Boots that last!

Since we gave them to her we have not been able to get them off her feet!
Read Sheryn’s Ecco Terra VG first report:

Images by Sheryn and Michael Ellis (C)

They arrived to me by default I must admit, as they were originally sent to Danielle to trial. In her own words, ‘for every negative there is a positive’, and this positive has been mine!

And they have not been off my feet! Never before have I had a pair of shoes that I can wear all day, every day - until now. I’ve already put them through a harsh outback trip, worn them non-stop for 3 months through water, mud and slosh and they now they are on my feet every day while I roam around Japan - yes it's typhoon season and I sure am getting a taste of it!

Some facts about these amazing shoes of 'mine': Released in April this year, this boot is made for those of us who like the outdoors and want a boot that will last. Made from a combination of yak leather, which is three times stronger than cow leather, and GORE-TEX, which provides waterproof protection, the ECCO Terra VG shoes are durable and ideal for any terrain.

So what are my top points on this new shoe? ECCO’s own full length Receptor® Technology system provides internal support and cushioning, ensuring toe to heel comfort with every step I take. The shoes are also light, flexible and breathable; must-have features for anyone looking for high-performance shoes especially in a variety of conditions. The sole of the ECCO Terra VG is direct-injected PU (Polyurethane), which permanently bonds the shoe’s midsole, outsole and upper together aiding in-shock absorbency, to protect the knees, hips and back – thanks ECCO!

At times, even after reading the extensive research that has gone into making these shoes, I forget why walking in them from the moment I awake to the time I pull them off at night is effortless. There is more than 40 years of ECCO working with some of the world’s leading biochemists to study the human foot. Advanced technology has created a shoe not only with ultimate comfort but unsurpassed performance.

How do I know this? Well my partner Michael bought a similar pair of boots, before our trip to outback Australia, from a regular brand name. We both strode through salt filled lakes, churned through mud and were at times ankle deep in water. On returning his are already showing fatigue around the seams, stitching is rotting in places broken and the soles are starting to separate. Mine are perfect and look the same as the day I pulled them out of the box.

No, I must admit, I am not sorry they did not fit Danielle as I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride and will report back to let you know how they stand up after another trip or two - yes I've already planned my next trip to the Cairns region in November. If I was a betting person I would definitely bet on their longevity – let’s say as a rough outdoors type I reckon I’ll get a good 10 years out them. Lets’ say I even buy a lotto ticket on it!

Well done ECCO!

RRP: $299.95 shoe; $329.95 boot. More: http://www.ecco.com/

Images by Sheryn and Michael Ellis (C)

New Lowepro Camera Pouches For Protection of Compact Cameras

Lowepro have released four new fantastic pouches for compact cameras! Each is stylish, solid, flexible and colourful and show Lowepro’s commitment to keeping with the trends. They have caught our eye and better still one is right on time for the ladies to accessorise for Melbourne Cup Day!

The Volta A classic black solid carrying case with a sculpted, modern smooth finish and design. It’s slim and crafted of moulded EVA foam to protect contents from bumps and scratches. Comes in three different sizes and each has an interior slip pocket that can store a battery or memory card and an integrated belt loop. Zip is very good quality. Ideal for compact camera, mobile phone or MP3 player and the larger size can fit a GPS unit. VOLTA 10: available in Silver, Black and Red. Interior: 7.0W x 2.5D x 10.4H cm; Exterior: 8.0W x 3.3D x 12.1H cm. RRP $18.95 VOLTA 20: available in Black. Interior: 7.6W x 2.5D x 11.5H cm; Exterior: 8.7W x 3.3D x 12.8H cm RRP $19.95 VOLTA 30: available in Silver, Black and Red; Interior: 9.0W x 2.5D x 12.7H cm; Exterior: 10.1W x 3.3D x 14.0H cm RRP $21.95

Varia Pouch Colour accessorise with these! Made of stretchy neoprene it protects small digital devices. Handy detachable wrist strap and shuts securely with a dual-zipper closure. The Varia 10: available in Raspberry, Black, Teal, True Blue and Red. Interior: 11.5W x 1.8D x 7.5H cm Exterior: 12W x 2.8D x 8H cm RRP is $16.95 D-Pods 25 The latest release in the D-Pod family it’s built for today’s popular Canon G10 and the Nikon P6000 for instance. Composed of stretchy and protective neoprene, each includes: a memory card slot on inside flap; front pocket for batteries or small items; hook/loop closure for quick access. Multiple carrying options, plus a removable shoulder strap with sturdy metal snaphooks. The D-pod 25: available in Black. Interior: 7.3 x 4.3 x 11.3 cm RRP is $32.00

Melbourne 10 Just in time for the big race this is a fun, colorful pouch providing an easy way to carry and keep your digital accessories organized. 2 attractive print designs to choose from. Made of stretchy neoprene with smooth, single-zipper closures. Thread your camera strap through the side loop to create an instant carrying handle. Why not collect in multiples to colour-code all of your gear! The Melbourne 10: available in Black Chainlink, Arctic Blue Chainlink, Fern Floral and Red Floral. Interior: 11.5W x 1.8D x 7.5H cm RRP is $14.95 www.lowepro.com.

Tips For Keeping Your Camera Sensor Free of Dust

At present South East Queensland is experiencing, the worst dust storm, so they tell us, in history. Well this got me thinking, what are we to do? Keep our cameras safe and sound in doors or get out there and record it? Well the answer is fairly obvious for us all, isn’t it?

Dust is a killer to the digital camera’s sensors! The sensor acts like a magnet and sucks that dust right in.

When working in dusty conditions, and let’s for the sake of things include windy beach conditions as well, keep your camera in a sealed bag when not in use. Consider using a cover for your bag to decrease the amount of dust/sand that can rest on it and then fall into it during opening.

If you can, DON’T change lenses in dusty/sandy conditions. If you have to, try to get into a closed space such as a vehicle to do this. Before changing your lens, turn your camera off and clean around the lens on the camera with a fine brush and cloth. Point the camera to the ground, not upwards – it’s the old law of gravity here working to help us keep dust out.

Try and predict which lens you may use the most for that shoot and have it already on. This is where all purpose lenses are handy in the kit.

Have a UV filter on every lens you own.

Keep wiping your hands. Dust and sand will settle on your hands and if you then go and change a lens could fall into your camera. Dust particles can be minute and unable to be seen by the human eye.

Keep a clean cloth for wiping your lens – DO NOT clean your lens with scratchy material such as a shirt. Use the special clothes to gently remove the build up of dust/sand from your lens.

Don’t clean your own camera’s sensor. I know there are people out there with all sorts of gimmicky equipment to allow you to do it yourself. Our advice is don’t do it!

Keep your camera bag clean. Vacuum it out and shake it upside down. Don’t forget the pockets too.

This image was shot during the dust storm sweeping acorss south-east Queensland today.
Image by Danielle Lancaster