Friday 30 April 2010

The Moon on 30/04/2010

Taken around 10.45pm

Apple Aperture 3.0.3 Update

Apple has updated Aperture 3 to version 3.0.3, which is intended to improve stability and fix a number of issues, including the following areas:
  • Applying adjustments such as Retouch or Chromatic Aberration
  • Creating and using Raw Fine Tuning presets
  • Viewing, adding and removing detected faces
  • Switching target printers and paper sizes when printing
  • Duplicating Smart Albums
  • Repairing and rebuilding Aperture libraries
  • Reconnecting referenced files
  • Working with GPS track files in Places
  • Searching for keywords in the Query HUD or Keyword Controls

Complete release notes on the fixes are available on Apple’s website HERE. Aperture 3.0.3 is available for download from Apple’s website HERE.

Abstract of a spiral

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Canon EOS 550D Jackie Chan Edition


Canon China introduces the EOS 550D Jackie Chan Eye of Dragon special edition. The camera body comes with gold Dragon logo of Jackie Chan, who is Canon’s spokesperson in China. The Jackie Chan kit includes a Canon EF-S 18-135MM lens, a camera case, a strap and an album book, all with Jackie’s logo (except the lens).

Only 2010 units will be available and each is priced at 10,000 Chinese Yuan (US$1465).

Source: iTech News Net

The Moon on 27/04/2010

Taken at around 11.20pm...

Tuesday 27 April 2010

The Blue Moon on 25/04/2010



Nikon Announced AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II


Today, the evolution of the super telephoto lens continues as Nikon Inc. announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens which delivers optical excellence and stunning image quality for professional photographers. Ideal for bringing to life exquisite detail for sports, nature and travel photography, this new lens affords a constant maximum aperture of f/4 and rugged construction for maximum versatility. Continued refinements and new technologies such as Vibration Reduction (VR) II, Nano Crystal Coat, and optimized autofocus (AF) modes enhance functionality and improve performance for discerning FX and DX-format photographers.

“The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm lens builds upon a proven design for professional level optics by incorporating the latest Nikon lens technologies to give photographers the edge in the field, and the ability to capture the most intricate of details with extraordinary fidelity,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of Marketing at Nikon Inc. “As both camera capabilities and the roles of photographers expand, NIKKOR enhancements will continue to meet demands and exceed expectations to remain the pinnacle of optical excellence for all types of photographers.”

Whether photographing the decisive play at home plate or predators of the Serengeti, the 200-400mm f/4 lens is an essential tool for photographers who require long focal lengths and maximum versatility without sacrificing image quality. The 200-400mm lens benefits from the addition of Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flaring. The result is unparalleled clarity and sharpness in challenging lighting environments typical to sports venues or harsh sunlight.

Additionally, this new NIKKOR lens features Nikon VR II image stabilization, which is specifically engineered for each lens for maximum performance. VR II is a valuable asset to those shooting photos or HD video, as image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification is significantly reduced. Users are able to shoot up to four stops slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting with such extreme focal lengths. VR functionality is further augmented with Automatic Panning Detection and an Active VR Mode to help compensate for movement from an unstable position such as a moving vehicle. Additionally, VR is always engaged when shooting in the D-Movie mode on select Nikon D-SLRs, helping to stabilize HD video capture.

The new 200-400mm f/4 lens features a host of professional focusing features to further enhance functionality. Photographers can now select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions, including manual mode (M) and autofocus with manual override (M/A) mode, and new A/M mode which is used to avoid cancelling the AF setting by unintentionally moving the focus ring while shooting. The M/A and A/M focus modes enhance AF control with fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus to adapt to personal shooting preference and techniques. Additionally, photographers can activate the AF Recall Mode at the press of a button that allows for instant return to a predetermined point of focus to confidently capture anticipated shots.

This professional lens is constructed of die-cast magnesium for maximum durability and is sealed to resist dust and moisture, with protective Meniscus glass to safeguard the lens’ front element. The optical formula features four Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior sharpness, color and image quality, while minimizing chromatic aberration. The lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which enables high-speed autofocus performance with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating further suppresses flare and offers superior color consistency throughout the frame.

Price and Availability

The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers in late May 2010 with an estimated selling price of $6,999.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Monday 26 April 2010

The Moon on 26/04/2010

Taken around 6.30pm...

Apple releases RAW compatibility update

Apple has released a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update for Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09. Update 3.2 addresses processing issues of files from the Canon EOS 30D, Pentax K-x and K-7 digital SLRs. The update also extends RAW support to the following cameras:
  • Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D / Kiss X4
  • Leica S2
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

You can download the update from Apple’s website HERE.

Sunday 25 April 2010

BIBD Annual Dinner 2010 ~1001 Arabian Night~

BIBD aims to be regional hub

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) is aiming to be the main financial provider in the country especially in Islamic banking and in future, even become the main financial centre in the region.

The aspiration is one of many revealed by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, in his capacity as chairman of BIBD yesterday during the BIBD Annual dinner at the Bridex Conference Hall.

The chairman also said that it is BIBD's aspiration to be the provider in the development and education of its staff based on management, leadership and Islamic finance.

Recalling the achievement of BIBD last year, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya revealed, "in an historic accomplishment, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam or BIBD has been appointed as Joint Lead manager for international Sukuk by Islamic Development bank, Jeddah in 2009. The achievement is not only very encouraging but should also be a target for the banks' initiatives in going international".

Another achievement for BIBD in 2009, he said is the "setting up of a direct sales unit to increase the bank's products. And the bank has strengthened the sales culture to be instilled into the BIBD culture."

As for its social corporate responsibility, last year BIBD implemented a number of activities such as tree planting for the Heart of Borneo project through the Badas Project, Project Cabaran and a $500,000 donation to flood victims.

Meanwhile, Acting Managing Director of BIBD, Mr Javed Ahmad in his welcoming address said that BIBD has come a long way since its foundation over 25 years ago. Last year's BIBD balance sheet is recorded at about $4.5 billion. The bank now has a capital of over $920 million. The group has also employed some 700 staff countrywide.

The theme of the dinner was '1001 Arabian Night'. During the dinner, a total of 65 BIBD staff received service awards as a token of appreciation for their loyalty and commitment.

Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, the former chairman also received a souvenir from Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya.

Article taken from Borneo Bulletin Sunday




































Announcement for the Best Dress winner



Group photo of the committees that make the annual dinner a success and an enjoyable one too... good jobs ppl!

and more photos from the 1001 Arabian Night Dinner are available at my Facebook album HERE.


And here is the news report by RTB.
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