Instax Mini 12 vs 11 | Full Camera Comparison

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March 6, 2023

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 vs 11 - Instax Camera Newest Model, Features and Spec

The new Instax Mini 12 is putting Fujifilm’s instant cameras back on the map with added features and returning favorites. Fujifilm users are excited to capture more great memories with the bubbly film camera that has a uniquely fun feel and funky design. Like the Instax cameras before, the new Instax Mini 12 has a wide array of available colors (mint green, pastel blue, blossom pink, lilac purple, and clay white) and produces good-quality images in seconds. We’ll cover what new and improved capabilities have been added and what old features were carried over from the Instax Mini 11.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 - Instax Camera Newest Model — Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Specs	Instax Mini 12	Instax Mini 11
Price	$79.95	$89.99
Film	Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film	Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film
Photo Size	62mm x 46mm	62mm x 46mm
Lens	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7	2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7
Viewfinder	Real image finder, 0.37×, with target spot, features parallax correction for Close-Up Mode	Real image finder, 0.37x, with target spot
Shooting Range	0.3m and beyond	0.3m and beyond
Selfie Mode	Yes (Use for 0.3 to 0.5m range)	Yes (Use for 0.3 to 0.5m range)
Shutter	Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec. Slow synchro for low light	Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec. Slow synchro for low light
Exposure Control	Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800)	Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800)
Film Ejection	Automatic	Automatic
Film Development	Approx. 90 seconds	Approx. 90 seconds
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment), recycle time: 7 seconds or less (when using new batteries), effective flash range: 0.3 to 2.2 m	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment), recycle time: 6.5 seconds or less (when using new batteries),effective flash range: 0.3 to 2.7m
Power/Batteries	2 AA alkaline batteries (LR6), capacity: approx. 10 Instax Mini film packs of 10 exposures each	2 AA alkaline batteries (LR6),capacity: approx. 10 Instax Mini film packs of 10 exposures each
Dimension	104 mm×66.6 mm×122 mm	107.6mm × 121.2mm × 67.3mm
Weight	306 g	293 g

Table of Contents

Camera Build

Like its predecessors, the Instax Mini 12 has a stylish retro design that brings a fun appeal to every photo shoot. Although they look identical at first glance, when comparing the Instax Mini 11 vs 12, the Mini 12 is slightly boxier, whereas the 11 leans into a more curvy look and feel. Interestingly, both cameras give off a thicker bugling aesthetic than a traditional point-and-shoot, yet, they aren’t too cumbersome. Fujifilm Instax Minis are designed ideally to be great for travel and capturing on the go. Regarding size and dimensions, the Mini 12 weighs about 306g and is 104mm x 66.6mm x 122mm. While the Mini 11 isn’t too far behind at 293g and 107.6mm × 121.2mm × 67.3mm (LxWxH).

The Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras take a pair of commonly found AA batteries and are hassle-free to change. In addition to this, they each contain a 0.37x real image viewfinder for an improved framing and capture experience. However, the Mini 12 also has a parallax correction component to improve centering frames on close-up shots.

Film for Instax Mini Cameras (Film Size)

Unsurprisingly, like the Instax Mini 11, the 12 is also compatible with Fujifilm Instax Mini film, delivering an excellent blend of color tones and clear pictures. Each camera requires around 90 seconds for the film to develop and produce 62mm x 46mm photos. Film photos are a great way to have fun personalizing your bedroom, decorating the fridge, or crafting a photo album filled with exciting memories.

Camera Modes & Performance

One of the more prominent changes with the Instax Mini 12 is the built-in twist lens function. Unlike the Mini 11, which requires you to push a button to access the lenses, the Mini 12 functions similarly to a digital camera by requiring users to twist the lens. This improved capability allows you to easily turn the camera on and off and access the close-up mode when you rotate it again. Close-up mode is a popular feature for subjects within 30-60cm of the lens for better-quality personal shots. Besides that, both camera lenses contain two components and two elements, with an impressive 60mm lens (1:12.7) and a focusing distance of .03 meters.

Another popular feature Fujifilm brought back is the well-liked selfie mode. Each camera also has a programmed electronic shutter for well-exposed shots at 1/2 to 1/250 seconds. Additionally, they share the slow synchro flash feature to capture more dynamic and well-exposed photos in low-light conditions. Regarding flash, the Mini 11 uses a constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment) with a recycle time of 6.5 seconds or less. The Mini 12 also has a constant firing flash, and a recycle time of 7 seconds or less.

Fujifilml Instax Mini 12 vs 11 camera comparison — photo courtesy of Fujifilm

Another exciting new feature is the INSTAX UP app, designed to scan and store your photos all in one digitally. This app will also allow you to share your photo memories, building upon the already significant social element Instax Minis provide. Ironically, the pull for instant cameras is the practice of creating tangible film photos you can hold on to and share. However, this added feature gives users a better experience accessing film and digital tools when saving memorable moments.

Takeaway

Although the Fujifilm Instax Mini camera features come nowhere close to that of a digital camera, they are addictingly fun cameras to use and appreciate. Straying away from the standard by using film in a digitally saturated world is a refreshing way to enjoy photography. In conclusion, when comparing the Mini 12 vs 11, the successor camera has more than enough noticeable improvements that make it the better choice of the two film cameras and at a great price range too. Both Fujifilm Instax cameras are great for capturing social gatherings, brunches, a day out with friends, and travel photos on vacation.

What do you like most about the Instax Mini 12, and what colors are your favorite?

8 Long Range Vortex Scopes for Every Budget | 2023

By

Keith Rodman

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February 28, 2023

If you’re looking for a superior long-range Vortex scope at a great price, this post is worth scoping out. You’ll find optics that provide versatile magnification options, excellent durability, precision, and fast accuracy (featuring Diamondback, Crossfire, and Strike Eagle). Right now, until 3/15/2023, you can catch fantastic offers on an assortment of Vortex optics, including deals on binoculars, spotting scopes, and more. From low-priced optics to more high-end scopes, here are eight Vortex riflescopes you should consider for optimal performance and a fantastic shooting experience.

Use the CODE: VortexDeal123 to receive these exclusive deals.

Table of Contents

Vortex Scopes Under $300

1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall BDC Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50 Straight-Wall BDC Riflescope — Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall BDC Riflescope

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall BDC Riflescope is one of the shorter-range scopes on this list but is designed to help you get the most out of classic cartridges. The Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle is optimized for straight-wall hunting, allowing for accurate holdovers and rapid target acquisition. The 1-inch tube provides an ideal combination of adjustment, size, and weight for various hunting scenarios, while the workhorse value of the Crossfire II line ensures you’ll be filling those tags for years to come. Overall, this long-range Vortex scope bundle is an excellent option for hunters that want a great price on reliable and convenient optics.

2) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Riflescope V-Plex MOA Reticle

Long Range Vortex Scope - Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 Riflescope V-Plex MOA Reticle — Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Riflescope V-Plex MOA Reticle

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Riflescope has a multipurposed magnification range designed to provide reliable performance in various hunting conditions. This scope contains a V-Plex MOA Reticle, giving you a more comprehensive crosshair that grows narrower toward the center for a clear view of your target and precise holdovers for better accuracy. It also features a fully multi-coated lens with an anti-reflection coating that transmits maximum light and minimizes glare on all air-to-glass surfaces.

The internal mechanisms of the Crossfire II 4-12×44 Riflescope has a capped tactical turrets that give you extreme control for fast and accurate elevation and wind adjustments. The integrated locking mechanism also prevents accidental adjustments and the fast-focus eyepiece is excellent for quick and easy reticle focusing.

3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-16×50 AO Riflescope

Long Rnage Vortex Scope - Vortex Crossfire II 4-16x50 AO Riflescope — Vortex Crossfire II 4-16×50 AO Riflescope

The Crossfire II 4-16×50 AO riflescope with dead-hold BDC MOA Reticle is a highly durable and precise optical solution for long-range applications. The fully multi-coated lens with anti-reflection coating has superior light transmission, higher color contrast, and sharper images. The glass-etched dead-hold BDC reticle in the second focal plane offers highly functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points for precise aiming, even at the most extended range and poorly lit settings. The BDC reticle is hash-marked using MOA-based subtension.

This scope is designed with a tough hard-coat anodized exterior and coating to help protect your scope against bumps, bruises, scratches, oil, and dirt. O-ring seals and Nitrogen gas purging create a waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof body. The adjustable objective lens offers excellent image focus and parallax removal. The Crossfire II 4-16×50 AO Riflescope is suitable for high-powered rifles, rimfire rifles, black powder rifles, and slug shotguns, making it a versatile optical solution for hunters and long-range shooters.

4) Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO Riflescope — Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO Riflescope

The Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO riflescope has one of the higher magnification options on this list, giving long-range tactical shooters exceptional image quality and precision. The scope combines superior optics, extreme durability, and high mechanical precision, making it ideal for hunters, marksmen, and tactical professionals.

One of the standout features of this rifle scope is its dead-hold BDC MOA Reticle, helping to eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections. The BDC reticle is constructed in the second focal plane, with hash-marked MOA-based subtension lines referencing bullet drop and drift in windy conditions. The glass-etched reticle is kept to the tightest tolerances possible, ensuring ultra-precision aiming even at the most extended range and lowest light conditions.

5) Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-12x56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope — Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter riflescope uses an exceptionally oversized objective lens, giving you brighter and better view of your target. It features superior high-definition optics with fully multi-coated lenses and anti-reflection coatings. On top of this, the V-Brite MOA reticle does a fantastic job of eliminating the guesswork on holdover and windage corrections and the hash-marked subtension lines. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction with a 30mm single-piece tube and tough hard-coat anodized exterior make this scope highly durable, plus, the capped tactical turrets give you extreme control.

High-End Vortex Scopes

6) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 Riflescope/EBR-2C MOA Reticle

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 Riflescope/EBR-2C MOA Reticle — Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 Riflescope/EBR-2C MOA Reticle

The Diamondback tactical 6-24×50 riflescope/EBR-2C MOA reticle provides excellent resolution and high-definition imaging. This scope gives you access to a high selection of range options (6-24x), a 50mm object lens and a 4x optical system for a step in clarity and sharpness. Its extra-low dispersion optical glass provides optimal resolution and color fidelity.

The Diamondback tactical 6-24×50 riflescope uses an EBR-2C MOA reticle constructed in the first focal plane for superior long-range shooting. Its crosshair does an exceptional job of intertwining precision with light visibility. Moreover, the EBR-2C has a max windage adjustment level and a max elevation adjustment level of 65 MOA. Its turrets have a Zero-Reset, and the Precision-Glide Erector System allows for smooth magnification adjustments throughout the entire range and even in harsh conditions.

7) Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD Scope

Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD Scope — Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD Scope

Another great long range Vortex scope is the newer Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD scope. This scope embraces versatility with excellent mid to long-range functioning and gives you the option of an MRAD or MOA reticle. The scope features a first focal plane and illuminated reticle, making it perfect for fast targeting at just about any magnification and lighting condition. The RevStop Zero system ensures a reliable return to zero, and the locking turrets allow for quick and easy adjustments.

The 34mm tube provides massive elevation and windage travel, and with the throw lever, you can access rapid magnification changes. In addition to its performance, the build of the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 is extremely lightweight and durable. It is made from high-quality materials, including a rugged aluminum construction, and is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for water, fog, and shock-proof performance.

8) Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10×24 Riflescope EBR-9 BDC MOA Reticle

High-End Long Range Vortex Scope - Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10x24 Riflescope with EBR-9 BDC MOA Reticle — Vortex Razor Gen III 1-10×24 Riflescope EBR-9 BDC MOA Reticle

The Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 riflescope with EBR-9 BDC MOA reticle is another tremendous mid to long range Vortex scope. This riflescope features an HD optical system with Apochromatic (APO) lenses, providing superior light transmission, higher color contrast, and sharper image quality across the entire visual spectrum. The EBR-9 BDC MOA reticle is illuminated and located in the first focal plane. The reticle combines pre-calculated wind holds with the rapid target acquisition of a red dot.

Although this post covers long-range vortex scopes, one of the standout features of the Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 riflescope is its true 1x power on the low end. It’s an ideal scope for quick target acquisition and optimal close-quarters sessions. This riflescope also features bright illumination for reliable performance in various lighting conditions. Despite all these features, the Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 Riflescope weighs the same as Vortex’s 1-6x model without sacrificing durability. Whether you’re a professional, competition shooter, or leisure, this scope offers unmatched versatility and performance.

That concludes our list of great long range Vortex optics, which scope do you prefer?

The 5 Best Lenses for the Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera

By

Keith Rodman

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February 17, 2023

The Sony a7R V was announced in December last year and is leading the charge as one of Sony’s many great Alpha series cameras. It has a 61MP sensor, outstanding high-resolution, and is built with precision and power at the forefront. To get the most out of the a7R V, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best lenses to pair with this high-performing full-frame mirrorless camera. From fantastic ultra-wide lenses to versatile telephoto lenses, this list has a lens for just about every form of photography and hopefully one that fits your photo and video needs. Here are the five best lenses for the a7R V.

Table of Contents

1) Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

best lenses for a7R V - Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens — Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Starting off the list is the multipurpose and high-end Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens. This is an excellent lens with a more compact design than its predecessor delivering optimal still and video performance. Its versatility can be attributed to its 24-70mm zoom range, making it suitable for capturing vast landscapes, sharp portraits, and lively street photography.

This lens boasts a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for stunningly sharp and bright images, even in low light conditions. Moreover, the constant aperture gives creators greater control over the depth of field by allowing them to easily achieve a more shallow aesthetic and create beautiful bokeh.

The advanced optics, including Extra Low Dispersion and Super ED elements, work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and provide clear, vibrant images with minimal distortion. The lens also features a fast, precise autofocus system with Nano AR coating to reduce reflections and ghosting. Whether you’re shooting stills or capturing moving subjects, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is a reliable and high-performance that won’t disappoint you.

Pros:

Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Advanced optics: Extra Low Dispersion and Super ED elements.
Fast, precise autofocus system with Nano AR coating

Cons:

No dedicated image stabilizer.
Higher price compared to Sigma’s 24-70mm F2.8.

2) Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens

Best lens for a7R V - Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame — Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is a great tool for professional photographers who need powerful lens capabilities for wildlife, portrait, and sports photography. This full-frame, telephoto zoom lens combines the best of both worlds, using razor-sharpness and smooth bokeh to create images that pop with crystal-clear detail from all ranges. The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II takes a step up from its predecessor by reducing focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming, giving it a boost in video performance.

Four of its linear motors deliver efficient, quiet, and fast AF perfect both stills and video. In terms of physical buttons, users can control the focus, zoom, and iris; each has independent buttons and can easily be turned off with the click of the switch button. In addition, this multipurpose telephoto lens also keeps a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.

The lens features optical image stabilization for blur-free shots, even with moving subjects. The XA and ED glass elements work in tandem to eliminate chromatic aberrations and provide vivid colors. The 11-blade circular aperture creates smooth, natural-looking bokeh, and the fast AF system, driven by separate actuators, ensures you won’t miss a shot. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is one of the best lenses for the Sony a7R V.

Pros:

Wide-angle zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture
Excellent image quality with sharpness and contrast
Built-in image stabilization for steady shots
Dust and moisture-resistant for durability

Cons:

1.32 ft minimum focus distance limits macro and close-up photography capabilities
Larger size and weight
May see vignetting at wider aperture settings

3) Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art lens is an ultra-wide masterpiece that compliments the 50MP-plus camera very well. This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is designed to produce the highest quality images for creators who demand near-perfection photos. Similar to most of the lenses on this list, it has an outstanding aperture at all zooms. It is especially great for astrophotography due to its wide-angle coverage and low-light attributes. The Sigma 14-24mm is also ideal for architecture, real estate, landscape, and other outdoor photography due to its weather-sealed and sturdy build.

The lens is crafted with 3 FLD and 3 SLD glass elements, three aspherical lens elements, and one large-diameter aspherical element, which reduces chromatic aberration and produces extremely sharp images. It has a manual focus ring, zoom ring, and cover connection, and front conversion service available for multi-camera VR videography is an added advantage.

This lens is part of Sigma’s Art line, offering the crème de la crème of high-end optical performance and expressive power for photographers. With its superior image quality and fast and accurate AF, this lens is an exceptional choice with the Sony a7R V.

Pros:

Exceptional image quality
Fast aperture throughout the zoom
Great zoom wide angle range for expansive scenery
Weather-sealed build

Cons:

Limited filter options – The lens has a large and curved front element, which makes it difficult to attach standard filters.
Potential for distortion when shooting close to your subject.

4) Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is an excellent lens for the a7R V and a good choice for professional portrait photographers. This lens represents a significant step forward in the G Master series of Sony lenses, combining refined G Lens bokeh with new levels of resolution. The result is a portrait lens that fully utilizes the performance potential of current and future high-resolution camera bodies.

One of the key features of this lens is its constant f/1.4 aperture combined with its fairly far focal length. This allows for outstanding resolution at maximum aperture and gorgeous, gradual bokeh that dissolves the background into an artistic backdrop with natural coloration and highlights. This combination is due, in part, to XA element technology, which opens up new opportunities for visual expression.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is also equipped with a sublime 2-sensor autofocus accuracy that achieves the high focus precision necessary to make the most of the high-resolution potential of advanced camera bodies. With 11 blades for luscious bokeh, advanced nano-coating technology for outstanding clarity and contrast, and versatile fingertip focus control, this lens offers professional portrait photographers exceptional image quality and flexibility in various shooting environments.

Pros:

Exceptional optical performance and resolution for professional portraits.
Constant f/1.4 aperture.
Advanced Nano Anti-Reflective Coating.
Dual sensor system with Ring Drive Super Sonic wave Motor
Versatile fingertip focus control (MF/AFmode switch and focus hold button)

Cons:

High price
Large and heavy
A fixed focal length of 85mm makes it less versatile
No image stabilization

5) Sony Alpha FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Best lenses for Sony a7R V - Sony Alpha FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-Angle Zoom Lens — Sony Alpha FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens is a wide-angle zoom lens can produce exceptional landscape, architectural, and event photography images. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, it gives an excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. This aperture is maintained throughout all focal lengths allowing for less low-light hindrance and more opportunities for great photoshoot potential.

Not only is the aperture max throughout all ranges, but this Sony G Master lens also provides great-looking high-resolution images at all focal lengt. Add the aspherical elements, and photographers get increased surface precision while decreasing distortion, field curvature, and astigmatism. This lens also features Sony’s Nano AR to reduce reducing lens flare and ghosting. Locking down precise shots is a sinch with its fast AF system.

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is a robust and well-constructed lens that is dust and moisture-resistant, made for the toughest and most demanding shooting situations. It’s also relatively compact and lightweight compared to other lenses in its class, making it a great option for travel photography and photographers who like to travel light.

Pros:

Wide-angle zoom with constant f/2.8 aperture
Excellent image quality with sharpness and contrast
Built-in image stabilization for steady shots
Dust and moisture-resistant for rugged use

Cons:

High cost compared to other lenses in its class
No built-in manual focus ring

Sony a7 IV Named Best Full-Frame Camera of 2022

By

Keith Rodman

-

February 17, 2023

The Sony a7 IV has been named the alpha dog (or rather, camera) when it comes to high-quality capturing capabilities and performance. The EISA & TIPA World Awards proudly acknowledge the Sony a7 IV’s impressive feats by naming it as the “best full-frame camera of 2022”, and for a good reason. The 33MP camera has garnered a reputation of excellence by covering just about all the bases for photography and videography demands.

From the build to its performance, we take a look at what makes this full-frame Sony camera worth the buy. In addition, this post will also compare it to the latest Sony Alpha— the a7R V mirrorless camera, and see if it has the potential to crop out the a7 IV for next year’s best full-frame camera award.

Watch as our team takes the Sony a 7 IV on test through the rainy street of New York.

Key Features

33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
BIONZ XR image processor
ISO range: 100-51200 (expanded 50-204800)
15 stops of dynamic range
JPEG & HEIF 10-bit (4:2:2 or 4:2:0) + RAW
828 RAW+JPEG buffer depth
5.5-stop In-body Image Stabilization
759-point phase-detect hybrid AF system (with 94% frame coverage)
Real-time Eye AF & tracking for Human, Animals & Birds
4K 60p video in Super35
4K 30p video with 7K oversampling
10-bit S-Log3 support, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
Digital Audio Interface in hotshoe
Custom controls for Stills/Movie/S&Q modes
Improved ergonomics
3.68M-dot OLED EVF
Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen
CFexpress Type A + SD slots (UHS-II)

Table of Contents

Build

The Sony a7 IV camera has a 33MP full-frame CMOS sensor and uses a BIONZ XR image processor that offers up to an 8x increase in processing speed. These insane speeds are adapted to handle real-time AF processing, image recognition, image quality adjustment, as well as user interface, network, and file management processing. Essentially, this camera can juggle a lot without dropping the ball, making it much easier for photographers to keep up with challenging scenarios and capture their ideal image.

Regarding durability, the award-winning full-frame Sony camera is built from lightweight, tough magnesium alloy for excellent durability. It has essential heat dissipation properties for a positive experience using the extended continuous recording. On top of this, the mounting is constructed from graphite material with excellent thermal conduction elements. This design allows the image sensor (which accounts for a good amount of heat) to move more freely during image stabilization and help dissipate heat better.

Sony Alpha a7 IV — Photo courtesy of Sony

Drop all of these features into one camera, and you get the efficient a7 IV. A camera that can seamlessly adapt to high-demand environments and allow creators to worry more about getting the right shot rather than a malfunctioning camera. This camera is especially great for nature and wildlife photographers, travel, sports, street photography, and similar settings that demand more from the camera.

Viewfinder & LCD Monitor

The Sony a7 IV features a 3.68-megapixel Quad-VGA OLED viewfinder with a 37.3-degree field of view and a 23mm high eyepoint, efficient for those with glasses or any potential viewfinder obstructions. It provides roughly 1.6x the resolution compared to the Sony a7 III and is designed for precise and comfortable viewing in a wide range of shooting environments. The camera is powered by a high-capacity Z battery and can also be connected to USB power supplies and AC adapters.

In addition, users have plenty of flexibility with the vari-angle 3.0-type 1.03-megadot touch panel that’s easy to see even in bright settings. The a7 IV may be an advanced full-frame mirrorless camera; but, it has an easy-to-use menu screen with simple display navigation that seperates still and movie features, and also allows users to enjoy its customizable rear “R” dial.

Sony a7 IV Video Features

Video is really where 2022’s “best full-frame mirrorless camera” starts to distinguish itself from the heavily saturated camera world. The Sony a7 IV offers an impressive range of video recording options with 4K 60p2 recording and 4:2:2 10-bit recording capabilities. With full pixel readout without binning, you can record 4K 60p2 videos while maintaining high resolution and detail. The camera can oversample 7K when recording full-frame 4K movies at up to 30p, and 10-bit 4:2:2 video can be recorded internally, allowing for natural gradations and greater editing flexibility.

The a7 IV also supports S-Cinetone, a feature inspired and derived from the VENICE CineAlta professional cinema camera line. Essentially, this provides natural mid-tones for healthy-looking skin tones, soft colors, and beautiful highlights, allowing you to create an expressive look for your movie imagery without post-editing, thanks to in-camera processing.

ISO

This versatile camera does not shy away from low light or get hindered by bright outdoor settings. It offers an ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to a whopping ISO 50-204800 for stills and ISO 100-102400 for movies. Merge this with a powerful processor and 33MP sensor synergy, and you can create beautifully detailed images in a variety of scenes.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or action scenes, you can rely on this camera to produce high-quality images with significantly reduced noise. Producing accurate colors on high-res images with soft and natural-looking skin textures as well as landscapes that pop with vivid scenery.

Stabilization

When it comes to stabilization, the Sony a7 IV can attain up to 5.5 steps of built-in shutter speed compensation, allowing you to capture sharper images in less ideal shooting scenarios. The in-body stabilization system is versatile and works with a wide range of lenses, even those without built-in stabilization features. In addition, users can also use a live monitor view that shows the stabilized still image while the shutter button is half-pressed. This is especially useful when using telephoto or macro lenses, as it allows you to see the effects of stabilization in real-time and make adjustments as needed. This is all topped off with MF Assist, and Focus Magnifier features to further ensure precise focus and sharpness in each image.

AF Features

Using a combination of phase-detection and contrast-detection, AF the Sony a 7 IV can achieve accurate images, especially significant for small or fast-moving subjects. The system covers roughly 94% of the image area, with 75918 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. The real-time processing by the BIONZ XR engine enables impressive Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking with 30% better eye-detection accuracy and higher accuracy when the subject is moving. Using this in tandem with the right lens can exponentially enhance video and photos for sports photography, wildlife photography, and similar niches that allow a small window to find “the perfect shot.”

In addition, its bird mode is now available for Real-time Eye AF, allowing the system to detect and track the eyes of birds in both stills and movies. Touch Tracking allows for intuitive AF control by selecting a subject to track via the LCD screen or while using the viewfinder. Lastly, the AF Assist helps enable seamless transitions to and from manual focus during movie shoots with a simple rotation of the focus ring.

Is the Sony a7 IV Worth Buying?

All-in-all creates are given outstanding control when using this camera. However, Sony rarely fails to impress when it comes to constantly producing well-performing cameras (especially for the Alpha line). That being said, Sony’s a7R V (released in December of 2022), is still gaining a lot of popularity in the camera world and although a bit pricier, is another camera to watch out for regarding its high-resolution and robust imaging capabilities.

Sony a7 IV vs. Sony a7R V | Worth the Upgrade

Although both cameras are respective in their own right, there are still a few minor features that separate them. While they both are full-frame mirrorless cameras, there is a significant contrast regarding sensor size; as the Sony a7 IV boasts a 33MP sensor, the a7R V almost doubles this with an astonishing 61MP sensor. No, a bigger MP size does not always mean a better camera; however, this is something to consider when looking at how far this year’s camera capabilities will go, even when looking outside of Sony. This is important to note, understanding that competitors such as Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm continue to raise the bar for the camera world moving forward.

Despite the fantastic AF features of the a7 IV, Sony has yet again the ascended camera capabilities on the a7R V by implementing new AI processing technology. Utilizing this advanced technology with a 61MP sensor in tandem produces outstanding high-resolution with thoroughly detailed images. Furthermore, the Sony a 7R IV has improved animal and bird tracking by 40% and human focus tracking by 60% compared to the a7 IV.

Verdict

The fact that the Sony a7 IV has been named “best full-frame camera of 2022” shows just how impressive the Alpha series is. Photographers and videographers have relied on these Sony cameras for years and have been thoroughly impressed with the results. The a7 IV and a7R V are both exceptional quality mirrorless full-frame cameras with their own, highlighting features that set them apart. While the a7 IV is more budget-friendly, there is also a good reason why the a7R V comes at a higher cost; depending on your photography and videography demands will determine which camera is right for you.

15 Affordable Gifts for Home Cooks | Lifestyle by Focus

By

Keith Rodman

-

February 2, 2023

Gift for home cooks | kitchen appliances

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to show your love and appreciation for that special someone in your life. If your significant other enjoys cooking, Lifestyle by Focus has great cookware and kitchen appliances for the perfect gift. Whether they’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to grow their love for cooking, the right chef essentials can make their culinary experience more pleasant and fun. So put down those typical flowers and chocolates and check out our list of cookware and kitchen appliance options that are perfect gifts for home cooks.

Table of Contents

1) Richardson Sheffield R Vision 5-Piece Knife Block Set

A kitchen is only as stylish as the utensils and appliances within it. So keep your kitchen looking sharper than ever with the elegant Richardson Sheffield R Vision 5-Piece knife block set. This stainless steel set intertwines durability, handling comfort, and luxury for an optimal cutting experience.

Buy now

2) Anolon 75853 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid and Helper Handle

The Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Sauté pan is made to provide a seamless cooking experience and tasty meal whether you’re shallow frying, braising, or making stir-fry.

Buy now

3) Riedel O Chardonnay/Viognier Wine Tumblers

For those who like to compliment a nice glass of wine with a well-cooked meal. Riedel O Chardonnay are aesthetically designed to bring out the maximum tasting potential in your finest wine collection, no matter how young or mature the wine is.

Buy now

4) ChefWave Sosaku Smokeless Infrared Rotisserie Indoor Tabletop Grill

No matter the weather, now you’ll be able to enjoy that smoky grill flavor without stepping foot outside to use the grill. The ChefWave Sosaku Grill and Rotisserie is the ultimate 5-in-1 appliance; it includes a rotisserie spit with 2 forks, kebab set with 7 skewers, 2 round plates, fish basket, fry cage, grill rack, and a drip tray.

Buy now

5) Zassenhaus Pepper Mill Potsdam Spice Grinder

This pepper grinder is made of high-performance German ceramics and offers 6 different adjustments from fine grind to rough.

Buy now

6) Viking Professional 5-Ply 6.4-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid

The Viking Professional 5-Ply 6.4-Quart Sauté Pan is another high-quality pan, perfect for browning with minimized splatters and evaporation thanks to its wide walls.

Buy now

7) TableCraft Make Italian Night Delizioso Set

The TableCraft Make Italian Night Delizioso bundle is the ultimate pasta cooking set to take meals to new heights. Starting from the preparation to the table, this set includes a colander, tongs, garlic press, grater, pasta grabber, oil dispenser, and bowl so you can bring that professional Italian restaurant taste into your very own kitchen.

Buy now

8) BK Cookware Black Steel 10-Inch Crepe Pan

The BK Cookware Black Steel 10-Inch Crepe Pan is crafted from pre-seasoned carbon steel designed with fast heating properties for a quick and easy cooking experience.

Price: $39.95

Buy now

9) Umbra Bar and Serving Cart

The Umbra Bar serving cart is a modern, two-toned wooden bar cart and the perfect multi-purpose chef companion. Allowing you enough room to store bottles, bar accessories, décor, and more.

Buy now

10) GreenPan Chatham 11-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Round Grill Pan

The Chatham Nonstick Grill Pan is a durable, versatile pan with a nonstick coating. This pan is the way to go if you want the perfect grill marks on your food without the hassle of turning on the actual grill and cleaning it up.

Buy now

11) Swiss Diamond 6718C 2.2-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid

The perfect gift for a home chef is one that makes cooking enjoyable and cleaning an effortless process. The Swiss Diamond 6718C 2.2-Quart Saucepan does exactly that and is great for gravy, marinara sauce, and more.

Buy now

12) Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized Cookware Set

In need of an entire revamping of your pots and pans? You can catch an excellent-priced bundle with everything an at-home chef needs to level up their cooking supplies. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic cooking set is durable, heats up quickly, and has smooth nonstick material.

Buy now

13) John Boos Block Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Round Cutting Board

The Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Round Cutting Board is beautifully designed and a great gift idea for a cook. It has an 18-inch diameter and can be used to cut everything from pizzas to vegetables and more.

Buy now

14) Baltique Marrakesh Collection (7-Piece Cooking Utensils)

This colorful Baltique Marrakesh seven-piece utensil kit is an excellent and vibrant gift for home cooks who want to work with visually pleasing kitchen appliances.

Buy now

15) Peugeot Cast Iron Set

The Peugeot Iron set is a cast iron material with an exceptional feel traditionally used to manufacture teapots. This handmade masterpiece gives a professional touch to every kitchen table.

Buy now

Valentine’s Day Gifts, Date Ideas, & Special Offers | Set the Mood

By

Keith Rodman

-

January 30, 2023

Valentine’s Day is almost underway, and Focus Camera has what you need to set the mood for a flawless and memorable occasion. Whether you need new and refreshing ideas for a date or a remarkable gift to give, we’re here to inspire. Our Valentine’s Day promotion includes exclusive offers on the best brands to help you save. This year step away from the traditional and cliché dinner date and movies. Set the perfect mood with unconventional Valentine’s Day date ideas that’ll make the night unforgettable. Shop for hundreds of unique gifts and take advantage of some amazing offers.

Table of Contents

Have a Cozy Movie Night In

We have plenty of excellent gear for you to create a top-notch cinema experience at home. Bring the theater home with exceptional home entertainment systems like high-quality smart TVs and sound systems. If you and your significant other desire a cozy and intimate setting, an at-home movie might be the ideal date.

You can get comfy on the couch and even decorate your home to create a fun and inviting atmosphere with dim lighting, candles, and snacks. Whether you watch a romantic comedy, classic film, or action movie, you’ll want to ensure you have the best audio and visual entertainment to provide a fantastic date night. Here are some recommended items to give you that professional motion picture entertainment feel right at home.

Set the Mood: Movie Night

Sony KD55X80K 55-Inch LED 4K UHD – SAVE $50

Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED TV with Smart Google TV (55-Inch) — Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED – **SAVE $400**

Epson (V11H978120) Power Lite 1288 LCD Projector

Platin Milan 5.1 Surround Plus Speaker System with WiSA SoundSend – **SAVE $200**

Create Memorable Moments with Music

If you and your Valentine love to get loose and have fun over music, why not make it Valentine’s Day date idea? There’s nothing quite like singing your heart out to your favorite songs with your favorite person. Instead of spending money on a concert or a night out at a karaoke bar, you can create a karaoke night at home with the help of good speakers and a karaoke app. It’s a chance to bond over shared musical interests and create a lovely unique atmosphere with melodies and meaningful memories. Exploring your musical love and interest is a great way to mix things up. In addition, Focus has plenty of great gift ideas for musicians, music lovers, and anyone who desires to learn a new instrument.

Set the Mood: Music Lovers

Sony HT-S400 2.1-Channel Soundbar with Powerful Wireless Subwoofer — Sony HT-S400 2.1-Channel Soundbar & Subwoofer – **SAVE $100**

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

Sony STR-DH790 4K 7.2-Channel Home Theater AV Receiver – **SAVE $50**

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Get Your Game On & Enjoy the Joysticks

If you and your date are both into gaming, why not level up your bonding experience with a night of exciting games? If you’re tired of the same old dinner and movie dating routine, go outside the box and into something more unconventional and uplifting. You can play co-op games to test and strengthen your communication skills or go on an exhilarating journey playing your favorite adventure game together. A video game date night at home can create memorable moments and produce tons of smiles and laughs, plus bring out the “inner kid” in both of you. Whether you’re having a friendly competition or working together, set the mood for a wonderful night of gaming.

Set the Mood: Game Night

Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse (Black) with Wireless Charging System and USB 3.0 Hub

Logitech G PRO Mechanical Switch Gaming Keyboard with Mouse, Headset and 3.0 Hub – **SAVE $80**

LinearFlux Hypersonic Game Bluetooth Gaming Earbuds – **SAVE $30**

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

Celebrate with an Outdoor Occasion

If you and your date are outdoor enthusiasts, why not plan a dream date in the environment you love with someone you care about? Planning an activity outdoors is a beautiful Valentine’s Day date idea and a breath of fresh air from the traditional sequence of events. Being in nature positively impacts your mental and physical health, like reducing stress and boosting moods. Discover great gear to help set the mood for your date and create a joyful experience you can share with someone special. Whether you go for a hike through the woods, stargaze all night, or bond over birdwatching, the great outdoors offers endless opportunities for adventure and romance.

Set the Mood: Outdoor Romance

Nikon Prostaff P7 8X30 Binoculars – **SAVE $30**

Unistellar eQuinox 2 Smart Telescope for Light Polluted Cities

Capture the Moment

No matter how memorable your night is, it’s always worth it to freeze those special memories in time with a classic film image. Precious moments like these are always fantastic to reflect on and share with those close to you. Film is an excellent way to bring smiles and joy to life; you can hang them on your fridge or create a collage. Shop instant cameras and smartphone printers that’ll help you hold on to these moments forever.

Polaroid NOW + Instant Film Camera – **SAVE $20**

Fujifilm Instax Mini Heart Sketch Instant Film

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera with Fujifilm Instax Mini Contact Sheet Film

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Instant Smartphone Printer Bundle

Valentine’s Day Home Décor & Appliances | Lifestyle by Focus

By

Keith Rodman

-

January 30, 2023

All it takes is a bit of effort and the right décor to transform your home into the ultimate Valentine’s Day date destination. Find everything you’ll need to set the mood for an exceptional date with our Lifestyle by Focus Valentine’s Day products. Or shop a wide variety of Valentine’s Day gifts with great offers and quality bundles on fantastic home appliances, kitchenware, or home décor. This post will cover our Lifestyle by Focus Valentine’s Day categories and the unique products you can find.

Table of Contents

Cook the Perfect Dinner

Cooking at-home dinner date — Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dean

Planning a date at a fancy dining spot is a classic Valentine’s Day move but can also be seen as mundane and overdone. You typically have to make reservations days/weeks in advance because almost everyone’s planning the same thing. Instead, try taking a more intimate approach by bringing the romance home with a special home-cooked meal. Lifestyle by Focus provides plenty of essential cookware and kitchen utensils to craft a meal that’ll rock your date’s taste buds and offer a pleasurable cooking experience. In addition, if you’re looking for a gift for someone who enjoys culinary arts, you can shop for all sorts of kitchen appliances to support their love for cooking.

Set the Mood: At-Home Chef

TableCraft Make Italian Night Delizioso Set

Richardson Sheffield R Vision 5-Piece Knife Block Set

GreenPan Chatham 11-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Round Grill Pan

ChefWave Sosaku Smokeless Infrared Rotisserie Indoor Tabletop Grill

Create a Warm & Homey Ambiance

Home decor Valentine's Day — Photo courtesy of Rebecca Peterson

Okay, so maybe cooking isn’t necessarily your style. Lifestyle by Focus can also help you design a romantic scenery at home with plenty of fashionable décors to impress your date. Create the ambiance of your choosing without going over budget, including candles, fancy drinking glasses, and even chocolate-tempering machines to help sweeten up the evening. See how you can decorate your home for a special night or what unique home décor gifts your date would appreciate.

Set the Mood: The Romantic

By-Lamp 3D Lovers Lamp with Handmade Wooden Base

ChocoVision Revolation V 9 lbs Chocolate Tempering Machine

By-Lamp 3D Double Heart Lamp with Handmade Wooden Base

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Scented Home Candle

Turn Your Backyard into a Romantic Getaway

Backyard dating decor — Photo courtesy of Randy Fath

Want to enjoy a romantic getaway without the hassle of traffic and crowded places? Build a backyard setup that’ll wow your date and create an evening of intimacy and fun. Create a warm and passionate ambiance with an official backyard fire pit that doesn’t require hours or days of labor to make. Savor a lovely time of grilling and bonding with our exceptional grills, or set out a floral arrangement for a colorful touch-up. Explore Lifestyle by Focus and create the perfect backyard getaway or find a stunning gift for your Valentine.

Set the Mood: Backyard Getaway

https://lifestyle.focuscamera.com/amaranth-10-inch-floral-care-impact-resistant-smarter-vase-blue.html

Blue Sky The Peak Smokeless Patio Fire Pit with Large Steel Banded Wood Storage Basket

Rosle USA Kettle Grill No.1 F60 AIR (24-Inch, Black)

Top 10 TVs & Sound Systems for the Perfect Super Bowl Gameday

By

Keith Rodman

-

January 25, 2023

Super Bow TV for sale, Wireless Bluetooth Sound Systems

It’s almost game time, and Super Bowl LVII is just around the corner. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this year, it’s important to ensure you don’t “drop the ball” from good food to great entertainment – it should be flawless. Fortunately, today’s post has fantastic home entertainment systems, from the best smart TVs to sound systems and even projectors. Plus, most of them have special limited-time deals you can take advantage of today (save up to $600). Get ready to create an exciting and unforgettable Super Bowl party experience with our list of top 10 smart TVs and sound systems for a perfect watch party.

Table of Contents

Smart TVs (55-inches & Under)

1) Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED TV

TV for the Super Bowl - Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED TV — Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED TV

($300 off until 02/20/2023)

If you’re looking for an exceptional viewing experience on a 55-inch smart TV, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED TV is an easy score. Go the distance with Full-Array LED and the Cognitive Processor XR that provide unbelievable color and contrast. The Acoustic Multi-Audio technology and X-Balanced speakers ensure that the sound is just as impressive as the picture. Plus, it has a hands-free voice control feature with Google TV, so you won’t have to worry the next time your remote decides to grow legs and walk away.

2) Sony KD55X80K 55-Inch LED 4K UHD Smart with Dolby HDR

Super Bowl TV for sale - Sony KD55X80K 55-Inch LED 4K UHD Smart with Dolby Vision HDR — Sony KD55X80K 55-Inch LED 4K UHD Smart with Dolby Vision HDR

($50 off until 02/20/2023)

The Sony KD55X80K 55-Inch LED 4K UHD Smart may not be the biggest TV for a Super Bowl party, but it provides exceptional performance. This Smart TV is powered by a 4K HDR processor X1, which uses advanced algorithms to cut noise and enhance details. On top of this, its TRILUMINOS PRO algorithm detects color from saturation, hue, and brightness, reproducing natural shades in every detail for a vividly cinematic experience. Game enthusiasts can use its Auto Genre Picture Mode to minimize input lag and make the action more responsive. When watching movies on PlayStation5 consoles, it switches back to Standard Mode to focus on picture processing for more visually dynamic scenes.

Smart TVs (Over 55-inches)

3) Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart TV

Super Bowl TV for sale - Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV — Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV

($600 off until 02/20/2023)

The Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV is a game-changer for movie lovers and sports enthusiasts. With its incredible 4K resolution, TRILUMINOS PRO, and 4K HDR Processor X1, the picture quality is out of this world and will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

The high 120hz refresh rate and motion flow XR technology ensure that fast-moving scenes are smooth and sharp. It’s a prime TV for the Super Bowl or any watch party, capturing rich detail in every play during the big game. The Dolby Vision and Atmos bring that cinematic feel to your living room, and the voice remote feature and Bravia cam make it easy to find and control your favorite content. Don’t miss out on this massive offer on one of the best TVs out right now.

4) Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV with Soundbar Bundle

Super Bowl TV sale - Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV with Soundbar Bundle — Sony KD85X85 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD X85K Series LED Smart Google TV with Soundbar Bundle

($400 off until 02/20/2023)

This is a very special bundle that comes with everything you need to be set for your watch party: a Sony HT-S400 2.1-Channel Soundbar, wireless subwoofers, Full-Motion Articulating TV Wall Mount, and a Steren 6-Feet 4K HDMI High-Speed Cable with swivel head.

5) Samsung QB50R 50-Inch Edge-Lit HDR 4K UHD Commercial Smart LED Display

The Samsung QB50R 50-inch 4K commercial smart LED display is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smaller TV to satisfy your Super Bowl party. It’s easy to install and Samsung’s SMART Signage Platform 6.0 and embedded MagicINFO Player S6 media player give allow you to easily playback without using an external box or PC. A bonus feature is that it is fully compatible with Cisco WebEx Room Kit products, giving you the opportunity to incorporate cameras, codecs, speakers, and microphones for video calls and more.

Speakers & Surround Sound for Home Entertainment

6) Platin Milan 5.1 Surround Plus Speaker System with WiSA SoundSend

Bluetooth Wireless Surround Sound - Platin Milan 5.1 Surround Plus Speaker System with WiSA SoundSend — Platin Milan 5.1 Surround Plus Speaker System with WiSA SoundSend

($200 off until 02/27/2023)

The Platin Milan, 5.1 surround sound with WiSA SoundSend, is a home theater setup redefining how we view home entertainment. The Milan 5.1 Surround system features a sleek, modular design that is compact enough to be integrated into any room without compromising for space. We’re talking subwoofers so inconspicuous they can fit under most sofas. This wireless surround sound comes with a WiSA SoundSend that provides ultra-high-quality, uncompressed 24-bit 48 kHz sound transmission through Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby True HD, and Dolby Atmos. Essentially, you’ll be able to enjoy top-tier sound quality designed for movie theaters within your home.

7) Platin Monaco 5.1.2 Speakers with WiSA SoundSend & Dolby Atmos

Platin Monaco 5.1.2 Speakers with WiSA SoundSend and Dolby Atmos with Speaker Stand Pair

($200 off until 04/03/2023)

The Platin Monaco 5.1.2 speakers are similar to the Milan 5.1; however, its front satellite speakers have upfiring drivers for an even more robust listening experience. Essentially, these speakers can play Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby Atmos Music height channels, giving off a 360 audio effect and a rich cinema-style presence to your home entertainment. It includes a pair of Perlesmith Adjustable Height Satellite and Small Bookshelf Speaker Stands that elevate speakers to ear height and isolate them from the wall to prevent reduced vibrations. In addition you’ll get a triangular base for added stability, a cable management routing hole, and hardware for L-shape, keyhole, and top plate speaker mounts to fit various speakers. You’re guest will enjoy fully immersive audio using WiSA SoundSend with perfect synchronization and wireless surround sound.

8) Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Bundle

Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Sony SA-RS3S Wireless Speakers for HT-A7000 Bundle

The HT-S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar bundle will have you ready to go when game day arrives. No matter where your guests sit or stand, the Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround technology will project immersive sound from corner to corner. And if you need to adjust the sound according to the room environment, you can use its Sound Field Optimization to calibrate the speakers to your desired volume. This bundle includes an SA-RS3S wireless rear speaker and glass floor speaker stands.

Budget Speakers (Under $200)

9) Sony HT-S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Integrated Tweeter

Sound bar for sale - Sony HT-S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Integrated Tweeter — Sony HT-S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Integrated Tweeter

($30 off until Ends 03/06/2023)

The Sony HT-S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar is an excellent choice for a more budget-friendly sound system. Its powerful and compact soundbar features a Bass Reflex speaker for deeper audio and S-Force Pro front surround sound, delivering high-quality and room-filling sound from one slim device. Its built-in tweeter recreates a full range of sounds and can easily be mounted on a wall to fit your home entertainment aesthetic needs. For such a compact speaker, this sound bar can reach an output of 120W to help give off that booming sound that distinguishes it from your average soundbar. The HT-S100F offers versatile connectivity options; it can connect to your TV via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your devices or connect any device via USB.

10) Logitech Z623 400 Watt Home Speaker System with Subwoofer

The Logitech Z623 speaker system is a powerhouse that caters to music, movies, and games, no matter how large the space is. These speakers are designed to transform your living room entertainment into something you don’t just hear but feel. It has 400 watts of peak power and 200 watts of RMS power, and an impressive multiple-input feature that allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously. It has all controls located on the right satellite speaker for a user-friendly, easy operation experience.

The 5 Best Ideas for Super Bowl Food & the Kitchenware to Help | Lifestyle by Focus

By

Keith Rodman

-

January 25, 2023

The 5 Best Ideas for Super Bowl Food & Kitchenware

Is a Super Bowl party really a party without the four big “F”s: (American) football, friends, family, and everyone’s favorite – food? If this year is your time to host a Super Bowl party, you want to ensure you have enough seats, a good home entertainment setup, and, most importantly, delicious dishes to serve. This post contains five traditionally good ideas for Super Bowl food you can serve this year.

Also included are great recommended items to help you quickly prepare these foods, such as grilling kits, cookware, and kitchen utensils. From reliable grills to handcrafted bowls and even portable pizza ovens, this game plan is guaranteed to help you score in the cuisine department. Without further ado, here are five excellent and classic ideas for Super Bowl food for your watch party.

Table of Contents

1) Make Mouthwatering Homemade Pizza

Homemade Pizza - food ideas for super bowl party - portable pizza oven — Photo courtesy of Kelvin T

Pizza, it’s a classic party favorite and a crowd-pleaser for most people, and you can always spice it up with a variety of toppings. However, this year, don’t be cheesy and order delivery like everyone else; put a spin on it and craft your very own unique selection of fresh pizza ingredients. If you want to make it a more memorable Super Bowl party, create something that your guest will continue to rave about, some good ole’ homemade pizza. It may take a little more effort, but it’ll be well worth it when your guests ask, “so, where’d you get this amazing-tasting pizza from?”

Recommended Items:

Pizzacraft PizzaQue Portable Pizza Oven

The PizzaQue portable pizza oven is a top-notch cooking machine that’ll help give your pizza the perfect texture and taste the professionals acquire. The PizzaQue takes 15 minutes to heat up and can cook a pizza in just 6 minutes. After you finish cooking each pie, you won’t need to reheat the oven again, allowing you to keep churning out those sweet slices of yumminess. Plus, even after the parties end, you’ll find it has many more uses, such as bringing it to tailgates, backyard parties, campsites, and more.

Pizzacraft Acacia Purpose Wood Pizza Peel and Charcuterie Board

Pizzacraft Acacia Purpose Wood Pizza Peel is great for transferring pizzas safely to and from a hot stone.

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2) BBQ & Grill – a Fan Favorite

Super Bowl ideas for food - BBQ and Grilling — Photo courtesy of Markus Spiske

BBQ and grill are always a great tradition and well-accepted food ideas for Super Bowl parties. They get the ball rolling and the smiles going; they also offer flexible food options: meats, seafood, vegetables, and fruits to satisfy everyone’s palate at the party, whether vegetarian or a meat-lover. That smokey and char-grilled taste gives off great tailgate vibes and adds a delicious flavor to each bite.

If you want to save money and be cost-efficient, BBQ and grilled foods are the way to go. Buying meats and veggies in bulk and grilling them is a much cheaper option than ordering catered food and pre-made cuisines (especially for a large group of people).

Recommended Items:

Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

BBQ and Grill ideas for Super Bowl - Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill - LP Gas (Black) — Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill – LP Gas (Black)

The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane grill is another exceptional tool for making food fast and effective. It has an electronic ignition so you can grill quickly for a large number of people, and its aluminum body makes cleaning even more manageable. It comes with a built-in lid thermometer, and the bundle also includes a portable cart, adaptor hose, and grill cover.

Charcoal Companion CC5153 3-in-1 Burger Press

A Charcoal companion indeed. With this 3-in-1 burgers press, you can craft juicy burgers and delightful bite-sized sliders. You’ll be able to determine the size of the meat; best of all, you can stuff the patties and surprise your guest with a delicious burst of flavor inside.

Kuechenprofi BBQ Grill / Serving Pan with Wooden Board

If you want to step your game up for the watch party (or any occasion), the Kuechenprofi BBQ Grill is an excellent and fancy serving set. You can use the wooden board and pan to serve small dishes just like your favorite restaurants, straight from the grill to the dinner table while staying warm on the pan. You can also serve it right from the oven, leaving you with a nice food presentation.

McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Tongs

McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Tools MC8005 Locking BBQ Tongs with Softgrip Handle

McCormick Grill Mates Barbecue Tools MC8005 Locking BBQ Tongs have a soft grip for smooth handling and a firm grasp to flip foods easily.

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3) Raise the Bar with a Cocktail Bar (or Mocktail)

What’s all the buzz about cocktail bars? Creating a drinking station can be an excellent way to throw in a more interactive component to the party. It allows guests to mingle while making their favorite drink and can work as a great icebreaker as well. There might even be a friend or two who really wants to show off those bartending skills and help accommodate guests by making them a courteous cocktail. Moreover, having a cocktail bar is another way to keep a low budget by purchasing multiple inexpensive drinks instead of a complete fancy bar set.

Recommended Items:

Island Bamboo Pakka Wood Muddler (Rainbow), Cutting Board, Toast Tongs, and Measuring Spoon Bundle

This colorful cocktail-making set comes packed with everything you need to create your ideal drinking station. The Rainbow Bar cutting board is made of durable food-safe birch wood, appeasing anyone who desires a bit of citrus aesthetic to their drink. Make a perfectly mashed-up mojito with the Pakka wood muddler, or get the proper measurements with the double measuring spoon.

Riedel O Cabernet Glasses & Riedel Ouverture Beer Glass

If you’re hosting a smaller, more intimate Super Bowl party with just a few guests, you can get fancy with some fine-looking Riedel glasses for beer and wine instead of plastic or paper cups.

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4) Craft a Classic Charcuterie Board

Ideas for Super Bowl Food - Charcuterie Board — Photo courtesy of Tye Doring

Charcuteries have become so popular within the last few years. Some people are even going as far as throwing charcuterie board parties, a trend where each participant brings their own uniquely designed board to display and later indulge in. These boards have always been a reliable and tasty cuisine for all styles of parties, from high-end formal events to casual watch parties like the Super Bowl.

A charcuterie board is low maintenance and doesn’t require an absorbent amount of time or work to put together. However, if you love setting up spectacular food presentations, you can always customize each board with extravagant patterns of meat and cheese and ornately stacked crackers. It’s another wallet saver, as you only need a board and a small selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers to put one together. Plus, it serves as a great appetizer or tiny bites that can be nibbled on throughout the evening.

Recommended Items:

Pizzacraft Acacia Purpose Wood Pizza Peel and Charcuterie Board

The Pizzacraft Acacia Charcuterie Board is great for all occasions.

J.K. Adams Lazy Susan 12-Inch Round Slate Charcuterie Board

J.K. Adams Lazy Susan 12-Inch Round Slate Charcuterie Board is a unique way to build a cheese plate for a small group of people.

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5) Create a Salad Bar

Super Bowl Cuisine Options - Creating a salad bar or salad station — Photo courtesy of Taylor Kiser

Don’t forget your greens. Not everyone will be a huge fan of barbecued meat or pizza, so a salad station is a superb idea for “a dressing” this issue. Fruits, onions, cucumbers, nuts, carrots, and tomatoes are just a few options that you can use to provide an excellent variety to your salad bar. Like charcuterie boards, salads are effortless to put together. And if you can’t decide on what salad to create, you can simply put the lettuce, kale, or other greens in a bowl next to the dressings and toppings and let your guest make their dream salad. It’s inexpensive and compliments the other food nicely while adding a healthier option for your guest.

Recommended Items:

Berard Handcrafted Bowls (6-Pack) & Handcrafted Scoop

Berard Handcrafted Bowls (6-Pack) with 7-Inch Handcrafted Scoop (Olivewood)

Berad Bowls are handcrafted in France from fine olive wood and add a lovely aesthetic to your salad. They range from 1-8/9 to 6-2/3 inches (in diameter), and with the bundle, you can get a set of six Berard Handcrafted bowls and a 7-inch scoop. They’re also great for popcorn and peanuts, and other small snacks you may want to provide.

Berard Provencal Salad Serving Set

The Berard Provencal, Salad Serving Set, consists of a spoon and a 3-pronged fork to blend the delicious flavors into a lip-smacking dish.

Lipper International Large Walnut Finish Wavy Rim Bowl with Salad Hands

Lipper International has designed the Walnut Finish Small Wavy Rim Bowl to serve your salads in style.

What will make for this years Super Bowl?

Fujifilm X-T4 vs X-T5 | Worth the Upgrade?

By

Keith Rodman

-

January 17, 2023

Fujifilm X-T4 vs X-T5 camera comparison - camera specs

Last year we saw the release of the new Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera, only to be awed by its note-worthy photography and video capabilities. However, its predecessor, the X-T4, still remains a fan favorite for plenty of photographers and videographers. If you’re trying to decide which Fujifilm X series camera is right for you, you’ve come to the right place. Today we will compare Fujifilm’s X-T4 vs. X-T5 and see which camera is right for you.

What were our first impressions of the Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera? Watch this video and find out.

Table of Contents

Build
Viewfinder/LCD
Battery
Image Sensor Processor
Stabilization
Autofocus
Continous Shooting
Video
Conclusion

Specs	X-T4	X-T5
Price	$1,549.95	$1,699.99
Price (with lens bundles)	$2,049.95 (XF 16-80mm f/4 lens)	$2,099.00 (XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens)
Weight	557g	607g
Dimensions	134.6 x 92.8 x 63.8mm	129.5 x 91 x 63.8mm
Pixels	26MP	40MP
Sensor	X-Trans CMOS 4	BSI X-TRANS CMOS 5
Sensor size	APS-C	APS-C
Processor	X-Processor 4	X-Processor 5
Maximum burst rate	15fps (M) 21fps (E)	15fps (M) 13fps (E)
Max IBIS	6.5EV	7EV
Max video rec	4K/60p	6.2K/30p (1.23x crop), 4K/60
Battery	500 / 500	580 / 590
Storage	2x SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II	2x SD/SDHC/SDXV UHS-II

Table of Contents

Build

Regarding the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5 build, both cameras share some similarities in design, but there are a few key differences to consider. Both cameras have a vintage, and classic SLR look, but the X-T5 (557g, 129.5mm x 91mm x 63.8mm) is a smidge smaller and about 50g lighter than the X-T4 (607g, 134.6mm x 92mm x 63.8mm). Regarding the handheld look and feel, the X-T5 is designed with a more pronounced finger-shaped groove and relaxed slope to the viewfinder hump, giving it a slighter ergonomic design than the X-T4. Other than this their physical features are virtually the same.

Both cameras have dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, and a pair of command dials that can be configured to match existing camera layouts. They both maintain a micro HDMI port for video output as well.

Viewfinder & LCD Screen

The X-T5 uses the same 0.5-inch 3.69 million dots OLED color viewfinder as the X-T4 but has the added benefit of higher magnification optics, giving it an impressive 0.8x magnification. As for the LCD monitors, the X-T4 comes with a 3.0-inch LCD screen maintaining a resolution of 1.62 million pixels. Whereas the X-T5 has been slightly improved with a higher resolution of 1.84 million pixels.

Both screens can be adjusted to allow for the camera to be held at unique angles for obscure angle shots. However, the X-T5 mimics the X-T3’s three-way tilt design, which unfortunately eliminates the ability to perform 180-degree screen rotations for self-filming and vlogging. This is unlike the X-T4’s more versatile vari-angle monitor, suggesting that the X-T5 is geared more towards photographers than videographers.

Battery (Vertical Battery Grip)

Both cameras use the same NP-W235 batteries. For the X-T5 this provides about 590 shots per charge using the viewfinder or 580 shots using the rear screen. As for the X-T4, this offers a slightly lower rating of around 500 shots per charge.

However, unlike the X-T4, Fujifilm has chosen to get rid of the vertical battery grip feature for the X-T5 by eliminating the contacts on the bottom of the camera. Nevertheless, if the camera body alone feels too small to hold comfortably, you can purchase the optional MHG-XT5 metal hand grip as an alternative.

Image Sensor & Processor

One of the biggest changes in the X-T5 is the new BSI X-Trans CMOS sensor. This sensor has been completely redesigned from previous models and, as a result, gives the X-T5 a higher resolution at a whopping 40.2MP compared to the X-T4’s 26.1MP. This puts the newer camera’s sensor on par with the X-H2. Additionally, the X-T5 is equipped with the X-Processor 5, which is twice as fast as the one found X-T4. The new sensor on the X-T5 allows it to take in more light and produce better image quality. This is thanks to the improved pixel structure of the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor.

Image Stabilization

Regarding image stabilization, the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5 feature 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) to help minimize camera shake. For stills, The X-T4 offers up to 6.5 stops of exposure compensation. On the contrary, the X-T5 has received a modest upgrade offering a maximum of 7 stops, putting it on par once again with the X-H2 and X-H2S for the best exposure compensation provided by any current Fujifilm cameras.

When it comes to image stabilization, the most significant difference between the two cameras is the Pixel Shift Multishot feature. Out of the two cameras, only the X–T5 contains this feature which allows the camera’s IBIS system to precisely shift the sensor, recording 20 separate frames with one press of the shutter release. The resulting files are combined using Pixel Shift Combiner software to quadruple the camera’s resolution and produce a detail-rich 160MP file.

AF Functions

Fujifilm has enhanced the X-T5’s autofocus system over its predecessor thanks to the integration of Deep Learning technology. The X-T4 and X-T5 use a hybrid autofocus system, which combines phase and contrast detection, but the X-T5 goes a step further by incorporating advanced algorithms. These algorithms help detect moving subjects such as cars, motorcycles, trains, birds, and airplanes. The X-T4 is only able to detect human faces and eyes. On top of this, the X-T5 has more phase detection autofocus points (3.3 million) compared to the X-T4 (2.16 million).

Continuous Shooting

Fujifilm’s X-T5 camera offers a maximum shooting speed of 20fps when using the electronic shutter, which also comes with a 1.29x crop applied. Interestingly, the X-T4 can shoot at 20fps with no crop when using the electronic shutter. But, if you increase the speed to 30fps, this will apply a 1.25x crop.

Both cameras feature the same 15fps continuous shooting speed when using the mechanical shutter. Pretty impressive considering the X-T5’s new image processor and increased resolution.

Video

Regarding video improvements, there are a handful of upgrades that separate the capabilities between Fujifilm’s older and newer models. Yes, both cameras support DCI 4K/60p recording. However, X-T4 does so with a 1.17x crop factor. The X-T5 camera also boasts a high-quality recording rate of 6.2K/30p and can record 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, as opposed to the X-T4. Although, it is also essential to point out that X-T5 does have a 1.23x crop when recording in 6.2K/30p.

Both cameras can capture 1080/240p slow-motion footage and have HLG and F-Log. But in addition to this, the X-T5 also offers the new F-Log 2 profile with up to 14+ stops of dynamic range. Furthermore, you can connect the X-T5 with a compatible HDMI recording device from Atomos or Blackmagic Design to output 12-bit RAW video and record it as Apple ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW. Lastly, the X-T5 also has a digital zoom function that can deliver up to 2x zoom with minimal loss in resolution when recording video in 4K.

Verdict

Both the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T5 are excellent cameras that share many similarities in design and functionality, but there are still key differences to consider. The X-T5 is slightly smaller and lighter, with a more ergonomic design (although some photographers prefer bulkier cameras). The X-T5 also features a higher resolution viewfinder and LCD screen and a new BSI X-Trans CMOS sensor with faster processing.

Despite both cameras providing impressive quality, speed, and stabilization. The X-T5 seems geared more toward photographers that desire those extra top-notch image quality and stabilization features. In contrast, the X-T4 can be considered slightly more versatile for vloggers and videographers with its vari-angle screen, not to mention its vertical battery grip capabilities. Ultimately, they’re both great cameras, and whether you choose Fujifilm’s X-T4 or X-T5 will depend on your specific content creation needs, including what you value most in a camera.

Which Fujifilm X series camera do you prefer?