iDataBack – an iPod app road test

With the release of OS Version 3.0 the iPod Touch and iPhone now have a ton of useful apps. An iPod is almost an essential tool for contacts, calendars, to do lists, time logging, the odd game and music too!

There are some great photography specific apps also and I noticed a new release called iDataBack a few days ago and thought it worth a look. The idea is you use this app to record your data when you’re shooting with your film camera. I enjoy shooting a bit of film, it’s like my day-off photography – a little bit of indulgence. Sometimes I’ll revisit something I saw and re shoot it with film and other times I’ll head off on a film shoot expedition. Doesn’t matter what film, I’m not fussy about what goes in the camera and it can be slide or print, pro or chemist shop, the camera doesn’t seem to mind either.

iDataBack is like carrying your notebook with you but with the convenience of being quick and accurate to log your shoot data. My first impression was there in no instructions, I soon realised it’s so simple you don’t need any.

First you make an entry for your new film.

For each frame add your exposure data and add a remark if you desire.

Input of settings is quick and easy.

When your film is full, email the data to yourself.

All seems good, so how did it work on the job?

First I will say this app is a great idea and has a ton of potential for people like myself who don’t mind phaffing around with gadgets and find pushing buttons quicker than pencil and paper. It is also far quicker and more accurate than writing. Film shooting is a lot more methodical for me now than it was pre digital, every shot is planned and carefully captured and if I’m not using iDataback I’m going to be writing capture info in a notebook anyway. But, it feels like  version 1.0 software and I really hope the developer intends to carry on with the job to make it a great bit of software.

So what’s good about iDataBack.

Great idea!

Quick data input.

Auto date stamp at entry time.

Auto frame count.

It’s a dairy of your film shoots.

Entry field for remarks about capture.

Easy export for data use or print. Input data into scanned files or print and store with negs.

..And why iDataBack falls short of the job.

Instructions, or at least an introduction or developer name. Maybe even a splash screen at startup.

Need preferences to set input to full, 1/2 or 1/3 stop settings on Aperture and Shutter.

Could have a lens info data field.

Input settings should default to last used setting instead of 1/60 and F/4 each time or have a preference for default.

Export data should be be more IPTC friendly. Maybe choice of export format would be useful.

Seems to be a bug in remarks input where it is stuck on numeric keyboard sometimes.

Remarks don’t get included in email export of data.

So the conclusion is.

It annoys me when developers have good ideas like this but release their goods half cocked. This software has great potential for folk who love to shoot film and like to integrate some data into the analogue workflow for later file handling.
I only hope the software writer doesn’t think he’s done with his great idea. I’ll use it because I think it is very useful even as is, if it can be developed as suggested it will be super duper!

UPDATE!

iDataBack has had a major rework, all the features I dreamed would be great are now implemented and it is one very useful app for film shooters. Nice work.

I will write an updated review soon as I get some time.

Posted in Equipment | 2 Comments »

Luminance Ladakh 2009

Photo Expedition to Ladakh – India 2009

Expressions of interest are invited for participation in an adventure in the Himalayas.

Ladakh is one of the most remote regions of India, lying on the vast Tibetan Plateau in the far northwestern region, though politically part of India, it is a miniature version of Tibet. It is a spectacular landscape with sweeping open sandstone valleys intensified by emerald oases and turquoise lakes. Age-old Buddhist gompas (monasteries) perch on the highest hilltops below the swirling clouds of the mountain skies.
Ladakh offers the traveler a glimpse of the past and a simpler way of life not known or understood by many westerners.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is designed for avid photographers who need an adventure. You don’t need to be a pro or have the latest gear. Being in Ladakh is an irresistible combination of travel and photography.

You need to be prepared for a unique cultural experience to do this trip which requires flexibility, good health and a positive attitude. Being at 3000 + metres can be intense and the roads and vehicles are out of another age.
You will visit remote and ancient Buddhist Monasteries, attend a Buddhist festival and see dramatic and diverse landscape. Photo opportunities abound in the surreal light of Ladakh.

Trip Details.
Rugged road travel at medium/high elevation (up to 3800m)
14 nights guesthouses, hotels and camping
Easy to strenuous day hikes
Dates
To be announced, Late July – August 2009
Cost
NZD$5000 including airfares Singapore – Leh – Singapore
Itinerary
Trip itinerary to be finalised

What will I experience?

I am fortunate to have a good friend with over 20 years experience operating trekking and tours in Ladakh. His knowledge and network in the region is what makes this trip very unique. We will see things that mainstream tourists don’t know about, will be looked after by experienced and knowledgeable staff – in fact, all we need worry about is our camera gear.
We will be based in a traditional hotel in the village of Stok where we will be fed excellent, tasty vegetarian food. You will have the use of your room at the Stok Highland Guesthouse for the entire tour, even when we are out overnight.
You will see 1000+ years of Buddhism and our good friend Lama Rigzen Ph.D. Buddhist Philosophy, can answer all your questions regarding Buddhism.
You will get to photograph landscapes, buildings, people, history all in the beautiful light of Ladakh.

What will I learn?

With the help of our expert guides and Lama Rigsen, we will gain a unique insight to Buddhism and the culture of Ladakh.
The goal is to increase your ability as a photographer, no matter what your experience level may be and allow you to see a wondrous place, meet amazing people, and capture your travel story in photographs.
This workshop allows you to learn technical skills with the guidance of a professional photographer in the field and in the classroom.
You will have time to work on your own, and the opportunity to receive my full and personalised attention when you need it. You will also have the opportunity to learn by watching my techniques as I create my own images.
We will have informal workshops at the Stok Highland Guesthouse during evenings and free time. Workshops will be tailored to the requirements of the participants but will be based on the following outline;
Basic workflow:
Image capture
ingestion
Sorting
Keywording
Archiving
RAW or JPG – Pros & Cons
Raw converters
Preparing files for end use
Printing workflow
Digital presentation

What do I get?

Trip cost includes the following;

Airfares, Singapore – Leh – Singapore
Hotel in Delhi & all accommodation in Leh
All transportation as per itinerary
All meals (Except in Delhi)
Support team (Porters and hotel staff)
All permits (Not Indian visa)
Camping charges
Monastery entrance fees
Practical and technical photography tuition
Trip expense does not include;

Any expense of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc
Any expenses that arise due to unforeseen circumstances such as but not limited to roadblock, landslide, and flight cancellation.
Personal insurance
Tips for local staff
Airfare to and from Singapore, from NZ, or where ever you are coming from

What do I need?

Your own camera equipment. A digital camera of any kind is fine, but a 35mm DSLR with manual settings will be the most flexible. Photography will be digital based.
Plenty of memory cards or digital storage and backup
A tripod is recommended
Sleeping Bag
Good comfortable walking/hiking shoes
Warm trekking clothing (we will provide a list of necessary equipment)
Participants should be reasonably fit and prepared for walking through mountainous terrain at high altitudes

Ladakh funding projects.

Andrew Spencer Photography supports and encourages participation in important funding projects in the Ladakh region. Trip participants will be shown some of the current and ongoing initiatives that are improving the lives of the Ladakh people.

Programmes include direct sponsorship of students at The Lamdon Model School. Some of these students come from very isolated and remote regions of the Himalayan mountain ranges of Ladakh and foreign sponsors provide the necessary funding to subsidise meals, clothing and school materials for these impoverished, yet deserving children.

A current dental clinic project will build a much needed dental health facility at Lamdon school and provide a treatment and educational centre for the 1200 students. This is a comprehensive project which involves building of the dental clinic, sourcing of the clinic equipment and attracting dentists to operate the facility.

A reforestation project is helping with erosion prevention and beautifying Ladakh, in the longer term will provide a valuable timber resource.

Every little bit of generous sponsorship helps these projects advance. We will see some of the work being done and see how we can help.

What do I do now?

Contact Andrew Spencer and let him know you are interested in this experience of a lifetime.

The fine print;
There is more information once you sign up for the workshop tour. The following will be required:
You must have travel insurance. This will cover your airfare if the trip is cancelled due to political reasons, a family emergency, unexpected illness or injury, you need to cover yourself.
Itinerary – although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary as listed, it is subject to change due to numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability in the Participant Information Form.
Conditions of Participation – Your participation on this trip is subject to the conditions stated in the information form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully and to call us if you have questions.
Services – We use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support and other services (hotels, restaurants etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with providers who share our commitment to safety and quality.
All booking transactions will be made through our agent Manjeet Kaur of Costsaver’s travel Singapore.

Posted in | No Comments »