By all means, the title of the entry is by Nikon Corporations.
No copyright infringement intended.
Hello, everyone!
I'd like to break away from updating on events and turn this back to me for a sec.
This entry is more of a throwback and will hopefully show how much I've progressed in terms of digital imaging over the years.
I've recently dedicated more of myself to photography.
Of course, I've been doing the usual "shoot this, shoot that; upload this, Instagram that" photography but I've dived into a bit more serious level of photography.
I don't know where it started.
I've been taking pictures of things since even before I can remember.
So I'll go through this post by cameras that I've owned.
OLYMPUS MJU 750
I still own my Olympus Mju 750 compact camera that I've almost never used due to its shakiness and lack of usable focus.
I don't remember, at all, how I got this camera.
I remember having it since 2008 but how it came to be is still a mystery to me.
I don't think anyone remembers its existence since I've only brought it on travels once.
Weird.
CANON DIGITAL IXUS 75
This was (is?) my mother's compact camera but I assumed ownership of it when she bought her Nikon Coolpix a few years ago (which is now either lost or stolen).
Plus, it was a luxury I couldn't afford nor could I shoulder the burden of borrowing one (my father had already upgraded his Nikon D60 to a Nikon D90 by then).
It takes decent photos, and can withstand days without charging.
It's an adequate tool when taking pictures of social events, friends, family and the occasional group photo.
You don't need much effort since it's a point-and-shoot camera and the focus on it is good for those nervous photographers that have minimal to mild Parkinson's.
The color loss is minimal and the quality of the build means it's able to withstand some knocks here and there.
Compact cameras were fun to use and were really popular back when DSLRs were still only used by serious photographers.
But as photography tools became "cheap" (or rather, affordable) by the masses, more people opt to upgrade to DSLRs.
I find it condescending when camera companies, reviewers and even photographers label/categorize DSLRs with "consumer", "pro-sumer", "pro/semi-pro" and all that.
My thoughts are that if one is willing to buy a camera worth their money, then it shouldn't be a matter of category.
A bloody rich kid with no experience or knowledge could just as well go and buy a Canon 1D-X without giving it any thought whereby a photography enthusiast without the budget of a sultan could just buy an entry-level "consumer" DSLR but still produce great photos.
Anyway, after leaving matriculation and going back home, I got the chance to dabble more the my father's camera.
NIKON D90
It is my dad's but my brother uses it now.
He upgraded from a Nikon D60 in the race with my uncle who's been showing off his new Canon DSLR every time we'd meet up for Raya celebrations.
He bought it back in 2008 and even without all the knowledge about ISO, aperture and shutter speed, all we ever wanted was good photos.
Back in the US, my dad had owned a Nikon SLR but later sold it to another uncle.
Looking back, I guess Ayah was a pretty cool guy, owning SLRs and stuff.
I've been using the Nikon D90 on travels, events and social gatherings.
We went to Beijing in 2011 and after going through some old files, I realized that I was the one in charge of photographs and I had the D90 as my tool.
Back then I didn't even know the camera could do anything other than take photographs.
It was just, "turn on, shoot, save, upload".
No concern for lighting, settings or even a good sense of photography.
Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days.
Free of insecurities.
Of fear of making mistakes.
The D90 has served me well up until early this year when I attended the 27th Golden Disk Awards in KL in January.
I got some good shots (if I say so myself) although I was equipped with minimal knowledge of ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
For instance,
Two months later, my aunt got married and my brother and I were in charge of her wedding photos.
I put my NX210 to good use and I had a blast shooting with it.
The colors it captures, the details from the 20.3 MP sensor and the responsiveness of the camera was definitely the benefits I got for buying it.
I also took it on my trip to South Korea last July and I am proud that all my photos turned out extremely well.
It's lightweight, so it's prefect for travel and because it's also a SMART camera, it has a Smart setting instead of Auto, so your settings will change based on your field of view, not the same stagnant auto-everything setting on DSLRs.
This would make anyone's photography almost similar to DSLR users, which is a plus for a rather cheaper and more affordable camera.
It's strange how I don't see many reviews on this camera, and other Samsung NX smart cameras.
It is an advanced photography tool that not only allows you to take great photos but also allows instant sharing and wireless control.
The fact that it was so good made me have sleepless nights trying to decide whether to buy a DSLR or just stick with this throughout my entire life.
NIKON D7100
But then, the more I learned about photography and after watching/reading reviews on cameras online, I succumbed to the seduction of DSLRs.
So I went out and bought myself a Nikon D7100, with a 35mm prime lens and an 18-200mm superzoom lens.
I've only owned it for over two weeks and it is immensely fun to use.
The response is quick, the autofocus is good and the numerous shortcut buttons make shooting a breeze.
But there are some notable differences from shooting with the D90.
The build is different to that of the D90.
The grip is slightly less firm and it is a little less heavy.
The contrast is high, often too high for my preference, but then it would mean I would have to dabble with the exposure value settings.
I spent a week studying all sorts of stuff before I bought that camera.
From reviews, to spec sheets, to comparisons, to which equipments would be suitable, price range and all sorts of stuff.
It would be my first ever DSLR so I wanted it to be the right one.
And I couldn't have invested in anything better.
The Nikon D7100, being the latest production in Nikon cameras, was the last step in digital photography before jumping into a more professional world of full-frame DSLRs.
Its fast reflexes and speedy captures are great for my field of hobbies (photographing idols, people and events).
I wasn't interested in other DSLRs mainly because I grew up fiddling with Nikon cameras, so it was only natural to keep that upbringing till now.
I haven't been able to use my D7100 for any events yet, and I'm aiming for events that will happen soon in Malaysia to be the field-test for it.
I am excited and at the same time nervous because I would finally get to really test the capacity of my skills, thus far.
Nonetheless, I have been having a lot of fun shooting with it till now.
So, yeah.
My progress in photography and gear.
This entry wasn't written to brag in any way, but to document on how anyone can work their way up to a better place in whatever hobbies or work they are into.
I never pictured myself as a photographer before but it is a newly found passion and I intend on keeping it till whenever.
I'll be writing about what photography means to me and how it has affected my view on life in another post.
I hope you'll be eagerly waiting for it.
Till then, shoot more and shoot all!
No copyright infringement intended.
Hello, everyone!
I'd like to break away from updating on events and turn this back to me for a sec.
This entry is more of a throwback and will hopefully show how much I've progressed in terms of digital imaging over the years.
I've recently dedicated more of myself to photography.
Of course, I've been doing the usual "shoot this, shoot that; upload this, Instagram that" photography but I've dived into a bit more serious level of photography.
I don't know where it started.
I've been taking pictures of things since even before I can remember.
So I'll go through this post by cameras that I've owned.
OLYMPUS MJU 750
I still own my Olympus Mju 750 compact camera that I've almost never used due to its shakiness and lack of usable focus.
Midnight Black All-Weather Olympus Mju 750
I don't remember, at all, how I got this camera.
I remember having it since 2008 but how it came to be is still a mystery to me.
I don't think anyone remembers its existence since I've only brought it on travels once.
Weird.
CANON DIGITAL IXUS 75
This was (is?) my mother's compact camera but I assumed ownership of it when she bought her Nikon Coolpix a few years ago (which is now either lost or stolen).
Silver Canon Digital Ixus 75
It served me very well during the one year I spent in matriculation.
Back then, DLSRs weren't much of a thing among people and I didn't have much intention of carrying one around.Plus, it was a luxury I couldn't afford nor could I shoulder the burden of borrowing one (my father had already upgraded his Nikon D60 to a Nikon D90 by then).
It takes decent photos, and can withstand days without charging.
It's an adequate tool when taking pictures of social events, friends, family and the occasional group photo.
You don't need much effort since it's a point-and-shoot camera and the focus on it is good for those nervous photographers that have minimal to mild Parkinson's.
The color loss is minimal and the quality of the build means it's able to withstand some knocks here and there.
Compact cameras were fun to use and were really popular back when DSLRs were still only used by serious photographers.
But as photography tools became "cheap" (or rather, affordable) by the masses, more people opt to upgrade to DSLRs.
I find it condescending when camera companies, reviewers and even photographers label/categorize DSLRs with "consumer", "pro-sumer", "pro/semi-pro" and all that.
My thoughts are that if one is willing to buy a camera worth their money, then it shouldn't be a matter of category.
A bloody rich kid with no experience or knowledge could just as well go and buy a Canon 1D-X without giving it any thought whereby a photography enthusiast without the budget of a sultan could just buy an entry-level "consumer" DSLR but still produce great photos.
Anyway, after leaving matriculation and going back home, I got the chance to dabble more the my father's camera.
NIKON D90
It is my dad's but my brother uses it now.
He upgraded from a Nikon D60 in the race with my uncle who's been showing off his new Canon DSLR every time we'd meet up for Raya celebrations.
He bought it back in 2008 and even without all the knowledge about ISO, aperture and shutter speed, all we ever wanted was good photos.
Back in the US, my dad had owned a Nikon SLR but later sold it to another uncle.
Looking back, I guess Ayah was a pretty cool guy, owning SLRs and stuff.
Nikon D90 + AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D + AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
I've been using the Nikon D90 on travels, events and social gatherings.
We went to Beijing in 2011 and after going through some old files, I realized that I was the one in charge of photographs and I had the D90 as my tool.
Back then I didn't even know the camera could do anything other than take photographs.
It was just, "turn on, shoot, save, upload".
No concern for lighting, settings or even a good sense of photography.
Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days.
Free of insecurities.
Of fear of making mistakes.
The D90 has served me well up until early this year when I attended the 27th Golden Disk Awards in KL in January.
I got some good shots (if I say so myself) although I was equipped with minimal knowledge of ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
For instance,
B.A.P at the 27th GDA in KL.
Taken using a Nikon D90 + AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
I have a friend who knows a lot about photography and was quite subdued with the fact that this (and other photos) were taken using a Nikon with a standard 18-105mm VR kit lens.
Not to be too technical, but I just thought that it was normal to have these kinds of photos.
I guess me being the one with less concern for brand, settings and technical stuff, I was more open to creative works and more to getting the job done than to getting the job done "right".
But with all the hype about idol photos and me travelling a lot to see these idols, I decided it would be best if I learned a thing or two about photography and got gear of my own.
*More of GDA here.
SAMSUNG NX210
The main reason I got this camera was because my dad had purchased a Samsung NX1000 and actually had a 50-200mm NX lens sent to us for free by Samsung.
A few weeks after the purchase, the camera was stolen due to some complications and we were left with the zoom lens.
So, since a zoom lens would be ideal in taking photos of idols, I got my self the upgrade to the NX1000, the NX210.
And it's an amazing camera.
Samsung NX210 + Samsung NX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II + Samsung NX 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED OIS
It's not a DSLR because it's a mirrorless camera.
What makes it that kind of camera?
I think it's because of a lack of a viewfinder (that hole you put your eye into when shooting with a DSLR).
But Google it for a better answer.
I bought the NX210 in late February, right before I went to KMW in Bangkok.
I knew I couldn't possibly bring it into the concert nor did I have the guts to attempt to take photos of idols arriving at the airport but I still wanted a camera for myself.Two months later, my aunt got married and my brother and I were in charge of her wedding photos.
I put my NX210 to good use and I had a blast shooting with it.
The colors it captures, the details from the 20.3 MP sensor and the responsiveness of the camera was definitely the benefits I got for buying it.
I also took it on my trip to South Korea last July and I am proud that all my photos turned out extremely well.
It's lightweight, so it's prefect for travel and because it's also a SMART camera, it has a Smart setting instead of Auto, so your settings will change based on your field of view, not the same stagnant auto-everything setting on DSLRs.
This would make anyone's photography almost similar to DSLR users, which is a plus for a rather cheaper and more affordable camera.
Meraikan Cinta: Faizah & Hazizi
Taken using a Samsung NX210 + Samsung NX 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED OIS
©QZ Photography
It's strange how I don't see many reviews on this camera, and other Samsung NX smart cameras.
It is an advanced photography tool that not only allows you to take great photos but also allows instant sharing and wireless control.
The fact that it was so good made me have sleepless nights trying to decide whether to buy a DSLR or just stick with this throughout my entire life.
NIKON D7100
But then, the more I learned about photography and after watching/reading reviews on cameras online, I succumbed to the seduction of DSLRs.
So I went out and bought myself a Nikon D7100, with a 35mm prime lens and an 18-200mm superzoom lens.
Nikon D7100 + AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G + AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VRII
I've only owned it for over two weeks and it is immensely fun to use.
The response is quick, the autofocus is good and the numerous shortcut buttons make shooting a breeze.
But there are some notable differences from shooting with the D90.
The build is different to that of the D90.
The grip is slightly less firm and it is a little less heavy.
The contrast is high, often too high for my preference, but then it would mean I would have to dabble with the exposure value settings.
I spent a week studying all sorts of stuff before I bought that camera.
From reviews, to spec sheets, to comparisons, to which equipments would be suitable, price range and all sorts of stuff.
It would be my first ever DSLR so I wanted it to be the right one.
And I couldn't have invested in anything better.
Bokeh!
Taken using a Nikon D7100 + AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
The Nikon D7100, being the latest production in Nikon cameras, was the last step in digital photography before jumping into a more professional world of full-frame DSLRs.
Its fast reflexes and speedy captures are great for my field of hobbies (photographing idols, people and events).
I wasn't interested in other DSLRs mainly because I grew up fiddling with Nikon cameras, so it was only natural to keep that upbringing till now.
I haven't been able to use my D7100 for any events yet, and I'm aiming for events that will happen soon in Malaysia to be the field-test for it.
I am excited and at the same time nervous because I would finally get to really test the capacity of my skills, thus far.
Nonetheless, I have been having a lot of fun shooting with it till now.
So, yeah.
My progress in photography and gear.
This entry wasn't written to brag in any way, but to document on how anyone can work their way up to a better place in whatever hobbies or work they are into.
I never pictured myself as a photographer before but it is a newly found passion and I intend on keeping it till whenever.
I'll be writing about what photography means to me and how it has affected my view on life in another post.
I hope you'll be eagerly waiting for it.
Till then, shoot more and shoot all!
"I Am Nikon"
p/s:
All photos of gear are from my Instagram and were shot with my HTC One-X and edited with Snapseed and/or PhotoGrid. Check out my Instagram "feardaooz".
Sample photos were resized for uploading purposes. Drop in quality might occur during down-sampling and uploading.
All photos of gear are from my Instagram and were shot with my HTC One-X and edited with Snapseed and/or PhotoGrid. Check out my Instagram "feardaooz".
Sample photos were resized for uploading purposes. Drop in quality might occur during down-sampling and uploading.
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