Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by TheVoIP

Help! I want to buy a PSP for my relative

TheVoIP — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:40:33 +0800

Hi,

I want to buy a PSP for my relative... So I need some guildline like where to buy? Sungai Wang? Price Range? Version? Modification?

Please share with me... I have no ideas... And just do not want to make mistake...

How is WD external 1TB HDD?

TheVoIP — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:25:11 +0800

Hi,

I am getting a 1TB HDD... that cost around RM599... But then see the external one only around RM680+... I wonder if it is worth to get the external one...

Let me know if the external casing is of any good.... And is it convienient to swap around with my other HDDs...

Will I void the warranty if I open the casing?

Will you buy D700?

TheVoIP — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:07:31 +0800

Ok... I believe it is the first time in the history that both profesional camera will share exactly the same sensor. Such incident never happen to Canon dSLR series...

If you can folk out RM10k+ for a camera, why not just another RM4k...? It does not make much differences in term of affordability. And if you buy D3, you will get all the best from Nikon like built, and highest fps.

So far the only logical reason to get the D700 rather than D3 is for those wanting lighter body... Like more for landscape or scenery... Especially with its excellent 14-24. And maybe someone want to shoot with 2 profesional body... which again weight is an issue.

So... The curious question is rather simple... If D3 is only priced at RM14.5k while D700 is at RM10.5k, will you still buy the D700?

Beautiful KLCC and KL Tower...

TheVoIP — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:52:57 +0800

Hi,

I see everyone shoot models...., so I also shoot model la... Hahaha... It is my newbie shots in Putrajaya. It is indeed a beautiful place. Hard to believe only now I went there and take picture of such beautiful place....

Well, I yet to have time to pick up Photoshop or any magical post processing techniques. Maybe sometime next year... So now simply downsampled my pictures... Some of the pictures suffer some white balance issue (I use AWB), over exposure, bad composition etc... Some member had told me must do cropping because of my bad compostion... I did shot both RAW + JPEG. But since I am still in learning stage, I think it is best to let it be as original so I can learn from my mistakes. And I guess it is also good for other members that yet to buy dSLR to have an idea on how Canon 40D perform; be it good or bad.

I found that with Canon 40D AWB, half of my shots are toward warm color. And spot metering also toward over-exposure. And the faithful mode (with neautral in everything like constrast, color, sharpening etc) sometime really lack of constrast and power to have any real impact... I was using both failthful mode as well as potrait mode in the color profile. The color sometime also not consistence as it can become very strong... or pale like what you had seen... It prove Canon 40D certainly has lots to improve and it is important to shoot in raw for now. Lucky I did, so I can do all the correction in the future.

Ok... As usual with my average pictures, any comments are welcome.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Some problems of 430EX that dissapointed me

TheVoIP — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:14:47 +0800

Yesterday I was having a shooting. And I usually use my 580EX II as the main flash with battery pack. But problem arised when one of the member only has 430EX rather than 580EX. So... he cannot use his flash gun as master to triggle it. And we decided to swap both the flash gun.

So... Here is what happen....;

(1) 430EX is noticeable slower in recycle time. Usual time require between 3 to 5 seconds which is kind of pain in the ass...

(2) Just aware that it does not even has the interface for battery pack! Again, stuck to the 3 to 5 seconds recycle time issue... As we shoot more... the recycle time drop even further....

(3) Maha PowerEX 2700 is not as strong as GP 2700 in term of number of shots permited before unacceptable flash recycle duration. Ya... We have to use 3 set of Maha for relatively not much flash shots.... Hard to believe as I already used to 580 EX II performance....

It 'might' not be a problem if you are shooting alone slowly... But it will be problem if you are shooting in group when in average, we might triggle in every second. As a result, 80% of my pictures were underexposed without flash. And yes it is bad.... Kind of dissapointed just because of technical equiptment issue....

So... Here I advise new buyers if you can afford it and even if you need a number of flash guns, get all 580EX II. It might sound like spending money foolishly, but few hundreds ringgit more will ensure a much better shooting experince. It is really not that expensive.

Weight is an issue in Photography

TheVoIP — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:06:47 +0800

I am here to share some of my experince that show weight is an issue in photo taking, so that some can avoiding the mistakes that I had made;

(1) I bought my 190Pro + 141RC Manfoto tripod for close to 3 years, but only used for 3 times. As comparison, my new light weight tripod that I just bought 2 months ago, already use 5 times. See weight issue? What's the point of good tripod if it is too heavy until you do not bring around.

(2) I love to have the Canon EF24-70 f2.8 L. But once just tried it again yesteday on a 5D, it is even heavier than my already heavy 40D + 17-55. And yes, hours of usage hurt the hands... Thus I gave up my plan for it, and instead should get the lighter 24-105 f4 L. I do not want a scene that one day I put it at home because of weight issue... Yeah... There were several occasions I just left my 17-55 at home due to weight issue already.... Take note...

(3) Canon users can seriously consider EF100 f2 USM. It is not L, but optically + autofocusing performance very perfect and close to EF135 f2 L, which is more expensive and heavier. I have very good first hand experince with close to 100% success rate in autofocusing. Some more this lense will not be too 'long' on crop factor compare to the L.

Ok... Here is just some sharing. Hope others can share weight issue problem as well

Who want a lower megapixel count?

TheVoIP — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:47:01 +0800

To be honest, I wish my 40D is only 6 megapixels using today technology to have much higher image quality. I can have trurer, deeper, and more faithful color and rendering with higher raw SnR. Same thing to 1D series, which I think good to stick at 8 megapixels enought... While FF can continue to stick at 12MP or max 16MP...

I do not need so high megapixel... But I need higher image quality per pixel...

Not to mention lower megapixel also result in high flushing rate into CF card... If Canon downgrade from 10 Megapixel counts from my 40D into 6MP only... I believe the CF writting speed might be doubled!

And IMO, how many pixels on the camera should depends on the size of the sensors in order to ensure good image quality.

So what do you think?

[Daily Lenglui Thread] Do share refreshing babes!

TheVoIP — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:33:55 +0800

I hope this thread can re-fresh your daily life... Those have lenglui shots can proudly share... While others can have better mood to work during weekdays... So good for everyone...

Please be remind that only presentable females please... No auntie... No male... No pondan....

And to make this thread related to photography, make sure the picture is taken by you... And put your exif information so it feel more related to photography...

Here is the first picture in this thread. I know a bit airport... But she is pretty... And her skin is so fair...

Model: Canon EOS 40D
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 85 mm
Exposure Time 1/250 sec
Aperture: f/1.4
ISO Equivalent: 400

Does anyone know this beautiful gal?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Does anyone know this beautiful gal?

TheVoIP — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:09:52 +0800

I wonder does anyone know this pretty gal? Her name or contact?

I took her picture at the recent Metropolitan college.

Lenses performance @ wide open

TheVoIP — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:28:36 +0800

I wish to have this thread for some time. It will be a thread to showcase some actual performance you can expect from various good lenses before you put your money into it.

Since it is a live event, it is best show the worst case where most lenses and camera only perform best at bright day light due to not-so-good autofocusing issue.

Again, all pictures no funny photoshop or sharpening... Just to show you the raw performance of 70-200 f2.8 USM L at wide open.

Model Canon EOS 40D
Flash Used No
Focal Length 90 mm
Exposure Time 1/200 sec
Aperture f/2.8
ISO Equivalent 400

100% crop

Well, again, I am not drawing any conclusion. Just a sharing...

Here is the list of lenses tested;

+ Canon EF70-200 f2.8 USM L by TheVoIP at Page 1
+ Canon EF24-105 f4 USM L by eddychstu at Page 1
+ Sigma 30mm f1.4 HSM by vikingw2k at Page 2
+ Canon EF135 f2 USM L by myjunk at Page 2
+ Canon EF24-70 f2.8 USM L by eddychstu at Page 3
+ Zeiss ZF 28mm f2 by xandman at Page 3
+ Minolta AF 70-210mm f3.5-4.5 by soulfly at Page 3
+ Canon EF70-200 f4 USM L by myqd at Page 4
+ Canon EF100 f2 USM by TheVoIP at Page 4
+ Sigma 30mm f1.4 USM by myqd at Page 4
+ Canon EF85 f1.2 USM L II by TheVoIP at Page 5

How much is 2RC5 battery?

TheVoIP — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:34:05 +0800

Anyone know? Just now I went to Boeng, the auntie said RM45 and shocked me away...

I dunno the price because since I purchase my ST-E2, I never change the battery... I was expecting between RM10 to RM20... So how much is the normal price? Where should I buy?

What have you learn from Lowyat Shooting?

TheVoIP — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:29:24 +0800

Thanks to Vincent that keep organising model shoots

I hope everyone and speak out on what they had learn during the shooting.

Here is what I had learn from previous shooting in Pekiling Flat;

(1) Wireless Flash -> It just rock. No longer need to depends on Sun and avaiable light...

(2) Umbrella -> Also rock! It beat all diffuser for direct flash. Some more can concentrate to the subject rather than lighting up all room

(3) Nissin flash gun -> It suck! Not being sensitive enought to infra red transmiter over longer distance. So better get few orignal flash guns.

(4) ST-E2 -> Very useful. Everyone from Canon should get one. If you have one 580EX II and one ST2. Combine with another one or two members, everyone can shoot at the same time... no constraits on switching flash gun as transmitter. And the weight of ST-E2 is so light and fantastic...

(5) Buy tall tripod -> It help for wireless flash when bouching the model. Or else must ask the model lower themselve.

(6) Make sure enought battery -> I had used my ST-E2 for a year. And guess what? It run out of juice during my shooting half way... And I do not have spare battery. So it is as good as being useless. Because I never change battery, and have the mentality that no need to change battery... So remember, always got spare battery for everything.

(7) Have some imagination, do have planning and composition in mind. This is what I learn from vadho who has the best pictures from the event. My style of no brainer and keep shooting is just not right...

(8) Battery pack for flash gun. Can consider buying... So you can forget about changing battery. I think with 12AA on my 580EX, my flash gun still performing fine for the whole day shooting... sharing by everyone...

(9) You need some fun people to create atmosphere... People like MyJunk...

(10) Try to communicate and talk to models... Those relationship help getting better pictures. Ask thier opinions and ideals as well..

So how about others? Do share ya....

Samatha @ Pekeliling Flat

TheVoIP — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:20:34 +0800

Here is some of my pictures taken during my trips to Vietnam.

As usual, no cropping nor fanny photoshop... Just snap-snap-nsap and hehe-haha... Ok la... that's my standard ok...

Hope you like it. As usual, any comments are welcome.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6

Picture 7

Picture 8

Picture 9

Picture 10

40D vs D300 @ ISO1600

TheVoIP — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:06:01 +0800

Hi,

Last month I manage to use both 40D and 300D in Singapore. And because I was shooting without tripod, I have to use ISO1600 for both camera in some scenery.

I admit there were differences as both were shot with different lenses and slightly different shutter speed/aperture. I was not thinking of doing camera tests and comparison in mind... But rather to use the Nikon with 12-24

I used the Nikon first... then follow by Canon... So the picture took with Canon should be with darker light.

Since many people might be thinking of either system. Some claim one is better than the other.... Here is the pictures for you to judge

Nikon D300 with 12-24 f4 @ ISO1600

100% Crop

Canon EOS 40D with EFS17-55 f2.8 IS @ ISO1600

100% Crop

Personally I do not see much noise performance differences... But it is more on different color responses... The Nikon D300 give higher constrast straight from the camera. While Canon version is more conversative and natural.

And also keep in mind that because there are flat color involved like sky... so noise are more pronoused. If shoot normal street with subject around... Noise will be harder to trace for both camera.

Well... It is not to start any war between Canon & Nikon... because performance are similar... And I would like to congratulate Nikon D300 for finally having low noise high performance image sensor after so many years. Previous models from Nikon were kind of dissapoiting.... until D300...

Japan GT - Come to Sepang for the Cars n Babes!

TheVoIP — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:21:27 +0800

For ticketing information, http://malaysiangp.com.my/story/super-gt-s...-tickets-agents

Do remember if you buy ticket now, it is only half price!

Date: 20-22 June 2008

Where: Sepang Circuit

Who will go beside Japansese Babes?

(1) TheVoIP
(2) dgrebel
(3) eddychstu
(4) shinchan
(5) nairud
(6) travis_ckf
(7) MetalZone

USB Suck!

TheVoIP — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:44:24 +0800

Just bought a Sandisk Extreme SD/CF reader... Initially read all good things on the Firewire version... and thought USB version is similar.. but it is not...

Now I notice from the box, the firewire can read at 40MB/s, while the USB 2.0 can only read at 18MB/s, which is only good for Extreme III card...

Anyway, I still no choice to buy USB because I do not have firewire on my desktop, nor my laptop nor my wife laptop...

It is just that... a bit dissapointed because USB 2.0 theory speed is 480mbps, while firewire is only 400mbps, but actual performance are the reverse.... some more beat USB by double...

Ok... If anyone want to know the performance of Sandisk Extreme SD/CF card reader USB version... The performance is acceptable... This is what I did, coping all my photos from CF into my HDD... Most practical la... Last time my cam ayam can transfer at 4.7MBytes/s, and now my Sandisk reader can read at 15.3MBytes/s. So about 3 times extra performance... Not so bad la... But again, Firewire version might double the performance....

So... is the speed that I recorded is the fastest USB can do for CF reading? Is the Sandisk that I bought is the fatest USB card reader in the market? It better be....

KL Grand Prix

TheVoIP — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:58:14 +0800

Hi,

These were some pictures that I took last November and only until now I have time to touch them...

Well... Nothing fancy... Basically just use my 40D + 70-200 f2.8 L. Image Stablizer is pretty useless here as you will need highest shutter speed possible... Initially more shots are blur because I was using ISO1600 and was hesitate to use ISO3200. At ISO3200, there were visible noise at 100%. I wish I have a 1D mark III for its ISO3200, super-sensitive autofocusing + 10fps performance.

It is more of a test to my 40D on its autofocusing tracking as well as knowing the noise performance at ISO3200.

You guys might notice the constrast & shadow might be a bit harsh compare to my usual pictures because of the hard lighting; ya... stupid sport light.

Surpriselly, I did not see any profesionals around at the show... I guess the interests on this events were lower compare to others.

As usually, none of the pictures been gone throught fancy photoshop nor any cropping. Any comments are welcome.

Picture 1: My favourite lenglui rider...

Picture 2:

Picture 3:

Picture 4:

Picture 5:

Picture 6:

Help! Need for Speed Carbon!

TheVoIP — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:15:39 +0800

Hi,

I just had upgraded my monitor from 19" into 24", which has 1920x1200 as its native resolution.

So far games like C&C III as well as Company of Heroes can run at the native mode.

But NFS has the option to run at 1600x1200 only... Anyone know how to fix it so I can run at native 1920x1200.

Thanks in advance!

Which lense you want if it is free?

TheVoIP — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:21:45 +0800

One stupid question.... If money is not an issue, or someone want to give you a present of 1 camera body and 1 lense, which one will your dream system?

Can only name 1 camera + 1 lense.

So far the only confussion should be... want to take advantage of the price or not... example; get 1Ds mark III and sell it off later...

Ok... Provided you also cannot sell the system... So is for own usage; be it for shooting or as home decoration.

So which one?