Poway, CA. January 30, 2008 - Today Delkin's new Dual Universal Battery Charger was honored with the 2008 DIMA award for outstanding design and innovation. This unique charger for digital camera batteries combines universal compatibility among battery models with the ability to charge two batteries simultaneously. The need for a charger that can recharge two batteries of different models, voltages and even chemical composition at the same time has sprung up from the growth and development in the digi-cam market. "It is now common for households, or even individuals, to own multiple digital cameras," said Anna Lopez, Delkin's Battery Product Manager. "Many photographers own point and shoot cameras for day-to-day shooting, and a digital SLR for more serious photography. Different camera models seldom use the same battery, forcing photographers to carry an array of chargers." Delkin's Dual Universal Battery Charger is a single, two sided charger that uses individual charging plates specific to each camera battery, so it can charge almost any digital camera battery model.

Submitted by jerrmac, CNET Digital cameras forum

The longevity of rechargeable digital camera batteries varies greatly, but camera battery life in general has improved over the past couple of years. Just about any digital camera with a dedicated battery or a decent set of AA rechargeables should get you through at least an average day of shooting. With dedicated lithium-ion batteries, you can consider it a rule of thumb that the smaller the cell, the shorter the life. If you buy a camera that takes AAs and doesn't come with rechargeables, you should purchase cells with the highest mAh rating you can find to get the longest life. To extend the shooting time of digital SLR cameras, manufacturers often sell compatible vertical grips that attach to the main body of the camera and hold an additional battery, as well as incorporating a second set of controls for vertically oriented shooting.

Top picks for cameras, camcorders and related equipment

Mid-range: Olympus Evolt E-510 ($650). The 10 megapixel E-510 has image stabilization, a dust removal system and 19 scene modes. A big plus is Live View, which lets users compose shots using the LCD screen (most SLR digital cameras require using the eyepiece viewfinder for shooting to conserve battery life). Uses compact flash cards, micro drives or xD cards. Includes rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.

Splurge: Nikon D300 ($1,700). The high-resolution 12.3 megapixel D300 is fast on the draw, with six frames per second, and has a self-cleaning dust sensor. Exceptionally accurate 51-point scene recognition metering system quickly tracks for automatic focus, exposure and white balance. Compose pictures with the eyepiece viewfinder or the 3-inch LCD screen, a first for Nikon digital SLRs.

Reporter: Susan Ramsett

The death of Chicago news anchor Randy Salerno is receiving national attention after a snowmobile accident in Vilas County. The 45-year old Salerno died January 24 after a crash near Sayner. The driver he was riding with, Scott Hirschey is now facing charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. A criminal complaint says Hirschey's blood alcohol level was .22% four hours after the crash. The legal limit to drive in Wisconsin is .08.

Whenever the topic of drinking and snowmobiling comes up - fingers point in lots of different directions. Should there be stricter laws and stiffer penalties? Should there be more authorities patrolling the trails? Can we blame the bartenders who serve the drinks? Or is it a matter of personal responsiblity - resting entirely on the shoulders of those who drink and drive? Maybe think drinking and snowmobiling isn't a problem at all.

Briefly: Apple selling Polk, NWU student poll, more

In brief: Apple stores are now selling Polk Audio products, students at Northwestern University are using Facebook and the iPhone to perform a statistical analysis, and Tessera Technologies is in the process of acquiring FotoNation. Starting in March 2008, Apple's US retail outlets will sell the I-Sonic ES2 sound system, which features iTunes tagging for HD radio, allowing users to bookmark songs. Once songs are tagged, users can attach the iPod to their computer, and preview, buy, and download the tagged tracks.

Northwestern University graduate students are using the Mimieo social networking service to perform a study of which Superbowl ads were most appealing to users. After every quarter, the page compiled responses of how liked the ads were, and whether or not the advertisement influenced potential shopping decisions for viewers.