I upgraded in August last year from my Sony A77II (DSLR) to a mirrorless full-frame Sony A7IV. The DSLR lenses do not fit the mirrorless without an adapter. I didn't need the new camera; I just wanted it. I agree that we don't need to grab the latest equipment, but when what outweighs the need, then we purchase. Knowing what I know now, I would wait until there is a good sale.

When that question is asked, I find most often that they want to know if I want to become a professional photographer. If they mean what type of photography you specialize in, I say flowers and travel. I also don't do well before sunrise.

Several brands make filters that can be used with an adapter that can be used over multiple sizes. These filters are square or rectangular.

There has been a heating problem with some of the SanDisks. I don't remember which models but check online to see some reviews.

My iPhone 13 Pro Max has various settings that you can change. For example in portrait, you can set the f-Stop. There is an exposure compensation setting and other things that might help. I would suggest you Google your iPhone to see what you have available.

Google calls the ._ files metadata. In this case, it means things like the file is ready to archive plus file system data that we don't normally need. One attribute is ATTR-OFFLINE. That would probably show up because you either tried to download the file or something then removed the file from the system when you unplugged the drive. Why they are showing up is beyond my knowledge.

In a walk with Jay Maisel, he made Scott Kelby take off the lens cap, lens hood, and UV filter. That might be your answer. Now having said that, I would keep the lens hood on that long lens to reduce flare and it would be your protection.

I purchased new gear in August (a birthday present for me) and had no issues. Everything shipped when promised and arrived with a required signature. I would look on their website for the item. I suspect it is available there also.

I don't use mine very often but have them when I want a longer shutter speed for moving water for example. I haven't tried using one when shooting through glass, but that would be another common use.

I belong to Kelby One. It has so many classes on Lightroom and Photoshop that I could spend hours a day just watching them, and still have new ones delivered each week or so. One of the advantages is that you'll see classes on upgrades. I like the travel classes when the instructor goes into editing their images.

I was just looking at the Sony Alpha site this morning and saw a professional using the kit lens for most of her work. If it is sharpness that is an issue with those lenses, Topaz Sharpen does a wonderful job of addressing that issue.

There are rubber lens hoods that you press up against glass. They are designed to eliminate any glare or reflection caused by the glass. I don't own one yet, but plan on getting one for hotel rooms pictures when on road trips. I know one would have help when I was in Gatlinburg, TN at their aquarium.

What I see is that this camera is going to get used a lot at the Paris Olympics. Add the new 300 mm lens and you have something that the professional sport photographer will want.

The lowest ISO setting is 250. That might cause some issues in lower light situations.

I can see wildlife and bird photographers liking the speed that they claim this has. I think it was something like 120 fps.

I think everyone would like this camera, but I suspect that to get the full functionality, you'll have to upgrade to ultra fast memory cards that no one has discussed.

I'm sure that down the road, when this global shutter becomes common a camera might be produced in a price range that fits the average photographer. Until then, It is way beyond my budget.

Since this camera won't be available until late February or early March, and add the new 300 mm lens, I bet you see a lot of them showing up in Paris for the Olympics. Getting one in March gives the sports photographers a chance to iron out any issues and to really understand the advantages and disadvantages of this camera. The 250 ISO, I think that's the number, may take some getting used to when they are outside.

If you are near Albuquerque in early October, you might want to attend the Balloon Festival. It starts on October 7th and runs through the 15th. It is very interesting and photogenic to watch a balloon glow or a mass launch. When we attended, more than 30 years ago, we were able to walk around the balloons and get great views.

If you are not rushing to get home, I would also suggest Sante Fe and Taos. You would get lots of opportunities for street photography in both locations.