http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio Jedi's Lair jedimstr_@mac.com 2006-06-16 17:45:55 -0400 hourly 1 2006-06-16 17:45:55 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20060302230030/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20060302230030/index.html

The new NEW Jedi's Lair

Date Created: Mar 02, 2006, 11:02 PM

I've changed my blogging software to RapidWeaver, and have archived this old site. You can find the NEW Jedi's Lair here.

]]> 2006-03-02 23:02:24 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20060131121108/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20060131121108/index.html

Lots of changes coming down the pipe

Date Created: Jan 31, 2006, 12:11 PM

Sorry for the lack of updates... I've got multiple excuses: Work has been very time consuming lately and though I like updating this blog with reviews and daily doses of geekiness, I like my paycheck even more. I've been investigating alternatives to my blogging software (BlogWave Studio's developer has been MIA for a long time, with next version release being pushed back everytime I check his site). Until then, I've been wanting to limit what I post here. Ultimately, I'd like something easy to use, creates cleanly designed sites, allows input of custom HTML in the HEAD tag and within pages themselves (that knocks out iWeb from Apple's iLife suite), allow comment capability through Haloscan, and of course allow me to serve up the RickyCam in a nice manner. So far SandVox may be the ticket.

]]> 2006-01-31 12:29:15 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20060112004312/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20060112004312/index.html

More Holiday Photos

Date Created: Jan 12, 2006, 12:43 AM

I have a few more updates to my Holiday photo galleries: Christmas 2005 - Friends, New Year's Day 2006, and Statues have new photos. Check them all out here.

]]> 2006-01-12 00:46:20 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051226160203/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051226160203/index.html

Christmas Photos '05

Date Created: Dec 26, 2005, 04:20 PM

We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house in central New Jersey this year and I was able to take quite a few photos. I've updated the Statues and Ricky galleries with a few of these, and made a new gallery for Christmas shots. Check them out here:

]]> 2005-12-26 16:20:39 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051221102426/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051221102426/index.html

Back to the Future 4???

Date Created: Dec 21, 2005, 10:27 AM

According to IMDB, Michael J. Fox is in negotiations to time travel one more time in a final Back to the Future movie. The upshot is that this time he actually wants to play the "Doc Brown" character immortalized by Christopher Lloyd since he's pushing 44. Ummm... somehow I don't see that working... maybe as the new "Doc McFly" yeah...but as "Doc Brown"? I don't think so.

]]> 2005-12-21 10:27:14 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051212141455/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051212141455/index.html

MI3 - YAWN?

Date Created: Dec 12, 2005, 02:20 PM

The Mission Impossible 3 trailer is now available on the official site. With old pal Ving Rhames and a new cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laurence Fishburn, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, and Keri Russell... will Tom Cruise be able to pull off another blockbuster or will this one be a good cure for insomnia. We'll find out what Joe Public says on May 5 2006. The poster doesn't inspire much confidence.

]]> 2005-12-12 14:20:06 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051208091921/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051208091921/index.html

Foot

Date Created: Dec 08, 2005, 09:26 AM

Looks like I may have time to do my delayed reviews today... and transcode some vacation videos for the in-laws. I hurt my left foot yesterday and it's steadily gotten worse. This morning I could barely stand on it and had to hobble around so I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to go to work today. I've had a cold compress on it since my wife left for work this morning (she thinks it may be broken, but I hope not). The pain is actually between the ball of the foot and where the big toe meets the foot. It's pretty swollen, but no black and blue bruising or other indications. When she gets home from work, I'm probably going to ask her to take me to our doctor to check it out. Ricky's been licking my foot everytime I take the compress off to switch it to another one from the freezer. I don't know if it's because he's trying to make it feel better, or perhaps he just likes the cold. UPDATE: Well, my foot isn't broken, but I do have an acute case of Metatarsalgia (Doctor speak for foot pain with an unknown cause). I was prescribed some heavy pain killers and told to stay off the foot for awhile so I took it easy this past weekend. I am at work again today because the foot's feeling better and the swelling has gone down.

]]> 2005-12-08 09:26:21 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051205120357/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051205120357/index.html

X-Men 3 Photos

Date Created: Dec 05, 2005, 12:07 PM

New photos are up on USA Today's website for X-Men 3. Included are some photos of new mutant characters for the movie series along with some old favorites. Don't click if you hate spoilers. Photos HERE! (warning, link resizes your browser window) UPDATE: Teaser Trailer at Apple including HD versions

]]> 2005-12-05 12:07:15 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051203194547/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051203194547/index.html

Who wants to be Battle Angel Alita?

Date Created: Dec 03, 2005, 07:50 PM

There's an open casting call out for the lead character in James Cameron's version of Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm). More info at AICN.

JAMES CAMERON SEEKS NEW TALENT FOR A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE Mali Finn Casting (Titanic, The Matrix, 8 Mile) is looking for fresh faces to star in a James Cameron film that begins principal photography Spring 2006. No prior film experience necessary. However, voice, movement, and actor training are imperative. SEEKING: FEMALE LEAD. 16-mid 20s. Any ethnicity, including Caucasian. She moves and behaves with confidence and a sense of nobility. Lithe as a cat. Athletic and agile, she is a warrior. Graceful movement and an ear for languages and dialects are essential. Sound like you? Interested in starring in a Hollywood feature film? Visit our website and fill out an application: MaliFinnCasting.Com Please include two recent snapshots or Polaroids (one close up / one full body shot). Also include the following information on the back of each photo: NAME ? CONTACT # - HEIGHT ? WEIGHT ? D.O.B. Mail completed application and photos to: Mali Finn Casting 8284 Santa Monica Blvd W. Hollywood, CA 90046 Attn: UNTITLED PROJECT APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC. 19, 2005

They may say it's untitled.... but it's DEFINITELY Battle Angel Alita. So if anyone out there thinks they look like an Anime/Manga girl, here's your chance to prove it.

]]> 2005-12-03 19:50:15 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051129155836/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051129155836/index.html

Gallery and Equip/Software Update

Date Created: Nov 29, 2005, 04:10 PM

I've just finished putting up a new gallery for my friends Ron & Kim's Engagement Party.

This was actually the first batch of photos that have been through my new digital workflow using Apple's Pro Photographer software Aperture. The new software is pretty sweet (if a bit slow on my G4 Alu Powerbook), and it definitely does a competent job of replacing what I used Adobe Raw and iView Media Pro for. It also integrates fairly well with Adobe Photoshop CS2 for any heavy editing or composite work though I'll rarely need to do that for the majority of my shots which only need a bit of sharpening and color correction. Expect a full Aperture review in the coming weeks (along with the delayed Samsung 950 DVD player and Logitech Harmony Remote review).

I have also recently received my long awaited Canon 24-105L f/4 USM IS lens the other day. It was recalled a few months ago and my order for it had to wait, but I now have the post-fix version and hope to test it out over the next few weeks. If all goes well, this will be my new "walk-around" lens replacing the Sigma 18-50EX f/2.8. It will also take care of the range my Sigma 55-200mm used to cover. So along with providing sharper images, better color, and 3rd Gen Image Stabilization, it will also reduce the amount of lenses I have to carry with me. Then again, it's quite a bit heavier than the previous 18-50 and 55-200 due to the IS mechanism. I'm selling the two Sigmas mentioned above so contact me if you're willing to buy. They fit the Canon EOS EF-S system (not for full frame).

]]> 2005-11-29 16:10:58 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423151819/LHA20051115093042/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423151819/LHA20051115093042/index.html

Upcoming Tech Reviews

Date Created: Nov 15, 2005, 10:17 AM

I've been a little remiss regarding tech reviews lately so I thought I'd give a little update. There are two reviews I have planned over the next few weeks. The first will be for the Logitech Harmony 520 remote control and the other is the Samsung HD-950 upconverting DVD player.

My wife and I have been wanting a DVD player for our bedroom for awhile especially one that could upconvert to HD level 1080i or 720p rather than just the usual progressive 480p output. What drew me to the Samsung HD-950 was the ability to hack it to provide an HD upconvert signal through the Component Video connection. Most upconverters are locked into just HDMI and DVI-HDCP upconvert due to Macrovision and Copy Protection issues. There are others that you can "hack as well" but the Samsung allows you to do it through remote control key codes. Another sidebenefit of the "upconvert Unlock" is that it will turn off region lock as well, allowing me to play the multitude of non US region 1 DVD's (Import Asian DVD's come to mind for FAAF purposes). The features promised for this DVD player were so enticing that I ordered 2, so that I can have one to supplement my Panasonic Home Theater System's 5 disc DVD changer in the living room which only does Progressive output. The huge upside here is that I will be able to have a 720p signal going through component to my Projector in the living room which solves a major problem with watching DVD's I've had. With my current DVD system, I had to manually switch from 4:3 to 16:9 through the tedious Dell Projector's menu system since the 480p signal was usually set to 4:3 for my standard def content. With my 720p HD cable output already in memory for widescreen, I wouldn't have to go to my Projector's menu anymore when setting up for DVD viewing (which would be a godsend to my friends, Faafers, and my wife who've been frustrated with my Dell menu fumbling everytime we wanted to watch a DVD). Hopefully video quality will match what many reviews have been claiming for the unit. I'll be receiving the two Samsung units this week so I'll let you know how it works with a 720p front projector to a 120" diag screen and an LCD HD at 1080i.

We've had the Logitech Harmony 520 for awhile now so I have a good basis for that review. Once I program it for the new DVD player I'll be ready to put together the review for it.

]]> 2005-11-15 10:17:47 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051114132332/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051114132332/index.html

Die Harder... for a cool $Mill

Date Created: Nov 14, 2005, 01:32 PM

Bruce Willis is offering $1Million to anyone that can turn in the top Al-Qaeda leaders including Osama Bin Laden and Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. The Die Hard actor also laments media coverage of the Iraq war recently on the Rita Cosby: Live and Direct show where he wonders where the stories of the good things that are happening in Iraq are being reported.

]]> 2005-11-14 13:32:21 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051111015314/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051111015314/index.html

Gallery Update Nov. 11

Date Created: Nov 11, 2005, 01:57 AM

I finally lucked out with a very clear and crisp night (at least until later) and a nice partially lit moon. I was only able to get a full moon previously, and that phase doesn't allow for detailed crater shots. This time it was just enough lit side to get some great detail. I used my 100-400L f4 IS USM with the 2x TeleConverter and Viewfinder attachment to allow me to manually focus better. It was of course sitting on my tripod firmly though the wind was blowing pretty briskly at times and I had the IS on mode 1. I actually took 26 shots but reduced it to 2 good specimens. It actually looked like I had a telescope instead of a camera with all the gear attached. With the 2x TC attached, the 400mm zoom became an 800mm, but lost the ability to autofocus. Updates are in the Astrophotography/The Moon gallery.

]]> 2005-11-11 01:57:17 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051109165534/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051109165534/index.html

Gallery Update Nov. 9

Date Created: Nov 09, 2005, 05:03 PM

This weekend was a relatively "ok" weekend for photos. The overcast sky on Sunday was great for birding but horrible for taking shots of NY, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island from Liberty State Park. Instead I have one good silhouette shot during sundown and a few shots of seagulls (I don't know their types). I was also able to take some nice nighttime photos of NY using my wide angle in Weehawken. Updates are in the Cityscape and Animals/Birds galleries.

]]> 2005-11-09 17:03:55 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141222/LHA20051109112826/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141222/LHA20051109112826/index.html

Megatron vs. Vader?

Date Created: Nov 09, 2005, 11:35 AM

Hasbro in association with Lucasfilm has released to market new crossover toys: Star Wars Transformers. According to the Star Wars offical website, a DarthVader/Tie Advanced x1, Obi Wan Kenobi/Jedi Starfighter, General Grievous/Wheelbike, and Luke Skywalker/X-wing Fighter figures will be available on the retail market soon. They actually look pretty cool! No word on when they'll have an Anakin/TeenAngstDeathStar available.

]]> 2005-11-09 11:35:31 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141222/LHA20051101114938/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141222/LHA20051101114938/index.html

Episode III out today!

Date Created: Nov 01, 2005, 11:52 AM

Yes, I've already got my copy of the DVD via fedex and I'm glad I preordered! This is definitely the best of the prequels and beats Return of the Jedi in many aspects. I still hold that Empire was the best of all the Star Wars movies.

]]> 2005-11-01 11:52:17 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051031115152/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051031115152/index.html

Halloween 2005

Date Created: Oct 31, 2005, 11:51 AM

I have some new photos up from our Halloween Party this past weekend. Unfortunately Ricky wasn't able to attend, but he definitely got into some shenanigans on Mischief Night!

]]> 2005-10-31 11:55:12 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051031115104/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051031115104/index.html

More details on Aperture

Date Created: Oct 31, 2005, 11:51 AM

Rob Golbraith has some interesting insights into Aperture prior to it hitting retail. He goes into quite a bit more depth than what we've learned so far about Apple's Pro Photographer application. It serves as a great preview, though I bet we'll be seeing much more hands-on reviews by the end of the month. Check it out at Rob Galbraith's Digital Photography Insights.

]]> 2005-10-31 11:51:22 -0500 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051028113552/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051028113552/index.html

First Rocky and now Rambo back on the big screen?!

Date Created: Oct 28, 2005, 11:43 AM

Word came a few days ago that Sylvester Stallone was bringing back Rocky to the big screen (name of the project is currently Rocky Balboa instead of Rocky VI), but now it seems that Stallone, who will be 60 next year, is also bringing back another of his iconic characters, John Rambo. This fourth installment in the Rambo series will be based closer to home with John Rambo laying down some heavy fire in the good ole USA in the search of a little girl. Rambo IV is slated to begin production in the Spring while Rocky Balboa starts production in December. No word yet on whether he'll also be bringing back Cobra II or Over The Top II.

]]> 2005-10-28 11:43:06 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141351/LHA20051027104255/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141351/LHA20051027104255/index.html

Drop the Chalupa... please...

Date Created: Oct 27, 2005, 10:42 AM

Please oh please oh please... drop the Chalupa! -Random Ricky Photo

]]> 2005-10-27 10:45:31 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051026144952/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051026144952/index.html

Signs of the Apocalypse

Date Created: Oct 26, 2005, 02:56 PM

The end is nigh! How do I know? Wesley Snipes and Jean Claude Van Damme are doing a new movie together. The new "suck-fest" will be called The Hard Corps and will tell the story of how a Boxing Heavyweight Champion butts heads with a (stereotype warning) dangerous Rap Mogul causing the Champ to hire Van Damme and his fellow Afghan and Iraq war vets, "The Hard Corps," to be his body guards. Throw in a cheezy romance between the Champ's sister and the new body guard and you'll pretty much have every overdone plot cliche thrown into this movie. May whatever powers that be have mercy on our souls.

]]> 2005-10-26 14:56:00 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051021111224/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051021111224/index.html

New Narnia Pics

Date Created: Oct 21, 2005, 11:14 AM

Empire Movies got a hold of some new screenshots for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I can't wait until the movie comes out (and I really have to make some time to read the Chronicles again). Check them out!

]]> 2005-10-21 11:14:41 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051020163926/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051020163926/index.html

LotusPalooza!

Date Created: Oct 20, 2005, 04:39 PM

At my office interesting vehicles are sometimes used/featured in various shows. Today it was a set of Lotus automobiles parked out front. After the footage was shot for TV, I asked and was allowed to take some choice photos of these sleek cars. You can check out my new car gallery here.

]]> 2005-10-20 16:45:23 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141351/LHA20051019230605/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423141351/LHA20051019230605/index.html

Happy First Birthday Ricky!

Date Created: Oct 19, 2005, 11:22 PM

Ricky turned one year old today and we had a little party at my wife's parent's house. No cake for the little bandito this time, but we did give him presents and dressed him up in his Halloween costume. My wife's parents gave him a little stuffed Count Dracula and we gave him his very own RoboRaptor (not the mini, the full size one) that we named Earl. At first Ricky was barking like crazy at Earl and jumped backwards a foot everytime Earl jabbed at him. He ran away from Earl a few times too. After a few "rounds in the ring," Ricky got used to Earl and just gave him a wide berth. Right now he's acting like Earl isn't there...hopefully he'll "warm up" to his new robo companion.

]]> 2005-10-19 23:22:10 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051019133554/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051019133554/index.html

Aperture

Date Created: Oct 19, 2005, 01:42 PM

Apple's big announcement today included "quad" dual dual core PowerMac G5's, updated Powerbooks, and a new application for their Pro suite of apps called Aperture. This new app is geared towards the Pro Photographer segment and seems to be iPhoto on steroids. I'm still researching all the goodies this new Pro App has to offer but I'm wondering if it will be worth it's $499 pricetag... especially for someone like me who's already using iViewMedia Pro and Photoshop CS2 for my workflow. We'll just have to wait until November when it will be available (you can preorder now).

It's currently only listed in the AppleStore online and not the regular Apple website, but you can go directly to the Aperture info page here.

UPDATE: Academic discounts rock! $249 on Aperture Academic edition (no difference other than price and an "Academic" label on the About popup).

]]> 2005-10-19 13:42:09 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051019115739/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051019115739/index.html

Weddings, Flowers, and the Moon

Date Created: Oct 19, 2005, 12:02 PM

I've been taking some new photos lately including my wife's cousin Sheila's wedding. No I wasn't THE photographer for it, just a family member taking photos, though I did catch the attention of the actual wedding photographer who was a diehard film-only buff. He did have nice L glass. I wonder how his shots turned out. I also took photos of the Moon and a Macro of one of my mother's Orchids. Check them out at my Photo site.

]]> 2005-10-19 12:02:26 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051017164239/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051017164239/index.html

Jessica Alba at the Digital Life Expo

Date Created: Oct 17, 2005, 04:42 PM

The star of Dark Angel, Sin City, Fantastic Four and Into the Blue was "hands-on" at the Digital Life Expo in NY over the weekend... NO you pervs, I meant she was actually doing something at the expo besides making random nerds swoon and faint. In this case she showed her gamer side by playing on the Xbox during the finals for the Global Gaming League proving that you don't have to be an introverted geek or younger than 15 to do well in console games. More info at I4U News.

]]> 2005-10-17 16:48:43 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051017111902/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423142448/LHA20051017111902/index.html

X-Men coming back to TV again

Date Created: Oct 17, 2005, 11:24 AM

Word on the street (or actually at AICN) is that there will be a new X-men series coming to TV, this time focussing on Wolverine. This follows numerous incarnations of the X-men to appear on TV from old Marvel Hour specials through the "Jubilee" era cartoons to the Evolution. No word if this new X-men series will coincide with the launch of the next X-men movie, but the series is slated to arrive in 2007.

]]> 2005-10-17 11:24:31 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423151819/LHA20051014172009/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050423151819/LHA20051014172009/index.html

Apple Invite Only Event... AGAIN!!???

Date Created: Oct 14, 2005, 05:20 PM

Just a few days since the last "One More Thing" from Steve Jobs, invites are being sent out again to those lucky enough to be in Apple's little black book. This time, it's for an event in NY on the eve of the PhotoPlus Expo on Wednesday October 19. They are asking the lucky few to join them as "we unveil Apple's latest pro innovations." This event will be exactly one week after the red curtained "One More Thing" event where Apple unveiled the long rumored Video iPod and a new iMac, iRemote, and iTunes 6. Only a few weeks ago, the iPod nano was announced. This time around, there is speculation about the final (or close to final) updates to the PowerMac and Powerbook lines prior to the MacTel switch. No word on the significance of debuting "something" at the PhotoPlus Expo... I can speculate that perhaps we'll see the Pro level version of iPhoto for professional level organization of images (hopefully including extrnal on/offline storage) or perhaps a Pro level photo editing suite to match its Pro video and audio lineup. One thing's for sure, noone can accuse Apple (or Uncle Steve) of being sick of the limelight.

]]> 2005-10-14 17:20:30 -0400 http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051013103006/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/jedimstr_/blogwavestudio/LH20050823095837/LHA20051013103006/index.html

A Few New Tools

Date Created: Oct 13, 2005, 10:58 AM

I've got a few new tools to help me with my photography and with my post processing.

First up is a new lens, the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM. Most ranges for my photo kit are now covered and I needed an ultra-wide angle to fill that remaining space. I originally compared the merits/value of the Sigma 10-20mm vs. the Canon EFS 10-22mm. Though the Canon is highly regarded, I decided to go with the Sigma for this round mostly due to cost/performance ratio, but also because the Sigma would continue to work with Full Frame cameras if I were ever to get a new body in that format (with vignetting at the low focul length, but good performance at 15mm or so on up). After using this lens for a week, it has performed wonderfully. It's tack sharp through its range with no discernable Chromatic Aberation or vignetting at my XT's 1.6 crop factor. Of course there is some geometric distortion at the 10mm end of the focul range, but that is to be expected even for a rectilinear wide angle and hardly approaches the distortion inherent in a non-corrected fisheye lens. I have yet to take it for outdoor landscapes, so I'll hopefully be able to test that capability soon if the weather cooperates. Another good thing about this lens is that it shares the same 77mm filter size as the Canon 100-400L that I already have... which brings me to my next addition.

I have added 2 Circular Polarizers from B+W, a 67mm multicoated CP for my Sigma 18-50mm walk around lens and a 77mm thin multicoated CP for my Sigma 10-20mm ultra-wide and Canon 100-400L. I won't be putting these polarizers on all the time, but they will allow me to achieve better color contrast from blue skys and white/gray cloud cover along with the ability to dial in reflectivity levels for glass/mirrored objects (water in lakes/ponds/rivers, window reflections, reflection from chrome). Though some capabilities in many filters such as Neutral Density and Warming filters can be replicated in Photoshop, Polarizers are one type of filter whose effects Photoshop cannot duplicate. Circular Polarizers are necessary for digital cameras rather than the usual Linear Polarizers used for film due to the way the sensors capture light. These filters will definitely come in handy to bring out the colors in landscape and nature photography.

A brand new addition (just arrived today) is the Canon Angle Finder C. Basically, it's an extension for the viewfinder on my camera with a 90degree angle and variable 360degree movement. It's useful for low to the ground photos, waist level photos, astro photos on a tripod, or Macrophotography. For Macros, the built in 1.25x and 2.5x adjustable magnification will help me get a better center focus for my shots. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it will definitely come in handy.

For postproduction, I now have a Wacom Bluetooth Graphire tablet. It won't replace my Mighty Mouse or Powerbook trackpad for regular navigation (which is why I won't be carrying the "mouse" accessory for the tablet with me), but the pen interface will be extremely useful in Photoshop, Painter, and other art programs that support the 512 level pressure sensitive pen. With this tablet I'll be able to process my RAW photos with more precision and with a freer artistic hand. I've also enabled OSX Tiger's built-in handwriting interface called Ink. Though slower than just typing out text, once configured/customized (I set it to activate Ink using the secondary lower button on the pen for all apps), and once I got used to the gesture commands, it has a certain appeal when I want to jot down creative notes. I even tried it in iChat, but it's definitely slower than typing (at least for me). It has a built-in storage space for the pen, and with a long rechargeable battery life I can just carry the tablet around in my laptop bag with my Powerbook while leaving the large charger brick at home. Response lag is minimal compared to previous bluetooth interface devices I've used in the past (Logitech bluetooth mice).

]]> 2005-10-13 10:58:44 -0400