Recent Gear Articles

How Many Ways Can You Use a Smartwatch for Photography?

Are you a fan of gadgets? When it comes to photography, there are plenty of fabulous extras that we can use to improve what we do, but how about a smartwatch? I experimented with the Kumi GW5 Pro to see how useful it would be.

Nikon to Acquire RED in Surprise Announcement

In a surprise announcement this morning, Nikon announced that they are set to acquire US cinema camera manufacturer RED. With RED due to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese camera giant, this will surely make Nikon a force to be reckoned with, not only in the photography world but also in the filmmaking world.

Do You Need a Medium Format Camera?

The shift to medium format photography can mark a significant milestone for a landscape photographer, but it's also very expensive to do so. Do you really need to do so

The Most Fun I’ve Had With A Film Camera in a Long Time

Retro never really goes out of fashion, and this 110 LOMOMATIC camera took me back to the early 1970s when my eldest sister ran around with her 110 camera. I found myself laughing out loud as I shot with careless abandon.

A Photographer's Review of the New Fujifilm X100VI

The Fujifilm X100 series has been a cornerstone for photographers who want a compact solution without compromising on image quality. The introduction of its latest model, the X100VI, marks a significant development, incorporating a high-resolution sensor and built-in stabilization, promising enhanced capabilities in a familiar, vintage package.

Which Top-Tier Sony Camera Is Right for You?

Navigating the elite tier of Sony's mirrorless lineup presents a challenging decision: choosing between the Sony a1 and the a9 III, each a masterpiece in its own right. This detailed video review meticulously unpacks the features and functionalities that set these cameras apart, guiding users toward the ideal pick for their arsenal.

We Review the Pergear 260 GB CFExpress Type A Card

In the past few months, I have been converted to a CFExpress Type A user following some great experiences with the Exascend CFExpress cards, and this week I wanted to try out another affordable card from Pergear to see how it compares. Join me in this article as I put this card to the test.

A Review of the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Supertelephoto lenses are some of the most versatile out there, offering lots of reach suitable for a wide variety of applications. Nonetheless, such lenses can often be rather expensive, which is what makes the Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM a nice option for users who want lots of capabilities at a more reasonable price. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you'll be able to expect from it in practice.

The Difference Between Different Camera Shutters

It used to be so simple. The camera shutter opened and closed again. The time in between was the exposure time. With digital cameras and mirrorless systems, things became a bit more complicated. Let’s have a look at the different types of camera shutters.

Hey DJI, Fix These Issues Please

When it comes to cameras released in 2023, most would find it hard to argue that the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 was not only the most anticipated but also delivered on almost all of its hype upon release. However, several fixes need to happen to make this the best camera for video content creators.

The Least-Discussed Aspect of What Makes a Camera Good

The connection between a photographer and their camera can significantly impact their creativity and enthusiasm for photography. This unique relationship often goes unnoticed but is crucial for nurturing a photographer's passion and drive to explore and capture the world through their lens.

Profoto B1X Review: Time To Say Goodbye in 2024?

Often regarded as the best lighting company in the world, Profoto offers a few battery-powered lights. The pinnacle of such lighting is the Profoto B1X. In 2024, however, does it hold up against the competition, and are there better alternatives?

A Review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Laptop

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a powerful laptop with features for gamers and creatives alike. Is it the right choice for you? This excellent video review takes a look.

A Review of the Impressive New Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art offers users a unique optical instrument with the promise of top-level image quality. What kind of performance can you expect from the lens in real-world usage? This fantastic video review takes a look.

A Review of the Impressive New Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens

Venus Optics is known for making some of the neatest lenses out there, and the new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus is no exception to that rule. With that wide focal length and wide aperture, it is quite a unique optical instrument. Can it provide the sort of performance and image quality pros need in practice, though? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.

Should You Buy the Sony a9 III or a1?

The Sony a1 and a9 III are two of the most impressive cameras ever made, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. This fantastic video dives deep into both to help you choose the right camera for your work.

A Review of the Impressive New Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens

The new Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. lens offers users the promise of tremendous focal length range suitable for a huge range of applications, making it an appealing option for many users. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Don't Overlook This Lens: The Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

Viltrox has quickly established a reputation for producing some of the most affordable but surprisingly competent lenses out there, and the AF 20mm f/2.8 is no stranger to that trend. At less than $200 and with a tiny footprint, it is a tempting option for many users. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Which Nikon 400mm Lens Is Right for You?

400mm f/2.8 lenses are often the tool of choice for sports and wildlife photographers, but with prices easily stretching north of $10,000, they are anything but cheap. So, if the quality and performance of older versions is suitable, it is well worth saving your cash. This fantastic video takes a look at the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR and Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses to help you decide if you need to splash out for the newest version.

Review of the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

If you're looking for a long telephoto lens for the mirrorless R system, Canon has some great options available. The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is the most recent one, and I predict it will become a very popular lens. And it's with good reason.

Focal Lengths and Their Impact on Your Portraits

Choosing the right focal length for portraits is more than a technical decision; it's a creative choice that significantly impacts the aesthetic and emotional tone of an image. This choice dictates not just how subjects are framed within their environment but also influences perspective, distortion, and the relationship between subject and background, making it a critical consideration for photographers aiming to craft impactful visual narratives.

A Review of the New and Impressive Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

Sigma continues to impress, and the new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens is no stranger to that trend, offering a ton of reach for users like sports and wildlife photographers. This fantastic video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Could You Force Yourself to Use Just This One Lens?

As a landscape photographer who is addicted to the big vista, I have often wondered just how hard or easy it would be to force myself to only use one lens, and that lens being the 70-200mm. The versatility of this lens is fantastic, and many of you will know this already. However, the best thing about having my 70-200mm is that it's always in my bag and ready to be deployed whenever I need it, but what if I were only to have this lens?

First Look at The Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens

Sony just announced the new 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, and I’ve been able to use it for a few weeks now. Does this unique focal range deserve a space in your camera bag?

Fujifilm Instax SQ40 Versus Instax SQ6: Which Should You Buy?

Fujifilm Instax cameras are the most popular instant cameras, offering a range of sizes from mini to wide, providing plenty of options. My favorite format is the Instax square film, and with the release of the new Instax SQ40, we conducted a comparison against the SQ6 to determine the best square format instant camera.

A Look at the New Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens

Venus Optics is respected for making some of the photography market's most interesting lenses, and the new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus continues that trend by offering and ultra-wide focal length in tandem with a wide aperture. This great video review takes a look at the new lens for landscape usage and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

The Ultimate Budget Full-Frame Camera of 2024

Whenever someone asks me what camera they should buy, I am shown a ton of triple-digit-D versions. Unfortunately, entry-level cameras are nowhere near as good as full-frame equivalents. Full frame doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s a cheap full frame camera you can buy in 2024.

A Review of the New Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens

The new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G offers users useful focal lengths in a compact package. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the New Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

Sigma's new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens promises users a ton of reach suitable for genres like sports, wildlife, and more, making it an intriguing option for many users. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Apple Vision Pro for Photographers: How Useful?

The Apple Vision Pro is all over the news lately. It's an expensive $3,500 wear-on-your-head device that offers augmented reality, virtual reality, and what Apple calls "Spatial Computing." (That's just the base price. Adding memory and prescription lenses adds to your ticket.)

A Review of the New Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens

Venus Optics, well known for producing some of the most unique and innovative lenses out there, recently announced the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus lens, offering an extremely wide focal length in tandem with a wide aperture and autofocus, making it desirable for many different users. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you'll be able to expect from it in practice.

Don't Buy the Hype: The Dome Attachment Mystery Solved!

There is a war going on in the lighting community: To dome or not to dome? Does the recessed front make a difference? Are the flat-front lights not usable anymore? Well, having had the privilege of owning a number of lighting variants, I did rigorous testing to settle the debate once and for all.

A Review of the New Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

The new Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens offers users extreme reach with the promise of exceptional results. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the New Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art continues the company's tradition of offering top-level optics at competitive prices. What can you expect from this unique new lens? This excellent video review takes a look.

Why Is This Newly Released Zoom With a Gargantuan Reach Causing a Stir?

Sometimes I am sent lenses to test, and I can’t wait to send them back. Others stay attached to my camera for as long as possible before they are returned. What I chose to do with this 150-600mm lens took me by utter surprise, and there is good reason why it is making a mark.

Will We See Another Major Canon Camera This Year?

Most gear enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, and while those will certainly be some of the most important cameras to come along in a while, Canon might have another crucial camera waiting in the wings.

The Creative Power of Constraint

Exploring familiar territories with a fresh perspective can often feel like a daunting challenge for photographers. Yet, it's this very pursuit of novelty within the well-trodden that can breathe new life into one's work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and observation.

The Premium Compact King Is Back! Fujifilm X100VI Preview

The successor to the worldwide popular, and rightfully so, Fujifilm X100V has finally been revealed! The new X100VI brings forth some very welcome features while staying true to what made the X100 lineup great. We’ve used it for a while and loved it! How was it? What’s new? What stayed the same? Is it worth upgrading? Will you even be able to get one?

How to Record Better Audio: We Review the Saramonic MV7000

Times when the main creative outlet for photographers was taking and editing photos are long gone. For many, recording videos plays an equally important role now. But, the creation of videos is not only about the visuals. Audio is equally important. And for it, you need a good microphone, like the Saramonic MV7000.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Camera Gear Clean

I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my gear. Anyone who has bought any of my used gear has usually told me it looks like new, save for maybe by the tripod mount, which I usually attach a plate to while I'm camped out by lighthouses.