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Hands-on: Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f4-5.6 and Sample Photos

February 11, 2011 Field Test / Gears
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Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 MSC and Box

Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 MSC and Box

Last October, Olympus finally released the Micro Four Thirds (m43) version of their mid-range telephoto 40-150mm (80-300mm equivalent) lens. On the regular Four Thirds (43), Olympus usually pairs this lens with the regular 14-42mm as a dual lens kit. It took some time for them to release this version after 3 m43 bodies, the only option before was the regular four thirds 40-150mm with the MMF-2 adapter included on a dual zoom kit. But I had a problem with this set up as the lens is slow to focus on the m43rds bodies for me so I decided to get the m43 version instead and see if it will perform better.

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Nokia N8 USB On-the-Go: A Handy Backup Tool

October 22, 2010 Field Test / Gears
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Nokia N8 USB On-the-Go

Nokia N8 USB On-the-Go Field Test

I’m always trying to find ways to travel lighter, especially with all my gadgets in tow. My current setup is bringing along my netbook for my daily obsessive-compulsive image back-up whenever I’m on a trip. I was ecstatic to learn that Nokia’s new flagship model, the Nokia N8, has the USB OTG (On-the-Go) capability, making the handset a useful portable drive as well. So I put the feature to the test to see if I can possibly leave my netbook on my upcoming travels.

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Field Review: Olympus PEN E-PL1

October 11, 2010 Field Test / Gears
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Olympus E-PL1 with Leather Case

Olympus E-PL1 with Leather Case

Since the release of the New Generation Interchangeable Lens Cameras, whenever people ask me what’s a good SLR to buy, I always suggest the alternative system like the Olympus PEN. For one it’s lighter but still has the DSLR image quality. It’s also less daunting than the advance digital SLRs on the market for those moving from compact point and shoot. The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is the third Micro Four Thirds PEN camera from Olympus introduced last March. It hopes to appeal to consumers with its low price tag and user-friendly interface. I’ve been using the Olympus E-PL1 for almost 6 months now and here’s a somewhat quick review of the camera.

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Field Test: Design Go’s Weigh to Go Luggage Scale

September 6, 2010 Field Test / Gears / Travel
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Design Go Weigh To Go

Design Go Weigh To Go

I may travel a lot but I also encounter some packing blunders such as overweight and underweight luggage when I’m not backpacking. I remember when I got really stressed out in Singapore Airport as I was relying on sharing my excess baggage weight with my companions, to find out it can’t be done since I have a separate ticket. I had to make adjustments on my luggage by removing items and weighing several times just to get it right. I certainly don’t want to pay the SG$15/kg excess baggage fee.

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Field Test: Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22

August 5, 2010 Field Test / Gears
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Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22

Using the Eagle Creek Twist Pack 22 as Backpack and Trolley Bag

A good reliable bag is an investment, that’s why I try not to scrimp out on the quality as I know most of my valuables would be packed inside. I don’t want my bag having torn shoulder straps from weight and tears from its sheets. On my recent travel to Palawan, I was able to try out Eagle Creeks’ Twist Pack 22 bag. It’s a very versatile travel bag with wheels.

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Hands On: Canon PowerShot S90

May 16, 2010 Field Test / Gears
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The Canon PowerShot S90

The Canon PowerShot S90

Small is the next big thing when it comes to digital cameras nowadays. When Panasonic made a hit with their advance compact LUMIX LX3, camera manufacturers saw the demand for a small pocketable camera boasting high image quality. Canon a few months ago revived their PowerShot S-line when they released their top of the line compact G11. Sporting a similar sensor and Digic processor as the G11, the new Canon PowerShot S90 is smaller and more compact. I was able to take this camera on a test drive when I went for a two vacation and here’s my long overdue quick hands-on impression on the S90.

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Field Test Review: Sony Alpha A550

January 22, 2010 Field Test / Gears
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Odos Ongkoy, South Cotabato (Sony A550, f 5.6, 1/1250, ISO 200, 18mm, out-of-camera)

Before the on-set of the holidays late last year. I introduced the Sony Alpha A550 with Sony DT DT 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 SAM here. And after about three weeks with the camera, here is my express field review of this DSLR. Three weeks is actually a short time to really get to know a camera. Some people can run the entire lab test they want but it is different with actual usage and application of the camera in the field. I wasn’t able to fully utilize all the camera features here because of the short time and also of the holidays but I think I covered the important aspects of the camera below. Note that most images here are out-of-camera JPGs (OOC) with only resizing and watermark done on the images.

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