Close-Up Macro Photography

Macro photography intrigues me, because I can capture images beyond the naked eye's perspective. But you can't do it unless you have specialty lenses or if you stack 2 lenses together.

The below is one of my earliest macro photo, shot in 2006 on a Nikon D70, achieved by stacking 2 50mm lenses. Since then, I have acquired the highly-acclaimed Tamron SP AF 90mm f2.8 MACRO Di lens.

A challenge when shooting close-up is that the depth of field becomes astonishingly narrow. Even if you close down the aperture, the depth of field is still shallow.

But if your focal distance is long, then your depth of field would be like any other lenses, as demonstrated in my previous comparison post with Nikkor 85mm.

Here's a compilation of some close-up photos shot recently with the Samsung NX camera and the impressive 60mm f2.8 MACRO ED OIS SSA lens. Do you know what objects they are?

Like my photos? Visit my facebook page for more.


Answers: Samsung NX 16mm f2.4 lens, Samsung NX200 camera mode dial, inside circuitry of a flash storage drive, frozen grape close up, frozen grapes, pencils held with a hand.

Harper's Bazaar ION Orchard Photoshoot 2011

The annual Harper's Bazaar and ION Orchard photography awards is back for the third year. During the first year, I shot Melissa Jane. Then on the second year, I assembled a team and went to shoot at ION Sky. I have posted the photobook excerpts on my facebook page after the shoot last year (click here to view). But I'll share some of my favourites here, plus a few exclusive shots not on facebook.

The ION Sky shoot was made possible thanks to the creative team: make-up by Cindy Chan, gowns specially designed for the shoot by Jenny Chua, and modelled by Miss Singapore Universe 2011 runner-up Shn Juay.

More photos at my facebook page.

DSLR and Mirrorless: A Brief Image Comparison

While I was comparing the various Nikon-mount lenses on my new 85mm f1.8D with my D300, I thought: how about comparing with a "consumer" mirrorless camera system like Samsung NX200 fitted with the 60mm f2.8 MACRO SSA lens?

And so again, here is a non-scientific comparison of images shot at f2.8 ISO1000 with the respective RAW formats, converted with Lightroom:

Let's go closer.

I know we're comparing a 2007-era Nikon product (12mp) with a more advanced 2011 Samsung sensor (20mp). But my point is: if I'm still happy with the D300 quality, then a compact Samsung NX200 is just as capable of meeting my needs.

Summary
If you want DSLR-quality image quality but not the DSLR size, take the Samsung NX200 anytime. Remember to shoot in RAW to achieve maximum benefits.

Yet, I cannot rely on mirrorless cameras like Samsung NX200 for demanding assignments, because the experience is different from the DSLR. For now, the NX200 takes far too long to save RAW images and your life depends on the 3-inch display screen which often lags when it's busy, unlike a DSLR where you can unobtrusively frame via the optical viewfinder and making shoot adjustments while the camera quietly processes image buffer. I also do not like shooting through a digital viewfinder - it just doesn't feel "real".

But this little test reaffirms my confidence on the NX200 in delivering the quality that I need. When it comes to size, the choice is clear.

Nikkor 85mm f1.8D

I can't remember the last time I bought a Nikon-mount lens, but last week I just bought one. It's a lens that photographers who needed one would have already bought one.

Yes, it's the Nikkor 85mm f1.8D lens.

I did not buy this lens for the longest time because I had the Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 Di MACRO lens (bought in Jan 2007), and if I had needed to shoot at the focal length, I could use that or the Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 ED lens. And this lens combo worked fine for me for the past 4-odd years. (I also had a 50mm f1.4D lens, but the focal length is not suitable for portraits)

So why did I suddenly decide to get it? As silly as it may sound, I bought it because I read a tweet that the new Nikkor 85mm f1.8 G lens is on sale, which naturally means the older version would be made available at a reduced price. Plus, I have been shooting quite a lot of portraiture and telephoto focal lengths like 85mm brings out the better perspectives. The Tamron 90mm focuses way too slow and the Nikkor 80-200mm weighs far too much to bring out for a shoot. I'm not considering the f1.4 version because it costs 5 times more but only half a stop brighter.

Now that I have a few lenses at the 80/85/90mm range, I decided to do a few non-scientific test shots to compare the quality of my lenses, and to see if my purchase is justified.

First, let's check out the depth of field.

There are subtle differences, but a large aperture offers a more pleasing isolation of details that portrait photography requires.

Next, I compared the same aperture of the 85mm against the larger 80-200mm.

There are visibly little differences on the depth of field. But on hindsight, I have been using this long and heavy lens for many of my portraiture works. If I had the 85mm, I could have attained larger aperture, higher shutter speeds, in a lighter package.

Finally, a test for flare and chromatic aberration when shot against bright light. I threw in the Tamron lens for a comparison too.

Not surprising, the 80-200mm results in greater lens haze, certainly due to higher number of lens elements. The red/cyan CA behaviour appears to be consistent for both Nikkor lenses. The Tamron lens however had blue/yellow fringing. I also noticed the Tamron achieves a slight advantage in sharpness at large aperture.

But putting aperture aside, each of the 3 lenses have their own purposes, as the below collage illustrates.

The closest focal distance for the 85mm is 85cm. The 80-200mm, although focuses minimally at 1.5m, can be zoomed in to achieve greater magnification. As for the 90mm MACRO, well, it's meant for great magnifications, so no way I'm gonna get rid of that even though I had this new 85mm.

Conclusion
I find the 85mm f1.8D very useful for low light portraiture photography. It's better than the 90mm for non-macro shoots because of faster focus and larger aperture, though I think the 90mm is a tad sharper. The 85mm image quality is close to the 80-200mm, yet I can shoot at larger aperture. The 80-200mm is definitely more versatile to bring along for assignments, but the weight and size could be a huge deterrent.

No brainer which lens I would bring out.

I am planning a few shoots over the next few months, so I'll see if this 85mm lens works out. If not, I can always sell it off, and that's a benefit of buying sought-after lenses.

Emma and Kate: Newborn Photos

Last week, I visited a friend who just gave birth to twins, to pass her an old pen tablet so that she could use it for freehand graphic design. I brought my Samsung NX200 with me and asked if I could take some photos of her babies.

This is the first time I am using the Samsung NX200 for a "professional" photoshoot. You see, whenever I intend to do a shoot with some serious post-processing, I will always use my Nikon DSLR gear. For shoots where I do not intend to process, I conveniently use all other options. In fact, most of my product review photos in this blog are shot with either the mirrorless cameras, compact cameras or phone cameras, in JPG, and running through Picasa for minor brightness and contrast adjustments.

In order to post-process images taken on the Samsung NX200, I shoot in Samsung Raw (SRW) format.

Unedited JPG copy.

After processing in Lightroom.

Many people think that shooting in RAW format is a way for photographers to fix "mistakes" during the shot, like wrong exposure. RAW format is more than just that. When you shoot in RAW, you are able to edit the colour tone, the sharpness, the noise reduction, the contrast, or the brightness, without compromising the image quality.

You see, when you shoot in JPG, the image is already processed by the camera, so all the colour tones, sharpness, noise reduction, have already been fixed. In fact, when I tried to process the same shot in RAW and JPG using the same Lightroom presets, the result turns out entirely different.

RAW image applied with Lightroom preset.

JPG image applied with same Lightroom preset.

RAW image post-processed with Lightroom preset.

But that doesn't mean you have to always shoot in RAW, because sometimes, you really do not need the extra capability, since shooting in RAW increases your file size, requires special software and more time to process RAW images to JPG, and more importantly, takes longer to save the images on your camera. This is very apparent on the Samsung NX200. After taking a RAW shot, I am unable to review the image until the camera buffer has completely processed the images, which takes about 6 seconds. I would have no such buffer issues on a prosumer DSLR like Nikon D300.

It all comes down to picking the right equipment for your shoot assignments. Using a DSLR like Nikon D300 will allow me to shoot without lag, but I would have to pack a bag full of heavy lenses.

A mirrorless system like Samsung NX200 is easily fitted in a normal backpack, but I get the same image quality - the NX200 is a 20 megapixel APS-C sensor, which is on paper better than my Nikon D300. The only compromise I had: slower shot-to-shot, image review, auto-focus (lens dependent).

But sometimes, it's not the speed of the equipment that gets you the shot. It's anticipating the moment.

For more photos, visit my Facebook page.

Logitech Home Products: Universal Remote and Wireless Keyboard

Last month, Logitech passed me 2 Logitech products for review. I think they also make perfect gifts for home owners, provided it's within your spending budget.

Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote (S$599)
Before you impress your guests with this touch remote, you need to spend some time programming. An  instruction sheet is provided in the package to help you in the setup process.

After installing the software on your computer, make sure you have a reliable network connection while doing the configuration. I was using a test laptop which had an awful Wi-Fi connectivity and it broke the remote setup process a few times.

The easy part about the set up is that once you have entered the model number of your home devices, the Logitech software goes online to download the appropriate configuration. No physical learning is required, which is great if your existing remote is spoiled or lost.

I was pleasantly surprised that the software could offer suggestions for my devices that do not come with model numbers, like my StarHub Cable TV Hubstation set-top box. After I made the Harmony 1100 learn a couple of the buttons on the StarHub remote, the Logitech software prompted me a few model options and I found the "StarHub Smart TV" option for me to choose.

I am very impressed with online database of remote control programs. It even has the KDK ceiling fan remote (probably a very popular model)! I did encounter a hiccup with my Panasonic air-con remote. The on/off command did not work properly, but fear not. The Harmony 1100 allows me to customise the keys on top of the downloaded programs.

Once you have finished setting up the required devices and customisations via the software, just plug the Harmony 1100 to the USB and initiate the upload. And you are ready to impress! I'm glad there are ample hardware buttons to let me navigate the remote quickly, while leaving the resistive touch screen for the more dynamic and graphical options.

The major benefit of using a universal remote like the Harmony 1100 is that you are able to activate several devices at once by selecting a pre-programmed "Activity". For instance, you can set up "Watch DVD" activity, which I have configured to turn on both the TV and DVD player and set the TV input to "HDMI1". So when I press "Watch DVD", the Harmony 1100 sends all these commands consecutively to all the devices. My favourite part of this universal remote is that I can switch off ALL my devices with just one press!

There is just one minor inconvenience. If you want to control one of the devices, you need to select the device on the Harmony 1100 and scroll to the desired command on the touchscreen before you can activate it. My wife finds it easier to just pick up the device's original remote and press the button directly.

When not in use, the Harmony 1100 can be placed on the charging dock to charge the replaceable battery. For S$599, this gadget is for the tech-savvy home owners who appreciate convergence and style.


Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 S$59
This next home device is much more affordable and a lot easier to get it working. In fact, all I have to do is to remove the Unifying receiver from the battery compartment, insert to any computer's USB port, let the computer install some drivers, and the keyboard is ready to work out of the box.

A wireless keyboard like this is useful if you hook your computer to your TV screen, so that you can operate the computer while seated on the sofa.

Technical Specs:

• 10m range
• 2.4GHz
• Unifying receiver, supports up to 5 compatible devices

The wireless keyboard works without noticeable lag. I find the 3.5" trackpad very responsive and adequately sensitive, and multi-touch gestures work great. The left- and right-mouse buttons are located below the trackpad, and I like the additional left-click button located at the top left corner of the keyboard, allowing me to do the left click while supporting the keyboard with both hands, as pictured below.

In the interest of making the keyboard compact, Logitech has resized and repositioned some of the keys. As a result, I am not able to type as instinctively as I would. I also find myself accidentally tapping on the trackpad while operating the keys to the right (I have the tendency to use my index or middle finger on keys like backspace, enter). I'd wish Logitech has provided the ability to disable the trackpad on-demand.

Logitech Home Products: Who Would Have Known
I've always perceived Logitech as computer products, but in recent years, they have expanded their product solutions to cater to the home and personal consumer market. Besides universal remote devices, Logitech also sells great quality earphones like the Ultimate Ears series UE600vi which I reviewed last year. Personally, I like Logitech products, for they represent quality and affordability.

Do you have any positive experiences with Logitech products? Which Logitech products are your favourites?

Home Networking In Singapore: Survey Results

Remember the home networking survey I asked you to participate back in November 2011? The results are out.

Right-click to save the infographic to your device

Does the survey result reflect your perception on home networking? In a nutshell, it is rather easy to improve your home networking experience, by simply purchasing a better wireless router. And having a reliable router is even more important as most of us are connecting more than 5 devices to the router.

Olympus OM-D Launch: E-M5

After months of rumours and leaked images, Olympus finally announced the OM-D officially at the National Geographic Store, VivoCity Singapore on 8 Feb 2012, 11am.

OM-D is the branding of the digital line of Olympus OM, which had a history since 1972, just like how Olympus names the PEN for the other earlier mirrorless camera series. Olympus is targeting the OM-D to "serious photographers with creative attitude" and "admirers of product quality and sophistication". The model name for the launch is E-M5.


Main Features (from press release):

1. World’s first dust & splash-proof capability mirrorless camera. Proven with the E-5 camera.
2. World’s first*¹ 5-axis image stabilization to compensate for camera shake of any kind during both still photo and movie shooting.
3. World’s fastest*² FAST AF autofocusing system plus 3D tracking for improved moving object tracking performance.
4. Built-in electronic viewfinder with high image quality and high functionality that enables real-time checking of various shooting conditions.
5. 16-megapixel new Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processing engine for high image quality and high sensitivity.
6. 425 grams (body only, with battery)

The features that make OM-D E-M5 stands out from the competition:

1. Classic Physical Build. It looks and feels like the classic SLR, down to the black coating and the weight (the silver colour is plastic and not the actual aluminium body).
2. 9.2 frames per second. One of the fastest fps for a mirrorless camera, the shutter mechanism is much lighter and softer than the PEN series. When AF-tracking is enabled, the E-M5 can still fire at 4.2fps.
3. Fast AF. It's in theory faster than E-P3, but I think the difference is very small, albeit critical enough to help you capture the moment. Under low light conditions, there is still the usual hunting (pre-production unit), so the speed will vary depending on the shooting conditions.
4. 3-inch swivel touchscreen OLED monitor. Allowing you to handle shots of difficult angles, plus ease of selecting AF points by touching the screen.
5. Electronic viewfinder of 1.44M pixels. It's sharp and responsive with minimal lag even at low light. It's rather usable for non-demanding use.
6. 5-axis image stabilization. I didn't manage to try this feature, but once people starts to get review units, you will see whether it does make a difference in improving stabilization.
7. Splash-proof. It was demonstrated during the launch: running water poured onto the E-M5 with lens. No sweat.
8. Live Bulb. Imagine when doing bulb shooting, the monitor refreshes the result of the exposure. This redefines the way you capture long exposure images, for now you can see the result and decide when to close the shutter. Fireworks photos will be perfect every time.
9. Echo movie effects. This effect lets you freeze a frame and fade off while the movie continues. One-shot echo lets you decide when to apply this effect in a movie recording, and Multi-echo does this constantly throughout the recording.
10. Power Battery Holder. This holder is unique as there are 2 parts. One part is the horizontal handgrip and the other is the vertical handgrip. You can choose to use just the horizontal handgrip to improve the handling of the E-M5.

Even after attaching the grip, the OM-D E-M5 feels small and yet looks like a true-blue SLR!

The new splashproof 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 kit lens has some useful features. Firstly, the push-pull zoom ring allows you to focus mechanically as well as electronically. Secondly, there is a programmable "Fn" button on the lens itself. The lens size is rather big but you get greater zoom range than the usual.

The E-M5 does not have built-in flash, but has a smart accessory port which allows you to slot-in a small flash which is powered by the camera itself, just like the E-PM1.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 will be available after March 2012. If you love the classic SLR look and not too concerned about the weight (compared to the other mirrorless models), then do keep a lookout. Good thing about getting this model is that there are already a lot of micro four-thirds lenses that can be used with this new camera.

Nikon D800: New Generation DSLR Officially Announced

In 2008, I wrote a blog post about the launch of D700, followed by a hands-on review which I wrote for T3 Singapore.

Three and a half years later, Nikon has officially announced the D800 to replace the D700 and the D3X.

Monstrous specs:

• 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, or DX-crop of 15.4 megapixel.
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 50-25600)
• 4 frames per second for full-frame, 6 fps for DX
• ±5 EV (common DSLRs have ±3 EV)
• Revamped 51-point AF point system, supporting low-light AF up to f/8
• 91k pixel metering sensor (old-gen Nikon DSLR has 1005-pixel)
• Built-in HDR
• Better Auto ISO settings
• Full manual video recording capability with a myraid of external connections and capabilities for the most demanding movie makers. Like audio and video monitoring output.
• CF and SDXC card slots
• 900 grams with battery (about the weight of D300)
• separate D800E model removes anti-aliasing filter for increased sharpness required for professional users.
• US$3000

I think the most overwhelming feature about the D800 is its 36.3 megapixel image size. According to DPReview, the raw file size is almost 80MB. Question is: does a freelance photographer like myself require such high resolution? There is a need to balance between need and nice.

Then there is the high definition uncompressed video recording capability that meets the professional user, but I won't need half of it. Perhaps it would be good time to pick up movie making with the D800.

Due to the increase image size, the frame-per-second rate falls to 4fps, so the D800 immediately eliminates the action photographer segment, where the new D4 comfortably caters for.

One thing I am glad is that the weight of the D800 is similar to the D300 that I currently own, so I will be able to handle the weight, as compared to the D700 which is almost 200 grams heavier.

Everything else in the D800 are improvements that we expect of a new generation DSLR - better AF point sensitivity, increased pixels for metering, auto ISO, EV adjustments, auto HDR.

The D800 is tempting, but with this announcement, I might consider the option of getting a D700 instead.

Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Review

Jabra brand is synonymous with premium handsfree solution for mobile devices. To celebrate Valentine's Day, Jabra is offering the HALO2 at a special price of S$125 (usual $148) till 14 Feb 2012. I received a review unit last week, which allows me to try the device and share my experience here.

The HALO2 experience is radically different from most bluetooth headsets out there. Here are 3 things that are unique:

1. Foldable
There is no on/off switch. Just fold the HALO2 to switch off, and unfold it to switch on. HALO2 immediately connects to all paired devices and you are ready to enjoy wirelessly.

2. Touch Volume
To adjust volume, slide your fingers up and down the volume bar. The touch sensitivity is good so volume adjustments are responsive. You can skip tracks by double-tapping the "+" or "-" icons, though in my experience it's a hit-and-miss because you can't feel where the icons are. Jabra should have build little bumps so that we know exactly where to touch.

3. Wired Audio
The HALO2 is the first wireless headset I know of that comes with a wired option. Plug the adapter cable directly into your 3.5mm audio device and the HALO2 goes into dedicated audio mode. The bluetooth mode is turned off and so you will not be able to answer calls wirelessly. You also cannot adjust volume or skip tracks on the touch panel. If you want to revert the bluetooth mode, you need to switch off HALO2 and back on again.

Design
The HALO2 is very slim and looks like an oversized hairband. Though the headset can be extended, the ear-fit might vary for different people because the curvature is fixed. The open backed design means the sound will leak and people around you will hear it, so be mindful about the volume.

Audio Quality
For my review unit, the treble frequency is lacking, but the bass is natural. Equalizer adjustment is imperative in order to achieve a good audio balance. The AM3D Virtual Surround Sound enhances the audio experience.

Unfortunately, there is no way to adjust the equalizer for mobile call audio. The result is a rather muffled sound of the other party, while other party commented that the HALO2 user's voice sounded distant. Since there is no extended mic coming out from the HALO2, there is no way to improve the pick up.

Specifications:

• Bluetooth 3.0 EDR+eSCO wireless technology, up to 10m
• A2DP for music streaming
• AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and PowerBass
• AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
• Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones
• Foldable headband and carrying pouch
• Talk time – 8 hours
• Wireless Music time – 8 hours
• Standby time – 13 days
• Micro USB charger
• Dimensions: 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
• Weight – 80 g

Summary Thoughts
The Jabra HALO2 is primarily a music headset, with the convenience of a handsfree solution. The audio sounded rather impressive, but only after running through an audio equalizer. I liked the slim profile of  HALO2 when worn and the responsive volume adjustment via touch. The price is rather reasonable as a gift for your loved ones who enjoy music as much as being on the phone.


Jabra Valentine’s Day promotion is valid from 1 Feb to 14 Feb 2012, exclusively at all Infinite Apple Premium Sellers and Apple Shops at Best Denki.