The official Podcast of Mike Kovaliv, where you'll find expert insights on photography, music, and thought-provoking discussions on the creative process.
With over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer, Mike shares his extensive knowledge on all aspects of the craft. This Podcast is your go-to resource for:
• Camera gear reviews (cameras, lenses, accessories)
• Photography techniques and tutorials
• Creativity and art in visual storytelling
• Photo editing and post-processing tips
• Building a photography business
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your photography journey, subscribe now to learn how to capture better images and develop your artistic vision. Join the community and get the knowledge you need to succeed in photography!
DSLR vs Mirrorless: Why I Still Use Both (and the Camera I Wish Nikon Would Make) Over the years I’ve gone back and forth on optical viewfinders vs electronic viewfinders, DSLRs vs mirrorless. After shooting professionally and personally with both, I landed here: I like using both — just in different situations. I started on optical viewfinders (film and DSLR). That still feels like home. When mirrorless arrived I tried it — first the Nikon 1 system, then the Z system. I now shoot a Nik...
29 Aug 2026
Why This Longtime Mac User Is Leaving Apple for Linux or Windows 11
Why I Left macOS After 39 Years — and Landed on Windows 11 (Not Linux) Longtime Mac user since 1987. I still have my original Macintosh SE. After years of dongles, soldered RAM, tiny SSDs, and hitting storage limits with 4K video and large photo libraries, I sold the Mac and bought a used ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 (AMD Ryzen 5) for about half the new price. This video covers the full journey: Why PC hardware won (upgradable RAM/storage, real ports, dual-drive slots, no dongle life) Trying Ubuntu, Li...
13 Aug 2026
Nikon 300mm 2.8 Classic DSLR and Mirrorless Lens Tested
Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AI Manual Focus Lens Review | Vintage Telephoto Glass Tested This is a magical vintage lens for DSLR and Mirrorless cameras like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Leica and Fujifilm. Looking for a unique, character-filled lens that delivers a different view of the world? In this video I take a deep dive into the classic Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF — a legendary fast telephoto that has been around since the 1960s/70s and still holds up in 2026. This all-metal, manual-focus beast fe...
7 Jul 2026
Great Value Wireless Microphone - Neewer KM19
Newer KM19 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Review: Best Budget Dual Lavalier Mic Under $60? Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVSBT5YR?th=1 NEEWER KM19 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Compatible with iPhone 15 16 17 Android & PC Looking for a compact, affordable wireless microphone setup for your iPhone, iPad, vlogs, podcasts, or YouTube videos? In this full review, I test the Newer KM19 — a super portable dual wireless lavalier mic system packed with premium features at a budget price.P...
28 May 2026
Canon T3i 600D DSLR - Best first camera in 2026?
Canon T3i in 2026: Still the Best Budget DSLR for Beginners? Full Review + Honest Thoughts Thinking about buying a Canon T3i (Rebel T3i / EOS 600D) in 2026? In this video I revisit one of my very first cameras and show you exactly why this 18MP APS-C DSLR is still an incredible value for new photographers and hobbyists. I started on a Nikon D40, switched to Canon because of lenses, and the T3i was the body that really got me hooked. Years later it still holds up as a fantastic entry-level ca...
6 May 2026
Learning Photography - The Basics of Aperture
In this beginner-friendly photography tutorial, we dive deep into aperture — one of the most important and creative controls on your camera. Learn exactly how aperture works, what those f-numbers mean (f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, etc.), and how changing the aperture gives you powerful control over depth of field. Support the channel: Join as a member or buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovaliv ☕ Need a great value lens? Save an extra 10% https://ttartisan.store/?ref=MikeKovaliv...
1 May 2026
Learning Photography - Setting Up Your First Camera
Ready to finally move beyond your phone and take full control of your photography? In this beginner camera setup tutorial, professional photographer Mike Kovaliv (20 years experience) walks you step-by-step through unboxing and setting up your very first camera — whether it's a mirrorless, DSLR, or fixed-lens model like the Fuji X100. Perfect for complete beginners who just picked up their first interchangeable-lens camera or are upgrading from smartphone photography. What you’ll learn in th...
24 Apr 2026
TTArtisan 56mm 1.8 APS-C | The ideal portrait lens? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Buy the lens here: https://ttartisan.store/?ref=MikeKovaliv Choosing the right portrait lens for your APS-C mirrorless camera just got a lot easier — and more affordable. In this review, I test the TTArtisan 56mm f/1.8 Autofocus lens on the Nikon Z6 (in crop mode) and share my honest thoughts after a full month of shooting. This budget-friendly 56mm f/1.8 delivers the classic 85mm full-frame equivalent portrait view, excellent sharpness, smooth bokeh, and surprisingly fast & accurate au...
15 Apr 2026
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Review - A Great Value Mirrorless Camera? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Is the Nikon Z6 still worth buying in 2026? In this honest review, I share why this original full-frame mirrorless camera remains an excellent choice — especially as a second body or affordable entry into the Nikon Z system — even years after its release. Whether you're a DSLR shooter (like me with my Nikon D750) thinking about adding mirrorless, or a beginner looking for a pro-level full-frame camera on a budget, the Z6 delivers superb image quality, in-body stabilization, silent shooting, ...
13 Apr 2026
YouTube vs Rumble - Starting a Photography Channel | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
In this honest update, I share my real 4-month experience running a new photography channel on both YouTube and Rumble simultaneously. YouTube has been amazing — closing in on 150,000 views and 2,500 subscribers — but Rumble has been a completely different story with almost no views or search visibility. My channel focuses on photography and gear reviews covering DSLR and Mirrorless cameras, lenses and accessories. I dive into: Why I chose to post on both platforms The massive view differen...
16 Mar 2026
NEEWER LT39 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Review | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Tired of lugging around a heavy, outdated tripod? 📸 https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovaliv Is this the best value travel tripod for Mirrorless or DSLR cameras in 2026? In this video, I’m reviewing the NEEWER LT39 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. After using the same tripod for 15 years, I finally decided to see how modern gear compares—and I was honestly shocked. Weighing in at just 2.49 lbs, this compact powerhouse is lighter than some of the tripod heads I used to use, yet it doesn’t compromise ...
16 Mar 2026
28mm Prime - The Best Street Photography Lens? Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Why the 28mm lens might be the perfect wide-angle for you — even if it didn't click at first. In this video, I share my personal evolution with the 28mm focal length. I started photography heavily focused on 50mm and 35mm primes (with 85mm and 105mm for portraits), and the 35mm never quite connected for me. Wider needs? I'd grab a zoom. But about 5-6 years ago, seeing the popularity of 28mm in cameras like the Leica Q and Ricoh GR made me reconsider. I picked up the classic Nikkor 28mm f/2.8...
16 Mar 2026
Nikon D7200 - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
The Nikon D7200 remains one of the best value crop sensor DSLRs in 2026, offering exceptional image quality, pro-level features, and full compatibility with Nikon's legendary F-mount lenses—all for $400–$500 used in Canada (or around $300–$500 USD depending on condition and shutter count). https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovaliv In this video, photographer Mike Kovaliv shares why the Nikon D7200 is still his go-to backup camera alongside his full-frame D750. Discover its standout 24MP AA-filte...
16 Mar 2026
The 50mm Lens - The only lens you need? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
If you could only have one lens for your camera, what would it be? For professional photographer Mike Kovaliv, it's the legendary 50mm prime lens – the ultimate "nifty fifty" that's been his go-to for years. https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovaliv In this video, Mike explains why the 50mm lens (specifically the affordable Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G) is the best all-rounder for portrait photography, street shots, weddings, events, and everyday shooting. Discover how it mimics natural human vision, ...
16 Mar 2026
Nikon 24-85mm Zoom - Budget Lens or Great Value? | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Can you really pair a cheap $100 kit lens with a high-end Nikon DSLR and still get professional results? In this real-world test, I took the vintage Nikon Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR (an old kit lens from DSLRs 8-10 years ago) and used it on a higher-end body for a low-light vocal choir performance shoot — no flash, no strobes, just available auditorium lighting. https://buymeacoffee.com/mikekovaliv I normally stick to fast primes like my go-to 50mm, but this compact, lightweight zoom with...
18 Dec 2025
Full Frame vs APS-C - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Crop Sensor vs Full Frame Camera: Which is Better in 2025? (Honest Comparison) Wondering whether to choose a crop sensor (APS-C) or full frame camera for your photography? This long-time photographer breaks down the real pros and cons of both—no hype, just practical experience from years of shooting wildlife, sports, portraits, weddings, and events. Crop sensors offer incredible reach for telephoto shots (perfect for birds or sports), more depth of field for group photos, better autofocus cov...
6 Dec 2025
Nikon D750 - Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
Why I Still Shoot with the Nikon D750 in 2025 – The Perfect Full-Frame DSLR 🎥 DSLR vs Mirrorless in 2025 After years of shooting mirrorless (Nikon, Cannon, Sony, Fuji X & GFX), I switched back to DSLRs… and the Nikon D750 is the camera that made me never look back. In this video, I explain why the D750 remains my main professional camera for weddings, portraits, events, and personal work — even in 2025. ✅ What makes the Nikon D750 so special: • Legendary 24MP full-frame sensor with incr...
26 Nov 2025
Back to DSLR Cameras | Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv
🎥 DSLR vs Mirrorless in 2025: Why This 20-Year Pro Photographer Ditched Mirrorless & Went Back to DSLR Cameras After shooting professionally for nearly 20 years — starting on film and DSLRs, trying EVERY major mirrorless system (Sony, Canon R, Nikon Z, Leica, Fuji, etc.), and then switching back to DSLRs a few years ago — I’m more convinced than ever: DSLRs are still the king for real, connected, enjoyable photography. In this video I explain exactly why I sold all my mirrorless gear and ...
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