5DS R: Engineered for the ultimate in DSLR image quality
When nothing but the absolute maximum level of detail possible will do, the EOS 5DS R features a low pass cancellation filter to ensure the sharpest possible results. Great for landscape photographers, where patterns are very often organic, the camera’s low pass cancellation filter produces the stunning level of detail required to turn a great shot into an incredible shot.

Optical Expertise: Introducing the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM
The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R are compatible with Canon’s extensive EF lens range, spanning 71 models(2). Today Canon unveils the world’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens (1), the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. Perfect for photographers shooting landscape and architecture, the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is designed to open up an entirely new world of creative opportunities, thanks to its super wide 11-24mm focal range. Boasting a newly designed optical structure, the lens features three aspherical lenses including a ground aspherical element, which maximises image quality and delivers minimal levels of distortion, while the body is rugged and robust enough to be employed in extreme weather conditions.


EOS 5DS Key features:

• 50.6 MP CMOS sensor with dual DIGIC 6 processors
• 150K Pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
• Up to 5.0 Frames Per Second
• 61-point AF
• Cropped Shooting

EOS 5DS R also includes:

• Low-pass cancellation filter

EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Key features:

• Explore landscapes from an ultra-wide point of view
• The world’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens
• Minimal distortion – ideal for architecture and interiors
• Advanced lens coatings guard against ghosting and flare
• Enjoy swift, near-silent AF, with full-time manual override
• Keep shooting even in tough weather conditions

Three New High-End, Advanced PowerShot Models from Canon U.S.A. Empower Photographers to Create Amazing Images and Video

PowerShot G7 X is the Company's First One-Inch Sensor Compact Digital Camera, PowerShot SX60 HS Digital Camera Boasts a Super 65x Optical Zoom Lens and PowerShot N2 Digital Camera Features an Updated Body Design with a Selfie-Ready LCD Touch Panel 

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2014 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced three new PowerShot models expanding upon its lineup of high-quality, compact digital cameras, the PowerShot G7 X, the PowerShot SX60 HS and the PowerShot N21. The PowerShot G7 X is the company's first compact point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch sensor, giving users an outstanding portable camera that allows them to take high-quality photographs and videos. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera features a 65x Optical Zoom lens and amazingly broad focal length range equivalent to 21mm -1365mm, while the PowerShot N2 camera has a compact and unique, stylish design with a selfie-ready, flip-up touch panel LCD that makes it easy for social media fanatics to share their favorite photos and videos via the camera's Wi-Fi® and Near Field Communications (NFC™)2 features.

"Canon continually strives to provide imaging enthusiasts with the tools they need to create high-quality images and videos," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We believe in the talent of those passionate about photography and these three new PowerShot cameras allow photographers to capture, print and share their most amazing images."

The PowerShot G7 X Digital Camera
Ideal for those looking for DSLR features and quality in a compact point-and-shoot body, the PowerShot G7 X digital camera is Canon's first compact camera with a one-inch sensor. The large, one-inch, 20.2-megapixel* High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor delivers optimal performance with an ISO range of 125 - 12,800. The sensor, along with Canon's exclusive DIGIC 6 Image Processor, creates Canon's high-sensitivity HS System delivering excellent low-light performance so images and videos shot are clear and sharp, helping to ensure that the finest details of the scene are preserved.

Quick tips for getting started taking better photos with the Canon SX50-HS (Comment Questions)

Q: Could you tell me more about how to manage it or control for taking a great photo?

A: Definitely set it to the highest setting (megapixel wise). As far as what modes to use, manual will give you the most control, but takes a while and has a steep learning curve if you don't have much experience with cameras. Auto mode is suitable for most situations, but I would advise setting the flash to off as it isn't that good and tends to ruin pictures more than help them (unless it is really really dark). Use a tripod or something else to stabilize the camera when shooting in low light situations and look through the viewfinder when you are zooming in a lot. Also, one quick way to blur the background behind the subject you are trying to take a picture of is to step back and use the zoom. Hope this helps you take better photos!

Question: Is the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS a good camera for professional looking interior pictures?

Q: "Is this [the Canon SX50 HS] a good camera for professional looking interior pictures? Or houses? (architecture) I'm starting a blog and like to start with good pictures en quality. I will take the time to learn everything about the camera, but want to make sure I will buy the good one before learning about it completely."
-Alexandra Bergsma, on Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Unboxing, Review, First Look and Video & Picture Test


A: It really depends how far you want to be able to go with this camera. While the SX50 HS can take very good pictures of things both inside and out, it is no DSLR. Even an entry level DSLR, such as the Canon SL1, has an advantage over the SX50 HS because you can use different lenses. This is especially helpful when shooting interior shots as you usually need a pretty wide lens (14-24mm with a crop sensor camera). If you can't afford to buy a DSLR, the SX50 HS will provide you with most of the functions that are available on a DSLR, and the built in HDR mode will help you capture the interior well without overexposing the windows. Just FYI, Canon is supposedly releasing a followup to the SX50 HS in August at Photokina which is rumored to have a better sensor and processor while also having a ridiculous 100x zoom lens.

The current Best Deals on the Best Tech currently available! ATH-M50 Headphones, Canon 70D and more!

Here's a list of some great deals I found on some great products:

Audio Technica ATH-M50 Studio Headphones

$103 (reg. $135)

Canon EOS 70D DSLR 20.2 Mp Body Only

$949 (reg. $1200)

Great Time to buy an Ultra Micro SD Card from Sandisk! 
(Over 60% Off)

Get a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card with the Purchase of Two Beats Products Totaling $398 or More











These are all of the deals I could round up in the few seconds of spare time I could grab in my busy first semester finals rush before winter break. I hope they help you save some money.

New Canon VIXIA Mini Compact Personal Camcorder Offers a Unique Feature Set Inspiring Shooters to Become the Stars of Their Own Videos

The New VIXIA mini Compact Personal Camcorder Features an Ultra Wide-Angle Lens, Full HD Video, Vari-Angle LCD Monitor and Slim Ultra-Compact Body with Built-in Stand, and Allows for Convenient Hands-Free Shooting with built-in Wi-Fi 

Melville, N.Y., July 31, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder. The creatively designed VIXIA mini personal camcorder allows shooters to easily record their hobbies, special interests and memorable moments hands-free, and then share those videos and images on their favorite social networking sites or their own blogs via built-in Wi-Fi or via the free Canon Movie Uploader app*.

The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder features an ultra wide-angle Canon f/2.8 fisheye lens (160 degree movies / 170 degree photos) allowing a user to shoot from unique and creative perspectives while including their surroundings to make their videos and images more interesting. By utilizing the Wide Mode users can give the viewer a full view of their surroundings and then switch to Close-Up Mode to provide emphasis on a particular subject. While in Close-up Mode, users can record a centered 1920 x 1440 resolution image with little distortion. They can also quickly toggle from one shooting mode to the other, or switch back and forth between video and image mode, by touching the camcorder's innovatively designed 2.7-inch capacitive-tilt touch panel LCD display. Attached to the camera by two parallel hinges, the Vari-Angle LCD monitor allows for various shooting styles, including low-angle shooting, normal and high-angle-shooting and self-shooting.

In addition, the camcorder's 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor combined with the Canon DIGIC DV4 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, allowing shooters to capture and record stunning Full HD video in MP4 format as well as jpeg still images to a removable microSD card, all in the exceptional image quality standard that the Canon line of VIXIA camcorders are known for. The camcorder's video image quality is further enhanced with the use of a Mechanical Shutter for the recording of moving subjects with little distortion. Beyond delivering high-quality video, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder also records high-quality audio thanks to its built-in stereo microphone. By using Audio Scene Select modes, users can choose an audio scene that matches their surroundings such as music or speech or even suppressing road noise.

"The new VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder marks the birth of an innovative video camera designed specifically for the social media savvy user," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "This uniquely styled compact personal camcorder allows users to shoot, view and share videos and photos of themselves enjoying their hobbies or special occasions with family and friends."

Tools to Become the Star

The Canon VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a feature set that puts the user in the driver seat, expanding their creativity, allowing them to not only be the director of their videos or images, but also the star. Mirror Image Recording/Playback lets users view the scene they are recording in real time so they can watch as they record. So whether they are shooting their latest blog post about cooking a favorite Italian culinary delight, or filming a practice golf swing to help perfect their back stroke, the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder is a versatile and convenient tool.

New Special Scene Modes such as Food & Fashion, Sports, and Macro provide users with advanced presets to help capture impressive images even under difficult shooting conditions to prevent over/under exposure. For those looking to shoot in a fun and unique perspective, the camcorder's Slow Motion or Fast Motion modes provide imaging effects that allow creativity in controlling space and time. Slow Motion allows shooting video at a choice of two slow motion speeds - 1/4x (VGA) and 1/2x (720p) allowing viewers to easily see and closely examine video of dancers or other fast moving subjects. Fast Motion allows shooting at two fast motion speeds - 4x and 2x - ideal for speeding up footage of cooking, makeup, nail art, etc.

The camcorder's Smart Auto Mode allows the beginning user to capture those spontaneous moments with a touch of the screen. Smart Auto intelligently selects one of 38 predefined situations to give outstanding video and still image output.

The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with a built-in adjustable stand allowing users to tilt and elevate it up to approximately 60 degrees providing a new way to record video hands-free, and the camcorder's tripod socket also allows for flexible positioning of the device. And an automatic lens cover helps protect against scratches and dust when the camera is not in use.

Advanced Connectivity to Help Users Share Their World

Once a user has recorded their video blog, or a day at the park with the kids, it's time to share the video or images with friends, family and fans. The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder comes with built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to quickly share their video and photos to social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook, or they can be sent directly to their PC. A user can also upload their video or still images taken with the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from virtually anywhere by downloading the free Canon Movie Uploader app onto their iOS supported device.*

The Live Streaming feature allows for users to view and record on their iOS or Android device when they download the free Canon CameraAccess2 App**.The Canon CameraAccess2 App is available for download on both iOS and Android supported smartphones and tablets. The Live Streaming feature also allows a user to control the VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder from remote locations.

Pricing & Availability

The VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder will be available in black and white and is scheduled to be available September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $299.99.1 An optional VIXIA mini carrying case and strap are scheduled to also be available September 2013 in black or white for an estimated retail price of $14.99.1 For more information, and a full list of product specifications, visit http://www.usa.canon.com/vixiamini

My Video Gear

Here is a list of the main products I use to create my videos:



For software I use either iMovie or Final Cut X (depending on how complicated the video is going to be), Pixelmator and iPhoto for editing images, and Garageband for audio.

First Blog Post: 100K Views, New Videos, New Products, and Much More (Not Really)

As the first post on my blog, I would like to thank everyone who has watched my videos on Youtube. I recently surpassed 100k views and literally (not just in the cliche sense) couldn't have done it without you guys and girls. 

Now I know not many people will read this first post, but I would like to say that a have a very cool video coming up. It will be a comparison of the video quality of the iPod Touch, Samsung Galaxy S3, Canon SX50 HS, Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder, and the Canon T4i DSLR in hopes of finding which is the best for Youtube videos.

Since I am going to be filming this on my vacation (away from my home recording setup) I had to purchase a few gadgets. Below are a couple of the products I purchased. You will likely see reviews/unboxings of them on my channel in the coming months. (Btw it will really be helpful if you buy the products using the below links since I will get a percentage from Amazon.com).

Kata D3N1-30 Camera Backpack: http://amzn.to/151MxKp

Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone w/Mount: http://amzn.to/W8P3tM

Opteka 58mm 0.3X HD2 X-TREME Super Fisheye Lens: http://amzn.to/XvdoaC

That's about it for now guys. Remember to subscribe to my Youtube channel to get notified when I release a new video. I hope you are having a good year so far :)