Thanks so much for the info re: Rosetta!

I do use Neo extensively for after-merge edits, but I use it as a plug-in. I can always change that, of course, but really liked Aurora's batch capabilities. I'd never seen your comments re: how Neo was architected, so now it makes sense why there's no batch! Good to know....thanks again for the helpful info!

Hey thanks so much for testing that out! I didn't think it would, but before I purchased this new laptop, wanted to check to be sure. I can use Neo, but it doesn't batch process HDR photos. Bummer....

I've been using Aurora HDR for years but it's no longer supported or being updated by Skylum. The last version was Aurora HDR 2019. Luminar NEO is "kind of" their replacement but it doesn't have batch processing capabilities. I'm thinking about getting a new MacBook Air using Apple's M2 chip. Does anyone know if Aurora HDR will run on the M2 chip?

I have smaller (and highly arthritic) hands and purchased a Nikon Z50 with the two kit lenses and added the 18-140mm. I personally think the quality is great and it's extremely lightweight and small. It's an APS-C and the 18-140 is my "go to" lens for 85% of my shooting. it also won't break the bank.

Shimoda Explorer, right? I have the 25L size and love it.

Ditto on the Sony RX10 IV. Image quality is excellent and the lens is 24-600mm, so it covers literally anything you could possibly want to capture. A lot of people will warn you about the Sony menu system. It's just not that hard, at least I didn't think so. There are a LOT of menus, but you can create your own customized menu for the functions you use most and not have to plow through Sony's system once you learn the camera.

Agree with the other comments re: you need something at least 18mm side as the D7200 is a cropped sensor. I had a 18-300mm lens on my D7200 years ago and loved it. It was the perfect lens for me as I could shoot pretty much anything. I'm sure you can find one used for a good price.

I agree with Dan. The $9.99 per month for Lightroom Classic would probably be perfect for you. I fought going to a subscription model for software for years and now I have subscriptions for the major ones - LRC, On1 and Luminar. Very happy with that decision and all of my software has the latest features.

I purchased a "Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Backpack Photo Starter Kit" from B&H about 6 months ago. I've purchased many, many backpacks and this is hands down the most comfortable pack that I own. It will easily carry your kit, the top unzips for quick access, and is highly configurable. It is a bit pricey, but for comfort, I don't think it can be beat. I also have a Peter McKinnon 25L pack that's awesome. Not "quite" as comfy to carry as the Shimoda, but still a great pack. Also a little pricey.

What is the actual name of the device you're using?

I have a D780 (which I dearly love) and a full complement of lenses. Last fall I decided to try the Z6ii and really liked the camera. Then I went to NY over Christmas and had too much fun going into B&H. Saw the Z50 with the 16-50 lens and had to have it. So I have the D780, the Z6ii, and the Z50. What I have found is that all of these cameras handle various conditions differently, so I'm getting used to how each camera / lens combination reacts. For me, I will never get rid of my D780; I use it for all of my real estate photography and it just can't be beat. For travel, I tend to take the Z6ii and the Z50. The Z6ii is my "to go" and does a great job with the 24-70 f/2.8 lens. But the Z50 is my "go to" for active days. We're going to Iceland and I will use the Z50 and the 16-50mm combo when we're horseback riding, snowmobiling, etc. and use the Z6ii for almost everything else. For me, they each have their specific purpose. So it's really up to you as to how you use the cameras. As someone else here said, many people still shoot with film, so do your own thing.

I have been an ON1 user for a l-o-n-g time - since they used to be called Perfect Photo or something like that. Anyway, I am an ON1 subscriber and just found this "quick start" course that might be of use: https://www.on1.com/videos/?fwp_video_library_categories=on1-quick-start-2023%2C2023

I have three (yes, three) external hard drives - one primary, one TimeMachine, and another I keep in a fireproof safe. Plus I use Backblaze to backup to the cloud. The bonus of Backblaze is that it backs up your main hard drive, plus any external drives you use. Very simple to setup - it backs up EVERYTHING, so you don't have to pick and choose what files to backup. Sign up and it just works. Recommended by a bunch of other Hoggers, which is how I found it.

Ditto all the comments above....I'm not having any issues and it might be malware or something else odd going on with your system. I think the previous advice to contact B&H is spot on. There is no better vendor to work with than B&H, IMHO.