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Usman Dawood

Batley, GB
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Articles from Usman Dawood

Which Camera Manufacturers Might Not Survive?

The last few years have not been kind to the photography industry. With smartphone manufacturers flooding the market with easily accessible and relatively good quality cameras, the camera industry has struggled. Now, with COVID-19 hitting the mix, the tough times have become far worse. 

Increase the Depth of Your Images With ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2020

Over the last decade, we've had lots of new wide aperture lenses hit the market. Lenses like the Nikon 58mm f/0.95 make producing images with super shallow depth of field relatively easy. Even significantly less expensive lenses like an 85mm f/1.8 can produce beautiful, shallow depth in an image, but what if you want more depth? 

What Is the Best Camera You Should Buy?

This is probably one of the more frequent questions that I hear. For the most part, I get asked this question by beginner photographers, which is fine of course. Unfortunately, it's not always easy for me to give a straight answer, because there are a lot of factors to consider. Despite this, I think this video may help provide some answers. 

Testing the Dynamic Range Limits for Medium Format Film: Kodak Ektachrome E100

Current digital medium format cameras offer some of the best in image quality. One of the big advantages that these large sensor cameras have is dynamic range. Most currently medium format cameras offer around 15 stops worth of dynamic range when shooting raw. How does medium format film compare to that? 

Peak Design Travel Tripod Versus Manfrotto Befree: Which Is Better?

When the Peak Design Travel Tripod was first announced and released, I did scoff at it. I thought it was nothing more than just an overpriced tripod. As someone who currently owns the Manfrotto Befree tripod, I thought this release from Peak Design was silly, to say the least.  

A Quick Review of the Lensbaby OMNI Filters

As the lockdown continues here in the UK, Anete and I are finally getting the time to finish some of the videos we filmed a little while ago. We are currently missing the ability to go out and shoot portraits again, and very much looking forward to end of this lockdown. 

Drone Disguised as Hummingbird Captures Incredible Footage of Monarch Butterfly Swarm

It's not very often that I watch a video online and react by literally gasping and audibly saying "wow." Watching Captain America stare down Thanos and his whole army, in an IMAX cinema, on a huge screen, was the last time I reacted in such a way. This time, even without the huge screen, resolution, and quality, this video is simply incredible. 

How to Photograph Flying Food

In general, the images that I find the most engaging are ones that have motion in them. In some images, the motion can just be implied and that still adds a whole new dimension. Motion can also add an element of storytelling to the image which how engaging it can be. This is why I believe, food images with motion get so much attention. 

The Canon EOS R5: Thank You, but No Thank You

This is not a negative piece on Canon, nor am I complaining about what Canon is or isn't doing. Now that I have that out of the way, let's get realistic about Canon cameras for a moment. 

Why Doesn't Every Professional Camera Have This Feature?

Shooting while tethered is probably the best way for many photographers. It's obviously not ideal for certain kinds of photography, like events and weddings; however, for those that shoot on a tripod, being tethered to a larger screen can make all the difference.

Extreme Street Photography With Kai and Lok, Covid-19 Edition

As the lockdown continues, many of us may be struggling to find ways to keep ourselves entertained. Worse than that is the fact that many of us may be feeling a little under utilized. It's probably not that easy to flex our creative muscles during this time, especially if your kind of work specifically requires you to be out and about. 

Canon 1D X Mark III Versus Sony a9 II: Which Camera Should You Buy?

When it comes to flagship cameras, most photographers tend to buy into one brand and stick with them. It's not very often that people who shoot with these cameras switch from one camera brand to another. A big reason for this is because familiarity is valuable and especially useful when shoots are critical. 

Can Sitting Too Close to Your Screen Damage Your Vision?

As far as I know, most photographers and videographers tend to edit their own content. This generally means that most of them spend a great deal of their time in front of a screen. Is all of that screen time causing damage to our eyes? 

Large Format Is Still Completely Unrivaled: 8x10 Versus Fuji GFX 100 (5DS R & X1D II)

Previously, we compared a 4x5 film camera to the Canon 5DS R, and the film camera was able to produce incredible results. We mostly focused on the differences in depth of field for that comparison. With 4x5, you're able to produce beautiful bokeh and extremely shallow depth of field. In this latest video, we decided to look at the differences in resolution. 

Grinding and Overheating: Are Problems Emerging for the Fujifilm X100V?

This year, Fujifilm has released two exceptionally good APS-C cameras. In my view, these are the best crop sensor cameras currently on the market. As more and more people get their hands on these cameras, problems relating to overheating seem to be surfacing with the Fujifilm X100V. 

Every RF Zoom Lens Compared: Which Canon RF Lens Is Best for You?

The Canon EOS R is a camera that may have split the crowd a little. In my view, it's not the best release from Canon for a number of reasons. The lenses for this system, however, are a very different case. In typical Canon form, the latest RF lenses are fantastic, and if you're having difficulty picking between them all, then this video might be of help. 

The Fujifilm X-T4: The Best Camera I Won't Be Buying (Probably)

Fujifilm has officially announced the X-T4 and to me it looks like a brilliant camera. Fuji has implemented most of the major requests made by many within the community. My initial reaction in London was extremely positive towards the camera. Unfortunately, there are still a few reasons that hold me back from upgrading. 

This Is the Best Portrait Lens I've Ever Shot With

A few years ago, I reviewed the Hasselblad H6D 100c, and one of my biggest complaints was the lenses. This is not the case with Hasselblad's X1D system. Every XCD lens I've tested has far outperformed my expectations, and now, I've found the best portrait lens I've ever shot with. 

Three Reasons Why I Didn't Switch From Sony to Fujifilm

Over the last few years, many Sony shooters have been requesting certain features that still haven't been delivered. One of the main features that a lot of people seem to want is better video features. Unfortunately, Sony has, for the most part, stuck with the same video features they initially offered back in 2015. 

Hands-on Look at the New Fujifilm X100V With Sample Photos

The X100 series of cameras have been my favorite for quite some time now. I first fell in love with this series when I bought the X100T. This camera was with me at all times, and I took so many personally, meaningful images with it. The only reason why I sold it was so that I could buy the X100F. Now, Fujifilm has recently announced its successor, the X100V. 

The Nikon Z 6 Might Be the Most Underrated Camera for Video: Full Frame Raw Video

For many of us, a Sony mirrorless camera was the default option if you wanted to shoot high quality full frame video. Sony first offered this feature in the a7R II and I bought into that system too. More recently however, it seems Nikon are taking a shot at offering high quality video features; but is anyone taking notice? 

Should Fujifilm Completely Discontinue the X-H1 Series of Cameras?

When the X-H1 was first announced, I wrote an article talking about how it was a disappointing release from Fujifilm. My thoughts about that camera haven't really changed; however, since rumors of the X-T4 started to circulate, I've had a think about the H series and where it sits in the line-up. 

Here's Why It's a Great Idea to Invest in Digital Asset Management

When I first started out in photography I didn't have any specific process to manage any of my images and files. This is one of the primary reasons I don't have many of my early images anymore. It's a shame because I was quite proud of some of the images I had produced. 

Instagram Fact-Checkers Are Now Hiding Creative or Photoshopped Images

As a company, Facebook has quite a prudish mentality when it comes to art and creative works in general. This is why we have campaigns like "Free The Nipple," because Instagram doesn't really seem to appreciate art. What's worse is Instagram is now targeting images they consider "fake," which includes composites and works of a surreal nature.  

Wondershare Recoverit Adds an Important New Update to Help Better Recover Video Files

When it comes to data recovery software, there are plenty of options currently on the market. In my experience it's been super useful to have a recovery software on hand because I have had SD cards fail on me. The issue is that many available options tend not to do a great job at recovering video. Wondershare might have the answer with its latest update.