D3 and D300

all I have to say is wow

XSHOT

this looks kind of fun.  This is for all those folks that like to take photos of yourself.

go here www.xshotpix.com

here is the press release they sent in

(Santa Barbara, California) – It’s a product
that is really extending the number of ways consumers can shoot
photos and videos. We’ve all seen people with their arms
awkwardly extended trying to take a photo or shoot a video and
include themselves in the shot.  The XShot is a cleverly
designed telescopic rod that attaches to any compact digital
camera or hand-held video camera and allows photographers and
videographers to be a part of the memories they capture.

“People no longer have to rely on arm extensions or passing
strangers to take their pictures,” says Michael Daoud,
co-founder of XShot, LLC. “Photographers and videographers can
now be a part of the memory and get a great image without a
tripod assembly.”

How Does XShot Work?
Simply connect any digital compact camera to the XShot adapter using the built-in thumb screw and adjust to the desired angle. Engage the self-timer, extend the XShot, aim and shoot. The XShot provides over 3 feet of reach, which is enough extension to include as many as 5 people in a shot. This patented pending product is made of high quality stainless steel, closes to nine inches, weighs 3.9 ounces and neatly fits into a pocket.

The idea for the XShot came to Michael Daoud while vacationing
in Paris and visiting the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. “I
tried to capture a photo of my wife and I with the Louvre in the
background,” he says, “but because the camera was only at arm’s
length and so close to our faces, only a small part of the
Louvre Museum was in the picture.”  Daoud realized that if he
could extend his arm a little longer he could take much better
pictures. That when he came up with the idea of a telescopic arm
that could hold the camera and be extended to take a full
picture of the subjects and the background.  And so was born the
XShot.

Beyond the independent traveler, the XShot is also gaining quick
popularity from those who use the many social networking sites
online. Due to its versatility and special effects for
self-portraits and video diaries, the XShot has captured the
attention of YouTube and MySpace audiences. One such effect is
achieved with the XShot when the camera is placed in video mode
and the user spins in place 360 degrees. When played back, the
video appears three-dimensional and the subject seems to be
standing still while the background revolves. “Many people have
commented that it resembles a special effect used in Hollywood
films,” John Stump, co-founder of XShot said.