As history tends to do, it keeps coming back to me. Even though I like to say I’m a futurist, without roots there’s no base to build on. Today, on Abraham Lincoln’s 202th birthday, I did some research to see what’s new with Lincoln and found that history keeps repeating itself in three PR dimensions: unify, electrify and relate. I’ll also share one of my earliest Lincoln stories and ask: what’s your Lincoln story?

One of the greatest speakers of our time, Lincoln’s farewell address is only 155 words. Rather than copy and paste it here, the graphic at the top of this post is an outline made by wordle.net. Even in a brief speech, these themes stand out: one man, hope and assistance.

Reading Lincoln’s Farewell Speech Aloud in Unison

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s farewell speech and to begin the Civil War Sesquicentennial, groups of people around the country gathered yesterday, on February 11, 2011 at 11:00 am, to recite the speech. With a goal to set a Guinness World Record, the event made news beyond Springfield where this video was taken.

PR Takeaway One: Unify with Communications

In 1861, Lincoln left Springfield with stops along the way to Washington to deliver his message from depots and train stations. Yesterday, crowds read Lincoln’s speech in unison. Whether or not you’re trying to set a world’s record, doing anything together all at once is powerful. What if everyone in your company posted the same update at the same time? Where are your crowds, your train stations and depots?

PR Takeaway Two: Electrify with Technology

Search YouTube for Lincoln farewell address and you can watch videos from events around the country. That’s today’s technology. Two years ago I wrote about Abraham Lincoln and technology:

Today is Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. While there’s lots of talk about our new president being the first to bring technology into White House communications, maybe this reference really belongs to President Obama’s role model, Abraham Lincoln. Back in the 1800s, Lincoln used the telegraph. What’s the best form of technology to communicate with your community?

PR Takeaway Three: Relate and Connect

Lincoln looks back and forward in this speech.

My own Lincoln stories go way back. Here’s one of the earliest I can remember.

Growing up in Danville, Illinois we really did walk in Lincoln’s land. One summer when I was 10 or so, my parents told us they’d like to take us to see Lincoln’s home in Springfield. A budding history buff with a lively imagination, I took my camera with hopes this would be an important and momentous occasion. And it was. When we got there, a tree in front of the home was coming down. A tree that Mr. Lincoln would have seen everyday, an important tree to an important person. My sister and I waited in line to get a souvenir we would we treasure for years, a round tree slice. Although it took years to develop as a turning point, I realize now that I took my first event photos that day.

Last week, we used this Lincoln quote in a client’s project:

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing. Abraham Lincoln

Bringing in a voice that people recognize can underscore and amplify your own. How do PR and social media relate to connect voices and stories?

On January 5, I land in Las Vegas to cover the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. I’m so excited to share my CES 2011 adventures with my readers!!!

To orient you to the show’s major themes and events, here’s a quick start guide with conference content from the CES site.

Thanks for sharing your CES tips, questions or thoughts in the comment box. What themes or topics most interest you most?

2011 Consumer Electronics Show Quick Start Guide

1. Select your CES conference tracks

With over 300 presentations scheduled this year, you can organize your experience along conference tracks.

2011 Consumer Electronics Show Conference Tracks, Location, Sponsor
Broadband Unlimited LVCC, North Hall Team Lightbulb
Cable Conference at CES LVCC, North Hall Digital Hollywood
CEA Research Summit at International CES LVCC, North Hall Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
CES Government 2011 Mandalay Bay Resort
CONNECTIONS Summit at CES LVCC, South Hall Parks Associates
Content in the Cloud LVCC, North Hall Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA)
Digital Health Summit LVCC, North Hall Living in Digital Times
Digital Hollywood LVCC, North Hall Digital Hollywood
Emerging Technology LVCC, North Hall International CES
Flash Forward: Flash Memory Storage Solutions for Mobile Devices and Data-Hungry Applications LVCC, South Hall JEDEC
HigherEd Tech Summit LVCC, North Hall Living in Digital Times
Home Entertainment and Lifestyle Technologies LVCC, North and South Halls International CES
IEEE: International Conference on Consumer Electronics (ICCE) LVCC, North Hall IEEE, ICCE, CE Society
In-Vehicle Technology LVCC, North Hall International CES
Issues and Attitudes LVCC, North and South Halls International CES
Just the Facts: Research, Reports and Revelation LVCC, North Hall Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Kids@Play and MommyTech LVCC, North Hall Living in Digital Times
Media Money Makers LVCC, North Hall International CES and The Nielsen Co.
Silvers Summit LVCC, North Hall Living in Digital Times
Smart Grid Homes LVCC, North Hall Clasma Events Inc.
Smartphone and Tablet Conference LVCC, North Hall Digital Hollywood
Sports and Fitness Tech LVCC, North Hall Living in Digital Times
Storage Visions 2011 Riviera Hotel Storage Visions
Tech Policy Summit LVCC, North Hall Tech Policy Summit
Technology and The Environment LVCC, North and South Halls
International CES The Tweet House Presents: Social Media Success Stories LVCC, North Hall Parnassus Group
THX Education Program: Home Theater and THX – Home Theater 1 LVCC, South Hall THX
Wireless Communications LVCC, North and South Halls International CES

2. Decide on CES Super Sessions

All free, the super sessions mix panels, moderators and dialogue. Check out who’s speaking. Find someone interesting? Look them up and connect on LinkedIn. Or, follow the company on LinkedIn.

Hollywood Creative Masters: A Media Money Makers SuperSession, Produced by Variety
10-11 a.m. Thursday, January 6, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
Top content creators will discuss how digital media has impacted their work, including new opportunities open to them through social networking, transmedia, and mobile platforms. Although today’s consumer is splintered across platforms, these creators are managing to build powerful fan bases for their TV shows and movies.

Moderator: Chris Morris, Reporter, Variety
Panelists: Gale Anne Hurd, Executive Producer of The Walking Dead and Producer of The Incredible Hulk; Tim Kring, Master Storyteller, Executive Producer of Heroes and Tim Kring’s Conspiracy For Good; Tom McGrath, Director of Megamind; Jeff Ross, Executive Producer of Conan; Conrad Green, executive producer of Dancing with the Stars

Got Game? The State of the Games Industry: View from the Top
Noon–1 p.m. Thursday, January 6, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
The worldwide video game industry is poised to reach $70.1 billion by 2015 according to DFC Intelligence, through the combined growth of console, portable, PC, and online video games. Industry leaders discuss the current state of the industry as the business continues its transition towards a digital future. What exciting trends and developments are leading the way?

Moderator: Mike Vorhaus, President, Magid Advisors
Panelists: Eric Anderson, VP Content and Product Solutions, Samsung Electronics America; Gene Hoffman, CEO, Vindicia; Chris Petrovic, General Manager, Digital Media, GameStop; Timo Soininen, CEO, Habbo Hotel/Sulake; Bill Young, Managing Director, EA Ready, Electronic Arts

CNET’s Next Big Thing: After the Computer
3-4 p.m. Thursday, January 6, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
After a 25 year reign, the era of the personal computer is ending. Tablets, Smartphones and connected home entertainment are the future — and we’ll take you there in this dynamic session. For 8 years, CNET has revealed the Next Big Thing to a standing room only crowd at CES. This year, join Brian Cooley, Molly Wood and other industry luminaries to discuss the most dramatic industry transition yet.

Moderators: Brian Cooley, Editor at Large, CNET and Molly Wood, Executive Editor CNET
Panelists: Drew Bamford, Director of User Experience, HTC Nick DiCarlo, VP, Product Planning, Samsung Telecommunications America Evan Hansen, Editor-in-chief, Wired.com Robert Kyncl, VP of TV and Film, YouTube Zander Lurie, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development , CBS Lindsay Notwell, Executive Director, 4G LTE Strategy & Planning, Verizon David Pogue, Technology Columnist, New York Times Joshua Topolsky, Editor-In-Chief, Engadget Anthony Wood, CEO and Founder, Roku

Big Thinkers and Disruptive Technologies – Today’s Thought Leaders, Tomorrow’s Technologies
10-11 a.m. Friday, January 7, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
Disruptive technologies often drive the industry. Back by popular demand, this SuperSession brings together big thinkers from CE, computers, media and telecommunications to discuss upcoming innovations and their impact on our digital lives. CES is a powerful venue for launching innovative products and technologies and an acknowledged forum for thought leadership. See it comes to life in this thought-provoking session.

Moderator: Tim Bajarin, President, Creative Strategies Inc.
Panelists: Mel Coker, Director of Mobile Strategy, AT&T; Ted Theocheung, Vice President of PC & Digital Home Division, Synaptics; Dr. Levy Gerzberg, CEO, Zoran; Joshua Greer, President and Co-Founder, Real D and Mike Rayfield, General Manager, Mobile Business Unit, NVIDIA

One-on-One With FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, January 7, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
Join FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro for a candid conversation about Chairman Genachowski’s ongoing efforts to bring meaningful change to the agency and his vision for the FCC. They will discuss developments in broadband, spectrum reform, competition policy and other issues impacting the consumer electronics industry.

Consumer 360 – Gadgets Everywhere and the Role of Wireless
3-4 p.m. Friday, January 7, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257
To win in electronics, a 360-degree view of the consumer – across devices, service, and environments – is criticlal. The number of screens is proliferating. The digital/physical intersection is opening. And connectivity to all devices is starting. What will define success for users and industry players in a new consumer 360 world?

Moderator: Rajeev Chand, Managing Director and Head of Research, Rutberg & Company, LLC
Panelists: Anand Chandrasekher, SVP and GM, Ultra Mobility Group, Intel; John Donovan, Chief Technology Officer, AT&T; Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer, Motorola Mobility
Robert Stephens, Chief Technology Officer, Best Buy; Founder, The Geek Squad

3. Note CES Keynotes

You don’t have to have a ticket to watch the CES Keynotes. Check back to see which sites will be broadcasting live.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Las Vegas Hilton Center
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will kick off the 2011 International CES with a preshow keynote address at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, in the Las Vegas Hilton Center. In previous years, Microsoft has used the CES keynote stage to launch major products including Xbox, Windows Vista and its Sync technology partnership with Ford.

State of the CE Industry Keynote Address and Opening Keynote with CEA President and CEO, Gary Shapiro and Verizon CEO, Ivan Seidenberg
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 8:30 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton Center
Ivan Seidenberg, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Verizon, has led Verizon since its inception in 2000 following the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE. He has transformed the company into a premier global network company by building a nationwide wireless network, deploying high-speed fiber broadband direct to homes, and expanding its global Internet backbone network around the world. Verizon’s leadership in network innovation has earned the company numerous awards, including Fortune’s 2010 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list at No.1 in the telecommunications sector. Seidenberg will deliver his CES keynote address following a State of the CE Industry keynote address delivered by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA.

Rupert Stadler, AUDI AG Chairman of the Board of Management
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 11 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton Theater
Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of AUDI AG, will deliver a keynote address at the 2011 International CES, at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 6, in the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. The 2011 show marks Audi’s first International CES keynote address.

Boo-Keun Yoon, Samsung President and General Manager of Visual Display Business
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 4:30 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton Center
As President of Samsung’s Visual Display Business, Boo-Keun Yoon oversees all activities surrounding a broad portfolio of devices, including TVs, monitors, Blu-ray players and other connected consumer digital products. Under his leadership, the division has maintained its No.1 status in terms of global market share for TVs, monitors and Blu-ray players. In addition, he has successfully led several efforts to commercialize market-leading innovations such as Samsung’s LED TV in 2009 and, most recently, the company’s total 3D entertainment solution – a full product suite consisting of TVs, Blu-ray home theater systems and glasses that make it possible for consumers to enjoy 3D content in the comfort of their homes.

Innovation Power Panel
Friday, January 7, 2011 at 9 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton Theater
Cisco CEO John Chambers, GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt and Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns join the 2011 International CES keynote line up as participants in the Innovation Power Panel, a first-of-its kind CES keynote panel that brings together three dynamic executives who are global leaders at the forefront of innovation. The CEOs of these three Fortune 500 companies will speak at this CES keynote panel to provide insight on how innovation is core to their respective success — helping them each emerge as global leaders in their fields.

Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and CEO
Friday, January 7, 2011 at 11 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton Center
Alan Mulally has been instrumental in Ford’s leadership in the automotive industry and its success in a challenging economy. Ford constantly innovates and launches new technologies, like SYNC with speech recognition, that make the driving experience safer through technology.

CES 2011 Entertainment Matters Keynote Panel
Friday, January 7, 2011 at Noon, Las Vegas Hilton Theater
Akamai’s David Kenny, The Coca-Cola Company’s Joseph V. Tripodi, Interpublic Group’s (IPG) Michael Roth, Microsoft’s Mich Mathews and WPP’s Sir Martin Sorrell will join the 2011 International CES keynote lineup as participants in the Entertainment Matters keynote panel. The Entertainment Matters keynote panel will be moderated by Michael Kassan, chairman and CEO of MediaLink LLC.

4. Check CES TechZones

CES TechZones group new technology markets together and feature up-and-coming products, services and companies into over 20 themed areas.

3D@Home features next-gen innovators who make 3D a reality in the home, including content creators, service providers and TV manufacturers.
LVCC, South Hall 2
Sponsor(s): 3D@Home Consortium

Access on the Go showcases the most innovative devices relating to eBooks, netbooks, smartbooks and tablets.
LVCC, South Hall 4
Sponsor(s): International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF)

Broadband Communications highlights the role of the underlying infrastructure, both wireless and wireline, that makes these services possible.
LVCC, South Hall 4
Sponsor(s): Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Connected Home Appliances features home appliances for the first time at CES, is a unique opportunity to experience advanced home appliance technologies and see how they will be integrated into tomorrow’s home.

LVCC, South Hall 2
Sponsor(s): Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and The Retail Observer

Digital Health Summit focuses on the emerging market of consumer-based digital health and wellness devices, related applications and services,
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

EHX@CES is the destination for custom electronics integrators within CES
LVCC, South Hall 1
Sponsor(s): CE Pro Magazine

Electric Vehicle features a full range of high and low speed vehicles, energy storage devices, and charging equipment.
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA)

Experience CEA highlights CEA’s Innovation Movement, a coalition of more than 100,000 Americans who believe innovation is the key to reviving the global economy and creating new American jobs.
LVCC, Grand Lobby and LVCC, South Hall 1

Gaming Showcase, at over 12,000 square feet, the largest Gaming Showcase in CES history
LVCC, North Hall

HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the acknowledged world standard for connecting consumer electronics products and devices
LVCC, South Hall 1
Sponsor(s): HDMI Licensing, LLC

Higher Ed Tech offers the opportunity to survey the latest trends, products, and services for today’s students and for the institutions that serve them.
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

HomePlug products and technology use the electrical wires in homes to distribute broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications
LVCC, South Hall 1
Sponsor(s): HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc.

iLounge Pavilion features the latest third-party accessories and software for Apple’s iPod, iPhone, iPad and Macintosh platforms
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): iLounge.com

Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Showcase
LVCC, Grand Lobby
Sponsor(s): PCWorld Communications
The Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards, sponsored by PCWorld Communications, acknowledge the year’s most outstanding developments in engineering and design in consumer electronics, and you can see it all at the Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Showcase.

International Gateway features more than 800 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovative technologies and products from around the world
Las Vegas Hilton and LVCC, North Hall

i-stage contenders represent gaming, social media, mobile retail, security, telecommunications and 3D video development advances
LVCC, North Hall

Kids@Play explores the way being digital today creates a smarter world tomorrow
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

Location Based Services features custom technologies, services and advertising sent to portable and in-car navigation devices, based on their current locations.
LVCC, North Hall

Mobile DTV kicks off a new era of innovation in consumer devices and mobile TV programming
LVCC, Central Hall
Sponsor(s): Open Mobile VIdeo Coalition (OMVC)

Mommy Tech focuses exclusively on the newest innovations and tools of the trade, spotlighting key trends impacting the $90 billion dollar Mom market
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

Robotics presents opportunities for companies and individuals to become active participants in a new technology industry, consumer robotics.
LVCC, South Hall 2
Sponsor(s): Robotics Trends

Safe Driver features products that will assist in auto collision avoidance, land drift assistance, parking, speed monitoring, hands-free, text-to-voice, driver drowsiness detection and more.
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s):

Silvers Summit showcases the products and services that keep boomers engaged, entertained, connected and healthy
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

Sports and Fitness Tech, a first time event, focuses innovations and tools for the sports enthusiast and spotlights key trends impacting the collective multi-billion dollar sports, fitness and outdoors markets.
LVCC, North Hall
Sponsor(s): Living in Digital Times

Sustainable Planet features products and services making it possible for every person on this planet to stay connected, informed and live sustainable lifestyles
LVCC, South Hall 2
Sponsor(s): Earth911

USB explores the impact of USB connectivity on small office/home offices, our PCs, printers, scanners, PDAs and digital cameras
LVCC, South Hall 4
Sponsor(s): USB-IF

Wireless Mobility hosts a mobile devices and applications exhibition that includes mobile enterprise, social networking, gamin, location/public safety and health and fitness
LVCC, South Hall 3
Sponsor(s): Qualcomm

ZigBee is the wireless connection used by sensors (security, rain gauges, lights) and control devices (thermostats, timers, remote controls) ideally suited for the home
LVCC, South Hall 1
Sponsor(s): The ZigBee Alliance

5. Map CES Floorplan

A collection of shows within a show, CES maps out the floorplan by areas of interest, including:
• Audio
• Automotive Electronics
• Computer Hardware & Software
• Connected Home
• Content Distribution
• Digital Health and Fitness
• Digital Imaging
• Electronic Gaming
• Emerging Technology
• Entertainment/Content
• Internet-Based Multimedia Services
• Lifestyle Electronics
• Telecomm/Infrastructure
• Video
• Wireless & Wireless Devices

6. Socialize CES

Follow, participate and take #CES with you. Or, stay follow @wiredprworks on twitter.com

International CES Facebook Group

IntlCES on Twitter

International CES on Flickr

CES YouTube

CES 2011 LinkedIn Group

Follow CES on Foursquare

RSS CES 2011 News Feed

Image courtesy Consumer Electronics Show.

Disclosure: Wired PR Works CES 2011 coverage is brought to you by Sears Electronics.

Will you be at CES? Let me know here or let’s talk on twitter @wiredprworks.

Nine bloggers, a Saturday morning, State Street, camaraderie and cameras met up to make a video. Getting bloggers together to interact with the brand, the product and each other – via a group product review – is a winning strategy.

Here’s the video that shares the Sears Electronics Megapixel Meetup experience Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9iuhNyxjvg

Did it really matter what camera we were testing? None of us – I think – had ever participated in a group review like this one. Here’s a post with more background: group pr = product review of the Samsung ST600.

Full disclosure: Sears Electronics and Samsung gave each of the test photographers a camera to keep.

Thanks again to Daniel Honigman, Sears Electronics, Samsung and my fellow camera-artists for a fun rainy day: Araceli Arroyo, Theresa Carter, Michael Courier, Tammy Green, Maura Hernandez, Andrew Huff, Leah Jones and Nicole Yeary.

Product Review Policy
Have a product or a service that you’d like to submit for review on Wired PR Works? Email corywestmedia @gmail.com or call/text 630.207.7530. All reviews must be relevant to entrepreneurs, PR or marketing. Products and services selected for reviews will be subject to our full disclosure policy. Prefer to advertise? Contact us at corywestmedia @gmail.com or call/text 630.207.7530.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com in exchange for credit.

Your Turn

Bloggers – how do you interact with brands?
Brands – how do you engage bloggers?

What kind of camera do you recommend for public relations and event photography?

That’s a frequently asked question I get from readers, clients and people at events.

In August, I upgraded from a higher-end point and shoot with a flip-out screen to a DSLR I purchased at Sears Electronics. Both cameras take video. Both attract attention as a serious camera and both require a minute or so of instruction before an image can be snapped by someone else. The DSLR is light, but large and is sensitive. Sometimes pictures don’t take. Sometimes they’re blurry. Foolproof is not a word you would use to describe either camera.

Although I’ve considered getting a compact camera, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind carrying around larger gadgets. For example the case for my iPhone is protective and bulky. It looks too big to be an iPhone, but too small to be an Android. Still, being able to slip a camera into a purse or a pocket has appeal – that’s where my iPhone comes in. Until now.

Thanks to Daniel Honigman, Samsung and Sears Electronics for inviting me to test out the new Samsung ST600 on a photo walk in drizzly downtown Chicago last weekend.

Full disclosure: Sears Electronics and Samsung gave each of the test photographers, all Chicago bloggers or photographers, a camera to keep. We also got coffee, donuts, a gift card [value to be determined] and reimbursements for parking payments. There was no requirement to post or review the camera in exchange for participating in the group review. I liked the concept and the camera and decided to share this experience via WiredPRWorks.com and TheSocialLens.com.

What intrigued me about this review opportunity was the group concept. We gathered at Sears’ State Street store in the electronics department and then walked out and around State Street, snapping away. [Disclosure: I am a former Sears contractor and managed the installation of Sears’ intranet in 1998 – among other projects.]

When the weather turned drizzly, we strolled through Block 37, a new shopping mall for many of us that invited discovery. At a pastry shop, the employees complimented me on the camera and wanted to know where to buy it. After riding up and down escalators and photographing an art exhibit, we walked back to Sears Electronics for a group video review. I’m looking forward to seeing how it turned out.

Group Testing as a Public Relations Project

How can use this concept in your business?

Consumers who are looking for a variety of opinions will enjoy group video reviews. Getting a range of perspectives is appealing, informative and can be entertaining. From the moment the cameras came out of the boxes, each tester took their own approach to usability. Just watching how people unwrap and discover how to use products is fascinating and can help companies understand how the relationship with the product unfolds.

One tester checked out the jump picture setting before we left the store. Another discovered the fish-eye filter. Although this camera is very intuitive, it helped to be in a group and compare how the camera worked for each of us. Everyone loved the dual LCD screens – how cool to have a screen on the front and the back!

Watching the other photographers find images was inspiring – I can’t wait to see their albums. Here’s my Samsung ST600 photo walk album. All images are as is, with no cropping or editing. Uploading the images was super fast compared to my other cameras.

After the photo walk, I slid the camera into a pocket in my backpack and drove off to a conference. This time, when I handed my camera over to someone to take a picture with a friend, I told the photographer to press a button and that was it. Wow! How easy.

A teenager at the conference saw the camera and asked if she could test it out. Guess what she wants for Christmas? samsungdualview“>Check the Samsung ST600 at Sears Electronics online.

Samsung ST600
Pros
Ultra portable, full-featured, high megapixels, includes HD video, dual LDC screens, easy to use, fast data transfer, dual screen = definite cool factor

Cons
May be too small for some

Overall
Great back up camera for pros who want to travel light and perfect for those who want a full-featured digital point and shoot with video camera at an attractive price point, around $300.

Product Review Policy
Have a product or a service that you’d like to submit for review on Wired PR Works? Email corywestmedia @gmail.com or call/text 630.207.7530. All reviews must be relevant to entrepreneurs, PR or marketing. Products and services selected for reviews will be subject to our full disclosure policy. Prefer to advertise? Contact us at corywestmedia @gmail.com or call/text 630.207.7530.

Here are the camera’s specifications. . . .

General:
Available Body Colors: Black, gold, hot pink, purple
Depth: 0.8 in
Height: 2.4 in
Product Type: Digital camera – compact
Weight: 5.2 oz
Width: 4.1 in
Other Features:
Auto power off: Yes
Shockproof: No
Weatherproof: No
Image Recording & Storage:
Image File Format Type: JPEG
Media Type: Internal Memory, Micro SD, Micro SDHC
Storage Type: Digital, internal memory, Micro SD, Micro SDHC cards
Flash Enhancements:
Fill-In Flash: Yes
Flash Off: Yes
Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Inputs, A/V:
Microphone Built-in: Yes
Main Features:
Color Support: Color
Digital Video Format: H.264
Digital Zoom: 5 x
Effective Sensor Resolution: 14,200,000 pixels
Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Modes: Program, automatic
Face Detection: Yes
Image Stabilizer: Optical
Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 80, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO auto
Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec
Min Shutter Speed: 8 sec
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.33
Optical Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 14.2 Megapixel
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Shooting Programs: Landscape, portrait mode, night mode, action, macro, back light, night portrait, natural green, children, blue sky, fireworks, sunset, backlight portrait, dawn, tripod, white, macro text, snow, macro portrait, couples portrait, beauty shot, macro colo
Special Effects: Soft, Cool, Negative, Vivid, Custom Effect, Fisheye, Sketch, Miniature, Normal, Calm, Classic, Forest, Retro, Vignetting, DeFog
Still Image Format: JPEG
Total Pixels: 14,400,000 pixels
Video Capture: H.264 – 1280 x 720 – 30 fps
H.264 – 1280 x 720 – 15 fps
H.264 – 640 x 480 – 30 fps
H.264 – 640 x 480 – 15 fps
H.264 – 320 x 240 – 30 fps
H.264 – 320 x 240 – 15 fps
White Balance: Custom, automatic, presets
White Balance Presets: Cloudy, tungsten light, daylight, fluorescent light (daylight), fluorescent light (warm white)
Shoot Mode:
Continuous shooting mode: No
Landscape mode: Yes
Macro Mode: 2 in. to 31- 1/2 in.
Smart Camera Mode: Yes
Picture Options:
Date Imprint: Yes
Panorama: No
Controls, Overall:
Primary Location: Top & back
Primary Type: Buttons & touchscreen
Focus, Framing & Exposure:
Exposure: Automatic
Face Detection: Yes
Focus: Automatic
Focusing Type: Automatic
Focusing Type: Auto
LCD Display: Yes
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec.
Minimum Focus Range: 31- 1/2 in.
Preview LCD Monitor Size: 3.5 in.
Shutter Speed: 1/8 – 1/2000 sec.
Shutter Speed Override: No
Shutter Type: Automatic
Smile Detection: No
Viewfinder Type: None, uses LCD screen
Lens:
Aperture Opening: f3.5 – 5.9
Aperture Override: No
Focal Length Min – Max: 27 – 135mm
Magnification, Optical Zoom: None
Type (per Focal Length): Wide angle (35 mm or less)
Wide Angle (Min.Focal Length): 27mm
Zoom Type: Digital
Outputs, A/V:
Video Output: Yes
Dimensions:
Depth: 4/5 in.
Height: 2-3/10 in.
Width: 4-1/10 in.
Included with Item:
AC Cord: Yes
Compatibility Requirements:
PC/Windows Compatibility: Yes
Digital Features:
Amount Of Memory With Camera: 30 MB
Audio-Video Output Jacks: Yes
Battery Remaining Indicator: Yes
Bundled Software: IntelliStudio 2.0
Can Protect/Delete: Yes
Direct Printing Options: Pictbridge and DPOF
HD Video Capture: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
Index Playback: Yes
Movie Capability: MPEG4
Picture Effects Modes: 16 modes
Slide Show Mode: Yes
Connectivity, Interfaces & Ports:
Primary Interface: USB 2.0/Cards/PictBridge
USB 2.0 Compatible: Yes
Product Overview:
Camera Format Type: Digital
Color: Black
Features: Touch screen LCD,HD image capture,Image stabilization,Red eye reduction,Movie mode
General Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Item Weight: .327lb
LCD Screen Size: 3 in. or more
Megapixels: 14 megapixels or more
Number of Megapixels: 14.2
Optical Zoom: Non zoom
Type: Rechargeable battery
Type: Digital
Viewfinder Type: LCD
Weight: 11.9 oz. or less
Image Capture:
Image Sensor Size: 1/2.33 in. CCD
Image Sensor Type: CCD (charge-coupled device)
Method: Image sensor
Sensor Max. Pixel Count – Effective: 14.2 million
Speed (Sensitivity): Auto. ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Speed Sensitivity (Max.ISO): 3200
Memory / Storage:
Image Storage: JPEG 4320 x 3240
JPEG 4000 x 3000
JPEG 3264 x 2448
JPEG 2560 x 1920
JPEG 2048 x 1536
JPEG 1024 x 768
Supported Flash Memory: microSD Card, microSDHC Card
Camera Flash:
Camera Flash: Built-in flash
Effective Flash Range: 1 ft – 11 ft
Flash Modes: Fill-in mode, slow synchro, auto mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Flash:
Flash Type: Built-in
Operating Mode(s): Automatic
Color:
Overall Color: Black
Lens System:
Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection
Features: Built-in lens shield
Focal Length: 4.9 mm – 24.5 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera: 27 – 135mm
Focus Adjustment: Automatic
Lens Aperture: F/3.5-5.9
Lens Manufacturer: Schneider-Kreuznach
Macro Focus Range: 2 in
Min Focus Range: 31.5 in
Optical Zoom: 5 x
Type: Zoom lens – 4.9 mm – 24.5 mm – f/3.5-5.9
Zoom Adjustment: Motorized drive
Batteries:
Alkaline Battery Compatible: No
Cell Type: Lithium-ion
Class or Size: 720 mAh
Number Included: 1
Number Required: 1
Voltage: 3.7
Additional Features:
Additional Features: Audio recording, direct print, USB 2.0 compatibility, touch-screen control, built-in speaker, date/time stamp, DPOF support, sharpness control, digital image rotation, camera orientation detection, PictBridge support, cropping an image, resizing an im
Self Timer: Yes
Self Timer Delay: 10 sec, 2 sec
Display:
Display Form Factor: Built-in
Display Format: 1,152,000 pixels
Type: LCD display – TFT active matrix – 3.5 – color
Microphone:
Microphone Operation Mode: Mono
Type: Microphone – built-in
Connections:
Connector Type: 1 x composite video/audio output
1 x USB
1 x DC power input
1 x HDMI output
Expansion Slot(s): 1 x microSD
Software:
Software: Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection:
Operating System Support: MS Windows XP, MS Windows 7, MS Windows Vista
Peripheral Devices: USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous:
Included Accessories: Wrist strap
Power:
Power Device: Power adapter – external
Battery:
Supported Battery: Samsung SLB-07
Supported Battery Details: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery – 760 mAh ( included )

Thanks for stopping by. Here’s a post about doing something I’d never thought of: asking for a dog’s permission to be photographed. We’ll also cover how to ask people’s permission. But, first how I came up with this post . . . if you don’t want to read the back story, skip to the how to ask permission section. Please share your comments about how you photograph events for PR – or links to photographs of your pets.

It’s day three of being back in the U.S. after spending a week in Paris and I’m writing my third post in as many days, which is not a huge feat, but not something I expected to be doing on an early Sunday morning. While in Paris, we walked and walked and walked – for what seemed like four or five hours a day. Come along with me on a short Sunday stroll and meet Mimi.

Why Asking Permission is for the Dogs

Walking around as a tourist, you’re apt to see lots of scenes you’d like to photograph. For me, in Paris, I wanted to take a picture of a French bulldog. Yes, we have them here and in fact there’s one in our neighborhood. But something about a French bulldog in Paris caught my fancy.

As it happened, we walked right up to a French bulldog and her owner in Montmartre. I hesitated. I knew that I could take a long-range image, but it wouldn’t be as good as a close up. The owner and the dog walked by. I smiled at them and walked in the other direction.

Then, I turned around and followed them. Catching up with the owner, I asked if I could take a picture of her dog, the French bulldog. I didn’t know if she would be offended because I asked in English, not French.

“My dog? You want to take a picture of my dog?” she asked.

“Oui.” I said and smiled.

She laughed and said, “If she wants. Mimi?”

Mimi looked up at her owner and this is the picture I got. She looks kind of quizzical, doesn’t she?

Asking for Permission to Photograph People for PR at Events . . .

When photographing events, first ask people if you can take their picture and then let them know how it will be used and where to find it online.

Ideally, everyone will sign a photo and video release form ahead of time so that all approve what’s being captured.

As extra insurance, preview the images and let the people pictured approve or disapprove the shot right after it’s taken on the camera’s display, and iPad or a laptop.

Our clients get a CD with images or a link to a gallery on flickr. Want to produce a quick, free and easy video? Check out out Animoto, a free tool that turns image slide shows into a videos.

How about you? How do you get permission to take pictures – of pets or people?

Image from the 2010 Paris collection, Montmartre set, by Barbara Rozgonyi for thesociallens.com copyright 2010