Pentax K10D - early results

Pentax has released a pair of Single Lens Reflex cameras with an upgraded version of the Shake Reduction feature introduced in their point & shoot line of cameras.

The K10D, a full-featured, weather sealed, 10MP, SLR hit the stores in the USA just before Thanksgiving. You'll find examples and discussion in all of the regular places.

The shot included here was hand-held at 1/8th second. Normally, I'd not be able to take a steady shot at any speed less than 1/30th second. This is a very significant improvement.

Unlike it's competitors, Canon and Nikon, Pentax chose to build the SR feature into the body. This makes it immediately useful with most any lens compatible with the K-mount.

The K10D has been an instant hit. The initial deliveries were sold out within a couple of days.

Here's a gallery of sample shots from the K10D.

-gs-

Always Prepare the Surface Before Painting

The secret to a good paint job is good preparation of the surface. At least, that's what they always tell us.

Evidently the pros take a few shortcuts. The fellow that painted the lines on the street must not have noticed the dead pigeon.

-gs-

The Pentax A10 in Florida

I had to spend a few days in Florida last week. The weather was generally nice, but cool and windy. One unusual evening brought severe storms and a tornado.

A conference occupied most of my time, but I managed to get a few shots with the Pentax A10. The more I use this little camera the more I like it. It's a great pocket camera.

I was particularly happy with the shake reduction and low light performance. Those features helped me take photos like this one taken in a reception held in an aircraft museum. Flash would have been useless. The place is a huge old hangar. Not much light to work with.

Click here to view the gallery. Nothing artistic here, just travel snapshots, but that is this camera's place in life.

-gs-

Football

My Grandson Alex is playing football in the local recreational league. The weather for the first game was great so there was a pretty good turnout.

Here are a few photos from the game.

-gs-

Woodman Tower 9-11 Memorial

During the week of September 11, 2006 the owners of the Woodman Tower in Omaha, Nebraska created a memorial to those lost in the destruction of the World Trade Center.

Flags were displayed on the East and West Faces of the building and spotlights projected twin beams into the sky.

The display ended mid-week when high winds tore the West facing flag. The remaining flag was quickly removed to avoid further damage.

Here are a few photos taken early in the week.

-gs-

Lighter-Than-Air Balloon Fair

At the end of August I was able to attend the Lighter-Than-Air Balloon Fair at the Iowa Western Community College campus. The Nebraska Balloon Club and several others put on a great show.

This was a great event. I spent about three hours and filled several memory cards.

Here are photos of the launch and the later "balloon glow".

-gs-

Nostalgic SD Card Cases

A recent discussion of carrying cases for memory cards prompted me to fill what may be a niche market. I may have a limited number of nostalgic SD card carrying cases available for sale.

Most are the frosted variety with a plain black cap. Some caps have labels printed with the names of famous makers of the great films we remember from our youth. A limited number are available in "pro" black. An extremely limited number may be available in metal with screw on lids.
These carrying cases hold approximately six to eight SD cards. (I'm guessing I could get $5 or $10 bucks apiece on e-bay.)

-gs-