I think you are referring to how many color bits of resolution the camera can see. Eight bit color is 2 raised to the 8th power (2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2 = 256) or 256 bits per color channel (RGB). This is what JPG files are capable of and the lowest common denominator for handling resolution in photo processing software, both in-camera and in your computer . Your 4096 is equal to 2 raised to the 12 power which can be called 12 bit per channel color resolution which is a standard high color resolution for some cameras. Again, I emphasize that this is just my guess!

TK

I use Zerene stacker software. What I like about Zerene is it has a retouching capability that has saved my bacon several times with moving clouds and flower stamens waving in the breeze. It has a 30 day free trial period and then you have to buy. Great program but not cheap at the pro level but you get what you pay for!

TK

I found a used adjustable black plastic sun shade for notebooks of 9 - 15 inch width at Amazon for $15. I cut it down to fit my Samsung Pro Tab 8.4 tablet which measures 9" wide in the landscape configuration in an Otterbox case. I attached in to the tablet using Velcro on the back of the Otterbox so its removable. It seems to work out on the deck in the full sun - kind of like sitting in the shade in my Jeep. Going out tomorrow for a field test and will report later.
TK

Shellback,
I found something of interest on Amazon today.

CompUshade Mini Laptop Sun Shade
by DulCo

•Forms a 7-inch deep viewing tunnel to reduce glare
•Attaches to your laptop lid with self adhesive velcro strips
•Adjusts to fit screens 7.5 to 10.5 inches wide
•Universal size fits mini computers and netbook laptops including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Gateway, Samsung and Sony

I bought it used for $15 - it's worth a try! Fits in the horizontal mode so you can access the touchscreen from the bottom. My Samsung Galaxy Pro 8.4 is 9" wide horizontal in the Otterbox case so it should work. I'll report later once I get it.

TK

Hey Shellback,

I'm about ready to also try to make one with mount board, flat black paint, Velcro,, and gorilla tape. I did send an inquiry to B&H - they don't have such a beast. I also sent one to Hoodman but haven't heard anything back yet. There seems to be a need for such a thing. Maybe also a smaller model for phones combined with a protector case?
TK

I always chose a head that handles about 3-4x the weight of the camera/lens combo I'm using - it needs to be more sturdy than the tripod. Hang your camera bag off the center column of the tripod - really helps with carbon fiber tripods. That plus using a mirror up remote release mode makes a noticeable difference in image sharpness.

I always chose a head that handles about 3-4x the weight of the camera/lens combo I'm using - it needs to be more sturdy than the tripod. Hang your camera bag off the center column of the tripod - really helps with carbon fiber tripods. That plus using a mirror up remote release mode makes a noticeable difference in image sharpness.

Sunlight readability is a real issue! I'm running a Samsung Pro Tab 8.4 tablet with CamRanger and sometimes it's hard to see clearly in direct sun here in NM where the sun can be pretty intense. The solution is to get the tablet into the shade (car, under a tree, using my hat, dropcloth, etc.). I caught myself using a LCD HoodLoupe finder on the Tablet screen today to more closely examine the image. This worked pretty well but a bigger view is needed - Hoodman are you listening! Either a loupe type viewer or a foldable shading device like the viewing screen on the old Speed Graphic sheet film cameras.

I use the big one all the time for low on-the-ground wildflower shots. You don't need a ball head with this, just bend the legs to get the framing you want. It helps though to have a right angle camera bracket and a Accra-Swiss type mounting plate on the gorilla pod.

Another software product is Zerene Stacker. The best thing about Zerene is the retouching capability that would solve the problem in the above video without having to crop. Although I have found it's always a good idea to be quite generous with your initial composition cropping when shooting stacks or panoramas to allow extra image space for later cropping and corrections. Zerene also has free trial version available.
TK

It had to have been a moonset - the moon doesn't rise in the West! Beautiful shot though!
TK

I have used a 3 wheeled baby stroller used by joggers to carry everything at once. My go-to unit has 24 inch wheels and can navigate over rocks and fallen logs in the woods. Pulling or pushing this is much easier than carrying it all on your back. I also makes a very nice platform for keeping your gear out of the mud and snow.

TK

I've had good luck with Chinese made Accra-Swiss type plates from Sunwayfoto bought from B&H - no problem with Induro heads and Kirk L brackets. I did hear of a problem with Manfrotto Q6 heads fitting the Kirk plate though a reviewer comment section on the Q6 plate - the Q6 wedge gripper wouldn't close completely on the Kirk plate dovetail groove. Not everything fits everything I guess.
TK

Put your autofocus camera on a carbon tube monopod and pop the shutter with your right hand. Keep on shooting to keep the eye sharp. The monopod also doubles as a walking stick to get you out of the house for exercise.

Quite nice! I especially like your treatment of the backgrounds - not to much sharpness and not to little, just right. Really makes the subject stand out!

TK