GX GARNERINGS

Kudos to the local dealer Laikok, we are playing with the Ricoh GXR A12 28mm.  If you are curious about how it performs at higher ISO, these are the first two shots at ISO1600 without noise reduction.  The 100% crops are included.  The colours in the final images produced by the Ricoh cameras are always unassuming and pleasant to the eye, truly our cup of tea.  The image (colour) setting of these two images is Standard.   Shot 2:

(Camera: Ricoh GX200) This is the traditional busy periods of the year no matter in the office or at home.  The images today hopefully convey how the photographer may see things after a busy day.  Take care, buddy.

Acceptance of orders for an initial offer of 30 such silver GRD3s has begun since 8 December.  Ricoh is asking for 247,800 Japanese Yens each. More here .  (Japanese Watch Impress site)

(Camera: Samsung EX1) The EX1 is a near-perfect camera and really competitive in its class.  My only gripe with the EX1 is its not-so-macro mode.  Ergonomics-wise and handling, it is good but not as great as the GRD3, which I think is the king of these two categories. 

The editors of Popular Photographer have elected Sony A55 the Camera of the Year 2010.  It says, "The decision of our editors was unanimous: It could only be Sony’s unique take on the single-lens reflex." Of all the smaller sized cameras, only Panasonic's G2 is picked as one of the runners-up. Read the full report here .

(Camera: Ricoh GX200) What's the point of riding a bike with such small wheels?  It doesn't seem to save much effort than simply walking.  But for however little energy the bike may save the rider, it does its job to save you energy. Some people don't seem to comprehend this point when they say they hate doing bargaining.  You cannot save enough money for just your effort, they may scorn.  Well, what a groundless assumption! Bargaining doesn't take effort; it takes strategies!  And for however little money it may save you, it saves your money. There is a proven way to bargain for a cheaper camera in the shops. It works like this: Timing.   Most salesmen hope to end a month with good sales records for a higher commission.  Therefore, they are more eager to strike deals towards the end of a month.  And the best time in a day to do the bargaining is when the shop is about to close.  The salesmen are then more likely to yield to your barg...

    ISO GF2 NEX5 A55 D7000 100 0.62s, f4   ISO 100 1/3s, f3.5 200 1/3s, f4 f5.6 ISO 200 1/5s, f3.5 400 1/6s, f4 f5.6 ISO 400 1/10s, f3.5 800 1/13s, f4 f5.6 ISO 800 1/25s, f3.5 1600 1/25s, f4 f5.6 ISO 1600 1/30s, f3.5 3200 1/50s, f4 f5.6 ISO 3200 1/60s, f4 6400 1/100s, f4 f5.6 ISO 6400 1/100s, f5 12800   f5.6 ISO 12800     1.3s, f4 @ ISO100 (night scene mode)     ISO Hi 1 ISO Hi 2

(Camera: Sony a55) For photographers, it is always a joy to try out and, much more so, own a new camera, especially when the camera is full of surprises.  The Sony a55 is definitely in the category of camera with surprises. Although size-wise the a55 can in no way be called a compact, it actually feels lighter than the Samsung NX100 in the hand, thanks to its better weight distribution.  Fitted with a 50mm lens for the shot of today, the a55 is really a gem in hand -- with loads of useful features and a cheap price tag.  You would have marvelled at its value-for-money. Today's shot was done with the HDR Auto on.  In the unlikely event that you are not aware, Sony has engineered this function to combine three simultaneous shots into a final image with a dynamic range similar to that of the human eyes.  It can either be left on auto-pilot for the camera to decide when and how to use it or be tuned to the desired effect levels to the user's taste.  ...

(Camera: Samsung NX100) This is Sunday, a day to renew your strength.  The exit to brightness is right ahead.