ChipBPhoto

Nicely done @Wags , thanks for sharing. Definitely shows potential, especially with color correction.

For what it's worth, I have not noticed any issues with the WWL doing video. I also have a good friend that exclusively does video on a m4/3 and has used the WWL for years with no issues. The only exception is a time she didn't burp the lens after entry and missed some footage due to the camera focusing on a small grain between the flat port and WWL. Oops!

...especially current models!

Yes, I've been told by a6700 users that it is a noticeable improvement over previous "a" series models, especially in focus speed, tracking, and overall lens performance. This does boost the Zeiss 50, and other legacy lens performance. White balance is also noticeably improved. If you decide you want a longer macro, perhaps consider the new Tamron 90. It translates to 135mm in FF terms. The min focus distance is less than the Sony. It does not have the OSS found in the Sony 90, but there is onboard stabilization in the a6700 body. Some still prefer to have OSS built in to the lens, while it is not an issue for others. Personal choice and needs.

Hi @bghazzal, For macro, I have been quite impressed with the Zeiss 50 2.8 macro. I use it with my a1 and have found it to be a fast and accurate focus with very sharp details. This translates to an 75mm in FF lingo, which is not much of a difference than 90. I also tried the Canon EF-S 60 with a Metabones V. For a Sony solution, I prefer the Zeiss 50 in all aspects over the Canon 60. For wide, I’m a big fan of the Nauticam WWL-1B, or WWL-C depending on the lens used. It is super sharp to the corners and allows zooming as needed. The view range is 130 degree FoV down to ~60 degree FoV. It also allows super close focus on standard lenses which is great for a near macro closeness or close focus wide angle work. Curious why you’re not interested in the Canon R7? Canon white balance has traditionally been better, but Sony has made significant improvements. chip

Great info, thanks! And yes, looking cool is the top priority! 😆

I see more and more divers on S Florida boats with rebreathers. There are definite benefits, especially for us photographers. I appreciate how Dave also is clear about the prep and cleaning time required. The investment cost and training required is also important to factor in. If the steps are followed, rebreathers are safe and rewarding.

Yes, the 3rd column M3 Max 16/40c is what I am planning to buy, although not with 128GB / 8TB. It seems Thunderbolt 5 is a next gen advancement, but like clock speed between the M3 and M4, not a huge difference in real world application today.

Both tragic and scary. The only positive is there was no loss of life. As liveaboards continue to grow in popularity, hopefully a solution can be found to further protect them from fire.

Aside from the normal theoretical speed increase, Thunderbolt 5 seems to be the big advance for the M4s. Again, much of that is theoretical unless using dual 8K monitors and perhaps a few other minor options that may eventually become available.

Thanks for the feedback, Wolfgang. Any regrets making the switch to the HF-1s? I’m still not thrilled about the 21700 batteries or the heavier weight, but they seem to be the “best buy” among the strobes on the market today. The video light seems like it could add additional value for the occasional usage.

Congrats Dave!

Hi all, It’s about time to upgrade my computer. I currently have a 2020 16” MacBook Pro i9 that is fairly well loaded. I work primarily in Lightroom and Photoshop, but am considering adding Final Cut for some video. I use external SSDs for fast storage. It works well, but the new M processors are a leap forward, especially now at 3 or 4 generations later. I am considering a 16” MacBook Pro M3 Max (48GB, 14/40 core, 400 Gb/s bus speed) Thanks to the new M4s, the M3s have dropped in price. I’ve also found an Apple refurb Mac Studio M2 Ultra for the same price. No portability, but 800 Gb/s bus and 60 GPU cores vs 40. (More relevant for video) Here’s my question…Does anyone have an hard info on the new M4s compared to the M3 Max? I understand they’re literally only a few days old in the stores. I’ve been digging through YouTube, but all I have found has been pretty general in nature and just the overall specs. I know computers are always updating and we just have to jump on at some point, but as I don’t upgrade often and I’d like to try and get the best option I can. From what I’ve found so far, it doesn’t seem the M4s are noticeably faster in real work applications vs the M3 Max, but I could be missing something. Yes, the M4 does have Thunderbolt 5, vs TB 4 on the M3. And please, I am not interested in switching to a PC. I am bi-lingual in Mac and PC and have owned both. I will stick with Mac for now. Thanks in advance for any feedback you have on the great M3 / M4 question…. chip

I see both sides of the question. Currently, I am still using AAs for my Z-330s. I do like the idea of additional power standardized, quality Li-ons can produce, especially for more demanding hybrid options like the HF-1. I do have concerns about the number of cheap Li-ons that are not as stable. Yes, there are lower quality versions of everything, but there is a real risk with cheap Li-ons, especially on liveaboards and other dive boats. I’m sure solutions will be made, but it is still a bit of the Wild West for users that don’t invest in the quality, safer batteries. As with all technology, power demands continue to increase and Li-on is the direction at this point. Just my 2 cents…. (or now $14 factoring for inflation)

Nicely done; welcome back!