Recent Gear Articles

Ten Months and Thousands of Images Later: We Review the Fujifilm X-T5

The Fujifilm X-T5 has been out for some time. It was announced back in November 2022, but I’ve been using it since a few weeks before that so you could say I’ve had the camera for a long enough time to be able to tell you my opinion on it. Is it the right camera for you? What are its pros and cons?

We Review the Laowa 28mm f/1.2 Lens

Laowa has been producing lenses since 2013 and now has a vast collection, from cine lenses to landscape, to specialist lenses, and everything in between. These lenses are sharp and solid and cater to the ever-growing needs of photographers.

A Beginner's Guide to Camera Modes

Almost every modern camera comes with a variety of modes ranging from automatic to fully manual, with just about every possible option in between. What do they all do, and which should you be using for your work? This fantastic video tutorial introduces you to all the most common camera modes, how they work, and when you should use them.

Why Are Tilt-Shift Lenses So Useful to Photographers?

Tilt-shift lenses are some of the oddest options out there, and they can be a bit tricky to use, but they hold a very valuable place in the toolkits of many photographers. What makes them so useful? This helpful video tutorial introduces you to tilt-shift lenses and their applications.

How Does the Sony a6700 Compare to the a7 IV?

The Sony a7 IV is widely regarded as one of the best hybrid cameras out there, but with the a6700 now here, Sony users have two excellent options for their work. Despite the a7 IV having a full frame sensor, the a6700 has some better features and is also $1,000 cheaper. So, which is right for you? This fantastic video comparison takes a look at both to help you decide.

Important Advice for New Photographers and Filmmakers

There is a lot to learn when you are a new photographer or filmmaker, but one of the most important bits of advice does not have anything to do with your creative approach, but rather with how you spend your money. Before you pull out your credit card and go on a shopping spree, check out this important video essay that gives some crucial advice that will save you from making costly mistakes.

Fujifilm and Disney Collaborate on a Rare, Special Edition X100V

Fujifilm and the entertainment powerhouse Disney have collaborated to celebrate 100 years since Disney's founding in October 1923. To commemorate this special occasion, the camera manufacturer has released a very rare edition of its unattainable X100V premium compact camera.
A Crazy Lens Is on the Way

Venus Optics is known for producing some of the most unique and innovative lenses in the industry, including ultra-macro options, smooth trans focus lenses with extra smooth bokeh, extraordinarily wide lenses, and, of course, their famous probe lens. It seems the company is never content to rest, with another crazy lens likely on the way very soon.

3 Reasons Why Crop Sensors Cameras Are Better Than Full Frame

Full frame cameras are generally regarded as the standard option for professional work, but in recent years, crop sensor cameras have come a long way, and their associated ecosystems have filled out to offer photographers and filmmakers a wide range of options suitable for many genres and applications. This interesting video essay discusses three reasons why crop sensors cameras are often a better choice than full frame options.

Canon Patents Two More Extreme Lenses

A theme of Canon's RF lens philosophy has been taking some standard, well-established designs and pushing them to new extremes, such as the 28-70mm f/2 zoom or replacing the 300mm f/2.8 prime with the new 100-300mm f/2.8L. It seems like they have no intention of slowing down, with more extreme patents now emerging.

The GR Is Not the Only One: Fujifilm X70 Re-Review

Many photographers know the famous Ricoh GR lineup. Unsurprisingly, it is a widely loved and appreciated series of APS-C fixed-lens compact cameras. But it is not alone in this space. Many Fujifilm users know the X70 well, but is it still a good choice today, nearly seven years after its release?

What's in a Mobile Photography Studio?

Photographers and filmmakers who work on location a lot have to strike a tricky balance between having all the gear necessary to complete a job and handle anything unexpected that might come up while still being able to travel without a ton of hassle. If you are wondering what it takes, check out this neat video that takes a look into a traveling photographer and filmmaker's bag.

7 Things I Learned From Changing Systems Twice In One Year

During the pandemic, I did some gear juggling. I'm a little embarrassed to admit I changed systems twice in the space of 12 months and even more so about the reasons I made the second switch – but I learned some surprising lessons along the way.

Guide for Choosing the Best Prime Lens for Different Kind of Portraits

If you like photographing people with prime lenses, you must choose the best possible focal length for your situation. After all, with prime lenses, you can’t zoom in or out. This is a simple guide that can help you to use the most suitable prime lens for photographing one or more people, and groups of people.

Our First Look at The Sony a6700

It’s been a while since Sony released a new crop sensor camera designed for serious photographers and videographers. But that day is finally here with the launch of the new Sony a6700.

The Sony 70-200mm f/4 G II Takes a Huge Leap in Evolution: We Review

In a time when older cameras and lenses are getting new updated versions left and right, one of the best things to see is when the piece of gear gets an entirely new purpose. This is definitely something that no one expected from the new Sony f/4 telephoto lens.

Can This Affordable Canon Lens Keep Up With a More Demanding Sensor?

On paper, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is a remarkably versatile and affordable lens, offering a wide aperture, macro capabilities, and image stabilization, making it useful for a huge range of applications. Can it keep up with the more demanding, pixel-dense sensor found on the EOS R7 mirrorless camera? This quick and helpful video review takes a look.

A Year With Medium Format: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

In the last few years, medium format has seen itself reinvented from a niche, prohibitively expensive option to an alternative to full frame for those who want access to some of the best image quality that money can buy. It is not without drawbacks, though. So, is it right for you? This great video features a photographer discussing their experience after using medium format for a year.

The Extra Expenses That Are Often Ignored When Buying a New Camera

Deciding which camera to buy can be challenging. But after doing some research, and taking advice from friends and other photographers, you'll find out which one to buy. The thing that nobody is talking about is the extra expenses that are involved.

How Professional Photographers Should Approach Buying Gear

When you are a hobbyist, you can enjoy buying gear however you want so long as you can afford it, but when you are a professional, you have to really change your philosophy to camera, lens, and lighting purchases. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced commercial photographer discussing his approach to buying gear and how he fulfills his needs without breaking the bank.

Which of These Is the Ultimate Landscape Photography Camera?

When it comes to cameras, two of the most important specs for landscape photographers are resolution and dynamic range. In recent years, cameras from Fujifilm and Hasselblad have reinvigorated medium format by modernizing camera options and reducing their prices to the point that they have become a viable alternative to full frame. So, which company makes the best camera for the genre? This helpful video review compares the Hasselblad X2D 100C and Fujifilm GFX 100S to help you decide.

Which of These Supertelephoto Zoom Lenses Is Right for You?

A decade ago, the idea of a reasonably affordable supertelephoto zoom lens that also produced professional-level images was almost unheard of. However, that particular market niche has exploded and recent years, and photographers now have a huge range of options to choose from. Which lens is right for you? This fantastic video review takes a look at many different options to help you pick.