How standard or proprietary a camera system is can attract or deter consumers.

Sony is not a company that is known for interoperability and compliance with standards. Quite the opposite, in fact, if one considers technologies like Memory Stick, Blu-Ray, and most every other development they have made in consumer electronics. But what about the NEX mirrorless cameras? How do they compare to similar offerings from other vendors?

You might also like reading my article, The Myths of Standardization as well as my full Sony NEX-5 Camera Review

Advanced interchangeable lens camera systems like the NEX from Sony are never entirely open or closed. Rather, they incorporate standards where they must and innovate everywhere else. Let’s consider the main components of interchangeable lens camera, and identify which generally are proprietary and which are standardized.

Widely-Standardized Camera Components and Connectors

Memory media is generally a standard format like SD, CompactFlash, or Memory Stick, though most cameras including the NEX are increasingly turning to SD and its derivatives. I simply would not have bought the NEX-5 if it was not 100% compatible with SD and SDXC cards like most low to midrange cameras on the market today. It’s nice that the NEX is also compatible with the line of Wi-Fi SD cards from Eye-Fi.

Audiovisual connectors are generally standardized, including HDMI for audio/visual (formerly S-Video and RCA) and TRS mini jacks for audio. Only the NEX-7 includes a standard microphone input, though all NEX cameras have a mini HDMI connector. The lack of a microphone input on my NEX-5 had been a great disappointment, leading me to pack a separate video camera.

Lens filters are broadly standardized in terms of diameter and thread pitch. The NEX cameras use the common but not ubiquitous 49 mm filter format. I have been able to buy third-party filters, including an inexpensive circular polarizer, without any trouble.

The industry-standard flash shoe	Sony’s iISO as on the NEX-7	The proprietary NEX flash mount

If a camera includes an accessory connector for a flash, it is generally the ancient U-shaped shoe first created by Leica almost a century ago. The NEX-7 includes the Sony/Minolta iISO hot shoe, while the other NEX cameras have a proprietary connector that also includes the microphone input. The slim NEX connector is a limiting factor to the lower and Sony cameras, but the iISO on the NEX-7 enjoys much wider support. I’m not troubled by the lack of a Leica-style hot shoe given the wide variety of iISO attachments.

Most cameras feature a standard tripod mount, though not all are optimally located. The Sony NEX line does indeed use the standard screw mount for tripod attachment.

Usually-Proprietary Camera Components

Some low-end cameras use a standard battery, but most high-end cameras use one of a number of batteries developed but their manufacturer. The entire NEX line uses the same Sony “intelligent battery” NP–FW50 cell, also shared with some Sony Alpha cameras. This battery technology is entirely proprietary, and Sony actively works to exclude third-party manufacturers. My own experience with “compatible” NEX batteries has not been positive.

With very few exceptions, camera lens mounting systems are proprietary to a single manufacturer and range of cameras. Sony’s E-Mount lens system is one of the defining elements in the NEX line, and the company has published mechanical and electronic specifications to allow the development of third-party adapters and lenses. While not cross-corporate like the Micro Four Thirds system, the E-Mount is about as open and standardized as any other lens system.

The availability of lens adapters is a revelation for long-time SLR users, and one of the main attractions of mirrorless camera systems like the NEX and Micro 4/3. The fact that such adapters are not yet available for the Nikon 1 (apart from Nikon’s own F-Mount) likely turns away some prospective customers. By opening their lens specifications, Sony and Panasonic/Olympus have given consumers a marvelous boon.

Stephen’s Stance

The NEX-7 is less proprietary than the earlier NEX cameras, certainly on par with its competition.

The Sony NEX line is not as open as it could be, but the NEX-7 addresses many of the shortcomings found in earlier cameras. The addition of a standard microphone input as well as the adoption of the widely accepted iISO flash attachment are welcome changes. But it is the broad availability of third-party lenses that really makes the NEX and Micro Four Thirds systems shine.

© sfoskett for Stephen Foskett, Pack Rat, 2011. | Is the Sony NEX Camera System Excessively Proprietary?
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The La Crosse BC-700 salvaged my opinion of rechargeable batteries

Anyone with a green bone in their body should love rechargeable batteries, but it’s awfully difficult.  Alkaline batteries provide always available power, last a long time, and are widely available and inexpensive, while rechargeables are expensive, unpredictable, and usually dead when you need them.  As a fan of green technology, I was frustrated at the prospect of buying throwaway alkaline batteries, but could not find a better solution until now.  The La Crosse BC-700 battery charger has reversed my impression of rechargeable batteries.  It’s that good.

It’s The Chargers That Suck, Not The Batteries

Rechargeable battery technology has advanced dramatically in my lifetime.  When I was a kid, nickel cadmium batteries (NiCd) were the only game in town when it came to portable rechargeables.  Now, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion or polymer batteries have taken over in most applications.  Surprisingly, the basic chemistry of these batteries is not entirely responsible for the advantages seen over NiCd.

The main difficulty with rechargeable batteries, whether NiCd, NiMH, or lithium-ion is proper charging, storage, and environmental factors during use.  NiMH batteries do have slightly better energy density than NiCd, and lithium-ion batteries leave both behind, but each must be carefully charged according to its specifications to be effective and to last for years of use.

Most common battery chargers found in discount stores are worthless energy pumps that destroy these valuable batteries and ruin their reputation.  Proper charging of NiCd and NiMH batteries requires careful monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature, yet simple chargers sold by famous names fail to do any of this.  They simply pour a constant supply of power into the battery for a set amount of time, guaranteeing improper charging and reducing the useful life of the cells.

Intelligent Chargers Change Everything

The La Crosse BC-700 charges each battery cell independently

Intelligent battery chargers, like the La Crosse BC-700 I bought, are entirely different.  Most monitor the change in voltage during the charging process, allowing NiCd in NiMH batteries to be charged fully and correctly.  They also monitor temperature and include intelligent cut off systems to prevent overcharging, thus preserving and protecting rechargeables cells.

The BC-700 is a simple and inexpensive charger that can handle from 1 to 4 AA or AAA batteries.  Whereas cheap chargers group batteries in pairs, smart chargers treat each independently of the others.  Each battery is monitored for voltage, time, current, and temperature and a display on the front of the unit shows progress and state of charge. The La Crosse BC-9009 is a more-advanced charger that packs more charging power and comes with many batteries and a carrying case.

The La Crosse even has an intelligence refresh mode that continually charges and discharges the battery until it reaches an optimal state of charge.  I was able to use this mode to bring a number of older NiCd batteries back to life, saving them from the trash.  For example, each of the solar walkway lights in front of my house is powered by a single NiCd AA battery.  After two years of service, these lights only lasted a couple of minutes after dark.  After a run through the refresh mode on the charger, however, these batteries last hours again.  I was even able to revive the NiCd batteries that came with my 10-year-old Creative Nomad Jukebox mp3 player!

Stephen’s Stance

It’s really a pity that major manufacturers like Duracell and Energizer package their rechargeable batteries with chargers that will render them useless after just a few months.  These vendors seem hopelessly stuck with the disposable alkaline mindset, no doubt trying to protect their current market position.  Sadly, these terrible products have ruined the reputation of rechargeable batteries for the general public.

I would not hesitate to recommend purchasing NiCd or NiMH battery cells as long as an appropriate charger is used.  Intelligent battery chargers like the La Crosse BC-700 or BC-9009 and Powerex WizardOne are inexpensive and effective, and should be part of the technology arsenal of any green minded geek.

Note: Some of these links include affiliate codes that help pay for this blog. For example, buying an Amazon Kindle with this link sends a few bucks my way! But I don't write this blog to make money, and am happy to link to sites and stores that don't pay anything. I like Amazon and buy tons from them, but you're free to buy whatever and wherever you want.

© sfoskett for Stephen Foskett, Pack Rat, 2011. | La Crosse BC-700 Review: A Battery Charger That Does Not Suck
This post was categorized as Everything, Personal, Terabyte home. Each of my categories has its own feed if you'd like to filter out or focus on posts like this.

This post is part of my series focused on the MacBook Pro.

• Don’t Be Jealous Of The New MacBook Pros!
• Upgraded! 320 GB in a MacBook Pro!
• SanDisk ExpressCard Flash Media Adapter: Nifty MacBook Pro Accessory!
• How I Get 7 Hours of MacBook Pro Battery Life
• Panic! Green Light and MacBook Pro Keyboard is Half Dead!
• Low-Power USB Ports Haunt My MacBook Pro

Card Slot In Card Slot

Apple has equipped the MacBook Pro line with an integrated ExpressCard slot since the very first post-PowerBook model back in 2006. This new expansion card form factor has never been as popular as PCMCIA/CardBus was on the laptops of the early part of the decade. So, for mid-2009, Apple decided to drop the slot altogether for all models but the massive 17″ MacBook Pro. In its place is an SD card slot, popular with the digital camera set.

Part of the blame lies in the increasing integration of features in modern machines: Users no longer need the slot to add a network adapter, Wi-Fi, audio, or optical drive since they’re all built in! Another huge factor is USB 2.0: It’s fast enough for just about any remaining peripheral.

There are only three urgent uses for an ExpressCard slot in a modern laptop:

1. Adding 3G wireless networking capability to systems (like Apple’s) that lack built-in 3G cards. Of course, many folks choose a USB 3G modem, and I’m in love with my Cradlepoint 3G wireless router.
2. Adding a second video adapter and external monitor. Modern MacBooks work great out of the box with two monitors, though, if you count the built-in LCD! And the new USB video adapters seem to work fairly well, too.
3. Adding more high-speed ports like e-SATA or FireWire 800. Although the MacBook Pro has two USB 2.0 ports, both are compromised in terms of speed or power. All of the new Pro models (even the new 13″) now include FireWire 800, but e-SATA is still AWOL.

The ExpressCard flash media adapter snaps in place and is flush with the edge of the MacBook Pro - very clean!

I didn’t need any of these features with my MacBook Pro: My Sprint 3G card is connected to the Cradlepoint router, I am happy to use the built-in LCD for multi-monitor desktop use, and I don’t need more FireWire or e-SATA storage. But, as I noted back in October, I did find a great use for the ExpressCard slot: An SD media card reader! That’s right: My now-old Mac features the exact same function that Apple just added!

I love having the convenience of an SD slot when it comes to importing photos from my Canon PowerShot cameras: It’s quick, the cards open right up in iPhoto, and I don’t have to carry any cables with me. Adding an SD card reader was cheap and easy, too! Amazon sells the exact same Sandisk SDAD109A11 adapter I bought for around $40. They’ve also got a Sonnet SD adapter (which I haven’t tried) for under $30!

I Have The Power!

Massive battery life is another solid addition to the mid-2009 MacBook Pro line. Apple integrates a huge battery right into the laptop, and reports indicate it really does deliver 7 or 8 hours of runtime. This is the first laptop I can think of without an easily replaceable battery, and follows Apple’s similar moves with the iPod and iPhone lines. Expect this to be copied by other manufacturers in the future!

My secret to long (battery) life and happiness!

Although my MacBook Pro lasts three to four hours on a charge, I purchased a second battery from the Apple store to help me work on the go. This has proven an excellent investment, and I have come to rely on battery power more than I thought I would. I have spent entire trans-Atlantic flights with the computer up and running, and have touched 8 hours of run time with two fully-charged batteries. Although extra batteries are not cheap (Amazon lists mine at $120), they’re much less expensive than they used to be!

If you do decide to get an extra battery for your older MacBook, here are some tips:

1. Get the original equipment Apple battery, not a third-party workalike. I’ve always had bad luck with off-brand batteries, and they’re not that much cheaper.
2. Download a copy of SmartSleep, the awesome and free sleep/hibernate utility. I have mine set to hibernate below 5% charge so I can swap batteries without losing data.
3. If you don’t want to wait for hibernation, just leave the Mac plugged in when you swap batteries. You can do this while it’s running or while it’s plugged in but asleep.

Sure, the cool unibody case and faster performance is tempting. But I’m still pretty happy with my good old MacBook Pro!

Note: Some of these links include affiliate codes that help pay for this blog. For example, buying an Amazon Kindle with this link sends a few bucks my way! But I don't write this blog to make money, and am happy to link to sites and stores that don't pay anything. I like Amazon and buy tons from them, but you're free to buy whatever and wherever you want.

© sfoskett for Stephen Foskett, Pack Rat, 2009. | Don’t Be Jealous Of The New MacBook Pros!
This post was categorized as Apple. Each of my categories has its own feed if you'd like to filter out or focus on posts like this.

My secret to long (battery) life and happiness!

Shortly before landing in San Francisco the other day, the MacBook Pro-using guy in the seat next to me leaned over and asked, “how did you manage to use your Mac all the way across the country? Is that some special battery you have?”

For a minute, I was tempted to make something up, as in “yes, it’s an experimental fuel cell that runs on bovine methane!” Or maybe claim that the new $5 Tornado intake in my car gets me 50 mpg, 7 hours of battery life, and makes me more attractive.

But I’m a good guy. So I admitted the truth – that I bought a spare battery for the MacBook Pro, so I never run out of juice. I’ve done this with all of my laptops for years, and I wonder why more people don’t do it. Extra Apple batteries are just $130 (on sale at Amazon for $110 now) and this is a small price to pay for go-anywhere juice! Batteries used to be much more expensive, but prices have fallen.

This post is part of my series focused on the MacBook Pro.

• Don’t Be Jealous Of The New MacBook Pros!
• Upgraded! 320 GB in a MacBook Pro!
• SanDisk ExpressCard Flash Media Adapter: Nifty MacBook Pro Accessory!
• How I Get 7 Hours of MacBook Pro Battery Life
• Panic! Green Light and MacBook Pro Keyboard is Half Dead!
• Low-Power USB Ports Haunt My MacBook Pro

If you’re thinking of buying an extra battery, here is some advice:

1. Buy the original equipment battery, not some knock-off. I’ve had terrible luck with off-brand batteries and they’re never more than a few dollars cheaper!
2. Buy from an approved vendor so you get a full warranty (I got mine at the Apple store)
3. Don’t waste your time looking for super bargains – they rarely go on sale for more than 10% off. That Amazon sale is the cheapest I’ve ever seen.
4. Make sure you buy exactly the right battery for your machine – I match the part number on the battery that came with it. Manufacturers vary batteries over time, and although another machine’s battery may fit it might not be compatible with your computer.
5. Don’t buy lithium-ion laptop batteries that have sat on the shelf for a long time. They lose their life whether they are used or not!
6. Don’t pay much for used batteries. They probably don’t have much life left in them.
7. Dispose of old batteries carefully – they contain toxic chemicals! You can bring old rechargeable batteries to Staples, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other stores for free recycling.

So that’s my secret to long (battery) life and happiness!

Note: Some of these links include affiliate codes that help pay for this blog. For example, buying an Amazon Kindle with this link sends a few bucks my way! But I don't write this blog to make money, and am happy to link to sites and stores that don't pay anything. I like Amazon and buy tons from them, but you're free to buy whatever and wherever you want.

© sfoskett for Stephen Foskett, Pack Rat, 2008. | How I Get 7 Hours of MacBook Pro Battery Life
This post was categorized as Apple, Personal, Terabyte home. Each of my categories has its own feed if you'd like to filter out or focus on posts like this.