Upping My Game with a Surprise

Today it happened. I took delivery of what I hope is an improved wireless mic system for my cameras (Nikon DSLR, GoPro, cell phone, and who knows what else).

For a long time I have accepted the audio from the built-in microphones. Eventually the low quality got the best of me and I ordered a Movo wireless mic system. For the money the Movo equipment does what it says it will do. But, I wanted more - better audio quality and much more user control.

I had ordered a RODE system but was not excited about needing an app to make most adjustments. Following more research I cancelled that order and went with a DJI wireless mic system. As of now I cannot offer too many opinions on the DJI. I have the control I was looking for, but will need to closely study my test recordings from tonight to know if the sound is actually better. So far I have been very impressed.

While out paddling around and talking to myself to test the mic system, I nearly floated into several green herons. The ironic detail is I have been trying to get close to them for weeks to no avail. Tonight, while paddling and babbling and not really looking too hard I was surprised by a green heron working the shoreline less than 15-feet away. Then a few minutes later and not too far away there were three more. I wonder if they were nest-mates.

For my photographer friends - Take a look at the picture below. While the green heron was flaring its feathers to make a nice subject, did you notice how the bright pink obedient plant blossoms draw your eye to them? This was a nice image that was not enhanced by the colorful flower. In fact, I share it only to illustrate how bright areas in a frame draw your attention, regardless of how interesting the rest of the composition may be.

In this case there was nothing I could do about it other than be thankful I had images from a few feet further back that lacked obedient plants.