Photography Blog

Submission Deadline: Mon, 31 Mar 25 03:15:00 +0000 This contest has ended. Voting is closed. Congratulations to the winners! View Results This month we critiqued the images taken on your older cameras. How did these photographs from vintage cameras hold up against your more modern ...

Many photographers struggle with motivation more than technique or equipment. Getting out to capture images consistently presents a genuine barrier that can significantly impact your creative growth and portfolio development. Coming to you from Ian Worth, this insightful video explores what ...

Bracketing is one of those photography terms you’ve probably heard but might not fully understand. It involves taking multiple photos of the same scene at different exposures, usually one correctly exposed, one brighter, and one darker. Here's why and how ...

Knowing where to put your money matters when it comes to camera gear. Most people mistakenly assume a great camera body guarantees great results, but the truth is far different. Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this ...

Submission Deadline: Thu, 01 May 25 03:45:00 +0000 Log in or register to enter this contest Voting is open. Rate images Welcome to the April 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this month's contest we want to make it super simple and inclusive by ...

Mindfulness and photography can work together, creating an immersive experience that pulls you into the present moment. When you struggle with anxiety, depression, or simply feeling disconnected, this combination offers a powerful way to shift your perspective and find inner ...

Submission Deadline: Mon, 31 Mar 25 03:15:00 +0000 This contest has ended. Voting is closed. Congratulations to the winners! View Results This month we critiqued the images taken on your older cameras. How did these photographs from vintage cameras hold up against your more modern ...

Submission Deadline: Thu, 01 May 25 03:45:00 +0000 Log in or register to enter this contest Voting is open. Rate images Welcome to the April 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this month's contest we want to make it super simple and inclusive by ...

Submission Deadline: Thu, 01 May 25 03:45:00 +0000 Log in or register to enter this contest Voting is open. Rate images Welcome to the April 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this month's contest we want to make it super simple and inclusive by ...

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 ...

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 ...

Many have heard that there is no such thing as bad light. But do you believe that? Or maybe you believe that but struggle in certain lighting conditions and just need some help with photographing in that type of light. ...

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

WINNING IMAGES NEW LED OPEN CATEGORY WINNERS SUPER-TELEPHOTO ZOOM NEW CAMERA, LENSES & REBRAND NEW WIDE-ANGLE PRIME NEW CAMERA BIG TEST LIGHT METER BIG TEST

Ever since I became a photographer, most of the cameras and lenses I have purchased have been used. Most cameras and lenses only come with one-year warranties (though there are exceptions), and since some used gear sellers offer 6-month warranties, that extra half-year is often not worth the difference (to me). And, of course, some items — like vintage or discontinued cameras and lenses — are only available used. I have had experience with all the below-mentioned companies, some much more than the others. So, without further delay, here is our list of the top six (in alphabetical order) places to look at when seeking out your next piece of gear. Obviously, all these places offer gear well beyond just cameras and lenses too! Adorama is my absolute favorite supplier of photo and video products. After hundreds (if not thousands) of items purchased and tens of thousands of dollars spent with them, I can safely say I have quite a lot of experience — including returns and dealing with its amazing customer service team. As far as digital cameras and lenses, its used department is my favorite of anyone on this list. Adorama has tons of used gear available at any given time, with new gear being added every day. Best of all, it has very, very good prices with some unbeatable deals popping up now and then. Items are rated from X (for parts only) to F (fair, which means it has certain malfunctions) to E+ (Excellent Plus). I have had nothing but great experiences with items from G (Good, just above Fair) to E+, with the lone exception of a thirteen-year-old Sigma DP1. Since returns to Adorama are so utterly seamless, it was not even a bother. One of the best features of Adorama — not just its used department but the site as a whole — is its VIP360 program. It costs $49.99 per year, but if you order a decent amount of photography or video equipment, it is well worth it. The primary benefits are: free 2-day shipping on thousands of new items, 60 day return period instead of the normal 30, 1-year “drops and spills” protection (applies to new items only, with some exclusions), dedicated customer service, and early-bird access to discounts and sales. Oh, and shipping for returns is free with VIP360 too — so even if you simply change your mind but the product is not defective, you still pay nothing for return shipping. All of Adorama’s used photo products come with a six-month warranty for G grade or higher and a 30-day return window. Used video and lighting gear carries a 90-day warranty with a 30 day return period. We likely all know B&H Photo Video. It is almost certainly the largest photo and video retailer in the United States, if not the world. While most of its seemingly endless options of products and brands are new stock, it does have a decent used department. Based out of New York City, B&H sits less than two miles from its nearest competitor (both literally and figuratively) — Adorama. The retailer has a massive superstore that thousands of people visit every day. Should you be lucky enough to do so, you can browse its used equipment in person. You can also drop off returns and pick up online orders at its physical store, often same-day. Unlike Adorama, the used department is not nearly as robust, nor are its prices as competitive. B&H’s inventory does not rotate over as much, and its rating system is more opaque. It does often include a note alongside the numbered rating (which ranges from 7 to 10), e.g. “Moderate Wear,” “Well Used,” or “Little to No Signs of Wear.” Like purchasing new items from B&H, used gear will still come with the same quality customer service and free expedited delivery over $49. Used equipment may be returned for any reason within 30 days and carries a three-month parts and labor warranty. I am sure everyone is familiar with eBay, so not a lot needs to be said about how it works. It is probably the most controversial option on this list — some hate it and will never use it and others (like me) find it to be a great source for a variety of different situations. eBay is where you stand to get the best possible price and have the largest variety of options at any given time for any given item. For some items, namely vintage lenses, cameras, and accessories as well as rare or niche items, eBay may be the only place where you stand a chance to find what you are looking for. A lot of the apprehension regarding eBay is the potential for scams or dubious sellers. This is a completely valid concern; however, it is far, far less something to worry about as a buyer. eBay has an incredibly robust protection system in place for buyers — to the point that I feel the site is riskier for sellers and not the other way around. The retailer will side with the buyer in almost every situation. If there are any issues with your item, you can simply file a claim and eBay will refund your money whether the seller accepts the return or ignores your claim. You should, however, thoroughly read any description and look at all available photos before purchasing. From my extensive experience of over fifteen years on the site as both a buyer and seller, I have zero reservations as a purchaser. Unlike every other company on this list, eBay items, in general, have no warranty — however, some sellers on the site (including several on this list who also sell on eBay) do offer warranties on items sold via eBay. Again, you should thoroughly read the listing and/or contact the seller if you are unsure about the terms. eBay itself has a 30-day window to file a claim should your purchase be not as described, not arrive, etc. It is worth noting that eBay, along with the below-mentioned MPB, is the only company on this list that is NOT an authorized dealer for Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. This can be important if you are, for example, an NPS (Nikon Professional Services) member — it also may affect the ability to get repairs from the manufacturer, since any camera or lens not purchased from an authorized retailer is considered gray market. KEH Camera — the largest pre-owned camera store in the United States — is based just outside of Atlanta and is one of the most popular and highly regarded sites for used photography (and some video) gear. With great prices, fantastic customer service, warranties, and a huge catalog of used equipment, it is one of my go-to sites when I am looking for my next piece of gear. From 35mm to large format cameras and lenses, DSLRs, mirrorless, and tons of accessory gear, there is not much it doesn’t have. The site is easy to navigate and browse, with everything broken down into clear and specific categories, plus plenty of search filters along the left-hand side of the page. Its ratings range from “Like New” to “Ugly” — there is also an “As Is” rating, which essentially means “for parts only.” And its rating system is one of the strictest out there — “bargain” grade, which is just above “ugly” is often equivalent to what many eBay sellers would list as “Excellent++” or “Near Mint.” I have even bought dozens of “ugly” lenses — most of which simply had cosmetic issues but were optically good or excellent. Unfortunately, KEH’s site does not have photos of each item, so you can only judge its items based on the rating system. KEH offers a 180-day warranty and 21-day return window on bargain grade or higher items and free shipping for orders over $49. Our original choice here was LensAuthority, a subsidiary of LensRentals, however as Petapixel reported in November of last year, Lensrentals chose to integrate the two into one site. This is certainly a good move because it was somewhat difficult to find LensAuthority unless you were directly familiar with it, even if you knew about LensRentals. Every piece of equipment at LensRentals goes through a rigorous X point inspection, cleaning, and provision program after each loan, which allows them to achieve what is purported to be the lowest failure rate in the rental business. Equipment naturally goes through the same proprietary inspection process before being put up for sale. You can browse the LensRentals site as you normally would if you want to rent something, and if you’re interested in buying or seeing what’s available to buy, each product page has a “Buy” button in the top right. Clicking that will take you to a page that lists all of the available bodies/lenses for sale. Each item will have an overall rating like “excellent” or “good,” along with sub-ratings for Cosmetics, Performance, and Shutter Count (for cameras). Lenses will, in place of Shutter Count, have a “Glass” rating. LensRentals does provide some other very nice options that you don’t see elsewhere. Chief among them is its incredibly affordable extended warranty options. For example, you can get a 1-year extended warranty on any camera priced from $1,000 to $3,000 for an additional $25! A 2-year extended warranty on a lens from $500 to $1,500 is $14. I don’t know any other company that offers extended warranties anywhere close to those prices if they’re even offered at all. I do wish the site was easier to navigate for potential buyers who are not interested in renting — similar to how LensAuthority worked, or every other site on this list. As it stands, you have to find the item you’re interested in, click “Buy” and then see what’s available (if anything is). A somewhat separate section of the site with navigation for all products currently for sale, along with filters and the ability to organize lists (e.g. from Low to High price) would be incredibly nice. But again, the transition away from LensAuthority is very recent, so it’s highly possible updates to the site are in the works or planned. Lastly, if you rent an item from LensRentals, you can opt to purchase it after your rental and LensRentals will credit 100% of the rental fees for up to 7 days toward the purchase as part of its “Keeper Test Drive” program. MPB is probably the least well-known on this list, but it has grown quite a lot during the COVID-19 era and are absolutely worth a look. Not unlike the others on this list (except eBay), MPB purchases and resells used camera gear after thoroughly inspecting and testing the equipment. With two offices in the UK and one in Brooklyn, New York, MPB serves even more markets than several others on this list, and in April of this year, it acquired Series D funding of $69 million to expand to other markets. The two best things about MPB are its massive catalog of available products and its very good prices. For example, at the time of writing there are twenty Nikon Z6 (starting at $1059), thirty-four Canon 5D Mark IV (starting at $1959), and twenty-seven Sony a7R Mark III (starting at $1889) cameras available to purchase. I do not know of anywhere else, except eBay, with that kind of inventory. The company offers a 7-day return window with a six-month warranty on all the retailer’s products. As mentioned above for eBay, MPB is not an authorized dealer for Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. Robert’s Camera (hereafter referred to as Used Photo Pro), based out of Indianapolis is one of the largest suppliers of both new and used gear in the United States. Its used department, which exists on a separate website and with its own customer service line, is one of the best in the country. Over the years, I have purchased thousands of items from Robert’s, visited its store dozens of times, and it has been nothing but the kindest, most helpful company I have ever dealt with. Customer service resolves issues with lightning speed and without hassle. Used Photo Pro sells everything from modern digital cameras and lenses to vintage 35mm, medium format, and large format cameras and lenses — as well as the expected accessories like tripods, camera bags, etc. While its inventory is not as extensive as KEH, the prices are just as competitive and, unlike KEH, each item on the site has photos of the actual product. Grades range from Inoperable to Mint. The description of what each grade means is listed on every item’s page and, as mentioned, photos are available for you to inspect. The retailer is as transparent as it gets as far as what you are buying — in fact, out of the thousands of items I purchased from them, only one had an issue and the return was seamless. Used Photo Pro offers a six-month warranty on all items, except for those graded “poor” or “inoperable.” Free shipping is offered on all items except those graded Inoperable, Poor, or Fair. If there is one niggle with Used Photo Pro, it is that ever since its redesign, the website is achingly slow to load each page — it is borderline unacceptably slow. But, have patience because it is a wonderful resource. I do hope the retailer fixes that issue, though — it would make it a lot more pleasant for me, as I check it several times a day. Full disclosure: Adorama has been a long-time PetaPixel sponsor, but the camera store was not involved in the creation of this article. Image credits: Header photo licensed from Depositphotos

You’ve probably heard it before: a great tripod is one of the most valuable investments you can make as a photographer. Conversely, one of the worst investments you can make is buying a mediocre or straight-up bad tripod. Updated 1/5/2024 by Jeremy Gray If you skimp on the support, you might as well tack on the cost of those useless legs to the price you tried to avoid paying for one that does its job. Not to mention the headaches you’ll experience as you wonder why your photographs haven’t improved. The best tripods can last decades and withstand rain, snow, mud, sandstorms, and just about everything else. Because of this, they are perhaps the absolute best investment you can make as far as gear. Spend a little more, save a lot, in this case. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to choose one amidst the sea of hundreds of different models and brands. So, to help guide you in the right direction, we have compiled a list of the best tripods on the market, broken down into eight different categories. I won’t mince words: Gitzo tripods epitomize quality and craftsmanship. I have yet to be disappointed or even underwhelmed by any Gitzo tripod. Their attention to fine details, extraordinarily build quality, and unique features make their products among the best in the world. Maybe the nicest feature of the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2532 Series 2 — beyond its overall build quality and compact, lightweight design — is Gitzo’s G-lock system which is hands down the best leg-locking system I have used. They look like simple twist locks, but you can lock/unlock all legs at once, or lock/unlock one section without the other sections being locked. On other tripods, this would cause the leg to spin endlessly unless you locked the other sections first. This G-lock system is true not just for the Mountaineer series, but also for their Traveler and Systematic models. My only complaint is that, for a tripod at this price, they do not come with a center column hook. You have to shell out an extra $30 for the Gitzo D104214 accessory hook, which screws into the bottom of the column. For photographers who want the overall look, design, and many of the features of the Gitzo Mountaineer, but don’t want to shell out over $1,000, an affordable alternative is the 3Pod Everest T3 Carbon Fiber tripod. Ranging from $400 for just the legs to $600 for the version with an excellent arca-swiss type head — currently on sale for $550 — the 3Pod Everest T3 is a rugged, great-feeling tripod at a very reasonable price. Having used it for months, it is my tripod of choice for backpacking, as it is lightweight but super sturdy. The tripod also ships with a case and has a clever inverted center column trick up its sleeve that enables photographers to shoot at very low angles. The tripod doesn’t skimp on features or performance and offers great bang for your buck. First released to the world via a Kickstarter campaign that ultimately raised over $12 million, the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has received a lot of attention over the years — there might be more reviews for this across the Internet than any other specific tripod model. But there are some very valid reasons for the hoopla. This tripod doesn’t reinvent the wheel — at its core, it is an extremely well-made, incredibly sturdy carbon fiber tripod, just as many others are. Where the Peak Design sets itself apart is with several very cool and highly unique features. For example: Peak Designs supplies a high-quality soft carrying case (with a nifty multi-tool in one of its pockets), a fold-out smartphone mount hidden within the center column, and the ability to tighten the legs’ lever locks — a feature I have never seen in a tripod like this. Most notably, however, is the tripod’s integrated ball head boasting a very bizarre design. Most of the time I am averse to tripods that are bundled with a head — to be frank, they are usually garbage, and almost nothing out there lives up to the world-class Arca Swiss p0 as far as I’m concerned. When I said integrated, I meant fully integrated — the ball head is actually part of the center column. If you too prefer to use a head of your choice, fear not: the integrated ball head is easy to remove and can be replaced with a Universal Head Adapter. However, after using the Peak Design for the better part of one cold Minnesota day, I must admit: the ball head is phenomenal and on par with the Arca Swiss p0 in most respects. Actually, it has a very similar design that I haven’t seen outside of these two. Instead of locking down via a knob on the side, both the p0 and the Peak Design use a knurled ring around the base of the clamp. This allows you to adjust the camera into position with both hands and then lock it without ever letting go to reach for an external knob. In practice, it is extremely fluid and most importantly, it makes steady, precise framing significantly easier. The only niggle with the head is that it has no independent panning function. So, if you intend to do panoramic work, pick up the Arca Swiss p0 (you can thank me later) and attach it with the adapter. If I could go back in time and tell myself to get this tripod instead of a Gitzo Traveler, I would. I love Gitzo to death, but this tripod is a masterpiece of design. The Really Right Stuff TVC-34L is a fantastic, tall tripod. I have been using an older version of it as my primary heavy-duty tripod for nearly a decade, and it was worth every penny. With regular maintenance, the tripod has stood the test of time, including countless hours in frigid coastal environments. The tripod is easy to take apart, which means it’s easy to clean and maintain. It has swappable feet, enabling it to be used in any environment, and is very fast to set up. At $1,245 for the “long,” or “L,” version, the tripod is not cheap, and adding a head will bump that cost up significantly. Photographers seeking something a bit more affordable, smaller, and lighter can opt for the TVC-24 or TVC-33 instead, which are practically identical in terms of performance, design, and durability as the TVC-34L, but offer lower maximum working heights and therefore fold down smaller and weigh less. Really Right Stuff is a great tripod company, and has been a favorite among photographers for a long time for good reason. At a more mid-level price range, the Manfrotto MT055CXPro4 is a very good all-around tripod for both studio and location work. It doesn’t fold up particularly small (21.3”) nor is it particularly light-weight (4.6 lbs.), but it’s a great compromise between portability and stability, along with several nice features that make it useful for a lot of studio work. The chief feature is its Q90 center column that can be rotated on its side by 90 degrees, which is an excellent feature for overhead product or macro photography. The Q90 column can also be helpful in other ways: it has been quite useful for placing lights overhead or at an angle several times for me. This Q90 column, combined with the tripod’s admirably low minimum height of just 3.5 inches, makes it an excellent choice for low-angle shots and macro photography. You can pretty much orient your camera to suit any situation with this thing. Oh, it also has a bull’s eye bubble level that rotates 360 degrees — you can access it from virtually any position. Manfrotto is perhaps the most well-known name in the industry for tripods. And with this one, they have created a tripod that is incredibly solid and extremely versatile at a reasonable price. Features like the Q90 center column and very low minimum height make it a superb choice for macro work. The tripod comes with a paltry 6-month warranty. However, this is extendable to 10 years with product registration. For better or worse, this extra step is commonplace across almost all manufacturers, so make sure to register within the specified time frame because a 10-year warranty is quite a deal. I always prefer to recommend carbon fiber tripods for stills photography — they are significantly more efficient at dispersing oscillations (vibration damping) and settles much quicker than aluminum. It is also lighter in weight and has higher tensile strength, though I consider these to be secondary considerations since the primary purpose of a tripod is to eliminate camera shake. However, at the same time, I would prefer to recommend a very high-quality aluminum tripod over a decent or mediocre carbon fiber tripod. Otherwise, as was said at the beginning, you will be back to square one and looking for a new one sooner than would be ideal. In the sub-$200 budget arena, the Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 takes the crown. Coming in at $165.95, it offers all of the most important features one looks for in a tripod. With a rated load capacity of 30.9 pounds, you can be confident using just about any DSLR or mirrorless system — keep in mind, the quality of your tripod head often matters a lot more when it comes to heavy-weight setups. The Benro extends to a respectable maximum height of 61.2 inches, and the center column can be replaced with a short column (included with the tripod) to get down as low as 12.4 inches. If you unscrew one of the legs and attach it to the center column, you can have yourself a monopod. The feet of the tripod can be replaced with metal spikes for use on surfaces like ice, snow, grass, dirt, or carpet. And the center column includes a hook should you want to attach counterweights for enhanced stabilization. The tripod comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which is extendable to 5-years with registration. Not a bad deal for a $165 tripod! The JOBY GorillaPods are unusual and not exactly the first thing you should reach for if you are looking for your first tripod. I bought one on sale out of curiosity and the fact that I wanted a small tripod for my iPhone — I was surprised how versatile these things are. There are five different versions that you can choose from based on your own needs — all of them are the same in terms of basic design, but they differ in their size, length, and weight capacity. Available, from smallest to largest, are the GorillaPod 325, 500, 1K, 3K, and 5K. The numbers correspond to their rated load capacity in grams. The 325 weighs a mere 2.2 ounces and is 6.7 inches in length. The longest, the GorillaPod 5K, weighs just over one pound and measures 15.2 inches in height. The 1K, 3K, and 5K are available with or without a ball head (Arca Swiss compatible) — personally, I added my own ball head (Benro IN00). The 325 and 500 models have a ball head built-in — given their diminutive size, there was not much of an option. These tripods are useful for so many different things and I guarantee I have only considered a fraction of their potential uses. Naturally, they make excellent table-top tripods or if you need to position your camera very close to the ground. I have used the 5K with a Nikon Z7 and 24-70mm lens without any problems (rated load capacity is 11 pounds). The headlining feature is the legs of the GorillaPods — they’re flexible, so you can bend and twist them in any direction. This allows the tripod to conform to uneven surfaces and even wrap around posts, polls, fence railing, and so on. Recently, I used mine to wrap around the branch of a tree while fitted with a Blackmagic Pocket 6K — this allowed us to get a perfect angle downward without the need to use heavy and cumbersome equipment. The possibilities are essentially endless and with the 5K version clocking in at just over $100, there are a lot of reasons you should consider one for your kit. It won’t replace a regular tripod, nor will it be appropriate most of the time, but in those situations where it excels, you’ll probably fall in love. Sachtler is one of the most revered names in the film and video industry when it comes to top-of-the-line support — their tripods and fluid heads are regularly considered among the best options on the market, especially for those who don’t have eight grand to shell out for a Miller or Cartoni system. The company has perpetually been at the forefront of tripod technology and in partnership with Vinten, they launched the highly venerated Sachtler Ace XL with flowtech 75 tripod in 2017. I have used the Sachtler flowtech tripods several times and I cannot dispute their claims — the implementation of a single release lever for each leg was an earth-shattering experience for me. With a vast majority of tripods, each section of each leg has its own lock — this means you must unlock, extend the section, lock, and then move on to the next section. Rinse and repeat for the other two legs. It is honestly one of my least favorite things to do as a DP. Sachtler’s flowtech uses a single lever at the top to lock/unlock the sections of each leg. Thanks to their precision engineering, the legs will smoothly extend themselves once you unlock them — no need to fiddle around and do it yourself. Furthermore, by borrowing a common design from stills tripods, the flowtech can achieve a minimum height of just 10 inches without the mid-level spreader. All you need to do is slide a hinge locking mechanism to switch the legs into a three-stop position. If you’re like me and hate messing with mid or ground-level spreaders, this is a godsend. The best part? Even without the spreader, the entire setup is rock solid. There are other nice touches — like magnets that hold the collapsed and folded legs together so that they don’t separate while you’re carrying them. Gone are the days of elastic cords to prevent such irritants. All in all, if you want the best there is to offer as far as a cinema-level tripod paired with an amazing fluid head — and don’t want to shell out more than $2,000, these are the ones to get. It’s worth noting that if you want to purchase the flowtech 75 tripod legs themselves without the Ace XL head, you can do — they’re sold under the name Vinten Flowtech 75 Carbon Fiber Tripod. You can save some money this way if you want to choose your own fluid head or already have one. I purchased a Benro A373T in a pinch when I needed a second tripod for a B-cam and didn’t want to spend a ton of money. I was blown away when I used it — build quality, rigidity, sturdiness, and ease of use were all far beyond what I anticipated. It has a rated load capacity of up to 55 pounds and I have no reason to disbelieve it. It was more than enough for an Arri Alexa Classic (15 pounds) fitted with an Angeniuex cinema zoom lens, plus the litany of necessary accessories. I have simply never seen this level of quality in a roughly $200 tripod. This could easily cost $500, and I wouldn’t feel ripped off. It is a 75mm bowl design, however, if you have a flat-base head as I did, you can purchase a half-ball adapter for about $50 — I purchased the Benro BL75. There is also a 100mm bowl version (Benro A474T) should you need that. While the one recommended here is aluminum, there is also a carbon fiber version (Benro C373T) for a little over twice the price. Carbon fiber is less important to me for video work than it is for photography, so I went with the aluminum — but both options are there for you (and if money were no object, I would always go for carbon fiber, but unfortunately it is an object for me).

With every year that goes past, photography becomes more and more accessible to the average person. Compared to even a decade ago, even the most basic cameras – including those on your smartphone – produce excellent images. Moreover, you can find plenty of free resources and classes that give you all the information you need to succeed. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on online classes, or you simply don’t want to, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll identify the 10 best places to learn more about photography online. You’ll find courses related to the basics of digital picture-taking, along with others that focus on specific genres. In Spring 2011, Stanford University hosted a series of lectures designed to help students learn more about digital photography. And while the art has evolved dramatically since then, you will still find a lot of use in the information shared in this course. The course features 18 lectures, each of which you can watch in a YouTube playlist. To supplement the lessons, you can also complete various homework assignments given on a weekly basis; you can find them here. During Stanford’s photography course, you will learn about several photography genres – such as how to take better pictures of sporting events. Others include architectural photography and capturing beautiful landscape shots. The course also teaches you about useful theories and concepts, such as color theory and depth of field. On top of that, you’ll find slides that summarize important points. If you’ve never picked up a camera before, learning the basics before you go out to shoot is a good idea. We’ll cover a selection of courses that enable you to do that in this article, and the first you’ll learn more about is An Introduction to Photography, which you can find on the Karl Taylor Education website. This introductory course is relatively simple and walks through multiple concepts in photography. The first video is particularly useful; you’ll learn about how cameras work and grab a sneak preview of what the rest of the course has to offer. The presenter discusses everything concisely, using as simple language as possible. The other videos in this course discuss different aspects of photography, such as composition, focal length, and aperture. Manual mode is pretty daunting if you’ve never used a camera before, and many photographers stick to Auto; this course aims to get you off that. If you choose to take the course, you don’t need to sign up for an account. In addition to the videos, which should take you a few hours to get through, you can download extra materials. Moreover, you can test your knowledge with a quiz. Learning the basic theories of photography doesn’t take too long, even though putting them into practice – and mastering them – does. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of capturing images with your DSLR or mirrorless camera, you might want to take an intermediate online course to further your knowledge. Alison has several free online courses for you to enjoy, including one that focuses on Intermediate Digital Photography. You’ll receive a refresher on the basics you’ll have learned in your early days, such as ISO and shutter speeds – before the presenter discusses more complex tools like camera meters and lens filters. The course is broken up into two modules. In the first, you’ll learn specifically about intermediate photography related to the camera. Meanwhile, the second will talk more about editing software – and in particular, Photoshop. Although the course is free to take, you’ll need to sign up for an account. You will quickly notice that the ads can get quite annoying; to remove these, you’ll need to purchase a paid subscription. So far, all of the courses mentioned in this article are video-related. But if your learning style is a little different, you can choose other forms of media. For example, PhotographyCourse.net has put together a comprehensive learning experience that mainly features writing – though you’ll find a few supporting videos as well. Photography for Beginners is a comprehensive course that outlines several basics related to taking better pictures – such as the exposure triangle and aperture. You’ll also find a huge glossary with hundreds of common terms used in the field. Besides outlining the fundamentals of photography, you’ll also gain ideas and suggestions for projects that allow you to put your learnings into practice. For example, one of the latter modules discusses dozens of personal ideas you can try. You can sign up for an account on PhotographyCourse.net, but you don’t have to for this course. The website has several extra courses for you to try, too – some are free, but you’ll have to pay for others. Chris Bray is a photographer from Australia who has won various awards during his lifetime. Having gained significant experience in his field, Bray now has a significant offering of free online resources to help you learn more about photography. One of the most comprehensive is the Introductory Photography Course, which he used to sell for $480 but now doesn’t cost you anything. You’ll find 10 videos as a part of this, all of which are also available on YouTube if you’d rather view them there instead. In his photography course, Bray talks about the various aspects you need to understand before taking your camera out and about. You’ll learn about composition and movement, along with lighting and lenses. Perhaps the most useful module is “Practical Photography”, where Bray discusses things like storage and how you can carve your way in the photography industry. To take this course, you don’t need to worry about signing up for anything. All you have to do is view the videos (and be sure to take notes for points you think are particularly useful). If you want to get off Auto mode but you don’t feel like one module will provide sufficient enough information, you can find a complete course on shooting in Manual mode by Jerad Hill titled Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual. Jerad is a photographer, entrepreneur, and marketer – among doing several other things. As you probably expected, this course is pretty comprehensive. Hill talks about how to photograph in different scenarios, such as groups and couples. You’ll also learn about camera flash and how it impacts your results, along with photography in low light and a comprehensive look at getting your exposure right. At the end of every module, you can test your knowledge in a quiz before moving on to the next set of videos. To take this course, you’ll need to sign up on Jared Hill’s website. You can choose to complete the entire program for free, but you’ll also have an option to pay $5 if you want to show appreciation. Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll need to verify your email address. Udemy has a huge suite of online courses, many of which are free. If you’re looking to expand your photography knowledge without paying, you’ll find a selection of programs – including one, titled 10 Do’s & Don’ts in Photography, that discusses the biggest dos and don’ts when you’re taking pictures. This course was developed by the user Beyond Photography. Before you learn about the specific dos and don’ts, you’ll pick up a couple of basics – such as cleaning your camera and changing your lenses. The program refers largely to DSLR devices, but much of what you learn is also applicable if you have a mirrorless camera. Once you’ve gone through the first few modules, you’ll move on to the biggest dos and don’ts in photography. The teacher is entertaining and informative in equal measure, making it easy to follow along. Unlike many of the courses we’ve mentioned so far, this one doesn’t have any extra reading or learning materials. However, you can refer to it whenever you want – along with watching the videos on your smartphone or tablet if you’d rather not use your computer. The course is pretty straightforward and only lasts for 42 minutes, making it a gentle introduction for beginners. Portrait photography is one of the most popular genres, and if you decide to turn your passion into a career, you’ll find several gigs that require you to take pictures of others. However, photographing people is trickier than many non-photographers believe – and you’ll have to consider several aspects if you want to achieve the highest level of success. Howcast has put together a comprehensive guide to taking portraits titled How to Take Portraits, and the modules are useful for both complete beginners and seasoned professionals looking for a refresh. The course consists of 27 videos, and you’ll learn how to pose both men and women and receive tips on much more. The course also identifies how to take better portraits both outside and indoors, in addition to discussing light and various other things. You can take this course on Class Central. Signing up for an account is easy, and you don’t need to submit credit card details. If you’re looking for a full course to give you a complete understanding of the basics of photography, the Digital Photography Diploma on Allison’s website is worth checking out. The program lasts for over 10 hours, and you can decide to complete it in whichever way suits you best. The course will teach you several important skills and concepts, such as the rule of thirds and the differences between full frames and crop sensors. You’ll also learn about different styles and how to use editing software to achieve the results you want. Throughout the diploma, you will have the opportunity to test what you’ve learned by participating in assignments. However, you can’t skip ahead; you’re required to complete all of the modules prior to the task before you can unlock it. You’ll have to deal with ads on the free course, but you will still have access to all the material without a paid subscription. If you want to remove the ads, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Rounding out our list of the best free photography courses is the Intro to Photography Class, which you might already have heard referred to as the Reddit Photoclass. Unlike most of the courses we’ve included in this article, the Intro to Photography Class requires you to read instead of watch. The Reddit Photoclass is pretty in-depth for a basic introduction to photography, and you’ll learn about a broad range of concepts. The course will teach you about focal length, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. You’ll also learn about white balance, plus the difference between shooting in RAW compared to JPEG – plus much more. To complete this course, you don’t have to sign up for an account; all of the content is readily available on the website. You can also join the photoclass subreddit if you want to expand your learning and connect with others once you’ve completed each module. For a less structured education in photography, be sure to check out PetaPixel’s ever-growing Learn Photography section, which features free, in-depth educational articles that cover everything from the basics of photography for beginners to advanced tutorials on individual topics and genres for advanced and professional photographers. If you want to improve your knowledge as a photographer, you’ll find several places online to do so. Moreover, you’ll almost certainly find a course that helps you improve the exact skills you want to level up within. Our guide has covered a pretty extensive range, but you’ll find plenty elsewhere too. Once you’ve completed the courses, it’s important that you go out and practice with your new knowledge in mind. So, why not get started and begin improving your image-making? Image credits: Header photo from Depositphotos

A photographer’s camera bag is the unsung hero of the working professional. Without it, photographers simply could not do their jobs. But for as many good bags out there, there are hundreds of bad ones. Let’s sift through that noise. Updated 12/6/2024 by Jaron Schneider Backpacks are and will always be a highly contentious and subjective debate. Everyone has their favorite and because there are so many different expectations for what a bag should do, few can agree on the best backpack for every photographer. Backpacks need to perform a few tasks well, and that list of requirements changes depending on the envisioned use case. For example, while a day-use bag needs to be light and mobile, a travel bag needs to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time and able to hold more than just camera equipment. Adventure backpacks have a whole different set of requirements like the ability to support extremely precise adjustments and must have an internal rigid support system. In all cases, photographers expect their bags to be durable and long-lasting as well as secure. I have actually argued in the past that it is impossible to make a single backpack that works for everyone, and I stand by that. It’s why in this article, we won’t be naming a best backpack for every photographer. Instead, we’ve broken down our ratings into seven categories that we think cover the most use cases that photographers can expect to run into. We’ll update this story as needed, but for now, these are our recommendations for the best backpacks and bags photographers can buy. As a note, all bags below have been tested by PetaPixel staff to verify recommendations. Price: $300 The “day-use” backpack is perhaps the most difficult to sift through as it is the most popular style and therefore the most manufacturers compete to earn your attention. It is also the category where the most concessions are made to appeal to the widest group of photographers, making it very difficult to find one bag that does everything right for every possible use case. For years, the best choice was Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 despite numerous issues with it because it was able to be the most for the most people. That finally changes with Gura Gear’s Kiboko City backpack, which does everything the Everyday Backpack does better — and more. Gura Gear managed to make a smaller backpack that can actually carry more equipment. While it’s not deep enough to hold a larger camera like a Nikon Z9 or a Canon 1DX, it easily holds other cameras like any from Sony, the Canon R5, or the Nikon Z7 II. It features a roll-top so it can expand to carry soft items like a sweatshirt or jacket, has multiple pockets all around the bag for various accessories, and has a properly divided interior that holds a variety of lenses and other camera equipment. The material and build quality of the Kiboko City is top notch and while the bag isn’t waterproof, everything but the zippers will repel water thanks to being fully encased in X-pac fabric. Beyond those basics, the Kiboko City has side panel camera access, a magnetic hiding water bottle side pocket, a center channel tripod holder, high-quality shoulder straps, and Fidlock magnetic fasteners. The bag is a little bit more expensive than Peak Design’s backpack, but you get your money’s worth. Other solid picks include the aforementioned Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2, the WANDRD PRVKE, or the LowePro ProTactic. Note: At the time of publication, the Gura Gear Kiboko City backpacks were still being offered on Kickstarter. Make sure you do your own research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project. PetaPixel does not earn any commission from Kickstarter projects. Price: $500 (includes the extra-large photo core) If you aren’t an Adventure photographer, odds are high that you don’t quite understand the hype behind Shimoda’s products. If you are, then you probably appreciate how adaptable, durable, modular, comfortable, and usable Shimoda bags are. That’s really what it comes down to: high utility for an extremely tight use case. Shimoda makes bags for photographers who plan to take long, multi-mile hikes and need something that can support equipment as well as essentials. Shimoda, therefore, had to create a backpack that could excel at carrying equipment but have all of the other benefits of a true backpacking backpack. The Shimoda Action X70 is lightweight when empty, has an internal rigid frame that distributes weight evenly across the wearer’s back, has adjustable shoulder straps (a must), robust waist straps, and has a removable modular core system that makes it adaptable to the various kinds of adventures a photographer could have. Shimoda saw a need in the market that was underserved and has truly excelled at making near-perfect bags to fit that specific niche. These bags can take an absolute beating and never tear or fray, and that’s important for something that’s going to be exposed to the elements immediately and for years. For those looking at alternatives, the Atlas Adventure Pack is a great choice. Comfortable, practical, and filled with pockets, the Adventure Pack is not short on storage. The well-thought-out design allows photographers to carry camera gear, a laptop, and clothing all at the same time. The only issue is actually getting your hands on one, since they are in limited supply. Another excellent option is the NYA-EVO Fjord, which we recommend just about as high as the Shimoda Explore. The Fjord bags are extremely well made and have many of the same benefits seen with the Shimoda series. Note: At the time of publication, the NYA-EVO Fjord backpacks were still being offered on Kickstarter. Make sure you do your own research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project. PetaPixel does not earn any commission from Kickstarter projects. Price: 25L is $372, 30L is $384, and 35L is $400 Shimoda nails adventure so it’s no surprise that they hit another home run for travel. The Explore series is brand new and takes everything right about the Action X70 and slims it down into a more manageable size. The excellent build quality and modularity remain but in a package that is much easier to travel with. The company made a few adjustments to the design that I found make is really great for travel both over land, sea, and air. Firstly, the two shoulder straps have easily accessible pockets that can hold a passport or a smartphone easily which I find very helpful when I need to get on a plane. The bag is lightweight when empty and can hold just enough camera equipment to satisfy a photographer who likes to travel light but also still keeps enough room for a few other basic essentials. It maintains the rigid internal frame found in Shimoda’s other bags as well, which means it is able to evenly distribute weight across the wearer’s back for more comfortable long-term use. These bags were built with carry-on in mind, and the Shimoda Explore 35 V2 qualifies in this regard for those who fly in the United States in “premium seating options,” while the Explore 30 v2 is sized for stricter European Union guidelines. The Explore 25 V2 is compact enough that it will travel almost anywhere and easily fit under an airline seat. This isn’t the kind of bag that you can bring and carry everything you need for an international journey, that is more a duffel or the adventure category’s game. Instead, this bag is one that you can comfortably wear all day between trips back to a home base, whether that is a tent or a hotel room. Price: $200, plus $60 for the camera insert. Moment isn’t traditionally known for making backpacks or hiking equipment, so it might come as a surprise that the company’s first attempt at a true multi-purpose hiking and camera bag is a real winner. We took a look at the Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L Backpack and found it to be extremely lightweight, flexible, and of superb construction for what is a really low price of $200. Designed as a hiking bag or for overnighting, the Moment Strohl Mountain backpack is compatible with modular elements like the camera loader and the camera insert but aren’t bound to them, meaning the Strohl can work as a camera bag when needed but can convert to general use otherwise. The only downside of this arrangement is that at the time of publication, Moment does not offer a particularly large camera insert. While well made, it’s small, and won’t be enough to fit more than one camera body and one medium-sized lens along with a short list of accessories. If more is needed, the Strohl Camera Loader can be deployed as well, but this bag is for hiking first, photography second. For many, that’s going to be just fine. Moment says it designed the bag along with Alex Strohl, a French photographer and adventurer, and put emphasis on keeping the bag lightweight while also durable. In fact, at launch, Moment said it was the lightest outdoor camera bag ever made. After testing it, I believe them. Moment was extremely successful here, as the bag is one of the most robust we’ve tested from a materials standpoint and, when empty, it weighs nearly nothing which is hugely important to backpackers. It has an interior rigid frame, which means weight is evenly distributed down your back which makes a big difference the heavier you load it. My only gripe with the Moment Strohl Mountain backpack is that the waist straps aren’t particularly rigid, which means they can’t bear weight without combining with taught pressure. That said, those who wear this backpack are unlikely to do so without tightening down the waist straps firmly, so this complaint is likely not a big deal to most who would be interested in the pack. Price: $400 Think Tank has absolutely nailed the rolling bag niche. The company actually has a line of very capable rollers, but the Think Tank Airport International V3 is likely the best for most. It’s great for travel, holds a solid amount of photography equipment, and is made of dependable materials. Rollers really need to get just a few key things right but few companies nail these fundamentals like Think Tank does with the International: a good handle, smooth wheels, clean access points, and the ability to fit into overhead bins. Think Tank’s collapsible handle is exactly what you want to see in a robust yet lightweight design, the wheels make nary a sound when rolling down an airport hallway, the bag is easy to open and features multiple pockets and pouches, and the International is named such because it complies with overhead bin size restrictions for both domestic and international travel. Price: $260 for the bag alone and $328, which includes one essentials bag and a camera cube The duffel is a challenging bag category to evaluate and while Peak Design and Shimoda have offerings that may technically qualify, Wandrd stands out as the most versatile. If you are looking for one bag that is capable of holding everything for a multi-day trip but don’t expect to wear it on your shoulders the entire time, duffels are a great choice and the Wandrd HEXAD Access Duffel Backpack is the best of the bunch. The HEXAD is a hybrid backpack and duffel bag but is most certainly useful as both. It uses a modular core system that is easy to put in and remove, so the bag can be more than just a way to transport photography equipment. The system is cavernous and spacious without being overly huge, which means there is enough for cameras, lenses, clothes, and essentials. It achieves this by its ability to open and collapse based on how much needs to be stowed inside of it. At its smallest, it’s just a rather large backpack. At its largest, it’s a rather impressively big duffel. Its versatility and functionality are really based on its ability to swap between these two forms and everything in between. The build quality of the Wandrd HEXAD is great too, and I don’t expect it to wear out any time soon. If I had one complaint, I wish it shipped with a single over-the-shoulder strap that makes it easy to hoist quickly without wearing it like a true backpack, but it’s a minor complaint that is easily rectified. Price: $219 The “messenger” class of bags tends to be controversial, as many do not like how all of the weight tends to balance on one shoulder. There have been multiple attempts by different brands to address this common problem and we think WotanCraft’s Pilot 10L does the best job with the fewest compromises. The design is based on a mix of classic military gear and modern outdoor equipment, which means it has all the advantages of accepting interchangeable external attachments (which WotanCraft calls Armor Modules) but has modern touches that make it more rugged and, perhaps most importantly, comfortable to wear. The clasp is really neat, too: it easily snaps closed but must be slid horizontally in order to open back up. It’s easy to do once you understand the motion but it has the advantage of being both easy and fast to close while also being very secure. The interior is simple but effective. It ships with two dividers for cameras and lenses and the back slot can hold up to a 14-inch MacBook Pro (or an iPad Pro). It’s tight, but it all does fit. The front features a hidden pouch that can be used to hold an umbrella or a jacket and a tripod can be mounted to the bottom. The Pilot comes in four sizes: a 10L, a 7L, a 3.5L, and a 2L. The 7L and below are really too small for most uses while the 10L feels, at times, almost too big. We think an 8L would be a great middle option but until that happens, the 10L is the best choice. No matter which you pick, the ability to expand and contract with your daily load thanks to the optional Armor mods and hidden pockets makes the WotanCraft Pilot 10L our top pick in the messenger class of bags. If you want something a bit thicker and heftier, then our previous top-pick the $220 Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2 is still solid. That said, it lacks the ability to accept external attachments and is very heavy when empty. Another good option is HEX’s Ranger Sling XL. While it’s a bit bulkier than the WotanCraft Pilot and Everyday Messenger V2, it does have the capability to better hold more camera equipment and the design is a bit friendlier to those who want fast yet organized access. It, like Peak’s Messenger, holds a maximum of a 13-inch laptop but Hex’s strap design makes the whole package lay against your back more comfortably than you might expect from a messenger-style bag. You can pick one up for $150. Price: $60 I cannot overstate how important a good tech pouch is and how having one can be life-changing for a photographer who regularly travels. Before I had a tech pouch, I was cramming cables and adapters and memory card readers into side pockets and constantly losing track of them. The Peak Design Tech Pouch changed all that. The level of organization that the Tech Pouch affords frees up so much mental energy when I’m on the road. It’s a simple bag, but it’s so well made that it deserves a call out. I’ve seen several other tech pouches from other companies but none nail it like Peak. The exterior of the pouch is a tough material that doesn’t attract pet hair or dust like small bags like this typically do, and the interior is divided into two main sections with a center divider that holds five additional sections. All seven of these compartments are visible from the second you open the pouch. I am able to store and organize every little piece of tech I need to charge or connect any time, all at my fingertips in an easy-to-see layout. While the Moment Tech Organizer is close (and less expensive at $50), Peak Design right now makes the best one we have tested and for $60, we think it’s well worth the price. Image credits: Header image courtesy of Moment.

Need to buy a gift for a photographer in your life but have no idea what to look for? We have scoured the world of photography to put together this list of best gifts for photographers you can find right now. Kikkerland’s Camera Multi-Tool is a clever little product that contains 13 different functions in a single easy-to-carry product. It has a blade, flat head, Phillips screw driver, two wrenches, a saw blade, a prybar nail puller, direction auxiliary, bottle opener, butterfly screw wrench, ruler, Sunny 16 rule guide, and keyhole. The camera-shaped product is made of stainless steel and measures 3×1.26×0.08in (7.6×3.2×0.2cm). Available for $5.50 from Kikkerland. This multi-tool by ProMediaGear features a flathead screwdriver on one end and a 5/32 (4mm) hex key (AKA Allen wrench) on the other, which are both often used for things like adjusting tripods or mounting cameras. Best of all, it sits on a keychain so that it’s always available whenever the photographer needs it. Available for $10 from Adorama. Gift some of your favorite photos in the form of a customized film roll keychain that looks like a roll of 36-exposure ISO 200 Kodak film. You can choose 10, 15, and 20 photo sizes, and the recipient can enjoy looking through each of the photos one-by-one as the film strip is pulled out of the canister. A personal message is chosen for the tab at the beginning of the strip as well. Available for $12 from Amazon. Share your love of photography on your sleeve with these Camera Bangle bracelets by Luca + Danni. Available in brass or silver, each bracelet is handmade in the USA and features a camera charm accented with a crystal as the lens. The bracelets have hook and catch closures and are oval in shape with regular, petite, and large sizing options. Available for $13 from Amazon Know someone with a love for photography and an eccentric fashion sense? These bright and eye-catching crew socks feature a Warhol-esque pattern of vintage cameras. Available for $14 from Amazon. These resin camera ornaments are the perfect way to add a photography theme to your Christmas tree or holiday decor. The set comes with a vintage silver camera in a brown case and a black digital camera. Available for $14 from Amazon. Photographers on the go may love the Toolkey II by Screwpop. It’s a key-shaped multitool that fits neatly onto your everyday keychain while putting 17 different functions at your fingertips, from a screwdriver to a bottle opener to a semi-serrated blade. Available for $20 from Amazon. For photographers who regularly shoot in cold environments, the Haida Anti-Fog Belt attaches to a lens with hook-and-loop fasteners and is powered by USB. It warms up the lens in order to prevent it from fogging up at lower temperatures. Available for $20 from Haida and Amazon. These special gloves have thumb and index finger caps that easily flip back, freeing the wearer’s fingers to operate the smaller buttons, touchscreens, and other controls on a camera. The rest of the hand is protected by neoprene breathable and windproof fabric lined with plush fleece for warmth, perfect for shooting in the winter and in cold environments. Available for $22 from Amazon. Photographers can be picky about camera straps, but Peak Design’s Anchor Links are a universal upgrade for pretty much any camera neck strap on the market. They attach to the ends to give the strap quick-release capability — click the Anchors into the housings when you want the strap attached, then pop them out to instantly detach it. Available for $25 from Peak Design. This small camera pendant sits alongside a tag that says “Keep Good Memories.” It comes with a quote card that reads: “Life is like a camera. FOCUS on what is important. CAPTURE the good times. DEVELOP from the negatives. And if things don’t work out, take another SHOT.” The pendant itself is made of pewter and the ~17-inch chain is made of stainless steel. Available for $25 from Amazon. Travel9to5’s Photography Playing Cards could be both fun and useful to someone just starting out in photography. Each numbered card features a tip, trick, or setting that educates on some of the most important rules and techniques used by photographers. Spades feature camera basics, hearts are about composition, clubs pack technical information, and diamonds discuss shooting styles. Available for $25 from Travel9to5. If you grew up looking at photos through a View-Master, you know the magic of stereoscope reel viewers. You can gift this joy to someone by turning your own photos into a custom reel. 7 photos fit on each reel and come with a red, blue, black, or white stereoscope viewer to enjoy it. Available for $30 from Uncommon Goods. These drinking glasses have real 35mm film canisters permanently embedded in them. Each glass is made by hand and is perfect for drinking everything from beer to water to smoothies. Available for $35 from Photogenic Supply Co. Want some photography-inspired fragrances to fill your living or work space? Check out these scented candles designed for photography lovers. Each premium soy wax candle is poured by hand in Philadelphia, PA, and has roughly 70 hours of burn time. Blue Hour is for kickstarting your creative juices, Golden Hour is for enjoying the end of a day, and Midnight is for calming the mind. Individual candles are $36, but you can pick up the full set of 3 for $100. Available for $36 from Photogenic Supply Co. Peak Design is well known for its photography-centric bags and accessories, but the brand offers general-purpose bags as well. The Travel Duffel features the same ultra-durable build and well-thought-out design as Peak Design’s other bags, but it can be a versatile companion for the photographer in your life who loves to travel. Whether they need to pack photo gear in the duffel with Camera Cubes or or clothing and daily essentials with Packing Cubes, the Travel Duffel is one bag that can do it all for air travel, road trips, and more. Available for $140-$185 from Peak Design. The price tag may not seem cheap, but Haukland’s stylish 7in1 Photography Jacket is actually a fantastic deal given that it’s designed specifically for photographers and the fact that it’s a fleece, raincoat, and winter coat all bundled into package. The jacket is windproof and rainproof while staying breathable, and it features 27 different pockets for keeping all the gear, accessories, and knickknacks you may want to bring with you on an outdoor shoot. Photography features include a built-in lens cleaning cloth and dedicated storage for batteries and memory cards. Available for $349 from Haukland. The ATL watch by TACS features a design inspired by the iconic twin-lens reflex (TLR) camera. The 46.5mm watch face has a bezel that looks like a focusing ring, index markings that look like a depth of field scale, a crown that looks like a focusing knob, a crown protector that looks like a camera strap eyelet slot, and much more. Inside the automatic watch is a CITIZEN MIYOTA 8N24 movement with 21 jewels. Available for $465 from TACS. We hope you enjoyed these gift ideas for photographers. PetaPixel will continually add gift suggestions to this list as they surface. If you know of a product that deserves a spot, please get in touch! Image credits: Header illustrations from Depositphotos

Almost everyone wields a camera these days because they already have one by default on their smartphones. But not just any phone will capture the best results, and that’s why some stand out for particular reasons. Updated 11/26/2024 by Ted Kritsonis: Multiple new smartphones have been added to this guide. The ‘Best Pro Mode for Smartphone Photography,’ ‘Smartphone with the Best Bang for Your Buck,’ and ‘Best Smartphone for Versatility’ sections have been updated. A new section has also been added, ‘Best Foldable Smartphone.’ Mobile photography is now one of the major battlegrounds for vendors trying to one-up each other. Thankfully, it’s not entirely about numbers, despite megapixel counts hitting new highs, it’s a lot about how effective software can be to do more with the available pixels. That can also depend on how you look at what the software gives you, especially relative to the varying modes phones now regularly offer. We’re talking about an ever-evolving situation, where new phones may supplant old ones, while others trade places based on how new updates affected performance and output. Whether it’s pro mode features, software that does amazing things, or getting more for every dollar you spend, this roundup is a good place to start. We at PetaPixel will be updating it regularly to reflect a changing and shifting market to give you the insight you need to shoot what you want. There are plenty of smartphones with what you could consider to be “good” cameras, but the “great” ones are fewer in number, and it often shows. When we look at what would put a smartphone camera on this list, we always look for the best results, particularly when talking about a specific type of photo. That may not necessarily mean the phone is the best in every other facet, but if it’s noted here, there are reasons for it. That’s why we also broke things down into categories that differentiate between the strengths of certain devices. One phone may be better at shooting portraits, whereas the other has a Pro mode cutting above the rest. Computational software is so integral, and yet, not everyone does it well. Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
 Front-facing camera: 12MPVideo recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max In recent years, the iPhone has significantly advanced in video performance and vastly improved its photographic capabilities, narrowing the gap in overall performance. While Google excels in photography when evaluated on its own, Apple’s seamless fusion of superior video, outstanding photography, and strong overall functionality makes the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max our top picks for the best all-around smartphones available today. “The Pro models get an identical suite of cameras, whether you choose the Pro or Pro Max model, with some notable improvements over the iPhone 15 Pro series. First is a new main camera that features the same 48-megapixel resolution and f/1.78 aperture but is roughly twice as fast when it comes to readout speeds. ” Chris Niccolls explains. Read PetaPixel’s Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max In our video review “The iPhone 16 Pro Review for Photographers” above, Chris notes, “We are definitely getting a faster shutter response. And it seems definitely more geared to when I actually touch the shutter button. And so I find that this new faster shutter delay just really gets the timing down. For a photographer it feels like a real camera So that’s a really nice benefit on the iPhone 16 Pro”. Should you be weighing other options, Chris recommends the Google Pixel 9 Pro. “It has significant upgrades to its camera modules and AI-based technology. Samsung’s S24 Ultra didn’t do much on the camera hardware front this year, so it’s less of a compelling alternative.” Main sensor: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephotoFront-facing camera: 22MPVideo recording resolution: 4K/60pPrice: Starting at $999 The Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography, capitalizing on its advanced photo-taking features to impressive results. Although its sensors/lens combinations gather more light compared to those from the iPhone, the difference in pure image quality is not as pronounced as it once was. Nevertheless, it distinguishes itself with a superior telephoto lens, integrated manual controls, and innovative AI capabilities. The enhanced cameras and more luminous lenses mark a significant upgrade, establishing the 9 Pro as Google’s most advanced photo and video device to date. However, the innovation extends beyond hardware; the introduction of AI tools and the Magic Editor enriches the experience further. These features are particularly beneficial for users who lack the time or expertise in Photoshop, making sophisticated editing more accessible to everyone. Read PetaPixel’s Review of the Pixel 9 Pro The iPhone depends on third-party applications for advanced camera controls, whereas Google provides manual control directly within its default app. For exceptional results straight from the camera, coupled with impressive RAW performance, the latest Google Pixel 9 Pro remains the leader. As for alternatives, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is very good. It’s one of the most versatile phone cameras available as the last major Pro camera that still includes an optical 3x camera. It also offers compelling AI-based editing capabilities. Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
 Front-facing camera: 12MPVideo recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max The launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max necessitates the creation of an entirely new category here in late 2024. The improved portrait mode features advanced skin tone refinement, making people — arguably the most critical subjects — appear stunning in a natural-looking way. This level of quality is unparalleled, marking the finest performance we’ve observed from a smartphone camera without the need for third-party processing or additional tools. Read PetaPixel Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max “Apple has made some important efforts to maintain accurate skin tones and the ultra-wide camera is improved to some degree,” PetaPixel‘s Chris Niccols says. “I appreciate that these picture styles can be applied in live-view mode and can always be changed to a different style later. This may provide the ease of use and convenience to convince more people to try them out and ultimately get more use out of them. I also like the new touchscreen interface for accessing them and the ability to customize them fully for tone and opacity.” Main sensor: 50MP or 12.5MP (with pixel binning) 23mm equivalent
Other rear cameras: 50MP 3.2x zoom telephoto (75mm equivalent), 50MP telephoto periscope (120mm equivalent), 50MP ultra wide-angle (12mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 32MPVideo recording resolution: Up to 8KPrice: Starting at $1,600 Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues to show what’s possible, both in the hardware with a Type 1 sensor, and on the software side with Leica’s influence helping photos stand out. The combination is simply outstanding, making for arguably the best overall mobile camera in the business. All the better that you get a fair bit of control through the Pro mode — and by extension, the 50MP mode. Not only can you shoot in RAW or JPEG at full resolution, you have a variety of manual controls not only impacting exposure, but also tonality. Read PetaPixel’s review of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra That’s on top of the ability to shoot with the standard Leica Authentic and Vibrant modes, plus the handful of Leica color and black and white filters. Old film emulations (not Leica’s) are also available, only adding to the creative potential to take thoughtful photos rather than typical snapshots. Xiaomi lets you apply these either before or after you’ve snapped a photos, and since RAW and full-res images are great, particularly in low-light, you’ll find plenty to work with when editing in post. All of that applies to the other rear lenses as well, letting you shoot at 50-megapixels with both telephoto lenses, as well as the ultra-wide with the same granular controls. You can also shoot in RAW using either of them at full resolution, effectively making the 50MP mode part of a system rather than a one-and-done feature. It’s worth wading through the settings within Pro to see what’s available beyond just selecting 50MP or RAW for the sheer depth of features and tools you can use. Main sensor: 64MP (26mm equivalent)Other rear cameras: 13MP ultra wide-angle (14mm equivalent)Front-facing camera: 13MPVideo recording resolution: Up to 4KPrice: Starting at $499 It’s hard not to like a phone that costs much less than your average flagship or mid-ranger, yet still produces results belying the price. It has the same camera hardware as the previous Pixel 7a, helping you capture better images than just about any phone in its range. Google’s software computation works the same way, and while it can’t match the results you can get with the Pixel 9 series, it still manages to impress more often than not. That Google updates the software on a regular basis only adds to the value proposition here. Read PetaPixel’s review of the Google Pixel 8a You lose out on a telephoto lens, so you’re limited to an ultra-wide with a 120-degree field of view apart from the primary wide camera. The best you can manage is a 2x crop using Google’s Super Res Zoom. Still no optical or electronic image stabilization, though you have good modes to work with, including the ability to shoot in RAW. For those on a budget, it’s going to be one of the best phone cameras less money can buy. Main sensor: 50MP (23mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras:50MP telephoto (100mm equivalent), 12MP ultra wide-angle (15mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 32MPVideo recording resolution: Up to 8KPrice: Starting at $1,000 Vivo throws everything it can into its camera app, especially when “Pro” is in the phone’s name. In this case, the X100 Pro is not only incredibly versatile with all the modes, features, settings, and customization available, it extends that versatility throughout the camera array. This is perhaps the best phone on the market in dealing with dynamic range with exposed light or reflections. The various modes also extend to neat choices like architectural mode and long exposure. Read PetaPixel’s review of the Vivo X100 Pro The telephoto lens is easily the best on any phone, producing excellent shots in its long 100mm range. The six Zeiss bokeh effects can make things interesting for portraits, though you also have the option to use the crop factor in the main lens. Vivo remains one of the few brands that lets you take a photo in portrait mode and then decide where you want the focal point and f-stop to be afterward. You can even save multiple images based on what you want in focus, and even focus stack them in post later. Zeiss’ presence on the software side is clearer with the option to use Natural Color on several shooting modes. You still can’t shoot in RAW at full resolution, but you can capture JPEGs at the full 50-megapixels, letting you crop in to offset the deeper zoom afforded by the telephoto lens. Main sensor: 48MP (24mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras:64MP telephoto (70mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (14mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 20MPVideo recording resolution: Up to 8KPrice: Starting at $1,200 Manufacturers who make foldable smartphones don’t really do it to show off mobile photography capabilities, but there’s no denying how a folding screen can radically change how to take photos from varying perspectives. The OnePlus Open was new to the mix when it launched, yet showed up all previous models by delivering an excellent combination of design and functionality. Whether it’s multitasking, battery life, or the lightweight body, this phone is easy to appreciate. Read PetaPixel’s review of the OnePlus Open So is the camera, which is closer to flagship levels than the other main foldables coming from the likes of Samsung and Google. The Chinese brands certainly step it up another notch, only they can’t beat what the Open costs. All of the rear cameras complement each other well, offering a good level of consistency throughout. Even better, the camera app integrates better with other apps, particularly in split-screen situations. There are fewer limitations here than those imposed on other foldables, and the multitasking setup, with drag-and-drop and floating windows, is second to none right now. So, while the Open may lack the AI features Samsung and Google present with their foldables, OnePlus keeps it simpler here in ways that work. The device has only gotten better since it launched. All of which bodes well for the inevitable sequel to this phone, but for now, the Open sets an example others should heed. Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
 Front-facing camera: 12MPVideo recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max As mentioned above, the iPhone is still the king when it comes to video recording. “On the video front, the headline addition is the ability to record up to 4K 120p with a very high-quality look thanks to ProRes Log. You can also retime the 120p footage down to 1/5 speed for a 24-frame-per-second timeline right on the phone and it will show it to you in real-time as it is rendering. Speed ramping can be done very simply within the same interface allowing for some dramatic looking slow motion shots,” Chris Niccolls explains. Read PetaPixel Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max When it comes to recording audio for video, the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with four integrated microphones, allowing the ability to capture spatial audio. This advanced feature enables the device to detect sounds from both the front and back of the camera, providing the creative freedom to mix them as desired. Additionally, the camera can transmit separate sound channels to an audio output compatible with spatial audio, delivering a surround sound experience The iPhone 15 blew us away with some of the best log recording video a smartphone can deliver. The video performance is still the best out there, but the previously mentioned 4K/120P and spatial audio only puts Apple even further ahead of the competition. In short, it’s the best suite of options for video you can get in a smartphone.

Given all the choices when it comes to a new camera, it can be quite an ordeal to research and decide on just one. While it mostly depends on what you need as a photographer. If you’ve been leaning more towards picking up a mirrorless camera, then you’re in the right place and we’re here to help. Updated 10/2/2024 by Christine Eckard Mirrorless cameras have been popular in recent years for their compact size, superb performance, and growing lens selection. The style is quickly replacing DSLRs as the technology in mirrorless is rapidly outpacing that of DSLRs, which have all but stagnated. They’re often the best choice for most people, so we generally recommend looking at mirrorless cameras when you’re deciding on your next camera. When it comes to any digital camera, mirrorless included, there are entry-level and pro options, and you can go for a crop sensor (often called by its more official name of APS-C), Full-Frame (more akin to classic 35mm film size), or even medium format (much larger sensor). All these sensor types have pros and cons, so weigh your options carefully. Whether you’re opting for a mirrorless camera for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing one, below are our suggestions for the best ones you can get your hands on this year. The main draw of mirrorless cameras lies in having the latest technology and high-resolution sensors in a more compact and lightweight package compared to most DSLRs. Fast burst mode capabilities, reliable connectivity, excellent video recording, image stabilization, and decent low-light shooting capabilities are some of the most in-demand features for photographers of all levels. Of course, being interchangeable lens cameras, they should also have a good selection of native lenses available in popular focal lengths. While smaller and more lightweight, the latest mirrorless cameras don’t always come cheap, so below are our picks you can reference to help you make the right decision the first time. With specs that make it really impressive on paper, it’s not surprising to find a lot of hype focused on the $6,500 full-frame Sony Alpha 1. In our recent review of the Sony Alpha 1, however, we’ve found that it does live to Sony’s promise of being a camera that can do whatever you want out of it. With features like a new 50.1-megapixel sensor resolution, 15-plus stops dynamic range, ISO sensitivity of up to 32,000, incredibly fast autofocus, 30 fps continuous shooting mode, and weather sealing, you have a capable mirrorless camera for all your photography needs. Likewise, video capabilities are superb, with 8K video and a host of high framerate options in both 4K and Full HD. Tie these features up with better battery life and improved body and you have a great choice for an all-around mirrorless camera. The only major thing that may hold you back is the $6,500 price, especially if you don’t really need this high-end, professional model yet. The Alpha 1 earns that price, however, as it is the only camera on the market that offers these high-end, pro-focused features. If you want the best that money can buy, this is it. Read more: Sony Alpha 1 Review: Yeah, It Really Is That Good The Sony Alpha 1 is a good option for every type of photography, including wildlife and action, thanks to its 50.1-megapixel sensor, exceptional dynamic range, outstanding autofocus, and 30 fps continuous shooting, and the Canon EOS R3 is a great choice for RF-mount users looking to photograph wildlife and action. While the a1 and R3 are great, the Nikon Z9 was PetaPixel’s most recent selection for this category because of its excellent 45.7-megapixel sensor, fast image processing engine, great autofocus, and incredible all-around performance. However, thanks to the new Nikon Z8, which packs almost everything that makes the Z9 so good, including its image processing pipeline and autofocus, the Z9 has been usurped. Nikon has long been a popular choice for wildlife, nature, and sports photographers, way back to Nikon’s film days and, more recently, its flagship DSLR cameras. As Nikon moved into the mirrorless age, its first full-frame mirrorless Z cameras, the Z6 and Z7, delivered excellent image quality and overall performance, but hardened wildlife photographers were left wanting when it came to speed and autofocus. The Z9 changed that, and the Z8 offers the Z9’s same excellent photographic capabilities in a smaller, lighter, and more affordable package. The Nikon Z8 is a baby Z9 in form factor and price only. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, and the Z8 is every bit as good as the Z9 regarding photographic performance, making the Z8 an outstanding mirrorless camera for wildlife and action photography. Read more: Nikon Z8 Hands-On: This Apple Didn’t Fall Far From the Z9 Tree The Sony a7R V is the “Best Mirrorless Camera for Professionals” because it marries performance and power incredibly compellingly. The camera uses the same great 61-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor found in its predecessor, 2019’s a7R IV, but combines it with increased processing power, new artificial intelligence, and many fantastic refinements across the board. Two key features come in the form of better video and more sophisticated autofocus. The a7R V’s upgraded Bionz XR processor allows for 8K24p and 4K60p video, two video recording modes not offered by the a7R IV. Concerning autofocus, the camera uses AI to detect more subjects, including specific modes for birds, insects, cars and trains, and aircraft. The AF system also has more points (693 versus 567) and significantly more reliable eye-detect and face-detect AF. There are some minor usability quirks with the camera’s menus. In typical Sony fashion, there are many options, which is equal parts practical and frustrating. However, the overall user experience is improved thanks to the a7R V’s high-res 9.44M dot electronic viewfinder, which is best in class, and a much-requested new articulating touchscreen. Read more: Sony a7R V Review: A Marriage of Performance and Power A highly anticipated and much-appreciated newcomer to Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless series is the $2,500 Nikon Z6 III. Featuring a partially stacked sensor, this camera inherits a suite of advanced capabilities typically found in higher-end models, yet it is offered at a more accessible mid-range price point. Brimming with Nikon’s state-of-the-art technology, the Z6 III is an excellent choice for those who seek premium full-frame resolution combined with speed and precision in eye-detection autofocus for people, animals, and vehicles. To enhance the performance of the Z6 III, Nikon opted not to use the older 24-megapixel sensor. Instead, they introduced a new, partially stacked chip that offers up to 20 frames per second (FPS) in RAW with autofocus enabled and can deliver up to 120 JPEGs per second. It achieves all this with minimal rolling shutter effect. While it may not quite reach the performance levels of the Nikon Z8 or Z9, it provides significant improvements without the accompanying high cost. The camera body is robust and weather-sealed to the same extent as the Nikon Z8, yet it is slightly lighter, weighing in at 25.5 ounces (725 grams). It features numerous customizable buttons and a deep, comfortable grip. The camera body design is thoughtfully arranged, and crucially, no essential features have been omitted or compromised despite its lower price compared to the Z8 or Z9. The Z6 III is equipped with an IBIS unit that delivers up to eight stops of stabilization. This system adjusts the sensor for off-center subjects in your images, ensuring sharp shots regardless of where your subject is located within the frame. Wherever the autofocus point is locked, the camera adjusts accordingly, proving to be an effective solution for capturing crisp, clear images. Comparatively, the Alpha 7 IV is a phenomenal hybrid camera that excels in nearly every shooting scenario while the 33 megapixel sensor captures the most detail in its class.The a7 IV often rivals high-end mirrorless cameras in terms of performance and value. However, with the faster sensor, improved electronic viewfinder (EVF), advanced in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and high-quality video features, the Z6 III emerges as the more compelling choice, incorporating technology that is not even available in some higher-end models. This approach contrasts sharply with the usual practice of camera companies, where features are often withheld or disabled to create market segmentation. Priced at $2,500, the Nikon Z6 III represents a substantial upgrade at a reasonable cost, earning respect for its comprehensive capabilities. It stands as the spiritual successor to the D750—a camera that was versatile enough for most situations and garnered respect from photographers regardless of their brand allegiance. The Z6 III is poised to fulfill this role for Nikon once more, marking a victory for both the company and its users. In every respect, it is clear that the Nikon Z6 III will continue to earn its place in the hearts of photographers, reaffirming Nikon’s commitment to innovation and quality. At just under $1,000 (body only), the Canon EOS R10 is an excellent mirrorless camera for beginners. While it makes a few compromises compared to its pricier sibling, the R7, the R10 delivers a lot of value to photographers looking to begin investing in a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera system. The R10 delivers plenty of power for many beginners, and its 24.2-megapixel image sensor captures high-quality images. The camera sports an advanced autofocus system that rivals significantly more expensive competitors and features a compact, lightweight design that’s easy to slip into a small bag. Users must live without a few bells and whistles when using the R10, but where it matters most — imaging performance — the R10 delivers in spades. The lack of in-body image stabilization is slightly disappointing, and the camera’s electronic shutter is mediocre. However, using its mechanical shutter, the R10 still shoots at a swift 15 fps. The Canon EOS R10 isn’t perfect, but it punches far above its weight and is the best camera on the market today for beginners and other photographers on a budget. The camera accomplishes much more than most cameras in its price range can, and the R10 is the new standard-bearer in its category. Read more: Canon EOS R10 Review: Powerful Performance at an Affordable Price The $4,300 Canon EOS R5 Mark II emerges as the ultimate choice for professional photographers or anyone seeking exceptional equipment for a diverse array of photography endeavors. Boasting impressive specifications such as a stacked 45-megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS sensor, the ability to capture 8K video along with various filming modes, and a continuous shooting speed of up to 12 frames per second with a mechanical shutter and 40 frames per second with an electronic shutter, this camera stands out as one of the most capable options available. Additionally, it offers weather sealing on par with the EOS 5D Mark IV, a high-resolution viewfinder, a fully articulating rear screen, and up to 8 stops of image stabilization when paired with compatible lenses. One of the standout features of this model is its 100% coverage Dual Pixel II AF system. While some photographers might argue that Sony’s autofocus is superior, Canon’s system is certainly no underdog. The highly acclaimed autofocus system covers the entire frame and incorporates reliable eye detection, eye-control, and subject tracking, making it easy to capture perfectly focused images of both humans and animals. As a camera designed to handle a true hybrid workflow, the EOS R5 Mark II is exceptionally hard to surpass; it is an all-encompassing package that caters to a wide range of photographers. Canon has made significant advancements in dynamic range, and as a result, the image quality of the R5 Mark II is top-tier. When compared to other cameras that offer high resolution and video capabilities within this price bracket, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II manages to maintain a slight edge over its competition. Many of the cameras on this list have outstanding video capabilities, like many models released in the last couple of years. However, if you plan to get a mirrorless camera primarily for video use, consider the Panasonic GH7 Micro Four Thirds camera. The GH7 camera body is ideal for video production, with features such as a built-in fan for unlimited recording, dual record buttons (with the shutter button as a third option), a tally lamp to indicate recording status, an included PC sync to BNC cable for timecode synchronization, a front face pin to prevent the camera from spinning on the tripod, a tilting and fully articulated screen that stays clear of the ports, and a CFexpress Type-B card slot that supports highly demanding recording modes. One of the standout options is 5.8K open-gate recording in a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is exceptionally useful for reframing a single video for both widescreen and vertical formats. The camera supports 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second, with or without sound. This 4K/120p footage is incredibly detailed, as it is oversampled from the full 25-megapixel sensor, though its dynamic range is one stop lower than other recording modes. A new recording mode allows the GH7 to shoot 1080/240P while simultaneously recording audio, making it highly useful for speed ramping or capturing action scenes where the original audio is needed. Another standout feature of the GH7 is its ability to record internal ProRes Raw directly onto a CFexpress B card. ProRes RAW offers significantly more control over white balance and noise reduction than recording 10-bit V-Log footage. You can capture the full width of the sensor in 5.7K at a 17:9 aspect ratio up to 30P or use a 1:1 pixel readout for C4K up to 60P, though this comes with a significant crop. Although the GH7 is designed with an emphasis on video capabilities, it retains all the photographic capabilities of the G9 II, including 100MP handheld Hi-Res shots, 75 frames-per-second burst shooting, and the ability to apply Real-Time LUTs for different JPEG looks. For flexible video capabilities, the GH7 stands out as our top pick. Nonetheless, several full-frame cameras come close, with the Nikon Z8 leading the pack. The Z8 is the ultimate full-frame choice for video, with internal RAW recording, oversampled 4K at 60P, waveforms, excellent autofocus, and minimal rolling shutter. It also includes a full-size HDMI port and an intuitive interface for video production. The Sony a7 III remains a strong competitor as Sony’s premier full-frame mirrorless camera for video. It offers impressive video features and performance, particularly in low-light scenarios, and is more affordable. While the Nikon Z8 excels at high-resolution 8K recording, the a7 III is limited to 4K due to its lower resolution sensor. Medium format mirrorless cameras have been steadily gaining the preference of professional photographers who require the ultimate image quality with the most accurate color reproduction. While medium format sensors sacrifice autofocus and shooting performance speeds, they are well known for having the best possible image quality in a modern digital camera. If your goal is to make incredible studio portraits or beautiful high-resolution landscape images, medium format might be for you. Freshly introduced, the $5,000 Fujifilm GFX 100S II is already making rounds as the medium format camera to beat. The GFX 100S II boasts impressive features like a 102-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, improved image stabilization at up to 6EV, 4K 30p video capabilities, up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting, and improved autofocus performance— all in a relatively small and compact body. If you’re a fan of Fujifilm’s Film Simulation, you might also enjoy the additional “Nostalgic Neg” mode, which is inspired by the look of Stephen Shore’s iconic color photography. Lately, it feels like Fujifilm’s biggest competition in the medium format space is itself, and that’s certainly the case here with the 50S II, and 100 II all coming in as solid options (although the 100S II is our pick as the best of the bunch). While there are options from Hasselblad, feature-for-feature the Fujifilm is superior right now, even if sync speeds favor Hasselblad. For now, most photographers are going to find the Fujifilm GFX 100S II to check the most boxes. Crop sensor cameras are powerful tools for many photographers, including professionals. A bigger sensor doesn’t always mean that a camera is better. It’s long been the case that using an APS-C sensor meant giving up a bit of megapixels and resolution, all else equal, but the Fujifilm X-H2 — and X-T5, which uses the same sensor — change that. The X-H2 uses a 40.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, the highest-megapixel APS-C sensor on the market, to provide more resolution than many full-frame cameras. The new sensor also enables 8K 30p Apple ProRes internal recording, which no other APS-C camera offers. The X-H2 doesn’t compromise in terms of speed, either. It can shoot at up to 15 frames per second, which is quite speedy but not as swift as its lower-res sibling, the X-H2S, which has a stacked sensor that can shoot up to 40 fps. In many ways, Fujifilm’s pair of flagship cameras are very similar. The X-H2 and X-H2S share the same body design, which is robust and SLR-style, and each uses the same 5.76M-dot EVF, multi-angle LCD screen, AI-powered hybrid autofocus system, and newly designed in-body image stabilization system that promises up to seven stops of compensation. Each camera also works with Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C) integration, a groundbreaking workflow improvement that enables photographers and videographers to work more efficiently. Overall, the Fujifilm X-H2 is the “Best Crop-Sensor Mirrorless Camera” because of its class-leading resolution, robust video features, and professional-quality design and features.

While recent years have seen mirrorless cameras growing in popularity, DSLR cameras still hold a place in many photographers’ tools of the trade. They still come with several advantages that make them top-notch choices, especially for pro photographers. These include optical viewfinder benefits, better ergonomics, longer-lasting batteries, and wider lens selection. That said, there are still some really incredible cameras that are available as pretty good deals. Keep in mind, however, that the best DSLR for you depends on your budget and what you intend to shoot with a camera. In case you’ve settled on getting a DSLR but aren’t sure yet which model to get, we’ve narrowed down the choices for you. Simply put, we wanted to put the spotlight on the models that carry the best combination of features that make DSLRs still great tools, at the best price points available. For example, DSLRs are obviously bigger than mirrorless cameras, but many photographers find that they are still more comfortable to hold. We also want to see which models continue to keep their autofocus, low light performance, and video capabilities at par or better with more popular mirrorless counterparts. As always, we also wanted to put together a selection that has something for every photographer out there, from beginners to professionals. Launched in early January 2020 as Canon’s latest professional flagship camera, the EOS-1D X Mark III boasted of making a remarkable jump from its predecessor for both stills and video shooting. This full-frame DSLR is equipped with an updated 20.1 MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, a new DIGIC X image processor, a new mirror drive mechanism for less vibration and blackout, amazingly fast continuous shooting speeds (up to 16 fps using the optical viewfinder and 20 fps in Live View), AF subject recognition using machine learning, improved Live View and viewfinder AF systems with up to 191 AF points (OVF), and dual CFExpress card slots. On the video side, it has 5.5K/60p 12-bit RAW video recording, uncropped 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit H.265/HEVC recording, and HEIF 10-bit recording. With specs like these, it’s easy to see the well-rounded EOS-1D X Mark III in the hands of a good variety of photographers, most especially pro photographers shooting sports, wildlife, and events. Since the body is essentially the same as previous models, long-time Canon photographers will also be delighted to handle a camera with controls already familiar to them. The two CFExpress card slots are also handy for those who prefer having their images in two extremely fast cards instead of one. Some may say that the D6, Nikon’s latest and greatest offering for professional sports photography, may be a contender for this category. However, the 1D X Mark III just beats it in so many categories, most notably on the continuous shooting speed, live view autofocusing, essentially unlimited buffer of 1000 shots, and video capabilities. The 1D X Mark III’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is also able to track subjects more accurately and achieve more precise eye autofocus compared to the D6’s much slower contrast-detect autofocus. As for video shooting, the 1 DX Mark III simply sweeps the D6 with more video features. A year and a half since it was released, the mid-range Canon EOS 90D is still a good and affordable DSLR for prosumers. It sports a 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a 1.6x crop, a DIGIC 8 image processor, a 3-inch Vari-angle LCD touchscreen display, 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and an AF joystick. Key features include a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 45 cross-type AF points, up to 11 fps continuous shooting, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection. As for shooting videos, the EOS 90D can shoot cropless UHD 4K 30p and Full HD 120p. These are just some of the features that should be sufficient for most prosumers engaged in various kinds of photography. The EOS 90D is particularly a good choice for those who want to get into portraiture, especially with Canon’s great selection of portrait lenses. The Face Detection AF and Eye Detection AF will also help with sharply focused portraits. Since it also has weather sealing, it’s also great for travel and landscape photography. Meanwhile, its ISO range of 100-25,600 and working range of as low as -3 EV allow for accurate autofocus in low light. While the kit lens is mediocre, you can pair it with more capable glass for the photography you want to do, and you’ll get superb results. While the Nikon D850 is already almost four years old, this full-frame DSLR remains a capable tool for professional photographers. It boasts of a 46 MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, 7 fps continuous shooting mode with AE/AF, an AF system with 153 points, a 3.2” tilting touchscreen, illuminated controls, and advanced timelapse features. For video shooting, it has full-width UHD 4K capture at up to 30p, 1080 video at up to 120p, and in-camera 4K timelapse video creation. Sporting a slimmer form, better grip, and supposedly improved weather sealing, this model promises better handling and durability in various conditions. Pro photographers will also need to be nimble in dealing with different light conditions, and this model is ready for that. The backside-illuminated sensor provides improved low light performance and image quality near the edges. As with the D810, the D850 also has the ISO 64 mode for better photos in bright conditions and a wider dynamic range. Add to all these the full AF capabilities of the D5, Nikon’s flagship sports DSLR, and you have a very capable camera for a wide range of professional applications. The $500 price slash in October 2020 also made the D850 an even more affordable option for anyone looking into getting a full-frame professional DSLR. Now, some of you may say that the Canon 5D Mark IV fits the bill better. However, the company’s last 5-series DSLR was actually an overall disappointment, with poor video specifications and underwhelming dynamic range. While it’s fine for a Canon shooter to theoretically upgrade over a Mark III, it actually would be smarter to move to Canon’s mirrorless offerings than to spend the money on a DSLR that was already behind the times when it launched. Of all the pro-level DSLRs, it was the weakest of the DSLR generations. For those who are just getting into doing photography more seriously, the two-year-old Canon EOS Rebel SL3 would be a good jump from a smartphone camera. This ultra-compact DSLR camera comes with all the features you need to learn the ropes: 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast Dual Pixel on-sensor autofocus, optical viewfinder with a secondary 9-point autofocus system, a fully articulating touchscreen, 4K video recording (albeit with a 1.7x crop), WiFi with Bluetooth connectivity for transferring photos, and a battery life of up to 1,070 shots when using the optical viewfinder (320 shots when using live view with Dual Pixel AF). In a field inundated by 24-megapixel APS-C cameras that produce great photos, what makes the Rebel SL3 a better choice than more popular mirrorless models that offer the same image quality? Mainly the excellent, beginner-friendly “guided” mode and the preference for an optical viewfinder. By using the guide mode, beginners will have a better idea about what makes a proper exposure. The optical viewfinder works great alongside this feature since you can essentially just have the guide mode on the screen then compose and take your shot through the viewfinder. You can’t do this with mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders, since both the screen and the viewfinder will only show you the live view of your scene. The freshly announced Pentax K-3 Mark III has been on the radar of compact DSLR fans for its significant updates from previous iteration. Most of its major components have been completely upgraded or replaced, such as the stabilized 25.7-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a new optical viewfinder with 1.05x magnification and eye-detection AF, and a new shutter mechanism that provides up to 12 fps continuous shooting. Its in-body stabilization system now has 5.5 EV of correction, which is the highest seen in a K-mount camera. The completely new SAFOX 13 AF module also has a wider frame coverage than the previous version, with 101 AF points that include 25 cross-types. According to Ricoh, the K-3 Mark III also now has a better AF tracking performance thanks to machine learning. So what makes Ricoh’s new flagship APS-C DSLR one to keep an eye out for? It can compete with full-frame sensor cameras in terms of high ISO shooting. If you’ve used Pentax DSLRs extensively, early reviews say you’ll feel right at home with it, from how it fits in the hand to how fast it operates. If you’re a Pentaxian, this compact model likely carries the technical upgrades you’ve been waiting for. Read more: Review: The Pentax K-3 III Proves That DSLR Tech is Far From Finished The other professional DSLR models previously mentioned would certainly serve a sports photographer well. If you want to have another option, the five-year-old Nikon D500 will also do well to capture those action shots. This high-end, semi-pro crop sensor DSLR boasts of a new 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon’s professional AF system with a new AF-point selector, 10 fps continuous shooting, a large optical viewfinder, and a tilting touchscreen display. It also inherited the pro-level Nikon D5’s 153-point phase-detect autofocus array and EXPEED 5 processor, allowing it to utilize the best balance of performance, precision, and low light capabilities. The discontinued D5 may have had the upper hand when it comes to imaging capabilities due to its larger sensor. This may lead you to consider getting a slightly used D5 instead. Still, the D500 makes up for it with a host of other features for advanced DSLR users. These include built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, tilting rear screen for more flexible shooting, higher dynamic range, and of course, a more affordable price point. Like the D5, the D500 can also shoot 4K UHD videos, although with a 2.25x crop. If you’ve owned any recent high-end Nikon DSLR, this mid-sized shooter will feel right at home in your hands. If the D5 is too bulky for you, the smaller D500 is a great alternative. With its lightweight, weather-sealed body, well-placed controls, and ergonomics, you’ll have a capable camera ready to chase the action with you. The Nikon D750 is considered by many as one of the most well-rounded DSLR cameras ever made. Its successor, the D780, follows in its footsteps but made more capable. It still carries the 24.5-megapixel sensor and 51-point AF system, but what makes it special is that it has a lot of mirrorless tech built into it. This is the first time such a combination is seen in a DSLR. So essentially, you’re getting the best out of the beloved D750 and the all-around Nikon Z6 for the price of a DSLR. The D780 packs features from the company’s higher-tiered DSLRs in a smaller, lighter, and cheaper body. It boasts of a backside-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor, maximum ISO of 51200 (expandable to 204800), 7 fps continuous shooting at full resolution (12 fps using the electronic shutter), and the same EXPEED 6 image processor seen in the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras. These give it faster speeds, better low-light performance, and lower energy consumption. Are you used to optical viewfinders but also want the flexibility to switch to a reliable live view shooting? The D780 gives you both. The optical viewfinder uses a 51-point AF system with the enhanced AF algorithm as the D5. Switch to live view and you’ll put the 2,733-point focal plane Hybrid AF system of the Z6 to use, at 90% of the frame. As for video shooting, the D780 also carries the most powerful set of video features among Nikon DSLRs, again, thanks to Z6 tech. These include full-frame 4K video at 40 fps with full pixel readout, 10-bit output with N-Log or HDR support, and intervalometer. All these features and more come together to give you a DSLR that you can use for almost any kind of photography. The weather-sealed body, USB charging, and excellent battery life make it a great companion for travel photography. It also has good enough resolution and very good JPEGs and RAW files for landscape photography. If you can work around the lack of eye detection when shooting through the viewfinder, you’ll be pleased with its performance for portrait and lifestyle photography. Of course, as a D750 successor, it’s a good match for wedding photographers. It may not be the fastest camera for sports photography, or the most discreet for street photography, but it still gets the job done. Most importantly, if you’re a D750 user looking to upgrade, going for this will most likely benefit you the most.

CFexpress has finally come into its own and multiple companies are now producing a wide variety of capacities at a range of prices. But with so many choices, which one should you buy? Updated 10/12/2023: With the onset of USB 4.0 and CFexpress 4.0, a lot has changed. The guide below includes both new 4.0 cards as well as the older 2.0 cards, but the new peak read and write sections have been re-tested using a USB 4.0 reader — the same one for all, the ProGrade Digital Type-B single Slot reader. The reason for this is twofold. One, it allows older cards to perform better when connected to a host computer than before simply because of more bandwidth. Two, there is only one CFexpress 4.0 card reader available on the market at the time of publication, and this is it. Unfortunately, our sustained transfer speed test, which is performed on a PC, could not be updated to USB 4.0 as none of PetaPixel‘s test computers currently are equipped with USB 4.0. We will re-test and update as soon as we are able. For now, that section has been removed. Finally, the photo burst section has also been adjusted. We have updated our methodology and tested every card at 20 frames per second using the Canon EOS R5’s electronic shutter. Luckily, sustained burst gives us back a lot of the information we lost by removing the sustained transfer test mentioned above. We hope this guide is now more useful to readers looking at picking up a card that is best for their use cases. We will continue to update this guide as we are able. CFexpress Type B is, right now, the most common “next generation” memory card format and has all but totally won out over the SD Association’s flawed SD Express format despite its lofty promises. While CFexpress Type A is also coming into its own, only Sony is using the format in its mirrorless cameras and at the time of publication, only three companies are producing that card format. When more are available, this guide will grow to include CFexpress Type A as well but, for now, the two options from ProGrade Digital and Sony perform basically identically. PetaPixel has not received Delkin’s option to test. Every other camera company besides Sony that has updated to the latest and greatest memory card format is using Type B, and as such there are a lot more options in the marketplace. But all that performance comes at a literal cost: CFexpress Type B cards can get pretty expensive. To save you the wallet-ache of making a bad decision, we’ve created a rigorous multi-stage test to put CFexpress cards through the wringer and help you make the best buying decisions. Below is a list of all the CFexpress Type B cards included in our testing: PetaPixel will update these results periodically as we obtain more cards, so make sure to bookmark this story and check back when you’re ready to make a purchase. To evaluate which cards performed best, we subjected each to a series of tests. In the case where a card manufacturer also supplies a card reader, we used paired those products together. If a company did not provide PetaPixel with a reader, tests were performed on the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II dual card reader. First, we tested the cards with Blackmagic Speed Test to get numbers for the average peak read and write speeds that can be expected when loading and unloading data to a computer. We then filled the cards at more than three-quarters of each of their capacities and tested the speed again to make sure that adding data to the cards does not affect performance. These tests provide us with a baseline level of performance to expect. The second is especially relevant for photographers. We tested how many seconds we could fire a Canon R5 at maximum framerate and resolution before we hit the limits of the buffer. This means we asked the camera to record both RAW and the highest quality JPEG and do so firing at the maximum 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter. In this test, higher is better. As expected, CFexpress 4.0 cards ran away with the best speeds, but the OWC Atlas series, especially the Ultra, performed the best. ProGrade Digital’s new card was the most consistent between read and write performance. The older CFexpress 2.0 cards were much closer, but standouts include the ProGrade Cobalt card, Delkin’s Black series, and Lexar’s Diamond series. The Canon EOS R5 can capture 20 frames per second in both JPEG and RAW when using the electronic shutter. Since it’s a 45-megapixel sensor, that’s a lot of data to hammer a card with. For the most part, every card in our test performed similarly. While there are some outliers, basically every card is able to go for about the same length of time. Given the consistency here despite the various promised write speeds of every card, the results indicates that the physical hardware of the R5 is being stretched to the limit here. That’s great news for photographers as it evens the playing field and lets them search for the best deals rather than go with a specific brand or card line. Of note, PetaPixel did notice that a few cards took longer to recover than others. Namely, the ProGrade Digital Gold, Acer, Pro Master Pro Velocity Cine, and Pergear Ultra were slightly slower to fully clear the buffer than the other cards, meaning that a photographer in the field won’t be ready to fire another full burst quite as soon as they would be if they used any other tested card. Finally, as PetaPixel has noted before, CFexpress 4.0 doesn’t do anything when used on cameras that don’t have the hardware to take advantage of it. At the time of publication, that’s all of them. The benefits of CFexpress 4.0 are seen strictly when working with computers — at least for now. Before the ProGrade USB 4.0 reader, we weren’t coming close to seeing the promised speeds printed on the sides of the memory cards in practice, but we certainly are now. No longer bandwidth limited by USB 3.2, the cards are showing their true colors, and they’re gorgeous. Note: While this section’s information is no longer presented in the charts above, it is still relevant and thus we have kept it here for reference, as the information is still accurate. Let’s get to the good news: every card we tested worked to our satisfaction when it comes to recording high-resolution video data. Every card, regardless of the speeds promised, was able to ingest 8K RAW video footage until the camera overheated, which means it’s highly unlikely that anyone would run into any issues with the cards when shooting in the field — the camera will fail before the card does. Even if a card doesn’t even come close to the promised peak read or write speeds seen on the side of the box (which none of them did, by the way), it doesn’t matter. For video, Acer, which promised the least when it comes to read and write speeds, performed identically to Angelbird which promised the most. A majority of the cards we tested were able to sustain more than 400 MB/s transfer speeds, with only ProGrade Digital’s Gold series and Acer falling below that threshold. The only two cards we tested that has the Compact Flash Association’s VPG400 certification — which requires 400 MB/s sustained speeds — were Lexar’s Diamond and Exascend’s Nitro cards, although despite this they aren’t the ones holding the highest sustained transfer speeds: that goes to Prograde’s Cobalt line and Sony’s TOUGH cards. So while AngelBird promises some seriously high sustained speeds on its website and in marketing materials, we weren’t able to replicate them using industry-standard software. That said, there may be a reason for that. Angelbird is extremely nitpicky about which cards are designed for which cameras which could mean that it does have some kind of special tuning to work with cameras better than with computer software. This seems like a stretch, but we have no way to tell. For the most part, these cards were all pretty consistent in their performance during our benchmarking with the exception of Acer and Atlas Pro, both of which were a lot more frenetic in how much they jumped from high speeds to low speeds during testing, which gives us pause recommending either for video workflows. As mentioned, it seems as though that, outside of a few outliers, most CFexpress memory cards are coming up against the limitations of camera hardware. While ProGrade’s older CFexpress 2.0 cards and Acer’s card provided us with about a second less time with the shutter held down and SanDisk’s gave us just shy of a tenth of a second more, basically every other card hovered in the same region. We can’t explain why, but SanDisk’s Pro Cine card repeatedly cleared just slightly faster than every other card on this list, so it wasn’t a fluke in testing. As of now, we’re content to give the company top honors here, even if the brand’s name has suffered greatly in the past few months. If you’re not interested in giving SanDisk/Western Digital your money, there are obviously a ton of other options that will serve just fine. It’s hard to go wrong these days, and almost every card we tested will serve photographers and videographers well. There are, of course, standout performers. Obviously, when it comes to pure speed, the CFexpress 4.0 cards are runaway winners. That only matters if you care about workflow speeds (your camera doesn’t know the difference), but if that’s important to you, it’s hard to argue with how much better the new specification is. If you’re not ready to jump to CFexpress 4.0, I don’t blame you and there are still great options. The best performer goes to Delkin’s Black Series and Lexar’s Diamond series, with the latter edging the former out just slightly. Of all the available cards, if capacity is your biggest concern, Angelbird is probably the best bet since it currently is the only brand to offer a whopping 4TB in a single card. It’s not taking top honors anywhere else, but its performance is good enough that photographers and filmmakers will unlikely notice when out in the field. Before we get to our best overall pick, it is important to consider that not everyone is going to need the best-performing memory card in order to be happy. Often, the best card is the one that balances good enough performance with a low asking price. This one is tough, though, because it depends on what is important to you. Pergear’s card makes an argument for itself based purely on capacity. While it’s not the best at anything, it’s certainly not the worst either, and it’s really hard to argue with the $359 price for 1TB capacity. But, if you don’t need 1TB capacity, Lexar’s Silver card is probably the best bang for your buck. It’s slightly less expensive on a per-gigabyte basis than Pergear’s card and there are no downsides in our testing (Pergear’s card was a bit slow to recover after a photo burst while Lexar’s was not). The Diamond series card is more performant, but the Silver is good enough for current hardware. Always check on the warranty details before making an expensive purchase like a CFexpress card to make sure you feel comfortable relying on it to hold your photos and videos. PetaPixel’s Best Value Choice: Lexar Silver Series Type B memory card. When it comes to pure speed, your dollar be damned, go with OWC’s Atlas Ultra cards. The company no longer makes CFexpress 2.0 cards, so your only option will be to pony up for the ridiculously fast CFexpress 4.0 versions, but your camera will perform at its best and your workflow once you’re back at your desk will be far faster — just make sure you pick up a card reader that can actually handle the bandwidth requirements. PetaPixel’s Best Overall Choice: OWC Atlas Ultra (CFe 4.0) Type B memory card.

Lighting enthusiasts are in for a treat as Falcam announced a remote-controlled, motorized gimbal-like light control system. The Falcam Move LightGo promises to revolutionize light control by allowing photographers and film crews to adjust a light’s position remotely. A post shared by FALCAM (@falcam_official) Like a gimbal for a camera, the innovative LightGo enables smooth, hands-free, and efficient lighting control. The motorized unit features dual access movement with a pan of 450 degrees and a tilt of 170 degrees for precision lighting. Falcam shared that the Move LightGo’s design even enables more tilt than traditional light modifiers. “Traditional lighting setups often struggle to achieve a 170-degree tilt adjustment when using various light modifiers. However, the Move LightGo extends the tilt axis forward, effectively minimizing interference between modifiers and the light stand,” Falcam explains. Falcam says the LightGo features “95% Bowens Mount systems compatibility.” The unit can accommodate many lights weighing up to approximately 13 pounds (six kilograms). The LightGo itself weighs 3.7 pounds (1.7 kilograms). The unit can be operated via Bluetooth using an app, wired, or wireless remote control options. The wireless remote uses a 2.4G connection and has a range of 98 feet (30 meters). With the app, users will have a range of 32 feet (10 meters). The Falcam Move LightGo also features a scene preset system for quick adjustments. Users can assign unique numbers to multiple LightGo units to save and recall preset light positions. LightGo’s supercapacitor design will retain power for a short period of time after shutdown, allowing users to reset its position safely. The LightGo also utilizes a self-locking mechanism for storage. Once fully powered down, the unit will not move. This also promises to protect the unit’s electronic components from surges or voltage fluctuations. Additionally, the lithium-free design means that the light go meets many transport regulations for the on-the-go photographers and filmmakers. For power, the LightGo has multiple options. The base model uses AC power input with a Type-C connection cable included. However, it also supports a V-mount battery or power bank attachment. The design of the light go is expandable; it is equipped with both screw holes and Arri locating holes for mounting accessories. There is also a port reserved for future DMX integration. The Falcam Move LightGo is available now for $250. Image credits: Falcam