Friday, September 24, 2010

More on A700 replacement at Photokina 2010

Found this video that seems to be captured and uploaded to YouTube by What Digital Camera.  It may be of interest to those (like myself) who have been waiting … and waiting … and waiting for the A700 replacement.

Well, not sure what to think but partially still a little sceptical on the use of SLT and hence an electronic viewfinder on a DSLR.  Oh, note … a new Flash in addition to lenses will soon be available too :-)

Is the A77 the replacement name for the A700 successor?

Sony gave further in-sight into the long … way too long (for me anyway) awaited A700 successor by calling it “Advance Model DSLR” at Photokina 2010.  Well, with the introduction of the A33 and the A55 SLT (Translucent Mirror), many are expecting it to be called the A77SLT as the camera is also expected to have a translucent mirror.

Sony A77SLT

What was revealed at Photokina 2010 was that it will have a vertical grip incorporated (yikes!, that will have it rather large and possibly heavy), does AVCHD and will be using Sony’s APS HD CMOS Sensor.

One thing for sure, it is aimed at serious enthusiast and other than those specifications mentioned above, I am sure it will be better than the 10 fps that the A55SLT is capable of.  However, I personally have to think twice about using a higher end DSLR that is not based on a PentaPrism.  Yet to personally try out the non-optical viewfinder as the SLTs are shipped with an electronic viewfinder.  This I believe is to also help brightened up the 30% light that is use for the viewfinder.

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Taman Ayun Temple, Bali, Indonesia

The royal temple of the Mengwi Empire, known as Taman Ayun (Ahyun) Temple, is located at the Mengwi Village, a few kilometres north of Denpasar.  Generally, tourist will visit this place as it is along the route towards Tanah Lot Temple (more on this later).  It is a beautiful and very well maintained temple that is surrounded by water in a very well “manicured” garden.

Outside Taman Ayun Temple

The whole garden is surrounded by a moat and you have to cross a very short bridge to get into the outer compound of the temple premises.

Taman Ayun Entrance

You will see prayer offerings all over the temples (in fact all over the whole Bali island!) and even in their cars.

Bali Hindu Prayer

One thing to note, if you are having your menstrual cycle, you should skip visiting Bali temples as all of them will have a similar signage.

Bali Temple Signage

The main “gate” into the temple.

Taman Ayun Temple "Gate"

An alternative view of the gate.

Taman Ayun Temple Inner Gate

The actual temple is also surrounded by another smaller moat, which has very calming lotus plants floating in it and with the soft sound of water flowing.

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Lotus Plants

There was a prayer being done for a young boy and I managed to capture him coming down from a prayer platform.  He is such a cute little fella.

Taman Ayun Boy

Taman Ayun Temple

It’s not only a beautifully maintained temple, it is also a very calming place even though we were in a rush as we have agreed with our driver on being there for 20 minutes only.  I think it is a place where if you have the time, take a very slow stroll and enjoy the environment.  If thirsty, there are lots of road side stalls selling snacks and drink across the main entrance and … you can bargain with them even for a bottle of mineral water!