FastStone Photo Resizer Review

So I'm a huge fan of Photos if you can't tell already. With photos, one must have proper tools to manage, edit and produce end results. So here comes an image resizer software that does not only do the job, but also gives one extra features.

My choice, with massive recommendations, is the FastStone Photo Resizer (Currently at Version 2.8). Here is a list of what it does.

1. Batch image resizing with basic customizable settings for outputs, includes
   
• Instant conversion to other formats (e.g jpeg, gif, png, tiff, bmp)
• Image quality customizing (0-100% quality)
• Watermarking
• Bordering
• Framing
• Image editing
2. Bulk Image File Renaming
3. The option to keep original image file attribute

Pros: Very fast (tested), Changeable skins for that extra option to make you feel special, Free,
Cons: Did I mention that it's free??!!??, so no Cons alright! Seriously, no cons detected at all.

If you shoot massive amount of pictures from you digital camera and would like to either watermark it with your name or resize them to a certain size or even to add a fancy flair such like the framing borders, this software is for you. It does the job for you if you want to apply the same change(s) to a large collection of pictures. Google it and download for a test drive. You'll be amazed how well it can work for you.

Just got myself a new Toy

Guess who got himself a new Lens? That's me of course :p

Specifically, I purchased the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens. I know, I know, why not go for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L Lens? The answer is pretty simple, It's recession time for The StiXX *head down, hands on forehead, sighing*

Anyways, let's go over some things with the Lens. The stages of quality and specs check:

Stage 1: The Physical Inspection

• No scratch-marks
• Glass is clean and clear
• No foreign material/object found inside the lens
• Owh, so heavy. Weighing at 1.37Kg, its what you'd expect from a zoom lens.
• Hood all good - clear from marks and attachable
• Zoom ring is very smooth with the 'just right' amount of friction
• Focus ring is a bit far to reach, but again, its a zoom lens, what do you expect. Its also smooth and its friction is well build.
  

Stage 1 - Passed

Stage 2: Focusing

• Not the sharpest zoom lens around, but for AUD999, it's well worth it
• AF is very fast and silent, unlike its younger brother, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens. The world has too much noise pollution as it is.

Stage 2 - Barely Passed

Stage 3: Extras

• I love it when Sigma gives extras to their customers
• The first one is the front lens cap. Its new center pinch and pull cap is much more user-friendly compared to its old cap. Less wobblying and quick fit is key to any Lens Cap.
• The bag is to die for. It comes with the lens for free, and it is padded just how you'd like any lens bag to be padded. The nylon material is also an added bonus.
• Yes, you get the hood (petal design - typical of Sigma)
  
• Tripod ring also included
• Lastly, a Strap for the padded bag. Whoah!
  

Stage 3: Passed with flying colors

To sum it up:
Pros: f/2.8 means low light capability and bokeh! Cheap, Sturdy, Fast HSM AF.
Cons: focus not so sharp, tripod is needed due to the non OS function

Note: In the next coming days, you won't find the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens priced under AUD1K anymore. My sources tells me, some of the shops are already being forced to raise lens prices up. One shop-owner told me that its going up by 20-30%. Blame it on the US and Oz economic recession. Glad I got mine just in time.

New Max Brenner Cafe at Metcentre Sydney

So me and my wife plus her family members went over to the new Max Brenner cafe at Metcentre just after having dinner at the Bavarian Bier Cafe. Not bad at all. It was a cold night, and we wanted chocolates for some reason. Walked over there, wobbly of course, (yeah we had some drinks over at the Bier Cafe) and there wasn't any empty tables inside. Thankfully the tables outside had heaters on top of them. We still couldn't stand the cold that night, so we saw an empty slot, quickly went in and set ourselves up. Now at Max Brenner, it's all ordering at the counter and they'll send the orders to the tables (if you dont know already). It was my first time, so forgive my ignorance.

The place was nice, wooden everywhere. From chairs, ceiling, tables, almost all the interior design was wood, dark chocolate colored wood for that matter. I ordered the American Melting Marshmallow, Choc soufflé , and the waffles. As a chocolate lover, this was heaven..yummmmmmeeeeeeeee...lol.

So if you ever wanted chocolates, Max Brenner's the place. Just look at the pictures I took with a 50mm lens. Trust me, you won't regret it. Only drawback though, is the pricing. Be sure to have your work-pay inside your account, otherwise you'll probably end up hating chocolates for the rest of your life. You have been warned! LOL.

The New Max Brenner's address in Sydney CBD
Shop MG 24, Metcentre, 273 George Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone Number: +61 2 9251 7788
Opening Hours
Mon – Thurs - 7:30am – 11:00pm
Fri – 7:30am – Midnight
Sat – 10:00am – Midnight
Sun- 10:00am – 11:00pm

KATA DPS 3N1-20 Review

So I just bought myself a bag for my DSLR and its accessories. I have been searching for one for quite a while and was initially aiming at the Lowepro's Flipside 300. Design-wise, I strongly felt the KATA was more sleek and suitable for a person with some height.

It was priced at AUD149.99, but I managed to get the manager of the store to mark it down to AUD130. Other models include the DPS 3N1-10 (smaller size) and the DPS 3N1-30 (larger size).

SPECS:

• Fits DSLR with battery pack & mid-range zoom lens attached as well as, 3-4 lenses, flash and additional accessories.
• Top storage for your personal things.
  
• 2 Side Pockets (Zipped)
• Hip strap - For support
  
• Interchangeable straps (Straight/X/Sling)
  
• Weighs 2.9lbs/1.3kg
• Dimension: L(23.5cm) / W(19) / H( 44)
  
• Weather protection - it comes with a rain cover.
• Internal rib structure - Very strong and you wouldn't have to worry everytime your camera bag falls off the table.
• Flight Cabin Size - complies with majority airlines cabin baggage requirement.
• Trolley capabilities.
• Customizable inner paddings - to fit your camera, lenses and accessories accordingly.
  

I was informed (by a source :P) that KATA bags haven't arrived ASIA yet. However, with technologies and a credit card, anyone can purchase one online, paying in USD of course.

Short story on KATA (off their main website):
"Nitzan Kimchi and Dror Tishler, founders and owners of KATA, became acquainted with sophisticated military equipment during their service in an elite combat unit of Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Subsequently, they developed and offered solutions for the special units of the IDF and Israel's secret services for over a decade. In 1992, in response to an increased demand for their products, and following an extended process of product development, they decided to establish KATA."