Happy New Year! We celebrated at the beach, where I shot some quick video using the Nokia N96. One main reason I dumped iPhone 3G for the N96: To shoot video blogs. But I was sick—flu, then bronchitis—for the better part of a month. I’m recovering, finally, and now it’s video time.

This first one is a test, as I explore best way to get the best video from the Nokia N96. The background is beautifully clear in each frame of today’s shoot, while my face is a blur. Hey, but that’s not a bad thing. The soft focus takes off some ugliness. :)

The N96, its astounding video capabilities and a warm winter beach day go oddly together.

Do you have a gadget story that you’d like told? Please e-mail Joe Wilcox: oddlytogether at gmail.com.