Moving to Fullframe finally

In 2009 I sold all my Canon DSLR gear for the mirrorless system and I am particularly into the m4/3 system leaded by Olympus and Panasonic. This system has made me enjoy photography once again due to the portability and good image quality.

I am particularly impressed by the EM-5 OM-D by Olympus for it's image output at high iso. However as this market developed, I soon find the pricing of some of it's professional grade lens are too pricey. For DSLR like Canon or Nikon, some of it's older lens which is still compatible to the latest DSLR is a draw to me. These older lens with great lens design and image output sometimes cost a fraction of the newer mirrorless lens.

When Nikon came out the D600, the price of the fullframe seems to be affordable compared to 3-5years back. If today I do not want a fullframe DSLR, I will still stick to the m4/3. A APS_C camera weight saving is not as great as a m4/3 and the image is not so different. With a fullframe camera, the standard measure focal length is much convenient. (we have to accept even with digitial technology, for the past 10-12years , people are still using 35mm equivalent focal length to relate to the angle of view) 

Today a Olympus EP-5 with EVF and 17mmf1.8 kit cost about $1500USD. A used D600 is about the same price and if I paired up with a 50mm f1.8 D lens ($70USD). I can go FF at the same price as a EP-5.Looking at the new EM-1 OM-D rumours price of $2000USD, I am really disappointed with the way Olympus market the price. 

After I used the FF DSLR, I truly understood what a 35mm sensor can do. It's really can capture more dynamic range, making a subject pop-out and the shutter lag is virtually zero (compared to m4/3).

BTW, I am also able to put my D600 w 85mm (AI-K) or Tokina 100mmf2.8 , 50mmf1.8 and a 24-85mm into my domke F5Bx (small shoulder bag). 

The body of D600 is the same size as a D7000 but the sensor is a FX fullframe thus making a great attraction to me.

Nature marco

After 2 months o taking a break from macro shooting, I went out to shoot with my OM-D and 60mm macro. Here are some of the catch of the day at Tampines Eco park.

Cruise to Palau Redang

Shot with OM-D with cheap 14-42mm kit lens.
I was having an incentive trip with my company and brought my light setup on board the cruise ship.
Beautiful beach it is.

Using FullFrame Canon 6D

I went to a missionary trip recently and was tasked as a photographer. With a loan Canon 6D and a 24-70f2.8L lens, I went with my Singapore Team to Pahang Malaysia to minister the Orang Asli Children and support the teaching of Christianity.

Using the DSLR 6D and the L lens, brings me back to my old days when I was using the DSLR before switching entirely to m4/3 system. The DSLR is really made to get the job done! Focus was fast but there are still situation it can't focus(subject with less contrast etc) , ISO can up till 3200 without loss of detail. Bokeh was easy to make with a f2.8 lens. The one and only disadvantage is still the weight and size. Really cumbersome to carry whole day and find a bag to place the camera is also a headache. If I were to add the 70-200mmf2.8, it will be really heavy for travel.

Nevertheless, the output from a Fullframe DSLR is very good.
Here are some photos from the 6D.

What people do in Bukit Brown?

Exploring this cemetery again with my foldie, I saw some horse riders in the cemetery with their horse taking a stroll. . People also jog and bring their dogs for walk inside the cemetery too. Will be great this cemetery can be made into a heritage park instead of clearing it for highway and for housing in the next 40years.

Cycling inside Bukit Brown Cemetery

Since 2011, this Chinese cemetery is in the limelight after our government has announced to build a 8 -lane road cutting across this old cemetery. Many Singapore and nature lovers are concern over the long term effect of this modernization. There are numerous blogs, websites and news dedicated to this lovely site.

For me, after about a year without a bicycle, I decided to buy a used fold able bike recently. This bike is a Dahon Vitesse D7. I brought it to the cemetery and ride the vast open land. After turning from the usual busy Lornie road, this place suddenly bring you to another world. It is so peaceful. I do not personally believe in haunting. People bring their dogs there daily for a walk and the vast greenery is amazing. Wild life like birds are abundant too.

Personally, I think this place should be preserved. I think most Singaporeans or PRs will not bother about this historical place. Concerns over when to buy the next property or which "top" school the children will go are their main worry. Nevertheless, having a old Chinese cemetery in the heart of the city island is something special which no artificial parks like the Gardens by the bay can replace.

The ride around the whole cemetery with hilly slopes is very enjoyable. The total distance on all the paved road is about 5km.

I will continue to explore this place before the destruction comes.
Photo with bicycle are taken by Samsung Note II. The rest are by OM-D Olympus