I remember a time when video cameras were pretty elite…aka pretty expensive.
I always imagined if I had a camera of my own, I would be like a young Spielberg, knocking out filmic gems on a regular basis.
Now, of course, video cameras are available at whatever budget. In various forms (I just counted), I have four different video recording possibilities at hand.
So what about my filmic masterpieces?
Is Spielberg getting worried?...
The difficulty I have had in the past is with video editing. Every program that comes with my video camera has probably been brilliant. But, it has also been very user un-friendly and complicated.

Well, no more! Serif’s MoviePlus X5 is the powerful digital video editing solution with easy-to-use tools and stunning studio-quality effects.
It’s so frustrating when you know that there is some great video, but it takes an age (and some serious skill) to edit it all in to one cohesive piece. MoviePlus X5 makes it easy.
MoviePlus X5 has clearly been designed for a technophobe. I am going to be bold and say even my old man could get the hang of things (that’s a massive statement!)
With on screen help and tutorials to guide you along and some very cool effects like noise and camera shake reduction, drag and drop editing….
There is a really easy convert to Youtube function as well as HD video to DVD.
The MoviePlus X5 has been designed to work with all video recording devices, so it is so easy to get things moving along.
I guarantee, 10 minutes of tinkering and you will be doing exactly what you want…every time.
With over 200 stunning effects and transitions, you will be making some awesome video content soon.
Forget Spielberg. There is an awesome green screen option for superimposing your actors onto any background. I’m now thinking of showing George Lucas what the first Star Wars should have been like!!!
10/10 rating.
What little boy doesn’t like idea of being a secret agent? With a new set of ultimate spy gear now available called Spy Net, the dreams to become a spy kid, making them the next James Bond, become more apparent.
Spy Net offers us a range of fully functional spy gadgets, allowing you to become a fantastic undercover agent. Any mission at hand will easily be made possible. We all like our children to engage in specific role playing games, and I can’t think of any other gadgets that will make your boys (or girls) want to go out and play for hours on end.
The Spy Net Video Watch is one excellent watch to wear. It is perceived and tells the time the same as a normal watch, but it has got a spectacular twist. Hidden within is a real working video camera and audio system. You can record and store over 20 minutes of unbelievably clear videos, 4 hours of audio recording and an amazing 2000+ photos. Once the evidence of your spying is complete, it can all be uploaded to spynethq.com where it can be analysed. There you can also train for missions with online games, receive mission briefings and much more. This 1.4 inch Spy Net Video Watch is priced at a well spent £49.99.

If that’s not enough, why not attach a Spy Net Flex Snake Cam to your watch. This enables you to sneak a look at the difficult to reach places without being caught, helping you to become a spy kid in style! The snake-like camera allows you to bend around corners to record your secret footage. This really is a great idea, and I am sure many kids will love the versatility of it. Not only can you attach it to your Video Watch, but it can also connect with your computer. It is priced at a sneaky £24.99.

Another great product that Spy Net offers is the Night Vision Infrared Stealth Binoculars. Now, when it comes to spying, this, in my eyes, is the ultimate kids spy gadget to have. Sneaking around in the dark may help hide you from view, but it can be difficult to see things! Not anymore with these fantastic Binoculars. With these you can see in absolute darkness for up to 50 feet. You can see people in the dark of the night, but they can’t see you – now that does sound good. Just think of the tricks you could get up to! These Night Vision Binoculars are priced at £49.99.

The Spy Net range is suitable for ages 7+ and is available now from all good retailers, including Argos, Toys R Us, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Smiths. For more details go to http://www.SpyNetHQ.com. © 2010 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved.
Every great little gadget is USB fed these days, pretty soon you are going to run out of slots….
Not so with the amazing USB Hubs and Card Readers from Conceptronic, These pocket sized wonders will soon be Must Have’s.
The card readers are so universal, ready to read most cards found in mobile phones, cameras and MP3s.
Available in the stylish colours of steel blue, spring green and matallic silver, The range includes:
C4USB2BL (RRP £14.90): 4 USB ports, connects to a PC or laptop with a USB port and includes an AC/DC adapter.
CMULTICRSI (RRP £11.90): built-in card reader, USB powered, suitable for most SD(HC), MMC, CFI/II and Memory Stick and memory card types and connects to a PC or laptop with a USB port.
CCOMBOGR (RRP £18.90): 3 USB ports, built-in multiple card reader (SDHC, xD, Memory Stick, Compact Flash and SD), USB powered and connects to either a PC or laptop with a USB port.
Make your life that little bit easier, these Hubs are just fantastic
Simplicity is a beautiful thing, not to be under estimated, but enjoyed.
If only everything in the world was as simple as Flip, the pocket video camera.
Flip uses built in software to install onto your pc, it has a flip out arm with USB connection. Connect flip up and it does the rest for you. I had my first videos on facebook in a matter of minutes, 3 minutes from install to upload.
Flip is well designed and has been designed for quick use. There are not many functions, which compliments rather than hinders. You get a big red record button where your thumb would be. A playback (on screen) and zoom. It’s all you need.
Because of the simplicity and the instant record, you will not miss a thing. I found that the flip promoted short bursts of film, which are perfect for uploading onto your social media site.
I also found that the size added to the filmic quality. Things seem more fluid than a standard (bulky, by comparison) video camera. I filmed (and chased) my Children through a soft play / ball pond room to great effect.
This is the way forward, it is refreshing to have something that delivers but is oh so simple to use and install.
In pink, the perfect gift for valentines day. The flip Ultra retails at £129.99, the HD version at £159.99, available from all good electrical retailers (Currys, PC world, Amazon and Play all stock).
This would make the perfect present for anyone, Technophobic grandparents, gadget crazy kids or just about anyone in between.
The simple things are always the best things….conkers, kiss chase, baked beans on toast. Add flip to the list.
Conceptronic have released their connectivity collection and I was lucky enough to sample one of their netbook adaptors.
This product is titled Universal Power adaptor, so I wanted to check how Universal it is and proceeded to check all my electrical items in the house (yes, I do need to get out more….
)
Laptop? Powered up! Nintendo DS? Powered up! Blackberry? Powered up! IPod? Powered up!
OK, very universal and very clever. This charger comes with 15 different tips which will fit most electrical gadgets. Having a USB connector for charging is inspired and really does open up charging possibilities.
How many of the above do you have chargers for? I have a corner in my kitchen that is all wires. It is a tangled mess that can now be removed and replaced by this excellent adaptor.
As a travel companion, this is perfect. Business or pleasure, these days you will be taking some kind of power hungry gadget(s) with you. This adaptor will continue to give you the power you require on so many different platforms.
Conceptronic continue to deliver high end product with excellent value for money. This range of chargers come in at well under £40.00. The 2 year warranty only confirms that this has quality and endurance written all over it.