Blog
This is the blog for More Than A Snapshot's Online Photography Classes. In these blog posts I will give photography tips, tutorials, and show images.
What's New in Lightroom Update Version 10 (October 2020)
Gary Detonnancourt
Nikon Z6 II & Z7 II: Has Nikon given up?
Gary Detonnancourt
A Look at What's Coming in Luminar AI
Gary Detonnancourt
This software is still in development and should be released by the end of 2020. However, you can purchase a pre-release version at a discounted price if you order now. You can also use the coupon code “snapshot” to get a discount at checkout.
Disappointing Announcement of the Canon M50 Mark II
Gary Detonnancourt
The only major update to this camera is the improvements in the autofocus system and the ability to autofocus in 4k. They make a big deal about being able to...
Travel Light with the USA Gear Camera Sleeve and Media Strap for Small DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras
Gary Detonnancourt
The Canon M50 is a small mirrorless camera that I love for shooting both still images and video. Its compact size makes it the perfect walk around and travel camera. It’s also great for beginners looking to learn about photography and videography. Now maybe a good time to buy one if you’re looking to save a little money because there are rumors of an M50 MII that may be released at the end of 2020.
I often like to bring my M50 along when I go on bike rides on my e-bike. I have a nice rear rack bag for my bike but I don’t want to just throw my camera in this bag and leave the camera unprotected. This led me to search Amazon for a camera sleeve that would be small enough to be thrown in almost any bag and to protect my camera.
This sleeve is made a tough water-resistant neoprene and comes in many colorful designs. Its made to fit small DSLRs like the
Canon Rebel T6
Canon Rebel T6i
Nikon D3400
Nikon D3500
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Even though my M50 is much smaller than these DSLRs, it still fits nicely in the sleeve with the 15-45 mm kit lens attached. Since this lens is also very small there is extra room in the front of the lens pouch for my viltrox speed booster which allows me to use my EF lenses on the M50.
It has a rear pocket for storing small items such as memory cards.
The belt loop under the sleeve can be hooked on a belt look so you can keep the sleeve with you while you’re out shooting. USA Gear recommends not doing this with the camera inside as the strap is not strong enough for this purpose.
One downside of such a small camera is short battery life. I have occasionally been out for a day of shooting and ended up out in the field with a dead battery. I’m too lazy to bring a camera bag with extra batteries and memory cards out on my photo adventures. That would defeat the purpose of having a small camera for traveling light. I discovered the solution to this problem when I found USA Gear because they make a camera strap that matches this sleeve, that has pockets for batteries and memory cards.
This camera strap is called the USA Gear TrueSHOT Media Strap. I’m not normally a fan of around the neck camera straps but I found this one to be attractively designed and comfortable to wear because it is also made of neoprene. I think the best part is the built-in pockets for extra batteries and memory cards. Plus I really like that you can match the color and design of the sleeve with the strap. I chose a red plaid design for mine.
This is not a sponsored post, I really did buy these products and I use them. However, I am an Amazon affiliate and if you should decide to purchase any of these products from my links above, you would be supporting my site and it doesn’t cost you anything extra. I really appreciate it.
What's New in Topaz Denoise AI 2.3.0
Gary Detonnancourt
The Best Noise Reduction Software Just got Better - Topaz Denoise AI 2.3.0
DeNoise AI will be available for $59.99 (regularly $79.99) from today Thursday, September 24 through Friday, October 9. Also, don't forget to use my coupon code "SNAPSHOT". https://topazlabs.com/denoise-ai-2/ref/111/?campaign=denoiseai23
The Utility Bundle, which includes DeNoise AI, Gigapixel AI, Sharpen AI, and JPEG to RAW AI, is also on sale through the same dates and is discounted to $195 (regularly $249.99). Also, don't forget to use my coupon code "SNAPSHOT". https://topazlabs.com/ai-bundle/ref/111/?campaign=aibundle23
SHOW LESS
Wildlife Photography Practice Session at my Local Pond
Gary Detonnancourt
Wildlife Photography Practice Session at my Local Pond
The purpose of this wildlife photo session was to practice getting down low at the bird's eye level. One thing I learned is I needed to put my 5D on the camera bag because when it was really low I had a hard time seeing through the viewfinder. I didn't have as much of a problem with the M50 because it has a tilt screen. Equipment used:
Cameras:
Canon 5D MIV
https://amzn.to/33JATtK
Canon M50
https://amzn.to/2XG4v7y
Lenses
Canon 500 mm f/4
https://amzn.to/3fHMJXU
Canon 1.4x Teleconverter III
https://amzn.to/3abc2jH
Canon 400 mm f/5.6
https://amzn.to/3ioNgQ1
Music by Bensound and NCS.
First Impression of the Osmo Pocket
Gary Detonnancourt
Affiliate Links to the Osmo Pocket and some useful accessories. Osmo Pocket https://amzn.to/32YNiKa Expansion Kit https://amzn.to/2CPlLA4 Freewell Wide Angle Lens https://amzn.to/2EnSBbJ Freewell ND and circular polarizing filters https://amzn.to/3hxPAUq.
