Posts: jdm | Ugly Hedgehog

jerryc41 wrote:

Older computers can't use the newest OS, so get 20... (show quote)

Thanks, Jerry. You are always so generous with your research. I appreciate it! Regards, JDM

Jun 28, 2019 08:21:42 #

UTMike wrote:

I went with a MacbookPro in 2017 and indulged in a BenQ 27" monitor. It is wonderful for photos and editing, but I am 80 and really appreciate the larger screen.

Jun 27, 2019 17:49:10 #

Wingpilot wrote:

My friend, Dave, recently purchased a new 15" MacBook Pro, with retina display, 2TB storage, and the new control bar. It's the new model MacBook Pro. It's very fast and has lots of room, but he and his wife have a business, so his 2TB's are nearly full already. Great way to go, but that one was very expensive. He can afford it, though. YMMV. You can, however, get one off the shelf with up to 512GB. If you have some special needs in a computer, special ordering might be the best bet.

Thanks, Wingpilot! I only need a 13 inch and I think 1 tb would be plenty of storage for my needs. If I end up moving my catalogue completely external, I could easily get away with the 512gb. My old MacBook Pro lasted me 9 years with great performance and nary a problem until now so, while they are a pretty penny, I feel that, at the end of the day, they are a good value.

The apple store folks said that the control bar adds $500 to the cost, so I’m seriously considering seeing if I can order it without the control bar and get the additional storage instead. The problem is it was an easy-to-find option on the listing of the now old model on the website; I haven’t found the customization option with the brand new model, if it exists. It may be worth a call! Again, thank you for your input! Regards, JDM

Jun 27, 2019 14:54:24 #

vonzip wrote:

I just purchased a used 13" macbook pro on ebay with 16gb of ram and 1 tera bite of storage and the latest os installed. This included 60 days for returns and a 2 year warranty and 24/7 customer support for just $550.00. Blazing fast and in great shape.

Wow, Von, quite a score! May I be so lucky! Enjoy your new beast! Regards, JDM

Jun 27, 2019 14:51:45 #

PixelStan77 wrote:

I would go with MacBook Pro (again, the older model) with no control bar and, instead, purchase additional storage and memory.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1343074-REG/apple_z0uk_mpxt23_bh_macbook_pro_i5_2_3ghz.html

Thanks, Stan. I’ve had three votes for this so far ... I appreciate your time and comments! Regards, JDM

Jun 27, 2019 14:50:40 #

juan_uy wrote:

First of all, if you have enough internal disk space, I don't see why you consider "a no-no" to do that (obviously considering correct backup solution).

I am not a Mac user, but I would go for MacBook Pro (or equivalent latest model) not the Air version.
Storage and memory: as much as you can pay (this applies to any computer). I would aim to a minimum of 6GB RAM and 512Gb SDD, from there up.

Thanks for your replay, Juan! The Apple rep that recommended ditching the control bar and adding the extra storage was trying to facilitate my keeping my catalogue on the hard drive. I also appreciate your recommendations on storage and memory! Regards, JDM

Jun 27, 2019 13:27:29 #

Time for a new laptop. I plan to replace my old MacBook Pro with a new Apple laptop. I run Adobe/Lightroom Classic photographers plan. I’ve been in to visit the Apple Store on three occasions and got different recommendations each time.

First one recommended MacBook Air for better photo display. Second recommended MacBook Pro (then yet to be replaced with the just released, brand new model) with new control bar. Third recommended I special order MacBook Pro (again, the older model) with no control bar and, instead, purchase additional storage. I currently keep my main catalogue on my hard drive (I know, a no-no) with two backups, one to an external Seagate drive and another to the cloud.

I welcome any and all recommendations on model, storage, memory, etc. I know I should get my catalogue off of my hard drive so any tips or direction towards resources on that would be great as well. My thanks in advance to the awesome Hog community for your help and guidance. ~JDM

Apr 28, 2019 08:03:42 #

Nikon D750

Scuba Stephen wrote:

I purchased a new Nikon D750 camera about three weeks ago I love it but am having a hard time learning everything. I have never owned a DSLR camera. I have only owned a Nikon point and shoot. The learning curve is somewhat overwhelming. I can’t wait till I feel completely comfortable with the D750. I do absolutely love the camera just need to get out there and shoot and not be so intimidated.

I have the 750 and love it. Personally, I find the manuals that come with cameras great for specific reference but dry and monotonous for overall learning of the functions of the camera. Like others here, I highly recommend David Busch’s book for its logical approach and simple language. I also really recommend Creative Live’s “Quick Start” class on the 750 with John Greengo. He’s a great instructor and he walks you through every single function and menu item in the camera. His visuals make everything clear and easy to understand.

The 750 is awesome! Don’t give up.

Jan 1, 2019 14:28:03 #

Horn blowing

MT Shooter wrote:

I got an unexpected email today from Tamron USA. I... (show quote)

Enjoy!

Dec 29, 2018 11:25:06 #

Heads up on filter deals!

MT Shooter wrote:

Benro has bought out VU Filters and will be changi... (show quote)

Thank you, Carter! I have long wanted a filter system for my Nikon 14 - 24 but have held off because of the cost of a quality kit. I’ve just loaded up my B&H cart with the Vu filter system and will pull the trigger at 6:00 when on-line ordering resumes.

It was most thoughtful of you to share this incredible deal with the Hogs. As usual, you add tremendous value to the content on this forum. Thanks again for all that you contribute!

Jdm

Oct 25, 2018 09:57:31 #

mentoring.

papaluv4gd wrote:

I posted this idea as part of another topic.Thought I'd put it out there as a stand alone topic.Couple years ago I was remodeling a house for some absentee owners to get it ready for sale.(I'm a remodeling contractor).My painter was there and he had his 16 yr old daughter there helping him. She had to do some sort of community service work for her voc ag class.She was doing some painting,and like most kids,was really having fun and sort of grumbling about having more fun things to do.So I happened to ask her if she ever thought about doing photography.She said she would love to,but didn't have a camera,or any idea how to do it.We chatted a few more minutes,then I went about my duties.My mind started wandering about how to help get her started.Got on ebay after work and started looking for some sort of camera that had the look and feel of a dslr. Found these fuji hs series cameras that really look like a the real deal.Fixed zoom that had the equiv.of a 24-720mm zoom lens.Lot's of features like manual zoom,manual focus.(electronicaly controlled).Just real nice little cameras.So I bid for on one.got it for something like $70.00.Camera was in excellent shape.I played with it for a couple weeks to see what it was capable of.I was very impressed.Had to download the instruction manual for her.She was somewhat taken back when I presented it to her.She thought that I was just letting her use it.Told her it was hers with one stipulation,that if she didn't really use it,or lost interest,that she return it.To my total amazement,within 6 weeks,she had not only put together a portfolio,she was asked to do some class pics for her high school.That got me thinking that if it worked for her,it might work for others.SO,I went back on line,picked up another fuji, and started to talk to some of the kids not only in church,but other parents I have known.I would ask if their kids might be interested in photography.All said I was free to present my question to the kids.To make a long story short,I now have given away about 13 cameras.Another fella from church and myself get together from time to time to go out and do some shoots.He is a member of a camera club,so they do some regular field trips.When I told him what I have been doing,he suggested we put on some beginner photo classes for all the kids.After getting permission from the church to use one of their class rooms,we put a posting on the bulletin board.The response was more than we thought it would be.Not only were the kids interested,but we had a number of adults who had cameras,but really didn"t know how to get the most out of them.So now we host monthly classes, but we do monthly field trips.Myself and 2 other fellas, as we go about our day to bussiness,we look for or hear about something that might be of interest.So one of us will do a scouting trip to see the possibilities.we then do a posting on the board,and emailings to those outside of the church.It has gotten to the point were we have to organize car pooling so that we don't look like an invasion force decending on the photo site.Long winded I know,but just thought I'd put this idea out there for others to try.I have spent at least $1,000.00 on cameras for these kids.At first my wife was pretty upset with the money I was spending.You know what,the money is not the issue,and believe me,I do not have a lot of free cash sitting around.Actually,there are times when money is tight,But I love the feeling of being able to do something beyond myself.The kids and the adults are having fun.I tell people that when you get a little more serious about photography,you no longer just look at things around you,you now see life in a whole new way.You begin to SEE.suddenly you see the whole world as a photo op.When we are going to or fro from our field trips,everyone is looking out the windows,suddenly we hear,"look out there,that looks cool to shoot".That my friends makes all the time and money worth it.

I posted this idea as part of another topic.Though... (show quote)

I am struck by your generosity ... generosity of thought, of creativity, of time and, yes, of money. “Mentoring” was a very good choice of title for your post!

Apr 23, 2018 09:04:13 #

repleo wrote:

There is a side by side comparison here. http://c... (show quote)

This is both really helpful and really funny. Thank you for both!

Apr 22, 2018 17:51:08 #

pesfls wrote:

One of my sisters has the 109 & she says they are identical except for 2 things. The Leica badge and the full Leica worldwide warranty. So if you bought the Panasonic in the U.S. the warranty is honored in U.S. only. So, one's travels or not are a major consideration.

That is super great feedback. I also heard that panasonic is made in china and leica in japan.

Apr 22, 2018 17:13:47 #

Charlie F wrote:

To jdm:

I have a Leica D-Lux 109 (Typ C) and love it. True, it is a German company that has the camera made in Japan. It has an electronic viewfinder that is close to optical quality, and will record videos in 4K definition. It also produces raw format output that can be read directly by Photoshop Elements 14. Pictures are sharp with excellent contrast. I'd recommend this camera to anyone who wants a quality compact camera and can afford the price.

Charlie

Thank you for your endorsement, Charlie. It looks fantastic! I'm worried, though, that some say that it is exactly the same as Panasonic Lumix lx100 which sells for almost half. Do you know of differences other than branding? Much thanks for your feedback.

Regards, JDM

Apr 22, 2018 09:42:43 #

Thanks, all, for your thoughtful responses! Wow! Is it truly the same camera as the Panasonic LX100? I looked on DPReview and it looks identical. I go for value over status so I will take a look at the LX instead.

Mac, thanks for pointing out size. You're right .. the Leica C type 112 is a better fit for what I'm looking for. Sadly, they are no longer available. Off to check out fuji and sony.

Cheers!