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Canon Digital SLR Camera Shutter Duration Test Information

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Many speculations have been flying around in the internet regarding how many count Canon DSLR camera shutter can last. Instead of just guessing around, I have decided to refer to Canon Japan themselves. Yes, need words from Canon Japan themselves in black and white (or colour) instead of just verbal talk.

Here’s what I found in Canon official camera brochures:

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III - 300k shutter duration test

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III - Did not mention in the brochure, other than just “Accurate Highly Durable Shutter”. However the shutter picture is same as the 1Ds Mark III picture, so I would guess it to have the same 300k shutter duration test as in 1Ds Mark III. (more…)

3 comments.

40 Millions Canon Lenses!

Posted on May 2nd, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Canon has achieved their total EF lenses selling record to 40 millions as in February 2008!

Canon EF lens was first selling in March 1987, when they first introduce the new EOS series with fully electronic lens mount in BIG lens mount size!

In Jan 2006, Canon has achieved 30 millions production of their EF lenses, and just around 2 years time, another 10 million accumulated! (Imagine the profit they are making…)

Currently, there are 64 lenses offered by Canon to the world market. If you are rich enough…you can try collect every one of it…

0 comments.

Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 for Pentax K mount

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

Finally…Tamron announced that the popular SP 17-50mm F2.8 Lens will be available in Pentax K mount from 7th March 2008!

SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II （Model A16）

This is one of the BEST Selling lens at ShaShinKi.com, best budget lens with F2.8 aperture and no compromise in image quality! It sure is going to be of HIGH DEMAND initially…definitely worldwide shortage for stock in the first few months.

Even as of now, Canon and Nikon mounts of this lens are constantly sold out in many places.

Official news:

http://www.tamron.co.jp/news/release_2008/0128_a16p.html

0 comments.

Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Shipping Date - 7th March 2008

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

Tamron has just announced the shipping date of Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 which will be available from 7th March 2008.

First available in Canon EOS mount, follow up by Nikon, Sony and then Pentax mounts.

The lens was first announced in March 2007 under development. Using 77mm filter size, removable tripod collar, MSRP at 10万4,790円 (around RM3.2k). Street price should be 70-80% of MSRP, which means the lens is sure going to be a hit!

Tamron is well known for creating good value for money lenses!

2 comments.

Incredible design of Canon EF85mm F1.2 L II

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

Found this photo in my hard drive…so instead of just deleting it…I thought I should at least give it a chance to share to the world…

Yes, I took this photo quite some time ago.

You can click for very high resolution file (1500×1500 px)

Take note of the circuit/electronic contacts. It is located on the rear element itself. For F1.2 aperture, the lens element has to be very big, hence no space for the electronic contact except on the lens itself. Incredible design.

0 comments.

PhotoMalaysia 2008 Monthly Photo Competition Prizes

Posted on January 5th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Can’t afford a Canon Selphy printer?

Dream of a Canon EOS 40D + lens?

Here’s your chances (13 times)! Participate in PhotoMalaysia monthly photo competition and you can stand a chance to win the following prizes!

For more info, visit:

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39937

0 comments.

PhotoMalaysia Exhibition 2008 - What Now? Malaysia After 50.

Posted on January 2nd, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

PhotoMalaysia will have its first ever exhibition in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur from 9th January 2008 to 27th January 2008!

Exhibition detail:

Date: Jan 9 (Wed) - 27 (Sun) 2008
Time: 11am - 7pm daily (closed on Mondays)
Place:
The Annexe Gallery
2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Tel: 03-2070 1137 or 03-2274 6542

The Opening receptions:

Place: Central Market Annex (top floor)
Date: 8th January 2008 (Tuesday)
Time: 8pm

Public members especially photographers and PhotoMalaysia members are welcome to visit and participate in the opening ceremony!

You can find more info of the exhibition at:

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39780

This exhibition is organised by:

PhotoMalaysia
The Annexe Central Market

Sponsored by:

Canon Malaysia
ShaShinKi.com

Yeah…ShaShinKi.com is one of the sponsor!

1 comment.

Canon EF Lens Work III - The Eyes of EOS

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

Canon EF Lens Work III

The Eyes of EOS

Hardcopy
Over 232 pages
Printed in Japan
Black hard cover with Red colour sleeve
With almost all Canon lenses information inside
Stunning photos accompany with each lens
Optical Technology and Terminology
MTF graphs for all the Canon Lenses

I used to sell this book at RM50 per copy in year 2004, over 100 books I have sold…long before I started up ShaShinKi.com business. This is such a great book that I wish Nikon has such a book for me to keep and collect. Canon Malaysia doesn’t sell this book, but give away during the promotion time (road show, introduction of products, events…etc.). Every Canon users or even Nikon users (I don’t own Canon system now but I still keep a copy myself) should own and get one of this book. There are PDF downloadable version available in the internet, but nothing beats the real hardcopy book which you can keep on your bookshelf, bring to your toilet, laying on your bed reading before you sleep (hope to catch a good dream?)…etc.

(more…)

0 comments.

Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM

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

Saw photos of a interesting lens today, Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM!

Sony DSLR has been of interesting mainly because it inherit the previous very high quality Minolta legendary glass, and of course not forgetting the partnership with Zeiss to specifically produce ZA series of lenses for Sony Alpha mount. Zeiss lenses in autofocus! Something like a dream comes true for many! German glass (Leica, Zeiss, Schneider…etc.) has always thought to be more superior than Japanese glass. How true is it I am not sure, but I sure am interested in this Zeiss if my pocket is deep enough.

Let’s see the two photos I saw in PhotoMalaysia forum (original source unknown):

A few things I found interesting in this lens.:

1. SSM

SSM in Sony means silent wave motor, which means the lens has built in motor, which is great! First in Zeiss!

2. 24mm

Yes! Latest zoom lens in this focal length in Canon and Nikon and now Zeiss has gone wider to 24mm! Great!

3. Full frame lens

Yes, this is a full frame lens. Very possible that Sony will come out with a full frame DSLR soon. Rumors that Nikon D3 full frame sensor is co-design with Sony, so very possible Sony will use the same 12.1MP full frame sensor in their full frame professional DSLR. Minolta has a 9 series professional SLR in their range, Sony will definitely utilize the technology and design from Minolta. My prediction is that we shall see full frame professional DSLR from Sony within year 2008 before Beijing Olympic.

4. Boxed

Yes…if you notice the box in the photo above, which means that the lens should already been in production or available to some! (if the photo is genuine).

5. F2.8 Aperture

Yes, F2.8 constant aperture. I just love fixed aperture lens, which immediately shout to you: PROFESSIONAL GRADE!

I must admit that the design and look of the lens is very sleek and clean. It looks simple, fat but clean. No busy badge or sticker here and there. I wonder how long will the lens extend from zoomed, it would be a dream lens if the length of the lens remain constant during zooming, which I hate in Nikon and Canon similar lenses.

If only Zeiss can make AF lenses for Nikon, that would be my dream lens to get!

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.

No Canon 5D MK II…here I come Canon 7D!

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

It seems like there will be no 5D MK II from Canon, instead they go with a new digit:

As recorded in UPC database in USA:

http://www.upcdatabase.com/item.asp?upc=0013803086706

Here some specs:

12mp
5fps,Up to 21 RAW files
dust removing system
15-point TTL CMOS sensor
Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
96% frame coverage
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.71x
3.0 ” 640�480 TFT LCD (920,000 pixels)
ISO 50-3200 extended to 12800 and 25600
DIGIC III, 14-bit
Canon EF lens mount (not EF-S)
Live View Mode
Similar design to 5D, possible of sharing the same battery grip!

Surprisingly cheap, US: $ 1,899!

11 comments.

Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM vs Nikon Nikkor Ai 50mm F/1.4S (Size Comparison)

Posted on October 14th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM vs Nikon Nikkor Ai 50mm F/1.4S

(Size Comparison)

Here’s some photos of the two lenses side by side. Canon 50mm 1.2 is really huge…not a lens that you will want to carry everyday/everywhere…but the huge size also reflects how much Canon has put into the lens, for the $$$ that one paid!

Click the thumbnail below for big images (1000px width):

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.

0 comments.

New Lens from Tokina - Tokina AT-X PRO DX 35mm F2.8 Macro

Posted on October 5th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Tokina AT-X PRO DX 35mm F2.8 Macro

Available in Dec 2007 for Nikon and Canon Digital SLR.

1:1 Lifetime magnification. Front filter size = 52mm. (more…)

0 comments.

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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0 comments.

Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 lens ~ Front / Back focus problem

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

I have bought many…yes MANY Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 lens. Most are in Canon and Nikon mount, a few in Sony/KM mount.

Every unit I tested them myself for focus accuracy. From my previous experience, I found this lens is seriously having QC issue with focus accuracy. My most recent experience testing 6 units of this lens in Nikon mount that I ordered, 2 of them are having front focus problem. I have spent more than 2 hours in testing them, comparing against my own copy that is sharp with focusing.

What is front focus?

Front focus of a lens is when you focus on subject A, in the photo captured, the sharp focus patch is a few cm or even meters in front of subject A. Back focus simply means in actual photo the sharp focus path is a few cm or meters behind subject A.

When testing for front / back focus issue of a lens, one need to test with far subject as well as near subject. This is to make sure that the focus accuracy is not just for close-up shot but problematic on far/infinity subjects.

I use a few methods in testing focus. I find the focus test chart in the internet is not entirely accurate, especially if your DSLR focus sensor is not exactly in the middle or center of your viewfinder, then you might be in trouble. So, I prefer to use top to bottom or depth of field kind of testing technique. With this I can be sure that what I focus doesn’t get affected by the variation of focus sensor.

I will share with photos in future my testing technique.

0 comments.

Heat Up on Sony?

Posted on August 29th, 2007 by foong.
Categories: Photography.

Another leak photo of the possible Press Release by Sony.

It seems like there will be TWO new DSLRs from Sony. One seems to be the A300 (on the left) and there seems to be another more PRO body on the right. Could it be in the Minolta 9 series range?!

As for lenses, there might be 7~9 new lenses from Sony. Still, Sony lenses are way too expensive in my opinion. Their 70-200mm F2.8 lens is about 15% more than Nikon and Canon equivalent, and that is in the RM8k~9k region!

One must considered deeply before wetting on Sony DSLR…

Found a BIGGER image from the net:

Click to view…

0 comments.

Finally, VR on 400mm, 500mm and 600mm Nikon AFS Super-Telephoto!

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

Finally…

Many have been waiting for the Vibration Reduction update from Nikon on their Telephoto lenses. Nikon has finally updating them…after many many years Canon has their IS lenses in their 400mm, 500mm and 600mm.

(more…)

0 comments.

Benefit of Full Frame?

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

The problem of full frame:

Vignetting at corners. When Canon 1Ds was first introduced, there are not many great wide angle lenses in the market for 1.5X crop DSLR, so 1Ds is a good add-on to utilize existing wide-angle lenses, but with the trade-off of vigetting at corners. See:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS1Ds/page16.asp

As of today, I am not sure how much sensor technology has improved in combating vignetting. Most new lenses are now specially design to give vertical light-path directly onto the sensor, giving the most of sharpness and contrast. I believe this will reduce vignetting at corners too.

When comparing D3 with D300, you might get same angle of view but depth of field will be different. A longer focal length will have more shallow DOF, while wider angle lens will have deeper DOF. So, you cannot get the same bokeh from D300 + 50mm lens with D3 + 85mm lens.

Another advantage of full frame when compare to smaller sensor size is that you can make better quality sensor DOT (pixel). A larger dot of each pixel is capable of capturing or receiving the light in a better way, hence give less noise and better contrast. This is why compact P&S camera with 10MP sensor is not comparable to DSLR of 10MP at high ISO. Most P&S Digicam will have bad noise at above ISO400. Just imagine a room will with balloon. A bigger room will be able to fit in BIGGER Balloon of the same quantity than a smaller room.

Again, vignetting remains a great challenge to full frame DSLR. Will need to wait and see how good D3 is.

0 comments.