My favorite iPhone Video app just got an upgrade!

Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 Features

• Camera control and monitoring with companion app for Apple Watch.
• Support for ATEM camera control with Blackmagic Camera ProDock.
• Support for Blackmagic Focus and Zoom Demands with Blackmagic Camera ProDock.
• Support for full screen portrait mode HDMI output.
• Front camera now supports portrait and landscape without rotation for iPhone 17.
• Support for ProRes RAW stabilization in iOS 26.1 and above.
• General performance and stability improvements.

Availability and Price

Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store.

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It’s true; up until recently my main computer was a Mac Pro circa 2013, affectionally known as the “Trash Can”

Of course, never say that to an Apple employee!

To be fair it was serving me well.

1TB SSD, 64 GB RAM. Unfortunately, the OS could not upgrade past 12.6.

I was missing out on so many upgrades and super new innovations.

As a photographer, videographer, techie, and yes, reviewer, it became a major impediment.

After a lot of research, I knew that a Mac Pro “cheese grater” was way outta my price range, the best option revealed itself.

Immediately my OS went to 26.3.1!!

As a sealed unit, there was not a way to do upgrades down the road in a physical sense, so I did order up the upgrades I needed.

The main deal was the updated apps and the speed with the new M$ chip. I know M5 is probably right around the corner, but I had to make a move.

There was a fly in the ointment: the Mac Pro used Thunderbolt 2 and now the Mac Studio used USB-C. And not just regular USB -C but USB-C 5!

Previously, I used an OWC dock to give me many more ports and capability

Still needed extra ports. I use 3 RAIDs, and multiple external drives.

New cable purchases were then needed, but they didn’t take care of the problem. Because of the newer ports, it wasn’t just a matter of the ends on the cables, I needed a newer dock.

Enter the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock!

An honest lifesaver! Continue Reading »

I have been a huge fan of the DJI Mic 2 for a variety of reasons. 32bit float, recording onto the transmitter as a back-up, ability to add a lavalier mic.

And you will see that infamous fuzzy cat on top of the mics in many many vids.  Like all gear, the right tool for the right situation.

To be honest, on my last coverage of a few art fairs, the ubiquitous mic, was starting to annoy me. And when I wanted to get some audio from those being interviewed, it became a real eye catcher, in the wrong way. Don’t need the logos

As I sometimes struggle with getting a high quality compact system of doing interviews and overviews, the gear has been changing, and evolving.

I recently picked up the Hollyland Lark M2S system, with the most discreet Bluetooth mic system.

This compact system had the right elements: the kit has a USB-C receiver to plug into the phone, or Osmo Pocket 3, and you get a receiver for your camera as well complete with all the needed cables.

To be clear, when speed is the mandate, this tiny mic system is perfect. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of their other mics, but it is the right tool for the job. Continue Reading »

Yep, the straps that you all know from Peak Design have those now classic Anchors that lock and keep you strap secure to your camera, are adding a new product into the line-up.

They have now brought out a line of Mobile Straps that are geared more to the point and shoot and mobile market. There is a general spec chart at the end of the post so you can see if your camera will work.

Built around a brand new intuitive and very secure Micro Anchor™ connection system, these straps are quick-adjusting, low profile, comfy, and durable.

Here is a video walking you through it all.

These straps are compatible with any Peak Design phone case, including the Apple iPhone 17 case, and with the included adapter, any third-party case. So, if you want to carry your phone with a strap, or even with their mobile cuff, which is a smaller version, you are covered.

One of the dual straps also has a carabiner with 3 connectors so you can add whatever configuration you want to a shoulder carry set-up.

The Micro Anchor™ quality is solid and the rope braids are as well. Admittedly, the anchors on the orginal are easier to get in and out, although the tight fit on these made them feel more secure.

Personally, I’m using the mobile cuff on my Fuji X-100V, as a wrist strap or a cuff are my fave carry modes for cameras.

My Fuji feels like an extension of me, and the cuff puts the camera in my hand always at the ready.

Here are the 3 versions:

And the prices with details:

• Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap ($59.95)
  • A versatile strap that securely carries your phone, keys, and small essentials with quick, tangle-free Micro Anchor™ connections and a durable adjustable rope

• Mobile Crossbody Strap ($49.95)
  • A sleek 2-point carry collusion
  • Offers secure, tangle-free convenience with the intuitive Micro Anchor™ system and an ultra-comfortable adjustable rope

• Mobile Cuff ($29.95)
  • A simple, durable wrist strap that provides secure, drop-proof carry for your phone, camera, or small device
  • Features effortless Micro Anchor™ attachment, a self-cinching hardware, and ultra-durable woven rope

With spring on the way, it’s time for fresh start and an upgrade!

For many years, I would interview photographers at various venues to shed additional light on their work. In this video interview of Lauren Greenfield at Annenberg Space for Photography from  2011, she discusses her brilliant exhibit “Beauty CULTure”.

From the link you can discover a lot of older vids, and some new ones.