Mar.20
2009
2009
Here’s a cool video from Microsoft about the future of computing.
Mar.16
2009
2009
The topic of geo-targeting content has come up from time to time here at work but I’ve never taken the time to really implement it. So today I’ve been searching around for a solution and notice that it usually entails purchasing an IP database and a subscription for updates.
The idea of paying for something before testing out the implementation never sits well for me. So I was surprise to find www.hostip.info Community GeoTarget IP Project. Much like open source, everyone contributes to keep the database updated. Best of all, the API queries are free.
Here’s a sample of the API for a simple GET:
http://api.hostip.info/country.php
US
http://api.hostip.info/get_html.php?ip=12.215.42.19
Country: UNITED STATES (US)
City: Sugar Grove, IL
http://api.hostip.info/get_html.php?ip=12.215.42.19&position=true
Country: UNITED STATES (US)
City: Sugar Grove, IL
Latitude: 41.7696
Longitude: -88.4588
http://api.hostip.info/?ip=12.215.42.19
[use the URL above for an example - XML too long to paste below]
US
http://api.hostip.info/get_html.php?ip=12.215.42.19
Country: UNITED STATES (US)
City: Sugar Grove, IL
http://api.hostip.info/get_html.php?ip=12.215.42.19&position=true
Country: UNITED STATES (US)
City: Sugar Grove, IL
Latitude: 41.7696
Longitude: -88.4588
http://api.hostip.info/?ip=12.215.42.19
[use the URL above for an example - XML too long to paste below]
Use the API with a wget or a curl operation and you’re set.
Mar.13
2009
2009
I picked up the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1 MP full frame camera about a month ago. The low light performance is outstanding. Iso 3200 is virtually noise free and iso 6400 is perfectly usable. Community consensus says spend your money on quality lens rather than upgrading the camera body. In this case, I disagree. While adding a lens to your arsenal is always a good thing, the change in body technology basically upgrade your entire lens collection. Those f/4 you own can now be used indoors and that 50mm f/1.4 is now a cat eye in darkness. Justification may be warrented in my case since I moved up about 3 generation from a 30D. The other glaring feature that cannot be overlooked is the HD video capabilities. 1920x1080p video at 30fps with stereo sound and the ability to use the entire EOS line of lenses makes this one sweet production camera. Of course the low light performance in video is equally amazing.
I can’t do this camera justice with a proper review so read at: www.dpreview.com. But here are my pros and cons:
PROS:
1. Noise free high iso capabilities.
2. 21.1 Megapixels. You can crop your crops.
3. Full Frame
4. 1080p video
5. 3 inch 920,000 dot LCD monitor
CONS:
1. Large file size
2. Lack of manual controls in video mode
3. Center auto focus still the same as previous generation
