Pictures from this weekend walk

 This weekend I shot few photos that I really liked. The first one was this one with two Sand-hill Cranes flying close by.

I love the way the morning sun hits the birds. The Canon R6 locked the focus right away and followed the birds allowing me to take few pictures all in focus. 

In my way to visit Crews Lake and right leaving the neighborhood I took this landscape picture which I loved. 

Two things in this landscape made me stop the car and take the picture: the fog drifting over the empty field in the background and the warm sunlight casting a glow on the white fence to the left. Besides these, the sky itself was stunning.

This was my first time visiting Crews Lake after the hurricane, and I found the water level at a record high, creating an entirely new landscape unlike anything I had seen there before.

The falls colors together with the morning sun give this picture a beautiful look.

Here’s the last photo I want to share in this note—I like how the two Sandhill Cranes became part of the composition.

Would you pay $23000 for a Camera?

 Leica is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the M rangefinder camera, but the most precious gift it’s giving for the occasion is for only 250 rich people and costs $22,995. The ludicrously expensive Leica M Edition 70 set includes a platinum-plated Leica M-A 35mm film camera with Leicavit fast winder, a matching 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 lens, and a metallic film container with a roll of black-and-white film. Source. 

A camera is fundamentally a tool for capturing images, and while technology can enhance image quality, the true value of a photograph largely stems from the photographer’s skill, creativity, and vision. Paying a premium for the latest camera may make sense for certain technical needs, but for many, it can be more about status than necessity. A $23,000 camera might showcase wealth, but it doesn’t make someone a skilled photographer.

DSLRs are cheaper than ever

With the rising popularity of mirrorless cameras, DSLR prices have dropped significantly, even for models that were once considered professional-grade. As mirrorless systems continue to evolve and dominate the market with their advanced features—such as faster autofocus, silent shooting, and lighter designs—many photographers are transitioning away from DSLRs. This shift has led to a surplus of high-quality DSLR bodies and lenses available at more affordable prices. For budget-conscious photographers, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire gear that was once out of reach, offering exceptional image quality and reliability at a fraction of its original cost. Even though mirrorless cameras are the new industry standard, DSLRs remain highly capable tools, especially for those who prefer their robust build, optical viewfinders, and battery life.

How-To Geek recently published an article highlighting the numerous advantages of purchasing a DSLR in today's market.

R1 is shipping

The R1 is reaching the hands of the first buyers. So no more reviews of pre production units, this below is an actual review from a wildlife photographer!

I don’t know, I feel like the R1 is too big! I think that I would prefer the R5 mark II or the R6 Mark II.

LP-E6P Batteries

 The new Canon batteries LP-E6P for the Canon R5 Mark II are now in stock at various retailers, including Amazon.

The Canon LP-E6P battery, designed for the EOS R5 Mark II, is an upgraded version of the LP-E6NH battery used in previous Canon models. This new battery model supports higher power output to meet the demands of the R5 Mark II's advanced features. For instance, the LP-E6P is necessary to fully utilize high-resolution video modes like 8K and the high frame rate options (up to 240p in 1080p and various over sampled 4K options). Using older batteries, like the LP-E6NH, limits access to these intensive settings due to lower power output compatibility​ PetaPixel  Canon Forums

I should note that recent firmware updates have introduced support for the new LP-E6P battery in older Canon mirrorless cameras.

Canon R6 + Canon EF100-400L Mk2

I have been using this camera + lens combination for the last few months and I can testify that this pair work exceptionally well together. The author of the following video has reached to the same conclusion. 

The Best camera that money can buy for wildlife photography

Ok, let me give you first the bad news, you will need to have ready around $20000! Did I get your attention? Check the following video.