March/April 2005

DIGITAL CAMERA RECORDS BEFORE AND AFTER
Capture high-quality video and 5-megapixel still images together with the Cyber-shot M1 from Sony. Its hybrid still/video system can record up to 27 minutes of TV-quality video on an optional 512 MB card. Unlike many digital cameras with video, the M1's 38-114mm (35mm equivalent) lens can zoom during video recording. Estimated Street Price: $599. Contact: Sony, (800) 222-SONY, www.sony.com.


CARBON-FIBER, MAGNESIUM TRIPOD
Carbon-fiber tripods offer greater rigidity than comparable aluminum ones, and they're noticeably lighter in weight, too. Manfrotto's MagFiber 055MF3 brings you these advantages, plus further weight savings from light, but strong magnesium fittings. Weighing in at just 4.5 pounds, the MagFiber will firmly support your D-SLR with a big lens. List Price: $424. Contact: Bogen Imaging, (201) 818-9500, www.bogenimaging.us.


EDIT VIDEO LIKE A PRO
Get the power of Adobe's professional video-editing software, made simpler for home users. Adobe Premiere Elements is an advanced, but easy-to-use video-editing application with real-time editing and previews. User-friendly features include multiple undos so you can experiment freely, and context-sensitive, how-to instruction. Other touches include automatic scene indexing and wide-screen format support. List Price: $99. Contact: Adobe, (800) 833-6687, www.adobe.com.