Recent Gear Articles

Apple Unveils New iPad Air: More Power, More Versatility, More Choices

Apple has just announced a significant update to its popular iPad Air line, introducing a redesigned 11-inch model and an all-new 13-inch option. This marks the first time the iPad Air is available in two sizes, catering to users who prefer a more portable device and those who desire a larger canvas for work and creativity. Both models boast impressive upgrades, including the powerful M2 chip, enhanced AI capabilities, a landscape-oriented front camera, and faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

Apple Unveils M4 Chip: Powering the Next Generation of iPad Pro

Apple has introduced their latest Silicon, the M4 chip. This powerful system-on-a-chip (SoC) is set to debut in the newly redesigned iPad Pro, promising a significant leap in performance and capabilities. Built using a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process, the M4 chip boasts impressive power efficiency while delivering remarkable speed and functionality.

A Deep Dive into the Leica M11 Monochrom

Truly harnessing the power of monochrome requires intention and a deep understanding of light and shadow. The Leica M11 Monochrom, a dedicated black and white camera, presents a compelling option for photographers seeking to explore this art form, albeit at a very high price. Is it worth that cost?

The Battle of the Travel Cameras in Paris

The title of this article sounds like the nichest of films — albeit one I'd gladly watch — but it's actually the premise of a photographer who took some of the best travel cameras money can buy on a trip to pit them against one another.
Do You Really Need More Megapixels?

Choosing a new camera can be overwhelming, especially with the constant emphasis on megapixels in marketing materials. While more megapixels generally translate to more detail, it's crucial to understand how they impact your photography and whether a higher megapixel count truly aligns with your needs.

Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Review: A Budget Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mount

For Nikon Z mount users seeking an affordable prime lens, the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 is an intriguing option. 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.

The Proven Classic: A Long-Term Review of The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R

Every once in a while, a piece of gear becomes an instant classic. The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R carries that title with pride and deservedly so! I have been using it for nearly a decade and cannot recommend it enough. It's a brilliant lens with flaws that are easy to ignore.

Sony a9 III Global Shutter Versus High-Speed Sync

Have you heard the buzz? Sony just unveiled the Sony a9 III, boasting the groundbreaking feature of being the first full frame camera equipped with a global shutter. This technological leap has sent shockwaves through the photography industry, but it's also sparked a flurry of questions, particularly regarding its compatibility with flash and whether it outperforms high-speed sync. But before we delve into that, let's demystify what a global shutter is and how it revolutionizes flash photography.

A Review of the New Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 XF Lens

Viltrox is rapidly gaining a reputation as the photography world's champion of affordability, consistently delivering lenses that defy their price tags with impressive performance. One of their latest offerings, the AF 75mm f/1.2 XF, specifically designed for Fujifilm X Series cameras, is no exception. This lens boasts an incredibly wide f/1.2 aperture paired with a versatile 75mm focal length, making it an enticing option for portrait, wedding, and low-light photographers.

A Review of the Lomography Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II

As a photographer, you're always looking for ways to expand your creative toolbox and capture unique images. One way to achieve this is by using lenses with special characteristics, like the Lomography Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II. This lens offers a distinct aesthetic, taking inspiration from 19th-century optical designs to produce images with swirly bokeh and a vintage feel.

Maximizing Your Photography Trips Through Appropriate Clothing Choices

Capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography is an art form that requires a keen eye, technical skills, and creative vision. However, one often underestimated aspect that can significantly impact the outcome of a landscape photography trip is the choice of clothing.

The Asus Vivobook S 14: Affordable OLED and Unexpected Power

Finding the right laptop can be a challenge, especially with the constant influx of new models and fluctuating prices. While the general advice for 2024 has been to stick with slightly older models for cost savings, the Asus Vivobook S 14 presents a compelling case for considering a 2024 release.

Time Tested, Ever Reliable: We Review The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

There is a unique series of lenses for the X-Mount. They do not offer the brightest apertures, nor do they use linear motors, but what they lack in features, they make up in beautiful vintage-looking, slanted, weather-resistant, and compact build. Some call them Fujicrons and the 35mm started it all.

Is a $2,300 50mm Lens Worth It?

Canon makes some wildly good and wildly expensive lenses, including the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, which offers amazing results but also costs north of $2,000. Do you really need to spend that much? This useful video will help you decide.

A Year With the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM Review

The 35mm focal length is a staple for many photographers, offering a versatile perspective suitable for various scenarios, from landscapes to portraits. This great video review takes a look at one of the best options out there.

The Leica Q3 Has a Special Power That You Might Not Have Heard About

Even a lot of the people who purchased the new Leica Q3 might not be aware of a feature this camera has that can greatly expand your creative possibilities for using flash. Within the Q3’s beautiful magnesium alloy body lies a secret hidden in plain sight.

We Review the HP Sprocket 3x4: In a Class of Its Own

The title of this article makes it seem like I'm heaping some sort of superlative description upon what is, more or less, a typical Zink-based printer that doesn't require ink or cartridges. And when it comes to this, the $129 HP Sprocket 3x4 Instant Photo Printer, I am. Well, more or less.

A Review of the Affordable DJI Mini 4K

The new DJI Mini 4K offers a very affordable and portable entry into the world of drone photography and filmmaking. Can it match your needs? This excellent video takes a look at what to expect.

Is the Sony a7C II the Ultimate Travel Camera? 

Choosing the right camera forwork on the go can be a daunting task, as you need a versatile tool that balances image quality, portability, and performance. The Sony a7C II is a strong contender, offering a compelling blend of features that cater to photographers on the move.

The Fujifilm X100VI: A Powerful Upgrade With a Familiar Feel 

For those seeking a blend of portability, performance, and a unique shooting experience, the Fuji X100 series has long been a popular choice. With the release of the X100VI, Fuji has taken this beloved camera to new heights, offering significant improvements while retaining the charm that has charmed photographers for years.

This Ultra-Affordable Lens Performs Much Better Than It Should

Finding affordable, high-quality lenses can be a challenge. Thankfully, companies like Viltrox are stepping up to offer compelling options. One such option is the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z lens for the Nikon Z mount, a prime lens that boasts impressive features at a remarkably low price point.

This Camera Makes Me a Better Photographer

As photographers, we are constantly told that our gear or camera does not matter. As someone who has pushed this narrative, it is finally time to admit I've been wrong this entire time.
The Fujifilm X100VI: Does the Lens Resolve 40 Megapixels?

The jump from 26 to 40 megapixels in the Fujifilm X100VI sparked debate about whether the lens could keep up. This video tackles that question head-on, comparing the X100V and X100VI lenses to see how well they resolve detail and handle the demands of a high-resolution sensor.

A Humorous Look at a Ridiculous Lens

Capturing stunning wildlife and street photographs requires specific equipment, particularly when it comes to lenses. The choice of lens significantly impacts image quality, versatility, and the overall photographic experience. Nonetheless, there's probably a limit. This lens might be past that limit.

Made For Travelling And Vlogging? A Preview of Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G

Sony released a rather odd lens a few days ago. The FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G is neither a replacement for the GMaster nor the cheaper f/4. It is its own odd thing. What is its purpose? Where does it fit in the lineup? Does purchasing it make sense? For some, it most definitely might. Not for all, though.

Canon Introduces Another Wild Idea

Canon has recently filed a patent application that has caught the attention of a few eagle-eyed photographers, as it could radically transform the ways in which we can use any lens.

The Sony a7R V: Top Image Quality in a World of Speed Demons 

Choosing a new camera can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and the wide range of options available. For photographers who prioritize image quality and advanced features, the Sony a7R V has remained a popular choice since its release. But is it still worth considering in 2024, with newer models on the horizon?

A Nostalgic Look at an Early Digital Camera

Early digital cameras, despite their limitations, were a marvel of their time, offering a glimpse into the future of image capture and paving the way for the advanced technology we enjoy today. This fun video takes a look back at one such camera.

Review of the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS

A 300mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 is a wonderful lens. But it’s often large and heavy, or so it used to be. Although the diameter of the lens is unchanged, Sony managed to keep the weight within acceptable limits. It makes the FE 300mm GM OSS a great tool to work with.

You Wish You Could Own This Lens

Capturing the perfect shot often requires a delicate balance between focal length, image quality, and portability. Finding a lens that excels in all three areas can feel like searching for a mythical creature. That's why lenses like these make us drool.

The Fujifilm X100VI: A Photographer's Perspective

The allure of a new camera often lies in its technical specifications and the promise of enhanced capabilities. However, the true measure of a camera's value rests in its ability to seamlessly integrate into a photographer's individual approach and empower their creative vision. This exploration of the Fujifilm X100VI offers valuable insights into this nuanced relationship between photographer and tool.

The Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: A Budget Zoom Lens for FullFrame Cameras

Full frame cameras offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but their lenses can often be bulky and expensive. For photographers seeking a compact and affordable zoom lens option, the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM provides a compelling solution. This lens is particularly well-suited for travel, street photography, and everyday shooting scenarios.

Canon's Smart Move With Sigma and Tamron Shakes Up the APS-C Lens Market

The recent introduction of new lenses for Canon's RF-S mount by third-party manufacturers Sigma and Tamron is a significant development for the industry. These lenses, all designed for APS-C format cameras, are a significant development that reveals Canon's strategic approach to its mirrorless camera lineup.