Sound Quality

I spent years as an audio engineer, and I can confidently say that at this price range, you cannot get better sound than this model. Two 8-inch woofers produce punchy, balanced bass, while a 3-inch tweeter provides crisp, clean highs. This allows for larger than life sound – music you not only hear, but feel. For me, this is a crucial part of the karaoke experience.

This is actually a perfect little PA system as well. I imagine it would be well suited for contests, company retreats, and family gatherings.

500 Watts Peak Power, and Solid Battery Life

Impressively, the JYX Speaker retains excellent sound – even at the highest volume range. I set it up outdoors under the stars in Death Valley. We were a large group that had a blast singing at full volume…for hours. In fact, the 5200mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 4 hours in such conditions.

The JYX Speaker Has Great Lighting Modes

I used to find rainbow “karaoke lighting” rather cheesy, but now I’ve come to embrace it as part of the whole festive experience. Haha. There are a few solid color options to choose from, and also no lighting at all (which is what I choose when I use the unit as a bluetooth speaker for Spotify.)

The light “dances” and pulses along with the music, which is a pretty cool effect.

An Assortment of Mic Inputs / Options

The included wireless microphones work flawlessly. There are even 2 more inputs for wired mics. The bluetooth range and functionality has always impressed me. This means it’s easy to connect the speaker to your phone, tablet, or computer. However, there is also the option of inserting a TF (SD) card, which I assume you can play audio files from.

I have not had any luck getting this to work, so I’m not sure if I’m using this as intended. Same goes with the USB input. To be fair, I misplaced my instructions, and the info is probably in there.

Supposedly you can even record yourself on the SD cards & usb sticks! I’m sure I’ll use this at some point.

USB Charging

Speaking of which, there’s also a USB output, which is super convenient for keeping your devices charged while you sing.

Stereo Pairing Capability

This is such a cool feature. I only have 1 unit at the moment, but apparently you can connect 2 of them in tandem for true stereo sound!

More JYX T9 Pros:

• Portable – pull out handle, with convenient wheels for easy transport
• Decent size + large sound, yet somehow minimal weight
• Great battery life
• Remote works with my Macbook (assuming I’m using a youtube playlist for vids)
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• Mic cutoff to save battery (soft voices may have to sing louder to let sound through)
• Mic levels cannot be adjusted separate from each other
• Mic volume / Echo strength buttons are labeled backward, confusing for U.S. users

My Conclusion

Honestly, this is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is simply unheard of to find all of these options, with superb sound quality…and at a price point like this. I have used it every week for 16 months straight. It still works just as it did the day I bought it. Since it’s lightweight and easy to move around, I’ve taken it many places with me.

So. Much. Fun.

Where to Buy

The unit is available on Amazon HERE. As of this writing, I have had no communication with this company, and I purchased this model myself. Do keep in mind, though, using my Amazon links does help me provide this kind of content.

Sing on!

Nathan

(Follow me on FB:)

You can check more of my reviews HERE

The post JYX Karaoke Speaker Test – 16 Months of Singing + Joy appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

There’s no way around it…of all options, the E600LFP seemed to be the best value. The most bang for the buck.

Power Station Specs

In fact, it’s actually quite amazing how many features they managed to pack into such a reasonably priced model. While most competitors at this range feature 600W peak power, the Pecron boasts a whopping 1,200W, with an AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter. It even has a surge of up to 2,400W! This was the main selling point for me.

There’s a large capacity 614WH (watt hours). I don’t use it, but there is also a wireless charging surface on the top of the unit. Again, shocking at this price point.

Multiple Charging Options

The E600LFP can be topped up quite rapidly with an external charge pack (provided). You plug it into the wall, and it can finish charging in just a few hours. There is a special input for this, and amazingly, you can also use up to 400W of solar charging through this input as well! I tested up to about 300W and it worked great.

(Note, the new units seem to mention a max of 300W solar charging, instead of the 400W that mine came with. Not sure what’s going on with that.)

There is also a normal DC style input, for use with provided 12v car charger, and smaller panels as well. I believe it goes up to 100W max. I tried this with a 120W Elecaenta portable solar panel.

LiFePo4 Technology

I don’t know much about it, but this unit has a “LiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%”. This is said to increase the lifespan substantially.

11 Output Options

The Pecron has plenty of outputs to run / charge appliances & devices. There’s standard USB of course, as well as a super fast 100W USB-C option. 3 AC outputs, and 3 DC as well.

E600LFP Pros

• Folding handle, with flat top surface for storage / small spaces
• Rugged design, with protection on corners
• Feature-rich, at a great price point
• Customer service (in China, I assume) answered questions quickly

E600LFP Cons

• Less sleek, more utilitarian (some may prefer this, I guess)
• Fan kicks on for some reason when panels have no more sunlight (must unplug or battery slowly drains)
• Some users have reported inability to charge multiple USB devices at once, though I don’t think I’ve had this issue.

Real World Use – Pecron’s Portable Power

Honestly, I found this unit to be so useful that I bought a second one. I charge each of them with Vevor 200W portable panels, and believe it or not, I run them almost daily. I have used them extensively – at home and on the road.

Surprisingly, after many many months of continuous use, all features still work. I do notice a bit of a rough “cycle” sound with the fan when I turn one unit on. It hasn’t affected use so far, though.

These models can even run certain appliances that are over their max ratings. Somehow the technology is able to lower the current to a manageable level.

It can flawlessly run a 1200W microwave during power outages, and I sometimes even power my medium sized fridge with the Pecrons. I might only get 4-5 hours of power, but if it saves my food during summer, it’s worth it.

One thing I’ve noticed is recently one of the units will shut off while running the microwave, once it’s down to 20% battery. Before, it could go all the way down to 1% without shutting off.

Conclusion

For the money, I would not hesitate to recommend this product to friends and family. I think anything remotely comparable will cost 50%-100% more. As for reliability, it’s still going strong for me!

Where to Purchase

You can find it on Amazon HERE. (I was not provided anything for this review, and have no connection to the company. However, if you use these Amazon links, it will help me continue providing useful information like this. )

Cheers,

Nathan

(Follow me on FB!)

You can check my boondocking adventures HERE

The post Pecron E600LFP Review – After 18 months of Heavy Use appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I’m so thankful that “DSLR quality” can now basically fit right into your pocket. In fact, though it has a few limitations, my Ricoh GR II has better image quality than any of my previous DSLRs…and at a fraction of the cost.

However, the Sony RX100 III is close behind, and is the clear winner in a few important areas. Well, each has its pros and cons. Here’s my detailed, real world comparison of these tech wonders  (it almost seems unfair to simply call them pocket cameras, right?). All sample images were taken by me.

You may be wondering why I chose to review the Sony RX100 III instead of the newest version, the RX100V. It’s because the Mk3 is the best ND Filter option for those looking to spend around the same as a Ricoh GR II. The Ricoh has come down in price, and at the time of writing can be found for just around $599 on Amazon.

Of course, the RX100 III has a wider 24mm lens than the GR II’s 28mm, but for me that was a benefit. I mostly shoot landscapes, and I suspect that *most* general consumers interested in the RX100 would also prefer the wider lens. Besides, you can always zoom to 28mm, the lens is still pretty fast @ f2.5 .

*I’m going to leave a “video” section out of this photography review, because if you’re after a pocket camera with serious video capabilities, you’re not going to find it in either of these…especially not the Ricoh. If you have the money, I say go for the RX100 V.

Build Quality – Look, Weight & Feel

Both cameras feel quite solid and well made, but I would say I like the build and feel of the Ricoh GR II better. The Sony RX100 doesn’t feel cheap, though…and is actually quite heavy for its tiny size. It’s solid as a brick.

With the Ricoh GR II’s simple ergonomics, useful handhold, and rubber grip, it’s much more DSLR like. In fact, I’ll say this right now: If you’re a picky DSLR user looking to add a killer pocket camera to your lineup, there’s no question. You need the Ricoh GR II. You’ll just have to get used to some limitations that I’ll touch on later.

One other thing to mention is the looks. In my opinion, the Sony has a more sleek and modern look. It’s not exactly screaming for attention with its small, classy logo. By contrast, the Ricoh….well…how do I put this?

It kind of looks like a toy camera from the 80s. It has no visible brand logo, and it doesn’t look particularly valuable. For my tastes & lifestyle, these are all HUGE selling points. Haha.

“The Ricoh GR is not for the image conscious; it’s for the image perfectionist.” – Nathan Allen

Size & Pocketability

This is one of the most important factors for me: Being highly mobile. I want a camera on me at all times….and yes, for me, a compact camera must be able to fit in a pants pocket. Even though the Ricoh GR II looks much larger at first glance, it is actually MUCH more comfortable in a pants pocket.

See how deceptive that is? The Sony looks much smaller, but where it counts, it’s not.

This is because the Ricoh GR II is not thicker, but instead, taller + skinnier (think smartphone shaped). For example, even though it’s quite a bit wider & taller than those old Nokia flip phones, a skinny iphone feels much better in your pocket, right?  Same concept (though of course the Ricoh is not as skinny as an iphone).

The Sony RX100 has a skinny (ish) body, but its lens protrudes a good 6mm more than the GR II, and it’s enough to feel (and see) the difference.

Sensor Size & Resolution

Let’s face it. The Ricoh GR II is just amazing in this respect. It has a full on DSLR sized sensor packed into it. It’s an APS-C (crop sensor), literally over 3 times the size of the one in the Sony RX100 III (which is already a 1-inch, and not too shabby).

However, considering the the Sony’s sensor is 3 times smaller, I doubt anybody would say the quality is 3 times less. The image quality and resolution produced by the RX100 is very impressive. Still, overall…the Ricoh GR II takes the prize.

As far as resolution, at first glance, you would think Sony’s 20.2 megapixel resolution would be a huge benefit over Ricoh’s 16.2MP.

The funny thing is…for me it’s not. This is because I shoot up to 10,000 RAW images a month, and I literally keep running out of space on my storage. Haha. It’s nice to fit that many more photos on my SD cards and hard drives, and I rarely seem to need more space for cropping.

Note* the RAW file sizes are smaller on the Ricoh, but the JPEGs are actually a tiny bit larger…

(Something I love is the built in horizon level on the GR II, I trained myself to use this for every shot, so that I don’t have to sacrifice some of my image by cropping and straightening. I believe the RX100 III has one too, but I can’t get it to display on the live screen.)

JPEG & RAW File Quality

Of course, both cameras offer full manual controls, and also RAW capabilities. As mentioned earlier, I shoot RAW, not JPEG. The Ricoh is awesome because it creates universal DNG files that recover quite a bit of detail. However, Sony’s ARW files also handle editing very well, and seem to import into my editing programs easily.

Both cameras have nice JPEG effect presets built in, and from what I’ve seen and heard, the Sony produces more pleasing “out of camera” JPEGS.

Sony’s 24-70mm Zoom vs Ricoh’s 28mm Fixed Lens

I’m one of those photographers who looked through my work and realized that 90+ percent of my photos were shot as wide as possible. I have to say, the Sony RX100 lens quality and sharpness at (all focal lengths) is quite impressive, but that comes with extra thickness in the pockets. It’s still not as sharp as the Ricoh GR II – at any focal length.

For me, the tack sharp Ricoh lens, edge to edge, in a truly pocketable body…is worth losing the zoom.

Overall Image Quality

Both of these cameras have exceptional image quality (in good lighting). I probably don’t need to say it, but the Ricoh, with its lack of an anti aliasing filter, pulls ahead with crisp, well contrasted detail across the whole frame. The RX100 III shows some softening near the edges, but much less than any comparable compact zoom that I know of. It’s still quite impressive.

I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that in some ways,  the image quality of the RX100 Mk3 surpasses even the Mk4 & Mk5!

Low Light & High ISO Performance

So far the Ricoh GR II is killin’ it. However, it’s time for the Sony RX100 to come back swinging. Low light and high (er) ISO is where this little camera shines. With a super fast f1.8 lens (a full stop faster than the Ricoh), these two cameras are not even comparable in low light. Especially handheld.

Pretty impressive, right? Just imagine how fun this camera is take out at night. Coupled with another feature I’ll get to below, shots like this in low light (without a tripod) are a breeze.

The RX100 can find and lock focus in surprisingly dim lighting, and it does pretty well with higher ISO (It’s no Fuji, though). Conversely, the Ricoh was terrible to focus in low light initially, and only slightly better after upgrading the firmware.

Let’s just put it this way: I don’t like to shoot above 400 ISO with the Ricoh, unless strictly for web use. I also might go above 1600 ISO if I’m looking for some “artsy grain” in my street photography. Bottom line: Low light is a big win for the Sony RX100.

Image Stabilization + Long Exposure

There’s no way around this – Sony also has unbelievable image stabilization. I have taken long exposure shots handheld with this camera…up to 1.6 seconds!

Sure, they may not be stellar when fully zoomed, but the images look sharp enough for web use for sure. To be able to do this handheld, it’s just incredible to me. I regularly take handheld shots at night, and limit to 800 ISO – thanks to the superb image stabilization (and a steady hand). This keeps my images as clean as possible…without needing to lug a tripod with me everywhere.

The RX100 III was the first in the series to include a built in 3 stop ND filter as well. This means I can take long exposure waterfall shots – even at noon on a sunny day! The shot below was taken handheld as well…a .8 second exposure with no tripod.

The Ricoh GR II also has an ND filter, but NO image stabilization. I keep telling myself that including image stabilization would increase the bulk of the camera, and make it less pocketable. This is how I sleep at night. Haha.

However, if you’re using a tripod, the Ricoh GR II has more long exposure options, and is definitely superior when it comes to image quality @ 100 or 200 ISO.

Minimum Focusing Distance – Macro + Bokeh

The minimum focus distance for macro is 10cm on the Ricoh GR II – twice the 5cm of the RX100. Generally, the closer you can get to the subject, the more bokeh, or blurred background you can achieve. A higher aperture (lower number) also increases the bokeh…so you’d think Sony has it in the bag.

However, the larger APS-C sensor on the GR II also allows for shallow depth of field…so an f2.8 with a larger sensor kind of works out equal to a smaller sensor with an f1.8. I call a tie, and that’s why I didn’t include any macro sample images. They both produce pleasing bokeh in close-up (macro) situations.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Battery Life

These two cameras are said to have the same battery life – 320 shots each on a full charge. In my experience, though, The Sony seems to have the advantage. I just ordered 2 more batteries for my Ricoh, so soon I’ll see if this specific battery is somehow to blame. *Update* – It’s not.

“Snap Focus” + Ability To Customize

These are areas where the Ricoh GR II simply trounces the competition. Snap focus is the ability to choose a focus distance between 1-5 meters (or infinity), and then leave it ready for action. Once you get used to knowing where and when to shoot, you really see the benefit of it.

You can take candid street photos with lightning speed, and the best part is that you can set the shutter to auto focus if only pressed halfway. In other words, a quick full press gives you your set focus distance, but if something falls outside of that distance, you can always press halfway to auto focus – and without changing any settings. Brilliant.

The Sony wasn’t designed so much with street shooters in mind, and it lacks “quick access” features like this.

*Check the “related links” at the end of the page for more of my street photography with these cameras.

As for being able to customize the camera, the Ricoh GR II truly is a photographer nerd’s dream come true. I was simply amazed at both the ability to customize, and the ease of doing so. The quick “memory” settings are especially useful when out street shooting.

There is also a unique “TAv” mode, which the Sony lacks. It’s great because it allows you to quickly change the aperture and shutter speed, while leaving the ISO in auto mode. Perfect for quickly adjusting depth of field, or for contrasted lighting or sports situations when you need to “freeze” or capture motion.

The Ricoh controls are all perfectly within reach, and incredibility intuitive. This camera is simply a joy to shoot with. To me, here it makes the Sony RX100 III menu and controls seem a bit clunky. To be fair though, I was pretty happy with the Sony before I had the Ricoh to compare it to…

 Click HERE to check out the updated Ricoh GR III on Amazon.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Final Pros & Cons

• The Sony RX100 III has a viewfinder and an articulating screen, but I would much rather it had neither, if it meant I could slip it into my pocket more comfortably. I know others are very happy to keep these features, though. Again, it is incredible how versatile and full-featured this tiny little camera is.
• The Ricoh GR series has a fatal flaw, especially for a pocket camera. It is very prone to dust on the sensor. I have probably taken 50,000 photos with my RX100, and I’ve always kept it in my pocket. Never a single issue with dust.

• This is nitpicking, but the RX100 collects fingerprints on the lens if I let somebody borrow it. I swear it doesn’t handle bright light bulbs at night very well either, unless the lens is VERY clean. (It gets that annoying “fog” halo that iphones with smudged lenses get).  The Ricoh has a deep set lens, which makes it harder to collect fingerprints (but also to clean).
• The Ricoh also has “Pinpoint AF“, which I absolutely love, and would be quite useful on a camera like the RX100 – with its super fast 1.8 lens and shallow depth of field.
• The RX100 has underwater housings available, and again, its fast lens is great for snorkelers + divers wanting to shoot in deep, low light conditions.
• Focus Ring – The Sony has a nice, smooth, focus ring. The Ricoh is missing one entirely, but I don’t find myself needing it too much, honestly.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

So Which Do I Choose? Both.

I believe it’s true what I read somewhere…”The best camera is the one you always have with you. The one that inspires you to take photos.” Since giving up my DSLR and buying the Sony and the Ricoh, I probably take 4 or 5 times as many photos – and I never miss an opportunity. That is priceless. I love having such inconspicuous , unassuming little cameras.

I have to be honest, though. For a second there I thought about selling my RX100 when I bought the Ricoh. I also thought about replacing it with the Panasonic LX10 f1.4.

I’m so glad I didn’t, though. I don’t think the Panasonic lens sharpness and low light capabilities can compare, even though the RX100 III is already over 2 years old. Frankly, there’s no way my Ricoh could compare to the RX100…for night shots around town, anyway.

So basically, if it’s daytime, I bring my Ricoh GR II…and I make sure my hand is steady as hell. Haha.  If I’m going out for drinks or exploring at night, the Sony RX100 III is my go to.

I believe in keeping things simple, but unfortunately there’s no one stop solution yet…I have to have both. I’m looking forward to the Ricoh GR III – with f1.8 and image stabilization…are you listening, Ricoh? Haha.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II Verdict: It’s like choosing between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones – I won’t do it.

Is the 28mm on the Ricoh GR II Wide Enough?

As a landscape photographer (mostly), I was really worried I would miss the wider 24mm lens for most of my daytime shots. However, I was shocked to realize that I hardly noticed the difference! Anyhow, there is an excellent (and affordable) Ricoh 21mm converter available for those who love to shoot really wide. Best of both worlds.

However, the way I’ve come to see it, photographers share most of their work on Facebook and Instagram. A very large chunk of their audiences are viewing their pictures on small phone screens.

A wider lens doesn’t lend itself too well to pictures that will be viewed on smartphone screens. Not that there’s that much difference between the 24 and 28mm lenses.

A note about the images on this page: My hosting company compresses JPEGS mercilessly, but it leaves PNG files in tact. I tried to keep these sample images as high quality as possible, so they were created with the PNG-24 format. It still skews the colors a bit, unfortunately.

As you may have guessed, they have all been edited in post processing. I just wanted to show what is possible using each camera. If you’re curious, the picture at the top (title image) was taken in the Philippines, with the Ricoh.

Which Pocket Camera Is Best For You?

In conclusion, both cameras provide exceptional image quality in a tiny, convenient package. I guess my advice is to be honest with yourself…

Are you very serious about photography AND not too self-conscious when you shoot? Are you a very technical person, a seasoned DSLR shooter, or a “pixel peeper”? If so, you’re going to need the Ricoh GR II. There is no better pocket camera in terms of ergonomics, sensor size and overall image quality. You probably won’t mind working with its limitations, given that fact.

However, if you need a sleek, versatile pocket camera with great image quality…a consistent camera that will function quickly and easily in a variety of situations (especially low light!), then you’ll love pretty much any models in the RX100 series. They are truly impressive little cameras.

Basically, the Sony does many things very well. The Ricoh only does a few things…but those few things are very important, and it does them incredibly well.

Do you own the Sony or the Ricoh (or both)?

I’m curious if your findings are the same.

Update for 2024: The Sony RX100VII & Ricoh GRIII are finally here!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

 My Low Light & Night Photography Tests with Sony RX100

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

Street Photography in Singapore w/ Ricoh GR II

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

Have a question or comment? I’d love to hear from you. BTW, I’m not connected to these companies, but you can help support my work by visiting the the links to Amazon on this page.

The post Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Which Pocket Camera is TRULY King? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I love shooting silhouettes against the sunset. Here, a young family is flying kites together at Marina Barrage, Singapore. On the right hand side of the picture you can see part of iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Below is Harana Surf Resort on the island of Siargao, Philippines. This picture was shot during a full moon. It has been edited in post processing, but I am impressed that pocket camera can achieve results like this, nonetheless.

A Fast, Bright Lens That Still Beats the Competition

As far as I know, the only truly pocketable camera that *might* be able to compare in the low light / night shooting department would be the Panasonic LX10 (known as LX15 in Europe & Asia).

However, I did a LOT of research, including speaking to people who have both the RX100 III and the LX10. For extreme low light and sharpness of lens, they told me not even to think about selling the RX100 III. That says a lot, considering the Panasonic’s f1.4 lens is technically faster (and 2 years newer).

In some tests, the RX100 III outperformed even the M4 and M5 models which came after it.

Pictured above is the “Dragonfly Bridge”, looking up to the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. I get some kind of strange photographer-nerd rush taking handheld shots like this. Constantly challenging myself shot after shot…seeing just how low I can get the ISO…while keeping image sharpness. Of course, the steady hand helps immensely…but at the same time, you’d be amazed how forgiving the image stabilization can be!

Above is the spectacular sunset at El Nido, Palawan (Philippines). I noticed the Sony does exceptionally well with sunset hues…and the RAW files process very nicely.

Here is a shot of a live band with some challenging indoor lighting…most cameras (especially compacts) would really struggle in situations like this.

This is definitely one of my favorites. It was a beach wedding that I stumbled upon while walking along the shore in Bohol, Philippines. This was soon after I bought the camera, and this shot left me with the distinct feeling that I had made the right decision…

Below is a city scene from downtown Singapore. I’ve never had a problem shooting at night in any city with the RX100. There is always enough light.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Thanks to Stabilization, Long Exposure is a Blast

I took this picture on the streets of Manila, handheld. I never imagined the man’s shadow would show up on the side of the passing jeep, because I couldn’t even see it with my naked eye. I was in for quite a surprise a few days later when I viewed the photo! The RX100 captured it.

I prefer the RX100 M3, because it has a built in neutral density (ND) filter. This filter allows me to go 3-stops down…meaning I could even take the long exposure shot above during the day if I wanted! During the day without an ND filter, there is way too much light to get long exposure trails. The M4 & M5 models also have this feature, but a much higher price tag.

Another silhouette shot from the beach in Bohol, Philippines. The trick is to get as low as possible, to place your subjects (boy & coconut tree, in this case) above the horizon.

(If you’re considering the RX100, check out  Amazon… These are my trusted partners, and these links will get you the best price. It’s how I continue creating content like this – Thanks, Nathan)

Below is another one of my favorites. Taken at the Boni MRT overpass in Mandaluyong, Manila. If you were wondering, I never use flash. To me, this picture, shot in a very dark environment, is a true testament of what this little pocket rocket is capable of.

The fishing boat below was docked on a rocky beach after sunset…combined with some pretty heavy clouds, this was a real challenging low light situation. I really needed to lift the shadows to achieve this result. It was taken while I first experimented with the camera, and with rather high ISO. I didn’t even have the RAW file to work with!  JPEG only.

Hard to Imagine How Sony Could Top This

Yes, at the time of writing, there are some pretty impressive low light and high ISO cameras out there…but personally, if they don’t fit in my pocket, they’re off my radar. That’s my lifestyle.

The fact that the RX100 technology has already been around for 5 years kind of blows my mind. It really makes me wonder what the next big step will be. Whatever it is, I just hope I can still fit it in my pocket.

Hope you enjoyed.

Update for 2025: The Sony Rx100VII is out now!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

RX100 Street Photography in Singapore’s Colorful Chinatown District

My Detailed Comparison Between Sony RX100 & Ricoh GR II

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

The post Low-Light & Night Photography – Handheld w/ the Sony RX100 appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Obviously, one reason is that with an f1.8 lens, I can still shoot at night or in low light. The photo below was taken at Chinatown complex after dark. This group of men is hanging on every move of an intense Chinese chess game.

I shoot RAW and do my own black and white conversions, but the RX100 has nice B&W and effect modes as well.

“Zone Focusing”

My Ricoh has a “snap focus” mode, which really helps with split second street shooting. The Sony does not, but I still found a way to set it up for zone focusing. Basically I set the aperture low, like f8…then use a fast shutter speed, like 1/500 of a second. Then, in manual focus mode, I use “focus peaking”, so I can see where (and how much) of the scene in front of me is in focus.

The shot of the man & temple above was probably focused around 1.5 meters in front of me. With those settings, most of what you see behind him will be in focus as well. Keeping the camera set up like this enabled me to take plenty of lightning quick shots here…and make sure they were all candid.

By the way, I realized that the RX100 has a nice focus ring…my Ricoh does not.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the “year of the rooster”. The photo below shows a massive lantern display, right in the middle of the busy Singapore streets. This gives you an idea of just how serious the Chinese take their traditions.

I used a relatively long exposure setting, so that I could capture the motion of the pedestrians and traffic passing by. It was taken handheld, thanks to the camera’s superb image stabilization. For more about this, you can check out my Low Light & Night Photography w/ RX100.

Below is another black and white evening shot in Chinatown complex. Don’t worry, this old man is only resting.

Singapore Crowds on Pagoda Street

Of all the locations I shot street in Singapore, I think I like my Chinatown the best. I found a never ending stream of people…and from all walks of life. The arc of the sun falls in line with Pagoda street…so there’s nice, even morning and afternoon lighting.

I walked through the shady corridor until I reached the entrance of Chinatown Food Street, another great location for afternoon shooting.

Temple Scenes – Chinatown Street Photography

The Buddha Tooth Relic temple is a striking landmark. I was quite inspired here. I love the way the afternoon sun drops lantern shadows on the walls. The later in the afternoon, the more pronounced the effect is.

After exploring the temple inside and out (a must see), I made my way back to Pagoda Street.

The shadows were growing taller and taller…a sure sign of fading light to come. I returned over the course of a few days, and decided my favorite time for Chinatown Street Photography is about 2 hours before sunset.

The low angle of the sun provides perfect lighting – with a lot of dramatic shadows. 1 hour before sunset might be a bit too late in a big city like this, because the tall buildings may already be robbing your subjects of sunlight.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Before hopping on the MRT, I noticed one last opportunity for a shot. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

Pleasantly Surprised by Shooting Street w/ the RX100

Overall, taking candid shots with the RX100 certainly impressed me. I already knew the camera was versatile, but I realize it more and more every time I use it. Hope you enjoyed my Chinatown street photography series…be sure to check out the 3rd and final chapter of my adventure below.

Update for 2025: The RX100VII is out now! Those interested in this awesome little camera can find it on Amazon HERE

(I am not a partner of Sony, but if you use the Amazon links on my page, it helps me continue to create content like this. Thanks!)

I’m curious if you’ve used the Sony RX100 for street photography?

Do let me know if you have any questions.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
   
3. Little India

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Chinatown w/ Sony RX100 III appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

(Update January 2021 – I have since outgrown Jimdo. I moved on to another service that allows more customization at a lower price. Still, Jimdo is great for those who don’t have a lot of technical skill but want top notch design and customer service. In these areas, you do get what you pay for.)

Wow. 5 years. 1,825 days. Hard to believe, but “I Dreamed Of This”  is now half a DECADE old! I never imagined that this website I started in Manila back in 2013 would ultimately reach millions – and change my whole life in the process. I cannot thank you all enough! I just realized I never wrote about how I made my site. I built it with Jimdo…and never regretted it.

I’ve had 5 years of top notch, uninterrupted service with this company, and I also wanted to find a way to say thanks to them. SO I’ll test some of their newest blog & website building tools, and share my experience with you.

In 2013, Jimdo Made Building Websites Simple – Now, Dolphin AI Makes it Effortless

If you’ve always wanted to create a blog or website, but felt intimidated by the technical side of things, you are going to love this…

Jimdo Dolphin uses the latest cutting edge sitebuilder technology. Debuting last year, incredibly, it uses AI to gather information from your social media sites. It can produce a beautiful polished website for you in just minutes. three, to be exact!

All you need to do is answer a few simple questions about what kind of site you would like.

Are you a photographer, artist, or entrepreneur? They’ve got you covered. This kind of technology is also great for people who are tech savvy, but just don’t have much time.

Personalized Content & Design, in Seconds

The sitebuilder will ask for your Instagram login so that it can choose the best photos for your website. Poof, there they are. You can check out preview mode, and see the classy way the photos fade in as you scroll down your page.

Next, you choose the look and feel of your new site. Being a rather simple person myself, I chose the “minimal” design option.

I was also impressed by Dolphin’s innovative heading and paragraph font combinations. These elegant pairings are created by designers who clearly have a great eye. This can save you a lot of time. 

Not Just a Page Builder, It Creates Your Entire Site

Everything is ready to go for you, the menu, contact page…all of it. Another thing I love is that it takes the category you chose (photographer, artist…etc) and populates the text fields with template information relevant to your choice.

In other words, you’ll see a well written, complete artist or photographer’s website as a default (though your photos will show at this point).

 Below is an example:

Obviously you’ll want to replace the text with your own information, but I find that the “guide” does a great job providing inspiration for you, and again, can save a lot of time. (Personally, I work better creating something from a starting point than I do completely from scratch.)

Free Version + Paid Plan Options

The three choices Jimdo Dolphin offers are “Play” (free) “Start” ($9/Mo) and “Grow” ($19/Mo). The paid versions offer unlimited bandwidth and visitor data. The premium plan offers the most menu subpages, as well as some design consultation and the fastest support time.

(continued below)

Custom URL

A “URL” (or domain) is the www. address people type to get to your website. Jimdo Dolphin gives you the option to buy a custom (and more professional) domain name when you sign up.  For example, if I used the free version, my website URL would be:

www.idreamedofthis.jimdo.com

Instead, I paid for a more professional custom domain:

www.idreamedofthis.com

If you are taking your website very seriously, or are starting a business, I certainly recommend buying the custom domain name. No matter the product or service, it makes you look much more professional. FYI: I believe the custom domain name is free for your first paid year!

SEO & Ads

Another thing to note is that the free version does not include the ability to optimize for search results (SEO). The paid versions help users find your website through Google, for example.

The free version also includes a small ad for Jimdo at the bottom of the page. Again, if your project is not just for fun, you will want to look into the more professional paid options.

Jimdo Dolphin VS. Jimdo Creator

Keep in mind that if you have a bit more time / abilities, Jimdo Creator can offer you more flexibility. It’s still incredibly user friendly, and is what I used, long before Dolphin came out. They have similar free / paid options for Jimdo Creator as well.

Overall, using Jimdo is like using a Mac. It’s a sleek, stylish, and reliable creative tool that is both efficient and intuitive.

There’s really never been a better time to take your passions online and share them with the world!

Full disclosure, I love this company so much that I eventually partnered with them. I’ve actually been very selective with my few partnerships. When I received a hand written Christmas card from Jimdo (before my blog ever took off), I knew they were something special. Well, I guess the years of stellar customer support didn’t hurt, either.

No need to take my word for it, though. Give Jimdo a free test run and see how it feels!

You can check it out HERE.

Happy creating.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post A Look at 5 Years Using Jimdo, and a Dolphin Sitebuilder Test Run appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

How Do They Look?

Well, I think most sane people would agree that the Olukai Ohanas are much more pleasing to the eye. They are low profile, sleek, and stylish.

The Oofos, on the other hand, are marketed as orthopedic or “recovery” thongs.

Yes, they look just as bulky and “Croc-y” as you would imagine, though I guess the design could be worse.

Still fugly enough to warrant me making a few jokes: “I just bought some rubber shoes, and now I’m going to start watching the Weather Channel and yelling at neighborhood kids to get off my lawn.”

I felt like I was wearing paddles on my feet, and not many reviews mention this, but the soles are thick. If you’re a bit short, you will love the 1+ inch of lift. I am already awkwardly tall, so I would prefer less “help” in this department. Haha.

Footbed & Sole Traction

Olukai Ohanas

Again, the Olukai Ohana sandals have been designed for water and beaches…even trekking. The grip on the soles is fantastic. I read some reviews about the inside footbed being a bit slippery when wet, but I ordered the Olukai Ohana Koa sandals (updated model?), and if this was a problem before, it’s definitely not now. Perfect grip when wet.

Oofos

The Oofos are a different story. The footbed is slick when wet, and the soles can be incredibly slippery on smooth, wet surfaces. Every time it rained I had to step ever so gingerly. My muddy jungle hikes were challenging, to say the least.

In the city, one day a downpour came out of nowhere, and I rushed the last few steps to the elevator in my building. I hit a patch of wet cement and BAM. I was on the ground. No injuries, luckily…and even though my fall put a LOT of pressure on the Oofos toe strap, the material did not break. This was after a full year of use.

That was impressive. Speaking of long lasting…

Durability

Oofos

As mentioned, I wore my Oofos for a full year before they finally gave out. Those familiar with my lifestyle know that I am constantly on the move. I hike in the tropics a LOT, and put my footwear under extreme stress. I honestly didn’t expect them to last that long.

There were many times when I was hiking trails or at the beach, and they got yanked away from my feet by sticky mud or the incoming tide. The toe strap on many other flip flops snapped in these conditions, but again, the Oofos never did.

The soles wore down over that year. Eventually I wore a hole all the way through, and duct-taped them up until my Ohanas arrived. Haha. If I can get a full year out of a pair of flip flops, most people can probably get two. I was impressed.

Olukai Ohanas

I did have higher durability expectations for the Ohanas, but they certainly have delivered. After 2 months of fairly rigorous daily use, they are still going strong, with barely any wear on the soles. Not much more to say about that. They are tough.

Comfort

Oofos

By now, you may have wondered why I ever bought the Oofos in the first place. Well, I’ll tell you why…it’s because I tried them on. Haha…seriously, it’s kind of unreal wearing a pair of Oofos. I have never experienced that level of comfort – with any shoe.

I had a knee injury some years ago, and on my long treks (especially with a heavy pack) my knee can really ache now. That literally stopped happening when I started wearing the Oofos.

They kind of feel like you’re always walking on the ground at one of those fancy kids’ playgrounds…you know, the ones with the soft, padded flooring? Tip: If you really do wear Oofos on those playgrounds, it’s double softness. You’ll be walking on clouds!

However, for some people, there is such thing as too much comfort. Many hikers / adventurers prefer more firmness in the soles, and I can see why.

Olukai Ohana Koa

After wearing my Oofos for a year, I was a bit disappointed by how stiff the Ohanas felt when I tried them on for the first time. Still, after all the glowing reviews I read, I decided to give them a chance.

The girl at the store recommended I buy a snug fit. I wear size 10.5 US,  and usually have to buy 11 if there are no half sizes. With her suggestion, I bought a 10.

You want the truth? After a week or two, I was ready to return these. My feet have never been in so much pain. I think they actually bruised the tops of my feet. I kept pushing, hoping to break them in…just like the reviewers said. It was an epic struggle.

Then, after about a month of pretty solid use, something miraculous happened. I don’t know if the “compression molded midsole” finally formed to my feet, or if I developed some tough calluses, but now they feel great. Snug and secure!

Oofos – Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ridiculously Comfortable
• About 30% Cheaper
• Lightweight
• Might Help You Get a Senior Citizens Discount at Denny’s

Cons

• You’re Wearing Boats on Your Feet
• No Traction When Wet / Slippery Footbed
• Too Comfortable For Rugged Use
• Thick Soles (Gives Tall People Extra Unwanted Height)

You can have a look at them HERE

(Continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…I’m a photographer and wanderer, reviewing my favorite travel gear along the way)

– Nathan Allen

Olukai Ohana – Pros and Cons

Pros

• More Stylish / Better Design
• Very Good Traction On All Surfaces & In All Conditions
• Firm, Yet Comfortable Enough For Hiking & Trekking

Cons

• 30% More Expensive
• Painful Break In Period If You Want a Snug Fit
• Slightly Heavy

Common Strengths of Both

• Very Durable (Even More So For Ohanas)
• Quick Drying & No Foot Odor (Huge Plus!)
• Comfortable Enough For All Day Use
• They Do Not Mark Floor Surfaces
• Both Are Unisex (As Far As I Know?)

So, which pair is more comfortable? I guess the simple answer is the Oofos. They are, in fact, the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

If you’re not as active (and picky) as me, go try a pair on. You’ll be amazed.

However, for my lifestyle (and unless I injure myself), I will only buy the Olukai Ohanas again in the future…especially if they last me over a year, which I really believe they will. They are some of the most expensive flip flops you can buy, but they last – and are worth it. (Update…3 or 4? years later…I’m back in California and STILL wearing these Olukai’s seasonally. Love them! )

The first time I gripped a rocky trail in them, I realized how amazing they were. Not as cushy as the Oofos, but I still have no knee pain, and they’re quite comfortable. Since they fit snug and are designed for water use, I plan on shedding the weight of my aqua shoes in my pack – and just wearing these for snorkeling, too!

Tip: If you wear a half size, go down a size instead of up, and suffer through the break in period. Otherwise you will end up with a great big floppy flip hanging off your foot (did I just write that?)

Where To Purchase

You can find more info about Oofos, Olukai, and other sandals HERE

Cheers,

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

*I purchased these sandals myself after doing extensive research. If you use any of the Amazon links on this page, it costs you nothing extra + helps me continue to provide this content. Thanks!

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The post OluKai Ohana vs Oofos – Which Sandal is Most Comfortable? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.