今日のナイスショット！

The 4th Japan Days @ UJ events (1)

Great news for Anime and Manga fans!
If you have some cool creations (2D or 3D) that are in the Anime or Manga styles, you have the chance to have your works presented at the 4th Japanese Days at the University of Jordan. If you want in, please send me an email or an SMS to ask for more details!

Looking forward to great entries!

If this was true!!!

This is a very, very cool entry to a contest on one of the forums on one of my favorite sites Canonrumors.com. The winner whose entry was hillarious (Rambo meets Canon fan) got a cool Gura gear equipment bag! Sadly the above entry by forum member Chris B007 did not win but was a runner up. Sorry chris but your entry is just absolutely brilliant so i had to share it!! I think you should have won.

The above picture summerizes 75% of my life :P

ザ・ベスト・オヴ・右京

写真撮影の趣味を始めてもう２年が立ちました。
ろくな写真はまだ撮れませんが、まだまだはまっています

デジタル一眼レフの世界の面白さや深さに魅了される人には、今は大変エクサイティングな時です。次々と発表される新型のデジ一眼レフは１０年前に夢でも見なかった性能を持っていますからね。

デジタル写真撮影の面白さはどこにあるかといえば、やはり写真を撮ってすぐその結果を目で見て確かめることができるところにあると思います。時間とお金がかかるフィルムの現像と違って、撮った写真をすぐ見て、写真がうまく撮れてたらすごい瞬間的な達成感を味わいます。私のような気が短い、粘り強さがない、結果をすぐ見たいタイプの怠け者にとって、とても性格に合った趣味だと思います。

瞬間を決めて、芸術的なナイスショットを撮れるようになるまではもちろん時間と努力がいります。
しかし最近のデジタル一眼レフの性能を使って高いレベルの技術や腕がなくても、なんとなくいいショットが撮れるようになりました。１秒１０コマを撮れるカメラを使って１００枚撮って、プロはその中で７０-８０％以上のナイスショットを撮れますが、同じカメラを持っている私のようなカメラ馬鹿でも、その中で１枚のナイスショットを手に入れる確立は高いでしょう。

フィルムの場合は考えられない話ですが、デジタルはフィルムの違って、だめな写真は簡単に削除できるデータに過ぎず、買ったフィルムがだめになってお金の無駄使いはありません。（ひどくても撮った写真を一切削除しない私みたいな人のハードディスクの要領の無駄使いになりますが・・・）

前置きが長かったけど、皆さんに右京のベスト写真をシェアしたいと思います。皆さんのご意見、ご感想を是非お聞かせください。
写真を見てわかると思いますが、自然（特にマクロ）が好きです。

CANON 1D MKIV !! Also ISO 102400!!!!

Having posted about Nikon's D3s last week, it seems befitting (and actually mandatory as a Canon user) to report the announcement of the CANON 1D MKIV.

This announcement came off guard as most were expecting a January announcement to the successor to the MKIII. The MKIII was a great machine but had the troublesome AF issue,. Now canon has surely gone all the way to make sure that it provides a photographic tool that satisfies pro needs. Continuing Canon's recent trend of providing excellent video capabilities with the MKIV. adding every imaginable frame rate in 720 and 1080p flavors. One beta tester of the MKIV dubbed it the best night time VDSLR ever created.

Yet the machine is STILL shrouded in mystery as no good sample shots or videos are available. All those that were are now removed on Canon's request. Many are stunned at Canon's strong handed approach towards the MKIV PR. I believe that Canon has its reasons as no one would want to sabotage any good PR of their own Cameras.

One thing that is certainley clear is that Canon's new models are really pushing the limits of what is possible with current technology.

The trio of 7D, 5D MKII and the 1D MKIV are an excellent round up.

View the EOS 1D MKIV sample movie by clicking on the below link

Nikon D3s!! ISO 102400!!!!

Yes the number above is correct, the D3s with a High3 setting can go up to ISO102400 with native ISO up to 12800! This is like night vision.

Nikon announced to its eager user base (and future Canon defectors :P) the new D3s, an improved version of the astounding D3, considered the best camera on the planet. The D3s expands on the 12.1 MP sensor with extended ISO speed and adds 720P video @ 24 frames. Also includes is the Dust reduction system found in the D700 and other subtle but equally great additions.

Now this is getting serious, Nikon's D3 Vs. the 1D MKIV rumored to be announced in the 20th for the 50 anniversary of Canon SLR. It is a great and exciting time to be a photographer.

Check out this unbelievable video shot by Vincent Munier with the D3s.... Breathtaking.

click image to view on Youtube

BIG Canon news!!!

October 2oth is the date, Canon is going to announce a "Pro" product that many are speculating is the fabled 1D MKIV!!!!!! Now my priorities have changed! I hope for once that everybody will avoid the hype and welcome what might be the best EOS model so far.

By the way I passed by Canon Jordan, who were VERY nice and friendly and told me that they have 7Ds coming VERY soon along side new 5DMKII kits. Waiting for some price quotes very soon!

I really liked that Canon here has a great customer service center here. If you but pro bodies it helps to have local warranty and service!

A promise...

Sleepy Dinosaur!

Ukyou Manhandles the Nikon D700 again!

I got the urge to manhandle photographic equipment last night, so I passed by the friendly Nikon store in Amman.

I immediately set my eyes on the D700, Nikon's full frame contender in the Pro(sumer) market. I was about to ask for a manhandling session only to be surprised by an offer from the cheerful staff from the shop. Putting on a Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR (Wow, try saying that in one go) and slipping in my CF card, my finger started their grip of death on the D700.

The body like the 5D MKII is a solid Magnesium Alloy block with OK weather sealing and a great balance and excellent ergonomics. I really had so time to actually mess with the settings for once and I immediately noticed the different operational philosophies of Nikon Vs. Canon. On Canon prosumer xxD and ｘD bodies you usually use the setting buttons above the top right LCD info screen to change settings like ISO, drive and what not. Nikon's solution is to put all the buttons on the top of the mode dial to the left. Shooting with the right hand holding the grip and supporting with the left, I found it weird to have to use the left hand to push (and keep pushing) a button to change settings. There must be another easier way but I did not have time to try it. Time to read the 450 page PDF manual again!

It is funny that Canon and Nikon adopt almost completely opposite approaches even to the way you turn the lenses in when mounting and dismounting. Humm... coincidence? I don't think so!

Going on and trying the other features, I tried the famous 51point auto focus shared by the D300, D300s, D700 and the Big mommas the D3 and D3x! Fast and responsive is the keyword. I love it. The loud and satisfying Shutter sound is also a big photographer bonus.

Turning on the artificial horizon of the D700 makes the think look like some sort of a display you would find in a fighter aircraft (it is called an horizontal situation indicator)

Shooting 5 fps in full frame (8 with a battery grip) makes this the fastest pro(sumor) model around. I tried the fabled Servo Auto focus and noticed that it does what it is supposed to do, track a subject even if there are obstacles between the subject and the camera using great focus decision logic. Tried it with a Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 D ED which is is not the best of lenses.

One thing that WILL blow any user away is the freakishly unbelievable High ISO performance!!I shot all the way on ISO 6400 and I didn't even flinch! Gimme Gimme more ISO! I shot JPG and I regretted that later since RAW NEF files are greater and more fun to manipulate!

A great and very satisfying experience. Only boo boo is the price in Jordan.
It is in one word.... Kakka!

みんなの日本語の卵

日本語の学生からもらった貴重なプレゼント

Painting with flowers...

more to come soon

Amman@night

Two Ds!

永井豪先生、ヨルダンに！

「アニメ・パワー」

どんどん世界で広がっている日本文化の中で、アニメと漫画を含めた日本のポップカルチャーはどんどん熱心なファンを集めています。近年ヨルダンの若者の中で、日本のアニメ、漫画、ビデオゲームが熱中するする人が増えています。日本のポップカルチャーをきっかけに日本語を学ぶ人が多くいます。日本語教師は誰でも思うことですが、日本のポップカルチャーへの興味はある意味で中東の日本語教育を支えています。

このような事情を持ったヨルダンになんと伝説的な漫画家、アニメクリエーターの永井豪先生はいらしています。永井先生の作品「UFOロボグレンダイザー」はヨルダンはもちろん、アラブ国の中で圧倒的な存在を持つアニメ作品で、ヨルダン人の９０％以上は「グレンダイザー」を知っているといっても過言ではないと思います。

昨日は日本大使公邸に呼ばれて、直接永井先生とお話する機会をいただきました。
非常に感動的でした。子供のとき、すごい熱心に見ていたあのグレンダイザーを作った方とお話する日が来るとは思いませんでした。

昨日の朝、ヨルダン大学隣のPSUT（Princess Sumayya University for Technology)で先生の講義を聞きにいきました。ホールは満員で床に座る人も何人いました。永井先生に、大ヒット作のマジンガーZのアイデアコンセプトを考えたきっかけを大変面白く語ってくれました。人間が乗って操作するロボットは永井先生がはじめて考えたことはすごいな～と思いました。今私が熱中する「ガンダム」の原点といえるかもしれません。またマジンガーZのデザインが西洋のよろいをモチーフにしたお話を聞いて、なるほどなとおもいながらすごい関心深い話をたくさん聞くことができました。子供のときからずっと思っていたなぞがとけたようなひらめきの瞬間でした。

大使公邸で永井先生にお会いしてすごく感動してのは、伝説的な存在である永井先生は皆さんの質問にとてもやさしく、詳しく答えてくださって、すごくやさしい方だと感じました。私と同僚のKさんは二人のチームを組んで、永井先生にアプローチして見ました！永井先生とお話ができて本当によかったです。

昨日はいろいろ仕事があって、でも最後は悔いがなくて満足してうちへ帰れました！
あ！でも悔いは一つありました！永井先生の前でマジンガーZのオープニングソングを披露することができませんでした！悔しい～～～～！

今日また永井先生の講義を聞きにいきます！

追加！
永井先生の第2講義から帰ってきました！
べニューはアンマンの文化中心地であるジャバル・アンマン（アンマン山）にあるRFC（Royal Film Commssion)でした。予想以上の出席でした。RFCに大きなテントを建てて、それでも永井先生のお話を聞きにきた人を収容することができず、テントの後ろを完全に開けて、なんとなくなりました。
テントに入る永井先生を迎えたのは拍手の嵐でした。

主催者のスピーチの後、先生のアニメに関する話を聞きました。PSUTの講義と同じ内容がたくさんあっても、二回聞くとまたたくさんの新しい情報を聞くことができました。先生のお話が終わったら、最新作の「真・マジンガー」の上映会がありました。OPの「感じてKnight」を聞いてはまってしまった！書きながら聞いています！
上映会のあとで、QAセッションがあって、ヨルダン人からの質問がたくさんありました。
その中で、面白く思ったのは、マジンガー、グレンダイザーなどの永井先生が考えたロボットの中で一番強いのはどれという質問で、先生の答えは「マジンガー！」でこれで謎が解けました。

ヨルダンに続いて、クウェート、エジプトを訪問する永井先生は本当にすごい。
大変貴重な機会でした！

マジンゴー！

RFCの展望台から見る夜のアンマン！

JJLC公開講座L1のオリエンテーションと思ったこと

今日はL1のオリエンテーションでした。L1参加希望者にJJLCに来てもらって、講座の概要、目標などを説明しました。今日はなんと50人以上来ました。12歳の男の子から、50歳のおばちゃんまでのすごい多様のある人でした。

今日はただのオリエンテーションでしたので、どうして日本語を勉強したいか、そうやって日本語講座を知ってきたかは聞いていませんが、みんなは日本語にすごい興味があります。

最近の日本語や日本文化への関心ブームの裏に何があるでしょうか。
アニメとポップカルチャー以外にいろいろあると思います。

今年のラマダンにアラブ衛生チャンネルに日本を紹介するシリーズが放送されて、ヨルダン人の中で大きな話題を呼びました。毎日日本のあちこちを旅して、日本人の日常生活、行動、マナーなどを観察し、紹介しながらコメントする内容でした。

番組自体のプロダクションはすごく良くできて、日本をとてもポジティブに見せますが、アラブ国の自己否定のところが強すぎます。いろいろな国のいいところをみて、直すべきところが確かにたくさんある番組のメッセージはいいかもしれませんが、どうしても気になりますね。

日本という先進国と、発展途上国のたくさんあるアラブ世界の間の差がありすぎて、比較することでショックを与えて、「何かしなければならないよ」と説得させるアプローチは効果あるかもしれませんが、日本のいいところとアラブ国の悪いところだけを見せてはどうかなと思いました。

放送されるエピソードの最初に「日本に、真似するためではなく、いいところを学んで身につけるためにきた」というメッセージが出てきて、とてもいいと思います。確かに真似はいりません。より良い社会造りのために、真似より理解がベースになっている「変化」が求められています。

Field report: Ukyou uses the Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 EX HSM APO

Got the chance to whip out the bad boy Sigma AF 100-300mm f/4 EX HSM APO for a some indoor sports shooting at the Japanese language Course Ramadan Sports event. In the end I was very happy with what I got from the lens. Shooting about 580 shots, I found that the lens was quite good, albeit not perfect.

An indoor Gym was the location. The constant aperture of F4 along the whole zoom range gives shots that were not possible by the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS. The fast focusing of the Sigma coupled with rather sharp images all along the focal length are reported in many reviews and I can clearly say that it is living up to the standard. I started shooting around 5 PM I found that I can get away with low ISO until it started to sunset till it became totally dark and I had to rely on the illumination of the hall which meant ISO 1600 all the way.

Thank you Mr. Peanuts for protecting personal information
100% crop, EOS 40D, ISO 400, 300 mm, F4, 1/500, DPP (sharpen 3)

100% crop, EOS 40D, ISO 1600, 260 mm, F4, 1/400, DPP (sharpen 3)

100% crop, EOS 40D, ISO 1600, 300 mm, F4, 1/250, DPP (sharpen 4)

Using the 40D, I was shooting at RAW, High burst, AI Focus with center focus point only. I got some good keepers from the technical side (good exposure and on focus), although not having shot sports that much meant that much of the artistic and talent side was clearly and disturbingly lacking.

My observations are:

1) F4 is not enough!!! Even at the ISO 1600 is it not possible to shoot at moment freezing shutter speeds or those fast enough to shoot without hand shake ruining the shots. Although I used a mono pod that was clearly not enough. What I would do for a 300mm F2.8!! Since I have no bodily organs to sell I think the only solution would be using a better body (the new EOS 7D with the reported great usable high ISO 3200 and 6400(!!) may solve some of the problems, at the expense of detail and IQ)

2) You need Image stabilization (IS)! Why oh why does this great lens not have IS , sob...

3) Shooting sports is HARD! You really have to know how to scan the play area and select just the right moment to switch to the viewfinder and start tracking. Mono pod tracking is tough. A gimbal head might have been easier.

4) Shoot one sport at a time (don't Jump between Badminton and Basketball like I did) and pick a sweet spot and STICK to it! It might limit creativity but surely will make the shoot more efficient.

5) The 40D AI Focus was OK. Not stellar, but OK!

I was an idiot and did not try other options for lenses (I had the 100 F2.8 Macro also) boooo!

* A word of caution, Sigma lenses are notorious for bad QC! Test any lens carefully before buying anything. I got the 10-20 with a weird problem :P

Canon, I love you! Please donate this to a poor Japanese language teacher :P

マクロと猫だにゃ～

100mm F2.8 マクロで撮ったにゃ～

LOMAC

Any body into LOMAC? If you are, looking forward to trying some network play. Drop me a line at the contact form below.

Ukyou reviews "Ponyo by the cliff by the sea"

It has been ages since I have seen a Miyazaki feature, and just this month I had the pleasure of seeing his latest creation 「崖の上のポニョ」　"Ponyo by the cliff by the sea" and I have to say that I have enjoyed it immensely.

The story is simple and to an extent childish. This speaks to the main target of the movie which is the younger audience, but at the same time provides enough eye candy and story to mesmerize even the hardened of adult viewers. The premise is loosely based on the little mermaid and revolves around the relationship that a cute fish-girl Ponyo has with a normal boy called Sousuke. The whole story revolves around the overwhelming wish that Ponyo has to be along side Sousuke. Her almost gargantuan determination to be together with him almost turns the world upside down with the Magic powers she uses to do so.

After all the cute trials and tribulations of Ponyo and Sousuke the Story ends on the cutest yet the shortest of endings.

The word Cute or "Kawaii" is the quintessential word describing this movie. Almost EVERY second of this animated features screams "Kawaii". It is like "Kawaii" on steroids. I know many may feel that the whole cute thing is overrated in anime (myself included in this group), but there is no running away from being engulfed in Ponyo's cuteness.

Nobody in their right mind will deny that this is cute.

The character's design, movement, voice all are uber kawaii and not in the recent Moe Kawaii of late, but really and purely kawaii. Be sure to see the Japanese audio, English subtitled version to enjoy this to the fullest

The cutest scene is when Ponyo starts growing hands and legs at her father's lab. It is so darn cute. The whole "te deta~, Ashi deta~" scene is GREAT!

「手でた～！足でた～」

The movie can also be summarized by the word "Water" ! Water is everywhere in this movie. Yet strangely it feels very natural. Water in this movie behaves more like Jello than like actual liquid giving a mystical almost candy like appearance to the whole flow of things.

This movie also has some quirky unexplained points. Who is Ponyo exactly? why does Sousuke refer to his parents in their first name? What did Lisa and Ponyo's mother discuss? No matter how many plot holes come to mind, the cuteness overshadows every thing that may be even considered as a plot hole. Hack I don't care, it is just so darn cute!

So Ukyou has it, Ponyo is a great movie that should not be missed, a Joy to watch and is a great feel good movie. It is just that simple, GO SEE IT!

E! What is Takopuu kun Doing here ?

イードおめでとうございます！クッル・アーム・ワ・イントゥー・ビヘール