July 2018 - Ceddy's Random

Ceddy's Random - Vlogs

Monday, July 30, 2018

Essential Tools for My Blogging

July 30, 2018 0 Comments


Essential Tools for My Blogging


screen grab from my Instagram account @cedricpenarubia


Blogging Necessities


As a freelance blogger, we have these essential tools for blogging.
I am going to share with you the tools that I am using on a day-to-day basis and for my blogging as well.


Apple Ecosystem

iMac

I Am an Apple User. So I used to get into the Apple Ecosystem. 
At home, I am using an iMac for my video editing.  I purchase an iMac with an SSD feature,  capable of rendering and handling some huge applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Apple Final Cut Pro.

iMAC 




MacBook Pro


If I am traveling and need to update my blog occasionally or just to write an article on the go. I am using the MacBook Pro. Compared to the iMac at home, the MacBook Pro doesn't have the SSD feature however it comes with a capacious 500 hard disk drive to store my personal files, movies, and prerequisite applications.



screen grab from my Instagram account @cedricpenarubia







Lenovo External Hard Drive


Privacy and backup up a must that's why I invested in having an external hard drive. I bought the Lenovo 1 TB Hard drive and it helps me a lot for my backup. I stored some previous photos that I took and movies as well. 

Lenovo External 1 Terabyte Hard Drive


iPhone X 


One of my fellow bloggers asked me, what camera I use. Economical-wise, I am not using any DSLR, apart from being expensive it is hard for me to carry it as I am a backpacker and there is not enough space in my bag (lol, though I wish to have one..) Instead, I am using my iPhone X (or they call it iPhone 10) has a 12-megapixel dual-lens camera, capable of taking portrait shots which is similar to DSLR. To check some images captured by iPhone X. Check this link for more information.

screen grab from my Instagram account @cedricpenarubia (I took this picture personally)

DJI OSMO Mobile 2 Stabiliser


Speaking of the camera, I invested as well in videography which DJI offered me there Gimbal Stabiliser.
I want to learn new ways of mobile photography and videography as well that's why I opted to invest in the gimbal. So this gimbal is the DJI OSMO Mobile 2. 
The purpose of the gimbal is to keep your phone shake-free while shooting some videos or taking still photos. To learn more about the gimbal. I have written an unboxing review. Check this link.


DJI OSMO Mobile 2

Apple iPad Mini 4


Checking or updating my blog on the go is really important to me. It is a bit heavy for me to carry the laptop from time to time but having my phone has a limited view as well so instead of carrying these all,  I have my iPad Mini 4 that comes with a sim card which allows me to check some updates or notifications on my social sites. It is really convenient and it comes with a 5000 mAH battery so it can last up to 2 days (depending on my usage)





iPad Mini 4 with built-in data feature

hard casing for extra rigid protection

rose gold color



Additional: And for my cloud storage. I am using iCloud by Apple. To know more about iCloud and the Apple Ecosystem. I have written about why the Apple Ecosystem is better than its counterpart.

Wrap Up


I don't use cable that much. The iCloud integration syncs perfectly across all my devices.
Let's say I took a picture on my iPhone. Once I connect it to the wifi, the picture that I took will appear directly to my other Apple Devices. This is the other reason why it's hard for me to switch to a different platform.  People say it's a Walled Garden of Apple. For me, the convenience and the security, the hardware that matches its software capability makes me stay longer in this ecosystem.

Business-wise, companies are using the PC. Even for the enterprise businesses prefer to use Microsoft and PCs. Nonetheless, it is their preferred option.

Personally wise, I'm with Apple. The sleek hardware matches its software. It will last for years and still, you can use it. The brand Apple speaks for itself. Quality and Reliability throughout the years.

So what are your essentials for blogging?
Comment yours below.

And please don't forget to share and subscribe for more.

Next time again...



--Ceddy
By - No comments:

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Unboxing Review

July 18, 2018 0 Comments

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Unboxing Review


Blog and Vlog 


I always wanted to discover something new to my senses.
Being a blogger, I don't want to settle for less that's why I wanted to take it to the next level.

And one thing that I want to try is mobile videography. I have a couple of vlogs before. 
And it is great. However, talking in front of the camera is not my thing so I decided to switch back to writing blogs and reviews. 

As I have said before, I am into mobile videography. Just for the startup.
I have a bit of knowledge when it comes to video editing, color grading, and more.

So why use this knowledge and apply it to my blog right?
For a startup. I invested in a tool. Taking time to research and check some product reviews.  So far, the review was positive so I decided to buy this product.

The product that I am going to review is the DJI OSMO Mobile 2.
DJI is world-renowned for its product for Drones. Some Hollywood movies use their products for filmmaking.

What is a Smartphone Stabilizer?


A Smartphone Stabilizer is a way to keep your phone shake-free while shooting video.
So if you are shooting a video using your hands while walking, you might notice that the video is a bit shaky. However, the gimbal stabilizes it and produces an excellent video.

So without further ado, 


Here's my unboxing of the DJI Osmo Mobile 2.



The Gimbal costs 524 Dirhams or 143 US Dollars in an exchange rate at the moment.
The packaging looks great and very straightforward details of the gimbal at the bottom portion of the box such as TRA license and other product information.

portrait mode
Removing the white box unveils the styro casing of the gimbal.
Pretty ergonomic and lightweight. 


Styro-Casing of the DJI Osmo Mobile 2

Other paper documentation such as an instruction manual with a multi-language, a leaflet that comes with a barcode to be scanned on your messenger for customer support, and the warranty card.

And the micro USB cord for charging. It doesn't come with an adapter so you opt. to purchase an adapter separately.

Take note that the product comes with a 1-year limited warranty. 

Manual guide and warranty information


And here's the DJI Osmo Mobile 2


Fresh from the Box.

DJI Osmo Mobile2 comes with a standard USB cable for charging
I wish that DJI used the USB-C type instead of the standard USB.
Anyways, for a budget gimbal, you get what you pay for.


The  DJI OSMO Mobile 2






On the other side of the Gimbal


You can find the charging port.
Charging time takes 3 hours as I've experienced.
Fresh from the box, the Osmo Mobile 2 doesn't have any precharge so I charged for about 3 hours.

I was a bit disappointed and was expecting that there should be at least 10 percent of the battery on the gimbal upon using it for the first time. However, it is the other way around.


The back part of the gimbal 


Comes with a standard port. The Gimbal allows you to charge your phone while using the Gimbal. Let's say you're running out of juice then you can opt to charge it using the gimbal's USB port.



Charging from the Gimbal 




Tripod Port


The other gimbal doesn't have any tripod port. Except for this one. For a mid-range gimbal, DJI provided a tripod port for your convenience. These product details at the bottom of the gimbal can be found as well on the packaging.



On the other side of the Gimbal.


You can find the traditional zoom button that you usually find on digital cameras.
I really don't use the zoom function, but DJI kept the buttons sideways and it's very accessible if you use it with your thumb. Needless to say, it's very ergonomic.




The front portion of the Stabilisers 


Is the record button which you can also use for capturing still photos and videos. The big black circle is the joystick wherein you can use to control the panning of the Gimbal either up, down, left, or right. And lastly, the Mode button, wherein you can turn on the gimbal itself. Just press for a few seconds and the gimbal will activate. 



Pressing the Mode Button 


It will activate the gimbal. Three white LED lights indicate the battery level. The other light which is showing green is active and ready to use, and if you are recording, it shows a blinking red light.

If the gimbal is a low battery, a flashing light will trigger as well




Back Portion of the gimbal.



If you want to adjust your phone to make it more balanced, all you need to do is twist the two silver circles, the small one to adjust the balance of the phone, and the big one to make sure that the device is well-tight. 

Just unscrew and screw it back to get the desired balance.
As a first-timer, It was a bit hard to adjust my mobile to the gimbal for some reason so I referred to the manual guide which is pretty easy to follow.



I made up some videos on my YouTube channel.

Please watch the video, like, and subscribe. Please click the link.
I value your opinion as well, so please do comment.

As I have said, I am just starting so I may have some hiccups in editing the videos.

Thanks for reading my blog and see you again next time...

--Ceddy

By - No comments:

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi - A Day to Unravel

July 08, 2018 3 Comments

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

- The capital of the UAE, A City where the futuristic advancement is used today. 

Captivating and futuristic buildings, detailed designed landmarks, and more.

Included on my bucket list is to visit the 7-month-old museum. Opened last November 7, 2017.
This is the Louvre Abu Dhabi situated on a man-made island The Saadiyat and Cultural District.
Check my review of the Manarat Al Saadiyat here.
It is part of a thirty-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government.

One of the reasons why I visit this place is because of France - My dream vacation and hope to visit someday and meet the Mona Lisa lol.
And to see some of the famous paintings such as Napoleon Bonaparte, and of course, the famous metallic ceiling of the Louvre. 


How to get there?


This is my first time to visit this place. And there is a specific bus that goes directly to the Louvre.
The bus is number 94. The bus stop is just outside my place. Very convenient.

For those who have a car. Check this link for your reference.

Take note that there is free parking too!
And a valet parking fee of 42 Dirhams which is located near the drop-off area.

It was very hot by that time when I visited the Museum around 2 in the afternoon. Roughly 42 degrees. The umbrella that I took with me was not that effective as it was so hot.

So my advice. Just visit the museum between 3 to 4 PM or in the morning instead.
And bring a lot of fluids.

What does it look like?

I was in a hurry to take some pictures outside as it was super hot.
My first impression? WOW!  I was like, hey is this a spaceship thing?  It looks like a UFO  that is floating in the middle of the water.
Unbelievable.

I can't describe it, thus I have taken some panoramic photos using my iPhone X.  




And the landscape is superb!
Check this out

tapping out from the bus terminal sensor

the bus station is just a few meters away from the entrance of the Louvre

the walkway looks tidy and clean. Perfect for Instagram

to look more subtle and vibrant, they added some palm tree 

and some directory map

behind the directory map is the Louvre


the dates are almost ready to harvest as they are protected with some net to prevent them from falling

landscape

almost there.


some ample space for parking your car

Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomes you.


What to do next?

Security is their utmost priority that's why I pass through a series of security checks.
There is a lot of security within the vicinity of the Louvre, from the main entrance, and to tighten the security, it is a must that you need to keep all the stuff whether or not in the tray cart for them to scan it on the conveyor belt.

Once done, you will pass by a height scanner for them to scan your body.
And lastly, security personnel will use a scanner to check your body side by side.  


Buying Tickets

If you want a cashless payment and don't want to pay upfront. The Louvre allows you to purchase your ticket online. You can check their website here for more information.

As for me, I paid upfront, there was not much queue at that time and it was easy.

Before paying, The cashier will provide you with a form to fill out. That would be your name, email address, and your nationality.

After filling it out, I paid 63 dirhams for my ticket. If you want some audio guide during your tour, you can opt to add 21 dirhams.
visitors map in British English version

left to right- visitors map, ticket receipt, and my ticket ( which can be used as a postal card as well)


the entrance where securities are scanning the ticket

a backpack is not allowed to be brought inside the aisle. So I kept my bag with them

Visitor maps are available in 3 languages- Arabic, English, and French

and some of the catalogs and leaflets

First Part











Second Part

































Third Part


























Fourth and Fifth Part

























Sixth Part























Seventh Part





























Eight Part






























Napoleon Bonaparte



Ninth and Tenth Part

































Fountain of light by Ai Weiwei.



The Metallic Ceiling of the Louvre 

This is the last part that I really wanted to see apart from Napoleon and the Whistler's Mother.
lol.

This breathtaking architecture was designed by Jean Nouvel - A French architect.
The museum is designed as a "seemingly floating dome structure"; its web-patterned dome allows the sun to filter through. (Wikipedia). 
The design of the metallic ceiling enhances the light that passes through it.
That's what I'm talking about upon my first impression of this Museum.
























Panoramic Shots of the Louvre's Ceiling












Sunset Daze




So this is my 2-hour visit to this museum. A lot of information about artworks from eastern to western art.  I do apologize if I didn't include the labels on some of the pictures.

Some of the artworks are replica which has a label on each of them.

And FYI. There is a dedicated complimentary pickup service to drop you off in the carpark area. And it's free of charge.



Bye, Louvre. See you next time...




Hey there,  Thank you for reading my blog. Don't forget to comment, share, and subscribe for more!

--Ceddy

By - 3 comments: