Why I Chose the Sony NEX-VG10

I recently purchased the Sony NEX-VG10 for use as my primary video camera. I've seen it classified as  "Prosumer" camera which, in plain English means it's an entry level professional camera. I selected the NEX-VG10 for several reasons, not the least of which is the availability of affordable used models in "like new" condition, much like the one I bought on Amazon.

I continue to admit, I am a cheap bastard, but when it comes to cameras my philosophy, and I think it's a good one, is to honestly analyze my needs versus my wants and to question if the dollars spent are worth what I am getting. I also take a look at the more practical elements of my purchases such as camera size and capabilities.

The NEX-VG10 is the predecessor to the outstanding VG30, it's been around a while, as a result I was able to find a really nice used model for $850 on Amazon. It's small, which is good because I like to be able to hand hold the camera comfortably, the NEX-VG10 is much more handy than something like the NEX-FS100.

My good buddy and former co-host on HeyDontShoot.com, Matt, has an NEX-FS100 and it's an awesome machine. You can definitely shoot Hollywood quality documentaries, short films and the like, heck, even a feature film depending on what you're shooting. But it's bigger than what I am looking for and more expensive. I've seen nice used ones on eBay going for around $2,500.

Sony NEX-VG10

Sony NEX-FS100

Original Versus Effects Added - Dongdaemun Design Center

Pictured below is a photograph I took of the Dongdaemun Design Center in Seoul, South Korea. The first is the original, untouched image shot with an 8mm ultra wide angle fisheye lens, the image below is the same image with some Paint Shop Pro x6 processing and effects. Which do you like better?

Original untouched

Processed in Paint Shop Pro x6 with Topaz Clarify

Picture of the Day - Cicada

Someone pointed out this beautiful Cicada to me the other day and it had occurred to me that although I hear their distinct chirping every evening, I've never actually seen a Cicada in person, until the other day. I think he was looking at me...

My First Bungee Jump - Teaser Video

I did something today that I never thought I'd do, in fact, I have always said that I would never do it... Bungee Jumping and holy crap, it was AWESOME!

What a rush. Better than any roller coaster and more thrilling than, than... I don't know what to compare it to, but those few moments of free fall seem to last a lifetime.

Here is the teaser video, stay tuned to my blog for the FULL VIDEO COMING SOON!

Introducing Sungjin Kim and John Steele, Korea-Based Photographers

It was a real pleasure spending time with Sungjin Kim and John Steele, both of these Korea-Based photographers have compiled not only impressive photography resumes but also amazing portfolios and bodies of work.

I sat down with them last week for a pleasant dinner conversation about photography (duh!) and ended the evening with a photo walk around the Insadong art district.

I hope you enjoy the video and be sure to check out their work at the following links:

John Steele Photo

John Steele Facebook

Sungjin Kim Photos

Sungjin Kim Facebook

Video - Sony A65 Unboxing and Sample Photos (plus lenses)

I recently made a significant upgrade to my every day shooting cameras by selling my two Sony A35s and purchasing two Sony A65s. I also recently upgraded my lenses with the Sony Zeiss 24-70mm SAL f/2.8 and the Sony G Series SSM 70-300mm 4.5 to 5.6. This video provides a quick overview and unboxing of the A65 and a few sample photos from both lenses.

I also want to tell you about the seller on eBay who I purchased the Sony Zeiss 24-70mm lens from. His name is Jay and he is a partner in D Solution / DH Networks. Let me just say right off the bat that this guy is fantastic! I am currently in Korea and noticed that his business is based here. So I took a chance and emailed him asking if I could just pick up the lens I purchased directly from him, given that we are both in Korea. As it turns out, we are within driving distance of each other. Well, Jay agreed and actually drove an hour to where I was to deliver the lens in person! Wow. How many eBay sellers do you know that would do that? So when I found myself in the market for a second A65, I browsed his store first and discovered that he had a new one available for 652 dollars. I usually like to buy quality used gear but since he was nice enough to go out of his way to personally deliver the lens, I figured the nice thing to do was to give him my business and buy a brand new A65. I emailed him and made him aware of my intentions and he surprised me yet again, offering me a near mint, used A65 that wasn't listed in his store, for 450 dollars! And on top of it, he again went out of his way to personally deliver it to me. We had struck up an unlikely friendship over a couple of eBay purchases, go figure? We enjoyed a cup of coffee together and got to know each other pretty well. I invited him to my next DJ gig and we also made plans for dinner.

Do yourself a favor and check out his great deals on both his eBay store here THANKS JAY!!!- http://stores.ebay.com/digitalsolomon/ and his Amazon store here

I can't recommend him highly enough. He sells all kinds of new and used camera gear for all makes and models including Nikon, Canon and of course, Sony.

Enjoy the video!

New Lens - Tokina 11-6mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro Wide Angle

I've always been rather envious of landscape photographers, those beautiful sunrise or sunset shots of a rocky beach or long exposure, misty mornings on a rice paddy, that sort of business. So I decided to do something about it and went out and bought myself a nice wide angle lens (not a fish eye).

The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 wide angle seemed like just the ticket and after watching a few review videos and checking out some sample footage and photos, it seemed like the right lens to compliment my new Sony A65 for landscape photography. Now I don't think for a moment that owning this lens will immediately vault me to the status of expert landscape photographer like John Steele or Sungjin Kim but I am convinced that with some experience, trial and error and lots and lots of hiking, I might one day be as good as those two awesome landscape photographers.

I just ordered it a week ago, I'll be sure to post my own sample photos as soon as I get it!