2009 Camera Breakthroughs

Gearheads in the photography world must be very happy. Within a matter of months, there have been so many ground breaking releases that will ultimately set the pace for future photography.

First up, the drop dead gorgeous Olympus shook the world with its mirror-less SLR called E-P1. And the fact that they designed it oh-so-beautifully, taking cues from the iconic PEN series, makes this one of the most beautiful prosumer camera there is in the market. Mirror-less SLR was first released by Panasonic few months earlier, but it’s nothing as gorgeous as this. The highs from this camera is the ability to take SLR-quality pics, without the SLR bulk and attention. The lows, well, actually only one; the lack of pop-up flash. So, in short, dang! A winner!

But more profound, is the announcement of new DSLR line-ups from Sony. Since 2008, Sony has been redefining the DSLR market. And no one can deny their influence in creating the sub-RM2K entry level segment when the cheapest entry level DSLR was then at sub-RM4K. Lots of people must thank Sony for this.

And here they go again. With the introduction of A850, Sony is again causing headaches amongst the camera manufacturers by introducing a sub-RM7K full-frame DSLR where traditionally, it has always been in the sub-RM10K bracket. Full-frame is the term used to categorize a DSLR that dons a sensor that’s the same size as the traditional 35mm film. What’s going to happen from this point onward is that, other manufacturers will get back on their drawing board and squeeze their cost down to compete in the same segment. And all in all, the consumers will benefit. Ah, what a wonderful capitalism world.

Another breakthrough is Sony’s upcoming A500/550 model where it will come with an Auto-HDR feature. I can tell you just how much this feature will redefine photography. Wiki up HDR and learn about this. Currently, HDR can only be done via post-processing. Even though this feature has already been embedded in some high-end point-and-shoot, having this in an SLR is truly remarkable.

H1N1, relax... it's just another virus gone amok episode

Taken at Hong Kong just about a week ago. Funny
thing, no such check when entering US.

It's easy for anyone to have their say on this. But my thoughts are always more for the people who are infected with it.

So, I will always play down its impact. Rather than scaring them that they'll die, I will always say that it's just a flu and that they will eventually recover. I think that's the right attitude that everyone and news tellers should have. Well, at least, that's what we can do to show support to those who are infected.

And the best part of this is; I'm right. The mortality rate of H1N1 one of the lowest in comparison to other airborne pandemics. It has 98% recovery rate. Out of 1.5K cases in M'sia, to date, there are only 6 death.

To the 240,000 infected people around the world, don't be disheartened by the dark side of it. Often, it's more sensationalized than it should be. Fact is, people die everyday, even from normal flu or fever. It's just that, it never made it to the prints.

Oh, and don't ever feel damned. It can happen to anyone.

WHO expects a full vaccine by end of '09 though there are reports that it's readily available now, with pigs being the first in line.

Pigs... if only it's being used for farming needs rather than cutlinery needs, the world will have lesser problems.

Now that the vaccine is on its way, H1N1 should STILL be taken seriously more so for it's financial and productivity impact, not so much for it's mortality impact. The way it's managed should be done positively. The theme should be: Hey, relax. It's just a flu. You'll soon be back kickin'!

Again, to those who are infected, please ignore the death notes. It only weakens the mind. Think about the 98% recovery rate. Beef up your mind. Have faith. Believe. You WILL recover.