Search the Community

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over a fad or an object that you grow tired of after a few months, or even just after a few weeks? You feel as if you're entering one passing phase after another. When one ends, you feel tired and empty at the same time, yet you can't help but seek the next thing to occupy your mind. Is this a product of our connection/addiction to social media, in our endless bid to find the next entertaining or educational reel? Is it all just an attempt to find the next dopamine hit we constantly crave? (Disclaimer: I am not a psychiatrist.) About three years ago, a colleague of mine told me about how he, along with a few other guys in the office, went through this phase where they all got into the same hobbies at the same time. One such hobby was folding bicycles. Once one of them tried it, the rest of the group decided they should also buy foldies, so they could go on group rides after work. It's all about team bonding, after all. Photo: Dimon Blr, Unsplash However, if you don't make this part of your lifestyle, the novelty soon wears off. By this point, one of them had purchased more than two foldies, which are currently residing in his bomb shelter. Dissatisfied with the weight and performance of the folding bikes, my colleagues then acquired road bikes so they could clock faster average speeds. Cycling, however, takes up time. Time to gear up, time to ride, and time to put the bicycles on racks so you can ride in new places. So, another hobby was needed. Enter in-line skating. Why bother transporting bicycles when you can literally strap wheels onto your feet? Easier, right? Right. Photo: Naomi Tamar, Unsplash Next, someone suggested that apart from outdoor activities, they should also have a relaxing activity they can do at home. Hence, the obsession with aquariums. Water, filters, PH testing, air pumps, tank decorations, fish and fish food... they got into it all. Maintaining an aquarium is complicated (duh) and unless you learn how to maintain this ecosystem, the inevitable will happen. The poor fish slowly died out as the passion for the hobby fizzled. Mea culpa I'm just as guilty of getting into things and tiring of them quickly. When I bought my first full-frame DSLR, I was obsessed with a 50mm f1.4 lens, thinking it was all the kit I needed. It was – for a while. But I have my limitations, and soon found myself wanting a longer focal length for better 'compression'. Also, it's not always possible to get close to a speaker at an event. Or so I told myself. The 50mm lens fell out of favour once my 24-70mm lens arrived. Sure, call me lazy for preferring the 'softer' zoom in place of a 'crisper' prime. My 50mm entered a state of semi-retirement. The writer's passion for photography still continues to this day. Photo: Chuttersnap, Unsplash Next, I became obsessed with Nikon's 135mm f2.0. Purpose-built for portraits, creamy bokeh is its calling card. I had to have one. After fawning over it (while saving the moolah needed), I took the plunge. To justify its cost, I also used it to shoot cars. It didn't matter if my teammates said it was inconvenient because of how far away I'd have to walk to get a car in frame. I loved using this solidly built lens and its metal body. But reality hit home. It was not very practical unless I'm shooting portraits, which is... once in a blue moon. The 24-70mm lens was still the most used because of its convenience, so like the 50mm, my dream 135mm lens sits idly at home. Since then, I have learnt to obsess 'sensibly', which means looking intently, but not buying. This saves money, but not necessarily time. For instance, I was once obsessed with acquiring a scooter, for no other reason except I hadn't really tried one. "Bro you should get one! Just twist and go, it's super-easy to ride in traffic! You won't regret it!" "Buy, buy, buy!" Hearing stuff like this made me want one even more. So, to the irritation of my better half, I spent weeks trawling online ads, often even while she was trying to tell me something important. I considered everything from a Honda PCX150 to a Suzuki Burgman to a Sym GTS. My scooter phase ended when the missus told me that my scooter would only sit in the carpark gathering dust. Since I only get to ride my bike twice a week, getting second two-wheeler would have been foolhardy indeed. The writer is unlikely to own a scooter, as he still enjoys the engagement a motorcycle requires. Photo: Pedro Pereira, Unsplash Another thing I stopped myself from buying is a gaming laptop. My last one is over 10 years old and no longer works. With a library of games on Steam and my work laptop not having the hardware to run them, a $4,000 gaming machine must be the solution. Fortunately, I had the sense to pause before spending so much money. After spending the entire day at work (in front of a computer), I realised the last thing I wanted to do on weeknights was sit in front of another computer. That means I'd only use a gaming laptop on weekends, presuming there were no plans to meet with friends. It also dawned on me that a gaming laptop would contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. So, I should be spending money on a gym membership instead. And a nicer bicycle that could lead to improved fitness. Right? Right? Oh crap, it's happening again. – Jeremy

Prior to last month, I couldn't even recall the last time I used a film camera. It might have been two decades ago, because sometime in the mid-2000s, digital cameras began to proliferate and before we knew it, film was out, and the 'Megapixel War' had commenced. I still remember how almost everyone I knew suddenly started talking about which camera had how many megapixels and how it that would deliver the best resolution and therefore, the 'best' photos. One-hour photo developing shops in shopping centre basements started disappearing. Nobody wanted to wait for their photos to be developed when they could be viewed and even printed at home. I, too, was enamoured at the speed at which we could produce images. Pictures that were no good could be easily deleted, so there was no more pressure to get your photos right the first time. But I began to miss shooting film a few years ago. Shooting for work is done with a digital camera and there's a rush to just get the shoot over and done with. There's little engagement in the process. The Spotmatic F feels great to hold as it is constructed from mostly metal, with some plastic bits used for the dials After all, we live in an era where everything must happen instantly, which means we're always doing (or trying to do) everything as fast as we can. It's like going on a holiday with such a packed itinerary that instead of immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours, you're just rushing to tick every box on your list in a bid to maximise your time there. Damn, that's WORK, not leisure, and it's also the reason why you come home and declare you need another vacation. Slow your roll I have four film cameras: A Minolta I inherited from my late grandfather, a Yashica from the 1990s, a Mamiya RB67 I bought from Ebay a few years ago (but got 'lost' before I could use it), and my most recent acquisition, a Pentax Spotmatic F. I got that because I wanted a manual 35mm camera. One Saturday, during a few hours of clear skies, I asked my better half to indulge me by playing the role of muse/model in a photo shoot. I then loaded the Pentax with a roll of Kodak Portra 160 and set the film speed to 100. Not having touched film in nearly 20 years made the process of loading the camera, which once upon a time felt so natural, feel tricky. Luckily, I could tell I loaded it right, because the rewind lever turned counterclockwise as I advanced the roll. With a digital camera or even my smartphone, taking snapshots is easy. Once I am satisfied with the light, background and overall composition, I can click away without worry. The 120mm film rolls are expired, but they could still give 'interesting' results With film, the process is slower and more purposeful. Yes, I also imagine the final image I want to see and work backwards from there, while factoring in the available light and background. After this, I asked my missus to practice a few poses. Only after we decided on one did I activate the camera's light meter by uncovering the lens. Aha, and unlike modern camera lenses that have plastic caps, this one is made of metal. Woot. Then I adjusted the exposure by tweaking the aperture and shutter speed. Once these were sorted, I finally cocked the shutter by advancing the film lever. I felt like a sniper of sorts as I held by breath before releasing it. The click that accompanied its opening and closing was most satisfying. This was followed by a long-lost but familiar feeling of not knowing how the images will turn out. I wonder if I focussed correctly and whether my hand shook. From here on, it'll be up to the lab and whoever's processing the film to adjust accordingly, assuming there's enough latitude. The shutter speed is set using the left dial, while the shutter itself has a threaded hole for a cable release. The film counter is above the advancing lever Making each shot count Because each shot is carefully planned, my time is put to better use. Film costs more than it used to, and I recall spending $21 for the 36-exposure roll of Portra 160. The entire shoot lasted 35 minutes and I took either five or six photos. So, I probably have another 30 exposures... and much planning to do. I'm thinking of shooting landscapes in the Botanic Gardens next time. Shooting film feels more shiok than shooting digital. After all, it's something I enjoy, so naturally, it's nicer to spend more time on it as opposed to hurrying through the process. It's also liberating. A digital camera is more convenient, but if you review your shots, you start to feel constrained. With film, I can totally focus on lighting and composition since I won't see my results anytime soon. And yes, I like that feeling of anticipation and eventually, excitement, after I eventually finish the roll and send it to be processed. Aperture is set using this handy dial, while the focus is dialled in using the checkered ring - plenty of engagement for the hobbyist Larger formats? Having 36 exposures is great, but for a hobbyist like me that tries to plan every shot, medium format might be a better option. Apart from better resolution, and smoother tones and colour gradients, I'll have less planning to do, as the 6x7 format may only give me a dozen exposures. Or maybe I'll want to try a large format 4x5 camera in the future. Sheet film might be even more expensive than 120mm film, so I might only take two photos. Two well-planned shots after spending time setting up the camera. Film is outdated for an online portal like ours, but as a hobby, it's immensely more rewarding than shooting digital. I hope it doesn't disappear, because it's not outdated - it's just another format.

http://www.stcars.sg/guides-articles/140-roads-shortlisted-for-speed-camera-study-144849

Since I am venturing into this, and developing areas within the sector, any inputs on this? Looking at 360 cameras that are a supplement to VR and AR as well. Welcome all inputs. The new Kodak 360 cameras are pretty fascinating and neat. Gives a new perspective to adding that to a drone and then flying with great aerial footage

anyone knows where i can get my kodak cameras repaired ? the lcd screens are all cracked.

There are two new speed cameras (towards Lornie rd and towards Sembawang rd) currently under installation along UpperThomson Road, close to the junction of SLE . I have attached a file to pinpoint the locations of the cameras. The cameras should be operational within the next few days. You've been warned.

Mobile Speed Camera / Volvo Sightings / Spot checks Mobile Camera 1) Tanjong Katong Flyover 2) Telok Blangah Viaduct. Flyover over telok Blangah road along world trade centre.(near carribean condo) 3) Upper Changi Road, at a secluded lobang opp Singapore Expo. Blue Police van with camera taking through van's side window 4) Hougang Ave 3 towards Ang Mo kio, below the flyover 5) Upper serangoon road, opposite Serangoon Sec Sch, towards Sengkang 6) TPE just after Tampines Ave 10 exit (under the bridge) 7) Jalan Boon Lay towards AYE (Near Chartered Industries of Singapore, Jurong Point) 8) Lentor Ave 9) Clementi Ave 6 10) Old upper Thomson road, going towards Lornie Road/Toa Payoh/Braddell direction 11) Bartley Road/Braddell road (opp old outram instiute) before underpass 12) Pasir Panjang Road (between the wholesale market & PSA Gate 5) 13) Gambas Avenue towards Woodlands 14) Mandai road 15) Tampines Road adjacent to Paya Lebar airbase 16) SLE joining CTE (under the bridge) 17) TPE Sengkang exit (under the bridge) 18) KJE (Along road shoulder, near new military camp) 19) KJE Choa Chu Kang exit. (under the bridge) 20) SLE towards Woodlands Ave 2 (under the bridge or after bends) BMW/Volvo Sightings 1) East Coast F1 car park aka Last carpark 2) TPE leading to Sengkang/Punggol also hot areas. 3) AMK ave 5 leading to Sengkang. 4) AYE (Jln Ahmad Ibrahim near to Jurong Bird Park) 5) SLE near YCK Spot Checks / Roadblocks 1) Fort Road exit 2) Loyang road 3) Yishun Dam 4) Robertson Quay towards Havelock Road (Near Liquid room) 5) TPE (SLE direction) Hougang exit, at the HUGE bend (sat nights usually)Speed Camera - 6) Bedok reservoir Exit from PIE 7) Bedok Reservoir Rd(near SAFRA) 8) Before CTE from MS 9) PIE exit to Science Centre. 10)Lorine Road exit towards Bishan 11)St.Nicholas Sec School outside the gate(The Downslope leading all the way to bishan park) 12)ECP Marine Parade Exit 13)Bt Panjang Ring road (almost once a week) 14)PIE exit to Science Centre.

It may be a case of "you can run, but you can't hide" increasingly for motorists here, as the growing use of in-vehicle cameras helps the police track down errant drivers. The Traffic Police said it has received more videos of traffic violations recorded with these cameras, original videos of which can be submitted as evidence. It started tracking the number of such videos last year after noticing a higher frequency in submissions. By the end of last year, it had received about 1,000 of these clips. Observers say the trend can help make drivers more careful. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/more-using-car-cams-help-track-traffic-offenders-20140303

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-five-digital/1014806.html First five digital traffic red light cameras start operations on Mar 1 The new digital cameras do not require constant reloading and retrieval of the wet-film negatives for back-end processing, and are designed to stay operational 24/7 to detect motorists who attempt to beat the red light. SINGAPORE: The first five of the digital traffic red light cameras installed by the Traffic Police will start operations on March 1. The Traffic Police said last December that it has started installation and testing process for the first five units of the Digital Traffic Red Light Camera System at the following locations: - Victoria Street by Arab Street towards Lavender Street - Victoria Street by Ophir Road towards Bras Basah Road - Victoria Street by Rochor Road towards Lavender Street - Lavender Street by Jalan Besar towards Balestier Road - Ophir Road by Beach Road towards ECP Police said these five units have all been installed at the respective locations and will begin operations from 1 March 2014 at 0001 hours onwards. The new digital cameras do not require constant reloading and retrieval of the wet-film negatives for back-end processing, and are designed to stay operational 24/7 to detect motorists who attempt to beat the red light. The Traffic Police also reminded motorists that beating a red light attracts a fine and 12 demerit points against the traffic offender. Those who beat the red light twice within 24 months will have their licence suspended as they would have accumulated 24 demerit points. - CNA/de

[bigcry]Turned from sungei road into bencoolen street when the red arrow sign is on (following the taxi next to me) accidentally. I wonder if there is any red light camera there which would thus, summon me? Checked http://speedcamerapoi.com/search.php# but didn't see any of the cameras. Hope someone will kindly reply. Thank you.

A video showing cameras and what seems to be flashing LED lights on an overhead bridge at Geylang Lorong 16 has caught the attention of netizens online. Some have speculated that the cameras are a new ERP system, while others thought it was a speed camera. The authorities have clarified that the cameras are actually one of the initiatives under the Safe City Test Bed Project announced in May. The project is a partnership between the government and the industry to develop technology that will allow urban cities to optimise resources and better coordinate responses to safety and security threats, urban management concerns and major crises. In this case, the system attempts to integrate existing and new sensors to help agencies have a better understanding of what is happening on the ground. For example, authorities would be able to detect an impending flash flood and decide on possible counter measures, while emergency vehicles could monitor traffic conditions on the road to identify the best route to take should there be traffic congestion. The prototypes, once developed, will be showcased as a model to manage the increasingly complex challenges faced by developed urban cities in a resource-efficient manner. Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cameras-at-geylang/857498.html

Found these picture on FB. Really true TP used these camera to catch speeding??

Video: http://www.razor.tv/video/535694 You have heard of dashboard cameras in cars. Now, it is the turn of the bicycle-cam. Bikes fitted with video-recording devices are becoming an increasingly common sight on Singapore's roads. Riders use them to gather evidence if they get into an accident

With more motorists installing surveillance cameras in their vehicles, some have taken to playing traffic vigilantes when they capture footage of others breaking the rules. "It's like a neighbourhood watch group, except it's on the road," said Mr Jonathan Thong, 45, who has submitted 12 such videos to the Traffic Police in the past year. The project manager and father of two believes he is helping to promote road safety. If errant drivers know their behaviour might be recorded and reported to the authorities, they may be encouraged to be more courteous on the road, he said. The videos he sent to the Traffic Police were taken on different occasions and included incidents of motorists who made illegal turns, crossed double white lines and stopped in yellow boxes. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...fences-20130915

Reported that TP is looking into lower premiums for those with in vehicle cameras. Also reported that heavy vehicles to have cameras. A good move and hope it will pave the way for no more nonsense claims

NEW high-rise surveillance cameras that can zoom in up to 60 times will be installed on selected buildings in the city by the end of this year. Two of these eyes-in-the-sky cameras will be deployed on each of three "strategic buildings" in Marina Bay for a start, said a police operations department spokesman at the annual Police Workplan Seminar and Exhibition yesterday. They will complement street-level Public Camera Zone cameras installed in more than 150 locations across the island. While the super-zoom Hawk Eye cameras will be able to resolve faces and number plates even from up high, police said there will be "active masking" on certain angles to ensure privacy. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...ces-cars-201305

Pls be careful not to enter buslane along Upper Changi Road towards Expo direction. The location is between Bedok Road and Simei Ave. I just saw 3 fixed cameras pointing at the bus lane. It is definately NOT those J-eyes Look like perm fixture mounted at the underneth of the OverHead Pedestrian Bridge. Not know it is already operational. but many cars were in the buslane at 6 pm.

First it was the Land Transport Authority. Now the Housing Board is installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to deter illegal parking. It plans to put them up near service roads and loading bays around HDB carparks in areas including Bedok, Toa Payoh and Sengkang. Motorists parking illegally will face fines ranging from $25 to $200, depending on vehicle type. An HDB spokesman told The Straits Times the cameras will be installed in 55 areas from the second quarter of this year. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...arking-20130404

Habitual red light chiongsters, kindly 自动behave unless you wana be another Ma-Chi or best continue to contribute SGD200 each time to state coffers From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1236757/1/.html Traffic Police to consider installing more cameras at problematic junctions Posted: 12 November 2012 2025 hrs SINGAPORE: The Traffic Police (TP) periodically reviews the deployment of red light cameras based on ground assessment, and will consider installing additional cameras at problematic junctions if needed. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister, Teo Chee Hean said the Traffic Police deploys red light cameras at road junctions that are identified to be problematic based on accident data and public feedback. Traffic junctions that do not have red light cameras installed are supported by mobile enforcement operations. Mr Teo said the Traffic Police will also be upgrading its current fleet of cameras to digital technology in the near future to allow for more effective enforcement and deterrence against motorists who beat the red lights. In a written reply to a question in Parliament, Mr Teo said the Traffic Police takes a firm and active enforcement stand against such motorists. In the first nine months of this year, the Traffic Police detected 13,881 red-light violations, an increase of three per cent from the 13,490 violations detected over the same period in 2011. While enforcement and penalties are needed, the Traffic Police will also continue with its efforts to educate motorists about road safety. - CNA/fa

Scammers who suddenly jump in front of your fast-moving car!

why nowadays so many strange cases involving teachers? are they a deprived lot?? http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews...713-359025.html The former teacher who was charged in Feb with theft and trespass for installing pinhole cameras in the female toilets of the school he was teaching at pled guilty this morning, saying that he wasn't in the right state of mind when he committed the deed, reported local Chinese dailies. Bertrand Ngien Wen-Tseah, 37, was faced with eight charges, including trespassing a female toilet, destroying evidence and outrage of modesty when was a science teacher at Yuhua Secondary School. According to the Chinese dailies, he had installed three pinhole cameras in one of the school's girls' toilet on the fourth level around 7am on Feb 15. Shin Min Daily News reported that at least three girls were secretly filmed. A student discovered a camera in the toilet and alerted a staff member, who later found two more similar devices in other cubicles in the same toilet, reported The New Paper. The staff member placed the cameras in the staffroom and left the room. Around 1pm on the same day, Ngien entered the staffroom and saw the cameras on the school's operations manager's table. He knew that his deeds have been discovered and decided to destroy the evidence. An hour later, when the office was empty, he removed the three micro SD memory cards. When the school discovered the memory cards were missing, footage from the closed-circuit television camera installed in the staffroom was checked and Ngien was seen removing the memory cards. He was called back to the school on that afternoon, and on the way there, he threw away memory cards into a storm drain. He confessed to the principal, who told Ngien to return home, saying he was going to report the matter to the police, according to Lianhe Wanbao. When he reached home, Ngien threw away the laptop which he had viewed the recordings on. The $443 laptop had been issued by the Ministry of Education and Ngien has since refunded the cost. Ngien pleaded through his lawyer that his wife had suffered from mental illnesses which resulted in him developing depression. He claimed to have sought psychiatric help in 2009, and is current seeking treatment with the Institute of Mental Health. He said he was remorseful for committing the offence. He added that being fired by the Ministry of Education was his greatest punishment and pleaded for a lighter sentence. The case will adjourn in court on July 25 for sentencing

Hi to all those with cameras installed in their cars... Got stopped in Immigration Custom (from MY back SG) over the weekend over the cameras (front and back) for closed to an hour... Apparently, the officers had no idea what the cameras are for and after much explanation, they did a check with LTA but no firm reply from their side....In the end, they took photos of the cameras and car...saying they will revert back to us.... Probably can try to disconnect the cameras before entering customs as it is illegal to take photos and video in the area.... Cheers.

Hi, am looking for a digital camera below $300. Possible for there to be a good camera below that budget? Please help

Sianz... Gena snap on the expressway exceeding 21-30km/hr on the 80km/hr stretch at Ayer Rajah expressway.. 20km mark.. Anyone knows where is it? Dunno why can't they just make the whole speed limit the same at 90km/hr... Argh....

Just a topic for discussion ... I am seeing so many car cameras posting overtaking, beating red lights, cars accidents etc Can these videos be submitted to traffic police as evidence? Would traffic police really take action against car owner that is in video? But it is just a car plate without driver's face, so car owner will get called in for investigation? Is it even legal? I am also wondering, isnt it an invasion of privacy to have these cameras onboard and recording? Okie so Singapore does not have privacy laws but still these cameras if not controlled can perhaps be used for other mischief too.