tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2674385838679620122024-03-05T16:54:44.208+00:00Top Travel GearAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-19844781064682760342013-04-06T16:52:00.002+01:002013-04-07T16:57:54.735+01:00OMD E-M5 DIY Grip<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My apologies in advance for any dropped links, am working on it!</i></div>
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My search for the ideal travel cam over the years has led me down many paths, and if you've read any of my previous posts, you'll know that my short list of prerequisites are mainly "compact and lightweight" hence my fondness for bridge cameras.<br />
Bridge cameras like my old Fuji HS10 are fine for what they are, and as long as you know their weaknesses, they can do some sterling work, not epic, but just dandy for your average amateur point and shoot photographer like me and probably 95% of everybody else (at just a rough guess, so no offence!)<br />
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My trip to South Africa last year was a dream come true, and I returned home with many fond memories and rather a lot of pictures, many still need some work in the editing department, but by and large I was happy with them.<br />
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<i>An early Sunday morning walk on my day off, was rewarded with this view almost from my lodgings!</i></div>
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I did encounter quite a few occasions where the HS10 couldn't get me the shot I was looking for, mainly in low light situations and astrophotography, the night sky there was amazing, and try as I might, I failed to get even one worthy shot! (admittedly, it was mostly user error!)<br />
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Two of my fellow volunteers though (Heather from USA and Katharina from Germany) were sporting Canon dSLR's. (thanks guys, I think you've converted me, in other words.......it's your fault!!)<br />
I got to use them quite a bit and liked the results, though Heather's 7d with 70-300mm lens (Tamron I think) was quite a beast!<br />
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This got me thinking of course, I needed to up my sensor size in search of better IQ and low light performance but still in a bridge format, and there was only one camera at the time (in my eyes) that had that sort of package.......the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006JV9Q9A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B006JV9Q9A&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Fujifilm X-S1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B006JV9Q9A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I had a little play with one in-store last year, and actually liked what I saw, it is the bigger/heavier brother to the HS range, and many were having good fun with it even though it had a few niggles early on and was getting some bashing on the forums, this made me wait a while before pulling the trigger, and Fuji have done a good job and ironed out most of those niggles, but.............there was another contender that had sparked an interest since it's launch early last year, a camera that intrigued me more than any other to date, but it was way out of my league and not a bridge!<br />
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In steps the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0073A1DWE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0073A1DWE&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Olympus OM-D EM-5</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0073A1DWE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(Micro Four Thirds) it caused quite a stir when it was released (and still does) I'm not going to go into too much detail about it here (that's for another post) but needless to say, when I had the opportunity to acquire a good used one with the M Zuiko 40-150mm lens over Xmas, I jumped on it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgks6joy2tCB8Xm5ko1y0vQk1biu-6JlJhy924UIWUszAbMtjkUSv_aQiSaGLg06lj5yvq1MzUIgzkcNSJqiDHhtyO1lCVXCAJC4j2CPNKzIjn8ARoVQWjVkcbV4jkaz27odv7Ri8oRjch2/s1600/91ucus2411L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgks6joy2tCB8Xm5ko1y0vQk1biu-6JlJhy924UIWUszAbMtjkUSv_aQiSaGLg06lj5yvq1MzUIgzkcNSJqiDHhtyO1lCVXCAJC4j2CPNKzIjn8ARoVQWjVkcbV4jkaz27odv7Ri8oRjch2/s400/91ucus2411L._SL1500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I knew there would be no turning back, and even before it arrived in the post I had gotten a serious case of GAS (Gear Acquisition <span style="font-family: inherit;">Syndrome</span>)<br />
My first "other" lens was a Panasonic Lumix 100-300mm f4.5-6 , a well liked lens that would be ideal for any future Safari and nature watching forays, especially as there is a 2x crop factor with M4/3rds, so every lenses focal length is basically doubled.<br />
Then came the 12-50mm kit lens, that would do for a walkabout lens, good for landscapes, macro and everyday stuff, plus it was splash/dust proof just like the E-M5 body.<br />
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There are many great Olympus and Panasonic lenses out there for M4/3rds (and more being added) and as is usually the case, the best ones are also the most expensive, so I curtailed myself from any more native lenses for the time being, as I needed to learn the system first with what I've got before handing out too much cash, then I realized the wonderful world of adapted lenses, where pretty much any lens ever made can be fitted via a cheap adapter and used manually......just like in the old days!<br />
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18 lenses later, and I'm now looking to pass a few on, some work well on the E-M5, others not so good or are just too heavy, and before you all say "how many?" let me tell you that the most expensive adapted lens was £67, a Sigma 400mm f5.6 and the cheapest was £7.50 a Prinzflex 35mm f2.8. the rest were all under £30 each.<br />
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There is something about old manual lenses that makes you want to caress them, I guess they just don't make them like that anymore, even though modern lenses are far superior (on the whole) due to the latest manufacturing processes and coatings. Still, the oldies but goodies are a hell of a lot of fun!<br />
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The E-M5 body is quite compact, my average hands and slender fingers have adapted quite well from the full grip of the HS10, but they hanker for more grip when fitted with the longer lenses, hence this post about my attempt at a DIY grip!<br />
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There are quite a few grips available on the market now;<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0073A1FBS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0073A1FBS&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Olympus HLD-6 Power Battery Grip</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0073A1FBS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which holds a second battery but does not allow quick access to the one in camera, it does have 2 shutter releases and more customizable buttons though and all those electronic extras make it quite expensive.<br />
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The latest <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BodyOlympusEM5&key=cat" target="_blank">Really Right Stuff</a> grip which I quite like has a Arca-Swiss style dovetail almost the full length of the base and more importantly, easy access to the battery compartment. Also has a removable L bracket on the end for portrait tripod work if you buy that option.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYrbnTf0qtJxOfeWzU4OUBo-bSHZ49RDLc7myI74K8D2NIvtflQ_rnHYjH1TBa21HG2-mAzpTDFVLY4V0nenPOEP3pxy1-hJn0V-IK7Cm7eEb4xSHx2vCQcgE5tasUG8T71yKDJ3m_t-t/s1600/BOEM5-Set-rear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYrbnTf0qtJxOfeWzU4OUBo-bSHZ49RDLc7myI74K8D2NIvtflQ_rnHYjH1TBa21HG2-mAzpTDFVLY4V0nenPOEP3pxy1-hJn0V-IK7Cm7eEb4xSHx2vCQcgE5tasUG8T71yKDJ3m_t-t/s320/BOEM5-Set-rear.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/commercial-vendor-sales-services/38229-oly-omd-grip.html" target="_blank">OMD E-M5 grip by John Milich</a> is very interesting, I've been following Johns work and he is not only a very talented machinist and photographer, he also listens to peoples requests and builds his grips accordingly, something not that common these days and lovely to see, keep up the good work John!</div>
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<a href="http://design1978.pixnet.net/blog/post/37741552" target="_blank">OMD E-M5 Original design grip</a> is a new one on the scene, being made in Taiwan if the designer can afford to go ahead with production, I wish them all the best!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5jvq8xL-ZVxor62HFphO4oa80xR8F4r-SRKmesWvl0okPobE1uZ7qZFjzMaRcAwvGZYFMDw3bS7DKX734MH57Mk3UGO3OoxZMDwmKqG5toi4ThVu2CTjKMPIFdrLwkxbqX_XANQpljXB/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5jvq8xL-ZVxor62HFphO4oa80xR8F4r-SRKmesWvl0okPobE1uZ7qZFjzMaRcAwvGZYFMDw3bS7DKX734MH57Mk3UGO3OoxZMDwmKqG5toi4ThVu2CTjKMPIFdrLwkxbqX_XANQpljXB/s400/IMG_0412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009V71HEQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009V71HEQ&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-20">Grip Base for Olympus OM-D E-M5 - Made in USA by J.B. Camera Designs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=toptragea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009V71HEQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
is a lightweight (2oz) one piece hand poured and finished unit that so far looks like the best cheap alternative of getting a grip on your Em-5</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzTGaIb1s0tTWU7tsLd9qsWHPfyCwbqMl-LwC16I9oeTB7PW15-iLCGWWuIJDrhQ2vchIw4g_piWu9or1eURZcpbTbMG0eoK9mxS-bSxbdsoEp8QAB0Iwe3sSDTd5gwQu_DgDmxBty0oe/s1600/41gJ2PaC07L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzTGaIb1s0tTWU7tsLd9qsWHPfyCwbqMl-LwC16I9oeTB7PW15-iLCGWWuIJDrhQ2vchIw4g_piWu9or1eURZcpbTbMG0eoK9mxS-bSxbdsoEp8QAB0Iwe3sSDTd5gwQu_DgDmxBty0oe/s400/41gJ2PaC07L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Right, now down to my DIY attempt!</span></b></div>
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Being an industrious sort of chap, and with access to quite a few basic power tools (I'm a carpenter) I'm always tinkering with things until they are how I like them, you may well say I'm just a stubborn old git (and you may be right!) but why not if you can?</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red;">At this stage I'd like to just say if you attempt anything like this yourself (and I'm not advocating you do) as with working with any power tools, be extra careful as I cannot be liable for your actions or injuries you may receive while doing a project like this, basically, be it on your own head!</span></b></i></div>
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The material costs were minimal, time to make was about 5 days, researching and sourcing the bits took a little longer;</div>
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Aluminium flat bar 50 x 10 x 150mm, £4.30</div>
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Aluminium flat bar 3/4 x 3/8 x 2", 60p</div>
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1x captive tripod screw 1/4 x 20, £2.40</div>
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2x CSK A2 countersunk socket cap allen bolts, 33p</div>
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1x M5 x 35mm Titanium socket cap screw (cone head) £3.51</div>
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Self adhesive camera recovering leather, £2</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Milliput</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and paint (already had both from a previous job!)</div>
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A grand total of £13.14 plus a little spare time, something I've had a bit of lately!</div>
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Ali works quite well with the same tools used for woodwork, so long as you take it easy, and my big old Ryobi Router came in quite handy!</div>
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<i>Photos taken with my Galaxy S3</i></div>
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<i>Basic outline, drilling and tapping, plus finger grip in the raw. Notice the captive screw has a slot big enough to tighten with</i><i> a coin.</i></div>
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Most of the outlines were drilled first to get rid of the bulk, before smoothing them over with the router, holes were drilled and tapped accordingly, the upright part of the finger grip was rounded off and drilled all over so the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Milliput</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
gets a good purchase, and later the Arca-Swiss style dovetail was milled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg6xGMOHQONkDkZs-Oj3yVPasC0kN1AaRoImb710XzyC-6zo7ohhgMEOwDmG7kajjPpwXIKzq-86naYTF3_89QpCqlZDBBkclZYOs2RW4eMHalXlAym93Qr9Qy3IAYv7s0KuEbgABi_VK/s1600/20130404_152749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg6xGMOHQONkDkZs-Oj3yVPasC0kN1AaRoImb710XzyC-6zo7ohhgMEOwDmG7kajjPpwXIKzq-86naYTF3_89QpCqlZDBBkclZYOs2RW4eMHalXlAym93Qr9Qy3IAYv7s0KuEbgABi_VK/s640/20130404_152749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>All machining has been done to the base here, prior to painting. Notice recess for captive screw, plus dovetail groove and milled out semi-circle in center of it, for flipping out the LCD screen.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VJNvlns8Y_ksDNxUPZ5itDPse2SrtTFW_y3NfBVsPEfRXlgu-5mjJ2BcpwhEngshVVMRuUwPJUZu2uII1Febr1A2KqAXfHANgJIg3QztUCmIibhsEsFQbWIZP7Mu-TUM8lu0m2qnBOZ/s1600/20130404_152805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0VJNvlns8Y_ksDNxUPZ5itDPse2SrtTFW_y3NfBVsPEfRXlgu-5mjJ2BcpwhEngshVVMRuUwPJUZu2uII1Febr1A2KqAXfHANgJIg3QztUCmIibhsEsFQbWIZP7Mu-TUM8lu0m2qnBOZ/s640/20130404_152805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Battery door opening has a 2mm hole on the right side for locating pin which hold body in place, off center threaded hole for 1/4" captive screw and tripod mounting hole (centered on lens) just in case I may want to attach it to another mounting plate.</i></div>
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<i>Left hand side of above photo shows slot for home made gun sling strap, which will be held in place by a smooth Titanium socket cap screw.</i></div>
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There has obviously been quite a bit of hand filing and sanding here, not having access to modern CNC machines it is a bit crude, but at this stage I was happy, even after a few mistakes!</div>
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After painting with a matt Black finish, the upright was fitted and then the leather cut out and stuck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHEoPJcP-MuBkAQO2SvV-cekdMp0Ln6qmyfVcv7GRruJL2npUfkae-lLx6Cfxv3yXNxHyUeAW60pbnBCP02bqgt0ezM-97LwW7lgsyNGDUJi6YQAxdGBjvLmoHMHKpR9ytJD8v5ZEeDA-/s1600/2013-04-05_111531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHEoPJcP-MuBkAQO2SvV-cekdMp0Ln6qmyfVcv7GRruJL2npUfkae-lLx6Cfxv3yXNxHyUeAW60pbnBCP02bqgt0ezM-97LwW7lgsyNGDUJi6YQAxdGBjvLmoHMHKpR9ytJD8v5ZEeDA-/s640/2013-04-05_111531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnOtZ6X9qXDu-xu0bBMcCZ5OZQ6JTOSCNuuJFRPF3A8WybS7l7Ya_Uvphyphenhyphen5rmvoztxbhSC-IaM1ZUdC6TTSmXo0ivuatGVZkeyZ5R6yYLNCYApVxR6T1FAEJi9be8jToqpzYGP4GZVTbV/s1600/2013-04-05_121611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnOtZ6X9qXDu-xu0bBMcCZ5OZQ6JTOSCNuuJFRPF3A8WybS7l7Ya_Uvphyphenhyphen5rmvoztxbhSC-IaM1ZUdC6TTSmXo0ivuatGVZkeyZ5R6yYLNCYApVxR6T1FAEJi9be8jToqpzYGP4GZVTbV/s400/2013-04-05_121611.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Ready for the Milliput.</i></div>
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For those who do not have any knowledge of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21%22%3EMilliput%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Milliput</a>, it is a 2-part epoxy putty, I have used it on many occasions on various projects and cameras, and like the fact that it air dries overnight.</div>
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I covered the camera body with clingfilm to keep it clean during this section, and placed an off-cut of the leather behind the upright part, which will later be stuck on the back of the grip for added protection.</div>
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I kneaded the 2 parts of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6&linkCode=as2&tag=toptragea-21">Milliput</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
in my hands for 5 minutes until a uniform colour and covered the bare aluminium upright with enough material until it felt right when in a shooting position, I took some time here to get it right (Milliput doesn't start to go off for a few hours) then when I was satisfied I went over it with a piece of webbing, in a rolling fashion, to impart a slight texture to the surface, otherwise it would just have my fingerprints all over it!</div>
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The outcome was quite pleasing and also added a little extra grip.....what do you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADeHqQo4stRLXZrqDAOXyyng-33wgOXNEn0jJCmyCHDNHkIpj_pZtLPbkF0Mb8uSG78ZaLStE7cNd84HLdQRRbvAj9Sskuxfiu0IQ3oRdkC0iItu0vwcxTem1d1oNY9yrbCAJoBEd9isY/s1600/20130406_164348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADeHqQo4stRLXZrqDAOXyyng-33wgOXNEn0jJCmyCHDNHkIpj_pZtLPbkF0Mb8uSG78ZaLStE7cNd84HLdQRRbvAj9Sskuxfiu0IQ3oRdkC0iItu0vwcxTem1d1oNY9yrbCAJoBEd9isY/s640/20130406_164348.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UcB_LFn656z750zdDvreAP2aHERHRkygvs8a4HfeA3sZPNjKCQty8M5aEqhNehbuMJ0CLIMbsv9hJniqLMzpqHt7ND5uZtpZA2JgvhNoEYglUCulzPva6joIvm9NmiArJh-mNSLY93h/s1600/2013-04-06_114340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2UcB_LFn656z750zdDvreAP2aHERHRkygvs8a4HfeA3sZPNjKCQty8M5aEqhNehbuMJ0CLIMbsv9hJniqLMzpqHt7ND5uZtpZA2JgvhNoEYglUCulzPva6joIvm9NmiArJh-mNSLY93h/s640/2013-04-06_114340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course it may not be to everyone's liking, and does look a bit oversized in this last shot (mainly the camera angle) but it fits my hand like a glove and makes my E-M5 even more of a dream to handle, which was the whole point of the project anyway!</div>
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The dovetails fit nicely in my tripod ball head and even the extra weight was barely noticeable.</div>
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Was definitely worth the extra care in rounding off the corners and edges, especially where the palm of the hand rests, have heard a few complaints on the forums about this sharp corner on other models. Also adding a layer of leather between the two helps to cushion any knocks and protects the cameras body finish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm-7j6wk-KYDbThLn3LVeObEvWzRyQ8LZtJLRT5RtCzVWUhulNMSlcQkSpnoZUhAzLrWM8IyXBc7S7_yygl4Hdk_F3gKygtLA1aOWQJRcca6MBD7n6lBYZSjNpDrTESh9SF96_oDX2Keg/s1600/20130406_115129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm-7j6wk-KYDbThLn3LVeObEvWzRyQ8LZtJLRT5RtCzVWUhulNMSlcQkSpnoZUhAzLrWM8IyXBc7S7_yygl4Hdk_F3gKygtLA1aOWQJRcca6MBD7n6lBYZSjNpDrTESh9SF96_oDX2Keg/s640/20130406_115129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My middle finger rests on top of the upright while the lower two curl round for a good grip, the slight finger grooves help here and it is very comfortable.</div>
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I made sure the captive screw that attaches the base to the camera has a wide slot so a coin can be used for tightening, something we all have in our pockets most of the time, and negates carrying a screwdriver or allen wrench around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE_XCThQlKHWWd0oyx_VII-VCtBfdAYX03TClPmIJgLcZv07chyNgxZclDTfDEgU99v14W1QG_l4B_JEnGhRX4KPsWEHCJcfDbrX2dFpEPYvHnNmC1qPC03e9GHIydiCl3Rwi4xyaQbho/s1600/2013-04-06_114401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE_XCThQlKHWWd0oyx_VII-VCtBfdAYX03TClPmIJgLcZv07chyNgxZclDTfDEgU99v14W1QG_l4B_JEnGhRX4KPsWEHCJcfDbrX2dFpEPYvHnNmC1qPC03e9GHIydiCl3Rwi4xyaQbho/s640/2013-04-06_114401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wrist strap on the right, gun sling loop on the left, made by doubling some elastic banding and sewing on a triangular D-ring, yes I know, not pretty, but will suffice until I can come up with a better idea...........maybe for Mk2?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGKgANNSk1c7uTtvIQHx_SOWZuqYVh6iZjVhzELAToYI2oTkMdaDKspbGdX_sjaB53VqOJAV7OS8Zpq6VIoPpX9fEA3rzLPoROTC6_aryIMeqR8aOioos5_C17tHRQwrRHqexPG9_54n/s1600/2013-04-06_114528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGKgANNSk1c7uTtvIQHx_SOWZuqYVh6iZjVhzELAToYI2oTkMdaDKspbGdX_sjaB53VqOJAV7OS8Zpq6VIoPpX9fEA3rzLPoROTC6_aryIMeqR8aOioos5_C17tHRQwrRHqexPG9_54n/s400/2013-04-06_114528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Even the battery can be changed when on the tripod!</i></div>
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My adjustable home made gun sling strap is just a simple piece of 1" black webbing with 1x 3bar slider, 1x ladderlock buckle and a snaphook (all readily available from eBay) I've been using a couple of these for years now on my HS10 and several pairs of binoculars, and tested the strength with my own full weight, so I know I can trust them! In use it is just a loop which goes over the head onto one shoulder and down round the body under the arm to the opposite hip where you want the camera to be, the snaphook is free to slide up and down the strap, so the camera comes up easily to eye level to get a quick snapshot!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjymF8VoEhHW2F6L2JnPxXRX6qeP8U6X1VuGzmUnw62TyA4XoHOcQjdF0K9TdmVolnKTYitN4nz_dwuTWkUhOhJlF0Fq7br4TKD_buR6JsaPcKfwbAEIalw19NPolASzppX3TBl2nsnjSj/s1600/20130406_141327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjymF8VoEhHW2F6L2JnPxXRX6qeP8U6X1VuGzmUnw62TyA4XoHOcQjdF0K9TdmVolnKTYitN4nz_dwuTWkUhOhJlF0Fq7br4TKD_buR6JsaPcKfwbAEIalw19NPolASzppX3TBl2nsnjSj/s640/20130406_141327.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<i>It actually looks like it belongs here!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomkqROmZpO7_XTGfq6eRYHyQRM7QD-9EdAXzDlWZLA5-oWmjmh06RQJ1hT2bhFRHVog0id4_hW8QXRS8Izw2kzOvwhGrXMU_2p_wCWO3D9Ur56zjQn3JzPPtGfeuzsdhJs_b8pvfaCM94/s1600/20130406_141458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomkqROmZpO7_XTGfq6eRYHyQRM7QD-9EdAXzDlWZLA5-oWmjmh06RQJ1hT2bhFRHVog0id4_hW8QXRS8Izw2kzOvwhGrXMU_2p_wCWO3D9Ur56zjQn3JzPPtGfeuzsdhJs_b8pvfaCM94/s640/20130406_141458.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The elastic strap acts as a little shock absorber, and might turn out better than expected or looks, we will see?</div>
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The triangular D loop is a little larger than I would have liked, but I already had it and didn't have the patience to wait for a smaller one to be delivered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rmYd71iyDBOmrVlK7FiGlc9rRA-YPLV497vjKn6Z5q6qk-8CmFIM96-selgUMiWk0hZBFc_txDwnkVMWe3eX0tyFn9JCg_g8sBGNm2T91Li6fsGRq_fyDSOyp2TfDu0KuA3d-aJpB3Jq/s1600/20130406_144747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rmYd71iyDBOmrVlK7FiGlc9rRA-YPLV497vjKn6Z5q6qk-8CmFIM96-selgUMiWk0hZBFc_txDwnkVMWe3eX0tyFn9JCg_g8sBGNm2T91Li6fsGRq_fyDSOyp2TfDu0KuA3d-aJpB3Jq/s640/20130406_144747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, there we have it, a not too difficult project with a satisfying result, I'm pretty sure it will stay permanently on the E-M5 now, sure it will get beat up and loose some paint along the way, much rather that happens to the grip than the camera!</div>
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Would have loved to have it anodized but I was too impatient to send it off and get it done (if anyone knows who does a good anodizing job on small projects in the Midlands UK, please let me know?) Maybe I'll get the Mk2 version done, "Mk2" I hear you say...........once a tinkerer, always a tinkerer!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">In no way shape or form am I trying to undermine any of the other grips here, sure, I've borrowed some of the design elements, it's difficult not to, one look at them all and you can see how much they overlap, this is just my (present) take on the matter, and I wish them all the very best.</span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com3Evesham, Worcestershire WR11, UK52.093429499937457 -1.938400268554687552.073918499937456 -1.9787407685546876 52.112940499937459 -1.8980597685546874tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-80974285154847528102012-04-10T20:19:00.000+01:002012-04-11T15:53:12.533+01:00South Africa<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There
is a saying <i>“ you should visit at least two continents in your
lifetime, Africa....................twice!”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of
all the places I have visited, South Africa is the one that's really
got under my skin, but then I knew it would! Ever since I was a young
boy, I knew that I would feel at home amongst all that amazing
landscape and diverse array of animals, I just never realised <i>“how
much at home”</i> I'd really feel!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My
4 week stay at <a href="http://www.kwantu.co.za/index_main.html" target="_blank">Kwantu's Private Game Reserve</a> near Port Elizabeth as a
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer, started with a whirlwind of
information for the senses.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kwantu
has it's own small village fenced off from the rest of the reserve,
so you can quite safely walk around without fear of being attacked or
eaten by any of the wild animals, even though there were Lions, Cheetah and Tigers in the breeding/rehabilitation predator camp right next door!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sidbury village houses all the
staff for the 5 star Hotel and Lodges, rangers and general animal and
reserve workers, and of course, us volunteers.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There
is much history here, modelled around a quaint English village by
Richard Daniel in the 1830's, there are two churches which are homes
to many war graves, as fierce battles were fought here on the
grasslands between the English settlers and the locals.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>One of the Kwantu churches.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Queen
Victory visited in 1861 which put it on the map, and the area is also
agriculturally known to be the first to have the new Merino sheep
which led to the wool boom, followed by the first exporting of Merino
to Australia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our
accommodation was much better than expected, a newer looking building in
Sidbury village, lots of space which was more than welcome seeing as
there were 24 of us in the first week, 12 were already there, and a
new group of 12 that I arrived with. Length of stays varied from one
week to several months for those that chose to do the <span style="color: black;">FGASA
level 1</span>
Ranger course.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We
all soon settled in and became the very best of friends, like one big
happy family!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now,
I'm not going into too much detail about the rest of the trip here,
if your interested, I have already written another blog about that
here; <a href="http://davestravelblog.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">davestravelblog.tumblr.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What
I am going to do now though, is talk about what I took, what I didn't
use, and what I wish I took!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before
I left back at the end of January, I was debating whether to take
another camera.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"> Fuji HS10</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a great little cam but with some drawbacks, it needs
good light for it to shine (pardon the pun!) and I thought that would
not be a problem in SA.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Prior
to departing, I had thought of upgrading to the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004G8Q61E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004G8Q61E" target="_blank">HS20EXR</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004G8Q61E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (the <a <a="" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006Q8VA2W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B006Q8VA2W" target="_blank">HS30EXR</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B006Q8VA2W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> wasn't
out yet) or even the new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006JV9Q9A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B006JV9Q9A" target="_blank">Fujifilm X-S1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B006JV9Q9A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which became available 2 days before I
left!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I
thought long and hard about it and decided to take what I knew best
and stick with the HS10, of which I have no regrets. Yes, the other
cameras may have been able to get better shots in lower light, and
been quicker off the mark for those once in a lifetime pictures, but
I'm not sure I would have been comfortable giving a brand new camera
the beating I gave the HS10!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It
got knocked always, rained on, went from cold to hot, hot to cold,
covered in dust and elephant snot, and bounced around in a safari
vehicle more times than most cameras see in a lifetime.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Admittedly,
unless it was hanging around my neck with my <a href="http://toptravelgear.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/fujifilm-hs10-review-as-travel-camera.html" target="_blank">home made strap</a>, it was
tucked away in the excellent <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001IWIWVS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001IWIWVS" target="_blank">Crumpler Turkish Shower Backpack</a><span style="border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001IWIWVS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuwivNdtQ-DBl_GmkoDV4xtwUl7b8WeFKBtqlDN8dMfOYi9HYA55qd-GaqF-OFSIP69vzqgv-QcjC_lQ7qR_SfREg_RBgxP6DgjbJNbzYDcxx2CMaBHJgHdtFmX430vBGh1U_GFEH5hXW/s1600/81MClsBmpYL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuwivNdtQ-DBl_GmkoDV4xtwUl7b8WeFKBtqlDN8dMfOYi9HYA55qd-GaqF-OFSIP69vzqgv-QcjC_lQ7qR_SfREg_RBgxP6DgjbJNbzYDcxx2CMaBHJgHdtFmX430vBGh1U_GFEH5hXW/s400/81MClsBmpYL._AA1500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This tough Chicken Tex rucksack was also beaten and bashed on a daily basis, rained on several times (without using the supplied rain cover) used it as a carry on for flights where it easily took my Netbook in a purpose built pouch at the back, and anything else that got me under the weight limit for my suitcase in the hold!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was comfortable for long wilderness walks in the bush, although it did get a bit sweaty on the really hot days, but then so would anything else!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One thing I found it quite useful for, and probably not on the list of features, is that it is a handy tool to use as a barrier for squeezing through acacia thorn bushes, something SA is renowned for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These 75-100mm needle like thorns that can spear you like a kebab and never even left a mark on the Crumpler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I took along my <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000923HCC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000923HCC" target="_blank">Velbon Ultra Stick L50 Aluminium Monopod</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000JLM50I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000JLM50I" target="_blank">Manfrotto Quick Release Head</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000JLM50I" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000923HCC" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but never used it once! I know this sounds crazy, but the Safari vehicles we traveled around the reserve in were generally (not always) crowded, not leaving much room, plus with others moving around in said vehicle making it rock and sway, it sort of defeated the object!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who knows, next time I probably couldn't do without it, this time I managed ok without, even at the longer end of the zoom, I just had to make sure I did my part!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I would consider taking a tripod though, a small and solid traveling one would suffice, as the night sky was amazing, showing the Milky Way to its glorious best, I'd have to take a different camera though, as the HS10 is limited in the astronomical department, and I did try!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins_JrzHNI-ZJmUwOUGC-NUtRTV7UnbyCCG-oQAQNBpXlfrTiesYQZQHaax4b9KPg0kQAgzFvHUOIMm8KBg9YipPrjztQ3ATcKgX5pIbGrigeh49pRM112HXZ1j0wC6jAsGrbd_nxzYRsY/s1600/js800_DSCF4130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins_JrzHNI-ZJmUwOUGC-NUtRTV7UnbyCCG-oQAQNBpXlfrTiesYQZQHaax4b9KPg0kQAgzFvHUOIMm8KBg9YipPrjztQ3ATcKgX5pIbGrigeh49pRM112HXZ1j0wC6jAsGrbd_nxzYRsY/s640/js800_DSCF4130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Looking down at Cape Town from the Table Mt cable car.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Towards the end of my trip I spent some time touring the south coast between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and after a few days in this beautiful city sitting beneath Table Mt, I had a hankering to get out into the bush again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I booked a 4 day trip to Kruger, something I didn't think I would get to do on this trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fully charging all 3 sets of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004DW7S06/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004DW7S06" target="_blank">Eneloop XX AA batteries</a><span style="border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004DW7S06" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> I thought that would suffice for any amount of eager snapping that I might do in the largest game reserve in the world....... how wrong was I ?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xavd81QxTvVDv-WjpBA2kcDp2rscv_-yFPCh_WNhg-gmi3W0M4Lo0lZYJQE-2-O_SHG0ehRwueKRZGFSW5GJT6SkW_XT2kP8b3lrRYkmvjmjkCS8eHFugtoMi8H3HRWLFT3pCRMZo9T6/s1600/81wJbbiEQAL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xavd81QxTvVDv-WjpBA2kcDp2rscv_-yFPCh_WNhg-gmi3W0M4Lo0lZYJQE-2-O_SHG0ehRwueKRZGFSW5GJT6SkW_XT2kP8b3lrRYkmvjmjkCS8eHFugtoMi8H3HRWLFT3pCRMZo9T6/s320/81wJbbiEQAL._AA1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="font-size: large;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To my amazement, one fresh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">set did the whole 4 day trip!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I prefer using the EVF and the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Single Auto focusing setting </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">which helps, even then they </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">managed 736 fine jpegs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(there were more as I deleted </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">some on the fly) 5 video clips, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plus quite a bit of LCD viewing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">showing others what I'd taken. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is quite remarkable for AA's, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and just goes to show how far </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">they have come in recent years, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and I can highly recommend them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Insect repellent.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, I have to admit, the Southern Cape, both east and west, is not a high risk malaria area (Kruger on the other hand is) but there are a multitude of other nasties to worry about, the worst being the tick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tick bite fever is quite serious in SA, and they were prevalent where we worked around Kwantu. Many of us found them on our clothing, others after they had latched on for a drink of blood even after the use of insect repellent, removal was simple enough with a pair of tweezers, prevention was preferred though, so I was very glad to have along an Insect Shield impregnated garment by <span style="line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.haeleum.com/" style="line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">Haeleum</a> and a couple of pairs of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004X6KMSM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004X6KMSM" target="_blank">Care Plus Bugsox</a>, a boot sock<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004X6KMSM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><span style="line-height: 17px;"> also impregnated with a safe to touch insect repellent.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I'm not a big fan of covering myself with chemicals, especially Deet, but each to their own!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf444_pLMsnGtgE1IaLRcs5_btl7j8iIl6ykqAPb_mxE9n5flrMXsms8rdrCSri7Uoj89ZFul0FMOEMzQKBRICh64Y2bk-BEC1F0fHLyhLKqCyWVsUG-xOd-bOj2C1n-8KFTwOu05nT1h/s1600/br%C3%A6den_carbon-black_440x440.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf444_pLMsnGtgE1IaLRcs5_btl7j8iIl6ykqAPb_mxE9n5flrMXsms8rdrCSri7Uoj89ZFul0FMOEMzQKBRICh64Y2bk-BEC1F0fHLyhLKqCyWVsUG-xOd-bOj2C1n-8KFTwOu05nT1h/s320/br%C3%A6den_carbon-black_440x440.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Haeleum Braedan Carbon top I took</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">was a lightweight and comfortable garment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to wear, especially on those balmy evenings </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">round an open air dinner table in a Boma, a perfect place for pesky mozzies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With
Insect Shield guaranteed for 70 washes, 50 UPF Sun Protection, 100%
Natural Stretch DryTru Polyester, Moisture Management and being
wrinkle free easy care, Haeleum Insect Shield tops are a must for any traveler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coupled with the socks, to the best of my knowledge, I was never bothered by any problem insects once, I had the odd fly try his luck, but even they didn't hang around for long!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Can't really say much more than that, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" and needless to say, both items will be travelling with me again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>A collection of other insects that were not a problem!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY97B_lR5KUP4MqPxNGdXtCNZ8H0avil2_lzFEsHwBYQb9vFE7iDT3sxxMsyQPvbEfRq8eLwQdpCo9a1ViNfCn7ipGGyRCH6Im8l5Txt0310m2NOCthneJMGG_pSz8FvoWb6SepGM5Nr5k/s1600/js800_DSCF5057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY97B_lR5KUP4MqPxNGdXtCNZ8H0avil2_lzFEsHwBYQb9vFE7iDT3sxxMsyQPvbEfRq8eLwQdpCo9a1ViNfCn7ipGGyRCH6Im8l5Txt0310m2NOCthneJMGG_pSz8FvoWb6SepGM5Nr5k/s400/js800_DSCF5057.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rhino beetle</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvp0S-WZevdRnYNpKm69djBGl7bSs7GqYN6rmqWuHsCHVpEeqKu1fjs2WKWjwiE2RMq-wQIUhednlk94g9FJVq5E3LqNAHW-_kf77w8ihz_2wH3Howf40uD4DYp9P-E2veN2onYHLR6mz/s1600/js800_DSCF4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvp0S-WZevdRnYNpKm69djBGl7bSs7GqYN6rmqWuHsCHVpEeqKu1fjs2WKWjwiE2RMq-wQIUhednlk94g9FJVq5E3LqNAHW-_kf77w8ihz_2wH3Howf40uD4DYp9P-E2veN2onYHLR6mz/s400/js800_DSCF4078.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>No idea, but it looks almost like a skull and cross-bone from this angle!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv8u-ltTJuQaFyYJG4u_sI6MhS2URIlDxGG956FPEV7DevfYSSYVNMNmfoCPoONXmzSLp932vOpQuAFTgB1rqJiE2Qngllxp961314S01c7Nfq9Tw9JSN5ErrTxpeOYz5I9yNPLyWRLA4/s1600/js800_DSCF4873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv8u-ltTJuQaFyYJG4u_sI6MhS2URIlDxGG956FPEV7DevfYSSYVNMNmfoCPoONXmzSLp932vOpQuAFTgB1rqJiE2Qngllxp961314S01c7Nfq9Tw9JSN5ErrTxpeOYz5I9yNPLyWRLA4/s400/js800_DSCF4873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPOZN-3n8IrYXHwG1xsQU0NzMM-SpLndNEuslmErYzoS8y7b6UHVlZbbHjZDM0-QgpOSw1aVLRjoEMwywo3oCZbyuLXg21_iAAPjQ964tkAic-F3ZmjVSFI7Iq-iSrDDZDIkAvjKwAWx5/s1600/js800_DSCF4899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPOZN-3n8IrYXHwG1xsQU0NzMM-SpLndNEuslmErYzoS8y7b6UHVlZbbHjZDM0-QgpOSw1aVLRjoEMwywo3oCZbyuLXg21_iAAPjQ964tkAic-F3ZmjVSFI7Iq-iSrDDZDIkAvjKwAWx5/s400/js800_DSCF4899.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXecHQcpv8i8anvVuk3qKmeQnfAaRbhoMlyKfQ39_koMyEGMd0wXdGJQ_akTz7iRyYrDLmDqgSkL-qNxQGGKbmAMpStqrjOC3GsF9a8yBAMibRE1vjwHaYD0mTNMtKswK61rowh5FIKzBH/s1600/js800_DSCF4904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXecHQcpv8i8anvVuk3qKmeQnfAaRbhoMlyKfQ39_koMyEGMd0wXdGJQ_akTz7iRyYrDLmDqgSkL-qNxQGGKbmAMpStqrjOC3GsF9a8yBAMibRE1vjwHaYD0mTNMtKswK61rowh5FIKzBH/s400/js800_DSCF4904.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Millipede</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvMypC71Cw21y4QOO7XUVE5T-JxGsmn2Zk_8nM7FjukIvb1MwfHIDen77FcKE3cxaYI8irSRIcIudXsQoNR0VFh8mny25pHllwoYfYjyTnAVeilCQ1YEPj7dnrCvDfc8ihIgy43FBtVZf/s1600/js800_DSCF5103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvMypC71Cw21y4QOO7XUVE5T-JxGsmn2Zk_8nM7FjukIvb1MwfHIDen77FcKE3cxaYI8irSRIcIudXsQoNR0VFh8mny25pHllwoYfYjyTnAVeilCQ1YEPj7dnrCvDfc8ihIgy43FBtVZf/s400/js800_DSCF5103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This one got some spine tingling screams </i></div>
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<i>when first found in the girls bathroom!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKt5Ed94XpQRse_5khpKUfHmji5R00P2OpReRRzBMrmNchPTNbIsICQxG_qcknSumQvV8GVWzCYpSw5AE4p0jSepTQunSXDP0ZgX7DQ4c_wQUuMg3lpdTcQACbj2FMxAbdaLciCKgTgus/s1600/js800_DSCF4093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKt5Ed94XpQRse_5khpKUfHmji5R00P2OpReRRzBMrmNchPTNbIsICQxG_qcknSumQvV8GVWzCYpSw5AE4p0jSepTQunSXDP0ZgX7DQ4c_wQUuMg3lpdTcQACbj2FMxAbdaLciCKgTgus/s400/js800_DSCF4093.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"> </i><i style="text-align: center;">Golden Orb Spider</i>
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<i>"I've come to the conclusion that the whole planet is stuck together with cob webs! </i></div>
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<i>I honestly have never seen so many webs in my life, the Golden Orb spider can spin a web in roughly 20 mins, spanning many meters between bushes and trees, the main non sticky barrier webs are one of the strongest (strength to weight ratio) natural materials known to man, and glisten a golden yellow in the sun, hence the name.</i></div>
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<i>The spiral net part of the web is the only sticky part, and is consumed and replaced most days, as the stickiness decreases with age.</i></div>
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<i>Walking into one is not a pleasant experience, as they are usually head height and very sticky, the spider usually heads for the branches pretty quickly, which is handy as they can give quite a bite. You then spend the next half hour brushing the webs from your face and hair, always leaving one bit that defies any attempt to remove it!</i></div>
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<i>Like I said........the whole planet is stuck together with them!!"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other worthwhile gadgets and must haves.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005MBX6L2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B005MBX6L2" target="_blank">Yoobao 11200mA Portable Battery Pack Charger - White</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B005MBX6L2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Very handy for keeping my mobile phone fully charged (and other gadgets)<br />
and with the numerous supplied plug adapters, was able to charge my electric hair trimmer<br />
as I forgot to pack it's charger............result!<br />
(I trim my own hair every week back to a No. 1)
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8cNlpmiOha6I6FdKTjbLxR_uIRvjlUQI9672whWV9FOULXgePRulZtqqWG3eg5yxWbmk3x0Rl-BWBXCLeFnOzuDZBMUBR0fffHVvWO3tsLu1CndpBl1xBHLF8-E8gOarEA-6JBs16iL0/s1600/31gjkgLAI-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8cNlpmiOha6I6FdKTjbLxR_uIRvjlUQI9672whWV9FOULXgePRulZtqqWG3eg5yxWbmk3x0Rl-BWBXCLeFnOzuDZBMUBR0fffHVvWO3tsLu1CndpBl1xBHLF8-E8gOarEA-6JBs16iL0/s320/31gjkgLAI-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005DKVFBA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B005DKVFBA" target="_blank">Lenovo ThinkPad X121e 11.6 inch Laptop (Intel Core i3 RAM 4GB, HDD 320GB)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B005DKVFBA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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A wonderful little powerhouse, never faltered and worked well online when tethered to my mobile with a local sim/data package as there was no wifi out on the game reserve.</div>
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This worked well enough to check and respond to all my e-mails, and write a blog with uploaded pictures, which can be seen here; <a href="http://davestravelblog.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">davestravelblog.tumblr.com</a></div>
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Photos were downloaded and lightly edited, daily if possible, then copied to the Toshiba Portable HDD listed below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTVda4NjmZFOvNvPOqN3MH1M3zn0doKYLJkXvrelj3q-JIrA8BcHdrEnnzpIbz_nFhBQYV3_Ne5XsKFd8cm1nHCzl9yzPzT2_EngwnW9JdjHq-P6X6hRrreO7z-rFMDq7jIeKV7l5GZz4/s1600/lenoX121E_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTVda4NjmZFOvNvPOqN3MH1M3zn0doKYLJkXvrelj3q-JIrA8BcHdrEnnzpIbz_nFhBQYV3_Ne5XsKFd8cm1nHCzl9yzPzT2_EngwnW9JdjHq-P6X6hRrreO7z-rFMDq7jIeKV7l5GZz4/s320/lenoX121E_3.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003INEF2K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003INEF2K" target="_blank">Toshiba 1TB Portable HDD</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003INEF2K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Used faultlessly to back up all my photos and videos using my netbook, also took my whole picture, music and film collection with me. On occasion someone would request a film to watch, which was simple with this running through my Lenovo and connected to the TV through a HDMI cable.<br />
No extra power cable needed as it draws it from the Netbook through the USB cable, it's small and neat, and coupled with a good case it doesn't take up too much room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkwdZxxGMBGqW8e8S2PPtNtD2UdbDohNmV6UKO2P29fIDLWklDBrDkC-zaZc61K7yAFJIabvAOKmWbGaLTciB_8mHCE-fCGJGZs32ip10OD9GhNfmIFetSAN4TiDKRV-UJc3kz0OKO-yd/s1600/31BYRLdYXeL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkwdZxxGMBGqW8e8S2PPtNtD2UdbDohNmV6UKO2P29fIDLWklDBrDkC-zaZc61K7yAFJIabvAOKmWbGaLTciB_8mHCE-fCGJGZs32ip10OD9GhNfmIFetSAN4TiDKRV-UJc3kz0OKO-yd/s400/31BYRLdYXeL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005ORCXYK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B005ORCXYK" target="_blank">LED LENSER H7 HEAD TORCH</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B005ORCXYK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
I've never used a headtorch much before but I took one of these with me and it was brilliant!<br />
Other volunteers had a variety of torches too, and I have to say they looked pathetic compared to the Lenser. The variable strength and focus-able beam knocked spots of anything else there, and came into it's own down the tree nursery in the late evenings where I could clearly see lots of game through the security fence, and the odd Bushbuck, Hare, Fiery Necked Nightjar, bats and Guinea Fowl on my side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry5K3pmtKNnTzl6nRW-qnrPpyJfndodQkkMGANepV5yd4DzHHRKVC9e7j4SdYaEd1ZJi1QLIpqHCrB6GYYR9UfG1qmots5LnvOYeC0xFPWWyubYBeUeqyPTFV1UmavPrk9lI2jKSr5jsJ/s1600/1318243920_95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry5K3pmtKNnTzl6nRW-qnrPpyJfndodQkkMGANepV5yd4DzHHRKVC9e7j4SdYaEd1ZJi1QLIpqHCrB6GYYR9UfG1qmots5LnvOYeC0xFPWWyubYBeUeqyPTFV1UmavPrk9lI2jKSr5jsJ/s320/1318243920_95.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003554I50/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003554I50" target="_blank">Craghoppers Classic Kiwi Zip Off Trousers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003554I50" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I have been wearing Craghoppers for over 8 years now, for work and play,<br />
and they have never let me down.<br />
Comfortable fit, with added sun and water protection, quick drying with 8 pockets,<br />
some with security zips, and best of all, if the going gets hot,<br />
just unzip the lower leg for a great looking pair of shorts.<br />
One of my all time favorites, 3 pairs is all I took for 2 months to SA!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3EWRdbvWG_SLq4mTqOg3Y7avpFh08UZlfPzFRdK_44EXtBacrjQxyu6U1h-Qfk0dr5num_64fnKz4cnmKne5sMR0A0Y994hUNW-vlGEC4S8eZeOOPxPvVBlXgZNnaU12TTvA-eeyvnrQ/s1600/677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3EWRdbvWG_SLq4mTqOg3Y7avpFh08UZlfPzFRdK_44EXtBacrjQxyu6U1h-Qfk0dr5num_64fnKz4cnmKne5sMR0A0Y994hUNW-vlGEC4S8eZeOOPxPvVBlXgZNnaU12TTvA-eeyvnrQ/s400/677.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
During my stay in Cape Town, I was subjected to a gang of pickpockets working as a team,<br />
a few would get my attention while a sneaky one would come in from behind and<br />
rummage around in my pockets, luckily nothing got taken thanks to the Craghoppers!<br />
Someone even managed to get a photo of the rascals in action!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD0-JAEofqAGnwRVI8whnjhqnwuM725qSuvWCADLxiyaGiQ9bo5g47d2sWU8s3MwrFTbeEgwG9Q211C1U45KONUa-ahWJGCPLvqyt9rlISaXmErpXHC6kvpo6qPzq3HLFLqzStXusSOEL/s1600/js800_DSCF5491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD0-JAEofqAGnwRVI8whnjhqnwuM725qSuvWCADLxiyaGiQ9bo5g47d2sWU8s3MwrFTbeEgwG9Q211C1U45KONUa-ahWJGCPLvqyt9rlISaXmErpXHC6kvpo6qPzq3HLFLqzStXusSOEL/s640/js800_DSCF5491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Beware of pickpockets!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004NONJTS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004NONJTS" target="_blank">BRASHER Hillmaster Hiking Boots</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B004NONJTS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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These are my second pair of Brashers, the first were still going strong after 10 years of use,<br />
until my friends dog decided they tasted better than they looked!<br />
One of the few boots to still be leather lined, a must for me (and others) when the going gets hot.<br />
Also used for work and play, mine are very comfortable and offer good support when hiking on rougher ground, although the grip pattern does has a habit of picking up certain size stones, they are easily dislodged.<br />
One rather wet wilderness walk at Kwantu saw the whole group get drenched on what turned out to be one of the best hikes of the trip, we saw Bushbuck, Ostrich, Wildebeest, Zebra, a whole troupe of Baboons and lots of birds and tracks in the fresh mud.<br />
I think I enjoyed it more than most as I was the only one who still had dry feet at the end of the day, even the rangers had squelchy feet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL_RUxHD7Z8CnNLzZt2SmDN68K0aGIbjtI-EBNwNCFm7VrV-GmK_a-kUBCjldxnJU9XisPzNNtzx1vcp5orgR7SXyhs_JKQhROacHPoPZIPa5weIOHgBrKwdpgf7Q2ncCjoyDE7qu6bag/s1600/Hillmaster_GTX_Mens_Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL_RUxHD7Z8CnNLzZt2SmDN68K0aGIbjtI-EBNwNCFm7VrV-GmK_a-kUBCjldxnJU9XisPzNNtzx1vcp5orgR7SXyhs_JKQhROacHPoPZIPa5weIOHgBrKwdpgf7Q2ncCjoyDE7qu6bag/s400/Hillmaster_GTX_Mens_Brown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00381UR92/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00381UR92" target="_blank">Tilley TH5 Hemp Hat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00381UR92" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I love my Tilley hats, have one for every occasion and most of my friends </div>
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don't even recognize me without one!</div>
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I took the TH5 Hemp version with me to Africa, thinking that the soft natural and </div>
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breathable material would help in the hot conditions I would encounter, and I was right!</div>
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I wore it every day, with the high sun protection it yielded (UPF 50 +) I managed to elude sunburn and sunstroke, without the use of any other product other than dressing accordingly.</div>
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Some of you may think this is rather silly, but when I tell you that most of the other volunteers covered themselves with all sorts of high factor "sun protection" products, I was still the only one to not get burnt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimZzn9WB-LqKh-gAkEh6ycCzwthrTSf1H4c9MNWCeB9vJIpgcY3epMeZva6qbVGzeatrk86sw8ob2xvDB41qtAdMxeMSQXmBOrtVs7Bovoeu5mygf_fYhBVo55JDv9mqAMw9L_m6XmCR0/s1600/31+O82NqeIL._SX385_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimZzn9WB-LqKh-gAkEh6ycCzwthrTSf1H4c9MNWCeB9vJIpgcY3epMeZva6qbVGzeatrk86sw8ob2xvDB41qtAdMxeMSQXmBOrtVs7Bovoeu5mygf_fYhBVo55JDv9mqAMw9L_m6XmCR0/s400/31+O82NqeIL._SX385_.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003ZTN2XK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003ZTN2XK" target="_blank">Dr. Bronner's Soap</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003ZTN2XK" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Yes I know, not very techie, but this is a brilliant find by my sister, </div>
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Dr Bronner's soap can be used in more ways than you think, washing </div>
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clothes, shower gel, shampoo, shaving cream and even tooth paste </div>
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believe it or not?</div>
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When your traveling light like I try to do, this is a lifesaver, only half way through<br />
one bar after being away 2 months!.........might even make it into my top ten!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CSxglq3mMJZ3WYX7ccsdHlbAR_8ROL2_gB8xnUcIXVf2dCzb4SVHa56pqJZyF57xUEhcRS2oIXCV4ok6aPBusl5LxU10N_PTVjS5R8uzN7WU_7rYyy102o4qQ2nGHnRe3yGUHJDMKiMm/s1600/41t3ZLsf2uL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CSxglq3mMJZ3WYX7ccsdHlbAR_8ROL2_gB8xnUcIXVf2dCzb4SVHa56pqJZyF57xUEhcRS2oIXCV4ok6aPBusl5LxU10N_PTVjS5R8uzN7WU_7rYyy102o4qQ2nGHnRe3yGUHJDMKiMm/s320/41t3ZLsf2uL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000BS03XA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000BS03XA" target="_blank">Leatherman Wave Multi Tool</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000BS03XA" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Wouldn't go anywhere without my trusty Wave, came in handy on many occasion, </div>
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especially out on the reserve. In my top 10</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31a5GBsljWGjRT4H6UDcUupy18WbN8UBlMyHj98xCSaSeO5ztPKl8gZ-Pz5ye2j9jGVWeeROc0kFX1lBFncGH0NexFyvUVRUPuzdXfoCgsZa9m6NdqGUCaScz_j0IsSy4Ocs6pmVZxrft/s1600/41oqXC5w5gL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31a5GBsljWGjRT4H6UDcUupy18WbN8UBlMyHj98xCSaSeO5ztPKl8gZ-Pz5ye2j9jGVWeeROc0kFX1lBFncGH0NexFyvUVRUPuzdXfoCgsZa9m6NdqGUCaScz_j0IsSy4Ocs6pmVZxrft/s400/41oqXC5w5gL.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001GMIHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0001GMIHG" target="_blank">Bushnell Natureview Binoclulars 8 x 42</a></div>
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Likewise, my bino's were invaluable in Africa, I saw so many new things </div>
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with these I earned the nick name, Meerkat Dave, as that's what they</div>
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thought I looked like whenever we stopped long enough for a look-see!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j_n7iSouxiT1vVJcl7NWTWXSQYsKtkJIEbb07QQTCce6vFTBglIyNLvBbfXZXyMikEv4BYk7tZ80ttEWsqLpMKIvHjA_SXhRf2i-QSB85Yer5tBbI5xy1uCWJg9rZw3AbXZI1ZcRXBoL/s1600/51DST4PPGRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j_n7iSouxiT1vVJcl7NWTWXSQYsKtkJIEbb07QQTCce6vFTBglIyNLvBbfXZXyMikEv4BYk7tZ80ttEWsqLpMKIvHjA_SXhRf2i-QSB85Yer5tBbI5xy1uCWJg9rZw3AbXZI1ZcRXBoL/s320/51DST4PPGRL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I could write a whole new post about the different things I did see </div>
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through these, but one stands out more than the rest.</div>
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There was a nice spot within the village at Kwantu called the tree nursery, </div>
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laid out in a quiet corner just round from our dorms, from there there was a </div>
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good view up the valley down to a small lake/dam, and I would sit there relaxing </div>
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in the evenings just before dark and watch the wildlife go about it's business.</div>
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Zebra, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Springbok, Giraffe and Jackal were the </div>
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regular sightings, but I caught a glimpse of a Yellow Tailed Mongoose not </div>
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100m away working along a line of bushes.</div>
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All of a sudden, the Mongoose ran out across the grass, and a young Springbok </div>
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and Impala started to chase it, darting this way and that, it didn't last long </div>
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and it disappeared into a bush, leaving the 2 young antelope (and me!)<br />
looking rather perplexed.</div>
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A few seconds later the same Mongoose came running round from behind</div>
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the bush with a Wildebeest calf in hot pursuit, this time the chase lasted a </div>
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good 2-3 minutes, the gap between them staying constant through the twist </div>
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and turns, and unless I had seen it with my own eyes,<br />
I wouldn't have believed it!</div>
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Without my Bushnell's I would never have seen such a spectacle, as the light </div>
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had faded so much by then I didn't even try to take a photo or video. </div>
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The 8x42 specifications allowed me to see for at least another 30 to 45mins after </div>
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normal eyesight had failed.............. a great piece of kit!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> A few things I would like to have had with me on this trip.</b></span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0001GMIHG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007EG1GCY" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003KWUADC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004DWTHKK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005LGSOW4" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005JBIOXU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001NZ83JG" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well, I can dream can't I?</b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com1R67, South Africa-33.144450560077978 26.5374755859375-33.357175060077978 26.2216185859375 -32.931726060077978 26.8533325859375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-89510548877109767132011-11-09T20:48:00.001+00:002011-11-30T17:25:34.719+00:00Volunteering!<b style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">New Frontiers.</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've had a busy year, hence the lack of regular posts and updates here on Top Travel Gear, and my feet have been itching to make another epic trip to some far off land.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LSU1BDI1eJR2Sr_G0mZH6nEtVFtci1VpRzh3P-IloxdPBr7EJLzHp2uBgsa4HrIIY6y0AsLHoWZxlAe6pI_7e_52gxgjkFFAU4eX1QGUsDJfF3kxuN5N-WlG48SxWRdaZq1Vh-wn5o6_/s1600/three_lion_cubs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LSU1BDI1eJR2Sr_G0mZH6nEtVFtci1VpRzh3P-IloxdPBr7EJLzHp2uBgsa4HrIIY6y0AsLHoWZxlAe6pI_7e_52gxgjkFFAU4eX1QGUsDJfF3kxuN5N-WlG48SxWRdaZq1Vh-wn5o6_/s400/three_lion_cubs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.burrard-lucas.com/" target="_blank">Photo by Burrard-Lucas Photography</a> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(hope I manage to get some shots like this!)</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My head is always filled with countless ideas and places to visit, and while doing a little web browsing I came across an organisation called <a href="http://www.frontier.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Frontier</a>, a non profit organisation that specializes in Conservation and Development projects all around the world.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUM-9-Myd68GwhBoKPVMBGHpbUi1CWELuS29yBkKPbmdqlIOsekNImY-NI8lZzWlyv8uYVEbDpE8jAAz0nhxe4lDiXqd_0XS-O0g_5FT83D6je3m5Xm2gHRvwjkEAn_GZZEv_UI_qvxBY/s1600/Fronteir.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUM-9-Myd68GwhBoKPVMBGHpbUi1CWELuS29yBkKPbmdqlIOsekNImY-NI8lZzWlyv8uYVEbDpE8jAAz0nhxe4lDiXqd_0XS-O0g_5FT83D6je3m5Xm2gHRvwjkEAn_GZZEv_UI_qvxBY/s320/Fronteir.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being non profit, they rely on volunteer's to help fund and work alongside their staff team in research and conservation projects in developing countries, to not only preserve the animals and habitat but also to educate the local community to help preserve it too!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Their track record is very impressive, 22 years worth of research data has led to many new conservation areas being built, and many rare species being saved, but as we all know.......that is just the tip of the iceberg!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For quite some time now, I have had this feeling that I should be doing something more worthwhile, so when I saw this one particular <a href="http://www.frontier.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Frontier</a> project, it had "me" written all over it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <a href="http://www.frontier.ac.uk/projects/413/South-Africa-Wildlife-Conservation-Volunteer" target="_blank">South African Wildlife Conservation Volunteer</a> project involves;</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rehabilitation work</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Fence patrols</span><br style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Game capture (in season)</span><br style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Eradication of invasive plant species</span><br style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Assist with tourist safaris</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rehabilitation work involves most of the big cat species and many other plains game including elephant, an unmissable chance to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most endearing creatures. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Ever since watching "Born Free" when I was a small boy, it has b</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">een a dream to work with such majestic animals, and now I'm getting the chance as my volunteer application has been accepted for 1 month as from the 6th February 2012. :-)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To be honest (<i>and people who know me will say the same</i>) I can't believe I haven't done this sooner, I guess life's journey has a different plan to the one you want and dream for, but as long as you get there in the end, eh?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My flights are booked, thanks to <a href="http://www.trailfinders.com/" target="_blank">Trailfinders</a>, I decided to pay them a visit as I got a great deal on my round the world trip a few years ago, and was having a little trouble booking online as my flight plan was not your normal "round trip"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Flying to Port Elizabeth and returning from Cape Town with a few weeks after my placement for some exploring.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In good Top Travel Gear fashion, I intend to take some new equipment and gadgets with me to test along the way, weight limits permitting that is, as airlines are restricting the amount we take at every turn!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have already been approached by a company called <a href="http://www.haeleum.com/" target="_blank">Haeleum</a>, and asked to test and write about an item from their Insect Protective Clothing line.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They sent me one of their <a href="http://www.haeleum.com/products/braedan-carbon" target="_blank">Braedan-carbon</a> shirts with Insect Shield which should come in very handy in South Africa, as the chance of coming into contact with mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other flying insects is quite high, and I'm not a big fan of covering myself with Deet!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's November right now in Blighty, and not so many insects around, so a full test of it's effectiveness will have to wait. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is a well made garment though, and quite ingenious how they bond the Insect Shield into the weave, which is odorless, invisible, quite harmless to people of course and can withstand over 70 washes!....Amazing!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can see this being an ideal garment to wear on those cool African evenings around camp, and after watching the <a href="http://www.haeleum.com/" target="_blank">Haeleum</a> promotional videos, where mozzies and other flying insects just don't even want to go near it, I think I will make many new friends who will want to sit close and get protection also, lol!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JZIE3A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001JZIE3A" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LED Lenser H7 Head Torch</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001JZIE3A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An excellent head torch, one of the brightest your likely to come across(170 Lumens up to 180m) with 90 degree swiveling Lamp head, Advanced Speed Focus System and dimmer switch, which saves battery life and blinding yourself when working on anything close at hand!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Cameras</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As far as cameras go, it looks like my trusty Fuji HS10 and F550EXR will be traveling with me, of course, there have been many new and exciting models emerge this year, and especially one which has caught my eye, but I'm not sure it will be released before I go!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">The new Fuji X-S1 is a full sized bridge camera with the same </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2/3” EXR CMOS sensor found in the acclaimed X10, but features a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">26x, 24-624mm equivalent F2.8-5.6 zoom lens, a little shorter than it's HS10/20 siblings (<i>30x</i>) but should also be brighter and faster coupled with the larger sensor, and lo and behold, a larger and brighter EVF.....(<i>hurrah</i>!!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Release date has not been set and some suggest March or even later, a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">las, it was not meant to be, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">I'm sure I would have put it to good use in SA, but sure I'll be fine with what I have! (<i>unless anyone would like me to take and test something else......hint hint!!</i>)</span></span></div>
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<strong>Fujifilm X-S1 key features</strong></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 14px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 1.5em; padding-top: 1em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li>High quality Fujinon 26x optical zoom covering 24-624mm (35mm equivalent) with Intelligent Digital Zoom boosting range up to 1248mm</li>
<li>Superb build quality and finish with rubberised coating and metal dials</li>
<li>12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor</li>
<li>Up to 10 frames-per-second shooting</li>
<li>Large EVF with 1.44 million pixels and 26 degree viewing angle (at last!)</li>
<li>Tiltable three-inch rear LCD with Sunny Day mode</li>
<li>Full HD video</li>
<li>PASM modes</li>
<li>Raw file format</li>
<li>Film simulation modes</li>
<li>Macro focusing down to 1cm</li>
<li>Lithium battery providing up to 500 shots per charge</li>
<li>Optical image stabilisation</li>
<li>360° Motion Panorama mode</li>
<li>Manual focus and smooth (manual) zooming during video</li>
<li>Connections for wired remote and external microphone</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><i>UK release in February (still too late!) with a price tag of £699..........that's quite a sum, but if it delivers like the X10 seems to be doing, this could be just what the discerning wildlife/birding/traveler photographer has been wishing for for a very long time! </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Tablets</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">With all the pictures I'll be taking I'm in a quandary about how to save them. I have been looking at Tablets for a while now, and as you know, they do not have large memories. Starting at 8gb going up through 16, 32 and in some cases 64gb, the reason they are small compared to laptops/netbooks is they use quite expensive flash or SSD (</span><i style="line-height: 17px;">Solid State Drives</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;">There is the <a href="http://www.archos.com/products/gen9/index.html?country=gb&lang=en" target="_blank">Archos G9</a> (<i>101 & 80</i>) which has the option of a standard 250gb hard drive, but there have been problems and delays releasing those models with the full advertised specs.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;">The only other model that has looked promising (<i>to me)</i> is the new </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eee.asus.com/en/eeepad/transformer-prime/features" target="_blank">Asus Transformer Prime</a> </span>due out just in time for the festive season.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/11/transformer-prime-announce-lead.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Prime has an optional dock/keyboard which houses an extra battery, USB and HDMI ports plus a full sized SDHC slot.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">Like most of the competition the tablet has a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> mini-HDMI output and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">micro SD, but the similarities end there, housed in a new </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">8.3mm-thick </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">case, a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1280 x 800, Super IPS+ Gorilla Glass display with a 178-degree viewing angle ( </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>ASUS claims a 30 percent boost in color enhancement over competing tabs</i>)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1GB of RAM, GPS, a gyroscope,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1.2 megapixel front-facing camera, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">an 8MP shooter with an auto-focusing f/2.4 lens with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that captures 1080p video. (<i>Wow!</i>)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Battery life was initially 14.5-hour runtime with dock, but ASUS is now saying the tablet alone can squeeze out 12 hours thanks to a 22Wh battery, and that the new dock will add an additional six hours!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">All this and the promise of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Ice Cream Sandwich by the end of the year, if not sooner. Not to mention, it'll pack NVIDIA's hot-off-the-press </span><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/nvidia-says-tegra-3-is-a-pc-class-cpu-has-screenshots-to-prov/" style="line-height: 19px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Tegra 3</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> SoC, making it the first-ever quad-core tablet!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="388" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/11/pr-asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-docked-amethyst-gray.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">I still have questions and doubts as to whether tablets work well with portable hard drives, I'd rather take a large capacity one and keep everything on that (<i>although I do hear you all shouting "don't put all your eggs in one basket!</i>)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">The problems are to do with the USB ports, and whether they allow files to be accessed both ways, like backing up photos from SD cards to hard drives and vice versa.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">I have heard mixed findings in the forums, some do, some don't, and there have been a few ingenious work-arounds to get the job done, I guess that's half the fun, but to be honest, I'd like to know before I part with my cash!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">One solution would be to keep a few usb sticks (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">32gb. 64 and even 128gb are still way too expensive!</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">) handy, or even more expensive Micro SD cards, but I can't help feel that this is asking for even more trouble than a single portable drive, as being quite small they could easily get lost, something that is unthinkable after a trip of a lifetime!!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 19px;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">WiFi and Internet</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">To stay in touch when I travel, the plan is to tether my tablet through my Smartphone. I have a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003NCX6ZS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003NCX6ZS" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003NCX6ZS" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> which has served me well over the last year, and connecting my laptop/tablet (or a friends) is simple, all I need to do is buy a local sim with data when I arrive at my destination.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Don't even think about doing this with your home sim set for roaming, it will cost an arm and a leg!</span></div>
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<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">Of course there will be times when I can connect to WiFi hotspots, but I seriously doubt the middle of the South African bush will be one of them, and I intend to write a daily blog/diary to keep all my friends up to date with my progress!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span id="btAsinTitle"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000X30AYA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000X30AYA" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">TeckNet Yoobao Series - Dual-Port 11200mAh External Battery Pack</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000X30AYA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">A compact and powerful battery backup for your Phone/Tablet/Camera/Mp3 players</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Has 2 USB ports, one DC 5.3V @ 1000mA for mobile phones/Mp3 players and small cameras, and the other is DC 5.2V @ 2000mA for Tablets and larger cameras (<i>check your equipment's manual just to be on the safe side!)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Comes with a collection of 8 changeable connectors for most popular digital equipment, and even has a small but handy LED torch!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF1a9hZ3qeRxtSQ47lUMijZCbYuUBEIHxCuNkfVKsXSk__ZCeenNRnvcOl8IV-j5JU6l2zbXl5hTt2ko1P9Ppcvr7bZcD__FIcuHlIkJmJAIb9ydArI8ZEhBtQMZVpNU70Ze0gHZd53IO/s1600/61Gx7pfXRyL._AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcF1a9hZ3qeRxtSQ47lUMijZCbYuUBEIHxCuNkfVKsXSk__ZCeenNRnvcOl8IV-j5JU6l2zbXl5hTt2ko1P9Ppcvr7bZcD__FIcuHlIkJmJAIb9ydArI8ZEhBtQMZVpNU70Ze0gHZd53IO/s400/61Gx7pfXRyL._AA1500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<b style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Apps</span></b><br />
<b style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">I am always trying out new Android apps for my phone, so much so, that I must have had nearly 200 before I recently upgraded my firmware to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)" target="_blank">Gingerbread 2.3.4.</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">It was a good excuse to have a clean out and start again (<i>firmware upgrades wipe the phone clean</i>) and only a select few were re-downloaded.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;">Here are a few that might be helpful while traveling;</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.apksoftware.compass#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDUwMSwiY29tLmFwa3NvZnR3YXJlLmNvbXBhc3MiXQ.." target="_blank">Compass</a> Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A handy tool to have as a backup, in case you left your real one behind, also useful when Geo-caching. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.apksoftware.compass/ss-320-0-6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.apksoftware.compass/ss-320-0-6" width="213" /></a><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/com.apksoftware.compass/ss-320-1-6" width="213" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmdvb2dsZS5hbmRyb2lkLnN0YXJkcm9pZCJd" target="_blank">Google Sky Map</a> Free</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All time favorite, learn about the stars and planets, and check out what you are looking at in the night sky! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.google.android.stardroid/ss-480-0-13" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.google.android.stardroid/ss-480-1-13" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/com.google.android.stardroid/ss-480-2-12" width="192" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dropbox.android&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmRyb3Bib3guYW5kcm9pZCJd" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> Free</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep all your pics, movies, docs and files in one secure place, accessed from any PC/tablet/Smartphone, from wherever you are! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/com.dropbox.android/ss-480-0-13" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.dropbox.android/ss-480-4-12" width="192" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.shazam.encore.android&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLnNoYXphbS5lbmNvcmUuYW5kcm9pZCJd" target="_blank">Shazam Encore</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A must have if you like music (<i>and who doesn't?</i>) and don't know what your listening to on the radio, at the shops or down a club!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lost count of the times I wish I had this in the past, can't live without it now!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.shazam.encore.android/ss-480-1-31" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.shazam.encore.android/ss-480-5-27" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/com.shazam.encore.android/ss-480-4-28" width="192" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.iqapps.mobile.tripjournalfull&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmlxYXBwcy5tb2JpbGUudHJpcGpvdXJuYWxmdWxsIl0." target="_blank">Trip Journal</a> $2.99</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not really used this much in anger yet, it's one of the very few apps I've actually paid for, and supposed to be one of the best even though is does eat up juice mainly due to it needing to use the phones GPS constantly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.iqapps.mobile.tripjournalfull/ss-480-0-8" width="179" /><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.iqapps.mobile.tripjournalfull/ss-480-1-8" width="179" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmFsZW5zdy5QaWNGb2xkZXIiXQ.." target="_blank">Quickpic</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A new one to the list, can bring together all your photos and movies from your phones memory and various sites like Flickr, Facebook, Picassa, Bing, Google etc, and put then into pleasing to look at albums, includes some basic editing tools. I really like this app, works very well!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alensw.PicFolder/ss-480-0-22" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alensw.PicFolder/ss-480-1-20" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alensw.PicFolder/ss-480-4-18" width="192" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.amazon.kindle&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmFtYXpvbi5raW5kbGUiXQ.." target="_blank">Kindle for Android</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No explanation needed here, keep and read all your Amazon e-books, magazines and newspapers from your phone/tablet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have bought a few books recently;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001AHME1U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001AHME1U" target="_blank">Microstock Photography: How to Make Money from Your Digital Images</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001AHME1U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002ZJSUXI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002ZJSUXI" target="_blank">Digital Landscape Photography</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002ZJSUXI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0049U4184/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0049U4184" target="_blank">Collins Complete Photography Course</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0049U4184" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To be honest, I haven't finished any of them yet, reading them on a 4" screen is not a problem and they are always with me just in case I have some time on my hands, but I can't help but feel the experience will be much better on a tablet!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.amazon.kindle/ss-480-4-5" width="179" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.amazon.kindle/ss-480-0-6" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.amazon.kindle/ss-480-2-5" width="179" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alarmclock.xtreme.free&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwiY29tLmFsYXJtY2xvY2sueHRyZW1lLmZyZWUiXQ.." target="_blank">Alarm Clock Xtreme</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the firmware upgrading affair, the standard alarm clock started acting funny, for my friends Galaxy S too, so I decided to change it for this one.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Better than the original, you can choose how you want it to wake you and keep you from going back to sleep. I like to doze a bit (not a morning person!) so have set it to play the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?ie=UTF8&x=0&ref_=nb_sb_noss&y=0&field-keywords=bird%20song%20intro%20florence%20and%20the%20machine&url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&_encoding=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450" target="_blank">"Bird Song Intro" by Florence + Machine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and give me 3 - 10 minute snoozes, each stopping when I shake the phone!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If your a really heavy sleeper, then you can set it to ask you maths questions before it will turn off, <i>"that should do it!!"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="320" src="https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alarmclock.xtreme.free/ss-320-0-10" width="213" /><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alarmclock.xtreme.free/ss-320-2-9" width="213" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/com.alarmclock.xtreme.free/ss-320-1-10" width="212" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=net.lepeng.superboxss&feature=order_history#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDUwMCwibmV0LmxlcGVuZy5zdXBlcmJveHNzIl0." target="_blank">Super aTool Box </a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Free</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last but not least, an app to keep your phone in tip top shape after you've had your fun with all these other apps.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Android has a habit of not completely closing down apps when your finished with them, this slows down the phone and drains the battery quicker than you can say "Ice Cream Sandwich" so this app does it for you with a few clicks....simple!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It can also clean caches, boost Memory/Cpu, install/uninstall apps, move them to SD card (<i>some apps won't let you do this!</i>) act as a file manager and safeguard your phone, a must have!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><img height="320" src="https://g0.gstatic.com/android/market/net.lepeng.superboxss/ss-480-0-11" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://g1.gstatic.com/android/market/net.lepeng.superboxss/ss-480-2-7" width="192" /><img height="320" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/net.lepeng.superboxss/ss-480-1-9" width="192" /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">More to come before I depart I'm sure, but for now, hope you enjoy, and have a great festive season! :-)</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-18194356251758902902011-07-14T16:27:00.001+01:002011-07-14T16:27:23.521+01:00Fuji Finepix F550 EXR, a very handy travel camera!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I said in my previous post, I have been looking for a compact point and shoot camera as a backup to my HS10, and the start of 2011 saw many new models that would fit the bill very nicely!<br />
Only a year and a half ago I was carrying my trusty Minolta A200, a bridge camera with 8mp, 7x zoom, 1.8inch LCD, 800x600 @ 15fps video and 2.3fps continuous shooting mode.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">(Again I must apologize for the long post and loading times, supposed to be broken up into 3 pages, but for some reason the new Blogger wont let me! any tips would be most greatfull?)</span></i><br />
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The jump up to the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"> HS10</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was a welcome change, my wish list not quite fully filled, but it was well on its way!<br />
Now we have a choice of models from most of the top names for an even smaller P&S cam with 15-16mp, 14-16x lenses, 3" LCD's, full HD video and 8-11fps continuous, plus lots of little extras like Panorama, slow-mo movie modes and GPS <i>(something I've been looking forward to having on a camera for ages!)</i><br />
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I had been following the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank">dpreview</a> forums and various other website info about these exciting new cameras, waiting patiently for them to firstly become available, then for buyers to post their findings, the results were mixed to say the least, as with any new cams, a certain learning curve is required to get to know each cameras quirks.<br />
Eventually, the "love-hate" debates ensued, some finding faults, minor and major, and some loving their new gadgets. Firmware updates cured a few minor problems, and gradually my personal favorite emerged, but I was still a little unsure!<br />
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My time with the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank">Fujifilm HS10</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> since its launch has made me a fan of Fuji bridge cams, so the announcement this year of the new and improved <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004G8Q61E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004G8Q61E" target="_blank">HS20EXR</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B004G8Q61E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> got me instantly interested. There is no doubt that picture quality has improved from some of the pictures I've seen, the new EXR sensor when used sensibly really shines with the 30x lens, but the omission of a bigger and brighter EVF (viewfinder) and GPS, made my decision to wait for maybe the HS30, so much easier!<br />
The same sensor is used in the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004G8Q5Z6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004G8Q5Z6" target="_blank">Fujifilm F550</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B004G8Q5Z6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">although</span> I'm not a dedicated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Fuji fan, this little beauty had caught my eye!</span><br />
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<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">3.0 inch rear LCD with 460,000 pixel</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Fujinon 15x Optical zoom lens covering 24-360mm (35mm equivalent)</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">New Rich User Interface using Vector fonts and graphics</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Full resolution high speed shooting at 8fps</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Full HD movie capture (H.264 MOV file format)</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Self timer Approx. 10 sec./ 2 sec. delay</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Advanced 27 scene mode EXR Auto</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Sensor-shift Image stabilization</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">White Balancing</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I) memory card Storage</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Film simulation modes</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">360° Motion Panorama mode</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Photobook Assist function</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">GPS functionality enabled</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">RAW shooting</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Advanced Anti-blur technologies</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">1600% wide dynamic range</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">White balance settings</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Point and shoot cameras are one of those handy breeds that you can put in any pocket, so generally are the most used as it just happens to be the one you have with you!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">As a backup travel cam, it will come into it's own on those evenings when taking the larger bridge/dSLR is not an option, for practical and safety</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"> reasons</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">I've had a few outings with the F550exr now, a day in London which included a trip to the Chelsea Flower Show, and a 10 day holiday to Portugal, where I was unfortunately laid up with a bad back for the most part, but managed to venture out a few days to take in some of the wonderful sights.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Once you learn a few tricks with this little Fuji, like using the "Macro" function with the zoom lens to aid in better close to mid range performance for flowers and the like, and the +/- EV button (basic stuff with any camera, I know!) it really helps to make your photos pop!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">My main camera settings are as follows;</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Mode = P (most of the time)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>ISO = Auto 800, sometimes Auto 3200 when indoors.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Image Size = M 4:3 (that's 8mp, not the full 16mp)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>IQ = F</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>D-Rng = Auto</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Film Simulation = Velvia/Vivid (adds a little more colour)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>WB = Auto</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Continuous = Off</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Adv Anti Blur = Off</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Face Detection = Off</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>Photometry = Multi, sometimes Spot</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;"><i>AF mode = Center</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Of course, these are only guideline settings that I have used so far, they could and probably will change the longer I use this cam, but for now, they are working quite well for me!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">After handling the likes of the HS10, the F550 is very small in comparison, so I recommend using the included short wrist strap at all times, just in case!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are not as many accessories for compacts like there are for bridge/dSLR's, but I did come across a couple, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000EVSLRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000EVSLRO" target="_blank">Joby Gorillapod</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B000EVSLRO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>, which everyone has heard of, and a very handy little number, recommended by a fellow <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank">dpreview</a> member, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001QA4UKO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001QA4UKO" target="_blank">Flipbac</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B001QA4UKO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">This simple device is just a double hinged mirror that fits around the LCD screen on your camera, it protects the screen when not in use, fold it down out of the way when not needed, and soon comes into it's own when trying to take pictures in awkward positions.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">It takes a little getting used to, as you see an inverted image in landscape or portrait view, but it is much better than laying in the dirt for close up macros of plants or for a different perspective.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>Photo on camera for demonstration purposes only (but was taken with the F550)</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Below are a few I took at Paul Simon's concert in Birmingham in June. I was sat in the furthest block from the stage <i>(about 80m)</i> but fortunately had a short wall and railing right in front of my seat.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Leaning forward and resting the camera on the wall, and looking down into the Flipbac, I managed to get some quite impressive images considering the conditions!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Shooting indoors under changeable lighting conditions can give most dSLR's a run for their money, but the little Fuji managed amicably and is far less </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">conspicuous. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">They wont win any awards, but please take into account that they were all taken at 15x plus </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">digital zoom hand held but braced on the wall <i>(didn't have the Gorillapod with me)</i> the lighting conditions and of course, the moving artists! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><i>(apart from the first, which just shows the distance and handrail which sits on top of the wall!)</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15px;"> </span><br />
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<i>iso800, f/5.3, 1/20 sec, 66mm + lots of digital zoom</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_eTsiavA9eItteVWourt7x-fHfk1Q_JbznFBU_RuCIHE4ZFaTRRZWLoPRAhVcPWeEa4WNINYpkUuanTP9s2v5ekPVEgc_TIsv5gVkICQ8fx6aW_SRtalO-27_fpIiIlhAyQnUsy6l3Rw/s1600/js_dscf2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_eTsiavA9eItteVWourt7x-fHfk1Q_JbznFBU_RuCIHE4ZFaTRRZWLoPRAhVcPWeEa4WNINYpkUuanTP9s2v5ekPVEgc_TIsv5gVkICQ8fx6aW_SRtalO-27_fpIiIlhAyQnUsy6l3Rw/s1600/js_dscf2116.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso640, f/5.3, 1/60 sec, 66mm + digital zoom!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX73WcIJY1Qcnd1dUZ1MT6an_EwHr2-b5Rb4ccUJvTC2IZcyRA3ipERWQoP0ucljKgv5nFfAQuxAkavHOwz7F3vT73JR3TuMZ78CVSKm_1ak9nDcyE9cnRNuJ8eVb8EzqObdZ3FHtHeZ2L/s1600/js_dscf2147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX73WcIJY1Qcnd1dUZ1MT6an_EwHr2-b5Rb4ccUJvTC2IZcyRA3ipERWQoP0ucljKgv5nFfAQuxAkavHOwz7F3vT73JR3TuMZ78CVSKm_1ak9nDcyE9cnRNuJ8eVb8EzqObdZ3FHtHeZ2L/s1600/js_dscf2147.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso800, f/5.3, 1/28 sec, 66mm + digital zoom</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7Amxvy96jcDW2ERrCq8L01JU_o8rwDqcN4igQqJu9y4A58wkFKA5wLqIiTMvbqxGXRveZoQl7x8jIEa9W_ZTM7iJLt4dZ-YzveUmwOP_kVBGR2T4akH5vE6rWpTTm5wlr644KCnbyeX5/s1600/js_dscf2152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7Amxvy96jcDW2ERrCq8L01JU_o8rwDqcN4igQqJu9y4A58wkFKA5wLqIiTMvbqxGXRveZoQl7x8jIEa9W_ZTM7iJLt4dZ-YzveUmwOP_kVBGR2T4akH5vE6rWpTTm5wlr644KCnbyeX5/s1600/js_dscf2152.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso800, f/5.3, 1/20 sec, 66mm + digital zoom</i></div>
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<i>What a privilege it was to see and hear this icon!</i></div>
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Having gone through the steep learning curve with the HS10 over the last year, I had become accustomed to Fuji's menus and idiosyncrasies, so it was a lot faster to acclimatize to the F550, all be it in a much smaller package.</div>
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Handling, is to be expected for a P&S, right hand has a fairly good grip with a ridged rubber pad on the front, and contoured back below the mode dial with 6 small protruding rubber dots which act more for thumb placement rather than grip.</div>
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The slanted mode dial is easy to use, a little too easy at times, as I have accidentally moved it without knowing on occasion. (<i>"firmer more positive dial in the next one please Fuji?")</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNiRP7uYBu78zL8PeyJB3UqHdbetjyepiUNKG72gqmOP_dncqhWaZztIllcCm8qT5pvk4KOCITeGqrc5VmvAWBGfMwp9IrsUrUhyphenhyphenSSon6q3_7xUrWAhqY8Khi0iSPctYQS5MorSfQ5FQJ/s1600/js_dscf7954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNiRP7uYBu78zL8PeyJB3UqHdbetjyepiUNKG72gqmOP_dncqhWaZztIllcCm8qT5pvk4KOCITeGqrc5VmvAWBGfMwp9IrsUrUhyphenhyphenSSon6q3_7xUrWAhqY8Khi0iSPctYQS5MorSfQ5FQJ/s1600/js_dscf7954.jpg" /></a></div>
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Everything else is in an easily learned configuration, except the video button, it's not a bad location on what is a rather cramped back, it's just a little difficult to operate one handed, especially if you have long fingers like I do!</div>
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This is purely a personal thing, you might love it of course!</div>
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The "<i>F" </i>button handily places most manual settings in one easily reached place, ISO, Image Size, Continuous, Advanced Anti Blur <i>(EXR only)</i> and Film Simulation <i>(Velvia, Astia, B&W and Sepia)</i></div>
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Macro, Flash, Timer and EV +/- adjustment have direct access through the circular "Selector Button" <i>(SB)</i> I have learnt that the F550 does need certain adjustments in the area of "Exposure Compensation", something that can be preset in the menus if you wish, but I prefer to do it as and when needed with the SB, be careful though, as once used, it will stay on that setting until you return it to <i>+/- 0</i>, even if the camera is turned off and on again!</div>
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Here is a sample from a day in London followed by a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show, I had only had the camera a couple of weeks and took my HS10 along for the ride, but it didn't see daylight, I was having so much fun with the F550!</div>
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All handheld and jpeg only.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyLM29L-38Wxe4mATysarsly_ofS15ot6oKiSXgQ4WB4Bud3PJm-dURP5An_za_gOR9Xu6OZDfU5AK8Zb0HPe-D05ty0Zl1P9hPdSywuifGq484zgLj-09fx6hDT82dXyMQNJQGmyqCLz/s1600/js_dscf0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyLM29L-38Wxe4mATysarsly_ofS15ot6oKiSXgQ4WB4Bud3PJm-dURP5An_za_gOR9Xu6OZDfU5AK8Zb0HPe-D05ty0Zl1P9hPdSywuifGq484zgLj-09fx6hDT82dXyMQNJQGmyqCLz/s1600/js_dscf0115.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/3.7, 1/640 sec, 5mm +1.3 EV</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliuTTJau2lZLNgb5U9m_HHebAyfbL2CmS_LS16u9XQ4I5rRimABkHgjj5oE1VCFJkMun2y0Xl7EFR2ZpsV7nD2hsIbkv7ZW6PRGQ1orGEEe3D8cADKpc2aPikwQGbimKQd1gZRZvCmFZL/s1600/js_dscf0160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliuTTJau2lZLNgb5U9m_HHebAyfbL2CmS_LS16u9XQ4I5rRimABkHgjj5oE1VCFJkMun2y0Xl7EFR2ZpsV7nD2hsIbkv7ZW6PRGQ1orGEEe3D8cADKpc2aPikwQGbimKQd1gZRZvCmFZL/s1600/js_dscf0160.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/10, 1/680 sec, 17mm</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLuTdTtQz9ZCljfut2Ri2OYEm8Bf20N7cp1PUtIj_TKyXE6C2Og4ezDAzatbPjhNGSXGDe580uGQn82nJ2_xgZcn-rXUfyuhC9X9H2aPqVNaDT03Ybvl_jSNUtlI1sdX5JdYK9Dflr0mI/s1600/js_dscf0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLuTdTtQz9ZCljfut2Ri2OYEm8Bf20N7cp1PUtIj_TKyXE6C2Og4ezDAzatbPjhNGSXGDe580uGQn82nJ2_xgZcn-rXUfyuhC9X9H2aPqVNaDT03Ybvl_jSNUtlI1sdX5JdYK9Dflr0mI/s1600/js_dscf0191.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/10, 1/640 sec, 4mm</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15XZF3EUvU8yud9shAlDu2lSIOIhYdoQfiNumhyXv7nqyibU7lkBekauEjI3-rFEVQkMvFscGoCGf_jjXqs3A1FzjzNrdaPN2J_nBaHiMfo5jrwp9-YX1CLL9Dux92B1XlnT3RPQeTcVE/s1600/js_dscf0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15XZF3EUvU8yud9shAlDu2lSIOIhYdoQfiNumhyXv7nqyibU7lkBekauEjI3-rFEVQkMvFscGoCGf_jjXqs3A1FzjzNrdaPN2J_nBaHiMfo5jrwp9-YX1CLL9Dux92B1XlnT3RPQeTcVE/s1600/js_dscf0208.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>P mode, iso200, f/4.9, 1/850 sec, 14mm.....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2rj_jU7ZlfZ5b9TRetRpmx2DBQVyVMdcrJFw_APa7Tsx_3JRSJFF3beG9ej8UXMnF879gI9g6lyhdzXzpOorQOpIQ7YAzKoMI9Wx3t2cpHZuajAQP5UEPLM4dMdDsVU2A0I5S54znoWI/s1600/js_dscf0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2rj_jU7ZlfZ5b9TRetRpmx2DBQVyVMdcrJFw_APa7Tsx_3JRSJFF3beG9ej8UXMnF879gI9g6lyhdzXzpOorQOpIQ7YAzKoMI9Wx3t2cpHZuajAQP5UEPLM4dMdDsVU2A0I5S54znoWI/s1600/js_dscf0209.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/5.9, 1/420 sec, 29mm.....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IU5Oe_aSIQvA2CUQPaxrATSpb9LO_hgNK2qQPwlt3te8fgrM_Sx1j8C2iA9MeN0HDYw20shxeK4b1lAypsAdUjM95OfALX4Iwufg5gvwcOFfpuzqghhOmxzE2QlUXezzyczn34SWWlQm/s1600/js_dscf0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IU5Oe_aSIQvA2CUQPaxrATSpb9LO_hgNK2qQPwlt3te8fgrM_Sx1j8C2iA9MeN0HDYw20shxeK4b1lAypsAdUjM95OfALX4Iwufg5gvwcOFfpuzqghhOmxzE2QlUXezzyczn34SWWlQm/s1600/js_dscf0210.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/11, 1/320 sec, 66mm (full 15x zoom)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqE_d8czAttPQ51cgARPYsfLc_ofNdKQDAiqVclqUFkzI1bLTkvygE5mVwFmaxuR2Br89nLJY8DvYMp4uMThEHplhyvl5ZY4ha78h7Buau0KkOJypU2KHdfSjOUdwuQ3Aqx5J2ZU9e48Q/s1600/js_dscf0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqE_d8czAttPQ51cgARPYsfLc_ofNdKQDAiqVclqUFkzI1bLTkvygE5mVwFmaxuR2Br89nLJY8DvYMp4uMThEHplhyvl5ZY4ha78h7Buau0KkOJypU2KHdfSjOUdwuQ3Aqx5J2ZU9e48Q/s1600/js_dscf0211.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/11, 1/450 sec. 66mm + some digital zoom.....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEptoah1W7eKfc0vwjIMGb0TcpS6dtBdM9cNA6vJuhzChdF9V6-xzshyJDqM4D8FcXp8F-1V7znHtL5XJ_w93KDZyzS3gm12VqAmLCcEWe2FyPQrkWg7KH8nblHdejqdcExV8r0AfFt6d5/s1600/js_dscf0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEptoah1W7eKfc0vwjIMGb0TcpS6dtBdM9cNA6vJuhzChdF9V6-xzshyJDqM4D8FcXp8F-1V7znHtL5XJ_w93KDZyzS3gm12VqAmLCcEWe2FyPQrkWg7KH8nblHdejqdcExV8r0AfFt6d5/s1600/js_dscf0212.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/5.3 (?), 1/550 sec, 66mm + full digital zoom, camera says that equates to 62x?</i></div>
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I know that most frown upon digital zoom, but for a consumer P&S travel camera, it can be highly effective when used sensibly and has a similar output to cropping in PP!</div>
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Good light is essential of course, as is a steady hand, better still, use a tripod or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000EVSLRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000EVSLRO" target="_blank">Joby Gorillapod</a> with the 2 sec timer.</div>
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I was at the Chelsea Flower Show this year because I had been working on part of a show garden designed by Nigel Dunnett<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B000EVSLRO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for the RBC New Wild Garden. </div>
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It was a huge team effort, myself and fellow workers had to build a home office/studio out of an old shipping container, complete with habitat walls and a living roof, it was only a small part of the garden as a whole, but one of the main features. </div>
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For more details visit <a href="http://greenroofshelters.co.uk/2011/06/green-roof-home-office-in-rhs-garden/" target="_blank">greenroofshelters.co.uk</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Bml6ME7C-106zg2tcSil52KKNLMF_X0wLsqKlvsMesegkSLqnBMljQg3WLNys3TWb65vpLklpPF-zsApaL04EgSnFJL0A6bm7O6oDG7URnLr4BrDImKsbTpjzj1F-bdbpmgXmGnBiCI/s1600/js_dscf0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Bml6ME7C-106zg2tcSil52KKNLMF_X0wLsqKlvsMesegkSLqnBMljQg3WLNys3TWb65vpLklpPF-zsApaL04EgSnFJL0A6bm7O6oDG7URnLr4BrDImKsbTpjzj1F-bdbpmgXmGnBiCI/s1600/js_dscf0245.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso100, f/3.5, 1/280 sec, 4mm</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDof1Fmuap8MXyF1E_v1RD1J7Ux9gJmlxlH47kg6YEB8mRhW5hZXWFYrphVUoo2tACskcihx0u0Akm8l7ygnKh3zU31sr5dwUxo5A5GfBTKopUO41Bi2uE2LPexGU1lb8dVj6p5MunQmOJ/s1600/js_dscf0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDof1Fmuap8MXyF1E_v1RD1J7Ux9gJmlxlH47kg6YEB8mRhW5hZXWFYrphVUoo2tACskcihx0u0Akm8l7ygnKh3zU31sr5dwUxo5A5GfBTKopUO41Bi2uE2LPexGU1lb8dVj6p5MunQmOJ/s1600/js_dscf0341.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/3.5, 1/220 sec, 4mm</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KrZjkZBG147bzYXjjQE8xZDLpgZjcKUL-gzx1iNeDxcYckihqXMEd8dGmYLp6Tivjh_ID5RIz9lTEKe9hYP2JLWNIt9zisF-TFdjlMZLv7ESKkA3j27oBQt28I5D6Z8gtWHGEfAusWSt/s1600/js_dscf0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KrZjkZBG147bzYXjjQE8xZDLpgZjcKUL-gzx1iNeDxcYckihqXMEd8dGmYLp6Tivjh_ID5RIz9lTEKe9hYP2JLWNIt9zisF-TFdjlMZLv7ESKkA3j27oBQt28I5D6Z8gtWHGEfAusWSt/s1600/js_dscf0281.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/4.4, 1/250 sec, 10mm</i></div>
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<i>More habitat walls on another show garden!</i></div>
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<i>Notice the film crew at the bottom of picture, I didn't until the pics were on my laptop!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yuX4d0qsKXTQItyz01f5w7dUXtMY9qw2DNcE5HSYCtlib4Xnf1_lVjvkD0Fuhzer9_jQo9nNJrJekYGBXlv3BDCzLIEYH9gJnl2KJoUDzmdmpng5dw27cqHqAhm-yOpUOwZ5vZ1sKHL4/s1600/js_dscf0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yuX4d0qsKXTQItyz01f5w7dUXtMY9qw2DNcE5HSYCtlib4Xnf1_lVjvkD0Fuhzer9_jQo9nNJrJekYGBXlv3BDCzLIEYH9gJnl2KJoUDzmdmpng5dw27cqHqAhm-yOpUOwZ5vZ1sKHL4/s1600/js_dscf0358.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso3200, f/5.3, 1/60 sec, 19mm</i></div>
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<i>This and the following shots were taken inside the main pavilion which has no artificial light,</i></div>
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<i> just diffused sunlight from the sail like roof. </i></div>
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<i>No flash used, just a higher ISO (Auto 3200) and individual EV adjustment!</i></div>
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<i>All hand</i><i>held.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg04ot1OKA6jGXjD3EBxEJw2caLDA8z27vMZn5XcKxQYoxyP0bTtP6NKZ1_jpBHUBqTydEdmGg6MP6Gnoq22kl4kFQZnw_I2MQaeT1JhujGYgGsi3KPPza43K_R83mlfg_wN1pt-lNV_jh/s1600/js_dscf0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg04ot1OKA6jGXjD3EBxEJw2caLDA8z27vMZn5XcKxQYoxyP0bTtP6NKZ1_jpBHUBqTydEdmGg6MP6Gnoq22kl4kFQZnw_I2MQaeT1JhujGYgGsi3KPPza43K_R83mlfg_wN1pt-lNV_jh/s1600/js_dscf0429.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso1250, f/5.7, 1/60 sec, 25mm, -0.7 EV</i></div>
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<i>Pitcher plants, amazing things and one of my favorites!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDiD2KqrV2m0qHKpuKhVyzO0ffLC_OSlbgNjmb1OufflI9MMbtY9NcY673XKdUqr82xoNhseNAsG6jdKF28pUN6QmocLnEquq7jdw6esYJSpSmoqS7zO63MofH4uokR7crYZX1BRcTf4n/s1600/js_dscf0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDiD2KqrV2m0qHKpuKhVyzO0ffLC_OSlbgNjmb1OufflI9MMbtY9NcY673XKdUqr82xoNhseNAsG6jdKF28pUN6QmocLnEquq7jdw6esYJSpSmoqS7zO63MofH4uokR7crYZX1BRcTf4n/s1600/js_dscf0435.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso1250, f/5.4, 1/60 sec, 20mm +macro and +0.3 EV</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A7Ej1x8CJ0KpntlruLHEJ8egUvitdyl8UCmKX4lvAggeA6YVJt9YQxKBQIYpBkjboK5rQqlY_EUckW5bshvxQ5KaLlfmzI-r__vr4_aw0JAHM7WQEf9IkaASwn453Xvr2sFCEpc4OZ5X/s1600/js_dscf0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A7Ej1x8CJ0KpntlruLHEJ8egUvitdyl8UCmKX4lvAggeA6YVJt9YQxKBQIYpBkjboK5rQqlY_EUckW5bshvxQ5KaLlfmzI-r__vr4_aw0JAHM7WQEf9IkaASwn453Xvr2sFCEpc4OZ5X/s1600/js_dscf0458.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso1000, f/5.5, 1/60 sec, 22mm</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mnSmcoYNnuUefPlvYa2OgK6wMWR_6klbF_4saCoPcAZRcOQwIwJ1MywRTZvMm38C6yIVNMfdJyolvDQMvUxmLWYcP-reyhR_c-C5F2rnk_qcm5BDOMDbRAqcFpmP2sJM3NgbhPI13a1z/s1600/js_dscf0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mnSmcoYNnuUefPlvYa2OgK6wMWR_6klbF_4saCoPcAZRcOQwIwJ1MywRTZvMm38C6yIVNMfdJyolvDQMvUxmLWYcP-reyhR_c-C5F2rnk_qcm5BDOMDbRAqcFpmP2sJM3NgbhPI13a1z/s1600/js_dscf0509.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso160, f/5.9, 1/60 sec, 58mm + macro.....plus a little sunlight!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh591WilQvVLRgrGVz98iCcVnEwhD-QWFLJ6M4Xntrt81_ZmnehCNef6zWUynJsXrsk3np4TPlJcj-_dInr37y13_3vgTM7K1XNqyeT5X8bXakqNj3mKhkDuD2_qaeXNzFx9nGnysoiPapS/s1600/js_dscf0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh591WilQvVLRgrGVz98iCcVnEwhD-QWFLJ6M4Xntrt81_ZmnehCNef6zWUynJsXrsk3np4TPlJcj-_dInr37y13_3vgTM7K1XNqyeT5X8bXakqNj3mKhkDuD2_qaeXNzFx9nGnysoiPapS/s1600/js_dscf0526.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso400, f/5.3, 1/60 sec, 66mm + Macro and +1 EV</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnukbjYd1IMtbLlERVUV59Pp0Pje31K_UhEPl-3wmeTa_4jeMKHVvuEdaUmBjZFyW0sGbBxZUkuZhpdbXzGmNT0dFg7-IFzdAWKEEkAeODMifFptKr-Yv_E17JVhMVThcIgrJ4_xMPGOI/s1600/js_dscf0466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnukbjYd1IMtbLlERVUV59Pp0Pje31K_UhEPl-3wmeTa_4jeMKHVvuEdaUmBjZFyW0sGbBxZUkuZhpdbXzGmNT0dFg7-IFzdAWKEEkAeODMifFptKr-Yv_E17JVhMVThcIgrJ4_xMPGOI/s1600/js_dscf0466.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso400, f/4.4, 1/52 sec, 10mm, </i></div>
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<i>and no, I didn't suddenly visit Africa, </i></div>
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<i>this is a flower display with a cool backdrop!</i></div>
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As some of you may know if you've visited my site before, I am an avid nature photographer, and since purchasing the F550 I have snapped more than my fair share of critters.</div>
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Now, I know that other cameras are better suited to the task, my HS10 has done sterling work, but most of the time I don't have it with me, the F550 on the other hand sits in a pouch on my belt wherever I go, so if something is kind enough to show itself, then I have at least a chance of getting a shot!</div>
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Admittedly, it is not easy capturing anything too small and at range, but at least something is better than nothing! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSWHGhN-JeGS2EYvOTnKZykocnUW6WVNBe9Kj2fvhnAG_FjfHdiXBzrYYsBsKdXMIUStuyhEV2fLLS92MCtvHMAR6IoYlmEA06ubsNO2d8V2qCQ0Of7SGCoHaq9__lQEruJXBLVNLmlTi/s1600/js_dscf0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSWHGhN-JeGS2EYvOTnKZykocnUW6WVNBe9Kj2fvhnAG_FjfHdiXBzrYYsBsKdXMIUStuyhEV2fLLS92MCtvHMAR6IoYlmEA06ubsNO2d8V2qCQ0Of7SGCoHaq9__lQEruJXBLVNLmlTi/s1600/js_dscf0637.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Female Emperor Dragonfly laying eggs.</i></div>
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<i>iso100, f/5.3, 1/150 sec, 66mm (15x) + Macro</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdSZ2P3kSVt-6bYQhRBxQdSysaB2gB878iBXUQyVoIeyKxutQLm28xcFQWjwXtZnP-PQdSkE3WfUt6zbbCeIOStLsRfUy-6Lh-W4MQl6C7lQpSnQDL66zIy8Q_Wch2ekOv38OBcvjTuX/s1600/js_dscf0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdSZ2P3kSVt-6bYQhRBxQdSysaB2gB878iBXUQyVoIeyKxutQLm28xcFQWjwXtZnP-PQdSkE3WfUt6zbbCeIOStLsRfUy-6Lh-W4MQl6C7lQpSnQDL66zIy8Q_Wch2ekOv38OBcvjTuX/s1600/js_dscf0677.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso100, f/5.3, 1/240 sec, 66m + Macro and -0.3 EV</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H3eXSLBE8eVT7oLmyVAYWlg2z9WDnIo63R2IoJqONAul_JCFLC9mxCajv6_BRnfWy3LqwthobPmfv_84l3b7rb6OgqAn04C2ar1ZuYLZZ-uGFnL-ZVxBf-AUyAWD-D5Sahbq3AR8k_Ww/s1600/js_dscf0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H3eXSLBE8eVT7oLmyVAYWlg2z9WDnIo63R2IoJqONAul_JCFLC9mxCajv6_BRnfWy3LqwthobPmfv_84l3b7rb6OgqAn04C2ar1ZuYLZZ-uGFnL-ZVxBf-AUyAWD-D5Sahbq3AR8k_Ww/s1600/js_dscf0836.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>A Stag Beetle, was kind enough to fly over when enjoying dinner in a friends garden!</i></div>
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<i>.....yes, they fly!!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q47X8S0-lvWFMI5UCcH18ZvpxlSqGM-LhU2VcQfzQhCAPfzDRXhTv3jF4idnod3op5Ccn3a_2-S7GB9ti2pO3pLG_FcoVomHaH1OPtbZKGnmNquVnRrFHpBx9iisH7RWbgzRL1zs0sC2/s1600/js_dscf0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q47X8S0-lvWFMI5UCcH18ZvpxlSqGM-LhU2VcQfzQhCAPfzDRXhTv3jF4idnod3op5Ccn3a_2-S7GB9ti2pO3pLG_FcoVomHaH1OPtbZKGnmNquVnRrFHpBx9iisH7RWbgzRL1zs0sC2/s1600/js_dscf0841.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso200, f/4.4, 1/52 sec, 10mm + Macro</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiM41J2Eej7CigKALhpT66aBpzEaANuWiDqlHVPGdzgpI1H7EUaZOGvi2C5PUhC4wBGu8FdYWg1pZvG9Kw2UsF321u_sCeF86pSkREUW6lZvCf9TF0O_BGFgS5Lv2g7ki7dyst9OW7c8T/s1600/js_dscf0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiM41J2Eej7CigKALhpT66aBpzEaANuWiDqlHVPGdzgpI1H7EUaZOGvi2C5PUhC4wBGu8FdYWg1pZvG9Kw2UsF321u_sCeF86pSkREUW6lZvCf9TF0O_BGFgS5Lv2g7ki7dyst9OW7c8T/s1600/js_dscf0909.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>This Swallow chick fell out of it's collapsed nest in a friends stable while I was working, a ladder, small piece of wood and a couple of screws later, it was returned along with it's 4 siblings, much to the delight of the parents, who now had 5 hungry mouths to feed again!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC2Xuh48R0i8nqovq4Qopmcl2-00_vnv6m4sAbHkHttuIUsjIZKl6ixJL39s7rM4G2InBrULeHUYWoUj_HkD3Ebt3o_V4uFK7F0JbgOZTlwgFluOP46HHNM3J9OmtiN8GQzvZDNGxU83s/s1600/js_dscf0972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC2Xuh48R0i8nqovq4Qopmcl2-00_vnv6m4sAbHkHttuIUsjIZKl6ixJL39s7rM4G2InBrULeHUYWoUj_HkD3Ebt3o_V4uFK7F0JbgOZTlwgFluOP46HHNM3J9OmtiN8GQzvZDNGxU83s/s1600/js_dscf0972.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Rose Chafer beetle, iso100, f/4.7, 1/500 sec, 11mm + Macro + heavy crop</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKyG8j_o7ZYCmtW4GIg3SDPuPLja9WPs3fs3sa0Crh2byIbc6Ug3x0qFqdU28OgpnGNxixUfGJ-9T26C5P5m92xKYtn2OXvKKrYkMuLx8qpvT1-eo_0LvMF-pHAcMrM2rjV40OIClEYSR/s1600/js_dscf1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKyG8j_o7ZYCmtW4GIg3SDPuPLja9WPs3fs3sa0Crh2byIbc6Ug3x0qFqdU28OgpnGNxixUfGJ-9T26C5P5m92xKYtn2OXvKKrYkMuLx8qpvT1-eo_0LvMF-pHAcMrM2rjV40OIClEYSR/s1600/js_dscf1917.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Ringlet butterfly, iso100, f/4.8, 1/60 sec, 12mm + Macro and +0,3 EV</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4irpjxLGA-G4G31hVwI3IfZv5EQM1WLuJdDJV6gm0mCGQQNpTCZvJQgfZSKUL34HgNr5w-g168Wa0pwaQ55ruX3JOn3N7gMmfpHSmfOHGMbVKok8Z37vetH2UMcCxdLtDpNDE_HFtwu/s1600/js_s0020889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz4irpjxLGA-G4G31hVwI3IfZv5EQM1WLuJdDJV6gm0mCGQQNpTCZvJQgfZSKUL34HgNr5w-g168Wa0pwaQ55ruX3JOn3N7gMmfpHSmfOHGMbVKok8Z37vetH2UMcCxdLtDpNDE_HFtwu/s1600/js_s0020889.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Swallow, iso100, f/5.3, 1/200 sec, 66mm + heavy crop</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbI3qtma7XDFzVm9qoPNoSVY66eUXIvcz8MC-eRwbUxw4uRe8YK2ZQcrEmIWk8Y2uVDrn5DZIWG8guIZEg_XPufPMhhiplswrI9uVQIZfSySJ2c9ZYVyNgfgXx3d51jMvZ7xkKNAG8rcq/s1600/js_dscf1698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbI3qtma7XDFzVm9qoPNoSVY66eUXIvcz8MC-eRwbUxw4uRe8YK2ZQcrEmIWk8Y2uVDrn5DZIWG8guIZEg_XPufPMhhiplswrI9uVQIZfSySJ2c9ZYVyNgfgXx3d51jMvZ7xkKNAG8rcq/s1600/js_dscf1698.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Gecko, iso800, f/6.2, 1/60 sec, 44mm + Macro, flash and crop.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFKwCSbvgpH7d3joN2oUrQlWisDdsBKo-t5SPcrRC1ygkgt5xI3CUWFffHd3hRLMIv2VtqDPPSwn1jXOtBv16K6m1sTje2m6P8NNEd8CZeOtnOnDA7CPnlaeLOSOFtzuTKAP_0k9bJ3BG/s1600/js_s0011113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFKwCSbvgpH7d3joN2oUrQlWisDdsBKo-t5SPcrRC1ygkgt5xI3CUWFffHd3hRLMIv2VtqDPPSwn1jXOtBv16K6m1sTje2m6P8NNEd8CZeOtnOnDA7CPnlaeLOSOFtzuTKAP_0k9bJ3BG/s1600/js_s0011113.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>iso100, f/6.1, 1/300 sec, 50mm and -0.3 EV</i></div>
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The F550 is a prime candidate to cover most peoples criteria for a travel camera, so I took it to Portugal for 10 days to put it through it's paces!</div>
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More on that when I have some time, but for now, I hope you've enjoyed it so far?</div>
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Any constructive comments are most welcome, and please feel free to subscribe so as not to miss the next installment.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004G8Q5Z6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004G8Q5Z6" target="_blank">Fujifilm FinePix F550exr at Amazon UK</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=2&a=B004G8Q5Z6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=f550exr&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warehouseexpress.com%2Fbuy-fuji-finepix-f550-exr-black-digital-camera%2Fp1523539" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status='http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-f550-exr-black-digital-camera/p1523539'; return true;" target="_new">Fuji F550exr at Warehouseexpress</a><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&subid=&offerid=181427.1&type=10&tmpid=3191&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.purelygadgets.co.uk%252FFuji-FinePix-F550EXR-Digital-Camera-%252528Black%252529%252Fmainproduct%252Fview%252F33842-BK" target="new">F550exr at PaurelyGadgets</a><br />
<img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&bids=181427.1&type=10" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(17211)a(1667894)g(16387580)url(http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/80347/show.html)" target="_blank" title="F550exr at Jessops UK">F550exr at Jessops UK</a><img src="http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(inv)g(16387580)a(1667894)" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com20Unknown location.52.084147651875753 -1.867160797119140652.074390651875753 -1.8869017971191406 52.093904651875754 -1.8474197971191406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-89282025813947541182011-04-02T13:55:00.003+01:002011-04-02T18:58:34.681+01:00COMPACT TRAVEL CAMERASAs I have not been travelling much over the last year or so, my posts on new kit have been few and far between, I do apologize for that and the fact that the ones I have written are mostly about cameras!<br />
Well, there has been a lot of new cameras coming out on the market recently, plus I have gotten to grips with my <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-HS10-Digital-Camera/dp/B00342UTQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301745948&sr=8-1"TARGET="_blank">Fuji HS10</a> at last, and it does seem to be a great travelling cam if your prepared to learn it's idiosyncrasies and find some good light! (see my HS10 review <a href="http://toptravelgear.blogspot.com/2010/08/fujifilm-hs10-review-as-travel-camera.html"TARGET="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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I thought you might like to know about another breed of travel cam that might suit your purposes better, if the likes of a bridge camera like the HS10 is a little too big for you, or as in my case, act as a handy back-up!<br />
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These new point and shoot cams have a compact pocket-able size, 12 or more megapixel sensors, 14-16x lenses, HD video, a host of interesting modes like face detection and panorama, and GPS, something that I personally, have been waiting for for ages!<br />
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For most travellers, this is all that they will ever need in a camera, I'm into nature/birdwatching in a big way, so like the extra reach of the 30x lens on the HS10, but apart from that, the extra small form factor of these new P&S cameras is ideal.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-F550-Digital-Camera/dp/B004G8Q5Z6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301678072&sr=8-1"TARGET="_blank">Fujifilm-FinePix-F550, 16mp, 15x lens, full HD video, GPS</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004I5C3RG/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i6?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0ACKG54Z1EFGNFW48X7Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294"TARGET="_blank">Sony DSC HX9VB, 16.8mp, 16x lens, 1080p HD video, GPS</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004I1KOIK/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1V6EMCY0BBEESEBRY4CV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294"TARGET="_blank">Panasonic Lumix TZ20, 14.1mp, 16x lens, full HD video, LCD touchscreen, GPS</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-SX-230-black/dp/B004MKNBRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301678314&sr=8-1"TARGET="_blank">Canon-PowerShot-SX-230, 12.1mp, 14x lens, full HD movie, GPS</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-WB650-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B00361EC8Q/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1301678267&sr=8-7"TARGET="_blank">Samsung-WB650, 12mp, 15x lens, HD movie, GPS</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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All these cams offer a very versatile package for a point and shoot size camera, huge zoom range for the size, large clear LCD screens (but fixed with no viewfinder) a host of easy to use modes for most situations like sunrise/sunset, snow, beach, action, nightshot, portrait, face detection, panorama and high speed shooting.<br />
Some even have High Resolution and Dynamic Range modes and even shoot in Raw if needed.<br />
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HD video seems to be commonplace these days, and all these cameras offer it in one guise or another.<br />
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GPS, a great way of linking your photos to the exact spot and orientation they were taken in, using a built in GPS receiver, which in most cases is the small bump on top of each cam.<br />
When engaged, the GPS tags each photo with position data that can be read and added to the likes of Google maps, showing a visual representation of your trip, some can even find where a photo was taken from, giving you the direction and distance on the LCD screen, great for finding your hotel or hostel in a busy city, as long as you remember to take a photo of it to begin with that is, lol!!<br />
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As with most GPS related equipment (Satnav, Smartphones etc.) patience and a clear sky is needed for this option to work properly, and it will of course drink juice from the battery, so if there is an option to have it "on" only when the camera is, and not continuous, then select that!<br />
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With all camera purchases, please do some research first, a model that seems perfect for one person, might not be for another, so look at the list of features for each, read some reviews and visit some forums like those on <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/"TARGET="_blank">Digital Photography Review</a><br />
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I am looking to purchase one of these cameras in the next month or so, as a back-up to my <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-HS10-Digital-Camera/dp/B00342UTQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301745948&sr=8-1"TARGET="_blank">Fujifilm HS10</a>. Not all are available yet, so am waiting for the full reviews to emerge before making my decision.<br />
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The reason I carry 2 cameras while travelling, is that I like having my main camera for day to day stuff, hiking, nature, landscape etc.. but in the evenings when out for a meal or drink with fellow travellers, having a large camera round your neck is a bit of a liability, plus the HS10 is less than perfect in low light situations!<br />
A small compact P&S cam that fits in your pocket or sits in a pouch on your belt, is much less obvious to those that would like to part them from us!<br />
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Which one will I choose?.......well, the verdict is still out on that one, but I'm leaning towards the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-F550-Digital-Camera/dp/B004G8Q5Z6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&m=AVFFYZKWOYA48&s=generic&qid=1301743475&sr=1-7"TARGET="_blank">Fuji F550 EXR</a>, there are some good pics being shown from other parts of the world that have it already, and it uses the same sensor as the new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-HS20EXR-Digital-Camera/dp/B004G8Q61E/ref=dp_ob_title_ce"TARGET="_blank">HS20 EXR</a>, so am naturally interested in how it performs.<br />
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I might have even been tempted by the new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-HS20EXR-Digital-Camera/dp/B004G8Q61E/ref=dp_ob_title_ce"TARGET="_blank">HS20 EXR</a>, as it does seem to address a few of the HS10's shortcomings, but as I said in an older post, the fact that the EVF (viewfinder) has remained the same, and they still haven't added GPS to it, has ruled it out for now........ maybe in the HS30?<br />
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Which ever camera I choose, I will give it a thorough going over for you guys, as I am planning a few short haul trips this year around Europe, and will of course post the results............... in my usual laid back, light hearted and amateurish way! :-)<br />
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Happy shooting,<br />
DaveAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999942.200901 -24.84370049999999 68.555201 17.97175450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-83994763502388320712011-01-04T21:27:00.018+00:002011-04-02T14:24:19.276+01:00Map the MusicA slightly different post from the norm, but still one that is relevant to us all, no matter our background or where we are from.......Music<br />
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I don't know about you, but I can't live without my music, when on the road it's like having a friend along with you, whether it be driving in my car or flying high overhead with my headphones on!<br />
It can bring forth a feeling of calm, joy, sadness, horror and even transport you to another and hopefully happier place!<br />
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It comes in many forms, in fact, an infinite amount, and it still amazes me that all the variables have not been used up yet! but still, with new artists come new techniques and styles, each a little gem in their own way!<br />
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I am a great believer that some tunes/songs were always meant to be, waiting to be found!<br />
I'm not going to rattle off loads of examples here, as we all have our favorites, it would be boring if we didn't!<br />
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For me, it is a way of escapism, it takes me to another level of consciousness, of course, you have to listen to the right sort of music for this, mainly chillout or something smooth, like <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00007LTJ8?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00007LTJ8" target="_blank">The Karma Collection 2003</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00007LTJ8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00004Y33J?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00004Y33J" target="_blank">Chilled Ibiza</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00004Y33J" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> but the list is endless!<br />
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Recently I have been treating myself to a music download spree, from some new artists I had never heard of before, mainly thanks to two very talented people in their field, composer/singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.imogenheap.com/new_splash/index.html" target="_blank">Imogen Heap</a> and filmmaker <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mapthemusic" target="_blank">Samantha Hale</a>.<br />
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Immi and Sam</div><br />
Now, I had been a fan of Imogen's music for many years, when she was part of the group called Frou Frou with Guy Sigsworth (another very talented chap!) but it wasn't until a friend sent me a link to a YouTube music video on Facebook back in February 2010, that I really found out "who" I was listening to!<br />
I can't for the life of me remember who or what the original video was, but alongside it there was a list of similar songs, and one was by an Imogen Heap!<br />
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No idea why this name stood out from the rest, but I clicked on it only to hear a familiar song..............a live solo version of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDiCr7BNVY4" target="_blank">Let Go</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001KU8952" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
It was a defining moment for me, I was blown away by such raw talent, and was soon searching for more of the same!<br />
After watching countless other videos and downloading 3 of her albums, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000069HGV?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000069HGV" target="_blank">Details</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000069HGV" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000B7BZM4?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000B7BZM4" target="_blank">Speak for Yourself</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000B7BZM4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0028Y5MY0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0028Y5MY0" target="_blank">Ellipse</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0028Y5MY0" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (which she won a Grammy for) I looked to find out more info, and wondered if there were any concerts due, low and behold there was a UK tour that very month..............but was out of luck, as they were completely sold out!!<br />
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Gutted, but at the same time awed by the fact that a none mainstream artist had such a following, I signed up to Immi's Twitter and FB sites to stay up to date with any other concert info!<br />
I was not alone!.......she has a "huuuuge" social network fan base!<br />
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A few weeks later, I received a message saying she was going on a world tour, which would end with a special at her favorite venue of all time, the Royal Albert Hall in London.<br />
This was what I had been wishing for, and promptly bought 2 tickets (I'm single, but wanted to share this with at least one good friend!)<br />
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The year passed, with rave reviews from around the world being posted everywhere, and the news that the RAH concert would be the first place to show a concept film consisting of footage sent in by Immi's fans. Jointly conceived with Thomas Ermacora and called <i>"Love the Earth",</i> Immi would write the accompanying music and conduct a talented mix of fans and friends in an orchestra, which was to be recorded live at the show!<br />
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I did of course submit some HD footage for the film, from my Fuji HS10, some reeds blowing in the wind, and a jubilant Reed Bunting singing his heart out on another wind swept marshy reed, my hopes were high and my excitement was building ever more as the day drew near!<br />
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I invited my very good friend Blanche along with me, who I introduced to Immi's work a few months earlier. She is a very hard working individual, who is the joint Director and trustee of an organisation called <a href="http://reset-development.org/" target="_blank">Reset</a>, and Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology........... also a modest but talented musician, and now an Immi fan too!<br />
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No one deserved a day off more than Blanche, and we started off the magic day with a walk down Brick lane, until our bellies told us it was lunch time!<br />
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The weather could not have been worse, but it did not dampen our spirits, we talked so much the afternoon flew by, and were soon walking through Hyde Park (still in the rain!) towards the RAH for the 7.30pm start.<br />
A young couple stopped us and asked if we knew the way to the RAH as they didn't want to miss their favorite artist, we laughed and told them to tag along with us!<br />
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Now, I am well known for my sense of humor, and had told Blanche well in advance that she should probably bring along a pair of binoculars, as the "cheap seats" are far from the main stage, she did not, but I had mine in my bag with my camera so we could share.<br />
We were bang on time for entry, everyone seemed excited and very friendly, all very civilized.<br />
We entered at door 11, round the back, and down through some corridors, up some stairs and came right out next to the stage, we pirouetted on our heels, heads pointed skyward as we took in the majesty of the RAH.<br />
Blanche took one look at me and said <i>"I think were in the wrong place!"</i> then a friendly steward asked for our tickets, and said <i>"your right here, 4 rows back from the stage!"</i> (which I knew already of course!)<br />
I so wish I had my camera ready for the look on Blanche's face..............it was a picture, lol!!<br />
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The concert was truly amazing, one of if not the best I have ever been to, we even had to participate in a couple of the scores for the Film, and personally, I don't think I'll be head hunted by any labels very soon (or ever!) and I apologize to those who sat nearby! but just being part of it was a very special feeling!<br />
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It was sad that it had to come to an end, but am sure everyone involved was due a well earned rest, as we sat for a while, soaking it all in and letting the exiting crowds die down.<br />
We walked back down the corridors, almost alone, when a side door opens to another corridor and who should be walking towards us? yep, you guessed it, Immi herself!<br />
This was too good an opportunity to miss, so I politely waited for the right moment as she spoke to some other people, and asked if it would be OK if she signed a memento poster for me............. which she did! (thanks Immi :-)<br />
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A perfect end to a most memorable day, I didn't care that I got soaked to the skin 3 times, my film clips were not used and that I almost missed the last train home, I'd spent it in great company, friends and strangers alike, all with a common interest in a universal language....................MUSIC!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyhq_Ba6OTWWVEtiOED7MjYNJDXQmpg-TYeno1URgIiKJn5CYMK8WAJQSq35nAzNfexW54Ttn2uzOTj8AcpXDPqdCV0xTCUs6NRUkax1GH6dHNW8pEdVUFPCEAAvpvku-Rq46dg2nJYw2/s1600/jsw_dscf5086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyhq_Ba6OTWWVEtiOED7MjYNJDXQmpg-TYeno1URgIiKJn5CYMK8WAJQSq35nAzNfexW54Ttn2uzOTj8AcpXDPqdCV0xTCUs6NRUkax1GH6dHNW8pEdVUFPCEAAvpvku-Rq46dg2nJYw2/s320/jsw_dscf5086.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D2pNDFu2GXoeloiFXxOHfvv_hycMCabFS98aQpf3_0PCar12hdrKjEvD2E9GLc3dAjKcRvlVoITMW66MZceD8LPel96Qz6XXWbsX6McJ95k6f-QCjMjPM2rxCrSPZQnBC1otoX6L9wfF/s1600/jsw_dscf5098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D2pNDFu2GXoeloiFXxOHfvv_hycMCabFS98aQpf3_0PCar12hdrKjEvD2E9GLc3dAjKcRvlVoITMW66MZceD8LPel96Qz6XXWbsX6McJ95k6f-QCjMjPM2rxCrSPZQnBC1otoX6L9wfF/s320/jsw_dscf5098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Along with the poster, I'd also bought Imogen's DVD called "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003UNN5UQ?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003UNN5UQ" target="_blank">Everything In-Between</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003UNN5UQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" the story about how her latest album <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0028Y5MY0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0028Y5MY0" target="_blank">Ellipse</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0028Y5MY0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> was made, a wonderful backstage look at the creative process, along with the highs and lows of one of the countries most innovative singer/songwriters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjldKbU4xZE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trailer for Everything In-Between</div><br />
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It was sort of through this DVD that I came across <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaptheMusic" target="_blank">Samantha Hale's</a> film called <a href="http://mapthemusic.com/">Map the Music</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FlEB9d7f7s04uK0YFx9xMpHmukRCvD1kU3njCJ7p3fQnmkLrpGdYu7nQCsyhRmuFqYlln7DmLrz5bR4j9QT6Xp3R02tQkcv-qFASSdf5csxVbv0emBoWqPJZtyJ6IMb29GzHSxrPb75/s1600/official-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7FlEB9d7f7s04uK0YFx9xMpHmukRCvD1kU3njCJ7p3fQnmkLrpGdYu7nQCsyhRmuFqYlln7DmLrz5bR4j9QT6Xp3R02tQkcv-qFASSdf5csxVbv0emBoWqPJZtyJ6IMb29GzHSxrPb75/s320/official-cover.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
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Sam is a wonderfully talented individual in her own right, and through the wonders of social networks, has become a friend, and deserves every credit for this unique insight into the relationship artists and fans have with music and each other.<br />
Immi features in this also, along with a list of other such talented artist like;<br />
<a href="http://zoekeating.com/" target="_blank">Zoe Keating</a><br />
<a href="http://katehavnevik.com/" target="_blank">Kate Havnevik</a><br />
<a href="http://toriamos.com/" target="_blank">Tori Amos</a><br />
<a href="http://carybrothers.com/" target="_blank">Cary Brothers</a><br />
<a href="http://charlottemartin.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte Martin</a><br />
<a href="http://web.mac.com/chris.elms/GuySigsworth.com/Guy_Sigsworth.com.html" target="_blank">Guy Sigsworth</a><br />
<a href="http://jimbianco.com/index.php?page=homepage" target="_blank">Jim Bianco</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rachaelyamagata.com/" target="_blank">Rachael Yamagata</a><br />
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/schuylerfisk" target="_blank">Schuyler Fisk</a><br />
......and many more!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OGS3VAvxG3o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Map the Music trailer</div><br />
The film is also a compelling account of Sam's journey after the sad death of her father.<br />
Her love of music and filmmaking sent her on a road of discovery, travelling from concert to concert, following her favorite artists around the world, and asking them and their fans a simple question.................what does music mean to you?<br />
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In so doing, deep questions were answered within herself, as she explains openly in one scene, with tears streaming down her face!.....a heart warming moment!<br />
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Well done Samantha, you had a dream and saw it through, what a wonderful accomplishment!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Throughly recommended, get it here; <a href="http://www.insound.com/Map-the-Music-DVD-Samantha-Hale/P/INS78992/" target="_blank">"Map the Music"</a> </div><br />
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I asked myself the same question, and apart from "escapism" as I mentioned before, memories would come next!<br />
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There have been many moments in my varied life, when a certain tune is locked in with a certain memory, some good, some bad, as that's what makes them all the more memorable!<br />
Take <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001GRXS3C?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001GRXS3C" target="_blank">A Horse With No Name</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001GRXS3C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by America, a classic song from my childhood, and whenever I hear it, it transports me straight back to the Keepers cottage we lived in near the Welsh border in north Shropshire when I was about 5 or 6 years old, a wonderful place in the countryside with a large garden, great for exploring nature!<br />
My parents used to play it regularly on their record player during the summer months, windows open, where it used to emanate into the garden. Of course I was riding around on my own horse with no name, other than broom or spade!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002G2GSUQ?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002G2GSUQ" target="_blank">Amazing Grace</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002G2GSUQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is another powerful song that reminds me of another more recent event.<br />
I did a nine week tour (a bit of soul searching after my divorce) round America and Canada back in 2004 with 11 others (mostly students)<br />
It was a great group of people, all strangers to start with, and it took a little while but we became great friends, then at the end of the 5th week, there was a fatal accident!<br />
We had one of the few lazy days in our schedule, and spent it at Lake Powell in Utah. A huge body of fresh water surrounded by red rock cliffs and small sand-less beaches, a great water sports playground!<br />
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To cut a long story short, one of the group jumped off a high cliff into the water, never to be seen again!<br />
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He was 23, an adventurer, and generally a great guy, up for a challenge, hence the cliff jumping.<br />
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Later that day, after returning to the campground from the Sheriffs office, we met with another group doing a similar trip who we had met a few days before at another camp, they couldn't believe the bad news, and asked us to join them round the camp fire they had made.<br />
One of their group was singing and playing a few songs on his guitar (Scot I believe his name was, from Australia and he was very good!) the atmosphere was of course very sombre, when he asked if it would be OK if he played a song in memory of our friend........he played and sang Amazing Grace.................... a catalyst for our grief to overflow!<br />
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I guess the same song or piece of music can have an infinite amount of different effects on each and every one of us, so it is a very personal emotion. Magnify that by watching an artist live, and you can see why such events are so popular!<br />
It is a leveler of playing fields, a universal language that transcends boundaries and differences, and evokes a happy ethic (generally!)<br />
It helps us through difficult times, and celebrates the better ones.<br />
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What would a film be without a soundtrack, nursery rhymes without children, or a country without an anthem?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Music..............it's what makes us human!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qRrPdDUqI78?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ax84xcaLfHs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-82400485413468460672011-01-04T12:22:00.010+00:002011-04-02T14:12:51.817+01:00HS10, some more findings! plus HS20 EXRA short update to my review of the HS10, sorry about the delay, been rather busy of late!<br />
Oh...... and Happy New Year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtofiCgUGOl_IMZsESYxGgU7tU6F7RXb6w7TBo3hQIRvXWiYKwkfF3DlffAB1E-qhlBErXcbe7eabGQsiw1_GlGYEl_IqzeKvdZYr2GuFkaWnOilAStZdcSwyiYh-xwcrsamTpF2sZIZ7x/s1600/nobackground+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtofiCgUGOl_IMZsESYxGgU7tU6F7RXb6w7TBo3hQIRvXWiYKwkfF3DlffAB1E-qhlBErXcbe7eabGQsiw1_GlGYEl_IqzeKvdZYr2GuFkaWnOilAStZdcSwyiYh-xwcrsamTpF2sZIZ7x/s320/nobackground+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I finally managed to find a product that did exactly what I wanted it to do, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6" target="_blank">Milliput</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
If you remember in my last post, I had a little problem of accidentally hitting the playback button with the palm of my hand while shooting. I tried Black Fimo, but it just wouldn't air dry enough and broke away, so I searched for a replacement modeling putty that did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000UUJ2S6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000UUJ2S6" target="_blank">Milliput</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000UUJ2S6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> black is a two part epoxy putty that goes rock hard in a few hours at room temperature, and I molded a small amount around the playback button on my camera (see below pic), which solved the problem!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, it only needs a small raised piece to prevent my palm from hitting the button. Care is needed to not cover the battery bay and card reader doors, the latter I used to indent a similar textured look so it blends in as if it was meant to be there, a cheap, neat and very handy addition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm open to talks with Fuji if they wish to use the design in future models, lol!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few months ago I went to my friends apartment in Menorca, an annual event with 3 good friends, purely for a very relaxing break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was the first time I've used my HS10 outside the UK, and as we only take 1 piece of carry on luggage, had to pack light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I managed to get my new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003S4JQS2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003S4JQS2" target="_blank">Technoline BL700 Intelligent AA - AAA Battery Charger</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003S4JQS2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and several packs of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000IDUOPA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000IDUOPA" target="_blank">Sanyo Eneloop AA Batteries</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000IDUOPA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> into my duffel bag, along with my monopod, binoculars and a change of clothes etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B003S4JQS2" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing unusual there I hear you say! but when I tell you that I conditioned the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000IDUOPA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000IDUOPA" target="_blank">Eneloops</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000IDUOPA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>before leaving with the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003S4JQS2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003S4JQS2" target="_blank">BL700</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003S4JQS2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a series of discharge/charges to optimize each cell, I put one set in the camera and they lasted the whole trip!<br />
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I took nearly 500 images (all jpg), some panoramic, some flash, a few videos, and countless times reviewing and showing my friends the pics on the LCD screen, and I still hadn't seen any sign of the battery low warning light yet!! Admittedly, I used the viewfinder most of the time, and the "Single AF" focus mode for the lens, but thats still pretty impressive!<br />
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If that wasn't good enough, a week later, I had a day out at Beaulieu in the New Forest, and took another 220 photos before the same batteries eventually gave up the ghost!<br />
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To me, this is quite remarkable, it just goes to show how far AA's have come in recent years, and a huge thumbs up for <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000IDUOPA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000IDUOPA" target="_blank">Sanyo's Eneloops</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000IDUOPA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003S4JQS2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003S4JQS2" target="_blank">Technoline BL700 Charger</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003S4JQS2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B000IDUOPA" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><br />
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This is very beneficial to the traveler, as you only really need 2 sets for your camera now. When charged each night with a good charger (not a fast charger), a set will last all day of heavy use, and maybe two or more as in my case, but take a spare just in case!<br />
Secondly, it means opening up your camera to the elements less frequently, which is always handy when on a far off dusty trail somewhere!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Below are a few pictures taken on the Menorca trip.<br />
Please click image for a larger look!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-ru2Cd4vg6NoRdJn-ZmnnjAykuSKG2rhGKwcsAV9l2K_vAuewumQR1_AOHvx8LY5o47kWCTMYyANnpeHC10ppZcKVvwlYxaVcXy_jh27muEKZjq4p5k-jpk1Sw_Gr_9KBFkKgTcMUNt/s1600/DSCF4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-ru2Cd4vg6NoRdJn-ZmnnjAykuSKG2rhGKwcsAV9l2K_vAuewumQR1_AOHvx8LY5o47kWCTMYyANnpeHC10ppZcKVvwlYxaVcXy_jh27muEKZjq4p5k-jpk1Sw_Gr_9KBFkKgTcMUNt/s400/DSCF4360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Swallowtail</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDfpaTdCPepB5upnciRV14WZeS2W0p-rbqCVEYW7tKlhvKrRTCNews3UmAQldBUKl2_n1igupfq1km5XLXA7GhSmfalw8QfHUeiPnTAGsJzhoFVbIJxbZZa5qPXZJnu4U0ZCKy3nlOTAs/s1600/DSCF4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDfpaTdCPepB5upnciRV14WZeS2W0p-rbqCVEYW7tKlhvKrRTCNews3UmAQldBUKl2_n1igupfq1km5XLXA7GhSmfalw8QfHUeiPnTAGsJzhoFVbIJxbZZa5qPXZJnu4U0ZCKy3nlOTAs/s400/DSCF4326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lizards everywhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEQy_OBEa7t98Apvx2v7DVnLYhcu1hejTVhwLT0PyoF5b8WbHKbt4qeuRZ3Y4Cr8mBJivacdXeQTnmIvDwmPRkGsSHjeZHX7dfMaoFKLIiXB6JRHAvBSc0lZat3L7pZ2e96ztpWfF6auY/s1600/DSCF4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEQy_OBEa7t98Apvx2v7DVnLYhcu1hejTVhwLT0PyoF5b8WbHKbt4qeuRZ3Y4Cr8mBJivacdXeQTnmIvDwmPRkGsSHjeZHX7dfMaoFKLIiXB6JRHAvBSc0lZat3L7pZ2e96ztpWfF6auY/s400/DSCF4340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A giant Tortoise............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW_FVgnaFfjGtSvvkWnj3388GCWsZH0UoFEv_5qDo92gqrbf2gjLXv2iYuIp7pCgHQTsYuXbP00JAfclJwbVzuNWdellQ4DZyQLTbEv0BeUW4KwtbRMblbvmL9xswvO1I7j30hofWX6jA/s1600/DSCF4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW_FVgnaFfjGtSvvkWnj3388GCWsZH0UoFEv_5qDo92gqrbf2gjLXv2iYuIp7pCgHQTsYuXbP00JAfclJwbVzuNWdellQ4DZyQLTbEv0BeUW4KwtbRMblbvmL9xswvO1I7j30hofWX6jA/s400/DSCF4343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">well......not so big then, lol!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a few from Beaulieu. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the motor museum was quite dark, and as I dislike the flat effect </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">flash can have on some pictures, I decided to up the ISO instead</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l8kG1dR_AjEQl_R80boOz2UoDOSQRr99GMLlmBtAZT_iUjSlgeywJtRvsK4OvlcFgHdxuk2U0KieR7h-sZNMt-HpCff7Bf5Y3-DetoS-Rh7TQkY66tCToiZkvJMTsyPBP3tb75tqIrfh/s1600/DSCF4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l8kG1dR_AjEQl_R80boOz2UoDOSQRr99GMLlmBtAZT_iUjSlgeywJtRvsK4OvlcFgHdxuk2U0KieR7h-sZNMt-HpCff7Bf5Y3-DetoS-Rh7TQkY66tCToiZkvJMTsyPBP3tb75tqIrfh/s400/DSCF4945.JPG" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.....lost moments of musical memories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, it didn't take as long as I thought it would, but Fuji have released details of the HS10's successor!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The HS20 EXR</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list of improvements include;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul style="color: black;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All-new 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.0 inch tilting rear LCD with 460,000 pixels and new Rich User Interface using Vector fonts and graphics</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full resolution high speed shooting at 8fps, high speed video capture at up to 320 fps (320 x 112 pixels)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advanced Anti-blur technologies</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1600% wide dynamic range</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Longer battery life (up to 350 frames with 4 x AA batteries)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Electronic Horizon level function</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV) format</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New 27 mode EXR Auto mode</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colour fringe reduction and improved corner sharpness</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Film simulation modes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quick start mode</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">360° Motion Panorama mode</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TTL flash control with optional external flashes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remote release with the RR-80</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lens hood included</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photobook Assist function</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from the welcome modifications to the sensor and LCD screen, and inclusion of TTL flash and remote control, all which will have to be tested to see if they make any marked improvement, I think the biggest omission is there seems to be no improvement to the electronic viewfinder.....a big mistake!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It looks pretty much identical to the HS10, although I do believe that the flash housing does not cover quite as much lens, to facilitate easier zooming.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a bad time to get a bargain on the barely 1 year old brand new HS10 then?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B00342UTQ6" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or pre-order the new HS20 EXR</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B004G8Q61E" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">You can also find some very interesting stuff about the HS10/20 and other Fuji cameras at the <a href="http://eyemindsoul.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EyeMindSoul</a> blog </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">written by fellow dpreviewer Dave Lloyd</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">He has mastered the HS10 more than anyone else I know, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: white;">well worth the visit for his insight into camera settings and wonderful galleries!</i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-69315053923981917492010-08-08T18:16:00.020+01:002011-02-03T12:02:59.909+00:00Fujifilm HS10 review, as a travel camera!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji HS10</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Firstly, I'd like to apologize for this very long post if anyone is having trouble with loading the page, it should be divided into several separate pages, but having some issues with the new Blogger and page layout at the moment!!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Sorry about that, working on a solution!!</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Hope you enjoy anyway? :-)</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As promised (if a little later than anticipated!), here is my layman's opinion of the Fujifilm HS10, and why it ranks as one of the best bridge cameras for nature loving travelers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With a 10 megapixel, 24-720mm manual zoom lens, a large tilting LCD screen and a host of new features, it has caused quite a stir since it's launch earlier in 2010.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am no professional photographer here, just a keen amateur who knows what he likes in a travel camera, so there will be no high tech jargon about pixel count, IQ, the size of the sensor or RAW images in this review, just my likes and dislikes, a list of accessories that might be useful, a comparison with the camera it's replacing (Minolta A200), and a collection of jpeg images that may or may not have been tweaked in a free editing suit like Picassa or Live Photo Gallery.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NxLGcRkXMLjVX_Z-qD0vTdmXFatUIBH4JtIld27hAjTEm-s2qxvvs_kNq8bWH7HbSK7Jn6qFIXzxeztfGLoeilUw1-C1Kxtdfz_gfVH2lUdvvq1y0gt_oueVJEXk2HCs7eP8y0US0q0E/s1600/03082010007+-+Copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NxLGcRkXMLjVX_Z-qD0vTdmXFatUIBH4JtIld27hAjTEm-s2qxvvs_kNq8bWH7HbSK7Jn6qFIXzxeztfGLoeilUw1-C1Kxtdfz_gfVH2lUdvvq1y0gt_oueVJEXk2HCs7eP8y0US0q0E/s320/03082010007+-+Copy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12.7315px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HS10 and my old Minolta A200 which feels more like a toy in comparison!</span></i></span></td></tr>
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Out of the box</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I liked it straight from the off, a good size, not too bulky, it feels solid with good balance, looks every bit like one of the smaller entry level DSLR's, but without the interchangeable lenses. The body is made pretty much entirely of tough plastic and rubber with a crinkle finish which affords a good grip. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When you grab the camera with your right hand, it seems instinctive to cradle the lens barrel from underneath with your left, sitting it on the palm. This makes for a fairly steady stance for taking photos with your eye to the EVF (electronic viewfinder), with upper arms resting down across your chest, thumb and fingers at the ready for composing your shot with the smooth zoom - just over a quarter of a turn does wide to full telephoto.... impressive!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Overall, size, finish, button layout, lens and large tilting LCD screen also impressed, and just what the discerning traveler is looking for, a compact, good handling, jack of all trades camera to cover most situations!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now lets get down to the more important stuff!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The EVF</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To be honest, I am a little disappointed. It's adequate, but could be greatly improved by being bigger and brighter. There are no adjustments other than a diopter dial on the side - for individual eye adjustment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The EVF is my preferred way of taking pics, and I have now learned to accept it's limitations. It's far from being perfect, but then few things are!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It does have an automatic Eye Sensor setting, if you need it, that switches off the LCD when you use the EVF (something that the Minolta has had for years). I never used it then either, but that's me, you might love it!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhQG8oJ2cI/AAAAAAAAAt8/eM4gnLujzOA/s1600/PICT0006.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhQG8oJ2cI/AAAAAAAAAt8/eM4gnLujzOA/s320/PICT0006.JPE" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">EVF with eye sensor to the right, and diopter wheel on left</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LCD screen</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is quite a nice large 3" tilting screen that does come in handy when getting into some awkward spots. It's a little difficult to see when in bright sunshine, but then I haven't seen one that isn't! Would be even nicer if it swiveled like the A200, and had a higher resolution that many other newer cameras are being shipped with these days. I guess Fuji are trying the market with this flagship model, and all our reservations and wishes will be included in the Mk 11 version........wouldn't that be great??</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Travelling to foreign countries and taking pics of local people usually leaves me in a bit of a quandary. The last thing you want to do is just snap away without a care and upset someone - I know I wouldn't like it! But sometimes, if you stop to ask, the moment has been lost and the shot doesn't look so natural. This is where the HS10 comes into it's own. Sit somewhere quite, holding the camera down low, or even resting on a table, tilt the LCD up for a clear view, zoom in, and snap! Much better than looking like one of the paparazzi!</span><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7WuvDTQBfXQrn0jlizF-8mFhVbvb8m1YV1Ahz4w2oIsy6b2VVKhtuPfpOt3Hhp3igdI231AeLwm60klCrXTJDrjrDx9N1zzSztQKjdNX30_iZX9M3PLdZI5LnXgmrsQgl9nhyphenhyphengQWXAun/s320/PICT0023.JPE" width="320" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">LCD screen tilts 90 degrees up and about 45 down</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3vwwXVrVR85ujE1acfydKFXO7tKRKoSlrBE5kpEJoCF9oyWiC6tO5AhqLpNkNXhxITplkCMCGIlhVyrvh-CccKc-NOUD7apVq8b6-oCZ5maiHstguc-DMoNPAnFxkHQTOiaSS8KYzFVJ/s1600/PICT0034.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3vwwXVrVR85ujE1acfydKFXO7tKRKoSlrBE5kpEJoCF9oyWiC6tO5AhqLpNkNXhxITplkCMCGIlhVyrvh-CccKc-NOUD7apVq8b6-oCZ5maiHstguc-DMoNPAnFxkHQTOiaSS8KYzFVJ/s320/PICT0034.JPE" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Notice the </i></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0034ODUBA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0034ODUBA" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>GGS Pro Glass Screen Protector</i></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0034ODUBA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, a great piece of kit, and highly recommended.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i> (yes it is made for the 40D/50D Canons, but that also happens to be the exact size for the HS10</i></span></span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Menu and Button Layout</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The menu is fairly easy to find your way around, with lots of settings to choose from. There is much talk about these in places like </span><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">dpreview</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, just search for HS10 in the Fujifilm Talk forum. Even then, play around with them till you find something you like!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhQH-OgbFI/AAAAAAAAAuE/RJYpLicaZfI/s320/PICT0009.JPE" width="240" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Direct Shooting Buttons</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnQJsrUEgNMIUrJtB5065FGvihHUSzZpvPqaKrmUajgyle4TkE7SPTtXtbxvDrdrRhWiDrD08rd5aZmozSw5w8ZcJ2D7uKTx7t6ECPB3mdprp3M8IUxcr7884DXqDrL6sLXf2rMP_v8nO/s1600/PICT0030.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnQJsrUEgNMIUrJtB5065FGvihHUSzZpvPqaKrmUajgyle4TkE7SPTtXtbxvDrdrRhWiDrD08rd5aZmozSw5w8ZcJ2D7uKTx7t6ECPB3mdprp3M8IUxcr7884DXqDrL6sLXf2rMP_v8nO/s320/PICT0030.JPE" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnQJsrUEgNMIUrJtB5065FGvihHUSzZpvPqaKrmUajgyle4TkE7SPTtXtbxvDrdrRhWiDrD08rd5aZmozSw5w8ZcJ2D7uKTx7t6ECPB3mdprp3M8IUxcr7884DXqDrL6sLXf2rMP_v8nO/s1600/PICT0030.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Large Mode dial and smaller one for use with Direct Shooting Buttons</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Down the left side are the Direct Shooting Buttons: ISO (sensitivity), AE (auto-exposure), AF (auto-focus), AF C/S/M (focus mode), and WB (white balance) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Simple to use, press one you wish to change and dial the correct setting with the right hand mode dial. This works very well and is a welcome addition - the use of two components at the same time makes sure that no changes are made to the settings by hitting a button accidentally.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One button that is easy to hit by mistake is the playback button. It sits on the lower right side, just below the round silver Selector Button.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhQHGM7xcI/AAAAAAAAAuA/dJalxL9XBNs/s1600/PICT0007.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhQHGM7xcI/AAAAAAAAAuA/dJalxL9XBNs/s320/PICT0007.JPE" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Selector button has many functions, pretty commonplace these days</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The amount of times I have hit this with the palm of my hand during shooting is getting beyond a joke. I plan to get a little bit of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015UQAR6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0015UQAR6" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Black Fimo</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0015UQAR6" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> (a craft modeling clay that normally oven dries but can be air dried in a warm airing cupboard - given enough time) to build the body up around the right hand side of the button where my palm rests. Other types of modeling clay like Power Putty will work just as well, although you would have to change the colour. I will post the results when I finish it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://toptravelgear.blogspot.com/2011/01/hs10-some-more-findings.html">Click here to see this fix!</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Video</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The video button is also a great feature (the one with the orange dot). No matter what mode you are in while taking pictures, press this and you are straight into videoing whatever you're pointed at!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Video is pre-set in the menu, HD 1080p, HD 720, 640 and 320, with a multitude of high speed options. Be warned though, the higher the speeds, the lower the resolution. The maximum 1000fps renders the movie so small it's almost useless - although it is fun to play with!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My preference is to leave it on 720 at 30fps, which is very smooth and quite adequate for my needs. But it's always nice to have a little extra if needed!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When on occasion that I have used high speed video, the 120fps setting gave very good results. Do remember to switch it back to normal speeds afterwards, or the next time you go to use it, it will still be in high speed mode!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There has been concerns on the forums about severe shaking in the HD video results. All I can say is, when using a powerful lens like this one, use a tripod!! Every minute vibration will be magnified the same amount of times as the picture. Clench your fist tightly.....can you feel your blood pumping? Multiply that by 30 times and I think you'll get the picture!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This goes for any camera, so at the very least, brace yourself against a wall, car or something solid, or use a mono/tripod. Anything to minimize the human element.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The manual zoom is not the best while shooting video. I'd recommend sticking to a pre-set zoom range for each take and changing it in between. I've tried to zoom during shooting and it is jerky at best. If video is your thing, then get a dedicated video recorder. The HS10 has it as a welcome addition, but it is not meant to be it's main feature.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Lens</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This award winning lens has a huge range - 24-720mm, that's wider than average (28 is the norm) to a whopping great 30x magnification!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The perfect traveling camera, in my eyes, has to have a long reach manual zoom in a compact form, and the HS10 has that in spades. It's one of the main features that perspective buyers are looking for, and although there are other superzoom bridge cameras out there - namely the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036YDDP6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0036YDDP6" target="_blank">Olympus SP-800UZ</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0036YDDP6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036WN2F4?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0036WN2F4" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nikon P100</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0036WN2F4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which have power zoomed 28-840 (30x) and 26-678mm (26x) lenses respectively - the HS10 leads the way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My preference has always been a manual zoom. It's just a natural and quick way to frame a picture - none of this zoom button pushing, first one way, then the other because you missed the best spot. It's also noisy, annoying and drinks battery juice (but it is handy for videoing ;-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhTBDribVI/AAAAAAAAAu4/hnQPc1YWGnI/s1600/PICT0027.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhTBDribVI/AAAAAAAAAu4/hnQPc1YWGnI/s400/PICT0027.JPE" width="275" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lens fully extended</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With all that range, there has to be some sort of anti-shake on board, and Fuji have added 4 options of Image Stabilization (5 if you count Off): Continuous, Shooting only, Continuous + Digital and Shooting only + Digital.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My preference is Shooting only, as it does save on battery life compared to Continuous. I've not got round to trying the Digital IS yet. Even then, it doesn't hurt to use a mono/tripod as well when at the long end for extra steady shots.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My choice of added stability as a traveler is the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000923HCC?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000923HCC" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Velbon Ultra Stick L50</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000923HCC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> monopod. It's only 35cm when collapsed, 155cm fully extended, and uses a great twist and lock mechanism, which means there are no protruding knobs or levers to snag on anything. I've also topped it off with the excellent </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002N5CV8Y?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002N5CV8Y" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002N5CV8Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fully extended, it is the perfect height for my 6ft 1" frame. So I'm pretty much good to go, and never leave home without them!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakSngehQP481pRF1YDA2zxhY0P9uqLVwNRs0QnkHCeDnHHx-zvnAYwzcA485F1nFln9L6snX1LzztLde2maAsHZdLdnam1hZvMPHndg2srvy4CyczaYhyphenhyphencPkcjcUES7yGxuvmY8lf7OhR/s1600/DSCF4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakSngehQP481pRF1YDA2zxhY0P9uqLVwNRs0QnkHCeDnHHx-zvnAYwzcA485F1nFln9L6snX1LzztLde2maAsHZdLdnam1hZvMPHndg2srvy4CyczaYhyphenhyphencPkcjcUES7yGxuvmY8lf7OhR/s400/DSCF4057.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A super slick stick, the</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000923HCC?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000923HCC" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Velbon Ultra Stick L50</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000923HCC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNs4j647wuvNqdBcIzzjvWTguamIhXXRj1xyANaR5zkJ9g4sgun-tsaAD7W9Il98xsuhf7YU2x5aW4ey3JuXMKP-A2XYrp_7BCc6DbAsU8S3_XtY28OzWttbddnxcbmdYObtNllQgYw76/s1600/DSCF4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNs4j647wuvNqdBcIzzjvWTguamIhXXRj1xyANaR5zkJ9g4sgun-tsaAD7W9Il98xsuhf7YU2x5aW4ey3JuXMKP-A2XYrp_7BCc6DbAsU8S3_XtY28OzWttbddnxcbmdYObtNllQgYw76/s320/DSCF4055.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The excellent</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002N5CV8Y?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002N5CV8Y" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002N5CV8Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made myself a neat strap that utilizes the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001HFG6R8?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001HFG6R8" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manfrotto 200PL release plate</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001HFG6R8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which has a strong metal D ring underneath for tightening the thread onto your camera. It uses easily available 1 inch black webbing, a few black plastic buckles and a very strong Acetal plastic snap hook so there's no metal parts banging against your precious camera!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFmOeaNmzCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/zG0IFnKFHjg/s1600/PICT0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFmOeaNmzCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/zG0IFnKFHjg/s320/PICT0004.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manfrotto QD plate with D-ring and snap hook from home made strap</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Based on other designs I've seen costing over £50, I have made quite a few very cheaply and use them for my binoculars too. In use, the camera hangs down your side and is very quickly brought up to shooting position with one hand. When I mount the camera to my monopod, I unclip the strap, attach the already fixed plate into the Ball Head, clip the strap to the monopod and away I go!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also works well when wearing a rucksack or underneath a jacket when it's raining.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MK8IipWfISGbwOjK4NW6o2R-rVjWzdUH0LSSarhOSFgnsKvHr6TW4UBUo-5QcDEM_zH-DYbehF7jdNG5_fXVLWScVOQMlK1SPQHkCJ6HDc_6z5ozG9hd2-IWW8nyCmNFOx0htb8zAuEh/s1600/PICT0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MK8IipWfISGbwOjK4NW6o2R-rVjWzdUH0LSSarhOSFgnsKvHr6TW4UBUo-5QcDEM_zH-DYbehF7jdNG5_fXVLWScVOQMlK1SPQHkCJ6HDc_6z5ozG9hd2-IWW8nyCmNFOx0htb8zAuEh/s320/PICT0007.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I find this much better than having the camera banging against my chest all day!</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Any reservations you may have about the strength of the tripod mounting thread on the HS10, or the D ring and snap hook, have been dispelled by months of trails and long walks, with no signs of weakness at all!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The only slight inconvenience is the QD plate must be removed to change the batteries - a once a day occurrence at most.... more about batteries later!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFmOffbIeKI/AAAAAAAAAzI/DbPKBkdtsUs/s1600/PICT0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFmOffbIeKI/AAAAAAAAAzI/DbPKBkdtsUs/s320/PICT0009.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even with monopod attached it is still easy to carry, and ready at a moments notice</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are some of the first shots taken with the HS10/ Velbon/Manfrotto combo; </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">this is a full wideangle of the RSPB visitor center (middle, on the horizon), </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">at Rainham Marshes in Essex UK, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on a dullish overcast day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbWv4x2hela-sPpGUAGywsMVNEcZJu5Bizz1wT8VCwDFCQf9RHUMvxxmTCHJ91NBedK-9qZabx7LqGevP53J7JcAZd2frQRfjUr9ySudLExmLhGZG5Cxd0c2XiDGCHcRt_MQaxu6DTUCi/s1600/DSCF0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbWv4x2hela-sPpGUAGywsMVNEcZJu5Bizz1wT8VCwDFCQf9RHUMvxxmTCHJ91NBedK-9qZabx7LqGevP53J7JcAZd2frQRfjUr9ySudLExmLhGZG5Cxd0c2XiDGCHcRt_MQaxu6DTUCi/s640/DSCF0401.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">672 yds to the Visitor Center, as measured on Google Earth</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxExmfTKndl4InvExnY3djjVytrt0j9J2e5beayLZGlANMSeoiGk3XWQGaxDFdgld97d9ZiwyUVnJJxMu3gSWErbUFh1sCAQW110opFSDAgH7zKo1M8uFccrDQxHJC-kRvfZV2zWGDcxMB/s1600/DSCF0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxExmfTKndl4InvExnY3djjVytrt0j9J2e5beayLZGlANMSeoiGk3XWQGaxDFdgld97d9ZiwyUVnJJxMu3gSWErbUFh1sCAQW110opFSDAgH7zKo1M8uFccrDQxHJC-kRvfZV2zWGDcxMB/s640/DSCF0408.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is at full zoom (30x) from same position.</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslzvDmXfRRQYAl1zp9C9IOfrc0o2ZbkwHpbxccsZFiwCm7fcBPBWtZYBlPGHRXWv1BSdZoFgKGVcQr26AQyDPtWmRZJuvdpEXbl00zJv5J9MfRkFGM079nxLppSeGoeSAUKTqN0tpaCOa/s1600/DSCF0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslzvDmXfRRQYAl1zp9C9IOfrc0o2ZbkwHpbxccsZFiwCm7fcBPBWtZYBlPGHRXWv1BSdZoFgKGVcQr26AQyDPtWmRZJuvdpEXbl00zJv5J9MfRkFGM079nxLppSeGoeSAUKTqN0tpaCOa/s640/DSCF0410.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is full zoom plus 2x digital</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As you can see from these not so interesting pics (one of my first real attempts to compare the zoom), the range is just what you need to bring in your subject from afar - so long as you keep a steady hand. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What amazes me is how on earth did Fuji manage to cram so much into such a compact lens? No wonder it won design awards!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwyexEJpaWFu4Jivg4qQTPTzffIodFjS9FI7uosnd3knK3k-gSLehVEGAzunDzn-1YYCltFg0-5iSshGAgggwhE_XXOXpadF1AWnPQFiioCQcooy-r8j9t40LnktKjacvxwHVM0vwFVF5/s1600/PICT0016.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwyexEJpaWFu4Jivg4qQTPTzffIodFjS9FI7uosnd3knK3k-gSLehVEGAzunDzn-1YYCltFg0-5iSshGAgggwhE_XXOXpadF1AWnPQFiioCQcooy-r8j9t40LnktKjacvxwHVM0vwFVF5/s320/PICT0016.JPE" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hear it is with an original </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/consumer/digital/digital-accessories/spares/lens-hood-for-finepix-s6500fd-s9500-s9600-16830" target="_blank">Fuji sun shade/lens hood</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> attached, which does not come with the camera (come on Fuji!). Mine stays on almost permanently via the bayonet fitting, which leaves enough room for attaching filters/converters and of course the lens cap. The hood can cause a slight shadow on the bottom of the pic when using the flash on close-ups - a minor inconvenience easily cured by removing it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also have a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00006H2F2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00006H2F2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hoya 58mm UV Filter</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00006H2F2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which stays on as a lens dust cover, and a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000KL7J3A?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000KL7J3A" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hoya 58mm PRO1 Digital Circular PL Filter</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000KL7J3A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, for those snowy/sunny countries, and days that don't occur too much over here, lol!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At no time have I ever experienced any vignetting at wideangle using these filters, something that constantly plagued my Minolta's 28-200mm (7x) lens. Basically I had to zoom in a little or do some cropping in post production, so that is another very welcome addition (or should I say "omission"?) to my upgrade! :-)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The following few pics are from a recent trip to North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, showing some full zoom shots and why it is so handy to have that extra reach when hiking in the wilderness!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HUMNiF18vAq1RD3s8Hg0V1Pzl6PCa2YwPB_lOqG_FeKfnlE0m_xH2OsOEfb9CHgfWbAtzYZJpleZt82Q1fvQb65DylqX7ciGb2ahPlchYA2uZXYe7nM6SRbshAuMdbWzxTP79A6fAxbC/s1600/DSCF1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HUMNiF18vAq1RD3s8Hg0V1Pzl6PCa2YwPB_lOqG_FeKfnlE0m_xH2OsOEfb9CHgfWbAtzYZJpleZt82Q1fvQb65DylqX7ciGb2ahPlchYA2uZXYe7nM6SRbshAuMdbWzxTP79A6fAxbC/s640/DSCF1136.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meadow Pipit, </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f/5.6, 1/240sec, ISO-200, 126mm (full zoom)</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_RNPIJY543qF4ENAYJJwcJyFKUcK5tmnmUjULwC785Fue8ul4nf_O7zTjf3xqxVMiqyd1T4oyFJ7fMFDh0LvVGvXcVDy1wB1_dyW2eMkHMGcnZp2VDsX65ec93CeJUukGVDFZ6xO7mJU/s1600/DSCF1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_RNPIJY543qF4ENAYJJwcJyFKUcK5tmnmUjULwC785Fue8ul4nf_O7zTjf3xqxVMiqyd1T4oyFJ7fMFDh0LvVGvXcVDy1wB1_dyW2eMkHMGcnZp2VDsX65ec93CeJUukGVDFZ6xO7mJU/s400/DSCF1171.JPG" width="354" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another Meadow Pipit, </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f/5.6, 1/400sec, ISO-400, 126mm</span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J9Y7NUAedHyuWN70ldlUB_ifSO6xrYl9pr2v4CYB4FC_-lz1XdIyLJYDb-b98hBhj26LdYMxC15WY5vgFieBZ3bp3HHB_zQLZvtHRcctFMr55s1y5oyK45Z2_qWBVp6H4fpopxtINl3Z/s1600/DSCF1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4J9Y7NUAedHyuWN70ldlUB_ifSO6xrYl9pr2v4CYB4FC_-lz1XdIyLJYDb-b98hBhj26LdYMxC15WY5vgFieBZ3bp3HHB_zQLZvtHRcctFMr55s1y5oyK45Z2_qWBVp6H4fpopxtINl3Z/s640/DSCF1576.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fulmar pair, </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f/5.6, 1/350sec, ISO-200, 126mm</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dQOKg1C1DgVG_wAGWw4D6-YGzZiqswfVAi18JjdC5ZJe3nB5p7LGFOQVkUFnIhdrM3KIb0cLILDUvcNjSfPrpQIQiRpUKdKJzAYCMmfOM-K-RmMcQfzVEPn03ovs98pbPCvHY614dEKA/s1600/DSCF1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dQOKg1C1DgVG_wAGWw4D6-YGzZiqswfVAi18JjdC5ZJe3nB5p7LGFOQVkUFnIhdrM3KIb0cLILDUvcNjSfPrpQIQiRpUKdKJzAYCMmfOM-K-RmMcQfzVEPn03ovs98pbPCvHY614dEKA/s640/DSCF1360.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wheatear (was very windy), </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f/7.1, 1/950sec, ISO-200, 126mm</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlgzq4Hu8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/hx39KTlrsz8/s1600/DSCF1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlgzq4Hu8I/AAAAAAAAAxY/hx39KTlrsz8/s640/DSCF1726.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">North Uist sunrise (honest!), </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">f/7.1, 1/680sec, ISO-100, 126mm</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Modes</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Auto</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> -</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there as a simple "point and shoot" mode, for beginners.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SR Auto -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Scene Recognition, similar to the normal Auto, but cleverly adjusts settings to suit the scene.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adv -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Advanced "point and shoot" with sophisticated techniques, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pro Low-Light</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">,</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Multi Motion Capture </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Motion Remover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Have tried all three, but only the Pro Low Light worked to any effect on my camera and not that well then! It takes 4 consecutive shots and combines them to form a single exposure. Good in theory but maybe I need some more practice? Shame about the other two as well, the Motion modes could be a lot of fun - further firmware updates needed ....(are you listening Fuji?)</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SP1/SP2 Scene Position</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> -</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">here we have a multitude of pre-set scene modes, from Portrait, Landscape, Night, Sport, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Flower and Text.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Set SP1 for your favorite scene mode (mine is Landscape), and SP2 for the next (Sunset), then they are instantly available when needed.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Motion Panorama -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> this has become a common feature on cameras recently, even in our mobile phones, but it still has a way to go before it is a reliable replacement for post production stitching software. For a start, it only works on wideangle. The image is at a much lower resolution and is reliant on how smooth you can pan the camera. There are 4 options to which direction you wish to pan: right, left, up and down</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My favorite trick is to hold the camera in portrait position and select the up or down direction. Still pan right or left, this way the end result is a larger image than if used in landscape.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But it is temperamental, and usually only works the once properly. A restart is needed to take another panoramic shot (more firmware magic needed!).</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P S A M -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> no need to explain much here. Pretty much every camera has these settings for Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture and Manual. My preference has always been P for most of my work. I'm sure my images would benefit more from experimenting with the others!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Custom -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> which is exactly that - sets your camera how you like it. Save the settings in Custom and it will always be there at the turn of the mode dial.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Surely there is a golden opportunity to give this setting more options? I'm sure every photographer out there has more than one favorite setting, so why not write it into the firmware to have a limitless number - or at least 10 to start with! Accessed by pressing the "Menu" button, select the one you want with the small mode dial........lets hope Fuji are listening?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm also disappointed about the content of the EXIF files - the hidden properties that are embedded within each jpeg or Raw file. Unless I'm missing something when viewing them on my Win 7 laptop, there is nothing listed next to Digital Zoom (even when I know I've used it!), 35mm focal length, or Subject distance. If anyone has any ideas as to why this is, and how it can be fixed, I would be most appreciative!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A menu option to include the Macro or Teleconverter lenses to the EXIF data before shooting would be nice also. It does get a little difficult to remember which lens you used for which photo when looking through the results on you PC a day or two later!......or am I just getting old?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlg0yNDwiI/AAAAAAAAAxk/L531BJOUIqY/s1600/DSCF0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlg0yNDwiI/AAAAAAAAAxk/L531BJOUIqY/s640/DSCF0739.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can see several missed "stitches" on this pic of a Loch in Scotland, saw a wild Otter moments before this was taken!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjean9g0y3nlMHiwQ_9RI2Ryv5BzfWhyphenhyphenpSFaU6X6d9rqiHAPcQTxG6yHihpo76zw3VO5_dgVO4JSLSBERnnu-Ivc9XIhGIHPn7gHB-S_uA4MX3G7m5cp8iiLtqlQf_JOR2eItTRdzGAO4vs/s1600/DSCF0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjean9g0y3nlMHiwQ_9RI2Ryv5BzfWhyphenhyphenpSFaU6X6d9rqiHAPcQTxG6yHihpo76zw3VO5_dgVO4JSLSBERnnu-Ivc9XIhGIHPn7gHB-S_uA4MX3G7m5cp8iiLtqlQf_JOR2eItTRdzGAO4vs/s640/DSCF0831.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This one is a bit better, North Uist with the tide out!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next three pics are stitched together with the free </span><a href="http://hugin.sourceforge.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HUGIN</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> software</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnDwM5-mix-_kSZTSjGNzRYCDRfELAkL8l3OsN2RD9PgTO2R5WRJghPDB4YOlRSlBK-J9nv7y0_n8xE-unPxLVIiR0lAWOHYE0_9nfC4Jnvzl3Km79SaLe6Ok9w419gMCSiQeffn05QXI/s1600/DSCF1240_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnDwM5-mix-_kSZTSjGNzRYCDRfELAkL8l3OsN2RD9PgTO2R5WRJghPDB4YOlRSlBK-J9nv7y0_n8xE-unPxLVIiR0lAWOHYE0_9nfC4Jnvzl3Km79SaLe6Ok9w419gMCSiQeffn05QXI/s640/DSCF1240_stitch.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Still a slight dark cast around the stitch area, but much better result!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8jfTM81AIeLCf_7_mq3MIkuujBiKBdn8Nn6e6aU-X6oXcwwZPhVSpBtbPAKsyI9GKwrfhcOqeT-VvYQxRXZeQcthY5UNdra25tqA_8TSoAGoFsxnfJCuqDsbtCmBxZc3tBJ-mK7MqJXz/s1600/DSCF1251_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8jfTM81AIeLCf_7_mq3MIkuujBiKBdn8Nn6e6aU-X6oXcwwZPhVSpBtbPAKsyI9GKwrfhcOqeT-VvYQxRXZeQcthY5UNdra25tqA_8TSoAGoFsxnfJCuqDsbtCmBxZc3tBJ-mK7MqJXz/s640/DSCF1251_stitch.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have to keep an eye on the returning tide, or you can be caught out!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFljZZMWHpI/AAAAAAAAAx4/PK-nBW_trlM/s1600/DSCF1743_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFljZZMWHpI/AAAAAAAAAx4/PK-nBW_trlM/s640/DSCF1743_stitch.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Make use of the wonderful early morning light!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro</span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro for me has become a hobby all on it's own, and the HS10 has only heightened my enthusiasm.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two options available here: normal Macro and Super Macro.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Macro setting comes in handy, even outside normal macro ranges. When your subject is say around 5 yards or so and you want to zoom right in on it, you'll find that the camera will not focus down far enough to catch it. Turn on Macro, try again and it should come into focus.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Super Macro lets you get really close to the action, and can focus down to 1cm from the lens, admittedly, only at wideangle, but still, that is almost too close!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMZVkC6nMGz6Fzc-gYv2Gdc-NCSHgwL-NP8dOYER04HoNUZnGIQOrc0YTZnFDiX3Oh79HS0hMMZKq7NbpemW4SPny4fOirZWGi0EYJQhGwNR2WyV6WU3gGKNlupZs4a6Zr59GfA_jN1Ok/s1600/DSCF2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMZVkC6nMGz6Fzc-gYv2Gdc-NCSHgwL-NP8dOYER04HoNUZnGIQOrc0YTZnFDiX3Oh79HS0hMMZKq7NbpemW4SPny4fOirZWGi0EYJQhGwNR2WyV6WU3gGKNlupZs4a6Zr59GfA_jN1Ok/s640/DSCF2004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Emperor Dragonfly......the Ace around the pond!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBiM55GIxVEfxEoRRZ8FdoORi0gMZt670O_5o4v9D28xYW9NxKTdc8QSAl3IgPic83sWjw1K8_pmvNdNGRaJemUa4WJLCcE0OlsCx_VSbP7IBM1R9OPILkV1J73lA-hYVqOJzQ6u4BLrH/s1600/DSCF1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBiM55GIxVEfxEoRRZ8FdoORi0gMZt670O_5o4v9D28xYW9NxKTdc8QSAl3IgPic83sWjw1K8_pmvNdNGRaJemUa4WJLCcE0OlsCx_VSbP7IBM1R9OPILkV1J73lA-hYVqOJzQ6u4BLrH/s640/DSCF1894.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji's are generally well known for their vibrant colours</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFllkROjb_I/AAAAAAAAAyM/DA9PN0NfSac/s1600/DSCF1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFllkROjb_I/AAAAAAAAAyM/DA9PN0NfSac/s640/DSCF1937.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">taken on another "dull day"</span></i></td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If your into Macro like I am, then additional macro lenses are a lot of fun to play with, namely the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0007KS7D0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0007KS7D0" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR-150</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0007KS7D0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000A1SZ2Y?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000A1SZ2Y" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR 250</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000A1SZ2Y?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000A1SZ2Y" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000A1SZ2Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They attach easily using sprung loaded clips that grip the inside thread of your 52-67mm lens or filter, centering it automatically.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0007KS7D0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0007KS7D0" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR-150</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is the easiest to use, as the depth of field is slightly wider, meaning you will get more shots in focus when first starting out. The </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000A1SZ2Y?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000A1SZ2Y" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR 250</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> on the other hand, although it gets you incredibly close, has a focus range of around 1mm, so conditions need to be perfect, with good light, no wind, tripod, and a cooperative subject! Stick with it though, and you'll be rewarded with some spectacular results.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are just a taste of what you can achieve. Room for lots of improvement I know, but they were hand held only at this stage!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxaOAeJZ7H7r58aQLLnlvKQMnZ2sdn1pt5izbESz1pY58RQ3UEaFSeHExr2kZINrE5j8O_J1V7j5speuZDXoGt-4AqC7nkL-tgFwn3YhyphenhyphenoH3LkwKYnWHdoGzDM98oNGJFkd83vJpjzcd6/s1600/DSCF3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxaOAeJZ7H7r58aQLLnlvKQMnZ2sdn1pt5izbESz1pY58RQ3UEaFSeHExr2kZINrE5j8O_J1V7j5speuZDXoGt-4AqC7nkL-tgFwn3YhyphenhyphenoH3LkwKYnWHdoGzDM98oNGJFkd83vJpjzcd6/s640/DSCF3479.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR-150, Orb Spider.......and lunch!</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3423KvEIrfjkpL2w9nG4-xuLIPkycHfEIsKjvdo7DCQ01IP6MMOEOfqCSHLqCMzjNHwROMsQrOmBAwJaUgpsspNjJ14_oODEipGyjS5vEljrzdO38RySeyCIAw7R85BDjpzb-Im-sgSKZ/s1600/DSCF3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3423KvEIrfjkpL2w9nG4-xuLIPkycHfEIsKjvdo7DCQ01IP6MMOEOfqCSHLqCMzjNHwROMsQrOmBAwJaUgpsspNjJ14_oODEipGyjS5vEljrzdO38RySeyCIAw7R85BDjpzb-Im-sgSKZ/s640/DSCF3506.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Same lens but getting closer!</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNlOksBL1NlO-hVxzCxKN0k5-oJcLiBHXL3t8wiGSvgKfhSXsIZdAIFCY5Nr5-edUG6aKBlC5p0wwfn8Y_FbpAD7E1Akr6zDkL7dViYnX7mz106nrEUBRCRt1gr7vX-jd9z6CW2DTXsHB/s1600/DSCF2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNlOksBL1NlO-hVxzCxKN0k5-oJcLiBHXL3t8wiGSvgKfhSXsIZdAIFCY5Nr5-edUG6aKBlC5p0wwfn8Y_FbpAD7E1Akr6zDkL7dViYnX7mz106nrEUBRCRt1gr7vX-jd9z6CW2DTXsHB/s640/DSCF2355.JPG" width="479" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Raynox DCR-250, Blue Damselfly, less than 2 inches long</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> this is at a wider lens setting, notice the slight vignetting?</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oHw_m3wUF5HWARywLCtqJ0kd8FkGZArHh71-su5kt-v6ELhbWNS2kEwO8ZIvKMdMBtTwoFynRYEgxzULkmrkfZcWeVIINC6P7pL5v3TFiZR8jdC0BwEQ6H5HbV9iC3o0KWLzH0-aKYYR/s1600/DSCF2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oHw_m3wUF5HWARywLCtqJ0kd8FkGZArHh71-su5kt-v6ELhbWNS2kEwO8ZIvKMdMBtTwoFynRYEgxzULkmrkfZcWeVIINC6P7pL5v3TFiZR8jdC0BwEQ6H5HbV9iC3o0KWLzH0-aKYYR/s640/DSCF2361.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Same Damselfly, but with full zoom on the HS10 and DCR-250</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> see how I missed focus on the eyes and got it's neck instead!</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They come packed in a tough plastic box, and I can get both into one saving space, so can't wait to take then on my next trip............. what fun I would have "had" in the Amazon Jungle?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some other useful kit for taking better macro shots that I've been trying out recently, is the </span><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Benbo&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warehouseexpress.com%2Fbuy-Benbo-Compact-Trekker-Mk3%2Fp1023102%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_term%3Dbenbo%2520compact%2520trekker%2520MK3%26utm_campaign%3DF%2520Tripods%2520%2526%2520Monopods%2520%2F%2520Photography%2520Tripods%26cm_mmc%3Dgoogle%2520Warehouse%2520Express%2520-%2520Bags%2520%2526%2520Tripods-_-F%2520Tripods%2520%2526%2520Monopods%2520%2F%2520Photography%2520Tripods-_-Benbo%2520Benbo%2520Compact%2520Trekker%2520Mk3-_-benbo%2520compact%2520trekker%2520MK3" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status='http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-Benbo-Compact-Trekker-Mk3/p1023102?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=benbo%20compact%20trekker%20MK3&utm_campaign=F%20Tripods%20%26%20Monopods%20/%20Photography%20Tripods&cm_mmc=google%20Warehouse%20Express%20-%20Bags%20%26%20Tripods-_-F%20Tripods%20%26%20Monopods%20/%20Photography%20Tripods-_-Benbo%20Benbo%20Compact%20Trekker%20Mk3-_-benbo%20compact%20trekker%20MK3'; return true;" target="_new"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Benbo BEN106-Compact Trekker Mk3</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> tripod and a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002ATGQNY?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002ATGQNY" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro 4 Way Slider Rail</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002ATGQNY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhap4VrXaI/AAAAAAAAAwA/HwRdbwLUWig/s1600/PICT0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhap4VrXaI/AAAAAAAAAwA/HwRdbwLUWig/s640/PICT0043.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Benbo&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warehouseexpress.com%2Fbuy-Benbo-Compact-Trekker-Mk3%2Fp1023102%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_term%3Dbenbo%2520compact%2520trekker%2520MK3%26utm_campaign%3DF%2520Tripods%2520%2526%2520Monopods%2520%2F%2520Photography%2520Tripods%26cm_mmc%3Dgoogle%2520Warehouse%2520Express%2520-%2520Bags%2520%2526%2520Tripods-_-F%2520Tripods%2520%2526%2520Monopods%2520%2F%2520Photography%2520Tripods-_-Benbo%2520Benbo%2520Compact%2520Trekker%2520Mk3-_-benbo%2520compact%2520trekker%2520MK3" target="_new"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Benbo BEN106-Compact Trekker Mk3</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> tripod is a little different from the norm, and takes some getting used to after a normal tripod. Built mainly to get your camera into nearly any position - even close to the ground like in the picture above - it does this with a special central arrangement that allows all three legs and off center column to be positioned at any angle. It is well built, lightweight, and the bottom parts of the legs are also sealed so you can stand them in mud and water with no problem.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It does not however, stand that tall - 114cm being the max - without any additional ball head or 4 Way Slider. But when you consider the range it has, all the way down to ground level, it's about as universal as you can get for its size and weight!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe not quite compact enough to become a traveling tripod, but I thought you might like to see it anyway!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFwOMH-5phI/AAAAAAAAAzU/CZcVb-ulUpQ/s1600/PICT0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFwOMH-5phI/AAAAAAAAAzU/CZcVb-ulUpQ/s400/PICT0051.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Special linkage system of the Benbo allows independent placement of all 4 sections</span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002ATGQNY?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002ATGQNY" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro 4 Way Slider Rail</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002ATGQNY" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />, although a basic piece of kit, when mounted on the Benbo and using the Raynox lenses (especially the DCR-250) it gives you that very necessary minute control over focusing distance for the best results. We're talking about half a millimeter between a good or missed shot, so any assistance to take the human element out of the equation is good. Oh, and don't forget to use the 2 sec timer too, that gives enough time after the shutter release button has been pressed for the camera to settle before the shot is taken.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not really something you would take traveling though, as it's a little bulky!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhaoXZvhRI/AAAAAAAAAv0/mrv51MCJ47c/s1600/DSCF4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFhaoXZvhRI/AAAAAAAAAv0/mrv51MCJ47c/s400/DSCF4049.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two dials for forward-back, left-right, very handy for when your subject is as small as an Ant!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The combination of this set-up, along with the Raynox lenses, should yield some good results. They are not up to pro standards by any means, but as a starter into Macro photography, they are great! I haven't actually got round to giving it much of a test yet, as the weather conditions have not been very favorable (too windy), but will post some when I do!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are a collection of random Macros with the HS10:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaQ1OqkGMNBZv7PirpwVAkEN_CYk5W1bslJDQG43nTnwc6IbU3jVs3baM_Cnpn1y_DOFWwrg2Js2qofBmklMjfcM4mok_Hga9EumJ9RdxfabtMKaVJMr0GcxUaeqdrtREPHcSyQjuamY9/s1600/DSCF3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaQ1OqkGMNBZv7PirpwVAkEN_CYk5W1bslJDQG43nTnwc6IbU3jVs3baM_Cnpn1y_DOFWwrg2Js2qofBmklMjfcM4mok_Hga9EumJ9RdxfabtMKaVJMr0GcxUaeqdrtREPHcSyQjuamY9/s640/DSCF3577.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Shallow DOF makes for great backgrounds!</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFwbxZxqr7I/AAAAAAAAAzs/OdCLCikcrYU/s1600/DSCF3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFwbxZxqr7I/AAAAAAAAAzs/OdCLCikcrYU/s640/DSCF3601.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Inside a Poppy</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY-rUyl6YaZSWFH83W8w2HeGt5vWuvhmyR7DUf5NgNHDrC5vyLRyqI5htfRh8hPwXCunXcHki7rZSo9syRBcnBqXge24BKg3MtWtWf-IDp5nlVJnz8iWZdcWWHkk-u8_xcYHspo0kloxs/s1600/DSCF3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY-rUyl6YaZSWFH83W8w2HeGt5vWuvhmyR7DUf5NgNHDrC5vyLRyqI5htfRh8hPwXCunXcHki7rZSo9syRBcnBqXge24BKg3MtWtWf-IDp5nlVJnz8iWZdcWWHkk-u8_xcYHspo0kloxs/s640/DSCF3608.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro......it's another world!</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L_lZEa_bDK66fjJ13H86vcO1oVTc5shQyV_EyJGyrcASWAdOskz-ZqtPDIy0yz3srV6G5UhlYhmJSCOIv8WQay9jo4eL2HiQVgM37F13hSKUFSKFkzvOC_bO-R4HQcuKJZ0R11l0iK7a/s1600/DSCF3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L_lZEa_bDK66fjJ13H86vcO1oVTc5shQyV_EyJGyrcASWAdOskz-ZqtPDIy0yz3srV6G5UhlYhmJSCOIv8WQay9jo4eL2HiQVgM37F13hSKUFSKFkzvOC_bO-R4HQcuKJZ0R11l0iK7a/s640/DSCF3753.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Close up of Pyramid Orchid, each flower here is about the size of an average fingernail!</span></i><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZJYYinEPhZKprUkpvRzObvaARVuxsVlda0x3k7ku79n84X4D_3E5OiKULFBc_MflfUnOZV5oczIcvvmdxE_-drnLXG8nssli5vqep-mPzUcdKmyEiENv4yUwnG5S5yHtO7Ox3VvxNXGN/s1600/DSCF3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZJYYinEPhZKprUkpvRzObvaARVuxsVlda0x3k7ku79n84X4D_3E5OiKULFBc_MflfUnOZV5oczIcvvmdxE_-drnLXG8nssli5vqep-mPzUcdKmyEiENv4yUwnG5S5yHtO7Ox3VvxNXGN/s640/DSCF3953.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Red-veined Darter, very nice of him to pose for me!</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFweGdUDLQI/AAAAAAAAA0I/szpylKrVfvM/s1600/DSCF3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFweGdUDLQI/AAAAAAAAA0I/szpylKrVfvM/s640/DSCF3632.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Parent taking kids to school in family 8 wheeler!!</span></i></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0009PTKCK?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0009PTKCK" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sony VCL-DH1758 Conversion Lens</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0009PTKCK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Over much deliberation and research done with a few friends on </span><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">dpreview</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I bought this converter for a little extra reach. I know what your thinking......"why do you need even more magnification when you already have a 30x lens?" Well, when you get a new toy like the HS10, you like to add a few accessories, and I was interested in getting that little bit extra for shots of the moon, birds and all those creatures that are not too fond of close human contact. I have to say, it has been a worthy addition!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4HGB-xM39uGjHdQvTNkoeZxb6Df1t2UH-vseRC5y1bPAozMWSVO-4VGfse5WGK1Vhx7a1SkSPqsXbtmee_qDFSRy4_QLc46YXZfm5ts9adToau55AbQdc7imqONiiBNqALs3jb_jABBV/s1600/DSCF4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4HGB-xM39uGjHdQvTNkoeZxb6Df1t2UH-vseRC5y1bPAozMWSVO-4VGfse5WGK1Vhx7a1SkSPqsXbtmee_qDFSRy4_QLc46YXZfm5ts9adToau55AbQdc7imqONiiBNqALs3jb_jABBV/s400/DSCF4054.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The model number 1758, denotes the magnification - 1.7x, and the lens thread size - 58mm, so screws straight onto the HS10 lens, or in my case, onto the UV filter thread.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoZF8l4CArp2wugBw5KJmxazurDGa3YVR90MBy7K8OLScZq5UFEH8M_8JVRqVLBI7VHfUcFY46vGoe2_ty7hBbqnejaZv2eo5Z2Mso5sOtwLYbkGU9O5WlncZFPcQJ4I5KzjhMM42YPtO/s1600/PICT0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoZF8l4CArp2wugBw5KJmxazurDGa3YVR90MBy7K8OLScZq5UFEH8M_8JVRqVLBI7VHfUcFY46vGoe2_ty7hBbqnejaZv2eo5Z2Mso5sOtwLYbkGU9O5WlncZFPcQJ4I5KzjhMM42YPtO/s400/PICT0057.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As you can see, it makes for quite a unit, and although it is not really that heavy (8.9oz, 250g), it is best to support the whole lens just in case it adds unnecessary strain on the main body and lens zoom </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">mechanism.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I use mine with a versatile </span><a href="http://www.cam-pod.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cam-Pod</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> bean bag - another useful travel aid for the photographer - as it is filled with HDPE plastic beads, so there is no problem getting through airports like if your bag were filled with dried beans!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As with most telephoto converter lenses, there is vignetting at around 300mm and lower, which is fine, as there is no point in going below that anyway. Most of the time this will be used at full zoom (720mm, 126mm, 30x), and again, you will need a tripod for best results as we now have a max zoom of 51x! (30 x 1.7)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's not really much more I can say about this converter lens, other than I like it....a lot!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Combined with the HS10, it records good results. Nothing to touch a DSLR of course, but then show me a brand new DSLR and lens combo that has the same size, reach and price as the HS10, and we'd probably be talking about that instead!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I make no excuse for the majority of my subjects being birds, it's become more than a "flight of fancy!".........pun intended :-)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-jMpCuxPkpI47BTa5D34A1Laz9u2qy3dYQUGVPLvHC2u-YN0QVfLj7l7fLDFHNXM6ihaIRr_tkOLSrFFEcV01NbG96HBClNu7oK0GFOyGRC0cjWCe39XmXAEuKeE-MbBCm5ug1X3UM77/s1600/DSCF1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-jMpCuxPkpI47BTa5D34A1Laz9u2qy3dYQUGVPLvHC2u-YN0QVfLj7l7fLDFHNXM6ihaIRr_tkOLSrFFEcV01NbG96HBClNu7oK0GFOyGRC0cjWCe39XmXAEuKeE-MbBCm5ug1X3UM77/s640/DSCF1153.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Short Eared Owl hunting over the fields on North Uist.......</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">shot at around 250yds, standing, with monopod in windy conditions!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlg0C_vqTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/28_BjjfN1xg/s1600/DSCF1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlg0C_vqTI/AAAAAAAAAxc/28_BjjfN1xg/s640/DSCF1697.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A rare sighting of a Sea Eagle, I just happened to have the Sony DCR-1758 fitted on the camera when I saw the giant wings soaring way above me, bracing myself against an old stone wall, manual focus, this was best of the bunch, before it was gone!</span></span></i><br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I really wish I had this set-up a few years ago when on a round the world trip. I was in New Zealand, on a hike above Queenstown with an American lady (Hi Lynne!), when I looked up and saw a Wedge-tailed Eagle (very similar to the Sea Eagle above) I knew what it was immediately as I had seen lots of them in Tasmania a few months before. It then dawned on me that NZ only has three birds of prey - the NZ Falcon, Harrier and the Morepork owl - so I hurriedly took some snaps of the distant soaring beast with my Minolta, and later reported it to the Department of Conservation.</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My statement was taken and photos were duly downloaded, but they were almost useless, even if the ranger did confirm that the pics were definitely not of the 3 known species. Now if I could have submitted pics like the one above, it would have been a done deal!!</span></span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Update, the Ornithological Society of NZ have contacted me only this week. It seems my submission is going up for appraisal this month (August 2010), so keep you fingers crossed?</span></span></i></blockquote></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcNyP8sMeup33wbfVOtlP1f2tLYZpyUnwbmWYcZc-EeeP5WBl6apY-ur1Ob6CE42fphVyX4EMW66p59rPTYqHpGMviDWiJLs4u9MJNquF63Vgn5oR0DKSFtAa6oYCuTUNjAbkjzyO_LNr/s1600/DSCF0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcNyP8sMeup33wbfVOtlP1f2tLYZpyUnwbmWYcZc-EeeP5WBl6apY-ur1Ob6CE42fphVyX4EMW66p59rPTYqHpGMviDWiJLs4u9MJNquF63Vgn5oR0DKSFtAa6oYCuTUNjAbkjzyO_LNr/s640/DSCF0531.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Birds in flight are difficult at the best of times, this Hobby was snapped at Rainham Marshes hunting dragonflies (monopod)</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm4ajJJtes6cSV5TxDCJ4QtUrsSfxfQjjW8OXmjFNCVoHi3aGEbfTQVvh7pi4sPv9ngEWhfoefNyNWm-PiYphn6_Y1H4djW35Gi0kkijLLdMcrJKtc6niJC9Vu_o5jLykfr7oTmUkREyW/s1600/DSCF1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm4ajJJtes6cSV5TxDCJ4QtUrsSfxfQjjW8OXmjFNCVoHi3aGEbfTQVvh7pi4sPv9ngEWhfoefNyNWm-PiYphn6_Y1H4djW35Gi0kkijLLdMcrJKtc6niJC9Vu_o5jLykfr7oTmUkREyW/s640/DSCF1438.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The humble Starling, must be the most widespread of all the birds!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUK3xPITQ1jBHeRlr9R6EzY8HwP4yUFIG-KX9X3RqgBhroKszJ-rjycRvrfpGUuw_Wn9VALitY2LUNN7vC_4bvD8v3M_XBzUQcwzZmjCaDx94-UUrZwwLxdeey0BB8yPZx6w_R8N7ez18/s1600/DSCF0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUK3xPITQ1jBHeRlr9R6EzY8HwP4yUFIG-KX9X3RqgBhroKszJ-rjycRvrfpGUuw_Wn9VALitY2LUNN7vC_4bvD8v3M_XBzUQcwzZmjCaDx94-UUrZwwLxdeey0BB8yPZx6w_R8N7ez18/s640/DSCF0688.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wheatear (monopod)</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlllBNzX-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/BaeKn5rWvMA/s1600/DSCF1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TFlllBNzX-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/BaeKn5rWvMA/s640/DSCF1981.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My best moon shot to date!</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Continuous Shooting (Burst Mode)</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Five settings here:</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Off</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - for normal shooting of single frame.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Top 7</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - with 10, 7, 5 or 3 fps.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Best frame capture</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - starts recording pics when you press the shutter release button half way down, and records a pre-set amount before and after pressing the shutter release fully.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Zoom Bracketing</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - basically 2 instant options of digital zoom, 1.4x and 2x, both in wide or tall mode.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AE Bracketing </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- each press of the shutter button takes 3 shots, one at the metered value for exposure, one underexposed, and another overexposed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Having pre-set my option of 5 frames a second when going through the initial menu setup, I promptly forgot about High Speed shooting - until I walked down to my friends pond one day. There sat a Drake Mallard, looking like he was about to launch himself at the sky. I quickly selected the option, zoomed in and focused on the Drake sitting on the water, and off he went. I pressed the shutter release, panning with him as he made a diagonal dash of about 45 degrees to the left, here are the results:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv44AbIvMGhva6elhmEmE1JU0alMOu4w7R-tbQhdeGY7HI4PkjVIzfN2bdNNYSoBbz3nBR-ZXRNtBYP2qY6ZRU-nh9ivoC_-oL1UJj4ZhCerQ7o4Hzuo__l-f7b_eqRbLqfW6ZVdG-M-qj/s1600/S0013743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv44AbIvMGhva6elhmEmE1JU0alMOu4w7R-tbQhdeGY7HI4PkjVIzfN2bdNNYSoBbz3nBR-ZXRNtBYP2qY6ZRU-nh9ivoC_-oL1UJj4ZhCerQ7o4Hzuo__l-f7b_eqRbLqfW6ZVdG-M-qj/s400/S0013743.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDo8V1PsUO1y16VscJHVI708jU9ba-98xAmkHNf7twxTRHhaSM6EcTtrUBJ-EwQQ2arlolDLXyge8ArUEi9MM_FHRaqA8Q7Wbw6lq1UwGN78vYfM4Cv9uUESYYv9bfu8XmnD2lDQj6scM/s1600/S0013744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDo8V1PsUO1y16VscJHVI708jU9ba-98xAmkHNf7twxTRHhaSM6EcTtrUBJ-EwQQ2arlolDLXyge8ArUEi9MM_FHRaqA8Q7Wbw6lq1UwGN78vYfM4Cv9uUESYYv9bfu8XmnD2lDQj6scM/s400/S0013744.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TF31bB6DSHI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0oocq8Bq_TE/s1600/S0013745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wdCZQpEFlwY/TF31bB6DSHI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0oocq8Bq_TE/s400/S0013745.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S3zsoLjqxFgWuAkh-29DbvEol0PF3X4_Bs0BW1Ji8oKAZXy_0PLPhyphenhyphenvbmdPmwXV4sUsPZMMrsNfAm7Of-BlemVIITc7O4lkKbc86aDum8XrGQtSi_19RfDTPcnOuWazHv9LXlcKNUpA9/s1600/S0013746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1S3zsoLjqxFgWuAkh-29DbvEol0PF3X4_Bs0BW1Ji8oKAZXy_0PLPhyphenhyphenvbmdPmwXV4sUsPZMMrsNfAm7Of-BlemVIITc7O4lkKbc86aDum8XrGQtSi_19RfDTPcnOuWazHv9LXlcKNUpA9/s400/S0013746.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YxNfVhq9JvO5NV7jxPzNuQxiw3B5zVDOpBXa4koGhz5te0VpvajdOzuMCFK3SI9bS4sZT9nY-0DxlJZh2Y7jk6-aAtmxw12bmmEGr0UHhiYAaiokePxVDQuH8IElWPjNO1y_3-jr72ZL/s1600/S0013747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YxNfVhq9JvO5NV7jxPzNuQxiw3B5zVDOpBXa4koGhz5te0VpvajdOzuMCFK3SI9bS4sZT9nY-0DxlJZh2Y7jk6-aAtmxw12bmmEGr0UHhiYAaiokePxVDQuH8IElWPjNO1y_3-jr72ZL/s400/S0013747.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHEHPs11cBxB-gCt6BuITgztsZ9EVFZkHtEre6spbcmKKU5ZUUCyQJPvfCebz_t6Ryre2VHc-5W1lB3vCb54oNakoZzEBVxAho2jO_h8vKhrwJzZl2pAIZwdsI-HqWzWbbMfEp2nvEspB/s1600/S0013748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHEHPs11cBxB-gCt6BuITgztsZ9EVFZkHtEre6spbcmKKU5ZUUCyQJPvfCebz_t6Ryre2VHc-5W1lB3vCb54oNakoZzEBVxAho2jO_h8vKhrwJzZl2pAIZwdsI-HqWzWbbMfEp2nvEspB/s400/S0013748.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgvcr0RyXZk97SppbPxFjanjPiSJwsRVVqpplcX6yrbw2sCg7phDC6NJvpJEGecRWp7J4lHTXBqRnzY3aVuYOQR0iAup7W9aly2VLPcTsPl2MyTw42NWK4ImwtMjhjrzQdqn9JKStYY8Y/s1600/S0013749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgvcr0RyXZk97SppbPxFjanjPiSJwsRVVqpplcX6yrbw2sCg7phDC6NJvpJEGecRWp7J4lHTXBqRnzY3aVuYOQR0iAup7W9aly2VLPcTsPl2MyTw42NWK4ImwtMjhjrzQdqn9JKStYY8Y/s400/S0013749.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No editing of any sort, straight from the camera. I know they would have benefited from a faster shutter speed to limit the blur, but there wasn't enough time. I'm pretty happy with my first attempt!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Batteries</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There were some concerns over battery life in the HS10's infancy, but I have not found them. I already had some of the preferred and excellent </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000IDUOPA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000IDUOPA" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sanyo Eneloop Batteries</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000IDUOPA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a good slow charger - the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003S4JQS2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003S4JQS2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Technoline BL700</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B003S4JQS2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for use with a multitude of gadgets - so I had no hesitation in using them with the HS10.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B003S4JQS2" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A lot of people are unaware (I was one till recently!), that the way you charge a battery has a definitive effect on the life of said battery. Fast chargers do as their name suggests, but are not conducive to long life. So, even though the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003S4JQS2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B003S4JQS2" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Technoline BL700</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> is a bit more expensive, it pays for itself in keeping your battery collection in tip top shape.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With 200, 500 and 700mh charge settings, Refresh mode, Discharging and testing modes, where each individual AA/AAA NiCd and NiMH battery is checked simultaneously. It has an LCD screen which provides real time progress of each cell, and automatically changes to trickle charge when battery is full.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think there are a few obvious settings on the HS10 that will gobble up juice like the LCD screen and Continuous Auto-focus (I only use either when absolutely necessary). A fully charged set of Eneloops has always lasted more than a full day, sometimes two! Plus they are built to hold their charge much longer, only losing 10% after 6 months, 15 % after 12. Now that's super efficient compared to disposables!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a battery type option in the setup menu: Lithium, Alkaline or Rechargeable Ni- MH. Not quite sure what difference it makes if it's set to one value and you use a different type, but it's there anyway and I'm not about to test the options on mine!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Other types of battery will do the job too, but don't seem to last quite as long. The Eneloops are very reasonably priced, and work out extremely cheap when you take into account they can be charged many times over, saving loads of money in the long run - and countless tonnes of toxic waste in our landfills. In my mind, disposable batteries should be banned!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another concern for many was the battery bay door. It does seem a bit flimsy, even loose, but it has worked flawlessly. No problems there, just extra care is needed!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The low battery warning light came on very early, before the latest firmware update (1.02) corrected it in most cases.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must admit I was not a big fan of AA batteries in cameras. Their performance in the past was mediocre compared to the High Capacity Long Life lithium-Ion types supplied by most manufacturers, but the HS10 and Eneloop's has swayed me otherwise.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Firstly, I've lost count of the different types of dedicated Lithium batteries there are. For each new camera a company brings out there seems to be another new battery. Come on people, we're not that stupid! For goodness sake, let's see some collaboration here, and stick with a few standard models. Better still, forget them altogether and change to AA's. They are almost as good these days, and much easier to source when in a foreign land when you've just run out and forgot to pack the spare set! (Although I'm not condoning buying disposables, but if you have to, please dispose of them in a safe and sensible manor! ;-)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, have I been converted..................you betcha!!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SDHC</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unlike Lithium batteries, SDHC memory cards are gradually becoming "the" standard across most camera manufacturers, which is great to see. Not only are they smallish and compact (nothing like the Micro version though), they now have great capacity for a reasonable price, and with cameras coming with 14 megapixels and over these days, we need larger and faster memory to cope!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The instructions inform us that we need a "Class 4" or higher SD or SDHC card for the HS10, mainly to help with write speeds and HD video I assume. So I opted for the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002QXHAY8?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002QXHAY8" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sandisk 8gb Extreme Class10 30mb/s edition</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002QXHAY8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, just to be on the safe side!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is fast, reliable, and slots right into my laptops card reader, so it is a cinch to copy over my pics and video. Also uses no battery power that way!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Flash</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Being a bit of a naturalist in my photographic ways, I don't get to use the flash that often. Even though I know that nearly all good photos need good light (probably another reason why my batteries last longer!) I often get a bit flustered about which is the best setting. So I'm not really the best person to ask with regards to "flashing anything!" Still a lot to learn there, but I have had a go a few times with the HS10 (like you do!) using the SP1/SP2 Scene mode, Natural and Flash. This takes two consecutive shots, one without flash, the other with, from a single press of the shutter release.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Result is below, taken at a </span><a href="http://www.greenrooftraining.co.uk/2010/03/video-of-green-roof-and-living-roof-course-november-2009/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Living Roof training day</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> my friends John and Dusty (in the foreground) ran down in Brighton earlier this year;</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpQ_JrdNaG_l-_CL-Szc9Q8Oz8ahaLBj6qKqOkkWXtl2rga7J8OjN3Skzmc-Rn1LYHNfSMyCefRkxS5fiiAoFhRz8_0BwNmMh68hxIffJC8-FIbKTxSpMjXGgwXmWClBM8_ZL8T0xcG4M/s1600/DSCF0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpQ_JrdNaG_l-_CL-Szc9Q8Oz8ahaLBj6qKqOkkWXtl2rga7J8OjN3Skzmc-Rn1LYHNfSMyCefRkxS5fiiAoFhRz8_0BwNmMh68hxIffJC8-FIbKTxSpMjXGgwXmWClBM8_ZL8T0xcG4M/s640/DSCF0133.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Without flash.....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrgcBZVNGWYW_28wxzdKB-8GsTb6gBIfQgLgekLw3D6g88Vm6luHUwrV8adjoYQ11fd2Kqtx19blwE9D6jwRWguea72oCr57E4ez3S3ID6UxjF1cMoaacNaq6QwuDBsHprtIaqMpfd_Uu/s1600/DSCF0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrgcBZVNGWYW_28wxzdKB-8GsTb6gBIfQgLgekLw3D6g88Vm6luHUwrV8adjoYQ11fd2Kqtx19blwE9D6jwRWguea72oCr57E4ez3S3ID6UxjF1cMoaacNaq6QwuDBsHprtIaqMpfd_Uu/s640/DSCF0134.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.......with flash!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was quite surprised at how far the flash reached towards the back of the room, especially as this was my first attempt with no other change of settings. Must definitely experiment more with this!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My next attempt was at a private folk music festival, and I didn't really get my camera out till the early hours, by which time it was seriously dark and the live music was getting very heavy (for a folk festival!) Beard of Slugs were doing some Metalica covers, and in hindsight, I should have used the AF-Assist Illuminator which temporarily lights up the subject for better focusing.... next time!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkqHGa53Dda2VmnaWGNZT0TShlYCQ4BZPE6t8thKzbYp_xBv55qJ8UkHM7ViVZaqYLpoKd1mp-K9fm5q53CXL9cIi4Djl1X6d9KVNs_9_P9aACrIceGqjJMJLOnucRyjJwh-uJMZXYl6/s1600/DSCF3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkqHGa53Dda2VmnaWGNZT0TShlYCQ4BZPE6t8thKzbYp_xBv55qJ8UkHM7ViVZaqYLpoKd1mp-K9fm5q53CXL9cIi4Djl1X6d9KVNs_9_P9aACrIceGqjJMJLOnucRyjJwh-uJMZXYl6/s640/DSCF3899.JPG" width="477" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUScd0MmqfXjlsYdUaG1jQNEftmqq3Kylikai0beXk3qjrxmSanVagj690Rw9P793gN2SEjs0pcyZZa_DtJgoBa9djmIEFgJYtQf48dzhQzhQ1D3bTJ1wRWEvBn_4tiaoQKeRJdCM1atIU/s1600/DSCF3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUScd0MmqfXjlsYdUaG1jQNEftmqq3Kylikai0beXk3qjrxmSanVagj690Rw9P793gN2SEjs0pcyZZa_DtJgoBa9djmIEFgJYtQf48dzhQzhQ1D3bTJ1wRWEvBn_4tiaoQKeRJdCM1atIU/s640/DSCF3923.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beard of Slugs, rockin into the early hours!........a good night!!</span></i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM3wHZ04FWkv_jQvVUncgVxYnb8tdv8CxynCoSeMWoXz4V7bekvYDihCB0NwKYh4pqOnZdsbl5tRqCAhp7-seIa10LPhhNNHwGmuwjr3e9_jVlmhodGylC-q5_1SKYbFC_WnljQnM2UsH/s1600/DSCF3982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM3wHZ04FWkv_jQvVUncgVxYnb8tdv8CxynCoSeMWoXz4V7bekvYDihCB0NwKYh4pqOnZdsbl5tRqCAhp7-seIa10LPhhNNHwGmuwjr3e9_jVlmhodGylC-q5_1SKYbFC_WnljQnM2UsH/s640/DSCF3982.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sometimes flash is not an option, so setting a higher ISO does the trick (f/5.6, 1/210sec, ISO-800, 55mm) </span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've tried to give you an honest account of my thoughts about the HS10, a camera that has provoked more emotions worldwide, for and against, than any other camera I have ever known!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I too got excited when I heard about this new 30x zoom camera coming from Fuji last February, and along with thousands of others, searched the Internet for any relevant information. It was slow coming!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">dpreview</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> was my savior. There I found that I was not alone, in fact, I was far from being alone!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made new friends in the Fujifilm Talk forums there, exchanging views and new news, anything that was connected with the mystical HS10. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Soon it was out, but where?......"Thailand!" Some early pics filtered through, so-so to start with, but not really any solid proof on the cameras performance. We will have to wait a bit longer!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slowly it started to spread, China, Japan, then........Poland????</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Casting it's spell over the masses, a spell so powerful that most places that advertised it's coming sold out their first, second and some their third deliveries just to pre-orders!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Europe waited, impatiently, while things in America reached fever pitch as the HS10 dropped in their hands next. Some were overly seduced by it's good looks and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">huuuuuuge</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> lens, others were more resistant, had a quick look and returned it straight away, their curiosity quenched!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Those that stuck with it though, started to turn out some good pictures. Like with every camera, it takes a while to learn. We all knew it had some problems, mainly firmware related, and still hoped that these would be fixed in due time!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finally it reach the UK. A mad rush of excitement, and the first batch went to a TV shopping channel (very strange!) and further shipments were nowhere to be seen. Weeks went by and at last I managed to secure one through Jessops. Paid a little more than </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> were offering it for, but hey, I'd waited long enough!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As mention at the beginning of this post, first impressions were good. It just felt good in the hands, and not just because it was shiny and new and expectations were high. It still feels a good camera to hold today, for me anyway! It did and still does have some issues, mainly soft/firmware related, but the basic camera works very well, or should I say "much better than my old Minolta" ? And thats all I wanted!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was not really a fair test for my aged Minolta. It had had it's day - and did a mighty fine job, from the temples of Thailand, Peru and Mexico, to the amazing natural landscapes of New Zealand, the Americas and the Amazon, and it had done it without missing a beat. The only limiting factor in it's performance was me!!!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, it was only an 8mp, 7x zoom camera, but for me at the time, that was the the best there was!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wished for more zoom, megapixels and a larger LCD screen, and now I've got them! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, as you know, I'm no pro. Making money from my photos would be great, but thats not why I like photography. It's a hobby. I can combine three of the my most favorite things to do all at once: nature, travel and taking pics (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there is a forth, but I can't write that here! ;-</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm happiest when surrounded by wilderness in a far off land, not knowing what I will see next, and with my camera at the ready!........I like it because it's fun!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The HS10 is a fun camera, and that is the whole point. Yes it has it's flaws, but thats all part of the challenge, and that lens just gets in there when you need it. I don't want a camera that takes perfect pics every time (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">as if there is such a thing?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">), and I'm not interested in crystal clear, pixel perfect Raw/Raf/Tiff sized images that I can print up on a billboard the size of a house. I'm more interested in the photo's content, it's composition and learning how to improve that. If it looks good on my laptop screen, I'm happy! I'll leave all that other stuff to the multitude of other photographers who are much better at it than I....................that's um.... pretty much everyone then, lol!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9Oz_fV8nzl7r4P6QZ-EoVrAv6KSR1djB7ku5sLyC9lgEks4qow-jxccWrymuTmOECM4Li_cQ5G8-lxvv-aUJDAWtMYhQatoGXAEONYOdx9hudpSuhyq_nhfk5D7cAQoycztJQ2saBiwo/s1600/PICT0026.JPE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9Oz_fV8nzl7r4P6QZ-EoVrAv6KSR1djB7ku5sLyC9lgEks4qow-jxccWrymuTmOECM4Li_cQ5G8-lxvv-aUJDAWtMYhQatoGXAEONYOdx9hudpSuhyq_nhfk5D7cAQoycztJQ2saBiwo/s320/PICT0026.JPE" width="268" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, is the HS10 worth buying? Depends on where your coming from!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Will it replace a DSLR?....No, but then it was never meant to. It does handle just like one though and could be a handy addition, for those days when you really just want to leave your large and heavy bag of lenses and equipment at home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Can it do a bit of everything?....Sort of! Kind of a jack of all trades, master of none. Although it is very good at macro, not so good in low light, but that lens can get you into places only dreamed of before!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lets face it, a good photographer can take much better photos with a cheap mobile phone than the best and most expensive camera in the world in the hands of an amateur!............Think about it?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Would I part with my HS10.............not on your life!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.......................well, not until the new HS20 comes out that is! ;-)</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pros</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Zoom range - 24-720mm.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manual zoom.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Large 3" tilting LCD screen</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Size, weight, and handling.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Direct Shooting Buttons.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Flash.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Macro.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good selection of modes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AA batteries.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HD video and instant movie record button.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">High speed video up to 120fps.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HDMI out</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">High speed shooting @ up to 10fps.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">RAW if needed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Zoom Bracketing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Price - is now cheaper than I paid for my old Minolta A1 7 years ago!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cons</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">EVF viewfinder - too small and dull.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Write times a little slow, but you get used to it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Needs good light for best results.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some firmware issues, mostly with the new modes like Panorama, Motion Remover, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and Multi Motion Capture, may be fixed by further updates.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tripod mount not central to lens.....?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No lens shade as standard.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No wireless remote.</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hope this has been of some interest? if so, please feel free to leave any comments below, and please help support this blog/website by purchasing any of the products listed through the links provided.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I do get a very small commission, which helps to keep this site running.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many thanks and happy shooting.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji HS10 at Amazon.co.uk</span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-HS10-Digital-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji HS10 at Amazon.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0035WTVZA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=HS10&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warehouseexpress.com%2Fbuy-fuji-finepix-hs10-black-digital-camera%2Fp1519344" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status='http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-hs10-black-digital-camera/p1519344'; return true;" target="_new"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji HS10 at Warehouseexpress</span></a></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&subid=&offerid=181427.1&type=10&tmpid=3191&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.purelygadgets.co.uk%252FFuji-Finepix-HS10-Digital-Camera%252Fmainproduct%252Fview%252F32127-NA" target="new"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fuji HS10 at PurelyGadgets</span></a></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(17211)a(1667894)g(16387580)url(http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77265/show.html)" target="_blank" title="Fuji HS10 at Jessops"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fuji HS10 at Jessops</span></b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img src="http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(inv)g(16387580)a(1667894)" /></span></b></span></span><br />
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</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-61477131462685408122010-02-25T14:56:00.081+00:002010-07-26T19:08:02.176+01:00Fuji FinePix HS10, could this be the ultimate digital camera for travellers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_SqNGNE6DQak4ZBfDzmM4XKy8TdBgtEB4XHpl4MMC9BG7WMLXEMUEdHvlpHA9rpRfYP_VYiab7iErTqv_-UBZBP6vKT6W1Z0Wf13d3fb9TC9R1vhY-09EMDuoFCuD4kqju8vd8cP7V6j/s1600-h/fujifilm-2-580x361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_SqNGNE6DQak4ZBfDzmM4XKy8TdBgtEB4XHpl4MMC9BG7WMLXEMUEdHvlpHA9rpRfYP_VYiab7iErTqv_-UBZBP6vKT6W1Z0Wf13d3fb9TC9R1vhY-09EMDuoFCuD4kqju8vd8cP7V6j/s640/fujifilm-2-580x361.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Fujifilm FinePix HS10</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00342UTQ6" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My beloved <strong>Minolta A200</strong> 8MP 7x may well be retiring soon, as I have just come across what might be the almost perfect replacement and ideal travel companion!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">An ideal travelling camera should in my opinion, be a jack of all trades, compact, all in one unit, with few extras that add to the weight and can get easily lost, and bridge cameras fit this bill quite nicely.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yes, DSLR's can take better pictures in most cases, but the gap is narrowing, and do you really want to carry all the extra lenses with you everywhere you go?, sods law denotes that the lens you need right now is the one still in your bag, and by the time you swap them over, the moment is lost!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Each to their own of course, I'm sure there are many who would never go back from an SLR, and thats fine, I have never gone down that route.....yet!, and like the lightweight medium sized single package, with fixed manual zoom long lenses which keep out the dust, dirt and sand. </div><br />
Cost is another factor, prices are very reasonable now for DSLR's, but there are not many of us who can really manage the full kit, especially as some lenses are triple and more times the cost of the camera itself.<br />
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These are all my own personal preferences for the ideal travelling camera, and in my opinion, the HS10 is the closest to being just that! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Due for release April 12th 2010, the <strong>Finepix HS10</strong> has a host of features both familiar and new that has me literally drooling over the prospects!</div><br />
<blockquote><em>•High Resolution super wide Fujinon 30x optical zoom (24-720mm) with manual (mechanical) zoom</em><br />
<em>•True wide-angle and extreme telephoto capture in a single compact unit</em><br />
<em>•Triple image stabilisation (sensor shift IS, high ISO IS, Digital IS)</em><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>•10 MP BSI CMOS sensor with advanced shooting modes and high image quality</em></div></div><em>•3.0" High Resolution tilting LCD</em><br />
<em>•Electronic Viewfinder with eye-sensor for automatic switching</em><br />
<em>•High speed 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution and new motion-tracking auto focus</em><br />
<em>•Full HD (1080p) movie capture with stereo sound</em><br />
<em>•Super High Speed movie capture at 1000 fps</em><br />
<em>•Motion Panorama mode for 'one shot' sweeping panoramas</em><br />
<em>•Advanced capture modes including unique Motion Remover mode that removes tourists and other moving objects from your photographs</em><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>•Direct Shooting Command buttons and Command dial put advanced photographic features at your fingertips</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>•RAW and JPEG capture mode </em></div></div></blockquote><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8gm_0GcJTL3vXaJ0N5RbqWPZ-q2KYWIj47zN_sLjj2R20aKvod_Gu6r4yJ8kMMGEyeDZWsCxmKzXTF6iDFSnUHgcJtRZn_r6fGv8dZMUCEXW-nEtyFdkGhanYpXnx8Gd8lYTG5IeIrB2/s1600-h/nobackground+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8gm_0GcJTL3vXaJ0N5RbqWPZ-q2KYWIj47zN_sLjj2R20aKvod_Gu6r4yJ8kMMGEyeDZWsCxmKzXTF6iDFSnUHgcJtRZn_r6fGv8dZMUCEXW-nEtyFdkGhanYpXnx8Gd8lYTG5IeIrB2/s640/nobackground+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">At last a manufacturer has brought out what seems on paper, to be the ultimate camera for the traveller, a surprisingly compact bridge design (medium sized, fixed lens), a whopping great <strong>30x optical manual zoom</strong> lens that should cater for virtually any situation (I'm not dishing DSLR's here, but you would have to carry 2 maybe 3 separate lenses to cover what this one fixed Fujinon beauty can do!), a <strong>3" tilting LCD</strong> screen, <strong>triple image stabilisation</strong> (especially useful at the higher magnifications), <strong>full 1080p HD</strong>, <strong>Super Macro</strong>, and a host of intuitive manual buttons to instantly change the most frequently used settings, instead of all that tedious menu scrolling!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X2ezx9edj_oNGPO6RBzybLaRUQhxxKFMdRdo93KI31AiOP4dBz3Pex723yFG0RZgYp7PkiPwDalbm-aTWI_8jjE31B9qBx6qLrTL_xsqt0SZF2O_77-CIMCMDQ1EP7-EiZUXo0mT9LaZ/s1600-h/fujifilm-hs10-lcd-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X2ezx9edj_oNGPO6RBzybLaRUQhxxKFMdRdo93KI31AiOP4dBz3Pex723yFG0RZgYp7PkiPwDalbm-aTWI_8jjE31B9qBx6qLrTL_xsqt0SZF2O_77-CIMCMDQ1EP7-EiZUXo0mT9LaZ/s640/fujifilm-hs10-lcd-800.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Other useful additions include;</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>High speed continuous shooting</strong> at a rate of 10fps, 7 frames max, to make sure you capture that perfect moment when your shooting a moving object, perfect for capturing birds and animals which never seem to sit still.<br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Motion Remover Mode</strong>, which takes a series of 5 pictures and combines them into one and automatically removes anything that has moved, a cool thing to have when you want that special holiday snap and tourist's keep walking into shot!<br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Multi-Motion Capture Mode</strong>, which takes 5 quick pictures of a moving object and combines them into a single composite image.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Motion Panorama Mode</strong>, sweep left-right or up-down for that super panorama shot, all done in camera.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Pro Low Light mode</strong>, for ultra-low noise output in low light.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Ultra slow motion video</strong> capture, at up to 1000fps, admittedly this will not be in HD of course, but still a pretty cool feature to play with.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Super Macro</strong>, focuses down to 1cm-1.0m</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out all the features at <a href="http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_hs10/" target="_blank">FujiFilm</a>, including a 3D image and promotion video.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether this camera lives up to it's extensive feature list, is still to be seen, as it's April release date nears, I for one will be checking my regular review sites for the reports, and secretly saving my pennies!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Are there things that at first glance I would change, sure, there are few things in this world that are perfect, personally (and I'm nit picking here), I would like automatic Geo-tagging to be included, and maybe a swivelling LCD screen as I mainly use the viewfinder to save battery power and it would add a little more extra protection when it's folded, screen side towards the camera, a good quality screen saver like the excellent <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3491068-527534316" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.ZAGG.com';return true;" target="_blank">invisibleSHIELD</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3491068-527534316" width="1" /> is a good alternative.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A wireless remote would be a nice accessory too, to aid in crystal clear telephoto shots of small long distance targets in conjunction with a tripod, this could spell an end to Digiscopeing?</div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The end of the lens barrel is threaded <strike>O</strike>58mm for the inclusion of filters and converters, how long the AA batteries will last has been quoted at 300+ , maybe more with rechargables, disposable AA's are easily available everywhere, but your never really sure what sort of charge they have in them, even the expensive ones, anyone purchasing a HS10 (or anything else that uses disposable batteries) should invest in quality rechargeables like the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000IDUOPA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000IDUOPA%22target=%22_blank%22%3ESanyo%20Eneloop%20Batteries%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000IDUOPA%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Sanyo Eneloop Batteries</a>, if only to save the landfills!</div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At this time it also lacks a microphone jack, which could be rather handy if the HD video works well, but it does have a hotshoe for a flashgun.</div><br />
I know there must be some manufacturers that worry about their mid to lower range of cameras taking too big a slice out of their DSLR market, thats why they are not as feature rich as the higher end models, and as far as I know, Fuji do not have any plans to release a DSLR in the near future, so it looks like this could be their flagship model, and if this creates as big a stir when it's released as it has already, then I think Fuji could be onto a winner!<br />
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Lets hope they listen to all the feedback for future models...........wouldn't that be nice?<br />
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Exciting times ahead in the bridge digital camera market, my trusty Minolta is sulking in the corner, feeling rather............impotent!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please support this site by pre-ordering or buying through one of these affiliate retailers</span><span style="font-size: large;">;</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00342UTQ6" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amazon.UK</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">will deliver to United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Finepix%20HS10&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.warehouseexpress.com%2Fbuy-fuji-finepix-hs10-black-digital-camera%2Fp1519344" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status='http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-fuji-finepix-hs10-black-digital-camera/p1519344'; return true;" target="_new"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Warehouseexpress.UK</span></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">will deliver to United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland </span><br />
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<a href="http://affiliation.fotovista.com/track/click.php?bid=MTU2OzE4MzM4&desturl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixmania.co.uk%2Fuk%2Fuk%2F5004486%2Fart%2Ffuji%2Ffinepix-hs10.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HS10 at Pixmania</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> available in 26 countries</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the US readers</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035WTVZA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0035WTVZA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fujifilm FinePix HS10 at Amazon.com </span></a><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=toptragea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0035WTVZA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">will deliver to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many thanks</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g17_OOjGKow&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g17_OOjGKow&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the Fujifilm Talk forums, and the HS10 debates going on over at <a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1012" target="_blank">dpreview</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lots of new pictures being posted every day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=blogspot/rrbp', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">Enter your email address:<br />
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Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-49937804403368479762010-02-23T00:50:00.013+00:002010-03-07T12:26:43.598+00:00SOME NEW KIT !<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An update on some new kit that has come my way recently, the Leatherman Skeletool CX, Gerber Pocket Sharpener, Titanium Spork, Tilley Winter Hat and the 7Dayshop 10x42 Waterproof binoculars!</span></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV75nc9VtMvYTHAV6FmKmXFs0RrgIC5dgFj19DjK59G_X3iteLi_D2M7lGp_brx5Nn3BJxoPgi9KlFaK97KbwY840VCQFpLK7SEGHMC0_2GMDQ580a70FBBQLbq0YbAuDhmjOlUvqUNxNE/s1600-h/41BQGrh5lwL__AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV75nc9VtMvYTHAV6FmKmXFs0RrgIC5dgFj19DjK59G_X3iteLi_D2M7lGp_brx5Nn3BJxoPgi9KlFaK97KbwY840VCQFpLK7SEGHMC0_2GMDQ580a70FBBQLbq0YbAuDhmjOlUvqUNxNE/s320/41BQGrh5lwL__AA280_.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015RYLM0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0015RYLM0" target="_blank">The Leatherman Skeletool CX </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0015RYLM0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />is a lightweight bare bones multitool, having the usual needlenose pliers, wire cutters, bit driver, bottle opener/carabina, belt clip and a 154CM Stainless Steel Combo Blade, all with a Tungsten Dlc Scratch-Resistant Coating.</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">First impressions are</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> good, it fits very well in the hand, even if it does look like a handfull of sharp edges, as every surplus part has been swiss cheesed to keep it lightweight, the main blade opens nicely with one hand from a closed position, and is very, very sharp out of the box, so sharp in fact, I had no trouble shaving the hairs of the back of my hand, a test that few others have been capable of!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAih4KT7GHNv_8D-jk4Vh08RxPWWWR32hytRkgOQWJy3ILfA0mgODaJDP__C2-b0CZpP1zI5PZb8e6LFNPhtHGpRnEinAowhjUJ2jQ0NbwFFMMI68rWR5uXYNx9J-LWt4ghjzgJfsdi8d6/s1600-h/51wGcemJgXL__AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAih4KT7GHNv_8D-jk4Vh08RxPWWWR32hytRkgOQWJy3ILfA0mgODaJDP__C2-b0CZpP1zI5PZb8e6LFNPhtHGpRnEinAowhjUJ2jQ0NbwFFMMI68rWR5uXYNx9J-LWt4ghjzgJfsdi8d6/s320/51wGcemJgXL__AA280_.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The half serated blade is better quality than normal, being made of 154CM Stainless Steel and comes into it's own for mariners and climbers, as it cuts rope with ease, and I can see it being clipped on by the carabina in these situations, rather than using the nylon belt pouch (also included).</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The pliers are narrower than those on the Wave, with the usual soft and hard wire cutters, and the fixed lockable bit driver is suplied with two double ended bits, one flat and one Philips.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">£61 from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015RYLM0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0015RYLM0" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0015RYLM0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57t8A9Y2WkowV4OEO5qCeTwoLkJOXXB5Y_6QrXzJ7r_0fbVBVVRZbwOv7MqpWeaq07v9YjhtRFTh6NQ8XlN2IUY7Ee-WKJpSatK2nJwpQC9FBV9ItNRAZrhPphABJ5cyKo2SXpzCjdDK8/s1600-h/31pPkvfoDaL__AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57t8A9Y2WkowV4OEO5qCeTwoLkJOXXB5Y_6QrXzJ7r_0fbVBVVRZbwOv7MqpWeaq07v9YjhtRFTh6NQ8XlN2IUY7Ee-WKJpSatK2nJwpQC9FBV9ItNRAZrhPphABJ5cyKo2SXpzCjdDK8/s320/31pPkvfoDaL__AA280_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001MM4CLS?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001MM4CLS" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Light My Fire Spork Titanium</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001MM4CLS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first Spork (plastic version) traveled with me around the world, but unfortunately snapped in half while in my backpack pocket somewhere in New Zealand, not sure how or why it happened, it had already made an impression, and was well worth the inclusion into my Top Travel Gear list.</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I came accross this Titanium version from Light My Fire recently, which seemed the next logical step, not much chance of this baby spapping in two!!</span></div></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For those of you not familiar with the Spork concept, it has a spoon at one end and a combined short fork/serrated knife at the other, generally it is better if you decide which end you need before starting to eat, as it could get a little messy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">£11 from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001MM4CLS?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001MM4CLS" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001MM4CLS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEWDKt7aR1RukD0WIoHiJ_OwZ1Q_IPAgSyh8lSNtm8GKhlv_2xheLeMG9kda_QovJnf1xJsMwCr-rcGylld_6MdwS2e6S0WxPJ9thRfknrWZRJnJDGIOSY3NngNzJTfVSScPV7k9zksI/s1600-h/41KiEtTGVFL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gEWDKt7aR1RukD0WIoHiJ_OwZ1Q_IPAgSyh8lSNtm8GKhlv_2xheLeMG9kda_QovJnf1xJsMwCr-rcGylld_6MdwS2e6S0WxPJ9thRfknrWZRJnJDGIOSY3NngNzJTfVSScPV7k9zksI/s320/41KiEtTGVFL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001WOTEU?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0001WOTEU" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gerber Pocket Sharpener</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0001WOTEU" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This compact knife sharpener by Gerber is the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">simplest way to keep all your knife edged tools in tip top shape, it has course and fine grade ceramic rods set at the perfect angle for a razor sharp edge, 3 or 4 firm pulls is all that is needed to bring most blades back to new, my Leatherman Wave was able to shave the hairs off the back of my hand at the first try!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Another bargain at <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001WOTEU?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0001WOTEU" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0001WOTEU" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> for £2.49</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&wgtarget=http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/tilley-tw2-winter-hat.html" target="_blank">Tilley TW2 Winter Hat</a></span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOleKgcWkOfioUjlXxCtsC2yzSpB-145rZ0g5xOjTiwOkX1kV1Oz3ozzqeq5qH8KkmB7lg9NDzgj1yoLYsWb5mEWcO4TChH_rlAXHBw8oCZM4f-U-qxviCvby7fnawiib8C2cVu8tMSnJ/s1600-h/t_tilley_tw2_tweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOleKgcWkOfioUjlXxCtsC2yzSpB-145rZ0g5xOjTiwOkX1kV1Oz3ozzqeq5qH8KkmB7lg9NDzgj1yoLYsWb5mEWcO4TChH_rlAXHBw8oCZM4f-U-qxviCvby7fnawiib8C2cVu8tMSnJ/s320/t_tilley_tw2_tweed.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tilley have done it again, this time they've made a comfortable winter hat, that repels rain and stains, while keeping your noggin bone dry and as warm as toast.</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We all know that most of the bodies heat is lost through the head, and with the recent cold spell, this has done a fine job.</span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With the hidden fold down forehead warmer and ear flaps, it really does do a good job of keeping the cold out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have the Dark Olive, a birthday present from the family, and have to say that it is one of the warmest hats I have ever worn! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86bbsh8E8hJaJU4RIY0aIVktPb2vB9azw1DUDz7sc0RCQtYIINHPN6yprl8-Znp1jrs31uo_Skqwt9eVIt7uAClrswZTJhhjitlt5umUQvU_T2HyMyHg3qyEwHeu8rI-G16SyT_9_mGg6/s1600-h/large_tilley_tw2_tweed_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86bbsh8E8hJaJU4RIY0aIVktPb2vB9azw1DUDz7sc0RCQtYIINHPN6yprl8-Znp1jrs31uo_Skqwt9eVIt7uAClrswZTJhhjitlt5umUQvU_T2HyMyHg3qyEwHeu8rI-G16SyT_9_mGg6/s200/large_tilley_tw2_tweed_2.jpg" width="165" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A8k_P7VJntM9l_Clp5HzYitXzLk9hc_RgSs-DQeI2mpwKoIiuV7wVUnpVUfLS7dM6aZbI5aFBzVJavOOCJijlwwGo0VHsx2_ZMsyqLqzNhKOhpEIG5o1LFK4oXqPiMA4H76GX3u-0DLV/s1600-h/large_tilley_tw2_brown_black_herringbone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A8k_P7VJntM9l_Clp5HzYitXzLk9hc_RgSs-DQeI2mpwKoIiuV7wVUnpVUfLS7dM6aZbI5aFBzVJavOOCJijlwwGo0VHsx2_ZMsyqLqzNhKOhpEIG5o1LFK4oXqPiMA4H76GX3u-0DLV/s200/large_tilley_tw2_brown_black_herringbone.jpg" width="165" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Available in Autumn Tweed, Dark Olive or Brown/Black Herringbone from <a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&wgtarget=http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/tilley-tw2-winter-hat.html" target="_blank">Pack Your Bags</a> for £48.99</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002OM61YQ?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002OM61YQ" target="_blank">7dayshop 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002OM61YQ" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">I came across these almost by accident, and after a little research ordered a pair, and I have to say I was pleasently suprised!</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These days, you normally get what you pay for, so it's always nice when you find something that performs well above it's price bracket, and these beauties certainly do that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA5fRsvNC6G_5SnKFTCFCM0OHedKxaHfU_srZxCNU_Qsuls8OU_2yRg1QYG7gcNFuWRqWKCPnoZNcD-NnM_sakfS4IHSUSAjqSgP9Ru4lVShS25TMMTvwNUupYgtdElMtMr6GWirBTHpJ/s1600-h/41swK2BqmLL__AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA5fRsvNC6G_5SnKFTCFCM0OHedKxaHfU_srZxCNU_Qsuls8OU_2yRg1QYG7gcNFuWRqWKCPnoZNcD-NnM_sakfS4IHSUSAjqSgP9Ru4lVShS25TMMTvwNUupYgtdElMtMr6GWirBTHpJ/s400/41swK2BqmLL__AA280_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxsv-veySwOg-9KoXuc7WPQfDYq0AN__L5XI48UZE13Tx9kVpBygED8CdDBDxiDzAWqVMyrzKBbWWnA4mLVOYm3C8pUJ7xgm6CQnd89QBBcgnrH5xAdR9HmluCy4zMmIKdUo8Hrm9_9dH/s1600-h/41BpbZJVJhL__AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxsv-veySwOg-9KoXuc7WPQfDYq0AN__L5XI48UZE13Tx9kVpBygED8CdDBDxiDzAWqVMyrzKBbWWnA4mLVOYm3C8pUJ7xgm6CQnd89QBBcgnrH5xAdR9HmluCy4zMmIKdUo8Hrm9_9dH/s200/41BpbZJVJhL__AA280_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">There is no point in compairing build and picture quality with the likes of Leica's, Swarovski or even my beloved Bushnell's, but for this sort of price, they can be forgiven, as they give a clear bright picture, even if the view is a little narrow due mainly to the 10x magnification, it is more than adequate though, and perfect for any traveler on a tight budge.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It really is amazing how anyone can produce a decent binocular for anything around £60-£70, but these guys have found one for under £25, and at that price, they make a great gift or you can keep a pair in your car, a pair on your boat, even a pair for the kitchen, for keeping an eye on the bird life in your garden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">£21.49 at <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002OM61YQ?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002OM61YQ" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002OM61YQ" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, and yes, that is correct!</span><br />
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<form style="border:1px solid #ccc;padding:3px;text-align:center;" action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" target="popupwindow" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=blogspot/rrbp', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true"><p>Enter your email address:</p><p><input type="text" style="width:140px" name="email"/></p><input type="hidden" value="blogspot/rrbp" name="uri"/><input type="hidden" name="loc" value="en_US"/><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><p>Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></p></form>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-86975814643862903332009-10-26T14:07:00.006+00:002009-10-26T16:53:00.248+00:00Community Websites for the traveller, WAYN & CouchsurfingThere are many different types of traveller, and I guess over the years, I have fallen into a few of those categories myself!<br /><br />In my early 20's, my first experience in a foreign country was a 2 week trip to Rhodes in Greece with a couple of good friends from school, sun, sea, sand and Ouzo was the order of the day, and so it was for many years after.<br /><br />Next came a sudden change, I was made redundant but received a nice payoff, so went on a 3 week trip to Kenya, something I had been longing to do for ages, which sparked up the adventurer in me!<br /><br />The next stage went back to the sun, sea, and sand, as I had a partner in tow, but I have never been one for lying on a beach all day, and you could always find me in the rock pools, snorkeling or combing the beach for things of interest!<br /><br />Years flew by, and then I found myself all alone once more, but this time we had the wonders of the modern world to help us along, the Internet had opened up another universe for the intrepid traveller. Wiser and ready for a proper adventure, I searched for more trips and came across a 9 week trek round America and Canada.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFuEFxKmUxzD9-AxmLBB_S4fRuIX6qVCc_Tado18tzvYn4UKJqPtAUaSsIQEUw29vDKGdmLEVG6IFcjG7ISQdiKJLOSWZdAmBlowMQQjRmmwdzwyVvcoeZETqw_QsDzpYf79yKsfsG6na/s1600-h/images.jpg2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 97px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 80px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396916470493035938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFuEFxKmUxzD9-AxmLBB_S4fRuIX6qVCc_Tado18tzvYn4UKJqPtAUaSsIQEUw29vDKGdmLEVG6IFcjG7ISQdiKJLOSWZdAmBlowMQQjRmmwdzwyVvcoeZETqw_QsDzpYf79yKsfsG6na/s400/images.jpg2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This trip more than any other, left it's profound mark, not least because of the places I visited, but also because of the people I met along the way!<br />I met an English girl on this tour, and it was she who put me onto <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a>, Where Are You Now, an online travelling community, which has grown to host over 15 million members now, twice that of when I first joined over 4 years ago!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKyT59yJQmV03UTygeFmRAunwNNqZ76FbqeZ_Ag9p1pm6BbGMDG9QQ8tAHNivEzASFG_MUHJYwm16kV_fQeF2GyeXerQs-w_debsLKwc2iahiNw1JfKBI8mZFIKN_qHaOMhG82hHl78o7/s1600-h/js46_pict0055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKyT59yJQmV03UTygeFmRAunwNNqZ76FbqeZ_Ag9p1pm6BbGMDG9QQ8tAHNivEzASFG_MUHJYwm16kV_fQeF2GyeXerQs-w_debsLKwc2iahiNw1JfKBI8mZFIKN_qHaOMhG82hHl78o7/s400/js46_pict0055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396948683039115378" /></a><br /><blockquote>Thanks Gem, for introduced me to <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a>.</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br />I never even contemplate a trip these days without consulting the huge <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a> database, donated mostly by it's members, it is the most up to date information you will find about flights, travel guides, travel tools, travel videos, the country, main cities, towns, where to go, what to do, what not to do, and where to stay, etc. etc.<br /><br />All these extras are great for the budding traveller, but it is the friendships you make here that are priceless! I currently have nearly 200 friends on <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a>, and have never been disappointed when meeting any of them in person, in fact, this is the best thing about all my trips now, as I try to meet as many as I can, wherever I go!<br /><br />My last big trip, was an 8 month round the world to 10 countries, and soon after adding the trip details on my <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a> profile, I started to receive messages from other members in those countries, especially from South America, giving advice on things to do and see, so I was quite busy for a while, writing back saying a big thank you and asking questions, before long, I had made many new friends and had several offers of personal tour guides when I arrive!<br /><br />Well, I don't know about you, but it a wonderful feeling to have a friendly face waiting for you at the airport when you arrive, and that’s exactly what happened in 4 of the 10 countries I visited, plus I met with other members too, they were only too willing to share their cultures with me, showing me all the sites, taking me to find the nicest food, which trails and trips are the best, how much I should be paying for a room or taxi (some even let me crash at their place), basically, everything a good guide book should tell you, but more up to date and with a bigger smile.... lol.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4j3-nx1gYFVSOk9YjNxnoTFO3Ix98C8z8vpiWIkzv9WImTJFlRxI7vbQ7Q32o9dQWwpmYhAqKVCWhRA-MknZcWs8Va1R0a2_W8oP8iLWfvVRDGuhWQSDPTf-uZwJGNyVOjLk_qZTFzi2/s1600-h/jssm_pict0006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4j3-nx1gYFVSOk9YjNxnoTFO3Ix98C8z8vpiWIkzv9WImTJFlRxI7vbQ7Q32o9dQWwpmYhAqKVCWhRA-MknZcWs8Va1R0a2_W8oP8iLWfvVRDGuhWQSDPTf-uZwJGNyVOjLk_qZTFzi2/s400/jssm_pict0006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396947548733891362" /></a><br /><br />As an active member, and keen Photographer, I remember writing to the founder members (Jerome Touze, Mike Lines and Peter Ward) about ratings and comments of members photos (before they had them), and lo and behold, they soon added this feature! This is so unlike many organisations, these guys actually listen to their members, and have recently asked what they could do to make the site a better place for everyone, this resulted in a new, leaner and cleaner looking experience, with many newly added features.<br /><br />It is free to join, but if you wish, for an annual fee, you can become a VIP member which really does have it’s advantages, not least being the free multi-trip insurance!<br />They have even very kindly added a link to this site on their <a href="http://founders.wayn.com/">founders blog</a>, so a big thank you guys, and keep up the good work!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHFfseVYxAV9b8lMOHant2L502l4k3x3VYkbamCsMGME0WoKBoojMiKZ_PxCWgpq9g1ChFiCt_RMw4Pgk8ZH2G7bxeIDoeRs20iqHef9hbJqr_ZgSIJExqMfTq6k0J1IZFG4W7mgKU_sV/s1600-h/final-logo.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 99px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396916828241606898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHFfseVYxAV9b8lMOHant2L502l4k3x3VYkbamCsMGME0WoKBoojMiKZ_PxCWgpq9g1ChFiCt_RMw4Pgk8ZH2G7bxeIDoeRs20iqHef9hbJqr_ZgSIJExqMfTq6k0J1IZFG4W7mgKU_sV/s400/final-logo.png" /></a><br /><br /><br />Once in a while, you come across an idea where you think “why didn’t I think of that?”, well <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/" target="_blank">Couchsurfing</a> is just one of those!</p><p>A simple idea, where members can search for a couch to sleep on when travelling to a foreign country. The Internet makes this easier to do today, as you have instant access to every member around the globe, and can search for a couch in the area your looking for, that’s not to say that every couch is available, it is completely down to the couch owner whether they accept you or not, you just have to ask nicely, and start a correspondence to win them over, that and have a great profile!</p><p>A lot of thought must have gone into the concept, as it could be a dangerous pass time for single travellers, but it is pretty much self regulating, members can get verified, and the more positive references one receives, the better chance you have of the couch owner accepting you to stay!</p><p>I have met many Couchsurfers, and all have had very positive experiences, making many new friends along the way, I guess if you’re the sort of person who offers a couch in the first place, then your probably a traveller too, and in my experience, they are already pretty nice people anyway!<br /><br />As with <a href="http://www.wayn.com/waynsplash.html" target="_blank">WAYN</a>, <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/" target="_blank">Couchsurfing</a> is all about meeting people, and this is a wonderful way to give back as well as receive from fellow like minded people from all over the world, and the friendships you will make…………..will be priceless!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-55809798328778283552009-08-24T16:38:00.039+01:002010-01-13T13:53:56.085+00:00Scottevest Essential Jacket, with pockets galore!!<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029885645" target="_blank">Scottevest Essential jacket</a><br />
I came across this smart Essential jacket from Scottevest the other day, while doing some research for this site, the main thing that interested me was the excess of handy pockets, 19 in all!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MMuTYE90eVkQq4_Ljlg5ZezLL6pjbH3hKmjNbcv1QWjJccgR5DukQAtDzgD4tT-mzb2kYArLScXjQ4sKrg9UmHXsgTGCPCluPGVAd5tkR5OkfUIRDCvBdDOc8ML7juYTmt63R42Xv_xt/s1600-h/scott_xray.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373669520074119746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MMuTYE90eVkQq4_Ljlg5ZezLL6pjbH3hKmjNbcv1QWjJccgR5DukQAtDzgD4tT-mzb2kYArLScXjQ4sKrg9UmHXsgTGCPCluPGVAd5tkR5OkfUIRDCvBdDOc8ML7juYTmt63R42Xv_xt/s400/scott_xray.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 404px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 606px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTdsngZFLpUIoYjniuzN26pSEDRKh25smYL08MfthpeFjizYeT0Oc1Qc7naCH8W4vIWCEOD1zHomuz1k3a60A2PcC46UfX173xhOBRfb7UHT3l23d5P-Lq-aJ4sn5jOIkMO9tfaGUfagO/s1600-h/MO815_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373560927576409602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTdsngZFLpUIoYjniuzN26pSEDRKh25smYL08MfthpeFjizYeT0Oc1Qc7naCH8W4vIWCEOD1zHomuz1k3a60A2PcC46UfX173xhOBRfb7UHT3l23d5P-Lq-aJ4sn5jOIkMO9tfaGUfagO/s400/MO815_lg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 325px;" /></a><br />
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With a Weight Management System® built into the shoulders, it evenly distributes the weight of whatever you fill the pockets with, making it hard for anyone to see what your carrying, and the PAN (Personal Area Network) System® lets you run headset wires up through the lining and out the collar for tangle-free listening. Lightweight and breathable, it's made of brushed cotton/nylon with a polyester lining and Teflon® coating for water and stain resistance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNO-D__OMYPEyt6eSvsyk8VJR6ednQpStHSYMcISGvwL6TDOrMEksVGTGjhYLWZwmjYh2RFB7v7yZLTv6P3IFJqT6YkXEbHipDjrSmJ0dG35mAUdBQBSXAbKzAeeihEGE7fRPEmiCapXqm/s1600-h/p_essentialm_06_xl.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373563118212084690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNO-D__OMYPEyt6eSvsyk8VJR6ednQpStHSYMcISGvwL6TDOrMEksVGTGjhYLWZwmjYh2RFB7v7yZLTv6P3IFJqT6YkXEbHipDjrSmJ0dG35mAUdBQBSXAbKzAeeihEGE7fRPEmiCapXqm/s400/p_essentialm_06_xl.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
It is machine washable and has removable arms for when the weather is warmer, and should prove a winner for travelers, especially traveling to and from America, as there are many flights now that are banning hand luggage, so just load up the pockets, and when you get to customs, just send your jacket through the X-ray machine, simple!<br />
I was hoping to try my jacket on a recent trip to Russia, unfortunately it did not arrive on time (my fault!), so will post my review after giving it a few outings back home, initial thoughts are very good, the fit and feel is fine, and seems to be well made, with pockets for everything except the kitchen sink! <br />
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I have since used the Essential Jacket a few times, and have to say it is all they say it is, haven't used all the pockets, if fact, I'm not sure I've even found them all yet, but the fit and feel is very comfortable, even when loaded, the Weight Management System works well!<br />
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<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029967921" target="_blank">Magellan's</a> is the only place I know of at the moment that stocks the full range, even though they are American based, they do ship around the world at a reasonable rate.<br />
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As for sizing, I am normally a Medium, but have long arms due to my height (6' 1", 40" chest and slim), and I bought a large just to be on the safe side, and it fits fine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90KQ8EQsNegfGunxNm1Iv7mNt-hCqIPSIlUe5xWjXKYqd-eQ76RuC_LF_HvdeOGjHZBVjzEHI5Z0jkgsAUrohyb3305jCVgyXFgpEYWBTrmBLbeoewHzIfb114VyhRwRCARBsYQbhyfHx/s1600-h/WO814_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373566405922522274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90KQ8EQsNegfGunxNm1Iv7mNt-hCqIPSIlUe5xWjXKYqd-eQ76RuC_LF_HvdeOGjHZBVjzEHI5Z0jkgsAUrohyb3305jCVgyXFgpEYWBTrmBLbeoewHzIfb114VyhRwRCARBsYQbhyfHx/s400/WO814_lg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 325px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029885646" target="_blank">Womens Essential jacket</a><br />
For the ladies interested in such a jacket, Scottevest do an 18-pocket Essential Jacket, in Sand, Black and Red Rock, with the same great features (have no idea where the 19th pocket went!!)<br />
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<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029885681" target="_blank">Men's Evolution jacket</a><br />
The Evolution Jacket has even more pockets, and is more of a colder/wetter weather version of the Essential Jacket, as it's fully lined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrcpq2Ws1czJbIGxfGVKFp72ft18JE_5mrhSrYLjHdCw0E4E3lMz7qylqp76_CC-m6zZy2BGlg1lGc_Qnf8vkmFAKv-0Y6HZ8h82bH4_78DSxGW4PW5ExZSGXusXPrt2d8piQQ_wPViZ4/s1600-h/MO816_lg.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373929396710872226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrcpq2Ws1czJbIGxfGVKFp72ft18JE_5mrhSrYLjHdCw0E4E3lMz7qylqp76_CC-m6zZy2BGlg1lGc_Qnf8vkmFAKv-0Y6HZ8h82bH4_78DSxGW4PW5ExZSGXusXPrt2d8piQQ_wPViZ4/s400/MO816_lg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 325px;" /></a>It still comes with detachable sleeves but also has a detachable hood, and is as waterproof as can be, only the zipper and joins where the sleeves zip on stop it from being fully waterproof, these would have to be taped and sealed for that! Needless to say, it will still probably be the most waterproof jacket you own!<br />
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The material is called ENAFF, New Advanced Functional Fabric (I think they added the E to the acronym to make it sound better!), it is a super soft laminated polyester weave, a little like GoreTex, but lesser known as it's quite new, it is lightweight, breathable, windproof, waterproof and environmentally safe, which all adds to the comfort of the user.<br />
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It has the same Weight Management and PAN (Personal Area Network) System® as the Essential, and as far as I can tell from the many YouTube videos on them, you can get everything from your iPod/iPhone to a laptop in the purpose built pockets!<br />
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Well done to Scottevest for turning the humble jacket pocket into a purpose built holder/case for all our modern day gadgets, 18-19-25 pockets in a range of outer wear to suit all our needs, I've even seen snippets here and there of a 30 pocket solar powered version, where a flexible solar panel across the back charges an internal battery to supply all your gizmo's, wow!...............I'll keep you posted when I know more!<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/9c1b3a1f-db38-4bae-8c9a-dd2c84450467/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9c1b3a1f-db38-4bae-8c9a-dd2c84450467" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-36388747646438326172009-07-20T18:19:00.071+01:002010-03-30T16:33:58.812+01:00The Latest Gear you might not have heard of before!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>On this post I want to bring you any cool kit I might come across that might be of interest to you, my readers. </strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I'm subscribed to many newsletters that cover a wide variety of products relevant to Top Travel Gear, and every once in a while, something sparks an interest, mainly because it combines many functions in a more compact and economical way, or is super tough, just what is needed for the discerning adventurer/traveler.</strong></span> </span></strong></b></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Please return often for updates and special offers.</strong><strong></strong></span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5eHHOA_qGpFn8hRGo6mBjFH9sAQ68k6s4ZOfqzriKU8MHkpj6UBDWrn6gsuqeHPfYb_jqCYECgUp-7LrgcJ9phE5AoqurPhn15w8R_UJHycGjRVMrs_OJNvk772sZQChvLXNlYN6URmD/s1600-h/41tNUtVROlL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5eHHOA_qGpFn8hRGo6mBjFH9sAQ68k6s4ZOfqzriKU8MHkpj6UBDWrn6gsuqeHPfYb_jqCYECgUp-7LrgcJ9phE5AoqurPhn15w8R_UJHycGjRVMrs_OJNvk772sZQChvLXNlYN6URmD/s320/41tNUtVROlL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Worlds first camera to come with WiFi Bluetooth and Geo-tagging capabilities the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002JM1GR8?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002JM1GR8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Samsung ST1000</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002JM1GR8" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
One day, I think most cameras will come with Geo-tagging, a great way for travelers to share exactly where they took there pics, anywhere in the world.<br />
Software that comes with the camera, can log your pics by time and date, giving you an instant map of your trip!</span> </span></b></div></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTYMEXMwQDpuyQZQZsTr5nKQ6tiDDbdAizQD6y04dWROcwuBFEkt98EhnyirjSsxZyWh_3Rr6Ub7H-ICvVwgxKtiMSU0OxkzBrSrvObjC6jeTcWj2PCC-QrsjCbMCuny7nJd3bf-JUad/s1600-h/419Lqt1aI6L__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360644084655204370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTYMEXMwQDpuyQZQZsTr5nKQ6tiDDbdAizQD6y04dWROcwuBFEkt98EhnyirjSsxZyWh_3Rr6Ub7H-ICvVwgxKtiMSU0OxkzBrSrvObjC6jeTcWj2PCC-QrsjCbMCuny7nJd3bf-JUad/s400/419Lqt1aI6L__SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002HM2J76?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002HM2J76" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Landrover</span> S1 Mobile Phone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002HM2J76" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
About the toughest mobile phone you will ever come across, key features include a 2MP Camera with Flash - Built-in GPS with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SIRF</span> - Torch Light - FM Radio - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sonim</span> Applications - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MSD</span> Card Slot (up to 2 GB) - J2ME Java Development toolkit and a 3 year unconditional guarantee <br />
This is the first mobile phone rugged enough to be called a Land Rover and is recommended by Sir <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ranulph</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fiennes</span>. <br />
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Unfortunately it's "Orange locked", but is free with an Orange contract, check it out at <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002HM2J76?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002HM2J76" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002HM2J76" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001O2SA50?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001O2SA50" target="_blank">Olympus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mju</span> Tough 8000 </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001O2SA50" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYIQzrP32EnMXg8TtbtVoJgkQvixp8kpBLrybjU3hAig25_jFYrweqYdZKv0mIh1XJc_t96M4gYYIHjsTcbeRz25KocHyVrCJy3tNt-IDhJKoBIYFB2Rsf2Y8umF7YeQW-WvgR2HoynnX/s1600-h/41Wy0BhEMqL__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360633284986888578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYIQzrP32EnMXg8TtbtVoJgkQvixp8kpBLrybjU3hAig25_jFYrweqYdZKv0mIh1XJc_t96M4gYYIHjsTcbeRz25KocHyVrCJy3tNt-IDhJKoBIYFB2Rsf2Y8umF7YeQW-WvgR2HoynnX/s400/41Wy0BhEMqL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 280px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 280px;" /></a>This is one seriously tough digital camera! It's perfect for those really wanting to take things to the limit: waterproof to 10m, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">shockproofed</span> against falls of a height up to 2m, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">freezeproof</span> down to temperatures as low as -10°C and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">crushproof</span> to withstand weights of up to 100kg, so whether your on the beach, piste, jungle trail, or whitewater rafting and snorkeling, it can take a veritable beating and still return excellent results. <br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001O2SA50?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001O2SA50" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Olympus <span style="font-size: 0px;">Mju</span> Tough 8000 here</a><img alt="" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001O2SA50" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002SXMRXK?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002SXMRXK" target="_blank">Eye-Fi Home Video 4GB Wireless SDHC Memory Card</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002SXMRXK" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
These SD cards have the unique feature of being able to upload your photos directly from your camera to your PC wirelessly. <br />
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You might think "well, I can use a cable or card reader for that!", and of course you can, but then that is more to carry on your trips, and how often have you rushed out with your camera and forgotten to put the card back in? <br />
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Keep the card in the camera at all times, which also keeps the dirt out, and simply turn the camera on when near your wireless conection, the card automatically uploads the pics to a designated folder on your PC, how easy is that? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYAHzqaKiBZaOdj5gSFBCGJmqu8b81bQAxjUXq5Yww2ssAMZebWxnuSmLxuHwPNc6-5b1v7axQLZnH2IIB1RjVvTnt3p2xR6t8Ds5hepxyDEwgedTsWrRNXtTyILxccry6v_ggFnEhYgV/s1600/410hz53XD+L__SL160_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409874980265905122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYAHzqaKiBZaOdj5gSFBCGJmqu8b81bQAxjUXq5Yww2ssAMZebWxnuSmLxuHwPNc6-5b1v7axQLZnH2IIB1RjVvTnt3p2xR6t8Ds5hepxyDEwgedTsWrRNXtTyILxccry6v_ggFnEhYgV/s400/410hz53XD+L__SL160_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 160px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 99px;" /></a> <br />
There are 4 versions available, Home, Share Video, Explore Video and Pro, each have different feature sets, the Pro doing everything from video, RAW files, Geotagging, Hotspot access and Ad Hoc transfers, this comes at a cost of course, so choose carefully! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002SXMRXK?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002SXMRXK" target="_blank">Eye-Fi Home Video 4GB available at Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B002SXMRXK" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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<a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=225316&C=59033&U=LED" target="_blank">LED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lenser</span> torches</a> <br />
Torches have come a long way since Cree <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">LED's</span> came on the scene, and if you haven't seen one in action yet....do!, you will be amazed at how much power comes out of such a compact torch! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcraySpi0CVLgAPj8i3HxmIHrEEld0411GEgqyZ8v6GmucttRO4Xb3VqVHwKhYDIHPj7153K45LrKIrhT8MqfMSo0Dd1NaFxnSu2CV8V1A8ntM_XNvkxh-0ZhAZtr1j7PnFwK0cyy65yf/s1600-h/N11GG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360622622883282162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcraySpi0CVLgAPj8i3HxmIHrEEld0411GEgqyZ8v6GmucttRO4Xb3VqVHwKhYDIHPj7153K45LrKIrhT8MqfMSo0Dd1NaFxnSu2CV8V1A8ntM_XNvkxh-0ZhAZtr1j7PnFwK0cyy65yf/s400/N11GG.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 110px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <br />
I have been giving the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001GROCFU?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001GROCFU" target="_blank">LED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lenser</span> T7 </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001GROCFU" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
a going over these past few months, and it has done all I have asked and more! A mere 135mm x 37mm at it's widest (29mm main barrel), it blows the competition away with build quality, size and power. Rated at 170 lumen's, a range of over 700 feet (full power), and 130 hour battery life from 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">AAA's</span>, on the lower power setting. <br />
Built from aircraft grade Aluminium, it is built to last and will probably outlive it's user, it has a one hand focusing feature, plus the Cree <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">LED's</span> last for over 100,000 hours! Waterproof of course, and with a three position button on the end of the barrel, supplied with a lanyard and heavy duty canvas pouch for fitting to your belt or pack, this really is a serious piece of kit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3zA2gaR1CGDlOMrjZY4HaHsz6DevDZRvRRJG2XA91m3LsKRXNySHbrk3GLkbEqNnn_6zRMfcRBA8tRb8hW5bS364azCp8Y0eJ2AvfX4bVJAe1GaWbG5gYvBfg73J3ynZ4ZHX5tRuWT_7/s1600-h/41HNwiIAVOL__SS500_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371701511636441202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3zA2gaR1CGDlOMrjZY4HaHsz6DevDZRvRRJG2XA91m3LsKRXNySHbrk3GLkbEqNnn_6zRMfcRBA8tRb8hW5bS364azCp8Y0eJ2AvfX4bVJAe1GaWbG5gYvBfg73J3ynZ4ZHX5tRuWT_7/s400/41HNwiIAVOL__SS500_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 208px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000OGCP6W?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000OGCP6W" target="_blank">LED Lenser Police Tech Focus Torch</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000OGCP6W" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
This is another fine torch in the LED Lenser series of compact torches, but without the lower power setting, still focusable, uses 3 AAA batteries, and as such, is selling for £27.99 inc p&p, it has great reviews, so grab one while you can!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kD7tMfheAh2pwdBAYT35o9xCk9y0zz4bPJFdOmeaS_Nc7LvpHChvpjZGuJRyn1_oSlVXGPuJOpXG0rhTfThk29fspwvbKOA_q8phoKgbYa59ATJBna-EaRfxXc7PpoyRkN703yIJtbj4/s1600-h/31Q6Kup383L__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421394384224963426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kD7tMfheAh2pwdBAYT35o9xCk9y0zz4bPJFdOmeaS_Nc7LvpHChvpjZGuJRyn1_oSlVXGPuJOpXG0rhTfThk29fspwvbKOA_q8phoKgbYa59ATJBna-EaRfxXc7PpoyRkN703yIJtbj4/s400/31Q6Kup383L__SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=229254&C=59033&U=Solar" target="_blank">Solar Powered Travel Bag</a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIsodx6reORnfXYM67WfFUbkVWhgqlp5tmYpUvg4iBznCAZKnnqVkXconz8gTZNTqtl03b5TE1MpMpZU7hmqaeBJiS258e4xpcolWkiQyh1TAfQ5DJXr_QxdrjvLD6qXNdTMjKiEI-nE/s1600-h/n82gt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360610241138991026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIsodx6reORnfXYM67WfFUbkVWhgqlp5tmYpUvg4iBznCAZKnnqVkXconz8gTZNTqtl03b5TE1MpMpZU7hmqaeBJiS258e4xpcolWkiQyh1TAfQ5DJXr_QxdrjvLD6qXNdTMjKiEI-nE/s400/n82gt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 300px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 142px;" /></a>We all need to charge our mobile phones and Mp3 players etc. these days, wherever we are, so why not do it on the go with this 36 X 25 X 8cm travel bag which is available from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Maplin</span>. It comes with 1 x connecting cable 1 x <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">USB</span> adaptor and 3 x mobile phone adaptors (for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Nokia</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Samsung</span> and Sony-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Ericsson</span>), the solar panel is situated on the flap and the charging can be done safely on the inside, roughly 5 hours for a full charge of most mobiles. <br />
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This simple idea could be a life saver, especially if you get lost in the outback or a jungle somewhere, and as we all know, your mobile always seems to be low on battery when we need it most! <br />
I'm sure we will see this technology implemented in many more products in the future, as solar panels and batteries become smaller and more efficient, the top flap of a rucksack would be a good start!<br />
Discontinued!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JFT2U4?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001JFT2U4" target="_blank">Bushnell BackTrack</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001JFT2U4" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
The Bushnell BackTrack is a simple device that uses GPS to ensure you can return to one of 3 specified locations with ease!. <br />
What use is that? I hear you ask! well, I can think of quite a few! <br />
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Imagine you have arrived in a foreign city, your taxi takes you to your hotel/hostel/backpacker, you check-in, and want to take a walk into town, before you leave where your staying, go outside to get a better signal, press one of the BackTracks buttons for a few seconds to save your position, and go for your walk without having to worry about remembering the directions back! <br />
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When you wish to return, look at your BackTrack, and it will give you the direction and distance back to your lodgings, simple! <br />
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Use it on trails, in the jungle, at festivals, finding your car in big car parks or at shows, dive sites, basically, pinpoint any location you wish to return to!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-FUHqRNdN6mURBYYrFrkfriA2k0zM3IhEFK7vQmuEEjBnJOb3HY6W8LScxOgwVJ9-XPwiCfv7keJkSoe41t0CBcQOBRXhIyIxg7YRsr287OW0QxMJdy6XIsSMrAiuRj40Wgap0_PtHxw/s1600-h/41SR3bReSIL__SS500_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371632739916963346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-FUHqRNdN6mURBYYrFrkfriA2k0zM3IhEFK7vQmuEEjBnJOb3HY6W8LScxOgwVJ9-XPwiCfv7keJkSoe41t0CBcQOBRXhIyIxg7YRsr287OW0QxMJdy6XIsSMrAiuRj40Wgap0_PtHxw/s400/41SR3bReSIL__SS500_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This is GPS in it's basic form, it's as easy as 1-2-3, mark it, leave it, and get back! <br />
Compact and easy to carry(75 x 90 x 19), the Bushnell BackTrack stores and locates up to three locations at any one time, utilizes the latest digital technology, with high sensitivity SiRF Star III GPS receiver, self calibrating digital compass, works in meters or yards (99.9 max in both), is weather resistant, operates on 2 AAA Batteries (not Included), and is supplied with lanyard for ease of carrying, plus it wont break the bank! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000Z6K7TI?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000Z6K7TI" target="_blank">Waterproof Fold-Drybag</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000Z6K7TI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
We all have occasions when we need to keep things dry, well this great value set of 4 Drybags by Exped might be just the answer!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE9YoEJ9cuzPcuzjCKVjDbj8u3IO4J_IVXSDOrjFH02QLSf3xfXYVX2oC0zGwToyOjdLdzXnC_f3q95OpOWgYSKCavV3ZXpmOqpMtAM97ChX0RtcOLNyIs6YUuB3mjpkouE5fH40gnK9p/s1600-h/41-LslHkiBL__SS500_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371642048376227138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE9YoEJ9cuzPcuzjCKVjDbj8u3IO4J_IVXSDOrjFH02QLSf3xfXYVX2oC0zGwToyOjdLdzXnC_f3q95OpOWgYSKCavV3ZXpmOqpMtAM97ChX0RtcOLNyIs6YUuB3mjpkouE5fH40gnK9p/s400/41-LslHkiBL__SS500_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>XS (3 litres), S (5 litres), M (8 litres) and L (13 litres) covers most items from clothing and sleeping bags, to mobile phones and cameras, taped seems all around, soft but durable PU coated taffeta nylon, with a Hydrostatic head of 10 000mm. <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000Z6K7TI?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000Z6K7TI" target="_blank">Waterproof Fold-Drybag 4 Pack £19.99</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000Z6K7TI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000R2FNDA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000R2FNDA" target="_blank">FlareSafe Personal Safety Device</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000R2FNDA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
I came across this little item recently, a handy LED torch with 3 settings, full beam, half beam, and strobing, with a visibility of over 2km, but also comes with a built in personal/smoke alarm. <br />
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Built from water-resistant and shockproof military-grade plastics, this lightweight tool could be a lifesaver! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEMb2Eaw3N2MEoF84CXQuwA4sOtqwSZWJXhXHsQ_JUNNahGt8Crs2ciqP_kBPeIdub02ePHiyRlM2JvIxfW5FrS9A7SZWTGOxo8VOP642Afag4vtHlBOK-HR3iCZDFkeWr1rLAoS5yvB9/s1600-h/21z6F1GLrVL__SL500_AA250_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371694170910187362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEMb2Eaw3N2MEoF84CXQuwA4sOtqwSZWJXhXHsQ_JUNNahGt8Crs2ciqP_kBPeIdub02ePHiyRlM2JvIxfW5FrS9A7SZWTGOxo8VOP642Afag4vtHlBOK-HR3iCZDFkeWr1rLAoS5yvB9/s400/21z6F1GLrVL__SL500_AA250_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 250px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 250px;" /></a>The distress and smoke alarm has a 120db Piezo-type sounder that can be heard up to 500mt away, and uses 2 AA batteries, plus a small lithium one that takes over for emergencies if the AA's run out. <br />
Advanced software lets you know when the lithium is running low, so you always know when you are protected! <br />
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Ideal for any traveler who wishes to have a little personal reassurance in a dangerous environment, and think that the standard smoke detectors in the hotel/hostel/backpacker you are staying in (if any!) are not up to standard. <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000R2FNDA?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000R2FNDA" target="_blank">FlareSafe £41.40 at Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000R2FNDA" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Door" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Howsar_Temporary_Door_Lock.html">Howsar Temporary Door Lock</a> <br />
While were on the subject of security, here is a small, simple, award winning and cheap device to lock most doors, anywhere you go! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY5GEdOnMwvhq9cuyg-vkTpcHwbObe2z8qHWK9OhtirDWc-bUy8cvxRcQlWKpQ68yGbwxPstrIKhCJRKwkyuno5oUX6Z6W9vzYveHqutah3oohIprCGy66E32jAtA0vYz0qUMJb9ong7I/s1600-h/large_howsarlock_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372009772878271314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY5GEdOnMwvhq9cuyg-vkTpcHwbObe2z8qHWK9OhtirDWc-bUy8cvxRcQlWKpQ68yGbwxPstrIKhCJRKwkyuno5oUX6Z6W9vzYveHqutah3oohIprCGy66E32jAtA0vYz0qUMJb9ong7I/s400/large_howsarlock_2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 350px;" /></a>The Howsar Temporary Door lock is made of 2 pieces of strong nylon, attached together with a cord so you don't lose either, it simply hooks into the door recess in the door frame, where the latch fits, then close the door and slide the curved wedge into the slotted receiver, simple! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5r4Dtw2GS4xa1hVss4FE_IwbSNOFPdB6mwv-vzigvIkQQh5cFap26FlDERhAeK_RKSRzlrtMUPcFcnvxhWf-RcI-Lto8YmsAAoDWLlrAhPVhsgWe7v_F7QcQp9fH2FtOrbESJgCketOY/s1600-h/large_howsarlock.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372009263643898290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5r4Dtw2GS4xa1hVss4FE_IwbSNOFPdB6mwv-vzigvIkQQh5cFap26FlDERhAeK_RKSRzlrtMUPcFcnvxhWf-RcI-Lto8YmsAAoDWLlrAhPVhsgWe7v_F7QcQp9fH2FtOrbESJgCketOY/s400/large_howsarlock.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 267px;" /></a> <br />
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Lets face it, we have all needed a device like this at one time or another, at home or abroad, even if the locks seem to work on the hotel room door, this can still be used for that extra piece of mind, or the backpackers toilet or shower room for a bit more privacy! (yes, we've all been there!) <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Door" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Howsar_Temporary_Door_Lock.html">Howsar Temporary Door Lock £4.99 at Pack Your Bags</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000X1CFBS?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000X1CFBS" target="_blank">Swiss World Travel Mains Adapter With USB Port - Covers More than 150 Countries</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000X1CFBS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpwKZn5_ToXsOSN6CwDFg4oj00uvXw1l9d0Av7AxFJApQPGLtpdhWEGxhYa-UKdx0gFb9UdXorP3Un67vLvAI4Ilj2dLzOa7m3VFdU6OEW7uoKMbEU2KYn7MLrvP_bZAW-l4W44k-Iqu0/s1600-h/41FBVlXWFrL__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372021332001079634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpwKZn5_ToXsOSN6CwDFg4oj00uvXw1l9d0Av7AxFJApQPGLtpdhWEGxhYa-UKdx0gFb9UdXorP3Un67vLvAI4Ilj2dLzOa7m3VFdU6OEW7uoKMbEU2KYn7MLrvP_bZAW-l4W44k-Iqu0/s400/41FBVlXWFrL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 280px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 280px;" /></a> <br />
Self explanatory really, we all need travel adapters for a variety of electrical devices, this one even has a USB Port! <br />
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I've seen these available at over twice the price at airports, so why leave it till then? <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000X1CFBS?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000X1CFBS" target="_blank">£10.95 at Amazon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000X1CFBS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Water" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Katadyn_Water_Bottle.html">Katadyn Water Purification</a> <br />
Katadyn is a Swiss company and the global Number One when it comes to individualized water purification systems and products. Katadyn have been developing water filters, and other water purification products for travel, outdoor, camping and marine applications since 1928. <br />
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Plastic bottles are a major source of rubbish these days, filling up huge areas in landfill sites around the world, plus there are many scare stories and studies done, that tell of the dangers of re-using certain types of plastic bottles, just do a search on Google, and you will see what I mean! <br />
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Why not do your bit for the environment, and use local tap or clean river water, purified in one of of Katadyn's filtration bottles? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOV1HgQWST68q8zy8quvq96Swj5QZnRp6xmBOehTw93y1jkJWj2DW1plONroAfhe4CANh8n7Ba8kuQtb38Yv5BM57_RyskB-nvDN7LZl9SReAHBzD9Wc_G9P7dBFaLqzmAvavJLRd7KU9/s1600-h/t_KATexstreambtle.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372050311672918946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOV1HgQWST68q8zy8quvq96Swj5QZnRp6xmBOehTw93y1jkJWj2DW1plONroAfhe4CANh8n7Ba8kuQtb38Yv5BM57_RyskB-nvDN7LZl9SReAHBzD9Wc_G9P7dBFaLqzmAvavJLRd7KU9/s400/t_KATexstreambtle.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Water" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Katadyn_Water_Bottle.html">Katadyn Exstream Water Purifier Bottle £35.99</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IW73Mzptk77ElpmCGBdaut150MyiY7KGJ-kDNz4Pwb7afEwaYTXlQ21DUbiMDHZyw4wvBG399I5Ii6J1bw0mgxOzfUlkWqUULF6NQoCcWOkOijUg_ZO6iViBqJcrNKUKeJ0o5AbRCTzg/s1600-h/t_katadyn_hiker.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372051442930986130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IW73Mzptk77ElpmCGBdaut150MyiY7KGJ-kDNz4Pwb7afEwaYTXlQ21DUbiMDHZyw4wvBG399I5Ii6J1bw0mgxOzfUlkWqUULF6NQoCcWOkOijUg_ZO6iViBqJcrNKUKeJ0o5AbRCTzg/s400/t_katadyn_hiker.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 167px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Water" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Katadyn_Hiker_Water_Filter.html">Katadyn Hiker Water Filter £43.99</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLFJeopQG1UIr8FVkv4LF-ElIHafd_9bnHqeEyMrl9rjQdYf-21RHB47FziwE05KfX0sQTpJo2Tgqk3Xk0Av3eF5Fkvo5QAlFN2qyFv0PUKLQvGJSUKlCe_CYHyYFcyC_BVHraYy3GmNi/s1600-h/t_katadyn_mini.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372052295545110082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLFJeopQG1UIr8FVkv4LF-ElIHafd_9bnHqeEyMrl9rjQdYf-21RHB47FziwE05KfX0sQTpJo2Tgqk3Xk0Av3eF5Fkvo5QAlFN2qyFv0PUKLQvGJSUKlCe_CYHyYFcyC_BVHraYy3GmNi/s400/t_katadyn_mini.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 143px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 100px;" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Water" target="_blank" wgtarget="'http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Katadyn_Hiker_Water_Filter.html">Katadyn Mini Ceramic Water Filter £61.99</a> <br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/8ea9fb42-ea49-436d-ac66-078373d2fcb9/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=8ea9fb42-ea49-436d-ac66-078373d2fcb9" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
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</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-61617632104599321272009-06-24T15:06:00.010+01:002009-08-26T19:19:55.055+01:00Footwear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrFM44SPIkJkLQhI7ygbmyevDvS5eucV9vHzyijrjDUABXlIl1FUjyrIXEeLG820jVbfWc8EbWm1sjcUAbeJ81DpuLmlfjRH0ErGy1cWsCfqePjAbTNcMp6Rn_m3T1iZTuv3c-8e8L_XV/s1600-h/Hillmaster_GTX_Mens_Brown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350936039852985074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrFM44SPIkJkLQhI7ygbmyevDvS5eucV9vHzyijrjDUABXlIl1FUjyrIXEeLG820jVbfWc8EbWm1sjcUAbeJ81DpuLmlfjRH0ErGy1cWsCfqePjAbTNcMp6Rn_m3T1iZTuv3c-8e8L_XV/s400/Hillmaster_GTX_Mens_Brown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Boots, shoes, sandals and socks are one of the most important parts of any travel kit, many pay the price for overlooking this, with sores and blisters that can ruin your day or even the whole trip!<br /><br /> Look after your feet, and they will take you anywhere, so don't buy a new pair of boots just before you depart on a hiking holiday, try many types and makes until you find one that is comfortable right from the start and break them in a little before you go. The same goes for shoes/trainers and sandals too, there are some great adventure sandals available now, when the going gets tough and it's just too hot for boots.<br /><br />My favorites are <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D355005011%26ref%255F%3Damb%255Flink%255F82186413%255F1%26me%3DA3P5ROKL5A1OLE%26p%255F4%3DMerrell&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Merrell Kahuna's</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" />, water sandals built with a soft leather upper, neoprene lining, a compression molded EVA footframe and contains the added benefits of Microban® antimicrobial product protection.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kLzRlQghWYjTkPKunCRcoKHvJyLldW9poFzA7U14FA51F_9a8iPL5asMv5id8exkdiYW2yncJQj0k8lSEpBHtzcc98CIYxiQ3fM7pKaXIuHm5Ei-cPCyKubE9SiL-XnIWtsPk6bTTZPr/s1600-h/js_pict0399.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350924129686004402" style="WIDTH: 680px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 510px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kLzRlQghWYjTkPKunCRcoKHvJyLldW9poFzA7U14FA51F_9a8iPL5asMv5id8exkdiYW2yncJQj0k8lSEpBHtzcc98CIYxiQ3fM7pKaXIuHm5Ei-cPCyKubE9SiL-XnIWtsPk6bTTZPr/s800/js_pict0399.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">My size 9 Kahuna for scale on a huge leaf in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore</span><br /></em><br />I have walked many a mile over rough terrain in these, and the only problem I have had was of my own doing, I whacked them together to shake off some wet sand, and broke one of the adjustment buckles, a quick e-mail to Merrell later for a replacement buckle, ended in me sending the cleaned pair back to them, and soon got back a brand new pair free of charge!<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000TXXWU8&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Everyone has their favorite pair of walking boots, mine are the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000P9EDM2?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000P9EDM2">Brasher Hillmaster GTX</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000P9EDM2" width="1" border="0" />, a full grain leather boot with a Gore-Tex lining, I walked round most of America in these without a single problem, and was going to take them on an 8 month round the world trip, but my friends dog had other ideas! One day I will replace them, probably with the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001I1IWXW?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001I1IWXW">Brasher Supalite GTX</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001I1IWXW" width="1" border="0" />, my friends have these boots, and they wouldn't change them for anything!<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001I1IWXW&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />My backup pair were <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fap%26field-keywords%3D%2520Meindl%2520boots%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dshoes&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Meindl Atlanta's</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" />, they were practically brand new, I had bought them while on a trip in Scotland many years ago, and never used them, but they soon got a thorough workout on the many hundreds of kilometers of hiking I did in Tasmania, New Zealand, Chile, Peru and Brazil. I still wear them today, and will continue to till they wear out and fall apart!<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001FALHY2&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Another favorite walking shoe is the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000KR3D5W?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000KR3D5W">Merrell Moab Vent</a>, more like a trainer for rougher terrain, ideal for any days out in warmer climes, <img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000KR3D5W" width="1" border="0" />the venting allows good air circulation and as with most Merrells, they are comfy right out of the box!<br /><br />I wear these most days when on my trips or back home, and am now on my second pair, when they wear out, I will probably buy another pair, sometimes, "<em>when</em> <em>something ain't broke, it don't need fixing!!"</em><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000KR3D5W&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />All hiking boots/shoes are only as good as the socks you wear with them, get it wrong and they can actually make matters worse, causing dreadful blisters and sores, especially on the heel. I have been around the world without a single blister or foot complaint, and I attribute that to the wonderful Tilley Ankle socks, they don't look like much, are quite thin, which is great in the hot weather, and they wick moisture away from your feet for extra breathability, wash them every night in a sink or when you have a shower, and they will be dry and ready again the next morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-yCv3uBLTuMd5N-uBPyPumiYVp9ILLvwonS5e2dCilZwaWHEdcBn27Y2ignyDoEQRw_09nk4Leh8zZGSbFfPME0D6hRTlM_jhz0C2rcNofCdf_VerUGtTqoU3TcWsIde2UPucV058n19/s1600-h/Tilleysocks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350937149620044546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 331px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-yCv3uBLTuMd5N-uBPyPumiYVp9ILLvwonS5e2dCilZwaWHEdcBn27Y2ignyDoEQRw_09nk4Leh8zZGSbFfPME0D6hRTlM_jhz0C2rcNofCdf_VerUGtTqoU3TcWsIde2UPucV058n19/s400/Tilleysocks.jpg" border="0" /></a>You only need two pairs on any trip (one as a spare), which can lessen the load if you want to pack light, they also come with a 3 year 'All-Holes-Barred Guarantee', and I can't recommend them enough! (I'm still looking for a reliable source of these socks, so stay tuned!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-91694585495056168542009-05-28T14:53:00.001+01:002010-03-30T16:30:52.690+01:00Leatherman MultitoolI have worn a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.leatherman.com/" rel="homepage" title="Leatherman">Leatherman</a></span></span></span></span></span></span> of some description or other on my belt for over 25 years, other makes and types have come and gone, but I can always rely on my trusty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Leatherman</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Wave to get me out of a fix.<br />
The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Leatherman</span></span> Wave I have right now, is the old type (an all time favorite!), which I prefer slightly to the newer one (personal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">preference</span>) and at time of purchase was in the region of £100, that was about 10 years ago, so I guess £10 per year is not a lot to pay for something that I use practically every day and has a 25 year <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">guarantee</span>!<br />
<blockquote><em>When people know you wear a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Leatherman</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>,<br />
you’ll be amazed at how many times they ask to use it, eventually they will get one of their own, after a few subtle hints, then they wonder how they ever managed without one, and I would remind them..............they used to use mine!!</em></blockquote>Here are the two versions of the Wave, my older one on the left, the newer on the right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLGvkovuHhXDLf5DadLoYIX3oWJwaMgJhbWA7fYSY6VvuLLIu1f7H4Mxbx5_V3WcHsOevPPkLb17v1PFakJuvlc-0NWJKRJjU9oyTewLgDEdsQxg50PkWaCBq05P_084cA-Mp9wgmpEX/s1600-h/js_pict0063.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350532815394273602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iLGvkovuHhXDLf5DadLoYIX3oWJwaMgJhbWA7fYSY6VvuLLIu1f7H4Mxbx5_V3WcHsOevPPkLb17v1PFakJuvlc-0NWJKRJjU9oyTewLgDEdsQxg50PkWaCBq05P_084cA-Mp9wgmpEX/s800/js_pict0063.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 510px; width: 680px;" /></a><br />
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The old style Leatherman Wave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">does not have the locking facility of the new one for the screwdrivers, scissors and bottle/can opener, it has 4 straight slot bits and one Philips #2, the main 4 blades lock on both models, one clip point, one sheep’s foot serrated, one wood saw and a combination file, one side of which is diamond coated. All 4 of these blades can be opened with the handles in the closed position, and a good solid purchase is available for heavy work, they can be unlocked and returned home virtually with one hand.</span></span></span></span><br />
The pliers and wire cutters are what make the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Leatherman</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Multitool</span></span></span></span></span></span> such a useful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">piece</span></span></span></span> of kit, and I remember thinking way back in the eighties when they first came out, “why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">didn</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>’t I think of that!”. Since then of course, they have become a household name, and have many imitations, but still remain the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Multitool</span></span></span></span></span></span> in my opinion!<br />
There is now a whole range of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Leatherman's</span></span></span></span></span></span> to suit everyone’s taste, and I will hopefully be putting the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Skeletool</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> through its paces in the near future, so watch this space <br />
Notice the beefier blades, the locking mechanism, smaller scissors and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">interchangeable</span></span> screwdriver bits on the new version (belonging to my father).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS2SsCjiUR3NsKsjHAO7-qdeKoWkydvIlwUEGRt_dSUsH0vUrUQgBAwoVK7ucVJjfJv2SOtRFZBhPf0oK_em1D969pStW6kZ450PLwtD3VwvPyWycUZcl6il6sfKnNWfSCnrX4KWWJAEq/s1600-h/js_pict0067.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350533258212135858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS2SsCjiUR3NsKsjHAO7-qdeKoWkydvIlwUEGRt_dSUsH0vUrUQgBAwoVK7ucVJjfJv2SOtRFZBhPf0oK_em1D969pStW6kZ450PLwtD3VwvPyWycUZcl6il6sfKnNWfSCnrX4KWWJAEq/s800/js_pict0067.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 510px; width: 680px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=Leatherman&wgtarget=http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Leatherman.html" target="_blank">Whole range of Leatherman's available here!</a><br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/f77724a0-8522-488a-8112-507e72e6e4ed/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f77724a0-8522-488a-8112-507e72e6e4ed" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-77141020651004517102009-05-26T12:34:00.009+01:002009-06-24T17:58:12.519+01:00Tilley hats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_yowoP0FAtShUhVSwv-vkW4LwkGHmVjOEurKvZ0PpoQ2-W3KBOVPoxFoVE-U6I3DxL7PLk8asyNw4eOS7-qQkCNMphK_FABKgbw_5h9xrKFB3cmKTkKA2GKOUP2cSryA-_tAliwyXiTy/s1600-h/T3-10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_yowoP0FAtShUhVSwv-vkW4LwkGHmVjOEurKvZ0PpoQ2-W3KBOVPoxFoVE-U6I3DxL7PLk8asyNw4eOS7-qQkCNMphK_FABKgbw_5h9xrKFB3cmKTkKA2GKOUP2cSryA-_tAliwyXiTy/s400/T3-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350939298811946738" /></a>Another favourite, is my trusty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tilley</span></span> T3 olive hat, some say I sleep in it, and sometimes I do, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span></span>! This is a little gem of a hat, not to everyone’s taste I'm sure, but I guarantee if you ask a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tilley</span></span> hat owner to part with theirs, they will flat down refuse, no matter how much you offer (within reason of course, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lol</span></span>!)<br /><br />Washable, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crushable</span>, high sun protection, classic look (depending on which design you go for), and sometimes a lifesaver!<br />There is a thin foam liner in the base that helps it float and has saved my head from many a scrape!, a neat wide lace that loops under your chin and round the back of your head keeps it in place in high winds (invaluable), which can be stowed away inside the hat when not needed! It's great for keeping your head cool in the summer and warm in the winter plus the wide brim keeps rain off your glasses and the suns glare to a minimum.<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><em>Being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tilley</span></span> hat owner is like joining a select club, each member is instantly recognised by their hat wherever they go by other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tilley</span> owners, and usually a new friendship ensues!<br />One owner in America (works in a Zoo) has even had his eaten by an Elephant....... 3 times!, he later <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">retrieved</span> it each time (I don't have to tell you where from?), washed it, and continues to wear it!! </em></blockquote><br />Here's a Preying Mantis wearing mine!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz75W9pQ9NMphNqYCWQza_DKHwIirFpC-Grt1ZoZ8F8_rqR6vQHE1bF63c6JD-MTu2709VS0Cs602X2YYMdLiZvjfx0j2F3iL5IaRvjxMVc7Kp8-DMYMN087CsenUuledkbkTThQapPq2u/s1600-h/js_img_7448.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350537306884376706" style="WIDTH: 680px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 507px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz75W9pQ9NMphNqYCWQza_DKHwIirFpC-Grt1ZoZ8F8_rqR6vQHE1bF63c6JD-MTu2709VS0Cs602X2YYMdLiZvjfx0j2F3iL5IaRvjxMVc7Kp8-DMYMN087CsenUuledkbkTThQapPq2u/s800/js_img_7448.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a wide range to choose from, plus a great collection of other clothing items for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">discerning</span> traveler, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tilley</span></span> socks being a must have! I have walked many hundreds of miles in all terrains and have yet to have a single blister!!<br />They might not look like much, but trust me, these are a great piece of kit, 2 pairs saw me round the world in 8 months, washable in the sink every night, and they are dry and ready to go the next morning!<br />As I always say, “look after your feet, as without them......you can’t go anywhere!”<br /><br /><a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=2089&clickref=T3&wgtarget=http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Tilley_T3_Hat.html" target="_blank">Get your Tilley T3 here!</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Still looking for good supplier of Tilley socks, watch this space!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-77614807987850760342009-05-25T12:14:00.025+01:002009-10-04T22:20:21.812+01:00Craghopper Kiwi zip-off trousers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd2vfYRx7Bl4iRoHpJzS7WS9-oockdjUNtXmLxLCz3HSP-7wQ2YjCtspwCM1t0v6uk3YVAG9L9vblLehnm-ME7itz0qkdwCI-g39A5LkmYPNt3qWdVlExqqrZxZaOUpk0O4GqXoJGNx25/s1600-h/jssm_pict0005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347284093727107458" style="WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd2vfYRx7Bl4iRoHpJzS7WS9-oockdjUNtXmLxLCz3HSP-7wQ2YjCtspwCM1t0v6uk3YVAG9L9vblLehnm-ME7itz0qkdwCI-g39A5LkmYPNt3qWdVlExqqrZxZaOUpk0O4GqXoJGNx25/s400/jssm_pict0005.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Craghopper</span></span> Kiwi trousers are another favourite, especially the zip-off variety, they are so comfortable and practical, I wear little else these days (trousers that is!)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5pICoH7ztoKLad4i3-pf1ATEos_dw_TeayYKzVW7VcY84N0DRtTLYFHEd-6562V3hY6lA7ptIcJeog6Xxv3nZn7Ag8KvO2fL-MUcMEtA3zAg8Zshm3851VbE7oBHoztOy72WKwwD9AZw/s1600-h/677.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361611229576872978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5pICoH7ztoKLad4i3-pf1ATEos_dw_TeayYKzVW7VcY84N0DRtTLYFHEd-6562V3hY6lA7ptIcJeog6Xxv3nZn7Ag8KvO2fL-MUcMEtA3zAg8Zshm3851VbE7oBHoztOy72WKwwD9AZw/s400/677.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Craghoppers</span></span> have a high sun protection rating with their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Craghopper</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SolarDry</span></span> fabric, 8 pockets to cater for all your keys/change/wallets etc., including 2 security zipped back pockets, 2 security zipped side pockets (inside the normal side pockets) and a handy sized cargo pocket on the right leg, which also has with another zipped pocket down the side, there’s even a mobile phone pocket, so you can feel secure when in a pick-pocket rich environment, in fact, I’m sure that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Craghoppers</span></span> are pick picketers number one enemy (that and a 44 magnum!)
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<br /><blockquote>I recently had a bad experience while on a trip, I'm not going to say where, because it could have happened anywhere!
<br />Three friends and I were walking back to our hostel from a nightclub, and we got mugged by 5 local guys, it was not pretty, but needless to say, my Craghoppers prevented them getting anything from me, as they tried to go through my pockets after beating me to the ground, my wallet and passport were both
<br />safely tucked away in separate zipped pockets, one of my friends on the other hand was wearing jeans, and lost his wallet, cellphone and (luckily) his old passport!
<br /></blockquote>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSGmtN0_3Y6V4j5cROKLJZvVuWNWSegoHX9cOh0bPSNSjMkUncvWpBA7iJyIB1yw8vF73jQMhGHIYLMYmtH8V4TdYsO5kEH1FjoB9HuIap0uOD6MNM1hvINhXKUut285RQM9HQ9Zaj6xQ/s1600-h/677_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361611926967837730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSGmtN0_3Y6V4j5cROKLJZvVuWNWSegoHX9cOh0bPSNSjMkUncvWpBA7iJyIB1yw8vF73jQMhGHIYLMYmtH8V4TdYsO5kEH1FjoB9HuIap0uOD6MNM1hvINhXKUut285RQM9HQ9Zaj6xQ/s400/677_3.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /></a>The other great attraction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Craghopper</span></span> trousers is if it gets hot when out on the trail, you can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">un</span></span>-zip the legs and you have an instant pair of great looking shorts, no need to take both items of clothing anymore! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">un</span></span>-zipped legs take up little weight or room in your backpack, and are always there in case you need them on those cool evenings or when the bugs start to bite!
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<br /><a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=59033&wgprogramid=1695&clickref=Crags&wgtarget=http://www.trekwear.co.uk/kiwi_convertible_trousers_-_craghoppers_mens/p-677.html" target="_blank">Special offer, Craghopper Kiwi Zip-off trousers only £24.95 (rrp £40)</a>
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<br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&offerid=172182.10000009&type=4&subid=0" target="new"><img alt="Speedo International Limited " src="http://brands.scene7.com/is/image/brands/468X60_Worlds?wid=468" border="0" />
<br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&offerid=172182.10000009&type=4&subid=0" target="new"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-36627221600576490812009-05-24T16:14:00.030+01:002010-05-27T19:50:03.148+01:00Bushnell Natureview binocularsNow, I know not everyone is quite into nature as much as I am, so the thought of carrying a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">binoculars</span> around might seem just like some unnecessary weight, personally, I wouldn't go anywhere without my Bushnell's!<br />
<br />
I bought my <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Bushnell%208%20x%2042's&p=" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status=''; return true;" target="_new">Bushnell 8x42's</a> near the start of my round the world trip in Tasmania, a land full of weird and wonderful creatures of every description, and I found the compact 7x25 pair I took with me, very lacking (tried to pack light!), plus I had to take my glasses off to use them (very anoying!), so I went into Hobart to a photographic shop I noticed a few weeks earlier, and checked out the range they had!<br />
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I had dealt with a variety of optics before, telescopes, rifle scopes, camera lenses and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bino's</span></span></span></span></span></span>, and I know that you usually get what you pay for, a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lieca</span></span></span></span></span></span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Swarovski's</span></span></span></span></span></span> at £1000 would have been lovely, but for two things, one, I couldn't afford them, and two, I would be too worried about carrying them around on my trip and loosing them!<br />
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<blockquote><em>Here are my Bushnell's, with a very large Goliath Bird Eating Spider (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Theraphosa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Blondi</span>), from my trip to the Amazon Jungle. Apparently, the bite from the 1 inch fangs on this female is only like a wasp sting for us humans, but is deadly to it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">preferred</span> diet of mice! (still wouldn't want to get<br />
tagged by one though!)</em> </blockquote><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvh3yGMxlDJ4EiyQ_XkiLV29_E9XALAeAXuSB2ewWsnJHdL5veBPdQ6CVqZmja7-dHfWe98zYIS3Saay4RoulwCFIKtIIn-NBqtfeYff_FgynRoBrCXK6hzSHYtjBkQzPwtvClV-78wsE/s1600-h/jsms_PICT0014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337943885894967202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvh3yGMxlDJ4EiyQ_XkiLV29_E9XALAeAXuSB2ewWsnJHdL5veBPdQ6CVqZmja7-dHfWe98zYIS3Saay4RoulwCFIKtIIn-NBqtfeYff_FgynRoBrCXK6hzSHYtjBkQzPwtvClV-78wsE/s800/jsms_PICT0014.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 525px; width: 700px;" /></a><br />
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I knew roughly what I was looking for, a compact waterproof pair of 8x42's, an ideal range of magnification and light gathering, too much magnification and you have trouble holding them steady, not enough objective lens (the big end!) and they will struggle to allow enough light in for a clearer picture, 42mm gives a good field of view without being too bulky, and lets the maximum amount of light through to the exit pupil when combined with the 8x!<br />
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The kind lady in the shop allowed me to take each outside to try (I must have an honest face!), I started at the lower end of the market, which weren't much better the 7x25's that I already had, then I came to a pair of Bushnell <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Natureview</span></span></span></span></span></span> binoculars, I took one look through them........and I was sold!, it was quite simply the clearest edge to edge picture I have ever seen other than through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lieca</span></span></span></span></span></span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Swarovski's</span></span></span></span></span></span>, and although they were slightly larger than I wished for, the picture clarity more than made up for it. I looked at more expensive ones as well, some over the £300 mark, but none even came close to the Bushnell's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIrh-UhVurYGQiUjzLfLe_5U7-CVlhwMgklllVN-xq-e43QQxrepyHewZOxcb-CXouRZst9YMlZAn7tVpwLHDfvu9-14GyHv3E6Mm7P6YZEzq5-eIbQWFz87rUErLE-UTYW24xjindyLJ/s1600-h/41ArwkbeNcL__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361652702487068306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIrh-UhVurYGQiUjzLfLe_5U7-CVlhwMgklllVN-xq-e43QQxrepyHewZOxcb-CXouRZst9YMlZAn7tVpwLHDfvu9-14GyHv3E6Mm7P6YZEzq5-eIbQWFz87rUErLE-UTYW24xjindyLJ/s400/41ArwkbeNcL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 280px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 280px;" /></a>The cost of the <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Bushnell%208%20x%2042's&p=" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status=''; return true;" target="_new">Bushnell Natureview binoculars</a> was about £150<em><strong>, </strong></em>far below their performance rating, the difference between these and a pair costing 6 times as much, is of course the quality of glass, which in turn produces better low light capabilities, and to be honest, the differences for the likes of you and I, are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">negligible</span> and more than adequate, mine having paid for themselves many times over! They are covered with thick rubber <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">armouring</span></span>, have a central quick focus wheel, and a very handy close minimum focus distance, the eyepieces are comfortable for prolonged use plus they quickly twist out for non glass wearer's, and come with the usual strap and case.<br />
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Two of my good friends have looked through these Bushnell's, and gone out and bought a pair, one of them already owns a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lieca's</span></span></span></span> and a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zeiss</span></span></span></span>, and wanted a good cheaper pair to keep in his truck, both were very impressed with the picture quality for the price!<br />
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I must tell you how much enjoyment these Bushnell's have given me and others on my trip, countless times I showed fellow travellers all manner of amazing things through them, whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, wombats, platypus, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">paddymellons</span></span></span></span></span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">quolls</span></span></span></span></span></span>, snakes, lizards, insects, birds, the moon and of course, some awesome landscapes. Some had never even looked through a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">binoculars</span></span> before, so you can imagine their amazement when I showed them things through the Bushnell's, the only trouble was............... getting them back again, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lol</span></span></span></span></span></span>!!<br />
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<blockquote><em>One sighting just above <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Queenstown</span></span></span></span></span></span> in New Zealand was very special, I knew instantly what it was when glassed through the Bushnell's, as I had just spent 3 months in Tasmania where I saw lots of them, a Sea Eagle catching some thermals way above our heads, then I suddenly realised that New Zealand only has two native birds of prey, the NZ Falcon and a Harrier, so quite excitedly I took some not so good photos and later reported it to the local Department of Conservation, I was put in touch with a ranger who dealt with these sorts of things and it turns out that it might be the very first such sighting of a Sea Eagle in NZ!........how cool is that? (and yes, I did have witnesses!)</em><br />
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New Zealand Falcon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibaC7gm1ngmtCj0AFz29scDDb3KGk4ICoMpumahq2gSCmxB4Z3Dc_Y9yqp3svxakZYr_HdndoAl4tKh59whj4Mcf6RUA5uR2sSMOmtF-Llogt6YPHpg0KRHgfoahzRnq-Wvi7GVjur3L0/s1600-h/js_pict0157.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350538613057027138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhibaC7gm1ngmtCj0AFz29scDDb3KGk4ICoMpumahq2gSCmxB4Z3Dc_Y9yqp3svxakZYr_HdndoAl4tKh59whj4Mcf6RUA5uR2sSMOmtF-Llogt6YPHpg0KRHgfoahzRnq-Wvi7GVjur3L0/s800/js_pict0157.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 680px; width: 508px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><span style="color: #333333;"><strong><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2298&awinaffid=96145&clickref=Bushnell%208%20x%2042's&p=" onmouseout="self.status=''; return true;" onmouseover="self.status=''; return true;" target="_new">Bushnell 8 x 42 Natureview binoculars available here</a><br />
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Happy shopping!</strong></span><br />
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</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-14323525097499459702009-05-23T22:01:00.018+01:002009-08-26T19:10:19.982+01:00Crumpler camera daypack<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKoMGrOakRKDElY4-YmQ6PStICJQMgD3Gu5YdHJ41VHBbVaoofH_0EOp2jTKqebfkh_PX5aV-ZyiGiI1X3gLTjSwte0Mu3yOmsW49HKv0SpM5ofHHZFH2XpTUGiDuT3DfS1PzhC8zo2kq/s1600-h/Crumpler+Pretty+Boy+open.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350944946112768130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKoMGrOakRKDElY4-YmQ6PStICJQMgD3Gu5YdHJ41VHBbVaoofH_0EOp2jTKqebfkh_PX5aV-ZyiGiI1X3gLTjSwte0Mu3yOmsW49HKv0SpM5ofHHZFH2XpTUGiDuT3DfS1PzhC8zo2kq/s400/Crumpler+Pretty+Boy+open.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Crumpler bags need no introduction, they are stylish, very hard wearing, waterproof in most cases, and offer good protection to your valuable electric gear, like cameras, laptops etc.<br /><br /> Made from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crumpler's</span> very own 1000D Chicken Tex fabric with ripstop lining, you are sure to find one to suit your style and practical tastes, as there are many varieties to choose from, they are as individual as the people who buy them!<br /><br />I have a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000KKO87Q?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000KKO87Q">Crumpler Pretty Boy Back Pack </a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000KKO87Q" width="1" border="0" /><br />in green, which has proven good service for a couple of years now, from the deserts of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ica</span> in Peru and the Amazon jungle, to the cities of Tokyo and Sydney, it feels fairly comfortable when full up, with the well padded adjustable shoulder straps, even though it is only of day pack size, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Crumpler's</span> never looks out of place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx9OeGIjD_iML5YsWG7LLihbkmzds75L_xQugiDLaKEfTFQMA523y64m0FfLpC80mfHwjOFSWHtQmE6N24_Mm2bUKkuG9GwaOsJ016nnbWgWrdj2o3g87l8sW0KHBnwub91fO3I38PkKg/s1600-h/Crumpler+Pretty+Boy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350945309818979090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 323px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx9OeGIjD_iML5YsWG7LLihbkmzds75L_xQugiDLaKEfTFQMA523y64m0FfLpC80mfHwjOFSWHtQmE6N24_Mm2bUKkuG9GwaOsJ016nnbWgWrdj2o3g87l8sW0KHBnwub91fO3I38PkKg/s400/Crumpler+Pretty+Boy.jpg" border="0" /></a>I like the way it uses the whole bottom portion which is padded, to house your camera gear and accessories, a DSLR and a couple of lenses and batteries will easily fit, and the top half is left for your pack lunch, water, binoculars etc. There is also a small handy front pocket for smaller items like card readers and USB keys.<br /><br /><br />Here is a picture of the best accessory I have ever found for my Crumpler Pretty Boy daypack (strapped to the front rack)...... a 450cc Suzuki Quad!<br />Taken in the forest back tracks of South Eastern Tasmania<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkmGBFgr5kQc9N9SiRLCuPMrc_EBG8GbSwtMZXx1SFvGVhe7SnIdHCs9O0qemrKe7RGUAw3KZOwPkAf3iCkgyAIH3AakPHpKXTOhQtb9V0w1N_8KOlT9G10MOh9Jh4grCtfDChHrl6KZ0/s1600-h/jsw_pict0074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337947229601613858" style="WIDTH: 510px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 680px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkmGBFgr5kQc9N9SiRLCuPMrc_EBG8GbSwtMZXx1SFvGVhe7SnIdHCs9O0qemrKe7RGUAw3KZOwPkAf3iCkgyAIH3AakPHpKXTOhQtb9V0w1N_8KOlT9G10MOh9Jh4grCtfDChHrl6KZ0/s800/jsw_pict0074.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span></span><br />All in all, it's great that it doesn't look like a camera bag, which often draws attention to the fact that you have a camera, a backpack is slightly less likely to be lifted than a camera bag, as some American friends found to their cost after a once in a lifetime day trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Picchu</span>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjSPKZMz_yAm5L4m_Z7TbaIBVWfnX_PEkk-e8H4_a1XW7pWpFKRVf22Y0q4Udc9w0YUCEXqKtn6oXTXOD_RVt4i0ji-AFxppCIF40HERMokXTwFoc6CPXntdoljSccn21qRv1SvR47wpY/s1600-h/js_pict0491.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 476px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjSPKZMz_yAm5L4m_Z7TbaIBVWfnX_PEkk-e8H4_a1XW7pWpFKRVf22Y0q4Udc9w0YUCEXqKtn6oXTXOD_RVt4i0ji-AFxppCIF40HERMokXTwFoc6CPXntdoljSccn21qRv1SvR47wpY/s800/js_pict0491.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351034554325810290" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><blockquote><p><em>We met for the first time in an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Internet</span> cafe at the end of the day out at this great monument, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">swapping</span> stories and taking a look at each others photos, after about an hour, we were getting along famously when I realised that I had a train to catch back to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Cusco</span>, we said our hasty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">farewells</span>, I rushed back to the hotel, packed and I was gone!<br />A few evenings later, walking around the great square in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Cusco</span>, I passed one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">restaurants</span> and saw some frantic arm waving inside, I looked closer and there were my American friends having dinner, looking rather too happy to see me! Inside, they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">proceeded</span> to tell me that soon after I left them in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Internet</span> cafe, their camera was stolen by a young local boy, and all their precious photos of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Picchu</span> with it!! After the initial shock, the first thing they thought of was, why didn't they get my e-mail, as they really liked my pictures! Of course I gave them copies of mine, I was only too glad too, just as I hope someone would do for me if I was in the same situation, it just goes to show how vigilant you have to be!</em> </p><p></p><p></p></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%255F7%255F8%26field-keywords%3Dcrumpler%2520backpack%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26sprefix%3Dcrumpler&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Get your Crumpler backpacks here</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" border="0" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-45571612506540498472009-05-22T16:13:00.023+01:002009-12-31T12:20:48.109+00:00Noise cancelling headphones for travelers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJZeFpeU8jG8F_psLP92TGvp2iUIvlZkCnERbzey1XDdaFlSAXGPVDGomnXn0nsFHh3x7VpD3jjXScX65gOAdtQLR46kYLGef8XeDUGrxTLXiTHNlhgN2BSIXIY1uMhgCHIAAwq9wZd1B/s1600-h/a30255867394338f5d1d73d49d072a54.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 360px; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347276271660519346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJZeFpeU8jG8F_psLP92TGvp2iUIvlZkCnERbzey1XDdaFlSAXGPVDGomnXn0nsFHh3x7VpD3jjXScX65gOAdtQLR46kYLGef8XeDUGrxTLXiTHNlhgN2BSIXIY1uMhgCHIAAwq9wZd1B/s400/a30255867394338f5d1d73d49d072a54.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sennheiser headphones are synonymous with quality audio, and the PXC range is just right for the budding traveler, offering a comfortable, lightweight and foldable compact pair of quality headphones, with a sound to match.<br /><br />I have had a pair of Sennheiser PXC 250's with NoiseGard in my travel kit for over 5 years now (yes, the same pair, and I'm not going to tell you how much they were then!), they are of the noise reducing type (notice I did not say noise cancelling!), and make any long haul journey much more bearable. They have excellent sound quality compared to others that I have tried, but the icing on the cake is when you switch on the NoiseGard unit which takes 2 AAA batteries (one set lasts me at least a year), ideal when on a noisy flight, they make watching an in flight movie quite enjoyable, cutting out much of the engine noise and most of the other chattering passengers, so the volume level can be lowered to a more healthy level.<br /><br />It's not until you have been wearing the Sennheiser's for a few hours on a flight, say, watching a movie or listening to your tunes, then take them off, that you realise how much noise they really do reduce, it's almost deafening sometimes and you can't wait to put them back on again, Lol!!<br /><br />Being of the "on ear" type, they will not cancel as much noise in your surroundings as an "over the ear" pair, but then they are a lot smaller to pack. The Sennheiser PXC 450's are of the over ear type and have had some great reviews, it would be interesting to hear the difference in flight to see if the sound quality is worth the extra price and bulk!<br /><br />I use my PXC 250 Sennheiser's nearly every day on my laptop, Archos or TV, at home or when traveling , when I do not want to disturb others (especially for a late night movie), the only thing that I have had to replace in 5 years, and that was quite recently, was a new set of earpiece covers, they are made from very thin soft leather, and only cost a few pounds to replace!<br /><br />They come with a neat case which has a zipped pocket for spare batteries and the included in-flight double jack and 3.5-6.3mm adapter.<br /><br />Here is my pair of folded PXC 250's, still looking pretty good for their age, and the case and adapters that come with it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrz17KPLL0G1TLUjdA9h_vAxVaK2At4bviSxwNPqvQYuhE740oXva10lZnNHXW0MYfAXgd3ieA4bl7uwd_AxsKscX40IIM2VKP3yTXE56Psa35w7Npb_uQhCtSWLKQYXzdxjWyf58dU4s/s1600-h/js_ttg002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 510px; HEIGHT: 680px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350539054704642770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrz17KPLL0G1TLUjdA9h_vAxVaK2At4bviSxwNPqvQYuhE740oXva10lZnNHXW0MYfAXgd3ieA4bl7uwd_AxsKscX40IIM2VKP3yTXE56Psa35w7Npb_uQhCtSWLKQYXzdxjWyf58dU4s/s800/js_ttg002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />There is a whole range in the Sennheiser PXC series, from the 100's (excellent cheap audio quality with no NoiseGard), up to the 450's, a full sized circumaural high-end travel headphone set with NoiseGard and a neat switch for talking to your neighbour without taking them off.<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B000089GN2" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B000NDGNCS" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><br />I have recently taken a trip to Russia and Ukraine, and while at the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow, I noticed a pair of Sony MDR-NC500 Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones, which stated a 99% reduction of surrounding noise!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKRFohov_8CbVlVv7jxoPgfzeSzpmEYBd0jiZ21o8vZuI-hRemMZok1I3ZlKRli35tDw_7aWU1GNr56eLbRYB_qMZLbDpgkgCKMfakBrFNxfJPRH8gx95gA5POwgQusFVFhelurLK35wR/s1600-h/41Dhb4AjItL__SS400_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388400769000310226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKRFohov_8CbVlVv7jxoPgfzeSzpmEYBd0jiZ21o8vZuI-hRemMZok1I3ZlKRli35tDw_7aWU1GNr56eLbRYB_qMZLbDpgkgCKMfakBrFNxfJPRH8gx95gA5POwgQusFVFhelurLK35wR/s400/41Dhb4AjItL__SS400_.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Now, I know that sounds ridiculous, but they did work very well in the busy store, and other testers and online reviews seem to agree!<br />They do not fold up as small as the PXC 250's, though they are still quite lightweight, and are of the over ear type and very comfortable to wear, so you will have to weigh up the pros and cons of size against effective noise canceling, personally, if they drown out the engine noise and the obligatory screaming kids that there seems to be on every flight, they will be worth their weight in gold!!<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B00165TAVS" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-66717281835121444772009-05-21T22:08:00.036+01:002010-03-30T12:25:30.173+01:00Digital cameras and storage/media playersI am not going to recommend any Digital camera above any others here, the variety in styles, features and price, are just too numerous to choose, everyone has there favorite model that they feel comfortable with, and most cameras these days, even compact point and shoot models, can give great results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0gl136-qPQFe1Ev9zVuE0ngTfGYUrARoYVQYnIP2sivQnotL69YFHO2_NmqRXd0Ht8xLFl3q3EeGKcKpMO6MVeHkjl7OD_5Tm1YANBWB72aRLsg8W2yiuZWF5U1ixeednb1vxh6_NzT7/s1600-h/400_500D_D5000_E-620_comparativa_p01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351335990577429234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0gl136-qPQFe1Ev9zVuE0ngTfGYUrARoYVQYnIP2sivQnotL69YFHO2_NmqRXd0Ht8xLFl3q3EeGKcKpMO6MVeHkjl7OD_5Tm1YANBWB72aRLsg8W2yiuZWF5U1ixeednb1vxh6_NzT7/s400/400_500D_D5000_E-620_comparativa_p01.jpg" style="float: left; height: 301px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
There is no ideal camera out there to suit everyone's taste or occasion .....not just yet anyway!<br />
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Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung etc., all have huge lines of excellent digital camera's, and personally have used Canon, Sony, Minolta, Olympus, Panasonic and Fuji camera's over the years.<br />
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For traveling, light weight and compact is the way to go (unless you are a semi-pro or above, then nothing but the full DSLR kit will suffice!) For keen amateurs like myself, a bridge model with a good fixed lens is ideal, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001D8T05O?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001D8T05O">Panasonic DMC-TZ5</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001D8T05O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001FWYTAE?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001FWYTAE">Canon PowerShot SX1 IS</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001FWYTAE" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001V5J66W?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001V5J66W">Sony Cyber-Shot DSCHX1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001V5J66W" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0012ER4MK?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0012ER4MK">Olympus SP-570UZ</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0012ER4MK" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> and their siblings, are all fairly compact fixed lens models, that are capable of excellent results in a variety of situations, spare batteries and cards being the only extras needed.<br />
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If DSLR's are your choice, then the cheaper to mid range models have more compact bodies and slightly less features than their parents, if your like me, then most of the features never see the light of day anyway, and only make navigation round the menu more difficult, so, streamlining is good!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00131W8IW?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00131W8IW">Canon EOS 450D</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00131W8IW" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0020MLKF0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0020MLKF0">Canon EOS 500D</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0020MLKF0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00131Z1GS?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00131Z1GS">Nikon D60</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00131Z1GS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001EO6WAI?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001EO6WAI">Nikon D90</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001EO6WAI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0025KV8Y0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0025KV8Y0">Nikon D5000</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0025KV8Y0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0011U9U9A?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0011U9U9A">Sony DSLR-A200K</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0011U9U9A" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0014FR454?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0014FR454">Sony DSLRA350</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0014FR454" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015IMHJI?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0015IMHJI">Olympus E-420</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0015IMHJI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000BKVJCW?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B000BKVJCW">Olympus E500</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B000BKVJCW" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
All these DSLR's, are the pick of the crop at the time of this post, but are only as good as the lens you put on them! Please choose your extra lenses carefully, the lens market is a minefield, and the same rules apply here as with binoculars, you normally get what you pay for, but there are exceptions!<br />
<br />
Do some homework, check photo forums/blogs for unbiased customer reviews, better still, find a local club where you can try before you buy, and glean some tips from others why your there.<br />
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<blockquote><em><br />
</em><br />
<em><em>Every now and then, I go out with a group of photo buddies, we're all amateurs, and we choose different locations for a day of snapping, each has a variety of kit, and we learn from each other as we go!</em><br />
<em>We might even start another blog about our days out, posting the best pictures and how we came about developing our own style! This is a great way of honing your photo kit and skills, plus it's a lot of fun, last time we went to Howletts Zoo and Canterbury Cathedral, haven't laughed so much in ages, lol!</em></em></blockquote><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw-ZKfqBakk16HdSu2y4yvSvV_qNllHhJ0j8tBY1zV48IZHrD8oyjzDwUnGFzXD0vMJttYoMcyv4FQBRjpMOmg_icNulr6LtPuxniCyCSsioZ-QlSbVtwo8FkoyUnpQZQom9SXCx-qO3y/s1600-h/js_pict0016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350539603028875026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw-ZKfqBakk16HdSu2y4yvSvV_qNllHhJ0j8tBY1zV48IZHrD8oyjzDwUnGFzXD0vMJttYoMcyv4FQBRjpMOmg_icNulr6LtPuxniCyCSsioZ-QlSbVtwo8FkoyUnpQZQom9SXCx-qO3y/s800/js_pict0016.jpg" style="height: 506px; width: 680px;" /></a><em><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 85%;">Green Tree Frog in the Amazon Jungle, taken with my trusty Minolta A200</span></em><br />
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My ideal Digital camera is almost a reality, 2 new Canon's are the closest thing to it at the moment, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0020MLKF0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0020MLKF0">Canon EOS 500D</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0020MLKF0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, 15.1 Megapixel, Digic IV processor, large 3in LCD screen with live view, and HDMI video, all housed in a compact and ergonomic body, has almost tempted me to go down the DSLR route and upgrade from my trusty Minolta A200 (no longer available), a bridge model, 8 Megapixel, 28-200mm fixed lens (7x) compact model, that has served me very well for the last couple of years, but lately have found it wanting in a few areas, and the reviews the Canon's are getting right now, they might tempt me yet!<br />
<br />
The other, is the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001FWYTAE?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001FWYTAE">Canon PowerShot SX1 IS</a>, another bridge camera, with a <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001FWYTAE" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> 10 Megapixel CMOS sensor (the first PowerShot to get one!), DIGIC 4 processor, a 20X Optical lens, Optical Image Stabilizer, Full HD video at 30fps, and a 2.8"Vari-angle LCD Screen, this it would seem, is the ideal camera for travelers like you and I.<br />
<br />
The many reviews on the SX1 have been very good, it's probably the best bridge camera available at this time, a little bulkier than my Minolta, but then it does have to pack that 20X lens somewhere! It would have been nice if the lens had a threaded end for filters and protection, plus a manual zoom ring, I find it so much easier than thumbing a zoom button which tends to jump past where you want it (the SX1 zoom button surrounds the shutter release and I have yet to try it!), and it saves on battery power.<br />
<br />
It uses 4 AA batteries, of which I'm not a big fan, as they don't seem to last as long as the high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion types, so I would advise on getting some good NiMH rechargeables and not the throw away ones which are filling up our landfill sites with harmful toxins!<br />
Of course, AA's do have one advantage, if you run out anywhere in the world, there's a pretty good chance you can buy some new ones quite easily.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B001FWYTAE" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocpxvuc5DYgLWKsGiWmHOSz1GisjgvXylRIQ9NHF3XmeDUJ6q-55eBxQsMz66cDZOwG-62oWfNcz3FtBnWVs6MpAmbZBbbVfgr28ukSexLHU1V_Jzf6s1cQ2Wl1AFnOBCOspX5PEUQDw4/s1600-h/js800_DSC02751.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351352168636729122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocpxvuc5DYgLWKsGiWmHOSz1GisjgvXylRIQ9NHF3XmeDUJ6q-55eBxQsMz66cDZOwG-62oWfNcz3FtBnWVs6MpAmbZBbbVfgr28ukSexLHU1V_Jzf6s1cQ2Wl1AFnOBCOspX5PEUQDw4/s400/js800_DSC02751.jpg" style="float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 300px;" /></a>So, what are my reservations about diving into getting the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0020MLKF0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0020MLKF0">Canon EOS 500D</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0020MLKF0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />? First, the LCD screen is fixed, it would benefit hugely if it had a swiveling function like the new <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0025KV8Y0?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0025KV8Y0">Nikon D5000</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0025KV8Y0" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001FWYTAE?ie=UTF8&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B001FWYTAE">SX1 </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B001FWYTAE" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> , I like to take a lot of macro shots, many of which are at ground level, and although I don't mind lying in the dirt, I would prefer not to!<br />
<br />
Secondly, the HDMI video only shoots at 20 frames a second at full 1080 HD, 30 fps at 720, and although that is quite adequate for a mid range DSLR, I think that Canon may upgrade it next time around. If they do and include a tilting screen and a geotagging function, coupled with a compact 28-300 mm macro lens, I'll be a very happy man!<br />
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Sorry for being such a big Canon fan, most of my friends have one of some description, and the results are very impressive!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=toptragea-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=0M5A6TN3AXP2JHJBWT02&asins=B0020MLKF0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Storage and media players again offer a huge variety of different products, at present, I have an <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&offerid=178068.22711&type=2&subid=0" target="new">"Archos 704 80GB HD WiFi Multimedia Player "</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&bids=178068.22711&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /> that has and still is, giving good service, storing over 15,500 full sized jpegs on my 8 month round the world trip, along with some previous photo albums, my entire music collection and about 40 movies, all on it's 80 GB hard drive and all viewable on the lovely 7 in screen.<br />
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Archos have since updated the 704 to the 705 (still available if you can find one), and now the 7, available in 160GB and 320GB versions, the OS being faster and more intuitive on the new one, both are available at PurlyGadgets for £301.95 and £327.99<br />
respectively, the best price I have yet to find anywhere!<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&subid=&offerid=181427.1&type=10&tmpid=3191&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.purelygadgets.co.uk%252FArchos-7-160GB-Internet-Media-Tablet%252Fmainproduct%252Fview%252F26045-NA" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" height="640" src="http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/images/product/26045-NA.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&bids=181427.1&type=10" width="1" /><br />
It's great showing fellow travellers your photos on a good sized screen, having your music and movies with you wherever you go, and get online when in a wireless hotspot, even if it is a little tedious with the Opera operating system, and after living with it for a few years now, I have some thoughts on what would be an ideal replacement, which I will be writing about shortly, so stay tuned?<br />
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<blockquote>I took my Archos with me on a recent trip to St Petersburg in Russia, and one evening at the Soul Kitchen Hostel where I was staying, there were a few guys hanging out taking it easy after a long day sightseeing. One of them wanted to watch a movie, but the DVD player was out of action, so I offered a film from my library on my Archos, after a few minutes, I had connected it to the widescreen TV, and they were soon debating what to see!<br />
The choice was not an obvious one (I have about 50 titles), but they decided on "Mr Beans Holiday!", it was not until about half an hour into the film, that I suddenly realized that nearly all the people staying at the hostel (about 20 odd), were all stood watching it too! There were people from all over the world, but no matter what language they spoke, this one film had a common language that they all understood............humor!!<br />
It was a very special moment to witness this coming together of so many nationalities, who would have thought that one simple movie could unite us all in such a positive way!<br />
There is a lesson to learn here I think!!</blockquote><br />
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Some useful sites for cameras, electrical gear and software;<br />
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<a href="http://affiliation.fotovista.com/track/click.php?bid=MTM3NDsxODMzOA" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://affiliation.fotovista.com/track/imp_img.php?bid=MTM3NDsxODMzOA" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=164777&v=2298&q=94049&r=96145" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=164777&v=2298&q=94049&r=96145" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://track.webgains.com/click.html?wglinkid=72477&wgcampaignid=59911" onmouseout="window.status=''" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=777';return true;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="60" src="http://track.webgains.com/link.html?wglinkid=72477&wgcampaignid=59911&js=0" width="468" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3491068-10568025" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.macwarehouse.co.uk/';return true;" target="_blank"><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3491068-10568025" width="468" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&offerid=178068.10000073&subid=0&type=4" target="new"><img alt="PurelyGadgets - great products at unbeatable prices!" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=bkhx/AAb7dg&bids=178068.10000073&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=1" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3491068-10606327" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.avg.co.uk';return true;" target="_blank"><br />
<img alt="Totally protected" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3491068-10606327" width="468" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3491068-10707083" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='https://store1.adobe.com/cfusion/store/html/index.cfm?event=displayStoreSelector&nr=1';return true;" target="_blank"><br />
<img alt="Photoshop Elements 8 for PC " border="0" height="250" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3491068-10707083" width="250" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3491068-10542211" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.ZAGG.com';return true;" target="_blank"><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="250" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3491068-10542211" width="300" /></a><br />
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</script> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-4312482627461387252009-05-20T19:18:00.016+01:002009-08-26T19:08:56.187+01:00Travel Guides and MapsTravel guides are an <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_0>invaluable</SPAN> piece of kit, if you like to plan ahead and find the best places to visit, whats on, at what times, the best hikes, trips, shopping areas, banks, where to stay and eat, cultural info, <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_1>do's</SPAN> and <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_2>dont's</SPAN>, interpretations of <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_3>common</SPAN> phrases and detailed maps, then any of these travel guides will make sure you have the latest info with you whenever needed.
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<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eLw0ZVJXeyjjbg4840DLFbZwBoJL-tpzdbH5ktA1gsIS5e1nbKJ_-vS5aqnIFA0dlfIvFLDcodSP6tI8jtIsLjeDpXsyp79Ms80SRVpMsHJIWDPujyjBTorQWbV5ofLTpxpIS1hBtM5J/s1600-h/jsms_PICT0037.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347295276633232994 style="WIDTH: 560px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 395px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eLw0ZVJXeyjjbg4840DLFbZwBoJL-tpzdbH5ktA1gsIS5e1nbKJ_-vS5aqnIFA0dlfIvFLDcodSP6tI8jtIsLjeDpXsyp79Ms80SRVpMsHJIWDPujyjBTorQWbV5ofLTpxpIS1hBtM5J/s800/jsms_PICT0037.jpg" border=0></A>
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<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hc0wqPDhp-FcACZav5FmaILv1NPyrEriZuBP076l81WnfzcSJdpPDRG88QLmLoMuWBtMLWTBQfF4PBiN7_m6hWZ-PmFc8douUrg-bmGwTV20kVoPH_AGKRycgJTHhfWo8VDIPQYuyxj6/s1600-h/211ArztMnAL__SL500_AA180_.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361338233761138098 style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hc0wqPDhp-FcACZav5FmaILv1NPyrEriZuBP076l81WnfzcSJdpPDRG88QLmLoMuWBtMLWTBQfF4PBiN7_m6hWZ-PmFc8douUrg-bmGwTV20kVoPH_AGKRycgJTHhfWo8VDIPQYuyxj6/s400/211ArztMnAL__SL500_AA180_.jpg" border=0></A><A href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fb%255F0%255F7%26field-keywords%3Dlonely%2520planet%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26sprefix%3Dlonely%2520&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Lonely Planet travel guides</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width=1 border=0>
<br />Lonely Planet is very well known and respected in the travel guide book arena, they seem to be able to pack a huge amount of info into a handy sized book, and once you learn the format and abbreviations, it is a simple matter of finding pretty much anything you want about a place or country, including an <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_0>extensive</SPAN> list of hostel and backpacker <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_1>accommodation</SPAN>!
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<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G1D2RvLG-oSG4GvwgNXr2u51r6qVaSnIuaj1TDimhoVxmtpgSFWIDQVHTNCH_1AWFBSRKIJ7Mb-wdb_C5gooen7yrJVGlCCeFLUfICVDhlwdv1kMGJeajz-zxG8lME1HEUh7ojUvZGNV/s1600-h/31UoA9RZtBL__SL500_AA180_.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361336063706796594 style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G1D2RvLG-oSG4GvwgNXr2u51r6qVaSnIuaj1TDimhoVxmtpgSFWIDQVHTNCH_1AWFBSRKIJ7Mb-wdb_C5gooen7yrJVGlCCeFLUfICVDhlwdv1kMGJeajz-zxG8lME1HEUh7ojUvZGNV/s400/31UoA9RZtBL__SL500_AA180_.jpg" border=0></A><A href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D18%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fb%26y%3D20%26field-keywords%3DRough%2520Guide%2520%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450">Rough Guide</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width=1 border=0>Rough Guide also has an extensive collection of guide books, I have only seen a few examples in bookstores, and have not used them in the field, so I can't really comment on there performance, but am sure they fare well!
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<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMxThzVO7IZMqpTlesPAJMhQFNDDPUmj604JIkTk4UeXzRAxRbNjE29rDnOcm4BDg_CipC6Gay8LR7iY2nn2aQ78jR7o7tUuEIiwip_PILXgfHclvSjZhqqVuj3saHhv0JFV3WDZnq1FB/s1600-h/519W9ZT-JEL__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361338825886050450 style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMxThzVO7IZMqpTlesPAJMhQFNDDPUmj604JIkTk4UeXzRAxRbNjE29rDnOcm4BDg_CipC6Gay8LR7iY2nn2aQ78jR7o7tUuEIiwip_PILXgfHclvSjZhqqVuj3saHhv0JFV3WDZnq1FB/s400/519W9ZT-JEL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border=0></A><A href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fb%255F0%255F2%26field-keywords%3Ddk%2520eyewitness%2520travel%2520guides%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26sprefix%3Ddk&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450"><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_2><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_0><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_4>DK</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> Eyewitness travel guides</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width=1 border=0>
<br /><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_3><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_1><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_5>DK</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> Eyewitness travel guides are one of my favorites, they may have a little less info than the <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_2>Lonely</SPAN> Planet guides, but they more than make up for it in the more colourful pages, which is much easier on the eye than pages and pages of text.
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<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpmMGlsPu43W61iIYh_2IwUtyKkqDURV1owskt-Ty9Rbk1sC6VeFDMwWyRxNh-b2953zWgKkifDonkrZjaig8JiX_MCWwh2y7s1omx-XoVfDJMdWazxP3CNwdrFeP1Tf93ifMwY2drER5/s1600-h/51VxiK8GZgL__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361340245602392002 style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpmMGlsPu43W61iIYh_2IwUtyKkqDURV1owskt-Ty9Rbk1sC6VeFDMwWyRxNh-b2953zWgKkifDonkrZjaig8JiX_MCWwh2y7s1omx-XoVfDJMdWazxP3CNwdrFeP1Tf93ifMwY2drER5/s400/51VxiK8GZgL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border=0></A><A href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D12%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26y%3D21%26field-keywords%3DFodors%2520travel%2520guides%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450"><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_2><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_6>Fodors</SPAN></SPAN> travel guides</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width=1 border=0>
<br /><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_3><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_7>Fodors</SPAN></SPAN>, another well respected guide book, as with most here, specific countries are the norm, but they also do specials on National Parks and certain cities.
<br />Click on the links to go to Amazon to check them all out, you can even look inside some of the books, to give you a small idea of what to expect, I'm sure you will find one to suit your tastes, and even find some bargains buying second hand ones!
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<br />Also take a look at the free online<A href="http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country" target=_blank>
<br /><A href="http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country" target=_blank><H2 style="FONT-SIZE: 20px; COLOR: #333333; FONT-FAMILY: verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">World Travel Guide</H2></A><A href="http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country" target=_blank><IMG src="http://www.worldtravelguide.net/images/banners/wtg468x60_en.jpg" border=0></A>
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<br />And Ordnance Survey Maps
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<br />Happy traveling.
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<br /><DIV class=zemanta-pixie style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; HEIGHT: 15px"><A class=zemanta-pixie-a title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/7f7c9bef-af34-4447-a289-2229d0027c1b/"><IMG class=zemanta-pixie-img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=7f7c9bef-af34-4447-a289-2229d0027c1b"></A><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></DIV>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267438583867962012.post-85174657786770536072009-05-18T10:25:00.012+01:002009-06-28T12:49:09.841+01:00Being responsible travelers!Times change, even more so these days, and even the old adage "take only pictures, leave only footprints", doesn't ring true any more!<br /><br />Many of the worlds natural areas, are becoming increasingly spoilt by their popularity, a catch 22 situation it seems, thousands of visitors, even with the very best intentions, and keeping to the marked trails, are eroding the ground with the continuous foot traffic, and taking flash photography can also be damaging in some cases, especially in caves.<br /><br />National Parks and other areas of conservation are doing their best to conserve the landscape, sometimes limiting the numbers of visitors to a delicate area, and maintaining the thousands of miles of trails and tracks, which all has to be funded somehow, so never begrudge paying for the privilege to visit these areas, and if it is free, leave a donation, so future generations can continue to enjoy them too!<br /><br />Here is one attempt to reduce the impact at Cradle Mountain NP, a floating boardwalk built by the Parks & Wildlife Services in Tasmania, 7 km of easy walking through a very delicate and beautiful landscape.<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97REM2QB-GRQjUTR3iCZqkxHK-Ekh9vIZQhqk1ipWp-gQQ3nY7D1jsg23WpC9YP3jAxBaGC6O7dCa-Z6_0gUqz0bTJ0TbDof7znrNfLjua82Gb3gPk3rmV9RJu5fNGQan9DDfCkx7_F2A/s1600-h/js_pict0100.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350541380880148930 style="WIDTH: 510px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 680px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97REM2QB-GRQjUTR3iCZqkxHK-Ekh9vIZQhqk1ipWp-gQQ3nY7D1jsg23WpC9YP3jAxBaGC6O7dCa-Z6_0gUqz0bTJ0TbDof7znrNfLjua82Gb3gPk3rmV9RJu5fNGQan9DDfCkx7_F2A/s800/js_pict0100.jpg" border=0></A><br /><br />Carbon offsetting is another way to do your bit for the environment, I'm not sure how much it helps, but it does have some feel good factor to it! Most offsetting involves the planting of new trees, I love trees, so I'm feeling pretty good about my carbon footprint, as I have planted many thousands of them during my time working in the British countryside, and if you would prefer to plant one too, I'm sure there is a conservation organisation near you, that can help you do just that!<br /><br />I am a huge fan of BBC nature programs, especially those narrated by David <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_0><SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_0>Attenborough</SPAN></SPAN>, the latest of which is the <A href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fw%255Fh%255F%26field-keywords%3Dplanet%2520earth%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Ddvd&tag=toptragea-21&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=19450" target=_blank>Planet Earth</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=toptragea-21&l=ur2&o=2" width=1 border=0> series, which in my opinion is the very best ever filmed! I have purchased the complete series on DVD, and would highly recommend it to everyone, it would be hard not to be amazed by the sheer scale and fantastic filming of some of the most remote places and rarest of creatures, some you will never have seen before!<br /><br />The last of the 5 CD set, contains 3 programs looking back on the enormity of the project, and the profound effects it had on the many BBC film crews it took to make it. Personal accounts of the difficult conditions they had to endure to bring us unforeseen footage of rare animal behaviour, plus the sobering thought that they may never be filmed again, as extinction looms ever closer!<br /><br />They also talk in depth about the very touchy subject of people verses nature, where do we draw the line between the needs of the growing population and conservation?<br /><br /><br /><A onmouseover="window.status='http://www.bbcshop.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3491068-10365017" target=_blank><br /><IMG height=60 alt="" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3491068-10365017" width=120 border=0></A><br /><br /><A onmouseover="window.status='http://www.bbcshop.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3491068-10422349" target=_blank><br /><IMG height=60 alt="" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3491068-10422349" width=120 border=0></A><br /><br /><A onmouseover="window.status='http://www.bbcshop.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3491068-10576917" target=_blank><br /><IMG height=60 alt="Michael Palin Buy Now" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3491068-10576917" width=120 border=0></A><br /><br />Saving the worlds <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_2>rainforest's</SPAN> is another very touchy subject, it is easy for us in the modern world to sit in our comfy homes surrounded by technology, to say that they must be saved at all costs, and they should, but I have talked to some of the people living in the <A class=zem_slink title="Amazon Rainforest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Rainforest" rel=wikipedia>Amazon jungle</A>, and if the choice is between feeding their family or cutting down a tree, well, you know what the answer is going to be?<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8k2NH6QEYqdsS016ElE5zDl00s8Hpj5lchTApmKgCikQsM-5H_LOF8CLo_S2wwwgNix2XisIPRDTMQwAOZCP2zIxyDhzYouuatd629X8WKtGQXS3SMVYH8xmYcnAA66nMRSoN6ndCikO/s1600-h/js_pict0201.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352339674509691010 style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8k2NH6QEYqdsS016ElE5zDl00s8Hpj5lchTApmKgCikQsM-5H_LOF8CLo_S2wwwgNix2XisIPRDTMQwAOZCP2zIxyDhzYouuatd629X8WKtGQXS3SMVYH8xmYcnAA66nMRSoN6ndCikO/s400/js_pict0201.jpg" border=0></A><DIV>This type of <A class=zem_slink title=Deforestation href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation" rel=wikipedia>deforestation</A> is sustainable, I saw this lone Brazil Nut tree in the Amazon, looking a little lost stood by itself, but I'm sure it produces enough food for it to be valuable enough to not be cut down, it is the mass destruction and clear felling that is the problem, the profit going to a select few and not even back into the community. The excuse used is always the same, "we need the pasture for cattle!", and having flown over a huge area between <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_3>Sao</SPAN> Paulo and <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_4>Manaus</SPAN>, it almost brought me to tears to see how much was lost!, miles and miles of <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_5>featureless</SPAN> fields, with maybe the odd tree here and there, one word describes it better than most.....................rape!<br /><br />We need to act now to save what is left, not just for ourselves, but for everyone, now and in the future, all <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-corrected id=SPELLING_ERROR_6>rainforest's</SPAN> everywhere are the lungs of the world, it would be pretty difficult to live here without air, wouldn't it?<br /><br />Please show your support by watching the video and signing the Prince's <SPAN class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_7>Rainforest</SPAN> Project widget with the green frog, below this post or on my homepage, it's the least we can do!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><FIELDSET class=zemanta-related><LEGEND class=zemanta-related-title>Related articles by Zemanta</LEGEND><br /><UL class=zemanta-article-ul><br /><LI class=zemanta-article-ul-li><A href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2009/06/04/attenborough-prize.html%3Fref%3Drss&a=5411137&rid=d20d0fcf-ac6d-4f7e-8cee-e58c929298e7&e=8cdfcaf1d23ece13939a6482952e22c2">BBC's David Attenborough wins Prince of Asturias prize </A>(cbc.ca)</LI><br /><LI class=zemanta-article-ul-li><A href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4990226/Prince-Charles-given-friend-of-the-forest-award.html&a=3769354&rid=39ce3b3a-82a3-4b64-a7b2-8d51d394a236&e=b3ffc789a9d19eacc92a3247949062a8">Prince Charles given 'friend of the forest' award</A> (telegraph.co.uk)</LI><br /><LI class=zemanta-article-ul-li><A href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/jun/24/joanna-lumley-climate-change&a=5772204&rid=d20d0fcf-ac6d-4f7e-8cee-e58c929298e7&e=e89ca512922a692231d7c7dc7252a61f">Can Lumley make us listen? </A>(guardian.co.uk)</LI><br /><LI class=zemanta-article-ul-li><A href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/5423838/Earth-from-Above-film-shows-damage-to-the-planet.html&a=5340192&rid=39ce3b3a-82a3-4b64-a7b2-8d51d394a236&e=bb4b010cf7caaa0da476c25392fd2a42">Earth from Above film shows damage to the planet </A>(telegraph.co.uk)</LI></UL></FIELDSET><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><A href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=159884&u=349421&m=20418&urllink=&afftrack=" target=_blank><IMG alt="Carbon Advice Group" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/ImpactBanner-468x60.jpg" border=0></A><br /><br /><A onmouseover="window.status='http://www.onlinetefl.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3491068-10654482" target=_blank><br /><IMG height=60 alt="Teach English Abroad" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3491068-10654482" width=468 border=0></A></DIV><br /><br /><DIV class=zemanta-pixie style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px; HEIGHT: 15px"><A class=zemanta-pixie-a title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/d20d0fcf-ac6d-4f7e-8cee-e58c929298e7/"><IMG class=zemanta-pixie-img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=d20d0fcf-ac6d-4f7e-8cee-e58c929298e7"></A><SPAN class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><br /><SCRIPT src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></SCRIPT><br /></SPAN></DIV>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398603432512796835noreply@blogger.com0