A review of the Xshot 2.0 Camera Extender By David Berkowitz with Technewszone.com

I had the fine opportunity to meet Xshot at CES 2013. I was impressed by their products, which are simple but effective.

Here is link to a bit more information on XSHOT–>http://xshot.com/products/xshot-2

A bio on the Company–>

During a trip to France, Michael Daoud, the co-founder of XShot, found it difficult to take pictures of him and his wife while sightseeing. Michael would hold the camera and extend his arm as far as possible to take a picture of he and his wife but the result was always disappointing, especially if they were trying to capture the background in the picture.

The idea for the XShot came to Michael when he was at a park in front of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Michael tried to capture a photo of him and his wife with the Louvre in the background but because the camera was only at arm’s length and so close to their faces, only a small part of the Louvre Museum was in the picture. Michael realized that if his arm was a little longer he could take much better pictures. As a result he came up with the idea of having a telescopic arm that could hold the camera and be extended to take a full picture of the subjects and the background.

Michael enlisted the help of his friend John Stump, an inventor and mechanical engineer, and XShot was born. With XShot, taking a self-portrait looks like someone else took the picture, especially because of the extended 37 inches of reach it provides. It’s just amazing! Every time Michael and John tested XShot with their families they were amazed at the great results.

They knew that other travelers such as themselves would love having an XShot along with them whether traveling around the world, hiking, out on a boat, or simply at home with the family. No more close-up mug shots, hello XShot!

Since 2008 Michael and John kept thinking about new ways to get people in their shots and came up with new products: a 2.0 version of the original camera extender, a compact version with the Pocket XShot, XShot iPhone cases with tripod adapters for smartphone photo and video and a kayak mount.

I had recent opportunity to test the Xshot 2.0

Here are some videos with regards to the Xshot 2.0 with the Help of Youtube:

Intro video # 1 about Xshot’s Products–>

A second video with regards to Xshot’s products–>

Finally A video that I did with regards to the Xshot 2.0–>

In regards to the Xshot 2.0 I found it to quite an effective product. It would come in handy for taking small group pictures while on vacation or at a trade show. It could also be used by an individual and an object such as the Statue of Liberty, or with a celebrity or a product or object that you want to photograph yourself near. In addition the Xshot 2.0 works great with video such as for a video blog or interviewing someone or talking about something that you want to share the shot with.

I like the solid design, the ability to shrink it down to around 9″ in length its’ durability as well.

I did the demo with the Xshot 2.0 and a Samsung NX100 which was a wee bit heavy. I would recommend a lighter camera like the ReplayXD or a GoPro or a blogger cam or flip type camera, camcorder or a small point and shoot. I would not suggest using it with a Canon Rebel t2i though it is a superb camera it would be heavy. I would definitely recommend the Xshot 2.0 highly, and will try using mine and telling people about it as much as I can.

It could, it seem be used with a tripod to mount a remotely operated flash of for 2 camera angles as long as you have remote control of the shutter on your camera.

I appreciate the opportunity to have demoed the product.

Here are some product photos:

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0

and another–>

PocketXShot-XShot2-0

and a shot of the product packaging for those retailers out there–>

SAM_1182

And a final shot from My Samsung NX100 and the Xshot 2.0–>

The fine Xshot 2.0
The fine Xshot 2.0

Tech Revew 2.23.2013 of the Ballistic Hard Case for the Samsung Galaxy S3

I ran into Ballistic at CES 2013, and now had the opportunity to test out their Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S3. The cases are great for outdoor enthusiasts and those into extreme sports.

Here are 2 overview videos from their website–>

I did 2 video reviews of the products as well–>

Part one a product hands on review–>

Part 2 with a brief comparison to the Trident AMS Kraken case.

I was quite impressed by the Ballistic Hard Case. It is solid, seemingly unbreakable and a great value as well.

I liked the cover over the screen, the rubber and solid feel as well. The only thing I would change might be to make the kick stand for media viewing metal and offer more colors like camouflage green.

Here are specifications of the case from Ballistic’s website–>

We know how much the GS3 lovers LOVE their phone, so it’s only right we keep if protected for you. Introducing the much anticipated, highly requested, Ballistic Hard Core Series Case for the Samsung Galaxy S III.
Advanced five layer protection
Layer 1 – Built in screen protector
Layer 2 – Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 3 – Tough impact resistant polycarbonate
Layer 4 – An additional layer of our Ballistic shock absorbent polymer
Layer 5 – Optional outer layer of silicone
Built-in videostand
Button and port covers are built right onto the case, not the silicone
Includes an durable holster with swivel clip
Equipped with water resistant mesh to cover all speakers

Here is a link to Ballistic’s website and the Samsung Galaxy S3 Hard Case–>

http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-ballistic-hard-core-series-case

I spent 6 years in the Army National Guard 1/221st Armor Company, and this type of case would have been great in a tank or in the field during military exercises.

Here are some product images:

 and 

and for the ladies or those who love pink–>

I would like green or blue personally.

Overall I am impressed by Ballistic’s Products and their quality of design.

Here is a photo of the parts to the case before it is assembled. Overall it is a great value for the money and quite a nice case for those wanting to protect their smart phones with style.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Ballistic Hard Case