Best of Christmas Lights ( Part 2 )

To followup on last years [ PART 1 - Click to View ] I have posted a new version of Best of Christmas Lights. It’s only right that I post some of the finest Christmas Light setups. Stats show that productivity drops during the holiday season so heres a couple to waste your time with.

20,000 LED Lights Illuminate Japanese Rice Paddies

Japan’s agriculturally significant Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields offer a beautiful sight to be seen, especially at nightfall as its landscape is illuminated by a world record-breaking 20,000 pink LED lights that line over 2,000 small rice paddies. The vibrant pop of color against the natural, fertile earth offers a sharp contrast that echoes the beauty of the sunlit land at night.

The LED lights that line the paddies are not only an attractive addition to the environment, but also a means to draw attention to these historically rich agricultural lands that date back to the Edo Period. Located on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, the rice paddies sit on a stairway-like slope against the Japan Sea. As such, the land must be hand cultivated and has been for centuries. The incorporation of the artistic technology allows the area to gain recognition for its environmental significance.

As of last year, Shiroyone Senmaida has also been registered to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), making its unique importance in the agricultural and environmental world far more evident. It is, after all, a sustainable environment that houses varied species of life, including endangered ones.

via [Daily Mail]

Gorgeous Deep Sea Room Activated by Movement

Article: Source

Swimming in a glowing, underwater sea of jellyfish would be a really beautiful experience. But, with limited access to the deep sea, this interactive installation by artist Takahiro Matsuo could be considered a backup to that kind of actual encounter. The dark blue room, a reminder of the oceanic abyss, is a seamlessly flowing design in which viewers can appreciate the beauty of these fascinating creatures without having to actually run the risk of a jellyfish sting.

The Japanese artist worked in collaboration with architect Akihisa Hirata to define this unique, 3D spatial experience where exploration through light, projections, architecture, and human interactions is strongly encouraged. As visitors approach the walls, move around, and walk away, the number and frequency of jellyfish increases and decreases. The organic forms and the glowing palette of blues create a surreal, underwater world where playful movements and interactions with architectural space result in an unspoken communication between artist and participant. One reviewer states, “Thanks to the specific architecture of the space, it is an unexpected experience similar to swimming amongst a coral reef.”

Bright Red Lights Illuminate a Bed Covered in Eerie Mist

Article: Source

Based in Beijing, artist Li Hui uses modern technology, lights, lasers, and LED lights to create fantastic, illuminated displays. In Reincarnation, the Chinese artist used fog, metal, medical bandages, and bright red laser lights streaming down from the ceiling to light up an everyday bed frame underneath. As the light passed through the air and across the object’s surface, a ghostly mist can be seen rising from the top of the bed. The overall vibe from the installation evokes eerie feelings of uncertainty, where on edge viewers wonder what other invisible things may be revealed.

The foundation of the piece is an object on which we sleep, a place where we often experience hazy images, thoughts, and emotions within dreams and nightmares. The artist transformed what is usually a private space into a stunning display of lights in an attempt to evoke emotions. He says, “I understand that there are elements in my works that might make people feel a little puzzled or even a little scared when first confronted with them. However, from what I have experienced, it is not just the [strong] visual impact, but also the ‘otherness’ or their mysticism that can have this kind of result.”

The artist says that photos don’t do the project justice, and that viewers can get a better idea of the piece through video, which can be seen below. If you enjoy this kind of light installation work, you will appreciate another of Hui’s pieces, a very similar project entitled Transition.

Photographers, Embrace Instagram

Article: Source

Watch this video

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Richard Hernandez: Smartphones have ushered in a golden age for photography
• He says that one can be creative in many ways, including the use of nostalgic filters
• Hernandez: But some professionals see it as the end of skill and craft in photography
• He says photo apps won’t magically turn people into Richard Avedon

Editor’s note: Richard Koci Hernandez is a national Emmy award-winning multimedia producer who has worked as a photojournalist for more than 15 years. A two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, he currently teaches at the University of California’s Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

(CNN) — It’s the greatest magic trick in the world. This act of wizardry is performed hundreds of millions of times every day with the press of a button, or more increasingly, with a gentle tap of the screen — and poof, time stops.

The magic is photography.

Today, we’re taking and uploading more than 200 million images per day via Facebook alone. Our phones have become our recording devices. Or as I like to see it: My camera can also make calls.

Richard Koci Hernandez

Smartphones have ushered in a golden age for photography. But disappointingly, much of the conversation has been focused on the device and the use of faux nostalgic filters rather than on how photographers can choose from a wide range of possibilities to be creative.

Art photography: When reality isn’t good enough

We mustn’t forget — a magician’s props, like a photographer’s choice of camera, are only part of the illusion created. When the rabbit is pulled from the hat, its color or breed is irrelevant. What’s important is the magician’s ability to artfully make the rabbit appear and ultimately evoke astonishment from the audience. In photography, the equivalent is taking an image that evokes strong feelings, regardless of which device captured the picture or its nostalgic hue.

Smartphones have democratized photography, and Instagram, in particular, has given us an unprecedented platform for our snapshots. But instead of marveling at all the choices, there’s some grumbling. Some professionals feel threatened as they see the playing field leveling; they interpret it as the end of skill and craft in photography. They should have no fear of such a thing.

12 tips to become a better smartphone photographer

Photography is rooted in the rich culture of amateurism. What’s happening today is similar to the original proliferation of Kodak’s Brownie camera starting in 1900. An inexpensive and easy-to-use camera in every hand didn’t usher in the end of photography or automatically turn everybody into Richard Avedon.

Photo apps won’t magically give Jane the smartphone photographer a better sense of composition, or lighting, or framing. The apps and filters only change a photo’s look and aesthetic feel. That doesn’t make it a better photo. If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.

Photographing with a smartphone

For me, photography is my memory. I’ve chosen photography to prove that I exist. I see my captured view of the world as my search for meaning. For me, words are often inadequate, so I choose to define my experiences with photographs.

This little act of magic does not divorce me — as the critic Susan Sontag implied in her book, “On Photography” — from the here and now. In fact, it deepens my bond to the present moment.

An image I take, sprinkled with synthetic nostalgia, tells all: “I was here and this is what I saw.” The camera phone allows me to offer a small taste of my here and now, on unprecedented levels, to a global audience with astonishing immediacy.

Why I use filters

The pictures of my childhood had a warmish, faded, slightly out of focus feeling. They are the memory of things past, comfort food for the eyes. It seems natural for me to add the option of nostalgic filters to my photographic process.

When we discover an old, faded, cracked and torn image, we handle it with care and respect. Time has honored it with its blessing.

My digital images, however, will never see the ravages of time. They’ll always remain, preserved, pristine and forever in their original state, in the perfection of now, without the possibility of the flaws of the past creeping in and eroding it.

I want my memories, like the prints of my childhood, to fade, to mix with the ether of all that has come before. Because I know that time cannot touch my digital images, I add in the passage of time by using filters.

Embracing the present

It is all about time. It’s about the time we are losing, and what the future will do to our memories. It’s about the fact that technology can instantaneously compress our collective thoughts and images into binary digits of 1’s and 0’s.

We have a sea of images now. On the horizon, I see the forming of a new photographic language. Let’s embrace photography, as it exists now. And let’s continue to find our individual voice, perspectives, stories and style, regardless of the medium.

Digital Camera [Best of Year Awards] 2012

Article: Source

I love anything visual and photography is one of my favorite artforms. With that said I had to post this since camera decisions are always the big problem… 

2012 has been one of the most exciting years yet for the staff here at DigitalCameraInfo.com, as the photographic industry put the woes of 2011 behind it to release some truly amazing cameras. From flagship DSLRs to incredible compacts, there was a seemingly endless parade of superb cameras for us to test in our labs. There has also been some incredible innovation in the camera market, with fascinating new technology coming to the fore as companies look to branch out in new and interesting ways. Out of this diverse and ever-growing market we have culled the very best to provide you with our 2012 Selects, the cameras we would recommend to not only you, but to our friends and families as well.

Camera of the Year
Canon 1D X
(MSRP $6799.00 body-only)

Runner-up
Nikon D4 (MSRP $5999.95)

While there were only a couple high-end cameras brought to market in 2011, this year saw the eventual release of some incredible full-frame models from each of the major players. With some fantastic mid-range bodies also seeing the light of day, the Canon 1D X had stiff competition for our top spot once it finally was released to the public. Despite the delay, the 1D X bested all comers in our lab tests, producing the highest overall score of the year. While it’s certainly too big, too expensive, and simply too much for most people, the Canon 1D X is, hands-down, the best camera from 2012.

The Nikon D4 also graced our labs this year, and we found that it offered performance that exceeded the 1D X in some areas, falling behind in others. We should reserve special mention for the D4’s backlit control labels and uncompressed HDMI video output. The D4 is an impressive machine that any pro shooting Nikon should be proud to own, but it falls just behind the 1D X in our overall scoring.

Read the Full Review of the Canon 1D X
Read the Full Review of the Nikon D4

Best Innovation
Lytro Light Field Camera
(MSRP $499.99 16GB)

Runner-up
Samsung Galaxy Camera
(MSRP Not yet available)

With so many new and interesting models hitting the market in 2012, Lytro’s light field camera stands apart as truly innovative. While we aren’t as impressed with the Lytro’s traditional image quality, the ability to capture an entire scene and change the focal point after the fact is unlike anything else on the market. The Lytro stands as one of the most innovative cameras to come along in years, and we’re very interested to see how this technology develops in years to come.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera also deserves a nod here. While the Nikon S800c was the first camera to come to market with Android on-board, the Galaxy Camera’s use of Android version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) makes it feel far more advanced. We expect to see Android integration in cameras to take off over the next few years, but the Galaxy Camera already feels like a third-generation product rather than a one-off concept.

Read the Full Review of the Lytro
Read the First Impressions Review of the Samsung Galaxy Camera

Best Ultra High-End System Camera
Canon 1D X
(MSRP $6799.00 body-only)


Runner-up
Nikon D4
(MSRP $5999.95 body-only)

It’s not every year that Canon and Nikon both release new flagship professional DSLRs. The Nikon D4 and Canon 1D X both employ advanced technology in incredible ways, integrating not only professional-quality video features, but also cutting-edge autofocus, connectivity options, and operational speed. These two cameras push the boundaries of what professional DSLRs can do, scoring better than any other cameras before them in our testing labs. While we loved the D4’s backlit controls and impressive video features, the 1D X ekes out the win here (by the slimmest of margins) thanks to its superior shooting speed and more versatile autofocus control, helping you get the shot you’re aiming for more often.

Read the Full Review of the Canon 1D X
Read the Full Review of the Nikon D4

Best High-End System Camera
Nikon D800
(MSRP $2999.99 body-only)


Runner-up
Canon 5D Mark III
(MSRP $3499.99 body-only)

In a year where we saw nearly 10 new full-frame cameras, none were as much fun to shoot with as the Nikon D800. While the speedier Nikon D4 performed better in the lab, we found the 36.3-megapixel images from the D800 to be simply irresistible. The ability to capture such an immense level of detail was undeniably useful, especially in extreme low-light situations.

The D800’s closest competition is the Canon 5D Mark III. While we found the Mark IIIto be more useful for serious video work, the D800 produced sharper images and offered more baked-in features. Those already married to either system will probably want to stick to their guns, but the D800 has been our camera of choice since the moment it entered our labs.

Read the Full Review of the Nikon D800
Read the Full Review of the Canon 5D Mark III

Best Mid-Range System Camera
Panasonic DMC-GH3
(MSRP Available for pre-order. $1299.99 body only)

Runner-up
Canon Rebel T4i
(MSRP $1149.00 w/ 18-135mm STM lens)

The Panasonic GH3 was a late entrant for our awards, and while we expected its class-leading video performance, it surprised us as a brilliant all-around photographic tool. With excellent overall image quality, a superb DSLR-style grip, oodles of customization options, and access to the ever-growing Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, the GH3 is an excellent camera for anyone who’s looking for a high-end interchangeable lens camera but doesn’t want to deal with the bulk or price of a full-frame DSLR.

Those looking to spend a little less without sacrificing image quality might want to give the Canon Rebel T4i a look. The T4i is the first touchscreen-enabled traditionalDSLR, and it provides a potent mix of handling, still image quality, and video features. If you’re on a budget we’d suggest you opt for the cheaper 18-55mm kit, but the 18-135mm STM lens provides smoother, quieter autofocus for video recording as well as improved optical performance.

Read the First Impressions Review of the Panasonic DMC-GH3
Read the Full Review of the Canon Rebel T4i

Best Compact System Camera
Sony NEX-7
(MSRP $1249.99 w/ 18-55mm lens)


Runner-up
Olympus OM-D E-M5
(MSRP $1099.99 w/ 14-42mm lens)

The Sony Alpha NEX-7 was one of the first truly high-end compact system cameras to hit the market, with great handling, an articulating LCD, three control dials, and built-in electronic viewfinder. The NEX-7’s 24.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor is of the same APS-C standard size as you’d find in many larger DSLRs, offering superb dynamic range and excellent shot-to-shot speeds. While we wish the NEX system had a few more high-quality lenses to complement its great cameras, we feel the NEX-7 is the best performing compact system camera you can pick up today.

That said, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 put up a serious fight, sporting an excellent Sony-produced sensor and vintage Olympus looks. The E-M5 is one of the more popular cameras of 2012, with weather sealing and a level of customization few cameras can match. We think it’s a fine option for anyone who wants a little more retro flavor—and access to the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem—with their compact system camera, and we doubt you’ll be disappointed if you pick one up.

Read the Full Review of the Sony NEX-7
Read the Full Review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5

Best Enthusiast Camera
Fuji X-Pro1
(MSRP $1699.99 body-only)



Runner-up
Olympus OM-D E-M5
(MSRP $1099.99 w/ 14-42mm lens)

While we found that the Sony NEX-7 provided the best performance of all the compact system cameras we tested this year, we still have a place in our hearts for cameras that focus as much on the process as the end result. To that end we are recognizing the Fuji X-Pro1 as the best enthusiast camera of 2012, designed to appeal to those who want a camera whose appeal goes beyond test results and comparative analysis. With a small group of absolutely fantastic prime lenses, physical dials galore, and a design reminiscent of the finest film cameras, the Fuji X-Pro1 is a body aimed squarely at photography phanatics. With apologies to the wonderful Olympus OM-D E-M5, we applaud Fuji for giving us yet another camera to salivate over in 2012.

Read the Full Review of the Fuji X-Pro1
Read the Full Review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5

Best Point-and-Shoot Camera
Nikon P7700
(MSRP $499.95)

Runner-up
Sony RX100
(MSRP $649.99)

It’s been an ugly year for the bottom end of the point-and-shoot camera market, but at the same time the upper tier has flourished. Impressive high-end compacts from virtually every major manufacturer passed through our labs this year, but we found the Nikon P7700 outdid them all. With a 7x optical zoom, fully articulating screen, hot shoe, and plenty of physical controls on a body with superb handling characteristics, the $500 Nikon P7700 is the best point-and-shoot we tested this year.

The Sony RX100 is a close second, however, with a larger sensor and a slightly brighter lens. The result of that combination is excellent low-light capabilities and attractively blurred backgrounds. While the P7700 outperformed the RX100 in the lab, shots from Sony’s flagship compact have an aesthetic quality that no other camera in its class can match. On the other hand, we were less impressed with its characterless handling and newbie-oriented user interface. Its high price is a concern, too.

Read the First Impressions Review of the Nikon P7700
Read the Full Review of the Sony RX100

Best High-End Point-and-Shoot Camera
Nikon P7700
(MSRP $499.95)

Runner-up
Sony RX100
(MSRP $649.99)

The Sony RX100 has long been the favorite for this award, but leave it to Nikon to come and spoil Sony’s fun at the very last minute. While the RX100 enjoys some undeniable benefits in bokeh and low-light capability thanks to its outsized 1-inch sensor, the Nikon P7700 outperformed it in our image quality tests in virtually every other category. Its complement of high-end features will make it of particular interest to advanced amateurs and prosumers, and it’s got a fantastic grip, too. We still love the RX100, but the P7700 takes the award here.

Read the First Impressions Review of the Nikon P7700
Read the Full Review of the Sony RX100

Best Value Point-and-Shoot Camera
Canon PowerShot ELPH110 HS
(MSRP $229.99)

Runner-up
Nikon S6300
(MSRP $199.95)

Canon PowerShots have long been the go-to recommendation for anyone looking for an inexpensive, simple camera that offers decent image quality. The 110 HS carries that torch well, with a 3-inch rear LCD, 5x optical zoom, and a size and shape that can easily slip into all but the tightest pockets. With smartphones getting better and better, there’s not much room left for cameras like this, but if you want higher-resolution photos or an optical zoom at a low price, the 110 HS is a great option.

Read the Full Review of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS
Read the First Impressions Review of the Nikon S6300

Best Super-Zoom Camera
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
(MSRP $479.99)

Runner-up
Panasonic FZ200
(MSRP $599.99)

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS takes home our super-zoom award this year thanks to its combination of solid design, excellent ease-of-use, and great overall image quality. Of course, it’s hard to argue with the SX50’s credentials when it sports a ridiculous 50x optical zoom. The SX50 HS is more than a one-trick pony, though, as it performed well enough to take the top prize over some serious competition from both Panasonic and Sony.

The Panasonic FZ200 is the runner-up here, largely due to its excellent 24x zoom lens. The FZ200 is unique in the super-zoom market in that its lens maintains a wide f/2.8 aperture all the way through its optical zoom range. The Canon SX50 did better in the labs and offers nearly double the zoom range, but the FZ200’s aperture is more than twice as wide at full zoom, helping keep motion blur under control.

Read the First Impressions Review of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Read the Full Review of the Panasonic FZ200

Best Travel-Zoom Camera
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
(MSRP $299.99)

Runner-up
Sony HX30V
(MSRP $419.99)

Canon also takes home our award for best travel zoom of the year with the SX260 HS. Its combination of a solid 20x optical zoom and a sleek, stylish, compact design will probably check all the boxes for many casual users. If you need a big zoom range in a camera that will easily slip into a jacket pocket, the SX260 HS is our unqualified recommendation. A close second, however, is the Sony HX30V. The HX30V falls behind the SX260 HS in overall performance, but it offers superior video capture capability, which will be a big deal to some users.

Read the Full Review of the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Read the Full Review of the Sony HX30V

Best Pocket Camera
Sony RX100
(MSRP $649.99)


Runner-up
Canon PowerShot S110
(MSRP $429.99)

If we had an award for “camera that the staff fought to play with the most,” the Sony RX100 would easily take it home. The camera’s combination of a large sensor and excellent lens produced the closest thing to DSLR image quality in a pocketable camera that we’ve seen thus far. While it was still beat out by the Nikon P7700 in our lab tests, the RX100 is quite a bit smaller and is absolutely the best camera you can (probably) fit in your pants pocket.

Our second choice would have to be the Canon PowerShot S110. We’ve been big fans of Canon’s diminutive S series since it kickstarted the trend of tiny yet high-end compact point-and-shoot cameras a couple years back. We’re excited to see what Canon does with the S-series going forward, though we’re hoping for a little more innovation in future models.

Read the Full Review of the Sony RX100
Read the Full Review of the Canon PowerShot S110

Best Waterproof Camera
Olympus Tough TG-1
(MSRP $399.99)


Runner-up
Panasonic Lumix TS4
(MSRP $429.99)

We dunked every waterproof camera we could find for our roundup this past spring, and one camera rose above the rest. We found the Olympus TG-1 produced the best images of the lot, with an f/2.0 lens letting in plenty of light. In addition, the TG-1 can go to depths of 40 feet and is rated to withstand dust, cold, and even drops of up to 6.6 feet. Those credentials easily earn it the award here, and really it’s a fine compact camera no matter the conditions.

Read the Full Review of the Olympus Tough TG-1
Read the Full Review of the Panasonic Lumix TS4

Best Camera for the Money
Samsung WB150F
(MSRP $229.99)


Runner-up
Sony NEX-F3
(MSRP $599.99 w/ 18-55mm lens)

Just because the budget point-and-shoot category hasn’t seen much love in 2012 doesn’t mean you can’t still find bargains. With a street price that frequently drops below $200, the WB150F offers image quality on par with more expensive cameras. A smart design, solid handling, and built-in Wi-Fi gave us plenty to like about this camera. There are cheaper options available, to be sure, but this is one of the best cost-to-value propositions on the market today.

We also want to reserve a special mention for the entry-level model in Sony’s NEX line, the NEX-F3. Like the NEX-C3 before it, the F3 perfoms as well as cameras that cost north of $1000 for a price of right around $600 (with a kit lens included). Getting that kind of quality for such a low price is practically unheard of, which makes the NEX-F3 a perfect introduction to interchangeable lens cameras for those on a tight budget.

Read the Full Review of the Samsung WB150F
Read the Full Review of the Sony NEX-F3

Best Camera for Video
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
(MSRPAvailable for pre-order. $1299.99 body-only)

Runner-up
Canon 5D Mark III
(MSRP $3499.99 body-only)

The Panasonic GH3 is only available for pre-order at the moment, but we’ve already put one to test in our labs. The result? It’s the best stills camera for shooting video, period. With a built-in mic port, improved video quality, an incredible number of compression options, and a pre-order price of around $1300, the GH3 can take on the best video-friendly full-frame bodies and come out victorious. When you consider that its closest competition—the Canon 5D Mark III—is bigger, heavier, offers less features, and costs $3500 for the body alone, you’ll understand why we’re so impressed with the Panasonic GH3.

There is certainly room for the Mark III in the market, though, especially if you’re looking for a camera that is equally adept at still photography. But let us reassure you: This decision isn’t a matter of choosing value over quality—the Panasonic GH3 simply produces better video. Its late-season arrival may be a problem if you’re planning on giving one as a gift this December, but we assure you that it’s worth the wait.

Read the First Impressions Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
Read the Full Review of the Canon 5D Mark III

Best Value System Camera for Video
Canon Rebel T4i
(MSRP $1149.99 w/ 18-135mm STM lens)


Runner-up
Sony NEX-5R
(MSRP $749.99 w/ 18-55mm lens)

While some fantastic and fantastically expensive video cameras have come through our labs this year, we understand that not everyone is willing to shell out several thousand dollars for high-end video capability. Those looking for solid video from a budget-friendly system camera should look no further than the Canon Rebel T4i. The T4i captures appealing full HD video, has full manual control, and sports nearly silent continuous autofocus while recording clips. At a body-only price of just $799.99, we think the T4i is a great option for those who want quality stills and HD video in one cheap package.

Sony’s line of NEX system cameras all are capable of recording excellent video, but theNEX-5R offers the best value of the bunch. Like the Canon T4i, the NEX-5R handles autofocus very well, and, although the camera doesn’t have a fully rotatable LCD, it does have a screen that tilts up and down to accommodate various shooting angles. In terms of performance, the NEX-5R basically matched the Canon T4i in our video tests, but we gave the Canon an edge in handling thanks to its better grip and easier access to video controls.

Read the Full Review of the Canon Rebel T4i
Read the First Impressions Review of the Sony NEX-5R

Best Point-and-Shoot for Video
Panasonic Lumix FZ200
(MSRP $599.99)

Runner-up
Sony HX30V
(MSRP $419.99)

While most people’s minds immediately turn to DSLRs when they think about cameras that capture great video, point-and-shoots have also come a long way. With an honorable mention to Sony’s line of 1080/60p compact cameras, the Panasonic FZ200 takes top honors here. The FZ200 offers more control, an incredible 24X constant-aperture zoom lens, and superior ergonomics to help steady your hands while filming.

Sony isn’t too shabby when it comes to the video features on its point-and-shoot cameras either. Deciding on this runner-up award came down to a judgment call between three Sony models: the RX100, the HX200V, or the HX30V—all of which did a good job in our video tests, ranking in just behind the Panasonic FZ200. We ended up choosing the HX30V because of its design, figuring that it is small enough to fit in your pocket, but also packs a decent zoom lens, which is a necessity when shooting video.

Read the Full Review of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200
Read the Full Review of the Sony HX30V

Best New Photo App
Woven for Android and iOS

There’s no end to the list of places you can store your photos online these days. From gallery-focused sites like Flickr, SmugMug, and Picasa to social media services like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, your digital life is probably spread all over the ‘net. Woven brings all those services together into one easy-to-navigate interface. Do you have a public vacation album on Facebook, but keep your more personal photos of the kids on Flickr? No problem! Woven lets you show them all off through a single smartphone interface.

Read our review of Woven for Android and iOS

Best Photo Printer
Epson Stylus Inkjet R2000
(MSRP $599.99)

Runner-up
Canon Pixma MX512
(MSRP $149.99)

Though we here at Reviewed.com have reviewed many a printer in our day, only one can reign supreme as the best released in 2012. After looking at the other offerings on the table and comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and oddities in our labs, our reviewers have settled on one printer that stands above the rest: the Epson Stylus Inkjet R2000.

With impressive color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and admirable detail, the Epson R2000 is the best photo printer we saw this year. In addition to its high marks for performance, the ability to print on papers as wide as 13 inches provides amateurs and part-time professionals flexibility in media options. Falling just short of our top honor is the Canon MX512, a mid-range multifunction printer. While it requires only two ink cartridges, the MX512 produces good color performance and speedy printing that will make you forget its $149.99 price tag. Perfect for a dorm or a place next to the family computer, the Canon MX512 is a good fit for consumers looking for a light-use photo printer that’s easy on the wallet.

Read our review of Epson Stylus Inkjet R2000
Read the Full Review of the Canon Pixma MX512

LG IPS Monitors. So Real, it’s scary! Elevator life. Source

How not to pitch a venture capitalist. Learn from a master how not to pitch a venture capitalist. Source