Thursday, January 13, 2011

What's in the Bag ?

Canon EF 24 - 105 mm F4.0L IS USM


Finally got myself a L lens....aka "LUXURY" Lens from Canon that comes with the beautiful red ring.
Please bear in mind that unless you are using a full frame camera, you are not doing justice to this wonderful piece of quipment. But who says you cant mount on a 1.6x crop camera ??? I do.....hehe.......
Blame it on the BBB virus :)
 
Image Stabilizer
Superb auto-focus
Constant f/4 aperture from 24 to 105mm
Image quality
EOS system integration

The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM comes with a bayonet mount
lens hood EW-83H and
soft lens pouch LP1219.


VIDEO REVIEW

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

What's in the Bag ?

Black Rapid RS-4

Just got myself a Black Rapid RS-4 today.  As usual, was at Funan IT Mall sourcing for some bargains but really, sometimes the service at these camera shops really pissed you off.  Anyway, went into a shop and a guy was rather helpful and although I knew that the price was not the lowest among there, I bought it anyway.

I believed since you are looking for a Black Rapid strap, you already knew what you want and why you want it.  Therefore, enough said.

Official R Strap video



GGS Third Generation DSLR LCD Screen Protector




Bought this screen protector along with the Black Rapid RS 4.
Some specs printed on the cover ...................
* High Light Transmittance
* Super Abrasion
* Super scratch-resistance
* Anti-collision
* Easy to install ands remove

Hopefully it is as useful as it states :)
*

Monday, January 10, 2011

Here little horsey


I cant tell which is more adorable...the little girl ??
Or the Horsey ???

Europe Cityscapes


Again, I cannot remember where this place is.
Seems like I will have to geotag my photos now :)

A unique Lamp sculpture


I cannot remember where i took this photo but should be somewhere in Europe.
Anyone can pass me a comment or hint ??

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A Paris View


Another Snapshot
Eiffel Tower Sunset



Italy Cityscapes





Jusat a snapshot from one of the cafe at Switzerland.


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Flowers


Hmmm, what is the name of this flower ???


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A view






Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Twinkle Twinkle Many Stars

Mommy, I see STARS !!!


I Got Talent !!!


What's in the Bag ?

Canon EOS 7D

Some Product Highlights

  • - 18.0 Megapixels
  • - 3.0" LCD
  • - HD Video Recording
  • - Selectable Video Exposure + Frame Rates
  • - Dust & Weather Resistant
  • - 100% Viewfinder
  • - Self Cleaning Sensor
  • - High Sensitivity (ISO 12800)
  • - 8fps Burst Mode

Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D is a high-performance digital SLR, that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition, low-noise imaging at sensitivity levels up to ISO 12800.  In addition to high-definition still images the Canon EOS 7D can also capture true HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. Video clips can be up to 12 minutes in length or 4GB in size, and you can make full use of all Canon EF and EF-S-mount lenses, which enables an exceptional range of creative visual possibilities. And to ensure clean, blemish-free image files, the 7D employs a dual dust-reduction system.

The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder enables 100% viewing of the total image area, and features a transparent LCD overlay option that enables advanced data display within the optical viewfinder including user-selected AF modes, a spot metering circle, and on-demand grid lines. In addition to the 7D's optical viewfinder a Live View mode enables you to compose, review, and edit images using the camera's 3", 920,000-dot TFT LCD. The 7D also features a Dual Axis Electronic Level and tilt display that enables you to adjust the roll and pitch of the camera in 1° increments, using the viewfinder or LCD.

For continuous shooting sequences, the 7D can capture bursts of up to 126 JPEGs (large) when using UDMA CF memory cards, or 15 when shooting RAW files. An enhanced all cross-type 19-point autofocus system enables extremely accurate AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF modes for precise focusing. For metering stills and video, the 7D features a new 63-zone iFCL metering system that takes focus and color data into consideration when establishing exposure times.
The Canon EOS 7D is constructed out of rugged magnesium-alloy and is sealed against dust and weather. The 7D's shutter is equally rugged and tested for up to 150,000 exposure cycles. Images can be recorded to Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CompactFlash cards in either sRGB or Adobe RGB, and you can expect up to 800 exposures per charge using the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion battery.


18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors
 
The EOS 7D features a Canon-designed 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth. Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors ensure that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 7D's ability to capture and process data of images shot at 18.0 Megapixels at 8 fps, as well as Face Detection Live Mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral optimization are all possible thanks to the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors.
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
With a broad range of ISO settings, the EOS 7D enables shooting from dawn through dusk and ensures capture of the finest detail. With enhanced, low-noise high-sensitivity optimization, shooting in situations previously possible only with flash are easier than ever before.
Advanced Movie Mode with Manual Exposure Control and Selectable Frame Rates
The EOS 7D offers the enhanced image quality, smooth frame rates and adaptive exposure compensation necessary in a professional movie-making tool. By shooting video with a large sensor camera, it's simple to take advantage of the image characteristics intrinsic to SLR photography and not necessarily to video cameras. In addition to a number of different recording size and frame rate modes, the EOS 7D enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features and even allows for in-camera editing. The large CMOS sensor and compatibility with over 60 lenses provide a wealth of depth-of-field options. And it's all as easy as the press of a button - the EOS 7D has a dedicated Live View/Movie Recording lever with a start/stop button that gets the shooting started fast. Full HD Video is captured at 1920 x 1080 resolution at 30p (29.97), 24p (23.976) or 25p frames per second, for up to 4GB per clip. Movies are saved as .MOV files and can be viewed in Full HD with HDMI output. Other recording sizes include HD at 1280 x 720 (50p / 60p (59.94) fps) or SD/VGA at 640 x 480 (50p / 60p (59.94) fps).
Intelligent Viewfinder
The EOS 7D features a phenomenal redesigned viewfinder that not only offers 100 percent coverage, 1x magnification, a 29.4° angle of view and user-controlled dioptric adjustment; it also features a newly-designed transparent LCD display which enables a number of viewfinder displays to be overlaid at the touch of a button. Whereas with other cameras the representation of AF points and metering areas are static, with the EOS 7D, they can be displayed, adjusted and hidden, in camera, with ease. This means less distraction and more clarity to view the image in its entirety. Display options include: grid, spot metering, AF points display, hide all, zone AF, spot (single-point) AF, AF point expansion and Dual Axis Electronic Level display. The EOS 7D also features a brilliant new Dual Axis Electronic Level and tilt display that aids in achieving perfectly level shots, displaying both roll and pitch in 1° increments, either in the viewfinder or on the LCD.
New 19-Point, All Cross-Type AF System
Canon packed its most advanced technologies into the EOS 7D's AF system. With 19 high precision, cross-type AF sensors, any of which can be selected automatically or manually, the EOS 7D is equipped to handle even the trickiest of focus situations with ease. The high-speed microcomputers in the EOS 7D use advanced algorithms that help ensure the fastest, most accurate AF performance under the widest variety of conditions. In addition, Canon's Light Source detection AF automatically compensates the focus by taking into account artificial lighting sources and making appropriate adjustments and the EOS 7D's new Intelligent Macro focusing tracks the object or the cameras movement when shooting close-up, to ensure focus is never lost. AF modes can be customized to suit the situation, ensuring reliable focus, every time.
iFCL Metering with 63-Zone Dual-Layer Metering Sensor
The EOS 7D features a new, 63-zone dual-layer sensor designed to complement the 19-point AF system. By taking into account the color and luminosity surrounding chosen AF points, this new system delivers an entirely new level of accuracy for better results even in difficult lighting situations. Since the metering sensor has a color measurement function, exposure errors and focus errors caused by different light sources are minimized; the EOS 7D gives stable exposure from shot to shot in situations where light changes, such as in a theater or concert hall. This makes the EOS 7D ideal for scenes with extreme difference in brightness such as brightly lit scenes or backlit scenes; the camera balances exposure of the main subject at the background, and exposures are not overly influenced by bright areas in the shot.
Rugged, Durable, Dust and Weather Resistant Construction
The EOS 7D is constructed of the highest quality materials, to exacting standards to ensure unfettered performance at all times. For example, the shutter can shoot at speeds up to 1/8000 sec for 150,000 cycles; the chassis is built of lightweight and rigid magnesium, and the camera's seals are built to resist water and dust.
*********************************************************************************

Sirui Tripod T-1204X

The SIRUI T-1204X Tripod is the perfect compact traveler’s companion. With its easy folding design, it can be reversely folded into a more compact size (a length of 15.7 in) that will fit with one of the recommended SIRUI ball heads in the traveling case. Only weighing about 0.8 kg (1.76 lbs), the model can support up to 22 lbs of photographic equipment and stay very sturdy at the same time. This 4-section 8X carbon fiber tripod also comes with a short center column that you may use interchangeably with the main center column for low-height shooting. Two adjustment settings are available that click in place automatically to lock the angle. A high-quality padded traveling bag accompanies the tripod, as well as a 6-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

The T-1204X is ideal for use with 35mm photographic cameras, DSLRs (even a Canon 5D Mark II with lens), and digital or conventional type video camcorders. The recommended ball heads are SIRUI G-10, K-10X, but the G-20 and K-20X also work.



• Extremely light-weight 4-section 8X carbon fiber tripod
• Max loading capacity: 22 lb; weight: 1.7 lb; folded length: 15.7 in
• Max height (23° leg angle): w/column extended: 55.1 in; w/ column retracted: 45.3 in
• Min height (80° leg angle): 5.3 in
• Max leg diameter: 0.96 in; center column: rapid
• Head mount thread: 1/4"-20; base mount thread: 3/8"-16
• Silicon twist locks; independently locked into place at two different angles
• Short center column allows the tripod to reach extremely low positions
• Leg warmer on one leg which facilitates handling in extreme weather conditions and help to protect the legs
• Two leg-angle settings (52 & 80°)
• Center column hook
• Sturdy shoulder strap for carrying
• Well-designed padded traveling bag
• 6-year warranty against manufacturing defects


Some Pointers on choosing a Tripod

There are just so many choices of Tripods available in the market. How do you choose one that is suitable for you.?  When you purchased a Dslr, chances are you might received a free Tripod which is included in the package. Else, from a $50 " entry level " tripod to a $1000 Gitzo model, as long as it provides stability to your camera gear, it is a good tripod.  

Why then would you need one ??  Simple,..... A tripod will prevent any camera shake that will occurs when you take long exposure shoots. Any slight camera shake will affect the sharpness of your photographs. Similarly, when you take any photographs in low light, a tripod is an absolute must to stabilize your camera to avoid any blurring to your potographs.

Here are just some of the things that you need to consider before buying one
   
Are you comfortable with the tripod height ?? 

Are you comfortable with the tripod weight ??  Do remember to include the ball head.

Is your tripod able to support your full gear on it ??  Total weight of lens and camera ( even flash )

Is your tripod stable after you mount your arsenal on it ??  May do some testing on your own

Last but not least........ Bring your gears to any camera shop that sells tripod and  " test mount "


Velbon Pole pod

I was actually looking for a prticular manfrotto monopod which comes with a set of steel legs hidden in the leg of the monopod and when you want to use it, you have to unscrew the legs,m slot it out and screw back on the leg.  For the Velbon Pole Pod, you just need to release the hatch in one move and open up the legs below and tighten them. That's it. I would say it is alot more convenient . Stability wise..... I try using the 2 sec timer and after I released the shutter, some ": tremors" was still being felt. Therfore I think having a remote release  + mirror lock should do fine  for having night shoots.
Bought for about $170 ++ for my overseas trip as I do not want to carry a full tripod cos of the weight.









Monday, January 3, 2011

This is Bokehlicious

Bokeh Is GooD.

          Millennium Falcon's Lightspeed          Bokehlicious Is Better.
          during a Star War's scene

What is Bokeh ?

Bokeh is pronounced as " bo-key " instead of " Bo-kay ". Basically it refers to the out of  focus parts in the photo, when in the shallow depth of field, makes it more prominent. The aperture in a lens is made up of blades and higher quality lens will have more lens and produce a bokeh that is both smooth and circle-shaped. 

Sunday, January 2, 2011

My first Night shoot attempt on the 1st of January 2011.  Well ya, STRICTLY speaking, it is the first time, on a Tripod. Just got myself a SIRUI T-1204X Carbon 8X. With a K-10X Ball Head, it costs me SGD$350, from a shop in Funan IT Mall.

I was actually planning for Sunset Shoots around Marina Bay area but with the overcast and dizzling rain, I had to surrender to the sky and went for dinner instead. By the time I finished eating, it was already raining heavily. Without any other options, I went shopping instead at marina Square, but too bad even Cathay Photo was closed. 

Thirty minutes had past and I noticed that the heavy pouring have stopped. Although it was still dizzling, I bravely stepped out and proceed to the riverside and setup my tripod and camera.  Why did I say bravely? It is because I am using the only one lens I have on that day... a EF-s 18 - 135 mm kit lens which I believed most of you should know.... it comes without weather shielding.,


I noticed the slant Horizontal lines when viewing thru my notebook,
Sigh, must have been too hurried to set up the tripod ( due to
the rain ) and did not check properly.

ohh yes, of course I could use PS to straighten the horizontal but
am not going to use PS so to get more basics correct when shooting.
Basically at most do some cropping. 
Or is this better ??
Will try my hands on nightshoot...hopefully soon  :)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The BIG BANG..FIREWORKS !!

Nothing is more suitable than having "The Big Bang......Fireworks" to "JumpStart" as well as to "Celebrate" my First Post on this Blog.....on 1st January 2011, the First day of the brand new year.

Coincidentally, this is my first fireworks shoot "tester" and although there were setbacks threatening to stop me from shooting....I did overcame all odds and reach the " not so suitable " site 10 min from time...11.50pm 31st Dec. 2010.  Why did I say " Not so suitable" ??   Juz look at the pic..... 






It would have been ALOT nicer if the Fireworks was higher, thus shinning down on the
track. Compared to last year's fireworks, this year was a disappointment. Hopefully, I
will have another chance to try it out coming chinese New year.

 

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