Underachievers Please Try Harder (Limited Edition 2 Pack) - Camera Obscura

Advantages: Great songs,one of the most melodic albums ever
Disadvantages: One weaker track

...Camera Obscura are the emerging darlings of the Scotish music industry.'Underachievers Please Try Harder' was released in 2003 and was raved about by the much missed John Peel and Stuart Murdoch (Belle and Sebastian) who has helped raise the profile of this band and indeed took the cover photos for the album. Named after an optical device that I will neve be able to explain the workings of they are a six piece fronted by Tracyann Campbell who sings and writes most of the songs.And what you get with Camera obscura are some of the most simplistic but melodic pop songs written in the last decade.Comparisons with Belle and Sebastian I can understand but make no mistake this group has a sound of there own.The album consists of 11 stunning songs which should delight any serious music lover. I have to confess I wrote down to... Read review

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Advantages: View is just wonderful up here.
Disadvantages: None as not open when poor weather conditions

...Camera Obscura or Tower of Tavira is to be found up the hill near the castle in Tavira. It is situated in an old disused water tower, built in 1931. Accessibility is by lift or the stairs, which encase the lift and then a small walkway to the doors of the Tower. There are the old steps up the side of the Tower but not recommended. The cost of this experience is 3-50 euro. The visit inside the Tower takes about 15 minutes, and at the most there would be 15 people inside, so not too bad for space, though when you go inside the lights are on and the inside of the old water tower is both strange and wonderful. When the lights are switched out, and warning is given you are in total darkness for a few seconds. The Camera Obscura in Tavira is the first of it's kind in the Algarve. It works by mirrors, lenses, pullies, a very large... Read review

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Advantages: zoom range, image quality, HD video, size, scene modes
Disadvantages: battery life, noise at high ISO

...face if someone is a long way away and moving, but that?s to be expected from a compact camera. I?ve talked about the still functions of this camera, but what about its unique selling point? The HD video? At my research stage (nights and nights of reviews zzzz) I wondered whether I?d really need this function and therefore buy the TZ6 which is basically this camera but without HD video. In the end, obviously, I went for this one. Am I pleased I spent an extra, I don?t know, £70? ? Yes, indeed I am. To start recording you simply press one button; to stop, the same button again. There?s no need to twist a dial or flick a switch. This is great if you need to be quick. I am fortunate enough to have a Panasonic TV with full HD capability. I was, however, dubious of how good this quality could be from, what I?d call, the camera?s 2nd function. No... Read review

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