Saturday, 28 March 2009
Panasonic Announces GH1 Micro Four Thirds Camera
Panasonic launched its DMC-GH1 hybrid camera in Japan this week and with it came some news missing from the U.S. launch two weeks ago: the price and release date.
The camera is a follow-on to the company's DMC-G1, which was launched last September and was the first camera based on the new Micro Four Thirds System lens mount, and adds the ability to record video at high-definition resolution. It was previewed first at the PMA show in Las Vegas in early March.
On Wednesday Panasonic announced it in Japan and said the camera with a 45-200-millimeter lens will cost around ¥150,000 (US$1,530). That's about ¥30,000 more expensive than the DMC-G1 kit version that came with a 45-140mm lens.
In Japan it will go on sale from April 24. Panasonic still doesn't have pricing or launch details for other markets.
The new camera was promised back in September when the original model was first announced. It shoots full HD resolution video in the AVCHD format, that is used by many hard-disk camcorders. Video is pulled from the camera's image sensor at 24 frames per second, which is less than the 25 or 30 frames per second used for TV so it's not quite as good as a video camera.
For still images the camera shoots at 12-megapixel resolution and both images and video are stored on an SD card.
Like the G1, the GH1 is aimed at casual users who want to take better pictures than is possible with a compact camera but don't want a bulky SLR.
The first day of my KL get-away... (20/03/09)
My trip started at around 3pm+, started off from Tutong heading to Miri. And once we reach Miri, first place to stop by was at KFC Imperial Mall.
Just a random shot at Imperial Mall.
Done eating and doing some small shopping there, we went to Miri Airport and reached there around 7pm+. And here are some shots at Miri Airport.
Our flight was originally scheduled around 9.30pm+, but it got delayed and got rescheduled to 10pm, so we can only enter the departure hall by 9pm. Once we got in, they announced another delay and it got rescheduled to 10.30pm... pfffttttt... so off I go taking some more pictures while waiting for my flight...
OMG... look at the time! yepz, there was another delay, and the final change was we're gonna depart at 11pm... shesh... it's like almost 4 hours stuck at the airport... crappy airasia... pfffttttt...
the damn plane which got delayed sooo many times and hurt my left ear when it was about to land at KL LCCT...
this was a quick shot... wasn't looking when i took it... eheh... but it turn out ok... i guess... eheh...
my baby fruit (aka nephew) was already long asleep...
Arrived at KL LCCT at 1am++...
Somebody actually slept outside KL LCCT...
My bro waiting for Abg Bakri's car...
We stayed at Abg Bakri house at Sepang that night (morning?), reached his house at 2am++... had some chat with him then went to bed at around 3am++... sorry for the trouble Abg Bakri...
So that just about my first day report of my KL get-away, eheh, wasn't eventful, eheh, but lesson learnt, dont ever choose airasia last flight coz most of the time, they tend to delay their flight... pfffttttt...
Friday, 27 March 2009
Canon introduces Speedlite 270EX compact flashgun
Canon announces the launch of the entry level Speedlite 270EX, an enhanced flash designed for EOS and PowerShot users. Replacing the popular Speedlite 220EX, the Speedlite 270EX is aimed at photographers wanting to expand their flash photography beyond the built in flash and those who want a small: pocketable flash unit to complement their EOS-1D or EOS 5D series. The compact Speedlite 270EX builds on the success of its predecessor, with more power than usual for its class and size.
The Speedlite 270EX includes a host of new features not available with a built-in flash that push the boundaries for the entry level flash market. These include the addition of a zoom head, ensuring efficient light distribution and bounce flash head, enabling light from the flash to bounce off a ceiling to produce pictures with more flattering lighting with softer tones and depth. Improved circuitry offers near silent recharging and enables similar recharging times as its predecessor, despite being powered by just 2 AA batteries.
Key Features include:
- High power flash with a maximum guide number 27 m
- Fast, silent recycle times
- Manual flash output (settable via camera menus)
- Speedlite controllable with compatible camera's menu
- Zoom head
- Bounce flash head
Crossroads... by wahliao.com
Little India is the focal point of all Indians in Singapore, being their historical landmark, developed by their forefathers that settled in Singapore back in 1819. Famed for its strong scents of spices sold by roadside stalls, its silverware, brassware, wood carvings and silk saris adorned by ladies are a prized item of tourists.
Photos taken by:
Wong Kin Leong
Cameras used:
Nikon D700 on a 24-70mm f2.8
Colors Rendered:
MacbookPro with Spyder 3Elite Calibration
Photos:
869 Stock Photos taken in 1 day.
More new stills from live action BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE
The release in France of Chris Nahon's live action remake of Blood: The Last Vampire is still a few months off, but we've just discovered the French official site for the film is now partially live. What treats are there to see if were to look inside? How about some new, never before seen, action-packed high def stills from the movie. Want to see it? Then click HERE.
Blood: The Last Vampire opens in Japan in May, the U.K in June and great news for U.S fans - Samuel Goldwyn Films have apparently just picked up the North American rights, release date still to be confirmed.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Canon unveils EOS 500D / Rebel T1i DSLR
Canon announces the new 15.1MP EOS 500D which offers photographers an outstanding combination of features. Following the launch of the first Canon EOS camera to shoot movies – the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008 – Canon now brings Full High Definition (HD) video capability to consumers in a compact and lightweight DSLR.
The new EOS 500D features a 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor – ideal for large detailed prints or enormous cropping possibilities. For shooting in near-dark conditions, the EOS 500D offers a high ISO sensitivity up to 3200 which is expandable to 12800, giving photographers the power to shoot in the dimmest light conditions. Outstanding noise reduction is made possible by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.
The EOS 500D heralds a new way for photography enthusiasts to capture their world. It pairs outstanding still image capture with Full HD 1080P video recording. For longer video shoots, users can also choose lower shooting resolutions of 720P or VGA.*
Every detail revealed
Exacting image preview and review is provided by a 3.0” Clear View LCD screen.The same screen as used on the acclaimed 5D Mark II, it features a 920,000 dot count – for ultra-detailed image review, accurate focus checks, and clear access to the EOS menu system. As well as aiding shooting from awkward angles, Live View mode includes contrast based and Face Detection AF options. Ideal for newcomers to digital SLR photography, these allow compact-camera style auto focus, with a real-time image displayed on the LCD.
Fast processing, fast focusing
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs**. Using Canon’s wide area AF system – which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses– makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.
DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.
Distinctive EOS quality
Despite its compact, lightweight body, the EOS 500D includes all the hallmarks of the EOS system. Every detail of the EOS 500D – from the large, bright viewfinder to the famously intuitive EOS menu system – is designed to provide users with a world-class shooting experience.
Image quality is protected by the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which reduces, repels and removes unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be easily removed in post-production by using Dust Delete Data – which can be added to the image in-camera – and Canon’s included Digital Photo Professional software.
Digital Photo Professional software offers a comprehensive RAW editing package, with functions such as a quick check tool, a cropping tool, and a stamp tool – plus the ability to change brightness, White Balance and Picture Styles in RAW images. The software suite is included with EOS Utility and Picture Style editor for unrivalled versatility.
Compatibility with the full range of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites – including the exceptionally compact, powerful new Speedlite 270EX, which features a bounce and zoom head, plus fast recharging from just 2 AA sized batteries – allows the creation of a shooting system as unique as the photographer using it.
“The EOS 500D pushes the boundaries of what photographers can demand from their cameras, combining exceptional images with full HD video,” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Photography enthusiasts can now capture their most significant moments in a manner that matches their creativity.”
Any Canon photographer can register for the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service, which allows access to the latest EOS information, useful updates and exclusive EOS content – plus tools that allow users to create their own video podcasts and store images online.
Features at a glance:
- 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
- ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
- 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
- Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
- 3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
- 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
- High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 270EX, TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
Back from my one week KL get-away...
ahhh... it's good to be back home again and got internet access again... yepz, I stayed at Bintang Warisan Hotel and they don't have any Wi-Fi, yeah I know it is a budget hotel, but at the price of RM150+ per night, you expect them to have something, they didn't have sport channel and the room have lots of cockroaches, owh, and underneath the bed was SOOO dirty! I wonder how the housekeeper clean the room...
anyway, I didn't really enjoyed my time at KL... for the first three day, I woke up to have some bloody nose... so yeah, I didn't really feel well during my trip there... and for some reason, I felt Bukit Bintang were a little bit more hostile than when I was went there two years ago, but the taxi service was better though... erm, just my personal opinion though... eheh...
hmm... one week without internet access and I sure missed a lots of news... and since I'm still in my holiday mood, I won't be posting any of the past news... eheh... so you can check them elsewhere... eheh... and for any pictures during my time at KL, I took more than one thousand shots, but most of them are family photos, so I need some times to filter the pictures to post them here... eheh...
so to wrap things up, I'm back and will post again real soon... so stay tuned and thanks for those who have visited my blog actively... if there is any that is... ahak... =p
Friday, 20 March 2009
On hiatus... maybe...
I'm off to Malaysia for about a week... so I might not update my blog or probably rarely update my blog for the next one week... anyway, here's a message to all my colleague... eheh... cheers... :D
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Got myself a new lens... Sigma APO 50-500mm f4-6.3 EX DG HSM
Originally, I was thinking of getting the Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS HSM... then after using my friend's 70-200mm (non-IS), I feel 200mm isn't long enough even when using a TC2.0x, well, it's not that I want to go for safari shooting, but it's would be nice to have a further reach. And I still have my Sigma 50-150mm f2.8, so it's a close substitute and that Sigma so far, doesn't let me down.
So at first, I opted for Sigma 120-300mm f2.8, so when u add a TC2.0x, its an equivalent of 600mm f5.6, just nice I think... then Yen went up and the price of that Sigma jumped by 1.5k, so I changed my mind again.
And after some long thought and reading some reviews online, I end up with this lens. Yeah I know it's not f2.8, but what the heck, it's not like I going to use this lens for indoor/night photography. I already set this lens for daytime shootings, especially when there is a big event happening here (ie National Day, Maulud, etc), where the long reach is really needed.
Anyway, enough talking, let me introduce my new toy... :)
Here's the Sigma standing next to Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L HSM.
Front view... the Sigma has the filter size of 86mm, while the Canon has the filter size of 77mm.
And here's the Sigma together with my Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Thanks for the battery grip, the lens doesn't look overwhelming.
Anyway, here is some quick shots taken from the comfort of inside of my car... eheh... yeah I'm too lazy to go out... eheh... here's a shot taken using Canon EOS 50D, 50mm, 1/400, f8.0, ISO 400.
Canon EOS 50D, 500mm, 1/200, f11.0, ISO 800.
And here's a shot using Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 50mm, 1/800, f8.0, ISO 800.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 500mm, 1/800, f8.0, ISO 800.
I also did try using other aperture, but upon reviewing the pics, there weren't a lots of difference to notice, unless you're viewing it at 100% crop, but I'm too lazy to provide the 100% crop and furthermore, it's not like I'm going to print a 36x24 inch photo, and when you post something on the internet, you are likely to reduce the image size which will eliminate any/most issues/defects. But if you want to know how it look like at 100% crop, yeah, the image were a little bit soft at 500mm, and the sharpness start to improve noticeably at f11.0.
Anyway, just for fun, I took some indoor shots using this lens on Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
50mm, 1/200, f4.0, ISO 500, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/200, f6.3, ISO 500, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/200, f8.0, ISO 500, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/200, f11.0, ISO 500, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/160, f16.0, ISO 640, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/160, f22.0, ISO 1000, 2 flash.
500mm, 1/125, f36.0, ISO 1600, 2 flash.
So that's a rough idea on the performance of the lens... the images were reduced by 1/3, eheh, was trying to avoid uploading 1mb per picture... anyway, maybe next week I will be able to get more shots using this lens...
Overall, personally, though I hate the slow speed of f6.3 and it's not quite a sharp as an L lens, but considering the reach and price, I still think it is a bargain. And by reading reviews everywhere, this is the best 500mm zooms lens currently available.
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