GEAR: Personal Laptop

The frustration over Apple’s lack of ports on their professional laptops has been well documented and I agree, especially when it comes to the lack of a built-in SD card reader. But there is no option for those that need access to Final Cut and the Adobe software suite on the go. While dongles are no fun, I do appreciate the promise of only needing to carry one type of cable for everything. As of right now, I can charge my laptop, my phone, one of my GoPros all with the same cable. I think we are approaching a daywhen everything uses USB-C, but until then, I will be living the #DongleLife.

I use my Macbook for the standard computer tasks, photo and video editing, graphic design work and some light gaming. Since I frequently need access to files and footage on a variety of devices, sometimes simultaneously, it requires that I carry duplicate adapters. Since I work with people using Windows and Mac, I have Windows 10 installed on my MBP, along with the newest Mac OS. 

Completing my kit are a pen and Field Notes notebook, microfiber cleaning cloth and lens cleaning wipes, and a Logitech Bluetooth mouse. While Apple’s trackpad is good, I always carry the Logitech mouse because I sometimes need the precision when editing video or images offered by a good mouse. 

All of this tucks neatly inside my TimBuk2 Command shoulder bag. It is rugged, convenient and comfortable. My kit may be a bit overkill, but It keeps me ready for any situation.

Here is a full list of my kit:

• TimBuk 2 Command bag, small
• 2017 Apple Macbook Pro 15” w/i7
• Macbook USB-C Charger and cable
• LaCie 2TB USB-C Rugged Mini harddrive
• Logitech MX Anywhere2 bluetooth mouse
• Grid-it Cacoon Medium Organizer
• SD card reader
• 2 Apple USB-C to USB-A adapters
• USB-C to HDMI adapter
• USB-C to Ethernet adapter
• 2 UCB-C to Micro USB adapter
• 1 USB-C to USB-C cable
• Microfiber cloth and lens cleaner
• Field Notes notebook and Uni-bal Jetstream pen

GEAR: Shooting Time-Lapse

Time lapses are increasingly common in today’s social media/YouTube culture. They make great b-roll for a video and a visually interesting ways to show a landscape or product, but they are time intensive to create. This is why it is best to use multiple cameras to simultaneous film different angles or subjects at the same time to reduce your total filming time.

When I go out and shoot time lapses, I generally use two or more cameras. That way I get more shot options when it comes time to edit and filming does not consume hours of a day. 

If I am feeling ambitious, I will also get some time-lapse footage with my Mavic Pro. I have been impressed with the ability of the DJI drones to hold position well enough to capture smooth time lapses from the air and, since audio is not important for a time lapse, I do not need to worry about the sound of the rotors being picked up by the other cameras in a shoot.

Here is the full list of my time lapse kit:

• GoPro Hero 4 Black and Hero 6 Black
• SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Plus Micro SD cards (mix of 64GB and 32GB cards)
• Extra GoPro Batteries
• Canon G9x Mark ii
• 2 Wasabi Power extra batteries
• SanDisk Extreme Plus SD cards (64GB and 32GB)
• Joby Gorilla Pod Large and Joby Gorilla Pod Video with magnetic feet
• Time-lapse rotating tripod head
• Joby mobile phone tripod adapter
• Polar Pro ND filters
• Microfiber cloth and lens cleaning wipes
• Field Notes notebook and Uni-bal Jetstream pen

GEAR: Daily Carry Camera

I generally use my Samsung Galaxy S9+ for everyday video and photos, since it is always with me. It shoots great 4k video and amazing pictures for a phone. It is also incredibly convenient for basic photo editing and posting to social media. The S9+ is one of the best smartphone cameras available today, the customization, user controls and image quality is genuinely impressive, even when compared to point-and-shoot, mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

While my phone is an excellent camera, sometimes I need better low light performance or the ability to zoom in without sacrificing image quality. That is where my Canon G9x Mark ii comes in. Small enough to fit into a pocket, discreet enough to shoot in almost any environment without disturbing others, it captures excellent pictures despite its small size. Since recent price drops and sales, the G9x Mark ii is cost effective at around $400. While not its strong suit, it does shoot decent, optically stabilized 1080p video. If you primarily shoot video, the quality leaves a lot to be desired and I would consider other options like the Panasonic and Sony options in the similar price range. Also, if you intend to use the camera to take selfies or shoot a vlog, I would recommend upgrading to the Canon G7x that has a screen that flips up, allowing you to frame your shot while the lens is pointed at you.

There are loads of great options for high-end point-and-shoot cameras from Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus. I personally love the G9x Mark ii for its simplicity, size, image quality and build quality and would recommend it anyone looking to step up beyond their smartphone camera. 

My everyday camera kit:

• Canon G9x Mark ii
• 2 Wasabi Power extra batteries
• Canon Battery Charger
• LoPro camera case
• SanDisk Extreme Plus SD cards (64GB and 32GB)

Here are some sample shots from he G9x Mark ii (no correction or retouching has been done):

GEAR: GoPros and Action Cameras

An action camera is a great tool for anyone creating video. The flexibility they offer through their durability, compact size and vast array of accessories allows you to get shots that would be impossible to get with other cameras, capturing angles that make your video more engaging. While they are great at capturing first person action, they are also great for b-roll or time-lapse shots, allowing you to set it and forget it.

When shopping for an action camera, there are countless from a variety of brands that sit at every price point starting below $50. Despite most cameras advertising similar features, frame rates and resolutions, it is the details that make all the difference. 

My personal brand of choice for action cameras has been GoPro, shooting with both a Hero 6 Black and Hero 4 Black. There are three main reasons for my choice, including the video quality, accessory selection and the accompanying mobile apps. The video quality advantage has little to do with resolution, since most action cameras can shoot in 4K, the GoPros are capable of shooting at a higher bit rate. Bit rate is arguably more important than resolution, since a high bit-rate 1080p video can look better than lower bit-rate 4k video. The other situation where the GoPro cameras excel is adapting to changes in light. The quick auto exposure makes all the difference, especially when shooting video on a bike or car, where the amount of light can drastically change when driving through a tunnel or riding in the woods. If an action cameras is slow to respond to a change in light, you can miss a shot.

For action cameras, the accessories are everything. With the ubiquity and dominance of the GoPro brand, you have access to a massive variety of mounts, cases, filters and much more. From three axis gimbals that help you get stable video, to built in mounts in cars or on personal watercrafts and ATVs, you have loads of options that can help you create some cool shots.

While it may not be important for everyone, the GoPro mobile apps are a great addition to these cameras. For newer GoPros, there are two main apps. The main GoPro app can be used to control the camera, adjust settings and download footage from the camera to a mobile device over WiFi or the GoPro Quik Key SD card reader. The second mobile app, Quik, is a basic video editor with one neat trick. it can automatically create a highlight style video form a clip selection. This is great for people who want to share footage quickly or do not have the time, tools or desire to manually edit video.

One additional accessory that I would recommend is a gimbal. Available from GoPro, or third party companies like Feiyu Tech, a good three-axis gimbal will significantly improve your video quality when recording while moving on a skateboard, bike, car or your feet.

GoPro Hero 6 Black

• Standard housing
• Lens cap
• 2 Extra batteries
• Replacement lens cover

GoPro Hero 4 Black

• GoPro housings (Standard, Skeleton, Blackout, Frame)
• 5 Extra batteries
• Lens cap
• GoPro LCD backpack with Skeleton and dive housing backs

General Accessories

• FeiyuTech WG2 IP67 Waterproof Wearable Gimbal
• SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Plus Micro SD cards (mix of 64GB and 32GB cards)
• Flat and Curved adhesive mounts
• Extra mounting hardware
• GoPro bolt wrench
• GoPro Handlebar mount, head strap, hat clip, chest mount and dog harness mount
• GoPro Tripod adapter
• GoPro Handler floating grip and GoPro Shorty grip/tripod
• Joby Gorilla Pod Large and Gorilla Pod Video with magnetic feet and suction cup mounts
• Polar Pro ND filters
• GoPro surf leash and tether
• Anti-fog inserts
• GoPro Microphone adapter
• Wired LAV microphone
• Microfiber cloth and lens cleaning wipes
• Field Notes notebook and Uni-bal Jetstream pen

Beverage Review: Taconic Distillery and my first "real" bourbon

Let me start by saying that I was never a whisk(e)y drinker, but I do enjoy learning about new things and understanding how to appreciate classic beverages. I started with craft beer, and after a recommendation from a friend, I decided that I would give whiskey a real try. 

I have had Jack Daniel's before, but was not a huge fan. The bold and strong taste was not palatable straight up. Along with being encouraged to explore the world of whiskey, Taconic was the place where I chose to start. 

Taconic is a small distillery in upstate New York. They produce several different spirits and a wonderful Maple Syrup. All of their products are hand bottled and numbered. From a little research on their website and social media, became enamored with the brand. Locally owned, focused on quality, selling what seemed to be a quality product at a fair price, and a love of dogs, I was excited to try out their bourbon.

Taconic Distillery's Duchess Princess Reserve offered all the delicious nose that is common with bourbons like vanilla, honey and oak. The flavor also did not disappoint, complexity without the aggressive "burn" made it a great starting point to drinking whiskey neat.  

It opened the door in a big way and now I have tried lots of whiskys from around the world, including the more common Macallen and Buffalo Trace, to W.L. Weller, Ardbeg and Hibiki Harmony. For more whiskey content, check out my Instagram for weekly whiskey reviews.

It has been a good week!

It has been a good week that has tickled the StarWars fan part of my brain. Starting with the Celebration keynote with JJ Abrams, they showed off a new teaser for Episode 7: The Force Awakens, the new storm trooper uniforms, and the practical, working model of the soccer ball droid known as BB8! Yes, that little rolling ball with a droid head on top featured in the first teaser was a practical effect (NOT CGI). Just that little bit of the keynote got me very excited. Check out the trailer and the video of BB8 rolling around on stage below!

In addition to the new Force Awakens teaser, there was a new Battlefront 3 trailer launched today. Check it out below and see what has me all excited!

Lastly, I have finally updated my Twitch TV profile! It is all fresh and nice. Check it out and join me tonight as I continue my quest for Daily Objectives in GTA Online.   

-Nate

Welcome!

Welcome to my website! I finally decided it was time to make a page to act as a bio, resume, and a place for me to experiment with my writing/video that does not have a place on Today's Geek. 

Right now, there are lots of big things going on in my life. Most prominent at the moment is my wedding. Before I popped the question to my girlfriend (now fiancee), I thought the hard part was proposing... Boy was I wrong. For a little over a year, my fiancee and I have been working to plan our wedding, and I have truly come to realize that planning a wedding is a full time job. With only a few more details to check off, I am excited, but I will be the first to say that I now understand why many people choose to go a simple as possible when it comes to their nuptials. 

In addition to planning a wedding, I am also hard at work to bring more content to Today's Geek Blog. Currently, I am focused on video content and getting the quality for our podcast up to a desirable level. We still do not have a name for the podcast, but we have secured hosting though the excellent people at ShoutEngine. Stay tuned to both Today's Geek and this site for more!

I could not be happier with where I am right now, and could not be more excited where I am headed in the future!

-Nate