365: Introducing the Panasonic DMC LX-3
This is the latest addition to the camera collection: the Panasonic Lumix DMC LX-3. It’s a cracker, with an ultra-wide angle lens (compared with most compact models) and it shoots in RAW. The downsides are that it’s not quite small enough for my pockets, the RAW format that Panasonic uses is not compatible with my version of Photoshop and the tradeoff for that wide angle lens is a weak zoom. On the plus side the lens is outstanding, such that I’ll very rarely have to use the flash, even indoors, as the glass lets in so much light.
I’ve added a couple of mods – the Ricoh LC1 lens cap replaces the stupid fall-off-and-lose-it original, and the leather case is nice and retro as well as protecting the camera. I’m really pleased with this camera, which came with me to Tanzania and is in my bag almost every day. If it were just small enough to fit into my pocket it would be perfect; as it is, it’s very, very good.
365: Ms Lezi
Okay, guilty, I’ve been very bad at uploading my shots in this final stretch to the end of the picture-a-day project. Sorry. But I am now back up-to-date and, since it’s been a quiet month, here’s one from the archives.
I spent a lot of last summer travelling with a fellow researcher, Lizzie, who was booked into the same hotel as me in Cairo. As I was first through immigration, and her name wasn’t on the board, I told the hotel representative that Lizzie was on her way. He used his initiative and wrote her name on the board…
365: Palindromic
It’s not immediately obvious from The Guardian’s mast head, but today’s an ever-so-rare palindromic date! (01022010.)
365: Porridge Pot or Bust!
Now, this was a hard day. A second attempt at a Helly Hansen adventure race promised a more evenly balanced team, but after some chopping and changing I ended up two super-fit guys, one ten years younger than me and the other a BMF instructor and professional fit person. And me, 36, creaking, reasonable stamina but slooow.
It was snowing at the start of the race (but at least not as muddy as in December) and -2 degrees but that was soon ignored as we pushed on with a few hundred others on an unmarked course through the woods. I kept pace with the fit lads for the first mile but backed off to conserve energy and was two or three minutes late into transition. However we were well matched on the mountain biking and (forgive me for saying this, mate!) I was relieved when CA cramped up on the second of three runs, which gave me a chance to get ahead. After the kayaking we were all together on the final run back to the cargo nets, wall and finish line.
I felt I’d pushed myself hard, and the others had a fair crack too, so it was great to find out that we finished 48th out of 350 teams! 2h46 of pushing, my legs cramped on the very last obstacle, but a good day.
And this time I didn’t fall asleep in the bath…
365: The white stuff
It’s been a most peculiar winter, with another dusting of snow in South London. At this rate Tooting will start looking attractive in the middle of winter.
365: Bargain film night
Wow! The monthly trip to Savacentre brings up four three of the greatest movies of my youth. I suspect Stripes is there to fill space. And all for £7.99. Bargain.
Read more»365: Casio F-91W
The question is whether this purchase is practical or ironic.
Read more»365: An unsettling forecast
This does not look good: I’ve got a race on Sunday morning including a kayaking section, and the weather forecast looks positively Baltic.
Read more»365: Crossword completion
There is an undeniable and deep, deep satisfaction about finishing the crossword, even if it’s the Guardian’s ‘quick’ one, and especially if you do it whilst on a conference call.
Read more»