First rule leaned about external hard drives always involves backing up the backup. Learned this the hard way after creating a massive (700 GB) music library by burning virtually every decent CD (100 each night) from the branches of every public library in several counties. The drive naturally failed several months after I'd finished all that copying and when I contacted the manufacturer the first thing they said was, "Of course, you have a backup of all the original material, right?" UGH.

Thought the same thing the other day when I pulled the switch to go with an iPhone ProMax and it's 512GB of memory. Wondered what happened when they jumped from iPhone 8, passed 9, and then called the next model iPhone X instead of 10. No saying what they'll do with iPhone 13. Happy shooting to us all.

Wish I had ONLY one story to tell. First would be a close call at, yes, the Sistine Chapel. My first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix, had a body that split in half in a way you could point the lens and viewfinder in the same direction. Holding it at waist level I discretely managed a whole series of ceiling shots without detection. Second, was the Hermitage in St. Petersburg Russia where, too busy shooting everything and anything, I lost my tour group and wound up being charged by four bulky female (?) security guards shouting at me in Russian. Ultimately, I was walked out of the building by a KGB-like, black-leather trenchcoat-wearing guy speaking perfect English. Lastly, the Valley of the Kings (Egypt) where 20 years ago you could pay for a separate photography ticket to tour tombs. Now, no photography is allowed whatsoever meaning, of course, everyone tries to get away with cellphone shots. I managed to snap a few treasures before security guards descended upon the lawbreakers threatening to confiscate offending cellphones. Here is one of the resulting beauties.

(Download)

Follow your guides suggestions to chew the leaves and drink the tea. The high altitudes along the way will likely cause dizziness and lethargy in some. Don’t let it be you. Definitely a trip unlike any other. You don’t wanna miss any shooting angles and many of the best require climbing steep well worn stepping stones. Unless you’re in peak performance shape lugging a heavy lens could ruin the visit. Hope to be there early in the day before the huge crowds amass and while the light is low. Finally, remember to regularly get out from behind the lens. Make a conscious effort to visually see as much as you can. You’ll want some of those images in your memory banks as well as on memory cards. Enjoy the people as well as the place.

Any feedback on using Fujifilm X-T3 (along with suggested lens options) for street shooting.

Does it work on Nikon Z7 mirrorless with adapter?

Hey, jerryc41, Want to say thanks for your responsive replies to lens questions, particularly mine. You easily understand the point of our questions and offer additional resources and solid choices. Thx again.

Jumping over to a Sony a7 III full-frame and wanna make smart lens decisions. Any lens suggestions before clicking on the buy?

Haven’t been to Jordan so no help here. But I have spent time all over Egypt including three weeks ALONE last year. Egyptians are by in large very friendly and welcoming. Most importantly they’re well aware of the value tourists bring to their economy. As with any foreign travel it’s always wise to be smart about where you go and with whom. It’s common sensible to always be polite, never an ugly American, and learn a few simple words/phrases like saying Hello and Thank You in Arabic. Be aware of posted restrictions on photography. Unlike my first trip to the Valley of The Kings, photography is no longer permitted inside tombs, even if you try using a cell phone camera. Be smart and be polite when you travel. You’ll love the Egyptian experience.

Size definitely matters when it comes to lugging around a 6D w/L glass collection. Sony offers FF lure in a lighter package.

Sent virtually all my 'old' equipment (including some very nice canon 2.8L glass and 6D body plus Lumix G1 and glass and Sony NEX7 w/glass) to Adorama for trade-in value with thoughts to upgrade to FF Sony A7 III and 24-70 2.8 G lens. Problem is their offer came in way short of the total amount needed to move up even with their 'discount.'

Here's question: With very capable and handy Oly 5 MII and several Oly 'pro' lenses, do I ditch my FF dreams and use the $$$ to upgrade within the Oly system, perhaps to an OM-D E-M1 MARK II and a wide 'pro' prime? Can a guy, with a couple of additions now and then, ever be happy with what he already has??

Just me and the cam . . . an adventure for sure.

Heading to Egypt and want to capture some memorable memories. Question is, which system comes with me: Canon 6D with some very good (24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8) L glass or new Olympus OMD-EM5 Mark II with four terrific Olympus "pro" lenses.

Picked up this lens as part of the Olympus om-d e-m5 mark ii pro kit. It's terrific. As to lens size, if like me you're used to Canon FF cameras, any of these lenses are easily manageable and sharp as you could ever want/need in a 4/3 platform.