DIY Flash Diffuser for Canon G10

Just got the lovely Canon G10 which i am loving so much at the moment. As usual for flash photos, the photos cames out harsh and unflattering.

Decided to spend some time to DIY a diffuser for the Canon G10.

Budget - 2.40 SGD

Here's the results before I move on the to the diffuser DIY methods.

Top Row: -- No Flash -- DIY Flash Diffuser (Auto WB)

Bottom Row: -- Flash -- DIY Flash Diffuser (Custom WB)

*the lamp i am using in my room cast a yellow shade, in a room with white light, you probably will not need to custom the WB.

Now .. How to DIY one for yourself.

1. Go Popular and get a file with a thick material and slightly opaque. I got a file with the thick opaque for 2.40 SGD. The thickness must be thicker then normal paper so that it will retain it's shape after you fold it. Cut the thick opaque material into 2 pieces, a squarish block to act as the diffuser and a longish strip to hold the diffuser in place. Stick a white piece of paper on the squarish block. The longish strip should have the width of the hotshoe, you will know the reason below.

* See a small strip of paper coming out at the bottom? I will explain the reason for that below. Just stick an additional strip below the squarish diffuser like in the photo.

2. Stick the DIY diffuser in Canon G10 as shown in the photos. The small strip of paper should stick slightly into the lens ring, this will help to hold in in place.

iAudio X5L Battery Swap

Everyone knows that the best mp3 player without amps are the iAudio mp3 players. Amongst those, the most highly celebrated must be the X5L series. The output from the mp3 player is pure eargasm.


However, the battery life span of the X5L lasts slightly over a year and exchanging the in built battery will take 100-150 SGD plus 1 month of waiting time. This is extremely silly to expect a consumer to wait 1 month for the battery exchange.

Thus, I have decided to perform surgery on my X5L to slowly transplant the batteries from another battery source.

This is the operational procedure (pictorial mode)

The Perfect Jogging/Gym Rig

Jogging is boring .. everyone knows that but nothing gets the legs pumping with a great song blasting out the pain in the legs. Ever since I started jogging, i have been looking for the perfect jogging rig (mp3 + headphones). My requirements are simple.

1. Headphones must be relatively sweat proof or at least easily wiped.

2. Headphones must not fall off during jogging or exercise.

3. Jogging rig must be relatively light weight.

After testing/buying a new duds .. i think i have finally discovered the The Perfect Jogging/Gym Rig.

Nike Motion SHJ045

Complete Rig (Nike Motion SHJ045 + Ipod Nano)

Pros

1. Extremely Light Weight

2. The design of the headphones puts a gentle yet firm pressure on the earbuds against the ears. This means that the headphones will not fall off during extreme jogging or exercises. A good and firm hold on the earbuds against the ears also ensures a good sound with minimum air leakage.

3. The earbuds are easily cleaned and allows sweat to flow out of the ears so that the sweat will not create a vaccum between the ears and the earbuds.

Cons

1. Audio Jack is prone to breakage if subjected to pressure.

Audio Jack