KOH KHO KING

Digital Camera Focus Accuracy Test Method - INDEPTH FOCUS TEST

Posted on March 20th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

After testing over hundreds of lenses…I have come out with a focus test method that I felt is most convincing to myself. I call it:

INDEPTH FOCUS TEST

There are many focus test chart flying around in the internet, I have printed out some and test them using my Nikon D200 DSLR. However, I found those test chart to be NOT ACCURATE, as it mainly influenced by the position and accuracy of the focus sensor of your DSLR. Some DSLR tends to focus on the subject that is of higher contrast or nearer to the sensor. Some differs.

In order to eliminate the camera focusing sensor position “error”, I developed the INDEPTH Focus Test method, there the camera focus sensor will have no problem in locking focus onto the target, and can give accurate focus photo for evaluation.

Below is how I tested lenses that I ordered for my customers at ShaShinKi.com.

Put two cards (with wordings, eg. namecard, so that you can check sharpness of the wordings later) on your table, one with a lens cap at the bottom so that it is around 1cm higher than the other. Focus on the lower card and take a shot (make sure your shutter speed is above 1/200s, or use flash to freeze motion). Take another shot with focus on the upper card.

Distance between card is around 5mm, separated by a lens cap.

When you focus on Card A, Card B should be blurred (out of focus).

When you focused on Card B, Card A should be blurred (out of focus).

Check the sharpness of both shots. It should show sharp on your focused card and blur on the opposite one. Same as the second shot.

Repeat the above test at different focal length if your lens is a zoom.

After the close distance test, try take a few shots at infinity or far distance. Again, choose a subject which have some clear wordings on it so that you can check the sharpness and clarity on your camera LCD screen later.

If your lens is good, all should be sharp.

(Updated on 20th March 2008 with picture. A picture is worth a thousand words…)

0 comments.

Sigma DP1 - Available on 3rd March 2008

Posted on February 27th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

The long awaited Sigma DP1 will finally hit the shelf on 3rd March 2008 in Japan.

Price? Around JPY9,9800, Sigma said that this is the camera without class. Not a DSLR, not a P&S…one of its kind. Using the same Foveon X3 sensor as in Sigma SD-14 DSLR, which is definitely the first P&S camera that uses full size DSLR sensor.

Comes with fixed focal length lens of 28mm f4, minimum focusing distance 30cm. Fixed focal length lens is much more desirable than zoom lens, which has much better image quality and speed performance as compared to zoom. For a camera that has such a big sensor…it would be a waste if the zoom lens can’t deliver enough quality for the sensor.

1 comment.

Photo Editing Program - my favorite Paint Shop Pro!

Posted on February 8th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Computer / IT, Photography.

I have been using Paint Shop Pro program since version 4…that was more than 7 years ago…and I just love this program.

Why not photoshop? One of the main reason for me to go for Paint Shop Pro during the early days is because it is a FREEWARE. Yes, free to download and use on your computer. That was in version 4 and version 5. Version 9 and later is a paid software, but later Corel bought JASC and the last version from JASC was version 10. Version 9 was later given as a free software together with Lexar professional memory card, which is definitely a very very good value!

How is Paint Shop Pro as compared to Adobe Photoshop? For me, it does everything I needed in photo editing. Curve, contrast, brightness, unsharp mask, crop, border, layers, etc. It also is much easier to use and less resource hungry like photoshop. I can start and use my PSP within 5 seconds after launching, but for PS, I have to wait for 10s or more. Of course, if you have very fast PC, you might not notice the difference.

Today, I download the 30 days trial version of PSP from Corel website. I was already about to BUY already (already in the PayPal page, one click away from paying), but since there is a 30 days trial, I thought why not? I clicked the cancel order button and went back to download the software to try out first. The latest version is Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 and my experience with PSP is mainly based on version 6. I want to see how much improvement it has after Corel bought over JASC, and the US$89.99 is worth spending or not.

What I am expecting from the latest version which I think is lacking in the dated version 6:

• Better noise removal
• Faster processing
• RAW file processing (version 6 can process raw file but loading takes ages…)
• More features on borders, templates, effects…etc.
• Smarter one step photo fix (available in version 6 as well, but I wonder if there is any surprise in the latest version)

Basically, that’s it. I don’t really need a software that has tones of features that I don’t use but burden down my computer.

Now…let’s see some examples that I run through PSPPX2 just now. The photos below are taken using Nikon D200 at IS3200, I set the camera at high ISO the night before and forgot to set it back to low ISO. My wife used the camera the next day to take Megumi’s photos… Originally posted at: 看我笑得见眼不见牙

(Take note that the before images are already of some processing previously…which used automatic batch process…hence the quality still not so good and some sharpness already lost)

Before

After PSP

Before

After PSP

You have to click the photo to appreciate the difference. There is a nice Skin Smoothing command in PSPPX2 which I find it delivers good results. The above is just a quick test…I will have to get some RAW files to test it further, but I think I am definitely going to buy one before the 30 days trial period ends up.

0 comments.

Nikon D60 DSLR

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Some images of the upcoming new Nikon D60 DSLR…

Highlights:

• 10.1MP
• Anti-dust with airflow technology for dust blowing
• New GUI (graphical user interface)

This camera is meant as the replacement for D40/D40X.

0 comments.

Memory card speed test

Posted on January 16th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Computer / IT, Photography.

How fast is your memory card? How fast is your camera writing and reading speed? How fast is your computer writing/reading speed? How fast is your card reader?

Does it really matter?

A friend of mine, Aaron Kok took up the trouble and spent time to do the test below. Hope you will find it useful.

Camera - 1D Mk3

PC - Sony Vaio notebook - Centrino 2ghz

Card Reader Tested

- Buffalo PCMCIA CardBus (RCF-CBA)

- Buffalo MCR-A27

CF Card Tested

- Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB

- Sandisk Extreme III 2GB

- Lexar Pro 2Gb 80x

- PenDrive 4Gb 155x

SD Card

- Kingston 2Gb Elite Pro SD

Tests are NOT scientific, just done to satisfy myself to purchase cheaper cards . Tho keep in mind on reliablity. So far only cards have failled me is kingston CF and Lexar Pro. Kingston was exchanged for Sandisk and Lexar was replaced. Lexar works fine now.

Buffer Clearing Tests. 6 shot burst. Time calculate from 1st shot till camera stops writing via the write light..

Test done by taking photo of a clock and taking final shot when buffer clears. Error of approx +-1 sec. All these are done via eyes and just the windows clock, not an actual timer.

Compact Flash

- Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB - 6 seconds

- Sandisk Extreme III 2GB - 6 seconds

- Lexar Pro 2Gb 80x - 10 seconds

- PenDrive 4Gb 155x - 20 seconds

SD Card

- Kingston 2Gb 50x Elite Pro SD - 6 seconds (it feels as it it clears much faster, will need to do more bursts to test)

There are differences in some card when it clears the buffer. Some will show the buffer dropping smoothly, some clears 1,2, then wait, then clears another 3, then wait and clears ones.

Card to PC - 200MB Multiple RAW Files

Buffalo PCMCIA

- Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB - 20 seconds

- Sandisk Extreme III 2GB - 20 seconds

- Lexar Pro 2Gb 80x - 25 seconds

- PenDrive 4Gb 155x - 30 seconds

Buffalo USB

- Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB - 15 seconds

- Sandisk Extreme III 2GB - 13 seconds

- Lexar Pro 2Gb 80x - 20 seconds

- PenDrive 4Gb 155x - 18 seconds

Credits to:

• http://www.aaronkok.com/ 

0 comments.

Fujifilm F40FD firmware v1.10 update to SDHC memory card

Posted on January 9th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

If your Fujifilm F40FD can’t work with your SDHC 4GB memory card (or larger), you then need to update the firmware to the latest version v1.10.

Download at:

http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/…

Please read the instruction in details. Connect to power socket when upgrading the firmware, fail in the middle will result your camera NOT USEABLE anymore!

0 comments.

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX

Posted on December 27th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Someone in Thailand has posted images taken with the “not yet released” Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX lens!

Below is the full resolution file of the image taken with the lens (click for full resolution image 2.3MB, check the exif using Nikon Capture NX and you will see the lens used!):

Here’s a photo of the lens side by side with Nikon Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm lens:

True or fake? Personally I believe it is true. Consumers have been wanting a low cost normal zoom lens with VR for a long time. Nikon has already released 55-200mm VR, so it is about time for Nikon to introduce VR to the 18-70mm or 18-135mm range, but Nikon always thinks out of the box and out of our expectation (pleasant surprise), so this extra wide angle of 16mm to extra tele of 85mm with VR is sure very interesting! I would get one if it is real. I need VR…badly…

Here’s the side view of the lens:

It is good to see the M/A M switch and VR ON OFF and Normal Active switch! with M/A switch, it means that the lens is fully manual override once you turn the focus ring. Great!

I wonder if the VR motor used is first or second generation as in the 18-200mm VR II…

Original post in Thailand (I can’t read Thai language):

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O6172432/O6172432.html

0 comments.

ShaShinKi.com is 2 years old…

Posted on December 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Born on the Christmas of 2005…ShaShinKi.com is two years old now.

With God’s blessing, we enter year 3 for ShaShinKi. With the growth of ShaShinKi, I hope my initial aim of glorify God’s name through ShaShinKi will never change. With more and more people know about ShaShinKi, I hope more can hear the Good News.

Some asked…how do you come up with the name of “ShaShinKi“? Lots of people spell the name wrongly initially…eg. shasinki, shashiki, shashaki…etc. So, what is ShaShinKi? ShaShinKiis actually a Japanese words, which is a combination of two words = ShaShin + Ki. ShaShin means photograph, Ki means machine. When combined, it means a machine that is able to take photograph, which means “camera”. Nowadays, most Japanese will not use the word ShaShinKianymore, rather just “kamera”. However, if you speak out the word “ShaShinKi” they will still understand you but with a weird look of course…

Happy Birthday, ShaShinKi!

0 comments.

Nikon Prediction for Year 2008

Posted on December 17th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I read some predictions in the net on what Nikon will update or comes out in year 2008…really can’t agree with some of those predictions or rumors…so I decided to write my own one here.

I have been using Nikon system since year 2000, following every Nikon news and was (probably still am) crazy of Nikon stuff.

Here’s what I think in Nikon DSLR department:

Nikon D40 / D40X

I don’t know about others, but personally I never like and will never recommend my customers or friends for this camera. The fact that it can only use lens with built in motor really is a limitation and disadvantage. It can’t even use the very popular and good value Nikon AFD 50mm F1.8 lens!

I believe Nikon will discard this model in year 2008 and comes out with a Nikon D60 for it that is able to focus with “normal” lenses. Probably still 10MP. D40 will be discontinued.

Nikon D80

Time for it to get some boost up in order to create another sales frenzy. Call it D90.

Main features:

• 12.1MP 1.5X FOV CMOS sensor with self sensor cleaning ability
• Uses MB-D90 battery pack
• 3″ LCD with 900k dots (same as D300)
• unable to meter with manual lenses
• Live View

Will we see another DSLR from Nikon? Some rumors say that there will be a D3X. I really doubt so. I don’t think there is a need for X or H model differentiation from Nikon in their professional DSLR anymore. I have told many…and my firm believing is that there should only be one TOP model at one time from Nikon. Previous D1X, D1H and D2X, D2H are needed due to the limitation and lacking in technology, so Nikon has to push out two different DSLR for different market needs. Now, with the advancement and maturity of sensor and processor technology, one camera is capable of doing both X and H jobs. No need to separate into two again.

So in year 2008, we will see Nikon DSLR range of:

• D60 (replacement of D40/D40X)
  
• D90 (replacement of D80)
  
• D300 (D200 will discontinue)
• D3 (D2Xs and D2h will discontinue)
  

How about Lenses?

There will definitely be some lenses update from Nikon, the question is which?

Here’s my prediction:

AFS 300mm F/4 VR N

• Time to add VR to this lens. In my opinion, everything that is longer than 200mm should have VR inside. This AFS 300mm F/4 lens has been in the market for quite some time. Nikon will update this lens to AFS 300mm F/4 VR N in year 2008.

AFS 85mm F1.4 N

• Yes, time to update this legendary portrait lens to AFS motor and add nano coating to it.

AFS 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 (IF) VR

• This kit lens will have VR added to it in order to make it more attractive for general consumer. It will be the standard bundled kit lens for D90.

AFS 17-55mm DX G VR

• Time to update this lens to boost the sales and market of DX users. Though not very likely, but still a possibility.

AFS 200mm F/4 Macro N

• This legendary macro lens from Nikon has been around for ages. Time for Nikon to update it to AFS motor and nano coating.

AFS 60mm F/2.8 N

• Similar to 200macro, but as 60mm macro is more affordable to the general consumer, so the urge to update it should be higher than the 200macro version.

Besides the above, how about some wild thought and dream from Nikon?

Wild dreams?

Just some dreams…might not happen in year 2008…but dream for the future!

FD3A

Digital version of the mechanical manual version of FM3A. M stands for mechanical, which is impossible for digital camera to function without electric power, so remove the word M and replace it with D (digital). Rewind crank will still remain, must advance the crank before pressing the shutter release.

Main features:

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV 1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed from 8s to 1/4000s with B mode
• Manual mirror lock up possible
• Fully manual mode, no autofocus
• Price (street) = US$1.2k-1.3k

SP Digital

Reintroduction of the rangefinder system from Nikon that bring new life to their S series rangefinder! Using Nikon S mount, compatible with all previous Nikon S mount lenses.

Main features

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed 8s to 1/8000s with B mode
• Fully mechanical
• Price (street) = US$5.5k

4 comments.

お正月料理 (日本料理)

Posted on December 13th, 2007 by foong.
Categories: Family.

It has been such a long time I didn’t join the International Women club for the Japanese food cooking class which held once a month in the guo min kan (national citizen hall). My “One-Pair” Japanese Language teacher, Nishi Gaki sensei called me up last Wednesday and invited me to the class on Friday. She is the chairman of the club for this year. Thinking of to “support” my sensei and of course cooking is one of my hobbies, I decided to go after “settled” Megumi with my da-lingu on the Friday morning.

And this round, we cooked the Japanese New Year Dishes. (more…)

3 comments.

My wife said “anytime”…

Posted on December 3rd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I have the chance to try out a Nikon D3 yesterday. Yes, this is the currently hottest and most anticipate DSLR in the market. Stock is so limited that everybody is searching for one.

Thank God I managed to get one unit for my customer from Japan, else I would be in trouble.

The camera is so heavy…but feel good in hand. Grip can be hold firmly. LCD is big and bright, viewfinder is bright and large! All buttons are nicely laid out…I asked my wife to hold it for a second…she said dare not.

I checked the condition, took 2 frames of test shots, then put the camera back into the box. Yes, my standard procedures of checking the DSLR as requested by customers. This is to make sure that the camera received by my customer is in perfect order instead of them having to send the camera back to me only realizing it is defect upon arriving. Still, D3 as the professional DSLR from Nikon should have very high quality control and check. Made in Japan man…

After putting the D3 back to the box and packed it, I asked my wife when can I get one for myself? As a dealer of Nikon in Malaysia, I can get pretty good price of the D3 for myself. Of course not now as I still have many customers in my waiting list…guess what my wife answered?

Anytime!

I guess she is not serious at all… :’(

3 comments.

Olympus E-3 AutoFocus - WOW!

Posted on November 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I have the chance to try out Olympus E-3 professional DSLR today in DEODEO electronic superstore in Japan. That was a surprised actually, as my main purpose going there wasn’t for the E-3 (didn’t expect they have one) but Nikon D300.

I spent some time checking out Nikon D300, while finding subjects to focus…I spotted the E-3. After fiddling the D300 for an extra minute, I went to take up the E-3 and ON the power.

I remember Olympus users talking about E-3 having the world’s fastest Autofocus system…I thought that was just a marketing gimmick until I tried it out myself just now.

Just how fast is it?

LIGHTNING FAST!!!

I test the E-3 by focusing to close and then to far subjects, making sure that the camera and lens have to travel some “long” distance in order to get focus. The result is just amazing! The lens snap into focus almost instantly!

I can’t remember which lens was mounted on the E-3, if I am not mistaken, it should be the “12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD” (confirmed the lens, just update with photo). The lens extend quite long (almost double the original length after zoom to telephoto).

Bare in mind that I was just testing the D300 with AFS 18-200mm lens before trying out the E-3. If I can explain the speed of E-3 AF better…it is like the sound of Zop while D300 is like ZOoooop. Yes, the difference is very obvious. On the viewfinder of E-3, you can see the focus change is instantly. You don’t see from blur to sharp in progress…but instantly change!

To be honest, I must say I am impressed with the E-3 AF system. Definitely deserves the title of “among the world’s fastest AF” if not already the world’s fastest!

On the side note of E-3 physical built, the camera does feel good in hand with firm grip design. It is definitely a very big size camera as compared to the E-510 or other E-DSLR. There are lots of buttons at the back of the E-3…which I am not familiar of, so I didn’t try it out. The Flippable LCD screen actually makes the E-3 looks a bit cheap…discount the professional feel of the E-3 in my humble opinion. Of course, this is just my personal feel, in terms of practical use, it is definitely better than those fixed LCD. Yeah, imagine shooting from above your head or on the ground.

That’s all from my few minutes try of the E-3. If I got the time, I will go try it out again. By the way, I notice the price of E-3 is around RM1k cheaper than Nikon D300, so it is definitely a very good competitor to the Nikon system.

3 comments.

Nikon D300 First Impression and ISO Tests (versus D200)

Posted on November 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I went to a local electronic shop in Japan today - DeoDeo. Main purpose is to try out the Nikon D300 system but I have found another surprised of Olympus E-3 professional DSLR.

Thanks to my wife, she helped me to take care of Megumi for nearly an hour, so I have the time to try out the D300 and pull out my D200 and insert my memory card into the D300 to test and get the photos I want.

(I find the photo below kinda cool…D300 is considered as a little brother to Nikon D3, sharing many similarities.)

Before I go to the ISO comparison shots, let’s share a bit of how I feel about the D300.

(more…)

6 comments.

Photo taken by Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30

Posted on November 20th, 2007 by foong.
Categories: Family.

Sometimes I do read the posts in Photomalaysia forum and other forums set up by my husband. There are so many professional photographers sharing their great photos with technical explaination, particularly the equipments they used to take the photos, how to set their equipments in order to have such effects, etc etc..

(more…)

2 comments.

Mirror Lock Up - How useful in handholding shots?

Posted on November 19th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Previously in the film days, only the best Nikon SLR has mirror lock up (MLU) feature. That’s in the Nikon single digit F series. Even the F100 which is considered as the little brother of F5 doesn’t has MLU feature.

So, how useful is MLU?

With the advancement and convenient of digital photography, I can now take shots and experiment shots easily. Nikon now has MLU in their single digit D series and also in the Nikon D200 (D80, D70, D100…etc. all doesn’t have MLU). So, now the question is…how useful is MLU?

Many people have the mis-conception that MLU is only used when you have your camera on tripod. Quite true during the film days where one have to turn a lock manually to lock up the mirror manually, and this required quite big movement and will definitely change/move your subject composition. However, now with better technology and design, Nikon MLU shots can’t be done any easier!

On my Nikon D200, change the drive mode to MLU (there are S, Cs, Ch, Timer…etc. and MLU is on the farthest right on the dial - not seen in the picture below, but is just next to the timer symbol).

When you have set your drive mode to MLU, then the rest is easy. Half press your shutter button to focus, then full press your shutter button to Lock Up the Mirror. Full press again to then take the actual exposure, the mirror will go down after taking the exposure.

So, how does mirror lock up helps in taking photos?

When taking a shot in SLR (Single lens reflex) camera, the reflex mirror will go up, the shutter blade will then open to expose the film/sensor to the light. After that, it shutter blades close and mirror return down.

(more…)

0 comments.

Animated avatar

Posted on November 16th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

I just created TWO Avatars for myself. I like animated avatar so that it gives more LIVE feel than just static avatar, here’s to share/show:

How to do it? The original avatar is creation is from:

http://www.sp-studio.de/

I then added the background and camera+flash myself. Added glowing light around the body too.

Then create another copy with closed eyes. Everything else is the same.

Then merge these two photos using animation studio, set the timing, duplicate some.

Done.

Repeat the same steps for flash light effect.

2 comments.

Everyday shoot…

Posted on November 3rd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

Continue from the previous post of everyday shoot…

Relaxing pose…

(more…)

3 comments.

Cosina new SL II series!

Posted on November 2nd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Cosina has just announced a new SL II series of lenses in their Voigtlander brand! Previously I thought they are too busy with Zeiss lens making, hence discontinued all the SL series of Voigtlander lenses. I was wrong and I am glad that I am wrong!

The first two lenses from Cosina Voigtlander SL II series are:

• Ultron 40mm F2 SL II Aspherical (available on 17th Nov 2007)
  

• Nokton 58mm F1.4 SL II (available in Dec 2007)
  

These are two very high demand lenses from Cosina. The 58mm was a remake of Topcor 58mm f1.4, Cosina has made this lens available few years ago in limited edition.

Now, what’s the extra great news?!

ALL SL II lenses now come with CPU that are able to communicate with the camera body! Yes, Nikon cameras will now able to talk to the lens! SL II lenses are available in Nikon AIS and Pentax KA mounts at the moment.

I hope and dream that the legendary Voigtlander 125SL F2.5 Macro lens will be made available once again soon!

2 comments.

Head up…press up…can tahan long time this time!

Posted on November 2nd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

I tried putting Megumi in press up position again today, with a supporting pillow under her chest. To my surprise, she can tahan very long time today! I didn’t really time it, but more than 15 mins without screaming for help or having her head falling down. (click the link below for head falling down action… )

http://shashinki.com/blog/2007/10/01/press-up-on-25th-september-2007-9pm/

I even have to time to call my wife from kitchen and have my time to setup my camera and flash to snap snap snap…

Here’s the proofs!

(more…)

0 comments.

Free Nikon Capture NX with Nikon D300 and D3 (first 300k units)

Posted on November 1st, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon Capture NX photo-finishing software to
be bundled with D3 and D300 digital SLRs
during special release campaign

October 29, 2007 Tokyo - Nikon Corporation has today announced that they will conduct a special promotion in conjunction with the release of the new D3 and D300 digital SLR cameras, bundling the next-generation Capture NX (ver.1.3) photo-finishing software as an accessory to be included in the camera body packages.

Nikon Capture NX is a high-quality image editing and processing application that enables versatile, highly intuitive image adjustments using innovative U Point Technology.

Image adjustments can be made simply by positioning a Control Point on a given image, without having to deal with special tools or layers. Using Nikon’s original RAW and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) image files, you can edit images while retaining the original file and without decreasing image quality.

(more…)

0 comments.

Do you need another push for D3?

Posted on October 30th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Do you need another push for Nikon D3?

If so, just click the link below:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/d3.shtml

Disclaimer: KhoKing takes no responsibility for anyone who has been warned and still click on the link above…

0 comments.

ASKA Tripper V Firmware V1.23

Posted on October 23rd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Computer / IT, Photography.

ASKA has just announced a new firmware for their Tripper V portable storage device - version 1.23.

Changes:

• A part of mis-display of Exif information generated by the image of which it took a picture with the camera was corrected.
• The mis-display of the update time of the file was corrected.
• Trouble concerning the voice output was corrected.

Download:

http://www.aska-corp.co.jp/support/download/dl-trv03.htm

I have emailed ASKA about a month ago, suggesting some update via firmware to their Tripper V, I am curious if they do listen to customers feedback and change the Tripper V functionality based on that or not.

DO NOT TRY TO SHUT DOWN THE TRIPPER V YOURSELF! Tripper V takes around 10 mins to update the firmware. Be patient

(more…)

1 comment.

Got a new toy today!

Posted on October 21st, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Just received a new toy today from Malaysia…

Yeah! Crumpler the Seven Million Dollar Home!

(more…)

1 comment.

Ricoh GR Digital Discontinued

Posted on October 20th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Ricoh has just announced that their GR Digital Camera has been discontinued, after it first hits the market in Oct 2005.

Stock is running out fast in the market after the announcement. If you still want a digital compact P&S with 8.1MP, Jpeg + RAW (DNG) format, 28mm F/2.4 fixed lens…etc., do grab it fast!

0 comments.

Curious about my Nikon D200 camera…

Posted on October 18th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

When shooting…Megumi was kinda curious about the black thing that point towards her…

(more…)

0 comments.

Digital is FREE CLICKING? Think again…

Posted on October 15th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Many bought a digital camera and said that it is FREE to Click! Think again…

I have clicked around 7k shutters on my D200 since I first bought it new (many are craps). It costs me RM5.5k for the D200.

If I were to sold it now at RM3.7k, I lost RM1.8k.

RM1.8k divided by 7k clicks, each click costs RM0.26. NOT CHEAP at all!

I guess I will have to continue clicking it until the cost per click drops to a more “reasonable” value…

0 comments.

Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM

Posted on October 12th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I ordered this lens for my customer. The seal on the box was broken, so I was kinda worry. When open and check the lens inside, I saw a dust in the middle of the glass. This is definitely not a new lens. The rear lens mount also looks as if it has been mounted on a camera before.

I complaint to my supplier. They agreed to send a new replacement but it requires 3 days. I was in rush, because my customer needs to receive the lens in Malaysia before flying oversea. It is either I deliver the lens before she flies or a full refund. My supplier doesn’t allow for refund or cancellation of the order, so I have to take the risk and rush it.

Thank God, everything went smoothly. I managed to get the lens to my customer in Kuching from Japan in time. I sent on Sunday evening, reached my customer on the next Thursday. Thank God, He is just amazing!

Here are some photos of the lens that I returned (I circled the dust in red in the 2nd row firstphoto from left):

This is an incredible lens, but will you spend that much money on a 50mm lens? Only for the richie rich.

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Mum & Baby…holding up…

Posted on October 10th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

My wife was holding Megumi vertically up, turned her head to the side and pressed her to lay onto her body. Trying to train her to turn her head sideway when laying down with head face to side.

I saw the scene, very pleasant light and expression of mum and baby…took my camera and snap a few shots.

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What did Nikon use to shoot their D300 product shots?

Posted on September 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Rojak.

Is it a Nikon DSLR? Is it their secret Nikon DSLR? Is it D2Xs? Is it a Canon 1Ds MK II?

Nah…it is a medium format with Phase One P-45 back! (Ok, we don’t know what camera they are using with the P-45 digital back). Nikon forgot to delete the exif info in their D300 product shot. Click on the file/photo below and check out the exif. Guess what software they are still using nowadays to edit the photo?!

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A wedding photographer test driving Nikon D3

Posted on September 25th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

See the link below:

http://cliffmautner.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/09/ok-its-after-1a.html

Though the files/photos are small, but it still amaze me that the photographer used very high ISO is most of his shots. If he dared to use it, I am sure the quality is just going to be stunning and very usable for his clients!

Now my new dream camera…forget about the D300…let’s dream for D3!

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