Teaching EFL in China: Pros and Cons

And these days, phone cameras are pretty amazing. If you aren't a photography hobbyist, they can be more than sufficient  Here's a pic I took of the recent super moon with my phone from my balcony:

Oh, no doubt. I'm just blown away when people upgrade ALL the time, like every year or year and a half.

FOMO. "OHHHHH the screen resolution is higher!!!" The screen is 4 inches across............. ... it's not worth 900 dollars a year............ haha

If your phone is your livelihood? Sure. Same as a film editor might upgrade how much RAM they have, or the video card. But it's not really worth it for the mast vajority of people.

And these days, phone cameras are pretty amazing. If you aren't a photography hobbyist, they can be more than sufficient  Here's a pic I took of the recent super moon with my phone from my balcony:

i have a conspiracy theory for this.

when phone companys started advertising their new 100x zoom and moon shot lenses, everyone went out to get them. and invariably, the first thing they would take a picture of would be the moon....  now, it is my suspicion that these phone companies are collectively stitching many peoples moon shots to make a much more clearer image of the moon.  everyones moon pics come out looking amazing, and no one is the wiser.  try that 100x zoom by spying on a fisherman across the bay while you sit in a coffee shop (a thing i did) and youll find that its very hard to keep stable, despite resting the phone on a solid flat surface, and it comes out  blurry.

what up with that, lizard people?

Oh yes, totally.
I just got a new phone (S20U+), but my previous phone was nearly 6 years old and the battery was starting to swell, so it was def time to kick it to the curb.

i have a conspiracy theory for this.

when phone companys started advertising their new 100x zoom and moon shot lenses, everyone went out to get them. and invariably, the first thing they would take a picture of would be the moon....  now, it is my suspicion that these phone companies are collectively stitching many peoples moon shots to make a much more clearer image of the moon.  everyones moon pics come out looking amazing, and no one is the wiser.  try that 100x zoom by spying on a fisherman across the bay while you sit in a coffee shop (a thing i did) and youll find that its very hard to keep stable, despite resting the phone on a solid flat surface, and it comes out  blurry.

what up with that, lizard people?

Actually, I've spent some time thinking this as well. 
As for the lizard people, I've seen plenty of clear pics of them, so I'm not sure where that figures into anything.

Good shot of the moon though going in close it pixelizes quickly.  But for run of the mill pics a phone camera will do just fine.  Some of my recent pics were phone pics.  Though I do have a Sony point and click I use sometimes.  I really got to upgrade that more than the phone.  But I am honestly not sure how much longer I will be here which prevents me from doing so. 

I still like the point and shoots though.  But something with a high zoom

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-P1000-Digital-Camera/dp/B07F5HPXK4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2U2XFPD6TM9QH&keywords=Nikon%2BCOOLPIX%2BP1000&qid=1654236409&sprefix=nikon%2Bcoolpix%2Bp1000%2Caps%2C462&sr=8-2&th=1

This has 125x but the previous model with 83x zoom would be okay too. 

You'd better LOVE zooming in on things because it's 1.5million won and the lens doesn't come off.

You'd better LOVE zooming in on things because it's 1.5million won and the lens doesn't come off.

Yeah, I am not sure 100 per cent.  On current salaries, it becomes too expensive.  But when out in nature it can be good for zooming in only on a clear day. 

On the other hand, this is much cheaper and Minolta use to be a good camera brand.  I assume it still is.

https://www.amazon.com/Minolta-Pixel-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B07S7VBGLJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=JR215E5DW9HY&keywords=100x%2Bzoom%2Bcamera&qid=1654236650&sprefix=100x%2Bzoom%2Caps%2C311&sr=8-3&th=1

Less zoom, but 67X still not bad. 

But, yes, these are point and shoots not DSLR which the lenses come off and you have to know more about photography.  These lenses zoom in and out.  In other words, they extend out when taking a zoom shot and contract in when not taking a zoom shot.  These lenses do not stay out long the whole time.  (I am assuming that is what you mean.)  A good quality point and shoot with a high zoom will do many things that a traditional DSLR removeable lens higher end camera will do.  Of course not everything, but enough things for most people.   

If you are taking close pics or of friends, your phone will be fine. 

Good shot of the moon though going in close it pixelizes quickly. 

Yeah. It's a 5x optical zoom, and the rest is just digital, so it does pixalate quickly when you zoom in on a 50x zoomed photo.
Still, for something that I'll always have with me, it's pretty decent.
I just try to limit zooming past the optical threshold. Usually not a problem, except with the more extreme shots.
My next goal is to get a clear pic of the ISS. Found a tracker app for it, so hopefully it'll be something I can post up here soon to brag about. 

Of course these are with a point and shoot camera (not phone) but only a 30x zoom.  I'd love to up the zoom.  16 MP, but once up to 20 MP not much difference though some cameras can be low quality and have glassy looking pics depending on the type of lens.  But overall, a good built in zoom will make for good quality. 

I had to zoom in on the chipmunk.

Sometimes, you just need to be in the right place at the right time for scenic photography.  This is true especially in Korea where humidity, pollution, etc times of year can screw up pics.  Certain times of the year best for taking pics.  It is a matter of having a good eye as much as a decent camera.

Yeah. It's a 5x optical zoom, and the rest is just digital, so it does pixalate quickly when you zoom in on a 50x zoomed photo.
Still, for something that I'll always have with me, it's pretty decent.
I just try to limit zooming past the optical threshold. Usually not a problem, except with the more extreme shots.
My next goal is to get a clear pic of the ISS. Found a tracker app for it, so hopefully it'll be something I can post up here soon to brag about. 

For all you need it for, it is probably fine for you.  My phone lets me zoom in but pixelizes fast.  Sometimes, I don't have my camera with me. 

What are the Pros and Cons of living and working in China as an EFL teacher?

I know the terrible air pollution is a Con.

Hmmm, to live in China, arguably the worst place on the planet to live, or live in Korea, arguably one of the best 

Since we're sharing photos.

Hmmm, to live in China, arguably the worst place on the planet to live, or live in Korea, arguably one of the best 

Well much of the year we get their pollution anyways.  This year has been better but there have been lockdowns there cutting production back.  Though there are nice periods.  Much of spring, fall, and winter has had Chinese pollution.   It is worse there, but I would have said, just go over there and make much better money for a year or two and then get out.  It's not been the best here the last few years except this year and maybe in 2020.  Though there are more blue sky days here.  But if it's true blue sky days ye seek then stay back in North America. 

Since we're sharing photos.

Nice.  Looks like you have a good camera.  Probably better than mine.  Point and shoot or a DSLR (with adjustable lenses)?

I used a 30x Zoom would like to get a better one and upgrade.  A high optical zoom for a built in point and shoot camera or adjustable lenses for a DSLR lens can get good shots. 

Zoomed in on a pomegranate and also a sunset.

Well much of the year we get their pollution anyways.  This year has been better but there have been lockdowns there cutting production back.  Though there are nice periods.  Much of spring, fall, and winter has had Chinese pollution.   It is worse there, but I would have said, just go over there and make much better money for a year or two and then get out.  It's not been the best here the last few years except this year and maybe in 2020.  Though there are more blue sky days here.  But if it's true blue sky days ye seek then stay back in North America.

I've been to China, I would literally rather paddle a canoe back to Florida before stepping foot in that country again. The air pollution doesn't even make it in the top 5 worst things about China

Nice.  Looks like you have a good camera.  Probably better than mine.  Point and shoot or a DSLR (with adjustable lenses)?

https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-200d/specifications/

Got a 10-18mm for filming, 18-55mm  stock lens that comes with EVERY Canoon and a 40mm and a 50mm. However, I have a ASP-C sensor so the 40mm and 50mm go 1.6x, so they're essentially a 64mm and 80mm. All that gear cost about 1400 bucks? And a mic for 65. 

I've been to China, I would literally rather paddle a canoe back to Florida before stepping foot in that country again. The air pollution doesn't even make it in the top 5 worst things about China

I wouldn't go now until all the current nonsense clears up.  I have had friends go over there pre covid due to declining work conditions here (pay, contracts, etc).  They all swore up and down they loved it.  But it is definitely not a long term place to stay.  Make as much as you can, send it home, and then get out.  Don't get lulled in by the money and then stay.  As for what folks describe about China, it sounds like Korea 12 to 20 years ago.  Folks spitting everywhere, driving like douche, butting in front of line, filthy bathrooms, etc. 

Well much of the year we get their pollution anyways.  This year has been better but there have been lockdowns there cutting production back.  Though there are nice periods.  Much of spring, fall, and winter has had Chinese pollution.   It is worse there, but I would have said, just go over there and make much better money for a year or two and then get out.  It's not been the best here the last few years except this year and maybe in 2020.  Though there are more blue sky days here.  But if it's true blue sky days ye seek then stay back in North America.

You live in Korea for a reason, it's a great country. You don't live in China for a reason, because its actually a terrible place. Stop trying to convince people to go to a country where the chances of them being arbitrarily detained or physically harmed are high.

https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-200d/specifications/

Got a 10-18mm for filming, 18-55mm  stock lens that comes with EVERY Canoon and a 40mm and a 50mm. However, I have a ASP-C sensor so the 40mm and 50mm go 1.6x, so they're essentially a 64mm and 80mm. All that gear cost about 1400 bucks? And a mic for 65. 

Nice, I can definitely tell by the quality of the closeups.  I stick rather lazily to the point and shoots which have their limitations but a good one can do many things.  My Sony point and click is more than several years old and needs an upgrade.  Of course I could go full photographer and get a camera like yours or similar.  (Though I will need some trial and error, but that goes with the territory.)  If you can throw in a few Japanese pics, you could make and sell some Asian life calendars or booklets or posters.  Make some side dough. 

I wouldn't go now until all the current nonsense clears up.  I have had friends go over there pre covid due to declining work conditions here (pay, contracts, etc).  They all swore up and down they loved it.  But it is definitely not a long term place to stay.  Make as much as you can, send it home, and then get out.  Don't get lulled in by the money and then stay.  As for what folks describe about China, it sounds like Korea 12 to 20 years ago.  Folks spitting everywhere, driving like douche, butting in front of line, filthy bathrooms, etc.

Dude get real, Korea hosted a World Cup in 2002. Its not comparable at all.