Back in May, I talked about the Panasonic FZ300 and wondered out loud where are all the new bridge cameras? Given the strides in technology, they should be more desirable than ever. Well guess what? There's a brand new one coming down the pike, and it looks like a beauty. I'll talk about it, and other industry news, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Bridge Cameras Are Coming Back!

A lot has been going on in the world of photography while I was out of the country. And I think we should take a few minutes today to catch up. I'd like to lead off with the news about the upcoming announcement of the Sony RX10 bridge camera. And then we'll just keep rolling from there.

This Week in the News

Sony is bringing its RX10 bridge camera back from the dead! New monster-zoom Cyber-shot compact camera launches this week! as featured on DigitalCameraWorld.com

Lightroom Classic 15.4 Adds a Duplicate Finder and Smarter Group Culling as featured on FStoppers.com

Adobe upscales its AI capabilities with Topaz Labs acquisition as featured on DPReview.com

I'm a photography educator who disregarded Micro Four Thirds for wildlife photography. I don't mind admitting when I'm wrong as featured on DigitalCameraWorld.com

How I Pack Less Camera Gear on Vacation (And How You Can, Too) 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.

Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier.

Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more.

Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants.

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.

As I'm sitting here on my back porch in the Cloud Forest, after spending a week with a great group of photographers, I'm thinking about the things I like about Costa Rica. Spending time here, with camera in hand, is unlike any other place I've worked. So this week, I'd thought I'd share five of those favorites with you, in no particular order.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

5 Things I Like About Costa Rica

• The Wildlife - From scarlet macaws squawking above, to howler monkeys, to red-eyed tree frogs, Costa Rica seems to present a new photo opportunity around every bend.
• From Coast to Clouds - We start in the low lands and explore the beaches, fishing villages, and national parks, then head up the mountain into the cloud forest. Each world is unique and beautiful on its own.
• The Challenging Photography - Trying to capture birds in flight, monkeys portraits high in trees, the essence of a working fishing village, and every other opportunity Costa Rica presents is both a challenge and a huge reward.
• The Efficient Lifestyle - The accommodations are uncluttered and elegant, meals feature local foods, and overall there seems to be very little waste.
• The People - We are visitors to their land and our goal is to be respectful. But I know there are times when we fall short of our goal, and we are typically greeted with warmth and patience.

This is a wonderful place for photography, Central American culture, and an opportunity to slow down a bit and experience nature and culture. This is my third visit to Costa Rica, and I know it will not be my last.

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.

Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier.

Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more.

Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants.

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.

During an interesting walk through a graveyard with dappled lighting, I was reminded of how powerful B&W photography can be. And at the same time, when it absolutely fails. Join me for a stroll so we can figure this out together. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

When B&W Is Better (and when it isn't)

A few days ago we had a family hike that led us to a historic graveyard atop a hill in western Sonoma County. I was carrying my OM System OM-3 with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ zoom. It was the perfect camera for this day - compact, light, creative.

One of the things that I like about the OM-3, and the Nikon Zf, is that they both have physical dials that makes it easy to toggle back and forth between color and B&W photography. This made it easy to creatively approach the weathered statues and gravestones beneath the canopy of trees in the morning light.

At first, I began with color only. I looked for juxtapositions of flowers and objects against the monochrome tones of the graveyard. Then I would see a splash of light break through the tree canopy and switch to B&W to better highlight the illuminated object.

Some of my compositions worked, and others did not. Afterward, while examining the entire shoot on my MacBook Air, I drew some conclusions about when color was the better choice, or when monochrome shined.

Object Separation was a key factor. When a beam of light broke through the trees and illuminated a statue, for example, then B&W worked very well. The contrast of the darker background with a bright subject worked great. Monochrome held the highlight detail better and provided some dramatic images.

But when the lighting was more consistent, the shots sometimes looked too busy in B&W. Tree branches and leaves were the same tones as the headstones and it was difficult to distinguish one subject from another without resorting to a telephoto lens and wide aperture, which I did not have with me.

But in color, there were distinct differences between foliage greens, purple flowers, leaves on the ground, and tokens left behind by visitors. Even the gravestones and statues were a variety of shades of brown, green, and gray. I could better draw the viewer's eye to the main subject using color differences.

That being said, my hero shots were the dramatic B&Ws. And the entire shoot was a good reminder to be open to both approaches. Both monochromes and color produced good shots, just not on the same scenes.

Preparing for Costa Rica

When you're listening to this, I'll be in Costa Rica with Rob and 10 of my best friends. I'll file a field report from the cloud forest for next week's show. But in the meantime, here's a bit about my preparations for the trip.

This Week in the News

Discovering and Using the Unique Features of OM System Cameras as featured on PetaPixel.com

Fujifilm X100VI vs. Panasonic Lumix LX10: Which Compact Is Actually Better for Travel? as featured on FStoppers.com

The Case for Micro Four Thirds Sensors in 2026g as featured on FStoppers.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.

Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier.

Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more.

Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants.

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.

Smartphones are good at a lots of things. And they are really good at night photography. And when you want to escape the hot, contrasty glare of summer days, let the evening roll in, grab your phone, and go make some stunning pictures. I'll share my favorite tips for just that on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Nighttime Is the Right Time for Smartphone Photography

So what is Nighttime mode and how does it work? I'll use the iPhone as the example.

Night mode automatically turns on when the camera detects a low-light environment. The Night mode icon at the top of the display turns yellow when the feature is active. Depending on how dark the scene is, your iPhone might take a Night mode photo quickly, or it might take several seconds. You'll see the countdown on the iPhone screen.

iPhones use a combination of computational photography and image stabilization to take photos in low light conditions. Instead of a single exposure, the camera takes multiple frames at different exposures and fuses them together using software to remove noise, brighten shadows, and preserve colors.

This process involves Frame Stacking and Alignment. The camera captures a series of short-to-long exposures over a few seconds. The main "reference frame" freezes motion, while other longer exposures capture color and detail. Then, the phone's image processor aligns these frames to fix blur caused by a shaky hand, then merges them to create a single, crisp image.

If you look at the EXIF data for a Night Mode shot, such as in Nitro, you'll see that it's a Composite Image, usually between 10 and 15 frames. You can also see the individual Composite Image Exposure Times.

Tips for Night Photography with an iPhone

First, let's go to Settings > Camera. Go to Prioritize Faster Shooting and toggle it off. We want the best image quality possible.

Next, learn how to turn on Night Mode Max by long-pressing the Moon icon at the top of the Camera app. This allows for a longer exposure, up to 30 seconds, depending on how steady the camera is.

There is a tradeoff, however. In Night Mode the resolution is set to 12MP, even on new iPhones such as the 17 Pro.

Techniques for Shooting in Night Mode

• Keep hands as steady as possible. Widen your stance and use two hands to grip the phone and keep them close to the body.
• Brace your body against a solid surface.
• Gently press the shutter button.
• Take multiple photos instead of just one. Then you can choose the best.
• Use the Main Camera (1X) because of fast aperture.
• Pro RAW + Night Mode for maximum edibility.

One of the great things about nighttime photography with a smartphone is that you don't attract attention to yourself like you would using a mirrorless camera on a tripod. You can go about your business unnoticed and unbothered. Yet, you can come away with stunning shots.

If you are in a situation where you feel comfortable setting up a tripod, then shooting in RAW with Night Mode Max can provide exposures up to 30 seconds with incredible detail and color.

Night photography is a great way to separate your images from everyday snapshots. Whether you're exploring new territory on vacation, or just feeling like getting out in your hometown stomping grounds, these techniques will render your world in a whole different light.

This Week in the News

Apple's RAW Processing is Finally Evolving After a Decade and It's a Big Deal as featured on PetaPixel.com

Sales of full-frame mirrorless cameras are flatlining, while compact camera sales continue to grow - what's going on? as featured on AmateurPhotographer.com

5 Lenses Nobody Gets Excited About That Produce More Photos Than Anything in Your Bag 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.

Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier.

Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more.

Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants.

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.

Cameras today include a variety of tools, such as built-in film simulations and LUTs, to help us put our creative stamp on every picture we capture. At the same time, post production apps are more powerful than ever, and easier to use. So, what's the perfect mix of creative capture and image editing? I explore this question on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Capture vs Post Production: What's More Important?

I was comparing notes about Costa Rica with a photographer friend the other day, one whose pictures I've seen and admired, and was surprised by his comment, "Yeah, I don't work on my pictures much after I take them. Maybe a little cropping and exposure, but that's about it."

This shocked me. He is an adept photographer with enthusiast gear who travels to take pictures.

When I remarked that I was surprised by his comment, he continued, "I just never got very good with editing software. Probably, if I knew it better, I would do more."

This got me thinking. "Am I in the majority or minority here?" For me, digital photography is equal parts capture and editing. Even in my film days, I spent a lot of time in the darkroom working my pictures to come as close to my vision as possible. Now that Lightroom, Luminar, ON1 Photo RAW, Mac OS Photos, Nitro, Photomator, DxO PhotoLab, and others have streamlined this process, I probably do even more image editing than a few years ago.

At the same time, I love the film simulations, art filters, and LUTs that are embedded in our cameras these days. I often leverage them to create the mood I want at capture. Sometimes those shots just stand as they are and are never touched by editing software.

Am I typical or unusual? I decided to pose this question, not am I unusual, rather what percentage of a finished image is the result of pure capture vs capture plus image editing, to our Inner Circle Members. I had a feeling that I would be surprised by their comments. And indeed I was.

Here's how the poll shook out:

Even though our community is relatively proficient at image editing, most prefer to use those tools as finishing touches rather than drive the final product. In fact, I'm often in that camp myself, as long as I'm getting the results I want. If I'm not, then I will lean more on image editing for the desired results.

Here are some of their comments:

"I try to get it as close as I can in camera and then edit a bit such as color and sometimes getting rid of distractions. I try to avoid Photoshop at all costs. If the photo has to go there I feel that I got something wrong." - John J.

"I tend to shoot with the edit in mind, but I don't push things that far in post typically and stay within Capture One. I have done workshops that demand a more experimental approach to post that I found quite liberating though. It just wouldn't fit my more usual genres." - Andrew H.

"I find I make small tweaks to most images in terms of highlight and shadow recovery to expand the dynamic range of the captured images. I also make white balance corrections when I disagree with the automatic white balance from the camera. I also play around with B&W conversions of certain images that I think would provide an interesting perspective. All my IR images get post processed, that goes without saying. Post processing is just part of the overall creative process. i guess it comes form all my years working with film and prints in the physical chemical darkroom where the print was the final product and the negative was the score." - Bob W.

"The key to your question is "final result". The average iPhone shot that I share may or may not need a little crop or exposure change before sharing. To me that is no more editing that when I used to shoot film and go to the darkroom, tho' slides got no editing. My final result is usually creating a photo to frame or add to a printed book of my travels. Then it is all about editing, cropping, exposure, removing distractions, colorizing so it looks good in a larger format than the screen. To be frank, I like the computer more than the camera." - Harold M.

"I've been working on a recipe for my Ricoh GRIII that captures the natural colors in our light. Our light in South Philly is very white and the colors are brick and concrete and colonial blues and reds. I was spending a lot of time trying to get the colors right in post processing. Now, I'm happy to say, my jpg's need little adjustment." - Barbara K.

Over the years, photographers have asked me if there's a right or wrong way to go about balancing capture with editing. Like other aspects of photography, the answer is no, that is, as long as you're getting the results you want.

But if you're not, I think it's worth the investment of time and money to learn the software you need to get the pictures you want. It makes sense, right? We invest in travel and gear, sometimes a lot, why not maximize that investment in learning a bit more about post production?

Certainly the opportunities are there. Books, YouTube videos, and online classes can all accelerate our editing skills. If we invest just a little more, we may get the shots we want.

But if you're loving the images you get straight out of camera, there's no need to pursue editing on a computer. And I would say that it's easier today than ever to get amazing photos directly from our capture devices. And if that's the part you love, that's beautiful.

So I think the bottom line is driven by your satisfaction with the pictures you're creating. If you love how you're doing it, keep on keeping on. If you wish the finish product better matched your vision, then it might be wise to learn a little more about image editing.

Because as we all know, very few things feel better than a photograph that we are truly proud of.

This Week in the News

Clean Up, Extend, Reframe as featured on Apple.com

Improve your compositions with intuitive and intelligent editing tools in the Photos app.

Next-level intelligent photo editing. Reframe a photo after it's been taken with Spatial Reframing - move the viewpoint, adjust the angle, or zoom in as if you were repositioning the camera in the moment. Expand your shots with the Extend tool. And remove even larger objects with the enhanced Clean Up tool.

Apple's Photos App is Getting Three New AI-Powered Editing Tools as featured on PetaPixel.com

Woman Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter After Gun-Themed Polaroid Photo Shoot Ends with Photographer's Death 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.

Lightroom Power Tools Online Workshop - Led by Rob Knight, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026

Adobe Certified Expert Rob Knight will be showcasing some powerful editing tools that have recently been added to Adobe's raw editing in this new workshop. As the tools improve, the work gets easier.

Rob will go over the ins and outs of the improved masking tools, point color adjustments, color grading, AI noise reduction, and more.

Each session is recorded and made available to all registered participants.

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.

A flash as compact as your camera. Weighing in at 4.2 ounces and a mere 2" high, the Godox iT30 Pro Flash is available for OM System, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Leica, Sony, Nikon, and Canon. Yet it includes pro features, a gorgeous LCD screen and a $75 price tag. If you're looking to brighten up your photography, this review is for you. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

A Brilliant Compact Flash - The Godox iT30 Pro

Let's start with the basic specs for the Godox iT30 Pro Flash.

• 1.5 sec Recycling Time
• Guide number of 49.2' at ISO 100
• HSS Support
• Built-In USB-C Rechargeable Battery
• Up to 560 Full-Power Flashes
• 2.4 GHz X Wireless Radio System
• Works with Optional Godox Transmitter
• Touchscreen Interface
• High-speed sync up to 1/8000 sec
• S1 and S2 settings
• First and second curtain sync
• +/- 3-step of flash exposure compensation in 1/3 increments
• Multi-stroboscopic flash mode up to 100 times, 100 Hz
• TCM converter capability
• Standby and screen lock
• Hot shoe connection with a quick release foot design
• Includes USB-C Charging Cable and Storage Bag

Things I noted during testing

• The TTL mode is great on my OM-3.
• I set up a two-flash system with my Godox TT350, even though it is a Fujifilm compatible flash. Also worked with my bare bulb Godox.
• The TCM Converter function makes manual flash photography a snap.
• The Wide Angle Converter is not a diffuser, but is good for wider coverage.
• The flash does lean to the left side of the camera, hanging over the ON/OFF switch on the OM-3. I have to slide my finger through the opening to power up the camera.

The Godox iT30 Pro Flash is a marvelous lighting accessory for compact cameras such as the OM System OM-3 and Panasonic Lumix L10. It looks great, performs flawlessly, and is quite affordable at $75.

This Week in the News

Atmos Is a Weather App By Photographers, for Photographers as featured on PetaPixel.com

Vibrant, joyous, confident: these photos celebrate the 100th birthday of timeless beauty Marilyn Monroe' as featured on AmateurPhotographer.com

Halide Mark III: Redesigned camera, new looks, and surprise Raw file support as featured on DPReview.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.

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!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

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.

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.

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!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

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.

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.

Of course Broadcasting was the focus of the recent NAB show in Las Vegas, that's what the "B" stands for. But among the video rigs, microphones, and soundboards were some gems for photographers. And this week, I'm going to share my 5 favorite announcements from last week. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Announcements at NAB, for Photographers

As always, there was so much interesting stuff at NAB. And even though it's a video centric event, there's intriguing crossover for photographers as well. Let's take a look.

GoPro Goes Interchangeable: What the Mission 1 Pro ILS Means as featured on Luminous-Landscape.com

Panasonic Unveils the Most Beautiful Lumix S9 Color Yet as featured on PetaPixel.com

The Difference Is Clear as Day: We Review the New Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 II EVO as featured on FStoppers.com

Why Canon's cutting-edge sensor tech may not cascade down to photographers as featured on DPReview.com

Nik Collection 9 lets you mask like the Lone Ranger (no sidekick required) as featured on DPReview.com

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.

Kamloops, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary - The Canadian Rockies by train, van, and even motorcycle sidecar. I've been getting ready for this adventure and this week I'm going to share how I prepare to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. All of that, plus industry news, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Packing for the Canadian Rockies

I begin the first segment with an overview of the itinerary, then discuss the following equipment choices.

• Nikon Zf full frame mirrorless camera.
• Nikon 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

Photographer Joel Meyerowitz Says Smartphones Are a Good Thing, Not So Keen on AI as featured on PetaPixel.com

Tim Cook Will Step Down as Apple C.E.O. as featured on NYTimes.com

10 Lightroom Secrets That Will Change How You Edit Photos as featured on FStoppers.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.

It's easy to get a bit too serious about photography. But the truth is, some of our best shots happen when just playing around. And to help stir that pot a bit, here are 5 whacky techniques that you can do with your camera to get your fun on. Plus industry news and more. I hope your enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

---

Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

5 Whacky, Fun Things to Do With Your Camera

We're in the middle of our Creative Camera Techniques online workshop, and I'm having a blast preparing for each session. I thought this week, I would share the love with you. So, here are 5 fun things to do with your camera.

1. Try a New Technique Such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) or Zooming During Long Exposure. - Both of these incorporate motion during exposure. ICM requires you move the camera during a longish exposure, and the zoom method is turning the zoom ring while the shutter is open. Both can yield fascinating results.

2. Mount Your Weirdest Lens on Your Mirrorless - This could be an ultra wide, LensBaby, pinhole, or even a vintage optic with an adapter. Commit to using only that odd couple for an entire day. See what you can get.

3. Dig Out an Old Point and Shoot - It could be a digital compact from the past, such as the Canon S110, or a film favorite like the clamshell Olympus Stylus. Either way, take an afternoon challenge to see how many good shots you can capture with this old friend.

4. Vaseline on an Old Filter - Honestly, this is one of my favorites. With your finger, smear a medium coating of Vaseline on the outside of the filter, starting near the edge and working inward. Leave a clear spot in the middle, about the size of a dime. Then go shoot colorful objects.

5. Experiment with Multiple Exposure - Nearly every camera has some sort of Multiple Exposure function. Read up on how yours works, then go create your next visual masterpiece.

Other options include digging around in your filter shoebox look for old special effects filters, or finally testing some of the unique features of your camera such as Live ND on OM System models.

Whatever your settle on, commit to it for an entire day. I think you'll have a blast.

This Week in the News

OM System just gained more control over its future as featured on DPReview.com

DaVinci Resolve 21 is Now a Lightroom Alternative: RAW Editing, Tethering, Masking, and More as featured on PetaPixel.com

Can DxO Pure Raw 6 Save an ISO 25,600 Wildlife Shot? 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.

On April 1, 2026, Artemis II launched for a historic 10-day crewed mission orbiting the Moon, marking it the first human return to deep space since 1972. The pictures from the mission have been stunning. Today we will learn about the gear they are using and hear from the astronauts themselves. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Journey to the Dark Side of the Moon

NASA provided the audio of Mission Control and the astronauts, as well as the image for this podcast. A big thank you!

The crew of four - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen--are testing NASA's Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket. This mission will break records, flying further than any humans before, to prepare for future sustainable lunar exploration.

For their image-making, the crew has 32 cameras aboard the Artemis II. Eliminating the cameras that are mounted on the spacecraft itself, the four astronauts aboard have 17 handheld photo-taking devices at their disposal, including Nikon D5 DSLRs, a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, GoPros, and iPhones. (More on the iPhones in the next story.)

Lenses include the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm F2.8G ED, Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm F2D, and the Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR.

NASA has selected National Geographic to help tell the story of Artemis II, the first Artemis flight that will carry astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth aboard the agency's Orion spacecraft. Nat Geo collaborated with NASA to train the Artemis II crew in 2025-2026, acting as a "mini astronaut film school". Staff taught astronauts storytelling techniques, cinematic videography, and social media skills for documenting their lunar mission. The crew will act as photographers and filmmakers during their journey.

Some of the images we've already seen include "art002e000192" (April 3, 2026) - A view of Earth taken by Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft's windows after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026. The image features two auroras (top right and bottom left) and zodiacal light (bottom right) is visible as the Earth eclipses the Sun. He used a Nikon D5 with a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm F2.8G ED at 22mm, f/4.0, 1/4 sec, at ISO 51,200. This is the shot that everyone has seen and marveled.

Another image that I really like is "art002e000191" taken in the same session by Reid Wiseman of a view of Earth from one of the Orion spacecraft's four main windows, with earth framed by the window and also showing the interior of the Orion craft. Again, with the Nikon D5, Nikkor 35mm F2D, f/20, 1/250 sec, ISO 250.

These images are made available by NASA.

Even though this is a mission of a lifetime, with amazing equipment and technology, these are still humans trying to figure things out in real time. One of my favorite quotes is:

"The moon is so bright in window 4 they have had to temporarily cover it with a t-shirt."

I also liked: "Time to swap positions at the window and take your SD cards with you." Mission Control.

So let's hear from the astronauts themselves. Here is some actual dialog from April 6, 2026, as they near the moon. I also want to mention, great job by NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens, who is moderating this mission in real time.

This Week in the News

Here's how NASA cleared the iPhone 17 Pro Max for astronauts on Artemis II as featured on 9to5mac.com

How Steven Madow Captured the Artemis II Launch With 14 Cameras as featured on FStoppers.com

'Project Hail Mary' Cinematographer Says Film Was 'Challenging', But Was Helped by Cheap Amazon Filter 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.

An APS-C sensor isn't exactly chopped liver, right? And it becomes even more alluring when it's extending the reach of your telephoto by 1.5X, and with no light loss! But you do lose a bit of resolution, and that was a speed bump for me. But I'm over it! And I'll explain why, plus industry news, in today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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Apple Podcasts -- Spotify Podcasts -- Stitcher

Podbean Podcasts -- Podbay FM -- Tune In

Why I Revisited Crop Sensor Mode on a Full Frame Camera

Captured in crop-sensor mode with a Nikon Zf and 28-400mm Z zoom.

What is crop sensor mode?

Many full frame cameras have a crop sensor setting that provides 1.5X or 1.6X magnification. Essentially, this mode uses the center area of the chip and not the full 35x24mm surface.

This allows photographers to use compatible crop-sensor lenses, call DX in Nikon terms, on a full-frame body. But it's also a way to extend the reach of a full frame optic without having to add a physical teleconverter.

The catch is, since you're only using part of the sensor, the resolution decreases. In the case of my 24.4 MP Nikon Zf, I co from 6048x4032 pixels in FX mode, to 3984x2656 in DX mode, which is 10.6 MP.

Unlike digital magnification that interpolates pixels, these are real pixels right off the sensor. DX mode renders both the JPEGs and the RAWs the same resolution. There is savings in file size too. A DX RAW from my Zf is around 14.6 MBs compared to FX at 30.9 MBs.

Why did I revisit DX mode?

As I mentioned earlier, dropping down to 10.6 MP was a speed bump for me. Sure, for publishing online, 3984 pixels on the longest side was more than enough. But beyond that, let's say for printing, it's a bit short. Plus, why not just crop the FX version of the shot in post production and call it a day?

What changed things for me was the potential of AI resolution enhancement when I needed it. If, for example, I used Photomator's Super Resolution enhancement, I could enlarge that 10.6 MP shot to 6147x4095 pixels, essentially the same size of the FX version, with no noticeable loss of detail. In fact, sometimes the shot looks better.

Having this capability in my back pocket allowed me to reconsider DX mode. I could now frame the picture the way that I wanted as I was shooting. And I was recording half as many megabytes in the process. Essentially, I was getting 600mms for the price of 400.

For those of use with higher resolution full frame cameras - 40 MP+ - the equation makes even more sense.

Examples of cameras with cropped sensor modes

Sony full-frame cameras including the A7 III, A7 IV, A7C, A7C II, A7R II, A7R III, A7R IV, A7R V, A7S II, A7S III, A9, A9 II, A9 III, A1, and FX3. Look for the setting called Super 35mm or APS-C mode. For example, the Sony a7R V with a 61 MP sensor yields approximately 26-megapixels (6240x4160) when using APS-C/Super 35mm mode (1.5x crop factor).

Nikon full-frame cameras including the Z6III, Z6II, Z7II, Z8, Z9, D850, and D780. The Nikon Z7 II with its 45.7-megapixel FX sensor provides 19.5-megapixel images when using the 1.5x DX (APS-C) crop mode.

Canon full-frame EOS R-system cameras including the R1, R3, R5, R5 Mark II, R6, R6 Mark II, and R8 have a 1.6x crop setting. For example, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II offers a 1.6x crop mode that produces approximately 17.5-megapixel images (5088x3392).

Panasonic L-Mount cameras such as the Lumix S5II/S5IIX, S1H, and S9. The Lumix S5 II utilizes a 1.5x crop factor in its dedicated APS-C mode, reducing the 24.2MP sensor's active area to an effective resolution of approximately 10.7MP (3984x2656).

Cameras with fix-mounted lenses

High-resolution fixed lens cameras, such as the Leica Q3 and the Fujifilm GFX100RF use crop-sensor technology to provide additional focal lengths from a single optic. The Leica Q3 with its 60MP sensor allows for cropping to 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, or 90mm.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF takes this even further with its 102MP, 44x33mm medium format sensor. The fixed 35mm lens provides a 28mm equivalent field of view. Its high resolution allows for significant cropping, yielding 66MP in 35mm mode, 31MP at 50mm equivalent, and 20MP at 63mm equivalent.

Final thoughts

Photographers with full-frame sensors who don't always need the highest resolution they provide can extend the reach of their existing telephoto lenses, or travel with lighter optics when switching to crop sensor mode.

It's not a choice for everyone, but for those willing to exchange pixels for reach, they can travel with smaller, more flexible lenses.

As for me, with my Nikon Zf, I'm going to continue stretching my 28-400mm Nikkor zoom to 600mms when the occasion calls for it.

PS: I've also published an article with images and more details titled, Your Full-Frame Sensor Has More Reach Than You May Realize. Free access for our podcast listeners.

This Week in the News

Panasonic, Please Stop Removing Viewfinders as featured on PetaPixel.com

Never say never: OM System reopens the door to compact cameras as featured on DPReview.com

Virtual Camera Club News

Interview with Rob Knight About Red River Paper

Rob is now the Educational Director for Red River, and he's stopping by to report on a Camera Club event he just participated in. You can meet with Rob in-person at Florida's Photo Fest, April 22-26, 2026.

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.