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The Fix Is In
Samsung's ultracompact, new, 8-megapixel L83T ($280, estimated street) has more going for it than its small size and fast shutter speed (to 1/2000 sec). The camera's "E" button lets you adjust contrast, sharpness, and saturation; zap redeye; and convert to black-and-white. The image-editing extras don't stop there, though -- a "Fun" feature lets you create a composite by saving up to four images as one, change color, add frames and even text bubbles, all in-camera. Who needs software now? (www.samsungcamerausa.com)
Pack Your Way
Wouldn't it be nice if you could custom-make a bag to your kit's specifications? While commandeering your own factory may be difficult, the new additions to Tenba's Shootout collection come close. The shoulder bags come in small, medium, and large sizes ($140, $172, and $228, direct, respectively), and can accommodate all the gear you can't live without. They all include removable pouches for MP3 players and phones, plenty of pockets, and are made from weatherproof materials. The medium and large bags give you quick-access pockets for grabbing gear fast. (www.tenba.com)
Hold Steady
A tripod sturdy enough to hold a pro camera with a telephoto lens, yet light enough to keep the chiropractor at bay -- at an affordable price -- seems like an impossible dream. But the new SLIK Pro 580 DX tripod ($200, street) may make it come true. The key: its aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy legs, which have a 40 percent greater strength-to-weight ratio than standard aluminum; the 'pod weighs less than 7 pounds and reaches nearly 68 inches. Speed-release leg locks click in three positions to get you as low as 15 inches and help keep you level on uneven ground. (www.slik.com)
How To...
Make daring videos It's more than a helmetcam. Twenty20 claims its new wearable, cellphone-sized camcorder ($350, estimated street) lets thrill seekers shoot video in any weather conditions, no matter how nasty. The design, the company says, is so rugged it's bulletproof. But we sure didn't test that one. (www.twenty20camera.com)
Put your photo on pop Jones Soda Co. has used customer-submitted photos on its labels for years. But if looking at other people's shots while enjoying a softdrink isn't enough for you, now you can create your own. A 12-pack case of personalized soda is $30 plus shipping. Just go to www.myjones.com, choose your flavor, and upload your photo. You also can have a message printed on the back label.
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