My take on firmware updates

There are folks out there who are not fans of firmware updates. Their believes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
This believe belongs to the computer technicians in the 80's or 90's. It applies mainly to the firmwares for servers. Sometimes a new firmware does not help with the problem, it instead introduces new problems or cause the whole system to crash.

How or why does this happen? In my perspective, I'll relate the cause to the operating system's (OS) capabilities. They were not as robust as they currently are, thus any significant changes to how the motherboard addresses it's I/O (input output commands) may cause the OS to panic and thus crash. Modern systems should no longer experience this problem, since they are written to support multiple hardware off the shelves, hot swapping etc.

I'm an advocate of firmware updates. If there's a new release, I'll update. Why? Because the updates are there to fix problems, not create them (well, they may in rare cases, but these are normally fixed pretty quickly).

Firmware updates includes fixes as well as new features or enhancements to existing features, so, why not?
Firmware upgrades not only applies to cameras. They apply to a lot of other things like your computer: the motherboard, video card etc etc... Even your mobile phone needs an update from time to time!

For those who are afraid of updating firmware, we are now living in the 21st century. Firmware updates are really reliable and easy to perform. It's not like back when updates may fail halfway. The updates nowadays are very well written. If it fails, it will reverse to the previous working version. It's so advanced that all you need to do is connect up your device, run the update, and off it goes! 'Fully' automated!

Like I said, I'm an advocate of firmware updates. I update all the computers that comes to my desk, and I also update the servers that require any maintenance. If you are still worried, then do this: wait a month after the latest firmware has been released. Google around to see if anyone complains about the latest firmware. If there's no major complains about the firmware, I'll bet the firmware is good and you are safe to update.

Enough of my ranting already. Time to go do some updates!

Flickr Account

I've got a Flickr account! If you're interested in my photos, please take a look here.

An upgrade!

I've been pretty lazy in updating my blog. My sincere apologies to those who are looking out for more information here.

I've done quite a bit of work on improving my skills -- shooting more and more really does help you gain the confidence and knowledge you require to take great shots with a DSLR. You get to know your camera more and you also improve on your skills as you start getting familiar with your camera's functions.

I was at IKEA recently with my family shopping for a new cupboard and I chanced upon a LED light strip for bookshelves. I  bought one of it immediately 'cos it's simply too cheap!

Back home, the 'upgrading' project started. It was pretty simple.
I just had to find the right spot to place this light strip.

So, what is this upgrade about actually?

Well, I added the light strip to my dry cabinet!
Below are the before and after effects (pictures taken using a Canon Ixus 860IS):

After lights were on

Before lights were on

For a $3.90 investment, I say it's pretty worth it!
And this is how the actual strip looks:

Top View with the holder (screws on to shelves)
Lights up by pressing the button on the left.

Back of the strip. Powered by 2 x AAA

How I mounted the strip: Simply use double sided foam tape to stick the holder on to the top part of my dry cabinet. But before I did that, I felt around the cabinet for any slots that I can use and realized that there was actually a nudge around the top. That was the perfect location to stick the holder!

NOTE: Do be careful if you are going to feel around your cabinet. I cannot guarantee there are no sharp edges within the cabinet! Mine had none, and the edges were actually rounded to prevent any accidents! Kudos to Digi-Cabi!

How to choose my first DSLR (Part 2)?

A continuation from Part 1 ...

Now for Group 2 users, things gets complicated.
Let's introduce the concept of the "System". Photography gear makes up a system. The system you choose ultimately determines the type of gear you will purchase. This point is often overlooked by new DSLR users because they are new! They do not know about the system at all!

Why is the system important? Why should I waste so much time researching / deciding on the system?

The answer is simple: You do not want to waste precious dollars and time in the future. A photographer usually sticks to one system as the lenses and accessories are interchangable / re-usable when (s)he upgrades the camera body in future. (S)he won't have to go thru this hassle of evaluating everything again. Being very familiar with the gear (s)he already possess, (s)he can work with the new camera easily. Depending on what (s)he has bought, the 'spare' camera can become the backup camera in any situation.

So, what makes up the "System"?
1) Camera body
2) Lenses
3) Accessories such as flash / remotes etc, including 3rd parties
4) Technical support after purchase

Note: The above does not denote the order of importance!

When choosing a DSLR, lenses and accessories forms part of your decision. You have to learn about the lenses and accessories available before you make a final decision on which body to get. A body may give you all the bells and whistles that you are looking for, but if the lenses / accessories are not easily available in your region, or if you are not able to get good support when technical issues arise, that's it. You will start to be frustrated by the system itself. Imagine the turnaround time just to get your lens or body repaired / serviced. This time is equivalent to the time you are not able to use your gear. Can you make do with say, a month without your gear?

To illustrate further, let's take my decision making process as an example.
Bear in mind that I was a newbie with DSLRs when I was going thru this process.
When I was about to purchase my first DSLR, I short listed the below cameras:
1) Canon 60D
2) Nikon D7000
3) Pentax K5

3 different brands, 3 different systems. The costs for the standard kits are generally similar.
I went to shops/IT shows to feel the cameras (didn't manage to try the Pentax though) on display. The Canon 60D didn't feel really right in my hands (the 550D felt way better). It just didn't fit my fingers and I found that holding it for a short while makes me uncomfortable.

So it was down to the D7000 and the K5. Reading reviews and all, the K5 is an outstanding camera! I really wanted to get my hands on it. BUT! the decision fell thru after I evaluated the other components of the Pentax system. Lens offering from the Pentax line is OK. The major concern is the support available. In Singapore, there is only 1 shop that is also the distributor and "service center" for Pentax. If you need any servicing, you send it back to the shop. Online feedback has shown that the shop/distributor is doing a great job servicing Pentax customers. But, being the one and only shop in Singapore is enough to make me take a step back and give it some serious thoughts.

The next thing that came into the picture was the flashgun. I wanted to get a flashgun together with the DSLR as I knew I won't invest a few hundred bucks for a flashgun anywhere in the near future, so I might just as well buy the whole system at once. This contributed to my decision to get the D7000 over the K5. When sourcing for the Pentax flashgun, I realized that there wasn't much to choose from. Comparing the flashguns available from the makers and 3rd parties, Nikon has way more choices. With the same budget, I can get a better flashgun for Nikon compared to the Pentax.

And lastly, before I finally took the plunge, I 'looked into the future'. I asked myself where I will be with the camera in 3 to 5 years time? What will I be doing with it? Does this particular system I have chosen satisfy my future needs (new lenses/accessories)? Will I be able to setup a shooting studio easily with this system? Will the system be useful for shooting events? (Nikon's Creative Lighting System "CLS" comes into mind.) These questions may seem "too professional" for a newbie, but hey, if you are serious about photography, this should form part of your decision/dream making!

If you have read all the way here, I thank you. I believe you will have a better understanding and clearer picture on how to make that decision now. I wish you success in the system that you will be choosing! =)

PS: My apologies to all who were waiting for this posting. I just didn't have the time to complete it. But thank you all who were patient and waited for it!

How to choose my first DSLR (Part 1)?

This is definitely the most asked question for anyone who has been using a compact camera and wants to upgrade to a DSLR. I'll try to answer this question here, based upon my experience and the knowledge I acquired from reading thru so many forums / reviews / blogs for the past few months.

I'll categorize the potential buyers into 2 groups:
Group 1) these people believe a DSLR will produce better pictures compared to a compact camera
And
Group 2) these people have an interest in photography, wants to upgrade their gear, skills and knowledge in photography and are willing to spend time to understand more before taking the plunge.

For group 1 users, the answer is very simple:
Just buy any DSLR within your budget, and that the camera feels good in your hands.
Some people may prefer brands than the feel. For users from this group, I say just buy whatever you want.
No offence, but from the interaction with users of this group, I've come to realize this: it doesn't matter what you tell them. They have already set their minds on a particular brand / model and they are also unwilling to learn more on the subject matter. They have the mindset that the DSLR is a point and shoot compact camera. And with this 'heavy investment', these cameras should behave the same as a compact, but deliver stunning results. This last statement is partially true, as DSLRs have a better and larger image sensor as compared to a compact. The image quality (IQ) produced will definitely be better. That is why, any DSLR will work for them.

(...to be continued in Part 2)

My Screen Protectors arrived!

The AC٠MAXX Screen protector arrived in 10 days after I bought them off ebay. I was thinking it may take a little longer but it was a pleasant surprise! Just in time before we took our trip! ;D

I've got mail!

The package came as shown above. Contents were protected by bubble-wrapped envelope.

The Package

As you can see above, there are 2 pieces of LCD protector. One is the for main LCD and the smaller piece is for the top LCD panel. These are made to fit specific DSLRs. Do not order the wrong one!

Back of the packaging

On the back of the packaging are the instructions on how to put the protector on.

My D7000 in it's original condition

Although my D7000 already came with a screen protector (BM-11), I just can't bare to use it. The BM-11 is made of plastic and I just feel that it will get damaged / scratched too easily.

Top LCD Panel

Here's a picture of the top LCD panel before I put on the screen protector.

Screen protectors applied!

Wa La! Screen protectors in place! You can easily identify the screen protector as they come with a silver frame. Still don't see it? Here's more!

See the silver frame around the top LCD? It wasn't there previously!

And below: you see it around the main LCD panel.

I'm really glad I bought these protectors. Now I'll have no worries drawing my D7000 out of my backpack! They also do not hinder the LCD's display since they are made of glass. I still see pictures clearly from my LCD without any color distortion. The best part is: they do not stick totally onto the camera. Only the border comes with some sort of adhesive to hold the protector in place and it does it very well! I don't find the protector moving around.

If you are interested in purchasing these, their website is here

Arrival of my dry cabinet!

Went back to my wife's kampong over the weekend to pray to her grandmother for 'Qing Ming', thus no blogs were posted. It was a fruitful weekend --> my wife was finally relieved of a burden and I too am really happy seeing her so relieved!

Just before we left, my dry cabinet arrived! Hurray!!! My lenses finally have a safe place to hide in! I got it for S$240 from Parisilk including free delivery.

Digi-Cabi DHC-60L

Back of box

As you can see, the cabinet came in a carton box. The contents were well protected with stuffing both at the top and bottom. There was also a small piece of stuffing in between the box to prevent any impact during transportation. My apologies for not having pictures of the stuffing within. I actually forgot to take them! =p

Unpacked Cabinet

The unpacked cabinet. More stuffing on the trays to prevent them from hitting the glass door during transportation. Manual and form paddings were already placed properly in the cabinet.

Drawers Extended

Here you see the drawers which are not fully extended. They are made of plastic but do not feel flimsy at all (even after I put up my gear)! The cabinet comes with 2 keys which are not featured here. The drawers are stopped by a catch when fully extended. You will not be able to pull it out unless you lift them up to a certain angle. This certainly is a welcomed feature as you won't have to worry about your camera or lenses dropping off if you pull too hard!

Back of cabinet

Back of the cabinet where the dehumidifier and power point is.

Internal Indicators

The internal indicator. Red LED at the bottom represents power while the Green LED at the top indicates the box is working to lower the RH to your desired level.

Digital Control (RH == Relative Humidity)

The digital control is in front and outside of the cabinet. It is powered by the same power supply for the cabinet, not like the AD series where this controller is powered by a 'AAA' battery. To set the RH, you press 'Set', followed by the arrows keys. The blue led lights up as well (with the Green LED) when the cabinet is working to lower the RH. You know it has reached the desired RH when the light goes off. The temperature is only an indicator, you won't be able to adjust this.

NOTE: if you set RH to 47%, the box will start to lower the RH when it reaches 49% and it will bring it down to 45% before it cuts off. It works based on ±2% RH.

I chose a digital dry cabinet 'cos I'm lazy --> I don't want to be fiddling around with an analogue dial to adjust the cabinet to the desired RH. I just want to set it and forget it. Another good point is that the digital cabinet is 'greener' than the analogue. It cuts itself off when the desired RH is reached. Unlike the analogue version where it works continuously to maintain the RH.

I hope this post clears the air for a lot of potential dry cabinet users who like me, are unable to find clear information / instructions online -- even from the manufacturers websites!

UPDATE (18-Sep-11): I 'upgraded' the Dry Cabinet. Take a look here.

My setup part 2

A continuation to yesterday's post!

Benro Tripod A-550EX with BH1 ball head. Cost me ~S$200 2yrs ago

Here's the tripod that I have. It's a Benro A-550EX with BH1 ball head. I bought this 2 years ago after getting my compact camera (Canon Ixus 860IS). It's a pretty sturdy tripod and it has served me well (at home). I've been using it to take videos / pictures for the celebrations we've held at home. But it's considered under-utilized  cos I only mounted a compact on it. I brought it out on a zoo trip before but we didn't get to use it at all.

I got to play around with my new camera bag today. It's simply amazing! I'm so glad I decided to buy this backpack. A picture paints a thousand words:

Kata 3n1-33 (S$175, Parisilk)

Kata STH-3n1 Tripod Holder (S$20, TK Foto / Parisilk)

Bag with Tripod assembled

As you can see, the tripod is held tightly in place. It's simply amazing! I was still worried whether it will be able to hold my tripod but I'm really happy that it does it so nicely!

Note: The weight becomes horrible though! haha!

That's it for today. My dry cabinet should be arriving tomorrow. I'll post some pictures of it in action if I manage to set it up! Cya now!

My setup

Here's an introduction to my first set of DSLR:

The package

Package Contents: Nikon D7000 body, Nikkor prime 50mm f1.8D lens, Nikkor standard zoom 18-55mm VR lens, Nikkor telephoto 55-200mm VR lens, SB-700 flash gun, ML-L3 infra-red remote trigger, EN-EL15 spare battery, Tokina CPL filter x 1, Hoya multi-coated UV filter x 3 (1 for each lens)

I got the whole package from Parisilk via a 'group buy'. Some of the lenses were cheaper with the purchase with purchase we negotiated. Overall, I saved a few hundred bucks off standard retail price!

Freebies!

Freebies: Nikon SL168 tripod, Kingston 8Gb Class 6 SD card, Nikon card reader, Nikon bag, 3" LCD screen protector, cheap set of cleaning kit

Basically, the only useful items are the card, reader and bag. Please DO NOT use the tripod on your expensive equipment. It's better to get a more expensive and sturdy tripod!

The basic 'Must have' items

Lenspen LP-1 (S$18, Parisilk)

Lenspen is a wonderful invention! One end is a retractable brush and the other is a lens / filter cleaning tip that is made of a special compound that will 'never dry up'. I got this for $18 from Parisilk. I think you can get better prices if you source for them. It's a must have item in your bag wherever you go! You can quickly clean away dust and stains on your lenses wherever you are!

Standard Cleaning Kit (S$7, FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point)

Next important thing you should have is a cleaning kit. The blower is a must have to blow away large dust particles before you clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth. The set featured above has all the items you need. I got it real cheap ($7 as you can see) from FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point. I was quoted $15 for the same thing at Parisilk. Bring the blower with you when traveling. The lenspen + blower + microfiber cloth combo is good enough for cleaning your equipment on the move!

Tokina CPL (Circular Polarizing) Filter (S$28, Parisilk)

This is a must have item in my list. It basically reduces glare from water / glass surfaces. It's similar to other filters but there is an additional ring for you to turn to manipulate the light entering the lens. Notice that it's not clear glass? Here's a great guide you should read! It helped me understand filters and what I need. I'll post some pictures I took with this filter for comparison later.

Hoya Multi-coated UV Filter [HMC UV(C) grade] (S$16, Parisilk)

UV filters: I fit one of these over all my lenses for protection rather than UV reduction (read the guide to understand more). This is an added protection for your lens in case you knock them into some sharp items. It's so much easier and cheaper to replace compared to your lenses. Some people argue that this extra piece of glass creates glare / ghosting in your pictures. I say this is not true for most cases. If you find it happening, just unscrew it off your lens and take your pictures. It's just so convenient!

That's the end of my introduction! I've still got some gear not documented (haven't taken the pictures yet) but they will appear in later posts once I'm ready. By the way: I'm not affiliated with Parisilk in any way. They just happen to offer the best prices for most of the items I need, that's why I keep mentioning them.

Wow!

Wow! Didn't realize it's been more than a year since I created this blog!

I just bought my first DSLR (Nikon D7000) recently and I want to share the knowledge I've acquired. I'll be posting a lot of stuff related to photography from now on.

Armed with my new camera, there will definitely be more interesting stuff posted!
I need to get started learning how to use my camera. So much to learn, so little time.
Cya now!