Now This Is A Fast Card – SanDisk Extreme Pro

Extracted from my CNET Asia Blog Article of the same name.

Last week, I was asked to test drive the all new SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card, thanks to the guys at TEXT100 HKG (great PR firm in Hong Kong). As an amateur photographer, by no means would I pass on checking out how fast this new memory card claims, that being 90MB/sec.

So how fast is this card… according to SanDisk -

• its reading and writing performance are up to 90MB/sex (600x)
• UDMA 6 enabled (works in all UDMA mode)
• Power core controller & enhanced super-parallel processing esp invented by SanDisk to increase the card’s performance level

Well, I put it up for some home-made testing of mine to check it out. I conducted a few read and write tests and I used the older generation SanDisk Extreme IV and the SanDisk Extreme FireWire Reader to benchmark the results.

For each full frame pic I take on my Sony A900, the size of the RAW file is around 37.6MB. I switched the shooting mode to burst mode and took 10 pictures in a roll. The average writing speed after 10 trials are as follow -

SanDisk Extreme IV 16GB – 11.9 sec

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB – 9.4 sec

Not bad for writing speed. In fact, this new Extreme Pro is whopping fast. Given the price and the storage size (64GB being the highest), it is the ultimate dream card when it comes to taking large picture file size and large video files.

Next up I tried out the read and writing time in copying 342 picture files (11.9GB) to and from my computer and the results are as follow -

SanDisk Extreme IV 16GB

• writing to card – 13 minutes 6 seconds
• reading from card and copying to PC – 7 minutes 16 seconds

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB

• writing to card – 12 minutes 48 seconds
• reading from card and copying to PC – 8 minutes 14 seconds

Looking at the read and write tests results, one might ask shouldn’t the more expensive Extreme Pro be a lot faster than the old Extreme IV? The answer is yes, the faster Extreme Pro do read and write faster but in order to see the results, it does depends on what kind of card reader you are using. SanDisk can roll out even more faster cards but they do need a fast reader as well. The 45MB/s FireWire Reader from SanDisk surely cannot catch up anymore.

SanDisk, hope you dig this.

One of my reader, David Golden, sent me an email pointing out the the card performance is most likely optimized for high performance burst mode as your statistics indicate.  The sustained write performance (copying 12 GB of data to the card) is not nearly as important. Thanks David for your input.

PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 and High Speed Sync

Once again, Mark Wallace over at SnapFactory got yet another great tutorial vid on PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 and high speed sync. So far, Pocket Wizard only have the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 out for the Canon (HK availability soon). Nikon will be shipping later this Fall and still no words on Sony.

My Gears + Review – Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 on iPhone 3Gs

Ever since I got my iPhone 3Gs, been wanting to get a new pair of Bluetooth headset to listen to my podcasts as my Plantronics Voyager 855 finally gave up on me (the connection on the detachable earpiece cable worn off), though still work on mono.  Been shopping around this past weekend and didn’t do much research into what the newest BT headsets have to offer (now this is dumb).

The design of the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 caught my eyes and I ditched out the dough right away, purely shopping on impulse and this is where the problem starts…..(only apply to iPhone 3G or 3Gs)

For the sound quality, the HBH-IS800 is considered one of the best BT headsets I’ve used (Plantronics Voyager 855, Philips SBH7100, Jabra BT8010 and Plantronics Pulsar 590A). The design is neat and clean with one button controlling practically everything, see pic below.

The headset comes with a clip for you to add onto the headset cable so to allow you to clip it to your shirt collar or jacket.

So the sound quality is good and the design neat, what’s the catch then….

My Gears – MiLi Power Pack for iPhone 3GS

Been looking for a backup power pack for my iPhone 3GS and found the MiLi Power Pack for HK$398 (US$51).  This pack is stuffed with 2000mAh and it last a whole day when attached to my iPhone 3GS with 1/4 capacity left after 18-hours day.  It served a a cradle (can sync) while charging.  Another great feature of the MiLi Power Pack is that you have the ability to use its “OUT” port to charge most external USB compatible devices. Really nice.

Basic specs provided by MiLi-

• weight: 79.5g
• standby time: up to 390 hours
• talktime: 6.5 hours on 3G phone and 13.5 hours on 2G
• internet time: 6.5 hours surfing on 3G and 8 hours on Wi-Fi
• audio playtime: up to 31 hours
• video playtime: up to 9 hours
• 4 LED buton to indicate battery level

My Gears – Nikon Porter Bag for My Panasonic Lumix LX3 & Canon Powershot G10

The Nikon Porter Bag

With the Panasonic LX3

With the Canon G10

My Gears – Canon G10 & Canon Speedlite 270EX

Had the Canon G10 for a week now and just picked up the Canon Speedlite 270EX two days ago. Comparing it with my Panasonic Lumix LX3, the Canon G10 shoot some real nice pics at ISO80, but above that, it simply is no match with the Lumix LX3. Still love the dedicated aspect change button on the Lumix LX3 but all in all the dials on the Canon G10 is much more easier for access and the size fits a guy with large palms far better. As for the Canon Speedlite 270EX, it’s compact, light-weight and great with the bounce. But mind you, there is no button apart from the on/off switch and lock key. All settings are set via the camera menu system.

My Gears – Camera Gears for My Taipei Shoot

Just came back from my week-long photo shoot in Taipei.  Before I took off for the trip, I took some pics on the gears I brought along and Gonna share with you all here.  Because I was to do a full four days shoot with some local models in Taipei, both in the city and out in the countryside, other than the camera and the full lens series, I brought with me the mobile lighting equipments for off-camera lightings. Check them out.

Sony A900, Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8, Carl Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8, Carl Zeiss 85mm F1.4 and Tamron 70-200mm F2.8

Light Stands, Shoot-thru umbrellas and bunch of clamps and accessories

Sony F56 and F58 flash guns, Elinchrom Skyport Transmitter and Receivers

Lots of gels (from Photogels, LumiQuest and Honl Photo), Snoots, Barn Doors and Speed Grids (from Honl Photo)

My Gears – Elinchrom EL Skyport on My Sony A900 System

Elinchrom Skyport Transmitter on My Sony A900

Elinchrom Skyport Receiver

Well it took me less than a week to decide on the wireless trigger system for my Sony gears. Decided on the Elinchrom EL Skyport system and got it yesterday. Put it on a few range test and the results were more than satisfactory. Reasons for picking the Skyport is because it is way cheaper solution than the Pocket Wizard which is not legally sold here in Hong Kong due to some stupid radio frequency/broadcast regulations. For the universal radio trigger set (1 transmitter and 1 receiver), it cost less than HK$1,400 (US$180). Got myself couple extra receivers for HK$790 (US$101); great bargain. Way better than the PT-04 from Shamshuipo.

In order for the Skyport to work on the Sony system, a cable is needed and so far I only found these from FlashZebra. It’s the Sony/Minolta proprietary hotshoe to Skyport and it also work with Pocket Wizard and Cybersync. The price at US$46.50 is a bit steep but the construction is awesome. Too bad I’m not good at DIY or else I’ll make myself couple.

Sony/Minolta Proprietary Hotshoe to Elinchrom Skyport

The Hotshoe to Elinchrom Skyport Cable Itself

My Gears – Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

The Really Right Stuff L-Plate for Sony A900

Ordered my Sony A900 L-Plate (US$140) from Really Right Stuff last Friday and received it yesterday, nice and fast service (well, US$33.74 shipping, LOL). Slipped it on today and took some pics. Initial feeling: nicely built, sturdy and works perfectly when switching from landscape to portrait. No more resetting the ball head and recomposing. Well worth it.

In Landscape Mode

In Portrait Mode

The Sirui G-20 BallHead

As for the ballhead, Really Right Stuff’s BH-40 seems to be the best fit but given the US$300+ price tag, too steep for me. Went down to Sham Shui Po today for a spin and found the Sirui G-20 ballhead for HK$550 (US$70) at Ying Kee, and it worked perfectly.

Source – Really Right Stuff

Video Review – SCOTT E Vest

For US$75.00, what do you get? a windbreaker? a gadget vest? ya, you got it right, it’s the SCOTTEVEST. Check out this LONG video review from Carlos over at Its Me Morphious.  This jacket is intense and you’re gonna love it if you lug a few gadgets around all the time. I lost tack of how many pockets there are in this jacket and I’m seriously thinking of getting one.

Carlos packed an iPhone, an iPod Touch, a DS, a PSP, a DC camera, sunglasses and magazines all in the vest, unbelievable. The best thing about this jacket is that it folds back into the size of a small pouch.  Amazing.

Source – Its Me Morphious

First Look Video – PocketWizard Mini TT1 and Flex TT5

[Updated: 25 February 2009]

US$199 for the MiniTT1, US$219 for the FlexTT5

[19 February 2009]

According to Pocket Wizard’s website, the Canon version will be released 1 March 2009 and the Nikon version in quarter 2.  No news on Sony version for the time being, major bummer.

Source – pocketwizardvids

Apple iPhone = Air Mouse / Remote Control?

Yup, now you can turn your iPhone into an air mouse or remote control.  You heard me right.  According to the guys at RPA Technology -

Air Mouse instantly transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into an in air, wireless remote for your computer! Sit back and surf the web, browse your photo library or control your music player from the comfort of your couch. Air Mouse uses the built in accelerometer to translate your hand motions into mouse movements on your screen. It can also operate as a trackpad, allowing you to control your computer with a single finger. Air Mouse is an essential part of any home theater PC and a presenter’s best friend. Air Mouse uses an innovative application notification system to let the iPhone know what program you are running at any time and show the appropriate keys for that program. This allows Air Mouse to provide a single screen for controlling ALL your media and web applications.

Features:
- Motion sensing air mouse
- Trackpad (full screen vertical and landscape modes)
- Media keys
- Web keys
- Application notifications – Remote keyboard with function and arrow keys
- Programable hotkeys (can be set to run a program or keyboard combination)
- Scroll pad
- Left and Right mouse buttons
- Multitouch gestures (scroll & right click)
- Modifier Keys
- On screen typing
- Password protection
- Custom sensitivity settings
- Foreign language keyboards
- Supports Bonjour or static IP
- No screen size limitation. Works with multiple monitors.
- And much, much more. View their demo video to see all that Air Mouse can do for you

Source – Air Mouse via Jay Oatway from Charged

Phooey Pics – My Gears – Hoodman HoodLoupe Professional 3.0

New article posted up over at Phooey Pics on My Gears – Hoodman HoodLoupe Professional 3.0, check it out here.

First Look Pics from the Sony Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM

[Update: 8:30pm] Finally have time to take some more daytime shots, well afternoon shots to be exact, again of the Victoria Harbour. The distortions on the edge of the frame does not look too shabby at all, what do you think?

1/500 sec @ F9.0, ISO 200, 16mm

1/80 sec @ F8.0, ISO 200, 16mm

1/80 sec @ F8.0, ISO200, 16mm

1/60 sec @ F5.0, ISO 200, 35mm

[Posted: 11:53am]

5.0 sec at F14, ISO 400, 16mm on Sony A900 (click on pic to see full view)

Got the lens last night and hopped right out to the harbour side to take a test shot of the Victoria Harbour. The above pic was shot in RAW, straight out, no post-processing. Will try to shoot some daytime landscape pics today. Below I attached some closeups of the lens together with the other Carl Zeiss lenses I have.

The 16-35mm and 24-70mm side by side

the 85/1.4 on the left, 16-35/2.8 in the middle and 24-70/2.8 on the right

The hoods though look alike, are in fact different in size, ALC-SH106 on the 16-35mm and ALC-SH101 on the 24-70mm