Camera without/or weak AA filter

Just for my record

No Anti-Aliasing Filter
Leica M-E, M9 and M8
Leica X1
Nikon D800E
Ricoh GXR M mount Module ?
Fujifilm X1-Pro (X-Tran sensor)
Fujifilm X-E1
FujiFilm X20
Pentax 645D
Pentax K5-II
Sigma Foveon cameras (DP1M, DP2M, DP3M, SD1 etc)
Medium format backs


Weak AA Filter ( just did a quick Internet scan)

Olympus E5
Olympus E-1
Olympus EPL1
Olympus EPL5, EP5
Olympus OMD-EM5

Canon 1Ds
Canon 5D

First Impressions on Sigma DP2M

Thanks to Anup for loaning the Sigma DP2M to me for this weekend. At first look, the DP2M is like a troll that has just got out from the woods. However, you will find that this troll is charming... it strokes with its magical touch as the images captured by it sudden looks better. Hard to explain but stunning. Alot of details and richness. When Anup compared the images taken by the Leica X1, the verdict is clear (when zoomed in). It blew the shit out of X1.

Once in a while, we see a game changing product loaded with hi-tech features being launched to the excitement of the hobbyist and enthusiast.
The Sigma DP2M is something that is radically different. It is neither the fastest nor the furious. In fact it is a very basic camera with many flaws (amd missing features).

Cons
1) Slow focus
2) Slow write speed
3) IQ good up to ISO400
4) Holds like a brick, not comfortable
5) No IS
6) Poor battery life (approx 90 shots)
7) No support on LR or other 3rd party RAW software
8) SPP (Sigma RAW software) is very basic and does not support DNG

Pros
1) Feels solid
2) Stunning resolution at ISO100 and ISO200 (Due to absense of AA filter and X3 Foveon sensor)
3) Simple menu; well it is a basic camera

However, at the heart of the DP2M is a FOVEON X3 direct sensor that allows it to capture an authentic view of the world (unlike the Bayer based sensor, no more pixel interpolation and AA filter) . It is 3 layer of color sensitive photosites stacked vertically.

The DP2M is a gem that can brings back the good memories and 'raw' joy of photography. Uncluttered, free of technology gimmicks,  and art filters. Just pure image quality that throws a big punch. I must admit, I do chuckle every time when I reload a fresh battery into the DP2M. It reminded me of the days of reloading fresh films. Interchangeable lens camera? No, it introduce a new era of interchangeable camera :-)

Sigma FOVEON sensor based camera has evolved to maturity like the X3 and can only get better. Verdict: If you go only for IQ, and accepted the 'flaws' this is the ultimate machine that will deliver the IQ beyond your wildest dream @ S$1250 (with Sigma Flash).

First Impressions of Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8

The Olympus 75mm f1.8 is a portrait lens. The 9 blade, full metal barrel construction gives you a feeling that this is a serious high grade lens. I tried it on my GF-1 and was able to achieve very good results in terms of sharpness and bokeh. AF was fast, quiet and accurate. The bokeh is buttery and you are able to use the lens wide open (retaining sharpness). Having said that, the lens sharpness is expected to drop after f4. Do not be alarmed, it is still good (till f8).

For best results, the Oly 75mm is better suited when mated with a IBIS camera as this lens is quite heavy and will need every assistance from IBIS to prevent camera shake. Otherwise, follow the 1/focal length rule for the shutter (1/150s) or use a support to minimize camera shake. If you like to shoot portrait or street candid and you want it 'compact', you'll love this lens (you will know what I meant if you are comparing this with a Canon 135L on a FF camera).

Note: There was once when I was on PLAY mode reviewing the picture, the lens went berserk by itself (I think the aperture open and close rapidly; just like impatiently asking me to suck in more images, instead of reviewing images...) and I have to power it down to calm it down. Scary, but was not able to replicate it so I thought it is good to let be known. Enjoy :-)

Canon 5DMK2 love is still alive and kicking

I'd upgraded the Canon 5DMK2 firmware from to Ver. 2.1.2 to ML-v2.3 to give new live & life to the aging camera. Put it this way, like a relationship gone flat... nothing new and the magic lantern came by to liven things out. Love is now rekindled and feeling awesome again! Does this give you any insight or resonates about your love life?

OK, I need to figure out the MagicLatern out as the user guide is very brief.

1) Format CF card and transfer the zipped file to the root and unzipped the file.. and restart the camera.
2) upgrade the canon firmware from Ver 2.1.2 to Ver. 2.1.2 - ML-v2.3
http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/File:Magic_Lantern_Unified_-_Install_Tutorial

After successful update, restart the camera. 

• Press ERASE button to bring up the Magic Lantern menu.
• Use arrow keys, joystick or scrollwheels to navigate.
• Use SET and PLAY to toggle values.
• Use Q to open a submenu with more settings.
• Press INFO or DISP button to get help.
• In LiveView, press Zoom In to preview the image behind ML menu.
• Press MENU to hide items that you don't use (to reduce clutter)

Here is a partial list of menu that a 'still' shooter will like.
http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Unified/UserGuide#flash-exposure-compensation

EXPO mode
ISO, Fine-tuning for ISO: 100/160 multiples or 1/8 EV steps
Shutter and Aperture

Overlay mode
Zebras, Lumifast (showing clipping)

Focus Peak, god send for manual lens
magic zoom (2x or 3x) with focus confirm (split screen)
Overlay mode
Zebras, Lumifast (showing clipping)

Focus Peak, god send for manual lens
magic zoom (2x or 3x) with focus confirm (split screen)
Shoot mode, tried and tested
HDR Bracketing, no longer limited to 3 images (EXP bracketing up to 9 shots)
Intervalometer
Bulb timer (shoot >30 s exposure without intervention and control up tp 8hrs)
LCDSensor Remote, for hands free photography
Motion detect (shoot lightning!!)
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7002555087/lightning-photography-with-magic-lantern
Audio RemoteShot (make a loud noise and it will trigger exposure)

Focus mode: tried and tested
Trap focus
Focus Patterns, custom focus group (do remember to turn off the LCD display by pressing INFO button till the LCD is blank.
Stack focus, macro wonder
Follow focus , using the joystick to focus in/out

Debug mode
Shutter count
Cmos temperature
Ambient light
Battery level

First Impressions of Fujifilm X10

I bought the X10 with an extra battery (Li-ion battery NP-50)  at John 3.16 at Funan IT Mall. It was love at first sight when Samuel and Stephen showed the X10 to me. WARNING: If you are weak in will, do not touch it, as you might end up taking it home. Just like me, I was mesmerized. Couldn't imagined that such a  little camera could give me the confidence without the 'traditional DSLR bulk and weight'. And of course , I have to admit that it looks damn cool. This mini superstar to be, features a retro 'Ah Pek' design wrapped in a metal body. Solid yet not heavy. The integral, bright optical viewfinder (85% coverage vs Canon G1-X @ 77%) and availability of Hot Shoe sets it apart from conventional 'compact camera'. Some might say 85% viewing coverage is a joke but the optical view finder helps you save some battery juice (not using the LCD view) and to overcome ambient LCD glare problem. BTW, sticking the camera body on your face also improve stability and preventing camera shake.
Check this tips on EXR mode: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9060476058/fuji-x10-exr-camera-suggestions-for-optimum-performance

The X10 is endowed with lens shifted stabilization and a sharp and fast Fujinon lens coated with  Electron Beam Coating. Technically, a fast lens @ F2 - F2.8, loaded with Aspherical lenses, Extra Low Dispersion lenses and high-refractive index lenses. In short the array of lens combo lets in more light, is well corrected for distortions , less color fringing, less lens flare and is capable of extraordinary macro capability. The super macro mode even takes you as close as 1 cm ! If you are lusting for more dramatic macro shots,  go and get the great looking Fuji lens hood (LH-X10). The outer hood diameter accepts 52mm filter and you can snap the Raynox DCR150 (a snap-on universal mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter) to it. Of course there are third party hood available at a fraction of the cost.

I believed that this setup can extend your macro shooting possibilities. Set the focusing mode to macro, zoom the lens to 100mm, set to force flash  and you're ready (don't forget the flash diffuser) to capture the critters and bugs at close proximity. However. flash output compensation is limited @+/- 2/3 stops. It was said that Fuji flash system is smarter than Nikon, so maybe this is not an issue.
Check out the macro shots with and without the Raynox attachment  @ http://raylay-raylay-macro.blogspot.com/

Other great features that I would highlight is the manual zoom lens (28-112mm; 35mm equivalent) operation which brings back the nostalgic feel of real world photography. The back to the old days of analog-touch operation bringing a sense of sureness and reality. Noise control department (ISO800 or even 1600) is also enviable and much better than the Lumix GF-1. The built-in motion panorama feature is fun to use and it successfully took me through a joy ride of photography.
Check this motion panorama shot @ http://raylay-raylay-landscape.blogspot.com/

The BSI EXR CMOS sensor can handle challenging photographic situations with an analog film like grain. Under the EXR mode  (High Resolution , Dynamic Range and Hi ISO, Low Noise SN mode), Fuji camera takes control and it does drain the battery. I would strongly recommend that you buy a spare battery and avoid the EXR or PRO mode if you could. The JPEG images straight out from the camera looks great too! Punchy color (especially RED) and good contrast, thanks to Film simulation mode such as Velvia (vivid). A gentle reminder, EXR mode reduced the image size to 'medium quality' to improve  dynamic range and SNR.

Conclusions
You have all these goodies and shooting potentials at your finger tips to enjoy the camera and your passion. Go out, look and shoot!

So what are the let down? The annoying white ORB problem (Fuji Spore folks call it sensor blooming) can be quite a sore. How could Fujifilm release such a defective product with a useless patch 1.03! It is a now understood that it is a sensor flaw that needs replacement. Call your local Fujifilm service center to check this out and leave them your contact. The replacement sensor should be in by end of the May but Fujifilm still need instruction from HQ on the replacement program.

Well I come from the DSLR world and so I have other little complains about the X10 including;
a) slow  AFC response and wired operation. Unlike a regular press the shutter to focus track, operationally it work the other way round. Press shutter button to stop tracking.
b) awkward manual focus implementation. You need to dial the main dial with your thumb to do manual focus. Very electronic and not design for human.
c) slow memory write speed. No brainer.
d) Flash is disabled at super macro mode. Fuji engineers might have thought that it does not make sense as the camera is too near the subject and the flash will be obstructed by the lens anyway. Hey, photographers always find a way to the solution and a diffuser is one one them.
e) visible distortion when zoomed to wide.
f) purple fringing is a serious problem.

I know I asked for too much  and I must say that at the current price point (or S$800) the X10 is so close to a perfect compact camera but yet so far. But if Fuji made it perfect with no new camera for the next two years you might crave to buy something else from other brand.

Update on replacement model: Fuji updated this gem with X20. Instead of EXR sensor Fuji uses their flagship  X-Tran technology (without the AA filter). In addition to more than a couple pf  dozen of improvement , I must say that most of the design flaws were eliminated. Nevertheless, the X10 is no slouge and remain as one of the best photographic tools I'd used to date.

Update on ORB issue: I'd contacted Fujifilm Singapore for a solution and I'm expecting the ORB problem to be fixed by them via a sensor replacement. Not that I cannot use the camera with a blooming sensor but rather it limited my shooting opportunity.That is bad for the money invested.
BTW: I had a lemon set, the electronic level meter is also not level. LOL but don't forget to check it by pressing the DISP/BACK button. Select the CUST LCD  display mode and you see the electronic level meter. I plead that you check it before you bring it home as love is blind!

Update on good service from John 3:16: Samuel @ John 3:16 decided to replace the set for me. Excellent service! Samuel added that a "customer is for life"! What a character and salesmanship. He will certainly get many loyal customers! Well the new set that I took home has a serial # less than the one I had before, so the ORB is still there but the electronic level is ok.

Update on X10 accessory: Thumbrest for X10 (www.lensmate.com)

Update: Firmware update is ready and tested. Good to go.
Upgrading version 2.00, adding the following features:

1. "Advanced filter" function same as XF1 ( 6 filters in 11 patterns)
2. "Q(Quick) Menu" function 
http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/x10/download.html


Update: Fuji released the EF-X20 Flash (retail at S$310). Looks retro and gorgeous with flash TTL, wireless flash trigger and manual flash power control! But you can't tilt it upwards for bounce flash but you can do wireless flash (but I doubt that you can have TTL flash metering). This is probably a slave flash implementation that can ignore a pre-flash from the main camera body. Practically,  the EF-20 (retail S$160) is a better choice. However, if you want to look cool, the EF-X20 is a no brainer. Trade vanity with additional S$150.

Update: Fuji released the new X10 sensor in Singapore. I got this news from Fuji on the 14 June. If you'd make a report to Fuji Singapore in March 2012 or earlier , you should be getting a call from them. I'd make a report in May and so now in the queue.

Update: Finally the ORB is gone after the sensor replacement by Fujifilm Singapore. Good to go.

Update: The X10 has a tendency to blow up highlight. A work around is set the DR permanently to DR400%.You may check out more about EXR
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3785306838/summary-of-fujifilm-x10s-functions-and-issues

Update: External flash mode setting on X10:  use this when a non-Fujifilm external flash is attached; if the built-in flash is popped-up, it will fire once to signal a remote slave flash. Also for remote flash you can use the Canon OC-3 remote cable or pocket wizard. :-)

The 5 Most Powerful Words in Sales

Awesome article from inc.com

Focus on benefits, not specifications.
Focus on value, not price.
Focus on show, not learn.
Focus on emotions, not reasons.
Focus on you, not I.

Are you a camera salesman? In my opinion, this type of techno , consumer sales is more personalised and tuned to 80% emotion and 20% logic. Some salesman may even leverage on impulse buying to close a sale.
You might argue (textbook style) that the logic and principal is the same for anything you sell but when it comes to the complex high value products like Telecommunication systems it may be a different ball game. It takes alot more than just "Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door".  A whole eco-system, relationship, price, tenacity and team winning culture is required. Anyone going for coherent 100G/400G? I sell the best one you can find.. and it is not a lemon.

A Matter of Desire

Hey, the desire is peaking and I'm not sure whether I can take it anymore. Pushing this further, Olympus just added the OM-D EM5 and this is how the desire list looks like.
GF1 upgrade - Oly OM-D EM5(RM3599 for the body!) or Pana GX1 or the coming Pana GH3
5DII upgrade - 5DMIII
1DMKIII upgrade - 1DX
Large sensor 'compact' - Canon G1X
Update: Enthusiast compact - Fuji X-10 (this got me)
Sony RX100
Sigma DP2 Merill
Leica X1 and X2

Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 ASPH Distagon

Which want should I buy? Let the dust settle down and it is time for healing and remember to go out for your shutter therapy!

Insight:
This is what I call desire. You eat , sleep and think about what you do not have till you have it and then a fresh new cycle will start. The little voice in you will start to find reasons and justifications for wanting it. You start to look at reviews like those from Robin Wong.

Hey I got to start practicing mindfulness and delay gratification to keep this in check.
I'm human and a sentient being. Neither the glowing aura of light behind me or halo above my head has yet to appear. Double confirm to you that desire will always pops up. Mindfulness, mindfulness.. Arrrghhh!

BTW, Robin Wong from Malaysia is really taking the market by storm with his OMD review. A refreshing style and no nonsense user review. I have to say Robin Wong rocks and make Asian proud and providing an alternative voice to  bloggers like Stevehuff.
http://robinwong.blogspot.com/2012/03/olympus-om-d-e-m5-review-street.html

United We Share and We Shoot

I had the fortune to have friends like Anup, that share their knowledge with me unconditionally. The human need to connect and  small daily gesture of sharing does not solve world hunger problem but it does make the world a better place to live in. It can certainly make another person happier. Who knows, the new found knowledge (photography) may change your life? Live life with gratitude. Share your knowledge. Return kindness.

Meet the work of Thomas Leuthard who published 2 free ebooks. "Going Candid" and "Collecting Souls". I do not know Thomas in person, I know him through his ebooks. You'll find truely inspiring images and personal insight. And as a gesture of thanking him and fulfiliing his wish, I'm paying by including the url here so that you can download the ebooks (and to read it!!!).

http://book.85mm.ch.

"The world is not only about money. It is about friendship, happiness and good photos" - Thomas Leuthard. Street photographer from Switzerland

Ip Man Say...

Happy Chinese New Year. Guess what, I spend my Chinese New Year watching Ip Man #1 and #2 during my visits.
If you think IP Man is about power kicks and rapid punches, you could be wrong. It is about Donnie! and I'm a die hard fan :-). Well more than that, in the movie Ip Man #2, Ip Man bashed up the arrogant Ang Mo world boxing champion (Twister) and said to the crowd. "They are many people in this world each with a different status in life. However, dignity for all is the same". Woah, these words of punches got my adrenalin flooding and oozing out of my ears... how about you?
Dramatic movie and word of wisdom aside, did you know that Ip Man populalize the Wing Chun boxing. Ip Man (Yip Kai-Man)was a policeman in HongKong. He smoked opium regularly and died on December 2nd, 1972 (1 October 1893 – 2 December 1972), from throat cancer. His legacy is the global practice of Wing Chun. (source wiki).

What a Hack!

Equipment manufacturers have always been profit driven and it is common industry practice to 'limit the product capabilities'. This deliberate act is the precursor to milk the consumers like a cow through shorter product cycle. What is more laughable is manufacturers are also working hard to prevent hackers from liberating those inherent product capabilities.

In recent years, we had seen geniuses (the revolutionaries) working creatively and boldy to hack, or unlock those base product potentials. Two notable camps that are working on Canon and Panasonic products and are gaining huge following. They are the Magic Lantern Project started by Trammell Hudson on Canon DSLR and Vitaliy Kiselev‎ that started the Panasonic GH-1/GF-1 video Hack (PTools).

Here are the URL for the Canon DSLR hack and the latest Ptools for the Panasonic video hack. Njoy :-) and enjoy at your own risk! Oh yes, I hacked both my cameras too.
http://www.gh1-hack.info/ptool3d.zip
http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Lantern_Firmware_Wiki

X Man - First -Class?

Holy cow and herd instinct. Where has the marketing innovation gone to? Never before, the consumers have been bombarded by a series of X-rated products. Yeah, I know X-rated now is equal to X-pensive, X-tremely cool and X-citing. Some proof points to illustrate what I meant.
Canon latest Full Frame flagship professional camera body ; EOS 1D-X. Flagship compact camera Powershot G1 X
Olympus flagship point and shoot camera XZ-1.
Panasonic Lumix premium M43 , GX-1 with X-series lenses
Leica super premium point and shoot camera Leica X1.
Fuji digital range finder X-100, its latest point and shoot camera X-10 and Fuji Pro X1.

So does it work to X-tract more money from us? I think it does! Wow the herd instinct is still in us (bleating...baaaa).

Update: Damn, the Canon Powershot G1-X really kick ass. Possibly the best 'compact' camera to date. Armed with a sensor size that is 16% larger than M43 and 28-112mm F2.8-5.8 lens it looks like a winner especially when paired with the Canon ETTL II flash system.

Mind you, I did a marketing course/module; the Behavioral Aspects of Marketing in CIM-UK and I still fall into this buying trap (buy flu). It is a classic example of Emotion over Logic.
Looking for poison and then cure with the poison antidote.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Canon-PowerShot-G1X-Review

Taming the Pocket Wizard for Lumix GF-1

Note: Firmware Update
FlexTT5/mini TT1 on computer - update firmware to v6.0 (6.15 is now available) using Pocket wizard utility (1.55).
 Receiver Setting
FlexTT5 on computer, run Pocket Wizard Utility
Set C1 where C1 = Basic Trigger mode, and Channel Std Rx Channel 1.
Note: The default Rx Channel 32 does not work and for basic trigger, I would prefer to use flash with manual control such as 430EX or 580EXII.

Now dismount FlexTT5 from computer and mount 270EX onto it-
the FlexTT5 is switched on first to C1 (manual switch), and then the flash is turned on.

Transmitter Setting
MiniTT1 on computer, run Pocket Wizard Utility
C1 is checked for "Basic Trigger mode".
Attach MiniTT1 to camera, and switch on MiniTT1to C1 (manual switch) and then Lumix GF-1 to on.

You're all set now for remote flash trigger with the Pocket wizard on the GF-1.

Happy strobbing :-)


Firmware support: http://www.pocketwizard.com/support/downloads/

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Photographer

Expounding the concepts of Steven Covey.

The First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence (self mastery).

Habit 1: Be Proactive
The quest to be a better photographer does not happen by chance. It is a pro-active process in seeking and learning. You can read to improve the fundamental aspects of photography, go out to experiment and seek feedback (from Clubsnap or NPSS?).

Proactive also means you go out with an active mind to look for subjects. Through pro-active efforts you'll develop the photographic eye and skills in time to come.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Decide at which level of playing field you wish to be. Are you a casual shooter, passionate (hard core) hobbyist, freelancer to be, or aspiring to be a PRO. What you see at the end of the road shall affect what you'll do now.

While doing your photographic shoots, visualising the end results directly affects your decision in the exposure, shutter speed, aperture and composition. Have an end in mind also affects many artistics decision when you do post-processing.

Habit 3: Put First Things First
There is no accident in the making of a good photographer, and putting priority in learning the fundamentals of photography is a top priority. If you just want to be casual snap shooter than it is different story. Learning a little here and there can improve you pictures. So understanding basic concepts such as understanding exposure, composition, colours, light etc. is a must and the art is blending the whole array of knowledge into an image. These are only part of the story. A holistic learning process also include actual field shoots, improving post processing techniques and seeking feeback.

As you can see the first 3 habits focus on starting with ME.
The Next Three are to do with Interdependence. A paradigm shift from the ME to WE

Habit 4: Think Win/Win
As we slowly and diligently buildup our photographic skills we will always come into contact with people. People that you meet and learn with. People that will motivate you. People (wife and children) that will need your time and people that will do trading with you. :-). Always think Win/Win as you network, make friends and balance your time in this journey of life.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood
Self explanatory. Learn to listen and understand first. Then you seek a way to communicate such that people can also understand you. Reacting to peoples comment/or critique and blabbering garbage in forum turn people off. Remember that when we raise our ego we desensitised our senses for learning and communicating. Living is about receiving, giving, learning, and communicating. Oh, did you also learn and use the 5 languages of love?

Habit 6: Synergize
Armed with the above mentioned skill set, you learn, you share, you network, synergize and expand your circle of influence . We grow and shift the ME paradigm to WE. Remember, no man is an island and the evolutionary procees did not change our fundamental need to socialise and improvise. That is what makes us different from lower living forms - the innate ability to make choices and synergize.

The Last habit relates to self-rejuvenation;

Habit 7: Sharpening the Saw
If you think you'd learnt enough, you're probably on the road to a downward spiral. The time that we stop learning is when we are dead. Changes is the only constant and let's continue to sharpen our skills- photographic skills, post-processing skills and most importantly people skills. It takes right effort and mindfulness to cultivate ourself and propel ourself towards the UPWARD SPIRAL of growth. We find happiness when there is improvement , growth and positive momentum . Have you decided which saw to sharpen today? Namaste to you if you already did. I have to sharpen my saw too.

Gear Talk - Be a Good Finder

OK, I confessed, I'm a Zig Ziglar 'fan' (it started 20 years ago) and what the heck does this has to do with my photoblog. Well, Ziggy taught me to be a good finder and here I'm finding how to unleash the peak performance from my gear. Note: You can find or unleash the potential of a cheap lens too and a very good example is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II which is extremely cheap (SGD150) and sharp. I know because I used it. Lastly, what works for me may not work for you.

All lenses (and all people too..) have character (resolution, bokeh, CA, distortion, contrast) and its performance peak at a certain focal length and aperture, the so called sweet spot. Lastly, I make my purchase decision based on the information’s I gathered from photozone and SLRgear Review. It is not a holy grail but good references for me. Last but not least, a good lens (or gear per se) does not automatically make your picture good. Practice and techniques is even more important. Enjoy and CLICK!

Here is my summary.
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM : I use this lens for event shots and landscape photography. The sweet spot is at f/8. It is 'fairly' well performing lens ( from 17,20-28mm). For the price, IQ, weight and versatility it is one of my favourite lens.
17mm : f/8 (from centre to border). f/11 (from centre to extreme)
20mm : f/8
28mm : f/5.6 (from centre to border). f/11 (from centre to extreme)
40mm : f/5.6 (from centre to border). It is a stretch and I will try to avoid using.
(info and credit: photozone)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM : I use this lens for candid portrait or event shots. I plan to use it for macro with extension tube for longer working distance with sensitive insects. Decent performance at all focal length with sweet spot at f/5.6. For the price, IQ, weight, versatility and IS feature I would rate this as truely my favourite lens.
(info and credit: photozone)

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM macro: I use this lens for portrait and AF macro work (paired with Raynox DCR 150). Sharp wide open. Sweet spot at f/8 and sharpeness drop at f/22.
(info and credit: photozone)

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM EX EG: I use this lens for fast head and shoulder portrait shots. So this lens is a keeper for such purpose and usable at f/2.8 with the sweet spot at f/5.6. The bokeh is better than the CZ Planar 1.4/50ZE but beware of softness at the extreme corner.
(info and credit: photozone)

CZ Mackro Planar 2/50ZE: I use this lens for static head and shoulder portrait shots, and macro work with extension tube. A MF lens and a great performer, wide open straight from f/2. Performance peaks at f/5.6. A stellar performer in terms of sharpness which outperforms the CZ Planar 1.4/50ZE at f/2. The fine focus adjustment means it is only good for really serious focussing but it may slow you down.
(info and credit: photozone)

Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 ASP: Sweet spot at f/4 but good from f/2 to f/11
(info and credit: slrgear)

Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS: The resolution is generally on a very high side, level straight from the max. aperture setting. Take note of the diffraction limit.
Sweet spot at f/4 but good from f/2.8 to f/11
(info and credit: slrgear)

Panasonic 14-140mm f/4-5.8 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. LUMIX G VARIO HD:
25mm to 70mm is best.
(info and credit: slrgear)
14mm : f/5.6
18mm : f/5.6-f/8
25mmm : f4.7-f/11
32mm : f5.0 to f/11
48mm : f/5.5 f/16
70mm :f/5.6 to f/11
99mm : f/8 - f/11
140mm : f/11 (center sharp from f/5.6 to f/f8).

Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 ASPH LUMIX G VARIO
7mm : f/4 to f/8
8mm : f/4 to f/8
9mm : f/4 to f/8
10mm : f/4 to f/8
12mm : f/4 to f/8
14mm : f/5.6 to f/8
(info and credit: slrgear)

Exposure exposed!

My brother-in-law, bought an Olympus EP2 and kit lens and he asked me- What is exposure? Great question!

Well, it is hard to explain in technical jargons but let’s start with the understanding of the exposure triangle (I took this term from Bryan Peterson). The exposure triangle is about the 3 variables that affect exposure which is Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO (light sensitivity). And at the heart of the exposure triangle is the light meter sensitivity (ISO). An image that is well exposed looks right, not too bright and not too dark.

Well, let me try to explain exposure using a water tap metaphor like the following.
Light = water
Aperture =Tap opening that control the water flow.
Shutter Speed = Time control on how long to keep the tap on
Right exposure = Full Bucket of water (to the brim)
ISO = number of water tap with the same tap opening/ and time to fill up the bucket
Noise = level of disturbance to the water surface resulting in more bubbles and noise.

Let’s, start and imagine.
You want to fill up a water bucket (full, not more and not less) with the least amount of noise so that you do not wake Sheena (my little gilr) up. You have a choice to select how much to turn the tap (Aperture) and the choice of how long (shutter speed) to keep the water flowing. Of course you can decide on how many tap (ISO) with the same tap setting to fill up the bucket at the same time.

So that is the concept of exposure! A balancing act to achieve the right exposure with the desired creative effect.

Let me explain more. When the tap is turned more (Aperture is larger) more water will flow into the bucket and so it takes less time (fast shutter) to fill up the bucket. Likewise if you run the tap longer (shutter speed slower), you need a smaller tap opening (aperture) so that you still get the same amount of water into the bucket.

What about ISO, well if you have many taps (high ISO) running at the same time and with the same tap aperture/time combo setting it will need less time to fill up the bucket but the result could be with water bubbles (noise). This is not good because you might wake Sheena up and she will cause havoc! It is a balancing act and the essence is to keep the noise low and at the same time balancing the other variables to get the right/creative exposure. Do you know that there are at least 6 exposures combo that can give you the tecnically correct exposure but there is only 1 or 2 creative exposure.

This is where you change the variables in the exposure triangle to convey motion (shutter speed control) or subject inclusion/isolation (aperture control) in your images. Happy experimenting. "CLICK"

Language Lessons from Gary Chapman. The 5 Language of Love.

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

You may ask why I bother to note it down in this blog without any elaboration. Well, when the student is ready those simple 'golden' words will make sense out from the box and sink into your mind. Did you practice those languages today? Always remember, it is the little things accumulated that will make a big difference.