Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Bokeh 2

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL5VGByJFUo

The #PRTV_bokeh2 Challenge

Bokeh is a great tool for separating your subject from a background but you can also have a bit of fun with it as well. Congratulations to Toby's Top Picks and check out the video for all the honorable mentions.

Top Picks

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl3JCsXBjwE/?tagged=prtv_bokeh2[/embed][embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkxro2MAi2-/?tagged=prtv_bokeh2[/embed][embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BmNI0EUnhxw/?tagged=prtv_bokeh2[/embed]For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Nikon Z7 & Z6 Mirrorless Cameras Announced -

Nikon Z7 Exposed!

The Nikon Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras have been officially announced - After months of teasing we have an official announcement, photos, specs and most of the answers - I say most because we only have a few early hands-on. I will be back with a full hands-on soon. I will say if you are even a little on the fence - get your pre-orders in - if this camera is going to be anything like the D850 supply/demand situation, over a year after the D850s release we still don't see that camera consistently in stock. There are two features some of you may consider deal breakers! 

Nikon Z7 and Z6 Preorder Links

Z7

Nikon Z7

Amazon

Body Only | Body + 24-70 f/4 Z Mount Lens  | Body + 24-70 f/4 + FTZ Adapter KitBody Only | Body + 24-70 f/4 Z Mount Lens  | Body + 24-70 f/4 + FTZ Adapter Kit

Z6

Nikon Z6

Amazon

Body Only | Body + 24-70 f/4 Z Mount Lens  | Body + 24-70 f/4 + FTZ Adapter KitBody Only | Body + 24-70 f/4 Z Mount Lens  | Body + 24-70 f/4 + FTZ Adapter Kit

Lenses and Adapters

Nikon Z Mount24-70 F/4 Lens

B&H

|

Amazon

Nikon Z Mount50mm f/1.8S Lens

B&H

|

Amazon

Nikon Z Mount35mm f/1.8S Lens

B&H

|

Amazon

FTZ Adapter ($100 off when ordered with kit until Dec 2018)B&H | Amazon

Nikon Z7 Specs

Fully weather sealed on par with D850 which is to say excellent. 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor - very similar to what we have in the D850 and when I did my hands on review of the D850 I found the image quality to be excellent4K 30/25/24fps Video with the option of N-Log & 10-Bit when recording externally493-Point Phase-Detect AF System - If you are curious about mirrorless vs DSLR focusing system I wrote a complete overview of these systems and its available on the Photo Enthusiast Network. 5 Axis BIVR - BBuilt-InVibration Reduction. Similar to the Sony system - I have had success hand holding shots shots as slow as 1/3 of a second. Note when using the Z mount adapter you only get 3 axis IBIS. 3.6 million  EVF - similar to Sony but early reports sound like it feel bigger with a good amount of customization on what you can display in there3.2" 2.1 million-dot Tilting FULLY touch, touchscreen - menus, quick info bar all accessible via touch. Does not function as a touch pad as you get with the Nikon D5600 and Sony a7iii and a7Riii series. 9 fps - Buffer fills up at just 18 frames & I believe the fps drops when you are running continuous AFONE memory card slot - XQD*

A few thoughts on the Nikon Z7 Mirrorless

*XQD cards are more robust and faster and a bit more expensive than SD cards. I think out of all the specs the fact that we have just one memory card slot has been the most controversial - you have those pros that say in 30 years they have never had a memory card fail. And you have those that have had cards faily yesterday and there is no way they will take on a pro level gig without dual memory cards. I would love to know your opinion.  I have had cards fail but never lost an image. Recently I had the 2nd slot on my Panasonic GH5 fail and it no longer reads any cards. I am very grateful I had two slots as I was in the middle of an epic trip when it happened.  Is this a Deal Breaker? Battery life is rated at just 300 shots. Sony a7RIII is rated at 600 but I know I get far, far more and can almost always make it through a full day of shooting with a single battery - I suspect the Nikon will be much better than the 300 it is rated at - and it’s nice that they are continuing to use the EN 15L battery BUT if you want to charge it in camera, which this camera now supports - you will need to buy the updated B version of the battery. So older batteries will work but will not charge in camera. Is this a Deal Breaker? No Eye-AF which I love and use often with my Sony a7RIII but it sounds like the face detect AF is very good and AF in general is VERY good but quite a bit different from your options as DSLR shooter used to Nikon. - I am excited to test all the AF system with the native lenses and adapted lens.  Video focus sounds VERY good on par with Canon’s dual pixel AF which is the best out there.

About that Nikon Z6 (the cheaper Nikon Mirrorless)

The Z6, which isn’t going to be released until Nov 30 has the same form factor but offers 25MP, 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System and looks like it will do noticeably better in low light. It is capapble of up to 12fps - no word on the buffer size at this time.Body only $1996 and with 24-70 $2596Nikon Z6 Body Only | Body + 24-70 f/4 Z Mount Lens  | Body + 24-70 f/4 + FTZ Adapter Kit

Three Nikon Z Mount Lenses

Nikon Z Mount 24-70 F/4 LensNikon Z Mount 50mm f/1.8S LensNikon Z Mount 35mm f/1.8S Lens And word of development of a 58mm f/.95 lens (coming in 2019) Fastest lens Nikon has ever made BUT it is manual focus only. It looks beautiful, will have the little OLED distance focus indicator like some of the Batis lenses.

Nikon Z Mount Lens Road Map

They released a full lens road map - There are some serious lenses coming but you will be waiting and I don’t see anything longer than 200 on the horizon and as good as the AF performance has been stated with the adapter - i would be cautious buying into this system until we hear more.  I am really curious to see what we will get from Sigma and other third party lenses - will they make their own adapter or will they create native mount glass and the more immediate question - how will existing third party, F-mount lenses work with the current adapter? I am going to assume it’s going to be hit or miss for now but again that’s a wait and see questions. What are you most excited about? When do you think we will hear from Canon with a full frame mirrorless.

13 Years Ago!

August 2005, I had come out from the east coast on a family vacation. I brought along my trusty Canon G5 P&S and while I was mostly still shooting JPEG I was excited that the camera allowed RAW and full manual control. One morning, before the family woke up, I drove into Mt Rainier NP and found a beautiful little waterfall to photograph. Last week, as I was scouting for an upcoming photography workshop with McKay Photography Academy, I realized I was standing in the same spot, looking at the same waterfall. Almost exactly thirteen years to the date! And a few days later, as we returned as a group I had a few moments to contemplate this wild ride of life and how in no way could I have imagined this life today. I have no deep statement about this other than to say - you are probably reading this because you are at least a little passionate about photography and who knows where life will take you but bring your camera along for the ride! That morning I also captured this shot of Mt. Rainier in Reflection Lake When I returned home I printed these images along with one more of my daughter from the vacation. I matted and entered three photos into our local town fair where they all received a bit of recognition - Honorable mentions and 2nd place in a landscape category!  When I went to pick up my photos someone had left a note that they wanted to buy the photo of Mt Rainier. To say I was excited is a bit of an understatement. You see before I had submitted these photos I told myself that if they received any type of recognition I should take that as a sign to get more serious about photography. And not only did I have three ribbons someone actually wanted to pay me money for my photo! Now - I look back at these photos and see quite a few things wrong but there is enough that was right that got me where I am today.

Breakthrough Filters - Magnetic Filter System

For the last week, I have been testing the Breakthrough Filters Magnetic Filter System.  The system uses magnets to attach filters that sit on the end of your lens. The magnetic system means no screwing on and off of filters and no getting filters stuck on adapter rings or on the end of your lens.  You do need to screw on the Magnetic filter holder.

Pros of Breakthrough Filters Magnetic Filter System:

• Fastest on/off of any filter system

• Mount securely but remove easily

• Low profile

• Sharp/Extremely high quality

• No color cast

Cons of Breakthrough Filters Magnetic Filter System:

• Not easily stackable*

• Cannot use with a lens hood

*Breakthrough Photography solution to the stackable issue - they sell filters that combine two functions - Their Dark CPL filters combine a circular polarizer with a 3 or 6 stop ND. Alternatively, you have the option of buying an additional filter holder that allows you to use add-on square filters.

BreakthroughFiltersMagnetic

Alternative:

Manfrotto offers a similar system that allows you to bring your own filters - they sell you a holder and adapters for your filter. I hope to bring you a hands-on review soon but if you already have existing filters the cost is much cheaper.

Learn More

Sony RX 100 VI Review at Rainier National Park

The Sony RX100 Mark 6 Reviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D-DoMz54zYI have been shooting with the Sony RX100 VI now for a few weeks and I impressed with the zoom AND the quality that they have packed into this little, easily pocketable, camera.If you want the smallest P&S with excellent quality and a ton of zoom - the new Sony RX 100 VI offers a very versatile and powerful camera packed into a tiny body. Having that range from 24-200 makes this camera useful for just about anything, even wildlife.The Good (Sony RX 100 VI)

• 24 - 200mm range

• 20MP with very good low light capabilities for such a small sensor

• 24fps with Phase detect AF - excellent tracking and eye-Af

• UHD - 4k with S-log, HDR Video, and Super Slow 960fps

• 180° Touch Screen

The Bad (Sony RX 100 VI)

• No mic jack for better audio

• Poor battery life

• Pricey

Buy the Sony RX100 VI from B&H PhotoSample Photos -[gallery columns="4" ids="18705,18706,18707,18708,18710,18711,18712,18713,18714,18715"]DOWNLOAD RAW & UNEDITED JPEGS for personal use only.

Sony RX 100 Mark VI Alternatives

Sony RX 100 VA - This is the previous model with a few updates. Sony did this to give you the choice, do you need a big zoom? Get the new VI or do you need less zoom and better low light? Get the VA which offers a 24-70 f/1.8-2.8 lens.Sony RX 100 IV - Honestly these little cameras haven't changed much in the last few versions, until they added the massive range to the latest, mark 6 - so if you just want a good P&S the IV and even the III is still a decent camera and saves you significantly.Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 -  1-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor and a 15x optical zoom lens for 20.1MP photos. Complementing the sensor is a Venus Engine image processor capable of UHD 4K video recording at up to 30 fps and with an extended ISO of 25600 for use in low-light situations.Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera - You give up 4K and some range vs the Sony RX100 6 but you get that excellent Canon user interface and ease of use along with saving several hundred.

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Fireworks

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEpQ2yLlZRs&feature=youtu.be

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_fireworks

Fireworks are fun to shoot and a challenge as well relying on a bit more knowhow to get them right in camera. Congrats to this week's top picks with some great shots for competition in this month-long challenge! Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_bokeh2Next up, your challenge gets a bit blurry with bokeh! Bokeh used creatively can be a tool to separate your subject from their background to make them stand out or add a bit of flair with bokeh balls. Try it this week and post those shots on Instagram with #PRTV_bokeh2!

Top Picks

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BlPCXbPhmy4/?tagged=prtv_fireworks[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk2RM-MhI26/?tagged=prtv_fireworks[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk0DQfqnOV8/?tagged=prtv_fireworks[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk2cZm-HeQR/?tagged=prtv_fireworks[/embed]

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Wild Arctic Photography Part II - Polar Bear Cubs, Waterfalls, Arctic Fox

Welcome to part II of my Wild Arctic Photography adventure with Mckay Photography Academy and Poseidon Adventures. We continue our journey off the coast of Svalbard, Norway. If you missed part I of the journey? Wild Arctic Photography - Part Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iIPQ14Lug8 The best way to find out about future trips? Sign up for the Mckay newsletter.Upcoming trip -Bears of Alaska on a privately chartered yacht!

GEAR LIST

Sony a7RIIISony 100-400 GMSony 1.4x TeleconverterSony 2.0x TeleconverterCanon 24-70 f/2.8 USM L IISigma MC-11 Adapter82mm CPL FilterPanasonic GH5Panasonic 12-35Panasonic 45-200Mavic ProQuiet PropsDrone Float SystemPolar Pro ND Filters for Mavic ProPlatypod SystemBuddiesman CF TripodOutex Waterproof housingHave questions about the gear? Send me an email toby@photorec.tvSee it all on KIT.com

A few of my favorite photos (Follow me on Instagram for more)

Panoramas

For the next several days I will be sharing my favorite panoramas that I have captured in the last few years.

Sharing on Instagram

and using

the multipost trick

 works but I also want to give you an option to see them in one whole piece. I have a

complete panorama tutorial

that you might find helpful to shoot your own -it is much easier than you think.Click to enlarge each photo (more added each day)

Day 1 (

see it split on Instagram

)

Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park Panorama

Day 2 (

see it split on Instagram

)

Day 3 (

see it split on Instagram

)

Grand Canyon at Sunset from Yavapai Point.

Day 4 (Vertical Pano - stitched automatically in Lightroom)

Day 5 

Sony 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters. How Good Are They?

I use the Sony 1.4x and 2.0x Teleconverters with the Sony 100-400GM Lens and share results on image quality, focus speed and focus performance while searching the Arctic for polar bears. Tested with the Sony a7RIII and Sony 100-400 GM paired with the 1.4x Tele and 2.0x Tele.https://youtu.be/A6Seehp2imkI found the optical performance of the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters when matched with the Sony 100-400 GM to be absolutely fantastic. Colors, contrast, and clarity all remain excellent. But there are drawbacks - watch the video above for the full story.Buy Links (Your use of these links supports reviews like this)Sony a7RIII: https://bhpho.to/2i7Z3F8Sony 100-400 FE f/4.5-5.6 GM: https://bhpho.to/2JIxM7FSony 70-200 f/2.8 GM: https://bhpho.to/2LfkuoTSony 1.4x FE Tele: https://bhpho.to/2JGWntMSony 2.0x FE Tele: https://bhpho.to/2Lev1APDownload RAW Photos to evaluate (For your personal use only)[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Sont Teleconverter Samples" ids="18611,18613,18612"]

Sony 1.4x & 2.0x Teleconverter Photos from the Arctic

[gallery ids="18615,18616,18617,18618,18619,18620"]

Want to see more from my arctic expedition?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyi9zkr30O0

DJI - Mavic Air vs Mavic Pro and 7 Reason why the DJI Mavic Air might be better for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgXVP09xK-gDJI Summer Sale - ENDS TODAY JULY 17thWe are often asked for recommendations on drones. DJI continues to dominate the market with excellent drones that offer great quality and are really easy to fly. In this video, I share seven reasons that you may want the smaller, more portable Mavic Air over the still portable but noticeably larger, Mavic Pro.

7 Reasons to get the Mavic Air instead of the Mavic Pro

• Portability - Mavic air takes it to another level in portability

The Mavic air folds down to a ridiculously small size. The controller features removable sticks and the batteries are significantly smaller. All of that adds up to a drone that takes up noticeably less space in your bag but still gives you the same image and video quality.

• Image and video quality is a little better in the Mavic air and Air offers better slow-mo features at 120fps vs 96 in the

The smaller Mavic Air has a slightly better processor - in my tests most photos and video looked identical with some Air shots looking just a tiny bit better.  And in video mode the Mavic Air offers 120fps slow-mo vs just 96fps offered by the Mavic Pro.

• Cost - Mavic Air is cheaper especially when you add up extras

With today's sale this isn't true but usually, the Mavic Air is cheaper and the batteries are cheaper, accessories are cheaper - it's starting to add up to some significant savings.

• Additional Quick shot modes

Some of these are a bit of a gimmick but they do make it easy, and fun to create quick snapshots of your surroundings. Check out this recent Asteroid Quick shot mode from Nevada https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSrhJOHLUd/?taken-by=photorectoby

• Rear obstacle avoidance

You should always be aware of your drone and its surroundings but there are times when maybe you think you know how close you are to that bush or tree and it turns out much closer than you thought. The Mavic Pro only has forward sensing obstacle avoidance and the Air provides sensors on the front AND THE REAR! This means you are less likely to crash it when flying backward.

• Works without a controller

The Mavic Air is capable of take off, photo and video capture and landing all with gestures. No controller needed, not even your phone needed. It is impressive when you want to travel VERY light and just get some quick shots of you in a location.

• Built-in memory

The Mavic Air is the only DJI Drone to include 8GB of onboard memory - this is a great fail safe if you end up leaving the house without a microSD card.

4 reasons to get the Mavic Pro

• Occusyn technology for control and video transmission

This means you get cleaner video feed at 1080 vs just 720 from the air - and it supports longer distances. In some European countries, the wifi connectivity of the Mavic air may be more limited.

• Longer flight time

The Mavic Pro is capable of 23 minutes. The Mavic Air tops out at 18 minutes. I find that I often get the shots I need within 16 minutes and land the drone with 30% battery to be safe. Using that math I would be a little more rushed with the Mavic Air to get the necessary shots.

• More maneuverable gimbal - flying forward you can keep the gimbal pointed up higher than you can on the Mavic air

This is one of the biggest differences - when flying forward at normal speeds (not slow) the tilt of the Mavic Air gimbal is NOT sufficient to keep a level shot - you end up shooting downward. The Mavic Pro gimbal tilt has a larger range and allows you to keep the horizon in the shot when flying forward.

• Mavic pro is a bit quieter - really it is a deeper pitch which sounds quieter.

The actual decibel difference is very small but the deeper hum sound from the Mavic Pro blends in with the background better. Important if you don't want to annoy your neighbors.DJI Summer Sale - ENDS TODAY JULY 17thWhich drone would/did you pick and why?

DJI Drones on Sale

I just returned from the Arctic where I made the following image

Drones are a fantastic way to explore photography and videography from all angles.

DJI Summer Drone Sale DJI Mavic Pro Fly More Combo $999 | Ends July 17th (Tomorrow)DJI Mavic Air $799 | Current PriceDJI Spark Fly More Combo $499 | $50 Instant SavingsShop ALL the B&H Photo Weekly Deals

Wild Arctic Photography - Part I

This is Part I.  Click here to watch Part II - Waterfalls, Polar Bear Cubs and Arctic FoxI venture to the far north with Mckay Photography Academy and Poseidon Expeditions. We cruise the waters of Svalbard, Norway looking for Polar bears and finding amazing scenery!https://youtu.be/Xyi9zkr30O0The Poseidon Expedition crew was awesome, the ship the M/V Sea Spirit was comfortable and packed full of nice little touches including the 24/7 cookies and coffee bar. There was also a regular bar but I was more interested in the cookies :) A full tour of the ship is in part 2.   I am full of praise, the knowledge, and friendliness of the guides and the crew was just fantastic. See all our locations in part II.

GEAR LIST

Sony a7RIIISony 100-400 GMSony 1.4x TeleconverterSony 2.0x TeleconverterCanon 24-70 f/2.8 USM L IISigma MC-11 Adapter82mm CPL FilterPanasonic GH5Panasonic 12-35Panasonic 45-200Mavic ProQuiet PropsDrone Float SystemPolar Pro ND Filters for Mavic ProPlatypod SystemBuddiesman CF TripodOutex Waterproof housingHave questions about the gear? Send me an email toby@photorec.tvSee it all on KIT.com

A few of my favorite photos (Follow me on Instagram for more)

[gallery columns="4" ids="18572,18573,18574,18575,18576,18577,18578,18579,18580,18581,18582,18583,18584,18585"]

Location List

  Have questions about the trip? Send me an email toby@photorec.tv

Moment Pro Camera App [Android and iOS]

Get Moment Lenses (not required to use App but they work nicely together - see below)I love my Pixel 2 but hate the camera app! Moment (makers of excellent little smartphone lenses) just released an Android App and a revamped iOS app that makes manual control of your smartphone camera easy as pie. The app offers full manual control over shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, focus, and white balance via on-screen sliders. Icons across the top give you access to a grid view, self timer and RAW or JPEG shooting.The iOS version offers a few additional features for video recording and dual-stage shutter with half and full press using Apple pressure sense tech.Get Moment on: iOS | Android If you are using Moment lenses you can select the lens and the app dials in the best settings for that attachmentThe app feels snappy and bug-free which is impressive for a 1.0.0 release. I hope we get some additional video features on android but overall I am excited to replace my really limited camera app on the Pixel2 with Moments Pro app which is much more capable.

More about those Moment Lenses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6UtNjQIAhM

Instagram Tips // Instagram is too much F#$%ing Work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmbe5vT_4XY

Sometimes it feels like the time I spend posting, hashtagging, captioning is a total time suck. A few tools and tips that can help but really a conversation with you - how are you feeling about Instagram these days?

Auto Publishing

Services like Later.com can help schedule your posts to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Now at least for Instagram, they've finally enabled auto-publishing, saving you from getting the phone out just to post! Check it out at https://later.com/#ref=photorectv

Hashtagging

Hashtags take forever, especially for those wanting to put out 30 for each post. Later.com uses hashtag groups to save time, but you need to change it up. Fortunately, it's hashtag suggestion feature will help a bit, but it needs to be fleshed out more. Instead just stalk your local Instagrammers to see what the popular tags are for your area and try to incorporate some when you can.

Image Tips

Your image quality matters!

• Bright images with a strong white point draw people into the photos
• Level your horizon, that's that little extra to make people think your photo is worth a like
• Clear subjects have to count, get rid of distracting elements so there's a strong focus on your subject

Captions

Connect with your viewer, you need to sell yourself with a good caption for the photo.

• The personal story behind the photo
• How the image was captured
• Or ask a question, just make it a good one!

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Songtitle

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_songtitle

We get inspiration from many places when it comes to shooting and this week had a musical spin. Thanks to those that entered as you came up with some really clever ideas! Next Week's Challenge: #PRTV_fireworksWe’re changing it up for this next challenge, you have one month to enter! Get all those firework shots out of your system, and you’ve got plenty of time to edit for once. What can you come up with? We’ll be checking out those shots July 25th!

Roy’s Features:

• A really cute idea for "Hungry Like a Wolf"!

• While you may be addicted to that soft lens at this point it did a nice job of putting all the focus on your main subject.

• The inspiration might be "Don't go Chasing Waterfalls" but I think this was a great one for a shot!

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Huawei Mate 10 Pro - Leica branded camera phone with Full Manual!

 [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON7YEv2WM0k[/embed]Huawei's affordable flagship? I try out the Huawei Mate 10 Pro - a Leica branded camera phone with full manual control, RAW capture and is quite affordable! Just $649 for 128GB, cheaper with the current sale, and the best controls I have ever seen! Even better than my daily use Pixel 2!

Pros

Cons

• 128GB is a ton of storage

• No headphone jack, wireless earbuds and usb-c adapter included

• Giant 4,000 mAh battery

• No wireless charging

• Dual Leica f/1.6 cameras

• No microSD

• Shoots DNG RAW

• Camera white balance can be mixed

• 2X lossless zoom

• Shoots a bit overexposed

• Up to 30-second shutter speeds

• Great manual shooting modes

• Nice shooting features such as light trails and portrait modes

• Water resistant

• It's cheap for the specs

Buy from Amazon(SALE ENDS 6/29) $250 OFF!!

Sample Images

Download RAW from MATE 10 Pro[gallery ids="18519,18520,18521,18522,18523,18524,18525"]

Specs

Mate 10 Pro

Galaxy S9

Pixel 2

Price

$649 for 128GB model

$720 for 64GB model

$649 for 64GB model

Network

GSM / HSPA / LTE

GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE

GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE

OS

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Storage

128GB (No card slot)

64GB (MicroSD up to 512GB)

64GB (No card slot)

Rear

Camera

27mm f/1.6 12MP RGB27mm f/1.6 20MP Monochrome

26mm f/1.5 - 2.4 12MP

27mm f/1.7 12.2MP

Video

2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

2160p@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps

2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps

Front

Camera

26mm f/2.0 8MP, 1080p@60fps

25mm f/1.7 8MP, 1440p@30fps

27mm f/2.7 8MP

Screen

6" 1080x2160 AMOLED

5.8" 1440 x 2960 AMOLED

5" 1080 x 1920 AMOLED

Battery

4000 mAh

3000 mAh

2700 mAh

Weather

Proofing

IP67

IP68

IP67

Locations of In-Flight Photos

So what the heck did you just shoot a photo of out the plane? As we’re back from Joshua Tree here’s a quick tip for traveling if your the type that loves the window seat for photos. It’s not that hard and gives you a rough idea where you took the shot.

• So when you take photos off your phone typically it stays in the time zone that you started in which works out in this case. That gets saved to the photo's metadata which you can get to by hitting info (under … at the top right in android) or pulling it up in Lightroom (bottom of the right panel in the library).

• Go to flightradar24.com or flightaware.com and pull up your flight info. Without paying for a plan Flightradar24 only gives you the last 7 days free, Flightaware is 14 days or 4 months with a free account. I’m including both as you might miss the first one coming back from a trip.

Flightradar24 (www.flightradar24.com)Flightradar, in this case, is the easy one. Simply convert your time to UTC, in my case “5:59pm edt to utc” in google brings up 9:59 PM which is 21:59 in military time. So then hit play, skip to that time, and there we go. Albeit the data is usually off a bit but gets you in the ballpark. I shooting a bit behind the plane so this shot is a bit northeast of what the site says. Making this Bullfrog Bay in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with Mt Ellsworth and Mt Holmes in the background.FlightAware (flightaware.com)

1. Get your takeoff time off the site.

1. Go to www.calculator.net/time-calculator.html and subtract your shot time by the takeoff time.

1. Hit play and skip ahead to your shot time. In comparison, this map isn’t as helpful but overall you get the area and can find it in google maps. If you click on the three lines at the top right of the map you can switch between map sources to get some city names to find in google maps.

Canon EOS m50 Review - Crippled Camera? Worthless 4k Video?

I took the Canon EOS m50 to Joshua Tree NP for a week of astrophotography. I have some thoughts on this camera and most of them are not good - but there are a few gems in this overhyped 4k camera.https://youtu.be/V5Y2L6sF0RUBuy Canon EOS m50Buy Panasonic G85Panasonic G85 Review (Probably a better value for most)Sample Photos - Canon EOS m50

4k Video footage - coming soonACCESS FULL RAW IMAGES FROM CANON EOS m50

Instagram Challenge Top Picks – Urbex

Every week we put your skills to the test in the Photorec.tv Instagram challenge. This is your chance to try something a bit different, maybe learn a new skill, or just get a bit of practice in shooting.

This Week’s Challenge: Urbex - #PRTV_urbex

A long called for challenge, urbex show’s what we left behind and a good look at something long gone. Your goal for this week and certainly a challenge!

Next Week's Challenge: Song Title - #PRTV_songtitle

We take inspiration while shooting from many places and next week your goal is to use a song title as an idea for a shoot. It should be an interesting challenge so get creative!

Top Picks

• Toby: I like that this one is light and airy showing the decay
• Roy: A really interesting shot showing the aging and abandoned setting

• Toby: A nicely balanced image, the editing really matches the content
• Roy: A piece of history left behind works well with those iconic posters. It's a shame in your caption the building is now demolished.

For more info on the Instagram Challenges, the schedule, and past top picks go check out photorec.tv/prtv. Try out some of Toby's Instagram Tips. For everything else Instagram, tag those shots #PRTV and #penlive for our daily photo features.

Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 ART Review with RAW downloads

🔥🔥🔥LENS ON SALE TODAY 🔥🔥🔥

I review the Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 a fast, wide and MUCH cheaper wide angle lens than Canon 16-35 f/2.8, Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 and Sony 16-35 f2.8 competitors. What's the catch? Watch for my complete review of Sigma's newest ART series Wide Angle lens.

https://youtu.be/mj4syYDu0X0

Buy the Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 from B&H Photo $1199.00

Travel with me on awesome adventures and share your opinion while I test gear!

Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 ART Series Sample Photos

Download FULL RAW Files from Sigma

Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 ART Versus Tamron, Canon, Sony, Nikon Wide Angle Lenses

Tamron 15-30 f/2.8 VC $1099 | Buy from B&H Photo

PRO: Cheaper, Offers Stabilization (VC) and a longer range (30mm)
CON: Not as sharp, starts at 15mm (which is actually closer to 16mm) and has slightly more distortion

Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM $2198 | Buy from B&H Photo

PRO: Noticeably lighter, accepts regular filters, covers a long range, slightly sharper in corners
CON: Not sharper in the center at f/2.8, COST!

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM $1899 | Buy from B&H Photo

PRO: Noticeably lighter, accepts regular filters, covers a long range, sharper in center
CONS: more vignetting at f/2.8, COST!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens $1896 | Buy from B&H Photo

PROS: I struggle to come up with any compared to the Sigma
Cons: Not as sharp across the range as the Sigma, COST!

What else would you like to know?