Sony NEX 5R – Review – Part 1

October 30, 2012 mike

You may have read that I am going on a trip to Asia next month. To give this blog a much higher quality I was looking for a new camera.

I found the Sony NEX 5R, a brand new compact system camera combining quality of DSLR cameras and the small form factor of compact cameras.

This is the first part of my detailed review about this amazing camera. Part 2 will be a detailed live testing on my trip in Asia.

The specs

The Sony NEX 5R features an 16 Megapixels APS-C cmos sensor with hybrid autofocus system. The camera also records HD video with 1080p at 50 frames per second.
It also features an 3″ touch screen display with live view. The Sony NEX 5R offers the same options like a typical DSLR camera. You can set Aperture, EV, ISO, …
The Camera is able to shoot up to 10 frames per second. Another awesome feature is the integrated WiFi support. You can download “apps” like direct upload, photo effects
and much more.

Kit lens

The Sony NEX 5RK comes with a 18-55mm standard zoom lens. It has an average speed of F3.5-5.6.
The lens supports both constrast and phase detection autofocus.
It’s very light and compact, but it also offers an integrated optical image stabilisation.
[note color=”#FFCC00″]Newer versions of kits come with a 16-50mm (F3.5-6.3) power zoom lens, which is even lighter.[/note]

Image quality

What do you expect from a camera with a DSLR sized CMOS sensor? Good image quality with without noise.

I’ve already shot several hundreds photos in different light conditions. The image quality is extraordinary. For low light / night photography I recommend a better lens than the kit lens.
I already ordered the Sony NEX 50mm F1.8 fixed lens. It is a portrait lens which is also a top choice for night photography. Stay tuned for part 2 of my review, in which I intend to give this lens a serious low light challenge.

This camera has an excellent autofocus, which is super fast and precise when Hybrid AF is enabled. Currently it’s only supported by a limited number of lenses.
The Sony NEX 5R produces photos with very natural colours.

Lens support

The NEX line supports E-mount and A-mount (Sony DSLR) lenses with an adapter. Sony offers a bunch of standard zooms, fixed lens and macro lenses.
Also companies like Sigma, Tamron and others have a few lenses for the E-mount in their portfolio.

Stay tuned for part two of my review. Live from Asia.

Asia, Destinations, General, Singapore, Thailand

Announcement: Trip to Asia 2012

October 21, 2012 mike

I am very happy to announce my upcoming trip to Asia.

My trip starts 14th November in Munich. From there I am travelling to Singapore and Thailand and report about

hotels
airports
airport lounges
attractions
much more.

As a Star Alliance Gold member I plan to visit different frequent traveller lounges in Munich, Singapore and Bangkok and give you an review of the food.

Australia, Travel Advice

My packing list for 3 weeks in Australia

July 14, 2012 mike

What should I pack for Australia? Good question. Here’s my packing list for 3 weeks travelling in Australia.

Luggage - 18 days Australia — Luggage – 18 days Australia

And yes, it fits all into the 20 kg economy class + 8 kg hand baggage allowance of most airlines 🙂

Clothes

1 rain jacket
2 pairs of jeans
lots of shorts
3 casual shirts
4 or 5 T-shirts
Jacket and trousers or dresses (for evenings out)
1 warm sweater
Socks (lots)
Underwear (lots)
Nightwear
Swim wear and towel

Shoes

Comfortable shoes (for outdoor activities)
Sandals/thongs/flip flops
Going out shoes

Toiletries

Toiletry bag and contents
1 small bath towel
Sun screen
Insect repellent
Aspirins/medications
Handkerchiefs/tissue

Miscellaneous

Sunglasses
Pegs
Flashlight
Power adapters
Day bag

Also think about a netbook or tablet. It’s a great way to view photos, write emails to your friends and research about your environment (Where’s the best restaurant?) .

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibC8cS64ahY

Australia, East Coast, Travel Advice, Travel Feature

Contiki Beaches and Reefs Tour – Review

July 1, 2012 mike 11 Comments

Lets’s review my first Australian Contiki Tour. The Beaches and Reefs tour is part of the bigger Aussie Explorer tour in Australia.

If you’re interested in doing the Aussie Explorer tour this article maybe right for you, as it features about 60% of the tour you’re going to do.

Aussie Explorer is a 2 part tour. The East Cost from Sydney to Cairns and the second part from Alice Springs to Darwin (or reverse).

The Beaches and Reefs Tour goes from Sydney to cairns (or reverse). My first Australian Contiki starts in Sydney.

Itinerary

Day 1 An early morning. After filling some forms and handing our tickets to Justine (our tour manager), we loaded our baggage in the coach. Then we took our group photo in Sydney with the Harbour Bridge in the background. At lunch we headed to Port Stephens for a nice dolphin cruise. Then we enjoyed the afternoon at the Shoal Bay Resort and Spa. And yes, we had a room party 😉

Day 2 we drove to Coffs Harbour, stopping in Port Macquarie for lunch. At this place we stayed at a Surf Camp in little containers and had our first surfing class. Our container didn’t have a toilet, therefore we received a voucher worth 150 AUD for photos and a free T-Shirt.

Day 3 we headed to Surfers Paradise, stopping in Byron Bay for a few hours for lunch. On our way to Surfers Paradise, we stopped at Cape Byron which is Australia’s most eastern point. Then, we crossed over to Queensland and visited the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where we pet kangaroos and took photos with Koalas.

Day 4 was a day for optionals and free time at Surfers Paradise. I spend the morning jumping out of a plane. Sky diving at the Gold Coast with a landing on a beach. It’s just amazing. In the afternoon I spent some time at Billabong and took lots of photos. Then we went out to Sin City with the whole group.

Day 5 we stopped at Brisbane, capital of Queensland for a few hours to experience the city. We also saw a presentations about opals. The we drove to Noosa, a trendy beach town.

Day 6 most of us booked the optional 4WD Fraser Island Day tour which took us all through the island’s sandunes, rainforests and freshwater lakes. Swimming at McKenzie Lake and a nice BBQ afterwards.

Day 7 After a night in bunk beds we headed to a country homestead in the heart of Queensland. Most of us dressed up in our western gear for our big roast dinner and then Karaoke night!

Day 8, 9, 10 involved sailing around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands on a racing sail boat. This was not the relaxing yacht ride that many of us thought we were in for. When we were sailing, the boat sat at a 45 degree angle so we would all have to sit at one side of the boat. Sailing included us hanging our legs over the edge, taking in the beautiful views of the islands. We also stopped at a few places where we got to snorkel and see lots of amazing fish. We enjoyed Whitehaven Beach. A few of us even tried sleeping out on the deck under the stars the first night, but it started to rain. The third day in the Whitsundays we stayed at Daydream Island. it’s a big island resort and spa hotel.

Day 11 we continued our journey to Cairns, stopping in Townsville on the way for lunch. It was also Australia day. Party time!

Day 12 started bright and early. A few of of our group (including me) headed to AJ Hackett for bungee jumping and Minjin Swing. I opted for the Minjin swing.

Day 13 the whole group went on an optional Great Barrier Reef cruise where we spent the day snorkelling and scuba diving the most beautiful reef. At night, we went out in Cairns to the Woolshed for our last night as a group.

Day 14 we made a stop to the rainforest village of Kuranda to see an Aboriginal Experience. We also got to throw a boomerang. Then we made our way back to Cairns Colonial Club Resort. We enjoyed some refreshing Australian beers and said goodbye to some tour mates in our group.

Verdict

This tour is just awesome. You see so much from the East Coast of Australia and you also have fun at night with night clubs, Karaoke on a farm and a nice sleep under the stars.
My personal favourite is sailling between the Whitsundays and going Sky diving at the Gold Coast.
You have to do this tour!

Rating: 5.0

Travel Feature

Star Alliance Gold – Check-in

June 10, 2012 mike

You may have read by articles about the benefits of Star Alliance Gold and how to get Star Alliance Gold status – The Fast Way.

In this post, you can see photos of Star Alliance Gold Check-in counters from different airports.

I update this post, when I check-in at an airport, that is not listed in this article yet.

Star Alliance Gold Check-in LH at Munich Airport

Star Alliance Gold Check-in for Thai at Munich Airport

Star Alliance Gold Check-in for South African Airlines at Munich Airport

Asia, Destinations, Singapore, Travel Feature

6 hours at Singapore Changi Airport – What to do?

May 20, 2012 mike 1 Comment

You have a 6 hours stop over at Changi Airport? Awesome. Singapore Changi Airport has so much to offer. The whole airport feels like beeing in a hotel.

Here are some ideas, how you can spend your time smart.

Singapore Changi Airport - Terminal 3 - Shopping area

Plenty of time? You can do a Free Singapore city Tour and take in the sights and sounds of Singapore.

Experience international cuisine at one of the many restaurants and dining options.

Spent some time waling through the flower and plants gardens at Changi Airport. You can find different gardens in every terminal.

Enjoy some time at the fish spa in terminal 1.

Watch a free movie at one of the cinemas and Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Take swim at the roof top swimming pool in terminal 1.

There’s much more to do and explore at Changi Airport, I will update this article everytime I visit Singapore or fly via Changi Airport.

General

Blog Agenda – May 2012

May 5, 2012 mike

A few people asked me, what’s coming next? The month May will be in the name of Travellogs 🙂

Here’s a sneak peek what’s coming this month.

My trip report in New Zealand with Contiki
6 hours at Singapore Changi Airport – What to do?
My 3 weeks packing list for tours to Australia

Asia, Destinations, Singapore, Travel Advice, Travel Feature

Free WiFi at Singapore “Changi Airport” (2012 Edition) – How to

April 30, 2012 mike 1 Comment

[note color=”#FFCC00″]Info: This guide is outdated! Click here for the updated 2012/2013 edition of the article.[/note]
The team of Changi Airport offers international travellers free WiFi in all terminals. Just connect to the WiFi and you’re online? It’s not that simple. You can find here the original information page. Here’s a short and simple step by step guide:

step 1 – check requirements:

You need your passport
Your Netbook/Notebook/Tablet/Pad/Smartphone oder other WiFi enabled device

step 2:
Go to any information desk in the transit area, you can find them every few hundred meters in all terminals.
step 3:
Ask for the “Free WiFi Pass”. The staff of the information desk will eventually ask you for your passport to note the details.You get a piece of paper with login details.
4th step:
Connect your WiFi device with the access point “Wireless@SG” (SSID). As soon as you want to visit the first website, you will be redirected to a login form.
5th step:
Enter your the login details from the paper and submit. Now you’re online!
Select as service provider “M1net”. The username contains @m1net.com.sg. The password is uppercase.

I’ve used this WiFi in Terminal 3 at Singapore Changi Airport a couple of times. It should work the same way in the other terminals.

[note color=”#FFCC00″]Info: The access for each Username/Password combination is limited to a few hours.[/note]

Travel Advice, Travel Feature

Star Alliance Gold – The Fast way [Insider tip]

April 29, 2012 mike 3 Comments

Welcome to part 3 of my series of posts about the Star Alliance Gold Status. If you missed part 1 “Star Alliance Gold – Introduction“, you can read it here. Or want to read my article about the different member airline benefits?

In this article I will reveal how to get the Star Alliance Gold status with a long-haul round-trip ticket or in other words with 20,000 status miles.

Have you ever heard about the Greece based airline “Aegean Airlines”? I guess you didn’t. Even in Europe most people outside of Greece don’t know it.
But the important point here is, it’s part of the Star Alliance. Which means you can accrual miles on their frequent traveller program, even if you’re based in Australia or other countries.

Aegean has only 3 status tiers. No status, Miles & Bonus Blue and Miles & Bonus Gold. For Blue you need 4,000 miles. Blue status has basically no benefits outside of Greece, except for priority waitlist if you missed your flight.

Now to the good part.

After you achieved Blue you only need 16,000 miles to get “Miles & Bonus Gold“, which equals Star Alliance Gold.
4,000 miles + 16,000 miles = 20,000 miles

20,000 status miles sounds awesome, right? Let’s make it even better: Aegean Airlines has currently a promotion. Sign up for their frequent traveler program and get 1,000 status miles as a bonus. That means, you only need to accrual 19,000 status miles.

Eligible miles

I achieved my Star Alliance Gold status with one round-trip ticket from Frankfurt, Germany to Auckland, New Zealand on Singapore Airlines. (11 614 status miles for each direction)

The distance between Sydney / Kingsford Smith (SYD) and London/Heathrow (LHR) is 10576 miles (via Singapore). That means, you can collect 21152 status miles on a round trip ticket when flying economy class.

Have a look at the “Earning miles” list at http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/earn-miles/#linkTop
When booking your flight, make sure to book a fare that has at least 100% accrual factor.

In general, the cheapest booking classes are not eligible for miles accrual.
The difference between the cheapest fare and booking class W on Singapore Airlines for my flights between Europe and New Zealand was just 200 bucks.
[note color=”#FFCC00″]Info: Not sure about fare class when booking a flight? Send me an email or contact me on Facebook. I’m happy to help![/note]

Benefits of Star Alliance Gold

Holders of this status (like me) enjoy the following Star Alliance benefits:

Priority reservations waitlisting No seats left on your preferred flight? this will give you priority over others if a seat becomes available.
Priority airport stand-by Missed your flight? even if the next flight is fully booked, you get priority.
Priority boarding Board the plane at the same time with business and first class passengers (if available)
Priority airport check-in You can check-in at the business class or first class counter (depending on the airline)
Priority baggage handling Sick of waiting for your bags at the baggage claim? Your luggage gets a special tag and will be among the first unloaded.
Additional checked luggage allowance of 20 kg (or one extra piece where the piece concept applies)
Airport lounge access to designated Star Alliance Gold lounges (over 950 worldwide)

Web links:

Asia, Destinations, Singapore, Travel Feature

My Top 3 Airports worldwide – Cairns, Munich, Singapore

April 27, 2012 mike 1 Comment

Here’s the thing, I love airports!

That’s why I’m presenting you my Top 3 Airports (from small to huge).

Cairns International Airport

This is my favorite airport of the category “small airports”.

It’s located 2 km north of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. It’s a small, but also international, Airport at the north east coast of Australia.

This airport is served by Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Australia and other. I love especially the Domestic Terminal of cairns Airport. You pretty much need just 10 minutes from Check-in to the Gate.
There lots of small shops and eating places. Even a small pub, known as “Blue Sky Brewery”, can be found in the domestic terminal.

Munich Airport International

This is my favorite airport of the category “medium-sized airports”. It’s located 30km outside of Munich. The airport is perfectly connected by train, bus and the motorway. I prefer the train connections between

Munich Airport and the city of Munich. Trains run on the lines S1 and S8 every 10 minutes. Even until 2am. The airport itself serves people in Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (The Star Alliance Terminal) and the Munich Airport Center.

Terminal 2 is the home of Lufthansa’s second Hub in Germany. Lufthansa flights and partner airlines depart from here until 10 pm at night. There are a few shops in the public area of this terminal. Most of the shops can be found in the passenger area. Many famous brands have their own flagship store at Munich Airport. You can even find an erotic and adult store in the transit area for your personal “pleasure”. You need your coffee in the morning? Starbucks can be found next to the arrival area of Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 is much older, but it’s also stuffed with shops, snack bars and restaurants. BA and other Oneworld partner airlines depart from Terminal 1.

The already mentioned Munich Airport Center is located between both terminals. Basically a shopping mall with big open air area and an Biergarten, where you can enjoy some delicious Bavarian Beer. The Beer is brewed at the airport at the AirBräu brewery. Awesome! It is also home to many fun sport events and other activities. Have you ever been surfing at an airport? Munich Airport was home for an big wave surfing event. Lots of people headed to the airport to go surfing. Sounds strange? That’s Munich. 😉

Munich is famous for its 30 minutes connection time. That means you can arrive from an international flight, go through passport control and board your domestic flight in under 30 minutes. Have you ever tried that at Heathrow Airport?

Singapore Changi Airport

First, this is my favorite airport in the world. It’s huge and it’s the world’s most awarded airport. The whole airport looks like a 5-star hotel. The whole airport is stuffed with carpet (almost everywhere) and plants. Free WiFi in the whole

airport, several gardens (Butterfly garden in T3 and cactus garden in T1), free cinema, awesome shopping malls…. You get it 😉

Changi Airport consists of 3 terminals, connected by automatic shuttle trains between them. It takes about 10 minutes if you want to walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1. The airport itself is perfectly connected by SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) train service.

Terminal 3 is awesome. all famous brands have their own stores in the shopping area. Lots of dining and beverage options. E.g. Starbucks, Subway, Hard Rock Cafe, Boost juice bars.
You can find drinking water dispenser and foot massage chairs all over the terminal. Don’t know what to do? What about a free foot massage in one of those chairs that you can find almost anywhere in the terminal. Or you can jump over to the free movie cinema, where blockbuster movies are shown. Click here for the current screening times. What about a swim

Singapore Changi Airport - Terminal 3 - Cinema

while watching arriving and departing planes? Time to explore Singapore Changi Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 has the biggest shopping mall I’ve seen so far. Hundreds of shops, restaurants and fast food. All major brands have their own stores.
This Terminal is also home to another open garden of Changi Airport. The famous Cactus garden features many surreal plants. Terminal 1 also has a place that is very unusual to find at an airport. On the roof top of Terminal 1 you can find a leisurely swimming pool.

Terminal 2 offers a sunflower garden. I heard it’s very beautiful. I haven’t been to Terminal 2 yet, hence I will write more about this terminal next time when I am at Changi Airport.

I will feature these airports in upcoming posts with much more detail. Stay tuned.

Mike's Passport