The Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR is hailed to be one of the sharpest Fuji lenses for its size and very reasonable price, so how does it fair on the Fuji X-T5 with its 40mp sensor? It's one on a list of lenses that Fujifilm recommends you use to get the best out of the sensor, and if that in fact is the case it certainly does it well.
One of the calling cards of the Fujifilm X Series is professional features and image quality in significantly smaller packages, and the XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR continues that by giving photographers a useful wide angle focal length that fits in the palm of the hand. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Few cameras are as unique as the Leica M Monochrom, which, as its name implies, only shoots in black and white. While that might sound like a gimmick, it can provide a notable difference in image rendition in addition to the shooting experience. This interesting video takes a look at the original Leica M Monochromea decade after its release and discusses why it might be worth a look today.
I’ve always had a set of “work” cameras and “fun” cameras, the former being big, heavy professional tools and the latter being the kind I’d bring on family trips and for street photography.
Fujifilm's new X-T5 mirrorless camera brings the beloved X-T series to the next level, offering a range of new features and advanced capabilities paired with a new 40.2-megapixel sensor, making it the most versatile option yet. This great video review takes a look at the new camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
In the last few years, Viltrox has earned a reputation for manufacturing lenses at some of the lowest prices out there that somehow still compete with more expensive options. Their latest offering, the AF 75mm f/1.2 XF, offers Fujifilm X Series users a nice combination of an ultra-wide aperture and a portrait focal length at a very reasonable price. 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.
At first sight, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II doesn’t seem to be much different compared to its predecessor. But looks are deceiving. Perhaps it’s the best mirrorless camera for a reasonable price you can buy at this moment. Canon Netherlands gave me this camera for a review.
In the past few years, Sigma has mostly focused on standard focal lengths between about 20mm and 135mm, but that does not mean they do not have their eyes on more extreme options. In fact, three new patents have emerged for lenses with long focal lengths ranging from 400mm to 700mm.
When starting out with off-camera flash, especially in portraiture, we don't always have access to a lot of high-tech or expensive strobes and modifiers. Here's a simple setup that will help you create stunning low-key rim lit images with very little equipment required.
24mm prime lenses with wide maximum apertures are popular for a variety of applications, as they offer a versatile wide focal length that is not so wide that significant issues with distortion or composition start to creep in, making them a favorite for everything from events coverage to nightscapes. For Sony users, there is the Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Digital cameras have been around for just a moment compared to the long history of film photography, and that means within those many decades are some truly interesting and unique cameras. One of the weirdest and most beloved among those is the Rollei 35, and this great video takes a look at five reasons why it was such a fun and interesting camera.
Now in its fifth generation, the Sony a7R series has earned a reputation for offering a wide range of impressive features paired with the highest-resolution sensor available in a full frame camera, making it the workhorse of choice for a lot of photographers and filmmakers. Is it the best hybrid camera on the market right now? This excellent video review takes a look.
Nikon has announced the development of two exciting new lenses, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8.
With the January sales looming and every company likely offering discounts on new and existing cameras and kit, is it worth considering a new camera body? Is it worth upgrading from your existing equipment to a newer model or even switching from DSLR to mirrorless?
Architectural photography can be described as one of the more technical kinds of photography. Photo compositions generally need to have a more structured aesthetic. Vertical lines need to be straight, and the best way to ensure this is by using a tilt-shift lens. The question is: which lens is best for architectural photography?
As part of Sigma’s Contemporary lens line, the 56mm f/1.4 DC DN is designed to offer exceptional image quality and performance all in a small, convenient package. With a 35mm equivalent of 84mm, this lens is great for portraiture, street photography, pet photography, travel work, and any low-light shooting situations.
Panasonic's LUMIX cameras have been a quiet but profound success in photography. Now, the company has announced the sequel to the beloved mirrorless and it has one improvement that caused quite the stir.
When Canon got serious about mirrorless camera and lenses, they put all their attention into developing full frame options. Of course, many users prefer APS-C cameras for their lower prices, smaller form factor, and extra reach. It looks like those users will be happy in 2023, with more APS-C cameras and lenses on the way.
Many photographers do not want to spend top dollar for high-level bodies, but still need and appreciate advanced features like fast burst rates and powerful autofocus. For Canon shooters, two options that fit that bill are the EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R7. Which is right for you, though? This interesting video discusses the two in the context of a demanding genre, bird photography.
Canon cameras are some of the most popular out there, but just like every other brand, they are not perfect. How do they compare to other options? This excellent video discusses the good and bad of Canon cameras.
Medium format cameras mostly live in studios, where the controlled lighting and less demanding autofocus and burst rates allow them to shine. What happens if you take them out of that environment and put them in the hands of a wedding photographer? This great video shows the results.
The fight for making the best premium portrait lens normally comes down to a few properties: a short telephoto focal length, a wide aperture, stellar sharpness (even wide open), and great bokeh. This lens offers all four of those things, often in spades. Is it the ultimate option for portrait photographers? This excellent video review takes a look.
When it comes to lenses that punch above their weight, Viltrox is quickly becoming one of the photography world's favorite manufacturers, releasing many ultra-affordable lenses that offer decent or even good performance and image quality despite those rock-bottom prices. Their latest offering, the AF 75mm f/1.2 XF, offers Fujifilm users an ultra-wide aperture paired with a useful focal length. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in use.
With AI being all the rage lately, I thought I would test run a plot generator story of Canon versus Sony. I put in some spicy adjectives and plotted the main storyline: the photographers cross paths at the Imagining USA Nikon booth, and I let AI write a plot that will have you both roaring with laughter and fuming with offense. Grab your popcorn, and enjoy a good laugh.
The new Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera offers some of the company's most advanced features and capabilities, all in the popular and beloved X-T style body. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
When it comes to choice of camera, we have more options than ever, each with an array of powerful and useful features. Sony offers some of the most capable cameras on the market. This video takes a look at Sony's offerings and discusses five reasons why they are worth shooting with.
Canon has continued to plow full speed ahead with their mirrorless camera and lens development. It looks like they have no intention of slowing down either, with a new camera coming in February.
I don't hide that I'm a Fujifilm fanboy. My last article described how it's the perfect system for me. I purchased two Fujifilm XT-5 camera bodies the day they were released and used them at weddings just a few days later.
Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2 were major steps forward for the company, offering a brand new high-resolution sensor in tandem with a range of advanced features that help them compete with a variety of full frame cameras. This excellent video review takes a look at the X-T5 and how it compares with the Sony a7 IV and Canon EOS R6 Mark II.
Viltrox has established themselves as a manufacturer of lenses priced at extremely competitive levels, and despite those low costs, many of their options keep pace with much more expensive offerings. Their latest lens, the AF 75mm f/1.2 XF, offers Fujifilm shooters a nice portrait focal length paired with an extremely wide maximum aperture, all at a very affordable price. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
Fujifilm's GFX series of mirrorless cameras have made medium format more affordable and accessible than ever, but lenses for the GF mount remain fairly expensive. That is why, at $999, the Venus Optics Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D is a particularly intriguing option, especially when paired with its extra-wide focal length and maximum aperture. 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 practice.
Canon's L series lenses are legendary, known for rugged construction, reliable performance, and class-leading image quality. With all that comes high prices, however. Nonetheless, the L series has been around for over 30 years, and that means there are some gems from past years that cost a fraction of what the most current models do. This great video review takes a look at one such lens, the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L.
Today, let’s have a look at specs that really matter to the life of a photographer.
24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are some of the most commonly used options in a variety of genres, as their versatile focal length range and wide maximum aperture make them at home in plenty of different applications. However, such lenses can be quite expensive, sometimes topping $2,000. The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is significantly more affordable. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
Sony's a7 series has long been respected as some of the most well-balanced cameras available, offering features and capabilities that satisfy the needs of many photographers and filmmakers without more extreme options that often drive prices higher. This great video review features a creative discussing why among multiple brands and camera bodies, the a7 IV was the camera he returned to the most in 2022.
I received the brand new Sony a7R V from Sony Netherlands for a review. It was a wonderful opportunity to find out if the autofocus is as good as advertised. Looking at the camera in a critical way makes me wonder: which photographer is the camera intended for?
Fujifilm's X-H2 mirrorless camera is one of the most major advancements in the popular and highly regarded X Series, bringing a 40.2-megapixel high-resolution sensor and surrounding it with a variety of new features and upgrades, all enclosed in the company's classic design. This great video review takes a look at the new camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in use.
2022 is fast drawing to a close. There have been some outstanding releases this year, including lenses, bodies, and accessories. But what is the camera of the year? Take a look and see what comes out on top in the Pixel Awards, run by influential industry insiders.
135mm lenses have long been a popular alternative to the classic 85mm focal length for portrait photography, offering a little more flattering telephoto compression and a different perspective that stands out a bit. Sony users have a choice of two standout lenses, the Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE and Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, both of which offer highly competitive performance. This excellent video comparison takes a look at both options to help you pick the right one for you.
Venus Optics has gained a reputation for producing unique and interesting lenses that allow photographers to explore the boundaries of their creativity. One of their newest lenses is the Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO, which offers a wide variety of APS-C users an ultra-wide aperture in tandem with a versatile and relatively neutral focal length. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.
The Sony a7 IV and Fujifilm X-H2 are two of the most well-balanced mirrorless cameras currently on the market at their price point, and as such, they are great bread and butter options for a wide range of photographers and filmmakers. If you are interested in the two cameras and wondering which is right for you, check out this excellent video comparison that will help you pick between the two.
This article could have easily been headlined "the best smartphone camera of 2022" and still been accurate, but in what is an astounding piece of data-gathering work, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee has gathered millions of votes on 16 phones from hundreds of thousands of users to produce what is likely the definitive test for smartphone photography.
85mm lenses with wide maximum apertures are some of the most prized options out there, where their short telephoto focal length and narrow depth of field capabilities make them ideal options for portrait photographers. However, such lenses can easily run north of $2,000, which is what makes the Meike 85mm f/1.8, which sits at less than $200, so refreshing. Can it provide the performance and image quality pros need at that price? This excellent video review takes a look.
There is probably no camera brand more polarizing than Leica, with some seeing their cameras as overpriced status symbols and others absolutely swearing by the experience and the image output. So, is it worth it? This great video review takes a look at the new Leica M11 to answer that question.
The Fujifilm X-T5 and X-H2 mirrorless cameras are two of the newest and most capable options from the company, offering users a wide array of advanced features and capabilities that make them competent in just about any situation you can throw at them. With a lot of similarities between the two cameras, it might be hard to know which is right for your work. This excellent video will help you pick between the two options.
Are you struggling for Christmas gift ideas for friends or family members who love photography? Here's a list of great items that all come in under $100.
Canon's RF lenses have received a lot of acclaim for their high performance and image quality and boundary-pushing designs, but with all those things come high price tags. At $299, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a breath of fresh air, and on an APS-C camera, its 26mm equivalent focal length makes it a potentially interesting option for a variety of needs. This great video review takes a look at the lens on the EOS R7 and if it can provide the performance and image quality you need.
Sometimes, loyalty is the gift that keeps on giving. Now, before a large sector of the reading audience skips straight from the title of this essay to the comment section to tell me I’m a fanboy or being foolish for proposing the idea that committing to one brand is sometimes a good idea, let me start off with a few concessions.
If you are new to photography, you have probably noticed professionals talking about the need for dual card slots a lot, sometimes so much so that they will refuse to buy a camera that only has a single card slot. Why is that so important? Do you really need two card slots? This excellent video features an experienced photographer discussing some of the reasons photographers use two card slots and how they can benefit you.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II offers a lot of the capabilities of the EOS R5 at a lower price, making it appealing for many filmmakers who do not need capabilities like 8K raw output. This excellent video review takes a look at the EOS R6 Mark II for video work and the sort of quality and performance you can expect from it in use.
