Sounds Aero Maintenance

I was given the chance to fly with Sounds Aero last week, flying high above Marlborough Sounds and outbacks. Thanks to Craig Anderson, the managing director of Sounds Aero Maintanance, a company which managed a large fleet of planes and helicopters in the Marlborough region.

It was my day off and i managed to arrange a time to fly with Craig to get some aerial photography shots of Marlborough. Dont know much about plane but this was a 2 seater, small size plane capable of landing on almost anywhere. According to Craig, we can lift off in 25 meters, which is really amazing! We land on fields and riverbed, flying across narrow gaps, it was simply breathtaking. Im even allowed to shoot with the door open while we are flying. Cant believe i dare to do that, and not to mention, risked the camera and equipments of falling down.

Anyway, I'm still in process of editing the photos and videos shot from both Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 (loaned by James Luhrs of Olympus New Zealand). So here's some preview..



CRop Circle of NZ? :P






Flying and taking photos while the door is open? Exciting!


The men behind Sounds Aero Maintenance


What a beautiful morning!


It was really cool to be here, especially when u only took 4 min from main road on the plane, compared to 4 hours tramping. Nice peaceful environment, crystal clear water, wildlife around, it was just perfect for a weekend getaway!


We need a little landing and taking off from the river.. and here's one of the shot






Never thought i could experience this, but i did, all thanks to Craig! It was simply AMAZING!

Olympus Roadshow in Wellington

Last tuesday, i was lucky enough to be invited by Olympus and they fly me to Wellington for an overnight trip and attend the roadshow by them. The primary objective of the roadshow was basically showcase all the Olympus range, and of course, the ultimate OM-D E-M5!  The roadshow was held at the Te Papa Museum, and attend by over 50 invited guess. Great food and drinks served!

Took some sunset shot before heading to the museum for the roadshow.

I stayed in a wonderful hotel called Distinction Century City Hotel's Suite Room (which is booked by Olympus, but not paid, duhh.. i have to fork up $159 for a night and still waiting for reimbursement) But anyway, the room was superb. Have a look!

Im quite impress by the new technology of the EM5, especially the 5 axis Image Stabilization ( world first!) and the weatherproof sealing ( demonstrated there too by pouring glass of water over it!). The mirrorless camera is compact and solid-magnesium alloy body. Image quality are comparable, if not, better than most APSC Dslr. I'll tested it out in the coming days to see how it performs. Another thing is like was the EVF, which is superb! The bracketing mode is superb too, especially the Art Filter bracketing. However, during writing; especially when you're shooting 11 art filter bracketing, you cant possible view other photos while waiting for it to finish writing.. slow.... real slow...

There is some drawback, especially the small size (which doesn't fit my hand well) and with the added grip, actually make it worse cause it obstruct my 5th finger. Another comment was, the LCD color tinge. Im quite sensitive to colors, especially on the LCD. From my observation, most Samsung phones had that problem. And now, the EM5, which is dissapointing. If you don't know what i mean, try look at the EM5 LCD and then the Electronic View Finder. Look at the green/yellow tinge on the LCD! Total disappointment i should say..

Anyway, overall, the camera is real good in terms of build quality and image quality. Nothing to complain (until i finish playing with it for few more days) Will update soon on that!