What's In My Bag - Tech Bag 2022 - ZERO BUDGET BACKPACK (FREE)

Hi Guys,

I am in pursuit of a tech bag since the beginning of school and college. I have been a fan of stationery products that are unique as well as collecting pens that are unique be it a fountain or gel pens. I also love collecting small stuff that is not available to the general public unless it gets printed by the brands to give away in their contests or launch event goodie bags. 

I am also a big fan of participating in online contests be it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Sooner or later, I do win some of them from time to time. There was a time when I used to participate in 100s of them weekly and will win at least 15-20 of them in my best weeks. There was also a time when I didn't win any for continuous 3 months also without any change in my efforts to participate. 

All the items showcased here in my video are collected over several years and let's analyze what constitutes a tech backpack and how you can make it too! 

1. Bag Pack - It can be anything that can take all your stuff inside and can provide easy access to carry all the necessities. I got this Thule Achiever Backpack at one of the events and since then it's been my top choice. I have got others backpacks but those are cheap quality bags given at many launch events. None of them will last as long as this Thule one. Some people also use Targus or Dell laptop bags as their tech bags which is also good. I used Google bag (extensively in London and South Africa) for a lot of many years before switching to a Converse Messenger Bag. I used both for so many years depending on where I am going. Converse Messenger Bag I still use to keep all my original documents. Later for 3-4 years, I used a Dell backpack which came with the office laptop and now recently last year I moved to this Thule Achiever backpack that came along with the white t-shirt I am wearing in the initial part of the video and some other things in Telkom Music event. 

The purpose of the bag is to provide a transportation mechanism for all your gadgets safely. Secondly, it can give you some space to put in extra things you want to carry from time to time. Thirdly, the pockets should be easily accessible but not so open that anyone can take stuff out if I am sleeping while using public transport. 

2. Laptop/Tablet - I only have an ASUS VivoBook S15 that I won from an Instagram contest by the brand way back in 2019. I upgraded the same with a 1TB SSD which made it really fast to boot and process the videos I am editing on Filmora software. I have never won a tablet so not considering the same for this zero-budget backpack. 

3. Camera - For a life of a YouTuber or Blogger, a camera is a necessity. You can also use the best of the iPhones or Samsung Ultra devices in case you have them but I don't have them so I am carrying Canon 77D in my tech bag. This camera is super powerful for all kinds of videos and photos. I won this in 2018 from an Instagram meet. Since that time this has been my go-to camera. 

4. SD Cards - Canon provided 32GB cards at one of their roadshows to all participants that I use in my camera along with an SD card reader at one of their previous roadshows. I also got a cleaning cloth and a diary pen combo that's also part of the roadshows and all this is totally free of cost. 

5. Tripods - I got some tripods from several events (Huawei, Canon etc) that are used to carry the phone or the camera in case required with the latest one from Nikon and the same they were selling at their shop for R10 also. 

6. Travel Kit - I got a travel kit bag from DJI Global when they launched DJI Mavic Mini and since then I keep all my cables, pen drives etc in the bag. All cables came free with smartphones I use and pen drives were also part of the launch event goodies. 

7. Pens and Notepads - I use some pens that can write smoothly with fine tips so anytime I attend any conference, I get to see a wide variety of pens - plastic, metal and unique ones so the one that catches my attention I use for some time. I totally love my Emirates, Ster Kinekor Prestige and Singapore Airlines pens. I am using the Payflex notepad for Bullet journalling that I got from the Money/eCommerce Expo last year. And remember, if this is your very first time using Payflex to shop, use coupon code PAYSMART100 in the Payflex checkout for R100 off when you spend R600 or more.

The purpose of the pens and notebooks is to doodle and think and write ideas on the go. I totally write down all the tasks pending on me in a small journal and then strike off once I complete them. 

8. Earphones/Headphones - I use wired Beats Solo HD headphones that I received long back and Huawei FreeLace which I also got at one of their launch events. Recently I received VIVO TWS Air wireless earphones that I am using as I have passed my Huawei FreeBuds4i to my daughter. Very soon I am moving to the Nokia Essential Headphones as they are more comfortable and packed in their own bag to have both wires and a wireless experience. All these items are trade exchanges or won from the contests or from goodies bags so totally free of cost. 

9. Powerbanks - I am using a Huawei 20000mAh power bank that I received when they launched the Sandton City store last year. Earlier I was using Samsung Powerbank 8400mAh that I received at the launch event of the Samsung Galaxy S6. 

10. Portable Hard Disk - I use this Adata HD710 Pro 1 TB that I won at the rAge Expo way back in 2017. I also bought Seagate SSD for which I won ZAR 2000 gift voucher but I paid over and above that ZAR 300 so didn't include it in this zero-budget backpack. 

11. Smartphones - I use Samsung smartphones as I won Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 when it was launched in South Africa during the launch event itself so that's my day-to-day smartphone of choice since that time. I also got a ZAR 1000 voucher that I spent on buying the Leather cover for the same. I also use Samsung Note 20 5G phone that I also won during the previous launch events and has been my companion since then. The cover for the same I bought using the gift vouchers for takealot that you can earn if you have an FNB credit card and eBucks. 

12. Smart Watch - I use Huawei Watch GT2e as I received the same during the 2021 Christmas gift they sent me. I have covered 1000 km in 2022 using the same device. 

13. Water bottles - I have multiple water bottles that I received from various brands but my mom also likes them so I generally give them away to her. My Telkom Music waterbottle I kept it in case so that I can give it to her. I have received a water bottle from YouTube Shorts that is going to be my daily drinking partner. 

14. Lip Balms and Lotions - These are from the travel kits that they give you when you travel in business class or when you go to any hotel. I use those ones till they are finished and keep other ones if required thereafter. 

15. MP3 Player - The only Apple item in my backpack is iPod Shuffle which has been with me since the start and is now around 12 years. I won one in London from McDonald's contest in 2011. 

Let me know if you liked my video and if any items I have missed packing and showing you in my backpack. Let me know if you are building your backpack as well and what all times form part of the same. 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #10YearsofTheLifesWay. Support me with $3.34 only per month - https://www.patreon.com/TheLifesWay Namaste! https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h 

#TheLifesWayReviews - #OsmoMobile3 Gimbal @DJIGlobal #7YearsofTheLifesWay

Hi Friends,

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is the latest smartphone gimbal from the house of DJI who are world leaders in making your videography experience take up a notch higher. Gimbal not only helps to stabilize your videos but also you can be part of your own selfies beyond your extended arm and can track your movements to make your vlogging a natural process. I bought DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and it was there without being opened for 2 months before I opened the same on my birthday this year on 22nd July and soon I found out that the new one is getting launched so I returned the Osmo Mobile 2 to wait for the Osmo Mobile 3. I got the chance to be part of the special invite to attend the review unit takeaway kind of launch event for 2 weeks. These are certain things that made me immediately fell in love with this gimbal. Let's check out one by one - 

1. Portability - DJI Osmo Mobile 2 which I took to the Photo and Film Expo this year at Kyalami was difficult to carry even in your carry bag. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is not only foldable but also weights less. This can be folded and you can just put it in your backpack or jeans back pocket for immediate retrieval. Also, a locking mechanism ensures that your gimbal is ready to be carried with ease. The Gimbal weights 405 grams and with the tripod that comes in combo package it will be around 450 grams and with smartphones on the top, it will be around 700 grams in total. If you buy the combo package, you will get a hard case to safeguard your gimbal against any shocks and breaks but it won't be able to hold the tripod inside the hard-shelled case.

2. Switching Orientations - Portrait mode was introduced in DJI Osmo Mobile 2 but in Mobile 3 version, it can be done with a press of a button and your capturing world can be turned from landscape mode to portrait and vice versa. Even changing from rear camera to front camera is just some clicks of a single button and you are ready to start vlogging or taking selfies. Mounting a smartphone is made easy and you are ready to shoot videos in no time. Any smartphones having a maximum weight of 225 grams is good enough for the device. 

3. Charging the smartphone - Earlier it was difficult to charge your smartphone while in use on Mobile 2 as the smartphone charging socket was hidden in one of the two arms but with DJI Osmo Mobile 3, there is only a single arm leaving the phone sockets open for your consumption. You can easily attach your charging cable and withdraw power from the gimbal as it works as a power bank too. Also, the gimbal has a battery life of 15 hours as marked on the packaging and can be fully charged in around 2.5 hours. The Li-ion battery capacity is 2450 mAh which is enough to charge any smartphone.  

4. Gesture Controls and Active Tracking - Some of the new features introduced are Active tracking 3.0 where the new gimbal can track your movements and keep the smartphone rear camera looking towards you. The same is just activated in the settings and then touching the smartphone screen to focus on a person immediately and track him or her. Gesture control is a feature usually seen in a smartphone selfie camera where you show your palm or peace sign and picture countdown timer starts.

5. Panoramic Rotation - The best part of DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is that it can be used without installing any app on your smartphone. Any smartphone can be installed on the arm of the gimbal and then you can scroll the smartphone camera from one end to another and also you can control the speed of rotation. Huawei also introduced a collaboration with Osmo Mobile 3 during its launch of the Mate 30 series smartphone. The panoramic rotation helps you take great video shots at the top of the mountains or at the beach and the applications are huge. 

6. DJI Mimo App -  A new smartphone application has been introduced for Mobile 3 gimbal where it enhances the capabilities of your videography with pre-installed programmed modes to shoot 10 seconds or more video in 13 fun templates. Story mode creates awesome cinematic videos ready to be shared on your social media channels online. This is the place where you will spend most of the time learning, editing and sharing.

7. Next Level Photography and Videography - The new gimbal can take timelapse, hyper-lapse and motion lapse with ease and without making you sweat much. Also the slow-motion is so cinematic that you will fall in love with the same. Also with one touch, you can shoot various funky videos where the editing will be done by the Gimbal DJI Mimo App. 

Overall this is something you should have if you are into smartphone videography or photography and wants to take it a notch higher. Also, the gimbal will introduce stabilization to your artificial image-stabilized smartphone camera and you will definitely see better results. I see it as a huge potential to make you an amateur YouTuber as with the combo package, you can install the gimbal on the active tracking version and start talking to the camera and a video will be ready to be shared in no time wherever you are in the whole world. Go check it out!

Cheers!!!
Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

Introducing the #MavicMiniSA - Why Did @DJIglobal Create a 249-Gram #Drone?

Hi Friends, 

The all-new Mavic Mini is a transformative product for DJI and the entire drone industry. It is the most advanced drone of its size ever made, featuring many of DJI’s high-performance capabilities in a drone that weighs only 249 grams. Why did we work so hard to stuff as many features as we could into such a small package? It’s another example of DJI’s commitment to drone safety.

Regulators around the world have agreed that drones weighing less than 250 grams are virtually harmless. In a fall or a collision, a sub-250g drone is just not going to cause the same kind of damage as a heavier drone. Since they consider sub-250g drones to pose the lowest risks, they have made them subject to fewer restrictions or requirements than their heavier counterparts. The rules differ in each country, but in many places, a sub-250g drone may not require registration, and may also be eligible for more complex operations, such as flying over people.

This sub-250g weight category was created in 2015 when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) asked a committee of aviation and drone experts to quickly determine the minimum weight of a drone that recreational drone pilots should be required to register. With personal safety the main goal, the committee employed complex formulas involving kinetic energy and terminal velocity to recommend a weight category of 250 grams and above, which the FAA then adopted.

While the 250g limit was intended only as a threshold for registration, it was quickly adopted by other countries as the threshold for many drone regulatory expectations. Any weight below that was considered so light that it was unlikely to cause safety problems, and thus there was little reason to impose stronger regulations. DJI later took a more comprehensive look at the science behind the calculations and concluded that the 250g limit was very conservative. In a white paper released in 2017, DJI said drones up to 2.2 kilograms should be considered lowest-risk. However, the 250g limit has become the global regulatory standard for drones that pose a negligible safety risk.

With that in mind, DJI is now proud to be able to manufacture a drone that provides advanced functionality within that ultra-lightweight category, making the skies safer for everyone. Every time you fly with a Mavic Mini instead of a heavier drone, you’re flying safer than before – simply by using a lighter product. 

Even as we prioritize safety, we also recognize that compliance with rules, respectful social interactions, resolution of security threats, and pilot accountability all remain important for a drone of any size, particularly one that is as capable as Mavic Mini. This is why Mavic Mini includes our GEO 2.0 geofencing system, to help prevent inadvertent flight in locations that would raise serious safety or security concerns. In the United States, if you are already registered with the FAA as a recreational drone operator, your registration is valid for all the drones you own. We encourage you to mark your Mavic Mini using that same registration number, although it is not required.

Mavic Mini is also equipped with our AeroScope system for Remote Identification, which allows safety and security officials to detect, identify, and locate the drone and its pilot during flight. AeroScope is a system that is protecting airports, stadiums, high-security events, and other sensitive locations all over the world, and it demonstrates the power of Remote ID to resolve some of the biggest concerns about drones.

DJI supports regulatory efforts around the world to create mandatory Remote ID systems. As a supporter of, and collaborator in, the forthcoming rules and standards for remote identification, DJI also expects Mavic Mini to be compatible with official Remote ID requirements once they are implemented. In our work on the FAA’s Remote Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee in 2017, we vocally supported the conclusions of the Working Group of security, law enforcement, and air traffic control stakeholders about which drones should be included in Remote ID. That group recommended to the FAA that remote identification be required for drones that provide the types of advanced capabilities that raise substantial security concerns, such as long-distance flight capabilities and live video downlinks. Although the FAA’s forthcoming remote ID requirements have not yet been revealed, we continue to agree with this recommendation from 2017 that a capability-based threshold for Remote ID makes more sense than a threshold based only on a drone’s weight.

When regulators said drones weighing under 250 grams are the safest, we took that as a challenge. DJI has always made safety our top priority, and we’re proud that Mavic Mini opens a new frontier for how a small yet powerful drone can do great things in the lowest-risk category. As you enjoy flying your Mavic Mini, always consult and comply with your applicable local rules, and remember that no matter how small your drone, when you fly it, you are an ambassador for drones of all sizes. You can learn more about DJI’s safety commitment at dji.com/flysafe. Fly safely, and have fun.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Osmo Pocket In-Depth Review: The World in Your Hands @DJIGlobal #OSMOPocket

Hi Friends, 

Inside the DJI forge of technical innovation, engineers have crafted the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld gimbal camera. Embodying the perfect balance of form and function, Osmo Pocket transforms pocket-sized adventures into epic cinematic experiences. All of this filmmaking capability inside a device that fits comfortably in your hand!

Whether you’re strolling through a busy city or traveling thousands of miles for that one special dish, having a compact device that shoots smooth footage is truly a game-changer.

The writer looked in-depth at Osmo Pocket and will be referred to the next paragraphs in first-person voice and discover how it copes with the challenges of spontaneous filming. As DJI’s smallest handheld gimbal camera, Osmo Pocket offers the boundless potential for travelers, vloggers, and those that want to capture the beauty of life. I still have not received and reviewed the device. 

Unboxing and Features 

What's in the Box?

Before we dive into our big plate of adventure, let’s take a quick look at Osmo Pocket.

The minimalist packaging houses several essential items:

• Osmo Pocket ×1
• Cover ×1
• Lanyard ×1
• Power Cable ×1
• Smartphone Adapter (USB-C) ×1
• Smartphone Adapter (Lightning) ×1

Osmo Pocket Top Features

Light and Portable

True to its name, Osmo Pocket is a compact handheld device that fits snug in the palm of your hand. Thanks to its portable design, you will have no problems taking it around and filming with it throughout your day.

Ergonomic Build

The device comes in a classic matte black color and features a rounded ergonomic design. The handle is non-slip and sweat-proof, which means you can comfortably film for the entire day.

Stabilized Shooting

At the heart of Osmo Pocket is an incredible 3-axis mechanical gimbal that automatically stabilizes your footage, allowing you to focus more attention on capturing the perfect shot.

4K/60fps Video

Osmo Pocket can capture photos in breath-taking detail thanks to a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 80° wide-angle lens, and f/2.0 aperture. It also serves as a powerful tool for filmmaking, shooting 4K/60fps video at 100Mbps.

Simple Interface

​On the front side of the device, there is a 1.08-inch integrated touchscreen that can be used for a live view or playback and device navigation. Underneath the LED screen is two dedicated buttons. The left button enables you to take a picture or start and stop recording a video. The button on the right can be used to turn Osmo Pocket on and off. One-click and you’re ready to go!

ActiveTrack and FaceTrack

For a more intelligent and efficient shooting experience, ActiveTrack recognizes, follows, and films your subject of choice. Osmo Pocket also features FaceTrack which automatically detects your face during Selfie mode, keeping you in the spotlight of your adventure.

Universal Port 

Osmo Pocket’s Universal Port is a multifunctional expansion interface that connects the device to your smartphone and several other accessories. When you connect it to your smartphone, you can use your smartphone screen to control Osmo Pocket and access its features.

DJI Mimo 

DJI Mimo was developed for anyone who has a story to tell. This dedicated app automatically opens when you connect Osmo Pocket to a smartphone. It extends your creative potential with editing tools and provides a platform for its own photography community, opening the door to a world of visual storytelling.

My Story was developed for both beginners and experienced users, offering a robust editing suite to take visual storytelling to the next level. You can use this function to create unique videos that you can share on your social media channels.

The story mode is another alternative option that can be directly accessed from the camera view, offering a variety of stylistic editing pre-sets that help bring your creative projects alive. You can choose from many expertly designed templates and soundtracks to elevate your footage. This feature will be available to use soon!

Versatile Accessories 

As well as providing a connection to your smartphone, the Universal Port also serves as a multifunctional expansion interface, which unleashes your creativity with a collection of perfectly suited accessories. This includes a Wireless Module, which provides Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and transmission so you can control the gimbal using your smartphone. Additional accessories will be available soon, including a waterproof case that allows you to shoot footage at a maximum depth of 60 meters!

Without further ado, let’s begin our adventure!

A New Dawn for Handheld Stabilization

Osmo Pocket triumphantly delivers as a portable camera that’s ready for the big moments in life. Its 3-axis mechanical gimbal is excellent at adjusting unwanted movements and producing smooth cinematic footage.

Motion Made Easy

As the sun continued its daily ascent, I decided to give Osmo Pocket its next challenge. I turned the device on and selected the Motionlapse function using the interactive touchscreen. This mode allows you to take a timelapse while the camera is moving, introducing a stunning motion effect to your footage. Owing to its incredibly small size, I was able to safely position Osmo Pocket on a flat surface and started recording. After five minutes, my Osmo Pocket had effortlessly accomplished its first Motionlapse.

Ready for Anything

When you are on the prowl for exciting footage, the last thing you want to worry about is carrying around bulky camera equipment and accessories. To be on top of your game, you need to react quickly to whatever the situation presents. Osmo Pocket really comes into its own in these moments. The device turns on in seconds, shooting smooth footage whenever your moment arises.

ActiveTrack

Shooting clear, stable footage is often achieved when you use a large camera on a tripod. While this method is reliable, these types of static shots limit your freedom to move around and fully immerse your viewer. This is why I decided to get right in the thick of the action and use ActiveTrack to film from a more personal perspective.

I headed down to a local food market, where vendors were engaged in their early morning preparations. While the local butcher was busy with his daily activities, I enabled ActiveTrack by selecting him on my smartphone screen. In a matter of seconds, Osmo Pocket was able to track his every movement accurately. This feature gave me the complete freedom to film without disturbing others in their daily activities.

Capture Your Memories

Food photography is a huge passion of mine, and as a writer of a food blog, I would welcome any device that can capture the magic of my culinary adventures. With this in mind, I took Osmo Pocket right into the heart of the kitchen to see if it was up for the challenge.

In just a few seconds, I was able to capture pictures in stunning detail thanks to Osmo Pocket’s 1/2.3-inch sensor and 80° wide-angle lens. Having a device that shoots this easily makes traveling all the more fun!

Glorious Slow Motion

Osmo Pocket also features a Slow Motion mode, which is incredibly easy to select from the interactive menu. In just a few seconds, every tantalizing part of my dish was captured in glorious high-definition detail! Combining slow motion and stabilized footage provides a delicious slice of the action.

The World from Your Perspective

During the middle of the day, I decided to dust off my tennis rackets and hit the courts. Eager to immerse the viewer at this moment, I took Osmo Pocket with me to record my perspective. The FPV mode cleverly allowed the camera to follow my every movement, letting the viewer experience an uninterrupted flow of twists, turns, and all-round magic on the tennis court!

In the Spotlight of Your Adventure

Osmo Pocket also has an intelligent FaceTrack mode that enables the device to automatically track human faces, which makes taking vlogs and selfies incredibly easy! After rotating the camera around using the interactive touchscreen, FaceTrack automatically recognized my face and let me record instantly. This feature is incredibly responsive and it was able to keep my face in focus even as I rotated the device (and spun around in circles).

Breathtaking Panoramas

To capture your destination with breathtaking definition, Osmo Pocket can take a 180° and 3×3 Panorama. What surprised me most was how easy it is to obtain this kind of shot. After selecting the mode on Osmo Pocket’s interactive screen, I held the device out with one hand and the camera automatically rotated in different directions to capture the panorama.

Bring the Night Alive

Travel adventures extend far beyond the reach of daylight. Many film-worthy scenes and spontaneous moments come alive in the night. With this in mind, I set out to discover how Osmo Pocket performs in low-light conditions. The 3-axis mechanical stabilized gimbal eliminated any unwanted movement and kept the camera perfectly stable for great low-light footage.

Nothing Can Stop You

Developed with convenience and endurance in mind, Osmo Pocket has a battery life that supports a 140-minute video. I was able to take it everywhere with me during the day and obtain a variety of different shots. And thanks to its one-hour fast charge, I was able to boost the battery to a 90% charge! After a full day of filming, Osmo Pocket stood triumphant, having effortlessly surpassed all the challenges thrown it's way.

​The Bottom Line

What impresses most about Osmo Pocket is how easy it is to take smooth professional-looking footage. The device is extremely portable and starts within a few seconds, which gave me the freedom to film spontaneous moments as they arose throughout my day. Whatever journey brought to the plate, Osmo Pocket handles the challenge with ease. For anyone looking for a portable device that effortlessly captures the beauty of life, DJI Osmo Pocket certainly delivers.

A new dawn for handheld stabilization is here.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!