Escape

A little getaway I had with a couple of friends right after our final presentation for the semester, during our study break.

The view along the Malacca river

Some back lane and street shots here

Nothing particularly interesting or eventful happened. The streets were mostly empty as it was a weekday. 

Just a little post for now. Till next time!

Uno

A couple of weeks ago, I entered a photography competition organised by the management of the apartment I am staying at. Naturally, the theme of the competition is My Suriamas. I took about two days going round the apartment and shooting probably hundreds of photos before finally settling on 3 to submit.

The first of my three submissions.

There was no limit to the number of entries per person.

My second submission. We were allowed to manipulate the photos as we like. All effects and enhancements were done with Lightroom 4.

The judges picked a total of 10 of the best entries, and the winner will be decided by having the most number of votes by the residents. Yes. Voting. Ugh. Honestly would've preferred it if the photos were judged by professional photographers.

Finally this photo was one of the shortlisted finalists. I didn't win, but I managed to get the Judges' Special Award, which is probably just a euphemism for consolation. 

Honestly, I felt some of the non-shortlisted entries deserved a prize. I still couldn't, for the life of me, understand how some of the photos were even shortlisted.  Everyone did a great job. :)

All photos shot using my Sony NEX 5R, with the SEL1560 kit lens.

Anyhow, an extra RM50 in my pocket. :)

"Cause you could have been number one, If only you found the time "

Uno, by Muse.

Shrinking Universe (not really, just my camera)

So I returned my uncle his 400D and I got myself the Sony NEX 5R mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC). Don't be fooled by its compactness; this little beast packs as much power as alot of DSLRs out there! APS-C sensor, 16.1MP and ISO of up to 25600, this is already a big upgrade from the 400D, plus it's tiny! The really small form factor plus its amazing under-the-hood capabilities is probably the reason why I didn't opt to get a DSLR at all, and most probably won't in the future.

The NEX 5R with the 16-50mm kit lens and the 55-210mm zoom lens.

Here are some of the first few photos I took with it while in Penang.

Some tourists..

Okay no, just my friends. But I really like how sharp the SEL55210 is.

Other tourists now.

The low light performance is actually really good. Taken with the kit lens.

Though some are a little grainy. Mind you, these were taken in really dark conditions.

"Staying awake to chase a dream."