Category Archives: Apple

iPhone 13 – Thoughts from a Photographer & YouTuber

Apple, Tech News, ,

So Apple has just launched its new iPhone 13 range, the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max.

Below I am sharing my views on these new iPhones with a particular slant towards the photography and videography aspects.

Firstly, I will just mention the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. If you have the 12 or 12 Mini, there is no reason IMO to look at upgrading to these. Yes these have brighter screens, better claimed battery life, better camera hardware including improved processing, ISP, processor and camera features. In fact the main rear wide sensor on these models looks like it was the sensor used on the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its advanced sensor shift stabilisation. With the new A15 processor and smart HDR4, this rear sensor will take excellent photos. The ultra wide camera has also been marginally improved. So what you will have is an easy to use competent camera which will create lovely video or photos for social media. But as I have said, I don’t believe these changes are enough to warrant an upgrade from last year’s versions.

However, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are a different proposition. Firstly, unlike last year, both the Pro and Pro Max have the identical camera modules. All 3 rear cameras are improved even further than the standard iPhone 13 models. The ultra wide now has auto focus enabling macro photography. Astrophotography is now possible too. All 3 rear lenses allow night mode. The zoom lens is now 3 x optical zoom. ProRAW on photos is still present. But coming soon ProRes video will be on board. For videography this is an incredible feat. One thing to bear in mind, the 128gb iPhone 13 Pro won’t allow 4K Pro Res, just 1080p. You can still shoot 4K in the other modes though. Apple is only allowing ProRes at 4K on the 256gb, 512gb and 1TB storage options. In case you think this is Apple forcing you to buy a higher storage version, its not as a 10 min 4K ProRes video will take up approximately 100gb.

The Pro and Pro Max also have an extra “core” in the A15 processor to enable more capabilities and I would imagine during a teardown the RAM is higher than the standard iPhone 13 as well. So whilst you will be able to film such high quality video, what makes it even more incredible, is that you will be able to edit this on the iPhone as well.

I just want to go back to the camera upgrades. Specifically the light gathering improvements. The wide camera can now gather 2.2x more light. The ultra wide 92% more light. With the lidar sensor and all the A15 and ISP improvements the iPhone 13 Pro is looking like a beast for photography and videography.

If you weren’t sold on the iPhone 13 Pro range, then there is the 120hz variable refresh rate screen, better battery life, brighter screens and smaller notch.

I can’t wait to test out the new cameras in real world situations, as well as see how they far with sunrises and sunsets on Dartmoor. See the results on my social media accounts – gavinsgadgets for twitter and instagram.

Satechi 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand review

accessories, Apple, Reviews, Tech News

Welcome to my review of the Satechi 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Stand which works with Apple’s MagSafe and the iPhone 12 range. It retails for £59.

In my video review, I have compared it to two other options.

Key Features

  • 2-in-1 WIRELESS CHARGING – features a magnetic wireless charger designed for iPhone 12 (7.5W) and a designated wireless charging pad for your AirPods Pro (5W) to power both devices with ease
  • MAGNETIC & HANDS-FREE – equipped with a built-in magnetic wireless charger, the Stand elevates and recharges your iPhone 12, while its adjustable ball mount allows you to maneuver for optimal hands-free viewing. Ideal for FaceTime calls.
  • CHARGE YOUR AIRPODS PRO – includes a designated wireless charging pad for your AirPods Pro with a grooved indentation for perfect placement and to prevent it from sliding around
  • ELEGANT DESIGN – with an ultra-sleek stainless steel and aluminum build, the Stand complements your Apple devices and adds an elegant touch to your nightstand or home office setup
  • COMPATIBILITY – iPhone 12 Pro Max/12 Pro/12 & AirPods Pro/AirPods with wireless charging case. iPhones without magnet will not be supported. Includes USB-C cable, adapter plug sold separately

Video Review

Conclusion

A sturdy, well made and design magnetic wireless stand. Highly recommended 9.1/10.

Useful Links

How to edit ProRaw Photos on your iPhone

Apple, Editorials, Photography, Tech News

Welcome back everyone. Today, I am going to show you how to edit ProRaw photos on your iPhone. Currently only the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max support Apple’s ProRAW.

There are 3 parts to the tutorial –

Part 1 – The correct camera settings

Part 2 – The camera app interface

Part 3 – Editing the ProRAW photos

And finally as a bonus, there is a gallery at the end of 60 photos all shot in ProRAW, to show you what’s really possible.

If it helps, below is the time stamp, so you can go back or forth as required. If you are never going to edit ProRAW pics, I thoroughly recommend viewing the gallery.

0:56 The correct camera settings 

3:06 Editing ProRAW 

15:35 ProRAW Photo Gallery – 60+ shots 

I hope you enjoy this video.

iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro Max – all the REAL world differences

Apple, Reviews, Tech News,

 

Welcome to my comparison and review video comparing the iPhone 12 mini against the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This will help you decide which iPhone 12 is right for you.

The video includes –

  • all the real world differences that actually matter
  • side by side screen comparison of apps, photos and video so you can see what you miss or don’t miss
  • photo competition – guess which phone took which photo – answers revealed in video – you might be very suprised
  • actual camera differences
  • battery life in the real world
  • much more

So grab some popcorn and sit back and watch. Also note there are no ads in the video, so if you enjoyed this or found it helpful, and want to buy me a coffee, please use my PayPal , http://www.paypal.me/gavinsgadgets .

 

AirPods Max review – 3 months later

Apple, Audio, Headphone, Reviews,

Welcome to my review of the AirPods Max which retail for £549.

The Key Features

  • Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio
  • Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
  • Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you
  • Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences
  • Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional fit

 

Video Review from Dec 2020

 

3 Months Later

So what is my view after using them for a longer period and have there been any new issues. In terms of ease of use, sound quality, movie experience and instant device switching etc, there are amazing. I still think these sound better than the Sony XM4, but to justify their extra cost, you must have a few pieces of Apple hardware to gain the benefit of all of their features. No surprises that Apple Music sound the best thru them as well.  I did have a blue colour originally but I not have space grey which I think is the more practical finish as it will show less dirt over time.  So some of the issues have been unexpected battery drain. This should be a firmware fix and maybe Apple can add a power off sequence too using the buttons as that would help. With three plus hours of continuous use, condensation build up starts to appear under the magnetic cups. This does evaporate. My advice is simply to check if using for a long period and wipe away or take some breaks.

 

Conclusion

My opinion still stands. If you are all in on Apple hardware, there is nothing quite like these. The best wireless headphone. 9.5/10.

 

Useful Links

Latest pricing on Amazon for the AirPods Max – click HERE.

The 6 Best Magsafe Products in 2021 – how I use them and why – in depth editorial

accessories, Apple, Tech News

MagSafe is Apple’s solution to fast wireless charging along with the use of some nifty accessories. After many months of using MagSafe and buying many products, below are the ones that I use now every day and why. All the products mentioned below are ones that I have bought. None were sent as review samples either, so my honest opinions are below.

MagSafe Duo 

I originally reviewed this on  my YouTube Channel in November 2020, but it still sits proud on my office desk. Covid has meant I haven’t gotten to use it for one of its intended purposes and that is a travel companion. It charges my iPhone 12 Pro Max, AirPods, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch with ease. The phone section also charges my other Qi devices. With the iPhone 12 range, the magnets firmly attach to the back of the iPhone to charge quickly. I also like that when covid restrictions finally lift and I can travel more, I will simply fold it half for travel. When you fold it it simply snaps together. What has surprised me is that I don’t have this on my bedside table. That’s because I am using my Apple Watch for sleep tracking at night, so its best to charge it when working in my office at my desk.

In case you missed my video review of this, its below.

Now this has been out for a few months, the price is being discounted. For the latest price on Amazon, click HERE.

 

Apple Leather Wallet

You can see the Apple Leather Wallet attached to my iPhone 12 Pro Max on the photo at the start of the article. This is one item that I had expected not to keep, yet after many months of using it, its a firm keeper. I have noticed that the leather becomes slightly more grippier after a while of using it, and leather on leather helps too. The leather wallet first all of the iPhone 12 range, including the 12 Mini. I have managed to get 3 cards inside it too. What I have to do to enable to slide the cards out, is make sure that the bottom card has the numbers facing the finger slide cutout to give me some extra grip to slide them out. Whenever I have gone out, I attached the leather wallet and it has never fallen off. Not once. I find it great to have such a small and removable item on my phone.  It is expensive, but then when is anything by Apple cheap! However, it is built extremely well and the leather and leather stitching is high quality.

Latest pricing on the Apple Leather Wallet on Amazon with all the different colours, click HERE.

 

Moft Snap-on MagSafe Wallet and Stand

This is an absolute genius of a product offering more functionality than the Apple Wallet and for half the price nearly. It fits the entire iPhone 12 range from the 12 Mini to the Pro Max. It holds 3 of my cards and then can be used as a stand in either portrait or landscape. Comes in 4 different finishes.

Moft Magsafe Wallet and Stand, latest pricing on Amazon, click HERE.

 

Apple MagSafe Charger

I have two of these. You can see one of them in the photo at the top integrate into the Elago MS1 stand and below into the Spigen Mag Fit.  So after several months, I realised these are handy, the cable could have been longer and is not detachable, but it does provide 15w wireless charging for your iPhone 12 Pro Max. I have also realised, it is better when added to some low cost accessories as below.

Apple MagSafe charger on Amazon, click HERE.

 

Spigen Mag Fit 

I have this one my bedside table. You put Apple’s MagSafe charger inside the rubberish cover. It has a nanotac surface underneath that attaches to the table. If you reposition the stand, it can be stuck back down. I love this. So low cost too. Now when I life my iPhone the  charger part stays on the table. And as it uses Apple’s MagSafe charger, I get all the same benefits. It is also a lot easier to remove.

Spigen Mag Fit on Amazon – latest pricing click HERE.

 

Elago MS1 Charging Stand

If you look at the photo at the top of the page, this is behind my iPhone. It comes in 4 colours. I choose black. In hindsight, I think white might have looked better. Again, it uses the official MagSafe charger and has enough weight to be sturdy on my desk. You can swivel the iPhone around so its in landscape as well as portrait. Or anything inbetween. The magnets hold it nicely.

Elago MS1 latest pricing on Amazon, click HERE.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it, my favourite MagSafe products so far from 2020 and 2021. Come back in a few months time as I am sure to have added a few more products to this article. If you have come across a really good item, please share it below in the comments.

How to use manual video controls on the iPhone 11 incl sample photos & video using Moment lenses

accessories, Apple, Photography, Tech News,

Happy New Year everyone.

In this article I am going to explain how to use manual video controls on the iPhone 11 Pro along with what accessories you will need to accomplish this task.

First, why bother. Well the difference before and after is night and day. Video footage is smooth with the correct motion effect that isn’t jagged, instead it’s smooth.

First things first, I headed over to the Moment store and bought myself their Moment Photo case for my iPhone 11 Pro. If you have some spare time, and you are into video & photography the Moment store is one helluva a great place to browse with tons of great useful gear for your phone, not just iPhones either.

Moment have 3 styles of cases for the new iPhone 11 range, and I have all 3 which I’ll be covering off the pros and cons of each shortly, however, my strong advice is just to buy their strongest and toughest case only, the Photo case. Once you have this case, you can now attach their lens, filters and more. It’s a small price to pay for the extra benefits.

In terms of filming the video, there are 2 apps I would recommend on iOS. Filmic Pro or the Moment app. If you have Moment lenses then their app is ideal. You will be advised to grab a gimbal for even smoother video footage. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is what I use. I’ll leave links to everything at the end of this article. In terms of filters I got a set of ND & CPL filters from Gobe on Amazon.

So now you have all the accessories and apps for your iPhone, what next. Well you need to setup the manual video controls. Here’s the rule of thumb. If shooting at 30fps , your shutter speed needs to be double at 1/60. Same rule applies for other FPS. So another example, shooting at 60fps needs a shutter speed of 1/120. The great thing about shooting at 60fps is that you can slow this down in post production for even smoother footage. For editing video on the iPhone, the best app is Luma Fusion.

Sounds simple, and it is , except now that you have a slow shutter speed, too much light will be entering the lens, so you need to attach a ND filter over the lens to counteract the extra light. In the video below, I used a ND8. I then used my DJI Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal.

Above is a photo using the Moment Anamorphic lens. It creates a cinematic look and in video is stunning. Especially when it counters light sources as you get those blue lines across the screen.

The above shot was taken using the new fisheye lens from Moment.

Now back to the video created. It’s just over 2 mins long so enjoy.

Useful Links

Moment Store

Moment Lens, Cases & more on Amazon

Gobe Filter set on Amazon

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Gimbal on Amazon

My Top 5 Phones of 2019 – And there’s a surprise winner + apps/games on my phone

Android, Apple, Tech News, ,

Welcome to my top 5 smartphones of 2019. This is my personal lineup of which phones are my top 5.

Factors that were taking into consideration include –

– Overall experience
– Camera Experience
– Camera quality split into video and photo and other features
– Phone UI
– Links to a wider eco system
– Software and security updates

The second half of the video, is a close up look of what’s now on my phone in 2019 and why. This includes apps and games.

Video

If you have a different top 5, what are they and why?

Useful Links

Google Pixel on Amazon
Huawei on Amazon
Oppo on Amazon
Honor on Amazon
Apple on Amazon

AirPower in 2020 – Mophie 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Unboxing & First Impressions

accessories, Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Wearables, ,

Welcome to my first impressions and unboxing of the Mophie 3 in 1 wireless charger that charges your AirPods, Apple Watch & iPhone all wirelessly. Fast wireless charging is available for the iPhone as well.

This is what AirPower should have been. It’s a seriously cool product and currently exclusive to Apple, retailing for £130.

One of the positive aspects of the wireless charger is the two white lights on the front edge initially and gently glow for two or three seconds before turning off. The left white light is to acknowledge AirPods are charging and the right side is for your iPhone. So at night , you won’t get an annoying charging led light that so many other chargers seem to have!

Video Review

Conclusion

It’s expensive, it’s sold exclusively at Apple. But it’s relatively compact and looks fabulous on your bedside table.

Useful Links

Mophie chargers on Amazon UK

Beats Solo Pro Review by an Audiophile

Apple, Audio, Headphone, Reviews,

Welcome to my review of the Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones.

Key Features

– Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) blocks external noise
– Beats’ Pure ANC adjusts to external noise and fit while preserving sound quality
– Transparency helps you stay aware of your surroundings while listening
– Up to 22 hours of listening time (up to 40 hours with ANC and Transparency turned off)
– With Fast Fuel, a 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of playback when the battery is low
– Intuitively designed to power on and off when you unfold and fold them
– Ergonomically designed for optimal comfort and extended wear

Review

Conclusion

8.0/10 scoring. The Beats Solo Pro improve upon the previous versions in almost every way to end up with a solid offering available in many colours. You are paying for the brand within the pricing but then you do get tight integration into the iOS and Apple ecosystem.

Useful Links

Latest info & pricing on the Beats Solo Pro on Amazon