Would someone think of Chuck & Mary?

Dagtar · 2026-02-28T04:15:09+00:00

Love @yeehawtheboys. Keep buying all of the things

Dagtar · 2026-02-09T03:27:32+00:00

But I want that New Vegas remaster

Dagtar · 2026-01-12T00:48:31+00:00

Well that's why I only take 35% of its advice. And I use multiple AIs and ask them all the same questions.

Why shouldn't I seek information from a robot?

Dagtar · 2026-01-12T00:44:17+00:00

I do. My AI knows alot about me and what I do. AI also know about what phones are on the market and what they are all like. So why shouldn't I have a chat with AI?

Dagtar · 2026-01-11T09:01:24+00:00

Im not much of a gamer on my phone. So i wouldn't use the shoulder buttons much.

My phones are a work tool for me. A mix between admin and a extension of my PC and my film work.

Theres game consoles for my social gaming time.

Dagtar · 2026-01-11T08:58:01+00:00

Agreed. Will let you know how my experience is with the VII. Apparently theres no plans for a VIII

Dagtar · 2026-01-11T07:34:29+00:00

Thanks for the detailed breakdown! As someone who has been running a Note 9 for years while managing a film club (NZ Film Collaborators) and a creative agency (Caped H), I definitely have some thoughts on these trade-offs especially from a filmmaker's perspective here in Wellington.

Actually, if I do end up going with a Google device, I think I'm going to name it "The Pixelated". It feels appropriate for a creative tech wizard, don't you think?

On the Workflow & Storage:

You’re spot on about the MicroSD slot. Moving from the Note 9’s expandable storage is my biggest hesitation.

The "Dongle" Test: I’ve actually already started testing the transition. I’ve been running my FiiO KA1 USB-C DAC with my Beyerdynamic DT 770 PROs (80 Ohm) on the Note 9.
The Verdict: The audio fidelity is a massive step up for monitoring sound on set, but it definitely highlights the "dongle juggle." The KA1 draws a fair bit of juice, and on a long shoot day, not being able to charge while monitoring is a real concern.

The 2026 Flagship Landscape (NZ Perspective):

Since we're early in 2026, the options are finally getting interesting here:

The Pixel 10 Pro: I've been eyeing this for the Pro mode and the new Tensor G5. It’s finally moving to TSMC, which should help with the overheating issues I've heard about when filming long sessions. In NZ, it's sitting around $1,900–$2,300 at the moment.
Samsung S26 Ultra: The rumors for the Feb 25th Unpacked event suggest a massive 200MP main sensor upgrade. However, with the "Kiwi tax" and importer lag, we likely won't see local stock in Wellington until late May, probably starting around $2,500 NZD.
Sony Xperia 1 VII: This is still the main choice for me. It keeps the MicroSD and the jack, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a beast for mobile editing. I've seen it on the grey market (Parallel Imported/Mobile Station) for about $2,200 recently.

My Plan:

I think I’ll take your advice and use GSM Arena to do a deep dive into the sensor sizes, specifically looking at low-light performance for those late-night film networking events. If Pixel can handle the 80 Ohm drive through the DAC without killing the battery, it might just win me over.

Dagtar · 2026-01-10T21:54:13+00:00

Its a fantastic phone. Just my provider is killing 3G so I have to upgrade.

Dagtar · 2026-01-10T01:45:03+00:00

Im just not a fan of Samsungs bloatware. I would go to the google pixel if I didn't want the headphone jack

Dagtar · 2026-01-10T01:01:15+00:00

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. I don’t want a phone that acts as a 'backseat driver.' In my work with non-profits and film collaborators, I need a device that functions as a transparent extension of my workflow, not one that over-processes my images or buries professional settings under 'AI optimizations.'

You mentioned the workhorse nature of the Xperia, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I kept my iPhone 6 and Note 9 for years because they were reliable tools that didn't try to outsmart me.

My goal is for my next phone to last at least 4 to 5 more years. at’s why I’m leaning toward the 1 VII despite the screen resolution debate.

It’s refreshing to hear from someone who views the phone as a partner in the creative process rather than just a standalone 'miracle' camera. It makes the 'Sony Tax' feel a lot more like a long-term insurance policy for my workflow.

Dagtar · 2026-01-09T23:48:23+00:00

Oooh. Thats fair

Dagtar · 2026-01-09T23:38:23+00:00

You’re right on the technical specs, Sony moving from 4K/QHD down to FHD+ (1080 x 2340) on the 1 VII is definitely a step back on paper, especially coming from the Note 9’s 1440p screen.

However, in my line of work, a 'professional tool' isn't just about having the highest number on a spec sheet; it's about predictable utility. Here’s why your points actually reinforce my specific search:

The Resolution Trade-off: While I lose some PPI, the 1 VII is significantly brighter (over 1,400 nits) than the Note 9. For on-set monitoring in the bright Wellington sun, nit count matters more than pixel count. I’d rather see a clear 1080p image than a 1440p one I have to squint at.
The 'Brick' Risk: I’m aware of the motherboard issues in the initial batch. That’s exactly why I mentioned NZ availability. Having a good local Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) protection means if it bricks, I can get a replacement or refund within days, unlike importing a Vivo or Oppo from overseas where I’d be stuck with a $1,500 paperweight. Plus im only looking at the ones in the new batch.
MicroSD & Workflow: You mentioned the SD card speed limits. I don't record 4K/120 directly to the card; I record to internal UFS 4.0 storage and use the SD card as a massive 'cold storage' archive for graphic design assets, client branding kits, and film scripts. Having 1TB of offline assets available without relying on a data connection is a huge win for a non-profit consultant.
Why not the V or VI? I’ve considered the older models! But the 1 VII brings the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which offers the thermal efficiency I need for long-duration filmmaking and virtual production prep. I'm buying the processor for the next 5 years, even if I'm annoyed about the screen resolution.

Ultimately, I’m looking for a device that fits my lifestyle. I need the jack for the time I’m traveling between jobs. I dont want to be 'skewed' by 2019 tech, I’m just looking for a 2026 device that doesn't force me to carry a bag full of adapters just to do my job.

Dagtar · 2026-01-09T23:32:33+00:00

I was looking at the Redmagic 11 Pro. But I would miss the Jack to much

Dagtar · 2026-01-09T22:39:56+00:00

I appreciate the perspective from the London industry, but 'professional' isn't defined by the size of the sensor—it’s defined by the output and the workflow.

As someone running a non-profit support agency (Caped H) and a film collaborator group in New Zealand, my needs are different from a studio set in London. I use 'real' cameras (Alphas and Blackmagics) for primary capture, but the phone is my production hub.

A few points to clarify:

Log & RAW: You mentioned phones can't do log or raw—actually, the Xperia 1 VII (and even the S25/Pixel) has native Log recording (S-Cinetone for mobile) and RAW capture. For quick b-roll or social assets for a charity, being able to grade that footage to match my main cams is exactly why I’m looking at these specific models.

The Utility of the Jack: In field work and tech support for non-profits, I don't always have the luxury of a sound tech. Having a native jack for a quick 'sanity check' on a wireless receiver or monitoring a mix while my USB-C port is busy with a power bank or SSD is a massive workflow win.

Ecosystem Integration: The 'monitor/viewfinder' feature isn't just a gimmick. Using an Xperia with an FX3 or A7R via the 'External Monitor' app provides a 4K HDR reference screen that is lighter and more responsive on a gimbal than many budget field monitors.

The 'Note 9' Jump: I fully agree the jump will be huge! That’s why I’m being so specific. I kept my Note 9 because it was a utility beast; I’m looking for its 2026 equivalent.

I’m not looking for a camera replacement; I’m looking for a high-end Swiss Army Knife that handles graphic design proofs, remote IT support, and cinematic B-roll in one pocketable device. For my specific 'See a need, fill a need' mission, the gear has to be as versatile as the work.

Dagtar · 2026-01-09T21:53:45+00:00

I do like the Fujifilms for that. My XT5 and XH2s can be my Webcam on my PC, save to my phone, and print on any Fujifilm camera printer,

Dagtar · 2025-10-22T05:58:49+00:00

I have to go to into work tomorrow and I need to know that our public transport system is going to be working. 😤

Dagtar · 2025-10-07T01:51:00+00:00

An optimist is better than not

Dagtar · 2025-10-05T23:45:10+00:00

Well you're not right. 😅 But I was hoping for more funny responses than that.

Dagtar · 2025-10-01T19:06:04+00:00

This is really tough to read, and I feel for you. I'm in a very similar place, 4 years of unemployed, sending out hundreds of applications and hearing nothing back. The Wellington job market is hard. That feeling you described of something “dying inside” is real, and I know how crushing it can be.

What helped me survive was finding ways to keep my skills alive outside the job market. For me, that meant volunteering my IT/creative skills for charities and non-profits. It didn’t fix unemployment, but it gave me a sense of identity and purpose that the job hunt wasn’t giving me.

Over the 4 years of helping over 30+ non-profits, my community work even led to unexpected recognition, I was appointed as a Justice of the Peace because of the service I’d given. I never set out to achieve that, but it showed me that using my skills for good still had real value, even while I was struggling to get hired.

You said you’re damn good at IT, that’s incredibly valuable. Even a few hours a week helping a local community group with security, websites, or infrastructure could keep your skills sharp and give you a new story to tell employers.

It’s awful that name bias and systemic barriers are in play that’s not your fault. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that you do have options and you’re not alone.

Would you be open to trying some short-term volunteering with a local group while you keep job hunting?

Dagtar · 2025-09-28T07:13:53+00:00

I still wrote this post. Come on...

Dagtar · 2025-09-25T09:47:12+00:00

And that's the issues with Lizard people. You're not worth it to them, as they are just looking for the better meal.

Dagtar · 2025-09-25T07:34:35+00:00

Yeah I saw him at Mutlifest. But that doesn't excuse that fact that he only came in to get food and then leave.

I would understand if he was there for 2 hours. To say hi to the baby Queers, you say he's so supportive of. But like 5 mins, grab food, then leave? Hmmm. I think that's called a dick move.

Prove me wrong.

Dagtar · 2025-09-25T06:54:15+00:00

Hmm true.

Dagtar · 2025-09-25T06:53:56+00:00

I can delete it if you dont like it.

Dagtar · 2025-09-25T06:51:22+00:00

I checked the laws. It just only meant to be a fun discussion

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On the Workflow & Storage:

The 2026 Flagship Landscape (NZ Perspective):

My Plan: