SgCameraStore “Big Bang” Sale!

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Editor AL


Just received notification from SgCameraStore this morning 09.15am on their “Big Bang” Promotional Sale.

The Sale period will be from 10th March 2011 to 13th March 2011.

Was told by them that ALL items are going for “lower-than-usual” price!

Some highlights that I received via SMS 
– Tripods from $40.00
– Tripods / Carbon Fibre from $190.00
– Fancier 6662A Going at Ridiculous Price $58.00.
– Stobist Kit 60cm Softbox + Stand at $78.00
– Nissin flashes (Free Gift Gifts with every purchase)
– Basic Strobist Package (White Shoot through Umbrella, Stand, Flash Holder $50.00.
– And Many more items (while stock last)

Do make a trip there for the great bargain!

SgCameraStore is located at:
No 5 Coleman Street #02-18
Excelsior Hotel and Shopping Center Singapore 179805
(next to Peninsula Shopping Center )
3 minutes walk from City Hall MRT

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Featured Photographer – Ang Choo Wee

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Editor AL

Ang Choo Wee

Ang Choo Wee is an experienced & experimental photographer. We came to know him through one of the SJS’s “Limited” Series events and he have since been joining our shoots regularly. We also got him involved in a commercial project last year shooting an arts event. Through his photos, Choo Wee speaks. His works are interesting to appreciate and certainly of professional standards.

Well travelled and a lover for Asian culture, Choo Wee’s travel photos are beautifully executed and most importantly, he captured the moments so accurate that it simply brings the viewer into the frame. A hardcore Fan of Nikon and Fisheye lens, I’d let you imagine the rest. Humble and easy-going, Choo Wee never fails to share his knowledge with other members of the group – and that made him rather popular in the group. (Especially with the Girls! * Wink Wink)

As usual, without his permission, we have selected a few of his works to be featured here. Enjoy!

 

Ways to Contact  Choo Wee;
Email: choowee21@hotmail.com
Web: Nil
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/choowee

Posted in Featured Photographers | Tagged , | 2 Comments

A Year On – And Going Strong.

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Editor AL

From the Founders..

How time flies.

A year had passed since we formed Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group and subsequently, the commercial team Shutter Journey (Singapore) Professional Photography Team. Right from the beginning, the group had faced lots of challenges which we have managed to conquer and learn something through every situation. We were glad we came out much stronger than before.

The objective of the group remains clear – to create a platform for photographers to meet photographers and to promote community learning through sharing. This concept had worked well and we personally witnessed the good works of many photographers who had benefitted from this through their photos. And many others has found new friendships through the group events or even paired off as couples! The group has evolved beyond a photography group, rather, I will describe it as a “specialized-social-group-with-a-specific-interest”, ok, I know that’s long. 

After 67 official photography shoots events, 01 overseas photo-excursion, 19 commercial shoots (including weddings), 02 Charity shoots, 06 photography courses/ talks & 01 photography exhibition involving the SJS Members & Moderators from the commercial team, we had indeed come a long way – all within 12 months! Not to mention that SJS is now sponsored by 07 camera stores who further adds value to all SJS registered members with great discounts on camera gears!  

We would like to attribute the success of the group to the moderating team as well as the members who supported us & who believed in us all this while. Without all of you, SJS will not be what it is today.  


The Moderating Team. (Photo: Clockwise – Celes, Shela, Connie, Ruiping, Cassandra & Renhao)

With that, We wish to Sincerely thank Everyone – you know who you are – who had played (and still playing) a part in making SJS  a continual success.

We Say – Happy 1st Anniversary & Keep Shooting!

Love,

Allan LEE & Yu LING.
Founders
Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group.
Shutter Journey (Singapore) Professional Photography Team.
Shutter Journey Memories Studios Inc.

Posted in Group Announcements & Notices, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

New Cards from Sandisk!

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Editor AL

Source: http://www.sandisk.com/

SANDISK ANNOUNCES SDHC CARD FEATURING UHS-I TECHNOLOGY— IDEAL FOR CAPTURING HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOS AND FULL HD VIDEOS

SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I Card Offers Photography Enthusiasts the Performance, Reliability and Durability They Need to Shoot Like the Pros

Extreme Pro
Milpitas, Calif., January 17, 2011 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced the SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ SDHC™ UHS-I card. The card features Ultra High Speed (UHS) technology from the newly released SD 3.0 specification and achieves up to 45MB/sec* read and write performance with long-term reliability by distributing data rapidly and efficiently using SanDisk’s proprietary Power Core™ Controller.

“SanDisk has a long history of developing fast, highly reliable cards for photography enthusiasts and professionals,” said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. “Our new SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card lets consumers take their skills to the next level by capturing high-resolution still images, fast-moving action shots and HD videos of the highest quality.”

Designed for the latest cameras
As DSLRs offer increasingly sophisticated features such as high megapixel continuous burst shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture, photographers need advanced memory cards capable of unlocking their cameras’ full potential. The card achieves high performance and efficient power consumption in UHS-enabled cameras such as the Nikon D7000.

Performance
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card’s write speed of up to 45 MB/sec delivers improved shot to shot performance of RAW images using continuous burst mode. The card also adheres to the new UHS Speed Class 1 video class rating, offering 10MB/sec* minimum sustained write speed capable of recording HD 1080p videos or even 3D content**. In addition, the card’s fast read speeds of up to 45 MB/sec let users avoid lengthy wait times when transferring content from the card to a computer.

SanDisk develops its flash controllers and memory chips together, allowing the company to perfectly match and fine-tune the two technologies throughout the testing process. The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card uses an intelligent Power Core controller to achieve its speed. The controller’s data prediction and binary caching features allow for improved overall performance.

Reliability
Featuring an automatic error-code correction (ECC) engine, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card offers long-term reliability that comes from the brand trusted by professional photographers. Advanced wear leveling extends card endurance by distributing data evenly throughout the card. For added protection, the card includes one year of RescuePRO® media recovery software, which lets photographers recover their images in case of accidental deletion.

Durability
Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, the new card offers photographers peace of mind knowing that their photos are stored on one of the most rugged cards in the world. Able to withstand punishment, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card is water proof, temperature proof, shock and vibration proof, x-ray and magnet proof***. The card is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.****

Availability and Pricing
The card is shipping to major retailers worldwide and is available immediately at www.sandisk.com. The card comes in 8GB1 to 32GB capacities carrying suggested retail prices ranging from $109.99 to $349.99.

Extreme Pro
The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I SDHC card is fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards. The SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter, designed for high performance SDHC and SDXC UHS-I cards, is available at www.sandisk.com for $49.99.

 ——————————————————————————————————————–

SANDISK ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FASTEST HIGH-CAPACITY COMPACTFLASH CARD

SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® Card Offers Unprecedented Combination of Speed and Storage-Up to 100MB/sec Write Speed and 128GB Capacity

SD_WORM
Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, January 5, 2011-Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, January 5, 2011-SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced the world’s fastest high-capacity CompactFlash® card. The latest milestone in SanDisk’s long history of industry-leading products, the SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® card features 128 gigabytes (GB)1 of storage and up to 100 megabyte per second (MB/sec)2 write speeds. With its Power Core® controller and UDMA-7 interface, the card delivers the performance demanded by high-end DSLR cameras.

“No other product on the market can match our new card’s combination of speed and storage capacity,” said Susan Park, director, product marketing, SanDisk. “By consistently pushing the boundaries of flash innovation, we are able to develop advanced products not found anywhere else.”

With a set of features optimized for professional photographers and videographers, the 128GB SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card is ideally suited for imaging applications requiring Full HD3 1920×1080 resolution, up to 50Mbps bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling. The card’s unprecedented combination of speed and storage lets photographers capture more frames when shooting in continuous burst mode, and enables them to record high quality Full HD videos.

  • Up to 100MB/sec write speed enables shorter wait times and faster continuous burst shooting.
  • Video Performance Guarantee4 allows for superior Full HD video recording at a sustained 20MB/sec write speed.
  • 128GB capacity aoffers more room for capturing RAW+JPEG photos, sequential bursts, even Full HD and 3D video content.
  • SanDisk’s proprietary Power Core™ controller distributes data across the card more rapidly and efficiently, and the UDMA-7 interface allows for maximum data transfer between card and camera.
  • Best-in-class quality assurance offers photographers peace of mind knowing that the card is backed by rigorous stress, shock, vibration, humidity and moisture testing procedures and a lifetime limited warranty5. The card features RTV silicone coating for added protection.

Availability and Pricing
The 128GB SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card is available now for preorder atwww.sandisk.com, and will be available at retailers worldwide later in Q1 2011. The card carries a suggested retail price of $1,499.99.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

Posted in Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , | Leave a comment

TOKINA AT-X 16-28MM F/2.8 PRO FX Lens

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Editor AL

Announced: Q3, 2010
Current: Q1, 2011 – And hasn’t reach our shores yet.

This new Tokina lens is the first in a new generation of full frame (FX) lenses designed for professional digital SLR cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D700 and D3x. The 16-28 zoom range gives the professional photographer a super-wide angle of view to get close to subject for dramatic effect or to take in entire scenes.

NEW Silent DC Motor with GMR senor
The 16-28 f/2.8 uses a newly developed silent DC motor that allows the lens to focus faster and more quietly then previous generations. The DC motor coupled with a new GMR magnetic AF sensor work together to increase AF Speed.

Ashperical and Super-low Dispersion glass elements
A new, 56mm in diameter, large sizes aspherical glass element is incorporated into the front lens group, while there are 2 more aspherical elements in the rear group. 3 SD super-low dispersion glass elements are also incorporated through-out the optical design to reduce chromatic aberration, give maximum resolution, more even brightness and distortion correction.

One-Touch Focus Clutch
Tokina’s exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the camera to focus manually. There is no need to change the AF/MF switch on Nikon camera bodies* and there is no second AF/MF switch on the lens for Canon, everything is accomplished by the focus ring.

Posted in Brand: Tokina | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Editor AL

December 9, 2010, Saitama, Japan – Morio Ono, President and CEO of Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the release of yet another groundbreaking lens: the world’s most compact, lightweight lens with a 15x zoom ratio*1, featuring a 62mm filter diameter, VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and Tamron’s first standing wave ultrasonic motor system for SLR lenses, PZD (Piezo Drive) *2. The 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008) DSLR ultra-high-power zoom lens for Canon and Nikon mounts will be released in Japan on December 20, 2010, with the development of a Sony*3 compatible mount at a later date.

The 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008) (referred to below as 18-270mm Di II VC PZD) is an astonishingly light, compact ultra-high-power zoom lens with a filter diameter of 62mm. Weighing in at 450g, this new all-in-one zoom lens is equipped with an AF unit driven by Tamron’s new PZD (Piezo Drive)*2, an ultrasonic motor that delivers faster and quieter focusing when the autofocus is engaged.

The 18-270mm Di II VC PZD, will be easy to use and highly portable – a high-power zoom that will offer the user the versatility to shoot in a variety of situations. Its wide zoom range of 18-270mm positions the lens as an all-purpose workhorse for any photographic situation.

Product Features

  • 1. The 18-270mm Di II VC PZD boasts the world’s highest zoom range at 15x magnification for a lens with its compact size and light weight*1, with the added value of Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization. At 450g, measuring 88mm in length (from mount face to the tip of the lens), and 74.4mm in diameter with a filter diameter of 62mm, it’s a compact and easy-to-carry lens.
  • 2. Silent, high-speed autofocus in a compact lens due to the incorporation of Tamron’s new PZD (Piezo Drive) *2 autofocus technology.
  • 3. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.49m throughout the zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8.

Di II (Digitally integrated design): Di II lenses are for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras (with APS-C size sensors), with a suitably optimized optical design. These lenses cannot be used with digital SLR cameras with an image sensor larger than APS-C size, or 35mm film SLR cameras.

  • (*1) For SLR camera high-zoom-ratio lenses with 15x magnification capability. Current as of December 2010. (Source: Tamron).
  • (*2) PZD (Piezo Drive) is a standing wave ultrasonic motor system developed by Tamron. The motor is faster and quieter than DC motors when the AF drive is operated, and compared with ring type ultrasonic motors, it has an actuator that facilitates lens design and reduced size.
  • (*3) The Sony mount is not equipped with the VC image stabilization mechanism, as the body of Sony’s digital SLR cameras has a built-in image stabilization function. Consequently, the lens with a Sony mount is referred to as the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD and does not include the VC description.

PZD (Piezo Drive)

Ultrasonic motors are divided into two categories depending on the principle that generates the energy to move the drive: traveling wave motors and standing wave motors. Traveling wave motors include the ring type ultrasonic motor used in the recently launched 70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC USD as well as other lenses, but this lens employs a newer technology, the PZD (Piezo Drive), which functions on the standing wave principle.

A standing wave ultrasonic motor utilizes high-frequency voltage to extend and turn the piezoelectric (piezoceramic) element, thus moving the entire element in a standing wave movement. The metal tip is the contact point of the element to the rotor, and moves in an elliptic motion from the swiveling motion of the moving element, and the friction from this motion turns the rotor. Standing wave ultrasonic motors have the distinct advantage of being smaller than their traveling wave counterparts, and therefore allow a more compact SLR lens size.

VC (Vibration Compensation)

Tamron’s VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from handheld shots for cleaner, crisper shots.

New VC mechanism (moving coil method)

Tamron’s original VC image stabilization mechanism utilized a moving magnet system whereby a heavy magnet was positioned near the moving VC lens element. In the new VC unit the positions of the magnet and the coil are reversed, because of this the VC optical lens element is attached to the coil. The new VC mechanism employs a moving coil mechanism with a lightweight coil, and the lighter coil reduces the load on the drive system. Thus, the lighter, more compact new VC unit contributes to the lens’s overall light weight and compact size.

Notice of Classification Code Change for Nikon Mounts

Since the introduction by Tamron of the first Nikon mount lens featuring an internal AF motor, the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC (Model A20), all Nikon mount lenses with the internal AF motor had used the classification code “N II.” Lenses using a coupler system* without an internal AF motor were designated as “N.” As future lens introductions for Nikon will have the internal AF motor as a standard feature, Tamron has decided to simplify the designation and consolidate all Nikon mount lenses as “N,” eliminating the “N II” designation for future models. This classification code change will be effective from the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008).

The “N” classification lenses with coupler systems are: AF 55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II (Model A15); AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di (Model A061); SP AF200-500mm F/5.6-6.3 Di (Model A08); and SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di (Model B01).

*Coupler system refers to a system that uses a shaft to harness the AF motor built into the camera body to operate the lens.

Posted in Brand: Tamron | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

SIGMA APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Editor AL

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM.
The successor to the APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM, introduced to market in July 2005, this new
lens offers the latest optical design technology.

This large aperture zoom lens features Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabilizer) function and weather-resistant
design throughout for use in harsh conditions. One SLD and Two FLD glass elements are used for
maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and
ghosting, and the lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system to ensure
sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. Improved optical performance provides excellent
correction of sagittal coma flare, and ensures ultra-high resolution, comparable to a fixed focal length
lens. The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would
otherwise be possible. This system enables hand held tele-photography. Incorporation of HSM
(Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed AF, while allowing full-time manual focus override.
The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image.
The addition of the optional APO TELE CONVERTER produces an ultra telephoto zoom lens with AF.

Briefs:
– Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors
– Weather resistant feature protects the lens from the effects of harsh weather conditions
– Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situation
– HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus
– FLD glass elements with performance equal to fluorite glass for compensate for color aberration

This lens was launched  elsewhere in Sep 2010, should reach our shores Q1 2011.

Posted in Brand: Sigma | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Lens Hood – How Much Do You Really Know?

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Editor AL


So you got lenses, lots of them. However, you noticed some of the lenses you bought does not come with a supplied dedicated lens hood. You wonder why. Before you start calling the store and find out if the salesman had took it out and used it as a pencil holder, well, welcome to the real world. Apart from 3rd Party Lenses that usually comes with a Lens hood, some brands only include the lens hoods for their premium lenses only, while for the rest of their lenses, you have to buy separately. So is lens hood that important? Read on.

I am not going to use very technical terms for this article because this article was written with the intention to educate “not-so-experienced” photographers. I try to simplify as much as I can so that everyone can understand.

All lenses were made with varying angles of tilt, this is due to the converging front element that made (or decides) your angle of view – that also translate into your focal range.  The lens being an optical instrument, it also means lights travel through the lens in order for it to work just like how it is supposed to be and since the lens elements are mostly made from glass, you can be sure of stray lights (cross lights) starts to show on some of your photos. The Pros calls these stray lights “Lens Flare”.

Lens Flare can occur anywhere, yes, anywhere, there are some badly mis-informed photographers who swear by their wrongly-led-believes that “you only get lens flare outdoor” thus the use of a lens hood is only for outdoor use. Some insisted that Lens hood works only during day time but not night time. Guys, these are NOT True. Let me explain further why so.

Since the Pros and Non-Pros both agreed that Lens Hood is best used for outdoor day shoot, then I shall not tread there, instead, let me address the “gray areas”.

At indoor locations, there are ambience lights in many forms, there will be decorative/ furnishing items, polished utensils and so on. These are perfect surfaces for lights to bounce off into a thousand possibile lights trails. Such are the very reasons why a photographer should use a lens hood if they really care about how their photos might turned out. Stray lights does not appears as a flare everytime on your photos, sometimes your photos will look flushed out or washed out because there are simply too many stray lights causing a mild hazy effect on your photo! (If there are too many flares, remove your filter)

At outdoor location at night. Lights from buildings, street lightings, headlights of vehicles and other reflective street furnitures created a light mess. Lights are thrown in a million directions so using a lens hood at night is in fact more important than using it than any other time! One thing many photographers refused to understand is, our eyes may not see every possible light trails (unless it’s a hazy foggy night), but our lenses + camera sensor captures every single light trails directions simply because they are optical instruments and our eyes are not! Lenses are arranged in element priority and into floating or focusing groups. Most of the in-lens construction is to help reduce flares and some manufacturers uses special glass to cut flares (Except mirror lenses), light can come in any direction that you can think of and not think of, so even in near dark conditions, there are still low frequency lights!

Now, there’s more. Lens hood apart from being a photo saver, it is also an added insurance to your precious lenses. Most lens hood extent itself from the front lens element from 2 inches to 9 inches depending on the lens type and design, the added inches become very useful when wading around in crowds, your UV filter or Protector glass will not save you from a knock say from a laptop bag’s metal buckle, but a lens hood will, get the drift?

And lastly, there’s another group of camera users (note I did not use “Photographers”) who feels that by slapping on a lens hood, it makes their lenses looked longer or more professional. Lolz. though these guys are on the wrong track, but they are doing the right thing.

So if your lenses does not came with a supplied hood, there are a host of compatible 3rd party brands to consider from as most original brands’ hoods are overpriced. Do note that, the inner lining of the hood must be of a matted surface (smooth surface increase reflection causing light paths) or comes with a velvety cloth-like cover (think Canon L-Lenses Hood) so selecting the right hood is important too should you opt for 3rd party brands.

Still not convinced you should use a lens hood at all times? One day I am sure you will remember this article when something really does happened. And trust me, in photography, it will.

To XX: Mind you, those white spots/ lines/ shapes on your photo are not dusts on your lens – those are really lens flare).

Posted in Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Canon & Nikon – How To Kill Sony

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Editor AL

Sony wowed the world again recently with the release of their SLT A-33 & SLT A-55. Sitting in the Alpha DSLR line, these 2 cameras are like no other. Cheap, Light weight, Compact & packed with good specs. Some of you not familiar with Sony Alpha might get a shock when you look at the specs from these 2 hybrids. The Frames Per Second (FPS) itself already fascinates me, the SLT A-33 gets a 7 fps while the turbocharged SLT A-55 gets a whopping 10 fps! Do read up more on these 2 cameras on Sony’s site if you are keen to find out more.

Now, back to the story and over to the Canon & Nikon Camp. Market speculations had suggested that the 2 big boys of DSLR may be up to something up their sleeves having seen Sony’s success on these “hybrid” entry-level cameras. After reading up on many sites and rumour-sites, I gathered some speculated specs for the fun of it and who knows, it might be just what we are going to expect soon.

Line Up –
I reckon Canon’s version will be along the Rebel/Kiss/T/XXXD line while Nikon may have it on a new number system but still along the line of the older DXX series.

Megapixel –
Should be around the range of 15.1-18mp

ISO Sensitivity –
Should be around 80-12,800 if not, expandable to 25,600.

Frames Per Second –
Between 9-12 fps.

Focusing & Metering –
Expect 21 AF Points with 19 virtual points and maybe 64 zone metering. Maybe they will even throw in fast focus detection (think auto face focus) like in-camera panning too. In short, it’s like “Super Al Focus” in Canon’s language.

Customs Functions –
Canon & Nikon are very good at this. Maybe they will throw in 60+ Useless Customs Functions or more! Please bear in mind, if you can adjust the LCD screen brightness – that is considered One Custom Functions – lolz.

Price –
Canon & Nikon are pretty good at this too. Purposely priced and sell it lower than what Sony is offering on a model-to-model basis. Even a SGD$100 lower price point will hit Sony badly. (Knowing “Price-sensitive” & “Brand Concious” Singaporeans.)

I shall stop here. Like many who suggested, Canon & Nikon may just push out a lower spec-ed mini “1D /D3” in a light package (and probably cute), small size & cheap camera out before they loses their biggest market share here(Consumer/ Beginners) to *Sony.

Let’s wait and see what Canon & Nikon will roll out next. They fight, We Watch.
As consumers, we will be the ultimate winner.

Background
*Sony has always pulls off stunts like releasing a few entry-levels models at the same time while the compeition usually releases 1 or 2, but segmented to different categories of users. 

Sony shocked the world last year when they release A230, A330, A380, A550 (Sony claims A5XX series as “mid-range” but it is advanced beginner for those who knew) all at about the same time. Basically all are entry level DSLRs but priced according to specs – more specs, more expensive and at about the same time, Canon had a mid-life EOS500D & a fairly new EOS1000D and Nikon was soldiering on D5000 and pending release of D3000.

2010 saw the release of A290, A390, A33 & A55 at almost the same time again – it is almost like pulling off the same stunt all over again but with more substance this time with the A33 & A55.

For more information on Sony’s DSLR – you may wish to read up here.

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Nikon, Brand: Sony, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Subjektiv 4-in-1 German Lens Kit

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Editor AL

These days when compact cameras (and some DSLRs too) are speced with “art filters” like Fish Eye, Retro Camera, Toy camera, etc and so on, it reflects the trend of today’s photographers. Photogs are basically turning experimental these days and looking through practically almost everything that allows light. And with the recent revival of film cameras & lomography, photographers are really looking for more things to “play” with.

Subjektiv recently launched a 4-in1 lens kit that allows the user to select the “insert” to create the desired effects. Though called “4-in-1”, you get 5 inserts. The 5 inserts are Apeture, Pin Hole, Plastic, Zone Plate & Glass. This kit works purely on bending lights and manipulating the throw to create the special effects.

The Plastic insert will give you a “Out of Focus” (only the centre is sharp) with a mild zoom blur effect, while the Pin Hole insert gives the user a Lo-Fi shot and the  Zone Plate gives a diffused photo effect – very similar to soft focus to get that super dreamy effect and lastly the Glass give super vivid & saturated colors. As for Apeture, it is like your regular manual lenses where you control the depth and bokeh with your hands. (lolz)

If you are thinking along the line of “LensBaby”, nope, they are certainly not the same and they works differently.

Available in Canon & Nikon Mount (as usual) & adaptors for the Sony Alpha, Pentax (both with focus confirmation chip) are available. Package comes with a Pouch, 4 lens inserts, lens & lens cap.

Some quick facts here before you order:
– Works with Canon EOS and Nikon F mount DSLRs and SLRs
– 5 modules included: pinhole, plastic, glass, zone plate, and aperture
– Combine aperture module with plastic and glass modules to stop down exposures
– All lenses have a focal length of 65mm
– Pinhole: f/180, hole diameter 0.255mm, determine exposure time by multiplying the shutter speed at f/22 by 64
– Zone Plate: 51 zones (opaque and transparent bands), f/32
– Plastic: Cast precision acrylic lens, f/5
– Glass lens: Tempered meniscus single-lens, f/5 or f/8 with included distancing ring
– Designed and made in Germany

More information here

Posted in Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc) | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sony Cybershot “Hot Affair” TVC

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Editor AL

Ladies, this is for you.

Posted in Brand: Sony, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Featured Photographer – Johnson Ang

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Editor AL

Johnson Ang

We came to know Johnson through our photography group on Facebook. He is an extremely friendly chap, humble and full of “sick humour” – (laughters). Well his jokes, photo captions and even comments left on others’ photo never fails to inject a good laugh. That aspect, draws people to him and his photos.

Browsing through all his albums took me hours. I see the work of a budding photographer who just want to learn as many things possible and his experimental approach to photography is commendable. (You should have seen his D-I-Y stuff and the Pop-Up stickers on his Lens Caps – that’s beside the point, haha!). When you have a photographer with such a good learning attitude, the photos produced by Johnson are improving at a breakneck speed! Recently, a few of Johnson’s photos were picked for a photo exhibition at SCAPE Park, Singapore.

Without his permission, I’ve picked a few of his works to be featured here. Enjoy!

Ways to Contact Johnson ANG;
Email: tosplant@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31940041@N04/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/johnson.ang

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Thanksgiving Notes – from Photographers.

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Editor AL

From the Founders of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS)

Recently we posted a note on our Facebook wall in the spirit of Thanksgiving and asking photography friends to write a note about what they think of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group. After reading the notes, we are very glad that our key objective of creating a carefree photography group for photographers of every level had been met 100%. That, truly further strengthen our believes that photography not only brings people together, it helps people to discover little things in life that they themselves are sometimes not even aware of.

Before we get to the submitted notes below, please allow us to sincerely thank all of you who had played an important part of the group’s growth, we are indeed grateful for your support.

Thank you, each & everyone of you.

Allan & Ling
SJS Founding Photographers.
_____________________________

From Alvin Chow via hobboculture@yahoo.com.sg

Hi Allan & Ling,
I rarely writes any Thanksgiving notes so if this is lame, please bear with it, lol:)

I would like to thank Connie for inviting me to join this wonderful group of photographers. The events are enjoyable, the people are friendly and professional with lots of knowledge to share and for me to learn. I started photography on a more serious note only from August 2010 till today.

I guess this has been a very fruitful 3rd quarter 2010 for me as I have been taking more photos than I have ever did in any part of my life.

Thanks to Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group for organizing so many events and creating a platform for learning!

Alvin Chow
________________________

From Ang Choo Wee via choowee@xray-specs.com

It’s been about exactly a year since I picked up my Nikon D300s. Throughout the year, photography has brought me to many places both locally and abroad, which also found me many new friends. These are all priceless memories that make me understand that photography is not only the right choice, but also a new lifestyle that I will continue for many Thanksgivings to come.

But why am I especially thankful to Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS)?

To begin, there were many SG photography groups that I have shot with, with friends, as well as at events that I was invited to witness. I’m glad I shared a part of the special occasions, the laughter with friends, and  the learning experience with the many proficient photographers I’ve met.

SJS, however, holds a deeper, more special meaning for me. In SJS, I found all of the three ‘offerings’ above. SJS was more than a photography group, more than just friends, and more than just events and walkabouts. It is a group of people who enjoys shooting. Carefree shooting to be exact.

And people joins the group NOT just because it was technical, or for free knowledge being shared freely in the group, or just because they can make more new friends, or that SJS has one of the most varied and interesting themed shoots amongst the groups in Singapore, or maybe even for the fact that SJS are one of the fastest growing groups in SG.

Most important of all, however, was the “soul” of the group. That “soul” came from the Founders Allan Lee and Ling Tan, together with a team of dedicated the moderators. I count myself lucky to have joined the group earlier this year, when the group was smaller and a little more informal.  I remembered it was a Wednesday “limited” shoot at Orchard, and that was the “50mm Mono Night”. The smaller intimate setting then allowed me the luxury of getting to know everyone on a more personal level, and from then on, I was hooked.

As the year moves on, the success of the group was apparent – the size of the group got larger, the frequency of shoots becomes more frequent and shooting events were well planned out in advance. Even more amazing was the many times that we were approached by totally strangers on the street, who were enthralled by the energy of the group and walked up to us to ask about the group and if they could join us. Today, SJS even have Exclusive Group Specials, Invitations to shoot at Closed Events, and even a Group Photography Library coming up!

That, we have the “soul” of the group to thank. From the first shoot, I too, saw the SJS team facing many challenges, both internal and external. As the group got bigger, shoots had to be even more well planned,  well managed, and they even take safety as a consideration! For all the carefree times of shooting, lies the many hours of careful planning and time spent meeting up amongst the team. What is most amazing to me is, despite the growth in the group, the Founders and Moderators still finds the time, energy and takes effort to still preserve the intimacy and getting to know everyone personally.

Special thanks goes to Allan, whose tireless efforts in arranging Exclusive Event Shoots, Photography Lessons and special tie-ups with camera suppliers. For me, and any other newbies out there, he basically played the “Big Daddy” role in guiding us through our initial journey into photography, which would otherwise be a lot less easy.

Great thanks to Ling, Celes, and Shela as well. Despite their busy work and personal schedules, are present at almost every shoot to uphold their responsibilities with a smile.

Last but not least, I am very thankful for the people I have met in SJS, some of whom have developed beyond photo buddies. Some have became Food buddies, some turned chill out buddies, and many others who have provided much laughter even online where we shared our life’s intimate moments as well as funny moments on Facebook.

Thanks SJS, for giving me something to be thankful for the thanksgiving.

Regards,
Ang Choo Wee
_________________________________

From Krist Goh via kristgoh@gmail.com

Hi,
I don’t really know how to start writing, (laughter) and my “England” is not exactly fantastic.
But I really want to Thank a lot people.

First, I would like to Thank Maureen (my great PAL) for bringing me along for Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) photo-shoots. I got to know a lot of great people and made lots of friends.

The Founders, Allan & Ling have been a great pair of event-organisers and doubling up as “Shi Fu” all this while….. (and Allan never fails to “terrified” me while both of them lead & teach me along the way. =X)

Celes, Connie and Shela are always there to help me during shoots, they plays the important role of a “Jie Jie” (elder sisters) while taking care of every other members of the group.

As I attended more SJS shoots, I got to know more friends…. , great people like Jennise, Cassandra, Weeyang and Uncle Sebby (and many more!).

Special Thanks to some of them who actually lend me their gears and even help me by posting photography links for me in preparation for certain shoots.

SJS is like a big family, never fail to share/ play and have lots of fun laughing together! =) Everyone in SJS is like a piece of puzzle in my life. =)))))
(LOL… I think I wrote too much… !!! NVM lah ! LOL )

On a side note: SJS, Really Thanks for Everything. =)
____________________________

From Nicole Wong via Nicole.wongyuejun@gmail.com

Allan & Ling,
Since I started shooting with Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS), it’s not just about improving photography skills, but rather, sharing and learning along with everyone along the way. I had my fair share of fun, laughter and enjoying the many different kinds (genres) of outings that SJS organized. 

Prior to joining SJS, I am a casual shooter giving no hoots about photography rules etc. Things changed soon after, and I found myself often looking up Google, viewing other photographers’ works, or even ask questions on things I do not understand, constantly seeking critique and suggestions to improve my pictures.

Interestingly, I joined in with only expectation to just have fun, and shoot for fun. I didn’t expect photography in itself, had taught me lessons that classrooms don’t teach, personal breakthroughs and getting to know and make many friends within the group. 

I have to add that through shoots, I managed to overcome fears of creepy crawlies (Macro events), due to the fascination of photographing them up close, and only to realize they are harmless unless provoked. It makes me appreciate the little beauty that nature has provided, and new found respect for the environment. Also, new perspectives opened to seeing things in a different manner through the lenses, and helped shape who I am today.

On a last note, shooting with SJS is a fun and enjoyable experience, and in turn, learning more about the vast topics of photography a lesser pain. 🙂

Regards,
Nicole
_________________________________________

From Wong Renhao via wongrenhao@gmail.com

When photographers meet, all we ever talk about is shutter speed, aperture, ISO, framing, white balance, I really could go on for a few more paragraphs. We debate, argue, and mock each other about less-than-perfect shots, about 5 seconds after uploading a discreetly cropped picture. Week in and week out, we meet up with each other, just to get absorbed right back into our individual worlds of photography, sitting on dirty surfaces, lying down on the pavement, or even getting into the water in the quest for that perfect shot.

Yet in the midst of all this lives a spirit that too often we forget about, but constantly engage in nevertheless. In the midst of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS in short) the spirit of sharing burns brightly, that true purpose of photography that we may never articulate, but still live and breathe.

The eagerness to share knowledge about the infinite skills of stopping time in its tracks may come as naturally as light and night to you, but it may never have surfaced if not for such a vibrant group, both on and offline.

For that, I have much to thank Allan and Ling.

Guys, I owe it to you both of you and your group for the countless skills I’ve picked up during the weekends. Hope SJS will carry on for a long time and grow to be not just a group, but an influence.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Renhao
——————————————–

From Lilian Koh via liliankoh41@gmail.com

I was a loner before, until I met a bunch of wonderful photographers of Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS).  None of my friends are into photography, so I usually ventures on my own looking for interesting subject to shoot and to add to the memory stick.  After a while, I got bored and started playing with Videography instead. 

It’s a God sent that I met a young pleasant sales promoter at a Sony Road Show in September 2010. Although I did not buy anything from him, yet Wee Yang was kind enough to share his knowledge with me. And he suggested to me to find SJS on Facebook. I sent an email to the Founder, Allan Lee and he  accepted my interest to join, and the rest is history.  

My first outing with SJS was the “Macro Walk-Ridout Tea Garden”. I remembered Nicole showing me around the nursery ground. Celes and Sebastian were helpful too. Wow, i felt like i was part of an extended family!

My thanks and appreciation to everyone in SJS,  I’ve learnt a lot from you guys, even though my photos are nowhere compared to yours…yet.  Lol.

Best regards,
Lilian Koh
_________________________________________

From Cheng Le Fern via lefern@hotmail.com

At Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) outings, photography is what brings friendship together apart from learning & sharing from each other about the technical & creative aspects of the art/hobby.  

All of us should appreciate the time & selfless efforts which the Founders Allan & Ling have put in to bring a  group of enthusiastic people together for the love of photography. I also appreciate the support of their moderators who help to organize the programs.  Even though I have not attended most of outings, I enjoy looking at the pictures in most of my evenings after each of their outings through FACEBOOK.  The outings bring back old memories plus gave me more ideas for future shoots.

I am looking forward to taking more pictures and improving with them.
__________________________________

From Andy Nguyen via andynguyendk@gmail.com

Hi Allan/Ling
I’m not a Christian, so perhaps Thanksgiving doesn’t mean the same to me, but it’s nice to have a day/season dedicated to giving thanks and being grateful for people and things that came to our lives and enriched our living experience.

Out of nowhere I bumped into photography, and shortly after, I bumped into Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group (SJS) on Facebook, and I’m thankful that those “bumps” occurred in my life 🙂

Though I have not been with SJS for long, I have enjoyed the company and the learning experience a great deal! I find that the elements that set SJS apart from some other groups (that i shall not mention) is  everyone’s genuine love for photography, and in the spirit of willingly sharing of knowledge. These created a warm friendly atmosphere that simply draws people in.

And yet, everyone seems unique with his/her own “expertise” or remarkable passion that makes them shine through as individuals: like Ling and her expressions, Nicole with her hyper-energy, Allan and his inspiring photos, and even people I have not yet met like Uncle Tony or Royston. Oh well I’ve certainly picked up more than a few skills, shot more than a few keepers,  made more than a few friends, learnt more than a few things about people, and about myself and definitely have much fun being with SJS.

For that I’m thankful, to Allan and Ling, the moderators, and everyone whom I’ve met and those I’m going to meet.

Love SJS’s people & photos 🙂
________________________________________

From Jonathan Chua via jonathan@hanfong.com

Looking back at the photos I took in the past and after I join this ” special group”, I realized that my current photos today looks so much better and different when compared. 

I find that, now I pay more attention to the surroundings, little things and I wanted so much to bring my camera out everyday. I wanted so much to shoot everything I see everyday.

Way back, DSLR cameras is just a technology to shoot a photo, but this “special group” helped me and taught me how to make use of this technology to freeze memories which will be meaningful in time to come. 

Before I met them, I only know how to shoot a photo. This “special group” taught me how to shoot a good photo.

I want to say a big “thank you” to this “special group” and they are Shutter Journey (Singapore) Photography Group
 
I hope to learn more from this special group of people. 

 Regards
Jonathan Chua
________________________________________

Once again everyone, Thank You!

Allan & Ling

Posted in Group Announcements & Notices, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Red Dot Photo @ SITEX 2010

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Editor AL

25 to 28 Nov 2010
11am to 9pm
Singapore Expo Hall 6, Booth 6A18

Special Deals !!!!!!
9 Inches of clarity – Phottix Hector 9HD monitor

Nine inches of Full High Definition LCD screen for preview, review and focusing – this is a great addition to any photographer/videographer in the era of Video-DLSR. It has HDMI, S Video, AV and Y/PB/PR connections, as well as shutter release, bulb mode and AF functions. This screen is a must for all video lovers!  Price ~ $699, TBC

Spread your photos like a FLU! – Trek Flu-card

Wireless file transfer has never been easier, with the Made-in-Singapore Trek Flu-card. An essentially 8Gig SDHC card with built in wireless function. Only at a never-before $109 at the Sitex

Powerful Portable lights – Phottix PPL200 & PPL400 lights

The long awaited portable strobes from Phottix, packing a powerful 200/400 Watts(depending on model), this comes with a light weight poly-Li battery pack for the mobile strobist! Price to be $600+, TBC

Jus’ the right tripod – Jusino Tripod Launch

Looking for the right tripod is not easy. Red Dot Photo has sourced for this alternative tripod which are light, sturdy and very cost effective! Check out the range of Jusino tripods at our booth!

Wireless TTL Flash – Nissin Di622 Mark 2

With 3 new features, the Nissin Di622 Mark 2 is key to entry level flash! Suitable for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, this is the perfect flash for beginners and amateurs! All flash comes with bundle with AA rechargeable batteries!

Got charge? Maha/Powerex batteries/charger offers

Get your hands on the battery charger brand that professionals trust their livelihood on – The Maha range of battery chargers. Also trade in your old AA batteries for an all new pack of AA imedions at only $16!

And more fantastic deals at http://www.reddotphoto.com.sg/forums/forumdisplay.php/63-Sitex-2010

More Information or visit Red Dot Photo’s eShop at http://www.reddotphoto.com.sg

Posted in Featured Photography Merchants, Photography Courses & Events | Tagged , | Leave a comment

*SCAPE, National Youth Council and THE ARTS FISSION Company presents: Eyes of the Tiger

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Editor AL

A Rock Dance Concert in aid of Project Dance Edge™

4 December 2010, *SCAPE Warehouse, 8pm

Get your early bird tickets at $10 now!

Enquiries:  mich.scape@gmail.com

Posted in Photography Courses & Events | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Olympus PEN Cameras Get “Dressed To Thrill”

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Editor AL

In an exclusive design competition organised by Olympus Imaging Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Design, the design school’s students unleashed their wildest imaginations and displayed their creativity to the fullest by creating unique skin designs for Olympus’ latest PEN-series new generation system camera model – Olympus E-PL1.
‧        “Dress Up Your PEN” competition by Olympus and Temasek Design School provides students with a great opportunity to ‘commercialise’ their creations into actual retail products
‧        Top skin designs for Olympus E-PL1 camera go on public exhibition at Raffles City Shopping Centre and the public votes for top three favourite designs
‧        Top three winning skin designs will be produced in Singapore and sold exclusively at Olympus Online Accessories Store.

By the time the design competition closed, judges saw a strong response from students with over 50 paper entries submitted. Temasek Polytechnic shortlisted 36 of the best entries which were reproduced as actual camera skins and applied onto 36 prototype E-PL1 units specially flown in from Japan.

Olympus “Dress Up Your PEN” Exhibition & Voting Contest
Now, with the aim of showcasing Singapore’s design talent, Olympus Imaging will exhibit selected pieces amongst the 36 dressed-up E-PL1 units at Raffles City Shopping Centre in December and the public will be invited to vote online for their top three favourite skins designs.

To take part in the voting contest, visit Olympus’ PEN website (www.myolympuspen.com.sg) and vote for your top three favourite designs. One lucky voter of the top winning design stands to win a brand new Olympus μ TOUGH-3000 waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof camera (worth S$358)!

Voting begins from 1 December and ends on 31 December. The results of the top three favourite skin designs and the lucky voter will be announced by Olympus Imaging Singapore during the week of 7 January 2011. For more information and/or contest details, please log ontowww.myolympuspen.com.sg.

Winning Students See Their Ideas To Full Fruition
Student designers of the top three favourite designs voted by the public will also be rewarded with fantastic prizes sponsored by Olympus Imaging Singapore. The prizes include:-
‧        Top Prize: Olympus PEN E-PL1 ( worth S$998)
‧        First runner up: Olympus μ 9010 (worth S$598)
‧        Second runner up: Olympus μ TOUGH 6020 (worth S$498)

Olympus Imaging Singapore has undertaken to reproduce 50 pieces of each of the top three winning skin designs to be sold exclusively at Olympus Online Accessories Store (http://www.shopatolympus.com.sg), giving these design students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring their creations from conceptualisation into actual retail products.

Posted in Brand: Olympus, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc) | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Samyang 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Editor AL

For those really new to Samyang Lenses, you may wish to google more information on the net. This is the 2nd Samyang Lens I got to review since the last article I wrote on the Samyang 8mm F2.8 CS Fish Eye.

This round, I received the Canon EOS Mount version and have it tested on a Full Frame Body, an APSH (1.3 Crop), an APSC (1.6 crop) and an InfraRed Converted body. Before we get there, let’s check out the unboxing.


 The Lens came in the usual nice gold & black box and you get the lens pouch, instruction manual and the lens of course!

The Lens cap is the “Fish Eye” full cover type due to the construction of the front glass element.

Lens build is again excellent, nice to hold, quality is good. Though this is a manuel lens, the apeture and distance markings are clear and precise making this lens a breeze to use! Personally I like the apeture setting ring’s clicking sound, very purposelful and solid. This lens does looks like it will last a really long time. Let’s get to the test results!

 
OK, it’s time to test the Samyang 14mm F2.8. All Cameras was set to 1/80, F11, ISO 100 & AWB.
(Except 350-IR at 200 & CWB).


Presenting the candidates & their respective results!

1) Canon EOS 350D-InfraRed

This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body converted to full time InfraRed. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format.  And here’s the result below.

 
There is “ZERO Hotspotting” – a common phenomenon that occurs on cetain lenses when used on an InfraRed converted body. At 22.4mm (14mm), this is lens is super perfect for IR-Photography for landscape! And there are no soft corners or distortions! I personally will recommend this lens to all IR-Photographers!!!! 

 2) Canon EOS 500D

This is an APSC (1.6 crop) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is about the equivalent of 22.4mm based on the 35mm format.  And it is still much wider than most kit lenses especially those made for APSC cameras like the 18-55mm. And 18-55mm (EF-S) is actually equivalent to 28.8mm-88mm on a full frame body. And here’s the result below.

On the 500D, colors are vibrant as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm (22.4mm), this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens  is perfect for landscape & architecture. There are certainly no soft corners or distortions, great value lens for APSC users! (XXXXD, XXXD, XXD & 7D).

3) EOS 5D Mark II

This is Full Frame (35mm equivalent) body. Using the 14mm on this body means the wide angle is the widest Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens in its class (and currently available from most proprietor brands). However the Samyang 14mm only cost a fraction of Canon’s proprietory EF 14mm UWA L-lens (RRP SGD $4199.00/ street price varies). And here’s the result below.

This lens is a “gem” when used on the EOS 5D Mark II.  Colors are nicely reproduced and the image is contrasty as you can see from the photo above. At 14mm, this ultra wide angle (UWA) lens  is the perfect UWA lens for landscape & architecture & for most applications. Corners are sharply captured with no distortions, a great value lens for users with Full Frame bodies.

4) EOS 1D Mark IV

This is Canon’s Flagship model – the 1-series. The EOS 1D Mark IV is a APSH body which is a 1.3 Crop. (For those not familiar with Canon’s flagship line, all 1Ds are Full Frame models while all the 1D without the “s” are APSH bodies).

Using the 14mm on this body means the actual angle is 18.2mm wide.  This Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens are great for this body too as in today’s photography language, anything below 28mm is considered ultra wide. Even after the crop factor kicks in, the lens are still below 20mm in actual angle and this makes the 14mm a great lens for the 1D Mark IV too!  And here’s the result below.

In conclusion, the Samyang 14mm F2.8 is a great performer in every department if you can live without an autofocus motor which the current generation is so pampered with! With a little practice and some reading up, a manuel lens can be really a joy to use. Wouldn’t you agree with me that the single most important aspect of photography is the final image? At least in my case, it doesn’t matter if a lens has the most advanced chips and wizardry, what matter most is the lens must be built to last and it helps the photographer produce breath-taking photos!

The Samyang 14mm F2.8 is one of the most competitive priced Ultra Wide Angle lens today. Get it now.

Some User Facts/ Information:
(If you are looking for the specs, please google yourself, it’s all over the internet.)
– Filter Size (N.A.)
– Lens Hood (Petal Type – Built in).
– Excellent lens for Infra-red Photography (IR), ZERO Hotspotting.
– Fully Manual Lens. 
– Lens are multi-coated with aspherical and dispersion glass elements.
– Focal Range when used on EOS bodies with smaller APS-C sensors 22.2mm, APS-H sensors gives 18.2mm & full 
   14mm for Full frame bodies.
– Available in many other mounts too.

What I Like:
– Super ultra wide angle.
– Super Cheap & value for money.
– Solid quality build.
– Well Designed.
– Sharp Photos.
– Contrasty.
– Zero distortions on corners. (Commone problems with most ultra wide angle lenses)

What I Hate:
– Manual Lens. (Not really an issue to me actually)
– No Distance Scale Meter.
– No AF Confirmation.

Posted in Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

iPhone4 with Nikkor Lens

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Editor AL

Found this video on youtube. The author of this video used a Nikkor Zoom lens + a DOF Adapt0r (Depth of Field) and attached this combi to an iPhone 4. Check out the astounding result!

Posted in Brand: Nikon, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Waterproof Campact Cameras Group Test (From DigitalRev TV)

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Editor AL

Ah, this video has been watched by over 130,ooo viewers (at point of posting) and I think I should have it as record too.

DigitalRev TV has produced lots of interesting videos on camera tests, so search them on youtube.

Below here, are the famous video of the group test.

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Olympus, Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Brand: Sony, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s (From DigitalRev TV)

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Editor AL

Hmmmmm…. really strange. Shouldn’t the Nikon D3s be compared to the upcoming un-launched Canon 1Ds Mark IV?

Well that’s my view as it will be more fair if Full Frame can be compared to another Full Frame. (Nikon D3s is Full Framed while the Canon 1D Mark IV is Cropped Framed)

Anyway, here’s the video and the model are acceptable for entertainment…

Posted in Brand: Canon, Brand: Nikon, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment