I have newly purchased the Leica D-Lux 5. I used to have a passion for photography before my ‘real life’ swept that all away. So back to the here and now.

I take images of gadgetry for blogs mainly mobile phones and accessories and have thus far used the inbuilt mobile smartphone cameras for this purpose and used the same for mobile phone functions and personal social events. The photo’s and videos are not up to the standard I would wish them to be and I am really unhappy with the shots and videos that I do manage to take. So, I have purchased the Leica D-Lux 5 with this in mind and to re-visit my passion for photography.

My personal photography consists of architecture and scenery/horizons etc rather than portrait photography. However, I have always been interested in Black and White photography particularly portrait and this is something I would enjoy learning more about. I am not looking to become a professional photographer but just to learn and use the capabilities of my camera for work, enjoyment and pleasure and to expand my basic knowledge. Being a newbie to the size and weight of the camera and the fact it costs so much (in respect of my finances), I am almost scared to hold it for fear of dropping it. But, on the other hand I want it to be easy, quick, versatile and minimal in its use and transportation – therefore I do not want to get a handgrip and the view-finder is something I am interested in purchasing at a later time. The original Leica leather case is far too bulky for my needs and the neck-strap I also find an annoyance. I guess I will eventually find a way to hold the camera in a position that is comfortable. I have ordered Alexander White’s book on “Photographer’s Guide to the Leica D-Lux 5: Getting the Most from Leica’s Compact Digital Camera”. Is there any advice you would give me to help in pursuit of my goals?

Oops, I forgot to mention, LightRoom 3 comes free with the D-Lux 5. I was contemplating selling it to off-set the cost difference in comparison to the Panasonic Lux 5. However, I am wondering as to whether I will regret selling it in a few months once I am on a learning curve. I have downloaded the trial LightRoom 3 to try but I do not think I will have much opportunity to get the full benefits of the 30 day trial in between studies etc. (A copy of my post on a camera forum). Additional information, guidance or help is welcome from all. A Special thank you goes to Jonathan, Nirave, Yasir and Iain.

Following my earlier post I said I would follow it up and I now add the Loop (with download links) from several of us who attended along with the images of the winner of the gold Nokia N8 here.

Akash answers the question as an iPhone user interested in what Android has to offer here.

The iPhone is loved and hated with a passion by both sides of the technology camp with users praising it for its UI and easy of use while others argue that Apple’s tied down anti-equated system is not ideal for the majority of users who wish to ‘stretch’ their phones abilities with the additions of jailbreaking, cydia and bluetooth applications.  However, today Akash expresses his love for the iPhone here.

Nokia London Loop was held on 3 February 2011 where I and several others were given the chance to win a gold Nokia N8 and experience making our own Loop recording in the wonderful Sarm Studio.  Sarm studio is the home of great artist such as Bob Marley, Queen and latterly The Prodigy and Eve.  Read all about the event here.

A perspective on ‘where now‘ for Twitter and Foursquare in the light of Facebook’s new avenues.

The design of the Nokia E7

This is my first experience of Android and I hope you enjoy the experience through my eyes.

My favourite person Mr Postman arrived to surprise me with a special delivery.

If, like me you have been waiting with baited breath for a jailbreak that offers the untethered facility, that day is now here.  I have enjoyed the stability of having the iPhone 4 in its standard form aka non-jailbroken. However,  the time has come to recapture that ‘sense of freedom,’ which existed when I owned the 3GS which had been jailbroken. The reasons for jailbreaking are to be able to use those apps available in the ‘Cydia’ AppStore, which are not acceptable to Apple because they break the boundaries of the terms and conditions. In particular, I want to have the basic facility to bluetooth files and music. Also I would like to customise my theme and wallpaper which other apps outside of the AppStore allow you to do.

Have you jailbroken and have you found the benefits outweigh the somewhat odd errors that can sometimes occur with jailbreaking? Grab your poison here.

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