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Johnnie Behiri's videos
43. 24h in 25p-night Shot with Nikon D4
by Johnnie Behiri
3 weeks ago
42. 24h in 25p-day Shot with Nikon D4
by Johnnie Behiri
3 weeks ago
41. Austria Czech Nuclear
by Johnnie Behiri
2 months ago
40. Vienna coffee houses-Working with the Sony NEX5n f…
by Johnnie Behiri
2 months ago
39. "forever-a while"- Shot with Sony A-65
by Johnnie Behiri
5 months ago
38. C5D video review: Ace-Sachtler's very affordable t…
by Johnnie Behiri
5 months ago
37. C5D Video Review: SONY HX9V – almost the ultimate …
by Johnnie Behiri
6 months ago
36. Vienna's vineyards shot on Sony HX9V
by Johnnie Behiri
6 months ago
35. Inside Arnold Schwarzenegger's museum in Austria
by Johnnie Behiri
6 months ago
34. "LOVE". A Sony HX9V test
by Johnnie Behiri
8 months ago
33. "The Freedom To Move"
by Johnnie Behiri
8 months ago
32. Bionic reconstruction
by Johnnie Behiri
9 months ago
31. Palace vs. Technicolor CineStyle picture profile-s…
by Johnnie Behiri
9 months ago
30. Palace vs. Technicolor CineStyle profile-Before
by Johnnie Behiri
9 months ago
29. Palace vs. Technicolor CineStyle profile-After
by Johnnie Behiri
9 months ago
28. Kata's VDSLR rain covers solution highlight review
by Johnnie Behiri
10 months ago
27. Kata's VDSLR bags highlight review
by Johnnie Behiri
11 months ago
26. Cineroid EVF-review
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
25. Heroes by Rokitansky- Music video
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
24. The evolution of a VDSLR "ENG style" rig
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
23. NG-"Africa bag collection" making of
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
22. impulstanz 2010 commercial
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
21. Cucumbers
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
20. Antony Gormley in the Austrian Alps-Walk and Talk
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
19. Antony Gormley in the Alps
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
18. NG "Africa"
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
17. North Korean exhibition MAK museum, Vienna
by Johnnie Behiri
1 year ago
See the related article on cinema5D: cinema5d.com/news/?p=7468

Reviewer: Johnnie Behiri
Second Opinion: Sebastian Wöber

Big Thanks to Alexander Boboschewski for providing the studio and lighting:
bobo.at

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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Johnnie, absolutely FANTASTIC and USEFUL review. I am a 640x480 "crayolacam" shooter taking a baby step up to HD and ideally better audio. I haven't had enough time to really play with this camera before I fly to Peru Tuesday, so I am going to have to set it up just exactly like you have instructed, and hope for the best.

    1. It is a pity this cam doesn't have an external mike. What would you recommend? B&H are open tomorrow and its my last chance so suggest away! I'm shooting a 20 minute video to encourage donors to give money to a remote Orphanage and it's risky where we're going - I needed a camera that could do one-handed operation, on a bicycle at 16,000 feet, and not intimidate people with and without guns in the remote parts of the Amazon. Example from 2004 (320x240 3.2mpix Canon Elph!): galfromdownunder dot com slash movies slash peru. Note that I am only showing you this to underscore the need for one-handed operation and stealth otherwise - I know I'm going to be laughed off this site daring to mention it. You might say GoPro - I am taking that too for some variety - but you can't easily be a one-person crew and point it at yourself midstream.
    2. I'm also taking along a Canon SD100 as a backup - or maybe the primary depending on whether I can bone up on the Sony fast enough - it shoots 1080p at 24fps, and is more known for its great stills. Do you think it would do adequate video more easily?
    Thank you, fantastic, life-saving review!
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Dear Galfromdownunder (hope I made no mistake spelling the name)...

    Thanks for taking the time watching the video and commenting.
    From your post I can understand you already have the camera. Just a quick question: Is the Sony NEX 5n an option for you? This camera which is a bit more expensive will give you greater flexibility with what you do. (video wise not audio).
    Now, assuming you go with the HX9V, I will try and answer your questions....
    -Audio. If you have the money to invest, go with the Marantz PMD620. True, not cheap but this unit is one of the standard BBC portable audio recording devices and will not let you down sound quality wise. (sorry I have no experience with the new and cheaper Tascam DR-40. I can only say I am very unhappy with the DR-100. Very noisy pre-amps).
    -Make sure you get a good small directional mic, one that can be connected to the recorder. (maybe attaching the mic to your helmet in a secure way and wire it to the recorder will "free" you to record video.
    -Go Pro. Make sure you get the latest version "HD hero2" if possible.
    -I am not familiar with the Canon so I can not advice here.

    -Please remember:
    1-The small Sony camera tends to overexpose, so after switching it on (if you have the time) dial down 1 or 2 "EV" notch.
    2-In order to avoid the auto focus to "hunt", be on the "wide angle side" of the lens and if needed get closer to the one you are filming. (it will help with audio too).
    2-The camera also has a very nice and easy "Panorama" picture mode. I bet you will have great fun using it...
    3-Extra batteries and SD cards are needles to mention :)

    Take care, enjoy your trip and come back safely.

    Johnnie

    P.S- After watching you wonderful video again I recognized that an external mic might be a bit bulky for you to use. I don't know " how much time you will have for setup" or "how important the audio quality is for you" but the "recorder internal mics only" will probably be the option you choose. I hope the Marantz will do. I've always used it in conjunction with external pro mics attached...
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Johnnie! Thank you so much!
    I was a bit confused, I think you seem to have two postings of this same video on Vimeo, one at vimeo.com/27479517, so this looks like this is my own private question area! I hope you don't mind me asking a few novice questions as I madly pack and try to learn this thing all at the same time...
    1. Sony NEX - lovely, but not that pocketable and one-handed, right?
    2. In a pinch, can one turn off the video and just use the camera as a stereo recording device? Again, on a boat going up the Amazon in the dark I'm not sure how many "things" I want to be juggling at once.
    3. Speaking of dark, how do you deal with that? Most simple cameras do nice low light stills these days, but this doesn't happen with video, right? So strap a Maglight to your head?
    4. The Tascam has good reviews on B&H, hope it doesn't scare the Peruvian kids away, it looks like something you pull a wisdom tooth with :o) I want it mainly to capture street music etc to put to the video later.
    PS! A friend came up with an interesting idea - buy one of these and use it with my iPhone!
    bhphotovideo.com/c/product/388984-REG/Sony_ECMDS30P_ECM_DS30P_Compact_Stereo.html
    - OK, don't laugh too hard... :o)
    5. Oops, sorry, I mean Canon S100 - a world away from their other p&s's, and apparently the pro choice for a pocket P&S - I bought it as a backup: dpreview.com/previews/canons100/ - it does 1080p @ 24fps though - could I mix and match video from both cameras if the need arises (like one flaking out on me?). I was planning to use this as the primary to keep things simple but the Sony seduced me somehow...
    6. I worked out how to do that EV as a custom button (yay!). So press it before the red one every time? Just down 2 notches, right?
    7. Did you find the operation pretty slow - seems to spend a fair bit of time saying "Accessing" etc and between record-review?
    8. The great thing about this is you can shoot decent stills while recording - something that no other compact does. Or do you think it's fine to take a still from the footage in Post Prod?
    9. Is there a difference between shooting at the highest MP4 setting vs AVCHD setting? I was thinking to try and save space - I see my Mac doesn't open these MTS files (using Quicktime Pro for quick looks and rough edits and iMovie for the rest - I did say I was crayolacam - but planning to switch to FCX or whatever you suggest is easiest and fastest to learn when I get back in 3 weeks (I have a deadline).
    I really appreciate any pointers you have and am kicking myself for not having time to play with it fully earlier. I am trying to work out how to get the manual to open on the Mac!
    10. Finally - you said to set PS mode. I have to produce 100 copies of this on DVD to give to prospective donors to the Orphanage. When I move it to that setting it says "Cannot be saved to Blu Ray/DVD at 60p in this mode." Is it still OK or should I set a lower setting?
    Thanking you. Dashing out now to see if Adorama have 16gb cards in Stock - B&H all sold out!
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Hi there. Will try and be short and not interrupt with the packing process...
    Indeed the video is appearing in 2 places, here and the cinema5d Vimeo account.

    1-The NEX 5 will serve you better in the long run if you are into serious filming and photography. Together with the Sony 16mm it is very pocketable. Best will be to buy it together with the kit lens and the 16mm. (both lenses and the camera body are sold as a kit).
    Mind you that filming with a big sensor camera like the 5n requires some practice.
    2-Not sure I understand....Using the camera as an audio device?. Doable but you will have no control on sound levels and way to monitor it.
    3-The Sony HX9V is very bad when in comes to filming video in low/no light!. (again, it is an all automatic camera when in video mode). I am using LED light(s) to compensate.
    4-Not sure which Tascam...Maybe the new cheaper one. Again, if you can invest in the Marantz you will not be disappointed.
    5-The strength of the small Sony is when shooting in 1080/60p (not 60i). The Canon is doing 1080/24p. Look wise it is completely different ("news look" vs. "film look"). The little Sony can do 24p but you will have a bit more artifacts in the picture and loose the ability to make nice slow motion if needed.
    6-Yes before pressing REC. and every time (if you switch the camera off the EV default when turning it a gain on is "0". 1 or 2 notches down depends on the outdoor light strength (you want to avoid "over exposed images").
    7-You are right. Operation is slow. Also after recording a segment the camera is "thinking"...
    8-You can not take pictures during recording a video. You have to stop recording first. Resolution of a "real still" is higher, so it is better. If you do decide to extract a still from the video make sure your camera is set to 1080/60p
    9-Don't save space...If you shoot 1080/60p AVCHD is the only option, if you shoot 1080/24p then you must use MP4.

    I am not a MAC user. BUT, try and drag the all folder not only the video file.
    Alternatively you can try using this free method:
    1. Go to media-converter.sourceforge.net/ and download the free software
    2. Open the Media converter and go to -> Preferences-->Presets-->Get More Presets
    3. Download "Re-wrap AVCHD for Quicktime - uncompressed Audio" (free).

    That's it. Your transcoded quicktime footage will be ready for editing in seconds!

    Regarding the Sony mic...your handheld audio recorder internal microphones should give the same results, but this must be checked and be compered to the iPhone quality ....

    All the best and most important, ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!

    Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Thank you Johnnie. I think I better invest in the NEX when I know what I am doing :o) It was indeed very nice fondling it in Adorama today, where I just dropped another $300.
    1. I now have one of these attached to my iPhone 4S just to see how it goes - if it looks successful I can progress to the Marantz: bhphotovideo.com/c/product/388984-REG/Sony_ECMDS30P_ECM_DS30P_Compact_Stereo.html
    2. Do you mind explaining what exactly you mean by this: "In order to avoid the auto focus to "hunt", be on the "wide angle side" of the lens and if needed get closer to the one you are filming. (it will help with audio too)."
    3. I know you only speak of video, but I just did a couple of still shots with the camera here indoors and night and it shoots a very pink almost RED cast - on Auto or Intelligent Auto. Any idea why it would be doing that? I'd hate all my stills to look like that.
    4. Just to clarify - hitting the shutter DOES take a still and the video keeps going - only it's a still at that resolution? I guess you're saying don't bother with it.
    5. What do you use to store your video - on the road - one of those NEXTO or Sanhro SD card reader/storage units? Or just back up to a drive?
    6. I'm going to try that sourceforge thing now... thank you again.
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Hi and sorry for my late response.

    1-Good luck and report to "home base" how was your experience....
    2-There is no way to "lock focus" with this automatic camera when shooting video. One of the ways to make it easier on the "auto focus system" is to keep the focal length wide so if you need to "be closer to a subject" just physically get closer. (sure you can zoom in order to "get closer" but see how good or bad you camera auto focus hunts). Audio wise, the camera internal mic will capture audio better when you are closer to your "talking subject" so syncing audio with your external audio device is easier for the software, or you, doing it).
    3-I never use any "auto" with this camera when shooting pictures. All is on M mode.
    4-Some cameras can take a stills picture while the camera is recording video. This one can not.
    So, either take a stills picture in the highest res the camera can offer or extract a frame from the video in a lower res. Both are OK methods depends on the situation you are in.
    5-I have a small cheap old Asus netbook that I use as a "back up storage room".
    6-Good luck!!!

    Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Danke Johnnie,

    I just landed in Lima. I certainly don't expect you to answer any of this but I really appreciate it - like I have a "lifeline."

    (First frustration: I bought this $150 backup device just yesterday from Adorama:
    adorama.com/ICDFP500.html and cannot for the life of me get it to do anything. It just sits there. I wouldn't be surprised if there's no drive in it at all, just a couple of lights)

    I spent 8 hours on the plane studying the enormous HX9V manual. Holy moly this camera detects faces moving in and out of frame (celeb spotting?) and degrees of smile from smirk to Cheshire cat? And two-shots to solve the blinking problem? !!!

    1. One thing I read is that if you film at the highest setting (1080p/PS) you can't make a DVD? Or do you have to "downgrade" it? I am supposed to deliver a 20 min DVD.

    2. Thank you SO much for the Media Converter link - .MOV to a Mac user (as opposed to .MTS file via VLC) is music to our ears. But why does Sony create all those files - do I need them, or just the PRIVATE>AVCHD>BDMV>STREAM>.MTS file. What is that long path all about?

    3. I tested out the SONY stereo mike on my iPhone 4S and the output from the iPhone alone seems to sound better :o( bhphotovideo.com/c/product/388984-REG/Sony_ECMDS30P_ECM_DS30P_Compact_Stereo.html
    However, every iPhone owner on the plane it was uh, incredibly cool. I think the instructions say it has to be "powered" - making me think that you have to plug in the phone (defeating the purpose).

    4. Discovered this camera chews through battery power. I have to go hunt down 2 more batteries I think, from Ripleys the camera store here in Mira Flores.

    5. I see that you CAN shoot a still while a movie is running (called Dual Rec) - but sadly, in all but the highest quality 1080p AVCHD mode!

    Oh no, 3.31am and I have to be up and 7 to start crayolacamming ... buenas nochas ...
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Just some observations before I jump on a boat down the Amazon - the camera doesn't lighten foreground in movie mode - is there a difference between leaving the mode dial on Intelligent Auto vs Movie Mode? - Stills under incandescent light are very red - the operation is very tricky - sometimes it starts filming from Standby when you least expect it...
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Dear Gwunder.

    Sorry to hear your are having some troubles with the camera. Why not to switch to the Canon assuming you know and can control it better?.

    It is not easy giving "remote advice" from the comfort of the living room while you are struggling in the Amazon but some of the problems you are reporting do not sound like a "normal" camera behavior. Sadly, not much I can do from here...

    Thanks.

    Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    No prob Johnnie! Your advice has been extremely helpful. Finally worked out how to adjust white balance on the Sony. Pity there aren't more preset buttons so you can hit 'em instantly. But it does produce nice, smooth video. Have posted some samples from both cameras on my Facebook page plus a snippet. facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150400850331590.375999.523631589&type=1
    Mas tarde!
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Sorry, getting the "this page is not available" message when trying to access the Facebook link
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  • Alvin Trace 3 months ago
    Hey Johnnie,
    Just wondering what you think of the video capabilities of the new Sony A65. I do mostly nature stills and video. I'm wondering if the 23 mp chip is as good as the numbers state? I've enjoyed your feedback on the HX9V. I'm seriously thinking about getting one after watching your video and the videos that Jeen de Vos shot. Keep up the good work.
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Hi Alvin. Sorry for my late response. You can check out a test I did with the A65 here: vimeo.com/29245251 The 24MP is relevant for still photography only. In HD video we are using only 2MP. Actualy the high count of pixels means LESS light sensitivity since more smaller pixels are packed on a given size of sensor (APS-C in our case). The camera is nice but will not make me change my Canon 7D, instead I got the Sony NEX5n as a back up camera to play with and test. The HX9V is very nice but limited to automatic control most of the time (Jeen is an amazing shooter and was able to trick it so you don't see the limitations...) so depends on your needs and budget choose the camera right for you. Thanks. Johnnie
  • Alvin Trace 3 months ago
    Thanks for the info, Johnnie!
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Johnnie, just got off a 52-hour boat transit down the Amazon pretty filthy but lots of cool video. Think I've partially worked out how to set this thing up for easy use - you probably said this already (can't recall): have it always on Program Auto mode with EV down a couple of notches as you advised. Set up the Custom button to let you do the WB One Push Set (because it resets every time you turn off camera). Mode dial on Program Auto lets you shoot video as well as stop and do a still immediately. However the camera started malfunctioning a little (zoom wouldn't retract for a while) perhaps due to humidity. So I put it in a cloth bag in a bag of rice (arroz) I got from the cook down on the lower deck. Camera does tend to operate very slow in movie mode but shots are fast. Background defocus is a treat (when it works). (PS perhaps you cannot see FB because we have to be friends or you have to have an account? IN Iquitos, Peru. Lynette Chiang.
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 3 months ago
    Lynette, good to know you are doing well and handling the situation admaierly! I'm confidant the footage you got is very nice. When back home from my short journey I will "Facebook us together" ... All the best and I'm crossing fingers no more rice will be needed for operating the camera any time soon...Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 3 months ago
    Johnny,
    1. How do you rig your LED lights to shoot better in low light? Do you duct tape them to the camera?
    2. I've only been here 9 days and already racked up 115 gb of video and stills. Looking ahead, I'm worried my MacBook Pro is going to choke under it all. What would you recommend for editing - a) drop a ton of money on a newer, bigger Macbook and run FCPX? b) Buy a Windows laptop and run Adobe Premiere or similar, and dedicate that machine to editing movies only?
    3. I think the worst thing about this camera is the almost unusable LCD in bright sunlight. I see why you bolted that sight thing onto it but that certainly doesn't make it very pocketable
    4. A warning to everyone traveling O/S - buy extra battery at home - I had to buy a third battery here and the dang thing cost me $54 - 3x what it cost in the States!
    Mas tarde...
    PS It would be wonderful of Jeen is willing to share some of his/her HX9V secret tricks that you mentioned!
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 2 months ago
    GWnuder, hope all is well. Sorry for my late responses. It is a crazy month work wise and Dec is even harder...

    Regarding your questions:

    -I don't use this camera on professional shoot out anymore since I have the NEX5n as a replacement. As such I use a small rig or "cage" to put the LED light on it.
    -I am a PC guy and can not help Mac wise. AVCHD is demanding on a laptop. I am Premiere guy but you will have to do your own decision here..:)
    -I have the Zacuto viewfinder attached to the camera so I can use the LCD also in bright light. I could not have worked differently. It is not the "pocketable" thing for me, it is more usability.
    -I am sure if you contact Jeen directly he will answer. He is a very nice person!.

    Thanks!

    Johnnie
    -
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  • Galfromdownunder 2 months ago
    Dear Johnnie, I'm back from Peru in one piece, and now sitting down with FCPX to wade through all the footage over Christmas (Unfortunately my LaCie Rugged backup drive was missing from my checked bag as it merrily went around the carousel UNZIPPED at Newark airport - now I see one just like it on Craigslist NYC ... hmmm). Just wanted to thank you SO MUCH for your generous time and help. The Media Converter tip was great as FCPX doesn't seem to want to import the .MTS files that came off the SONY. You gave me so much confidence as I was sitting in that boat fiddling with that camera! Hope to stay in touch and it's great (and not surprising at all) that your talent is so much in demand.
  • Johnnie Behiri plus 2 months ago
    Dear GWunder. Sorry for my late response. I am now back home after a long project too....

    Glad to know you are safely back!

    No need to thank. We are all on the same side of the coin...Better hang to each other then be hanged next to....:)

    Thank you for your kind words, please stay in touch and looking forward seeing the end result.

    Happy holidays.

    Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 1 month ago
    Hola Johnnie,
    I have put together (rather hastily) the 90 second trailer and the 20 min video. Confession: up against the wire, I discovered FCPX does have a learning curve that made it impossible for me to meet my screaming deadline, so I had to resort to *blush* good old iMovieHD which I know inside out (and which is no longer being enhanced or bugs fixed so it was a kind of farewell to it.)

    So here's the trailer: vimeo.com/34936378 - unfortunately because it's iMovieHD, the 60fps went down the tubes and it's just 30fps. And in my haste I completely forgot to check the widescreen and deinterlace boxes so it's letterboxed, bah! (I did do it for the 20 minute one, though!)

    But the client is thrilled and I guess that's all that matters. I credit you of course everywhere I can - on the movies and my blog post galfromdownunder.blogspot.com/2011/11/booking-it-along-amazon-with-pactour.html
    because again, I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your generous and egoless help with the SONY. It's an amazing little camera, despite its limitations. The background defocus button tricked my friends into thinking I had a fancy DSLR!
    If you ever come to NYC please look me up so we can go have a Stumptown latte and talk video. Except you have to bring over some lebkuchen! I will friend you on FB if I can find you.
    Vielen dank, Lynette
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  • Johnnie Behiri plus 1 month ago
    Dear Lynette.
    I'm so proud in what you've achieved!
    I am the last to give marks, but your ability and courageous to go out there with a new camera, do a great job, take the responsibility and stand behind the results is truly impressive!.

    Looking forward seeing the full 20 min.
    Oh and the pictures on your blog are very nice too!

    As a "fake" Austrian and someone who dose not speaks German I promise if ever in NYC to bring the cake and Mozartkugel...:)

    Please stay in touch.

    Johnnie
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  • Galfromdownunder 1 month ago
    Oh no! I apologize. I have no idea why I thought you were German/Austrian because now I see your last name is definitely from somewhere else. I'm a fake Chinese. And Australian. Yes, bring the milliaramstrudel!
    Re the 20 min, I believe need to have a copyright license to use footage of a friend singing just 6 bars of a pop song badly and acapella in the bathroom, correct?
    Looks like I'm going to have to recycle my old sad song again!
    youtube.com/watch?v=P2LEO59EZ1Y
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  • Johnnie Behiri plus 1 month ago
    Hi there. I am back.....had to work a bit...

    Hope all is well and the search for music is not that difficult. (you can try here: akmmusic.co.uk/ very honest people and an OK modestly priced selection of music).

    btw, I did a short BBC feature with the Sony NEX5n which is a step up from the lovely HX9V.

    More details here: vimeo.com/33429338

    Thank you!

    Johnnie
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  • Luc 2 weeks ago
    can you review the Sony A65?
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