One of my favorite companies that create products in the mobile space is ShiftCam.
Utilizing the mag safe feature, they have created a system giving you the tools you need to make the content you post in an accessible, and well built gear set. They also make a set of high quality lenses which can be attached to your phone via an adaptor that works on all phones. The full monty!

OK, it may feel like  a commercial but I am a huge fan! (vid was from an Indigogo campaign, but lays it all out!)

One of their more recent products is the SnapStudio Light, that you saw in the video.

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The choices out there for listening to audio, and speaking on calls can be overwhelming.

When I’m working on a project and just want to shut everything out and concentrate, earpods are the way. No question. When I need to do a call, that’s when the power of the pods with their mic capabilities kick in.
I’ve tried a ton of them!
Apple, Urbanista, JLab, Sony, HP, and the list goes on. All quality, but not for everything.

And you know that none of these will last forever. The amount of times you can charge them are limited due to the batteries. It’s just science.
When those run their lifespan, where do you pivot to?
I keep a range of options on my desktop, yet each one has had failings during important calls. I have switched out 3 sets of ear pods during one long zoom, and that is no lie.  Admittedly, Over Ear Headsets made for calls have always made me feel like a telemarketer, yet allowed the advantage of being able to listen to the outside world while on a call.
Plus those are designed to be used on these type of calls.

Poly/HP has come out with a great solution in the Voyager Legend 50 UC: just about as small as an over ear pod, yet has a more directional mic, higher quality voice output, and you get one ear open to be aware of your surroundings.

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The Fuji x100v has been the camera I carry when I’m out for a simple walkabout in the city.
Fixed lens, leaf shutter, 26 MP, articulated screen, classic Fujifilm film simulations, and ability to slip it into my pocket. Keeps it simple, and lightweight.
When they teased this new camera, the GFX100RF, the hairs on the back of my neck reared up, and my wallet was ready to open.

So, it’s an interesting proposition:
102MP, Medium format, FIXED lens, and a footprint smaller than a GFX, and a fixed lens 35 mm f/4 lens (35mm equivalent 28mm).
A very specific camera, indeed, with some very unique features.

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Now that you are into your 2025 travel plans, one thing that will always be in your bag is a charger for your essential devices:
Phone, Watch, and Ear Pods.

There have been a bunch out in the past, and I have tried em all! I think.

Anyway, there was a major change in the designs, thanks to the Apple iPhone feature that shows a clock when the phone has not been used in a while, called Nightstand.
You get to choose time , time with weather, full month calendar, etc.,and different fonts. Here is how to set that up.

When you check into a hotel room, setting the clock on the antiquated clock radio is a pain, so using your own device is the way to go.

What has now been incorporated into some of the chargers is a mag safe place for your phone that will show you that cool new screen at an angle.
Plus, if your smart watch has a bracelet instead of a strap, you need to hang it, or lean it on a charger shelf.
Then your ear pods should be able to be charged via mag safe while in the case, on a flat surface within the charger.

All makes sense?

So…
Here are 3 of the best options currently available, and from reputable brands

iWalk, Anker, and Mophie, each with pros and cons.

To start, the Anker 3-1 has a compact cube shape, with all charging stations either popping out, or tilting up.
Pros are the size, quality build, and pop out charger for the watch.

On the Mophie, the main pro is the size. With a slim profile, all features also pop out.
It comes with a carry case, housing the power cord, and room for an Air tag making sure you don’t leave it behind.

Only negative I found was when my Apple 14 Pro had its case on, it was a bit too close to my watch on the charging stand, as you can see here. Even without the case on the phone the watch screen was blocked. Honestly, with the clock on the phone no big deal, just was surprised.

All still charged fine, but the design was a little close for me.

Then we come to the iWalk.

With a cylindrical design, all the charging platforms follow the pop-out for the watch or tilt up for the phone.
I do prefer that pop out for the watch as I always know the watch is seated properly for charging, and if you have ever woken up to find that your watch was not charged, you know what I mean.
This unit also has a trick feature: If you wave your hand over a sensor behind the phone station, it will rotate from vertical to horizontal., with horizontal, being the preferred viewing for the clock feature.
I can see why the feature may be useful when used on a desk, if you are spending your time on TikTok, Stories, etc.

For me that feature will not be getting used.

So here you have 3 units of choice:

Overall, the iWalk wins for build, and price. Only about $56 currently on Amazon.

The Anker wins for great compact design, and watch charging shelf is a plus. It has the weight to be solid on any desktop or bedside table. Now on sale for $104.

The Mophie wins for size, and elegant case for all parts.  Top of the pricing at $150. 

Yes, each one of these uses a charging block, which you will need to bring with you, with each unit include with proper cables, and only the Mophie incorporates into a case.

Goldilocks tried 3 bowls of porridge and ended up on one.
I think each one of these travel chargers has its advantages, so choose the one that has the features you want, and the price point you feel comfortable with.

More real world reviews on the way, as fresh gear is being released in this new year.

Plus we are looking at how the tariff situation will affect your gear purchases.

When Photoinduced first came to be , there were a ton of videos posted on YouTube with product presentations, interviews, and a series I called: “What’s In The Bag?”

This series featured working pros, and gear they used to actually get the shot. Each photo had a few vids in their series, and I think everyone learned a ton! Including me!

The idea was to have a UGC look, and have each photog go through their camera bags  to share what gear they actually used, and why. Yep, most were HD at the time.

All of the vid are still up, and are here.

Video is coming back for 2025, and there will be notices!

Here is Katy Winn, fashion week photographer in one of the first episodes:

Questions/Comments?

Send me a note : damon@photoinduced.com