Sam Mallery's blog

In the age of tablet computers and intelligent telephones, you may not think a refresh to a line of desktop machines would create much buzz, but to the power users that you find at B&H, the new Thunderbolt-equipped quad-core Apple iMacs are electrifying. You can't bust one out on an airplane and consume high-def video on your folding tray table, but back at your workspace you can use one to produce high-end content like never before.

Three new Sony Handycam models are about to make their way from the factory assembly line to the shelves of our store: the DCR-SX45, DCR-SX65, and the DCR-SX85. Each model features a 3" touch-screen display (the previous generations had smaller screens that lacked touch control), and lots of new functions and features that make using these cameras easier than ever. Check out this post to get the skinny on these powerful and affordable handheld video cameras.

Have you ever wondered why so many manufacturers make cameras in loud colors like hot pink? It's more than just a fashion statement. Some people feel a strong connection to their personal electronics, which become vehicles of self expression, and an extension of their personalities. Many people feel the same bond with their headphones, and just like a hat or a pair of glasses, they don't have to be dark and dreary.

The built-in microphones on portable digital recorders are great for recording ambient sounds and live music, and their line-level inputs are really handy when you need to connect a mixer. But how about taking advantage of the external microphone input on your recorder? Using tiny lavalier microphones with portable digital recorders opens up a wide range of creative recording possibilities. Check out this article to learn about the interesting things you can do with this gear. 

When you start taking videography and filmmaking seriously, you quickly realize how important sound is to your productions. One of the first steps you can take to improve your audio is to upgrade your microphone to a professional shotgun mic with an XLR connection. In this article, I'll explain how you can do this, even if your camera doesn't have XLR microphone inputs.

People tend to upgrade their portable music players all the time, only remaining loyal to their favorite musicians from device to device. Because music is so central to our lifestyles, you may find that upgrading your in-ear headphones could have more of an impact than getting another flashy gadget. Monster has a compelling line of in-ear headphones inspired by artists like Miles Davis and Puff Daddy, which sound as good as they look.

Even if you’re not really sure what iLife is, I’m willing to bet that it may already be a part of your life, whether you realize it or not. The introduction of Apple's iLife '11 means that life just got better. It brings GPS slideshows and expanded printmaking abilities to iPhoto '11, a super cool automated movie trailer-making ability to iMovie '11 and a toolbox to tighten up your Garageband.