The Canon RP with its 24-105mm zoom is a heck of a deal at $1,299. You get a full frame sensor and a nice 24mm-105mm optically stabilized zoom lens. During testing, I was impressed with the results, and the clever way some of them were achieved.

The Canon EOS RP with 24mm-105mm zoom lens.

A good example is how in-camera optical correction fixes the vignetting and distortion of the optic at the wide end. This can also be achieved in Adobe Lightroom with the RAW files, which is the method I prefer because more of the original image area is retained.

Let's take a look.

Before Optical Correction - EOS RP with 24mm-105mm at 24mm. RAW file without lens correction applied.

Adjusted RAW file in Lightroom - EOS RP with 24mm-105mm at 24mm. RAW file with lens correction applied.

The second image is close to what the camera can produce with its Jpegs. You can really see the difference if you shoot RAW+Jpeg and look at the unedited images side by side.

The vignetting is eliminated and the distortion is mitigated nicely. Amazing that these are the same captures.

Personally, I don't see this approach as cutting corners. It's an efficient way to build lenses and cameras affordably that produce good results.

But it is interesting to see the big impact that software has, even when it isn't machine learning.

More About the Canon EOS RP

For more about this compact full frame mirrorless camera, be sure to tune in to the TDS Podcast, Canon EOS RP - The Affordable Full Frame Mirrorless.

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #765, Nov. 17, 2020. Today's theme is "Canon EOS RP - The Affordable Full Frame Mirrorless." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

At only $1,300 with a kit 24-105mm zoom lens, the Canon RP packs a lot of full frame value into a likable compact design. After spending a month with the RP, I'm ready to share my both my likes and disappointments with this breakthrough camera.

Canon EOS RP - The Affordable Full Frame Mirrorless

If you didn't already know and were asked to guess the price of the Canon RP with its 24-105mm zoom, I'm pretty sure that you would say it costs more than $1,299. I would. You get a lot of spec for that humble price tag. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Christmas Cactus - Canon RP, 24-105mm zoom, ISO 8000, f/7.1, 105mm - Photo by Derrick Story.

Features Overview

• 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor with DIGIC 8 Image Processor - The EOS RP has a wide native sensitivity range from ISO 100-40000 for working in a variety of lighting conditions. (6240 x 4160 resolution)
• Integrated 2.36m-dot OLED EVF and Rear 3.0" 1.04m-dot LCD with vari-angle design - It is also a touchscreen for intuitive control over shooting, playback, and menu navigation controls.
• UHD 4K Video Recording - UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution recording at up to 23.98 fps at 120 Mb/s, along with Full HD 1080p and HD 720p at 60 fps for slow motion playback. When recording in-camera, 4K video has 4:2:0 sampling and 8-bit color depth, and 4:2:2 8-bit output is possible when using an external recorder.
• Recording Extras - Audio can be recorded using the on-board stereo microphone or an optional external mic can also be used via the 3.5mm mic jack. Headphone jack is also included. Plus, 5-axis Dual Sensing IS can be used when recording video to electronically reduce the appearance of camera shake for sharper, smoother recording.
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Offers smooth and fast focusing performance in a similar manner to how a camcorder acquires focus. This system integrates two separate photodiodes within each pixel to provide a broad and dense network phase-detection gathering elements across a majority of the image sensor to reduce focus hunting for faster, more direct control of focus placement.

Compromises

But there are compromises as well. The digital, 5-axis image stabilization is for video only. If you want IS for still photography, you'll need a lens with optical stabilization.

This is not a customizable camera either. There's one function button with limited options. Some of the controls that we take for granted on other mirrorless cameras, such as exposure compensation aren't as easy on the RP.

One SD card, which I expected. But it's on the bottom of the camera in the battery compartment. It is however, a UHS-II slot.

And finally, there's not pop-up flash, which is something that I always like on consumer/enthusiast models. So you're going to have to purchase and carry a flash if you want that capability.

Image Quality

I was very pleased with the Jpegs that the camera produced. The colors were pleasing and the detail was sharp. Comparing the Jpegs to the RAWs I noticed that Canon does a nice job of applying optical corrections as well, including distortion and vignetting at the 24mm focal length of the lens.

The RAWs were nicely workable and looked good after applying Lens Corrections in Adobe Lightroom. After just a little work, I did prefer the RAW versions. But that's no knock on the excellent Jpegs.

The RF 24mm-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Zoom

I'm of two minds when it comes to this lens. On one hand, it's a great value for a Canon IS zoom. The image quality is quite good and the optical IS is solid.

But it's also bulky and very slow at the telephoto end. If I were to buy this camera, I would get the kit with the lens as well because it is versatile and affordable.

As soon as I was able however, I would also spend the dollars to get the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens for $199 or the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS macro STM lens for $499. Either would provide a more compact, faster option for those times I don't want to lug the 24mm-105mm around.

Bottom Line

The Canon RP with its 24-105mm zoom is a great value at $1,299. The image quality is excellent, even at high ISO settings. It's light and adds great movie options as well.

As long as you can live with its constraints such as 5 fps frame bursts and limited customization, it's a solid choice into full frame photography and puts you in a system with lots of room to grow.

Google Photos will end its free unlimited storage on June 1st, 2021

You can read the entire article here on The Verge.

After five years of offering unlimited free photo backups at "high quality," Google Photos will start charging for storage once more than 15 gigs on the account have been used. The change will happen on June 1st, 2021, and it comes with other Google Drive policy changes like counting Google Workspace documents and spreadsheets against the same cap. Google is also introducing a new policy of deleting data from inactive accounts that haven't been logged in to for at least two years.

All photos and documents uploaded before June 1st will not count against that 15GB cap, so you have plenty of time to decide whether to continue using Google Photos or switching to another cloud storage provider for your photos. Only photos uploaded after June 1st will begin counting against the cap.

Google already counts "original quality" photo uploads against a storage cap in Google Photos. However, taking away unlimited backup for "high quality" photos and video (which are automatically compressed for more efficient storage) also takes away one of the service's biggest selling points. It was the photo service where you just didn't have to worry about how much storage you had.

Google points out that it offers more free storage than others -- you get 15GB instead of the paltry 5GB that Apple's iCloud gives you -- and it also claims that 80 percent of Google Photos users won't hit that 15GB cap for at least three years.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras

We have more time around the house than ever. And you finally dove into that bedroom closet that's been begging for some organization.

If you found a film camera that you're no longer using, 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.

If it's a camera we can use for the shop, I'll send you a Donation Kit that includes a USPS Priority Mail shipping box and prepaid label. All you have to do is tape it up, insert the camera, and add the label. USPS will pick up your shipment from the front door of your house during their regular mail delivery. It's that simple!

Your donation help get analog gear in the hands of aspiring fine art photographers, and the proceeds help support this podcast.

Updates and Such

The Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop Now Has a Second Session

The first session sold out in two days. So I've added a second session of the The Ultimate B&W Photography Workshop begins with its first assignment and check-in on Dec. 22 and builds to our class presentation on Saturday Jan. 16, 2021. We currently have 2 seats open for the second session.

I've created a new space called DerrickStoryOnline to support our virtual and physical workshops. Those who signed up for the Eastern Sierra event will have permanent access to this growing community.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

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.

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

See you next week!

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

The OWC USB-C Travel Dock is a handy accessory for laptop-toting creatives and well-suited for desktop use as well.

With its tuck-away USB-C cable, it adds two USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Standard-A) ports, USB-C auxiliary power port (up to 100W), SD card reader (UHS-II), HDMI 2.0 port - all in a brick-sized form factor that's about the size of of a MacBook power adapter. It also includes a nifty piece of software (downloadable) called the Dock Ejector (Mac/Windows) that enables you to eject all connected drives at once.

This feature would be particularly handy in a shared work environment when you want to move the Travel Dock from one computer to another with active multiple drives. Just eject the dock, unplug it with drives still attached, then move it to the next computer. Everything pops up on the new screen. Very convenient!

If you have a shortage of USB-C ports on your computer/tablet, you can use the 100W power pass through port. It allows you to use the Travel Dock and power your computer through the same USB-C port. You may also want to add power to the dock if you're connecting USB devices that draw a lot of juice.

For Flash drives and SD cards, I had no problem using the power from the computer's port. But for more demanding devices, you also have the option of using the power pass through port for more juice.

Having 4K HDMI (4096 x 2160 at 30Hz, Up to 24-bit color depth) is also convenient, especially considering you only have to use one port for HDMI and power. This could be a big deal during long presentations.

The SD card reader is fast and is compatible with speedy UHS-II cards enabling maximum transfer speeds. I also played 4K movies directly from a UHS-II SD card without any issue.

Pros

• Tuck-away USB-C cable insures that you're always ready to connect.
• Fast SD card reader is a plus for serious photographers.
• Included Dock Ejector software works great and is quite handy.
• Pass through power saves ports.
• Solid construction and attractive design.

Cons

• Is a bit heavy and bulky for a travel dock.
• At $54.99, it's a true investment.
• Would be nice to have a USB-C port for drives as well.

Bottom Line

The OWC USB-C Travel Dock ($54.99) is a rugged, well-designed accessory that provides both convenience (built-in cord and ejector software) with good specification (4K HDMI and UHS-II SD card reader).

It's not the slimmest kid on the block, nor the least expensive. But it performs well and should last for years.

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #764, Nov. 10, 2020. Today's theme is "Inside a Workshop Photo Critique." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Our first online workshop wrapped up this weekend. It was the culmination of two weeks of photo projects where everyone brought their images to the table to share on Friday and Saturday. I find these discussions fascinating. And I thought you might want to sit in on three short critiques to get a feel for what happens at these events. I hope you enjoy the show.

Inside a Workshop Photo Critique

Derrick opens this segment talking a bit about the Eastern Sierra Online Photography Workshop.

Photo by Travis Waldrip, workshop participant.

Session #1 - Travis shares one of his images from the Rule of Thirds assignment.

Session #2 - Richard also discusses Rule of Thirds, but with a bit of a surprise.

Session #3 - Peter came across an interesting photo subject that fascinated all of us.

Announcing the Ultimate Black & White Photography Workshop

If you love Black and White photography and want to explore the creation of stunning monochrome and duotone images, then this event is for you.

Tutorials and assignments begin on Dec. 16, 2020 with the culmination of our work coming together for an all-day online event on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021.

Workshop participants will have access to our new virtual workroom, DerrickStoryOnline. This is the platform that we used to run the Eastern Sierra Online Photography Workshop. It will feature tutorials, photo sharing, assignments, chats, and event scheduling. Plus you'll get to meet the participants from the Eastern Sierra event who are actively working there.

The Ultimate Black & White Photography Workshop will feature:

• How to see and capture great B&W with your digital camera.
• Post processing techniques to elevate your work to the highest level.
• Tips and techniques for printing your images for archival endurance that will last generations.
• A look at B&W film photography with the simplest way to process at home without a darkroom.
• Specialized software that helps you explore new looks for your B&W photography.

This event is limited to 10 participants. It includes the all day presentations on January 9 with feedback on your images, 3 photo assignments with tutorials to help you prepare for each, online chats and checkins with the group, and unlimited access to DerrickStoryOnline before, during, and after the event.

Reservations are open now on a first-come, first served basis. Tuition is only $150 for the entire course. You can sign up now at www.thenimblephotographer.com.

123 Sony announces it's getting into the drone game with its new 'Airpeak' brand

You can read the entire article here on DP Review.

Watch out, DJI. Sony Corporation announced today it is getting into the drone market under the brand name 'Airpeak.'

In a short press release, accompanied by the above teaser video, Sony says the Airpeak brand will 'reflect its aspiration to contribute to the further evolvement and the creation of the unprecedented value through its imaging and sensing technology.'

While Sony does hint at industrial purposes for its drones, the company specifically says the Airpeak brand 'will support the creativity of video creators to the fullest extent possible.'

Sony says the project will launch in spring of 2021. In the meantime, it will share information along the way and work on partnerships to test their products and get feedback from drone users. You can keep up with the latest updates on Sony's new Airpeak website.

Updates and Such

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

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.

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

See you next week!

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

One of the problems with FaceTime cameras and some webcams is that the lenses are too wide. This forces the online participant to deal with lots of background, which isn't always easy in home environments. But thanks to new (and often free) webcam software from camera makers, we now have more lens options for our Zoom calls.

After a great deal of testing, my conclusion is that lenses with the 35mm-40mm focal length are ideal for videoconference calls. They are wide enough to accommodate two people if necessary, they are not too tight on a single participant, yet they aren't too wide either, forcing one to clean an entire room.

Because of the crop factor for Micro Four Thirds, a 17mm-20mm optic is ideal, for APS-C cameras 20mm to 22mm are terrific, and for full frame bodies 35mm-40mm work great.

I recommend prime lenses whenever possible, enabling you to take advantage of their faster apertures. For example, my Olympus 17mm f/1.8 used wide open for videoconferencing work softens the background nicely, even if it's only a few feet behind me.

The faster aperture also makes it easier to deal with diffused lighting that's more flattering to the subject, but maybe not as bright.

One tip, regardless of which lens you use, is to put it in manual focus mode and leave it there. This enables you to adjust it for your face, preventing it from accidentally focusing on the background when you move around in the frame.

Using your digital camera for video conferencing has many advantages, and being able to choose a more manageable lens is at the top of the list.

The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing

If you want to learn more about looking and sounding great for your next online interaction, then I think you'll very much enjoy my online workshop, The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing.

This 1-hour deep dive focuses on the three major areas of successful online interaction: Audio, Video, and Environment. During the course, I walk you through a variety of techniques that range from using gear that you already have, to improving your chops through a few inexpensive purchases.

The course is available on our Nimble Photographer Workshop Page for $14.95.

I have tons of great tips and techniques waiting for you there. If you want to get serious about how you appear during online meetings, classes, interviews, and family interactions, then you definitely will want to watch this course.

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #763, Nov. 3, 2020. Today's theme is "An Illuminating Look at Lighting." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

How to adjust lighting for a person's face, whether it's yours or someone else's, is probably the single most important factor in determining success. In today's podcast, I'll cover techniques for both video and stills photography, to help us all present the best versions of one another. I hope you enjoy the show.

An Illuminating Look at Lighting

I think videoconferencing has prompted me to revisit a discussion about lighting. In a way, the last 6 months has been a tour de force in what not to do when lighting faces.

I've seen a lot of harsh backlighting, unflattering side lighting without fill, and lights with no diffusion what so ever. Since many of the same rules for lighting people for video apply to still photography as well, I thought this would be a good time to review 5 techniques for better portraits, both online and otherwise.

• Side Lighting vs Front Lighting - Light from the side increases texture while light from the front smooths it.
• The Size of the Light Source Matters - Why are cloudy days better for portraits than laser beam sunshine? Because the clouds create a large light source compared to a pinpoint sun.
• Distance Matters as Well - As the saying goes, the larger the light source the closer to the subject, the more flattering the rendering.
• If You Can't Avoid Backlighting, Compensate for It - Your two best options are via exposure compensation or fill lighting.
• Good Lighting Technique Reduces Post Production Time - If you're someone that likes to get it right in the camera, then these portrait techniques will save you tons of time in post.

One of my favorite questions during portrait shoots is, "Do you retouch the pictures as well?" My response is a confident, "We won't need to do that, just you wait and see." The subjects would be amazed at how good the pictures looked on the back of the camera. And the reason for that? Good lighting technique.

The Most Stress-Free and Straightforward Place to Sell Your Used Gear

You can read the entire article here on f-Stoppers.

Selling gear always makes me feel more nervous than buying it for some reason. It is also more of a hassle, not just because I have to pack and ship all the gear (that is generally unavoidable), but because I have to deal with things like increasing commission fees and the like. eBay has gotten ridiculous, in my opinion, as their final value fee now stands at 10%, meaning if I sell a lens for $2,000, $200 goes out the door to eBay. Sure, eBay should get some kind of commission, whether that is a flat fee or a percentage, but I personally feel that 10% is quite exorbitant for the service provided.

So, I started looking for alternative places to sell gear. There are a lot of dedicated groups for this sort of thing on Facebook, some particularly large. The one thing eBay always had going for it that Facebook does not, however, is a robust feedback system. This made it a bit easier to trust the process of selling to strangers, as I could immediately see if I was working with a trustworthy person.

So, what do I prefer? I use Fred Miranda's buy and sell forums. The site was founded in 2000 and features an extensive forum network, including a very active buy and sell forum. So, why do I like it over other options?

First, it is a buy and sell forum by photographers, for photographers. This means that as a buyer, you can find pretty much any bizarre, esoteric body or lens you want, along with the more standard fare, which is great for gear nerds and working professionals alike. And with hundreds of new posts a day, there is a steady flow of options. And thanks to the feedback system, it is easy to trust who you are dealing with. Sellers also generally do a good job of conservatively rating the quality of their gear so you know exactly what you are getting.

The best part, though, is the price. As I mentioned earlier, I left eBay because the commission fees had gotten out of control. Fred Miranda, on the other hand, does not charge any commissions for selling gear, only a flat fee to be a member of the buy and sell forum. The current price is $15 for 30 days, $29 for 3 months, $59 for a year, or $99 for two years, though you can buy things for free; only those who want to post items for sale need to pay for a membership. To me, it is easily worth what I save in commission fees alone, but the added bonuses of a robust community of professionals and dedicated amateurs looking to buy, sell, and trade equipment with other photographers make it, in my opinion, the most enjoyable and easy place to sell gear. I have personally never had a bad experience on the forum either as a buyer or a seller, and I have saved a lot of money by getting used gear I know I can trust when I need something.

The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing

If you want to learn more about looking and sounding great for your next online interaction, then I think you'll very much enjoy my online workshop, The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing.

This 1-hour deep dive focuses on the three major areas of successful online interaction: Audio, Video, and Environment. During the course, I walk you through a variety of techniques that range from using gear that you already have, to improving your chops through a few inexpensive purchases.

The course is available on our Nimble Photographer Workshop Page for $14.95.

I have tons of great tips and techniques waiting for you there. If you want to get serious about how you appear during online meetings, classes, interviews, and family interactions, then you definitely will want to watch this course.

This is what photos from a $6000 compact camera look like

You can read the entire article here on Digital Camera World.

After two years of waiting the Zeiss ZX1 compact camera is now available to pre-order. Costing $6,000 this camera with its fixed 35mm f/2 wide-angle lens justifies it high price tag with its designer looks, precision engineering, and its full-frame sensor. The camera also has a built-in Android computer operating system, which means it has Lightroom built in. But what do pictures taken with this luxury compact look like?

We have yet to get this camera for review, and we suspect that given the Zeiss ZX1 is only going on sale in Germany and the USA, that this unusual camera may be hard to find on sale when it actually goes on sale in November. But to give a taste of what this camera can do, Zeiss has handily provided sample images from three professional photographers who have been using the 37-megapixel Zeiss ZX1.

Featured are the images provided Swedish photographer Hans Strand, Hungarian born Csaba Desvari, and LA-based music shooter Greg Watermann

Updates and Such

The Online Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop Begins Its Second Week

Our sold out Online Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop begins with its first assignment this week.

I've created a new space called DerrickStoryOnline to support our virtual and physical workshops. Those who signed up for the Eastern Sierra event will have permanent access to this growing community. Soon, I will announce our next event. If you want to be a part of this, keep your eye peeled.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

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.

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

See you next week!

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

It's more important now than ever - presenting the best version of yourself online has become an essential skill of 2020 (and beyond). And I can help you with that: The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing.

In this 1-hour instructional movie, I cover three important aspects of videoconferencing: audio, video, and environment. I show you a variety of techniques to up your game, often using tools that you already have. If you want to be more effective in your next team meeting, online, class, job interview, or family gathering, then spend an hour with me learning these essential steps.

The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing is available for $14.95. After purchase, you will receive the download link and password for the online tutorial. You can watch it as many times as you wish, for as long as you wish.

Improve your online presence today!

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

I can't be the only guy who has a USB-C laptop and a USB-A desktop. The world of technology is always in transition, and the different USB connectors are one of the more aggravating side effects. Fortunately, Kingston is helping out with their Kingston DataTraveler Duo ($9.99), and I couldn't be happier. One flash drive that works with all of my computers.

The clever design features a dual interface that accommodates USB Type-A on one end and USB Type-C on the other. The unique double-slider casing allows you to show one connector at a time or both, depending on your personal style.

In addition to the versatility, the performance is excellent as well. USB 3.2 Gen 1 delivers up to 10X faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0. And regardless of which computer I had the drive plugged in to, the read/write time was snappy.

You can buy the 64GB version of the Kingston DataTraveler Duo for $9.99. That's a lot of convenience for $10. And I think they would make great holiday gifts as well.

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

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

This is The Digital Story Podcast #762, Oct. 27, 2020. Today's theme is "The Rules We Follow (but not sure why)." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I'm having more conversations than ever about photography, and I think part of the reason is that we're all cooped up and not going to conferences and workshops. One of the things that I've picked up on are some classic self-imposed rules about photography. So I picked a few of my favorites to discuss for today's show.

The Rules We Follow (but not sure why)

Like practically everything in photography, there are no perfect right and wrongs. Yet, many of us, myself included, find ourselves constrained by rules that should or should not always apply to our work. I thought I would explore a few of these today. And I'm curious if any of these apply to you.

• The subject should never go in the middle of the frame.
• I keep the original aspect ratio when cropping.
• I don't use high ISOs because there is too much noise.
• I only shoot natural light because flash looks artificial.
• Program mode is for rookies only.

I comment on each of these in today's podcast.

Fujifilm to improve X-T3 AF performance with new firmware, bringing it more in line with X-T4

You can read the entire article here on DP Review.

In addition to announcing a camera, lens and more, Fujifilm has also revealed it will soon release a free firmware update for its X-T3 that will improve autofocus performance and more.

The firmware update will go live on October 28, according to Fujifilm's press release. The improvements should see autofocus speeds more than double, taking focus times drop from 0.06 seconds to 0.02 seconds, bringing the X-T3's autofocus performance more in line with the X-T4.

Fujifilm says it's also improved the algorithm for predicting subject movements, which should result in a >90% 'hit rate.' The Face Tracking and Eye AF algorithm has also been re-written to double the tracking performance in continuous shooting modes.

Other improvements include the ability to use AF in low light levels down to -7EV with the new Fujinon XF 50mm F1.0 R WR lens, a new 'Focus Limiter' feature for setting pre-determined focus ranges, the ability to change the size of Single AF points while recording video and improvements that make it possible for third-party programs to read the ratings applied to pictures in-camera.

The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing

If you want to learn more about looking and sounding great for your next online interaction, then I think you'll very much enjoy my online workshop, The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing.

This 1-hour deep dive focuses on the three major areas of successful online interaction: Audio, Video, and Environment. During the course, I walk you through a variety of techniques that range from using gear that you already have, to improving your chops through a few inexpensive purchases.

The course is available on our Nimble Photographer Workshop Page for $14.95.

I have tons of great tips and techniques waiting for you there. If you want to get serious about how you appear during online meetings, classes, interviews, and family interactions, then you definitely will want to watch this course.

Halide gets a major update with upgraded RAW processing and new pricing

You can read the entire article here on The Verge.

Halide has launched a new version of its popular iPhone camera app, now dubbed Halide Mark II, and it comes with a lot of new features. Those include a redesign, upgraded RAW processing, and a new pricing model.

Halide says Mark II features a "bottom-up redesign" with the goal of staying out of your way. All of the photo controls should now be within your thumb's reach, no matter what model of iPhone you're using the app with. There's a new typeface, and even the preview of the last shot you took that sits in the bottom-left corner of your screen matches the curvature of your iPhone's screen. It's all meant to feel familiar to people who use Apple's default camera every day -- but as always, Halide packs in a ton of advanced photography tricks.

The new Mark II version of the app can now capture both RAW and the iPhone's computationally processed photos at the same time through a feature Halide calls Coverage. Most photo filter and social media apps don't accept RAW images, but the benefit of RAW is that you get a photo without any processing applied that you can edit later. The benefit of Coverage means you get two images when you take one photo -- one you can post right away, and one you can edit later. Coverage will be off by default, however.

Mark II also gains a new Instant RAW feature, which "intelligently" develops a single RAW image through a 17-step process without you having to adjust sliders or levels yourself. "Instant RAW can work as a midpoint between a completely unedited RAW and a totally processed JPEG," Halide said in today's announcement blog. The company tells The Verge an Instant RAW image will look different than the JPG you might get from an image with Apple's Smart HDR processing applied. Halide's processing approach was modeled after how film photography develops, the company says. (You can still send your RAW images to other apps like Darkroom for more thorough editing if you want.)

If you've already paid for Halide, you get Mark II for free as well as a year-long subscription with all of the perks that includes. If you're a new Halide user, you have a couple of options. You can pay once for the app, which costs $30 at launch and $36 at some point in the future. Halide says it plans to raise that one-time price as new features are added to the app.

Updates and Such

The Online Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop Begins Its Second Week

Our sold out Online Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop begins with its first assignment this week.

I've created a new space called DerrickStoryOnline to support our virtual and physical workshops. Those who signed up for the Eastern Sierra event will have permanent access to this growing community. Soon, I will announce our next event. If you want to be a part of this, keep your eye peeled.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

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.

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

See you next week!

Product Links and Comments

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Some photo accessories that never go out of style. For example, I have a stash of filters that I started collecting decades ago, many of which come in handy to this day.

My lenses over the years, however, have turned-over many times. When I shot Contax, 55mm and 67mm were the standard filter diameters. Then I switched to Canon, which favored 58mm and 77mm. Micro Four Thirds played small ball with much smaller rings, not to mention all of the vintage optics I have. Yet, I've maintained the same collection of filters as always. How could that be?

Step-up rings.

I have quite a collection of them, and they cost hardly anything. Yet when I have a filter or lens hood that I want to use, but the diameter is wrong, I always have a step-up or step-down ring that makes the whole thing work.

This is particular cost effective with large diameter polarizers that are expensive. I can repurpose my excellent 77mm multicoated circular on a 72mm lens no problem, thanks to, yes, a 72mm > 77mm step up ring. As long as I have those little beauties, nothing goes to waste in my filter box.

One other point that I want to make is that I have a few different camera kits. One of the things that I prefer is to have what I need in each kit without having to borrow from the other. Filters and lens hoods are at the top of that list. Nothing worse than need a neutral density optic and remembering that it's in the other bag.

Step up rings make this possible. I can utilize all my filters all the time regardless of their diameter. It's so efficient.

I've made some good investments over the years. But one of the most cost effective have been my collection of step up rings. Lenses may come and go. But rings are forever.

How to Get Started with Film Photography (eBook)

This 57-page eBook ($5.99) in universal PDF format provides an excellent introduction to film photography. Along with an abundance of illustrations, you'll learn how to:

• Find the right camera for you
• Choose the best film for your kind of photography
• Discover the lenses that you should add to your kit
• Learn the ins and outs of film processing
• Find out how to develop B&W film at home
• Master basic shooting techniques
• See how to care for your gear
• And more!

You can read How to Get Started with Film Photography on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and practically any other electronic device that displays PDFs. So you can always have it with you for reference.

Get up to speed quickly with film photography and start making beautiful images. Download How to Get Started with Film Photography today!

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