Solo Leveling Arise: A New Beginning, On to Jeju Island without leaving home

 Another Wednesday has passed and the game shows improvement.

Thanks to the developers for speeding up the animation slowdown in the shop and elsewhere!  I haven't seen that ugly blue progress circle since the new release.  It's been slightly more than seven months, so progress should be expected.  In development, it's always better to get it working correctly first and then, speed it up.  Trying to make it fast from the start often requires re-working it far down the line when there isn't time or money for it.

Now, Jeju (pronounced chey ju) Island is a real place in South Korea.  So far the game hasn't talked about much but Seoul and Jeju Island.  Now, the ant king is another matter.  I don't remember a king ant in biology, but a queen ant.  We'll see.

The whole year has been put into future plans.  I was wondering if the game would last a year with the quick progression toward maximum levels.

My Sung Jinwoo is quite strong and the Hunters are showing their strength, also.  It was good to see that they have new light-oriented weapons for Sung Jinwoo.  For so long, I had one R-ranked weapon and then, one SR-ranked weapon.

Now, I have several weapons in both categories that are at level 100.  I've eliminated all of the R- and SR-ranked weapons except for Hunters, and those that remain are for Hunters I have rarely used.

Our tiny, 3-member Guild is going strong, on the way to C-rank.  With the re-balancing last month, it's become easier to finish every daily task.

I'm still unable to enhance/enchant artifacts.  Also, I have three cores, already assigned, but I'm slow to learn how to enhance those.  Being that I started playing the first official day, I should be picking it up better, but I'm sure people with school or jobs are having much more difficulty.

I hope you're all having fun.

Update 2024.12.21: I started on the journey to Jeju Island.  I'm a little concerned about some of the language.  I'm Japanese and I've had Korean friends.  I have the audio in Japanese, but I'm using English subtitles.  All along, when Korea is mentioned, the characters say in Japanese "Japan", which is very confusing since there is at least one word for Korea.

Ahead of the trip to Jeju Island, the Japanese Hunters meet the Korean Hunters in Korea.  There is some dialogue which is aggressive, as though our countries are not friendly.  I'm surprised, especially since this is a video game.

In any case, the first few episodes have been okay, but I'm not to the point where the characters met the queen ant or rather, king ant yet.

Update 2024.12.24: Character level is up to 91 and Army of Shadows is up to level 55 of 72.  Reputation level is 59.

Update 2024.12.28: The Army of Shadows is up to level 57 now.  Battle Tier is up, as well.  Plus, our little three person Guild ツムツム is up to C-rank level 2 and will probably be at C-rank level 1 by Wednesday.

I'm working on getting weapons upgraded with better skills, and getting the Hunters' skills up as well.

Three good reasons to use micro Four-Thirds

 

I've been using micro Four-Thirds seriously since 2014 and I was dabbling from 2012.

I've been hearing "Full Frame" chants since 2004, even when there weren't any such bodies available.

I have three good reasons to use micro Four-Thirds.

• Weight
• Telephoto reach
• Variety of available lenses
• Video on Panasonic bodies
  

Weight is not difficult to understand.  if you have a light system, you can photograph more effectively and travel further with more equipment.  You can find select equipment that is smaller than typical for various sensor sizes, but overall, micro Four-Thirds has the smallest combinations.  Even with the GH7 and G9 MkII, the equipment is fairly light in contrast to APS-C or 135 Format.

Telephoto reach is not difficult, either.  Having a multiplication factor of 1.94x over 135 Format, a telephoto lens with the same reach is smaller.  400mm is effectively 800mm and yes, the Depth of Field is deeper, which is actually preferable when shooting from a distance.

micro Four-Thirds started around 2008, so it has a lot of lenses available over 16 years.  The original lenses were just sufficient.  Since then, some unique lenses such as the Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 lens and the Olympus 8mm f/1.8 fisheye lens.

Best photography with micro Four-Thirds

You can do anything with any camera, if you have the determination, the money, and the skill and sometimes, the luck.  However,  If you're in micro Four-Thirds for wide landscape photography, you're in the wrong format.  If you're photographing weddings or doing portraits, there are better sensor sizes.  However, if you're doing video for weddings or practically anything else, micro Four-Thirds, especially Panasonic, has you covered.

Since the GH4, Panasonic put a lot of its professional knowledge into a camera body that was easy to handle.  Up through the GH7, they have added stabilization, waveforms, and more to make it easier to get video recorded consistently.  The 135 Format Panasonic S5 Mk IIx is equivalent to the GH7, but the GH7 has fewer downsides.  I have the regular S5 Mk II, but I'm not doing much video these days.  Even then, I suspect that Panasonic has a few more firmware updates for the series.

Doing video with the GH4 was better than okay but the auto focus wasn't reliable and the body didn't have IBIS (in-body image stabilization).  For someone with a gimbal stabilizer, it would be less of a problem.  Most film makers don't use auto focus, so there isn't a problem for them, either.  The GH7 and G9 Mk II both have hybrid (PDAF + CDAF) auto focus and amazing Dual I.S. when using Panasonic lenses with O.I.S.

Panasonic S5 Mk II with Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro for Canon + adapter

 I've been wanting a telephoto lens of some sort.  Spending another US$1000 or more wasn't happening.  I have too many questions about what will suit me.  On Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds, I had a good selection of telephoto zoom lenses, including one that was exceptional for any format I've ever used.  The Olympus ZD SHG 35-100mm f/2.0 is an amazing lens.  Comparing every 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to it makes me think that I'm just not going to get what I want.

 

Switching to 135 Format, I don't have any telephoto lenses, not even from my old film days.  I took a chance on a Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro lens.  The lens was introduced in 2003 and I'm not sure how old this one is.  Considering how clean it is, without weather-sealing, it's probably quite new.  To use it properly, I bought a Viltrox EF-mount to L-mount Pro adapter, the one that has the electronic connections for AF, IS, and aperture control.  The lens doesn't have any image stabilization, but it does have auto focus, with a clutch on the lens that you pull toward the body to enable manual focus.  Manual focus sounds a little grindy.  I seem to remember reviews complaining about all focusing making some noise.

 

It didn't arrive with the lens, so I bought a K&F Concept manual adapter in the meantime.  The lens and the camera fit together, and I can focus and shoot, but because there is no aperture ring, it's stuck at the default aperture, and there isn't much else.  It worked but defaulted to ISO 6400, which probably wasn't that bad.  The adapter seems sturdy enough and I was interested in their quality for an inexpensive circular polarizing filter, as well.

The Viltrox adapter arrived today, after Adorama sent a second one since the first one was lost at the UPS facility.  Getting it about a week late is no joke.  2nd Day Air usually works better.  I appreciate that Adorama went out of its way for me.  I'm just glad I wasn't counting on the mount adapter for a job, like in the old days.

 The adapter has electronic connections, a switch on the side to indicate to the camera to notice the combination of lens and adapter as a native lens or to let the adapter be seen by itself.  Unfortunately, the switch is hidden by the handgrip and it's safer to remove the lens, set the switch, and reattach the adapter.

The Viltrox adapter also has a USB type-C port for software updates.  I took a look at the website and it mentioned lens updates and strangely, didn't even mention this adapter.  It was surprising that they had an electronic adapter.  They've been selling lenses lately, but not for L-mount.  They had some adapters for micro Four-Thirds and probably wanted to show Panasonic that they were still out there.

What's pretty amazing about this mount adapter is that it has an extra collar to tighten the lens to the mount.  It's a little tricky to get everything right, but you don't want an expensive lens jiggling and losing contact just when that perfect photo is about to be captured.

It's raining outside (neither are weather-sealed) but the little bit of testing I did with the Viltrox adapter shows it to be good.  The AF of the lens was never incredibly fast, so I think it's as good as it would be on a Canon dSLR body.  Maybe, it's even better because there probably isn't a calibration problem, as we used to have where the lens was just a bit too close or too far for focus to be exact.

 Now, if Viltrox will put out their new 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for L-Mount, I'll be set.  I'm fairly certain that Samyang's 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 would be a better choice, though.

Update 2024.12.15: It's a bit less rainy today and I noticed that the local park has an added duck pond.  After shopping, I went there to take a few photos.  I need to adjust for the weight, as the IBIS isn't good for long distances.

The photo of the tree seems to be more in focus.  The water and ducks seem just out of focus, but on the edge.  I probably should have chosen more carefully but it was below 50 degrees F and I don't handle cooler temperatures all that well after having frostbite years ago.  I just exported a JPEG version of the raw files to add here.  Color is good.  At one point, the auto focus went the whole range to figure out where it needed to be.  Macro lenses have the oddest AF.

For a fixed focal length of 180, it feels heavy enough to be a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.  Maybe, I'm just out of practice.

 

Update 2025.01.03: The moon and one planet were out and it was so clear last night as I was walking to the store.  I hesitated but kept going.  Tonight, it's a bit hazy, unforunately, but I tried.  I had to give up on AF because it just wouldn't lock onto anything.  Manual focus makes a lot of noise, as if there is something wrong, but I seem to remember these lenses doing that even when they were new.

Don't buy Razer products, Support (web site) sucks

 I've had it with Razer's crappy support.

My Razer Edge that I bought in July is DEAD.

I went to their web site, got the device number they needed and filled out the support form.  Since I'm in my account, they shouldn't need more than an explanation.

Please let us know more about what happened. A little more detail about the issue would be very helpful.

When and how did the issue start?
Was it working fine before?
Were there any changes made to your system prior to this issue?
Have you updated your Windows to the latest version?
Were there any circumstances in which any physical damage has been inflicted on the device?
Any noticeable physical damage from the device?
Could you walk us through the things/steps that you have done before the issue started? We appreciate it if you could provide the detailed steps as possible


Please also provide the following information below for us to validate the warranty claim:

Complete Name:
Phone Number:
Country:

Subscribed to RazerCare: Yes/No?

Place of Purchase:
Date of Purchase:
Proof of Purchase:

We would also need a PDF copy of the proof of purchase in case a warranty claim would be needed.

 They'd like me to troubleshoot it.  To me, they should understand that dead means that it no longer functions.  Maybe they don't have competent people.  Maybe they're not located in the headquarters where they have access to the information.

Previously, I had a pair of their low-end Bluetooth headphones/headset.  They were good and I got a deal on the high end pair with THX-capable sound.  They were slippery to get out of the case.  Apparently, when I was trying to remove one of them, I touched the shell in a certain way, lowering the volume, so that they weren't equal.  When they're out of the case, there was no way to change one of them in such a way.  I eventually did something similar and it was fine again and then, I caused it to happen again, and it's been stuck that way.  Support was "Oh?"

I'm a bit surprised that the Razer Edge didn't even last five months.  Perhaps, the Snapdragon G3X was too much, even with the fan running constantly.  I remember people complaining about the 888 being hot as hell.

Update 2024.12.05: Got a decent response:

Thank you for your detailed response. Based on the information provided, we’ve determined that the issue appears to be related to a possible hardware fault. We will now proceed with processing your RMA.

You can expect an email from our RMA team within 24 to 48 hours with further instructions on the next steps.

Hope that it won't be too difficult from this point.  I'm still not buying any other products from them.

Got the e-mail and went to the link.  Couldn't enter my information (which they already have in their system) with Firefox, Chrome, or Edge on Windows 11 and using Firefox on macOS.

Update 2024.12.08: They updated my address within the form.  I clicked the checkbox to apply the same address to both billing and shipping.

I clicked the Next button, which gave me the UPS shipment number and the ability to download the shipping label.  Clicking the download gave me "Access denied".  I can't be the first to use this system.  Surely, someone (should have) tested their website.

Too quickly, I judge.  They sent me an e-mail from UPS with the linked label.  I'm guessing that I can take the link to a UPS Store and that they will be able to scan it and print it.

Update 2024.12.09: Someone saw my issue that I posted and they made a copy of the receipt in PDF form.  I actually made it to a UPS store this morning and they scanned the e-mail from UPS and it's on the way.

Update 2024.12.13: Friday the 13th, my lucky day, it is.  Razer's facility in the U.S.A. has received the Edge and they're processing the RMA.  Supposedly, I should receive another device after a few more days.  They are keeping in contact.  Maybe, it will make it by Christmas.

Update 2024.12.17: FedEx seems to think that the replacement will be delivered tomorrow.  I read something that said that the warranty of the replacement unit will last 90 days or until the end of the original warranty, whichever is greater.  Since it was about 150 days, I should have a bit over 200 remaining.  I hope I don't need it.

I'll say that the customer service has been good.  I had a terrible time with their web site, but customer service bent over backwards to help me.

 

Update 2024.12.18: I got a package today.  Unfortunately, they sent me a power brick and a cable, instead of my Razer Edge.

Update 2024.12.20: Apparently, they had to ship a new device, all the way from Hong Kong.  FedEx is handling the package, so hopefully, they'll be better than UPS is and it will arrive before the end of the year.  Once again, I had trouble with their web site.  I clicked on the tracking number and got "no permission" or "denied" or some such.  It looked like a FedEx tracking number, though, so I tried their tracking and it was theirs.

Update 2024.12.23:  It took three days to get across Hong Kong, so I don't hold much hope that it will arrive before the end of the year.  It's "on the way",  so it could be on a ship, on a plane, or in customs.  Maybe, a OnePlus 12R should be on my list once I have the money.

It made it to Taiwan while I slept.

Update 2024.12.27: It arrived and it left.  They didn't make any noise, so I guess they rang the Ring doorbell that doesn't work and wrote the "no one was home" door sticker.  They needed a signature and I was home.  I'm not the only one in the house, but if someone knocks on the door, someone responds.  FedEx doesn't have seem to have any way to have them send a text message when they're at the door.  The driver barely put the name and the date on the sticker.

Update 2024.12.30: It arrived.  I heard someone open the front door and went to see.  It arrived and I got to sign for it.  The driver used the Ring door bell that hasn't been working for two years.

I think that what arrived was the full retail package.  Since they seemed to be on clearance when I got mine, I'm surprised that they had any remaining.

I need to send them a controller, since they sent the who combination.  Ugggh.  Now, I feel bad that I didn't send every little detail.

Right now, it's updating the operating system.  I wish it was newer than Android 12.  After that, it will take a while to get my games and other apps installed and get my data back from backup, if I can figure that out.

Panasonic Lumix S-series Telephoto Lenses.

 The one thing that isn't good about 135 Format is the telephoto lens selection and Panasonic only has one that ends at 300mm, a 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and it's about US$1100. It took Panasonic a while on micro Four-Thirds to get any good telephoto lenses and that format is much better for reach because of the sensor size.

I've been looking for a 135mm f/2.0 lens, like what Rokinon/Samyang had, even if it's manual.  There is a Sigma 135mm f/1.8 but it appears to be going away.  For US$1400, it's not bad, but it has the hypersonic motors that were being introduced in the dSLR days for faster auto focus.  In my experience, they are not great for photographing video with AF and stepping motors work much better with mirrorless cameras and hybrid AF.  It's possible that we'll see the version change from HSM to HLA in the near future, as some of their lenses have already made the transition.

As an aside, my first 135 Format film camera came with a 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon kit lens and I later bought a Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 lens for something like US$45.00 when a 50mm f/1.4 would have been US$350 and a 50mm f/1.2 would have been US$500.  Back then, Vivitar was a good brand and had the first push-pull zoom mechanism.  Working in the camera department of a department store a bit later, I had the opportunity to test the equipment, so that I could give an accurate opinion.  Sadly, we didn't have any Medium Format equipment.

Have you noticed all of the long telephoto zoom lenses?  I haven't, either.  Sigma has the 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3, which is the latest rendition of what we used to call Bigma.  For US$2000, it's a deal, but it's over 5 pounds at 88 ounces or 2.49 kg.  You'll need to hire a photo assistant and have a tripod ready.  Panasonic has a 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and it's about US$1100.  These are weather-sealed lenses.  If you're photographing sports, you're going to be ready.

 In the meantime, I opted for something used, a Canon 180mm f/3.5 macro lens substitute from Tamron for US$243.00 + a Viltrox (Pro) adapter for US$163.50.  They actually had a Canon L-series lens but it was missing parts and I didn't want to pay extra and not have all of the parts.  Besides, the L-series lenses were sometimes good, sometimes not.  I used to see a sizeable number of refurbished L-series lenses.

180mm isn't terribly long, but the 70-200mm f/2.8 isn't much longer, and I'm not sure I'm wanting to pay for that 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, even though the Dual I.S. will make it steadier.  Neither the Canon or Tamron lenses seemed to have image stabilization.  The IBIS in the S5 Mk II probably won't be completely effective at 180mm, which is partly why I already have a Smallrig CT-20 tripod/monopod.

Update 2024.12.23: I mentioned something about the lack of a Panasonic 85mm f/1.4 on L-Rumors and someone mentioned that the Sigma lens was amazing.  As great as that is, where is Panasonic's lens?

Next month, they have an announcement at CES, which is not exactly the place for professional equipment, but maybe, just maybe, they're announcing replacements for the S1, S1H, and S1R, plus some lenses.

Been mostly mirrorless for ten years

 It's been about ten years since I was mostly using mirrorless cameras.

I had the Olympus OM-D E-M1 in the summer of 2014 and the Panasonic GH4 in December.  I'd been using the Olympus E-1 since April 2004 and the E-5 since 2012, along with the Panasonic GH3.

 

I photographed sports with the E-1 for quite a while.  When I got the E-5, I also got the ZD SHG 35-100mm f/2.0, which was amazing for swimming and basketball photography.  You could practically hammer nails and dunk the equipment and it would still work.

The GH3 was a bad choice for me.  I didn't do video and it excelled at video and didn't do quite that well for stills photography.  The EVF had a purple tint.  The Panasonic X 35-100mm f/2.8 was 2/3 the price of the Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 but it was 1/10 the lens.

In late 2013, I got a call from Olympus and they invited me to see some unannounced camera.  That camera was the E-M1.  It was supposed to take my lenses and make them work as well as on my Four-Thirds equipment.  That didn't work as expected.  I had my backpack with two SHG lenses and more HG lenses.  They worked but the E-5 was much faster to focus.  I declined to promise that I would buy one but that I would keep quiet about my experience.  I hoped that a production model would be much better.

In early summer 2014, I was frustrated with the GH3 and traded it for an E-M1.  It was better than the GH3.  The color of the viewfinder was more like real life.  The GH3 was purple-tinted.  The E-M1 responded like a real camera, not just a video camera with a modification for still photography.

I moved to California and my first week, I was photographing at skate parks.  My timing plus a fast burst mode got me a lot of winners.  I still used the dSLR and did just fine.  Having just the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 and the Panasonic X 35-100mm f/2.8, I didn't have as much lens versatility as I did with the dSLR.  I had an adapter but the speed just wasn't good enough.  It was better to use the dSLR and get the shots than to miss them.

When the GH4 was available in December, I started recording video.  It was cumbersome because the GH4 had no In-Body Image Stabilization and the Lumix X 35-100mm f/2.8 had Optical Image Stabilization that made video worse.  The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 didn't have any problem but it was too wide for what I needed.  That Olympus Pro 12-100mm f/4.0 would have been ideal, if they'd only had it sooner.

In the last week, I've seen quite a few videos on the E-M1.  The latest OM-1 Mk II seems very much like the original E-M1 but better.  To me, the E-M1 was the reason to have a mirrorless camera.  I remember trying the Fujifilm X-T1 but it wasn't very good and the mirrorless camera bodies from Sony were worse.  Photographing sports, I didn't spend 45 minutes photographing a flower.  I also didn't spent a lot of time in post processing.  I had a certain look and that took a little while for each, and I could put some samples up and wait for orders.

 When you look for cameras now, you'll see many more mirrorless cameras and lenses than you will dSLRs.  The dSLRs still exist and a number of them are being sold, but most of the old is being retired.  You can thank Panasonic and Olympus for this revolution.

I have continued with the Panasonic S5 Mk II, which is 135 Format and heavier than I've had for a while.  That Olympus E-5 in the photo was rather heavy and so was the 35-100mm f/2.0.

Update 2024.12.01: I was thinking about how much has changed.  They were trying to find a good way to identify mirrorless camera systems. ILC, MILC, CSC, and more were used.  I remember going to a store in Dayton, Ohio.  I'd been to one of the same company's stores in Cincinnati, Ohio and they had a decent selection and no brand fanatics.  A salesperson greeted me and asked how she could help.  I said that I was looking for micro Four-Thirds equipment and she took me to the Sony equipment.  I said "no, I want to see micro Four-Thirds equipment.  Olympus and Panasonic are the brands." and she replied "It's all micro Four-Thirds." and I walked out of the store.

Many people back then couldn't differentiate between mirrorless cameras as a category and micro Four-Thirds as a sub-category since Panasonic and Olympus developed the idea and made it a reality.

Solo Leveling: Arise, the first end, later, Jeju Island

 I’m nearing the end of the game, until the new content of Jeju Island is added anyway. I’m partway through Hidden Chapter 4. My character level is 87 and my Reputation level is 55. Just having passed half a year, that seems a lot.

 

I’ve also been through quite a bit on Hard mode and also on Reverse mode. It always seems a bit of a struggle but I continue to play. Part of the struggle are all the !@#$ delays. I noticed with the new outfit, the delays were worse, so I switched back to the summer outfit.

I’m not certain the reason that they have to animate everything. The Shop doesn’t need the stickers and the words animated, do they? We see them anyway.

Back to game play, I’ve been leveling up skills for Weapons and Hunters. I’ve been trying to get Legendary Runes but Heroic seem to be more easy to Fuse. I’ve got two or three Legendary Runes and one or two Legendary Blessing Stones. I’ve adjusted which are being used, to increase power.

I have six level 100 Sung Jinwoo weapons now and one level 100 weapon for Go Gunhee. Level 80 weapons with several Advances are good, but aren’t placed as high, for whatever reason.

I’m writing this just now because I need a break. It’s somewhat exhausting to play and then, to lose at the end of an episode. I’m running out of time and die occasionally. I’m sure we all try to do things differently or analyze the strategy too many times to fix things. Sometimes, that works wonders.

 

Last night, I went through the early Chapters in Hard mode and got more trophies completed, along with Custom Draw Tickets. If I get to the end before the new content arrives, I will have time to complete more.

 

Well, there is more to come.  I completed Hidden Chapter 4 and the side chapter.  Sung Jinwoo barely survived, but level 74 battles are a little rough some times.  I still have much to do to complete these episodes, but that will take higher skills, weapons at level 100, both for Hunters and Sung Jinwoo.

Next week for the new battles, or next month?

Update 2024.11.27: We're not going to Jeju Island yet.

Simulation mode seems a copy of Honkai: Star Rail's Simulated Universe.

They have reduced some of the requirements for meeting daily goals.

Tuesday, I moved up to Difficulty Level 31.  I'm a bit hesitant to take on S-ranked gates.  I've done them with ease tonight after their changes.  Red gates today were no problem.  We'll see about the red-eyed ice bear.  I should probably push it to Difficulty Level 32.

I finally messed with the Armory again, after wasting all my Essence Stones back when they were few, to open up slots.  There is an enhancement to each weapon, and seven levels of enhancement.

Before I used the coupon codes, I got Custom Draw Tickets--273 of them.  I got a few Advances on my level 100 weapons.  I still need a second Light oriented weapon.  After two sessions with the Guild Boss, I got more tokens toward that weapon.  I'm nowhere near 100, though.

Update 2024.11:30: I've moved the Difficulty Level to 32.  Reputation Level is up again to 56.  My position in the rankings is in the 60s.  I will move higher but not that much higher.  I've been using all those artifacts above level 70 to move those Hunters higher.  Getting enough artifact enhancement materials has been difficult, though.  I bought 100 of the second level enhancers for US$6.99 and the game tore through those 14-20 at a time for one level.  They didn't even last two minutes.

Still, at Difficulty Level 32, I'm finishing gates much more quickly.  Finally got Thetis' Grimoire to level 100.  Having two water oriented weapons that freeze is helpful.

Update 2024.12.01: Got my first Cores.  One for Sung Jinwoo, one for a Dark Hunter, and another for a Water Hunter.

 

Update 2024.12.02: Up to Difficulty Level 33.  Battle Tier is up to Level 31.  Army of Shadows is up to level 47.  Reputation Level is 57, and I'm at number 58 overall with 1948 trophies.  The Guild should be at Rank D1 on Wednesday when the reset occurs, which isn't bad considering that there are only three of us.

Update 2024.12.11: There are trailers for the game awards, showing the Jeju Island bits and the Ant King.  Why isn't it an Ant Queen?  Of course, Sung Jinwoo goes up against that one.  One of the videos mentioned version 3.0, but since we haven't gone to version 2.0 yet, I wonder if they're just throwing out numbers or planning something big.

I'm up to 2051 trophies and I've slid to number 62.  Reputation level is up to 58 and getting through Character level 89 somewhat quickly.  The Guild is up to Rank D1, which is awesome for three people making progress.  I need to fill the blanks and keep going.

I've created a couple of the SSR-ranked weapons for Hunters, so things are better.  Resources are somewhat better recently.  Army of Shadows is up to level 48 and some of the shadows are more powerful.  I can't decide about the Diffficulty level but I'm 90% certain that I need to increase it to level 34.

Update 2024.12.18: Another livestream event and there is a future.

 

More codes, more characters, more weapons have arrived.

 

Now, we know that there is much more planned, although things could change in the gaming industry.

Panasonic micro Four-Thirds to Panasonic 135 Format

 I've recently made the jump to the Panasonic Lumix S5 Mk II after quite a while with Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds using Panasonic and Olympus equipment.

I've heard people going on about "Full Frame" for the last 20 years, even if they didn't have any of the products. I used 135 Format back in my film days. I couldn't wait to get rid of film after spending 6 hours at a time repairing scanned photos and/or negatives.

I got into Four-Thirds in 2004 and into micro Four-Thirds in 2012. I got into video in late 2014 with the Panasonic GH4, even though the GH3 was fully capable of 1080p recording.

For US$1699, the GH4 was an overachiever. It's still impressive but the goals have changed, and 4K is more easily achievable with a 4K TV in many homes. Fast forward to 2024 when I saw a deal for the Panasonic S5 Mk II with 50mm f/1.8 and 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses for US$2247.99. The S5 Mk II body itself really isn't much more expensive than the GH4 was in 2014.

I almost bought the G9 Mk II because there was an incredible trade-in deal and I would have saved a lot of money, and wouldn't be looking for lenses. However, I wanted something different, and I wanted to keep my Panasonic GM5.

Still, I wanted two things from a new camera body: PDAF and IBIS.

The G9 Mk II and the S5 Mk II have both and they're the best that Panasonic has done. I could have bought an older, used body without the PDAF but I struggled on occasion with the GH4 and the GX8. I recorded video on the GH4 quite a bit. I was photographing a scooter tournament at Woodward West with the GH4 taking video and the Olympus E-M1 taking still photos--the best tools for the job. At a later date, I went back to photograph a free day there and took a Nikon D7200, as well. It could not keep up.  I looked at the Z50 and the Z5 and the Z6, but didn't think that they were quite right.

I've had the S5 Mk II for a couple of weeks. It's a handful. Getting it set like the GH4 has been an incremental process. It's worked beautifully during the day and struggled at night. For all those people chanting "Full Frame", telling me that micro Four-Thirds wasn't getting enough light, each sensor needs the same exposure to light. The Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 on 135 Format is more difficult at night than my Leica/Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 was. Depth of Field doesn't matter if you can't get the shot. Image quality doesn't matter if you can't get the shot.

The difference between the Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 and the 50mm f/1.4 Pro lenses is about US$1500. Holy !@#$ I might as well go another thousand or four for the Leica lens. I really miss my designed-by-Leica-hand-assembled-by-Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 that was a Four-Thirds lens designed for the Leica Digilux 3. I was so afraid to take it out in bad weather, though. There was no weather-sealing at all.  Knowing that lens, I'm certain that the Panasonic 50mm f/1.4 Pro is an extremely capable lens.

Converting from the GH4, I am reminded that the video is going to be an easier transition than the still photography will be. I haven't worked with a 3:2 ratio since 135 Format film. Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds used 4:3 ratio, just like Medium Format. Kodak, the maker of the original sensors, was big in Medium Format.

Now, the big deal is the weight of the lenses. If you look back at the family portrait photo at the beginning, you'll notice the rather big lens. That was an Olympus SHG ZD 35-100mm f/2.0 lens. I would say that it's the finest lens I've used on any equipment. It has a 77mm filter size and it is heavy. The rest were quite easy to hand hold without IBIS or OIS but I handheld the 35-100mm f/2.0 on an Olympus E-5 to photograph swimming and basketball. I did not handhold it with any micro Four-Thirds body, including the E-M1 that was supposed to support all of the SHG lenses but was far too small for reasonable balance.

The Panasonic 50mm f/1.8 and 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 are big and heavy for their apertures. They're weather-sealed and have Auto Focus, but they are shamefully large compared to lenses from the 1970s. Find a 50mm f/1.2 from Nikon, Olympus, or Canon and you'll find them rather small. Obviously, there were no electronic connections, no AF, no weather-sealing, but the optics were good, not great. A maximum aperture of f/1.2 meant that f/2.0 was good; f/1.4 meant that f/2.8 would be good, and it wouldn't be until later that there were amazing, regardless of the price.

Panasonic seems to be pushing daytime performance. The usual f/1.4 lenses aren't there, except for the 50mm f/1.4. As well, the telephoto zooms are few, although that's not unusual for Panasonic. I like that they all work with Dual I.S. so that the lens OIS works in conjunction with the IBIS and you can get a sharp image because of stabilization.

One thing I might do is to buy an adapter and use Canon or Nikon dSLR lenses. With micro Four-Thirds, you could buy an adapter with a focal reducer for increased effective apertures. No such tricks exist from 135 Format to 135 Format.

There are a few Chinese brands such as 7artisans, TTartisan, and Meike that are starting to make manual lenses for L-mount. Meike I trust. I had a 7artisans 55mm f/1.4 for micro Four-Thirds and it was good but heavy. The lens reviews I've seen for 7artisans and TTartisan seem evenly good and bad. Some seem to mention "falling apart", which doesn't give me confidence. Samyang has a 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 that is appealing, if I can work with the weight. It also has auto focus, but I'll probably need a tripod or monopod to use it.

Update 2024.11.30: I was watching some video where a person had gone from Fujifilm X-T3, X-T4, X-T5 to one of the Nikon Z mirrorless bodies and then, to Fujifilm GFX 100.  He was feeling unhappy about not having any recent telephoto shots.  Instead of going back to a Fujifilm X-T5 with a better chance for better reach, he was going back to a Nikon Z body.  Does that make sense?  Why not stay with a brand you like?

On the adapters, Adorama had a deal on a Canon EF to L-mount adapter.  They also had a used Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 lens (not Milvus) for a bit under US$500.  That would have been about US$800 with tax and shipping.  The lens was rated Excellent but didn't include the lens hood.  Zeiss is not a brand I'd ever considered, but on their own, they're good and sometimes, great.  Partnering with Sony, as Panasonic and Leica are partnered, I lost some respect for them.  As well, Leica has some interesting fixed focal length lenses, but I wouldn't buy one of their zoom lenses.

TTartisan and 7artisans both have 135 Format fisheye lenses, 11mm f/2.8 and 10mm f/2.8 respectively.  The 7artisans lens is a redesign.  The company does that a lot, as if they make and sell a lot of mistakes with the first release.  They're both under US$300 and they're both manual lenses.  I miss my Olympus 8mm f/1.8 Pro for micro Four-Thirds.  That should have gone to the grave with me.

Update 2024.12.03: Watching another video from an S5 Mk II user trying a G9 Mk II, he states that the f-stop is really a f/5.6 for a 135 Format f/2.8.  It isn't.  The Depth of Field is like that, though.  However, it requires the same exposure calculation for any format.  If it really did take less light for the 135 Format sensor, Medium Format would have crushed 135 Format and 135 Format would have crushed APS-C and micro Four-Thirds.  I'm a bit shocked that such misinformation is still happening.  My Intro to Photography professor would have been surprised.

I've ordered a Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro lens.  It isn't something new, as they don't really have any current dSLR lenses on their website any longer.  I ordered it with a Viltrox brand Canon EF-mount to L-mount Pro adapter.  Hopefully, it's enough so I stop whining/whinging about the lack of a telephoto lens.  It's heavy enough that I will be whining/whinging about carrying the extra weight in my backpack.

The latest video review I saw about it was in 2017 and I saw that the lens was introduced in 2003, but I'm hoping for the best and it was a rather expensive lens at one time.  Can't see spending money on one of the Panasonic telephoto zooms at this moment.

Update 2024.12.08: It's amazing how many videos I've seen on the S5 Mk II.  A few of them are people saying that they've switched from Sony equipment, just because support for video is so much better on Panasonic.  Some of what they're claiming are technologies that Panasonic incorporated to the GH* series of micro Four-Thirds bodies a few years ago.

By the way, I'm still waiting on my EF-mount to L-mount adapter that includes support for auto focus.  UPS failed me again.  I suspect that they misplaced the item after receiving it 12 hours after the lens.  I ordered a manual mount adapter which really isn't any good with a lens that doesn't include an aperture ring.  Guess what the Tamron lens doesn't have?

I need to photograph more.  I may need to work out to carry the new combination.

Trouble with Blogger, Probably done blogging

I recently went into one of my blog entries and it wasn't the typical text editor I normally see. It was the HTML editor and it said that I had problems with the HTML that needed to be corrected. I have never messed with the HTML side all of the years I've been using Blogger. I went to some entry that I'd done over a year ago, and that text was shown in HTML mode with an error message that there was a problem with HTML coding.

Just now, the entry looks completely off, as if they've made a change without testing it. I need to finish now, as I won't be able to trust the editing process. I would notify them, but they don't seem to make it easy to do that. I'm not sure that it's worthwhile to continue blogging, as only a handful of people read what I write. Some of the older entries have nearly 1000 views but that's over a rather long period of time. 

Be well!

 I will be at my new blog. 

Update 2024.11.18: Interesting.  Someone at Blogger must have noticed a problem.  The editor seems to be happier with my text now.

Six Months of Solo Leveling:Arise

 It's been about six months since I started playing.  I got the 180 Days of Logins achievement the other day.

 

My Character level is 86 (just today) and my Reputation level is 54.  My last ranking showed me getting closer to the Top 100, but far enough away that it will be a while.

 

I have three weapons for Sung Jinwoo that are level 100.  I have most of the SSR-ranked characters, except for Cha Hae-In, but have her weapon.

 

Our guild moved up to E2 from E3.  I haven't looked to see what's good about that.  There are only three members in the guild, whereas most guilds above us have 50 members and some are by invitation only.  In other games by Netmarble, I avoided organizations because other people would join, suck away the resources, and leave.  That isn't possible with this game.

 

The Army of Shadows has been changing somewhat rapidly lately with more characters and more characters being leveled up.

I've been progressing in the story past the Hidden Chapter 1 and its side chapter.  I'm at the end of Hidden Chapter 2 but can't quite finish yet.

Playing some of the other modes, I'm starting to see all of the extra magical creatures that are hidden later in the stories.

I like the game, especially when the Story mode mixes battles with manga/manhwa or anime.  Seeing things develop makes it more interesting.  It could use more locations.  Most of the arenas are the same with artwork added, but still there might only be four different arenas.  They could use more variety. Later chapters in Story mode seem to tie the same outdoor areas together.  It doesn't seem to be as big as Honkai: Star Rail.  Obviously, it's not big like Genshin Impact.

Choosing the right camera for the job

 I've been around quite a while.  I sold cameras in the 1970s, photographed sports, did graphic design, and made videos at skate parks.

How do you choose the best camera for you?

• Decide what you want to do with it.
• See if there are lenses within the system that will do what you want.
• Choose must-have features and decide what other features would be helpful, but not necessary.
• Decide how much you can pay for equipment and software to support the equipment.
• Find videos on equipment both positive and negative.
• Don't fall in love at first sight.
• Don't be swayed by brand fanatics. 
• Who needs the latest and greatest?

Decide what you want to do with it

  If you're not sure what you want to do with it, you'll be wandering in every direction.  If you mostly want to take video, you shouldn't buy a dSLR because a mirrorless body will be more flexible.  If you want a great dSLR for stills photography, there may be several bodies within a brand that will meet your needs.

See if there are lenses within the system that will do what you want

 You must check to see if the best lenses for the job are available.  If you want to do wide landscapes, you'll want lenses with lower numbered focal lengths and bigger format sensors.  If you're trying to photograph wildlife, smaller sensors will help you cut the effective distance.

Choose must-have features and decide what other features would be helpful, but not necessary

Do you really need 8K video?  Can you live without In-body Image Stabilization?  Do you need 50+ MP?  Do you need weather-resistance?

Decide how much you can pay for equipment and software to support the equipment

You always have to look at every part of your workflow, not just the camera body.

If you're concentrating on stills photography, you'll need a good raw developer.  My favorite is Capture One Pro.  I've been using it since version 3.0.  Some people swear by Lightroom, which I tried when it was new, but like most Adobe software, I swore at it.  If you need something less expensive Affinity Photo by Serif works both as a raw developer and a Photoshop alternative. 

For video, you'll need something that will accept your camera's files.  You can use Da Vinci Resolve, Hit Film Pro, Premiere Pro, Vegas Pro.  Remember to figure the cost of your plug-ins, also.

Great lenses aren't cheap, either.  You'll have your lenses longer than your camera bodies.  Also, if you need to capture video and stills, you might want to have two less expensive bodies that can handle each function separately.

Find videos on equipment both positive and negative

Since there are so many video reviews, it's best to see what can be done.  Don't automatically trust them, though.  View them from a variety of sources.  Don't be surprised if they differ quite a lot.  Be suspicious of overly positive or overly negative outcomes.  I used to see magazines compare technology whether computers or cameras and they would complain about several problems and the product with the most advertising in the magazine would always win. 

Don't fall in love at first sight

It's easy to go into a store and find a camera body or lens presented in such a way that you cannot deny how great it is, even if it doesn't fit your needs.  Six months later, you could be regretting spending the money.

If you already have equipment, try it with something you own.  Capture photos or video on your own card.  Think before rushing into buying.

 Don't be swayed by brand fanatics

 I used to hear something like "My dad's cousin's niece's college roommate's boyfriend's dad uses CaNikon, so you should, also."

I've been to a few stores where I got "Oh, we don't know anything about those.  We only use CaNikon."

When I was selling cameras, I always explained the system and why the bodies were best for certain functionality.  I've met a few sales people who didn't know what they were selling.

Who needs the latest and greatest?

Who hasn't seen the latest technology and wanted it, not because it was necessary, but because it was new?

You can save yourself headaches and money by using something that's been in use for a while and has all the firmware updates to make it reliable.  If you're making money with your equipment, reliability is so important.

Lightly used equipment is also a good idea.  You won't likely have the manufacturer's warranty but you'll have the satisfaction that someone else was using it successfully.  Buy from a reputable company.  In the U.S.A., I can recommend Adorama, B&H Photo, Roberts Camera (Indiana), Mike's Camera (California and Colorado).

Remember that your choice is correct for you

Find what is the best for you and make the most of it.  Try every setting and learn from failure.  Keep the equipment manuals on your phone.  I've seen a load of people who will sneer at you for not using their brand.  Wedding photographers are like that, but hobbyists are worse.  Those who are ignorant of all the choices tend to sneer.  Just keep going and outdo them with better photographs.

135 Format on the way

From my history of photography 

Over the years, I've handled a lot of different camera bodies in various formats.  The first camera I used was a 6x6 box camera using roll film.  I've used very technical cameras since then and with the digital age, I started again.  Since 2004, I've been using Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds, both Olympus and Panasonic.  I tried Nikon for a bit, but it was a pain, moreso than during the film era.  Fujifilm made my favorite film cameras, along with Olympus and Mamiya.

I've photographed sports with Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds equipment starting with the Olympus E-1 in 2004.  Back then, it was hard to believe that digital cameras would be good enough.  Now, it's difficult to believe that young people are using film cameras or that Pentax and Rollei have developed new film cameras for sale recently.

Back to the present

I just ordered a Panasonic S5 Mk II with 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50mm f/1.8.  The Amazon 5 payments thing got my attention.  Getting it the next day was surprising.  I guess they didn't want me to have time to think about canceling the order.

It's new for me, but this body has been out long enough to have firmware version 3.1.  Panasonic finally admitted that they needed to provide Phase Detection AF, instead of their hit-or-miss Depth from Defocus technology that was introduced on the GH4.  I didn't like DFD then, and while it's become better, it will never be good enough.

I was looking at another micro Four-Thirds body, an Olympus E-M1 Mk III, which was good and then, there was a Panasonic G9 Mk II trade-in special that was incredible, marking it down US$600 and then, adding your trade-in value.  The G9 Mk II also has PDAF.  They did the same with the GH7.

The problem with micro Four-Thirds is that we don't know when it will end.  135 Format is claiming a lot of the market finally, as mirrorless bodies have taken over in a big way.  I got involved with micro Four-Thirds back in 2012 with the GH3.  At one point, I was taking an Olympus E-M1, Panasonic GH4, GX8, and GM5 to skate parks with me.  Now, I only have the GM5.

Panasonic to Panasonic

The S5 Mk II is about the same size as the GH4.  It's not huge, but it is bigger than the undersized Sony bodies that are difficult to hold but becoming better.  It's certainly bigger than most of the 135 Format film bodies from the 1970s, except for the Nikon F2.

The lenses seem small, but again, they're bigger than equivalent lenses in the 1970s.  However, nothing back then was weather-sealed and not much had auto focus.  The Polaroid SX70 was the first camera I sold (I was in camera sales for a while) with auto focus, and auto exposure was just coming to cameras later in that decade.

I'm charging the S5 Mk II battery right now.  Instead of a separate charger, they have a USB type-A to type-C cable, and a power adapter for AC current.  The light atop the body signals that it is being charged.  That is also the light that signals a connection to the phone app.

The menus are familiar but much has been added since the GH4 or GX8.  It's going to take a while to get the settings right.  I need to set up the custom settings, so that it uses Natural, instead of Standard, and Raw instead of JPEG.  I also need to set a video mode, 1920x1080 at 60p.  While I have computers to handle 3840x2160 or 4096x2160, I don't want to record 4K video.  I found that you must set file format MP4 for 1080p, unlike what I did with the GH4.  MOV format is reserved for 4K and C4K.

I need to order an SD Card for storage.  I have a few around here somewhere, but they're older.  This body uses UHS II cards for speed.  There are two slots but I don't need to fill both.  I'm also considering third party batteries.  There is a brand called Wasabi with a charger and two batteries for US$39.99.  I can't imagine that they'll last a year, but for my casual use, that shouldn't be a problem.  My official Panasonic GH4 batteries were still going after three years.

How much does anyone need?

I've watched a few videos about the S5 Mk II and how it compares to Sony and Canon.  Why don't they compare it to Nikon?  I'm not sure.

24 Megapixels isn't a lot in 2024, especially with Fujifilm's APS-C sensor having 40 MP.  I don't need more and I suspect few people need more, unless they're working professionally.  In that case, they should be using Medium Format.  Lower pixel counts require you to be more careful.  I've been working mostly with 16 MP and occasionally with 20 MP.  I'm sure 24 MP will be fine for me, especially with a dual-gain sensor.  I was using ISO 3200 as my upper limit of acceptable photos for micro Four-Thirds, ISO 4000 for the Nikon D7200, and I expect ISO 6400 will be the reasonable limit for this sensor, but I might push it to ISO 12800.

Thinking about APS-C, there is such a mode, similar to what Nikon does from FX to DX.  It likely works with L-mount lenses that are connected electronically, rather than with manual lenses.  I was thinking about one of the fisheye lenses that are available.  They're mostly the same as the micro Four-Thirds lenses but with a different mount.

I keep thinking about the day in April 2004 when I bought the Olympus E-1, 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5, and 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5.  I spent about US$3000 and this S5 Mk II kit cost about US$2249.  I didn't get a telephoto zoom of any kind with the S5 Mk II, unfortunately.  That would have cost at least an extra US$1000 right now for a Panasonic lens.  Having two lenses that overlap isn't great, but night shooting is possible.

I'm thinking about a Samyang 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 as a zoom lens to cover a decent range at a big aperture.  There really aren't many telephoto lenses although Sigma's 60-600mm lens (like Bigma, 50-500mm), covers quite a bit, if you have a strong heart and a strong tripod.  The reviews say that there is a problem with the Samyang lens, but you can update the firmware.  Apparently, the lens firmware is updated the way we used to do with the micro Four-Thirds lenses on Panasonic bodies by putting the update on the SD Card.  If the firmware corrects the problem, US$1399 is a decent price for a good, maybe great, lens.

Update 2024.10.20: Yesterday, I took the S5 Mk II out for a few night photos.  I regularly did the same with the GH4 years ago, so I hoped for good results.  However, I might not have had things set properly.  Having a camera for about a week and going for the first try, I might still not have been ready.  Besides, I'm not as steady as I used to be.

This one was taken with Auto ISO.  Later photos were taken with ISO 4000 to ensure that it activated the higher ISO gain but this one looks just fine.  I could see a long spider web thread.

What made the GH4 so impressive is that it could focus in "starlight" EV -4.  The GH3 had that enhancement added via a firmware update. 

I had taken out the GM5 earlier in the afternoon and I wonder if I did better with it.  After eight years, the AF is generally tried and true.

Update 2024.10.24: I went out tonight with the 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 which seemed like a bad idea.  It wasn't perceptibly worse than going out with the 50mm f/1.8 lens.  Most of the shots had a shutter speed of 1.3 seconds.  I even managed to hold most of them steady.  One thing that seems a bit odd to me is that the 20-60mm doesn't have any OIS (optical image stabilization), whereas the micro Four-Thirds standard kit lenses (14-45mm, 14-42mm) did.  I'm trying to think back to the Four-Thirds Leica/Lumix D lenses and I believe that the standard zoom lenses also had OIS.  The Leica-designed normal 25mm f/1.4 did not.

Thankfully, the IBIS is as effective as that of Olympus.  They started out on the same sized sensor but the 36x24mm vs 17.3x13mm makes for some addition stress.  Getting 96 MP out of high resolution mode is impressive.  Panasonic did a lot of work to make that happen.

Update 2024.11.18: I'm still adjusting.  I bought a tripod.  It's a Smallrig CT-20, which can be converted into a monopod.  The instructions aren't good, so I'm figuring it out.  It was quite a bit less expensive that my Manfrotto tripod, which was a bit over US$200 back in 2012.  US$80 in 2024 doesn't seem much, especially coming from a company that designs and builds cages for cameras in the video industry.  Supposedly, it can support about 33 pounds/15 kg but I saw a lower figure for the ball head.  In any case, the S5 Mk II and most lenses will not add up to anywhere near that heavy.  Even that Samyang 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8.

I actually wanted to get some shots of the supermoon but the tripod didn't arrive in time and my Panasonic GM5 and Olympus 50-140mm f/4.0-5.6 doesn't have OIS.  Having a proper telephoto zoom for the S5 Mk II might be a while, especially as slowly as Panasonic is designing and producing them.

Five Months of Solo Leveling: Arise?

 We're still going?  It feels as though most of us are close to being pushing the limits.

One new character and a couple of new weapons.  More mechanics.  Are you excited?

Using all of the coupons, I got a couple of Sung Jinwoo's weapons through Draw, so now, they have at least one Advance.  I needed those upgraded.  Things are moved a bit in the interface and the shop lag is much better.  I'm not sure why they need to animate all of those labels, but at least, the animation is quicker now.  Lag starting in Red gates seems less now.  Sung Jinwoo would always seem to take longer to start moving than the Hunters did.

Update 2024.10.17: Character level is 84 and Reputation level hit 51 a couple of days ago.  Finally was able to craft the exclusive weapon for Anna Ruiz.  Also, got Baek Yoonho and crafted his exclusive weapon.  It feels as though things are moving more slowly.  Challenges are at a standstill, as my characters need to be more powerful.  Apparently, characters at level 65 would be sufficient to handle these challenges, but my characters aren't fully leveled up.  Skill Scrolls are rare and I probably use nine different Hunters, so I can't just concentrate on three to get them to maximum.

Update 2024.10.30: Character level is 85 and Reputation level is 53.  Don't feel the need to update as much.

Watched the livestream and I was surprised that many people are complaining about bans on Android.  Hopefully, they're not doing anything wrong.

 

They increased the character level maximum to 95, just as I was getting close.  Pumpkin weapon is new.  I should pair it with the Marlin board.  I haven't used that or the fiery kebab.

Hope you're having fun.

Update 2024.10.31: Happy Halloween! All that talk of re-balancing has me wondering.

When I finally got to play, my Battle Tier leveled up twice.   Sung Jinwoo's job title changed twice, although one seemed to be the one he already had.  One of the Hunters, went from the 4th spot to the 1st spot and still doesn't seem all that powerful.  Using the codes and everything else, some of the weapons ended up with an Advance.  I'm also managing to level up the weapon skills, where possible.  Most are now at level 7 with one at level 9, but with a couple of them at level 6.

 

I haven't been able to level up artifacts because I don't have the resources.  I'm compensating, but leveling up their skills.  There are still a few level 4 skills on SSR-ranked Hunters.  I've been using a few SR-ranked Hunters, so I need to upgrade them also.

With the job change, they changed Sung Jinwoo's outfit and I guess that's okay, as summer is definitely over, even here in Sunny California.  I'm sure Seoul is much more chilly than here, so I should let him dress more warmly.

Update 2024.11.02: Reputation level is up to 54 and I hit the 180 logins mark.  Since Halloween is finished and so is Dia De Los Muertos, they're probably going to change things next week.  Christmas isn't a big holiday in Asia but they'll probably decorate for it and New Year's Day is more important to most Asians, although the Thai calendar is different, as is the Chinese calendar.  Speaking of calendars, Daylight Saving Time is over until Spring and will change at 02:00 Sunday.

Another Gaming Mouse Bites the Dust

 I can't really be this aggressive, can I?

I'm replacing my ASUS ROG Strix Impact III with a Steel Series Aerox 5.  It's been almost one year since I bought it to replace my Corsair M55 RGB Pro.  I broke the left mouse button entirely.  I blamed that on a combination of Genshin Impact and Honkai:Star Rail.

At the same time I bought the ASUS mouse, I bought a Steel Series Rival 3.  Each was around US$30, which isn't much, especially for a gaming mouse.  I've been using the Rival 3 on my M1 MacBook Air, even though the trackpad is excellent.  I have a few games I play and the whole set of buttons makes playing much easier.

A couple of weeks ago, Solo Leveling: Arise was updated and suddenly, it was taking me 3-5 clicks for a click to register.  I noticed that there was a visible lag in movement.  Using the Rival 3, I was still getting some of that, but not as much.  I don't expect anything like that to change because of the Aerox 5.  I'm not sure what the developers are doing, but maybe they haven't had enough sleep.

Being able to see inside the shell of the mouse is interesting.  I don't know that I needed something this fancy, but it was US$20 off and I hoped that it would be more durable.  However, I'm not likely to ever buy a mouse for over US$100.

 Back in 1991, I bought an IBM L40SX, which was an Intel 486SX (486DX without math coprocessor) laptop computer with just enough storage and RAM for Windows 3.0.  It was available on HSN for 25% of the original US$6000.  I bought a Logitech Trackman laptop trackball for about US$150 because there was nothing else at the time and it hung in the gap between the numeric keypad and the case.  Today, there are plenty of choices, and good trackpads are part of the laptop computer.

In any case, another little journey has started and I'll see how well this Aerox 5 performs.  I suspect it will be fine.  My other Steel Series products have been.

After trying it with a few games, including Solo Leveling: Arise, the Aerox 5 has been responsiveness than the previous mousies.  I had to change some settings on the side buttons because it's much to easy to tap the forward side button with my thumb.  It was sending the F3 key and changing settings while I was playing.  The mouse is a bit bigger than expected, but I'm sure that I will adapt.  The cable is sometimes a pain, but the responsiveness wouldn't be the same using a wireless mouse, especially one with an adapter using an extra port I don't have ATM.