Gear Reviews

If you follow my TikTok or my YouTube shorts, you’ll know I have a thing for toy cameras. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few cool and quirky film cameras that I love to shoot with. When I saw earlier this year that Kenko had released a tiny toy digital camera, I had to try it. Before using it, I wondered if it could create unique images.

Choosing the right camera is crucial to capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots in wildlife photography. For Nikon shooters, the Z8 and Z9 are excellent options, albeit with some notable differences. This helpful video review takes a look at both to help you choose the right one for your work.  

Typically, medium format lenses have smaller aperture sizes compared to full frame lenses, making it uncommon to find one with an aperture wider than f/2. However, the Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR stands out in this regard, as explored in this detailed video review.

Some say it’s the best focal length. I certainly believe so. And while the options for an equivalent 35mm lens for Fujifilm cameras have been scarce, there are good ones out there. Does this one fit well? Does it stand out? Is it better than some Fujifilm offerings? I’d say it’s worth trying. 

The Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens brings a remarkable combination of a wide range of focal lengths and large maximum apertures at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. This makes it a compelling choice for photographers specializing in weddings, events, sports, and portraits. But how does it hold up in real-world use?

Just over two months ago, I traveled to the Isle of Mull in Scotland to review Exascend's 360 GB CFExpress Type A card, which I absolutely adored. I have now been sent the 1TB version of the card, which offers even more in performance, so last week I took a trip to a local hide to photograph Kingfishers. Let's see how I got on. 

The transition from DSLR to mirrorless cameras was a significant shift in the photography world. For many photographers, particularly those heavily invested in DSLR lenses, the transition raised concerns about compatibility and the potential need for expensive new gear.

Fujifilm users have had their options rather limited when it came to wide angle fast-aperture zooms. Well, the only option has been the fan-favorite but bulky XF 8-16mm f2/.8 R LM WR, but now, there’s a new kid on the block. How does it compete? Is it worth considering?  

The Sony a9 III, boasting the world's first full frame global shutter sensor, is a groundbreaking advancement in photography, offering the unprecedented ability to capture 120 raw 24-megapixel full frame photos per second. This feature alone sets a new standard for photographers specializing in fast-paced fields like sports and wildlife, where missing a moment is not an option. 

At just $149, the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility at an extremely affordable price, making it an intriguing option for a lot of users. 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.  

Profoto for under $1,000? Sure, it sounds too good and perhaps the result of one too many drinks. But I assure you, it's true. If you're looking to set up your off-camera flash game, this is the unit for you. Here are my thoughts. 

The Fujifilm GFX100 II is one of the most respected cameras on the market, offering medium format image quality in tandem with advanced, modern features at a very competitive price. When paired with the GF 55mm f/1.7R WR lens, it makes for a formidable combo that can tackle a wide range of scenarios and produce jaw-dropping photos.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is here, and it brings with it a huge range of improvements and exciting new features. This excellent video takes a look at what you can expect from the phones.  

Panasonic has released some mightily impressive cameras in the last few years, and the S5 II and S5 IIX offers photographers and filmmakers alike a nice array of capabilities suitable for many applications. This excellent video review takes a look at the cameras and how they have held up after a year of usage.  

Fujifilm's newest addition to their esteemed medium format mirrorless camera lineup, the GFX100 II, elevates the GF series by integrating a host of new features and enhancements. Despite these advancements, it retains a notably competitive price, making it an appealing option for users contemplating an upgrade from full-frame to medium format. But how does it fare in real-world usage?

The smartphone camera market is a fiercely competitive arena, where manufacturers constantly vie to produce the best camera. This fantastic video takes a look at some of the best to help you choose the right option for you.  

If you're like me, you have a whole bunch of small photography bits—cables, connectors, SD cards, batteries, and more—in your camera bag. If you were to use a different bag, you'd have to take all of them out and transfer them over. That's how I lived for the first couple of years of my career, and it was awful. 

The Sony a9 III and its global sensor have created a metric ton of buzz, but the possible limitations in dynamic range and ISO performance have some thinking twice before placing their order. This helpful video takes a look at the sensor and the sort of performance you can expect from it.  

As photographers, we often go through many modifiers to find the right one, and this may just be my new go-to. With its low cost, portable form factor, and ease of setup, the Aputure Lantern could be right for you too. 

Towards the end of last year, ON1 released the latest version of its software. Its newest advancements are likely to attract even more people to it from Adobe’s Photography Plan for some very good reasons. 

The latest Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens offers an extensive range ideal for photographers specializing in wildlife, bird, and sports photography, combined with an impressively compact design that is a significant advantage over traditional, bulky supertelephoto prime lenses. But what about its real-world capabilities?

Some fabulous new tech on the market that is making our lives as photographers and videographers evermore easy. The Hohem MIC-01 Wireless Lavalier Microphone is released today. I found it a great addition to my arsenal of tools that exceeded my expectations. 

At under $300, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility in a portable and very affordable package. What kind of performance and image quality can you expect from it in usage? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in usage.  

The discussion of what kind of glass is better for documentary photography has been around since the beginning of the genre itself over a century ago. Some swear by using primes only, while many prefer the versatility of a zoom. What are the benefits? What are the downsides? Let’s look at both! 

The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera is one of the latest to hop on the retro train, blending modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. Its features and design resonate with photographers who prefer the tactile experience of older cameras over using digital menus. This great video review takes a look at how that functional design holds up for demanding wedding work.  

Sony has introduced the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, featuring a host of upgrades and fresh features that are likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers and videographers. What's its real-world performance like? This detailed video review explores the performance and image quality that one can anticipate from the lens in usage. 

Astrophotography is a fascinating and challenging field for photographers. Choosing the right camera is crucial for capturing the beauty of deep-sky objects. This decision, often debated among astrophotography enthusiasts, hinges on the choice between a modified DSLR or mirrorless camera and a dedicated astronomy camera. 

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 digital camera offers users the ability to shoot in just about any environment — even underwater — making it a fantastic option for anyone who routinely finds themselves in extreme environments and wants a camera that can keep up with them.

Even if you take out the cameras on your smartphone, it can still play a huge role in making life easier for you when you shoot. In every step of your creative process, your phone can be a tool to make everything easier. 

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens offers photographers a very versatile focal length range for a wide range of uses, making it an appealing option for many creatives. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the lens is usage. 

It seems more and more, competitors are showing up in the COB LED lighting world, and this is no exception. This is the Genaray Portabright, and here's what it’s like to shoot with and ultimately who it could be for. 

While the more specialized models generally get more attention, the Sony a7 line has long been the bread and butter camera of choice for many creatives who need a solid balance of photo and video features at a price that won't break the bank. How has the a7 IV held up over time?

At just 5.9 oz (167 g), the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is an extremely portable lens, making it an intriguing choice for people like landscape and travel photographers who want a versatile set of focal lengths without a lot of bulk. 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.  

Color science is a subtle thing that nonetheless generates a lot of passionate debate among photographers. Can you really tell the difference, though? Which brand do you prefer? This fantastic video takes a look at four popular brands to help you pick. 

Much to the dismay of OM System camera owners, other camera brand users have been buying up all the OM System EE-1 Dot sights and the stocks have disappeared. Don’t tell anyone, but they are available again for now. Canon, Nikon, and Sony readers, please ignore this article about how useful they are. 

The decision to upgrade camera gear, especially within high-end brands like Leica, is significant. The shift from the Leica M10 to the M11, for instance, represents not just a financial investment but also a commitment to a specific photographic approach and style. Here's why one photographer thought the upgrade was worth it.  

Viltrox has rapidly established itself as a reputable creator of lenses, combining commendable performance with affordability. At a mere $158, their AF 20mm f/2.8 continues this pattern of providing quality at a cost that undercuts many competitors.

In recent years, Viltrox has earned considerable acclaim for producing high-quality lenses that are more affordable than similar options on the market. A notable example is the PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens. Offering a 40mm equivalent focal length and an impressively wide aperture, this lens has become a compelling choice for a diverse range of creative professionals and uses.

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is a high-performance, professional-grade, weather-resistant flash, designed to meet the demands of the most demanding photographers. It features a powerful guide number of 60m (197 ft) at ISO 100, an insanely fast recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds, and up to 335 full-power flashes on a single charge.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the respected Galaxy series and expands it with a nice range of new features and improvements, including a 200-megapiexel wide angle camera. With that impressive spec sheet, what kind of performance and image quality can you expect in usage? This excellent video review takes a look.  

Supertelephoto lenses are tremendously useful, but they can also be quite expensive. If you are willing to sacrifice having a super-wide maximum aperture, Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens offers a lot of the flexibility of a supertelephoto lens without the stratospheric price.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S pairs nicely with the Z 9 mirrorless camera to provide sports and wildlife photographers a heck of a combo for capturing fast action in just about any environment. Nonetheless, 400mm f/2.8 lenses are some of the most superlative options out there. So, can Nikon's attempt keep up with other manufacturers?

There are a lot of photographic accessories on the market, and some are more pleasing than others. Peak Design is a brand that never ceases to impress, and their latest collaboration with Sitka became a huge hit and sold out immediately. Here's why. 

If you’re looking to add some versatility to your compact Ricoh GR III set up, a NiSi filter system is a fantastic choice. In this article, I’ll tell you about the Ricoh GR III Master Kit and why you might want to carry this super-lightweight bit of kit in your bag.