This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,053, May 26, 2026. Today's theme is, "How Photography Can Help Us Appreciate the Good Things in Life." I'm Derrick Story.

We've talked a lot about the value of taking pictures of those who are important to us. But what about everything else? If you browsed my photo catalog, you'd see a lot of simple things that might cause you to ask, "Why did he take a picture of that?" I will answer that question, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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How Photography Can Help Us Appreciate the Good Things in Life

Here's the story of why I photograph the simple things in life.

This Week in the News

First rumors about a new Nikon compact full-frame fixed lens camera as featured on NikonRumors.com

The Enduring Mystery Behind Iconic American Photograph 'Lunch on a Beam' as featured on PetaPixel.com

How to Organize 10,000 Photos Without Losing Your Mind as featured on FStoppers.com

NYC Gallery Sold an AI-Generated Ansel Adams Photo Without Permission as featured on PetaPixel.com

Virtual Camera Club News

Workshops!

The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.

Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,052, May 19, 2026. Today's theme is, "The Most Exciting Compact of the Year." I'm Derrick Story.

Some cameras I just know right away that they are a winner. And the minute I laid my eyes on the Panasonic LUMIX L10, I knew it was for me, and most likely many of you as well. This week, we'll take a closer look at the most exciting compact camera announcement of the year. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

The Most Exciting Compact of the Year

The Panasonic LUMIX L10 is a mid-size compact with a 20.4MP BSI CMOS sensor and a Leica-designed 24-75mm-equivalent zoom lens. It's about the size of a Fujifilm X100, but more versatile. Let's dig into some of the details. (You can review them all by visiting Hands on with the Panasonic L10: the most exciting camera of 2026 (so far) on DPReview.com.

• Micro Four Thirds Sensor - that's 50 percent larger than a Type 1 sensor and half the size of a standard APS-C chip. By always using a 1.1x crop of its total sensor area, it's able to maintain the same diagonal angle of view, whether you shoot 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios.
• A Zoom Lens with Leaf Shutter - LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 24-75mm F1.7-2.8 and a leaf shutter that enables flash sync up to 1/2000th of a second. A flash isn't included with the camera, but OM System TTL flashes should work. Additionally, the lens can focus as close as 1.2" away for macro-like performance when photographing close-up subjects.
• Bigger Battery - Rather than the 7.4Wh battery used in the LX100s, the L10 gains the much larger, DMW-BLK22, which has a capacity of 15.8Wh. This powers it to an 420 shot per charge rating, measured by the CIPA standard test method, and over 1000 shots in power save mode.
• Fully Articulated Rear Screen - 3" 1.84m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen LCD that's a major improvement over the LX100.
• 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder - It's a 4:3 panel, rather than the wide 16:9 finder in the LX100 cameras, whose area was rarely used to the full. The new finder has an impressive 0.74x magnification (approaching the size of the finders in professional DSLRs), though with a relatively short 20mm eye point, which glasses wearers may find a little limiting.
• Imaging Pipeline - The L10 gains the BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection from the GH7 and G9 II models, meaning it offers improved dynamic range, improved resolution and faster focus than previous LX100 models. It also gets the latest processor from the Panasonic S1RII, meaning it has access to the latest subject recognition algorithms, which again should significantly increase the ease-of-use of the AF system*, as well as the performance boost coming from phase detection and the more powerful processor.
• Connectivity - 5Ghz Wi-Fi, as well as a 10Gbps USB-C port. USB-C can be used for in-camera battery charging, data transfer, or for UVC-compliant livestreaming
• Real Time LUTs and Photo Styles - Benefitting both stills and videos, the L10 allows applying Real Time LUTs while shooting for more creative color styles in-camera. Film-inspired Photo Styles, like L.Classic and L.Classic Gold can be used for either medium and the LUMIX Lab app can also be used to customize and apply looks instantly so photos and videos are ready to share right away. Leica Monochrome is also included.
• POWER O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) - helps steady handheld shots for sharper results, especially when working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. Plus there is AI tracking and Subject Detection.
• 5.6K & 4K Video - 5.6K 30p and DCI 4K 120p recording in 4:2:0 10-bit or DCI 4K 60p recording in 4:2:2 10-bit. Additionally, there is a new MP4 Lite recording mode that keeps file sizes small and easy to share and upload to social media sites.

You can preorder the Panasonic LUMIX L10 now with an estimated ship date of June 17, 2026. Current pricing is $1,497.99 for either the black or the silver models. There's also a Titanium Gold 25th Anniversary Version that sells for $100 more, but they are hard to find right now.

This Week in the News

No, the Sony a7R VI Doesn't Make the a1 II Obsolete as featured on PetaPixel.com

Canon's latest camera is targeting a new audience as featured on DPReview.com

BatchMark Pro Delivers Fast Watermarking and EXIF Data Overlays as featured on PetaPixel.com

Virtual Camera Club News

Workshops!

The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.

Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 with PolarPro Shortstache filter.

When Panasonic introduced the LUMIX DMC-FZ300 in July 2015, Camera Labs wrote it was an "attractive proposition for anyone looking for a higher-end super-zoom without breaking the bank." Calling it a super-zoom was not an exaggeration. The FZ300 featured a 25-600mm, f/2.8 Leica lens - and for less than $600.

In addition to Leica glass, the FZ300 incorporated 5-axis image stabilization, 4K video, 4K photo, a high-performance electronic viewfinder, high-speed autofocus, 1cm macro, weather sealing, and more. All of this technology was squeezed into a body that was only 5" wide and weighed a mere pound and a half. Sounds like a dream machine, right?

Yet, the FZ300 was the last camera in that series for Panasonic. What happened?

The introduction of full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras

Two years earlier, in October 2013, Sony made news by releasing the Alpha A7 and A7R. These full-frame mirrorless cameras featured high ISO performance and excellent dynamic range. Enthusiast and pro photographers were attracted to the 35mm sensor size they were comfortable with, and with all the technology bells and whistles of mirrorless bodies. The full-frame mirrorless invasion had begun.

How did this tour de force impact the likes of the Panasonic FZ300 and its bridge camera brethren? Those demure 1/2.3" 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensors lacked the image quality and high-ISO performance of the emerging wave of full-frame sensor wonders. Even the APS-C and Micro Four Thirds varieties felt the pressure.

It's the small sensor in the FZ300 that makes this 600mm reach possible.The irony was... those small sensors were the very thing that made the seemingly impossible 600mm reach of the compact FZ300 possible. To achieve that magnification with a full-frame camera would require much larger and more expensive optics.

So the cameras with small sensors that "bridged" the transition from smartphone photography to DSLRs fell out of favor. Gone, but maybe not forgotten?

Why bridge cameras make sense again

The evolution of hardware technology contributed to the demise of bridge cameras, but improvements in software may lead to their comeback. The challenging issue of image quality and pixel count from small sensors is real, no doubt. Compared to a modern full-frame sensor, a chip smaller than your fingernail just can't compete.

Female Bighorn Sheep, captured with Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 - ISO 100, f/4, 1/1000th of a second, 600mm with a PolarPro Shortstache diffusion+cpl filter.

Yet somehow, the images from our smartphones with their mini chips are nothing short of amazing. How is this so? The answer is that software, combined with clever merging techniques, can help compensate for the lack of chip size.

Much of this technology is available to us today through computer applications such as Lightroom, DxO PhotoLab, Photomator, Nitro, Luminar, and others. AI-powered noise reduction and resolution enhancement can bring those 12MP photos up to a reasonable size and quality. And even though those same technologies can be applied to full-frame cameras, that's a level of detail that many of us don't need.

Many photographers still like the idea of a compact camera with exceptional reach and reasonable image quality. Software to help those cameras compete with large sensor cameras wasn't readily available in 2015, but it is today. So let's see what we can do to get the most out of bridge camera pictures.

Lots of light for small sensors

A logical place to start is to understand the shooting conditions that are favorable for the FZ300 and its comrades. In short, outdoor daylight produces the best images - in fact, sometimes great images. Small sensor cameras can go toe-to-toe with the big boys on sunny days. And to be honest, those are the conditions when we most often use 400-600mm telephotos.

Preening Flamingo captured with Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 - ISO 100, f/4, 1/400th of a second, 600mm with a PolarPro Shortstache diffusion+cpl filter.

The results can be even better with a little filtration. I like the combination of a diffuser plus a polarizer filter. My favorites are the PolarPro Everyday Shortstache and the K&F Concept 1/4 Black Diffuser plus circular polarizer. Both of these accessories seem to bring out the best in my FZ300 in sunny conditions.

Once you retreat indoors or into evening conditions, you'll need to ditch the filters and add supplemental light, such as from a flash. Or better yet, it's time to reach for a larger-sensor camera. I don't push the FZ300 past ISO 800.

Shoot RAW+Jpeg

Jpegs are great for immediate sharing or for applying in-camera effects such as film simulations, but RAWs are important for squeezing as much quality as possible from the small sensors.

The RAW editing tools in DxO PhotoLab, Nitro, and Photomator are amazing for extracting detail from these RAW files while helping to control noise. In PhotoLab, there's DxO ClearView Plus and DeepPrime. Photomator features Super Resolution and Denoise. Nitro includes RAW Tuning. And Luminar supports a variety of AI-powered adjustments.

Combining this post-production muscle with RAW files enables us to refine images from small-sensor cameras like never before.

The bottom line with bridge cameras

The software tools that are available these days have provided us with more flexible gear choices. I'm not a wildlife photographer, but there are times when I want the reach of a long lens. Being able to drop a compact bridge camera in my bag, such as the Panasonic FZ300, gives me the option to capture the shot, and great software helps me refine it and compensate for the camera's shortcomings.

When I'm working in good light, which is most of the time, the FZ300 provides the reach I've wanted for years, but wasn't willing to make the financial investment or weight sacrifice to get.

Thanks to the excellent software we have now, bridge cameras are worth a second look. They are affordable, light, and compact. And with a little understanding, you can create beautiful images with them.

Photos by Derrick Story.

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,051, May 12, 2026. Today's theme is, "Traversing the Canadian Rockies." I'm Derrick Story.

There was one moment, while immersed in the magnificence of the Icefields Parkway, I realized I had never seen anything like this before, not even in Alaska. We were 5 days into our trip with more to come, but at that moment, I just wanted to stop time. I'll cover it all, from Vancouver to Calgary, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Traversing the Canadian Rockies

In this first segment, I'll cover the journey stop by stop, starting with boarding the Rocky Mountaineer Train in Vancouver. I also want to mention that we worked with Fresh Tracks Canada to build our itinerary and arrange for our various connections. They were instrumental in the success of our adventure.

• Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Jasper - The first two days we were aboard the luxury train during the day, then would disembark in the evening for hotel stay. The first night in Kamloops, and the second in Jasper.
• Two Nights in Jasper at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Nestled within Alberta's magnificent Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and the rooms are designed with a nod to the property's Canadian backcountry heritage.
• Exploring Jasper National Park - We spent our time hiking, the the motorcycle sidecar adventure and nosing around the town of Jasper.
• Icefields Parkway - Jasper to Lake Louise - Now we're traveling by motor van on Highway 93N, known as the Icefields Parkway. We had many stops along the way, each one stunning. We arrived at Lake Louise that evening.
• Overnight in Lake Louise - The lake was frozen, which was an impressive foreground for the surrounding mountains. Hiking was difficult because of the abundant snow, so one night and a morning was plenty of time for this stop.
• Yoho National Park Tour to Banff - And amazing day crossing the Continental Divide, hiking at Emerald Lake, visiting Natural Bridge, and exploring Marble Canyon before arriving in Banff.
• Two Days in Banff - Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views of six mountain ranges, hiking along the trails in the National Park, exploring the lakes, and loving the town of Banff. What an amazing two days.
• Head to Calgary to Catch Our Flight - We weren't quite ready to go home yet, but thankful for each day of the adventure.

Here is the photo gear I used for the trip.

• Nikon Zf full frame mirrorless camera.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR zoom.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 lens.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE) lens.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens.
• OM System TG-7 Tough Camera.
• Panasonic Lumix FZ300 with Leica 25-600mm DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8 zoom lens.
• Apple 13" MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
• Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive.
• Apple 8.3" iPad mini 7th Gen, 256GB, Wi-Fi + 5G LTE, Space Gray.

All camera gear and portable electronics is being packed in a Think Tank Retrospective 18L backpack. For my luggage, I'm trusting the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original.

This Week in the News

Sony teases May 13 event with one obvious clue as featured on DPReview.com

Now Canon's teasing something new, too as featured on DPReview.com

OM System Survived Its Split From Olympus: Who Expected This? as featured on FStoppers.com

HP FilmScan 7" Touch Screen Film Scanner review: scan your negs, transparencies and slides with touchscreen simplicity as featured on DigitalCameraWorld.com

Virtual Camera Club News

Workshops!

The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.

Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,050, May 5, 2026. Today's theme is "Best of TDS - An Interview with Mom." I'm Derrick Story.

With Mother's Day this coming Sunday, and with me still exploring the Canadian Rockies, I thought this would be a great time to rebroadcast one of our all-time most popular shows recorded in December 2018, an interview with my mother, who has since passed on, but whose legacy continues to practice the lessons she taught me. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Virtual Camera Club News

B&H Photo Purchases Via TheDigitalStory - I talk about a lot of gear on this show, and if you're getting ready to make a purchase at B&H Photo, please click on our link first on your way to the store. We have a tile at the top of every page on TheDigitalStory. It's the easiest way you can help support this podcast.

Workshops!

The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.

Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.