This is The Digital Story Podcast #920, Nov. 7, 2023. Today's theme is "How Lightroom Desktop Saved the Day." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Like most of you, I have the $9.99 a month Adobe Photography Plan that includes Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Lightroom Desktop, and Lightroom Mobile. And even though Lightroom isn't my primary photo management app, at times, I find it very useful. Over the last month was one of those times, and on today's TDS Photography Podcast, I'll share with you why. I hope you enjoy the show.

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How Lightroom Desktop Saved the Day

For the last few years, I've been using a combination of Capture One Pro and Photos for macOS to manage my pictures. Photos is great for my iPhone shots, and Capture One Pro works well for my professional assignment work. But I also maintain my Adobe Photography Plan because there are times I find it very useful.

That became even more the case with the recent Lightroom Desktop update, V7.0, that allowed images to be stored locally, as well as in the cloud. I like Lightroom Desktop because it has most of the tools I need in an easy, uncomplicated interface. But having to wrestle with my Adobe Cloud account hindered its usefulness for me. When Adobe allowed for local storage as well, that thrilled me.

Now I can point Lightroom Desktop to my organized picture folders on my hard drive without worrying about exceeding my Cloud storage limit. I can use its cool tools such as the new AI Denoise or Lens Blur for any RAW file on my hard drive. I was really thrilled. But, a turn of events made this even more important.

RAW Files from the Nikon Zf

When I was testing the Nikon Zf for my published review of it, of course I needed to see how its RAW files performed. At first, Capture One couldn't read them. I was using 16.2.2. Then I saw an update was available: 16.2.5. Right on! I downloaded it and added my perpetual license key. The updated version would not accept it and insisted that I needed to pay $200 for an upgrade to 16.2.5. Pay for an update to a dot release!

I trashed the new version and went back to 16.2.2. And I decided that I was going to use Lightroom for working with the RAW files for the Zf.

One of the really good things about Adobe is that they are on top of RAW file updates. This is really important when you test new cameras as I do. And since Lightroom Desktop was more flexible than before, this became my workflow for the Zf.

I have 20 GBs of Cloud space to work with as part of my Adobe Photography Plan. Lightroom Desktop now allows me to load all of my Zf files locally, then decide which ones, if any, I send to Cloud storage. I do this for my favorites because then I can view them, and tweak if necessary, using Lightroom Mobile on my iPhone. It's the best of both worlds.

Adobe Decoding of Nikon's RAW Files

Over the last week, I was covering our Wine Country Photography Workshop with the Zf. We were in wine country at the peak of color, and it was amazing. The Zf did a great job of recording all of that beauty, and Lightroom Desktop decoded those files accurately.

One of the things I really appreciated in Lightroom was the Profile options. I could go with the Adobe versions: Adobe Color, Adobe Landscape, Adobe Vivid, etc., or, under Camera Matching, I could tap the Nikon profiles that were in my camera: Nikon Flat, Nikon Landscape, Nikon Portrait, etc., plus I had all three Nikon Monochrome profiles available there too. If you don't know about these settings, you have to try them.

Once I decided on the best profile for the images at hand, I used the Adobe adjustments to get the most from those RAWs. The editing was fast and effective.

I was able to confidently report on the image quality of the Nikon Zf thanks to Adobe Lightroom Desktop.

Some photographers might not realize the comprehensive tool set in Lightroom Desktop, items such as Content-Aware Remove that work really well. And now that the app allows for local storage, as well as cloud storage, it can be a life-saver... especially when you buy a new camera and need to work on its RAW files.

Really Right Stuff's New Universal L-Bracket Fits Almost Any Camera

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com

Really Right Stuff announced a new L-bracket called the MC-LS that is designed to work on basically any camera with the classic SLR design with a perfect fit thanks to five levels of adjustment.

The MC-LS is described as a premium universal L-plate that can securely accommodate "most" camera body sizes used by photographers. Really Right Stuff says that the MC-LS offers five levels of adjustment through its sliding L-Component (it has a side-port access window width of 28.1mm and a forward and back slide capability of plus or minus 5mm), reversible Anti-Twist Flange Plate (a minimum of 2.95mm and a maximum of 29.89mm), and fore-to-aft positioning on these elements, which allows it to perfectly adapt to a specific camera's shape. Really Right Stuff adds that the camera socket to the L-component can be adjusted between 43mm and 76.2mm.

"The MC-LS, or Multi-Camera L-Set, is designed to be the one plate that seamlessly fits your camera. It is the ultimate choice for photographers who demand the utmost in versatility, durability, and performance. Whether you're a professional photographer or an avid enthusiast, the MC-LS is here to elevate your photography to new heights, providing unparalleled confidence in every shot," Really Right Stuff says.

While it probably won't fit on any camera, it should reliably adapt to any camera that uses the classic SLR design that has become basically the unspoken "standard" for photo and hybrid cameras. Really Right Stuff shows it attached to cameras as small as an a7C to as large as a Fujifilm GFX medium format body. Of note, the company stipulates that it doesn't work on cameras like the Nikon Z9 as taller bodies like it would have their ports blocked by the bracket. The same can be said for cameras equipped with a battery grip.

Once on a camera, it can attach to a wide range of Arca-style accessories (like tripods, gimbals, and monopods) thanks to its use of the Really Right Stuff Dovetail Standard. The MC-LS L-bracket is designed and manufactured in the United States and is available directly from Really Right Stuff for $140.

How to Find and Use the Advanced Computational Features of OM System Cameras

You can read the entire article, on FStoppers.com..

The OM-1 and OM-5, and their Olympus predecessors, have many unique functions. Here are some common ones, where to find them, and what they do.

In a recent article, I wrote about the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds standard and why there is such a large migration of people to it. OM System cameras, in particular, have unique and unusual innovative features that set them apart from other brands. Although most people who migrate to the OM System do so because of the size and weight advantages, it's also those other distinctive features that make the cameras stand out from the crowd. Most of these are due to something that is overlooked by camera reviewers and photographers alike: the powerful processor. That, combined with the faster speeds of the smaller, especially the stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor of the OM-1, enables the cameras to offer functionalities that are not currently possible with other models, or are being adopted years later.

Here are the features covered in the article:

• The Fastest Raw
• Never Miss the Action With Pro Capture
• Live Time and Live Bulb
• Live Composite Mode: Adding Solely New Light (LiveComp mode is a real boon for those who enjoy light painting, or shooting fireworks, star and light trails, and lighting.)
• Live ND, Leave Those Filters at Home
• In-Camera Focus Stacking
• Using In-Camera HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• High Resolution (Hi Res) Mode
• Starry Sky Autofocus for Nighttime Landscapes (Starry Sky AF focuses on the stars and then moves the focus forward to get both the stars and as much of the landscape in focus as possible.)
• The Best Weathersealing and Built to Survive (OM System Cameras and the M.Zuiko PRO lenses are weather-sealed to the IP53 standard.)

It's amazing the technology that is available in cameras today, and it is good news for the entire industry that the OM System is so innovative and leads the way, introducing new technologies that other brands adopt later. It's good news that Canon and Nikon now have their equivalent of Pro Capture, and it would be great if they made it available across their entire range and not just in the top-end models.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #919, Oct. 31, 2023. Today's theme is "Connecting a Camera to Your Smartphone: Has It Got Better?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Our smartphones and tablets have such beautiful HD screens and are so powerful. They are a natural companion to our mirrorless cameras. Yet, despite Bluetooth and WiFi, the whole process has been an exercise in frustration. Has it got any better? Find out on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Connecting a Camera to Your Smartphone: Has It Got Better?

There are so many situations when I just want to see a photo on my iPhone or iPad without having to remove the memory card, put it in a reader, launch an app, and go through the entire uploading process. And I shouldn't have to.

Every modern device has Bluetooth and WiFi. This should be easy. But it hasn't. Have things changed?

With my iPhone 15 Pro Max in hand, I've tested the apps from Nikon, OM System, and Fujifilm. This should be a fairly good sampling of where we stand. So let's get to it.

Nikon SnapBridge with a Nikon Zf

Grade C - When everything works as it is supposed to, I can remotely control the camera with the iPhone, download pictures in a variety of resolutions from the Zf to the iPhone, automatically geotag pictures, and more.

The Bluetooth side of the equation works well. Once you set up Auto Link and pair the devices, they find each other nearly instantly. This is particularly important when you want to automatically geotag pictures captured with the Zf.

Things start to break down for remote photography and downloading images because those require a WiFi connection, which the Zf has a hard time maintaining. In fact, the WiFi can gum up the works so badly that you sometimes have to turn it off to use the Bluetooth.

Once reestablished however, everything works really well. Nikon needs to make the WiFi side of the equation more stable. Once they do, this app could be rise to an A grade.

O.I. Share with OM System OM-1

Grade B+ - The O.I. app has evolved steadily over the years, and its current version is the most stable and functional to date.

Setup is fairly straightforward, having the smartphone scan a QR code on the camera back. Once the connection is made, you can remotely control the camera, import photos, including RAWs, edit pictures with all of the Art Filters available in post), add geotags, and even update the firmware for the camera and Olympus lenses.

The Bluetooth and WiFi connections are stable. It does take a little time to fire up the WiFi when you want to download pictures or remotely control the camera, but once established, the connection is solid.

The realtime geotagging has very much improved. One you turn on the feature in O.I. Share, you don't even have to launch to app for geotagging to engage. You can confirm that BT and geotagging is active via the icons on the camera's LCD.

This tandem has really improved, and it deserves a solid B. Speeding up the WiFi connection process would move it to a grade of A.

Fujifilm Xapp with X100V

Grade B - Fujifilm photographers were not happy with the previous version of their smartphone app. So the software engineers went back to the drawing board and created an entirely program: Xapp.

The Xapp provides a variety of functions including geotagging, importing pictures, remote control, backing up camera settings, and firmware updates.

The Bluetooth connection works great. All you have to do is launch the app with the camera on, and the two see each other right away. Again, this provides fairly seamless geotagging of the camera images.

WiFi is required for importing pictures and remote control. This works fairly well, but I have had to initiate the connection more than once to enable. I would say it's definitely more stable than with the previous app, but it does have its wobbles.

Overall however, Fujifilm has improved this experience with Xapp. And if they can further streamline and stabilize the WiFi connection, they would deserve an A grade.

Final Observations

One thing that I noticed with all three camera apps is that the more I use them and connect, the better they seem to work. So I think it's worth it to fire them up on a regular basis.

In the case of the iPhone, all of the imported images are shared with Photos for iOS, and as an extension, iCloud. This is very handy and it makes post production and backup seamless.

I think it's worth tapping these apps for the automatic geotagging alone, which is also the best functioning. And when you do want to import wirelessly, most of the time it goes well with little hassle.

Indeed, times have improved.

Join Us for the Next Online Inkjet Printing Workshop

Nov. 29-Dec. 20, 2023

Just in time for the holidays, this inkjet printing workshop will help you tame your printer, enabling you to create beautiful prints and fine art greeting cards.

We'll cover paper stocks, printer setups, project design, and even how to choose the best inkjet photo printer for you.

Weekly printing assignments with class support will help you hone your skills.

If you're tired of being baffled by the fine art output process, and are ready to start creating artwork that you can physically share with others, this workshop is for you.

You can Sign Up Here for the workshop. And remember, Inner Circle Members get a 10 Percent Discount.

Canon is actively conducting market research on a "retro" style camera body

You can read the entire story on CanonRumors.com

Back in August, we spent a bit of time reading between the lines about a "retro" influences Canon camera from comments made by a Canon executive. This topic was brought up in response to the hype around Nikon's Zf retro camera body.

Now it appears Canon is actively asking customers which of their most iconic camera bodies customers would like to see again, but with a modern take.

According to The Federation of Independent Photographers, Canon has been officially conducting market research through multiple channels getting feedback from Canon shooters about which camera they'd like to bring back.

The top 4 choices for a retro inspired EOS camera are the Canonet QL17, Canon P, Canon F-1 and the top selling Canon AE-1.

While there are a few "Debbie Downers" out there that are on the ol' "who cares what a camera looks like?" high-horse, we have seen a lot of excitement on the possibility of Canon paying homage to at least one of their iconic camera bodies.

1,000 Off Canon's Flagship Camera

The Canon EOS R3 is now $4,999, which is $1,000 off its normal $5,999 price tag.

The full-frame 24MP BSI CMOS sensor has an updated DIGIC X processor, which helps boost the overall speed for up to 30 fps continuous shooting with an electronic shutter, 6K 60p raw and 4K 120p video recording, plus intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS II autofocus with Eye Control AF for intuitive focus point selection.

The R3 is also the first EOS R-series camera to feature a built-in vertical grip, making it an ergonomic choice for long shooting times and for seamlessly switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. The rugged body design also incorporates a high-resolution 5.76m-dot OLED EVF and a 3.2" vari-angle touchscreen LCD, along with dual memory card slots, wireless and wired connectivity, and an updated Multi-Function Shoe design for expanded accessory compatibility.

If you've been waiting to pull the trigger on this flagship Canon, now seems like a good time.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

Nikon has always done a pretty good job with lens compatibility, even as its cameras have evolved over the years. If you own a current Z-Mount mirrorless, here's what you can expect, compatibility-wise, from current and classic Nikon optics. (Impact-Site-Verification: -1939014109)

Manual Focus Lenses

Those beautiful AI-S optics, such as the AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, can be mounted to a current mirrorless body, such as the Zf mirrorless that I've used for testing all of these lenses.

You will need the Nikon FTZ adapter to make the connection. I like version II that doesn't have the tripod adapter.

Since there are no exposure or focusing contacts on the AI-S lenses, you will be in manual mode for both of those functions. That's easier than it may initially sound, however. Using focus peaking (Custom Settings > a12 Focus peaking) helps produce sharp images with any manual focusing lens. I've reprogrammed the AE-L/AF-L button on the back of the Zf to turn on and off peaking. It works great.

Exposure can be determined by how the image looks in the electronic viewfinder. It's easy. Just set your shutter speed, then rotate the aperture ring until the image looks the way you want. Take the picture. If you want more visual information, you can turn on the Live Histogram.

A bonus with the Zf is that its sensor-based image stabilization works with any lens mounted. So that 40-year-old AI-S optic can now stabilized too. But, in order for that to work, you must first register the optic in the "Non-CPU lens data" menu item. This gives the Zf the information it needs for proper stabilization.

AF Lenses With Aperture Rings

Now we're getting into lenses that have electrical contacts for exposure, such as the AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D. With the FTZ adapter, the "D" lenses can be used in Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes. Very handy.

They don't have built-in AF motors, so you will have to manually focus them. But generally speaking, the glass is fantastic on these optics, and they will render beautiful pictures.

AF Lenses Without Aperture Rings

The next generation of Nikon AF lenses, the "G Series," have AF motors built into them, and they work great with Z-Mount mirrorless cameras via the FTZ adapter.

They provide automated exposure in all modes (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual), are stabilized thanks to the built-in IBIS of the Zf body, and focus quickly and accurately using the FTZ adapter.

You can get a brand new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G for $197.

Using these on assignment, I haven't noticed any real difference in performance between the F-Mount G-Series AF lenses, and the native Z-Mounts, other than you have to include and work with the adapter.

Z-Mount Lenses

As capable as many of my older Nikon lenses are on the Zf, I like having one or two Z-Mount optics as well. They are designed for the camera body, don't require an adapter, and take full advantage of the latest features.

My go-to lens for the Zf mirrorless is the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE). It's the lens I leave on the camera for my everyday shooting.

Bottom Line

With the Nikon FTZ adapter, you can use your complete inventory of Nikon glass. Functionality will vary with the age of the optic, but it's also an opportunity to creatively render different looks with your Nikon Z mirrorless camera. Not to mention, it's fun.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #918, Oct. 24, 2023. Today's theme is "A Scary Night Out with the Nikon Zf" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'd been testing the Nikon Zf for a week when I landed the ultimate low light torture test: Opening night publicity shots for a commercial haunted house. When we were working out the details of the assignment, the client warned me, "It's going to be dark, very dark." With the Zf in hand, I replied, "Bring it on!" What happened on that frightful night is the lead story in this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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A Scary Night Out with the Nikon Zf

Captured with the Nikon Zf at the Blind Scream Haunted House in Santa Rosa, CA. Photo by Derrick Story.

Most people would probably think I was insane. Who in their right mind would accept a virtual darkness photo shoot with a brand-new camera and only a few lenses? I must admit, I was a bit nervous beforehand. But as you know, I always am.

I was armed with the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera and 40mm f/2.0 lens. I also had the FTZ II adapter that allowed me to use my AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G that came with my Nikon D610, and the AF-S 24-85mm G zoom.

I only had one battery that came with the Zf, that is, until I tried the Lithium from the D610 and discovered that it worked. Now I had two batteries. I was ready for action.

In the podcast, I tell the story of how the haunted house shoot unfolded.

If you want to read my full review of the Nikon Zf, it includes lots of detail and plenty of pictures.

Canon Japan formally discontinues the last EOS-M cameras, saying goodbye to EF-M

You can read the entire article on DPReview.com

Well, the writing has been on the wall for a while, but Canon's Japanese website has finally confirmed the end of the EF-M system. Or, at least, is describing all the EOS-M camera models as being discontinued.

Canon USA told PetaPixel, "At present, sales of EOS M series cameras and EF-M lenses vary from region to region depending on user needs," but the confirmation that sales have stopped in Canon's home market, where the EOS-M models sold particularly well, tells a fairly clear story.

The EF-M system, Canon's first foray into mirrorless cameras, was a compact APS-C mirrorless system that could use EF and EF-S DSLR lenses via adapter, but its own lenses could only be used on EF-M bodies.

The range extended from some of Canon's smallest, most affordable beginner-friendly ILCs up to the enthusiast-focused M5 and M6 models. The relatively small lens range reflected this focus, with a handful of variable aperture zooms supplemented by three relatively compact primes.

The arrival of the RF mount undermined confidence in the future of the system and the launch of APS-C RF models essentially spelled the end for EF-M. The R cameras sacrifice some of the compactness of EOS-M modes and currently have fewer APS-C (and APS-C appropriate) lens options, but give buyers the confidence that Canon is committed to the lens system. To some degree, anyway: Canon doesn't have a great history of fleshing out its APS-C systems, perhaps in the hope of up-selling people to its full-frame cameras and, unlike with EF-M, has been actively blocking third parties from doing so.

But, regardless of where we stand or how we got here, it seems that, after eleven years, Canon has turned a page on the first chapter of its mirrorless camera story.

Ricoh makes official statement on its film camera project. It's not what we expected!

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com

It turns out that film photography lovers may not be getting quite as spoiled as was previously thought.

It was recently stated by a Ricoh employee that four new Pentax film cameras are coming next year, including two SLRs. However, this timeline might not come to fruition as Ricoh has now made an official statement that will put water on this new film camera fire.

"We found information on several websites regarding our film camera development," reads the statement. "This included two compact film cameras for Spring 2024 as mentioned by a colleague working for Ricoh Imaging Europe.

"This is not our official remark, nor is it based on any fixed information. We are indeed challenging the development of a compact film camera; however, we have not yet decided whether or when we will launch such a product."

While this news does leave a big question mark for me, and clearly there are some communication issues, and although this could have been a blunder... it does raise suspicion over the whole project. Which we haven't really had a substantial update on since May 2023, which is 5 months as of writing this article.

Who knows what the future will hold for the Pentax and its reveal of film cameras, but if you're in the market for a new-to-you film camera then we highly recommend checking out our best film camera guide and while you're there take a look at our best 35mm film or best 120 film guides to keep your film supply in stock.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #917, Oct. 17, 2023. Today's theme is "Nervous Before a Photo Shoot? Me Too." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

You'd think that after doing something professionally for decades, dealing with nerves would be a distant object in my rearview mirror. The fact of the matter is: I still get anxious before a big photo shoot. But I've learned how to channel nervous energy into creative output. And I'll share those tips with you on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Nervous Before a Photo Shoot? Me Too.

The driving force behind every photo shoot is to deliver the best images possible to the client. When I focus on that, everything else seems to fall into place. But that desire for excellence also creates pressure. And that first 10 to 15 minutes of the job include a bit of anxiety.

What I've learned over the years is that bit of pressure actually helps me focus. Even though I must appear confident and relaxed to help the client feel at ease, inside I'm laser-beamed on figuring out the best way for us to start the session. In the end, both parties are relieved and happy with the results. Here's my approach.

• Conversation First - Before the actual photo shoot, have a phone conversation or Zoom call with the client. This is important to begin building rapport, and to find out expectations. This information will help you build your gameplan for the job.
• Prepare Your Gear Ahead of Time - Use the information from the client discussion to determine the gear needed for the job. Begin this process 48 hours in advance. Why 48 hours? Because you will initially forget to include important items, wake up in the middle of the night remembering them, then still have time the next day to add them to your kit.
• Plan for Backup Scenarios - You will build your ideal plan, and hopefully that will work. But also construct a Plan B incase the wheels fall off the wagon. Having a great backup plan will greatlyt decrease your anxiety.
• Plan to Arrive Early - This will give you time to scout, contemplate, test shoot, and get comfortable. Nothing creates tension like arriving late to a photo shoot. Make sure you're early.
• Put the Subject at Ease - I know this seems counterintuitive when you're nervous yourself, but you'll discover that your efforts to help the subject feel calm and confident will have the same effect on you.
• Don't Start with Your Best Option - Everyone is going to need to warm up. Begin the shoot with your second or third favorite option. Once things get rolling, then you can go to your first choice.
• Keep it Moving - This is where your preparation pays off. By keeping the shoot moving at a snappy pace, everyone will feel like it's going well, and will relax even more.
• Share a Few Pictures from the Back of the LCD - Once the subject sees how well he/she looks, their confidence will grow and they will relax even more.
• Keep Those Complements Flowing - Praise feels good, especially in the middle of a photo shoot.

By this point, everyone should be feeling pretty darn good. And thanks to your being prepared, generous, and focused, everything else will fall into place.

Adobe MAX 2023: Here's what Lightroom users need to know

You can read the entire article on DPReview.com

At its annual Adobe MAX event, Adobe rolled out new versions of its flagship applications, including the Lightroom ecosystem that encompasses Lightroom Classic, Lightroom desktop, and mobile Lightroom apps. They can now simulate shallow depth of field using existing depth maps or by creating new ones, edit in greater dynamic range on HDR displays, add a new Point Color tool for adjusting specific colors and more.

Lightroom Classic 13.0 and Lightroom 7.1 for macOS and Windows are available starting today to Creative Cloud subscribers via the Creative Cloud app, while the Lightroom 9.0 mobile apps for iOS, iPadOS and Android are available in their respective app stores.

Here are the key features.

• Lens Blur - The new Lens Blur tool is characterized as being in Early Access but is available to all subscribers. If the photo already includes device depth information, Lightroom uses that as the depth map; if not, Lightroom analyzes what's in the scene (such as a prominent subject) to determine which areas should be out of focus.
• HDR output and editing - The new HDR mode reveals the full dynamic range within an HDR-captured photo (which includes many Raws), extending the histogram and the Tone Curve tool to account for the added values. You can visualize which areas are beyond SDR and the capabilities of your current computer monitor.
• Point Color - In previous versions of the Lightroom apps, it's been possible to manipulate colors by adjusting their hue, saturation and luminance in the HSL/Color tool. However, that was limited to 8 main colors. The new Point Color tool makes color selection more granular by sampling pixels in an image using an eyedropper.
• Lightroom desktop goes local - Until now, the desktop version of Lightroom (not Lightroom Classic) has been tightly tethered to the cloud. By default, every image you import gets synced to Creative Cloud and made available to Lightroom on other devices. Sometimes, though, you may want to open an image and use Lightroom's tools to edit it without adding it to your cloud library (and taking up cloud storage). Now, a new Local option in Lightroom lets you browse your storage and edit images locally without any cloud involvement. If you do decide to sync one with the rest of your devices, you can copy it to the cloud, where it becomes part of your regular library.

A Couple Comments from Sedona

The TDS Sedona Photography Workshop is now in the books, and I've returned to Santa Rosa. But I received a few emails from participants that I thought you might enjoy.

Tim wrote: "Well, that was fun. Thanks to all for helping "break me in" to this whole photo workshop thing. It was the opposite of intimidating, as a result of Derrick's relaxed style and the good humor and openness that each of you brought. I'll take loads of good memories and some ok photos as well from this week! Thanks again everyone, and safe travels!

Michael wrote: "Thanks again for another great workshop! Great people, great scenery, great learning experience. And also, great weather! (Florence #1 is still fresh in my mind.) This really works as a destination. You'll be doing it again, but I don't think you can improve on it. I hope the same group reassembles next year someplace -- we look forward to advising on options."

As for me, I talked a bit about the workshop in the Nimble Photographer Newsletter, and I included some pictures as well. And in case you're curious, I'll be returning to Sedona in 2024, plus we'll have new exciting locations too. Keep an eye out for an upcoming podcast with the entire workshop schedule for next year.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #916, Oct. 10, 2023. Today's theme is "Ride Shotgun on Photo Scouting Mission." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

If you want to have half a chance of a photo workshop running smoothly, you have to get out there and scout ahead of time. There are so many things that just don't show up on websites. Today, I'm going to invite you along for my final day of exploration before the Sedona Photography Workshop begins in less than 24 hours. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Ride Shotgun on Photo Scouting Mission

Join Derrick as he explores the Northern Arizona countryside the day before his workshop begins.

Astrophotography in October 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com

Tuesday, October 10: Conjunction of the crescent moon and Venus - Rising in the east a couple of hours before sunrise will be an 18%-illuminated crescent moon displaying 'Earthshine' - reflected sunlight from our oceans onto the lunar surface. Just below it will be Venus, itself only 42%-lit, but very bright thanks to its closeness to Earth. Between the two is Regulus in Leo, one of the brightest stars in the night sky at just 77 light-years away.

Saturday, October 14: 'Ring of Fire' annular solar eclipse - Today almost everyone in North, Central and South America will see a partial solar eclipse, with any special location's distance from a 125 miles wide central path determining how much of the sun will appear to be blocked by the sun. Only those within that path - which goes through the US Southwest, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Brazil - will be able to photograph a 'ring of fire' around the moon as it eclipses up to 91% of the sun. To photograph this you'll need to use solar filters at all times and only watch it through the LCD screen on the back of your camera. The U.S. states the central path runs through - and from where the 'ring of fire' will be visible - comprise Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

Saturday, October 21: Orionid meteor show - Up to 20 'shooting stars' are expected from the peak of the Orionids peak, which will occur in the early hours. Meteors will appear to emanate from the constellation Orion, though they can appear anywhere in the sky. The best way to photograph them is to leave a camera with a wide-angle lens on a tripod in continuous mode in the hope of catching one. Go for 30-second exposures.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #915, Oct. 3, 2023. Today's theme is "How to Go Carry-On Only for a 10-Day Photo Trip." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm on my way to Sedona, AZ for our upcoming photography workshop. We will be working in a variety of beautiful settings, and I plan on coming home with plenty of pictures. And since a lot of my gear has to be packed in my suitcase, I'm going super-nimble and will be carrying on both of my bags. How could such a thing happen for a 10-day photo trip? Find out on today's TDS photography podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

How to Go Carry-On Only for a 10-Day Photo Trip

I have had such bad luck with checked bags that I've changed my approach to flying. I'd rather pay a bit more for a comfortable seat that allows my to board early and stash my suitcase in the overhead compartment. I hang on to my carry-on shoulder bag at my seat where I will have a laptop, iPad, and AirPods for the flight.

My suitcase is the amazing Solgaard Carry On Suitcase that easily fits in the overhead compartment. I also use eBag Packing Cubes which keep everything organized and provides extra compression for my clothes. But there's so much more that fits in my suitcase for this trip.

• MeFoto Backpacker Tripod for our night photography, and Manfrotto monopod for hiking.
• Lowepro Pro Tactic compact camera case.
• OM Digital OM-1 mirrorless camera with lenses; Fujifilm X100V, iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• Cables, power bricks, audio recorder, filters, and various accessories.
• Two pairs of Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof® Adventure Travel Shorts, one pair of Eddie Bauer long travel pants, T-shirts, underwear, socks, long sleeve shirt, foldable rain shell, and down jacket.
• Laundry detergent, spot remover, portable first aid kit, flashlight, iPhone stand, hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

In my shoulder bag that complements the carry-on suitcase, I have my MacBook Pro 14.2" laptop, iPad mini, AirPods, more lenses, cable kit, and water bottle.

In the podcast, I explain how this all works together.

4 Productive Mindsets When Traveling for Photography

You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com

For a lot of photographers, the act of traveling is a double-edged sword. We travel to be able to see the world and draw as much inspiration as we can from everything we see and experience. At the same time, the act of traveling often requires pushing out of our comfort zones and leaving behind a lot of the things that allow us to operate with fewer worries and limitations.

Traveling often involves the unpredictability of new surroundings, the randomness of photographic subjects, and the requirements (and limitations) of our gear. Travel is a huge equalizer that requires a lot of planning and a lot of energy to make sure that the experience is both productive and refreshing at the same time. Here are four things to keep in mind that might help you make the most out of your travel experiences no matter where you are going.

Here are four key points.

• Don't Let Unfavorable Weather Stop You
• Give Yourself Some Wiggle Room
• Don't Forget To Be a Tourist
• Connect With People

How Do iPhone 15 Pro RAW Files Stack Up to ILC Cameras?

I discuss what my findings are after testing my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

You can view and download the full resolution image here.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #914, Sept. 26, 2023. Today's theme is "Don't Care How Great the iPhone Is, I'm Never Selling My Camera." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

After spending the entire weekend setting up and testing the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I can report that it is a wonderful addition to my photography arsenal. There is an entire gear bag of goodies packed into that Titanium package. So will it replace my X100V, OM-1, or GFX 100S? Not on your life! Find out why on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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I Don't Care How Great the iPhone Is, I'm Never Selling My Camera

One of the things that I really like about the iPhone 15 Pro Max is how the Action Button allows me to hold the iPhone like a real camera and trip the shutter with a physical button instead of tapping the screen. This is a definite improvement.

And you'd think that with Apple hitting its stride with serious photography, that the convenience of the iPhone would finally move enthusiasts to sell their cameras and go light. But that's not going to happen. Let's start with 5 reasons why, and go from there.

• The Electronic Viewfinder - My mirrorless cameras have one, my iPhone does not.
• Physical Controls - The Action Button is a huge step forward for the iPhone, but it doesn't compare to the buttons and dials on my other cameras.
• Built-In Tripod Socket - Yes, you can get MagSafe tripod adapters for the iPhone, I have one, but they are not the same as having a built-in socket all of the time.
• SD Card Storage - I really like SD Cards. They are small, but not too small, convenient, provide physical storage in addition to Cloud, and are only feasible on my regular cameras.
• Filters and Accessories - Yes, you. can buy filter adapters for the iPhone, but they pale in comparison to just screwing in a filter to the front of your camera. And how about spare batteries?

Then we get into things like how wonderful a camera feels in your hands, the physical benefits of a larger sensor, the amazing color science developed by Fujifilm, tilting LCD screens, and on and on.

And have you ever had your photo shoot interrupted by a phone call when using your favorite ILC camera? I think not!

I like how cameras make me feel when I'm working. There's a real partnership there. It's like the two of us together can make something beautiful.

The iPhone will never replace my working cameras. But what it has done is become my backup camera allowing me to travel even lighter than before.

I can now carry just the OM-1 or X100V in a tiny bag and be just fine because I have the iPhone 15 Pro Max in my pocket. Regardless of the top of the line smartphone that you're toting around, it is a worthy addition to your photography bag of tricks.

Addition, not substitution.

50 years of Billingham Bags: the story

You can read the entire article on AmateurPhotographer.com

The year 1973 was a good one for creating cultural icons. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was released, and Roger Moore made his James Bond debut in Live and Let Die. Meanwhile in the West Midlands, newly married young couple Ros and Martin Billingham decided to set up a business making bags to supplement the meagre incomes from their day jobs, and along the way created the world's most iconic camera bag. Fifty years on the Billingham brand is still regarded as the Rolls Royce of camera bags, exported worldwide and used by a who's who of the biggest names in photography. So how did it all start?

[Closing paragraph] - Despite the fact that they're now in their 70s, and they have in their co-director son, Harry, a safe pair of hands, Ros and Martin appear to still be enjoying themselves far too much to think about retiring. 'Even after all these years it's still nice to walk in and see the manufacturing process,' beams Ros. 'That's why we're still here, still working.' Martin adds: People always seem to need bags, and there isn't a perfect bag. So we have to keep designing and making lots of different ones. There are really only two types of bag - too big or too small.'

Google Pixel 8: new leaked promo video details new & improved camera features

You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com

It's flagship phone launch season, and hot on the heels of the new iPhone is the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, due to launch on October 4th. Google has officially only released a basic teaser video for the upcoming phones on its Pixel 8 webpage, but a new, more detailed video showing what the new phones will have to offer has recently been leaked by tipster Kamila Wojciechowska. It reveals camera features like:

A new Pro Mode, exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro. This will give users added control over more advanced camera settings, enabling greater photographic freedom.

Night sight is back, so expect uncannily detailed low light images, even in almost complete darkness.

Super res zoom, enabling 8x zoom with the Pixel 8, and 30x zoom for the '8 Pro.

Real tone, for improved color accuracy, for lifelike, realistic skin tones.

Magic editor: this looks like a clever feature, enabling you to switch faces in a photo with minimal effort.

Pro Camera Specs (uncomfirmed)

• Main Camera: 50MP Samsung GN2, f/1.68 aperture
• Ultrawide Camera: 64MP Sony IMX787, f/1.95 aperture
• Telephoto Camera: 48MP Samsung GM5, f/2.8 aperture, 5x optical zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 30x
• Front Camera: 11MP Samsung 3J1, dual phase detect AF, f/2.2 aperture, 95-degree field of view

Google may also be introducing new video capture features, including Video Boost, Night Sight for low light videos, Audio Eraser for reducing ambient background sounds, and improved skin tone rendition.

We'll have to wait until October 4th for the official Pixel 8 reveal, but if these leaked details do turn out to be correct, the flagship phone fight between Google and Apple is going to be fierce.

Setting Up the iPhone 15 Pro for Photographers

You can read the entire article on Live View

Apple has made a few key refinements to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max that are very photographer-friendly. These changes not only improve the camera's output, but also provide a better experience when taking pictures. In this article, I will first review the key settings that maximize the iPhone's imaging capabilities, and then show you the most efficient way to hold the camera and take pictures.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #913, Sept. 19, 2023. Today's theme is "2 New Cameras That You Should Know About." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Maybe it was the unveiling of the Titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max that cast a shadow over two excellent cameras announced just days before. But we're going to shine a light on them both. One from Panasonic. The other from Fujifilm. Both terrific. Learn more about them on the first story of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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2 New Cameras That You Should Know About

The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II ($1,897) is the follow-up to the G9 and is the first-ever Lumix Micro Four Thirds camera to include phase detection autofocus. Panasonic redesigned the body for a more upright, angular appearance and has packed plenty of tech inside.

• 25.2MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
• 100MP Handheld High-Res Mode
• 3.68m-Dot 0.8x-Magnification OLED LVF = 60 fps or 120 fps changeable refresh rate.
• 779-Point Phase-Detection AF System - When it comes to autofocus, dependability is the most important thing, and with Phase Detection AF you can fully supplement and track the subject in six different situations that until now had been a challenge for conventional systems to capture.
• Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2 - Dual I.S. 2 combines the camera's 8 stop-rated 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization technology with lens-based 2-axis image stabilization to compensate for a broader range of movement types to render sharper, clearer imagery. Dual I.S. 2 requires the use of compatible Lumix lenses featuring O.I.S. When working with adapted lenses, you can manually select whether to use the in-camera sensor-shift.
• 3.0" 1.84m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
• ISO 25600 and 75 fps Continuous Shooting - 75 fps when using the camera's electronic shutter, or up to 14 fps when using the mechanical shutter.
• Weather-Sealed Design
• Equipped with several recently-developed pre-programmed settings, the G9 II features the Leica Monochrome photo style, which delivers beautiful creations of black and white scenes.
• A USB Type-C port allows for fast file transfers as well as high-speed in-camera battery charging. But not a separate battery charger.

Compared to the OM System OM-1

The G9 II's sensor isn't as fast as the Stacked CMOS variety in the OM-1, it has fewer subject detection modes, the EVF is lower resolution (3.68 M vs 5.76 M, weaker battery life (390 vs 520), weighs more (23 oz vs 21 oz), and is a bigger camera compared to the OM-1.

The G9 II does have more resolution however, (25 MP vs 20 MP), costs $100 less, and has a few more video goodies.

Bottom Line for the G9 II

First of all, it's great that Panasonic comtinues to build sophisticated, well-designed Micro Four Cameras. Photographers love having the choice between the two brands, and the overall system is far more vibrant thanks to Panasonic's contributions.

The G9 II is a handsome camera as well, and some my prefer the slightly bigger size with more resolution. And if that's the case, I'm confident they will enjoy shooting with Panasonic's flagship MFT camera.

You can preorder the Panasonic Lumix G9 II now. It begins shipping in early November.

Fujifilm GFX 100 II

The FUJIFILM GFX100 II Medium Format camera ($7,499) is also a redesigned mirrorless with updated autofocus.

• 102MP 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS Sensor
• 9.44m-Dot EVF
• 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization - 8 stops
• ISO 80-12800, Up to 8 fps Shooting
• 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Multi Aspect Ratios
• Improved autofocus algorithms and updated tracking ensures your subject stays locked in focus regardless of their movements. Plus, subject tracking for Animal, Bird, Automobile, Motocycle and Bike, Airplane, and Train
• Deliver photos or video straight to the cloud moments after they're created with the GFX100 II's world first, accessory-free integration for Frame.io Camera to Cloud. Utilize the camera's built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet LAN connection to connect to Frame.io and deliver hi-res raw or JPEG images, send h.264 video proxies, or upload 8K ProRes video securely for review.
• New REALA ACE Film Simulation mode - a recreation of one of Fujifilm's more lifelike film stocks. It's similar to Provia but with slightly lower saturation and slightly lower contrast. It's not as big a difference as the camera's negative film modes, letting it act as an alternative default shooting mode.
• Direct record to SSD

The biggest improvements compared to other Fujifilm 100 models is better stabilization (up to 8 EV), faster burst rate (8 fps), higher viewfinder resolution (9.44M dots / 1.00x), and higher movie resolution (8K UHD or DCI) up to 30p - 4K UHD or DCI up to 60p).

It truly is video-centric. The addition of a full-sized HDMI port, the ability to capture ProRes 422 footage, the option to output direct to SSD, the inclusion of vectorscope and waveform displays, all point to Fujifilm devoting a lot of time and effort to deliver a camera that video creatives will take to easily.

You can preorder the FUJIFILM GFX100 II Medium Format camera now. It should begin shipping later this month.

A Brief History of Olympus, From the Six to OM Digital

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com

As the history of this storied brand enters a new era, under new ownership and now bearing the banner of OM Digital Solutions, let's take a trip back in time to explore its origins, successes, and the milestone camera designs that will forever be associated with the Olympus name.

OM System Announce the New TOUGH TG-7 Adventure Camera

You can read the entire article on Fstoppers.com

Historically, the Olympus TOUGH cameras were well respected by outdoor adventurers, divers, and those who work in extreme environments. The New OM System TOUGH TG-7 has taken a huge step forward with a host of exciting new features.

The camera is shockproof, designed to withstand being dropped from 2.1 meters (7 feet), and it is waterproof to up to 15 meters (49 feet) depth. If you want to go deeper, then the PT-059 case allows it to be used up to a depth of 45 meters (147 feet). With these specifications, this camera will appeal to divers, snorkelers, wild swimmers, sailors, canoeists, surfers, and other water sports enthusiasts.

There are five underwater shooting modes that optimize settings for various scenes: Underwater Wide, Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Macro, Underwater Microscope, and Underwater HDR. As divers know, the blueness of the scene increases with depth. Consequently, the white balance modes automatically adjust based on the underwater shooting mode, although manual adjustments are also possible. These white balance modes are Underwater: Shallow, Underwater: Mid-Range, and Underwater: Deep.

Many owners of previous TOUGH models have used them for macro photography. This camera takes it further with its Microscope Control Mode. That is for close-up shooting, where one can get within 1 cm of the subject. That allows users to effortlessly switch between 1x, 2x, and 4x magnifications with the single touch of a button, mimicking the experience of using a microscope to observe and photograph subjects. On top of that, the rear LCD monitor allows for subject magnification of up to 44.4 times. Furthermore, the camera has focus stacking from three up to ten shots and focus bracketing up to 30 shots. By using focus bracketing, the photographer can blend them into a single frame with a wide depth of field using the OM Workspace software. There are also two optional lens accessories that will allow even more possibilities for macro mode.

Inherited from the OM System interchangeable lens cameras such as the OM-1 and the OM-5, another feature included in this camera is Pro Capture mode. This facility is unique to the OM System and buffers shots for half a second before the shutter is fully depressed. This means you should never miss the action because of your reaction time.

The camera has a USB-C socket, so the battery can be charged within the camera.

You can preorder the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 now for $549. It begins shipping soon.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

TDS Workshops! - You can sign up for available workshops by visiting The Nimble Photographer. Inner Circle Members receive a 10-percent discount on all events.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

Apple's recent Wonderlust event debuted the iPhone 15 in four different flavors. The biggest, most expensive model, the Pro Max has many useful features for pro and enthusiast photographers. Let's take a look.

The 5X Telephoto Camera

No doubt that Apple had to increase the reach of its flagship phone. Competitors already have telephotos in the 10X range.

Personally, I'm OK with the 5X version on the Pro Max. Its 120mm focal length at f/2.8 provides plenty of magnification for iPhone photography. Since I am a pro, if I need more, I'm going to use an interchangeable lens camera.

This is a new feature that I've been waiting for. My current iPhone 12 Pro Max doesn't have enough reach, so the new telephoto is definitely a check in the plus column.

Presets for Different Focal Lengths

Maybe because I've used prime lenses for so many years, I do think in terms of focal lengths, especially for my starting position when I initially frame a scene.

My iPhone 12 starts at the wide end, 26mm, which is a bit too much for me. With the iPhone 15, I can start at 35mm focal length that's far more comfortable.

USB 3 vs USB 2

Not all USB-C ports transfer at the same speed. So yes, we're getting the new I/O on the iPhone 15. But the A17 Pro chip, which is only in the two Pro models, supports USB 3 when using a compatible USB cable. The non-pro models will still be at USB 2.

This can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're going to do things like tether the iPhone to Capture One Pro, which you can now do with the new model.

Speaking of under the hood, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will have 8 GBs of RAM compared to 6 GBs in the standard models.

All of this, plus faster processing and better battery life - Gotta love the A17 Pro.

The Action Button

Personally, I would have added to Action Button to all four iPhone models, but as it turns out, we only get it on the Pros. And I think it's a big deal.

I know about the other tricks for quickly enabling the camera, such as setting up two taps on the back. But none of these will work as well or be as convenient as the Action Button.

Long press and you're in camera mode. Done. Plus, you can program it to enable other features too.

Rolling It All Up

iPhone photographers already know about the other great features, such as automatic iCloud backup, beautiful portraits, and excellent low-light performance. Add what's new with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and we have a camera that we can depend on to augment our interchangeable lens model.

Apple is taking orders now. I'm going to trade in my iPhone 12 Pro Max (for $450!) and buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Illustrations complements of Apple from the Wonderlust event.