It’s that time of year when we all look at how to update our tools, and keep up with improvements in your equipment.
Sometimes though, we get tempted to look back at some previous gear that may still have some life.
That’s what I did.
Here are my latest 3 revivals:

Rummaging through some drawers, I came across my Canon S100, digital camera which was truly pocket sized. To give you an idea how long I had this , there was a 1GB SD card in it.

Ordered some fresh batteries, cheap on Amazon, and hit the streets.
Wow!
The color right out of camera was exceptional! With a zoom lens, multiple options for scene choices, this camera has now become a staple in my camera bag. Or my jeans.

It’s not fast, but it still shoots straight!

Then, I was looking at a video camera from DJI, the Osmo Pocket 1st gen.
This is a slim, pocket sized, all in one gimbal , and while only shooting HD, is still a handy device while on a walk about. It does have all of the standard gimbal choices of movement, and shoots stills as well, with a pano stitching feature.

It connects to the DJI Mimo app, which is pretty robust, and has tutorials.
This camera needed some tender loving care (wasn’t charging) from DJI and $70 later, it was as good as new!

DJI repairfolks were all over it and were great communicators! Checked in with call after the repair to make sure all was good.

It records to a Micro SD, and with all of the accessories I had used years before, ithas worked its way back into the content capture repertoire.

They are up to V3 with a larger viewing screen, 4K, and a $600 price tag.
This one is working fine, just needed to add my phone for a larger viewing screen and is quite handy.

The last one (for now)is a utility bit of gear. Power when you need it!

At an event, I saw one of the shooters using a Quantum Turbo SC battery pack to power his speedlight.
I was always a fan as this gave you full power with super fast recycling times, and a looooong time of usage.
I used to work a bit with Quantum lights, which have gone out of favor, but the battery pack could power a bunch of my speedlights, with proper cabling.
My pack wasn’t charging, so I found a repair place on EBAY, and for $50 he repaired the pack, and its as good as new!
I can use it with Nikon, Nissin, and of course, Quantum strobes. Like I said , just need the right cables to connect the battery to the speedlight

The lesson to me was this: I’d rather repair, than recycle.
As long as the gear can be effective.

Sure, there is nothing like getting fresh updated tech, and the dopamine hit from opening that packing , charging it up and working with it.

Sometimes though, you have some quality choices right there in your drawer.
Have a look, you may be surprised. It’s a fun journey, and productive journey.

Don’t get me started about the Contax T3 waiting for a fresh roll of film!

And next up will be the Holiday Gift Guides, so you can still get the new, while appreciating the old.