Good Buy - Sandisk ImageMate All-in-one

I am so fed up with my newly purchased Belkin expresscard reader that I am asking for a full refund. At least Belkin is professional enough to admit their mistake of even attempting to introduce one into the market. Good, the refund is being processed.

What's next? I still need a proper card reader. O yes, Sandisk. I got that instead. And boy, it rocks on my Macbook Pro! Why can't life be simpler? Boasting a transfer speed of 34MB/s, it sure became a breeze to move those big HD movies off the Nikon D90, together with those RAW files now. Guess what? I inserted three cards into the reader - MicroSD, Memory Stick Duo and SD, and all can be read/written concurrently!

I give it a five star for both performance and aesthetics for this gadget. Two years warranty. $30.

When the Going Gets Tough with Nikon D90

A fairly new product that I am considering when I travel with my Nikon D90 for the next few months.

One - it lowers the profile of my camera to the public eye (not that it's that much like a D3).

Two - it repels the elements more assuringly.

Three - It can accommodate the entire Nikon D90 with battery grip.

Four - Its inexpensive.

But I wonder where the holding straps should go?

Lens coat is available at $39.99 [here].

New Addition to the Family - Giottos AA 1900 Rocket Air

While shooting today around the island, I notice my first speck of dust on my Nikon D90 viewfinder pentaprism assembly. Its so annoyingly distracting that ultimately got me to stop my shoot altogether and called it a day.

The first few attempts to clean the sensor ultrasonically confirmed its not the sensor but something else. I was doing a shoot at the National Geographic flagship store in Asia just to pass my time while thumbing furiously on my Blackberry on some pending work issues despite my off-day status.

Then I recalled a friend's recommendation to get a Giottos Rocket instead of driving down to the Nikon Service Center for such minute issue! (Used to do that) And so I did. Wow! So powerful, so cheap and so convenient. One of the best buy I made for a long time! Beats cleaning your camera with a anti-static fabric anytime.

Now, the only thing I have to watch out is not to allow my boy to mistook it for a toy to chew and destroy it...

Night Vision Scope for Nikon D90

Recalling the days in the military service, the use of the night vision scope can be said to be one of the highlights during any night missions. The firing of live tracer rounds together with this makes it a killer combo that every rifleman loves.

Now, that fun (pleased to say) has somewhat been brought into the digital photography world with the launch of Electrophysics's Astroscope for Nikon DSLR. Specifically designed for Nikon AF-type cameras, it transforms dark scenes (below 10-4 lux) into bright, high-resolution images. AstroScope incorporates a high quality optic designed specifically for today’s digital SLR cameras and delivers full frame images with little or no vignetting. Check out details [here].

Gitzo Photographer Jackets?

Huh...Gitzo...makes jackets? Yup.

The Fleece Jacket is the first one specifically designed for professional photographers. Following its mission of developing professional photo essentials, Gitzo provides the ultimate and only solution to pro photographers who are looking for maximum protection from wind and cold without compromising storage and accessibility of their equipment. The jacket has been developed with the support of pro photographers and includes in its structure all their advice and experience.

$369 a piece [here].

What is the world becoming to? Before we know it, Nikon will soon roll out her first energy bar for photographers!

The Magical Nikon SB-900 Speedlight

I have recently upped my shoot to include the use of the Nikon SB-900 with as many shots as I think necessary. And the results versus those shots I took without the flash is beginning to prove that day-light fill flash is just as important as those fired at night.

These wonder lights simply work like a magic wand of some sort, lifting each grain residing on edges of my subjects away almost magically, while giving stronger shadow contrast on those same edges! Conventional lens quality seems to be "pushed up a few stops" with each use of these speedlights. I am impressed...really.

So, if you have, all along, been using the built-in flash for fill flashes, you ain't see nothin' yet!

Poor Man's Setup to Shoot Food Professionally

Have not tried this as Strobist recommended but will first need a stand for my Nikon SB-900 to experiment with this setup. A table, preferably covered with a black plexi glass sheet will do the trick with the above setup.

Doesn't look that expensive to setup as opposed to getting a mobile studio box for this purpose.

Prerequisites to Shooting Small Objects - DIY Macro Studio

Using Nikon AF-4 with Nikkor 50mm F/1.8D

The gelatin filter holders accommodate gelatin or glass filters to a thickness of approximately 2mm. Its typically used with those 4-inch square gelatin filters and Nikon lenses that has attachment size ranging from 52mm to 95mm.

At this point, I have no intention of exploring the world of filters yet. All those found on my lenses are NC filters, except for the recent Cokin ND2 filter I bought recently.

New Addition to the Family - Cokin P121L ND2 Filter

To get to the bottom of the truth that indeed the use of gradient filter can indeed improve my landscape photography, I have decided to get a decent filter to try it out. Hence, today, I was advised to get the Cokin P121L Gradient-filled filter plastic. At $20, it sure is a no-brainer to get and try.

Hence, when the weather permits, I will drive out to do some shoot with this new toy!

Photographer "Vest" Review III - Arcteryx Motive Polo SS

In Asia, its a totally different story altogether. Not a single soul is crazy enough to wear more than a T-shirt! If the law permits, they will probably shoot naked. These chopstick wielding blokes will do anything to work round the stifling heat. I am already seeing more and more sissy shooters appearing only in air-con compounds! The humidity god is just waiting to punish those wackos who decides to even get functional with a simple see through vest.

And for those who defies the weather with belts and dangling props, you would ultimately see them surrender with sweat after a few moments. Here in Asia, you shoot naked if you can't afford a singlet. And some latex slippers to prevent the pavement heat from burning you up...you know I am just messin' with you!

Right! I wear the Arcteryx polo whenever I shoot or some plain cotton T-shirts if I know it will be a long day (Change them every few hours). No vest and jingle bells but just a hydration pack behind my back. Blackrapid RS-1 is most useful here. Also, adopting a low profile is the key when shooting in most part of Asia. Otherwise, just be ready to deal with those predefined "accidents" set by opportunists.

Verdict
Functionality - 1/5
Field Worthiness - 3/5
Appeal - 4/5
Cost of Ownership - 5/5

Photographer Vest Review II - TNF M BLACKHAWK JACKET

In the digital age these days, things have been greatly miniaturized. So must be the vest that we wear to shoot. In cooler days and mild winter, I would go for The North Face's version for core body temperature protection plus enough pockets to place spare batteries and memory cards, along with some strobe filters.

And if you need more than that, a comfortable backpack should come into the picture. But if you are doing the shoot in Asia, I would suggest something else (see adjoining article). I personally have one of these and it beats the hell of clumsy pajamas of conventional photog vest!

It has sufficient pockets to both carry your accessories and shield you from light drizzles that can go on forever. (like those in England). Click [here] to check out the jacket. It's but my preference! Price? $199.

Verdict
Functionality - 2.5/5
Field Worthiness - 4/5
Appeal - 4/5
Cost of Ownership - 4/5

Photographer Vest Review - DOMKE PhoTOGS JACKET

At $225, its not exactly the cheapest of the lot, and the guy wearing it is not making it any more appealing to own one personally. Thought it was a pajamas!

Facts and Figures:

* Jacket and lining are 100% cotton, pigment dyed and pre-washed for a soft, weathered look and feel. Machine washable.
* Neutral khaki color with an olive/gray tint.
* Stowaway, water-resistant nylon hood inside zippered collar.
* Two hidden, zippered pockets for passports, tickets, cash, etc.
* Removable, see-through press pass holder
* Double hook and loop flap closures.
* Zip-off sleeves convert jacket to a vest.
* Sleeve pocket with hook and loop flap to hold film, batteries, etc.
* Parka length, for comfort and practicality.
* Hidden drawstring adjusts for comfortable fit.
* Roomy, bellows-style cargo pockets lined with water-resistant nylon.
* Heavy-duty, double-pull zipper and snaps keep cold out.
* Adjustable hook and loop cuffs on sleeves.
* Three pen/pencil pockets.
* Handwarmer pockets under cargo pockets.

Verdict
Functionality - 4/5
Field Worthiness - 2/5
Appeal - 1/5
Cost of Ownership - 2/5

How's This as your First Photographer Vest?

Meet My Other Playmates - Sony PS3 and PSP

First off, I can bet many Nikon D90 owners already possess a Sony Playstation 3. And perhaps, even the miniature PSP if I may say so.

A gaming console might not be the first “accessory” that comes to mind when talking about digital photography, but my Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) has some interesting features for the photo enthusiast in us. Every PS3 allows consumers to store their digital photos by connecting their cameras or USB storage drives directly to the console via a USB cable, with images then transferred directly onto the PS3’s hard drive.

Once done with this, you can easily create playlists by grouping together photos. The PS3 system also offers five slideshow styles to show off your photos on your big screen, and you can set the slideshow to any music stored on your PS3.You can even upload your photos directly to a photo sharing site. Finally, with my PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, I can take my photos with me anywhere.

Connect your PSP to any PC or laptop via a USB cable and upload your digital photos directly to the PSP’s storage card, the Memory Stick PRO Duo. You can also connect your PSP to your PS3 via a USB cable, and swap photos and photo playlists between the two systems.

How's that for a domestic revolution?

Is a Monopod Really Useful?

With the recent introduction of basalt monopods, a new price segment in the monopod range is opened for buyers frowning at the price of carbon fiber alternatives. Well, for starters, monopods are good for big glasses. Smaller glasses may not benefit from the stability these tool offers.

Besides, the VR capability found in more lenses are somewhat making this tool further away from our bank accounts. My take is that its very suitable for semi-statioinary sports photography where mammoth lenses are involved...

Favorite Relax Tool After A Day of Shoot/Work

Instead of paying someone each week for an hour's worth of foot or body massage, I would rather relax in my Osim uMedic massage chair after an intensive day shoot. Actually, its also something the family will use regularly.

what do you use to wind down after a long day - either working or shooting?

Two Least Used Accessories To Get Last

Among all photographic accessories you may wish to purchase, I found two accessories that will, very likely, be underused - camera bag and tripod. Face it, unless you are taking longer vacation trips, the urge to carry all (or most of your lenses) will not be there. Perhaps, to satisfy your short-term fanatical craze of carrying everything around, you may do so initially. But soon enough, your logical mind sets in and you then carry only your primary lens and flash wherever you go 80% of the time. Your bag will begin to collect dust as all remaining unused lenses will be in the dry cabinet.

As for the tripod, its again mostly for night photography, where scarcity of light forces you to shoot with one. The sturdiness of these device often means encumbrance (unless you have a carbon fibre make) and yes, I still do carry one when I shoot longer distance with the Nikkor 70-300mm lens. But the number of days I seriously depend on one doesn't go beyond my ten figures.

So, put your hard-earned money where you truly need - flash, grip and lenses. (I sure would have hoped someone told me earlier)

The Nikon MB-D80 Advantage

As the weight of the lens used increases, so does the pressure exerted on your right hand to hold the camera steady. I have been doing a bit of walking around for the last few days with the Nikon D90 and Nikon 18-200mm combination (without the MB-D80), and I must admit the camera is somewhat unbalanced.

Moreover, vertical shooting becomes uneasy as I found my pinky figures left in the air many a times. As the weight of the lens lean the system forward, your wrist is actually attempting to counteract that weight with an equal backward force. That naturally moves your whole hand lower the grip shaft, resulting in a rather awkward hand grip posture.

Now, the MB-D80 enhances the need to shoot with a heavier lens and significantly improves the grip posture for orientation changes. It's in fact, in my opinion, the first accessory you should invest in when you get your hand on a Nikon D90. Well, I did.

Eye-Fi Turns Pro For $149.99!

The 4GB Pro inherits all the same abilities of its predecessors, like the Eye-Fi Explore Video, meaning it'll suck JPEG pictures and videos directly from your video camera, geotagging them along the way, pumping them through any open hotspot it can connect to (or secured one you know the password to) before routing the potentially embarrassing mess to the computer of your choice. If that computer is on they'll appear almost instantaneously; otherwise they'll get buffered somewhere in the cloud and delivered the next time that computer goes online.

New with the Pro is the ability to also beam RAW files straight from the camera, something that will make pros or would-be's a little happier when using this -- but with only 4GB on tap we're definitely thinking this is a product that'll lean more toward the serious casual users than hardcore pros. You know, wedding shooters and the like.

The other new feature here is far more usable: the ability to connect directly to a PC and send images straight to it. This means you can set up your Wi-Fi enabled Mac or PC to act as a wireless access point, configure the Eye-Fi to use it, and then watch as fresh pictures appear on your desktop -- cable free.