I like getting paper statements for everything, although I pay most things online. The gas bill gets a check mailed, because the gas company wants to charge me a fee to pay online. The mortgage company gets a check, because once, after paying online, I got a notice several weeks later that the payment wasn't processed (NOT due to insufficient funds) and they tried to hit me with a late fee. It took some effort, but eventually they gave up on the late fee. Since then they can wait for a check in the mail.

Looking at the EXIF data, both of your photos were taken at f/10, 1/60 sec. and ISO 22800. If that ISO number is correct, those photos actually look pretty good where noise is concerned. Run them through Topaz DeNoise and I'll bet they clean up nicely.

Very nice doggos you have there! A real photogenic crew!

While I don't think I'll be using AI-generated images a lot, I DO find it interesting.
This is a sample of what I got on the new Photobacks AI when I input "Russian Blue cat sleeping".

Looks a lot like our Russian Blue kitty!

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Very nice set! Hockey can be very difficult to get pictures like this.

This is from an article dated Feb. 9, 2023 from our local CBS station...

"Bed Bath & Beyond said Tuesday it will be shuttering 150 more stores as the beleaguered home goods chain cuts costs as it works to stay afloat."

"In early January, Bed Bath & Beyond warned that it may need to file for bankruptcy. A few weeks later, it said it was in default on its loans and didn't have sufficient funds to repay what it owes."

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/struggling-bed-bath-beyond-closing-14-in-texas-stores-150-nationwide

I'm with you on this. I see these Lightroom preset bundles... "250 Beautiful Lightroom Presets", and I can't imagine what I'd do with that. Seems like you'd waste a bunch of time just trying them out and figuring out what they do. I'll just continue making my own adjustments, although sometimes I'll save a basic adjustment to apply to a group of photos, then make custom 'tweaks' from that point.

Very nice! Those are all very crisp and sharp, with great color. Good job shooting in a difficult environment!

The 80-200mm lens is focused using the screw drive from a motor in the camera body. The Z6ii doesn't have this motor. So, while you can use the 80-200 on the Z6ii, it will be manual focus only.

Anyone interested in advancing their Photoshop and Lightroom knowledge, as well as getting access to some great templates and resources, Photobacks is running a special through Sunday (1/1/2023). You can get full access to all Pixel U resources for 1 month for only $1, and if you like it, you can get a one year membership for $97 a year. I don't work for them, but have been a member for a long while, and have found it totally worth it. Besides the educational resources, they also have several Webinars each month with professional designers demonstrating various techniques.

You can check out all that is available for only $1!

Go to this link: https://getpixelu.com

That won't necessarily resolve the issue. I got a new camera from Adorama a few weeks ago, and it shipped UPS "signature required for delivery". I was waiting on delivery, and happened to see the UPS truck going down the street, away from my house (I live on a cul-de-sac). Went outside, and the box was sitting on the front porch. Didn't knock, ring the doorbell, or anything. Just left it. I'm guessing the driver scribbled something illegible for the "required signature".

Whatever your decision on the camera, make sure to check out Steve Perry's excellent book "Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System: Mirrorless Edition". The autofocus is VERY different on the Nikon mirrorless camera, and I've found this book to be a great guide.

I own this album, and everything on it is great. If I might suggest another David Sanborn selection, "Summer" from his "Change of Heart" album. This song always perks me up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-hhIuNUc3s

Some great shots there. Very bright and colorful. Your rink must have really good lighting. I shoot some hockey at the local Junior games with my D750. I use the 70-200 f/2.8, but generally shoot at ISO 6400 and 1/1000 shutter.

I recently bought a Lumix DC-ZS80. It takes decent pictures, although I've noticed they can be rather noisy. Nothing Topaz De-Noise can't clean up. I bought it to take into concerts. So far, it's been allowed everywhere; they just admonish "no flash". It has a 24-720mm Leica lens and an electronic viewfinder, although it's so small I find it easier to use the screen on the back.

Here are a couple of pictures I took with it; at a Robert Cray concert, and a Gov't Mule show. Looking forward to using it at Joe Bonamassa in a few weeks.

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