Words are meaningless. Go here and here
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Light and Life
Singapore Garden Festival 2008
The Singapore Garden Festival is a biannual event that celebrates the artistry of Mother Nature, choreographed by human hands. It is also a mass dance of shutter bugs, camera up, camera down, flash, flash snap.
The one thing I hate is having to negotiate the contorted bodies obstructing the displays. Seriously, do they think their cutesy poses would make them even remotely as beautiful or interesting as that above. Stay out of the frame please!
Singapore Garden Festival 2010, 15 - 22 July, Suntec City. Please hold the bunny ear fingers and enjoy the natural beauty instead.
Singapore Garden Festival 2010, 15 - 22 July, Suntec City. Please hold the bunny ear fingers and enjoy the natural beauty instead.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Julie/Julia
Just seen the movie. (Who has time and energy for books?!!) . So how does this chick flick relates to this blog? The film recreates 2 lives and connects them visually in seemingly disparate worlds.
Ok Ok I am definitely no film critic but I can appreciate the different themes.
Who am I?
This question bothered both Js. What are we doing with our lives? Where are we heading?
What am I doing with this blog?
Passion.
Julia found her place in life and pursued it passionately, tenaciously. The scene where she is intensely slicing onions into a small snowy hill is the cover picture to her life as a chef. Of course it is also a masterclass in comedic acting by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Very subtle, very simple and very funny.
Food
The love of food binds these two women separated by time and distance. Interestingly, there were very few scenes where the food is clearly seen, although they were carefully prepared. The DVD extras (who has time and money for Cinema??!!) had a small section on the food and I think the director Ms Ephron mentioned the limited shots even though she loves "food pornography"
Food pornography is why I am writing this post (see I did learn a little about setting up the scene). Most casual photographers like me will have a collection of food photos. It is a primal connection between the eye and the stomach. Very few can resist. Yet like the movie, food while taking centerstage does not overwhelm everything else. The plate, the table and silverware, all are part of the scene, without which the food falls apart and has no meaning.
The final scene, where Julia and Paul enter their kitchen, settles into their position and culminates with Julia rejoicing is masterful in its simplicity. Each kitchen element naturally in place, a low evening light with long gentle shadows on the floor. On opposite side of the scene, Paul seated looks up at Julia standing with her book in hand. It is a beautiful study of still life.
That would be something I aspire to.
Just seen the movie. (Who has time and energy for books?!!) . So how does this chick flick relates to this blog? The film recreates 2 lives and connects them visually in seemingly disparate worlds.
Ok Ok I am definitely no film critic but I can appreciate the different themes.
Who am I?
This question bothered both Js. What are we doing with our lives? Where are we heading?
What am I doing with this blog?
Passion.
Julia found her place in life and pursued it passionately, tenaciously. The scene where she is intensely slicing onions into a small snowy hill is the cover picture to her life as a chef. Of course it is also a masterclass in comedic acting by Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Very subtle, very simple and very funny.
Food
The love of food binds these two women separated by time and distance. Interestingly, there were very few scenes where the food is clearly seen, although they were carefully prepared. The DVD extras (who has time and money for Cinema??!!) had a small section on the food and I think the director Ms Ephron mentioned the limited shots even though she loves "food pornography"
Food pornography is why I am writing this post (see I did learn a little about setting up the scene). Most casual photographers like me will have a collection of food photos. It is a primal connection between the eye and the stomach. Very few can resist. Yet like the movie, food while taking centerstage does not overwhelm everything else. The plate, the table and silverware, all are part of the scene, without which the food falls apart and has no meaning.
The final scene, where Julia and Paul enter their kitchen, settles into their position and culminates with Julia rejoicing is masterful in its simplicity. Each kitchen element naturally in place, a low evening light with long gentle shadows on the floor. On opposite side of the scene, Paul seated looks up at Julia standing with her book in hand. It is a beautiful study of still life.
That would be something I aspire to.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Alive for 365
Noticed some people have started the new year with the aim of taking a photograph every day.
Noticed some people have started the new year with the aim of taking a photograph every day.
These masters of light are putting up their artwork for a noble cause.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Canon G6 continued.
Still using the G6, which thankfully recovered slightly from age related infirmity. The swivel screen is working a little better now. Sadly the jog dial remains in intensive care.
These were done with bouncing the Sigma ring flash off the walls. I am probably going to burn out the flash if I carry on blasting it at full power.
Does one get arrested for appliance abuse?
Still using the G6, which thankfully recovered slightly from age related infirmity. The swivel screen is working a little better now. Sadly the jog dial remains in intensive care.
These were done with bouncing the Sigma ring flash off the walls. I am probably going to burn out the flash if I carry on blasting it at full power.
Does one get arrested for appliance abuse?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A little memento from a dear friend in celebration of friendship.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Ricoh GXR
Seems like there are a few Ricoh fans in Singapore. About 3 have posted in DPReview and Clubsnap Forums their GXR experience.
I have had only few minutes to try it out recently and it felt both familiar and yet something a little different. Guess that is what plastic surgery feels like?
The chief complaint of most people is the auto-focus, which I do find slow too. Even compared to their CX1 which is surprisingly snappy for a compact camera. I don't expect it to lock on like an SLR, but slower than a compact? That is a bit sad.
Another thing strange is the in-camera JPG capture. While testing both modules, the RAW pictures seem to turn out quite nice in terms of exposure and even image noise. The JPG seems to be overexposed and noticeable noise reduction.
The composite above was made in Picasa, picture taken with the A12 module. Left is the rendering of the DNG file by Picasa and right the JPG. (Ricoh has the option of RAW+JPG, which gives 2 files of the same picture.) Strange the JPG is even more overexposed compared to the Raw file.
That said, the Raw picture of the S10 module seems much better than the GX100, and that is just "processing" with Picasa.
Another thing that Ricoh is weak in is flash photography. At least I can never seem to get it right with flash, so I tend not to use it. The old favourite, Canon G6, is better.
Seems like there are a few Ricoh fans in Singapore. About 3 have posted in DPReview and Clubsnap Forums their GXR experience.
I have had only few minutes to try it out recently and it felt both familiar and yet something a little different. Guess that is what plastic surgery feels like?
The chief complaint of most people is the auto-focus, which I do find slow too. Even compared to their CX1 which is surprisingly snappy for a compact camera. I don't expect it to lock on like an SLR, but slower than a compact? That is a bit sad.
Another thing strange is the in-camera JPG capture. While testing both modules, the RAW pictures seem to turn out quite nice in terms of exposure and even image noise. The JPG seems to be overexposed and noticeable noise reduction.
The composite above was made in Picasa, picture taken with the A12 module. Left is the rendering of the DNG file by Picasa and right the JPG. (Ricoh has the option of RAW+JPG, which gives 2 files of the same picture.) Strange the JPG is even more overexposed compared to the Raw file.
That said, the Raw picture of the S10 module seems much better than the GX100, and that is just "processing" with Picasa.
Another thing that Ricoh is weak in is flash photography. At least I can never seem to get it right with flash, so I tend not to use it. The old favourite, Canon G6, is better.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ricoh Fanboy
I was recently branded a Ricoh fanboy over their latest incarnation, the GXR model
Can't explain it, I like it, I am intrigued by it. Unfortunately or perhaps a good thing, I can't afford it. Yet.
Sigh! Fanboy, capital F and in bold.
Advertisement for the GXR in The Straits Times
Updated 1st January 2010
I was recently branded a Ricoh fanboy over their latest incarnation, the GXR model
Can't explain it, I like it, I am intrigued by it. Unfortunately or perhaps a good thing, I can't afford it. Yet.
Sigh! Fanboy, capital F and in bold.
Advertisement for the GXR in The Straits Times
Updated 1st January 2010
Food!
Anyone with a camera will have at least one food photo!
My current favorite food pic
A delicious way of eating air. Souffle from Chalk.
Anyone with a camera will have at least one food photo!
My current favorite food pic
 |
Wall Pic of the rest
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Cellphone Panoramic pictures
Nokia E52 has a built in panoramic function. It is a totally automated process, take the first shot where you intend the scene to start and pan either left or right. A red frame marks the spot you pan to, the phone then automatically takes the next shot and on you go. Satisfied with what you need, the phone then stitches all the frames into one panoramic shot.
The problem is the framing image is very small, about a third of the height of the phone screen. Also you can only appreciate the actual image off the phone
Nokia E52 has a built in panoramic function. It is a totally automated process, take the first shot where you intend the scene to start and pan either left or right. A red frame marks the spot you pan to, the phone then automatically takes the next shot and on you go. Satisfied with what you need, the phone then stitches all the frames into one panoramic shot.
The problem is the framing image is very small, about a third of the height of the phone screen. Also you can only appreciate the actual image off the phone
 |
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
.jpg)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Filters and GX100
Apparently there are a lot more GX100 users in Singapore. I just tried to get 43mm filter AND step-up rings, seems the two shops I prefer are out. One told me it's due to the recent popularity of, what else, GX100. Step up rings are the last resort, but apparently no 43-58mm, so the filter for the G6 can't be used.
Apparently there are a lot more GX100 users in Singapore. I just tried to get 43mm filter AND step-up rings, seems the two shops I prefer are out. One told me it's due to the recent popularity of, what else, GX100. Step up rings are the last resort, but apparently no 43-58mm, so the filter for the G6 can't be used.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
100th Experience
The Start Button
The R5 and GX100 both start up pretty quickly for the first shot. I thought using a lever like the Canon G6 is more tactile, but the 100 is good too, less fiddly then the R5, and not likely to turn off suddenly when I accidentally hit the power button for the shutter. I do that a lot with the G6 and have missed quite a few snaps.
The lens cap on the 100 is quite firmly attached, which unfortunately resulted in the camera having to scream "TAKE IT OFF" on screen when you forget. This makes the lens cycle though extension and retraction a few times depending on how slow you are to respond.
Coming from the R5, its easy navigating around the 100, the difference is the extra jog wheel that pairs pretty well with the ADJ button, now also a jog wheel. Unfortunately I have a tendency to dial too fast and over shoot . Still in the process of learning to use the additional My setting options.
Options and Options
A question though, why is there no Shutter priority option? It is strange since the 100 has a wide range of shutter speed. It has a very slow speed of 180 seconds, a full 3 minutes of exposure time though I do wonder if will be practically useful.
To get around that problem, I found I could use Program Shift P mode, spinning the jog wheels and adjust from the current recommended exposure. This is clumsy if you want to take multiple shots at the same speed.
Next option with M, Manual. That was cool. Switch to that mode and you get a little EV meter on the screen. It reminded me of a old Fujica film camera, that had a TTL meter with a little needle bobbing up and down when you adjusted the shutter and aperture. Ah such memories, I even managed quite a few holiday shots using that old guy.
Batteries are interchangeable with the R5, so I could start without having to charge it first. Another great idea is the 100 can use 2 AAA size in the SAME slot for the rechargeable, no need for bulky adapters.
The adapter tube should come in handy for filters, like a skylight, polarizer or infrared.
This little picture was taken with the filter held just in front of the lens, the 43mm infrared filter is not available and they didn't have the right step up ring.
Text mode. Curious little option. It behaves just like a scanner/photocopier. I was inspired by flickr user ikilledversace
Just a little on RAW. I don't use it much, but I think it's too slow the write-time. How did Canon do it with the G6? That has a reasonable timing.
Light ! Azziz Light!
Ricoh somehow makes temperamental flashes or TTL metering. I have just given up on using the flash with my R5, especially at wide angle. My last attempt was at a wedding. I tried to take a snap of the couple marching down at the start of dinner and I caught another guest just to the side of the frame. The guest was washed out white while the main subjects were in the shadow.
The 100 was better, but it was still over exposing near objects. It was also very powerful at wide. Test snaps of my room was very bright. Most Matrix like, just no Neo. Choosing Soft Flash didn't help too much. Thought it was a compact thing, but not so with the G6, which also has adjustable flash levels manually AND TTL.
Ricoh, please improve on your Flash metering. Firmware update? Hardware Update...GX101..free of charge?
The Start Button
The R5 and GX100 both start up pretty quickly for the first shot. I thought using a lever like the Canon G6 is more tactile, but the 100 is good too, less fiddly then the R5, and not likely to turn off suddenly when I accidentally hit the power button for the shutter. I do that a lot with the G6 and have missed quite a few snaps.
The lens cap on the 100 is quite firmly attached, which unfortunately resulted in the camera having to scream "TAKE IT OFF" on screen when you forget. This makes the lens cycle though extension and retraction a few times depending on how slow you are to respond.
Coming from the R5, its easy navigating around the 100, the difference is the extra jog wheel that pairs pretty well with the ADJ button, now also a jog wheel. Unfortunately I have a tendency to dial too fast and over shoot . Still in the process of learning to use the additional My setting options.
Options and Options
A question though, why is there no Shutter priority option? It is strange since the 100 has a wide range of shutter speed. It has a very slow speed of 180 seconds, a full 3 minutes of exposure time though I do wonder if will be practically useful.
To get around that problem, I found I could use Program Shift P mode, spinning the jog wheels and adjust from the current recommended exposure. This is clumsy if you want to take multiple shots at the same speed.
Next option with M, Manual. That was cool. Switch to that mode and you get a little EV meter on the screen. It reminded me of a old Fujica film camera, that had a TTL meter with a little needle bobbing up and down when you adjusted the shutter and aperture. Ah such memories, I even managed quite a few holiday shots using that old guy.
Batteries are interchangeable with the R5, so I could start without having to charge it first. Another great idea is the 100 can use 2 AAA size in the SAME slot for the rechargeable, no need for bulky adapters.
The adapter tube should come in handy for filters, like a skylight, polarizer or infrared.
This little picture was taken with the filter held just in front of the lens, the 43mm infrared filter is not available and they didn't have the right step up ring.
Text mode. Curious little option. It behaves just like a scanner/photocopier. I was inspired by flickr user ikilledversace
Light ! Azziz Light!
Ricoh somehow makes temperamental flashes or TTL metering. I have just given up on using the flash with my R5, especially at wide angle. My last attempt was at a wedding. I tried to take a snap of the couple marching down at the start of dinner and I caught another guest just to the side of the frame. The guest was washed out white while the main subjects were in the shadow.
The 100 was better, but it was still over exposing near objects. It was also very powerful at wide. Test snaps of my room was very bright. Most Matrix like, just no Neo. Choosing Soft Flash didn't help too much. Thought it was a compact thing, but not so with the G6, which also has adjustable flash levels manually AND TTL.
Ricoh, please improve on your Flash metering. Firmware update? Hardware Update...GX101..free of charge?
Ricoh GX100
Great little machine. Actually "pocket-able" except for jeans or anything fashionably slim, so you can carry it anywhere and it is discrete. Very comfortable to hold. How comfortable? Well I had been fixated on the R6 since its launch, so I had not noticed the GX100. One fine day at the camera shop, the sales rep slipped it into my hands and I went "Mmmmmm" like a popular yellow skinned bald man at the sight of a donut. It fits nicely in the hands, well my hands anyway, perfectly for a one handed shot. The pop-up flash is cool, no more finger-as-diffuser like the R5.
I must have really looked like Homer drooling, because the sales rep poured out the accessories, hood with adapter tube, EVF attachment and casing. The compact suddenly looks more like a compact SLR. Cool, now I can pass off as a photographer.
So that little pebble of a thought just rolled on to a full avalanche, lots of help from a good friend channeling a Sith Lord "It is your destiny". So now I own a GX100. Well, Okay, it did take a week before the actual purchase, but that was because I had to learn from the wise ones AKA DPReview Ricoh forum.
R5 vs GX100
1. 100 is shhhhh..silent. Subtle. With the R5's grinding gears, I had half expected it to transform into a ion cannon or something...too bad it doesn't.
2. 100 has a clear and stable LCD. No snow storms in between operations.
3. 100 uses metal for the tripod screw hole.
4. 100 uses a flimsy rubber cover for the USB port. R5 has no cover.
5. 100 is $$$. Sigh. More than R5/R6 but generally less than a DSLR with lenses and everything.
Great little machine. Actually "pocket-able" except for jeans or anything fashionably slim, so you can carry it anywhere and it is discrete. Very comfortable to hold. How comfortable? Well I had been fixated on the R6 since its launch, so I had not noticed the GX100. One fine day at the camera shop, the sales rep slipped it into my hands and I went "Mmmmmm" like a popular yellow skinned bald man at the sight of a donut. It fits nicely in the hands, well my hands anyway, perfectly for a one handed shot. The pop-up flash is cool, no more finger-as-diffuser like the R5.
I must have really looked like Homer drooling, because the sales rep poured out the accessories, hood with adapter tube, EVF attachment and casing. The compact suddenly looks more like a compact SLR. Cool, now I can pass off as a photographer.
So that little pebble of a thought just rolled on to a full avalanche, lots of help from a good friend channeling a Sith Lord "It is your destiny". So now I own a GX100. Well, Okay, it did take a week before the actual purchase, but that was because I had to learn from the wise ones AKA DPReview Ricoh forum.
My GX100 presented by Canon G6
R5 vs GX100
1. 100 is shhhhh..silent. Subtle. With the R5's grinding gears, I had half expected it to transform into a ion cannon or something...too bad it doesn't.
2. 100 has a clear and stable LCD. No snow storms in between operations.
3. 100 uses metal for the tripod screw hole.
4. 100 uses a flimsy rubber cover for the USB port. R5 has no cover.
5. 100 is $$$. Sigh. More than R5/R6 but generally less than a DSLR with lenses and everything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
