Ya Better Get Some Lights - My Appearance on Office Hours with Alex Lindsay

I had the pleasure of being on Office Hours with Mr. Alex Lindsay today. I enjoy being on this panel, but I struggle with waking up on time to be on the mic with them on a regular basis. Some days I can’t be mic ready at 6am. Lol!

Check out the discussion below as we answer questions from the community regarding various items in photo and video such as slomo footage, inexpensive cameras, LUT packs and video editing information.

New G-Series Lens Announced From Sony

Sony continues its push of offering great image quality to hybrid shooters be it photography or video. Today Sony announces a new G-series 24-50mm f/2.8 lens for all of its E-mount, Sony shooters.

Image credit - Sony

Why does this matter?

So a new lens is announced. “What’s the big deal,” you ask? Well first, what’s big about this is the focal range and aperture. This focal range is ideal for both photography and video. Being an f/2.8 lens also offers great performance in low-light scenarios.

Speaking of the f/2.8 aperture, the aperture blades are important. In this new lens, Sony is offering 11 aperture blades. In entry-to-mid-level lenses, you’ll get seven aperture blades in most instances. Sometimes nine blades. These additional blades offer a much nicer looking bokeh effect while shooting wide open as well as helps reduce diffraction.

Lastly, the main reason this is big news is the weight of the lens. Sony states that the new G-series lens will come in at 440g, or 15.5oz for us uncivilized folks. One of the primary selling points of a mirrorless camera is the reduced body size and weight. I always thought this selling point was a bunch of bunk because most pro-grade lenses were freakin’ HEAVY compared to camera bodies, so the total camera package would still be considered heavy. But, I’m no marketing genius, so what do I know?

You can request your new lens from Sony for $1099 with delivery set for sometime in May 2024. Let me know if you decide to order one.

Capturing Beautiful Macro Photos of Snowflakes With Don Komarechka

I’ve previously talked about shooting macro photography on my show at work. I enojyed sharing the bit of info I know about it, but I will not claim to be any good at it. Ha! Macro photography can be quite easy for anyone to do, but the “next level” maco photographers have some amazing skills and understand the science/physics behind getting the GREAT macro photograph. Hence, my man Don Komarechka. He’s known as the “Mad Scientist” with regards to his outstanding photography. So talented and skilled.

Prior to the pandemic lockdown, he shot a segment for DPReview showing off his process of creating beautiful macro photos of snowflakes. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his workflow. Check out the video below. Also, below the video, check out his podcast. I was recently a guest on his show where we had a bit of philosophical chatter as well as nerdy chatter around the world of photography. I’m truly honored to have been a guest on his show.

VIDEO

Image credit Don Komarechka and DPReview

Photo Geek Weekly Podcast Episode

Don't Forget About Panasonic

With all the madness and going on with year 2020, it didn’t mean the camera companies were going to stop production of their consumer or professional products. Today, Panasonic announced its latest s-series camera body with the S5*. Another full-frame mirrorless option for today’s consumers.

The content creation industry continues to grow. Creators are constantly looking for the best tool to suit their needs. Some from Canon, some from Sony or Nikon, some from Panasonic. The S5 is popping into a sweet spot touting high quality performance at friendly price.

Tech Specs

• 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, native 3:2 aspect ratio

• Full-frame 4K (UHD), 10-bit, 30 frames per second video

• HD video up to 180 frames per second

• 2.3 million dots electronic view finder

• dual SD card slots (1 UHS-II, 1 UHS-I)

• in-body stabilization

• WiFi and bluetooth connectivity

• Seven frames per second high speed burst mode shooting

• HLG and V-log video profiles

• micro HDMI I/O

• fully articulating rear screen

From the looks of this camera body, it’s checking all the applicable boxes for enthusiasts and content creators to take great photos and film good looking video. The body seems a bit smaller than what I’d like, but the advantage is the weight will be much lower at less than two pounds (body only). Perfect for most. I’d probably struggle with it in my large hands, but this is definitely looking like a capable body from information shared in the tech specs. You’re not going to get ALL of the video shooting capabilities of the S1H* such as 6K video, but you’re also not paying the same premium price. But, being able to shoot video in LOG is awesome.

(All images provided by Panasonic)

Pricing starts at $1998 for pre-order.* Check out the video demo from the squad at Adorama* down below. I’ve reached out for a loaner to play with for myself and maybe do a segment on Hands On Tech. I’ll keep you posted.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Try Not To Blame The Tools

I love watching my YouTube subscriptions. Probably more than I love watching regular television shows. Recently, I watched another video from Darious Britt. This man is an inspiring film maker that has been helpful to many with his tips and tricks regarding telling a story. This video echoes telling the story, but it’s also about his camera gear.

It resonated with me because I KNOW i don’t have “the best camera.” But I’m fine with that (for now.) I know my lil’ Rebel camera can do a good job in most scenarios. If there are other situations needing a different camera, I just rent one. By the way, get $25 off of your rental from LensRentals using my link here. This is who I rent gear from with ease and with great rates. Anyway, back to Mr. Britt. . . .

Check out his video below. The message is great. Hopefully it will inspire you to keep on keepin’ on with the gear that you have. #CreateAndDominate

It's Getting Easier To Make Great Videos With Your Phone

The camera’s on smartphones today are so good. Seriously. Most of them even shoot in 4K resolution. Why not take advantage of these things? Click my video below of some of my current gear I use to create videos when I’m not using my DSLR.