Robert MayMy Z6III is back but I've run into another problem π This time it's tied to dynamic range and noise performance in video. If you have any thoughts or suggestions of how to fix this, please let me know in the comments.
Keep in mind that YouTube's compression clobbers some of the noise. It should be most obvious at 4K, and I've included a zoomed-in example to hopefully offset that. I did also try changing the noise reduction option on the HLG profile on the S5IIX, and it makes very little difference to its performance - it's better no matter where it's set.
Whats going on in the shadows in video on the Nikon Z6III?Robert May2024-07-19 | My Z6III is back but I've run into another problem π This time it's tied to dynamic range and noise performance in video. If you have any thoughts or suggestions of how to fix this, please let me know in the comments.
Keep in mind that YouTube's compression clobbers some of the noise. It should be most obvious at 4K, and I've included a zoomed-in example to hopefully offset that. I did also try changing the noise reduction option on the HLG profile on the S5IIX, and it makes very little difference to its performance - it's better no matter where it's set.
00:00 - Intro 01:50 - The Noise and Flickering Problem 06:20 - OutroAll about the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DGs beautiful renderingRobert May2025-09-09 | Their 105mm for DSLRs is highly regarded, so can they follow it up on mirrorless at a slightly longer focal length? In this video I take a look only at how the lens renders, because it really needs to be beautiful.
Come join my new Patreon for more behind-the-scenes content, including ad-free video watching, photo sets, presets, etc: patreon.com/RobertMay
00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Smooth backgrounds 02:13 - Iris 02:38 - Bokeh 04:44 - Longitudinal chromatic abberration 05:57 - Flaring resistance, contrast, and portrait/event photo examples 07:14 - Thoughts, price, and conclusionSigmas brilliant new super-zoom - the 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3Robert May2025-09-09 | Sigma has just announced their excellent new 10x super-zoom and I've had the opportunity to test it out for a week and a bit. Spoiler: it's good.
Come join my new Patreon for more behind-the-scenes content, including ad-free video watching, photo sets, presets, etc: patreon.com/RobertMay
00:00 - Intro 01:37 - Use-cases and who it's for 02:49 - 20mm vs 24mm vs 28mm 03:07 - Better for vlogging 03:54 - Lens design 05:01 - Bokeh 05:45 - Optical performance and sharpness 07:00 - Distortion 07:12 - Colour fringing 07:40 - Handling and camera bodies 08:46 - More test shots 09:50 - Controls 10:47 - Macro 11:29 - Price & SummaryThese new Freewell VND filters have a handy party trick!Robert May2025-09-03 | Freewell are launching a new filter system today, and they solve a common problem when using variable ND filters.
Patreon: patreon.com/c/RobertMay Website: https://robertmay.photography BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robertmay.photography Glass: https://glass.photo/robertmayDxO PhotoLab 9 - AI masking, selective denoising, and moreRobert May2025-09-02 | Short one this time about with just a few notes on the various new features in DxO PhotoLab 9.
Patreon: patreon.com/c/RobertMay Website: https://robertmay.photography BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robertmay.photography Glass: https://glass.photo/robertmayDxO PhotoLab 9 #shortsRobert May2025-09-02 | Short one this time about with just a few notes on the various new features in DxO PhotoLab 9. Download or buy PhotoLab 9: tidd.ly/4mHBIZFThis Β£200 lens is a great entry into macro photography!Robert May2025-08-31 | I've never really tried macro photography, but as I own a 105mm macro lens and it's the last of the sun for a while - let's give it a go!
Check out the circular polariser I used in this video, the K&F CONCEPT Ultra-Low Reflectivity CPL: UK: amzn.to/451CSHP US: amzn.to/4f292aS
Pick up a used Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM from MPB: UK: https://prf.hn/l/G9DnqZD/ US: https://prf.hn/l/8jmgWdY/ EU: https://prf.hn/l/AJDkVmX/
00:00 - Intro & the lens 01:49 - Butterfly hunting 02:47 - More on the lens 03:07 - Using a circular polariser 04:17 - Photo of a berry 04:59 - More futile searching 05:47 - A fly 06:14 - Other notes on the lens 07:24 - A small bug 08:11 - Getting surprised by another bug 09:46 - More searching 10:30 - More brown bugs 11:30 - Summary & outroUnnecessarily slow motion duck footage on the Nikon Z9 #birds #wildlifefilmmaking #nikonRobert May2025-08-27 | ...Unnecessarily filming ducks in 8K50p #nikon #wildlifeshortsRobert May2025-08-25 | ...Trying my hand at Wildlife Videography, with the Nikon Z9Robert May2025-08-24 | I do a lot of wildlife photography, but when it's this hot it's not particularly productive or much fun - so how about wildlife videography instead?
00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Why try wildlife videography? 02:05 - The gear I'm using 05:04 - Filming damselflies on the river 07:11 - Filming inside a hide 08:40 - Mid-video gear update 09:05 - The NEEWER F700 12:39 - Figuring out why the AF was wonky 12:55 - Filming a wood pigeon 14:11 - Filming ducks as the sun goes lower 17:06 - Outro3 Days of Landscapes in Mid-Wales, with the Sigma Bf - Day 1Robert May2025-08-17 | So I had the Sigma Bf for a couple of weeks and I decided to jump straight in with a 3 day trip to mid-Wales for some landscape photography. I ended up with tons of footage so this is the first installment in what will be a short series!
00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Sigma Bf 02:26 - Looking for compositions 03:34 - Taking test shots 04:49 - The tripod I'm using 07:59 - More photos, HDR merges 08:37 - Different angle 10:36 - Summary 11:33 - Next timeThis new TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 is a bargain!Robert May2025-08-08 | I love a good, affordable, lens, so this new release from TTArtisan is right up my street! Join me for a look at how it performs and a bunch of street photos from Cardiff.
Buy the TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 from the official store: https://ttartisan.store/products/af-40mm-f2?ref=edocudmm It's currently available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, with Leica L mount coming soon.
Disclaimer: TTArtisan provided this lens for free in order for me to make this video for the launch date.
Check out the PGYTECH OneGo Lite backpack I'm using in this video: amzn.to/3TVWqbB (promo code: ROBERTMAY)
00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Street photography part 1 03:27 - Build quality and handling 05:07 - Optical performance 06:25 - Flare 07:54 - Autofocus and performance 08:33 - Bokeh and other characteristics 10:08 - Conclusion 10:29 - Street photography part 2Sigma Bf: 5 Surprising Hidden Features!Robert May2025-08-03 | This time out we're looking at some of the less-covered features of the Bf. Thanks to Sigma for loaning me the Bf for a couple of weeks in order to make these videos about it.
Check out the PGYTECH OneGo Lite backpack I'm using in this video: amzn.to/3TVWqbB (promo code: ROBERTMAY)
00:00 - Intro 01:15 - 1. Storage 02:36 - 2. Navigating the menus 04:27 - Compactness + the bag I'm using 05:47 - 3. Vintage lenses 07:42 - 3.5: Punch-in focus 08:32 - 4. Autofocus things of note 11:14 - 5. Gain maps 12:49 - OutroHaving fun with the Sigma Bf at Dean Forest Railway #photography #sigmabf #steamtrainRobert May2025-07-28 | ...Cameras should be fun. This one is.Robert May2025-07-27 | I took the Sigma Bf for a day out at the Dean Forest Railway and had a lovely time. Isn't this kinda why I do photography? Thanks to Sigma for loaning me the camera for a few weeks! I have more videos coming about the Bf and they're going to be somewhat out of filming order π
00:00 - Intro 00:31 - Photographing around the station 01:39 - JPEG Options 02:48 - More photographs 04:19 - Addressing complaints about the Bf 06:57 - Getting on the train 09:03 - My experience with the Bf 12:22 - Body design and ergonomics 14:41 - OutroThis black & white film is great for bright summer daysRobert May2025-07-14 | Back to Tenby this week for a short video about a film stock I love shooting in the summer sunshine. More than I love being out and about in the summer sunshine. Please make it stop.
00:00 - Introduction 00:54 - Orthochromatic film 02:01 - Photos from last year 03:02 - Loading film and first photos 03:58 - Photos from the castle and beach 05:56 - Photos from town 06:35 - Back to the harbourAlways prepared, ish #wildlifephotography #birdphotographyRobert May2025-07-01 | ...I love the way they run #wildlife #photographyRobert May2025-07-01 | ...We call this foreshadowingRobert May2025-06-30 | #starwars #camera #film #35mm #filmphotography #analogphotography #analogcameraI donβt like sand. Itβs coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhereRobert May2025-06-30 | #starwars #filmphotography #analogphotography #retro #35mm #90sThis 90s Star Wars film camera has a fun party trick #starwars #filmphotographyRobert May2025-06-23 | #starwars #filmphotography #analogphotography #analog #retro #retrophotography #photography #scifiThe greatest 35mm camera ever made (in a galaxy far, far away)Robert May2025-06-22 | This week I take a daft 1990s 35mm Star Wars camera, with a fun party trick, for an extremely warm trek through the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes in South Wales.
00:00 - Dramatic intro 00:46 - Actual intro 02:09 - How the camera works 03:45 - Loading the film 04:51 - First photos 08:44 - Slightly lost, with bonus poetry 10:14 - Heading to the beach 11:43 - At the beach 14:19 - Last of the roll 15:18 - OutroI tried swapping to Sony, found an infuriating AF issue, returned it allRobert May2025-06-10 | I think we all understand my compulsive need to buy things and the equal and opposite reaction that causes me to find before-now unreported faults with them, so this is just more business as usual. This time out I bought a Sony A9III (and an A7RV) and found an autofocus issue that made me return it all.
00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Why I tried to swap to E-mount 01:51 - What I bought 02:13 - A7RV problems 03:25 - The A9III AF problem 07:58 - Sony's useless preset focus option 08:35 - Summary 10:27 - Outro5 things I dont like about the Nikon ZfRobert May2025-05-29 | So I bought a Nikon Zf recently, mostly to save myself money on film long-term. But is it going to work out? It's far from a perfect camera. Some of these complaints will be specific to me, but some are more universal, and I'd be curious to know your thoughts in the comments!
00:00 - Intro 01:01 - 1: Design 02:43 - 2: Ergonomics 06:18 - 3: Build Quality 08:09 - 4: Lens Selection 10:27 - 5: MF Assist and Old Lenses 14:35 - SummaryAn affordable travel tripod I actually quite likeRobert May2025-05-20 | Here's an affordable tripod that surprised me - the NEEWER LT07. Long-time viewers will know I don't like using tripods, or buying tripods, or talking about tripods; but this one is a comparative bargain and worth a look if you're in the market for one.
Disclaimer: NEEWER sent this tripod to me for free so I could make this video, but otherwise have no input into the content of the video, aside from requesting I put a couple of tags in the video description.
Filming equipment used in this video:
π₯ Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN, iPhone 16 Pro Max π€ Rode Wireless Pro
00:00 - Intro 00:41 - The Tripods 02:56 - Tripod heads 05:13 - Swapping heads 05:59 - Phone holder on the Neewer 06:59 - Extra mounting points 07:43 - Phone holder on the Peak Design 08:57 - Included tripod plates 09:39 - Legs, locking, height 11:21 - Height suitability 12:49 - Leg clips 13:22 - Cases 14:36 - ConclusionThe best Nikon street lens you (probably) dont ownRobert May2025-05-06 | This time out I travelled to Oxford for a look at the somewhat uncommon Nikon 28-50mm f/3.5 lens - my current favourite for street photography. You won't see a huge number of these around, but how does it perform? And why would you choose it?
Many thanks to my dad for helping with some of the filming for this video (and bringing me the lens after I forgot it π )
Equipment used in this video:
π· Nikon Zf, FTZ II Adapter, Nikon 28-50mm f/3.5 π₯ Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN, iPhone 16 Pro Max π€ Rode Wireless Pro
Colour photos in this video were edited using DxO PhotoLab 8, using my own preset based off the FilmPack Fujifilm Pro 400H colour profile. Distortion was manually corrected where I felt it was needed (mostly at 28mm). Monochrome photos were processed in-camera on the Zf using the Deep Tone Monochrome profile with +0.5 contrast and +1 brightness.
Download a free trial or purchase PhotoLab 8: tidd.ly/3BfHXB4
00:00 - Intro 02:23 - The lens 03:29 - Photographing near Christ Church and the covered market 05:36 - Photographing on Broad Street 07:02 - Why this lens? 07:58 - Monochrome shots with Nikon's Deep Tone Monochrome profile 10:06 - AlternativesDxO PureRAW 5 - Fantastic chromatic aberration removalRobert May2025-04-15 | The new version of PureRAW is out today and here's the major new upgrades, along with a bunch of examples. There's also a discount code available for viewers of this channel that is active until next week, if you want to save some dosh on a new license of either this or other DxO software.
00:00 - Intro 00:33 - What is DxO PureRAW? 03:02 - Easter promotion 03:38 - Improving photos from old cameras 04:35 - Fantastic Chromatic Aberration removal 07:27 - X-Trans Sensors: X-T1 example 09:44 - X-Trans Sensors: X-H2S example 11:45 - Worst-case scenarios, again 13:18 - Local adjustment masks 15:09 - Summary 15:45 - Channel updateCan you put together a bird photography setup for Β£500?Robert May2025-04-05 | Well, let's find out! This time around we're talking affordable wildlife photography setups, and I'm trying out a Nikon D300s with the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D lens to see if I can get any good shots on it. As of the making of this video, you can pick up this combination on eBay for around Β£500.
Want to support this channel? You can buy your used gear from MPB using the following affiliate links:
Photos in this video were edited using DxO PhotoLab 8 (tidd.ly/3BfHXB4), using a custom preset utilising some of the FilmPack features. If you're interested, let me know in the comments and I'll get around to actually publishing it.
00:00 - Intro 01:24 - The D300s 02:46 - Performance for action 04:33 - A better AF configuration 06:41 - Continuous AF on DSLRs 09:30 - Value for money 11:45 - ConclusionExploring Tenby, Wales, with the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DNRobert May2025-03-25 | I've had this lens for a while, but finally had the urge to take it for a lovely day out at the seaside here in Wales.
Equipment used in this video:
π· Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art π₯ iPhone 16 Pro Max π€ Zoom F2-BT (and yes I had to manually match the audio up due to wind noise)
Photos in this video were edited using DxO PhotoLab 8, using my own preset based off the FilmPack Kodak Portra colour profile. As of publication there were no lens profiles for this lens in PhotoLab and so I manually corrected for distortion.
As a pseudo-disclaimer, I did actually get this lens for free - I chose it as the prize in a competition I entered last year to be featured in Sigma's annual landscape calendar that they send out to suppliers. As this isn't very publically visible it's pretty hard to reference on the channel, but I believe the photo is going to be mentioned at some point in the future and I'll link to it then.
00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Photos from before I got to the harbour 01:33 - Tenby's sea views 02:20 - On the beach 03:30 - Lunch and photos from around town 04:15 - The 28-105 focal range 05:13 - Vignetting 05:54 - Photos from the harbour and castle 06:49 - More photos around town 07:56 - Sunset and summaryIs this hazy, damaged, lens destined for the bin?Robert May2025-03-05 | In this video I thought up on the morning of filming, we take a look at a lens suffering from permanent damage caused by hazing, what caused it, and whether it's still usable.
00:00 - Intro 02:04 - What is lens haze? 04:38 - First test photos 05:59 - More shots on Phoenix 200, Ilford HP5+ 07:56 - What are the effects of the haze? 10:12 - More photos, on Portra 800 11:06 - Further details on the lens, plus thoughts & conclusionWhich is the best L-Mount vlogging lens? (that I own)Robert May2025-02-18 | Comparing the Panasonic Lumix 18mm f/1.8, Panasonic Lumix 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6, Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6, and Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8.
I don't often make videos about...video, but I had the footage from this lying around and figured this was a worthwhile comparison, so here's this week's video! As you might be able to tell, this was filmed sometime before Christmas π
00:00 - Intro 01:15 - The Competitors 02:28 - Field of view comparison 04:26 - Visual distortion note 05:25 - Focal length and crop on the Lumix cameras 07:17 - Missing lenses from this comparison 08:03 - Depth of field, low light, and bokeh 09:20 - The 18mm's advantage 10:33 - The 20-60mm's flexibility 11:46 - ConclusionMy Top 5 Tips for Birds in Flight Photography, 2025 Edition.Robert May2025-02-10 | I take a lot of birds-in-flight shots every year, so here's an updated and much more concise set of 5 tips and techniques applicable to all cameras!
00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Freedom of movement 02:59 - Shutter speed 04:46 - Always prepared 05:37 - Elevation 06:45 - Focus pulling 09:11 - OutroPhotographing Steam Trains! Sigma 50mm f/1.2 and Rolleiflex T at the Gwili Railway, CarmarthenRobert May2025-02-02 | Typically indecisive, I took two cameras with me on a day out at the Gwili Railway in Carmarthen, South Wales.
Thanks to Sigma for lending me the 50mm f/1.2 to make the video. Read more about the lens over on their website: sigmauk.com/product/50mm-f1-2-dg-dn-a
This video ended up somewhat short and sparse on content, mostly because I forgot to film much by way of talking heads. This meant it took me months to edit into some sort of logical order, and I've procrastinated on it mostly emphatically π
#photography #analogphotography #filmphotographyExploring the Cambrian Mountains with the Mamiya 645 1000sRobert May2024-12-22 | I've been meaning to get back up to mid-Wales to further explore the area surrounding the Elan Valley for ages, but for some reason it has taken me years to do so. I had a bunch of soon-to-expire Kodak Gold and a spare day and decided this was finally the time!
It didn't go entirely to plan.
Completely minor correction from the video: the A470 doesn't actually run all the way to North Wales. Shows how often I go up that way π
00:00 - The Elan Valley 06:39 - The Vale of Rheidol Railway 11:21 - The Cwmystwyth Metal Mines
#photography #analogphotography #filmphotographyMy top birds in flight photography tip (for 2024)Robert May2024-11-19 | #photography #wildlifephotography #birdphotography #birdsinflight #nikonwildlife #nikonIts been two weeks of 100% overcast weather here in WalesRobert May2024-11-09 | I would honestly prefer rain at this point.
#photography #wales #wildlifephotography #landscapephotography #photography_tips #photographer #photographytipsPhotographing animals on film with the TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3Robert May2024-11-07 | Continuing to chop up this half-dead video into shorts π€ #film #filmphotography #ttartisan #nikon #nikonf #wildlifephotography #kodakportra800 #ilforddelta3200 #lens #ilford #kodakThe TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 is really interestingRobert May2024-11-04 | Check out the full video for a better look at this lens!
#cinematography #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideography #ttartisan #lens #lensesI spent far too long syncing this up, so heres my wiggly swan again.Robert May2024-11-02 | #photography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideography #ttartisan #nikonz9An Affordable Wildlife Lens - The TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3. Whos it for?Robert May2024-11-01 | TTArtisan sent over their 500mm prime lens for me to test out, so I took it for a day out at Slimbridge Wetlands to figure out who it's for. And if you're wondering how long it took me to sync the swan to the music: too long.
In this video I take a look at how suitable it is, and how it performs, for wildlife photography, wildlife videography, and 35mm film photography.
Buy the TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 from the official store: https://ttartisan.store/products/500mm?ref=edocudmm (affiliate link). It's available for E, Z, RF, L, X, GFX, F, and EF mounts (!)
Disclaimer: TTArtisan sent me the lens to make this video and don't want it back, but otherwise had no conditions on the content of the video, no oversight on it, and haven't paid me. I cover this in the video for clarity as well. I prefer to buy my own gear but I can't feasibly buy everything on the market in order to make videos π
Interested in seeing more content from me? I'm working on ways to allow myself more time to dedicate to this channel going forward, and for that I've now enabled YouTube memberships. This is totally optional and you gain practically nothing from doing it, aside from losing 99p per month, but it is very much appreciated: youtube.com/channel/UCEmR8dd2uDsIDsB_tXUEUsQ/join. Of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to this channel no matter what anyway π
00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Disclaimer 02:00 - Design 02:49 - Videography 03:24 - Build 04:39 - Manual focus technique 05:08 - Video footage montage, from the Z9 05:49 - Optical performance 06:32 - Film photography 08:33 - Tripod usage 10:14 - Final thoughtsRolleiflex T: Film Photography at the Gwili Railway #film #analogphotography #rolleiflexRobert May2024-10-15 | These photos and a few more over on Glass: https://glass.photo/robertmay/series/7gWdwgKFBBf1Daw8MMZNQX-gwili-heritage-railway
#photography #filmphotography #analog #mediumformat #kodaktmax400 #kodaktrix400 #rollei #steamtrain #steamrailway #steamlocomotiveDxO ViewPoint 5: A Quick (ish) First LookRobert May2024-10-15 | Join me for a quick-ish look at some of the features of DxO ViewPoint 5 - a dedicated application (or PhotoLab plugin) for geometry/perspective/distortion correction in photographs! I run through a few demonstrations using scanned film photos.
Download a free trial or buy DxO ViewPoint 5: tidd.ly/4dM3MWv
Interested in seeing more content from me? I'm working on ways to allow myself more time to dedicate to this channel going forward, and for that I've now enabled YouTube memberships. This is totally optional and you gain practically nothing from doing it, aside from losing 99p per month, but it is very much appreciated: youtube.com/channel/UCEmR8dd2uDsIDsB_tXUEUsQ/join. Of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to this channel no matter what anyway π
00:00 - Intro 03:50 - Perspective examples 08:15 - Horizon example 09:01 - ReShape Fusion example 10:50 - Miniature effect example 12:34 - OutroDxO PhotoLab 8 - Fantastic Noise Reduction, Lens Softness Correction, and moreRobert May2024-09-17 | Join me for a first look at some of the new features in DxO PhotoLab 8, with detailed examples and comparisons with the previous version. I'm particularly excited about the arrival of DeepPRIME XD2s noise reduction in PhotoLab, as I was previously impressed with it in PureRAW 4, but there's a bunch of other nice updates as well!
DxO sent me a time-limited beta copy of PhotoLab 8 in order to test it out ahead of launch. I don't receive any compensation for making this video, but I do have an affiliate link below that will give me a small commission if you follow it and then purchase something. Obviously, you don't have to click it.
Download a free trial or purchase PhotoLab 8: tidd.ly/3BfHXB4
Interested in seeing more content from me? I'm working on ways to allow myself more time to dedicate to this channel going forward, and for that I've now enabled YouTube memberships. This is totally optional and you gain practically nothing from doing it, aside from losing 99p per month, but it is very much appreciated: youtube.com/channel/UCEmR8dd2uDsIDsB_tXUEUsQ/join. Of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to this channel no matter what anyway π
00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Why I've been using PhotoLab 01:03 - DeepPRIME XD2s 01:50 - Fujifilm X-Trans Sensors 02:13 - Lens Softness Compensation improvements 03:07 - Loupe Tool 03:29 - Hue Masks 04:47 - Curves 05:03 - Performance improvements 05:39 - DeepPRIME XD2s Examples (Bird 1) 07:16 - DeepPRIME XD2s Examples (Bird 2) 08:22 - DeepPRIME XD2s Examples (Bird 3) 11:02 - Lens Softness Compensation Example 12:46 - Hue Masks Example 14:57 - SummaryTrying out the Freewell M2 Magnetic Filter KitRobert May2024-08-23 | I like shooting at bright apertures on bright days, and although modern cameras are more capable in this department than film cameras, there are still situations where you need to cut the light getting into the camera by other means.
Disclaimer around "sponsored" videos: Freewell sent the filter kit to me and I'm not certain whether they want it back. This is quite common with companies and YouTubers, but I have strict conditions for anyone who wants me to look at their gear like this: they can send me something to test/review and I'll provide feedback to them, but they have absolutely no input into what I say or do in my videos. I reject far more companies than I accept, and I only accept things I actually think people will find interesting.
00:00 - Intro 01:59 - Freewell M2 Magnetic Filters 02:43 - Variable NDs 03:42 - Back to the bay 05:10 - Photos 05:43 - NDs for video 06:59 - Opinion on the Freewell filters 08:32 - Summary 11:47 - OutroIs the Sigma fp L the Ideal Landscape Camera?Robert May2024-08-10 | Sigma loaned me the fp L, a tiny 61 megapixel camera, to try out. So I took it to the Bannau Brycheiniog, which I think I'm somewhat mispronouncing repeatedly throughout this video (also neuadd). It turns out that hiking for hours in each direction means I forget things, and I didn't end up with any particularly interesting photos anyway, but I did at least take a good one the week before!
00:00 - Intro 01:09 - Portability for Landscapes 02:13 - Popularity 03:21 - Low ISO Capabilities 05:38 - My best landscape photo so far: Cribyn at Sunrise 06:06 - At the top of the mountain 06:57 - Handling 07:28 - Tripod use 08:03 - Controls 08:53 - EVF 09:20 - Hotshoe 09:46 - Lenses and the L-mount 11:16 - Weather changes and a few last photos 13:03 - Back to the office and conclusions 15:32 - Ideas for the future 18:38 - Custom modifications 19:41 - OutroWhich is the better affordable L-mount 50mm? - Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN vs Panasonic LUMIX 50mm f/1.8Robert May2024-07-26 | Sigma sent over their 50mm f/2 DG DN prime for L-Mount for me to test, so I decided to compare it to the Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 lens that I already own.
This video was filmed on the Nikon Z6III, which caused me some problems; not only the issues covered in my last two videos, but the various AF and exposure oddities throughout this one π This is also why it's somewhat cobbled together and missing a few sections - I'll be back to normal next time.
All photos are out-of-camera JPEGs from the Sigma fp L.
00:00 - Intro 00:41 - Handling 01:16 - Test camera 01:45 - Example photos 02:25 - Optical quality 02:53 - More sharpness examples 03:17 - Focus breathing 03:55 - More photos 04:24 - The Panasonic Sizing 05:33 - Colour 05:51 - ConclusionA Major Flaw in Video Footage from my Nikon Z6IIIRobert May2024-07-20 | The Nikon Z6III is doing something very weird in its video modes, and this seems to be tied either to the sensor or in how they're adjusting exposure - it's exhibiting a constant flickering/flashing effect. Here's a short video with more scientific examples after I ran across this in real-world usage.
00:00 - Intro and Recap of the issue 00:57 - Z6III Basic example 01:35 - Z6III Full example 02:31 - Z9 Full example 04:17 - Summary 05:03 - Thanks & OutroNikon Z6III EVF Fault: The Curse has ReturnedRobert May2024-07-06 | I was originally going to composite the old thumbnail into the video, but it turns out that's difficult and I'm lazy, so you're getting this poor effort instead π
Yes, the curse is apparently back. I think I'm up to a 50/50 ratio of working/broken cameras I've bought now, which is...something. This time it takes the form of a vertical line in the electronic viewfinder on the Z6III.
00:00 - Cursed 01:49 - The Z6III Fault
Looking to buy a (hopefully working) Z6III and want to support this channel? Here's some affiliate links:
Interested in seeing more content from me? I'm working on ways to allow myself more time to dedicate to this channel going forward, and for that I've now enabled YouTube memberships. This is totally optional and you gain practically nothing from doing it, aside from losing 99p per month, but it is very much appreciated: youtube.com/channel/UCEmR8dd2uDsIDsB_tXUEUsQ/join. Of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to this channel no matter what anyway πNikon Z6 III Shoots 20 FPS RAW Seemingly ForeverRobert May2024-06-30 | Interestingly, this isn't because it has a large buffer, but rather the processor and card interface are particularly quick.