Category Archives: Computers and Software

Samsung SSDs In Stripe RAID = Speedy!

Posted on March 11, 2009 | Leave a comment

Ok, so this is pretty geeky, but it shows how fast a RAID 0 set-up using SSDs (Solid State Drives….basically using the same technology as your CF or SD camera card) can be.
I have an SSD in my MacBook Air and I’m a huge fan of these drives. They are solid, quick, dependable and silent. As they have no moving parts, they should last longer than traditional mechanical drives and more so, they are rugged as movement doesn’t damage them.
This is definitely the shape of things to come.

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Posted in Computers and Software

FeRAM and 64Gb SD Cards

Posted on February 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

There’s a lot happening in the world of memory. Sandisk has just disclosed that they are about to start work on mass production of x4 flash chips. This means that it will soon start selling 64Gb SD cards. Whilst for photographic needs 64Gb is overkill, for video its superb news. Lets also hope that this technology is ported to CF cards.

Toshiba on the other hand has announced that its wrk into FeRAM is yielding a huge speed increase in read and write speeds, with speeds up to 1.6Gb per second; this is absolutely huge and will revolutionise SSD hard drives in laptops and desktops. If the technology is ported into memory cards, running out of buffer on your DSLR will be a thing of the past. Also, for video shooters its going to provide great news.

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Posted in Computers and Software, News

25 Years Of The Apple Mac

Posted on January 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

The Apple Mac’s been with us for 25 years now; doesn’t time fly?!

CNET have a photos of the Mac through the years; it brought back many memories!

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Posted in Computers and Software

Muse – The Full Film

Posted on January 11, 2009 | Leave a comment

Its finally done! I’ve been working on my first ever short film called “Muse” and its now finished.

Filming took three nights to finish and editing well over a week.
The film was shot on a Canon 5D MkII DSLR using Canon lenses:

EF 16-35mm f2.8L II, EF 35mm f1.4L, TS-E 45mm f2.8, EF 50mm f2.5 Macro, EF 85mm f1.2L II and the EF 135mm f2L.
Editing was done on a Mac Pro using Final Cut Studio (Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Compressor and Motion).
I have posted a 720 HD version on Vimeo and a 1080 HD version on SmugMug.
I’ve been testing the 5D MkII for the BJP (British Journal of Photography) and the film was shot as a way of exploring the camera’s video abilities. There will be a full article on my experiences and thoughts, so keep an eye out for the magazine.

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Posted in Camera Equipment, Computers and Software, Video

Survival Technique

Posted on December 23, 2008 | Leave a comment

Well, I don’t mean how to trap an animal, make fire, cook it, create shelter and purify water all with a pocket knife; what I’m referring to is surviving if your laptop goes down whilst away on assignment.

I’ve never actually had to use this technique, but for years have had this as an insurance policy. Imagine this, you’re on a dream assignment abroad. You’ve got great pictures and your picture editor is desperate for the images. You boot up your laptop and…..nothing; its dead.
I have two USB memory flash drives; one for a PC and one for a Mac. They have a full host of all the software I need to be able to work. Image editing software (Aperture, Photo Mechanic, PhotoShop, FTP programs, settings for FTP and email servers, image rescue and so on).
With most software now purchased over the internet, its very easy just to keep the installer files and their associated serial numbers together in folders. You can also download trail software and not install it, but keep the installer files on your flash key.
If it all goes wrong, I can either pop into an internet cafe and ask them nicely if I can load up my software, find someone friendly with a laptop and do the same, or pop into a store and buy one! On a Mac you could even go one step further and have your whole operating system on a USB flash drive with all your software and settings and if your hard drive goes down, you just boot off the flash drive. I haven’t actually tried this yet, and I know it’ll be slow, but it will save the day.
If you’re wondering which ones to get, Test Freaks have done a round up of 21 flash drives and put them to the test. 

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Posted in Computers and Software, viewpoint

Viveza Special Christmas Offer

Posted on December 17, 2008 | Leave a comment

Regular readers will know how much praise I have for the Aperture and PhotoShop plug-in by Nik Software, Viveza. Its absolute genius. Nik have a special Christmas offer with €100 off the regular price. Now I know the weakness of the pound to Euro is at and all time low, but its still a good offer.

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Posted in Computers and Software, News