Video Conversion - My choice

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I know there are a lot of converters.  One of them is free, and excellent (Handbrake) because it is open sourced, and most importantly free.  However, I always go back to Wondershare Video Converter (both Mac and PC) because it simply works and supports HEVC from way back when the Samsung NX-1 series first became available.

I only really use the conversion features, but it has other things I don't use such as the editor and burner.  I just drag and drop the videos I want converter, and let it do its thing in a queue.

Lately I've also been combining a lot of video clips from GoPro and Sony Action cams.  I appreciate their software is Intel optimized as well as GPU enhanced processing compared to Sony's free Play Memories Home software.  It really saves a lot of time.

Look out for sales on these.

Wondershare Video Converter Pro

Canon Rebates? Super Fast - Too Fast

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This is rare, in fact the first of its kind that I have ever experienced.  I submitted a Canon rebate offer for a Canon camera maybe 3 weeks ago.  I got it today, and called to activate it for 'online' use.

Entered the card number in system, and it shows $0 balance available.  I talked to customer service (was going to need to anyway to register card for online use and they connected me with their (American Express was issuer) technical team member.  

He asked some vague questions.  Probing questions.  Ones that made me wonder if I was in fact dealing with a fraud?! I knew I wasn't, since this is Canon, and I've got these rebate cards before - lots in fact.

Anyway after he verfied my information, we came to the conclusion that the card was entered into system last Thursday and hadn't even been loaded with the funds yet.  

So Canon processed the rebate and mailed it faster than American Express can load it!  I suppose equal credit needs to be given to the US Postal service?

He suggested I check back in a week and see if its been loaded / activated yet.  The order was in, but the card simply wasn't ready yet.

I'll update if there are any further noted issues.  If this happens to you, just know that you may have to wait a week or so or face a decline, and potential fraud alert if you try to use the card.  Don't believe the notice that says the card is activated and ready to use!

 

Alexa Deals - Which Ones Are Available?

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How do you find out about Alexa Deals?  

Well to see them here, you can just click this link.  If you have an Alexa enabled device, just ask Alexa - "Alexa, what are your deals?"

The problem with this is that currently Alexa only tells you about two deals - and there are way more deals you can take advantage of.  So you sort of have to check the website itself to see all the deals that are available, then just ask Alexa to order it.

 

Tips on the Everyday Messenger Bag

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I just bought this bag on eBags and received it a few days ago. I saw this bag last year on Kickstarter but never did bite the bullet.  I had just purchased a lot of ThinkTank Photo Bags.

While was surfing youtube last night I came across this video which I thought should be recommended for anybody who has purchased this bag because it really gives you insight into the design, and how to use the bag as it was originally designed. I hope this video is also helpful for you guys as well.

I like the bag so far, but I would really like them to produce a backpack as I have a lot of other messenger type bags (and shoulder bags).

Peak Design The Everyday Messenger Heritage - Peak Design Messenger Bags

How to Pick the Right SD Card for your Camera

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Picking the Right SD Memory Card for your Camera by mikemuonline

For most new cameras, any SD card that you get that is 64GB and above will work just fine.  Why 64GB cards?  Well its close to the sweet spot in pricing, and speed performance.  The key differences you want to watch for are the durability, and write speed.  The read speed will typically meet or exceet the write speed specification.  If it doesn't show the write speed on the packaging then its likely not the best - so watch out if your Video mode requires a certain bit-rate.

If you have an older camera (more than a few years old), you may have to get SDHC cards or below - stick to 8GB SD Cards.  Pay attention to whether the camera supports SDHC or SDXC cards with the XC ones being the newer, faster, higher capacity capable specification.

For 4K video, on the higher spec cameras you will want to look into something like the following:

  

And even those are not high enough for the highest 100MBps rating required to unlock the RX series 100 MBps video.

Some newer cameras designed to be pocketable use physically smaller cards called micro-sd cards. They're about the size of my pinky's fingernail and are compatible with cameras that use SD cards if you use a MicroSD adapter.