What Have I Been Playing Recently?

So, what have I been playing recently?

I bought Sea Power a few weeks ago and love it.  I haven't been playing it much because the game is currently Early Access and it has bugs and lacks some features - it's lacking a save feature and the gameplay can be rather long in duration, so I either end the mission I'm playing prematurely or I don't play.

I've also been playing Nuclear Option.  I bought that game earlier in the year and it is really fun, but it's Early Access as well and is also somewhat buggy.  TrackIR keeps dying mid-game and it only happens with that game, so I know it's an issue with Nuclear Option and not the hardware or TrackIR software.  As well, other folks have been complaining that they're having issues with head-tracking with this game, too.  I'm hoping the developers fix the issue soon (some folks have claimed that the issue is no longer occurring in the beta testing branch).

I've also been playing more VTOL VR.  I did a bunch of flying today after not using my VR headset in ages.  I've been flying some of the Steam Workshop missions, which gives me practice and some fun.  What plane(s) have I been flying?  As usual, I've been flying the AV-42C...folks love to hate on that aircraft, but it's the A-10 Warthog of this game and I love ground/pound.  I've been wondering how to create missions and I was thinking on giving it a shot, but I've heard that the mission creation tools and mechanisms suck and that the next patch will offer more streamlined mission creation tools and mechanisms, so I think I'm going to wait for that.

I've also been thinking of pushing myself to return to Steel Beasts.  For a bit, I was playing fine and even created a mission/scenario to test things.  Steel Beasts can get busy really fast, though, because micro-managing the units is crucial to success and the more units you have to control the more busy it'll get - you want to control small units to get the most out of the missions/scenarios (company level is probably best).

After playing Sea Power, I'm also thinking of returning to C:MO (although, that game can get busy really fast, as well, on a whole different level than Steel Beasts).

Yeah, I also have DCS modules that I recently bought (the latest Blackshark and the Mirage F1), but I need fun, not study sims and while DCS can be fun, for someone new to the game, it plays as if it's homework.

As I've a bunch of vacation to use in November and December, I'll have the time to relax with PC gameplay.

PC Gaming

 I've been trying to push myself into being more involved in PC gaming lately.  Ever since I bought the Steam Deck, I've been using it.  It's handy when you're in front of the TV or in bed.  I'd been playing a lot of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and recently bought Red Dead Redemption 2.

In fact, ever since I quit playing War Thunder, I've been struggling to find a specific game to fixate on.

I've Ready or Not and Ground Branch, which are nice tactical shooters (really meant for multiplayer, but can be played lone wolf).  I also have been flying some VTOL VR and Nuclear Option.  I've also been trying to ramp up my flight simming - I've been flying some IL2, trying the different planes (I bought a bunch of modules awhile back).  I also finally bought full fidelity modules for DCS: World, too!

For DCS: World, I bought the Dessault Mirage F1 module pack.  I also bought the F-5E, the Mig-29 (designed for Flaming Cliffs, I believe, and doesn't have full fidelity),  I also bought a few maps and single player missions.  I downloaded the free A-4E 3rd party module, too.  And last week, I bought the Ka-50 helicopter module.  I just need to dedicate a few hours a week to focus on one plane to fly single player and to eventually move to multiplayer.  I'm thinking either the F-5E, the A-4E, or the F1 will get me far and if I go multiplayer, I'll have to find Cold War servers.  I'm not really interested in later era aircraft, although I *REALLY* want the Mirage 2000.  Yes, there's a dispute between it's developer and Eagle Dynamics, but I'm thinking if I buy it now, while it still works, I can fly it enough to get my money's worth.  If it goes on sale between now and the New Year, I'm buying it.  What I'd really like is for another developer to make a Mirage 2000, though.

Also, for DCS: World, I've been using TrackIR instead of VR.  Folks keep insisting that I need to use VR with DCS.  Nah...it's not for me.  I've already tried it in both War Thunder and IL2.  I'll admit that the flying experience, immersion, and spatial awareness that comes with interacting within a 3D environment is great.  What sours EVERYTHING is that you can't see your keyboard or stick or anything that's on your desk.  That's something I can't get over.  It's all unicorns and rainbows until it's time to interact outside of VR, which is sometimes a requirement.  Plus, the hardware requirements to run VR while running a game such as DCS is not insignificant, and if you want to also record your session, it's going to suck for you unless you've a super beefy PC.

I'm one step from upgrading my HOTAS to something a bit better.  My current setup lacks the required buttons to get most of aircraft controls onto either the stick or throttle (even if I'm flying a full fidelity aircraft, I'd still prefer to manipulate the controls through the stick or throttle controls).  As it is, I'm about to use a spare throttle just so I can use it's buttons!  Also, I may need to alter my desk to better support a stick and throttle (no, I don't want to build a pit/rig).

Nuclear Option is fun!  It's in Early Access and I ended up buying it, but leaving it alone for maybe 6 months because it didn't have head-tracking, which I thought was ridiculous.  Headtracking was added maybe 3-4 months ago, but something is wonky with it - the game looses connectivity with either the TrackIR software or hardware (or both).  You've to go to desktop and restart TrackIR, but I found that I would have to do it 4-5 times within a 30 min session, which is a serious buzz kill, so I stopped playing it again...once they sort out the headtracking issue, I'll fly it again.

VTOL VR is actually really nice, but I won't do multiplayer with it.  I want to stay single player with that game, at least for a while.  That means I've to find decent single player missions.  I've also thought of giving a shot at developing some missions.  Maybe I can experiment with that this weekend.  I've heard the mission editor is wonky and there's no guide on how to use it (although I should check Steam for guides).  No, I don't want to check the game's Discord...I shouldn't have to do that...such things should be better accessible than relying on only Discord.

I was also playing Steel Beasts for awhile (I even streamed a session of of gameplay on Twitch).  I started out good but then quit, as that game can sometimes be quite deep.  It's more of a high end sim than a game, IMO.  I think it depends upon the mission, too.  I play single player, which can be a handful with lots of units to command, so I think the key is to seek out single player missions that give you control of a company -- any bigger unit than that will pain since you'll have to manage every aspect of each element of that unit.

OH!  Also, there's a new tactical game coming out called Sea Power, that will be released in November.

dlvr.it Ended Their Free Plan

I'd been using dlvr.it to automate cross-posting from Wordpress to Twitter, as I've been trying to get more traffic to my firearms blog.  Well, dlvr.it stopped providing their free plan.  

Prior to dlvr.it, I'd been using IFTTT's automation applets to cross-post to Twitter, but their free applets for Twitter became payware.

As I'm not trying to spend a ton of money for something that I'm providing, I do not want to have to sign up for expensive plans just to be able to cross-post.

I spent a large portion of my day yesterday trying to find free solutions to replace dlvr.it and found Buffer.  I tested and it works.  Yes, they have a free plan.  I'll be using that until they stop offering their service for free (if they stop, I'm in trouble because I'm not sure anyone else offers free plans that aren't super-neutered).

Went from AlDente Free to AlDente Pro!

I've been using AlDente (yes, the battery charge limiter app) for a while now.  I started using it when I first bough the Macbook Air.

Today, I though to myself, "I've been using this and it's obviously an important thing to me.  Why not buy the Pro version?"

This made so much sense to me and I had similar thoughts in the past, so I bought AlDente Pro, the lifetime version.

When I run into good software that I know I'll need in the future, I usually end up buying it after using the free edition of the software for a while.  I've no problem with giving back, especially if the software owner is an independent developer.  Developers have to eat, too!

I'm also a flight sim guy (I recently bought several DCS World modules and I fly IL2: Sturmovik too).  I bought TacView (Advanced version) a long while back because I love how you can replay previous flights and use TacView to analyze a combat situation.  TacView wasn't cheap - it was $70 - but I used it to the point that I hated when I flew something that TacView couldn't work with, so I bought it.

Beats Studio Buds + Were Still Falling Out Of My Ears, So I Bought Complys!

 I shared with you all that I bought a set of Beats Studio Buds + awhile back.

I got a bit pissed a few weeks ago when I was working in the yard and my Beats earbuds were slipping out of my ear canal.

I decided to check to see if I Comply made some anti-slick inserts for these earbuds, as I bought a few of these for my AirPods Pro earbuds and they work well.

I was quite surprised when I saw that Comply was making versions for the Beats Buds + earbuds and I immediately ordered a set.  They work well.

I also ordered a different set from Amazon, because although the Comply ones work well, they don't last all that long before they no longer work.  The ones I ordered were Ludos Comfy Earbuds Replacement Memory Foam.  These fit into my ears well, but will not fit in the charging pod and require removal to charge the earbuds.

At this point, I've been using my Beats earbuds far more often than my AirPods Pro buds - dunno why, because the AirPods immediately connect to my phone and Macs, whereas I've to manually connect both my Beats headset and buds.  I do like the Beats buds' controls better.

Docker, Wordpress, and Linode

Maybe a week ago, I decided to refresh my Linode instance.  I'd been using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS on it the past 10 years.  16.04 has been unsupported for quite a while now, but I was being lazy while still watching the server for compromised (the server was locked down very well).

Initially, I'd planned on a slow rollover to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, by deploying a new host and slowly migrating over to it from the old server.  One day, I just said, "fuck it" and started from scratch.  I kept my old disk volume and mounted it to the new host so that I could grab old data whenever I needed it...having config files from the old host would help me when reinstalling the software I was using on the old host.

The plan was to migrate my two Wordpress sites to the new host but today I tried running Wordpress on Docker on an old Dell XPS 8930 and it worked well.  I first tried to just get to the point where Wordpress could install onto it.  I then tried to restore a backup of one Wordpress site onto the Dockerized Wordpress instance and I was immediately successful.  It happened so quickly that I spent the rest of the day testing it, to the point that I decided to do the same thing on the 24.04 server tonight.  It's now up and running and I've already been posting to it.  I'll monitor it the next few days and will probably back it up, tear down the whole thing, and then try some different setups, such as trying to run both Wordpress sites from one set of containers (the problem is, I need both Wordpress sites to be serving on port 80 and there's only one port 80 on the server.

Currently the setup is using three small containers (one for MySQL, one for Wordpress, and one for phpmyadmin).  I leveraged the YAML files of two other nerds, using both to build my own YAML file, which I used to pull the images and configure the containers.  I ran in to issues more than a few times, but between what I learned last year on acloud.guru and trial and error, it wasn't all that difficult.  What I haven't done (YET) is build my own dockerfiles.

I usually also use the Linode host as a file server (sharing pictures with friends and forums), and I was doing that using Apache, so that's a 3rd application that I'd need to use port 80...not sure how I'm going to set all this up, but the neat thinga bout Docker is that I can blow it away and start over (keeping my .yml compose files to work with and tweak), again and again, until I get it right.

This was the first time outside of training that I used Docker and I honestly should've been using it a long time ago.

I actually had a lot of fun doing this.

UPDATE (7/28/2024):

I'm having some issues trying to determine how to host two sites on one Dockerized Wordpress setup.  I can probably use the muti-site Wordpress setup but I need to study up on how to alter the wp-config file using the docker-compose.yml file.

Or, I can probably just run two Docker setups, one for my firearms blog and one for my car blog.

I also want to be able to share my many pictures and files using Apache, but found that I can't run Apache AND Worpdress, as both use port 80.  I may have to use some type of proxying.

Lastly, I can just reinstalled Wordpress in a non-Dockerized fashion, while experimenting with Wordpress in Docker.  This is probably the more reasonable approach, as I can study up how to leverage Docker at my own leisure but have a production native Wordpress setup.

Second GoPro Hero 10 Black Gotcha - Camera Overheating

I've been using the GoPro Hero 10 Black for a bit now,  The last time I posted, I complained that there was no real preview option.  That issue still exists and is still annoying.  There have been more than a few times where I've discovered that my framing is off-center or is not capturing what I require.  I'm almost to the point where it's so annoying that I may replace this camera.

There's another annoying thing that's occurring.

I want to capture in 4K reslution at 60 FPS when I'm at the firearms range.  My range visits are usually an hour long but I don't shoot during that whole hour.  I only record when I'm shooting, and between shooting, I've to load mags or retrieve/replace the target.  I'm finding that the camera can never get through the session while being turned on.  At the last 10 minutes of the range session, I always find that the camera has shut down due to overheating.

This is highly annoying, as sometimes I don't even know that the camera is off...it doesn't audibly alert me (I can't see the camera, as it sits on my head, on a ball cap, using a hat mount).

Note that the range I frequent is an indoor range that is AC-cooled. Ambient temps are cool, to the point that I usually wear a jacket/hoodie.

The camera gets hot just by being on, it seems, then when it's recording, it gets hotter.  I've configured the camera to not have the camera screens on (I view the framing and control the camera using the Quik app on my phone).  Dialing back the resolution is a very LAME workaround, but that's what I think I'll have to do to prevent this from occurring.  :/

The lack of live previewing can be negated by just buying a 360 camera.  I'm sure most 360 cameras that aren't made by GoPro will not overheat.

This is depressing because Ive invested (financially) in using this camera.  I suppose I can sell it and every GoPro accessory I own to attempt to recoup financially.  I also spent a lot of time in researching if this was the camera for me.

So, the hunt begins for yet another camera.  One thing I haven't done is use the Osmo Pocket 3 at the range, and I think it will perform fine, but I really think a good inexpensive 360 camera will work...I don't need to use the $600+ Pocket 3 to replace the Hero 10.

UPDATE (8/13/2024):  I should've shared that the Pocket 3 also shuts down when I used it when capturing Youtube footage.  As with the GoPro, the OP3 overheats when recording in 4K (30 FPS), which is sad.  It's obvious that there are limitations with the higher resolutions.

SteamDeck Update

I bought a SteamDeck not long ago (documented here).

Some thoughts are listed below.

I'm not sure I needed the OLED model, but I wanted 1-TB in storage.  As the cost between the OLED 1-TB and 512 GB non-OLED wasn't huge, I opted to get the unit that had the most option.

I've yet to see this system crash or even hang up on a game.

I thought I could play some games like Generation Zero and GTA V, but those two games are difficult to play on the SteamDeck.  I've been playing Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, Subnautica, and No Man's Sky, as well as games like Hades and Hades II.

The game system never gets hot or noisy (the fans are quiet).

I bought a 100W charger specifically for the SteamDeck, too...it works well.

I want to try emulators (for Nintendo games) and will probably buy a micro SD card and dedicate it to emulator games.

I've no need for s dock but if I end up wanting one, I'll try a non-Steam dock first.

New Ear Buds - Beats Studio Buds +

I bought a new set of ear buds this week.  I bought the Beats Studio Buds +.

It's technical specs are here.

I'm still using my set of AirPod Pros (v1) and while they've not presented any issues that warrant immediate replacement, I got the Studio Buds for 30% off the normal price.  I basically bought these because they were on sale.

A few things I noticed right off the bat:

• The charing pod uses USB-C, which I LOVE!  I've quite a few Lightning cables but USB-C is always better, IMO.
• These come with an assortment of gel inserts, which allows a good bud-to-ear fitment.  I always hated the fact that I've to buy 3rd party solutions to get the AirPod Pros to work with my particular ear.  I don't have to worry about such things with the Studio Buds.
• The Studio Buds have a larger charging case (it's more rounded than the AirPod case).
• I love the way the buds "snick" into the case - each bud has a magnet (or each space within the case has a magnet - dunno which...there's some magnetics going on, for sure, though).
• Pairing button is inside lid of the case.

I listened to both sets of buds back-to-back and both are on-par with each other as far as audio quality is concerned.  Both have great noise cancelling functionality, as well.

There's hardly anything to dislike.  

The only real gripe I have is that the case is larger (it has a larger footprint than the AirPods Pro case).  The case is slicker as well, but it could be due to my choice of cases...I've the clear case and buds, which has an unfinished feel.  The case looks really cool, though.

Another slight gripe would be that the form factor is small.  Small is good, unless you've big hands and fingers.  They're a bit more difficult to use when pressing the buttons on the buds.  It also means that you can't use the same accessories that you'd use with the AirPod Pros, such as the gel sports tethers.

Also, I don't know which bud belongs in which ear, either, but also not sure if it matters.  

These are trivial gripes, though.

UPDATE (6/1/2024): looking closely, I can see that each bud is labeled "R" or "L" on the bottom.  Since I've the clear case, it is very difficult to see the labeling but I'll include a pic below:

I'll provide updates throughout the year.

UPDATE (7/28/2024):

Although I love these buds (I use them more than I do my 1st Gen AirPods Pro), they don't stay in my ears all that well.  They stay in better than my AirPods in their stock configuration, although the Comply cushions make the AirPods stay in my ear.

As well, my right ear has a wider canal that appears to be between sizes.  I've tried all the different size OEM cushions but none of them work well in my right ear.

I checked to see if Comply has cushions for the Beats Studio buds and they do, so I ordered an assorted set.  I also ordered a set of LUDOS cushions - if those turn out to not work, I'm going to try to refund them (if I can't, there's not much of a loss, as they're not expensive).

Steam Deck Inbound!

HAHAHAHAHA!!  Yeah, I'm on a tear this year regarding tech.  The last few months I've bought close to $1K in videography equipment.  Now I also bought a Steam Deck.

Which Steam Deck did I get?  The 1 TB OLED model.  It didn't make sense to get the 512 when the 1 TB was only $100 more...seriously.

It shipped yesterday and is supposed to arrive on 4/9.  What I'm worried about are the UPS workers.  These gaming systems tend to disappear after they ship but before they're delivered, which is extremely sad.  It doesn't help that Valve keeps using exterior packaging that labels the package as a Steam Deck (WTF).  I tried to have the shipment diverted to a UPS store (I heard that this method lessens theft - I guess it does since the onus is on the driver at that point), but UPS states that the shipper (Valve) won't allow delivery to UPS stores (WTF Valve).

There's a chance that I won't receive this unit, which will piss me off, as I've waited 5 days for it to ship AND Valve won't allow me to re-route it.  If it ends up "lost", I'll have to reach out to Valve, who will eventually ship me another one...if that happens, I'm going to insist that they ship to a UPS store and if they can't, I'll ask for a refund.  As well, UPS needs to quit letting this happen (it's a very common thing for their employees to steal these gaming systems).

For now, I'm just waiting for it to ship.  I don't think I need to order any other items for use with the gaming system.  Since it's 1 TB, I don't need a micro SD card right now (eventually, I may want one).  I have ordered a 100W charger as a backup to the OEM one.  I may eventually order a docking station for it.  I may also order a carry case and other accessories - I won't know exactly what I want until I start using the system.

My daughter bought one for her brother last year (a 512 GB LCD unit), then after seeing his, she bought a 512 GB OLED unit.  I saw both of theirs and wanted one, but didn't want to spend the money at the time.  I now have the money.  :)

As always, I'll keep you all up to date on my experience.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - Extra Accessories are Here!

I stated in the prior post that I'd ordered extra parts for my Osmo Pocket 3.  They arrived today.

I found that I had an error in the order - I ordered two battery handles.  I've decided to keep it instead of returning it.  I can ensure that it is charged so that I can use it to give me extra run time, if that's what I'd need.  I can always sell it later if I decide I don't need it, but I'm sure I can use it.

I've already charged up the battery handles.  

I've also charged up the Mic 2 transmitter and have it linked to the OP3.  I've adjusted it's gain, as well, and configured it's settings in the OP3 menu.  I just have to use it now.  The Mic looks really nice.  At one point, I was going to try to use a different brand of mic but decided to stick with DJI since it would probably work better with the camera than a 3rd party mic setup, plus, the OP3 has built-in receivers that I'm not sure will work with other makes of mic transmitters.

The case is smaller than I'd thought it would be, but it holds most of my things.

The tripod is very nice...it's smaller than the one I've been using, but it's quite as stable, but it should suffice.

The wide angle lense is cool.  I'm not actually sure if I'll ever need it, as I don't see a huge difference in gained angle.

I ordered extra mic wind covers, as well as the mic magnets, but I found that I didn't need them, because DJI includes both of those with the Mic 2.  I'm a bit upset about that, because their product page should state that those come with the Mic.  I'll keep what I have as spares.  Oh yeah, that magnet is STRONG!

The expansion adapter is something that I probably didn't need, but it can probably be used with my GoPro harnesses and other mounting accessories.  At some point, I may use it.  I thought it would offer USB-C port expansion, but it doesn't, which is a shame.

I will attempt to capture some footage over the next few days to test the Mic 2 setup.  I may just record footage as I'm taking my daily walks.

Oh, and I also bought a good SD card, one that's listed on the OP3 product page as recommended specs - I bought the Lexar 256 GB card, which would give me 4+ hours of top spec footage.  I shouldn't need anymore than that, but if I do, I'll buy the 512 GB Lexar card.

Initially, I thought the OP3 would make my GoPro H10 Black redundant, but I still need that for the firearms range.  I have dialed up the recording resolution to 4K @ 60 FPS (watch the camera overheat at the next range visit).

UPDATE (8/13/2024):

The accessories I use the most are the two battery handles.  I also use the mini tripod a lot.  The next most used item is the Mic 2, usually with the Lavalier mic.

I wish the case were bigger - was honestly shocked at how small it was.  I will almost certainly try something else (I've a GoPro case that I'm not using that may fit more than the OP3 case.

I Went Ahead And Purchased the Creator Kit Accessories...

Today, I purchased the extra accessories that come with the Creator Kit Pocket 3 package.  I bought them directly from the DJI store.

Yeah, this ended up being quite a bit more expensive than if I'd just purchased the Creator Kit.

I also had told myself that I wouldn't be buying the Mic 2 transmitter, but after looking at the alternatives, I decided to stick with (and trust) DJI's audio solution.

As well, DJI didn't have the windscreen and clip magnet in stock, so I bought those two (3rd party vendors) through Amazon.

I also bought a micro SD card, since most of the cards I normally use are too slow (I've been getting warnings from the camera and the camera sometimes stops recording when the warnings appear).  I bought the Lexar 256GB 160MB/s reading, 120MB/s writing, C10, U3, V30, A2 card, since that's what was advertised as 100% working on the DJI website.  I bought that card through Amazon, as well (from the Lexar Amazon store).

I guess I'm all-in with this camara now.  The only things I don't have are ND filters and the extra audio things (receiver, extra transmitter, and the RX/TX charger).

Alternative Mic Solutions for DJI Osmo Pocket 3

I was conducting research on the DJI Mic 2, prepping for an eventual purchase, when I saw that they've an issue with low audio levels.

I didn't want to spend $100 on an audio solution that has issues.  Additionally, DJI appears to be actively ignoring the complaints of low audio being captured by the Mic 2.

I also looked at wireless alternatives, but the alternatives are more expensive than the Mic 2!

In searching for wired alternatives, I found the following video:

This guy explains several alternate mic setups and describes/lists the hardware requirements.

What I saw was that I can use a 3.5mm jack to USB-C adapter, a 3.5mm TRS to TTRS mic patch cable, and a wired mic (or shotgun mic).  I found those parts and added them to an Amazon wish list for near-future purchasing.

I also ended up subscribing to the video author since he offered very helpful information!

The Pocket 3 Has Arrived!

I received the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on Thursday (3/21).  Initial thoughts are below.

I was surprised at the small size of the box!  The camera is also smaller than I expected.

The camera's battery had a a 45% charge, so I got to immediately activate it, which was pretty easy - I hear it's easier to set up if you've an iPhone or iPad.

Now, since I'd not been able to purchase Amazon's insurance (the transaction borked but the transaction for the Pocket 3 went through), and the DJI activation process was asking me if I wanted to purchase DJI Care Refresh (which is a protection program), I bought 2 years of that, which is $55.  Now I don't have to worry about the camera being damaged.  Note that although the unit is covered by insurance, to replace the camera, the owenr would still need to pay $35.  As well, I get four replacement instances, if need be.

I was also worried about the battery eventually depleting, but that is covered by DJI Care Refresh, as well.

I bought a 30W charger a few days before I received the Pocket 3.  It works well and the Pocket 3 Fast-charged to 100% in like 25 minutes.  As much as this camera costs, you'd think they'd include a charger -- maybe they think that folks will already have chargers (30W isn't really commonplace for chargers, though).

The camera easily mounts on a tripod, as it includes a tripod extension that attaches to the bottom of the camera.  I've been using it with a desk tripod.

I recorded some test videos, using the camera as a standalone camera.  I also recorded test footage using it as a webcam (using Photo Booth and QuickTime).  I recorded 1080p footage and the results were astonishing.

I used the following video to get the camera's settings to a baseline state (for me):

I now have the camera configured to use 1440p/60fps as the default video resolution and speed.  I recorded some test footage and the result is absolutely astounding!  I was able to use face tracking and even used object tracking (I was presenting a firearm and had the camera track it while I handled it).  I later posted that footage to YouTube, after editing it with DaVinci Resolve and rendering it (it took a bit for me to determine how to render it in 1440p - I had to render it a second time before I had it correctly configured).

I also have installed LightCut (which is editing software that is published by a company that DJI is partnered with) on both my Macbook Air and my iPhone.  I will take a look at the MBA editor tomorrow to see if it'll be worthwhile in using.  I do not care to use it on my iPhone, though - I can't imagine editing videos using a smartphone.

The camera isn't waterproof and it's gimbal is probably easily damaged, so my next purchase is probably going to be a case (there's nothing I can do about it not being waterproof, though).

Then following purchase will probably be the Mic 2 transmitter, although the test footage seems to indicate that the mics on the camera are adequate (for me).  Or, maybe I should purchase the extra battery handle.  Maybe I'll just flip a coin to determine which to get.

I have a lane at the range reserved tomorrow.  For now, I'll keep using the GoPro but I might take the Pocket 3 and set it up on my left side on the range table, just to see what type of footage it'll capture.

I'll post updates on my experiences.

UPDATE (8/13/2024):

I've been using the OP3 to capture video footage for my YouTube channel and the captured footage is astounding in quality.  What's really cool is that I can set it on my desk and then lock the focus on a particular object - if the object moves (for example, a dog), the camera lens follows.  If I have something in my hands and I'm moving my hands around, the camera will follow.  Even when using it as a desk camera, capturing my face, if I lock my head as a focus and move my head, the camera will shift slightly to ensure my head is center-frame.

The camera feels fragile but that's why I have DJI Care.  I'm considering a 3rd party protective shell, as the camera lens will shift with the OEM shell installed.

The camera bag/case is too small, in my opinion.  I'm looking for a bigger case.

I have used it once while taking a scenic walk around my neighborhood and was shocked at the resulting  footage (was daylight with no clouds; in the spring).  That's the only time I've used it outdoors but I think I should use it more when outside.

Using the MBA, the iPhone 13 PM, & QuickTime to Capture Video

I was recording video footage today and decided to do two things that I hadn't ever done.

I wanted some really good detailed footage, but also wanted to be able to zoom in on my subject.  My GoPro is usually my primary camera, but it doesn't zoom like a smartphone or DSLR camera.  

I tried to use my PC's Logitech C922 streaming camera, but that doesn't zoom either.  It only produces 1080p footage, as well, but it's pretty clear and my M1 Macbook Air (MBA) immediately detects it; I'm able to use that camera's microphone, too.  The C922 works far better than the camera that is integrated into the MBA (that's a 720p camera).

I'd forgotten that I can now use my iPhone 13 Pro Max as a desktop camera with recent versions of iOS but hadn't tried it.  I tried it and it captures extremely nice footage!  Not only that, there's NO latency - the MBA connects to the iPhone wirelessly and you'd never know it wasn't a wired connection.

As well, I'd been using Photobooth to collect footage.  While the footage is OK, it's also somewhat limited.  I also lost footage, several times...the recording session sometimes freezes.  So I did some quick research on any native methods of recording footage on a Mac.  I found that I can use Quicktime to record footage.  Not only that, I can point it toward the iPhone and leverage the phone as a camera.  Also, I can record audio only, if I've the need to.  Additionally, I can record the desktop!  I can choose between different cameras and can rely upon their audio hardware, and I can even mix up cameras and mics across different devices when using QuickTime.

So, what I did was use QuickTime to record, using the iPhone 13 PM and using the Logitech C922's mic.  I was also able to hold up the subjects of the recording session to the 13 PM and it would focus on the items while they were close-up to the camera.  I'm not sure how to manipulate the camera's resolution and other recording options when using QuickTime, though.  By default, it recorded at 1080p, and used ProRES.

The resulting footage was great.  It had good detail and was not blurry, nor did the focus hunt and change...it maintained focus on it's own.  The recorded file was on the MBA, as well, which is pretty wild...the footage didn't glitch out or have any artifacts and the recording session didn't lag or appear that it was under any stress.  I'd saved the files to my SanDisk 2TB drive, so none of it consumed system drivespace.

I should've been using my 13PM a long time ago.  I'd been trying to use it as a standalone camera, but found that the resulting video files were huge and I'd have to transfer them to the MBA, which was a PITA.  As well, the large files consumed my phone's storage space, so I was always at the space limit.

Using the 13PM as a camera when using the MBA is the better way, by far!

I'll be attempting to determine how to up the recording resolution when using the 13PM as a MBA camera.

BTW, the resulting video is here:

Davinci Resolve - A Great Experience When Using It With an M1 Mac

I mentioned maybe a month ago that I'm now using Davinci Resolve to manipulate videos to post to YouTube.  I'm still using it.  I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to using iMovie.

Prior to iMovie, I was using Cyberlink PowerDirector, which was OK, but felt a bit bloated and cumbersome to use.  That software as full-featured, though, and much more robust than iMovie.  I used Cyberlink PD on my Del G7 17", and while PD didn't crash, it always caused the cooling fans to kick in.  As well, it would take a while to create videos.  I had bought a one year subscription and let it lapse.  While the software was OK, it wanted something better.

I tried Davinci Resolve because I heard someone mention it on one of the Mac-centric subreddits.  Not only that, I wanted to try to use my M1-powered Mac to crunch video, as I'd only used iMovie.  I knew that Resolve would leverage GPUs (it's probably a requirement) and had heard that M1 Macs were very efficient when compiling video footage.  Yeah, I'd used iMovie, but no real professional is using that to create movies.

When I crunched my first video on my M1 Mac, using Resolve, I was shocked.  Two things were immediately apparent.  One, the M1 Mac didn't studder when editing footage like my Dell G7 does.  Granted, my G7 is only powered by a 5 yr old i5 CPU and is running a mobile version of the RTX 2060.  The system is probably throttling, too (most non-Mac laptops do).  Secondly, the compilation portion is FAST, no matter what configuration you are using.  I crunched some ProRES footage and the M1 positively flew through the process.

Yeah, I'm not going back and will probably purchase a license for Resolve so that I can use some of the features that are locked in the free version.  I may as well pay for a license if I'm going to use it as my primary editor.

Update on Vlogging Camera Purchase

I posted here about trying to decide on a good vlogging camera.

I went ahead and purchased the Pocket 3.  I bought the base kit, but I also purchased a 30W charger for this camera, as well as 2 years of Asurion insurance.  

As I begin to use the camera, I'll purchase what I feel I'd need for me to collect my normal video footage.  I don't necessarily need a desk tripod, as I already have two of them, plus an actual floor tripod.  If I find I need extra battery life, I'll buy the battery pack.  I may need extra things such as a travel case or BT microphone, but I'll buy those later.  

I already have microSD cards, as well.  

I've been trying to decide this for approximately 6-8 months.  The Pocket 3 is just more versatile than everything I was already considering.  GoPro doesn't have anything like it and there are things I hate about GoPro.  The Insta cams just aren't on the same level as the Pocket 3, either.  If I find I'm having issues, I can lean on the Asurion insurance like I did when I had trouble with the Akaso (I should've never even considered that camera).  

I'll post my experiences with the Pocket 3 as I use it!

UPDATE (3/20/2024):  I ordered the Pocket 3 on the 10th of March.  It is now late night on the 20th of March.  Amazon has been showing the past 10 days that it would be delivered between 19 and 21 March, with no other notification, which is odd.  Only today did it say that it was shipped.  I'm not sure if they (Amazon) got a large shipment of equipment from DJI, or, maybe the unit shipped from China to the DJI factory?  Also, I'd wanted but couldn't afford the Creator kit.  The difference between the Creator kit and the basic kit is $150, price-wise, but the Creator has like seven (7) extra accessories and the total price for those accessories when bought separately is approximately $327!  I was going to return my basic kit and purchase the Creator kit but shipping is a long wait and I've heard it's gotten worse since I've ordered...folks are complaining of a 30 day wait through Best Buy, Amazon, and even DJI.  This could be due to folks thinking that DJI will be banned from selling some hardware (drones).  So, I guess I'll keep the basic kit and separately buy the more important pieces of hardware (Mic 2 transmitter, wide angle lens, and battery handle).

I want a vlogging camera but...

I want to purchase a vlogging camera but I've also being doint quite a bit of desktop recording (I've a Youtube channel and I upload those recordings).

There are three cameras that I'm focusing on:

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - $519

Obsbot Tail Air - $499

Obsbot Tiny 2 - $329

By the way, Obsbot is pronounced "Obs Bot".  There's some guy that published a Youtube review that called it "Oh Bee Ess Bot" throughout a 20 min review...it was annoying AF.

Neither of them are cheap and all three of them are Chinese brands.  Of the two brands, DJI is the more well-known, by far.

The Obsbot cameras utilize AI (primarily for on-camera gesture commands, which they are generally good at executing).

The Pocket 3 has a 3-axis (pan/tilt/roll) gimbal.  DJI also has a good ecosystem of accessories.

The Obsbot cameras have 2-axis gimbal cameras. The two cameras are not action cameras, although the Tail Air can be used outdoors.  Both cameras can be controlled by remote contols, which is an extra cost for each - $50 for the Tiny 2's remote and $80 for the Tail Air's remote.  Both cameras support resolution as high as 4K @ 30 FPS.  Both use digital zoom (4X), but the Pocket 3 uses 10X digital zoom.

The Tail Air can be used in a standalone fashion, is portable and can be used wirelessly...it can be used in the woods or park or on a busy sidewalk.  It can be used while being carried.  It also has image stabilization.  The Tail Air also has the option of USB-C to Ethernet connectivity.  It has 2.5 hour battery time.  I also asked a reviewer how long this camera takes to charge the battery after it's been depleted, and he said his experience has been approximately 90 minutes.

The Tiny 2, on the other hand, is pretty much dedicated for desktop use, as it is corded.  I do not believe it has image stabilization (it's made for use on a desk).

The Tail Air will accept microSD cards and has a rechargeable battery.  It also has several microphones built into it's casing, but can also be tethered to an external wired microphone.  This camera can also be manipulated via smartphone app.

I've been asking questions on the Amazon product pages for all three cameras and of the two companies, only DJI has replied back.  

I've been trying to get Obsbot to engage me but they have not answered on Amazon (for both Tiny 2 and Tail Air questions on each of the product pages) and on Reddit.  That is concerning.  If they are quiet now, they're going to be hard to reach if I have a problem or need to return an item or have it fixed.  A workaround for that would be to purchase 3rd party insurance through Amazon (via Asurion).

Between the two Obsbot products, the Tail Air is almost $200 more than the Tiny 2.  Does it offer $200 more in capability?  Yes.  Is it on par with the Osmo Pocket 3?  I've seen two good reviews that demonstrate that it's not quite on par with the Pocket 3, and the Pocket 3 isn't much more than the Tail Air.

One thing that I'm concerned about with the Pocket 3 and the Tail Air is the battery life.  Batteries have finite longevity.  As they age, their charge retainment lessens.  DJI has a battery replacement plan for the Pocket 3 (they charge you but it's not expensive to replace a worn battery).  The Pocket 3 also can be tethered when the battery is worn to the point that it will no longer hold a charge.  You can also use it while it's charging.  The Tail Air, as far as I'm aware, does not have a battery replacement plan, which is bad, because that device is $500 and you lose some capability if the battery stops holding a charge or if the charge capacity lessens.  If the battery stops charging, I'm assuming it can still be used as a corded device.  I'm unaware if you can still use the device when it's charging but the assumption is, yes.

The one thing that the Pocket might be incapable of is using it as a streaming camera as a desktop/studio device.

I'm obviously leaning toward the Pocket 3, but I'm still conducting research.

UPDATE (3/10/2024):  I was crafting this post at maybe 2 AM.  It is now 8:25 PM (same day).  I went ahead and purchased the Pocket 3.  I bought the base kit, but I also purchased a 30W charger for this camera, as well as 2 years of Asurion insurance.  As I begin to use the camera, I'll purchase what I feel I'd need for me to collect my normal video footage.  I don't necessarily need a desk tripod, as I already have two of them, plus an actual floor tripod.  If I find I need extra battery life, I'll buy the battery pack.  I may need extra things such as a travel case or BT microphone, but I'll buy those later.  I already have microSD cards, as well.  I've been trying to decide this for approximately 6-8 months.  The Pocket 3 is just more versatile than everything I was already considering.  GoPro doesn't have anything like it and there are things I hate about GoPro.  The Insta cams just aren't on the same level as the Pocket 3, either.  If I find I'm having issues, I can lean on the Asurion insurance like I did when I had trouble with the Akaso (I should've never even considered that camera).  I'll post my experiences with the Pocket 3 as I use it!

Beats Studio Pro - Update

Ok, so I've owned and used the Beats Studio Pro headset for a bit. (Two weeks, I believe.)

One annoying thing is that I tend to lose BT connectivity when using the headset with my iPad.  It happens when it's connected to my Dell laptop too, but it happens very frequently with my iPad.  Usuaully it happens when watching a video.  When it happens, it sometimes reconnects on it's own, but sometimes does not, which requires me to manually connect again.

Another thing is, I'm so used to the Airpods' hand-off to other Apple devices (iPad, MBA, iPhone)...it's seamless.  Sadly, that's not how it works with this headset and Apple devices - Apple has purposely hamstrung the headset so that it won't compete with Apple's headset.  Yes, Apple owns both technologies, but they've made the Beats the lesser product.

Noise cancellation works OK, but it's not as good as the Apple products.

Generally, I'm happy with the headset.  I've also purchased AC+ for it, just in case I keep having the BT disconnects.  I'm also not sure how durable they are in the long term and AC+ was like $30, which isn't bad, considering the cost of the headset.

A charge lasts ALL day and night, even with ANC enabled (you get more duration with ANC disabled, though).  You can also use them when they're charging.  You can also use an audio cable with them.  I've also been using them to sleep (I sleep on my back), although I usually take them off after a few hours.

I haven't used my SkullCandy Venue headset since I bought the Studio Pro headset.  I'm probably not going back.  I'll more than likely put them in an electronics recycle bin.

I'll continue to keep you all up to date on the Beats experience.

Beats Studio Pros

When the COVID19 pandemic hit, our offices shut down.  Our company gave us some funds to purchase equipment for working at home.  I'd bought an extra monitor and a set of noise cancelling headphones.

I bought the Skullcandy Venue wireless headset.  The headset was $130-$140...cheap for a noise-cancelling headset but I've been using it without issue since then.  It is now January of 2024 and that headset is limping along - it sometimes requires a full reset, as it gets into a condition where it will not accept connections.  The ear cushions are ragged and peeling.  The head band (the portion that sits on top of your head) cushioning cover ripped and was spilling it's innards, so I wrapped the whole thing with black electrical tape.

This is my work headset and I've grown used to it.  I though I'd buy another but they're no longer being sold or supported by Skullcandy.

My next step was to look into what best-equivalent to the Venue headset was available from Skullcandy.  Sadly, the next equivalent costs double the price ($220-ish).

I then looked at Apple's Beats Studio Pro.  While expensive on Apple's website, at $349, I saw that both Best Buy and Amazon were selling them with a mark down of 49%.  I decided to buy them from Apple's Amazon store.  I bought the headset in the Sandstone color for $179.  I'm also considering AppleCare+ for it.

I used it for 24 hours.  Some things to consider:

While it has ANC, it doesn't work as well as the AirPod Pro's ANC (either the old or new versions of those ear buds).  It works better than my Skullcandy Venue does, though.

One thing I always liked about the Venue was that it allows pairing to two sources.  Also, it has a Tile embedded into it.

The Beats Studio Pros aren't going to be on-par with Apple's headsets...they purposely neuter Beats headsets and ear buds so that they don't compete with Apple-branded products.

Still, these are good for work and I'm thinking they'll make for a good replacement for my aging and ailing Venue headset.  Plus, I got them for half the price, new.

I'll keep you apprised of my experiences with the Beats headset.