LJPUK

Revising iPhone Air Photography

2026-08-19T05:08:52Z

In the last couple of days I’ve been switching between a refurbished iPhone Air and my iPhone 17 Pro to try to figure out what works best with my ongoing RSI issues. I’m still in that testing phase but one area that I was convinced I’d need another device based on my previous ownership was in the camera department. Yesterday me and my daughter popped out to the British Motor Museum and we both took our dedicated cameras, a Canon 70D and a Sony a6700. The Canon ran into battery issues that we’ll need to look into but my daughter took the Sony to use for the day and I reverted to the iPhone in my pocket that happened to be the Air.

For this type of photography where having a wide and 2x zoom were ideal was my advantage and I have to say I didn’t really miss the Sony after a 10 minutes or so. I was thinking I’m missing the ultra wide of the 17 Pro to get some interesting shots but overall I was impressed with how the Air handled it and it was super light to use and carry around, even without a case.

It was a big win for the phone that I’d already written off and was eyeing up a Sony RX100VII to replace it with. When I travel I’m not sure I’ll take the a6700 so now I’m thinking the iPhone might be that point and shoot after all, it’s not like I’m blowing them up to put on billboards.

As frequent with me I change my mind often but I was pleasantly surprised by the photography I did with the iPhone Air.

You can see the images here.

Forza Horizon 6 exhibition at the British Motor Museum

2026-08-18T18:09:40Z

Me and my daughter went to a Forza Horizon 6 exhibit today at one of my favourite museums in the Uk, the British Motor Museum.

They had a selection of cars from the game plus racing setups and timed lap challenges.

I can’t recommend this museum highly enough. Loads of parking, great food, loads of space, friendly staff and loads of cars to take a look at.

(Casio F-B100W) Casio updates the F-91w with Bluetooth and step tracking

2026-08-18T04:27:40Z

I’ve been a fan of the classic F-91w since it came out and worn one on and off since. Now I’m looking for basic step tracking to help me be more active I almost picked up an Olle Watch but competition in the market is great and Casio has responded to release what looks like my perfect F91w with the F-B100W.

Thanks Marc for the tip off because I wasn’t aware it was even coming out. I popped onto Casio and ordered one. At £55 I think it’s at the top end but it’s cheaper than modding my own and it fixes my main issues with the F-91w.

Adds step tracking
Updates the backlight
The stop watch now allows for timing over an hour

I have my issues with the Casio app but I’ll give it another go to review the watch and see how it goes, due in this week shipping dependent. I’m looking forward to this as it might solve my current needs perfectly.

Creativity

2026-08-17T04:43:15Z

I’m not talking too much about my personal life on this blog but over the last year it’s been very challenging, to the point that my creative spark has almost gone completely out. I’ve stopped enjoying anything that I used to do creatively and I’ve felt the worse for it. Moving this blog to a new platform and slowly writing here again is one of those outlets that I’m slowly building back up in a hope it’ll help me mental health wise and kick start other creative ideas.

I feel some creativity since because I’d also stopped building Lego, something I’d always enjoyed doing. But since blogging again and getting out to take photos (mostly via my iPhone) I’ve started to look at sets and building again. I’ve done two sets in the last week, a record.

My guitar is back in its case though, I’m not feeling musical at the moment. I’m not even listening to much, this’ll hopefully turn itself around.

Podcasting is something I’m hoping also kicks back into action.

I’m going slowly building up my own creative pull and self confidence, I’m at a low at the moment with no will to do much of anything.

A compact camera and a phone for phone stuff

2026-08-16T05:18:48Z

My main driver for upgrading my phone has always been the camera, nothing else just having the best camera I can with me at all times. Over the last year my views on this have been evolving and I’m now leaning more towards the thinking of if I buy a compact camera to take care of the camera stuff then the phone can just be a phone. The phone can then get out of the way and be a device that is easy to use, carry without weighing me down and doesn’t cause me unnecessary discomfort (I won’t talk too much about this here given my previous posts). This has led me to shelving my iPhone 17 Pro to experiment with this set up a little.

For me I want a phone that is light, I don’t want something that I am always consciously managing or feeling in my pocket. I also want something I can just grab and throw in a bag and not need to baby. I don’t want to be swapping cases or chase new ones to find the one that “works”. I miss the days of the iPhone 5c or 13 Mini where I didn’t even think about a case and didn’t buy any. So this led me again to the iPhone Air. A device that meets most of these criteria and has the bonus of a little larger screen for my photography and for my older eyes. My iPhone 17 Pro is in a drawer and on eBay whilst I figure this out, as in see if the Air causes me any discomfort. It’ll also help with just forgetting too much about the new phones each year, if I stop thinking about my phone as a camera I really don’t care much about the new models anymore. Both from an environmental and consumerism perspective getting a new phone each year isn’t something I want to keep doing. This summer alone (5 heat waves so far and wildfires) is a reminder of that, I can smell smoke in fact as I type this. The Air I bought is Amazon Renewed so that’s one of the better ways to do it rather than buy new, I also saved a good bit of cash too. Benefits of liking a phone no one else seems to is they have plummeted in value. Not buying new, especially this year also sends a signal that we’re done with these increases in prices but I know it’ll still happen and the tech enthusiasts will be stressing about getting one or multiple on launch day, it’s not really that important in the grand scheme of things believe me.

The camera to fulfil this goal is not purchased yet but I have been taking my Sony a6700 out more with the kit lens. I’m 90% certain it’ll be a Sony RX100VII to carry with me more but it’s due an upgrade and there are rumours of a new model coming this year. If I see one used I might jump on it but for now the compact camera bit is unresolved. I’ll most likely though get the RX100 and with my eBay money get one used. But for now the mirrorless a6700 isn’t that big of a camera so for day trips I’m still using it.

I guess to summarise, with using a dedicated camera more my phone becomes less of an interesting device for me. It can be light and get out of the way.

MacBook Air M1 in 2026

2026-08-15T07:44:18Z

I recently traded laptops with a family member and am now on an M1 based MacBook Air, yup the original one that came out in 2020. I don’t demand that much from my laptop and since they needed it more than me I just traded, it’s been a lot better than I expected, especially with it just having 8GB RAM. It goes to show how good the Apple Silicon is.

I immediately installed macOS 27 once I reformatted it and apart from not having the SIRI AI app, in my use it’s been great so far. I have moved 90% of what I do to the iPad Pro so I don’t use the laptop all of the time and my creative work (mainly photo editing) is also done on the iPad. I owned this laptop for a few years previously so I am immediately familiar with the keyboard, size and weight. I don’t miss the resolution or high refresh rate of the MacBook Pro and I am not gaming on it (aside from occasional Roblox!, which dramatically heats up the chassis and is a battery hog, but this was the same on my M4 Pro MacBook Pro), my gaming is done on consoles.

Its use is going to be as a desktop machine mostly so I’ll be adding some storage so that I can download my iCloud Photo Library locally, this is only 256GB storage.

So don’t be put off if you need some cheap, it might even be better than the MacBook NEO.

Morning walk 14th August 2026

2026-08-14T08:13:09Z

Dealing with hand strain and phone usage

2026-08-14T04:24:01Z

I’ve been really struggling with RSI for the last few years but the iPhone 17 line-up is the one where I’ve hit my limit. Over time I’ll end up wearing a wrist brace eventually whenever I use the 17 Pro. As mentioned I’ve currently got the 17 Pro but I also picked up an Air on a discount recently to figure out a phone that I can stick with but neither option is perfect. I get it, there is no perfect in anything in life but as someone managing repetitive strain injury on a daily basis it’s frustrating. This is especially overwhelming when you’re also managing neurodivergence and its many complications around decision paralysis and exhaustion.

Here’s a few things I’ve observed via trial and error or research

it’s not necessarily the weight of the device that makes the difference, it’s your behaviour that makes the most difference
Adding a case to make the phone grippier is your friend
Beware sharp edges, like on the iPhone Air as they can dig into your hand if you’re not careful
If your left hand is the problem use the phone only on the right or with both hands as much as possible
Minimise your time on the phone completely
Get an iPad and use that around the house, only use the phone when you’re out and about

My specific issues are related to cramping pain on the outside edge of my palm, a twitching index finger and wrist pain. This kind of issue ticks all the boxes that make both the iPhone 17 Pro and Air a compromise.

I’m at the point I’m not sure whether to stick with the lighter Air to overall reduce the weight of the device and encourage both hand use as the physical device is wider or continue to use the 17 Pro with a case to add the width so I am forced to reduce the temptation to use it one handed but then I’m dealing with a heavy device that puts strain on my wrist.

I like the gear I use to get out of the way but I can’t seem to settle this with my phone choice or useage.

I’ve even been tempted to get an SE and just go back to my idea about getting a good compact camera to carry around.

I’m still none the wiser but I’ll continue to test this out. If you’ve experienced the same please let me know what’s helped for you.

Night sky wallpaper

2026-08-13T13:38:34Z

Quick little photo I took when I couldn’t sleep, taken with iPhone 17 Pro. I know it’s very dark but I prefer a darker wallpaper.

Morning walk photography 13th August 2026

2026-08-13T07:09:02Z

My iPad is going to be taking on more of my workflow

2026-08-13T04:19:27Z

As you might know I’ve been using the iPad Pro as my main computer for the last six months, it replaced my MacBook Pro about 80% of the time. Well, my MacBook Pro is getting a new home so the iPad will become my computing device for like 95% of my needs going forward. I do have an M1 Air with a broken trackpad that I can use at the desk just for local photo backup but it’ll be hardly used. It’ll be there literally just to store my iCloud Photo Library somewhere local and not used for anything else just now.

My model is the 11” M5 based Pro I picked up in this year and I’m completely happy with it. I maybe dock to an external monitor 10% of the time and despite some bugs it’s a good experience for what I need.

I will say that I am doing hardly any creative projects that require more power or functionality so that is helping the iPad although I’m tempted to give music production a go. If it doesn’t work then I have that M1 in a pinch.

The only issue I have at the moment is my photos are stored in iCloud only, I’m going to need to figure out this one. Local backup on an iPad with an external drive? I’m not sure if this is even possible. Like I said I can use the M1 Air but I’d rather figure out a solution with this iPad.

My favourite part of the iPad is it’s flexibility. I have RSI and being able to use my computer in different setups including navigating the interface with the Apple Pencil has been a win. I now have to figure out my phone and behaviour of holding it so I don’t have to wear a wrist brace. It’s been flaring up badly.

Anyway so I’ll be all in on the iPad, with no MacBook Pro to fall back on.

Get great app picks each month with Springboard

2026-08-12T16:54:29Z

I’ve been a subscriber to Springboard since it came to be and there’s usually an app or two that I get good use from. My most recent was CarAdvisor that came in handy when I needed to do some unexpected car shopping.

It’s a great newsletter from Daryl and he puts a lot of work into it.

Morning walk

2026-08-12T08:28:30Z

Gear I use

2026-08-12T06:23:08Z

I have been asked a bit about the gear that I use so following on from my blog I have recreated that page here on PIKA.

Gear

The Glass app is great for camera research

2026-08-10T04:57:55Z

I’ve been back on Glass for a few weeks and enjoying the interface again, it’s a little quiet over there but I’m glad to support a company trying to do something different. One area it’s great for is camera research.

You can search by camera so I’m doing things like this where I’m seeing all the RX100 VII images to check on how the depth of field is.

Choosing a compact digital camera

2026-08-10T04:40:21Z

I’ve come to the conclusion that having a dedicated device for photography is the way to go for me, I really like my iPhone 17 Pro but as I’ve proven to myself multiple times before unfortunately it doesn’t like me. Any phone over the 190g mark plays havoc with a hand issue I have so I’m going to be changing up my setup. The 17 Pro results in me needing to wear a wrist brace eventually no matter how I use it. So, I’m starting the path to finding a decent compact camera in the £500-£800 price range, which is the money I’ll get for my 17 Pro I’d think. This is all an experiment as I play with setups but it could hopefully help my hand pain and keep me engaged in something creatively as I really need a distraction from everything else going on.

My current cameras are

Sony a6700
Pentax ME super (70’s film)

To be fair the a6700 with kit lens isn’t too big but I’d like something a bit more discrete with a zoom so I don’t need to swap lenses and carry something large around when I’m out and about. I also have no intention of getting an older compact, I’ve been there and done it.

My requirements are

Small enough to fit in my pocket
Good in low light
Zoom
Easily available batteries
View finder, although not a showstopper if it’s a good camera otherwise

The only candidate I know of right now is the Sony RX100 VII, a coming on 7 year old camera that still demands over £1000. I’ve seen them sub £700 new so might work but I’d like to know about other options. There is an A revision that includes USB-C but it’s only new pricing and out of my price range.

I’ve had good experiences with previous LUMIX so I’m also looking at the TZ300.

Lastly the Canon G7 X Mark III.

I’m yet to actually test any of these against each other but as I sell some of my current gear I’ll put aside the budget for the camera and start to go looking.

Do you have any recommendations?

Small dedicated camera

2026-08-09T07:09:05Z

I’m looking at a Sony RX100 VII again, yes when I thought my phone was doing great my RSI is flared up and giving my daily trouble and I’m overwhelmed again. Maybe an old school iPhone SE and dedicated isn’t a bad shout.

Goodbye EchoFeed

2026-08-07T05:51:16Z

It was short but sweet since starting my Pika blog but I can no longer use EchoFeed and can completely understand why it’s been shut down. I did a similar thing years ago and I’ll now need to find an alternative or stop cross posting.

These days, my phone is my camera

2026-08-05T04:28:00Z

I’ve been wrestling with some thoughts around getting a compact digital camera but as I’m out and about in the world trying to focus more on taking photos I’m coming back to the realisation - the best camera is the one I have with me and that is almost always my iPhone.

For me that is currently my very orange iPhone 17 Pro. I’ve used a Sony RX100 VII in the past and I like the size and weight but at over £1000 it’s not in my budget so using that I have is where I’m at. The iPhone is great for photography and with it’s many app options (my current favourites are Very Good Camera and Moment) I almost prefer it to a compact digital camera. As I’ve leaned back into Glass I’m also searching for other photos using the iPhone as inspiration to remind me of what’s possible.

It’s also always charged and with me. I’m forgetful and easily distracted so not having to think about a dedicated device is one less thing to think about. Reducing mental load is a focus of mine currently and adding one more thing is going to add complexity.

“Is this decision going to make things simpler or more complicated?” is what I’m now asking myself multiple times a day. For me having a dedicated compact makes it more complicated.

Time to get my Pentax ME super film developed

2026-08-04T06:45:28Z

First film finished, time to find somewhere to get it developed.

I want to learn to code, not let AI do it for me

2026-08-04T03:49:55Z

I’ve been using an app that hasn’t been updated for over 5 years, which on the face of it is a simple calendar app that is made up of several widgets. With no updates in sight I wondered if I could create my own app to replace it. I downloaded Xcode and started to look at Claude code and realised something, I want to learn to code not have something do the bulk of the work for me.

This isn’t meant as a post to bash those out there vibe coding but for me it defeats the purpose of coding in the first place. Learning a new skill to keep me active and have an outlet is something that needs to be engaging and allows me to go down rabbit holes, vibe coding to me isn’t that. It’ll be a project that is going to be difficult and will require focus for me to get to grips with Xcode and swift but it might be worth it. I used to be a developer in work (database stuff) so I have some skills but need to dust them off.

With the way my mind works I’ll probably forget about it within a few weeks but I’m pretty sure I want to give it a try.

A month using Pika

2026-08-03T04:06:51Z

It’s been a month since switching over to Pika and I’ve got a few observations about how it’s going for me

I no longer care about stats, don’t check and not interested in how many visits I get
I’m not a huge fan of writing in Safari and would prefer an app
It’s performant, as in quick to post and the site is responsive
I’ve got a simple template that makes navigation easy
I like supporting a small team
I’m not having AI thrown at me every time I do anything like I did with Wordpress
It presents images in a nice layout by default, posting images is easy

Overall I’m completely happy with Pika and I’m glad my impulses got the better of me on this occasion.

Morning walk

2026-08-02T10:43:42Z

New month, new wallpaper

2026-08-02T08:34:55Z

I’m on a bit of a Gundam kick at the moment working my way through the original 1979 series. Here’s a link to the wallpaper.

Morning walk photography

2026-07-31T07:36:24Z