Bye Bye X-T1

After 18 months with the X-T1 I finally bid farewell to that awesome camera.  It's kind of bittersweet.  While I love the camera, I'm quite frustrated with the AF capability in terms of DOF accuracy - my old D5300 was considerably better despite the cost at less than half of X-T1's price.  But it's the final photo quality from the X-T1 that made it my favourite.

I sold the body and kit lens together, preparing for X-T2 to arrive in September.

I'm really amazed at how popular Fujifilm is right now, it only took me 2 days to clear the kit after I posted my advertisement.  The price at which I cleared them is quite reasonable as well.

As for X-T2, the paper specs have been promising on the AF department - from 77 points in X-T1 to 325 in X-T2.  Just as how increase of AF points made magic in 5D Mk 3 as compared to 5D Mk 2, I hope for the same on X-T2.

Adieu X-T1.......  

Farewell to X-T1

~ Photo taken with Sony RX100 Mk 3 ~

Kidzania Trip - July 2016

Last Friday we went to Kidzania in Sentosa.  On my wife's suggestion, I had promised Lincoln to bring him to Kidzania as his birthday present.  And I think it was a very good suggestion indeed as the kids certainly had a good time.

From the start both Lincoln and Lindsay were already very excited and couldn't wait to start.

Outside Kidzania

Surabaya Trip - Part 6

Day 3 is the day we return back to Surabaya.  There's still time to squeeze in a quick trip to nearby Taman Wisata Selecta.  So after breakfast we quickly checked out and leave for Selecta.

A trip to Selecta is like a trip down memory lane.  I remember going there as a 10 - 11 year old when I was still staying in Surabaya.  We went to the swimming pool - which is still there. flower and fruit market, rabbit market and the flower garden.  Well, most are still there, but they look better than what I can remember.

A variety of lowers for sale on display - taken with Fujifilm X-T1 + XF16mm F1.4R WR

Surabaya Trip - Part 5

Day 2 in Batu was packed with activities.  We visited 3 attractions all in 1 day: Batu Secret Zoo, Museum Satwa & Museum Angkut.  Of the 3 attractions I personally like Museum Angkut best.

During the visit to Batu Secret Zoo I forgot to bring the spare battery for my X-T1 so the camera was flat after less than an hour.  Fortunately my RX100 Mk 3 was still full so I had a back-up camera.

Batu Secret Zoo is a zoo and theme park mixed together. The kids really had a lot of fun there.  Along the way to the top I stumbled upon this great view.

A display showcase inside the zoo - taken with Sony RX100 Mk3 

Surabaya Trip - Part 4

It's the new year!  And it's also the day we set out for Batu.  Batu here we come!

Yeah look at that traffic.  What's supposed to be a leisurely 2 and a half hour drive turned into a 4 hour drive.

Traffic Jam at Lawang - taken with LG G3

Fairy Tale Display at Gardens by The Bay

Okay, another Gardens by The Bay entry, it almost seems like there's nowhere else to go here in Singapore.  In fact I'm planning another visit there sometime this month for the Christmas display.  Hahaha...

Overview of the Display Centerpiece

Balinese Holiday 2015

We really enjoyed our Bali trip back in 2014, we decided to have another holiday there in 2015.  This time we brought Lindsay along to join in the fun.  The holiday lasted 6 days and 5 nights, we stayed 3 days 2 nights in Jimbaran, 2 days 1 night in Nusa dua and another 3 days 2 nights in Kuta.

This time I decided to travel light and brought only my X-T1 and 3 lenses: XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R, XF 14mm F2.8R & XF 23mm F1.4R. I could fit them into a medium sized National Geographic sling bag - it was surreal that the bag felt lighter when compared to bringing my 5D Mark III and just one EF 24mm F1.4L lens....  I definitely got wider focal length and longer range at lesser weight although I had to sacrifice DOF, AF speed & accuracy (esp at low light) and some ISO.

I also love the colour and white balance from the X-T1, I almost didn't have to adjust any saturation, brightness or contrast of all my photos; only a select few which were taken under harsh sunlight or extreme dark conditions. 

For the first part we stayed in Ayana Jimbaran.  This resort is absolutely stunning.  One of the best we have ever stayed in.  The pools here are absolutely amazing and the Rock Bar offers quite an amazing sight - its almost impossible to get a table during sunset.

 

One of the pools with the best view in Ayana

Fireworks - Singapore National Day Parade Rehearsal

This was the second  time I attempted fireworks photography.  The first attempt was at my father's resort during new year back in 2009; it was a clumsy impromptu attempt.

This time around, I attempted to capture the fireworks in Singapore National Day rehearsal.  This year is especially special as it marks the 50th year of Singapore's independence.  The fireworks on the actual day (9th August 2015) will be twice of last year's.  

 

I came prepared with a tripod and black card.  Unfortunately the black card didn't help much as there were too much light reflections - I should have used black foam instead, and I didn't have a cable release to use the bulb mode with.

So I arrived at slightly after 5 p.m. in One Fullerton, but the place was already swarmed with people ready to take photos of the fireworks like I wanted to.  I had no choice but to walk further down nearer to the hotel, unfortunately the sight was blocked by a structure - the Fullerton Pavillion.

The celebration started with a parachute performance, but dang...  I didn't bring any telephoto lens to capture the photos.  Then there were fly pasts by many fighter planes, chinook and apache helicopters, carrier planes.  I had the 16mm F1.4 fixed on my X-T1, how I wished I had a second body with tele-lens!!

A fly past tribute to Lee Kuan Yew who passed away earlier this year - He is the founding father of Singapore and quite possibly a most important, if not the greatest leader in South East Asia

Little Nyonya Batik

Today was a busy day, we were helping a good friend with her Peranakan store's grand opening.  So I and my wife were out since morning 10 am till about 8 pm.  I myself was particularly busy being the photographer of the event and for her catalagoue.  I'll say that this must be the most colourful and gorgeous entry in my blog ever. 

Peranakan Umbrella