CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
December 13, 2005
Dear CNET members,
With the holidays in full swing, before you know it, many of you will be getting together with family and friends to celebrate the festivities and taking lots of digital photos to capture those magical moments. And the last thing that I want on those special gatherings is to muck up the photos--been there, done that. So before we dive into this year's holiday photo frenzy, if you have some digital photography tips, special techniques, or methodology that you are especially proud of, share them with us in our latest Point and Shout feature discussion. On your way out, pick up a few helpful tips for yourself. Either way, it takes two to tango, and your contribution is needed in the community. The tips are rolling in, so let's make this list a long and helpful one for everyone's benefit.

Speaking of digital photos tips, are you aware that CNET currently offers a handful of online how-to clinics on photo and video that are absolutely free to all CNET members? Well, if you aren't aware of them, do check them out. With all the digital photography tips from our members and online courses being offered, 'tis definitely the season of sharing and learning that will keep us busy all winter long. Enjoy!

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


Got suggestions? Send us an e-mail:
messageboards@cnet.com

This week's hot topic:
Digital photography tips
Do you have a foolproof tip when it comes to taking digital pictures? That's the question we asked in a recent Point and Shout discussion, and several of you shared some great tricks of the trade.

Keep it continuous
A common complaint among digital photography buffs is the frustrating shutter lag. CNET member bgh suggests shooting in continous mode when trying to get that perfect shot. Using this technique, he's managed to get some great wildlife shots.
Read bgh's full post in Point and Shout

Keep it flashy
Even when it seems like there's more than enough light, CNET member Tomorrowist suggests using fill flash if your subject is within 10 feet. The extra light helps do away with unwanted facial shadows.
Read Tomorrowist's post in Point and Shout

Keep it steady
Ever wonder why a lot of your shots end up blurry? CNET member donyab suggests using the camera's regular viewfinder instead of the LCD. Bringing the camera up to your face makes for a steadier shot, rather than when it's held out in front of you when using the LCD.
Read donyab's full post in Point and Shout

Speak Up!
What's your most useful digital photography tip? Check out the latest "Point and Shout" discussion and let us know!
CNET digital photography resources:
CNET photo and video clinic
  From CNET How-to

15 picture pitfals and how to avoid them
  From CNET Reviews

Digital camera reviews
  From CNET Reviews

Digital cameras forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up and talk about it.

David Carnoy's Fully Equipped
Ten things I hate about the Xbox 360
Sure, the Xbox 360 is great. But that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of stuff to complain about. What little things irk you about the Xbox 360?
Robert Vamosi's Security Watch
Your antivirus software has BO
With security researchers rushing to find the next big flaw in Internet Explorer, is anyone checking the security apps? One researcher is, and he's found that most antivirus apps suffer from critical buffer-overflow errors. Fortunately, most security vendors are responsive. Are you surprised (maybe even outraged) that antivirus apps also have security flaws? Why or why not?
CNET Community: Make the Call
What is your favorite cell phone?
With so many phones available today, each with its strong and weak points, it's no easy feat to pick the best handsets. So in your book, what is your favorite cell phone that currently exhibits the highest degree of style, features, performance, and value? We want to know.


 
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
How much photography experience do you have?
(Please click on button to vote)

 Less than a year (please share your story)
 1 to 2 years (please share your story)
 3 to 5 years (please share your story)
 6 to 8 years (please share your story)
 9 to 12 years (please share your story)
 13 to 17 years (please share your story)
 18 to 25 years (please share your story)
 26 to 35 years (please share your story)
 More than 35 years
    (please share your story)

 None, I’m a complete newbie!
Last week's poll results 
Are extended warranties worth it?
What's next?
Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.
Last-minute gifts
$100 laptop dissed
How do you survive
  air travel?

Top must-haves
Xbox 360 central
32-inch LCD
  HDTV showdown

Hot Products
Along with discussing camera tips, CNET members had plenty of cool cameras to talk about.

Canon PowerShot S80
CNET member Donato777 says:
"I recently purchased the S80 and I could not be more satisfied. It's one of the best cameras I have ever owned..." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Casio Exilim EX-Z750
CNET member funtasticguy says:
"This is a great digital camera and mini video recorder for a great price! Casio will become well respected for its digital cameras..." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

CNET Deal Exchange
Check out these special deals from our CNET certified merchants.

Pentax Optio SV
Supercompact and easy to use, the 5.3-ounce Optio SV is the perfect companion for advanced beginners and intermediate photographers. $259 after $50 rebate at Buy.com
Read More


Creative TravelSound 200
Portable Speakers

The compact and lightweight Creative TravelSound 200 is the perfect portable palm-size speaker with built-in high-precision titanium microdrivers to deliver crystal clear audio playback. $29 after $10 rebate at OnSale Read More

Mio 269 GPS
The Mio 269 comes with a generous package: everything you need for navigating with your car and without it. $449.99 after $50 rebate at Tiger Direct Read More

30GB Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen
The Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen's huge 30GB of storage lets you bring up to 8,000 WMA (80Kbps) or MP3 songs (128Kbps) everywhere you go. $169 after $30 rebate at
Comp-U-Plus Direct Read More


This week on CNET 
CNET's camera phone image gallery
Compare camera phone pics
Use our tool to see side-by-side shots taken by nearly all the camera phones you can buy.
Read more




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