Happy New Year!

Very Timely

Mirrorless Roundup 2011 @ Digital Photography Review

Needs Wanted|Wants Needed

New mirrorless camera bodies are coming out and most are very impressive

Sony NEX-5n is I think the best of the bunch with its high ISO performance
Available for USD599 @ Amazon
I never liked the Panasonic GF series and I have the same feeling with the NEX-5n, too small for my hands.


The Sony NEX-7 is definitely a candidate except for the price :P
Already getting rave reviews with the pre-production copies - resulting to jacked up prices in e-bay!


The Olympus E-PL3 is also an able body w/ on board image stabilization
Available for USD649 @ Amazon
Best paired with the Olympus m.Zuiko 14-150:
Available for USD499 @ Amazon


From the 'new comer' Samsung comes the new NX200
Available for USD799 @ Amazon
Impressive sample shots so far only that it doesn't come with a viewfinder :P


and there's the Panasonic GX1
Available for USD699.99 @ Amazon
Works like a GH camera in a GF body, I really like the looks and the initial impressions so far.


But it all boils down to one question:


Do I need another camera body??? :P

Single to Custom

My UEsf5v2 is done...
Still have to fly over from SG to PH though :P

N82 -1stop

St Peregrine w Nokia N82

Lens Shake

Kept on shaking my head with disbelief while looking at the sample shots here:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&message=39841711&changemode=1

These are really impressive shots!
I think I found the replacement for my Tamron 90/2.8 [A-mount] :D

Contemplication

I really want to get this lens but my GAS (for photography) is unusually empty.

Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8
USD428 @ Amazon

Not really sure why :D

It got rave reviews like this from Steve Huff:
"Short, sweet and to the point. This lens rocks. Period."

UE's Gone

Going for a Custom

It's been 2 years and a couple of IEMs, I still love the midrange from the UE

Today's trip from Isabela to Muntinlupa

Thanks Chief for the safe trip \m/

Random Lightning

The Accidental Recorder

Was looking at Sony PCM M10 to try as a recorder and another MP3 player but went for the Tascam DR-2d instead. This review at Audio Transkription was of great help with the decision.


It's proving to be just the right toy for me now :)

Thanks for Pixar!

RIP

by hooks or by crocs

Enter Sandman

Another night of sanding... the pain is almost gone :P

DIY Bug Bites

Mouse cable to EM3Pro cable :)

The Sound of Mouse

Better Ear

Custom Tweaking

I just got to remove some bumps that hurt my ears

Not so Custom

What could be the chances that someone else's custom in-ear monitors will fit my ears?

Dang, I feel so light today - with just a bit of soreness at some points in my ears :D

Paris in Phil

My wife as invited to Century Properties Party so I tagged along :D

www.anythingbutipad.com!

We got this ipad2 and being a tech person that I am who usually can use an e-gadget without reading the manual straight from the box,
my initial use --- heck I haven't even used it yet and am just on the registration process and --- I'm already so frustrated!
It even has the nerve (:D) to ask for my credit card info just to complete the registration?!?!
And I just couldn't figure out the USB<>iTunes image until I googled it.

AAARGH!!!

I guess I really don't belong with the apple crowd.

:D

to be fair though: I love the AWLKB! :P

Now let me finish this %$#@! registration thing.

Food Photography by N82

Red and Green by N82

DPP's On Assignment: KLM!

Goodluck people! :)

Expect the Unexpected

After getting the Sony MDR-7550, I saw the Baby Stax SR-001 posted in the FS section of our local "portables" forum.

Thought for some time then finally decided to grab the rare opportunity :P






Fit is something of an issue for my whole ears. The in-ear part is okay but when the driver casing is resting on my ear, it's becoming painful.

So I tried the buds that were lying around and couldn't believe that I'll be settling for the cheapest pair - an ipod bud to in-ear adapter:



Now on to Willie Nelson's Stardust :)
I'm loving the mids and bass on this Babies!

images by Nokia N82

The Eagle has Landed!

Didn't expect it to be this fast. E-mailed JAC on Monday and they're now on my ears! \m/


Going through my test tracks all over again.
I'm liking the sound!

Archos Gen8 FW 2.3.81!

(click here for Archos' website)
Archos 28/32/43/70/101 Internet Tablets
Firmware changes
Version 2.3.81 - July 5th, 2011

* Flash: integrate flash plugin version 10.1.105.7 (can be uninstalled)
* Subtitle wizard: allow to associate a subtitle to a video (launched by a long press on a video file in video browser)
* Audio player: solve some seldom force to close
* Audio: increase compatibility with android applications (e.g. games)
* Video: avoid crashes when playing truncated or broken MKV files
* Video: fix bulgarian subtitles detection
* Wi-Fi: fix unit rebooting in loop sometimes when waking up from suspend leaving Wi-Fi on in nomadic situations
* Battery estimation: report 100% at full charge (power led blinking) after removing the charger
* Battery estimation: provide more accurate battery charge information at boot for A70it hard drive model
* Media library: purge media library entries relative to the sdcard at sdcard removal
* Internationalization: include better Russian translations

I don't like Shakes

I'm now looking at the Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. again.

I once had the impressive Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6
but the lack of in-lens stabilization makes the 150mm tricky to use specially when the light is challenging.

To experience the MEGA OIS, I borrowed a colleague's Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS for a few days.
To cut the long story short, I was impressed with how the Mega OIS works.
Was using mode 1 most of the time.

This sealed the 14-140 for me.

Currently, the M.Zuiko is a no brainer if its going to be paired with the Olympus bodies.
I hope Olympus comes up with something like the GH2...

Dynamic Trio

Recently I got to know Sony's Dynamic Trio over at head-fi.
MDR-EX600
MDR-800ST (Asia)
also known as 7550 in US
MDR-EX1000

The MDR-7550 is available in Amazon for $299.95
Upgradititis has plagued me once more and I am very curious what's the difference between dynamic drivers compared to BA drivers (I currently own the Fisher Audio DBA-02 which uses BA drivers).

A pair of MDR-7550 is incoming and hope to get my hands on them in 2 weeks time.

^Hope's Up^

Over at 43rumors, [FT4] Olympus might be using an a new sensor for the EP3. It's about time! I have so much respect for Zuiko lenses but never got tempted with the 43rds system because of the 'poor' performance of their sensor. Now, if this new sensor overtakes what the Panasonic sensor can do --- it will be a new ballgame.

This is the best time to step back and wait for the announcements. For now, I will hold off getting the Panasonic 14-140.

I'll park my hard earned money for now :)

X-Men: First Class


is a First Class movie!
Go and watch it :)

V

Over at 4/3 rumors, Vitaliy finally hacked the unhackable GH1 and GF1 bodies.

Mine is hacked already but I think I'l' give this a try.

Hack download file at http://www.gh1-hack.info/wiki/PToolSoftware

A Day without Traffic

Well, a bit but not much. There were 2 accidents at NLEX-Bulacan and we saw the accident at Dinalupihan that happened yesterday.
Here are some snaps w my digital 'Swiss knife'. We reached Subic in 3hrs, fast road today ü

Stealth Mode

Took a trip to Cebu early this month.

It was 'too darn hot' that day when we visited Carbon Market hoping to get some good bargain on souvenir stuff.

The kids cooperatively walked along even though we were sweating a lot underneath the blazing sun :D
(We made sure they were properly hydrated during and after the market visit)

Some shots I took 'from the hip' with the GH1 and 20/1.7.

The "problem" with fast aperture lenses is when they are used on broad daylight,
I had to stop them down to f6 to avoid over exposure. ISO already at 100, lowest setting.
I then lose the isolation effect of the fast aperture.

Alamang
This alamang (small fish/krill) caught my eye, too colorful for my taste :D
GH1 admirably reproduced the tone faithfully.
Brought up some detail on the dark parts w/ Irfanview ;)

Little Boy
Little boy killing time watching market activities.
Picture straight from the cam.

Inside the market, I had to adjust the ISO up to 400 and set the aperture back to 1.7.

Drinking Water for Sale
That (blue/green) drinking water dispensing/vending machine is I think unique to Cebu and I said to myself I have to get a shot of that machine as souvenir.
It's a 5gallon (blue plastic) water container in cool green enclosure that accepts coins.
You get a plastic/celophane, put a coin and it will dispense the drinking water.
I never got to try it though - preferred water bottles :P
I took this one in front of an 'internet cafe'.

No Luck

Was looking at my MF lens stuff and realized I have a Canon FD 55/1.2 :P
I have yet no luck on acquiring the Rokkor 58/1.2 but maybe someday...

Anyway, I found a comparison between the Rokkor and FD at fredmiranda and I really have to test this Canon lens soon.

But I have to get this adapter first:

(USD27.95@amazon)
Fotodiox FD to MFT adapter

Then maybe I'll be shocked with its bad bokeh :P

Bokeh Happy

A sample shot from GH1 w/ the Auto Yashinon 5.5cm f1.8 w/ sticky aperture :D
I brought the lens (for baptismal) for low light shooting, it performed admirably :)

Waiting Game

Just came from trips to Cebu/Bohol and Hundred Islands w/ my MFT system.

Was able to borrow the Panasonic 45-200/4-5.6 Lumix G Vario Mega OIS
(available at USD299.99 at Amazon)

from a colleague and it impressed me during the vacation. The Mega OIS really works (Mode 1)!

One deal breaker for me though is that the 45mm's AOV is not wide enough hence I usually end up switching lenses. Hence I've decided to go for the 14-140.

But then again... I have to wait for a couple of things.

1. If ever I get the refund for my Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150
(price has gone down to USD499.99 at Amazon)

2. According to 43rumours, Panasonic is due to release 5 new lenses in June. I'm anticipating further price drops on the old lenses.

That's about it for the zoom lens.


Then there's the news about an Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm/f2.

This definitely stopped me dead on my tracks about getting the M.Zuiko 9-18/4-5.6
(available at Amazon for USD599.99)

I've been lusting on the Panasonic 7-14 but the price is too much for me.
Found a local seller for the Oly 9-18 but the price is steep.
Now I'm not sure if I should bargain.
Do I really need a 12/2?
Questions and Decisions...

Not sure if I should be happy or not, the waiting and deciding will definitely hurt my head :D
but it will definitely give me more time to think about my MFT lineup.
I'd rather wait then.

Last thing...
was very surprised to learn that I didn't use the 20/1.7 much during the trips
Sell? :D

Basilica de Sto. Niño

Delayed!

Finally onboard our flight to Cebu via AirPhilExpress which was delayed by 6hrs.
Ampfth!!!

3 is my favorite number

Panasonic G3 is available for pre-order!
Available at Amazon for USD599.99 (body only)

Product Features

• 16-megapixel compact mirrorless system; Micro Four Thirds format camera
• 3.0-inch free-angle LCD with touch control; new Pinpoint AF feature
• 1080/60i HD video capability in AVCHD format; Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology
• Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus (iA, iA+); more burst shooting options; new Photo Style Mode

I hope the sensor is an improvement over the older models.

And no, 3 is not my fave number --- it's 7...
as in Minolta 7 ;)