Larry Howard

Agree on the VTech and HelloBaby picks - those FHSS non‑Wi‑Fi units usually hold a signal better through floors than Wi‑Fi cams. To reduce dropouts keep the parent unit a few feet from your Wi‑Fi router or microwave, switch the router to 5 GHz or a different 2.4 GHz channel and and do a quick walk test to map any dead spots. Bonus tip: VTech parent units use a replaceable battery, so keeping a spare on hand extends untethered time, and make sure you peel any film off the camera lens/IR ring so night vision isn’t hazy.

One more thing: skip oil-based sprays as a long-term lube because they grab grit; if you use one to chase out water wipe it off and finish with a dry lube so yeah... check for tire rubbing on a fender or wheel guard, or straps and clips squeaking against the frame, and rub a little candle wax on those contact points. If your wheels pop on and off, reseat them firmly - an axle that isn’t fully clicked in can squeak and wobble even when screws feel tight.

Co-sign on the smaller student set; the biggest factor in that juicy flow is the paper so grab at least 140 lb cold press (a small pad of 100% cotton if you can swing it) and even budget paints will behave better. For paints, Winsor & Newton Cotman or Van Gogh pan sets are consistently good and affordable, and a size 8 round synthetic brush will cover most needs. Budget tip: pick up tubes of a warm and cool red, yellow, and blue plus ultramarine and burnt sienna, and squeeze them into an empty pan palette so you can expand gradually.

I once chased a soft lens problem that turned out to be stabilization fighting me when the that model was resting on something solid. Turn stabilization off for tests on a steady surface and use a fast shutter to eliminate shake. Switch to single point focus, aim at a contrasty edge, half press to lock, reframe, shoot. Do not forget the rear glass. A smudge on the back element can haze the whole image more than a front smudge. Clean gently only after removing grit and if you see streaks, keep at it until reflections look crisp. If the results are still foggy in good light, back up your settings then reset the body and test again. If it is still soft, time for service. Happens.

Pick a wake time and stick to it, even weekends. Get outside within 30 minutes and cut caffeine after lunch. I park my phone in the kitchen so I actually sleep. The kids wreck evenings, but the anchor is the wake time.