Roku - Streaming Netflix Player

So, this blog being about gadgets, it might seem like it is mostly cameras that I fancy. Certainly true, but sometimes other stuff comes on the radar. This time I bought a Roku Digital Video Player to be able to do Netflix and Amazon video on demand to my TVs... I did a quick "video review" that you can watch here, or click here to view it at the YouTube site. The video was taken with the Canon SD780IS.



I did struggle for a while if it would be better to get a combined blu-ray and Netflix player, like the LG BD 370 Network Blu-ray Disc Player. I do not own any blu-ray movies, but that seems to be the future. But what made me get the Roku Digital Video Player instead was:

• Small size
  
• Built in WiFi
  
• Cheaper price ($99)
  
• Ability to play both Netflix and Amazon Video on demand (unbox)
  

I am not disappointed so far. We have two main TVs, and it really is effortless to move this one box between both TVs. The only "drawback" is that once you plug it in, it takes a little over a minute to "boot". I guess they probably did not expect it to be portable and did not focus on getting down this time. I am really hoping that they will be able to add Hulu and YouTube support. But for $99, I am happy with what they got. The Netflix videos available for streaming is a little limited at this time, but I am sure that this is the future, so this does not concern me at all.

You can buy your player here:

Oink oink - SD780 snapshot

Taken with Canon SD780IS

Canon G11 ISO1600 sample

Not found much on the web for the coming Canon G11 yet. But here is a full size ISO1600 sample. And here is a ISO80 RAW file, ISO1600 RAW. These might be removed as they probably are not allowed to post them by Canon.

Actually, here is the full ISO series. If the links are broken, they probably removed them... JPEG : ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600.

A few new ones at Canon UK's site here.

Pre-order Canon G11 at Amazon!

Special G11 and S90 sites

Seems like Canon Japan has launched two sites for the new Canon G11 and Canon S90IS. On the pages, which are in Japanese, there are some samples, including high ISO. Unfortunately the are only screen size, not full size.

The Canon S90IS is here and the Canon PowerShot G11 is here.

Here is a example of one ISO800 image on that site:

I have placed my pre-order on Amazon to get in line for the Canon G11, but maybe the Canon S90IS with the F/2.0 28mm lens and the compact format would suit me better... hmmm...

Here are some other sample images (full size): S90, image 1, G11, image 2, G11, image 3.

Canon G11 at ISO1600?

Possible high ISO samples here.

Pre-order Canon G11

I just put in my order for the new Canon PowerShot G11. It goes for $499 at Amazon and you can get in line (after me :) right now... I guess the specs are a little different than in the fake photo, but still sounds really good. 5x zoom starting at 28mm, 10mpixels (yes, less than what the G10 has), adjustable LCD, and more.

Sample images right here. Unfortunately only at ISO80 so far.

Canon G11 (or GX1)?

Ok, so I read a lot on the DP review forums, especially the Canon forum as I like their cameras. Being a camera-holic means that one is never happy (enough) with what one has, but always wants something newer and better. So come around August/September Canon has some history of releasing new camera models. The top of the line "compact cameras", the Canon Powershot G10 is maybe due to be replaced some speculate. And today I found this photo:



where the "old" G10 is compared next to the next one, the "G11" or whatever it will be called. But why would anyone with a G10 really have a reason to get the G11? I mean, the reviews are out there and photos to back it up, it is a great camera. Maybe the 15 mega pixels was an overkill, but anyway.

I think this is more a proper comparison:



I photoshopped in my old Canon PowerShot G2 next to the new "G11". That's more like it. Maybe I should be looking at this upgrade. The G2 takes really great 4 mega pixel photos, no doubt about it. I have photos to back it up, check the two in this post. They are taken just a month or so ago. This camera actually sees some use. But it is dead slow, really. I mean it is like a snail next to a new camera. Everything is slow. And it is fairly bulky and heavy. I guess I should look into this "G11". I would guess this photo is a fake, but time will tell.

Just a macro - SD1200

Just a macro taken with the SD1200IS. This dragonfly was sitting just outside the entrance to my work. Click on the photo for a larger view.

Price drop on SD1200 and SD780

Looks like Canon is lowering the prices. The Canon PowerShot SD1200IS is now also lower at Amazon with free shipping. Right now when I checked it was $149.95. And I bought it at $220... Well, I guess that proves that one should never buy anything directly when it comes out.

Andt he Canon PowerShot SD780IS has dropped to a new low of $199.

Check out the prices here:



And here are some photos from yesterday taken with the very same SD1200:





Do I need to point out that I live in California? It is pretty dry here now.