The return of 20mm and new 45mm

During the launch of Panasonic GF-1 back in late 2009, I bought it due to the package of standard kit lens and the amazing 20mm f1.7 lens. I enjoyed it and saw the value and sharpness of it. I sold it the whole set due to the quest to explore on Olympus DSLR E-30. However, after Olympus came out the 45mm lens and the new range of Pens cameras like the EP-3 and EPM-1, I finally got the 20mm f1.7 again after buying the Pen mini EPM-1. Adding to the arsenal is the 45mm f1.8 from Olympus. With this setup, I have 2 bright and sharp lens. With this setup, I have to say farwell to my beloved X100 fujifilm too as having a 20mm lens (40mm equivalent) is equivalent to the X100 35mm focal length. I enjoyed the use of 20mm again and found how easy it is to create nice pleasing images than the standard kit lens.

The photos below show the bokeh and the usefulness for indoor shots with available light photography.

Macro Insect

This morning, with 2 days before the New Year arrival, I took some time out to doing some shooting.Went the Hort Park at Alexandra and use EPM-1 with 14-42mm kit lens mount with the Raynox 250 close-up lens.

Zoo Outing with EPM-1

Today, bring my kids to the zoo. The zoo opens at 830am but my kids woke up at 545am. They are just too excited about the trip that they woke up early. We reached the Zoo at Mandai at around 8am and had breakfast there. It was a good day and weather was cooling . Thank God that there was no heavy rain and a safe trip.
Using my EPM-1 , I mainly shooting video. However I saw some good shots and test out the raynox 250 on the kit lens 14-42mm. Looking at the pictures, I can say why I love Olympus. The colours are still punchy even it's a gloomy day today. No need to photoshop and save time.

Just to share some here.

Advantages of X100 and EPM-1

Ok. Here it goes again. Comparing cameras again. Btw, there are lots of sites comparing m4/3 to x100. And to me, I will not want to compare but to see each of their own strength.

In summary, X100 is a piece of beautiful machine made for photographers who are sick of the high tech and complication of DSLR or mirrorless interchangable system. It's retaught me to appreciate why 35mm focal length can tell story and avoid looking into new lens. It was made me work harder and think harder before I click the shutter. However once capture the image, the output is usually "Wow". The image is smooth even at ISO2000 and colours bring me back to the slide film days.

For EPM-1 from Olympus, it is a little system that tells me.." OK, it's time to dump all my DSLR stuff". Previously, GF-1, EP-2 didn't really replace my DSLR. With Olympus and Panasonic input of new and fast lens in 2011and with the new AF system on the Pen (EP-3,EPL_3 and EMP_1), it's so fast and positive , I think it has surpass many expectations.

Is M4/3 the way to go for the future? I think yes. They are the most balance system for mirrorless compared to other brands like Sony/Samsung(Using 1.5x sensor). For NIkon and Pentax, they are using much smaller sensor than m4/3.  I believe the reason they are using smaller sensor is that they hope these mirrorless sales will not kill their own DSLR sales.

It's because of the size of m4/3 standard, that's the reason why the lens (especially the zooms) can  be reduced in size. Look at the zooms from Sony and samsung..do they seem like DSLR lens? Big and ugly.

Dramatic & Pop Art

Trying out this filter again. The clouds are dark but with the filter, it add more drama to it.

For nature subject, I find the Pop Art Filter is the way to go. I love olympus Jpeg processing engine. It has left my Photoshop software useless and save tons of time.

Olympus Pen EPM-1

Oh no. I still cannot resisit the temptation. After holding for almost one year, I finally buy this little camera. Since Olympus has add on the Dramatic Art filter into the EpL-2 Pen, I have been tempted.
So when Olympus this year launch the Ep-3, EPL-3 and EPM-1, I got the "lower" spec EPM-1 to compliment my X100. Please do not mistook this "lower" end EPM-1. It has the same sensor as the EP-3 and the AF speed is one BIG leap. Much faster than the older models of PEN and even the DSLRs.
And amazingly, the price is so affordable. I got this body with the kit lens 14-42mmMSRII plus  the new EVF VF-3 for only SGD$830. With its lightning AF speed and 4.1 Fps, finally, I can say it has replaced my E-30 DSLR.DSLRs are huge, heavy and "ugly" I still wonder why hobbists are still using them. For Pros, I beileve there are some application, DSLR are still one level up. If not, why are people still hanging DSLR on their neck for walk around and leisure shoot?

Here are some of the photos I took from this camera. Please note the controls are not as direct accessable as this camera is targetted to beginner and point-shoot upgraders. Nevertheless, it is packed with "pro" features.

So slick and small. Just love the design.

AF is so postive. Using Art filter "Pop Art"

Dramatic Art Filter. This art filter is a hit for Olympus.

Trip to Phuket

During the school holidays in Nov 2011, I brought my family to Phuket Island (Thailand) for a holiday. It's a relaxing and fun trip. With 2 young kids, we did more activities around the hotel area and only sign up for a day trip on elephant riding.
I brought my fujiflim x100 camera to capture the trip.

Cycling at New Punggol River Link

It's been awhile since I have updated my blog. Was struggling to find time for cycling but finally found a chance to take my foldie to Punggol yesterday.
The new park was opened after many years of waiting. I used to stay in Punggol but moved to Bedok earlier this year due to the location. I loved Punggol's nature setting but not the convinence of transport and food.
Though I moved to Bedok, I will still like to visit Punggol for it's parks and environment duirng freetime or weekends.
With a ride through the riverbanks of Punggol, I am impressed by the landscape setting done up from the Nparks. It was a refreshing ride and something different from the usual East Coast Park connectors.

Landscape with X100

Taken by X100 with built in ND filter. Mounted on a tripod.

My Favorite cameras (top 3)

Having use DSLR like the Canon 10D, Canon 1Dmark2, Canon 30D and Canon40D with various lens, I have lost my passion on photography in 2008/09. These cameras seem to be a work tool rather than a creative or personal tool.

When Panasonic and Olympus came out their mirrorless camera, they brought my passion back. And most recently, I have to praise Fujifilm for making the X100 camera.
These are my favourite cameras...one common fact is they are retro in design, small in size and can produce DSLR images.
1) Olympus EP-2
2) Lumix (Panasonic) GF-1
3) FujiFilm X100

FujiFilm X100

There was a time when retro was in demand again in the photography. The earlier model that uses digital sensor on a old film body I believe is Leica's M8. However the price was too high for most novice and serious shooters.
Then in 2009, Olympus came out it's digitial Pens where it's design was inspired by their Pens made in 1959. It was an instant hit for many and it was Olympus strategy to get more market shares from the giants Canon and Nikon. It was this digital pens that actually made me dump all my canon stuff.

Then came X100 in end of 2010, I waited until recently and i finally got the X100. The image quality is superb. I can seriously say much better than the m4/3 cameras out there. Better doesn't mean the m4/3 is lousy. All cameras are great tool as long as it's used knowing it's strength and weakness.The X100 images are smooth and sharp. Colours are good espeically  the "Velvia" film simulation. It really reminded myself 10 years back,when I first use the famous iso50 Velvia slide film. The colours are brillant and in any case I have almost forgetten why I like slide film during that time.'

Note that this camera is a fixed focal length (35mm) and it's not a interchangeable lens system like the m4/3 or DSLR. You will not get a fancy wide angle shot or a tight portriat shot as in other systems. Using this camera is like using a APC_S DSLR with a 35mm lens but in a smaller package.

I end this that I do see a shift in today's photography market. With the mirrorless cameras like the PENs, in a few years time, demands of DSLR will drop. The latest EP-3 from Olympus with it's fast AF comparable to DSLR, it will definately change many minds to dump the DSLR for a lighter and fun system like the m4/3 system.

Does Singapore a city has nice landscape?

Many of the Singaporean have travel to thousand of mile to see beautiful landscape. I am one who still prefer to seek the best potential of where I am staying. Below are some of the landscape in Singapore.