My first Videography Diary piece explained how I chose the BlackMagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC from now on). This piece talks you through my BMPCC 4K Rig.
If you’re not familiar with videography rigs, it’s basically a system to give you everything you need to shoot effectively and efficiently in one solid unit so you can just pick it up, mount it on a tripod or other stabilizer, and start shooting.
This piece provides a video walkthrough, with links to all of the components I use…
My videography diary is a series recounting my experiences as a newbie videographer, after many years of still photography. In it, I’ll cover the kit I use, as well as the lessons I’ve learned that may prove useful to others who are also making a move into video.
For someone who loves the latest and greatest technology, I made kind of an odd decision when it came to my choice of camera …
Today Fujifilm is out with a new selection of digital cameras today, expanding its footprint in the competitive space. Headlining today’s announcement is the mirrorless GFX100S, which features a compact design and a massive 102MP large format sensor. The GFX100S, in fact, delivers “the world’s highest” large-format sensor, making it a particularly notable release in this year’s product cycle. Fuji is also bringing is smaller mirrorless camera to market today with the X-E4, which features a compact design and fast autofocus design. Head below for full details on all of today’s Fuji announcements.
When mirrorless cameras first debuted, they arguably weren’t aimed at professionals. Full-blown DSLRs were the way to go as specifications often dwarfed what was possible in mirrorless alternatives. Fast-forward to today and you’ll find Sony Alpha a1, a full-frame mirrorless camera that’s able to shoot 8K video, snap 50.1-megapixel photos, and checks most, if not all of a professional’s checkboxes. An all-new BIONZ XR processor is responsible for many of the next-level upgrades found in Sony Alpha a1, boasting eight times the power when compared with its predecessor, BIONZX. Continue reading to learn more.
Like it or not, smartphone manufacturers are dead-set on replacing dedicated cameras for average consumers. It could be argued that this is already the case. While full-blown cameras take better photos, the differences become more negligible over time. So how can the industry remain relevant and successful? By doubling-down on features and designs that continue to captivate their most dedicated fans. Leica does a tremendous job of this by routinely shelling out new special-edition models, the latest of which is armed with Kevlar and dubbed the Leica M10-P Reporter. Continue reading to learn more.
When Canon announced its EOS R5 camera back in April, it caught our eye and the attention of many others with its 8K RAW and 4K 120fps recording capabilities. Since we’ve been itching for actual specifications. Today is the day we find out all of the details, and many will agree that it’s exciting news. Not only will we get a 45-megapixel EOS R5, but there’s also a more-affordable R6 that Canon states is aimed at “advanced amateurs.” Continue reading to learn more.
Tamron has been coming on strong with Sony lenses. My personal favorite is the 28-75 f/2.8 Di III, but the lens company also launched a 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III, and even a 70-180 f/2.8 Di III, further expanding its focal range coverage. Well, if you’re wanting an all-in-one lens, Tamron just launched it with the 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom. While it is a variable aperture, instead of fixed, this lens is a killer option if you need to cover a wide focal range at a single time.
Just a few weeks after debuting its new X100V, Fujifilm has officially taken the wraps off of its latest mirrorless camera. Serving as a successor to X-T3, the Fujifilm X-T4 retains features like a 26.1-megapixel sensor while adding standout capabilities such as “the world’s fastest 15FPS shooting and a high-speed auto-focus performance.” Other notable upgrades include a flip-out LCD touchscreen display and 5-axis in-body image stabilization which has only been previously available in Fujifilm X-H1. Continue reading for more details.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or simply looking to get started with DSLR photography, Canon’s fresh product announcements make it clear that it wants your business. Headlining the new Canon DSLRs is a full-frame EOS R5 with a newly designed CMOS sensor, image processor, and the ability to shoot 8K video.
Next up we have the Canon Rebel T8i. Instead of chasing professionals, this model is poised to be more entry-level, but doesn’t slack off when it comes to features. Canon says it’s the “highest-performing Rebel camera” with a feature set that includes a 24-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, and 4K video capabilities. Continue reading for more details.
Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s likely many would agree there’s something classy and timeless about black and white photos. Sure, they’re reminiscent of an era when color photos weren’t yet available, but even today, a well-shot black and white shot can often standout in a crowd of vibrant and colorful alternatives. The new Leica M10 Monochrom exists for this very reason, and is fully-focused on taking top-notch black and white photos. It sports a special grayscale image sensor capable of snapping very-detailed 40 megapixel photos. Continue reading for more details.
The QooCam 8K camera is the latest offering from KanDao and it is impressive. As its name implies, this camera one-ups UHD by delivering incredible 8K resolution video. Like Insta360, GoPro, and some of Ricoh’s offerings, this 8K camera shoots 360-degree video, ensuring nothing escapes your line of sight. Putting 8K and 360-degree capabilities aside, its most interesting feature by far is its extremely compact form-factor.
Leica has unveiled a follow-up to its SL camera. It has been predictably named SL2 and spec-wise seems to be worthy successor. With 47.3 megapixels, it practically doubles the photo resolution found in its predecessor. Other standout features include an upgrades to its processor, electronic viewfinder, and video shooting capabilities. Not only can it record 4K60 with flying colors, it takes things a step further with 5K video support.
While smartphones have been able to shoot 4K60 video for a few years now, the majority of DSLR and mirrorless cameras have noticeably lagged behind. Despite the fact that many 4K-ready cameras exist, most top out at 30 frames per second. Panasonic leapfrogs this by delivering S1H, a mirrorless 6K camera that can shoot 4K/60 without breaking a sweat.
We first got wind of Panasonic’s 6K camera a few months back, but at that point it was still a prototype. With pre-orders now available, release of the Panasonic S1H is more certain than ever. Continue reading to learn more.
With an ever-increasing number of mirrorless cameras entering the market, it can be easy to overlook the compact superzoom category. The new Sony RX100 VII continues to showcase incredible capabilities despite wielding such a small form-factor. This new release comes just a year after the previous generation, yet still manages to offer several impressive improvements.
Quite a few of the upgrades have been inspired by Sony’s a9, which is a much bulkier camera. While several stand out, bringing 0.02 second autofocus acquisition time to the Sony RX100 VII is something that every user will immediately appreciate.
Just three months after the Q2 debuted, Leica is back at it again with a new, well-rounded model that is versatile enough to appeal to both amateur and prosumer photographers. The new Leica V-Lux 5 sports an integrated superzoom lens with a range equivalent to 25-400mm. A large 1-inch sensor capable of snapping 20-megapixel photos aims to deliver “outstanding imaging performance throughout the entire zoom range.”
We’re living through a remarkable time when smartphones paired with respectable cameras and advanced algorithms can in some instances deliver similar performance thanks to features like Portrait Mode. As smartphones continue to close the gap between high-end cameras, the pressure is on manufacturers to compete not only in quality, but also in price. The new Hasselblad X1D II 50C exists to reduce cost while also delivering remarkable medium format quality.
When comparing DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with smartphones, the beefier devices tend to win in photo quality and performance categories. This is not too surprising since camera tech captures more light and detail with larger sensors and lenses.
There is an area that smartphones have been leading in. It’s the ability to shoot 4K video at 60 fps. Apple introduced this capability in its iPhone lineup back in 2017 with the launch of its 8, 8 Plus, and X devices. Since then, many Android devices have added it, but DSLRs are still lagging behind. With Panasonic’s new Lumix S Series, we are coming closer to that no longer being the case.
Nikon took the wraps off two new COOLPIX cameras earlier today. Dating back to the company’s first COOLPIX in 1997, Nikon has had plenty of time to create a recognized and trusted lineup for consumers. Its latest releases will join the A Series and B Series cameras and have model numbers of A1000 and B600.
While both cameras pack incredible zoom, the B600 is the clear winner in this department with 60x optical compared to the A1000’s 35x. Folks who opt for the A1000 will have a more compact form-factor that makes it easier to carry or stuff in a bag.
As smartphones become more and more like full-fledged cameras, it only makes sense for cameras to become more like smartphones. We see bits of this when newer cameras offer better software experiences, but so far the mass market has deemed smartphones good enough that it is not worth the headache of carrying dedicated cameras.
Samsung’s Galaxy Camera gave us a glimpse of how user-friendly cameras can be when putting full-blown Android on them, but it still fell short in many areas. Chinese company Yongnuo has announced that it is making its own Android-powered camera, and unlike the Galaxy Camera, this one will support interchangeable lenses.
Leica has released its latest camera today, the M10-D. Following in the footsteps of its recently-released M10-P, the M10-D shares a very similar appearance aside from the immediately obvious omission of a screen. A deliberate move by Leica to help photographers focus on the moment happening in front of them instead of viewing it on a display. Even though Leica’s latest camera ditches some digital features for a nostalgic and analog feel, the company attempts to make up for this by shipping a new companion smartphone app for interacting with it.
Olympus has announced a new smartphone lens that is a direct competitor to the Sony QX-series. The ‘Air’ has a 16MP sensor with Four Thirds capabilities as well as a shutter release button and microSD slot. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery and packs an autofocus system with 81-points of reference. It mounts directly to your smartphone adding greater zoom capabilities to your device. The Air communicates with your smartphone via WiFi and with its open-source API, it will be available in early March within Japan for ¥33,800 or roughly about $289, availability elsewhere is currently unknown.
As we head through February and into the Spring months, we will be seeing three new camera models from Olympus and Samsung. While they all offer different feature sets, these cameras continue to bring more pro-style attributes to the hobbyist photographer. Each one represents a different phase of photography ability dependent upon the needs of the shooter. While there have been many cameras announced by these companies we found the following to be of most interest.
Incase is offering 40% off select items as a part of its “Toys for Tots” event with coupon code TOYS40. Incase offers a wide variety of accessories for Mac, iPhone and iPad in addition to action cameras and backpacks. Free shipping is available in the 48 contiguous United States only. A portion of profits from this…
Staples is offering $20 off orders of $100 or more right now by going to this page and redeeming your unique discount code. That’s a savings of up to 20% store-wide on items like digital cameras, GPS, printers and more. You can use your savings here on items like the Acer 23″LCD with LED backlit…
We have spotted some solid battery charger deals today including the 5200mAh and 2600mAh portable backup battery charger for starting at just $30 and $20 respectively. The 5200mAh option is $50 under the regular asking price, $10 better than Amazon and features dual outputs for charging two devices simultaneously, LED battery-status bar, 3.1-amp max output and is compatible with iPod, iPhone, iPad, e-book readers, digital cameras, MP3/MP4 players, and all other smartphones that are charged via USB. This charger has received a 4.6 stars out of 5 rating among Amazon customers. Groupon also has a 2600mAh charger from Photive at $20 shipped, which is $30 under the original listing and the same price Amazon is offering, except Groupon’s deal comes with free shipping for those that aren’t Amazon Prime members.
We also have a 3000mAh charger in silver from RAVPower on sale today for just $20 (with free shipping for Prime members). This half the price of the original listing and cheapest deal we could find from a trusted retailer. This lipstick charger is compatible with iPod, iPhone, iPad, other tablets and just about anything with a USB connector. This RAVPower option has also received a solid 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon.
Best Buy’s Deal of the Day is the Sony Cyber-shot 16.2MP Digital Camera for only $99 shipped. That’s the lowest total price we could find for this cyber-shot. It features a 5x optical/10x clear image zoom, 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD monitor, HD movie mode for 1080/60i HD video, and optical image stabilization. Amazon has over 100 customer reviews on the cyber-shot that received 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon has the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7K 10.1 MP Digital Camera for only $290 with free shipping. This highly reviewed camera typically sells for around the $390 mark. The LUMIX features a “24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens that boasts a F1.4 brightness at wide-end and F2.3 at tele-end.” This lens will help you take fantastic photos even in low light environments. Features include 1080 HD video recording and the ability to snap photos while recording video. This deal is only available on the black version.
Canon USA is offering an EOS Rebel T3 EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit for only $299. This refurbished bundle typically sells for $399 from Canon, while Amazon charges $417 new. The Rebel T3 is generally regarded as one of the best entry-level cameras. Canon refurbished units have received great reviews, with most buyers saying the only way they could tell it wasn’t brand new is because it shipped in a plain white box. This DSLR features a lightweight form factor, 12.2-Megapixel CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot 1280×720 HD stills and movies. (via Dealzmodo)
BuyDig offers the Samsung ST76 16-Megapixel Compact Digital Camera in Black, model no. EC-ST76ZZBPBUS, bundled with an 8GB Micro SD Card and Digpro Ultra-Compact Camera Carrying Case, model no. DP-15, for $68. (The memory card and camera case will be added to your cart automatically.) Coupon code “DPLUS” cuts it to $63. With free shipping,…
BuyDig offers the Sony Alpha NEX-5RK 16.1-Megapixel Mirrorless Camera in Black (pictured) bundled with the Sony 18-55mm E-Mount Zoom Lens, Sony 32GB Class 10 Secure Digital High Capacity Card, model no. SF32UY/TQMN, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 11 for Windows/Mac, model no. 65192903, Camera Bag and Accessory Kit, and a $50 Visa prepaid card…
Adorama offers the Olympus PEN E-P3 12.3-Megapixel Digital Micro Four-Thirds Camera in Silver, model no. V204031SU000, bundled with the Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens for $449 with free shipping. That’s the lowest total price we could find by $174. (For further comparison, we saw it bundled with an additional lens for $150 more in January.)…
J&R offers the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera, model no. DMC-FZ200K, for $429. Coupon code “MADNESS” cuts it to $419. With free shipping, that’s tied with our mention from last month and the lowest total price we could find today by $10. It features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle 25-600mm 24x zoom…
Adorama offers the factory-refurbished Nikon 1 J1 10.1-Megapixel Mirrorless Digital Camera in Red bundled with a Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 Hybrid Lens in Red, model no. 27534B, for $199 with free shipping. That’s $19 under our refurb mention from two days ago and the lowest total price we could find now for a refurb by…
Cameta Camera offers the refurbished Nikon 1 J1 10.1-Megapixel Mirrorless Digital Camera in Red bundled with a Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 Hybrid Lens in Red, model no. 27534B, for $217.95 with free shipping. That’s tied with our refurb mention from two weeks ago and the lowest total price we could find now for a refurb…
Cameta Camera offers the refurbished Nikon Coolpix S01 10.1-Megapixel Digital Camera in Silver, model no. 26347, for $69 with free shipping. That’s $54 under the lowest total price we could find for a new one. Features include a 2.5″ touchscreen LCD, 720p HD video recording, USB connectivity, and more. A 1-year Cameta Camera warranty applies.
Cameta Camera offers the factory-refurbished Nikon Coolpix S9300 16-Megapixel Digital Camera in Black, model no. 26315, for $124.95 with free shipping. That’s $73 under the lowest total price we could find for a new unit in any color elsewhere, although we saw it for $5 less in November. Features include a 3″ LCD, 18x optical…
Cameta Camera offers the refurbished Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Micro Four-Thirds Camera in Black, model no. V206011BU000A, bundled with the M. Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens for $199.95 with free shipping. That’s tied with our mention from two weeks ago as the best price we’ve seen for this camera. (It’s also $99 under the lowest…
This Canon 18.0 MP camera comes with a nine-point all cross-type autofocus (AF) system that includes a Hybrid CMOS AF sensor, which greatly increases autofocusing speed. The sensor in this black Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D enhances autofocus interruption time by utilizing contrast and phase detection combined. In addition, the Canon 18.0 MP camera offers three separate methods for focusing in on subjects. They are face detection, multi-point AF, and single point AF.
Adorama offers the factory-refurbished Nikon Coolpix S30 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera in White, model no. 26317, for $52.95 plus $6.95 for shipping. That’s $18 under the lowest total price we could find for a new one. It features a 10.1-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, autofocus, 2.7″ LCD, 720p video recording, and more. It is waterproof…
BuyDig offers the Sony Alpha 16.1-Megapixel Mirrorless Camera in Black (pictured), model no. NEX-5RK/B, bundled with the Sony 18-55mm E-Mount Zoom Lens, Sony 32GB Class 10 Secure Digital High Capacity Card, model no. SF32NX/TQ, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 11 for Windows/Mac, model no. 65192903, and a $50 Visa prepaid card, for $648. (The…
BuyDig offers the Sony Alpha NEX-6L 16.1-Megapixel Digital SLR-Like Camera in Black bundled with a Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-Mount Zoom Lens, model no. NEX6L/B, Sony 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card, model no. SF32NX/TQ, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 11 for Windows/Mac, model no. 65192903, and $50 Visa Gift Card for $898 with free shipping.…
The Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D is a digital SLR Camera with a CMOS image sensor that allows you to capture memorable moments of your favorite times. With a wide viewing angle of 170 degree, you can take shots of vast landscapes even from a shorter distance. This Canon 18.0 MP camera incorporates a 3-inch LCD display that allows you to preview or playback pictures and videos.
BuyDig offers the Sony Alpha NEX-6L 16.1-Megapixel Digital SLR-Like Camera in Black bundled with a Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-Mount Zoom Lens, model no. NEX6L/B, Sony 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card, InfoLithium H Series NP-FW50 Camera Battery, 6-Foot miniHDMI Cable, Dust Removal System, Lens Cleaning Kit, USB Card Reader, LCD Screen Protector 3-Pack, Xit Deluxe Gadget…
Cameta Camera offers the refurbished Nikon 1 J1 10.1-Megapixel Mirrorless Digital Camera bundled with a Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 Hybrid Lens in Red, model no. 27534B, for $217.95 with free shipping. That’s tied with our refurb mention from a week ago and the lowest total price we could find now for a refurb by $41.…
B&H Photo-Video offers the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W650 16.1-Megapixel Digital Camera in Black for $79.95 with free shipping. That’s $19 under our mention from a week ago and the lowest total price we could find by $8. It features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x optical zoom lens, 3″ LCD, 720p movie capture at 30fps, optical image…
Cameta Camera offers the refurbished Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Micro Four-Thirds Camera in Black, model no. V206011BU000A, bundled with the M. Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens for $199.95 with free shipping. That’s the best price we’ve seen for this camera and $99 under the lowest total price we could find for a new bundle elsewhere.…
Adorama offers the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 18.2-Megapixel Digital Camera in Black, model no. DSCHX200VB, for the in-cart price of $279 with free shipping. That’s $109 under our mention from last summer and the lowest total price we could find by $50. The camera features a 3″ LCD, 30x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, 1080p…