Deciding on Buying a Canon 60D – Features

January 10, 2017 § Leave a comment

Decisions on buying a new camera for digital photography have grown more difficult recently due to the multiplicity of options presented by Canon. Today, there are three DSLR cameras, all priced between $899 and $1499 making this range very difficult to decide upon a camera body. For the modern photography enthusiast, this review presents the benefits and disadvantages of the 60D.As a significant upgrade to the 50D, the 60D is an 18.1mp camera with a MSRP of $1099 marketed toward the photographer who wants a more than a T2i but may not afford the 7D or raved Mark V.60D vs. T2i
Many reviews provided on the internet today described the 60D as a “T2i on Steroids.” In many ways it is. While the T2i has had fantastic reviews since it’s release in February 2010, there are some disadvantages Canon has attempted to remedy.More efficient controls. One of the frustrations the T2i presented for photographers was the supposedly “inefficient” layout of the T2i. The reality of this is true that the Right-sided controls allow the right-handed individual to dominate their camera with that one hand. The benefit of this is to allow the individual to not have to frequently shift the two hands to change controls. This allows the photographer to hold the lens of the camera with the left and potentially snap pictures with more efficiency.Larger Body. Many reviews stated the 60D has a significantly larger body than that of the T2i. Not just in mass, but also weight. The benefits of this allow the individual with larger hands, larger lenses, or desire to produce more stabilized video more efficiency with this model. As the T2i weighs approximately 18oz., the 60D weighs 26oz, allowing for these benefits. With the larger body also comes what some describe as a “more rugged version” of the T2i seeming more durable for the rougher photographer.

Swivel Display. The display unique to the 60D is it’s ability to swivel outward and in reverse. The benefits of this primarily are centered for those who desire to utilize the HD Video function of the camera. However, for the photographer, this would be more beneficial when taking photos which display depth when including the ground.Flash Slave Control Capability. As the Canon Speedlite flashes came out a while ago allowing for the cheapest directionally controlled flash Canon provides, a feature previously minimally used was the ability for the flash to be controlled by a master flash allowing the photographer to take a photo with multiple flashes at the same time. With the 60D, this feature was included within the body not requiring the expensive price tag of the Speedlite 580EX II flash ($350+). So for the hired photographer, who desires to take local photos for portraits, weddings, graduations, family photos, etc., this added capability will bring the photographer to a new level of professional quality.Autofocus Improvement. Though the T2i and the 60D have the almost identical camera autofocus system, the 60D allows for 9 points of focus while the T2i only 6. This adds for slightly improved ability of the photographer to take in focus pictures. Though not a significant improvement, it is still a difference.Expanded Shutter Speed. The T2i has a variable shutter speed from 30 seconds, bulb to 1/4000 of a second. While this is great for taking most all photos, the rare situation may call for faster shutter speeds yet, which is provided with the 60D’s 1/8000 of a second. The added benefit may affect the individual who wants to take a photo of a hummingbird and be able to see their wings paused.Photos per second. While the T2i has a 3.7 photos per second capability, the 60 can take 5.4 photos adding an extra coverage for those desiring to cover an action sequence.60D vs. 7D
With the larger price tag of the 7D ($1499) comes some further features of the 60D ($1099). The question is are the additional features worth the $300 difference. Similar to the 60D, the camera also features the flash control capability, HD Video capabilities, larger body size, expanded shutter speed, and more efficient controls.Lighter Body. The 7D is heavier yet in comparison to the 60D. While the 60D is 26oz., the 7D approximates about 35 oz. With identical HD video capabilities, the heavier body will always be more stable when taking photos. The weight is due to the metal inner structure of the 7D, also making the 7D even more durable for those who want to be a hired photographer.Improved Autofocus. While the 60D has an autofocus system similar to that of the T2i, the 7D has an entirely newly upgraded for the D series. This per several reports boasts significant improvement in an already fantastic autofocus.Swivel Display. Though the 7D has a higher price tag, as the 7D was released earlier, it does not include the swivel display of the 60D.
SummaryEach of the described cameras, the T2i, 60D, and 7D have their benefits. For the casual photographer (those who travel and want to take some advanced photos to that of a point-and-shoot camera, the T2i will be fantastic. However, for those desiring to upgrade their DSLR, a 60D or 7D should be highly considered as contenders. The reality of the differences between the 60D and 7D is that there are not too many differences, and photos will likely be minimally better with one versus the other. But for the long-haul, if a hired photographer desired to use their camera on a regular basis, most all reviews recommend the 60D to that of the T2i. The 7D’s structure is built even more as a work horse and would allow the professional photographer to take many photos with minimal wear on the camera.

About the Author.In summary from the various situations above, any photographer may value several of the different features above another making them need to do their research on which is the better for their circumstances. In the author’s situation, he has developed a local private hired photography business in Arizona, which he wants to upgrade his camera. In his situation, money is a significant issue and as there are more hired photographers in the market today with the advances of digital photography, it is not given that his business will warrant a 7D of Mark V. In general any camera can take great pictures, it’s more based on the eye of the photographer than that of the camera’s capabilities. However, once a photographer has reached their optimal capabilities with their current camera, it may be time to upgrade. Knowing what they will use based on subject matter is essential.

2003 Yamaha XVS 1100 V-star Custom Oil Cooler

January 9, 2017 § Leave a comment

2003 Yamaha XVS 1100 V-star Custom Oil Cooler

Motorcycle Oil Coolers are either configured as a radiator style cooler with cooling fins, or an intercooler that fits between the engine block and the spin on oil filter. In either case, the Oil Cooler increases the engines ability to dissipate heat. The Condition of this part is Used.

This item will be straight and will not leak. Due to the location of this part on the bike, cosmetic imperfections are considered normal wear, but will not effect the performance of the part.

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Data Exploitation and Protection

January 6, 2017 § Leave a comment

Many IT and BI Professionals are dissatisfied with Interoperability and efforts of vendors and storage providers. The vendors have made it clear that they are interested in Encryption standards as opposed to cost and integration challenges. Encryption expansion is good but it isn’t the lone or ultimate solution. A critical application, at one point or another will need access to encrypted data. If an attacker can view unencrypted data in an application, more than likely, so can everyone else. In an enterprise-wide architecture, as well as a single personal node – unauthorized access is unacceptable – protection is sorely needed.A reputable news and information media conducted a survey. Information Technicians and Business Intelligence Professionals were polled. 28% of the participants said they want to expand encryption use far beyond the minimum standard(s).The creation of public interoperability standards would give open sourced communities a level playing field. Benchmarked with commercial product technologies, “Open Source” (free sharing of technological information; describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end products source materials; the Internet; communication paths, and interactive communities) is not known as having the best managerial capabilities. Competition has proven to keep everyone on his or her toes. The resulting survey analytics and conversations with CISO’s (Chief Information Security Officer), an emphasis on encryption and compliance aren’t being used correctly and/or to its full extent. Organizations that utilize top applications are encrypting or planning to…right along side several firewall protection software applications. With the inclusion of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), email, file and data systems, a breach can be devastating. These practices don’t really solve the protection problem. Albeit a risk reduction is evident.A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the senior-level executive within an organization. The CISO directs staff in identifying, developing, implementing and maintaining processes across the organization to reduce information and Information Technology (IT) risks, respond to incidents, establish appropriate standards and controls, and direct the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures. Typically the CISO’s influence reaches the whole organization. Michael A. Davis reports top-level stats on encryption use by 86% of 499 business technology professionals say they feel pretty secure. His data is based upon an Information Week Magazine analytics state of encryption survey. Davis also states 14% of the respondents say encryption is pervasive on their organization(s). Ranging from integration challenges and cost, the lack of leadership is the reason for the dismal state of encryption fairs. “38% encrypt data on mobile devices while 31% characterise their use as just enough to meet regulatory requirements.” The compliance focus on encryption relieves companies from having to notify customers of a breach in the security of their devices. The Davis report continues to state, “entrenched resistance” isn’t a new phenomenon. A Phenomenon Institute survey in 2007 found 16% of U.S. companies incorporate encryption enterprise-wide networks, starting with tape backups. “Doing the bare minimum isn’t security,” cited Davis. “IT and BI pros face stiff resistance when they attempt to do more for technology users.”Many company IT and BI personnel work to increase the use of encryption. Quick and easy access to data interests users more than their attention to security. Even with the use of flash drive(s), laptops, and other portable media, from the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) down to the front line user(s), encryption never enters their mind.Interoperability (a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organizations to work together; inter-operate; to work with other products or systems, present or future, without any restricted access or implementation) would make encryption management less expensive and easier to utilize. Statements by IT and BI pros endorse the use of encryption for files and folders (something that Microsoft is currently working on) eases performance and use while lowering cost is the key to better management. Many pros continue to wish for more regulation(s). A breach would require customer notification…this action would allow funding and management interaction, bringing more attention to regulatory intervention. “An enterprise-wide initiative as complex as encryption mainly to comply with regulations will generally result in a project that’s poorly planned and would probably end up costing more than a mapped out comprehension program,” according to the Davis report.Tokenization (the process of breaking a stream of text up into meaningful elements called tokens) uses a service where a system is accessed to sensitive information, i.e., a credit card number. The system receives a “one-time token ID number.” An example of such is a 64-digit number used in applications whenever the credit card number is called by the system. The action includes database numbers as well. This change was implemented in 2007. Should the data be compromised (attacked or hacked) in any way, the manipulative tech-acoster would then have no way to reverse the 64-digit numbers back to the card…making a read verification virtually impossible. Several systems are designed to destroy the key (number) in emergencies. The action makes it impossible to recover the stored data on the system…inaccessible to all. This is a Chief Information Officers’ nightmare. Many companies are interested in single, specialized, and standardized encryption products. The product operates on a “single encryption platform,’ whereas, a single or central application will manage multiple forms of encryption code-keys. This platform promises to increase efficiency and lower cost while providing security. The caveat for using this model is the use of a simple platform to handle email encryption and a backup function can be detrimental if ill planned and/or mis-managed. A company (and/or private-single user) would need multiple support as opposed to having “all your eggs in one basket.” The way to go is the use of “Native Key Management” (provisions made in a cryptography system design that are related to generation, exchange, storage,and safeguarding – access control, the management of physical keys and access) on a given system. Consolidation in the encryption industry is a continuing development. It is an environment created where vendors of encryption sell multiple products as “uniformed platforms.” The unified – multiplatform approach is the future for encryption products as believed by some IT and BI professionals.Another security issue is vendors of encryption experience difficulty managing code-keys from separate providers. They appear to trip over one another by way of competition and jockeying from last to first in line. Vendors experience difficulty getting their separate standards on the same page. They continually fight over the details of operation and compliance and if “Free and low-cost products will move them out” – and take over the industry.A central directory of code-keys is easy to manage. The updating and reporting is an essential and vital task for all IT and BI Professionals. Microsoft’s Active Directory (AD) could very well be the leading encryption huckster on the block. Microsoft’s AD installed base system(s) are manageable by way of group policy objects that are embedded within the application(s) and Operating System (OS) program(s). AD is the most used directory for businesses and PC users while plenty of IT and BI Engineers already know how to use and work with. All of Microsoft’s major encryption products offer(s) centralized management through AD, as well as it’s enterprise encryption technologies. What’s cheaper than free?Window’s offer(s) portable and powerful disk encryption…email, folder, file, and database encryption is available for free. Who can beat that price?User’s aren’t stopped from emailing unencrypted versions of folders and files – or from transferring data onto a portable device connected to the USB Port (Universal Service Bus)…it only works if the entity on the other end is using the same or a comparable email application, which many companies are non-compliant – (no one seems to be following protocol for data encryption policy). Interoperability within encryption and key management can be utilized based on the type of data storage and implementation – while we wait for standardization to shake its heavily laden wholly mane free of impediments. Data exploitation, hackers, and other attackers, i.e., mal-ware, spyders, pop-ups, etc., would have nothing but the aggrevation and deprivation they cause to others. The use of encryption-interoperability…may not stop intruders, but it sure as hell will make intrusion difficult if not impossible.Companies, organizations, and personal users need and should adopt a risk management approach…implement encryption.Til next time…

1998 Kawasaki VN 1500 A Vulcan 88 Rear Sprocket Carrier

May 22, 2016 § Leave a comment

1998 Kawasaki VN 1500 A Vulcan 88 Rear Sprocket Carrier

The Rear Sprocket Carrier is a metal flange that fits into the Rear Wheel and is held in place by the Cush Drive Rubbers. The Rear Sprocket is in turn mounted to the Rear Sprocket Carrier. The Condition of this part is Used.

A used Rear Sprocket Carrier will be complete, undamaged, and fully functional. The nuts, washers and studs are included. In many cases a used rear sprocket is also included, however, we do not advise that a sprocket EVER be re-used.

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Nikon D40 DSLR – Easy to Use Entry Level DSLR

April 22, 2016 § Leave a comment

Many people buy digital point and shoot cameras because of their compact size, but the negative is that they can never truly compare to the image quality provided by a DSLR camera. The Nikon D40 is a great compromise for those that want the great image quality provided by DSLR’s and the lightweight provided by a digital point and shoot camera. The D40 is one of the lightest DSLR’s on the market today and is produced by Nikon, one of today’s leading camera manufacturers. The great thing about the D40 is that is has interchangeable lens capabilities that you don’t get with your normal point and shoot. The D40 uses a Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with 6.1 effective mega pixels.

The biggest negative about the D40 is that it lacks an internal focus drive motor. This means that it can only auto focus with AF-S and AF-I lenses and manual focus only with others. Although this means you can’t use all the available lenses it is still compatible with some of the most popular lenses offered by Nikon and other manufacturers. Some features on the D40 include an ISO 3200 equivalent (HI 1), a customizable Auto ISO, short shutter lag and in camera retouching. In addition to the standard kit lens you may want to consider Nikons 18-200mm VR lens for longer zoom range, especially if you will be shooting your kids sporting events.The VR technology is important as it helps reduce image blur caused by low shutter speeds in low light conditions and also when your lens is zoomed out at its maximum focal length. The D40 is a perfect camera for those wanting a compact lightweight camera for great quality pictures while on vacation or the amateur photographer looking to jump into the world of photography on a budget. The D40 has a combination of programmed shooting modes and an intuitive button layout to make it easy to operate for anyone. Those that are more familiar with DSLR photography may want to take a look at other cameras offered by the Nikon brand for more advance features.

Nikon D40 Specifications:
ISO 200-1600, up to 3200 with HI 1
2.5 frames per second continuous shooting
3-area Auto Focus System
.18 seconds to power
1.5x crop factor
SD memory compatibility
Max shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second