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Specifications for the Olympus PEN E-P3

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Here are the specifications for the latest flagship digital camera for the PEN series of mirrorless interchangeable lens DSLR from Olympus. Although it looks similar to its predecessor, the PEN E-P3 features near instantaneous autofocus speeds, enhanced image quality and a more ergonomical user interface. The camera comes in black, silver or white.

The svelte Olympus PEN E-P3 with a 17mm lens.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a 12.3-megapixel entry-level DSLR camera which is more compact than traditional DSLRs because the design leaves out the mirror that channels the view through the lens to an optical viewfinder on top of the camera.

The LCD screen at the back of the camera shows a preview of the shot for framing and composition. An optional add-on electronic viewfinder is available for those who prefer to hold the camera to the face rather than at arms length.

A multi-purpose USB/AV out/remote control socket, and a mini-HDMI connector for connecting to your TV.

A USB/AV out/remote control socket, and a mini-HDMI connector.

The micro four thirds format and size of the image sensor also contributes to the compactness, although some believe the smaller size of the sensor would slightly impact the image quality when compared with other DSLRs using the standard but slightly larger APS-C sized sensor.

The main highlight of the PEN E-P3 is the enhancement of the autofocus system, which has improved the autofocus speed by more than three times when compared to its predecessor.

I’ve tried it during the launch event for the product and the autofocus felt near instantaneous and impressive.

The details are below:

Main Specs
Price (Singapore)	to be announced
Effective megapixels	12.3
Monitor	3-inch 3:2 OLED touch screen with 610k dots
Colours	Black, Silver or White
Movie	– HD 1280 x 720 @ 30fps (16:9) – SD 640 x 480 @ 30fps (4:3)
The juicy details
Image stabilisation	– Photo: “Supersonic Wave Drive” in-body sensor shift (up to 3 EV stops compensation) – Video: Digital IS
Sensor	4/3 inch hi-speed Live MOS sensor
File format (Photos)	JPEG, RAW, MPO (3D)
Largest photo size	4032 x 3024 pixels
Image aspect ratio	4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Video recording	AVCHD and AVI Motion-JPEG 1920 x 1080, 60i recording, 17 Mbps Frame rate: 30 fps Max length: 29 min, 4 GB
Image processor engine	TruePic VI
Auto focus	FAST AF system with 35-area multiple AF (Imager contrast detection)
AF assist lamp	Yes
Exposure modes	iAuto, Program AE (with shift), P, A, S, M, Art Filter, Scene select
Sensitivity	– Auto: ISO 200 – 12800 – Manual: ISO 100 – 12800 (adjustable in 1/3 EV step)
Metering modes	Digital ESP (324-area multi-pattern metering), Centre-weighted average, Spot (1%)
AE Bracketing	2, 3, 5 or 7 frames
Exposure compensation	Up to +/- 3 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 steps
Shutter speed	1/4000 sec to 60 sec
WB	Auto, Sunny, Shadow, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom
Art filters	10 (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Dramatic, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia)
Scene modes	23
Continuous shooting	– Sequential (3 fps) – Raw: max 8 frames – JPEG: Unlimited until memory runs out
Self-timer	2 or 12 sec
Flash	– Built-in pop-up (GN10 at ISO 200 – Hotshoe for external flash
Viewfinder	Optional EVF
Orientation sensor	Yes
Storage	SD (SDHC, SDXC)
Dimensions	122 x 69.1 x 34.2 mm
Weight (excl battery and card)	275g / 9.2oz. (incl. Battery and card)
In the box	Li-ion battery BLS-5, charger BCS-1, USB/Video multi cable, Shoulder strap, Software CD-ROM, Instruction manual.

Tags:DSLR, E-P3, micro four-thirds, mirrorless, Olympus, PEN
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Olympus, Review, Specifications | 1 Comment »

First look at the Olympus PEN E-P3

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

The PEN E-P3 - flagship model for the PEN series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras from Olympus.

Externally similar to its predecessors, the PEN E-P3 has received a new sensor, image processing engine and the autofocus system has been tuned up to become lightning fast.

The PEN E-P3 is scheduled for release in Singapore on July 22, 2011 although the pricing has not been revealed yet. Online retailers such as Adorama is taking preorders for the PEN E-P3 at US$899 with M. Zuiko 14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The camera is available in black, white and silver. See the specifications here.

FASTer autofocus

Olympus claims that the new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) autofocus (AF) system makes the E-P3 the camera to beat when it comes to AF speed. The FAST AF is achieved through the combination of a few innovations.

Three colours are available - black, silver and white.

Firstly, the Live MOS Sensor is driven at double the previous speed – 120 fps – so that image data can be obtained more quickly than with previous systems. Secondly, the speed of the AF computations that generate the contrast information from the image data – in order to determine the degree of focusing – has also been doubled. Thirdly, the speed of communication for controlling the lens motion during AF has been increased. Finally, the response time from pressing the shutter release to the start-up of AF system has been shortened.

Overall, the imager AF speed has become almost three times faster than before.

I tried out the camera during its launch on 30 June and found the AF was indeed much faster than its predecessors the E-P2 and E-P1 – even at low light. An AF illuminator light – inexplicably absent in previous models – has a range of 3m for low light situations.

The number of focus selection areas has been increased from 11 to 35, enabling detailed, pinpoint AF across a wider area than before. To capture a moving subject accurately, the group area selection can apply AF to a limited region compose of 3 vertical and 3 horizontal areas.

Design and UI

The Olympus PEN E-P3 retains the retro design of the PEN series and looks similar to its predecessors.

The 3-inch, 610k-dot OLED display is not only bright and sharp but features a touch screen that is easy to use – in fact addictive. Simply tap the main subject on the screen to prefocus, or focus and take the snapshot immediately. The font and graphic design of the user interface and menu system has been improved to become more readable and good-looking.

In terms of external design, its retro look is similar to its predecessors with a few design and functional differences. There are now two Function buttons and a direct movie-recording button – making camera control easier. A built-in GN10 (ISO 200) flash – absent in previous models – is now available. Two designs of detachable camera grips are available in white, black or silver. Alternatively, leave the grip at home for a minimalistic look, showing off the metallic finish on the E-P3 body.

Inside the camera

Sideviews of the Olympus PEN E-P3.

A new 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor in the micro four thirds interchangeable lens digital camera promises an enhanced image quality. 1080i60 full HD movies in AVCHD format are now possible as is high-sensitivity shooting at ISO12800.

The dual core processor allows live view on the LCD panel and image processing when a shot is taken to be executed in parallel, decreasing the blackout time after snapping each photo. This, together with the aforementioned FASTer AF gives the E-P3 a snappier feel and makes it more responsive – especially when taking multiple shots at a go.

The E-P3 now ships with 10 Art Filters – precanned special effects that are applied to the JPEG image when you snap a photo. This is two more than the E-P2 and four more than the E-PL3. Art Filter bracketing is now possible for recording multiple Art Filtered pictures with a single snapshot.

Two new Art Effects are added – “Starlight” and “White Edge”, as well as a new Art Filter variation called the “Pale & Light Colour II”. The Art Filters can be applied during full HD movie shooting and the 3D Art Filter is compatible with the new 3D Photo Shooting scene mode.

Image processing has been enhanced by incorporating the “Full Detail” processing algorithm used in the E-5, the flagship DSLR from Olympus. New “Real Colour Technology” targets the reproduction of colours that are difficult to accurately reproduce such as emerald green and yellow making the image pop.

The “Advanced Shadow Adjustment Technology” (ASAT) tries to correct backlit photos by brightening the backlit subject independently without blowing out the bright background.

Based on paper specifications and a short physical handling session, the Olympus E-P3 promises to be a much better performer than its predecessor, the E-P2, in terms of AF speed, image quality and camera operation, viz touch screen and enhanced button and menus.

Tags:cameras, DSLR, E-P3, micro four-thirds, Olympus, PEN
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Olympus, Prices, Review, Specifications | 1 Comment »

6waves selects Akamai to enhance experience for social games

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

Akamai makes it possible for 6waves to provide gamers with a fast, reliable and high quality experience with its stable of popular social games that include Ravenwood Fair, Mystery Manor, Mall World, and Resort World.

6waves, developer of social games such as Ravenwood Fair have chosen Akamai to power up gaming experience.

“With the rapid growth of game developers and many popular game titles, the social gaming industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Having the best technology is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge,” said Rex Ng, Chief Executive Officer of 6waves.

Akamai Technologies Hong Kong Limited, a leading provider of cloud optimization services, will be providing its Dynamic Site Delivery solutions to 6waves, a leading international publisher and developer of gaming applications.

6waves will be able to enhance the delivery of its social media games and applications to social networking platforms, including Facebook and Yabage in Japan. Akamai supports 6waves in the delivery of some of the most popular social games including Ravenwood Fair, Mystery Manor, Mall World, and Resort World, which attract 15.9 million monthly active users alone.

By using Akamai, 6waves can improve the user experience by reducing the game load time and ensuring a high level of performance, regardless of where the user is located.

Since deploying Akamai’s Dynamic Site solutions, 6waves has improved the overall user experience with a 15 to 45 per cent improvement in page load times and an 85 per cent improvement in large (over 15MB) file download times.

“The success of 6waves’ business is dependent on the quality and speed at which it delivers its social games to the end-user. The consumer’s experience is critical – if it takes too long to download a game, users won’t come back,” said Betty Lin, Regional Manager, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Akamai Technologies, Hong Kong Limited.

In addition, Akamai’s global platform has given 6waves the ability to scale quickly and enter new markets, without the need to deploy any new hardware or software.

6waves’ business model provides distribution and monetization solutions for developers by delivering high quality social games to its global network of 50 million monthly active players. Currently 35 per cent of 6waves users are in Asia, 30 per cent in the United States, 25 per cent in Europe and the remaining 10 per cent spread across the rest of the World.

Akamai’s global platform consists of over 90,000 servers, residing in approximately 1,000 networks, and delivers 15-30 per cent of all Web traffic daily. Akamai’s extensive reach and local availability allows its platform to automatically choose the fastest and most reliable data pathways to ensure that download speeds are optimized for the end-user.

Tags:6waves, Akamai, cloud, Facebook, social gaming
Posted in Cloud | No Comments »

Jay Chou designs notebook for ASUS

Friday, July 1st, 2011

What has Jay Chou, Asus, Intel and Bang & Olufsen have in common? The answer is a new limited edition N-series notebook computer from ASUS.

Jay Chou, renowned artist and songwriter, was appointed by ASUS as the Chief Designer of the N3, which features 2nd generation Intel Core processors and Sandy Bridge architecture that enhance both graphics and multitasking performance.

The notebook also comes with the SonicMaster audio technology which was co-developed last year by a dedicated ASUS team and leading sound experts from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower.

Jay Chou collects his honorary staff pass from ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih.

The notebook was launched in a media conference in Taipei by Jay Chou and ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih. Hoping to blend technology with art, Shih believes that “this strong partnership <with Jay Chou> will continue to bring more exciting products to our customers”.

The notebook is estimated to be available in Singapore by the first half of July 2011 and will retail for S$1298 (GST included).

Unique design inspired by traditional and modern motifs

ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih and celebrity Jay Chou launches the limited edition N series notebook.

Jay Chou transformed his passion and devotion for music into innovative notebook design by using music notes, sheet music, piano concepts and other musical icons as inspiration for a truly unique notebook. The combination of modern “J-style” text-wrapping with a classical Chinese blue and white porcelain finish infuses the notebook with strong and diverse Asian aesthetics.

“It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with the ASUS Design Center. They were able to translate and transform my musical inspirations onto the N series notebook product design and functionality. Every detail on the N series perfectly portrays my personal taste and multimedia lifestyle,” said Jay Chou.

Enhanced sight and sound

The Intel chips in the N3 upgrade graphics and boost flexible multitasking performance while optimizing power consumption. SonicMaster incorporates grand, theater-like acoustics with the constrained physical dimensions of a notebook PC.

The audio technology delivers the clear treble and resonant bass on any portable PC. SonicMaster also enables wide-reaching and powerful surround-sound effects, creating theater-grade and highly lifelike audio.

Below are the main specifications of this collector’s item.

Model:	N43SL
Processor:	Intel Core i5-2410M (2.3GHz)
Operating system:	Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Chipset:	Mobile Intel HM65 Express chipsets
RAM:	4GB DDR3 RAM
HDD:	640GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
Display:	14.0” LED-Backlit (1366×768)
VGA:	NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M with 2GB dedicated VRAM
ODD:	SuperMulti Double Layer
WLAN:	Integrated 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Audio:	Audio by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower & SonicMaster technology
Weight:	2.4Kg (with 6-cell battery)
Dimension:	35.0(W) x 24.0(D) x 3.30 ~ 3.70 (H) cm
RSP:	$1,298 (GST Included)
Availability:	Estimated 1st – 2nd week July 2011

Tags:Asus, Bang & Olufsen, Intel, Jay Chou, launch, notebooks
Posted in Asus, Events, Gadgets, Intel, Launch, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »

Olympus launches PEN E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Olympus has just launched, worldwide, its slew of new cameras, lenses and accessories. The three new camera models include updates to the PEN E-P2 and E-PL2, as well as the new E-PM1 with a similar form factor (for the body) as the Olympus XZ-1. New and repackaged lenses are also being launched.

The new Truepic VI engine and sensor promise enhanced image quality and, together with the new auto-focusing system, deliver much faster auto-focus on these new cameras.

Olympus PEN E-P3, with the 12 mm, f/2.0 lens.

Olympus PEN E-PL3, with the 40-150 mm II R kit lens and retro lens hood.

Olympus PEN E-PM1, with the 14-42 mm II R kit lens and retro lens hood.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is here. And some of its new powerful features have also been made available to its “Lite” and “Mini” cousins: the E-PL3 and E-PM1 respectively.

Two new lenses – a 12 mm f/2.0 lens and a 45 mm f/1.8 lens – have also been introduced together with the new cameras. At the same time, two existing kit lenses has been repackaged into the 14-42 mm II R and the 40-150 mm II R to match the design of the new cameras, although the functionality remains unchanged. A new external wireless-capable flash – FL300R – was also unveiled.

The PEN E-P3 and the 12 mm f/2.0 lens is scheduled for release in Singapore on July 22, 2011, while the other camera models and lenses will only be available later. As of today’s launch, only the E-P3 was ready for shooting, while the E-PL3 was not ready to be powered on. For the E-PM1, only a mock-up was viewable in a display case.

Prices in Singapore are yet to be determined, although Adorama is taking preorders online for the PEN E-P3 (US$899 with kit lens), the 12 mm f/2.0 lens (US$799) and the 45 mm f/1.8 lens (US$399).

The launch in Singapore at the National Geographic Store in VivoCity is one of 6 venues worldwide holding the event at the same time.

“The much faster autofocus speed is achieved through the combination of four components making up the FAST <Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology> autofocus system introduced in these new cameras,” Terada Toshiyuki (寺田　利之), Group Leader of the Product and Marketing Planning Group in Olympus told me.

“This includes a new LiveMOS sensor which is driven twice as fast as current sensors, faster calculation of the contrast detection autofocus, faster communications between the camera and the lens, and reduction of the lag in activating autofocus when the shutter release button is pressed,” elaborated the Tokyo-Shinjuku based guest.

Trying out the E-P3 unit myself, I found the auto-focus almost instantaneous – even in low-light. It certainly feels much faster than the previous incarnations of cameras in the PEN series.

I found the touch-screen really addictive and easy to use – simply point at the subject you want to focus on, and the camera focuses quickly on it and takes the snapshot. No more fiddling with buttons and menu systems just to select from a limited number of focus points.

You can also use the touch screen to pre-focus in prefocus mode – simply tap the main screen where the main subject is and the camera focuses but does not release the shutter. Press the regular shutter release button to take the snapshot.

The previous PEN cameras came with auto-tracking of subjects. This works with the touch-screen as well.

Olympus claims that image quality has also been improved with the new sensor and Truepic VI engine. More realistic colour reproduction and selective brightening of back-lit subjects without the addition of noise are some of the advanced features touted.

Tags:DSLR, lens, Olympus
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Olympus, Prices, Specifications | Comments Closed

Olympus set for major product launch tomorrow

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Olympus will announce a slew of new products tomorrow (Thursday June 30th) at 6 am London time (1 pm Singapore time). Expect the E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1 and a slew of new and repackaged lens that leverage a new Truepic VI engine and faster electronic connections to provide faster auto-focus.

Is this what the new Olympus E-P3 looks like? Photo from www.43rumors.com

Olympus has been gearing up towards tomorrow’s launch event at multiple venues worldwide. There is much speculation as to what will be launched. Here are some sneak peeks. Check back for the actual specs tomorrow.

Is this what the new Olympus E-PM1 looks like? Photo from www.43rumors.com

The new Truepic VI engine promises to improve the auto-focus speed tremendously, compared to existing Olympus PEN cameras.

New camera models

E-P3. New 12 megapixel sensor with dual-processor Truepic VI engine. ISO 100 to 12,800.
E-PL3. Same sensor and af speed as the E-P3.
E-PM1. Similar compactness as the Olympus XZ-1 but without any tilt screen nor built-in flash.

New lenses

12 mm f/2.0 lens. Micro Four Thirds High Grade lens made in Japan. Full metal construction with distance scale. Filter size 46 mm with minimum focusing distance at 20 cm.
45 mm f/1.8 lens. No macro.

Reworked lenses

14-42 mm II R. Same price and optical performance as the current 14-42mm lens but with a much faster autofocus performance.
40-150 mm II R. Same price and optical performance as the current 40-150mm lens but with a much faster autofocus performance.

Accessories

FL-300R
External EVF

Tags:DSLR, lens, Olympus
Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Launch, Olympus, Specifications | No Comments »

Microsoft to release web-based Office to stave off Google

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Microsoft is offering for the first time a full Internet-based version of Office 2010, in an attempt to counter Google’s Apps for Business – the latter’s equivalent office productivity software online.

Available today in 40 markets, the cloud-based Office 365 suite of programs will cost small businesses $6 per user per month for software that includes Office Web Apps and Exchange e-mail software. For an additional $12 a month, companies can add a full version of Office, including Word and Excel programs, reports Dina Bass in Seattle for Bloomberg. The full online version of Office is a follow-up to last year’s release of the more basic Office Web Apps.

Google charges companies an annual fee $50 per user for its office-productivity software – Apps for Business, and offers a free version for consumers.

Both Microsoft and Google are going after users who want to work on applications hosted on the Internet, rather than software installed on a local hard drive.

Microsoft claims that it has almost 50 million users for its consumer version of Office Web Apps, which are scaled-down versions of the Office applications. Google claims 30 million active users for it Google Apps. This includes some 3 million corporations and other organizations that use its Apps business software.

Work on your documents anytime, anywhere. Microsoft Office 365.

This update represents the first time Microsoft will sell a full version of Office through an Internet-based cloud service, and also marks the first time companies can license the programs on a per-user, per-month basis, said Wes Miller, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft in Kirkland, Washington.

For larger businesses, $2 is enough for just basic e-mail, whereas $24 a month will get a full copy of Office and other programs like social networking and videoconferencing. These software services are an update to an earlier product called Business Productivity Online Suite, or BPOS.

“Microsoft released Office 2010 a year ago, and said earlier this month that it’s being adopted by business customers five times faster than the previous version. Sales in the business division, which is mainly revenue from Office, rose to $5.27 billion last quarter, exceeding the $4.9 billion average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. The unit is Microsoft’s biggest in terms of revenue,” reports Bass.

Tags:Apps, Google, Google Apps, Microsoft, Office, Office 365, Office Web Apps
Posted in Google, Microsoft, Office, Software | No Comments »

Seagate unveils hard disk drive for tablet computers

Monday, June 27th, 2011

The Momentus Thin drive, the world’s first 2.5-inch hard drive with a 7 mm profile, gives users 250GB of capacity which is eight times more than a standard 32GB tablet, and will be featured in the 8 and 10-inch versions of the ARCHOS G9 tablet announced today in Paris.

Seagate Momentus Thin HDD for tablets, 2.5-inch hard drive with a 7 mm profile

The Seagate Momentus Thin drive speedy notebook drive has a super-slim profile of only 7 mm making it usable for handheld tablets such as the ARCHOS G9.

“The Momentus Thin drive gives tablet buyers a compelling option, providing great storagecapacity and performance that dovetail with the processing power of the new ARCHOS products for great Android and multimedia experiences,” said Rocky Pimentel, Seagate Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

The ARCHOS 80 and 101 G9 tablets features the Seagate Momentus Thin hard drive.

The Seagate Momentus Thin hard drive is ideal for tablet computers and other ultra-portables, entry-level to high-performance laptop PCs, and slim consumer electronics devices. Features include:

Seagate SmartAlign technology to smooth the transition to 4K sectors without the need for software utilities
320GB, 250GB and 160GB capacities
7200RPM and 5400RPM spin speeds with 16MB of cache
Optional: Government-grade encryption to protect computer data where it lives – on the hard drive – for powerful data security. (The Momentus Thin drive is FIPS 140-2 certified, delivering government-grade encryption, and conforms to the Trusted Computing Group Opal specification, developed to enable the ecosystem for self-encrypting drives and increase their adoption.)

Tags:Archos, G9, HDD, Momentus Thin, Seagate
Posted in Gadgets, Launch, Seagate, Tablets | No Comments »

Company byte: Leica Camera

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Leica Camera is a German optics company that has a long heritage of over 162 years in quality German engineering. Leica makes cameras, high quality lenses and sport optic tools.

The company has been in the forefront of photojournalism and related activities – having been bestowed the Oskar Barnack Award for high quality reportage photography.

Leica Camera has presented photographs taken by international photographers through its galleries offering access to life’s hidden stories.

Follow articles related to Leica on tech4tea.com.

Tags:cameras, Leica, lens, optics
Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, Company byte, DSLR, Gadgets, Leica, Lens | 5 Comments »

Day at the Frankfurt Zoo

Friday, June 24th, 2011

A special day out for the children who have been such charms throughout the holiday. We visited one of the oldest zoos in the world and rounded off the day at the Römerberg.

Apart from animals, the Frankfurt Zoo had a fun playground for kids.

The Zoologischer Garten of Frankfurt/Main features over 5,000 animals of more than 600 species on more than 13 hectares in the eastern part of the Innenstadt (inner city). The zoo was founded in 1858 and is the second oldest Zoo in Germany – after the Berlin Zoo which opened its doors in 1844.

The Römerberg is the old city square of Frankfurt. On the eastern side is a group of half-timbered houses called the Ostzeiles.

As it was a public holiday (Corpus Christi) for the state of Hesse, the zoo was crowded with local Frankfurters taking their family for the day out. Arriving in the late morning, I encountered for the first time the difficulty of finding a parking lot since all the lots along the roads within half a kilometer of the zoo were occupied.

Parking in Frankfurt

The rules for city parking are relatively simple – you can park anywhere along the road as long as it hasn’t been marked as no parking areas – and as long as it’s not blocking an access road or garage. Look at other cars or road signs that specify whether you’re to park on the road, fully on the curb or with two wheels on the curb.

Feeding time for the Alpacas. Taken with an Olympus E5 DSLR.

Some are free-of-charge, while others you pay for the amount of time you want to park at a meter which then issues you a ticket with the expiry time that you display on the dashboard. Some lots allow parking for only a limited period of time whether for free or paid. For free limited time parking, you have to display this special indicator that shows the time that you started parking. And – avoid handicapped lots unless you want your car towed away.

Beautiful restored half-timbered houses around the Römerberg.

With the narrow streets, you can’t just stop the car on the road, like in an HDB car park, and wait for someone to come along to vacate his lot – especially when the tram shares the road with cars as well. You’ve got to keep moving and hope to spot a parking space.

I was fortunate in that after going a few rounds around where the Zoo was located, I came upon a car that was just leaving – and it was right next to the entrance. It was a matter of right time, right place – any faster or slower and the driver in front or behind me would have bagged that lot.

Zoologischer Garten

The zoo itself was great fun. It was not slick or anything but thoroughly enjoyable. As with other sights in Germany, the entire place was impeccably clean even though we didn’t see any cleaners. The zoo keepers were also a rare sight except during the shows.

I've never been so up close and personal with a gorilla before.

But the enclosures were very well designed – there were plenty of glass panels through which visitors could view the animals close-up. I got so close-up to a Gorilla I had difficulty focusing the camera on his face!

An okapi getting at the leaves with its long tongue.

The Singapore Zoo and a couple of other zoos we’d visited also features these close-up viewing glass panels, but there’re only one for each animal. Over here, you could easily have more than two such panels for an animal.

The highlight was their primate exhibit, featuring gorillas, orang utans and chimpanzees and a type of chimpanzee called the Bonobo that I felt was more human-like than the usual chimpanzees in terms of torso proportions and facial expressions. There was even this fingernail and toenail biting specimen than reminded me of some humans I’ve seen!

There were also okapis, an aquarium, and a tigress nursing two cubs.

Römerberg

After the zoo’s closure at 7 pm, we drove to the Römerberg – Frankfurt’s old city square.

The Römer, or City Hall sits on the Western side of the Römerberg.

On one side of the square is the Römer, which had been the Rathaus or City Hall for 600 years. On the opposite side is a row of half-timbered houses called Ostzeiles. These look remarkably new because the originals from the 15th century had been badly damaged during the Second World War and had to be rebuilt.

Alte Nikolaikirche, crane behind the church removed using Photoshop CS5.

Dim interior of the Protestant church shot handheld with an Olympus E5 DSLR.

Dom St. Bartholomaus, seen from the Schirn Kunsthalle - the cultural exhibition center next to the Römerberg.

We visited the quaint St Nicholas’ Church on a third side of the square, and Saint Bartholomaus’ Cathedral behind the Ostzeiles.

The Protestant Alte Nikolaikirche is an early-Gothic church from the 12th century.

The Dom St Bartholomaus is the largest ecclesiastical building in Frankfurt, and was used for the election and coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors from 1356 and 1562 respectively until 1792. Heavily damaged during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in 1953.

Tags:Frankfurt, Germany, parking, Römerberg, travel, Zoo
Posted in Germany 2011, Travel | No Comments »

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