Happy New Year 2013!

Just to inform my dear followers that you can expect more for 2013 from this blog post.

Happy New Year 2013

Watch this space!

Is it time for an EVIL camera?

I find that travelling with a DSLR on short trips has its pros and cons.  Of course, the good thing about it is that it captures a much wider dynamic range for sceneries (well, I am using scenery as a simple word for both street photography and landscape photography), is generally better for low light photography where using a harsh flash may just not be a good thing and the ability for manual controls to sometimes be a little creative.  However, it is also a bane at times as you will need to lug it around with you.

So, the thought of not loosing those advantages whilst travelling seem to lead us to the EVIL cameras.  They are not exactly EVIL, but stands for Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens cameras.  These are the Olympus PEN, Panasonic GF-1/GF-2, Sony NEX and Samsung’s NX-10 cameras.  In fact, some of them even boast the same or even more superior sensors than entry level DSLRs.  However, you do loose some useful buttons for quick setup changes on the cameras with them.

Anyway, now for those who are like me … HERE is a new reason!  Although it is not my preferred travelling destination, but this may happen in various places around the world.  Recently, I was stopped from taking a picture about 50 metres away from the US Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City and I think if I wasn’t using a DSLR, no one would have noticed it anyway!

Or maybe a good compact camera such as the Panasonic LUMIX LX-5 or a Canon S95 would be more convenient?

Chicken Chop @ Hailam Kopitiam

Being a fan of chicken chop; whether it’s grill chicken chop, hainanese chicken chop, chicken maryland or breaded chicken chop, they are all good to me.  One of the most confusing things about Hainanese Chicken Chop is “what constitutes it being called a Hainanese Chicken Chop”?  There are some thought behind this;

1. The chicken is deep fried in a batter that is made mainly of egg.
2. The sweetish and slightly sour sauce is sufficient to qualify it as Hainanese Chicken Chop
3. It has to be served with boiled potatoes and peas/carrots/corn combination.

All the above doesn’t seem to be adhered to in many places, and the Hainanese Chicken Chop at Hailam Kopitiam (a competing modern day kopi tiam to Old Town White Coffee) has it’s own version.

It is served with chips, some lettuce, coleslaw, deep fried and have a sweet sauce that’s cooked with the carrots/peas/corn combination.  They claimed that the food recipe is the original stuff from Kuala Pilah and have a small 1944 inscribed beside the Hainanese Chicken Chop in the menu.

Straight to the verdict?  It’s tasty, although the sauce is too sweet for my liking BUT I really don’t think this is eligible to be called Hainanese Chicken Chop.  Anyway, the food selection at Hailam Kopitiam is good and being a regular to Old Town White Coffee, this makes a good change.  I also had a Teh C with it.

Still Trappers seem to serve one of the better Hainanese Chicken Chop.  Maybe I will talk about what constitute a Chicken Maryland sometime.

Android Application for CIMB Clicks …

Two things that caught my attention today.  The very first thing what that Android is definitely here!  I was checking my bank balances (to ensure that I have enough to last me till my next pay cheque) and the following screen caught my attention!

CIMB Clicks has got an Android mobile application … but what I don’t understand is the “Apple + Android = Check Balances”?

The second thing is that since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, any image of an octopus seems to also catch my attention.  Although CIMB Clicks red octopus has been prominently displayed at the top right hand corner, it somehow became more visible recently =)

Nokia N900 Uses MeeGo!

For the sharp eyed reader, you will notice that the pictures in my previous post on the Hainanese Delight Restaurant were taken by my new Motorola Milestone camera phone.  The Milestone is one of the early models that used Android version 2.0.  The main reason that I got it was due to the sliding qwerty keyboard.

I have recently tried MeeGo v1.0 on my netbook and realised that Nokia has also launched the Nokia N900 that runs MeeGo (what was Maemo, coupled with Intel’s Moblin effort).  It looks like an impressive phone and runs on pretty much the same platform as the Motorola Milestone, i.e. uses a 600Mhz processor.  MeeGo, similarly as Android are both based on the Linux OS and as such I would expect it to behave relatively similar.

The form factor is even similar!  Except that the Nokia uses a smaller touch screen with slightly less resolution as well.  Other specifications are just too similar to the Motorola Milestone / Droid such as a 5MP camera, the 600Mhz processor (although different manufacturers), video resolution, A-GPS, and so on.

If the MeeGo on my netbook is anything to go by, it should run pretty well on the Nokia N900.  One major drawback currently on the Nokia is that unlike the iPhone and Android phones, it does have many third party applications BUT Nokia is still the world number 1 phone manufacturer, so many things can happen.

Panasonic Lumix GF-1 Image Stabilizer (OIS)

Like all new digital cameras, image stabilizer is definitely part of what is expected.  This is especially so for a “high-end” camera (or rather a “low-end” DSLR, depending on how you look at it).  The Panasonic Lumix GF-1 that I had came with the 14-45mm lens that has what Panasonic term as the Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS).  A quick test on the effectiveness of the OIS; the first image is with the OIS on, whilst the second image is with the OIS off.

Images were taken at f8, 1/6s and ISO 800.  Of course, it depends on the degree of “shake”.  The quick test was done with me trying to have my hands as stable as possible.  OIS rocks :-P

Panasonic Lumix GF-1 ISO Performance

Ok, I am no expert in doing camera reviews but one of the question that many people usually ask me when I try out a camera is … “what’s the low light performance of the camera?”.  I am not sure how to answer the question other than maybe shoot a few shots under the same condition with the various ISO settings of the camera.

So, please find below, 100% crop of images (advertisement booklet for choosing a Canon lens :P ) taken indoors, under normal household lighting, with varying ISO and shutter speed to obtain the same exposures.  The images are for ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600 and ISO3200.  Apologies for the difficulty to compare them side by side.

 

Other than at ISO400 (I think there is some shake), I believe that the camera exhibits very acceptable ISO performance and I would use it up to ISO1600.  ISO3200 is a little too noisy for me.

More Sony Mirror-Less Camera Rumours … or is it?

There have been many rumours about Sony introducing a new mirror-less interchangeable lens digital camera with many leaning towards the use of micro four thirds (4/3) sensors, a new R-Mount and even a Ricoh type approach of having interchangeable sensor/lens combination!

Many creative pictures were created and even some people discussing about Sony using the Leica mounts!  Many different body types and names were mentioned, including Sony Alpha 10 (above) with an ergonomically challenged design (to me anyway) to a more standard looking camera such as the Panasonic GH-1 (below).

 

As there were too many rumours out there, it is difficult to take a calculated guess but most agree that Sony is very likely to launch a mirror-less interchangeable lens camera (as per Olympus PEN and Panasonic GF-1).  Of all the rumours, I believe that the specifications below would be most likely (at the time of posting – as more news comes out, this may change).

• APS-C CMOS (not Micro Four Thirds)
• New mount (with an adapter for A-Mounts)
• Large LCD, 3” will be likely
• 11 Point AF
• Uses the Memory Stick / SDHC combination
• ISO200 – 12800 (aka A550)
• Video Recording (they have to do this somewhere)
• Built-In Flash (aka Panasonic GF-1)
• An initial offering of a 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Kit Lens with the option of a fast prime lens (16mm or 24mm) f2.8.  Ability to use current A-Mount using an adapter.

It is likely to be priced slightly higher or around the Panasonic GF-1 pricing but with a larger sensor and the likeliness of using the same engine as the A550, it may be an interesting option.

Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch

About 12 years ago, I was very impressed with what we then called the “Wacom Tablet”, and we sold them together with very high-end Silicon Graphics workstations.  Although the price of the Wacom then was not considered very expensive when compared to the Silicon Graphics workstations, it was however, priced beyond the casual users’ affordability.

Recently, I was brought to the understanding that these “Pen Input” devices are reasonably affordable, and are priced around the same as high-end mice.  Of course, the first thing that came to mind was Wacom.  Off I went “shopping” for one thinking that it’s going to be affordable.  I then came across the brand Genius, which is quite a well known for input devices and the smaller units (3.5” by 5”) are priced around RM200-250 depending on where you get them and the medium sized ones (4” by 6”) are priced around RM300-350.  As the packaging of the devices are not that impressive, I held out on getting a unit as I wasn’t sure whether I needed it.

I then found a retail shop that sells Wacom devices and there was a unit that cost RM5,000++.  This is an impressive unit as it is actually also a screen and basically you can write and draw on it without needing to look at the monitor.  Anyhow, it is obvious that I am not going to spend that kind of money on an input device.  At the other end of the price range, they also had the Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch, which is actually a Pen input device with a Multi-touch surface that’s similar to those found on the Macbooks.  It’s priced at RM419!

The packaging of the device is quite impressive and gives the impression of a high quality product. The inside box (below), a very elegantly designed black box.

The content after the wraps were taken off.  Note, the wrapping method was also quite impressive.

The actual device itself is very thin!  I think slightly less than 1cm in thickness.

The “pen”.

 

The box containing the CDs.

Another picture of the main device.

I have yet to give it a try but the reason why I finally bought this device (with a slight discount) is that for photo editing, nothing beats using a pen type device (as oppose to a mouse or worse, a trackball!) and since I can’t yet afford a Macbook, this can act as a nice multi-touch for me to view my photos =)

I bought this in the All IT Hypermarket, top floor of the Digital Mall in PJ.

Trying out PIXresizer, a free image resizer tool

I have been mainly using Google’s Picasa to do minor post processing and resizing of my images.  Recently, I got to know about this Free Image Resizer tool called PIXresizer.

 

Since I was about to upload some pictures onto the web where I needed to resize a batch of pictures, I downloaded and gave this software a try.

Just follow the installation instructions.  There is a readme.txt file accompanying it and it basically gives you very clear and simple steps to convert a single image or a set of images.  When you first start the application, it is intuitive enough to know that it just takes 4 steps: (1) Load Pictures, (2) Select New Size, (3) Select File Format (yes, it does format conversions for you too!) and (4) Save Picture.

Click on the “SavePictures” button and just wait for a short while.  It’s so simple to use!  Highly recommended.

Sanyo Eneloop 2.0!

Sanyo just announced the next generation of their world famous … well, in the photography world anyway … rechargeable batteries.  On the website, you will be greeted with a flash loading page which is quite appropriate as when the page loads, it is “charging” the eneloop.  Cool …

The new generation Eneloop (somehow, it just reminds me of antelopes) can be recharged up to 1,500 times!  and it will retain it’s charge up to 70% over 3 years!  Now, that’s long.  Anyway, if I have batteries lying around for 3 years, I probably don’t need them anymore.  Would be more interested to know how much of it’s charge it will retain over a 1, 2 and 3 month period.

What I like about it is that it has a nice and VERY elegant design which somehow seems to be on the same wavelength as Apple’s whiteness …

Sony A230/A330 with “Social Butterfly Package”?

Ok, what is a “social butterfly package”?  The promotional offer made by Studio Zaloon, a well know Sony Alpha dealer based in Pudu Plaza, Kuala Lumpur, has recently announced a special package for the Sony A230 / A330 Family & Social Butterfly Package.  That’s a creative name, and some called it weird.  Firstly, I have no relation to Studio Zaloon and have never been there, in fact as a so-called photographer in Kuala Lumpur, it is quite surprising that I have never been to Pudu Plaza!  Next, their contact is as follows:-

Name: STUDIO ZALOON
Telephone: 603-21455186
Location: Pudu Plaza, Kuala Lumpur
Staff Name:Mr.Chin
Open Daily From 10a.m To 9p.m (now, that’s late!)

Finally, to answer the question.  The Family and Social Butterfly package consists of the A230 / A300 kit (i.e. with the 18-55mm kit lens) with the following additional items:-

• HVL-F20AM (the recently launched flash with Guide Number 20, as oppose the the built-in flash with a Guide Number 12.  In simple terms, the flash can reach about 70% further than the built-in flash).
• SAL50F18 (The fast budget 50mm prime lens, also recently launched).
• LCS-BDF (A nice Sony bag to carry all your new equipment).

Why “social butterfly”.  I guess it is a loose translation from colloquial Cantonese which means someone who goes from one social event to another, like a butterfly from one flower to another, but never stays long enough in each one.  This I  guess is where the fast prime 50mm lens and the Guide Number 20 flash comes handy, mainly indoors.  This may also be a good and simple setup for food photography, which is a major part of many social events.

Fancy a free Canon A480 camera?

Well, wait no more, apply for a new Citibank AirAsia co-branded credit card now!  Ok, I am usually not into these kind of marketing gimmick, so I will be on a look out for the fine prints.  Especially since it has an * on it.

From the single screen image of the advertisement, it looks really good.  Free annual fee, early notice, free flights .. err … with triple*!  Hmmphhhh …

Well, it is kinda small, so what it says is;

* Offer valid for new AirAsia-Citibank customers who apply online or via SMS before 30 Sept 2009 only. FREE Canon camera is limited to the first 200 approved principal cards only. All other cards approved will receive a FREE 2GB Citibank thumbdrive. Please note that gift delivery will take 6 - 8 weeks upon card approval. RM20 administration & delivery fee applies for Free Gifts.

*** RM1 spent = up to 2 AA points; Redeem AirAsia flights, taxes, fees, merchandise and much more reward items.

RM20 for delivery for the Canon A480 is ok, great!  But RM20 delivery for a 2GB pendrive … hmphhhh …

Anyway, giving out the 10 MP, 3.3x Zoom Canon compact digital camera definitely caught my eye =)

Purchased casing from Moderno

Moderno has been in the online business for sometime, slowly building his reputation over the years.  He now has a retail outlet and he still conducts business online.  Recently, I was looking for a small mini-ITX casing for my Intel 945GCLF2 motherboard as I was using it bare for a few months already.

One thing I must say about Moderno … I have never had service this fast before!  I ordered it at around 2:30 pm, paid via interbank transfer and the casing actually arrived before 2:00 pm the next day!  That’s less than 24 hours service!

Anyway, with this small casing, I was able to try out the product shooting setup again but with the Canon IXUS 75 compact camera.

The box is so small that it actually fits on the large manila card I had setup!

All nicely wrapped up.

Another layer to prevent scratches.

Nice and glossy.

Side profile, see the reflection!

Top, with the air-ventilation holes.

Rear with the opening for the I/O of the motherboard.

Inside.  Note the vignette of the compact camera at close range.

Slight bokeh on the front components.

Before I end this, I would recommend buying items from Moderno, they may not be the cheapest in town, but the service sure can be beaten (in my case anyway!).

Brands and Internet Penetration

In my personal opinion, how a country perceive brands can be used as an indication of many things.  For example, The Star newspaper reported that 100Plus and Sony are the 2 main brands in Malaysia, even higher than Google!

This is very surprising to me, maybe not on the 100Plus but the fact that Sony is actually ranked higher than Google and even Gardenia bread!  Having a quick read of the article, it dawn upon me that maybe it is a true reflection on how connected Malaysians are compared to Singaporeans as they have Google ranked higher.  But again, in Hong Kong, Sony is ranked higher than Yahoo!.  Maybe their citizens are more into consumer electronics and being on the net.

Coming back to the fact that Sony as a brand is huge!  Maybe not that surprising as I am also a “victim” of their brand marketing.  (Note to self, need to get a Panasonic next … opss, just realized Panasonic is also very high up in the list!).  I think most of my consumer electronics stuff are Sony and most of my home electricals are panasonic.

Macy Sales

This was meant to be written/blogged about sometime ago but I never got round to it.  Macy’s, headquartered in Bangunan Minlon, near Desa Serdang, is having one of their best sales.  Their advertisement in the papers is also quite eye catching but unfortunately, I do not have a copy of it to scan here.

This is they stock clearance sale which they claim they are getting rid of in order to make room for new inventory.  Well, it’s marketing, whether they are actually doing so (probably not as they have lots of space in that building) or not, we don’t really know.

As the large banner puts it, it is until 5th April, so hurry up!.  We managed to get some good bargains for curtains, where they have a selection of ready made curtains at 60% discount!

Of course, we also needed the curtain hooks for the railings and they do stock everything you need.

We bought for 3 windows and 1 large sliding door and with the 60% discount, it totaled up to less than USD75 for basically the whole house!

Oppsss, the walls are not painted properly yet!  The above is for the gray curtains whilst the one below is a yellowish curtains.

So, hurry up!  Sale ending soon.