GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[theflyingkiwi]

Apprently the Waikato had -3 over night

Well I biked to work today (Hey it's a good way of waking up :) ) and I am sure it was close to that. So yep nothing like frost to make sure you know it's winter. so early in the year to, perhaps it's going to be a cold one.

Happy birthday Wazza. You better watch out, now that you are getting older you might end up with some gray hairs. :) :lol:

I think you should shout everyone in akl a cup of coffee, after all you have just started a new job and now your birthday?

[NordieBoy]

Heh, maybe the Sigma 300-800? I promise to share. :lol:
Share with whom?

Now the 120-300's been dinged you'll have to start handing that one around

:D

[mrmeal]

Thanks John.

Yeah 666 is today.

I was born at 6:06pm, Suite 6 at National Womans.

lol so I guess there is no amount of red eye reduction that will fix the images of you taken today then........ happy Birthday Mate.

[joeseph]

It's the first day in many many years, it's a fine day on my birthday. :o

Happy Birthday Warren - guess today's not the day to send you a housekeeping bill for tidying up a stack of photo's at Craftworld yesterday.. ;) guess it's a sign that folks are looking through them. Hope it all goes well there.

I usually need to wait until Australia wakes up,
You could be waiting some years yet Pete...

[Moppie]

Happy B'day Warren, your almost starting to maybe seem like your possibly getting older.

[Wazza]

Well I biked to work today (Hey it's a good way of waking up :) ) and I am sure it was close to that. So yep nothing like frost to make sure you know it's winter. so early in the year to, perhaps it's going to be a cold one.

Happy birthday Wazza. You better watch out, now that you are getting older you might end up with some gray hairs. :) :lol:

I think you should shout everyone in akl a cup of coffee, after all you have just started a new job and now your birthday?

Bike? Woah, is that some new invention?

This song is bringing back some memories... I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.

After all, Metservice said 2 months ago, it will be a mild, but possibly wet winter. May was one of the coldest ever, 11*C average across NZ for the month. :lol:

Grey hairs? At least they can be coloured. I'm more concerned of losing those hairs. The 666 mark on the back of my head is covered for a reason.

[Wazza]

Share with whom?

Now the 120-300's been dinged you'll have to start handing that one around

:D

Hold your horses. :lol:

I haven't even got it myself.
Will get it on Friday, before heading to Taupo for Round 2 of D1NZ.

Don't wish to use it this week, and drop it, when I'm carrying too much gear. There's a lot of momentum when a 2.6kg lens hits the ground from 1.8metres high. :oops:

[Wazza]

lol so I guess there is no amount of red eye reduction that will fix the images of you taken today then........ happy Birthday Mate.

Now there's a good explanation as to the red eye. Wondered why there was a hint of red, without using the flash!

You better not be camera shy tonight ;)

[Wazza]

Happy Birthday Warren - guess today's not the day to send you a housekeeping bill for tidying up a stack of photo's at Craftworld yesterday.. ;) guess it's a sign that folks are looking through them. Hope it all goes well there.


You could be waiting some years yet Pete...

For real? :lol:

I only cleaned it up on Friday 3pm, just before the long weekend.
I moved the stall from the back section to near the front door. Row 4, 2 or 3 from the counter. That sheet was a pain in the ass getting up, by myself. Took like an hour to get done, with the hooks and all. :)

Thanks for that, I'll give you use of my nifty fifty one day. :p

[Wazza]

Happy B'day Warren, your almost starting to maybe seem like your possibly getting older.

Thanks Moppie, there's only so many games I can play like a kid, that just doesn't look young when you're 23.

Have a fun day all. :evil: :twisted:

[tim]

Happy birthday Wazza! :) Remember you're only as old as the woman you feel ;)

[Wazza]

Kirst is young in body and spirit. I'm priviledged to be with her. :)
Thanks both tim and Kirst. ;)

[weka2000]

Heh, maybe the Sigma 300-800? I promise to share. :lol:

You would never use it and you would need to go to the gym if you have trouble with the 120-300 lugging that around.

[FlyingPete]

I would just like to say that growing up is over rated. When you loose the ablity to laugh at your self, and build sand castles (too embarased, and helping kids doesn't count) it is a sad day.

[dgcorner]

I would just like to say that growing up is over rated. When you loose the ablity to laugh at your self, and build sand castles (too embarased, and helping kids doesn't count) it is a sad day.

I'll second that!!!

[weka2000]

I laugh at my self all the time. However its not recommended that others laught at me as I have an adverse reaction :lol:

[forsaken]

Happy birthday wazza.

Will have to buy you a birthday coke.

[forsaken]

Good morning Aucklanders (and everyone else), just a FYI, this morning is the coldest morning I have recorded in June since I was keeping records a little under 7 years ago :shock:

Air temp (measured at 2 meters above the ground) was 1.3degC, ground was much lower than that because there was a frost! Coldest air temp I have had thus far was 0.3degC in late July three years ago (2003).

Brrrrrrr!

yeah the one day I neglect to put eh car in the garage and I wake up to it covered in ice. And I only washed it yesterday to :(

[tim]

Will have to buy you a birthday coke.

Don't you mean a birthday cake? :p

[dgcorner]

Happy birthday wazza.

Will have to buy you a birthday coke.

Hmmm, you're going to get Wazza snorting that white stuff?!?!:lol:

EDIT: oops, I think Tim beat me to this... that's what I get when not reading to the last post before posting a comment ;-)

[forsaken]

coke as in coca cola

[scotttnz]

coke as in coca cola

Right.....glad you cleared that up.

Happy Birthday Wazza!

[scotttnz]

Here's what I got up to yesterday. Off to the beach with the family!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/IMG_9254.jpg

Shame Daniel insisted on sitting in the shadow.

[Moppie]

Nice photo scott.

I believe Iv seen that Beach before.

[dgcorner]

Nice one Scott. Whereabouts was this beach? With Rangi being that small in the background it must have been a distance...

[dgcorner]

Moppie, how goes the house renovations?

[dgcorner]

coke as in coca cola

Si, we were just stirring the pot:lol:

[NordieBoy]

First coke now pot.

What's the world coming to?

Probably speeding to an iceage.

[dgcorner]

First coke now pot.

What's the world coming to?

Probably speeding to an iceage.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[tim]

Heads up on a special at ascent (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=341014), a 4GB Sandisk Ultra II card for $270. 2x2GB Kingston Elite (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=334307) are about the same price. 18 months ago a 1GB card cost $200!

[scotttnz]

Nice one Scott. Whereabouts was this beach? With Rangi being that small in the background it must have been a distance...

That's what happens at 10mm......everything looks so far away! It is at Beachlands, so not that far.

[Moppie]

Its shot at Sunkist bay, which is about 400m away from my parents place, which is where I was on Monday evening :)


The house is going well, I got the cieling done in the bedrooms and lounge. But the angled roof in the kitchen/dinning and above the stairs was just to much work, so its still plastered.
Now all we have to do is find somewhere to put everything. We are still living out of lots of boxes, but its gradualy getting better.
Need more book cases, cabinets etc.

[downunder]

Heads up on a special at ascent (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=341014), a 4GB Sandisk Ultra II card for $270. 2x2GB Kingston Elite (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=334307) are about the same price. 18 months ago a 1GB card cost $200!

Prices have certainly come down...even cheaper here

http://c1com.co.nz/shop/step1.php?number=5160

[tim]

That's so cheap... i'm not sure if i'd rather have a 4GB card, or 2x2GB cards. I have 8GB, I defintely want at least 10GB if not 12GB for next season.

I've used Ascent for years, their service is great, so i'd stick with them over saving a few dollars.

[Wazza]

Heads up on a special at ascent (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=341014), a 4GB Sandisk Ultra II card for $270. 2x2GB Kingston Elite (http://www.ascent.co.nz/ProductSpecification.aspx?ItemID=334307) are about the same price. 18 months ago a 1GB card cost $200!

Yeah 15 months ago, when I bough my 1Gb Lexar, they were $207 each, and I bought two for $414 from www.flashcards.co.nz

[dgcorner]

Took the plunge and bought the extension tubes.:D Opted for just the manual tubes so I will have to focus manually... not bad for $40 compared to the $100-$200 AF ones. Arrives in 10 days:rolleyes:

If anyone wants to have a play with macro let me know -- I can send the tubes your way after I have a play. Planning to use the Nifty or the 24-70 given that apertures are going to be wide open. I'll also try using the close-up filters and see what I get...

[theflyingkiwi]

Took the plunge and bought the extension tubes.:D Opted for just the manual tubes so I will have to focus manually... not bad for $40 compared to the $100-$200 AF ones. Arrives in 10 days:rolleyes:

If anyone wants to have a play with macro let me know -- I can send the tubes your way after I have a play. Planning to use the Nifty or the 24-70 given that apertures are going to be wide open. I'll also try using the close-up filters and see what I get...

where did you get the tubes from ? I have got the 100 macro and it will be interesting to see how it goes on those

[dgcorner]

Mark, I'm getting the tubes from John Thomson aka johnchalmers on TradeMe. I (and I think it was Scott) have been dealing with him on and off for some items. Quite reliable and goods are normally delivered within 24 hours of him getting payment. Let me know if you want his details -- I can PM you his email address.

[NordieBoy]

Been getting filters from John :D
Had a problem with one (bubble in glass) and he replaced it no problems.

[weka2000]

John knows a few of us then :)

[FlyingPete]

Took the plunge and bought the extension tubes.:D Opted for just the manual tubes so I will have to focus manually... not bad for $40 compared to the $100-$200 AF ones. Arrives in 10 days:rolleyes:

If anyone wants to have a play with macro let me know -- I can send the tubes your way after I have a play. Planning to use the Nifty or the 24-70 given that apertures are going to be wide open. I'll also try using the close-up filters and see what I get...

Hmmm, been wanting to see how tubes go on the 70-200, most of the time you are manual focusing anyway with macro, so manual tubes probably don't matter that much.

[joeseph]

My Kenko 2X Teleconverter has just been transmogrified into a 26mm extension tube!
anyone wanna see pics?

[dgcorner]

My Kenko 2X Teleconverter has just been transmogrified into a 26mm extension tube!
anyone wanna see pics?

OMG, what happend to it? That's an expensive extension tube...:(

[NordieBoy]

You can get 2x TC's for $50 or so.

Remove glass.....

[joeseph]

OMG, what happend to it? That's an expensive extension tube...:(
Actually it's pretty useless as a 2x converter, the loss of light is really bad so I've just dismantled it & removed the lens bit - now takes on a new lease of life as something useful!
e.g. 70mm @ f2.8 :D
84891
[cheesy grin here]

[FlyingPete]

Actually it's pretty useless as a 2x converter, the loss of light is really bad so I've just dismantled it & removed the lens bit - now takes on a new lease of life as something useful!
e.g. 70mm @ f2.8 :D
84891
[cheesy grin here]

Ah yes, but who is not to say you don't actually have giant bottles of beer, and that image is taken with a wide angle from across the room ;)

[Moppie]

Ah yes, but who is not to say you don't actually have giant bottles of beer, and that image is taken with a wide angle from across the room ;)

Then he has one really expensive wide angle with no barrel distortion.

[FlyingPete]

Then he has one really expensive wide angle with no barrel distortion.

I am sure there would be more than just barrel distortion after drinking a bottle that big :D

[FlyingPete]

Oh, and yes I am in one of those moods :rolleyes:

[dgcorner]

You can get 2x TC's for $50 or so.

Remove glass.....

Fran, the bid on the teleconverter just went up to $54;)

[dgcorner]

Oh, and yes I am in one of those moods :rolleyes:

Must be the lack of photo ops... You're working too hard Pete!

[scotttnz]

Looks like Sony are serious abot DSLRs

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0606/06060501sonydslra100.asp

It looks pretty impressive for their first offering!

[forsaken]

its a bit on the ugly side though.

[joeseph]

Shameless plug for quite a straight car:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=59305541&ed=true
Looks like Pete's auction is progressing, wonder how many bids from POTN...

[theflyingkiwi]

it may be ugly, but I am sure that some poor soul will go out and buy it. it's a interesting development in the dslr market. I wonder if canon will do something about it.

[joeseph]

it may be ugly, but I am sure that some poor soul will go out and buy it. lol! thought you were talking about her car there for a minute! :lol:

[NordieBoy]

Damn!

Bought my last Kenko MC7 2x for $75 and sold it for $150 :D

[NordieBoy]

Been offered this...

Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO lens for canon EF.
Inc tripod mount.
$350
Retails for $1100 odd.
Just a year old.

Very tempting but most of my motorsport pics seem to be between 70-200 on my 70-300.

[scotttnz]

Been offered this...

Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO lens for canon EF.
Inc tripod mount.
$350
Retails for $1100 odd.
Just a year old.

Very tempting but most of my motorsport pics seem to be between 70-200 on my 70-300.

PI sells them for around $899. I saw one sell on trademe for around $800, so you could always try it out, and if it doesn't work for you sell it for a profit.

[tim]

Interesting about the Sony camera, will appeal to gadget people who like the Sony brand mainly, I think. Sounds like a decent enough camera for 1st generation.

[NordieBoy]

Interesting about the Sony camera, will appeal to gadget people who like the Sony brand mainly, I think. Sounds like a decent enough camera for 1st generation.
I like the "In camera stabilisation" bit.

[tim]

That would save everyone a heck of a lot of money. Canon must have to add that soon, sure in-lens might work better, but the competition has in-camera and it's a bunch cheaper in the long run.

[Moppie]

It certianly looks like an interesting camera.
Its cheap enough, just waiting to see some sample pics.
Interestingly it still has a mount for body driven focus on older lenses.
It just so happens Amanda has a couple of older lenses that will work on it.
Fortunatly they are such old, cheap lenses that there is no way I could ever use them.
My A80 focus's faster.

[FlyingPete]

I would just like to say that 1) It is ugly, and 2) Its a Sony. Nuf said.

Actually I think Tim hit the nail on the head, it will appeal to gadget people who only buy Sony, I know quite a few people like that, one guy had to have "the best", but it had to be a Sony, when he came to me on digital camera advice, I pointed out that those terms are mutually exclusive when it comes to Sony ;)

Hey I still own a Sony digicam somewhere around here...

Oh and it will probably appeal to Minota people, gives them something to put their lenses on, and Minolta has has CCD IS for a couple of years now, so Sony has just rehacked their technology.

[theflyingkiwi]

it will appeal to gadget people who only buy Sony

Yea that's about covers it. These type of poeple also pixel peep as well. Sony will come out with a new camera and it's these people that will go out and get this new camera, just because it has a couple of new features, such as a psp player built in. Just for those times when there's nothing to shoot :) :lol:

I guess Sony will be the first to put movie record mode in a dslr :)

[Moppie]

I guess Sony will be the first to put movie record mode in a dslr :)


And they will sell thousands when they do!

SLRs sold in such huge numbers when AF and AE came out because they made high end optics and quality cameras avliable to a wide number of people.
Bascily with an AF and AE all you have to do is point and shoot, and the vast majority of camera owners are only ever interested Pointing and Shooting.
They have no interest in the science behind how it works, nor to they care about DOF and shutter speeds.

Sony has made millions out of creating products that appeal well to a mass market. Look at thier compact cameras, they are all Crap. Total and utter crap. Yet they sell, and they don't sell because of thier image quality and level of manual control. They sell because they look good, they are simple to use, and they have some good marketing behind them.

I think Sony will be the first to produce an SLR with very limited manual control, movie mode, and live preview. It will be cheap, and come packaged with 2 cheap lenes, a zoom wide angle and a zoom telephoto. It will not shoot RAW, and it will have lots of in camera saturation and sharpening done, with limited ablity to turn it off.
People like my better half will love it.
They will get all the "benifits" of an SLR, like the ablity to change lenses, fast AF, no shutter lag and quality build, with out any of the draw backs, like having to post process every photo, lots of features they don't need or understand, and the huge costs of really high quality glass.
Of course what they will get is a big bulky, cheaply built camera, supplied with really cheap low quality glass.
They would be better off with a simple compact, but they will never do the resurch, or have the understanding of photographer required to know that.

[NordieBoy]

Yea that's about covers it. These type of poeple also pixel peep as well. Sony will come out with a new camera and it's these people that will go out and get this new camera, just because it has a couple of new features, such as a psp player built in. Just for those times when there's nothing to shoot :) :lol:

I guess Sony will be the first to put movie record mode in a dslr :)
There has been a version of MAME ported to one of the digital cameras for several years now :D

[NordieBoy]

I think Sony will be the first to produce an SLR with very limited manual control, movie mode, and live preview.
One of the cameras already has a live preview.

Or am I thinking of the one with the second viewfinder thingy that means the viewfinder never goes "dark" when you're shooting?

[dgcorner]

Shameless plug for quite a straight car:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=59305541&ed=true
Looks like Pete's auction is progressing, wonder how many bids from POTN...

Good luck!!!

[dgcorner]

I stopped buying Sony stuff years ago -- The quality stopped with the Betamax format... and I found that out the hard way... so, 3 VHS and 2 TVs (in a span of 2 years) later I decided to call it quits.

And yes, that camera is ugly... but have to admit that they are supporting it like crazy.

[Moppie]

One of the cameras already has a live preview.

Or am I thinking of the one with the second viewfinder thingy that means the viewfinder never goes "dark" when you're shooting?

I think Fuji has an SLR with live preview, its a very convulted design, with an offset viewfinder, and mirrors all over the place inside it.
But, it dosn't do movies.

[theflyingkiwi]

I think Fuji has an SLR with live preview, its a very convulted design, with an offset viewfinder, and mirrors all over the place inside it.
But, it dosn't do movies.

And as everyone can see, canon and nikon are going to release a a model very shortly with the same function. :)

[MattL]

Seeing as someone else has done it, ill do it too:
Shameless plug for a straight car :
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/0001-0268-0314-/auction-58848183.htm

[NordieBoy]

Lots of traffic today.
There was one more but I couldn't get in it (damn hill).

[scotttnz]

Man! Talk about one eyed Sony bashing Canon lovers!

I like the look of the Sony SLR. It is obviously heavily based on the KM 5D (a very well respected camera)with some nice improvements. Like the same sensor as the 200D. By the looks of some of the accessories they are going for the complete SLR market, not just the low end. (The new 300mm f2.8 lens is not aimed at beginers!)

Of course the proof will be in the pictures, but in my view Canon and Nikon should be worried. KM SLR heritage plus Sony imaging technology and marketing power will be a powerful force. I will be suprised if in a few years time the DSLR market is not a 3 horse race, instead of the 2 horses and a couple of mules that we have now.

[joeseph]

Sony bashing? I put my Sony video in the wheely-bin on Tues - it didn't survive the powercut we had on Saturday and surely not worth taking the cover off to repair.

[tag141]

and don't forget you will HAVE to use the Sony 'flash card', or whatever they are called, that only Sony makes and charges and small fortune for. BUT it will fit your PSP and your K800i. Mmmmmm, why not have an MP3 player in your camera? Music while you shoot!!!!

[scotttnz]

and don't forget you will HAVE to use the Sony 'flash card', or whatever they are called, that only Sony makes and charges and small fortune for. BUT it will fit your PSP and your K800i. Mmmmmm, why not have an MP3 player in your camera? Music while you shoot!!!!

Did you read the review before Sony bashing? It takes standard CF cards!

[theflyingkiwi]

You know there is always someone who will bash anything. In this case a small number of people hate sony. Some poeple hate Microsoft, and some people hate apple.

However this turn of events is only good for the dslr market, as in due time it will mean that Canon and Nikon will have to re-think there low end cameras. Which is a good thing for us. As for sony I do wonder how long it will take before they change the camera to use only sony media. If sony had there way everyone would be using sony, and it wouldn't matter if it was a good product or not.

[scotttnz]

If sony had there way everyone would be using sony, and it wouldn't matter if it was a good product or not.

If Canon had there way everyone would be using Canon, and it wouldn't matter if it was a good product or not. Because they exist to make a profit for shareholders, just like Sony.

Don't get me wrong, I am not about to sell up and buy a Sony. I'm just not naive enough to believe that because i own a Canon, they can do no wrong and all other brands suck. I like to challange blind brand loyalties. I find it amusing that in this thread people have been critisising peoples one eyed Sony devotion on one line, then on the next line expressing the same sort of fanatical devotion to Canon. It is not a religion people!

I predict that Sony will be the number 3 DSLR maker in no time flat, and from that position will attack Canon and Nikons market share. Progress will be slow into the upper end of the market, but the accessories announced with this SLR make a bold statement about their intensions.

I did note that they seem to be missing a fast aperture standard zoom from the line up (17-50 f2.8 ish).

In a past life I was a Sony fan, but now to me they are just another mass market brand. But I am fairly impressed with their first up offering in the DSLR market. I can't wait to see some pictures produced by it.

A guy at work is keen to buy one as he has a KM film SLR with a few lenses, and why not?

OK, I'll shut up now, or I'll get banned from GKPE meets.

[scotttnz]

I know I said I will shut up but.....

However this turn of events is only good for the dslr market, as in due time it will mean that Canon and Nikon will have to re-think there low end cameras.

I agree it is good and will make Canon and Nikon work for their money a bit more, but I don't see the Sony as entry level. It's 10MP, has in body IS, dust reduction etc. This is up there with, and in some areas ahead of the 30D and D200. It's midrange.

Even if the pictures don't live up to the specs, people will by it because it has got bigger numbers, and cool sounding features that dumb sales people at Camera House and Harvey Norman can talk about.

Another prediction: Canon will have an upgraded 30D with 10MP in 2 shakes of a lambs tale. (the camera I think they wanted to release instead of the 30D, but couldn't get the 10Mp sensor right in time)

[NordieBoy]

Man! Talk about one eyed Sony bashing Canon lovers!
OK.

Saw someone today taking some pics (or should I say trying to take some pics) of the Cathredral here and they were using - Get this! - a Sony :rolleyes:
I thought I'd better show him the error of his ways so I straightened my eyepatch and went over and smacked him.


Thank you.
I'll be here all evening :D

[Moppie]

But I am fairly impressed with their first up offering in the DSLR market. I can't wait to see some pictures produced by it.



That brings up a good point. Its not really a Sony. Its just a re-badged and slightly re-engineered Konica Minolta.
Unforutatly its a very out dated KM design, and untill we some in depth reviews we won't know how much they have been able to update it.
We also know that Sony lags well behind in sensor and camera processor technology compared to Canon, and they have very limited experiance in this end of the market.
I would be very, very surprised if it performance and image quality was better than the 10D, and looking at its released spec sheet it might not be even that good. Did anyone see mirror lock up listed?

I think Sony will not go after the pro end of the market, I think they realise there is room in the market for an entry level camera with a selection of above average quality glass, where, like most sony products, how it looks is more important than how it preforms.
I think this camera is aimed squarly at 350D and D70/D50 users, and I think it will quickly be followed by a very basic version, aimed at even less advanced users.
Sony and Kodak made a big name for themselves producing very simple, easy to use, point and shoot compact cameras. Sony won, and it fits well with the mass market approach to products.
I have never sony produce a neich market product.
They either produce products for the mass market, e.g TVs and P&S compacts, or they create thier own mass market, e.g. the play station, PSP etc.
I think they might be going after the mass market DSLR users, and want to be users, but are afraid of the technology.

[tag141]

Did you read the review before Sony bashing? It takes standard CF cards!

Ummmm...no...sorry...just got carried away with the heat of the bashing moment !!!! Actually I've never owned anything Sony.

[tim]

A friend of mine, pro photog, just bought a panasonic lumix tiny wee thing, to suppliment his 5D/20D when he doesn't have them around. Quite likes it, I might get one too. Equilivent of 28mm on a full frame, so pretty wide. This is only mildly related to Sony, but it's what came to mind. I'm sure the Sony is a pretty reasonable camera, i'd like to have a play with it, for a laugh. I suspect what Mark says could be true, Sony has the technology and marketing to make the thing a success.

[MattL]

I never had a problem with sony. I liked their floppy disk mavcias when they were new.

[scotttnz]

Thank you.
I'll be here all evening

Sorry, I went to bed early and missed your show. When is the next one?

We also know that Sony lags well behind in sensor and camera processor technology compared to Canon

Canon does have a high ISO/low light advantage. But that does not stop people buying Nikons with Sony sensors in them.....

[Moppie]

Canon does have a high ISO/low light advantage. But that does not stop people buying Nikons with Sony sensors in them.....


Yes, but I think you will find that Nikon is some levels ahead of Sony when it comes to image processing, how the data from the sensor is handled, seems to be almost as important as how good the sensor is.

[dgcorner]

Ok, enough Sony bashing... let's move along folks... ;-)

Is there going to be a GKPE Fortnight Challenge #5? Ideas/topics welcome.:D

[theflyingkiwi]

If Canon had there way everyone would be using Canon, and it wouldn't matter if it was a good product or not. Because they exist to make a profit for shareholders, just like Sony.

You know I don't have a problem with that, every company you deal with (apart from non profits) is there to make money. However the way Canon operate is different to the way Sony operates.

With a canon camera you can get a choice in regards to which CF card you can use, what size and what speed. You can choose which lens, sigma+ others makes a mount that you can use on any canon camera.

However sony is different. Most of the cameras that Sony makes, you have to use a sony memory stick. If Sony could have every movie on betamax then they would still be using that. I see Sony as one of those companys that don't like to play with others. Just like Telecom.

to change the subject, I was looking at one of those panasonic cameras, as they seem to get good reviews as a backup camera. I also like the idea of having an old style camera but being digital. I wonder if someone will make a box brownie but digital :) now that will be cool :)

[FlyingPete]

Ok, enough Sony bashing... let's move along folks... ;-)

Is there going to be a GKPE Fortnight Challenge #5? Ideas/topics welcome.:D

Actually after all that bashing I am probably about to buy a Sony TV :rolleyes:

[dgcorner]

Actually after all that bashing I am probably about to buy a Sony TV :rolleyes:

Have you had a look at the Philips ones -- those go on forever...

Btw, I need to return the CDs -- are you home this afternoon?

[FlyingPete]

Btw, I need to return the CDs -- are you home this afternoon?

Probably, will let you know after 10:30am...

[Moppie]

I also like the idea of having an old style camera but being digital. I wonder if someone will make a box brownie but digital :) now that will be cool :)


I saw a Digital Range Finder on dpreview the other day, takes all the old style range finder lenses etc.
Would be fun the play with, but was far to expensive.

I wouldn't mind having a 30D as a back up, just for those times when I need a little more reach, or don't mind luggind around the weight ;)


I think Im allowed to bash Sony, I have a Sony TV, Stereo, and PS2, and Amanda has a Sony Stereo as well.

[weka2000]

My TV is Sony, my Digital video is Sony and all my Cameras were sony. I only went with canon because sony didnt make a dslr. Sony products have proved reliable with no issues at all.

Dont know what all the fuss is. Next will be Sigma vs Canon glass oh thats right we have been there :)

[FlyingPete]

Btw, I need to return the CDs -- are you home this afternoon?

Will be around this afternoon, have a phone conference meeting at 1pm though for at least 30 minutes.

[Wazza]

Just returned from Auckland Camera.

Picked up my 120-300, and gave her a quick test. Seems to work all good. Forgot how fast the focus was!

Also met a young man from Hamilton, with a 5D. I'll leave it up to him to introduce himself if he joins up. :)

Kirst and I are off to Taupo tomorrow, covering the D1NZ Round 2. Should be a fun day, just an early start is the only off-putter.

[weka2000]

Also met a young man from Hamilton, with a 5D. I'll leave it up to him to introduce himself if he joins up. :)
.

Cool another person with great taste :lol:

[FlyingPete]

THis just in from the Wacky World of Pete, just went outside to check the garden, opened the lid on my old wheelie bin thatn I am using for compost, and what do I find? A bees hive! Luckly it was cold and they were inactive, so I gently closed the lid again. Hmmm what to do?

[tim]

I'm sure kitset furniture instructions were made by a minion of the devil.

[mrmeal]

THis just in from the Wacky World of Pete, just went outside to check the garden, opened the lid on my old wheelie bin thatn I am using for compost, and what do I find? A bees hive! Luckly it was cold and they were inactive, so I gently closed the lid again. Hmmm what to do?

Petrol when it's cold and they are inactive. You might not want to go over board if it's your compost though ;) Maybe dose a rag in petrol and drape it over the hive, check back later.

Tim: I'm sorry for asking, but are you not a bloke? What were you even thinking about looking at the instructions for? Sure the end product may not look like the picture on the box once finished, but that can only add to the charm and conversational value of the item purchased.


edit: actually screw my petrol idea. With the costs of petrol these days as they are it may still be cheaper to hire in exterminators.

[Moppie]

I think both of you need a big spade.



Pete, LOTS of flyspray. And hope you can run fast.
Or, let them live, and enjoy free, peaty hoony. (you know you could market that).


Tim, Im disapointed, are you saying you can't assemble some furniture with out the instructions?

[NordieBoy]

I'm sure kitset furniture instructions were made by a minion of the devil.
I thought that was the 50mm 1.8?

[weka2000]

Ah your bee problem... Kill the queen and the hive will die:rolleyes:

[NordieBoy]

Introduce some Alien Bees.
Should assimilate them in no time.

[theflyingkiwi]

THis just in from the Wacky World of Pete, just went outside to check the garden, opened the lid on my old wheelie bin thatn I am using for compost, and what do I find? A bees hive! Luckly it was cold and they were inactive, so I gently closed the lid again. Hmmm what to do?

First photograph the queen 1st and then kill her. Problem fixed. But do remember watching or reading somewhere that the hive will make a new queen. I could be wrong but then I am never wrong. :rolleyes: :p :lol: :lol:

As for Tim, forgive the man. He lives in the artsy captial of NZ. :)

[Moppie]

As for Tim, forgive the man. He lives in the artsy captial of NZ. :)


And, he is a wedding photographer.



Prehaps he should post photos of the parts, and we can give him a hand? :lol: :lol:

[dgcorner]

Ah your bee problem... Kill the queen and the hive will die:rolleyes:

I think Pete would rather kill em all :lol:

[MattL]

Hey im surprised nobody has mentiond auckland photo day tomorrow..

Anyone interested in goin for a bit of a mink GKPE around the place?

http://www.photographyfestival.org.nz/

[tim]

I managed to get it together, i'm not sure if it wouldn've been quicker with or without the instructions! Total cost of the drawers: $100, plus about 3-4 hours of my time (though I was drunk for some of that last night and didn't make much progress).

If anyone wants to go to a great photography weekend in Wellington next month this event looks amazing. They have amazing speakers over four days, the charity dinner will have the prime minister and the lead singer of Amachi (the opera band) singing. Wazza, this could be valuable for you, the Ian Wilkinson wedding workshop on the monday especially.

http://www.expressions.org.nz/whats_on/RonaldWoolfshow.htm

[FlyingPete]

I think Pete would rather kill em all :lol:

Hmmm, not sure I think I would pefer them to live, just not in my wheelie bin!

John, sorry I couldn't talk yesterday, I had a client phone just as you turned up, been waiting for him to call me back all day!

[dgcorner]

Hmmm, not sure I think I would pefer them to live, just not in my wheelie bin!

John, sorry I couldn't talk yesterday, I had a client phone just as you turned up, been waiting for him to call me back all day!

No worries Pete -- it happens. I hope that they do stay in the bin -- those things can get nasty...

[weka2000]

Well my first weekend where Sandra's not working and I get the flu. Mind you last week when John and I went out I was crook as well, Shame I cant upgrade my body like I can with my camera.

My youth is over so I better start looking after myself 39 soon and I feel like 60+ :cry:

Havnt been out since last friday night. Payed off Harvey so all I got left is the 5D that makes me feel a lot better. Its funny there is nothing I want at the moment for my camera.

I think it will be time to upgrade my 3yr old PC soon 384 meg RAM on a 2.0 P4 umm do I go for 64 bit or 32bit SCSI or SATA?

[NordieBoy]

Just go for more RAM.
There was a huge difference when I went from 512Mb to 1Gb.
But I was also going from SDRAM to Single Channel DDR.

[theflyingkiwi]

I upgraded my computer a couple of months ago, which I got a dual core 3800+ amd, with a 600Gt video card. The mainboard is an asus A8N-SLI SE, which is a nice setup. :) I managed to keep my current memory and find this setup very good. No system crashes yet :) which is a plus.

However a SMART reported a SATA hdd that had some problems so I replaced it with a Seagate SATA 300gb with 16mb cache, which I am using as my primay HDD. I have noticed a big increase with the performace in browsing my photos. You know that SATA supports raid, and with that motherborad I have got, I can have up to 4 SATA HDD's in a RAID format.

So I would recommend is getting SATA. for home use SCSI is to much.

[weka2000]

My PC takes RAMBUS and boy is that expensive but good.

[NordieBoy]

Hey, I thought 512Mb of SDRAM was expensive :D

Well it was around $450 when I got it.
Along with my $600 wholesale 60Gb drive :(

At least my computer is up-to-date now.
Motherboard, CPU and HD are 4 years old or so but the DVD writer and RAM are new :D

[FlyingPete]

I upgraded my computer a couple of months ago, which I got a dual core 3800+ amd, with a 600Gt video card. The mainboard is an asus A8N-SLI SE, which is a nice setup. :) I managed to keep my current memory and find this setup very good. No system crashes yet :) which is a plus.

However a SMART reported a SATA hdd that had some problems so I replaced it with a Seagate SATA 300gb with 16mb cache, which I am using as my primay HDD. I have noticed a big increase with the performace in browsing my photos. You know that SATA supports raid, and with that motherborad I have got, I can have up to 4 SATA HDD's in a RAID format.

So I would recommend is getting SATA. for home use SCSI is to much.

SCSI is on the way out, its a dead technology, to be replaced by SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), and SATA2 now supports most of the tradtional SCSI command set, the only think SCSI then gets you is loud hot 10K & 15K RPM drives and an empty wallet.

Hmmm saw a 750GB Seagate SATA2 drive this morning, nice!

[theflyingkiwi]

SCSI is on the way out, its a dead technology, to be replaced by SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), and SATA2 now supports most of the tradtional SCSI command set, the only think SCSI then gets you is loud hot 10K & 15K RPM drives and an empty wallet.

Hmmm saw a 750GB Seagate SATA2 drive this morning, nice!

even more reason to get a SATA HDD

[NordieBoy]

Just been playing with B&W on a few images taken at ISO 3200 on the 10D.

Desaturate.
Levels.
Contrast/Brightness.

Anything else I should be doing?
I'm thinking the Desaturate stage could be replaced with something better?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=179434

[forsaken]

damn I go away for a few days and come back to 5 unread pages

anyone get up to anything interesting this weekend?

[NordieBoy]

Not yet...

[theflyingkiwi]

damn I go away for a few days and come back to 5 unread pages

anyone get up to anything interesting this weekend?

See this proves one thing. You shouldn't spend any time away from POTN. :) I did nothing photography wise all weekend.

[dgcorner]

Had a chance to go through some of the first pics with the 20D back in November 05 taken with Nifty. Odd how I never got to post this one (I think) given that ducks are one of those first ones people post with a new lens or camera:lol: C&C welcome (do note that this was one of those first ones so go easy):lol:
EDIT: I better resize that one first:o

[Moppie]

Iv had a very photography free weekend to, actualy Im getting itchy to go and shoot something.

Did run into Pete in Bunnings though, ahh the wonders and never ending expense of home ownership.

[NordieBoy]

Just shot a small club performance this evening.

(There was blood everywhere)

Some local acts and one international (sorta :))

[joeseph]

'tis funny - not many Akl folks logged on this morning... [major power outage]
and yet the T3G network is still standing - maybe there aren't any other users out there who can afford it... ;-)

[theflyingkiwi]

I did wonder how many aklers are on. I can't do anything cause the servers we login are in akl and we can't see them. bugger. :)

[joeseph]

I managed to get within 400m of work when the radio in the car went off & I noticed thick black smoke coming out of TVNZ building. Figured it was their generators starting up. Pretty chaotic with all the traffic lights out so just headed home again. The fun's gonna start when the power goes back on. just as well the barbeque gas bottle is full and does double duty in the heater if reqd.

[theflyingkiwi]

gee for a minute there I thought that you was going to say that TVNZ was buring down to the ground. I guess we can't be that lucky. :)
I am supprised that the radio went off. I would have thought that the radio station would have had a generator backup. Which station was it? classic hits :)

and now everything is up and running, I can see my job list which means I can do work. Last time I looked out the window I saw blue sky.

[tim]

Is Auckland working again yet? And if no how are you guys posting? Laptops with gprs cards? :p

[mrmeal]

Auckland is partially back up and running. I've been on all morning with our site backed up generator. All our network connections to our branch sites were down though so it's been a quiet morning. The internet connection stayed up (different circuit), and the hot water zip and coffee machine stayed running so we lived through the danger zone.
Only problem is our branches are coming back on line now, gradually, so we may have some work to do this afternoon. Wonder if they would believe I can't get my emails?

[MattL]

Im still here, have been all morning. I've got UPS's on everything in this house, PC's, routers/switches, stereos, microwaves

Ok the microwave doesnt have a UPS but ill go out tomorrow and get one!

Our power has come back on about an hour ago, but Im told that pakuranga is still out, so I wont be leaving the house. no traffic lights + bad auckland drivers = bad experiance.

[weka2000]

Ok back to work to get that up and running again :rolleyes:

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm I am off to Albany to get my UPS batteries serviced, 20 seconds of run time on a 1200VA UPS with only a router and LAN switch on it - not good.

[joeseph]

Is Auckland working again yet? And if no how are you guys posting? Laptops with gprs cards? :p
yep - laptop with T3G ("so, are you coming with us?") card. :p

[FlyingPete]

yep - laptop with T3G ("so, are you coming with us?") card. :p

Hmmm my Vodafone 3G connection would connect, I could even use a VPN, but no internet, I guess the internet gateway was taking a hammering.

[dgcorner]

It's good to have power again... what a morning! Some drivers just didn't know how to slow down at intersections without lights:evil: :evil: ... some of them also didn't know what to do when the damned intersection was clear! :confused: Well, a few of them now know what happens -- heaps of tail/head light debris all over the intersections... the tow trucks had a field day :p

This afternoon wasn't too good in terms of the available open cafes in downtown Howick -- ended up in an Irish pub:lol: (Barrel Inn?) for a job interview :D It went very well... he was wondering why it has taken me so long to get an offer:rolleyes: ...the prospective employer is looking good (doing research on them on line) The headhunter wants me to have a look at their products and make notes as to why my skills are transferable to this particular industry (duh?!?)

[joeseph]

Hope it all goes well John.

I had a productive morning also (Theresa might not think so...)
thanks to a couple of free hours courtesy of the power outage, and the usefulness of Gas powered soldering irons, I managed to finish my BP-511 adapter that will run my portable HDD.

so:
3 terminal regulator: $1.48
http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/448cf68a0b2a290c2740c0a87f99070f/Product/View/Z6545

plug: $2.20
http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=PP0508&CATID=35&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=651

Battery charger plate (Inca brand): $11.81
http://www.photo.co.nz/newprods/newinca.htm

Being able to run one's portable HDD from readily available spare batteries: priceless!

86113

[dgcorner]

Hope it all goes well John.

I had a productive morning also (Theresa might not think so...)
thanks to a couple of free hours courtesy of the power outage, and the usefulness of Gas powered soldering irons, I managed to finish my BP-511 adapter that will run my portable HDD.



Thanks Duncan! Thanks also for sharing this "invention" of yours -- I bookmarked your post for future reference. My current portadrive's battery is still going well (it should be since it is less than a year old!) It will be good to have your BP511 adapter to powerup the drive later on.;)

[Sweedishcarrot01]

...just like to introduce myself as a fresh member to this forum. My name is Aaron, I live in Hamilton, New Zealand. Not sure how to start a new 'thread', if you'd like to inform me of how to do this, that'd be just chipper.

Does anyone know where I can by a 'tube level' to fit onto my hotshoe? (as opposed to circular that is... I have one of those).

[dgcorner]

Hiya Aaron! Welcome to the forum!

To start a new thread you will need to first determine which section you want to post to, e.g., Equipment Talk Section, Photo Sharing Section, etc., then you will need to choose what sub-topic you want to post into, e.g., "Canon EOS Digital Cameras," "G&N," "Motorsports," "Macro," etc.... then click "New Topic" and away you go :-)

Re the hotshoe bubble level -- good question. I will ask one of the reliable Traders about this one... I actually want one too ;-)

[FlyingPete]

...just like to introduce myself as a fresh member to this forum. My name is Aaron, I live in Hamilton, New Zealand. Not sure how to start a new 'thread', if you'd like to inform me of how to do this, that'd be just chipper.

Does anyone know where I can by a 'tube level' to fit onto my hotshoe? (as opposed to circular that is... I have one of those).

Welcome on board! :D

You will find this thread everything gets covered from new houses, new bee hives (almost got rid of it!), new and old cars, oh and the odd new bit of camera gear.

As for the tube level, never seen one for a hot shoe, have seen a little cube one, that and levels on tripods is about it

[joeseph]

Does anyone know where I can by a 'tube level' to fit onto my hotshoe? (as opposed to circular that is... I have one of those).

Hi there Aaron, welcome aboard - leaping in here is probably best!
not sure about the level - did you mean something like this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=263729&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

photo.co.nz seem to have them for NZD$55
http://www.photo.co.nz/newprods/newmanfr.htm

cheers.

[Sweedishcarrot01]

ETA for the falls? I may make a trip out to met you all, permitting I am in Hamilton at the time.

[Sweedishcarrot01]

Hi there Aaron, welcome aboard - leaping in here is probably best!
not sure about the level - did you mean something like this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=263729&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

photo.co.nz seem to have them for NZD$55
http://www.photo.co.nz/newprods/newmanfr.htm

cheers.

Thanks for that Joeseph, exactly what I was looking for... I will now be able to keep my camera horizontally level when vertically tilting it. (I use a ball head, not a three way)

[Sweedishcarrot01]

Hiya Aaron! Welcome to the forum!

To start a new thread you will need to first determine which section you want to post to, e.g., Equipment Talk Section, Photo Sharing Section, etc., then you will need to choose what sub-topic you want to post into, e.g., "Canon EOS Digital Cameras," "G&N," "Motorsports," "Macro," etc.... then click "New Topic" and away you go :-)

Re the hotshoe bubble level -- good question. I will ask one of the reliable Traders about this one... I actually want one too ;-)

Kiaora John, your awesome!

[weka2000]

Welcome NZFritz, we already have one of your fellow hamitoians lurking around here.

The power going out at work to day was great. Not a single stupid computer user to be found. I got to sit around reading photography books. Boss sent me home at lunch but I poped back once power came up just to make sure all was well.

[scotttnz]

Man....am I the only one who did any work today.......Damn generator.....

From where I was, it looked like only us and the police had any lights on.....although we had a few interesting moments when the generator had a few hick ups.....thought we were going to have to go into "shut 180 servers down before the UPS battery runs out" mode.

[Moppie]

We had a fun day at work.
My department did nothing, but the other 2 units were very busy.