The GoPro Max 2 and the Insta360 X5 are two of the newest 360 8K cameras.  If you are looking to purchase a 360 camera, which of these cameras are best for you?  Jim and Fred run the two camera through some paces and discuss the pros and cons of each one,   If you would like to leave a comment or question - please check our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/thefotobug!

Pros and Cons of 360 cameras

Jim Beach is an entrepreneur, podcaster and author who just completed a new book, The Real Environmentalists. In this book, Jim reveals the environmental hypocrites but more importantly, the real unsung heroes who are actually working on solutions to help the environment. Please check out Jim's website at www.jimbeach.com and his radio show at www.schoolforstartupsradio.com and be sure to pick up his latest book which will be available after September 30th on all the major book sellers!

Trai Anfield is a UK based photographer and photo workshop leader. Trai is an environmentalist, wildlife photographer, film maker, writer and natural history presenter of BBC Radio 4's Living World. She was also a guest lecturer at Princeton University on the undergraduate Digital Bootcamp, teaching wildlife photography on ITV's upcoming series of 'Robson Green's Weekend Escapes' and running creative film production and photography workshops for a range of commercial clients and charitable organizations. Jim has attended her photo workshop to photograph brown bears in eastern Finland and can highly recommend her workshops. Please visit Trai's website at www.trai-anfield-photography.com for more information!

Ben Geier just published a photography book called Viewing Hours which contains his photos of Americana roadside attractions, hotels, restaurants and more!  His book is now available on Amazon and all the major book stores.  Ben agreed to sit down and discuss his book on The Fotobug.  Ben's website is www.bengeier.com and we recommend checking out the images on his website!

Review of the Hoverair x1 Pro drone

DJI has recently come out with the Mavic Mini 4 and will soon release a Mini 5, which means the older Mini 3 can often be a bargain!  There is a difference, however, between the Mini 3 and the Mini 3 Pro.  The Pro model has additional obstacle avoidance and  has higher resolution still photo capture.  It also has the ability to track a moving object and the Mini 3 does not.  However, there is a 'hack' that will allow the Mini 3 to track a moving object - such as a walking person and Jim and Fred demonstrate how to make it happen!

We are always delighted to have Ron Wyatt on our podcast!  Ron talks about his bucket list photo travels places and upcoming workshops.  Ron is planning trips to Cuba, Indochina, Italy and lots more.  To get more information on Ron's workshops and photography go to www.adventureswithron.com  Check out The Fotobug on our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/thefotobug and don't forget to subscribe!

Ian Plant is a professional photographer and workshop leader who has just created a new photography course for astrophotography.  This is the second time Ian has appeared on the Fotobug!  Please go check out Ian's website at www.ianplant.com and www.Photomasters.com.  Be sure to check out and subscribe to The Fotobug YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/thefotobug! 

Bryce Way recently contributed to a photo book about Los Angeles from Trope Publishing (www.trope.com) and the book with be available on all the major book sellers beginning November 2024.  Bryce sat down with The Fotobug guys to talk about his photography and future travels. Don't forget to check out and subscribe to The Fotobug Youtube channel - www.youtube.com/thefotobug 

Jim and Fred recently took a road trip to visit several springs in central Florida near Gainsville and near Orlando.  In this episode we explore O'Leno State Park where the Santa Fe rive vanishes into the ground to reappear 3 miles late in River Rise State Park.  In addition, they visit Blue Springs State Park where Jim used to scuba dive back in the late 1960s and where Jacques Cousteau filmed one of his special on manatees.  In fact, there were several manatees in the Blue Run!

Bal Bhatal is a London based photographer know for his amazing night street photography.  Jim and Fred sit down with Bal (known as Mr Whisper) to talk about his photography and his new book "London After Dark".  You can check out Bal's website at www.mrwhisperstudios.coml and be sure to check out his Instagram page MrWhisper M&M Photo Tours have offered to put together a discounted photo workshop with the Fotobug guys and have offered the following possible locations: Tanzania, Kenya, Indochina, Japan, and Italy.  In order to help us choose which one, please visit The Fotobug Facebook page and respond to the poll - or send your choice to jim@thefotobug.com.  You are under no obligation to sign up for the trip - just help us decide!   Also - don't forget to check out our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/thefotobug. 

The new GoPro Hero 12 has added a couple new features: 5.3k video, 1/4-20 tripod socket (finally!) and bluetooth audio!  However, they have removed the GPS capability.  Jim and Fred decided to check out the various audio capabilities including the in-camera microphone, the media-mod microphone, as well as the media-mod with external microphones and of course the new bluetooth audio with earbuds and a bluetooth mike.  We suggest you listen to the audio with headphones to get a better sense of the quality of the various audio tests. Check out The Fotobug YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/thefotobug 

Fantasy of Flight is a classic aviation museum located in Polk City Florida, Near Lakeland   They have dozens of vintage aircraft from WWII models to racing and aerobatic planes.  Highly recommended if you are in the area!  Keep in mind they are only open Friday through Sunday 11:00am to 3:00pm and we recommend checking their website https://www.fantasyofflight.com/collection/ to make sure they are open.  Great place for some nice macros of airplane mechanics!

Join hosts Jim and Fred in this energetic episode of The FotoBug. They kick-off by announcing their move to YouTube, where they will share most of their video content, inviting new subscribers and expressing gratitude to existing ones. The transition allows for more interactive and engaging content. The focal point of this episode is the much-discussed solar eclipse. Not only do they discuss phenomenon's, but they also delve into the thrilling world of photography, tackling hot-button issues such as the flap involving UK-based Tempest Photography. Take an auditory trip with them as they relive their enthralling visit to the Circle B Bar Reserve, detailing their unique experiences, wildlife encounters, and unusual weather phenomena. Don't miss their exciting tale which serves as a crucial lesson for travelling photographers to always keep track of their gear. The spotlight then shines on the GearEye, an innovative device to help locate misplaced items. Originating as a Kickstarter project, they track its progression through hurdles and setbacks to become a functional and highly valuable tool. Detailed information about this product, including cost, discount, and packaging, is shared. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a photographer, or someone who treasures personal belongings, the GearEye provides peace of mind. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Julia, the CEO of GearEye, in the coming weeks. Get ready to learn more about this invaluable device and be sure to leave your queries and remarks in anticipation of the forthcoming session.

Roll into summer with high-definition photography using our best tips and handy gadgets. Dive into this episode of The Fotobug, hosted by Jim and Fred, for a variety of amazing techniques to improve your photography and capture the best possible images. Listen and learn super strategies to keep your camera equipment protected, find the right ways to control lighting, and harness your smartphone for the perfect shot. Discover how a manual can unleash the latent potential of your camera or how the bad weather can create unique photo opportunities. Unearth inexpensive yet critical additions to your gear, like clips, and understand how to keep your lenses dust-free for pristine photos. Explore versatile gadgets for every situation, from Alpine Labs’ Pulse for remote camera control to super adaptable Rogue's light modifiers for portrait photography. This episode brims with all things photography, from macro to plant photography. We’ve got you covered whether you are laying flat on the ground pursuing wildlife shots or dealing with an overcast day. Use our handy tips to chase those elusive images and make every shutter-click count. Enjoy the thrill of photography and never miss an opportunity to get your perfect shot. Don't forget to subscribe to The Fotobug's YouTube channel to get the latest news, reviews, and how-tos, and please share your favorite photography tips and tricks with us!

Colombia South America Photo Trek.

The episode features a special segment showcasing Arsenal 2, a gadget designed to enhance your photography skills. The hosts perform a live test of the panorama feature of this tool after a specific request from the audience - proof that they indeed listen to their audience’s feedback and suggestions!

Travel to Madagascar for wildlife and adventure

In this episode of "Peek Behind the Shutter: Exploring Photography Trends & News with the Fotobug", hosts Jim and Fred delve into the latest updates in the sphere of photography. They discuss a wide range of topics from Apple's new spatial computer, Sony's upcoming shutter angle setting, to proposed legislation regarding child influencers. They also unpack details about Canon's highly anticipated flagship camera, shedding light on why it has the photography community buzzing. Join Jim and Fred on a memorable trip to Fort Myers. Relive their adventures as they recount the places of interest for photographers, from the crowded streets of Sanibel Island to the peaceful trails of Cypress Creek Preserve. Learn about the best times to observe wildlife and how to navigate increased traffic due to hurricane recovery efforts. They also discuss training pets to take selfies and the evolving trends in the world of photography. Delving into some serious topics, this episode also discusses the legal implications of child influencers and the proposed digital curfews. Get insight into the ongoing corporate rivalry as Canon readies to release its latest flagship camera. Whether you are an avid photographer or someone with an interest in the latest industry trends, this episode will keep you informed and entertained. Concluding with some fun places for wildlife sighting and owl-spotting, this episode encourages photographers to continue capturing unique images. 'The FotoBug' is a testament to the fact that for a photographer, any shutter time is always a great time. Check out the Six Mile Cypress Slough  Friends group photo contest which ends every January 31st.  For entries go to  https://wwwsloughpreserve.org