New addition to the family: RX100VII

November 14, 2019 in journal

I just doubled down on my approach to go compact with the purchase of the newest RX100, the mark VII.

The combo mark II + VA is near perfect for what I do. There were two main problems, though:

The mark II is falling apart, and I'm afraid it'll stop to work at any moment.
The lack of mic input in the VA has proven to be more painful than I initially thought, making my video workflow much more complicated.

The mark VII feels familiar in every sense, slightly bigger but the same camera. The mic input and the 200mm alone might be worth the huge price tag.

It's already been in the rain and heavy snow since I got it a couple of days ago, and it behaved like a champ. I'll share my final thoughts on this camera very soon for those who are on the fence.

Life update: fall trip and going compact

October 31, 2019 in journal

Quick life update from France. Or Germany. And the camera gear I'm bringing with me on this fall trip. Trying a more radical approach this time!

You already know about my fall trip and my decision to go compact on this trip. This is that same information but in video form, plus some of the highlights of my drive from NW Spain to SW Germany.

Going compact

October 29, 2019 in journal

Hello from Freiburg, Germany. I've been on the road for just a week but this trip is already very different in many ways when it comes to camera gear.

You might remember I was struggling with gear and decided to leave behind most of it. The result is this: I've gone compact, I've been shooting photos with my old Sony RX100ii and videos with the RX100VA.

Scars of war: my RX100, three months later

June 26, 2019 in journal

A few months ago, I decided to update my older RX100II and bought the newer RX100VA. I love the form factor and the high quality images this camera makes.

The video coming out of the RX100VA is nothing short of incredible, and I've been using it intensively for my YouTube channel since I got it on my hands.

Within the last three months, it's been through a lot - and it shows. It's got multiple scars from different trips and adventures:

The rubbery part where you rest your thumb has been falling apart since the camera got really hot in the deserts of Arizona.
The screen protector is shattered (and I'm hoping it's just the protector). It happened when I dropped the camera while taking pictures under Corona Arch in Utah.
Sometimes I still find sand from the Grand Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Or maybe it's from when I dropped it in the white sand of southern New Mexico (I also lost my ND filter there).
This gap next to the viewfinder is the newest addition. It happened when I, once again, dropped the camera. This time in Detroit, Michigan.

One could say the camera is falling apart. I say, those are scars to be proud of. A camera is meant to be used, not to be left on a shelf.

If you think this is a lot of damage after just three months, you don't want to know about the beating my previous RX100II got. And it stills works (mostly)!

I've used the RX100VA every single day, it's been to many places and I've made images I'm very proud of with it. And a lot of videos.

The condition of a camera can tell you a lot about the photographer. Get yours out as much as you can and make those images!

A weekend in Lisbon with my new video camera: Sony RX100VA

March 25, 2019 in journal

I'm trying to keep my gear as minimal as possible, so I bought a Sony RX100VA to replace my bigger and bulkier Sony a6500 + Sigma 16mm f/1.4 combo I've been using for the last few months. I try the new camera in Lisbon, shooting both video and stills.

In my quest to minimize and downsize my camera gear, I decided to look for a replacement to my beloved but bulky Sony a6500 + Sigma 16mm f/1.4 combo.

A few days ago, I purchased a Sony RX100VA. Interestingly, this is full circle for me since the Sony RX100II was the camera that got me started in photography, and the one I used for video for many years.

I spent this past weekend in Lisbon, where I had the chance to test the new camera. This video shows some footage and images from this beautiful portuguese city, and I also talk about the good and bad things about the Sony RX100VA.