This lens is clearly designed to compete with the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VR and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, featuring the same focal range, image stabilisation (VC) and fast silent focus. (What does the alphabet soup mean?)

I know I will be keeping a close eye on this lens as a possible replacement for my Tamron 70-300mm (1:2 Macro).

Full press release available here.

It is claimed that the solar panels will allow the phone to gain 5-10min talk time for one hour in direct sunlight….or approx 5hrs of standby time. Other features include:

• FM Radio
• LED Torch
• Fake Call

I had a time working out how to activate the Fake Call feature, with nothing on the web actually helping, I eventually found a solution that works for this phone by trying suggestions for other Samsung phones.

I decided to post how to ACTIVATE FAKE CALL on the Samsung E1107 Crest Solar to help others that are wondering how to do so.

1. Unlock phone
2. Press and hold the “down” arrow on the D-pad
3. Wait until you get “Fake Call Activated”

Hope this helps someone.

I have been following this camera quietly since it first broke news as a announcement at CES 2009, now that I have played with a pre-production prototype (with production firmware) I am impressed enough to admit that Micro 4/3rds has something to worry about.

Small and lightweight, but at the same time very comfortable to grip the NX10 will definitely appeal to those who want something smaller than a SLR but with the same performance. The NX10 delivers most of the benefits of an entry DSLR with its APS-C sized 14MP CMOS, although not focusing quite as fast. The combination of a 3″ AMOLED and a high resolution EVF works well. The ability to shoot 720p HD video at 30fps  in 25min clips means the NX10 can challenge the EP-1/EP-2 and the GH1/GF1.

Initially only 3 lenses will be available. A pancake lens (30mm f/2), a standard zoom (18-55mm OIS) and a telephoto zoom (55-200mm OIS). I handled the first two of this trio and did not find anything amiss with these Samsung designed/built lenses. However proper testing is needed.

I was also lucky enough to play with Samsung’s K-mount adaptor, which employs an aperture ring compatibility is maximised. Novoflex has also promised EOS and Nikon F adaptors, so if you want to use your precious Canon and Nikon glass you can.

I only had a short play with this camera, but I am sufficiently impressed by it to consider further examination in the future. Maybe it can replace my D60, or be a candidate for IR conversion.

How much?

NX10 + 30mm f/2 Pancake – expected rrp AUD899.

NX10 + 18-55mm OIS – expected rrp AUD849.

So what does one bring on a trip like this? I didnt actually think too hard but settled for a quality over convenience kit, which in many ways I probably regret (the weight made me not so happy whilst we were hiking).

• Nikon D300
• AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
• AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
• AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
• Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye
• Nikon SB-400
• Phottix Geo One
• Phottix Duo Cable
• Cokin P-Series ND4
• Cokin P-Series ND8
• Lowepro Fastpack 350

Some Panorama action (Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 + Cokin ND4 + Cokin ND8)

Some HDR action (Tokina 10-17mm, 7 frames)

So, mounted on a D3000 (first camera I grabbed) I had a peek.

Thoughts?

-SHARP – great in the centre all the way to the edges, a bit soft at edges at F4, but very good by F/5,6

-DISTORTION – noticeable, but not bad barrel distortion at 16mm, only seen because I shot some tiles

-CHROMATIC ABBERATION – present at the edges, but very small amounts and not something you would notice in usage.

I WANT ONE!!!

So if you were thinking about this instead of the 14-24mm do have a look.

PS. Build is very solid, rubber seal is present, both zoom and focus rings are nice…very 24-70mm like, but the lens feels like it is made from plastic rather than metal.

Mamak is a Malaysian restaurant in Sydney that I really love (for more information please visit their website), fast paced food that is simple yet delicious. Here are some pictures taken using my Fuji F100fd.

More recently, I had some fisheye fun in the Queen Victoria Building. My Nikon D60 + Tokina AT-X 10-17mm. These were taken more for myself than for anything else, and experiment with zooming whilst shooting, often used with other lenses.

This multi-stage rebuild will eventually see my aging AMD Athlon X2 system evolve into either a AMD Dragon (AMD Phenom II X4 + ATI Radeon GFX) or a Intel Core i7 system. First step was to change casing to the awesome Antec Nine Hundred, along with putting in Corsair’s TX-750 PSU. As a bonus I have upgraded my ancient Nvidia 6200 Turbocache to a slightly newer Nvidia 8500GS (512mb). Right now my computer is halfway through stage one, with the Corsair PSU to go in still. However the Antec case is doing wonders for my system temperature, reigning in my HDD temp.

Gear wise, I chose to bring along my trusty (and weather sealed) Nikon D300 along with the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8VR all inside my Lowepro Vertex 200AW. This gave me a weather resistant solution that would cover many needs even in demanding light. Also in the bag was my Tokina 10-17 fisheye and SB-800 flash, neither saw any service.

I used my Nikon D300 and Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 for these photos with some photo editing done in Photoshop CS2 and Capture NX2.

Taken with my Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8, NEF processed through Capture NX2 and then editing done in Photoshop CS2.

The original image as shot, minor retouch to clean up ground

Lightened up

Blue GT stripes…because red doesnt agree with everyone

Black GT stripes….just for fun