Pinoy Photographer

Beauty of the Earth

Posted by tekgik under kaBlog, People, Portraits

A quickie “we are leaving now” photo after the long day of shooting the Miss Philippines – Earth 2009 candidates in their swimsuits at Avilon Zoo and Noah’s Arc, Rizal.

One of the most beautiful women of the Earth, Ms. Karla Paula Henry crown holder of Miss Earth 2008.

Suzuki Jimny

Posted by tekgik under Fine Art, kaBlog, Post Processing, Travel

Larry’s Suzuki Jimny. Shot in the flatlands road going to Mt. Pinatubo.

Another Panasonic LX3 Firmware 1/15/2009

Posted by tekgik under News, Tips & Tricks

From the Panasonic Lumix LX3 Firmware download page

Sorry, This download site is temporally closed due to Next version of firmware, It is scheduled on Jan/15th/2009.
Sorry for this inconvenience.

It will probably try to solve (again) the AWB problem plaguing the LX3. Hope im right!  :/

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firware Update

Posted by tekgik under kaBlog, News, Tech, Tips & Tricks

Firmware Update Version 1.0.7 improves and mitigates the following two types of image quality phenomena that occur under certain shooting conditions.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources become black)
2. Vertical banding noise

Firmware Version 1.0.7 is for EOS 5D Mark II cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.6. If the camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Notes:
When updating to Firmware Version 1.0.7, please also update the Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software. Firmware Version 1.0.7 can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. Updates for Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor can be downloaded from the following Web site.

I dont like the idea of that magenta cast on sRAW file. The black dots is no biggie to me so Il probably wait for the “complete” that includes the magenta issue on sRAW’s.

See the complate firmware update page here

Picasa for Mac

Posted by tekgik under apple, News, Tech

At last Google’s Picasa their image management and photo editing software for the Mac. Download it here

Im trying it now!

The Live View and 2 sec. timer

Posted by tekgik under kaBlog, Reviews, Tech

The Live View of this 21mp monster is a joy to use. The simulation exposure and quick mode AF of the 5D Mark II are some of the very practical feats that need to maximized with this cam, I don’t need to stoop-bend-etc just to compose a shot. Moreover the 10x up to 15x focus check feature is a heaven sent for the non-perfect 20 / 20 eyed photographer. Hi-res and 920 dots LCD you say? Canon made this even better with their new anti-reflective technology and an inteliigent atuo brightness feature. I noticed these nifty features when I reviewed the EOS 50D last spetember, I can say now that their Live View functions are very identical.

The Live View will have its use for the style of photography (ehem videography) I do, In fact I already did with that “Mimosa overnight sensation” trip.. Video coming soon (im still reading the Final Cut Express tutorial)!

What about the 2 seconds timer? I purposely left my shutter release. But I know that it is a primary consideration that you should not use the cameras shutter button on a tripod if you are below the minimum acceptable speed, but it came out pretty handy, 1-1000.. 2-1000 then you I have my shot..

These are the nice things that Canon should have done 3 years ago

Take a grip…

Posted by tekgik under kaBlog, Reviews

I took a grip. The EOS 5D Mark II BG-E6 battery grip. From my very first DSLR the 300D to my previous 5D Mark I, I just cannot have but buy a battery grip, it stabilizes the handling of the camera with heavy lenses. I admit that the 5D’s gripless body is already heavy but again it counterweights the 70-200 2.8′s lenses most specially the IS version.

Some observations…

The BG E6 is a little bit different from the 5D Mark I’s battery grip BG E4. Canon added the AF-ON button which is pretty handy for locking focus vertically. It came with the 2AA battery cartridge that comes out very helpful at times when you ran out of power. This battery grip has two separated terminals that reports LP E6 info’s to the camera. More over if you check out the battery info on the LCD it reports those two battery informations, very cool IMHO. Its built like a tank, it is still made out of part magnesium alloy and hard plastic. It doesnt feel squeeky or plasticky. A must have accessory. Its quite expensive I know, but I can’t live without it. Thats the beauty of the 5D form factor grip or without a grip you have an option.

Shoot like a Pro batch 2 group hug

Posted by tekgik under kaBlog

The batch 2 of Shoot Like Pro photography workshop series that I conducted in DLSU – GSB Nov 28 & 29

RCBC Plaza, Makati, Philippines

Click the photo for larger version