It’s crazy.
Internet is our life blood, and when it’s slow, or crashes all the time, or maybe needs to reconnect constantly, your life slows down.
In a one bedroom apt I was needing an extender just to increase the reach of the modem/router.
My NYC experience.
Then, in discussions with people who know more than I do, my internet provider, told me my 12 year old modem/router combo unit , was waaaay out of date and, BTW, they were moving to separate pieces of a modem AND router. An upgrade was inevitable.

The extender I had been using was a NetGear, so I checked out their products first.

Enter the NetGear Night Hawk Wi-Fi 7 router RS 300

Yep, wanted you to have the whole name!

With a simple setup to my cable providers modem, all of the sudden, my wi-fi speeds were blazing!
All over my apt!
Plus I was also able to plug in an ethernet connection to the desktop.

It is also future proof, as my internet provider assured me they were upgrading the internet speed for no charge in the coming months and this router is ready!
There is an app associated with the router, so you can test your speed anytime.
Here is mine from this morning:

Screenshot

I know, it may seem like a boring product to purchase and install.
I assume it’s like putting on a new roof on a house.

You absolutely need it, as you will get super fast , UNINTERRUPTED speed.
And you’ll see the advantages immediately.

Happy to unplug the extender as my apt and all devices now have uninterrupted solid wi-fi!
That’s 2 phones, desktop and laptop, 2 tablets, 2 smart TVs, 2 Alexas

To be fair, I did have to reconnect my smart TVs to the new network. Took only minutes.

Phones and computer, and Alexas were already recognizing the change.

Once again, the specs:

Here are some specs:
• WiFi Coverage
2,500 sq. ft. (no, my apt is not that large, but good to know there is room to move))
• Speed
9.3Gbps
• WiFi Bands
– 2.4GHz (2×2), 0.7Gbps, 40MHz, 4K-QAM
– 5GHz (2×2), 2.9Gbps,160MHz, 4K-QAM
– 6GHz (2×2), 5.8Gbps, 320MHz, 4K-QAM
• Processor
Powerful quad-core 2.0GHz processor
• Memory
512MB NAND flash and 2GB RAM
• Antenna
Four (4) high-performance internal antennas and high-power amplifiers(critical part)
• Ports
One (1) 2.5Gbps Internet port
Two (2) 2.5Gbps Ethernet LAN port
Two (2) 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
One (1) USB 3.0 port

You can pick one up here.

Fujifilm had a few intros of new products today for the full range of image makers.There are links to each item for more details on the photos below. Hover and click.

Please note, I have not yet handled any of these units, and will do a real world review once I do.

At the top, there is nothing like a favorite lens getting an improvement!
Seriously, my everyday lens is the Fuji 16-55 2.8, which lives on my X-H2.
Yes, it’s a hunk but it is sharp as a tack, and produces beautiful bokeh.
Today, Fuji announced the revise version of this lens .

The key differences are 37.4% less weight, slightly shorter(43in), and for video production an option for “clickless” aperture: Quiet, and smooth.
The price will be the same as the previous model, $1200 USD.
As a daily user of the 1st edition, less weight and length will bring me in, especially in a street photography situation.
For video, I have been stuck on the 18-55mm, but with these these changes on the 16-55mm, it will be the shift to a one lens situation I have been hoping for.

For the newer content creators they are introducing the X-M5 :

A relatively inexpensive ($800), 26MP camera on a body that can record up to 4K/60P, with powerful digital image stabilization.

Listening to the content creator market’s need, the 3 onboard mics can be configured 4 different ways, with the most unique one being a front and back mic for interview situations. Very cool.

Plus a noise reduction function to reduce things like air conditioner noise.

New bit rates of 8 Mbps and 25 Mbps have been added for users to select from the “Media Recording Settings” when creating video content. These options reduce the transfer time to external devices such as smartphones and improve the time required to upload video directly to social media. 

In that same realm, those that may post direct to Tik Tok, IG stories, or Snap, the X-M5’s new “9:16 short movie mode” also allows users to create vertical videos in camera.

Single SD card slot, and it appears that the older block batteries used in the X-t2 and X100series should work.
Fuji is listening.

Then the latest tele lens, FUJINON XF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR.

Perfect for birding and wildlife photography, with 20 sealing points in the barrel.

Aa sport lens, it has the length and speed, and if the newly leaked news about an AF firmware update pans out you may finally have the Fuji lens the action photographers have been waiting for.
About $3000.

Now awaiting the new firmware update!

When you need support for your camera (or smartphone), and you are on the move, a solid tripod is the call.
On the move is the key phrase as I like to travel as light as possible, while getting the results I need.
Through the years I have tried many solutions, and have come to this list of criteria for the right tool:
*Weight
*Size/Length when closed, and max height
*Versatile ball head
*Price
There are a lot of options out there, and this Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS twist carbon tripod checks all the boxes.

At the end of the post I’ll give you a concise pluses and minuses on this tripod!
Continue Reading »

Nat Geo has had a strong year of high-quality specials, from biographies of well known and diverse types of photographers, to capturing the beauty and wonder of the ocean.
If there is one thing you are guaranteed of, is stunning cinematography. always. Period. End of story.

This latest exploration focusing on the National Parks:USA is no exception. Starting streaming Sept 8th.

From sharing the experience of being together with rock climbing experts that will take your breath away, to macro photography of beehives like you have never seen before, to views from the skys of these majestic lands from one of the finest aerial cinematographers today. Continue Reading »

I know that we have all probably had a pair of the ubiquitous white ear buds.
Reality is they don’t last forever.
True story is that the battery will only be able to be charged a certain amount of times, before they are ready to recycle. The quality deteriorates, and you will soon need a new pair. I did.
Maybe now is that time for you look around and check your options!
Now, the main thing I use ear buds for are Zoom calls, podcasts, calls on the phone, and of course the primary – music!
What I look for is a fast connect to each device, without having to go into system preferences to select a headset. Just want to pop them in, and be connected.
As I do review a bunch of headphones, I usually have about 9 headsets pre-connected to my computer and phone.

Here is a comparison of the 3 sets Poly ended up sharing for review, with a winner revealed:

Continue Reading »