Got a Macbook Air for Photo Editing? Read this.

It's no secret that Apple sells the entry-level MacBook Air at a lower price, knowing that the hardware specifications on these machines are not optimal for advanced users or those looking to run more resource-intensive applications, such as video and photo editors.

For example, the entry-level MacBook Air comes with just 256 GB of storage, of which around 120 GB is used by macOS and preinstalled applications, leaving you with only 140 GB of free space. If you are a video editor, an hour of 4K video typically requires around 20-30 GB of storage, and editing that video can require twice that amount to handle the task—quickly consuming half of the available space on your internal SSD.

If you are a wedding photographer, you can come back home with 1,000 photos from a single event. To store 1,000 photos, each 40 MB in size, you'll need approximately 40 GB of storage space. Editing these images can easily require at least 25 GB of free space. If you shoot two events in one week, you’ll quickly run out of storage. And if you're capturing both photos and videos at a single event, you'll run out of space even faster.

Basic Math. 

Buying the MacBook Air M4 with 512 GB of storage will cost you $200 more. If you choose the 1-terabyte option, which I believe is the optimal SSD size, it will cost you $400 more! But what if I told you that you could get 1 terabyte for a little over $100 without sacrificing performance?

The solution is to use external SSD storage—specifically, a Thunderbolt 4 external SSD. This will maintain read and write performance nearly identical to working from the internal SSD. One caveat with this solution is that a 1-terabyte Thunderbolt external SSD will cost you around $130 to $150, which is a savings of around 70% compared to upgrading the internal SSD.

An alternative to this solution is to buy an enclosure like this one and a Crucial P310 1TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD. You don’t even need a tool to put these two together, and you'll pay less than the average external SSD. The advantage is that if you need more space in the future, you can simply buy a higher-capacity SSD card.  

Here is a video showing how to install the SSD card and how this solution works. 

Nikon P1100

Tony Northrup recently reviewed the Nikon P1100, and here’s what he had to say about this technological marvel.

"It's not for anyone who wants action."

"Good for anything faraway"

"Up close, this doesn't excel at anything."

While this extensive zoom capability is impressive, the camera does have several notable drawbacks:​

1. Bulky and Heavy Design: Weighing approximately 1,410 grams and measuring 146 x 119 x 181 mm, the P1100 is considerably large and heavy for a bridge camera. This substantial size can make prolonged handheld use challenging and may deter those seeking portability. ​

2. Limited Upgrades from Predecessor: The P1100 introduces minimal enhancements over its predecessor, the P1000. Key updates include the addition of a USB-C port to comply with EU regulations and minor firmware improvements. However, core features such as the autofocus system and sensor remain largely unchanged, leading to criticism regarding the lack of significant innovation. ​

3. Narrow Aperture at Maximum Zoom: At the telephoto end (3000mm), the lens has a maximum aperture of f/8. This narrow aperture limits light intake, necessitating higher ISO settings or slower shutter speeds, which can degrade image quality, especially in low-light conditions. ​

4. Small Sensor Size: The P1100 employs a 1/2.3-inch sensor, which is relatively small compared to those found in many other cameras. This smaller sensor can result in reduced image quality, particularly in low-light situations, and may not meet the expectations of users accustomed to larger sensor performance. ​


5. High Price Point: With a retail price exceeding $1,000, the P1100 is considered expensive for a bridge camera. Potential buyers may question the value proposition, especially given the limited advancements over the previous model. ​

6. Lack of Touchscreen Functionality: The 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD monitor lacks touch sensitivity, which can hinder intuitive navigation and quick adjustments, a feature commonly expected in modern cameras. ​

7. Limited Battery Life: The camera offers a battery life of approximately 250 shots per charge, which is relatively low. This necessitates carrying spare batteries for extended shooting sessions, adding to the overall bulk. ​

8. Absence of Environmental Sealing: The P1100 lacks weather-sealing features, making it vulnerable to dust and moisture. This limitation can be a concern for photographers intending to use the camera in various outdoor conditions. ​

In summary, while the Nikon COOLPIX P1100 offers unparalleled zoom capabilities, its considerable size, limited feature enhancements, and high cost may deter some users. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors against their specific photography needs before making a decision.

Breakfast in America

This is a picture from last weekend’s photoshoot. Of course, while I was looking through the viewfinder, I didn’t notice the bug in the beak—it was only during post-editing that I spotted it.

I’ve been following a couple of Sandhill Cranes to see where they were nesting, and last weekend, I finally found the spot. I have to say, these guys are late, because by now, most of them already have babies.

 

They chose a spot on a small island close to the shore of the lake—hidden and safe from predators living around the area.

Nature is my sanctuary

Nature is my sanctuary. When I'm outside in nature, I feel like I'm visiting a church. The calm I receive is similar, and I feel it’s healing. This is why I completely agree with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales when she said:

Quote: "Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary.

This Mother's Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognize how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life," 

Picture taken using a Canon R6 Mark I.