Sony has had a bad year in its LCD TV and games business but seems to have a winner in its DSLR cameras. Supporting this success, the company has fed the market with a stream of models to satisfy a variety of budgets and requirements.

Now three models: Sony Alpha 230, 330 and 380. The 230 is claimed to be “world’s lightest dSLR camera with a built-in image stabilisation system” in the body. Only the 330 and 380 have Sony’s unique Quick AF Live View feature.

The i-gotU GT-120 is the smallest, simplest GPS data logger I’ve ever used.  About the size of a 9V battery, the unit has only one button and two lights.  That’s it.  In this review I intend to relate my experience using this device over the course of three months of travel which included a 2500 mile road trip across the USA, 1200km of road tripping in North New South Wales, Australia and finally a week spent driving around the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.  I feel I’ve given this unit a thorough testing and here’s what I’ve found.

First, the stats. 

• i-gotU GT-120 GPS Data Logger
• SiRF StarIII 65nm chipset
• 16MB of flash memory, recording up to 65,000 points
• 2 LEDs and 1 button
• Nifty rubberized cover, has loop for strap on the back
• Hole for lanyard attachement
• USB 1.1.  Comes with cable as it uses a proprietary plug
• Comes with @trip PC software (update: please note that it’s not available for Mac)
• Retail price – $70US

Here’s a quick video tutorial exploring the topic of focal length of lenses for portrait photography.

Portrait Photography Tips

I think it’s important to emphasise (as they do at the end of the video) that there are times when it’s good to shoot with a wide angle lens – but there are also some real benefits of longer focal lengths.

The lens being used in the video is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS – one of my own favourite lenses also not only because of the focal length but how fast it is.

Earlier in the week on Twitter I asked those following the DPS twitter account what point and shoot digital camera they’d buy if they had to buy one today as a secondary camera to their DSLR.

Quite a few people responded but one camera was mentioned again and again (by over 25% of those who responded) – the Canon Powershot G11.

Interestingly the camera is yet to be released (it’s due to ship any day now from Amazon) and so the responses are soley based upon specifications and the reputation of its predecessor the G10.

You can see the full list of suggested point and shoot cameras here.

What point and shoot camera would you buy if you had to get one today?

Released earlier this year, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is a mouthful to say but a true pleasure to work with.  I begrudgingly write this review because it means I have to send the test lens back to Sigma….

…and I really don’t want to!

I had the task of testing this lens on a recent trip through the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada and would like to relate my findings ‘in the real world’.

But first, some of stats for those that thrive on numbers.

This lens has 13 elements in 10 groups.  If that doesn’t wow you, then maybe the fact that it has seven diaphragm blades will!  It weighs in at just over a lb/half kilo (18.3oz or 520g) and is 3.4″x3.5″ (87.3mmx88.2mm) small.  It uses an 82mm filter and comes with a petal-type hood.  Minimum focus distance is 9.4″/24cm and the field of view is an astounding 63.8-102.4 degrees.

Oh!  And to decipher the lens’ name:

• 10-20mm – This lens zooms from 10-20mm.  That’s the easy one.
• f/3.5 – This lens has a maximum aperture of 3.5 across the entire zoom range.
• EX – Sigma has a special external coating showing its superior build.
• DC – This is a lens intended for digital cameras with an APS-C size sensor.
• HSM – Hyper-Sonic Motor.  While not silent, this motor is quieter than a standard zoom motor.

All of these stats can be had on Sigma’s website.  I hope I didn’t bore those of your not into stats.  If you’re still reading, let’s take a look at some photos!  WARNING: Images are 15MP large.  Clicking on each picture will download a full sized image.  All images are copyrighted by Hidden Creek Photography.