Reed S. Oxman M.D. asked:


The following is an article written to teach the customer basic terminology that is used when discussing the 21st century first binocular generation. This article covers the two most important groups of terms. The first group of terms or jargon involves the roof and porro prisms. The second of the two most important terms needed to learn to understand and to say are numbers rather than more words.  They are one small and one larger number separated by an “x”. An example is 8 x 32.  Read the article and both words and numbers will all be explained to your satisfaction.

 

 

When one speaks of a binocular “revolution”, the reference is to all the manufacturers involved in producing numerous different models of binoculars.  What happened and when?  18-24 months ago, several well-established and highly respected manufacturers involved in the use of optics decided to use current new technology and mix it with the basic binoculars of the time.  At that time, binoculars differed mainly by their manufacturer, the actual size of the pair of binoculars, and their price, which was manufacturer notoriety dependent.

 

Now prior to 2 years, the selection of a pair of binoculars was quick and easy.  Now, however, if a consumer decided to look for a pair of binoculars for their specific needs, their task can quickly and suddenly become an overwhelming one.  A consumer now has to have a background (such as given to them in this article) on the new generation of binoculars, so that their pick will fulfill their needs.

 

Customers are now faced with choices of manufacturers, models, and functional types with prices ranging from a low of $30 to highs in the hundreds and thousands of dollars.  The best way to handle all this information is to simplify it so that the pair you buy is the pair you need.  Once you set out to learn the new terminology or jargon used to describe these binoculars, you will realize how lucky you are to have this new generation available.

 

All current types of binoculars can be divided into two groups: the porro prisms and the roof prisms.

 

The models in the porro prism category tend to be the more traditional looking pairs of binoculars with their lenses offset, while appearing as wide as they are long.  These same models tend to be heavier and bulkier.  One very positive aspect of porro prism model design is that they tend to let in more light than their counter parts.  This extra light produces sharper and brighter images.

 

On the other hand, roof prism binoculars look like the connection of two straight tubes.  The designs are much newer allowing for production of more compact binoculars.  Their lenses can still be fairly large, similar to the porro type binoculars.  Due to their newer designs, even with large lenses, the physical weight and size of these binoculars can still be greatly reduced.  On the whole, roof prisms tend to be small and lighter weight binoculars as compared to the slightly older and heavier porro cohorts.  To repeat, porro binoculars tend to produce sharper and brighter images than the lighter in weight, and smaller in size roof binoculars.

 

The second important jargon used to describe a pair of binoculars involves numbers rather than words.  This descriptive language is written as one small number and one large number separated by an “x”.  The first number on the left side of the x represents the number of time the object is magnified when viewing it through the lens.  The number to the right of the x represents the diameter of the objective lens, expressed in millimeters.  Therefore, the combination of 8 x 32 means the object appears to be magnified eight times while seeing it through a lens that is 32mm in diameter.

 

Therefore, when setting out to pick the binoculars best for you or as a gift, it is important to learn about and understand the two types of prisms and the meaning of the two number, separated by an x.  The first number to the left of the x represents the number of magnifications one sees the object while looking through the two lenses. The second number or the one to the right of the x represents the number of mm of the diameter of the lens. The higher the number to the right, the larger the lens diameter and the more light that can get through.  The more light, the brighter and sharper the image appears.  Unfortunately, the larger the diameter of the lens, the heavier and bulkier is the pair of binoculars, the more cumbersome it is to carry.

 

In an upcoming article, I plan on delving even deeper into the specifications that are used to understand and help the customer in finding that pair that will fulfill their needs best.

 

Cindy Rhyes asked:


To the ordinary consumers, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation is best known for its photographic and imaging products like Fuji digital cameras. This Tokyo-based company, however, is much more than that. Fujifilm has also distinguished itself in office equipment products, flat panel display, medical systems, and life sciences. The company counts on 223 subsidiaries and over 70,000 employees worldwide for the manufacture, distribution and product research.

In 2007, Fujifilm emerged no. 17 in the listing of companies with the most patents registered in the USA, an indication of the company’s vast technological armory in optics, digital imaging, thin film coating and fine chemical applications. With almost $25 billion in global revenues, Fujifilm has consistently ranked among the world’s largest companies, occupying the 142nd slot on Fortune Magazine Top 400 and holding the 217th place on BusinessWeek’s Global 1000 list.

Formerly operating as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., the company was the prime-mover of the development of Japan’s first electronic computer, called FUJIC, which saw completion in 1956. In more contemporary times, Fujinon lenses helped shape moviemaking history with a Fujifilm company supplying high-definition lenses in the filming of Darth Vader scenes shot in total darkness for the George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. A high-definition Fujinon Cine lens was developed for these particular scenes which are difficult to film with regular movie camera equipment. What the Fujinon HD Cine lens delivered were images expressing texture and reproducing subtle black hues. The high performance of these lenses enabled the Fujifilm company Fujinon to win an Emmy Award for Technology and Engineering.

The same outstanding technology is at work in Fuji digital cameras, particularly in the Fuji Finepix models which have set the trend in compact models excelling in low-light shooting conditions. Among the advanced technologies that go into these Fuji compacts is the Super CCD EXR sensor, which is one of the selling points of the Finepix F200 EXR. The sensors of these Fuji digital cameras bring in a versatile feature that helps the photographer adapt to three different shooting environments.

There is a fine capture mode, wherein these Fuji Finepix cameras employ 12-megapixel resolution of the EXR pixel array to capture images in bright colours up to the smallest detail. For high-contrast shooting situations, a photographer can switch to the dual capture mode wherein the Fuji compact reads two images and merges them into a single image of up to 800% in wide dynamic range to produce pictures that reveal subtleties and shadow, and eliminate washout in the brightest areas. In low-lighting situations, the Super CCD EXR is ready to take charge with its pixel-fusion mode, high-sensitivity features and pixel-binning capability wherein two pixels are combined into one super-pixel.

There are two different modes by which to access these Super CCD EXR modes. One is the priority mode which allows the photographer to manually set any of the EXR modes suitable to the shooting condition. The other is the auto mode wherein the Fuji digital cameras automatically set the best EXR mode for the shooting situation to deliver the perfect image.

James Hunt asked:


Binoculars are a favorite of people that go hiking, bird watching or attend sporting events. This is because they can magnify items that are far away and bring them closer to you so you can see them in detail. Binoculars come in a few different shapes and sizes and vary in price from the very expensive to the inexpensive. But, if you’re not a professional bird watcher, whale watcher or theater goer, you probably won’t need pricey binoculars.

These days, binoculars are very high-tech, so you will have fun shopping around and looking at the recent improvements. These will be the most expensive binoculars you can buy but they will have all the most state of the art features.

Take for example the night vision binoculars you will find for sale at stores like the Discovery Channel. They allow you to see through the darkness and work well for people that like nighttime activities.

Another great new invention is binoculars that contain a digital camera. You can zoom in on whatever it is you’re looking at and snap a close-up picture through your binoculars. So, you can take home a picture of that bird, whale, person or anything else that you wouldn’t normally be able to have.

When you’re buying binoculars, purchase them through a reputable source, like the Discovery Channel or another well known store or brand. This will ensure that you’re getting the best quality product possible and you will know that it will last.

If you know anything about binoculars, you will know that they all contain two numbers. The two numbers are separated by a multiplication sign and it’s important to know their meaning. The first number is the millimeter of the lens while the second number is the magnification level. So, keep this is mind when are shopping for your new binoculars.

Bird Care Guide asked:


If you believe birds are captivating creatures, then we have something in common! There are many birds that make terrific pets, while some of them just need to be left out in their natural environment. There is a pet bird out there for every bird lover. There are some individuals that enjoy large birds, while other people just enjoy little canaries that sit in their cage singing pretty tunes all day. Whatever you do, you should make sure you are completely prepared to take on the responsibility of a pet. If you have any doubts about taking in a pet or you are away from your home for long periods of time, then you may want to reconsider your plans of getting a bird–or any other pet. As you read this article, you will earn what to expect when caring for a bird.

Some of those wonderful creatures are very colorful, while the others are almost humorous. If you know about the type of bird you are looking for as a pet, then you should have a perception of what to expect from your new pet. This means you will need to do a proper amount of research on the bird before you bring it home. Try to look for a basic bird guide online.

When you get this pet, as long as you are ready to take on the responsibility of having a pet, we know you are going to be very happy. This is because birds make great companions. You will find your bird willing to do a lot of the things you do. In fact, when you take a shower, you bird may even want to be there with you!

When you’re eating, your bird may wish to watch you, and in many cases, they’ll attempt to eat from your dinner plate. Can you believe that some birds will repeat everything you say? Some birds are so intelligent that you will fid yourself able to understand complete sentences–which actually make sense!

You should make sure you put your bird in a cage that has a lot of room. This is especially important for those birds that spend a great deal of time in their cage. Your bird is going to require plenty of room to move about. Basically, if your bird is not able to stretch his wings and flap them without hitting the sides of the cage, then the cage is too small and you should get a new one. You might also try to gather information regarding accessories for birds, so that you are better prepared to meet your bird’s needs. Now that you know what to expect when caring for a bird, do you think you’re ready?