DR KOH KHO KING

I guess this is my Christmas present this year!

Got an email from NST Life & Times editor few weeks ago. Asked if I am available for an interview. Yes, I told him.

Few days later, the editor wrote that one of his staff will be coming over to JB to do the interview. We arranged time on weekends at 11am for the interview. Interviewed by NST, Mr. Izwan Ismail.

This is the cover page of NST of 17 Dec 2012 (Monday).

On the 2nd page, At a Glance, can see the “glance” of my interview mentioned. Turned to Life & Times page 10-11.

This is the cover page of Life & Times. Yes, featured on the front page.

Double spread page at the center page of Life & Times.

Available online at NST website too:

http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/tech/buying-photography-equipment-s-a-snap-1.186998

Dr Koh Kho King makes shopping for photography equipment so simple, writes Izwan Ismail

SEVERAL activities are taking place in a warehouse in Skudai, Johor Baru, including inventory checking and packing items for shipment.

Supervising the activities with watchful eyes is Dr Koh Kho King who operates one of the biggest online malls for photography equipment called ShaShinKi (www.shashinki.com).

He started the company in 2005 while pursuing his Ph.D in Japan. The warehouse is one of two that stocks more than 8,000 photography-related products — from cameras to peripherals such as filters, dry cabinets, batteries, tripods and cleaning tools.

The business is an unlikely venture for Sarawak-born Koh who was pursuing his doctorate in marine engineering in Hiroshima. But ultimately, his love and passion for photography charted his career path.

PHOTOGRAPHY INTEREST
Koh, 35, bought his first SLR camera, a Nikon F60 and two lenses for RM2,000 in 1999. It officially marked his venture into photography.

“I’d always wanted to own an SLR camera but never had the opportunity,” says Koh whose businessman father is also a camera enthusiast.

“Although my father had a few good cameras, I hardly got to use them as they were expensive gadgets.”

After his first degree in Marine Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Koh did his Master’s degree in the same field and then worked as a research officer at UTM.

GROWING INTEREST
Meanwhile, Koh’s interest and passion for photography grew. He tried many genres of photography, from macro to landscape to portraits, and travelled to Cambodia to take landscape pictures as well as get close to living things through his macro work.

“It was just amazing to see life from different perspectives through photography,” says the father of two.

He printed and framed some of the photographs he took, hanging them on the walls of his house.

His interest also led him to set up a platform for enthusiasts to meet, discuss, share photos and organise photography outings.

“Although digital photography was still in its infancy in early 2000, it already had many enthusiasts but they did not have a proper platform to meet and exchange views. Most of the time, we communicated through emails and forums,” says Koh.

In 2001, he and a friend from the US set up PhotoMalaysia (www.photomalaysia.com), the country’s first and largest photography community to date.

SHASHINKI’S BIRTH
Through his involvement in PhotoMalaysia, Koh realised that local photographers had difficulty purchasing photography equipment and accessories.

It was in Japan that he discovered the popularity of online shopping, which was still quite alien to Malaysians in 2005.

“Online shopping was a trend in Japan at that time. Almost anything could be bought via the Internet,” says Koh who then decided to set up an online mall selling photography equipment. Prior to that, he and his wife, Lydia Wong, used to sell photography equipment via email and phone sales.

“The early business model was not systematic and we wanted something that was both systematic and easily accessible. So ShaShinKi was born,” he says.

In Japanese, shashin means photograph while ki means machine. ShaShinKi also means camera in Japanese.

“Since the business was started in Japan, it seemed a good idea to have a Japanese name,” says Koh.

While in Japan, he was assisted by his wife who is now the general manager of ShaShinKi. His sister in-law, who lives in Sitiawan, Perak, helped with the Malaysian operations.

“In the beginning I used my house to store the products but as the business grew, I had to find a warehouse,” he says.

CHALLENGES
Starting an online shop in 2005, when Internet shopping was still new here, was a big challenge.

“Many people were still sceptical about buying online and I had to convince them that it was safe and reliable,” says Koh, adding that gaining customers’ trust is more important than profit.

“I convinced prospective customers by asking them to check with those who had bought from us online as well as forums like PhotoMalaysia,” he says.

“On top of that, I also introduced Paypal so that people will have assurance of the products they bought,” he adds. To ensure products reach customers within 24 hours, Koh uses Pos Laju. Customers can make payment via Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank or Giro interbank transfer.

Another challenge was to make the ShaShinKi portal attractive and easy for customers. He designed the site himself by learning some coding via the Internet. Koh still does it himself as it gives him the freedom to design it according to his wishes.

“One of the challenges in maintaining a website like this is to continue to make changes and to upgrade to the latest technology. Today, I have to make sure that ShaShinKi is also compatible with mobile devices such as iPad, Android tablets and smartphones as more people are accessing the Internet via these devices,” he says.

To make the website more user-friendly, Koh has created a question and answer session where he answers most of the questions regarding products and photography.

FUTURE
Koh receives lots of request to open a physical store, so he is planning to open a showroom for his products to attract beginners in photography to visit ShaShinKi.

He feels there is a misconception that online business is easy and can make lots of profit.

“It’s not something that you do today and get the profit tomorrow. How do you convince people to pay thousands of ringgit without seeing the products they buy?” he asks.

In order to be a successful online entrepreneur, Koh says one must have a deep passion for the products that he or she wants to sell.

“As for me, I only recommend products that I’m comfortable with,” he says. “Also, don’t treat your competitors as your enemy because you are your own competitor and only you can improve your business,” he says.

Read more: Buying photography equipment’s a snap – Tech – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/tech/buying-photography-equipment-s-a-snap-1.186998#ixzz2FKSiWKuz

I have always been a fan of Paint Shop Pro software. Been using it for many years, long before Corel bought over the software from JASC long time ago.

I am still using X3 version (licensed, bought during their promotion period.). Today, got the mood to install and try the new X5 version (30 days trial), see if it is worth the upgrade cost of USD39.99 (promotion price at the moment).

Original

Edited

Got the chance to try out Nikon D800 today, the new definition of MEGAPIXEL in Nikon DSLR. 36.3MP, yes, 3x more pixel than my Nikon D3s.

I am eager to know how well the sensor resolution really is…so I pull out one of the sharpest lens in Nikon, the AFS 60mm F/2.8 Micro lens.

Megumi full body shot. Resized, no editing.

This is a 100% crop from the above photo. No editing. Click to enlarge.

It is actually quite hard to image how much resolution Nikon D800 gained from the new sensor as compared to Nikon D3s. So I pull out my D3s and did some similar shots and compare them.

D3 Full Frame shot

100% crop, click to view in full.

Ok, it might be hard to imagine or compare the difference still, so let’s see the side by side comparison below for the two crops both at 100% size.

From the above, the D800 is really much more significant in resolution than D3s, and MORE than 3x the resolution in my opinion. I am eager to see how much improvement the file can deliver for a 24 x 36″ print.

More photos below…(some with editing)

Have a chance to try out an AMAZING LENS today…

My favorite model…

Beautiful BOKEH rendering…silky smooth!

Not just bokeh, the lens is extremely sharp! Deliver more details that my D3s (12MP) can capture. I think the D800 (36MP) should be able to do more justice to the lens…

This is a 100% crop (unedited shot). Click to view 100% crop. F/2.8.

Is F/2.8 the maximum aperture of the lens? Hmm…NO.

See a F/2 shot! The background rendering is just SURREAL! Eyes and eyebrows still sharp!

Another shot at F/2.8. Sorry for the different WB. Warm was from Auto WB, while Cold is from Pre-set WB.

So, what is the lens?

Fatty! Yeah…is it fat. Fat and HEAVY! Lens alone is already 3kg, and my D3s around 1.5kg…so I am holding a nearly 5kg setup without tripod. Manageable?  Yes…only 5 mins for me. 10 mins at most, and I will need to rest. Hands already shaking. I have tried use elbow to chest method, VR ON, handgrip on my D3s…no, this is NOT the lens for every occasion…but if I can afford it…I would sure love to have one in my dry box, access whenever I feel like shooting!

People said this lens can turn ordinary photo into extra-ordinary…I have to agree! The background rendering is just so lovely, as if your subject is decorated with all sorts of different colours at the back!

I wished I can own the lens…but no…got two kids to feed now…

—————————————-

Just sold at RM10,888 at ShaShinKi’s USED CORNER. Sold within 24 hours after uploading.

http://shashinki.com/shop/used-nikon-200mm-f20g-telephoto-nikkor-edif-vibration-reduction-lens-demo-like-p-10849.html

Tried capture using my Nikon D3s + AFS 60mm Micro lens. Really challenging.

No, Autofocus is not possible. You have to use manual focus, pre-focus on certain distance, and once the bee went into range, shoot!

This is what I hope to capture, not perfect as I was hoping for a front face view, legs down…

The above is actually cropped from a full view below. Impossible to get too close to the bee using 60micro lens.

Another shot.

1/3200s, F/5.6, ISO 4000

Need the high shutter speed in order to freeze the wing motion.

Lamp post & a Papaya tree…

Some seeing me as shorter than you…but from a different perspective, I can be taller than you.

I grow…you don’t.

Nikon 85mm f1.4 lens is often referred to as the “Portrait Lens”. An ultimate lens for whoever wants to do best portrait shots.

But…is it truly needed? Can you actually shoot at F1.4?

Having the chance to test out the AFS 85mm F1.4 lens today, so I did some family shots. What can be more meaningful taking your own family member’s shots than others?

The purpose of owning a 85mm F1.4 lens is to use the F1.4 aperture, instead of stopping down to F2.8 or F4 or even F5.6…but of course a faster lens does help brighten up the viewfinder of your camera, making shooting more fun.

So…I did some shots with aperture set at F1.4, just to test out how sharp the lens is…and how possible it is to use such shallow aperture in portrait shots.

This is one of the shot that I took. Focus is on Lydia’s eye on the left.

This is 100% crop.

To be frank, I am surprised by the sharpness the lens produced, and of course thanks to the D3S great focus module that is able to keep the subject in focus!

I have owned and tried several others Nikon 85mm lens. Eg. AFD 85mm F1.4, AFD 85mm F1.8, AIS 85mm F1.4, AIS 85mm F2. I have sold them all, as I find the those lenses were too long when use on 1.5x cropped sensor, and is very difficult to keep up with the focus / sharpness in actual shot.

Focused on Emmanuel’s eye on the right, but as he kept moving…so is a bit hard to shoot. Anyhow, the camera and lens still able to freeze the motion.

Another shot with Megumi doing her homework.

Thanks to the AFS motor (Silent Wave), the lens focus fast, silent and accurately on my D3S. I have to mention D3S here as different camera will have different AF performance. Also, on D3S, the true 85mm focal length is materialized, and a true KING of portrait lens is shown.

Though just a brief testing with the lens, I must say I am impressed. My thought of 85mm F1.4 impossible to use has now changed, and I shall enjoy shooting more at F1.4 if I owned this lens in future.

Below are from Nikon website.

©: Benjamin Antony Monn

• 拡大画像データ
  （JPEG : 22.57MB）

撮影カメラ	D800
シャッタースピード	1 秒
絞り値	f/8
焦点距離	15mm
測光モード	マルチパターン測光
撮影モード	マニュアル
撮像感度	ISO 100
ホワイトバランス	色温度 (5,000 K)
ピクチャーコントロール	スタンダード
画質モード	RAW (14-bit)
レンズ	AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

撮影カメラ：D800 シャッタースピード：1 秒 絞り値：f/8 焦点距離：15mm 測光モード：マルチパターン測光 撮影モード：マニュアル 撮像感度：ISO 100 ホワイトバランス：色温度 (5,000 K) ピクチャーコントロール：スタンダード 画質モード：RAW (14-bit) レンズ：AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED 拡大画像データ （JPEG : 22.57MB） 詳細情報の表示： ©: Benjamin Antony Monn

©: Cliff Mautner

• 拡大画像データ
  （JPEG : 17.01MB）

撮影カメラ	D800
シャッタースピード	1/200 秒
絞り値	f/4.5
焦点距離	160mm
測光モード	マルチパターン測光
撮影モード	マニュアル
撮像感度	ISO 640
ホワイトバランス	オート2
ピクチャーコントロール	「スタンダード」で撮影後、Capture NX 2で「ポートレート」に変換
画質モード	RAW (14-bit)
レンズ	AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

撮影カメラ：D800 シャッタースピード：1/200 秒 絞り値：f/4.5 焦点距離：160mm 測光モード：マルチパターン測光 撮影モード：マニュアル 撮像感度：ISO 640 ホワイトバランス：オート2 ピクチャーコントロール：「スタンダード」で撮影後、Capture NX 2で「ポートレート」に変換 画質モード：RAW (14-bit) レンズ：AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II 拡大画像データ （JPEG : 17.01MB） 詳細情報の表示： ©: Cliff Mautner

The cheapest Nikon lens that you can get for your D3s…

While not a bit down grading the quality of your D3s.

Sharp, sharp, SHARP!

This lens by no mean is of cheapo built. For me it is solid, with metal rear mount. Of course, the use of plastic, but that makes the lens light and of course cut down the production cost hence consumer is able to enjoy such great lens at great price!

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Autofocus Lens

Used to be made in Japan during the old days…the one mounted on my D3s is the Made in Japan version, but is the AF none-D version. What is D? It is actually an extra technology Nikon embedded in the lens, to be able to give the Distance information to your camera, hence able to do 3D-Matrix Metering, and is said to be able to give more accurate result in exposure to your photo.

Nikon has recently released a new version of the 50mm F1.8 Lens, the AF-S version, which built in silent wave motor, making it compatible with entry entry level DSLRs (D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100…etc.).

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens

Price? Almost double of the AFD version, what a pity. Reviews said that the AFS version is able to produce a better bokeh quality. Built quality does feel better than the AFD version.

If you don’t have any 50mm lens yet, go ahead and get one! Get and USE it!

Searched up and down…in and out…some said can use, some said cannot.

I gave up…reading.

Went and took out a  Jobo SD/SDHC/SDxC to CF card Type II Adapter to try for myself on the D3s. No, cannot fit. The Type II adapter is just half a mm too thick. There is no way you are going to be able to insert a Type II card into a Type I slot.

Piled open the  Jobo SD/SDHC/SDxC to CF card Type II Adapter, figured out if I can throw away the casing, there might be chance that I will still be able to insert the adapter into the D3s Type I slot.

After some careful surgery on the Jobo, it is now naked. I slot in a Sandisk SDHC memory card into the Jobo adapter, then carefully insert it into my D3s. It is a try an error process, as without the CF rails at the side, you can’t really tell if you have inserted the card correctly into the PINSsssss of the CF slot in the camera. Warning! If you accidentally bent or broken the CF pins inside the camera, it is going to cost you $$$ to get it repaired! I figured out that since D3s has TWO CF slots, so I can just risk one slot for my experiment.

After some effort, I was able to insert the Jobo adapter into the D3s. Yes, it works! D3s can immediately detect and read the SDHC card in the Jobo adapter. Shooting is fine as well, all photos are recorded perfectly onto the card.

Now it comes to the main purpose of the experiment. Getting Eye-Fi to work on my D3s!

This is actually the easier part, as there is no modification required on the Eye-Fi. Just slot in the Eye-Fi to the Jobo naked adapter, then carefully insert it to the D3s, and done.

But…before that, you need to actually setup the Eye-Fi on your computer. It is an easy process as well. Just plug in the Eye-Fi card to your computer with a supplied USB adapter, and the software inside the Eye-Fi will prompt you for installation. Just follow the screen instructions and you are done.

Now…does Eye-Fi works? Yes, it does! In fact is works like wonders!

This is how the Eye-Fi Center software looks like. No, you don’t need it as a photo sorter or whatever, just use it to configure the setting of your Eye-Fi.

The Eye-Fi card that I used is the best version from Eye-Fi:  Eye-Fi 8GB Pro X2 SDHC Memory Card

With the capability of transferring RAW file, and some other advanced features. (read comparison at Eye-Fi website: http://www.eye.fi/products/compare-cards)

In short, as a summary, Eye-Fi + Naked Jobu SD/CF Adapter, works like wonders! Transfer speed is amazingly fast via home wireless network! A 3-4MB Jpeg file is transferred within 5 seconds. RAW file is less than 10 seconds. I am impressed! I saved lots of my time for product shots, without having to pull out the memory card, plug into my card reader, then computer, then copy to my computer, then only I can edit. See how many steps and time it saves!

For those who do studio works, I can imagine Eye-Fi being a real helper in your studio work!

A note on D3 / D3s user. Make sure you set your D3s “Auto Meter Off Delay” to 1 minute or longer. Default is 6s. The reason is because after shooting, Eye-Fi needs the camera to provide it powers to transmit the files via home wireless network to your computer.

For Android or iPhone user, you can download Eye-Fi app from the market. Installed to your phone, configure it and you can then have Eye-Fi sending images to your phone while shooting! (You need to enable WiFi on your phone to connect to Eye-Fi wireless network).

It works! It works like wonders! Amazing product, amazing technology. I am impressed.

A few things that I added immediately to my new toy are:

1. Hand strap

I get so frustrated with the normal strap recently, it always got in the way between my eye and the viewfinder, where I have to adjust here and there or push it aside during shooting. I don’t put strap over my shoulder or neck that often nowadays, as I prefer to either carry it on my hand, or put it inside my shoulder bag.

So, I took out a Matin Hand Strap that I used to use on my D700, and lug it back to my new toy D3s.

Matin Hand Grip "CREPIS" (Dark Brown) with Self-Standing Stand! (Genuine Cow Leather, Made in Korea!)

This is a very high quality hand grip from Matin, made in Korea. Genuine leather, self standing stand, soft and durable. Did I mentioned it smells good too! (yeah when still new, the leather smell)

This is how you hold the camera with the hand grip on.

See, even if you open wide your hand, the camera still secure.

I don’t use the self-standing bottom as in the picture above, as I need an Arcas Swiss plate on my camera body bottom in order to mount my camera on the Photo Clam ballhead that I often use.

PhotoClam has a dedicated plate for Nikon D3, D3s and D3x. A perfect fit specially made based on the bottom contour of the D3 series. Will not move an mm after mounted.  You an use it as a protection to your camera bottom also, worry-free of scratching your camera bottom.

The other good thing about the Photo Clam plate is that it comes with a dovetail at both ends of the plate.

Photo Clam PC-D3-UP for Nikon D3, D3x, D3s DSLR Cameras

With the dovetail, you can put strap over it and in my case, I can get rid of the Matin self-standing bottom and put the hand grip strap directly over the dovetail.

The tripod I use often is the Jusino AX-254C Carbon Fibre Series 4 sections tripod. I like the little RED add-on to the tripod, so I choose the Red colour model.

Jusino AX-254 Ruby Red Professional Traveller Series 4-Sections Tripod (Max Load 12kg)

The ballhead I use is not Jusino, but Photo Clam PC-33NS.

Photo Clam Professional Ballhead PC-33NS with Spirit Level (Black) (Maximum Load 30kg) (Free Jusino QR Plate!)

Photo Clam ballhead PC-33NS above can withstand 30kg load. I have a video demoing the performance of the ballhead and tripod holding a Nikon 300mm F/2.8 Lens.

This is how it looks after being setup.

Ok, that’s TWO things I put on the D3s immediately.

(In case you wonder how can a Canon white lens be mounted on a Nikon body? No that is not a Canon lens but Nikon limited edition Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm F/2.8 White / Grey Colour lens.)

A tip on using hand grip, or should I say my personnel preference. DO NOT TIE THE STRAP TOO TIGHT! Putting the strap too tight will restrict the movement of your fingers and palm, end up uncomfortable and hard to maneuver your fingers to access the buttons on your camera. This was what I did and I end up putting the strap in my drawer than using it.

Let it loose, so that you hand and move freely and easily. The strap is supposed to help you grab your camera firmer, or give you more confident in holding your camera with just one hand.

I thought about a screen protector…or should I said THREE (one on top, one at back main LCD, and one at back lower smaller LCD). I later decided not to, as I don’t like to reduce the clearance of the LCD with something sticking over it. A camera is bought to use, not to keep. I am not going to keep the screens in perfect prestige condition for the next buyer.

Don’t buy a camera with mind thinking that you are going to sell it off later.

Have the chance to try out a Nikon D3s recently. I have been a Nikon user for over 10 years, since the film era. My thought is that Nikon always put the best in their flagship model, and in this case, the Nikon D3s is the Nikon current flagship model available in the market.

Many has said that Nikon D700 is the little brother to Nikon D3s (or D3), and many said that Nikon D700 is same as Nikon D3 in terms of performance, with the advantage of a smaller body. I own a Nikon D700, and I thought the same as well (that I don’t need a D3s).

How wrong I was…until I tried out the Nikon D3s…

(Update: I am now the owner of the D3s…)

Took this a few weeks back at my backyard…

We have been advertising in HWM for more than a year. One of the most popular IT magazine in Malaysia.

May 2011 coverage.

There is an interview conducted by HWM to me (Dr. Koh) in this month issue as well. For those who want to know a little bit more about ShaShinKi…feel free to click the picture below.

In the past few years we have been advertising in Digital Camera Magazine every month.

This month issue…May 2011.

Got some new toys for myself recently…was planning for a holiday this year, so have to upgrade my already very old Nikon D200. (Many was surprised that I am still using Nikon D200…hahaa…it is still a great camera.)

So…what did I get? Not many actually, but some items which I have wanted.

Nikon D700, D300s or D7000?

Yes, I have wanted a full frame DSLRs. I have wanted a Nikon D3s, in fact my wife have already ordered one from Nikon Malaysia for me, but later I decided not to take it (out of the box). RM15k for a DSLR is too much for me, since I am only shooting for fun and most are just family shots. I told my wife that I want D4 when it comes out later.

However, oversea holiday has pushed me to consider upgrading my Nikon D200. High ISO performance of Nikon D200 is quite disappointing. Anything at ISO800 or above is NOT usable in my opinion. Not just because of noise but the colour cast.

Now the choice is Nikon D700 (FX), D300s (DX) or D7000 (DX). I want video actually, as I find it convenient and good to have from time to time. Too bad D700 is without this feature. I definitely prefer D300s more than the D7000, as I like bigger size camera and I feel that D300s response faster than D7000 in terms of AF and focus lock accuracy. It is OK if you disagreed.

Now I have a “PROBLEM”. One of my beloved lens, the WHITE AFS 28-70mm F/2.8 is a full frame lens and in order to use this lens effectively, it should be used in FULL FRAME mode. 28-70mm zoom is a very common and convenient range in full frame, but in DX mode, it becomes 42-105mm. Not wide enough for sure and will need another lens to back it up. I am not saying that the 28-70mm lens performs poorly in DX mode, but the useful focal length should be 28-70mm instead of 42-105mm.

Because of the above, my preference is more towards D700.

Few days ago, a dealer friend called me and asked about changing system from Nikon to Canon (not me, but he wanted to change). To cut the story short, he wanted to sell off his D700…etc. I told him about my intention of getting a D700, so he said why not get his? Shutter count is less than 15k (D700 can last for 150k), condition is near new. The timing is perfect for me, so I accepted the deal and he posted his entire Nikon set to me few days later.

So…the toy is finally revealed. A Nikon D700.

As can be seen in the picture, condition is satisfying. Of course as an used item, there are some used mark on the camera for sure, but nothing major. I tested the camera, checked and cleaned with damp cloth. I am happy with the purchase.

You can see the above a Nikon 60mm lens. Ok, let’s take a clearly look from another angle…

Nikon AFD 60mm F/2.8 Micro

It is the AFD 60mm F/2.8 macro lens. Yes, the D version. This lens has been my favorite lens for all purpose shots. I have used it a lot since my film day, and WOW by the sharpness and contrast that produced by the lens! If you want the best Nikon lens, try this. You won’t be disappointed! I am glad to have it once again at a good price (no, not from the dealer friend but from another seller). Condition is around 80% new, but the important part is that the glass is clean and clear.

Matin Hand Grip “CREPIS”

Did you notice something on the handgrip?

Yes, that’s the Matin Hand Grip “CREPIS”. Very elegantly made, very good cow leather material, made in Korea. There are black and dark brown colour available, and I chose the dark brown version for my own use.

Why hand grip? I makes holding the camera much more easier, especially when you are using a heavy setup. Yeah, D700 is heavy.

The added extra benefit of the Matin Hand Grip “CREPIS” is the foot stand at the bottom. In many occasion when I want to put my camera onto a table or floor, I have to tilt my camera tilt and the lens front is touching the ground. This causes the lens front or hood to get in contact with the ground and can be scratched easily. With the self-standing foot from the Matin Hand Grip “CREPIS”, the camera can stand on its own even with the AFS 28-70mm f/2.8 heavy lens.

Phottix BP-D700 Battery Grip

I have big hands, so I prefer to have a battery grip on my camera to make holding firmer. I didn’t add one to my D200 as a third party grip was not available by then (5 years ago). Now, great quality near to original battery grip can be bought at less than half the price of the original, so I put one onto my D700. Yes, it is the Phottix BP-D700 battery grip.

The good thing about the battery grip is that there is an extra shutter release on the battery grip, and there is a Nintendo pad on the battery grip too for easy navigation of the focus point or menu selection. As compared to the bigger Nintendo pad on the camera body, the small pad is much easier to navigate! Try it and you will know what I mean.

There are some other toys but I haven’t decided if I want to keep them or sell them off. The above are keepers for the time-being.

My friend called me just now…saying why on newspaper didn’t invite him…hahaa…

Humbly yours…

This is the first time I am on newspaper. Glad that it comes out quite satisfactory, thanks to Sin Chew Jit Poh, Sin Chew Plus editor, Mr. Lee Yoke Loong (李昱龍). The interview was conducted in KL a week + ago, I am glad that Mr. Lee has the article ready in such a short period.

Sin Chew Jit Poh, date 20th April 2011 (Wednesday)

Me on the cover of Sin Chew Plus…

The inner page.

Thanks!

A very sexy camera that many are now waiting for the release of it…

It won’t be cheap to many…estimated to be RM3k to RM5k…so many more expensive than the average P&S digicam. However, if compared to Leica X1 (RM7k), this Fujifilm becomes a bargain.

Going to release in April 2011 in Malaysia. Do check out!

Samyang, an emerging company in the photography world, has made its way into many photographer’s pocket with its low price yet sturdy construction and high performance of its manual focus lenses!

There are so many online reviews showing the great performance of Samyang 14mm, 85mm and even 8mm fisheye lenses!

Samyang, a Korean company, once again creates its own way, different from the others…introducing another new lens!

Samyang announces 8mm F3.5 Fish-eye for Sony NEX-VG10

Kraków, February 28 2011 – Delta company, the sole distributor of Samyang Optics for Poland and Europe, wishes to inform about the release of the manual Samyang 8mm f/3.5 FISH-EYE CS VG10 lens. The new lens comes with the bayonet mount and has been designed especially for Sony NEX-VG10 digital camcorder.

Due to its unique construction, the bayonet mount has been adjusted to ensure possibly wide field of vision without producing the vignetting effect. Just like in other lenses manufactured for filming purposes, aperture can be easily and smoothly adjusted.

New Samyang 8mm f/3.5 FISH-EYE CS VG10 lens will be officially introduced during the forthcoming Focus on Imaging fairs held in Birmingham. Exact date of the release as well as the product’s retail price will be given later.

Samyang lenses are available @ ShaShinKi

• http://shashinki.com/shop/samyang-m-137.html

It has been a long time that I did not write any product review…or lens review.

Since it is Saturday today, and feeling quite relaxing…hence I decided to take out my Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS lens and give is a spin at my home compound (not yet a garden…).

Camera used was Canon EOS 50D. Personally I find Canon photos to be colder temperature than Nikon, which looks to me more bluish in Canon than yellowish in Nikon (warmer). No good or bad, depending on one’s preference.

Built Quality

Not exceptional, or should I just say it is ordinary plastic built. It does feel quite solid in hand though. When extending, it becomes quite long.

Image Stalizer

It works very well. When pressing the shutter release half way to auto focus on the camera, IS kicks in. If you did not AF, I believe IS is at rest, as I can see image from the viewfinder starts jumping. IS is not on continuous mode as to save battery life I believe. Anyhow, we only need IS when shooting. Below shot is taken with IS on.

Another shot, which I decided to go lower angle and shoot.

Sharpness

The lens is sharp. I am surprised by the detail it delivers with such a long superzoom. I used to have bad thought on superzoom, but this Canon EFS 18-200mm IS proves that superzoom can deliver decent photos too! Click on the photos above and you can see details of the grass well. Focus is pin sharp without front or back focus on the lens that I owned. Check out the photo below too! Focus was on the flower on the right.

Minimum Focusing Distance

I am really surprised on how CLOSE this lens can go! On specs it wrote 45cm. During the short brief test, I can go very close even at 200mm! As per shot above and below, the flowers are just right in front of me!

Bokeh

I think this is where the lens shaded…not really beautiful smooth bokeh. A bit distracting in fact.

Focusing Speed

Two words: Lightning fast!

You really need to test out the lens yourself to see how fast it focuses! When shooting the photo above, by focusing back fence (infinity) and front flower (close to minimum focusing distance of 45cm), then lens can immediately snap into focus in LIGHTNING FAST speed! No hunting! No delay! Canon is by no doubt one of (if not the KING) the fastest focusing system in the world!

Conclusion

Nikon has introduced their first superzoom (AFS 18-200mm VR) many years back, as was such a big hit in the market back then (Many sellers sell at Ebay at much higher than Nikon SRP due to shortage of the lens and too high demand!).

Canon has finally come out with a superzoom. Not very popular among photographers or Canon users, maybe not many have tried or tested it. As a superzoom from 18mm till 200mm, it is an ideal lens for traveling. Focusing is super fast, images produced are sharp. A bit lack down is on the BOKEH part.

RECOMMENDED

Yes, we have trademarked our brand:

ShaShinKi™

This is our continuously commitment to our customers to show and prove of our seriousness in the business, in building up our brand and reputation in the photographic industry.

Finally…got a new staff at ShaShinKi to assist in uploading all the latest and hottest gadgets in the photography world at no time to our online shop (www.shashinki.com)!

With daily work become busier and busier, it is hard for me alone to keep up with all the new released of cameras and accessories by manufacturers around the world. Now that we have a dedicated staff for the job, you can be sure that we will be able to offer you with more items that will excite you always!

Check out:

http://shashinki.com/shop/products_new.php

More than 5300 active products online and growing!

Some ShaShinKi products we couldn’t get the images in time, but have to upload the product immediately. Hence the temporary image below.

ShaShinKi November and December 2010 Photo Contest Winner Photos were published in Feb 2011 Hardware Magazine (Malaysia)!

Magazine Cover

The Contest Winner’s Photos! November 2010 and December 2010!

November 2010 – Theme (Light)
Winner: CHAN KIN SENG
Prize: Jusino Professional Tripod – LS-253 Titan Series Model + BT01 Ballhead

December 2010 – Theme (Bokeh)
Winner: Tan Hock Soon
Prize: Jusino Professional Tripod – LS-254 Titan Series Model + BT01 Ballhead

ShaShinKi Jusino Ads and Black Rapid New Products Coverage

Got this as a gift from one of my customer, or should I call it a donation?

A customer asked me to help selling his Nikon AFS 28-70mm F/2.8 Lens, a rare WHITE or Grey colour version. He has not been using the lens for years, hence condition unknown.

Upon receiving his lens, I tested it myself. Sadly, some problems with the lens. The AFS motor seems to be of faulty. Focusing ring and zoom ring seems to be stuck. Still can use the lens in manual focus, but that is such a waste. After discussing with the customer, we agreed to send the lens to Nikon Malaysia for a check.

Few days later, Nikon Malaysia came back to me with a quote. AFS motor is faulty and the main circuit board is faulty as well. Those two things required full replacement. The cost of repairing the lens is as much if not more than what a black version of the lens would have worth in the used market. So I consulted my customer on that issue and he decided not to go for the repair. Taking the lens back from Nikon Malaysia we will still have to pay for the checking fee and postage, hence my customer decided to just DONATE the lens to me if I want to pursue with the repair myself. After some considerations, I decided to just go ahead and repair the lens and keep the lens for my own use after the repair. External and glass condition of the lens is actually near new or like new. It is such a pity if the lens is put to sleep or dissembled as part just like that.

Updated with some photos of my actual lens

Just a snap shot to see the focus accuracy and sharpness as well as bokeh of the lens.

It took Nikon Malaysia quite some time (1 month +) to get the lens done. Parts have to be imported from Japan so it is an expected duration. In fact, I would say the repair is quite fast already. I just received the lens back few days ago from Nikon Malaysia and after testing it on my Nikon D200 (yeah…I am still using this antic camera) the performance is really refreshing! Focusing is fast and silent! Everything works out well and picture is sharp and contrasty! I finally have a good lens myself…can now retired my faithful Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 lens (it has gone through snow, wind, sand, sea, mountain, farm…).

If you want to read more about this lens, please click the link below:

• http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AF2870mm/index1.htm

MAHA POWEREX

2010 Christmas & New Year Sales! Free Bag or Maha Imedion 2400 (4AAI240BH) Batteries!

• C204W (Free bag)
• C401FS (Free bag)
• C9000 (Free bag) (Free 4pcs Imedion 2400 batteries! Worth RM58!)
• C801D (Free bag) (Free 4pcs Imedion 2400 batteries! Worth RM58!)
• C800S (Free bag) (Free 4pcs Imedion 2400 batteries! Worth RM58!)
• C808M (Free 2 x MH-4AAI240BH)
• C204W + 8AA of Maha PoweREx 2700 or 8AA of Imedion 2400 (Free bag) (Free 4pcs Imedion 2400 batteries! Worth RM58!)
• C401FS + 8AA of Maha PoweREx 2700 or 8AA of Imedion 2400 (Free bag) (Free 4pcs Imedion 2400 batteries! Worth RM58!)

Purchase at:

• http://shashinki.com/shop/maha-powerex-m-13.html

I might look small…I priced low…but don’t under estimate me!

I am STRONG!

ShaShinKi Photo Competition – November 2010 (Theme: Light!)

Theme:

• Light! 

(Show the impact & power of Light! It can be artificial light from flash, real sunlight, moonlight, torchlight…etc.!)

Prize:

Jusino LS-253 Professional Titan Quick Lock Series 3-Sections Tripod (Max Load 12kg) with BT-01 Professional Ballhead with Arca Swiss Quick Release System (QR Plate Included) (Max Load 8kg)

Important Dates:

• Submission: Now – 20th November 2010 (11.59pm Google Gmail Malaysia Time)
• Voting: 25th – 30th Nov 2010
• Winner Announcement: 1st – 7th Dec 2010 @

   http://www.facebook.com/shashinki

Guidelines:

• File Format / Size: Jpeg Only, File size: 200kb to 1MB (minimum 1000px on the width)
• Subject of the Email must be:

ShaShinKi Photo Contest – NOV 2010 – YOUR NAME

• Email your entry to sskcontest@gmail.com. One photographer is allowed only one entry per contest per theme per month.
• Do not include a watermark in your image, this is to ensure unbiased voting later on.
• No borders/frames are allowed.
• Winner must submit Original FULL Resolution File to claim winning prize.
• Photographer must type “Agree to ShaShinKi Photo Competition Terms and Conditions” when submitting / emailing the photo to the contest. Without the above phrase, entry will be disqualified. Please read ShaShinKi Photo Competition Terms and Conditions at:

   http://www.facebook.com/notes/shashinki/shashinki-photo-competitions-terms-and-conditions/16461909356120

If I took the D3s now…I won’t be able to afford the upgrade when D4 comes out (rumors said summer 2011). I am using D200 now, which I use it very roughly and sparingly.

Hmm…should I wait?

There is a D3s sitting on the rack waiving me to take it out…do I need higher megapixel? 1080i HD video? Hmm…