Canon EOS M - Canon's First Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

I was invited to a media event by Canon, for they were unveiling a much-awaited, soon-to-be-released camera into the market. All was kept mum about what the launch was about and for what product. But certainly there were rumors about it as discussed online and I went to the event with heightened hope and anticipation... Reason being that the rumors mentioned that Canon would be announcing its very first Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens camera! And THAT was what I have been looking forward to!!!

For the past many Canon events which I attended, I always hoped that it would be for the release of a Canon micro four-third camera, but that wasn't the case so far until this particular event, where we were introduced to the Canon EOS M... I was ecstatic! Especially so, since I almost caved in to get an Olympus Pen Mini  (E-PM1) during PC Show 2012. BUT I hung on.... I hung onto the hope that Canon would announce that they are coming up with a micro four-third. And boy, I'm glad that I did. ;)

The event was held at Stellar @ 1-Altitude,  a fine-dining restaurant that offers a spectacular view of the city, situated 282 metres high! Indeed, it certainly matched up to the event's statement of 'A New Era of Heightened Standards'.

Before I share with you about the camera, here's some pictures of the 3-course lunch that I had! :)

*Pics taken using Canon IXUS 300HS (that's one of three Canon cameras which I have bought and using concurrently). Yes, that's how much I support Canon and my brand loyalty comes into play even before I was invited to Canon events. So, for me to ever buy a non-Canon camera, that means there is something about that camera over Canon, at that point of my purchase. But so far, nope... I have not found other camera brands/models which really attract me. I am not very price-sensitive afterall - Features and image quality are what I mainly look for in a camera.

Wild Mushroom Soup with Gruyere Toast
(I am rather picky on mushroom soup, and THIS was exceptionally nice!)

Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Roulade with Mashed Potato, Steamed Asparagus and Porcini Sauce

Mango Mousse Sponge with Passion Fruit Coulis
(Quite sour, would prefer something sweet. So thankfully the sponge layer helped a lil)

A shot glass containing colored M&M chocolates for each of us...
Colored in the various colors that the Canon EOS M comes in! - Red, Black, White and Silver!
Totally brilliant, guys!

And now, on to the Canon EOS M!

The Canon EOS M is the very first mirrorless camera introduced by Canon. In all honesty, it has been a long wait for them to release this into the market as all other major camera manufacturers have entered into this particular market. And yes, all these years... I waited, with the high hopes that Canon will release one, that I forgo the various mirorless cameras which caught my attention. One reason why I have been waiting for a Canon mirrorless camera is because I figured out that I could easily buy the camera mount adaper to mount on my existing Canon lenses which I have been using on my Canon DSLR camera.

And yes, the EOS M shares the EOS ecosystem, thus it is fully compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses! And yes, Canon will be releasing a new mount adapter, EF-EOS M, which allows full compatibility with all EF/EF-S lenses. Of course, you may feel that it will look weird if you fix up your existing external flash or zoom/telephoto lenses onto the EOS M (see below pic, quite an amusing sight, I must say!).


And the mount adapter is of some thickness already... So I reckon getting EF-M lenses may be a good idea... But that means extra cost, especially for those who already have a collection of EF/EF-S lenses! :(

No integrated flash in the EOS M, so that's where the compact and lightweight
Canon Speedlite 90EX flashgun comes in!
It can also be used as a master unit for a wireless flash set-up.

Comes in these 4 colors, as mentioned already.

The first two lenses released for the Canon EOS M are the:

(1) EF-M 18-55mm f/3 5-5.6 IS STM (as seen in above pic) 
A versatile zoom lens well-suited for everyday usage, and can be used as defaultlens for casual users as it cap capture both wide-angle and portrait shots.


(2) EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM (as seen in below pic)
A compact and lightweight "pancake" lens for ultra-portability.

Ok... This looks really weird. We should really get EF-M lenses. Haha!

Lovely roses! I LIKE!

The Canon EOS M is equipped with a 18.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 imaging processor, which is the same sensor that is used in the Canon 650D DSLR camera (You can read more about the 650D in this blog post of mine - Click [HERE]). As mentioned in the press release,

The increased light sensitivity of the sensor coupled with the DIGIC 5’s improved processing speed work in tandem to produce impeccable images, and earns the EOS M its place in the EOS family. The high ISO sensitivity of up to 12800 (expandable to ISO 25600) also ensures that the EOS M is comfortably equipped to handle low light situations. The compact build of the EOS M is achieved by removing the optical viewfinder, the main mirror as well as the mirror drive systems. The EOS M body weighs a mere 265g and measures just 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3mm in size.

And I feel two interesting features of the EOS M are these: 

When shooting in a room where bright sunlight is shining through windows, the extreme contrast in lighting makes it very difficult to capture a shot with the right exposure. The EOS M’s HDR Backlight Compensation function solves the issue by taking three images – one with normal exposure, overexposure and underexposure in rapid succession before merging and automatically aligning it within the camera. This produces an image with minimal loss of highlight and shadow detail, even in backlit conditions.

To create a smooth picture in dark environments that require high ISO noise reduction, the EOS M features a Multi Shot Noise Reduction function where four shots are taken consecutively, and then merged and aligned within the camera resulting in a cleaner final image. For the creative at heart, the EOS M also comes with seven creative filters like Grainy/Black & White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera, Miniature, Art Bold, Water Painting and Fish-eye filters.

The EOS M has an intuitive 3.0-inch widescreen touch panel LCD monitor to simplify its controls, thus sporting fewer dials and buttons. Similarly to what the 650D screen offers, the ClearView LCD II technology makes it comfortable to view images and previews even in bright environments, and an anti-smudge coating reduces fingerprints. As of now, the Canon EOS M does not have an electronic or optical viewfinder accessory. So, composing images are to be done solely via the LCD screen.

This camera also offers full HD video recording, capturing motion pictures at a high maximum ISO of 6400.  In addition,

Similar to the recently launched EOS 650D, the EOS M is equipped with a Movie Servo AF which enables continuous auto-focus during movie recording. When mounted with STM EF/EF-S lenses via the new mount adapter EF-EOS M, users get to enjoy smooth, speedy quiet Servo AF on the EOS M during movie shooting. Found commonly in Canon LEGRIA camcorders, the EOS M also comes with the Video Snapshots feature which allows users to record short video snippets (2, 4 or 8 seconds) before stitching all of them sequentially into video snapshot albums.

We  did get the opportunity to try out the EOS M... But they were pre-production models, hence I can't comment much for now on its response speed, etc. But one thing to note is that there is no integrated flash in the camera, no sure if there will be a small flashgun attachment made available in the box. Also, I was quite disappointed that the screen is fixed, unable to swivel to various angles to shoot at difficult angles... Unlike the 650D. Which kinda puzzled me... If EOS 650D and M share the same 18.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, why not have the swivel screen in the M too? Perhaps... perhaps in future Canon mirrorless cameras? Maybe! :p

In short, key features of the Canon EOS M:

• New EF-M lens mount (optimized for APS-C sensor size)
• 18MP APS-C 'Hybrid CMOS' sensor
• Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
• 14-bit DIGIC5 processor
• ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
• 4.3 fps continuous shooting, 3 fps with autofocus tracking
• 1080p30 video recording, stereo sound (with 25p or 24p options)
• External microphone socket and adjustable sound recording level
• 1040k dot 3:2 touch-sensitive ClearView II LCD (capacitative type, multi-touch support)
• Standard EOS hot-shoe for external flash (no built-in flash)
• 'Creative Filters' image-processing controls, previewed live on-screen

I found the image below online and I felt it helpful... Thus I want to share it with you, so that you can have a rough idea on the EOS M's size and compare it with other DSLR and mirrorless cameras that are already in the market.

Credit to foxfoto_archives for the image.

The EOS M, EF-M lenses, EOS-EF M mount adapter and Speedlite 90EX will be available from early October at all Canon authorized dealers. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.

After the presentation and lunch, I went up to the 63rd level, where there is the 1-Altitude's rooftop bar. I was offered a spectacular view of Singapore city and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Similarly to my liking for ocean views, I like to see sights from high heights, and thus that feeling was fabulous! Ok, I want to head up to the bar again... But at night!

Yes, we can view Marina Bay Sands (MBS) from the rooftop.
And when you thought that being at MBS rooftop is considered high, then you should check out 1-Altitude. :p

And yes, I took some pictures of the city while I was up there. But let it be for another blog post... Afterall, this is a special blog post for me, of my long-awaited Canon mirrorless camera (Finally...... After a long wait... Wheeee~). Till then, see you! :)

Launch of Canon EOS 650D DSLR camera

 Two weeks ago, I attended the media launch event
for the soon-to-be-released Canon EOS 650D DSLR camera at Klapsons Hotel.

As of 08 June 2012, the EOS 650D camera is the world's first DSLR with Touchscreen technology. The camera's 3-inch touchscreen allows one to change the camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture value quicker and easier. But rest assured that the physical buttons for the settings still remain on the camera itself. The 270-degrees swiveling screen allows one to take photos from awkward/difficult angles.

I got the opportunity to touch it and took some shots with the 650D.

I really liked the touch screen, how I can adjust the angle of it to take from a high or low position, even to the extent if I wanna take shots of myself (No, I didn't do that on that day haha!), and it was really convenient to adjust the camera settings via the touch screen. :)  

Other features of the EOS 650D include:

• ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to 25,600)
• Multi Shot Noise Control, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control
• 9 cross-type AF points within 31 AF zones, with Hybrid CMOS AF System
• Continuous AF Servo
• DIGIC 5 imaging processor (also found in Canon 5D Mark III)
  

This is the first Canon camera that comes with the new Hybrid CMOS AF sensor, capable for contrast and phase detection auto-focusing.  Also, it is possible for continous auto-focusing  when shooting a video... A first in any Canon EOS camera.

Along with the EOS 650D, Canon also introduced two new lenses, the EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the EF40mm f/2.8mm STM, featuring a stepping motor for fast and quiet auto-focusing.

The Canon EOS 650D DSLR was recently made available in Singapore at all authorised Canon dealer stores on 14 June. (***The EOS 650D Kit II (with EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM) will be available only from mid-July***) Check out the following for price:

EOS 650D DSLR (body only): S$1,149
EOS 650D DSLR Kit I (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II): S$1,299
EF40mm f/2.8 STM: S$299

 So anyway... here's more photos from the event itself!

Gorgeous Rozz (emcee host for the event) with the 4 models

Her pair of heels which she wore was totally OMGosh!
I couldn't take my eyes off it.

These two lucky peeps were given the opportunity to test out the EOS 650D
and shared their experiences and opinions after using the DSLR for a period of time.
Their photography and video works were then aired for us to view.

That's me!

Review: Samsung Galaxy Note (Pictures + Videos)

It's a phone!
It's a tablet!
It's Samsung Galaxy Note!

The Samsung Galaxy Note is a device that combines the capabilities and functionalities of a tablet and smartphone into one. And thanks to Samsung Singapore, I had the opportunity to review this awesome creation which is fast gaining popularity! I have read reports which mentioned that Samsung had already shipped out more than 1 million sets in less than 2 months!

It is certainly a wonderful on-the-go mobile device!

And if Size Matters To You...
The Samsung Galaxy Note (or 'Note' for short) boasts the largest HD Super AMOLED display with excellent clarity (1280 x 800). This simply means clear, vibrant and sharp images shown on the screen, and this is one of the few features of the Note that I like. The 5.3" screen makes it the smallest tablet around, but yet large enough that it minimises the need to scroll down pages or moving the page from left to right.


If you are wondering if the Note will fit into your front jeans pocket, yes it is able to... But only if it is a pair of jeans for Men. You need not try fitting it into the pockets of a pair of skinny jeans or those ladies' tight jeans. That won't do.

It is that stylishly slim...

And if Looks Matter to You...

The Notes gives a mimimalistic feel - With only the Samsung logo and the rectangular homescreen button. There is a tiny camera lens hole at the front for the 2.0mp front-facing camera. The back is as simple too, with the 8.0mp back camera (with LED flash) at the centre, and the speaker at the bottom left. I have to add that the speaker is really loud and clear... I can be in the living room and I am still able to hear the music playing from my Note in my bedroom.

And if Performance Matters to You...

The Note is powered by the Android OS, a dual-core 1.4GHz Samsung Exynos processor and uses a removable 2500 mAh battery.

It comes with a stylus and Samsung calls it the S Pen, which fits snugly into the stylus dock. Thus, you need not worry that it may drop out if you are holding onto your Note when you are out. The S Pen comes in handy for those users who dislike having fingerprints all over the screen.

Instead of typing out your document or note using the onscreen QWERTY keyboard, you can actually use the S Pen and write on the screen as the Note is equipped with the handwriting recognition software. But do not put too much hope that it can recognise each and every word that you write (Well, at least for me!).


Creating Memos will never be a boring and dull thing to do with the S MEMO! In one memo, you can include web links, image, drawings and voice memos! The text recognition converts your handwriting to text. I like that I can actually position all my 'add-ons' freely around the memo note. I can even crop a picture and save the cropped part as a memo. I feel the S Memo is useful for people who are coming up with creative ideas while on the go. This feature will allow the easy and swift input of their ideas for future brainstorming and whats-not.


The ability to tap and hold in order to capture an instant screenshot is one of my top favorites, as the screenshot can be opened up in the image editor immediately for me to doodle on it, or to circle out a particular building in the map which I had just did a screenshot of. Also, this is absolutely useful if I have an urgent document to send out which requires my signature. Once I am done with all the editing, I can save it on my Note, or the most awesome thing...... Send it to social media sites or to email them out! Check out the YouTube video for a demo on this! :D

What an integration of the several features that I regularly use,
even before I was using the Note!

Picture and video quality is of good quality. Watching videos with the Note is certainly more enjoyable than on my iPhone 4, due to the large screen, screen clarity and great sound system. the video maker is quite an impressive feature, so much so that I can use the S Pen and write or draw on any part of the video screen and then save the video (See below Youtube video for a demo!).

What's Next...
There will be apps that will optimize the use of the S Pen to a great extent in such brilliant ways! The Soonr Scribble allows one to annotate any file and store it in the cloud, like Dropbox. The ZigZag Board allows a few people to look at the same screen from different devices and annotate on the file that they are discussing. Certainly useful for group discussions!


In Conclusion...
I really like that the Samsung Galaxy Note is a hybrid of a smartphone and a tablet, and of course with other uses of it being a camera, ebook reader and game set. This will allow me to carry just one device instead of the multiple devices that I will need for each requirement of mine. The vibrant screen and clear sound system is enough to attract me... And I simply can't resist the S Memo feature. The only drawback of the Note is the size. Despite it being the smallest tablet around, it is really weird when I use it as a phone. It cannot fit into my jeans/shorts pockets, thus it is really a hassle to carry it around.

Together with the phone and battery, it comes with the charger, and a pair of earphone (with ear buds included) that is in a very mismatched white color. Why White??!! I have no idea too. It does not come with a microSD card, so you have to purchase it yourself should you want the extra storage space and option.

And before I go, let me leave you with a quick Samsung Galaxy Note commercial.

See ya!

Philips Docking Station for iPod/iPhone

So I got this as a gift...
A Philips Docking Station for my iPhone...
♥For my listening pleasure♥

I was really surprised to receive this. I was glad that I finally have it, as I have been shopping around for a docking station. After my stay in Quincy Hotel and Hotel Quote Taipei, I know I need to have a docking station for my listening pleasure... I'm a music junkie! Anyway, you can check out the product details on Philips website by clicking [HERE].


The good thing is that the bass is awesome, I can play it real loud. I can charge my phone while playing my music too. It has the alarm clock/radio function... Though it kinda freaks me out sometimes when the radio turns on by itself in the morning and I get woken up by voices... But that's because my morning alarm is set to ring via the radio station, so the radio simply turns on lah. Haha! In fact, I can set my alarm to play my favourite music, buzzer alarm sound or radio station.


It's really nice to be surprised.
Loving my new toy.
Thanks~ ♥

Dell Access Program

On a recent Friday evening, I went for a Dell event for the Dell Access Program launch, that was jointly presented by Intel. It was held at Art Trove, a place where beautiful art pieces are admired and displayed. The venue was indeed very suitable for the event, especially where both are parallel in being creative, brilliant and innovative.

Dell Access Program Launch Event

The Dell Access Program was conceptualized to bring together brand advocates, influential media personalities and other key influencers to form a synergistic, passionate community that matters. With such a program, like-minded people can leverage on this exclusive platform to exchange ideas, discuss trends and to be among the first in the region to obtain the latest news and information from Dell.


The Dell Access Program is currently 'by-invite' only, and I am glad to be part of this as it means that by being a member, I can expect to receive a string of activities and announcements around the region in the coming months way before most people (Eg. Those not in the Program/media/Dell).


Of course, there are exclusive privileges that will come along with it... For example, we could own the Alienware 14x at a VERY good price - A price that was so awesome that I was really 'gian' to buy (especially since I am a gamer and one should know that Alienware laptops are "The One" which combines mobility and ultimate gaming performance)!

Alienware laptop

But alas! I did not buy the Alienware 14x as it weighs 3kg. Initially, I thought I would be able to accept the weight in exchange to experience a mind-blowing gaming time. However my preference for slim and light laptops had me to decide against the purchase.


Somehow, it seems like I have to compromise... Like how one has to compromise in life-related matters. If I want a good gaming laptop, I have to accept the weight and bulkiness. If I want a slim and light laptop, I probably have to accept it being not that good in terms of gaming performance. If only there is a laptop that is of the 'best of both worlds', that will be such a delight! Oh well!~


Speaking of slim laptops, I have to tell you about the Dell Vostro V130! This 13-inch laptop comes in silver, black and HOLY MOLY.... in my favorite color: RED!!!! It is one of the lightest and thinnest ultra-portable laptops in the market right now. I was blown away by the sleekness and design of the V130. on top of it, it is the first ultra-thin laptop that offers the Hyper Baric Cooling technology, which is an Advanced Cooling Technology by Intel.

With its cover closed,
the thickness of the Dell Vostro V130 is the same width as my index finger!

When I saw the Vostro V130, I was really blown away by it. In comparison to the V130, my company laptop (Dell) that I am using is bulky and heavy (but with newer specs). It is something I am not used to since all my personal lappys were usually slim and lightweight. Yes, I love slim & light laptops so much that I ever got myself one that cost $3,999 as it was one of the slimmest and lightest lappy in the market back then. Thus, the V130 seems like "THE" laptop for me for work purpose. Imagine slotting it into my handbag? Makes bringing it to meetings and work trips easier too~ :p


Ok, enough of my gushing over the V130. Since this model has been out in the market for quite some time now, I will probably wait and see if they will release a newer model with improved features in the coming months... And hopefully, they will have it in red, which may entice me to get it for myself. :p

Check out Geng Hui checking out the Vostro V130.
Check out the hot model too~ :p

And this is currently the thinnest 15-inch PC in the market - the XPS 15z!

First in a series of new thin, ultra-portable laptops from Dell this year, the XPS 15z is a combination of uncompromising performance and luxury-inspired craftsmanship and design. The design is indeed sleek and sophisticated and supports one's mobile lifestyle without weighing one down. Super awesome or what?


There were also other Dell laptops on display such as the Inspiron 14R and 15R that delivers incredible mobile entertainment, high-definition displays and outstanding battery life. On top of that, there are interchangeable lids that you can switch whenever you feel like it to suit your mood or personality! :)

We were also treated to a performance by Randolf Arriola, using the Dell Streak and an Android app. Also, we were amazed by the live artwork demostration by TraseOne! Indeed, this event combines creativity, design and technology into one. I can't wait for more of such Dell events that will be coming up! Will certainly share more with you guys in future~ :)

Me, home after the Dell event :)

Philips Living Space. Lovely creative lighting!

Recently, I attended the Philips Living Space event, where Philips showcased their innovative, creative and lovely lighting solutions. It was an event for their partners and media. It was a cosy and intimate event that was enhanced with the lighting displays.

Philips Living Space

Well said, Mr YSL! :)

This was one of the products that were showcased - LUMIWARE Vase.
Wireless charging capability, rainbow color changing.

LUMIWARE coasters... colors can be changed too!

I was really amazed by all the lighting, as I didn't know of such lighting products from Philips till I attended this event, as all these while I was only aware of their table lamps and bulbs. I am especially intrigued by this particular product from Philips - LivingColors LED Lamp. I stood there playing and adjusting the colors, hues and brightness 'for I-dunno-for-how-many-minutes-but-for-quite-some-time'. Having this LED lamp in the living room or bedroom definitely add a new kind of atmosphere to the area. I liked the LED Lamp product the most, followed by this other product that was showcased - Reading Light.


This Reading Lamp is really interesting as it is actually a flat acrylic piece whereby a LED lamp is installed to it. The design was made in a way that it can actually 'hang onto' your book. Certainly good for those who has to read in the dark or dim places. Example: You wanna read your favorite novel/magazine on the bed, but your partner wants to sleep and he/she can't sleep if you leave the room light or bedside lamp switched on. This will come in really handy! I was interested to get this product after learning that it is already available in the market. And little did I know, it was given to me in my media kit bag! I only found out about it when I reached home that night. What an AWESOME surprise!!!! This retails for SGD99 by the way.

Gosh! I am so happy to have this!

Not that I am a brand-loyal customer, but somehow I realized that I have quite a number of consumer goods by Philips. Somehow, I think my Mum is prone to buying Philips too? I don't know why! :p For myself, I have 2 hair dryers, 2 hair epilators, 1 hair straightener, 1 hair curler, 1 handheld vacuum cleaner and 1 table lamp. My bro has 1 DVD player for himself. Our family's vacuum cleaner, home theater system and juicer are also from Philips.

And my parents even have this InfraCare infrared lamp.
Supposedly to relieve pain and stimulates blood circulation.

I think epilating is better than shaving, if given only these 2 options.

These 2 were bought for me by Bbb.

Hair Curler, which I have not used till now.
But I started using my straightener already (But no pic of that).