Thursday, April 08, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Sith Lord of Shoppers
The dark side wants you to shop.
Movie Mania showing off at the Illuma.
Resistance is futile shoppers.
Movie Mania showing off at the Illuma.
Resistance is futile shoppers.
Blue Skies
Clear blue skies are not always available here despite being an island near the equator. There is always a thin veil of clouds hanging high up. Today we can really see the beautiful blue. Unfortunately we get the equatorial sun blazing down too.
Black and white works well
It's a repeat, but also my favourite photo of the day.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Friday, April 02, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dreaming
Forget about Ricoh GXR, I think I will get this instead. After all Mr William Henry Gates III just gave me half his stocks. Yeah.
Forget about Ricoh GXR, I think I will get this instead. After all Mr William Henry Gates III just gave me half his stocks. Yeah.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Ricoh GXR review
DPReview just posted their views on the GXR, a very controversial machine, judging by the responses on the forum. The fashionable thing among camera makers is a compact interchangeable lens camera system, even with Nikon rumored to have something coming soon. So what do the minds at DPR have to say about my big crush.
The 3 authors decided to split the review based on the 2 available lens units, starting with the APS-C size module, rightly, as they stated each module creates a totally different camera. They compared it to Lecia and the micro 4/3rd systems, and strangely the Canon G11. They should have included comparisons to DSLRs since the idea is to have same or similar image quality, but compact size. But that Canon choice does show up the limitations of the 4/3 system.
So what do I conclude from a quick read of the review?
It is expensive, that is Ricoh, though not the stratospheric prices like Leica. Recommended retail price in Singapore for the GXR A12 50mm is about $1797. Tough on most wallets for a "compact" that you cannot squeeze into a trouser pocket. However if you consider the equivalent setup on a DSLR, example Canon 450D (same megapixels) with a 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro, which cost $1498, you pay $300 for a reduction in weight and size. Of course a cheaper setup would be possible, which comes to the argument that is stirring up the forum.
Quite a few think the GXR system is simply ridiculous, or to quote one passionate reader "Dumbest idea ever, only a fool would buy this crap". Incidentally this same person has with evangelistic zeal been repeating to Ricoh apologists that the system is inherently heading into a dead end and costs $$$$$$.
The problem is Ricoh's system turns what is normal on it's head, people generally abhor abnormality. You buy lenses you keep while the body is changed, upgraded, that is normal. Disposable lens and sensor? It's unnatural!
Yes Ricoh's concept is indeed an expensive route to go, especially if one intends to collect modules. It is theoretically very versatile and not restricted to only lens and sensors. The unfortunate thing is nothing is firm and dark clouds on the horizon
Judging the A12 module on it's own merit, it is a very competent prime lens camera. The images looks good, especially the high ISO, something I have been looking for, without needing a DSLR. The four thirds system do not seem to give me that and frankly if I am going to start a lens collection, I would rather get a DSLR. Serious compacts like Canon G11 and Panasonic LX3 frankly are almost as good as 4/3 systems and are truly compact, so I have kind of written them off. (Just read that 4/3 systems are picking up in popularity, ha, guess I prefer to be contrary)
Somehow the GXR is beginning to look a lot like the photographic analogue of the iPad, an expensive bridge between a DSLR and compacts. Except Ricoh is not the marketing giant Apple is, and definitely not as arrogant.
What is a fanboy to do in this situation?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Ricoh GXR
The latest development of this quirky camera system is both interesting and disturbing. A little cut and paste description first
The APS-C sensor coupled with a 28mm equivalent lens is really not surprising, considering Ricoh was one of the earliest to have 28 mm wide compacts. Most disturbing is the release date, a tentative Winter 2010.
What could be holding up the final product? Problem with developing a 28 mm lens? Unable to pair it with the sensor optically? Difficulty with software algorithm? It would make development of more large sensor modules doubtful.
The P10 module seems to be basically a souped up CX3 with RAW capability, which is a good thing, and presumably also with PASM modes. Disturbing is it looks like they are cobbling current small sensor technology into a supposedly high end high priced compact system. I hope it is not an act of desperation to make up for non-existent modules.
The latest development of this quirky camera system is both interesting and disturbing. A little cut and paste description first
1. | Camera unit RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC* (name tentative) | ||
• | With an original Ricoh noise reduction function and a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, this camera unit expands the photographer's range of expression by making it possible to shoot high-quality images in scenes ranging from low light to bright light. | ||
• | Featuring a high-magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom, this unit has 120 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting ability plus a wide range of other functional capabilities such as RAW image recording, image settings adjustable to nine levels, multi-target AF, and much more. | ||
• | Start of sales planned for the summer of 2010. | ||
* | The "VC" designation indicates that this unit has the vibration correction function developed independently by Ricoh. | ||
2. | Camera unit GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 (name tentative) | ||
• | Featuring a newly developed 28 mm fixed-focal-length GR LENS, this camera unit achieves high resolution and high imaging power. | ||
• | A 23.6 mm x 15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor is used. The combination of this sensor with the GR ENGINE III image processing engine enables the camera unit to shoot high-quality images with smooth tone gradations as well as high definition and low noise. | ||
• | There is a manual focus ring that can be used for precise focus adjustments. | ||
• | Start of sales planned for the winter of 2010. | ||
The APS-C sensor coupled with a 28mm equivalent lens is really not surprising, considering Ricoh was one of the earliest to have 28 mm wide compacts. Most disturbing is the release date, a tentative Winter 2010.
What could be holding up the final product? Problem with developing a 28 mm lens? Unable to pair it with the sensor optically? Difficulty with software algorithm? It would make development of more large sensor modules doubtful.
The P10 module seems to be basically a souped up CX3 with RAW capability, which is a good thing, and presumably also with PASM modes. Disturbing is it looks like they are cobbling current small sensor technology into a supposedly high end high priced compact system. I hope it is not an act of desperation to make up for non-existent modules.
Junk Food
Golden Arches presents Deep fried curly processed potato.
Eating junk food is such a perverse past time, couch potato picking on potato snack. What else is worse is a billion people are struggling hungry daily.
The biggest tragedy in this whole situation is junk food is irresistibly addictive. No wonder it's such a growth industry, as is sadly, it's twin; the slimming industry.
Golden Arches presents Deep fried curly processed potato.
Eating junk food is such a perverse past time, couch potato picking on potato snack. What else is worse is a billion people are struggling hungry daily.
The biggest tragedy in this whole situation is junk food is irresistibly addictive. No wonder it's such a growth industry, as is sadly, it's twin; the slimming industry.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Simple Foods
Mee Siam from Royals Cafe. A classic dish with a rich twist of coconut milk.
Korean Hotplate of Octopus and Chicken at Parkway Parade Banquet Foodcourt
A bit of indulgence after being chili free for a month
Mee Siam from Royals Cafe. A classic dish with a rich twist of coconut milk.
Korean Hotplate of Octopus and Chicken at Parkway Parade Banquet Foodcourt
A bit of indulgence after being chili free for a month
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Soup
It seems simple, dunk a few things in water, heat and serve. Yet just tweaking the balance of ingredients and application of heat means a soothing comforting potion, rather than simply just flavoured water.
The coffeeshop Food'R'Us which serves this, just gets it right. Not too thin and not too heavy that it becomes a herbal potion. They also serve simple set meals which are quite affordable, for the area anyway.
There is also the very famousHougang Geylang Lorong 29 Hokkien Fried Prawn noodles. Frightfully sinful and with heart clogging richness, it is popular.
The coffeeshop is part of Le Peranakan Hotel, which lies along the foodie stretch of East Coast Road.
The coffeeshop Food'R'Us which serves this, just gets it right. Not too thin and not too heavy that it becomes a herbal potion. They also serve simple set meals which are quite affordable, for the area anyway.
There is also the very famous
The coffeeshop is part of Le Peranakan Hotel, which lies along the foodie stretch of East Coast Road.
Chinese New Year
People's Park Complex is 40 years old, and still towering over Chinatown. A perfect little gaudy guide to those navigating the narrow streets, which are filling up with a new wave of immigrants.
There is a whole load of different sights sounds and smells which various visitors add to, especially since it is the weekend before Chinese New Year.
Celebrating by loading up with junk food and tacky souvenirs. Fun isn't it
People's Park Complex is 40 years old, and still towering over Chinatown. A perfect little gaudy guide to those navigating the narrow streets, which are filling up with a new wave of immigrants.
There is a whole load of different sights sounds and smells which various visitors add to, especially since it is the weekend before Chinese New Year.
Celebrating by loading up with junk food and tacky souvenirs. Fun isn't it
Friday, February 05, 2010
Ricoh CX3
Back to normal broadcast.
Ricoh has released their latest Point and Shoot camera for the masses, well, not quite the masses since most people don't know Ricoh makes cameras. Still they do churn them out with clock work precision, every 6 months. I started with the R5, then skipping 5 siblings, I got the CX1. Of course I had to dump the elder boy on MY elder sibling first.
The difference with this release is the Back Illuminated Sensor. Ricoh went shopping at Sony's and got this, which supposedly gives it better light sensitivity. The samples seem better than CX1, but just got to wait to try it out. I have had some grief with the CX1 in dark lecture halls and auditoriums where photos at ISO 800 became bad impressions of impressionist paintings. Flash photography results in horrible uneven lighting, something I have always hated about Ricoh cameras.
Coupled with the new heart is a newer brain, it inherited extra brain power from the GRD III, and, and, wait for it, an option to modify the in camera noise reduction! That is good for a Raw-less camera. So now you can do either Impressionism or Pointillism, your pick. Though not holding out much hope for flash photography, it is not an issue for me. I am not a flasher.
The final interesting feature is that Ricoh has joined the HD video race at 720P. Now I can spam the world with high def trash on YouTube, buahahahaha!
So am I tempted yet? A firm not-so-sure. It has the 3 distinct advantage plus a few miscellaneous bonuses (Cat face detection??), but I guess I still have a big crush on the GXR.
Back to normal broadcast.
Ricoh has released their latest Point and Shoot camera for the masses, well, not quite the masses since most people don't know Ricoh makes cameras. Still they do churn them out with clock work precision, every 6 months. I started with the R5, then skipping 5 siblings, I got the CX1. Of course I had to dump the elder boy on MY elder sibling first.
The difference with this release is the Back Illuminated Sensor. Ricoh went shopping at Sony's and got this, which supposedly gives it better light sensitivity. The samples seem better than CX1, but just got to wait to try it out. I have had some grief with the CX1 in dark lecture halls and auditoriums where photos at ISO 800 became bad impressions of impressionist paintings. Flash photography results in horrible uneven lighting, something I have always hated about Ricoh cameras.
Coupled with the new heart is a newer brain, it inherited extra brain power from the GRD III, and, and, wait for it, an option to modify the in camera noise reduction! That is good for a Raw-less camera. So now you can do either Impressionism or Pointillism, your pick. Though not holding out much hope for flash photography, it is not an issue for me. I am not a flasher.
The final interesting feature is that Ricoh has joined the HD video race at 720P. Now I can spam the world with high def trash on YouTube, buahahahaha!
So am I tempted yet? A firm not-so-sure. It has the 3 distinct advantage plus a few miscellaneous bonuses (Cat face detection??), but I guess I still have a big crush on the GXR.
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