Date: 2010-01-26

MommyGoggles 

No matter where I go, I always have a digital camera with me. Who knows when I will see something that needs to be captured or who knows when you will need a camera! I had the recent opportunity to check out the GE E1250TW digital camera. I had no idea GE made cameras! I honestly thought they were healthcare, lighting and appliances. To my surprise, they do make digital cameras and I am pretty impressed with what I have seen so far.

E1250TW

MG Details

With a 3.0” touch panel LCD and 12.2-megapixel resolution, the GE E1250TW takes cameras to a whole new level. Its on-screen icons in an intuitive user-friendly interface simplify camera operation. Plus, 18 MB of internal memory offers plenty of space for pictures and videos without having to carry additional memory cards.

MG specs

E1250TW RD_Front_LeftThe E1250TW also offers host of the latest advanced features including:

    * Touch Panel

      On-screen icons make camera operation simpler and faster.

    * Face Detection

      Face Detection automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant pictures.

    * 28mm Wide Angle Lens

      Easily capture large group shots with the extra wide lens.

    * Image Stabilization

      Overcomes camera shake for clearer, sharper pictures.

    * Pan-Capture Panorama

      Wide-view photos are produced by panning the camera across to create a seamless panoramic picture.

    * In-Camera Red-Eye Removal

      Remove red-eye immediately while viewing images on the LCD.

    * Auto Scene Detection

      Automatically determines the appropriate scene type and optimizes exposure for sharp, vibrant pictures.

    * Auto Adjust Brightness LCD

      The LCD screen adjusts to the existing lighting conditions so you can frame your subject properly.

    * Blink Detection

      Blink Detection alerts you if a subject’s eyes were closed so you can immediately retake the picture.

    * HDTV Output

      View high-resolution photos with others in your living room by connecting to your HDTV.

    * Smile Detection

      The shutter automatically releases when the smile appears so you can capture smiles the moment they happen.

Hit ‘Em with your Best Shot:General Imaging Shares Helpful Photo Tips

The holidays have been here and are already gone, but that means that another holiday and more family gatherings are around the corner. Why not take some helpful hints from the experts and create visually appealing photos that everyone will love? General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, has prepared easy to implement tips that should make your photos the center of attention.

   1. Get closer – Some of the best photos you can take are close-ups of friends and family. Try using the zoom lens to fill the frame with only the subject and any necessary context. By keeping the picture focused, your image will have greater impact, and not require a lot of explanation. To make sure you can get close, look for a camera with at least 3X optical zoom.

   2. Use the grid – The “Rule of Thirds” is a time-honored visual principle to help guide your viewer’s eye to what is important in a photo. The rule calls for placing the main object(s) of a photo either one-third from the bottom, the top, the left or the right. Check to see if your digital camera includes a 3X3 grid

overlay feature that you can enable on the LCD screen. This grid can be instrumental in finding the right balance for your photo.

   3. Be aware of any distracting elements – Unless you are aiming for a shot where everyone gets a good laugh, be aware of what is happening in the background. For instance, watch that you don’t have a Christmas tree growing out of the top of your subject’s head. Buying a camera with a large LCD screen with an auto-adjust LCD brightness feature can help you better spot these types of distractions to avoid them completely.

   4. Spice up your group shots by being proactive – Group shots need not be boring. To create dynamic shots, start with a little bit of advance planning. Before your guests arrive, scout for a good location. Make sure the lighting is right, and determine ahead of time how you would like them to pose. Get creative with your composition – use your subjects to create interesting sight lines and added dimension by varying the elevation of the people in your group. Using a stepladder, stool or even balcony can be helpful tools. And make sure you charge your camera beforehand.

   5. Change the way you hold your camera – Vertical or horizontal composition can have a major impact on the meaning and focus of a photo. Composing the shot vertically makes the subject exclusively the

focus of the photo. Horizontal framing on the other hand, gives the photo a sense of place. If you’re unsure of which would look best, take both shots and you’re sure to have options.

Armed with these simple and effective tips, the only remaining step is to make sure you have a great camera. GE digital cameras offer the latest features at an exceptional value. There are several models to choose from including: the Smart Series which is ideal for beginning photographers or those looking for a great value; the Power Series which offers advanced intuitive features; and the Active Series with includes a compact and waterproof camera. To help you take great shots, advanced features are standard on the latest GE digital cameras. These include Pan-Capture Panorama, Auto Scene Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Detection, Face Detection, and more.

MG thoughts

My first thoughts, right out of the box were:

    * I was really excited to see that this camera uses SD memory cards. Most digital cameras are going to this format, so YAY! I can now use the same memory card for my main camera, as well as the E1250TW camera.

    * I have never messed with a touch screen camera, so I was very excited to see how easy it was to use. The touch screen navigation was impressive and so fun to use! I was able to navigate around really fast with the touch screen and float from automatic to manual mode with taking pictures, as well as if I wanted to take a video of the kids, which was super fast as well.

    * The GE E1250TW handles camera shake (hand shake) nicely! It is able to pick up a face or faces in the screen to help keep your pictures focused.

    * The GE E1250TW is a very sleek looking camera and is available in 4 colors: Black, Pink, Red & Silver. The screen is a nice size, perfect in fact.

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    * The quality of the images and videos are both impressive. Here are some pictures and videos to show you some of the quality. Pictures are SOOC (straight out of the camera), just resized to fit here & videos are straight out as well.

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    * The videos were easy to work with in both Adobe Elements as well as the basic program that comes with most computer: Windows Movie Maker

    * The only ‘downfall’, in my personal opinion, is the thickness & weight of the camera. It is at least twice wider in thickness than my older compact digital camera. It is heavier than I expected and not as easy to stow in your pocket, but overall is a nice camera.

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    * The camera is very easy to use, even for a touch screen. I was really impressed with the navigation of it.

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    * I like how easy it is to view what you have on the camera, from your computer. You can plug in via cable that is included in the box, or you can plug in the SD Card to your computer or card reader.

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All in all, I am very impressed with the GE E1250TW digital camera. I would love to see the thickness & weight adjusted, but the quality of the pictures & videos are really nice. The touch screen ability is amazing & so easy to use. How much does the E1250TW run? Not too bad really: Just under $180.00.

For more information about entire line of GE brand digital cameras, please visit www.ge.com/digitalcameras/us

All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.