Uncommon Sense with Mike Kovaliv

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...

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...

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/mi...

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 fi...

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 equiv...

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-fra...

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, lense...

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 compa...

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 2...

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 portrai...

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...

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/mikekova...

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 telephot...

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 — ev...

🎥 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, connec...