Life Thru The Lens

DSLR Lens Fungus

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:18:00 +0000

Recently, I had a second opportunity to witness a fungus infected lens. The first time I saw it was a guy who was trying to sell off his lens to a friend of mine and luckily for us, we inspected it properly.

This second opportunity was a telephoto lens that was part of an SLR kit (note SLR, so it has been around for sometime). The lens was seldom used and in fact was left in a camera bag in an air-conditioned room for some time. According to the owner, probably more than 2 years.

When we first looked at the camera, it showed some signs of fungus growth …

And upon closer inspection through looking at the sides of the glass, it was definitely infected with fungus.

It is quite difficult to show in pictures the effect of the fungus, but the following image probably will tell you the whole situation. It was taken with the telephoto lens zoomed to it’s maximum and looking through the lens directly.

The above image sometimes still gives me some goose-bumps and in fact, the lens was so badly infected that you can actually see fungus on each glass element! Luckily for the owner, it’s not one of those expensive lens.

To clean such a lens would cost quite a bit, in this case, almost 1/3 the price of the lens probably but the issue is that after it is cleaned, the optics probably wouldn’t be the same. If you ever suspect your lens becoming effected with fungus, do get it cleaned immediately as when the fungus sets in, it will be beyond repair.

Tamron Announces SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD for Nikon, Canon and Sony

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:18:00 +0000

Tamron, known as one of the most successful 3rd party lens manufacturer … and also for its infamous long … long naming convention for its lenses have just launched another acronym for their lenses! It’s USD! For those who wants a short de-acronym of this Tamron lens:

SP = Superior Performance
VC = Vibration Control (Nikon’s VR, Sigma’s OS, etc)
USD = Ultrasonic Silent Drive (Canon’s USM, Sony’s SSM, etc)

Tamron’s press release:

March 9, 2010, Saitama, Japan – President and CEO Morio Ono of optical equipment manufacturer Tamron Co., Ltd., announced another advance in their pursuit of high resolution images in the telephoto lens category with the development of a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens featuring image stabilizer - VC (Vibration Compensation) and an ultrasonic auto-focus drive – USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). The SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD high-resolution DSLR telephoto zoom lens has been produced for the Nikon mount, with the development of compatible mounts for Canon and Sony to follow.

While this new lens is designed for digital SLR cameras, it can be used with both full-frame sensor and AF 35mm cameras with a zoom range of 70-300mm; or with APS-C sensor cameras where the angle of view will change the zoom range equal to 109-465mm.

One thing to note is that the Sony mount (or Alpha mount) version will not include the VC as there isn’t a need. This I assume will mean that it will be priced a tad cheaper?

Of course, the other interesting thing to note is that instead of saying Nikon and Canon versions will be announced followed later by Pentax and Sony, they now launch their new lens with Nikon followed by Canon and Sony mentioned in the same breath! Hmmphhhh …

By the way, it’s Tamron’s 60th Anniversary this year … for full press release, go to Tamron’s website.

KTMB Photo Competition – Komuter Service

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:38:00 +0000

Trains, trains, trains … if you are into train spotting (a very rare hobby outside of England), this is the opportunity! I am sure you are not but if you are a regular commuter on the KTM Komuter service, then here’s a chance to share your “Happy Moments With Us” (KTMB).

It is a monthly competition for about 6 months, where every month there will be 30 winners, 3 main prizes and 27 consolation prizes.

The theme of the photo contest is “HAPPY MOMENTS WITH US”. All photos must be taken either on KTM Komuter trains or at the stations. The condition is to show your happy moment while using the commuter service;
A photo caption that is not more that 10 words is required for each photo
submission;

One interesting thing is whether you will be “stopped” from taking pictures in and around KTM stations. Well, one thing is for sure, train panning may not suit the theme …

Songs of the Sea @ Sentosa, Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:20:00 +0000

On my recent trip to Singapore, we decided to not only visit Resorts World Sentosa but also to stay in Sentosa and enjoy some of the activities there. It has been a very long time since we were there, in fact, so long ago that I don’t even remember when!

Get ready to fall under the spell of a new nightly extravaganza set in the sea. Songs of the Sea brings you a mesmerizing show with a live cast and dramatic effects pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, captivating music and stunning flame bursts. It's a one-of-a-kind entertainment that's not to be missed. Songs of the Sea is an outdoor, rain or shine event.

Tickets to the show cost around SGD10, but there have different types of combo tickets available as well. The main character is Oscar, a fish.

One thing I don’t understand is that the Princess that they choose, sure doesn’t have the princess regal look at all. Anyway, didn’t take any pictures of the princess, but there are some others.

Another friendly fish from the cast …

And some fireworks (that at one stage, I thought I burnt my camera’s sensor!).

If you ever visit and intend to take some shots, please bring along a fast lens, use manual focus and try to go early to get a seat in the middle of the stage! About a 35mm lens (on a full-frame camera may be just enough). I didn’t have the right stuff with me and didn’t go early (as I really didn’t know what to expect from the show). Oh, and don’t forget the tripod :P

Heeren House @ Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Malacca

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:04:00 +0000

One of the main reasons why I was down in Malacca was to give this “boutique hotel” a look-over. It is a small hotel strategically, and I mean strategically, located in Heeren Street (duh!). It is within walking distance to most of the attractions of Malacca.

It is a small hotel, with 8 or 9 rooms, priced at below RM100 per night. For the first time of taking photographs, I actually went to seek permission to take some shots indoors.

The dining area feels like a modernized traditional kopi-tiam (coffee shop) and when you enter the front of the hotel, they have some well packaged curios for sale as well.

As a last picture, here’s a simple sepia version of the dining area.

For more sights within walking distance of this hotel, you can visit my small photo album.

Malacca Hand-Made Clogs and Sandals: Gee’s Originals

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:03:00 +0000

During my short half day trip to Malacca, I went for a walk along Jonker Street in the middle of the day (yes! it was scorching hot!). Again, it was a quick dash around the area as we were rushed for time for an appointment in Kuala Lumpur later in the day. One of the common product that most visitors will shop for are the traditional hand-made shoes and the most sought after would be the beaded shoes.

Anyway, the other interesting and cheaper alternative would be to get hand-made and painted clogs; and if you are looking for something more comfortable, a colourful softer sandals are also available.

By chance we found this little store called Gee’s Originals, that’s run by a couple (who are not from Malacca but were Art Graduates). It is along one of the little streets that connects Heeren Street and Jonker Street and it is quite hidden.

The only tell-tale sign other than the shop sign-board on top are those clogs hanging just outside the door.

The proprietor not only hand-made these for sale but he also has some very candid postcards of his family for sale! It may sound a little odd for anyone to buy those postcards but I nearly did as it is well drawn and kinda cute.

Ya, I should have cropped and enlarged the picture above but I think you have to go there yourself to understand what I mean but cute postcards. Mr Gee is an extremely friendly person … so we DID buy some sandals from him =) The smiley face on the wall and his T-shirt somehow reminds me of Forest Gump!

It’s a small cottage business a little off the beaten track, but I think if you are in the vicinity, go pay him a visit.

Photobook Malaysia Offers 40% Discount for March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:35:00 +0000

Ever thought of putting your best photographs into a photobook format? Or even your initial photographs with your DLSR so that some time in the future, you can look back and wondered you have progressed? Wait no more! www.photobook.com.my is having a promotion for this month (and so are many photography related business especially since there will be very few Chinese weddings this year of the Tiger!)

They are offering 40% discounts on any of your photobook orders, (shipping charges separately as they can’t give discounts on that!). I have only personally seen one life example of their output and I was very impressed. Of course, it is slightly pricier than other such as www.pixart.com.my (which I use). But with the 40% discount, maybe it is worth a try. You need to type in the code MAR40 for the discount eligibility.

To get you started, a softcover books starts from RM128.00 and with 40% discount, that’s not too much to ask I guess. And what more, they do accept credit cards and Paypal! (If anyone tries them out, please do leave a comment here on how you find the output and customer service).

Google acquires Picnik: Online Image Editor

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:56:00 +0000

Google has been championing every web based but one of the most successful tool is Picasa, which is a downloaded application tool. So, in order to do everything online, they acquired a small 20-person company Bitnik, Inc that developed Picnik.

What is Picnik? It is an easy to use and powerful set of flash based photo editing tools for editing, sharing and even printing images using any Internet browser (which is how Google Chrome OS would like it to be) hence you can edit photos wherever and whenever you like. It is also integrated with a wide variety of websites like Yahoo! Flickr, Google’s Picasa Web Albums and Photobucket. It even has a Google Chrome extension for pulling online images into its editor that is capable of the basic editing tools such as cropping, rotating, resizing, red-eye removal and other standard special effects such as sharpening.

It even has “Curves” which is used to highlight different colours and shadows. From initial usage, it is FAST! for a web based solution. You can find out more about them at www.picnik.com.

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Well, as the main attraction of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is currently undeniably the Casino, I did not want to lug around my DSLR as I am sure they will not allow such equipment into the Casino. So, I brought the trusty old Canon IXUS 75 with me.

RWS is still in the midst of being built but they did managed to have their opening just before the Lunar New Year. It currently has 4 main hotels; Hotel Michael, Hard Rock Hotel, Hotel Festive and Crockfords Tower.

Exterior of Hotel Michael

Hotel Festive’s Lobby Area

Crockfords Tower Lift Lobby

The hotel basically surround a large area that seems to be filled with ATM machines on every corner :-P. It has a very grand feel to it although the weather did not help in promoting anyone being outdoors.

Water Everywhere!

Of course! Directions to the Casino

The Hotels are connected via branded shops (in the event that you managed to pull yourself out of the Casino whilst having a positive P&L, you are highly encouraged to spend some of it back for your love ones :-P )

And if you really need to arrive or leave in style … there’s always their “Taxi” service.

I guess their main attraction in the near future isn’t only the Casino but also Universal Studios! I will be back … someday …

More information about Resorts World Sentosa can be found at their website.

Sony Mirrorless Lens Interchangeable Digital Camera (NEX5) Advertisement

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:54:00 +0000

After some rumours that the A700 replacement would probably be only made available during or after Photokina (circa September 2010) whilst the entry level video capable DSLR is suppose to be launched first, attention has been moved to Sony’s Mirrorless Camera. The current expectation is that it will be called the NEX5.

Anyway, a promotional video / advertisement has already been made available on YouTube (see below) with the image of the actual camera very much blurred out. One thing I noticed from the video is the DSLR clicking sound seems less crude but hey, that may be just a promotional video.

Now we have Sigma, Samsung and Sony have mirrorless interchangeable DSLR grade cameras ... and of course Olympus and Panasonic with the micro four thirds ^_^

Sony Launches the A700 Replacement, it’s official!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:39:00 +0000

What’s immediately noticeable is … a top LCD! or what some people will call the secondary LCD. Masashi Imamura says that Sony’s advantage is that Sony makes their own sensor, processors and lenses. The new A700 replacement uses Sony’s new APS HD CMOS sensor which aptly means that the newly launched model will be able to shoot video! A first for a Sony DSLR. Without a doubt, the new DSLR will have good video capability it Sony’s camcorders quality is anything to go by.

Together with the launched, there’s the 500mm lens and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm!

As well as the new DSLRs, Sony has shown mock-ups of their mirrorless digital cameras that uses APS-C sized sensors.

The mock-up lens looks like a 18-55mm, a pancake 16mm and the 18-200 mm. Nice colours.

Will update as more news comes along …

[Update]

More images from the PMA 2010 announcement.

The mock-up lenses probably with SSM for video shooting.

The 500G lens and the CZ 24mm lens.

The A7xx and a smaller sibling. The smaller sibling will be able to shoot video as well.

Much awaited PMA2010 starts … A700 replacement to be announced?!? [Updated]

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:14:00 +0000

Well, technically it is tomorrow but news and announcements have already started weeks prior to the much awaited yearly event! Olympus, Fujifilm and Nikon have all pre-announced their bridge cameras with superzoom, some up to 20x! Sony has also started to make some minor announcements such as the 2 new Cybershots, the TX-5 and the H55.

Well, rumours have it that Sony will announce the Alpha 700 replacement as well as one other DSLR! My guess is that it will be the A7xx and the A1xx, the latter is an entry level DSLR without a built-in motor. We will find out soon … really soon!

Rumours have it that the replacement A700 will actually shoot video! That’s a bit of a surprise but again … we’ll see … stay tuned!

[Updates] News, news, news …

Concept model of an ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera system that packs the quality of a DSLR camera in an extraordinarily small body, along with interchangeable lenses
Mid-range concept camera for advanced users (a successor to the α700) as well as concept mainstream models
Prototype of a Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) with class-leading optical performance
Prototype of a Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens for superior shots of landscapes and sweeping vistas

NEX5/NEX7 and Alpha700 replacement is confirmed!

Photos: i-City@Shah Alam, Forest of Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Ah, on the evening that I went to i-City with my other half, it was after some heavy rain. I was also there after 9 pm in the evening and that’s quite late for photography opportunities as there are just too many people. Due to the wet and kinda muddy patches on the ground, it is hard to setup a tripod for proper pictures and furthermore with the number of people moving around, it would be difficult to find a spot that’s not obstructed by people.

You are advised to arrive before dark and setup your tripod and camera settings prior to the crowd showing up (usually after their evening meal). This would be before 7:15 in the evening. For a good feel of the place and with the ability to take photographs with tripod mounted longer shutter speeds, visit this flickr photo site.

Unfortunately for me, I had to do my handheld and in the dark, had to use large apertures. As such, the pictures here are generally close-ups using a 50mm f1.8 lens.

A close-up of the plastic material used for the leaves of the trees.

An almost impossible clear view (too many people around) of the peacock which is probably the most popular piece on display for snapshots.

A left-over white Christmas tree from their Christmas theme decorations.

One of my favourite shots, a hello from a purple “flower” to another …

Pine trees!

Another shot of some yellow “flowers”.

Hope you like it … you can view a few more at this site.

i-City @ Shah Alam LED light display

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:32:00 +0000

A few evenings ago, I decided to bring my other half for an evening to see some colourful light displays after reading the blog posting of kuanhoong.com. I believe that i-City is a Selangor State Government’s initiative to create a more vibrant information and communications technology business environment within the capital city of Selangor, i.e. Shah Alam. It is of course also a name play where i-City is ICT! In order to do so, it has also worked with the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) to classify it as an MSC-Status area, which means that companies with MSC Malaysia Status can locate itself in that area.

The area is located just off the Federal Highway in Shah Alam but nearer the Klang end. You will not miss the road signs that leads to the place. For the map location, go to i-City’s website.

A view of the place from afar (above).

It is actually located next to the offices that i-City is renting out and they even decorated the office block areas.

Will be posting up more images soon … stay tune …

Sony Launches the Cybershot DSC-H55

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Along with the Cybershot TX-5, Sony also launched a compact superzoom, the DSC-H55. It offers a 10x optical zoom using Sony G lens (instead of Carl Zeiss) with 25mm wide-angle up to 250mm tele-photo. Unlike the TX-5, it retains the CCD sensor and is capable of capturing images up to 14.1Megapixel.

All new Sony still camera launches seem to allow you to take panoramic shots in one sweeping motion and the H55 is also capable of capturing HD movie recording (1280 x 720).

Sony Announced Water-Proof Cybershot TX-5

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:51:00 +0000

Just before the 2010 PMA, Sony launches the Cybershot TX-5. It is a certified waterproof compact point and shoot camera, that is not only waterproof but also freeze proof (as low as 14 Fahrenheit), shock proof (up to 5 feet) and dustproof. Does it just sounds like an Olympus Mju? Well, it’s the “thinnest” waterproof camera and I guess that differentiates it (along with the fact that it uses a Carl Zeiss lens).

The Cybershot TX-5 is also Sony’s first compact still camera to use the “Exmor R” CMOS sensor. It will feature a 10.2 Megapixel camera and is capable to shoot up to 10 fps!

With this announcement so close to PMA, I wonder if Sony has something “significant” to announce in PMA itself! An Alpha 750 perhaps?

Tamron Malaysia Activities for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Ok, so the US market has quarterly competitions and great prizes although bear in mind that the number of entries is probably very large as well. What’s on offer here in Malaysia? Well, thanks to the reasonably active Tamron distributor here in Malaysia, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn Bhd, there are 2 main competitions and monthly events (sometimes more than 2 in a month!).

Click on the image above for a larger sized image. Prizes for the year end competition somehow seems to be more attractive than the Tamron US, Inc quarterly competition, in that they are giving away 3 prizes!

It is organized by 223 Go! and a recently past event (Thaipusam) can be found here.

Tamron’s (US only!) Contest Number 1 for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:16:00 +0000

Several weeks ago, Tamron USA, Inc announced their contest number one for 2010 (They will have one every quarter). The theme of the contest is “Dusk to Dawn”, where the standard expectation is to shoot sunrise or sunset or night time (after all it’s anytime between dusk to dawn").

The Grand Prize Winner will have his/her choice of a (one only)

Tamron SP AF10-24 F/3.5-4.5 Di-II lens for Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony APS-C DSLR ($499 value),
Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 VC Di-II for Canon or Nikon APS-C DSLR ($649 value),
Tamron SP AF60mm F2 Di-II 1:1 Macro lens for Canon, Nikon or Sony APS-C DSLR ($569 value), OR
Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 VC Di-II lens for Canon or Nikon APS-C DSLR ($629 value).

I was trying to find out if there’s any way for me to win a Tamron AF18-250mm and came across this competition. More details can be found at Tamron’s site.

Do we have such activities here locally? The answer is YES! … next posting …

My Minolta 70-210 F3.5-4.5

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

Other than playing around with my SAL50F18, what do I normally use? In general, I have come to this situation where if it is indoor candid portraits and food pictures, it will be the prime 50mm fast f1.8 lens. If it is for events and also some walkabouts, it has to be my current favourite, the Minolta 70-210 F3.5-4.5. This lens can be considered the child of the legendary beercan (Minolta 70-210 at constant F4).

One of my “portrait” shots with this lens.

Anyway, it will be this lens most of the time until I figure out how to get my hands on the SAL70200G lens … ahuk …

Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 for Alpha Mount (Sony)

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:40:00 +0000

There has always been this talk that there’s a lack of third party lenses for the Sony Alpha range of DSLRs. I guess that is partly true as the number of options available for Nikon and Canon users far outstrip what’s available for Sony DLSRs (including Minolta lenses).

However, it must be noted that you do get the whole range that you require for Sony Alpha DSLRs anyway and for most hobbyist and even professionals, the range available is more than sufficient for their needs.

One other complain is that third party lenses are sometimes reluctant to produce Alpha mount versions as the demand is less. May be true but from un-official numbers, it would be hard to ignore the number of Sony Alphas being sold lately.

Sigma announced in December 2009 that they are launching the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM for Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax mounts. Well, after releasing the Nikon, Canon and of course Sigma versions, they have released the Sony and Pentax versions 2 months later.

What’s interesting? This is in direct competition to the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (quite reputable) lens. It seems to be competitively priced, recommended retail pricing of around USD550. Something to consider as an alternative to the Tammy?

Using Lumix LZ8 Manual Mode in Low Light Conditions

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Generally, when we get a compact camera, especially an entry level model (read: cheap low-end camera), we just intend to take snapshots and will use the automatic mode. That’s why it’s called a point and shoot, i.e. just point the camera towards the subject and press the shutter button.

However, in certain conditions, we would really want to have manual control over our pictures, especially for those of us who have DSLRs. I usually carry my cheap Lumix LZ8 wherever I don’t have any intention to take any photographs, for those just in case moments. This evening I was having dinner in Chili’s and decided to take some photos. Out came the LZ8 in iA mode (intelligent Auto). I pointed and shot … but everything is just so wrong with it! It was dark (yes, it is a dark place but I expected the iA to work) and it had wrong white balance. Ok, ok … I turned off the flash but then I would expect it to boost up the ISO automatically and use the largest aperture settings and maybe a slower shutter speed. It did a reasonable job to select

ISO-400
f3.3, and
shutter speed of 1/8th

I guess it is intelligent enough to know that there is a person in the image and hence tries to have the fastest possible shutter speed. But my subject is actually the food and with shadows and people moving around in the background, it just didn’t work for me …

Anyway, luckily for me, the LZ8 has a simple enough interface for me to do some manual settings, especially for the white balance. Set it to

ISO-200 (ISO-400 just too grainy)
f4 (the maximum possible on this little fella is f3.3 but I find that f4 seems to work better)
Incandescent mode for the white balance
Spot metering (instead of wide)
Varying shutter speed according to exposure, but mainly around 1/3rd

Ok, that sounds weird .. and didn’t make much difference from the auto mode. But, I am not sure why, it turned out much better.

1/3rd Shutter Speed (no post-processing)

1/6th Shutter Speed (no post-processing)

1/3rd Shutter Speed but Over-exposed! (no post-processing)

I guess it is still a useable little camera but you will need to use the manual mode in such a situation. Of course, the sharpness of the pictures will be compromised as I believe the low light conditions will effect the Auto-Focus.

After dinner, I actually went to visit the Canon shop to have a look at the Powershot S90 … but they don’t have stock! Hmmphhhh …

More Sony Mirror-Less Camera Rumours … or is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:22:00 +0000

There have been many rumours about Sony introducing a new mirror-less interchangeable lens digital camera with many leaning towards the use of micro four thirds (4/3) sensors, a new R-Mount and even a Ricoh type approach of having interchangeable sensor/lens combination!

Many creative pictures were created and even some people discussing about Sony using the Leica mounts! Many different body types and names were mentioned, including Sony Alpha 10 (above) with an ergonomically challenged design (to me anyway) to a more standard looking camera such as the Panasonic GH-1 (below).

As there were too many rumours out there, it is difficult to take a calculated guess but most agree that Sony is very likely to launch a mirror-less interchangeable lens camera (as per Olympus PEN and Panasonic GF-1). Of all the rumours, I believe that the specifications below would be most likely (at the time of posting – as more news comes out, this may change).

APS-C CMOS (not Micro Four Thirds)
New mount (with an adapter for A-Mounts)
Large LCD, 3” will be likely
11 Point AF
Uses the Memory Stick / SDHC combination
ISO200 – 12800 (aka A550)
Video Recording (they have to do this somewhere)
Built-In Flash (aka Panasonic GF-1)
An initial offering of a 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Kit Lens with the option of a fast prime lens (16mm or 24mm) f2.8. Ability to use current A-Mount using an adapter.

It is likely to be priced slightly higher or around the Panasonic GF-1 pricing but with a larger sensor and the likeliness of using the same engine as the A550, it may be an interesting option.

Reunion Dinner … Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:14:00 +0000

At the time to posting, we actually had Part III of our reunion dinner but I won’t be putting up the photos here. We had Part III at Pantai Seafood and since it had been blogged about umpteen times, I will leave it at that.

Back to Part II. Part I wasn’t really that satisfying and probably an experiment that didn’t go too well (in my opinion anyway) although the most important part, which was “in abundance”. As such, we proceeded with Part II with exactly the same suspects for dinner. This time, it’s mainly home cooked food.

The main attraction of the evening is … as usual the lobak and the ju-hu-char!

Not forgetting the lobak sauces …

And the fresh lettuce and sambal belacan for the ju-hu-char.

And the traditional Pompret that always appears each Chinese New Year. It is a kinda must have …

For a mix between Penang Nyonya and Malacca Nyonya, we imported some food as well. The steamed version of otak-otak and home made achar.

And we also bought some roast pork from Jusco.

Dinner number four tonight … where to now …

Our Reunion Dinner … Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:13:00 +0000

This is part 1 of the reunion dinner as we actually had a part 2 the next day too! Anyway, to be different for this year, we decided to eat out for the first time. It seems to be a normal trend where small families with increasingly smaller kitchens book a restaurant to have their reunion dinner. We decided to give it a try for this year …

The table setting was very RED, but quite beautifully simple. It gives an elegant feel to the rather resort like environment.

The meal was a 7 course meal and it is quite plain although in abundance! Firstly, we started with the “now traditional” Yee Sang.

Then the soup, which was a non-spicy sze chuan version …

Then the longevity noodles with chicken and seafood, which was quite yummy actually.

Then came the vegetables with three types of mixed mushrooms.

Following that the prawns which was quickly peeled and finished by … our dear uncle and yours truly …

An interesting dish that we were served after that was chicken in sesame sauce. When it first came, I thought it was to-fu with minced meat on it! It also tasted quite interesting as the taste of the tau-chu (bean paste) definitely overwhelm the sesame sauce.

We were all so stuffed that when the deserts came, we just had a sip of it. Again, it was an unusual concoction which was a mixed of almond tasting soupy dish with some sweet corn in it …

Well, these pictures are dedicated to my sister in law and family who can’t be with us for this dinner … and also our next home cooked reunion dinner (to be posted later … tired now).

Hope everyone had a good reunion meal …

Wishes Everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Tan) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:08:00 +0000

Today is the last day of the Year of the Ox and tomorrow we will usher in the Year of the Tiger. To all my readers out there who are having their reunion dinner, eat well, drive carefully and make sure you have some left for tomorrow!

Let me also wish you good health, prosperity and happiness for the new year. That’s all … I am off to my reunion dinner …