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Here's a quick Tip for Nikon Users: Easy Firmware Updates with NX Studio.  Check out the related YouTube video for a visual step by step overview and other talk.  If you’re not already using NX Studio , which is available for anyone who owns a Nikon camera, you should check it out. One of its helpful features is the ability to easily find updates related to firmware. Don’t forget that lenses also have firmware, not just cameras! So, it's a good idea to check if you have the latest version.  The NX Studio website page. For example, I noticed recently that both the 40mm F2 and 28mm F2.8 lenses had firmware updates. With NX Studio, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s functional, and in my experience, it works well for this. Here’s how you do it: The firmware list in NX Studio. Here's the main process in the current version of NX Studio:  Go into the "Help" menu and select "Check for updates." It may take a little while for the window to show up. It will also...

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 brings a lot of new and refined features for photographers and content creators. I’ve used this program for quite a few years with my first video being on version 2018 . For this version, Acdsee's marketing firm provided a code to the application based on my usual collaboration terms where the company had no say in what is covered and can't preview anything I produce regarding it before release.  Acdsee's website. Visit their website directly  or use my affiliate link to Acdsee if you are curious about the application or whatever else they offer. With that affiliate link I will potentially earn a small percentage of any purchases or subscriptions. I created a long form video going over various aspect of the application. There's a lot covered I won't mention here.  New Features in 2025 Acdsee has a webpage that lists new features of whatever version is current. Check that out for more information. The program has had AI Keywords an...

Let's talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when using a phone for photography. Specifically, this is about my experience at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin. I was primarily using my phone, but I also had access to a Sony a7R V, an impressive full-frame camera.  Let’s get into the benefits and drawbacks of using a smartphone for photography, especially in a scenario like this one.  Check out the related video with visual examples and more information! I've also got a video where I feature the Sony a7R V camera at the same event.  The Good: Phone Photography Benefits The size of bag I tend to bring with to an event like this. Using a backpack instead would mean a very sweaty back and more to carry... First off, having a phone with you means you’ve got a camera in your pocket. It’s easy and convenient, especially since most of us use our phones for communication anyway. No need to carry around extra electronics if you don’t want to. I personall...

Let's take a look at the Viltrox UV Pro MC HT filter. Viltrox had to agree to my collaboration terms before I accepted the product.  See the related video for more information Check out the lens on their official store:  https://viltrox.com/products/viltrox-ultra-slim-mc-uv-protection-filter   I'm not an affiliate of their store and make no commissions from purchases there. This is intentional and based on my collaboration rules I've defined for myself.  Visit my affiliates to see the filters as well:  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CzAdL9   B&H: https://bhpho.to/40QYBSk   ebay: https://ebay.us/GxiMqM   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  The Viltrox filter with it's included case. There's a paper manual behind the foam. Viltrox claims that it has high transmittance, featuring a UV cut at 395nm. With a single-sided reflectance within the visible spectrum of below 0.3%. That’s supposed to minimize any impact on im...

In this article, I'm going to go over my experience using the Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 2:1 macro lens. Brightin Star sent me this lens based on my collaboration terms . They had no say in the article or videos I've produced and have not previewed anything before publishing it.  The full video I produced about the lens: Check out the lens through my links: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UJLpek   ebay: https://ebay.us/vPjnhb   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  Or visit their official website for more information. I'm not affiliated and earn nothing from purchases there. Build Quality The lens in hand. The Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 lens feels solid. It features an all-metal casing, including a metal mount, which gives it a weighty feel in hand. This is a completely manual lens, meaning the aperture and focus are both mechanical. You won't get any electronic data transferred to your camera, which is generally fine for macro lenses since you'll...

The original Nikon Z50 was released in 2019. What does the Nikon Z50 II offer compared to the original after 5 years? Let's take a look!  The Z50 II with a kit lens. I haven't used the  Z50 II  camera. This is mostly a dive into specifications. I have tried the original Z50 . Even back then it felt a bit quirky in some aspects, but overall a decent camera.  A few references: https://www.nikonusa.com/p/z50ii/1784/overview https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/mirrorless/z50_2/ https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z50ii-initial-review Petapixel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Qm_RPoQxg The top of the camera. Notice the button below ISO. That's for picture control.  Check out the camera through my affiliate links:  B&H Photo Video: https://bhpho.to/4es6jFP Amazon:  https://amzn.to/48M6uud   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! The good (most of these copied from Nikon's global website): Fully articulatin...