My Take on 2010

Like just about everyone else, I thought I'd throw out my opinions on 2010 to finish the year off. So without further ado, here are some of my highlights for the year and a few things I found disappointing. We'll start with the downers, so we can end on a positive note:

DISAPPOINTMENTS:

1) DSLR cameras without built-in GPS - I really thought that 2010 would be the break through for built-in GPS. Nobody is doing it though. I guess I should just be happy Nikon finally built a camera with 1080 video. Maybe 2011 will be the year? I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath.

2) Apple's loss of momentum for Final Cut Pro - With a lackluster update in late 2009 and barely a word about the video editing suite out of Apple's mouth in 2010, coupled with new updates for Avid and Adobe Premiere (which gained a foothold), Final Cut Pro took a step backwards. Steve Jobs has stated that there would be an update in the first half of 2011, and for everyone who counts on Final Cut for their work (me included), I sure hope it is a good one. People are going to expect a lot, and it is almost going to be impossible to please them all, but hopefully FCP can get it's swagger back next year.

3) RED not shipping Scarlet - This really wasn't a surprise at all, seeing how RED hasn't hit a stated ship in the company's existence. I'm still disappointed though because 2010 was the year of HD DSLR video, and had RED been able to hit their dates, they would be in prime position to capture a lot of that customer base. Instead we are still dealing with cameras that are much better at photography than video (not necessarily a bad thing), are terrible at audio, and compress the you-know-what out of our video before it gets written to card. RED was going to change all that, for around $5000. Not only did they not hit their dates, but they also increased the prices on a camera they aren't even shipping.

4) iLife '11 update - The updates to iPhoto and iMovie were minor and iWeb wasn't updated at all. Believe it or not, some people would actually like an easy way to build and keep a website. No not Facebook - a real website. iWeb was a great tool for doing so, but lacked a lot of the progress that the web had seen the past couple years. Rather than creating a cool HTML5 creation/editing tool, they basically blew it off handing over the reins to Squarespace and further reduced the value of MobileMe.

5) FCC's lack of a backbone on Net Neutrality - Verizon and Google overran, and in my opinion, overstepped, their borders by telling the FCC how the internet should be regulated... all of it except their part. Their "plan" would not have even mattered had the FCC not drug their feet and stepped up with a real plan to make sure that the internet does not get bogged down by the companies with a stranglehold on the nations on-ramp to the internet. Allowing Verizon, Comcast, Google, or any entity to be able to regulate what data flows in to or out of our computers, phones, tablets, TVs, and other assorted internet capable boxes is unacceptable.

Now a short break with some of my new favorite things I found in 2010:

Favorite New Gadget - iPad

Favorite New Gadget That I Don't Have That I Really, Really Want - Nikon D3S

Favorite New TV Show - The Daily Show - Yes, I know it has been around a long time, but I didn't start watching it until this year. Really smart, funny show with interesting guests.

Favorite Magazine - Outdoor Photographer - Not just a great photography magazine, a great magazine period.

Favorite Magazine, pt2 - Glacier Park Magazine - Produced by a single person, who does 99% of the photography, writing, and editing, this is one you really should subscribe to. 

Favorite iPhone/iPad App - Square - Allows me to accept credit cards on the spot, with no monthly fee, free card swiper, and small usage fees.

Favorite Book - A World in HDR by Trey Ratcliff

Favorite Blog - Daring Fireball by John Gruber 

Favorite Mac App - Wallet - I have no idea how I survived password hell before this app. Bonus points for the accompanying iPhone app that means I have everything everywhere.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1) My daughter's successful debut at the photography competition at the Indiana State Fair - I wasn't sure what to expect and warned her not to get too excited about possibly winning. It's more about showing your art and having people see it. I reminded her of this as we walked in toward the elementary division area. A few minutes later she was celebrating with a 3rd place, 4th place, and an honorable mention with the three photographs she submitted. Seeing her so excited with doing well, and being excited with photography, made me feel extremely proud.

2) 15th wedding anniversary trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee - We had a great 4 days exploring the Smoky Mountains (actually 2 days were spent driving, but even those were fun). One of the best trips we've had as a married couple I'd say.

3) The improvement in my photography - I can tell as I look through my photo library in Aperture that I improved this year. I didn't shoot as much as I would have liked, but I created new opportunities for myself, worked on different techniques, and really enjoyed it. The Killbuck Photo Guild that I am a member of has been a great inspiration and viewing the excellent work there, as well as the many sites I visit online, has no doubt played a role. I'm excited for the plans I have in 2011, including the 365 Project that I'll be starting Saturday. I look forward to taking another step forward with my art.

4) The continuation and advancement of my Final Cut Pro User Group - It takes a lot of work, but I couldn't be happier with where the group is right now. We have a great core of members, we get new faces at the meetings every month, meeting attendance on average was the highest it's ever been, and we just signed on a great sponsor, AJA, whose donations will keep the group running financially for quite some time. I continue to really enjoy running the group - I've not only made so many business relationships because of it, but so many personal friendships I would keep the group going because of that alone.

5) A healthy and happy family - I know this is a bit cheesy, but I can't remember a year where the three of us had been healthier, and at least as happy. For sure, there were some downtimes, but I think we have laughed together more this year than we have in a while. Hopefully that trend continues in the future as my daughter gets nearer to those dreaded teenage years.

Here's hoping 2011 is a great year!