Product Roundup: Cost-Effective Tech
The cost of high-quality digital cameras continues to fall, with new models from Kodak and Fuji Film leading the value parade. Although supercompact models such as the superb Canon S-500 ($499) continue to set the standard for miniaturization and quality, new models from Casio and Samsung provide high-performance at an attractive price. We put the new 5-megapixel Samsung Digimax V50 ($379) through its paces, and were impressed by its ease-of-use, versatility, and high picture quality. Premium components, such as a Schneider f2.8, multicoated 3X optical zoom lens, are complemented by thoughtful features, including a tilt/swivel LCD viewfinder, and the ability to use either Li-ion rechargeable, double-A, or CR-V3 batteries.
Video Smarts
Ulead VideoStudio 8 provides a simple yet powerful way for Windows users to edit video for use in presentations -- almost as good as having iMovie for XP. While not as powerful as Adobe Premiere or Apple Final Cut Pro, VideoStudio 8 offers a simple, inexpensive way to achieve professional looking results. Features include first rate animated titling, 700 visual effects, an "auto music maker" from SmartSound, and a Movie Wizard with preconfigured video frames. The sub-$100 program features auto scene detection, captures clips from a wide range of camcorders and other sources, and will output to tape, the Web, or will create DVDs with customizable menus.
Projecting Value
With low-cost projectors now available at dozens of office supply and computer outlets, it's important to know when one of these sub-$1,000 units will do the job, or when a higher-level machine is required. These basic portable projectors, such as the BenQ PB6100 and NEC's new VT47, produce about 1500 lumens of brightness, weigh about 6 lbs., and have a native (actual) resolution of 800 x 600 (SVGA). These units do a good job for routine presentations, and playback of videotapes and DVDs in a room with controlled lighting. If however, you need to regularly present high-res spreadsheets and graphics (1024 x 786 pixel and higher), or if you're looking for superior HDTV reproduction, you'll get better results with a native XGA (or higher) projector, such as the superportable NEC LT-10 (less than $2,000). We've used this DLP-based, 2.1 lb., 1100-lumen, native XGA unit in a wide range of settings with uniformly excellent results. Another lightweight favorite is the InFocus LP-120 Coach Special Edition. This 2 lb., 1000-lumen, DLP projector comes equipped with a stylish matching custom briefcase from Coach, for about $2,100.
If your presentations take place in well lit rooms, or on screens larger than 8 feet wide, you'll want to look at a more powerful projector with 2000 or more lumens of brightness, such as the native XGA, 2000-lumen, 6.8 lb., VT-670 from NEC (under $1,800), or the sub-$2,700, 3.9 lb., 2600-lumen Epson PowerLite 745C. The Toshiba TLP-S71U features a built-in camera for instant on-screen display of annotated documents or 3-D objects. The sub-$1,700, 6 lb., three-LCD projector offers native SVGA resolution and puts out a room-filling 2000 lumens of brightness.
Sidebar: Tips for Presenting Successfully
As a business owner, it is critical that you communicate with confidence. In fact, your business relies on the effectiveness of your communication.
Set and state your agenda at the very beginning. Remember that strong visuals make an immediate and long-lasting impression. Use charts, photographs and video to convey your message. Use a projector to make a big impact. It will help set yourself apart as you convey your individuality, enthusiasm, and successes. Don't forget your three key selling points!
Make your meeting interactive. Listen to your client. Entice your clients with your knowledge and/or products, but give them just enough to make them want to come back for more. Set a follow up meeting-and follow up promptly!
For more information, call 1-800-632-4636 or visit www.necvisualsystems.com.
