Recent Opinion Articles

The Case for Shooting Without a Viewfinder

Photography without a traditional viewfinder often divides opinion sharply. For many, relying solely on an LCD screen seems limiting, yet increasingly, cameras are designed without viewfinders, raising the question of whether adapting to this approach might be worthwhile.

Is Upgrading Your Camera Always Worth It?

Throughout your photography journey, camera gear inevitably evolves. Understanding how much image quality and camera functionality have improved over time directly impacts your buying decisions and creative possibilities.

Instagram Wasn’t the Problem. Our Obsession Was.

Instagram was great until it ruined the art of photography. Somewhere along the way, the app that once celebrated still images traded intention for attention, and in doing so, it didn’t just change photography — it helped ruin the art.

Why So Many Photographers Are Burned Out in 2025

Something's wrong in the photography world, and everyone can feel it. Browse any photography forum, scroll through Facebook groups, or check Reddit threads, and you'll see the same conversations repeating: established photographers selling their gear, newcomers questioning whether it's worth starting, and veterans openly wondering if the industry they once loved still has room for them.

The Three Camera Specs You Should Stop Obsessing Over in 2025

Camera manufacturers have turned photographers into spec addicts, and it's time for an intervention. Every product announcement sends us scrambling to compare numbers: How many megapixels? What's the burst rate? How many autofocus points? We've been conditioned to believe that bigger numbers equal better photos, but that's marketing fiction designed to empty your wallet.

Your Personality Might Be Shaping Your Photography—Here's How

Your personality might be quietly shaping the type of photography you're naturally drawn to. Knowing your personality type could unlock a better understanding of your photographic strengths and struggles, particularly when shooting genres that feel difficult or uncomfortable.

You Said It: Why Sensor Size Isn’t the Whole Story

What matters more—sensor size or how a camera fits into your real-world workflow? Recent comments from our Fstoppers community made me curious to delve into how typical photographers feel, and it revealed a lot more than just APS-C vs. full frame preferences.

Hey Photographers, Sell Your Old Crap Already!

If you’ve ever stubbed your toe on a pile of outdated camera gear, you know the sting of clinging to equipment you never use. It’s like hoarding pizza boxes after the slices are gone—pointless and a bit embarrassing.
What Nine Years With Sony Cameras Taught a Photographer

After nearly a decade with Sony gear, this photographer shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to using these cameras for both stills and video. If you’re deciding whether to buy your first Sony or considering switching to something else, this kind of hands-on, long-term insight helps you weigh real pros and cons without marketing fluff.

Editing vs. Reality: How Far is Too Far in Landscape Photography?

One of the most debated topics in landscape photography is the role of editing. While some photographers firmly believe that an image should reflect the reality of the scene, others see post-processing as a critical creative tool that allows them to express their unique vision. The central question becomes: where do we draw the line between enhancement and deception?

What Canon Might Bring Next: Real Conversations From the Source

Anthony Gugliotta had the opportunity to sit down with Canon's development team to suggest improvements and discuss the future of their cameras and lenses. These insights hint at possible upgrades and changes you might see soon in Canon’s equipment.

Why Your Travel Photos Feel Bland (and How to Fix Them)

Travel photography is at a crossroads, struggling between authenticity and uniformity. Smartphones, AI-generated images, and overtourism are transforming what it means to photograph places and cultures.

What Does It Actually Mean to Be 'Cinematic'?

The term "cinematic" gets thrown around a lot, often without a clear understanding of what truly defines it. For anyone serious about video production, knowing the elements that genuinely create a cinematic experience is crucial to elevating your work beyond just visually pleasing footage.

Did Fujifilm Steal My Idea for Their New Camera?

Five years ago, I humorously "leaked": a rumor that Canon was about to release the RiP, a camera with a vertical sensor designed for Instagram influencers. Sadly, the RiP never came to market, but the concept may have inspired Fujifilm’s intriguing new camera.

DSLR Cameras Are Back—Here’s Why You Should Care

In 2025, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are regaining popularity despite nearly a decade in the shadow of mirrorless technology. For anyone serious about improving their photography skills, this comeback matters because working with a DSLR pushes you to master essential techniques rather than relying on technology alone—plus they're cheap!

Why Having a Faster Lens Isn’t Always Better

The recent launch of the Fujifilm GFX100RF has stirred quite a debate in the photography community. Many Fujifilm fans were frustrated by the decision to equip the camera with a fixed f/4 lens instead of a faster option like f/2.8 or even f/2. This backlash got me thinking: does a faster lens always make a camera better? And more importantly, does it help us produce a better image? The more I think about it, the more I realize that the obsession with wider apertures might not be that beneficial for visual output, but rather for bragging rights that often overlook crucial trade-offs.

How Much Camera Automation Is Too Much?

Automation can streamline your workflow, but it also has clear limits. Understanding when and how to use automation effectively can significantly impact your final images.

Don’t Let Manual Mode Trap You

Everyone likes to tell a photographer they aren’t a real photographer until they always use manual mode on their camera. Understanding the fundamentals of photography is important, but as camera technology advances, it can help you be more efficient in the field. Don’t get trapped in manual mode.

Nintendo Brings Back Cameras (Sort Of)

Buried in Nintendo's Switch 2 announcement during Nintendo Direct earlier in the week was a quiet accessory that brings Nintendo back into the camera game. Sort of.

Is Medium Format Photography Worth the Price?

Shooting with medium format cameras isn't simply about image quality; it's about altering your entire approach to photography. Making the jump from full frame or crop sensor cameras to medium format is a significant step, one that changes not just the look, but the feel of your work.

Why Specs Are No Longer an Important Criteria in Choosing a Camera

In today's photography landscape, there is far too much emphasis on hardware and not enough thought about what it’s actually being used for. Discussions among the community often revolve around camera specifications rather than the philosophy and thoughts behind capturing images. Yet, we have long passed the point where more megapixels, higher dynamic range, and extreme ISO performance make a meaningful difference for most users.