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New Super Mario Bros. Wii

And the world-renowned, entertaining Italian plumber is back!

I got really excited when I heard about the New Super Mario Bros. Wii! It's one of my favorite video games (alongside The Sims) and I can still remember playing long hours and spending sleepless nights just to get through the different levels and to unlock secret worlds. Hehehe! The last Super Mario installment I played was Super Mario World wherein the cute and friendly dinosaur Yoshi was introduced.

Now that it's back to bring countless hours of entertainment again, I can't wait to get my own copy of the game. I tried looking for best buys at eBay.ph, but the prices are pretty steep. Maybe I'd wait 'til it's available here.

Check out this video preview of New Super Mario Bros. Wii: 

With the new multiplayer option, I'm sure I'll be enjoying the game with my nieces, nephews and their parents!

Bow,

Mark This Day

It was yesterday, actually. Christmas came early. I can't contain my excitement! I have the camera of my dreams! I'm a proud owner of a Canon 5D Mark II! And this wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of my parents. Thank you very very much, Mama and Papa!  :)  

I am truly blessed. I never imagined I'd get my hands on a great camera this soon!

The first few shots I took affirmed that I made the right choice. I forgot all about the new features of the Canon 7D. The pictures are so clear and sharp! Very far from the pictures shot using my Canon 400D. Noise level delivered as promised. Very minimal. Even at high ISO levels I never thought I could use, pictures are usable still. With my 400D, I stop at ISO 800. But now, I can go as high as ISO 3200! I attached my Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L lens and I am just impressed! Now I know the full frame difference. Simply breathtaking! The video recording capability is amazing too! I like how I can easily focus and defocus on subjects when shooting videos.

Canon 5D Mark II mounted with Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L Lens

I can't wait to take pictures! I'll be using my new camera this coming halloween when my nephews and nieces go trick or treating. You have to watch for their costumes lovingly made by my sister. I'm also doing the prenuptial photo shoot of a friend who's getting married very soon. I'm definitely bringing this camera.

But wait, there's more! As a freebie with the camera, I received this small box and look what's inside...

You'd think it's just miniature model of the 5D Mark II, but better, it's a USB drive! Cute!

Pictures taken with Canon 400D mounted with Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens. 

Bow,

7D or 5D Mark II? The Verdict.

I've been enjoying photography with my Canon 400D for approximately three years now. I'm impressed that it still can deliver good shots vis-à-vis later camera models. The lenses and accessories greatly help.

But I'm so grateful that I'm already up for a camera upgrade. I told myself before that the next camera I'd have is the Canon 50D. However, the advent of the Canon 7D gave me options. And after a Canon salesperson talked my father into getting a Canon 5D Mark II, my options widened even more!

After much research and deliberation, I've trimmed it down to two options - Canon 7D or Canon 5D Mark II. Still, choosing between the two camera models is as difficult. Both models have their strengths and weaknesses. Let me share with you the features I liked and disliked.

Canon 7D

I Like...

• that it has flash. Come to think of it, I had stopped using the pop-up flash of my Canon 7D since I got a Speedlite. Nevertheless, it's still good to have a pop-up flash especially when the Speedlite batteries die.
• the 8 frames per second capability for continuous shooting. This is so good for jump shots! Hehehe!
• its 19 AF points.
• the wireless flash commander.

I Don't Like...

• that it's not full-frame. I'll explain later why this is a big deal for me

Canon 5D Mark II

I Like...

• that it's full-frame. I recently got hold of the digitized film pictures I took years ago with my film camera Nikon F55D (Yes, I was once a Nikon user). Looking back, I'm appreciating the beauty of having a full-frame camera. Since I already have a 400D, which is not full-frame, I just think it's better if I get a full-frame camera this time.
• that pictures will have less digital noise. Noise level in pictures is one of the issues that photographers take into consideration when getting a camera and scrutinizing pictures. With Mark II, I'd get clean images even at ISO 3200!

I Don't Like...

• that it has no flash. I don't understand why this camera doesn't have a pop-up flash. I've read somewhere that adding a flash affects weather-proofing the camera. Oh well.
• that continuous shooting is up to 3.9 frames per second only. The 7D stomps Mark II in this department.

Honestly, there are other features the 7D has that the 5D Mark II doesn't. I searched the internet for information to help me make the decision including my favorite KenRockwell.com that taught me about the full-frame advantage. It's really a tough decision.

But I've made up my mind.

Let the Battle Begin: Aperture vs. Lightroom

I thought Photoshop and iPhoto were the only tools I needed for photography - not until I realized I'm running out of HD space. Now, I've got to have a photo managing-slash-editing program that will work perfectly with my external hard drive. Apparently, the two most capable products available in the market today are Aperture and Lightroom. And I am very happy to know that either works with my budget.

Luckily, the two have trial versions, which allow me to explore their features and more importantly, to see which program answers my needs. I've just downloaded their trial versions and started using them. As early as now, I can say it's going to be a tough decision. In 30 days, I'm hoping to make up mind.

Thoughts and suggestions are always welcome. 

Bow,

Ideas on Rechargeable Batteries?

Hello my dear readers! 

I need help in choosing the best rechargeable battery available in the market. I need batteries for my Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash and I think it's wise to use rechargeable batteries instead of the disposable ones. It's more economical and friendlier to the environment. I started using GP PowerBank rechargeable batteries, but I'm not impressed with both the charger and the batteries. The green light of the charger turns on even if the battery is not yet fully charged, so I could not really tell if I have charged the batteries long enough. I don't think I get to maximize the batteries' potential since power runs out faster than disposable batteries.

Do you have recommendations on what rechargeable batteries to use? Or better yet, are there rechargeable batteries specifically designed for the Canon flash?

Need your help badly.

Thanks!

Bow,

Got The Sims 3!

 

I'm proud to be a Sims fan, and prouder to have my copy of The Sims 3 Collector's Edition! Not only do I have the best game of all time, but I also have the exclusive USB drive, shirt and mug. The only impediment to my all-out excitement is that The Sims 3 can only be installed to one computer. At least that was what the vendor told me. Though I checked the manual and there is a possibility that I can play it in multiple computers. I sent an e-mail to the customer support to clarify this issue. When I receive feedback, only then can I install and play the game.

That's it for now.

Bow,

You Call This a Mobile Phone?

I'm still awake at past 2:00 am. I know I should be sleeping right now. I've got things to do tomorrow morning, but I just had to post this.

I was doing my usual blog-hopping and I came across this image:

At first I thought it was an accessory for a mobile phone, but I noticed (I'm sure you notice it as well) a phone model indicated - Nokia 888. Fortunately, the image is accompanied with a video that explains everything.  Watch this:

If this is the future of mobile phones, I'm not, in anyway, interested. I like cellular phones with the conventional keypad (or QWERTY). I also do not go for slim and touch screen phones. Looks like I'd be holding on to my current phones for a long time.

For more information on Nokia 888, click here.

The Nokia E71 It Is!

I gave in to temptation twenty-one days after professing my desire, and it's the Nokia E71 that completely won my heart. The decision was made easy by my father who obliged to cover half of the cost.  It was clearly a deal I cannot resist.

It was a surprise I got from my parents yesterday. They told me they were going to Robinson's Place Manila, but I only thought they were only getting Emily a book.  I didn't have the slightest idea that they were buying it already!

I'm just so happy I am now a proud owner of the Nokia E71.  Now I have to think of name for my new friend. Suggestions, anyone?

Bow,

Eeny Meeny Miny Mo

This is exactly the reason why I resist window shopping.  At a time like this when I know I have to be prudent in spending, all these tempting gadgets show up, charming me into bringing them home.

Continue reading to see the items vying for my attention (and cash!)

Problem Solved

If you could remember, I told you about my hard disk space problem.  Finally, I am now a proud owner of a 1 TB My Book Studio Edition!  Again, thanks to my parents for sponsoring this must-have gadget.  All I have to do is transfer all my photos to the external hard drive to make room for new files.  And now I can utilize Time Machine (but I don't know how)!  Yay!