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My G.A.S. (Gear Addiction Syndrome) tells me that I would like to buy a new 1000 Nits monitor. That I would like to buy a Pana Leica 8-18mm with a 180mm crystal dome and related gear. Actually, since video is not my job but just a strong passion, I would just like 2025 to bring me time, lots of time to devote to my passion and do some filming that I have not been able to do just because of sheer lack of time. To film these corals at a depth of 70 meters takes a lot of time and dive buddies who are willing to be with you and wait patiently while you macro for 20 minutes standing still in one spot. To make this minute of video I had to make two dives lasting over three hours each against only 30 minutes to film. the first dive with a Lumix 12-35mm for the wide shots and the second dive with a Pana Leica 45mm macro for the coral details. Happy new Year

I think the E-M1X remains an underrated beast. The OM-1 has the better EVF for sure, and is smaller, but for some reasons the files look a bit thin in 10bit. Also there's no detail advantage over the E-M1X with both set to Cinema 4K. What's more the E-M1X doesn't take a hit in 8bit Cinema 4K. It has no 10bit but the 8bit is doing a full pixel readout, whereas the 8bit modes for Olympus colour science niceness on the OM-1 result in an inferior image. So although it's nice to have a stacked sensor with decent EVF and 4K/60p, the E-M1X is better value for money and arguably nicer on the ergonomics side too, if you just want to shoot super-steady handheld C4K 24p. OM-LOG and Flat grade ok in 8bit. That said I think I saw some OM-1 bodies for around just 1000 euros recently so maybe it's worth considering one too. Nicer for photography than the GH6 that's for sure.

Is this the same camera modules including the very impressive mid-tele lens as the X100 Ultra? A lot of very good stuff is happening, but a lot of it is China only at the moment too. That's because Samsung and Apple have the Western market dominated in a duopoly and both lag behind the Chinese manufacturers when it comes to the cameras.

The real question is whether you'd rather be cool in summer (living in Italy) or a new camera? It can get pretty bad there. Also, if you don't make more money with a new camera, this air conditioner is likely to save you quite a bit- paying for a new camera, of course.

This is my primary question! 5DIII in RAW (esp with ML dual ISO to boost dynamic range by many stops) is something magical, to be sure. However, the 5DIII JPEGS are also magnificent in their own way -- I keep one lying around just for the JPEGS. Somehow this camera has a miraculous ability to hold onto highlights, even in JPEG mode. Nikon D200 CCD in RAW. It uses a Sony CCD so it's better in some ways (highlight retention and rolloff) versus the Kodak ones, but worse in others (less interesting colors). Still magical, though. I keep one lying around: One that is often overlooked is the Ricoh GXR M-mount module. While it may share the same sensor as the X100 and Nikon D90, but it is geared a little differently.... more muted colors (except for reds), and somehow crazy good for B&W photography. Seriously, using any RAW converter (LR, rawtherapee, darktable, filmulator, all of which I've used), you convert any RAW GXR images to B&W and it's... incredible! Lastly, of course... the Leica M9, my primary camera for these last few years and to this day. Lately, I find that Darktable's recently introduced "Sigmoid" process is very tender with the M9's harsh highlight clipping issues, the sensor's greatest downfall. P.S. I think Andrew mentioned this, but the 5DII is SUPER magical, more so than the 5DIII, and right up there with the M9! I have a 5DII laying around too, but don't have any photos available. Once again, using ML's dualiso module to boost the dynamic range and this thing is just produces cinematic photos like nothing else I've ever seen! Focusing on the 5DII is and always will be an unreliable pain, though (even if just using the central point). P.P.S Nikon D700 in RAW! What an incredible sensor! Delicate highlight rolloff (and lots of information there); great organic colors and lowlight performance.

As far as native Fuji X mount lenses, I’ve been loving the videos by Stefano and seeing his creative use of focal lengths. He knows his way around his X-H2s and I love his derezed color grades. Fuji 56mm and Viltrox 13mm are both at the top of my list now. The 13mm is huge but that close focus and having a wide angle with shallow DOF is such a trippy look. 56mm f/1.2 https://youtu.be/lQsgQqNslPg?si=tA0cM5FHCGqHrvq8 13mm f/1.4 https://youtu.be/JkX-QCdr5No?si=60nfv2lEZaw3JlWn

yeah, I just meant cameras in general like Lumix and Fuji getting better. Also that the new X-M5 is rumored to have even better AF than the updated X-H2s now. Yes exactly. There’s no free lunch. You can buy a $25, 1960’s rangefinder camera and figure it out or you can pay someone who has already done it. Or you can pay $4,000 US to get a custom cinema level rehousing done. Of course people are charging a lot because it’s a relatively new development and hasn’t gone mainstream with an off the shelf solution. Plus anything with a Leica M mount involved is going to be 10X the price. I’ve seen a few Fuji X mount conversions for under $100, lens included but you just have to keep your eyes open. I’ve bought up almost all the Japanese rangefinders I’ve found interesting minus a couple rare ones I’m still hunting for. Working on an elegant solution and 3D printing some test mounts in the new year so I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile some of these are worth getting now while prices are good and even if you haven’t figured out the mount you want to go with.

It really is an excellent lens. I use it for pro-wrestling around ringside, because if it gets damaged it's not a big loss since they are so affordable but I also don't feel like I am sacrificing image quality by using it.

The mirror on DSLRs is for the optical viewfinder. It flips up to expose the sensor for exposure so no has no impact on actual image quality. That said you are not crazy and older cameras including 5DIII have a certain mojo. To me its a factor of things, but mainly the pairing of older lenses such as EF with older sensors. Color science has also evolved with each generation towards more neutral look. Also all the lens corrections in newer mirrorless give a more clinical image. I miss my 5DIII and will pick one up again not just for stills but for ML Raw. None of the RAW options now seem to capture such rich colors/image.

Are you ready for the announcement of a new class A+++++ air conditioner which will save the planet? Save the date: January 7, 2025