Recent Gear Articles

Two Illuminating Products That Will Rattle Other Manufacturers

I am becoming a fan of Neewer gear. Since they changed direction and started producing equipment for themselves, the designs have vastly improved, and the quality of the products has rocketed. Here are two new lights from their stable that are exceptionally good. Their competitors should look out.

A Hands-on Experience With the Sony a9 III

The announcement of the Sony a9 III set the photography world alight with excitement as it became the first camera to feature a global shutter. In this video from Julia Trotti, she puts the camera through its paces in a sports environment. Let's see how she gets on.

6 Simple Menu Things to Set on Your Camera

Modern cameras have lots of functions. It can be challenging to make the best possible settings. Often, it takes time to get the optimal settings for your personal photography. However, there are some simple things that are worth checking out.

Film Recipes: A Shortcut to Nostalgia or a Creative Dead End?

The art of translating the nostalgic essence of film into digital photography has gained momentum, bridging the gap between analog textures and the precision of modern technology. Are presets and recipes a shortcut to this nostalgia, or do they stifle creativity?

You Don't Need That Camera, Honestly

"If only I had that camera," we often tell ourselves, thinking that magically our photography is finally going to transcend to a whole new plane of perfection where our creativity will feel no restrictions and our photographs will carry no flaws. We've all felt this at least once, often more.

Mastering Manual: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creative Control

Understanding how to navigate manual mode in photography is essential for achieving professional-grade results, which can seem daunting due to its perceived complexity. Many photographers view manual shooting as a rite of passage to professionalism, yet the prospect of managing shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings can be intimidating.

How Increasing Smartphone Screen Sizes Are Shaping Photography Trends

The small flagship phone, once a coveted niche in the smartphone market, has officially become extinct. This transition marks a significant shift in consumer preferences and manufacturing trends, underscoring a broader evolution within the tech industry that directly impacts photographers and visual content creators who rely on their smartphones for on-the-go shooting and editing.

Canon Contemplates Entering the Retro Camera Market Amid Rising Popularity

With the photography industry witnessing a resurgence of interest in vintage aesthetics, major players like Nikon and Fujifilm have successfully tapped into the nostalgia, capturing both attention and sales with their retro-inspired models. Amid this trend, Canon has hinted at potentially joining the fray with a fixed lens camera that nods to the past while embodying the present.

The Telephoto Lens: A Landscape Photographer's Secret Weapon

In the world of landscape photography, the conventional reliance is on wide angle lenses for capturing the grandeur of the nature. But the telephoto lens should not be overlooked, and this fantastic video tutorial shows you why you should add one to your bag the next time you head out.

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 wildlife and sports photographers a nice balance of reach and price. This great video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Are These the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Specs?

Anticipation is growing that Canon will unveil the EOS R5 Mark II relatively soon, with its release expected a few months thereafter. And now, we have an intriguing set of specs to look at.

The Best Canon Lenses for Portrait Photography

Choosing the right lens for portraits can significantly impact the quality and emotion conveyed in each photo. This consideration is particularly crucial for photographers specializing in family and children's portraits, as selecting an appropriate lens can address challenges such as maintaining the right distance and capturing fast-moving subjects.

The Ultimate All-Rounder: Unpacking the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G Lens

Selecting the optimal lens for various scenarios can drastically influence the outcome of your shots, and when it comes to versatility, few options stand out like a 24-105mm f/4 lens. Its range and reliability make it an indispensable tool for photographers who require a single lens capable of capturing a broad spectrum of scenes, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes.

Exploring the True Essence of Wildlife Photography: Beyond the Gear

Understanding the impact of equipment on wildlife photography is critical for photographers seeking to elevate their craft. This fantastic video explores the balance between gear, skill, and the psychological aspects influencing photographers' choices and perceptions.

Ultimate Compact Video Light: We Review the Zhiyun M20

When it comes to equipment, I'm looking for ways to simplify. I try to find tools that make my life as a photographer and videographer easier. And with the Zhiyun Fiveray M20 and M20c lights, I can achieve that, as I show in this article.

Nikon Releases Firmware Version 5.00 for the Z9 Mirrorless Camera, Enhancing Sports and Portrait Photography Features

Nikon has announced the release of firmware version 5.00 for its Z9 mirrorless camera. This update, being the fourth major revision since the camera's launch, introduces a series of features aimed at refining the experience for both sports and portrait photographers, while also addressing feedback from the professional photography community for enhanced operational efficiency.

Avoid the Blur: Shutter Speed Secrets for New Photographers

Understanding and controlling shutter speed is essential for capturing sharp, high-quality images. This concept becomes particularly vital when photographing in conditions that may introduce camera shake or when aiming to freeze or blur motion creatively, and this helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.

A Review of the New M3 MacBook Air for Photographers

The MacBook Pro is generally thought of as the workhorse for creatives, but the Air series should not be overlooked, and you might be surprised what you can accomplish with one. This great video review takes a look at the new M3 MacBook Air and how it performs for photography-related tasks.

Streamline Your Photoshop Workflow with Custom Adjustment Presets

Creating custom adjustment presets in Photoshop unlocks a new level of efficiency for photographers. This feature enables users to save their favorite combinations of adjustment layers, streamlining the editing process and fostering a consistent look across different projects.

Functional and Practical: We Review the Peak Design Everyday Sling

Peak Design is known for their functional designs of camera accessories that are coupled with sleek and modern aesthetics, and the Everyday Sling is no different. Available in three sizes: 3L, 6L, and 10L, the Everyday Sling has you covered whatever your shooting and wherever your travels take you.

Eclipse Photography Essentials: Selecting the Right Solar Filter

Selecting the right solar filter for photographing the sun, especially during an eclipse, is a critical decision for photographers. Understanding the differences between visible light or broadband filters and narrowband filters can greatly impact the quality and safety of solar photography. This helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.

A Review of the Affordable Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens takes the place of a fantastic option from the old EF-S lineup, and it offers APS-C shooters an affordable and portable wide angle zoom lens that is perfert for a wide range of needs. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality one can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR gives users a nice long telephoto focal length in combination with a wide aperture, which makes it an appealing option for a range of users, particularly portrait and wedding photographers. This fantastic video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

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.