Images: Leica, SmallRig, Pelican
We've made it to another weekend, which means another edition of our accessory roundup. Today, we'll be looking at a few lights, some Leica gear, and some rugged accessories, but first, as always, let's check out what's on sale.
Sony Sales
Photo: Richard Butler
The Sony a7R V, a camera with a whopping 61MP sensor that makes it great for landscape or product photography, is currently on sale for $400 off its MSRP.
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Photo: Richard Butler
If you don't need that much resolution, the a7 IV is also on sale for $300 off its MSRP. It's an older model that doesn't include some of Sony's latest tech and refinements, but it's still a capable stills camera.
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Tough travel backpacks
Image: Pelican
Pelican is well known for its ultra-rugged hard cases, but the company has recently started making soft goods as well. The Trvl Aegis collection includes several types of bags, including backpacks, slings, duffel bags and rolling bags; some of them feature a "hybrid" construction, which Pelican says provides the "quality construction and protection of a hard case with the versatility of a ... Continue Reading »
We've been thrilled with the response to our DPReview pop-up store, which opened before the holidays and features limited edition items from our 25th Anniversary collection of DPReview swag. If you've been planning to place an order but haven't done so yet, act soon: the pop-up store will disappear on January 31.
What’s in the store? You'll find the DPReview logo on apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts and baseball caps. Of course, to honor DPReview’s early history, many items are designed in dark mode with a black background.
Visit the DPReview pop-up store
If you’re a camera nerd, head over and take a look.
If you’re not feeling nerdy enough to want DPReview-branded swag, we've also designed products with photo-friendly slogans like ‘Say Cheese’, ‘Photo Department’, and ‘I ♥ Bokeh’.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.
Products from our 25th Anniversary pop-up store.
Why a pop-up store?
Readers have been asking us about DPReview merchandise for years, so we decided to do something about it. So, if you’re one of those who’s emailed or messaged us asking where to find things like DPReview shirts, now is your chance.
Of course, when you buy our ... Continue Reading »
In the 1860s, two brothers, Nelson and Roswell Moore, photographers from Connecticut, got the idea to use the then-nascent technology of photography to preserve images of the last veterans of the American Revolution.
Photos: Nelson and Roswell Moore
As a photographer with a strong interest in history, I often find myself captivated when the two worlds collide. Looking at pictures of historical events, even seemingly mundane ones, sparks my imagination and transports me back in time.
More than the historical events themselves, I’m drawn to the people in these photos. I try to envision their lives, their experiences and the world they inhabited. I remind myself that they aren’t just historical figures frozen in time but real people who led lives as complex as you or me, and I often wonder about their experiences and the eras that shaped them.
Perhaps this is because old photographs serve as a reminder of our own mortality. Historical photos whisper to us that our time on Earth is finite and that one day, we, too, will become subjects of historical curiosity.
Photo: Nelson and Roswell Moore
This fascination with the past, coupled with my interest in photography, is probably why a recent video by the BBC caught my attention, ... Continue Reading »
Image: Panasonic
Panasonic has made it clear: the torch has passed from its Lumix Sync app to the Lumix Lab app. If you own one of the company's modern phase detect autofocus cameras – that's the S5 II, S5 IIX, G9 II, GH7 and S9 – Lumix Lab can now do pretty much everything that Sync could do, alongside all the new features it brings to the table.
When Lumix Lab originally launched alongside the S9 in May, Panasonic was clear that it wasn't ready to fully replace Lumix Sync for its older cameras; it didn't support critical features such as remote shooting, remote shutter control, image transfer, or live streaming.
That's changed this week, though. Panasonic released firmware updates yesterday, as well as an update to Lumix Lab, which work together to let you fully control and sync your camera from your phone.
Enter the LUT lab
Lumix Lab lets you download LUTS made by creators and gives you a library to manage those LUTs alongside the ones you create yourself.
Beyond the functions that already existed with Lumix Sync, Lumix Lab adds several features around Look Up Tables, or LUTs, which are essentially color presets that you can apply to your photos and ... Continue Reading »
OM System is working to build excitement for a launch happening on February 6. The company released a short teaser video, offering brief glimpses of an unreleased OM System camera. This video follows up on a post from the OM System CEO at the beginning of the month announcing that the company is working on a new camera and lenses. That statement, combined with the content of the video, makes it safe to assume that the focus of this announcement is indeed a camera.
The dedicated teaser webpage poses the question, "Are you born to create?" It also promises "something exciting" coming soon and encourages people to tune in to "discover what’s next in the world of creative photography."
The video, naturally, doesn't show much. It does, however, highlight a front dial, which must be a focus of the new camera. That dial shows four options, named Mono, Color, Art and CRT. We've seen such a dial before on the remarkably popular Olympus PEN-F. Based on the limited information in the video, it doesn't appear to be a follow-up to the PEN-F, as the teaser shows a more traditional SLR-style EVF in the center of the camera, as opposed to the left-corner ... Continue Reading »
Image: SmallRig
SmallRig has announced it is expanding its lineup with a new cage for the Sony a9 III and a1 II. Like SmallRig's existing offerings, the new cage aims to add additional protection for the camera. Perhaps more importantly, it also offers expansion options, making it easier to attach additional gear like phone mounts, monitors, microphones and more. It offers what SmallRig calls a "brand-new streamlined design with precision-fit protection and unobstructed button access." It's available for purchase now for $99.
Image: SmallRig
SmallRig's latest full cage features a leather grip that fully wraps around the grip of the camera. The leather design allows it to blend in a bit more to the camera, and results in a more polished look worthy of the flagship cameras.
The cage features a three-point locking installation to keep it securely attached to the camera, but doesn't require removing the D-rings. It uses an integrated bottom Arca-Swiss quick release plate for seamless use on a wide range of tripods and gimbals. It comes with a magnetic wrench on the bottom of the plate for easier attachment or removal.
Buy now:
$99 at SmallRig
Image: SmallRig
Of course, one of the main benefits to a cage is all the extra attachment points ... Continue Reading »
Image: Canon
Canon has developed a 410MP full-frame sensor, which it says is primarily designed for markets such as surveillance, medicine and industrial applications.
Canon doesn't typically disclose details of sensors it plans to use in its cameras prior to those cameras being announced, which is another strong hint that this won't be the basis of the next R-series model. Still, it gives and insight into where Canon's sensor design and technology has got to.
The 410MP chip is a Stacked CMOS design with some signal processing circuitry built into one of the layers of that stack. This design allows it to read all its pixels at a rate of 3,280 megapixels per second. This is sufficient to let it deliver 24K 'video' at up to eight frames per second.
Alternatively, Canon says a monochrome version of the chip can bin the output of four neighboring pixels to deliver "100MP" video at up to 24 fps. These numbers suggest the company is talking about full-sensor, 'open-gate' 12K footage from the full 3:2 sensor region. Given this is its maximum output rate, it's reasonable to assume it would have a rolling shutter rate not much quicker than 1/24 sec (ie: around 40ms), which wouldn't be ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Image: Canon
Canon has announced the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, a fast wide-angle full-frame zoom that's meant to be a more budget-friendly option for people looking to shoot photos and videos. The lens is lightweight and compact, coming in at a very similar size and weight as its sibling, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM.
The 16-28mm is explicitly designed to pair with that lens for enthusiasts wanting constant F2.8 capability on a budget.
The lens' optical formula includes 16 elements in 13 groups, with 2 aspherical lenses and 4 UD elements. Like many of Canon's RF lenses – including its higher-end L-series models – the 16-28mm uses of digital corrections as part of its design. At its long end, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.2m (7.9"). The lens is weather sealed to provide some protection against dust and moisture, though there aren't gaskets on all of its various buttons, switches and rings.
Canon
As its name implies, the 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM uses a lead-screw type stepper motor for focusing, which the company says will provide "fast and accurate" focusing. It also features optical image stabilization, rated for ... Continue Reading »
Photo: Brendan Nystedt
Panasonic has announced a suite of updates for its latest cameras, designed to make sure the S5 II, S5 IIX, GH7, and G9 II are all on level playing field with each other and the S9 in terms of what features they support.
All four cameras will now be able to display multiple frame guide markers at once, which can help if you're trying to frame a shot that will eventually be edited into multiple aspect ratios. The markers are heavily customizable – you can choose different colors for each aspect ratio and position and resize the lines on your screen.
The ability to have multiple frame guides debuted on the S9's v1.1 firmware but is now available across Panasonic's modern lineup.
The updates also add support for Panasonic's "MP4 Lite" codec, which records 3.8K open-gate footage at a lower bitrate, making it easier and faster to transfer to a phone via Wi-Fi. For the S5 II and S5 IIX, the video will be in the same 3:2 aspect ratio as the S9, but for the Four Thirds cameras it'll be in a taller 4:3 aspect ratio.
Speaking of transferring footage to your phone, Panasonic is also bringing full support for its ... Continue Reading »
Hopefully it's not too cold on this mountaintop.
Image: Sony
Sony has expanded a free repair program for some of its CEA-G Series "Tough"-branded memory cards, saying that some units failed to work properly in the extreme conditions they're designed for.
According to a notice spotted by Digital Camera World, some of the Tough CFexpress Type A cards could stop being recognized or, worse, fail to finish writing data in "low-temperature conditions" that are "around the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range." Sony specifies that the cards are intended to be used in conditions ranging from -10° to 70°C (14° - 158°F), and its page for the cards touts that they're "designed for extended professional use in the most challenging environments – from snow-covered mountains to sand-blown deserts."
The company initially reported the issue last summer, but the version of the notice that appears on its Japanese site says that it found more units that are eligible for free repair. Sony's various sites list the affected lot numbers, which you can check against the one printed on the back of your cards. We've listed the model numbers below, but only specific units are eligible for repair. The additional numbers added this week, ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica SL3-S is the company's fast 24MP full-frame L-mount mirrorless camera, sitting alongside the high-res SL3 and superseding the SL2-S.
Key Specifications
24MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with on-sensor phase detection
Up to 30fps shooting
IP54 weather sealed body
96MP Multi-shot high res mode
6K full-sensor 'open gate' video up to 30p
Full-width 4K video up to 30p, 60p with APS-C crop
ProRes 422 HQ internal capture, output to SSD and Raw over HDMI
'Camera-to-cloud' compatibility with Frame.io collaboration platform
CAI Content Credentials authenticity metadata
The Leica SL3-S will be available immediately at a recommended price of $5295.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Leica
What's new
Speed
Leica describes the SL3-S as its fastest-ever camera, able to shoot at up to 30fps. This can be done with Raw capture (12-bit), including full use of the camera's subject recognition and tracking autofocus.
In terms of autofocus, the SL3-S gains on-sensor phase detection and the ability to detect people (head/face/eyes) and animals.
In concert with this added speed, ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
84%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product Photos by Mitchell Clark/Dale Baskin
The Fujifilm X-M5 is the company's latest APS-C mirrorless camera and comes in as the lowest-end entry in its current lineup. It uses the company's last-generation 26MP X-Trans sensor, the same one found in cameras like the X-T4 and X-100V, but comes equipped with its latest processor, giving it access to Fujifilm's AI-powered subject detection autofocus.
Key features:
26MP X-Trans BSI CMOS sensor
X-Processor 5 with AI-powered subject detection AF
On-sensor phase detection
Fully articulated 3", 1.04M-dot LCD
20 Film Simulation modes, including Reala ACE
Continuous shooting up to 8fps (30fps with E-shutter and 1.25x crop)
6.2K 3:2 video up to 30p, 4K up to 60p with crop
External mic and 3.5mm headphone socket
Single UHS-I card slot
Battery life rated up to 330 frames (440 frames in Eco) per charge
The X-M5 is available in silver at a body-only price of $799. A black version is coming in April 2025. Fujifilm is also selling a kit with the X-M5 and its XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens for $899. Optically, it's ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated December 18 2024
Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.
Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.
Our picks:
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100 VI
Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III
The Rolls Royce of fixed lens camera: Leica Q3 43
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder
Image: Richard Butler
Buy now:$2098 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent build qualitySubject-detection autofocusNow with in-body image stabilization
What we don't:Lens not especially fast to focus ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated November 29 2024
Landscape photography is a demanding medium, requiring cameras with high resolution and dynamic range. When considering what cameras should make it on this list, we look at factors like weather-sealing, battery life and operability on a tripod.
We've selected cameras that are most likely to deliver the best possible image quality if you're going to spend hours hiking to the perfect location and waiting for the perfect light. For some picks, we've also considered the best image quality you can get at a certain size and weight of camera body.
Our picks:
Best camera for landscapes: Fujifilm GFX 100S II
Best for landscapes and more: Sony a7R V
Best camera that's also good for landscapes: Canon EOS R5 II
The bargain option: Nikon Z7 II
Best compact option: Fujifilm X-T5
Best camera for landscapes: Fujifilm GFX 100S II
102MP BSI medium format sensor | In-body image stabilization | 5.76M dot viewfinder
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Buy now:$4999 at Amazon.com$4999 at Adorama$4999 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent detail captureVery high tonal quality Ready-to-go JPEG or malleable Raws
What we don't:Autofocus not especially fastVideo prone to rolling shutter
The GFX 100S II uses the same sensor as ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 27, 2024
It's sad to say, but the golden age of compact cameras is pretty much over, thanks to the rise of smartphone cameras that are, in many cases, good enough for most people. Manufacturers seem to realize this, too; we last updated this list in 2023, and since then, there haven't really been any new additions to it. The ones that remain can also be difficult to find in stock, even when the companies that make them say they're still a part of their lineups.
However, that doesn't mean the category is completely dead. Even today, there are several types of compact cameras, and some have capabilities that pretty much no phone can match. This list calls out the few that are still available and looks at what they're good for – because there are still cases where a compact camera is a great option.
Our recommendations:
Enthusiast camera
Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III
Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Waterproof cameras
Best waterproof compact: OM System Tough TG-7
Long zoom camera
Best long-zoom camera: Panasonic FZ1000 II
Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000
Vlogging cameras
Best vlogging compact Sony ZV-1 Mark II
Enthusiast compacts
The ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 22, 2024
$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.
At this price point, your main options will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or enthusiast-tier compact cameras with a built-in lens. Compact cameras offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but – despite having sensors that are around 60% larger – likely won't offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones.
Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.
It's worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will stick ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
Product photos by Mitchell Clark
The Sony Alpha 1 II is the company's latest flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. It's built around the same 50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor as the original but now includes an "AI processing unit," which allows its autofocus system to recognize seven different subject types and to automatically select one based on what's in the scene.
Key specifications
50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor
In-body stabilization rated at up to 8.5EV
Improved autofocus subject recognition with automatic selection
Continuous shooting at up to 30fps with full AF tracking
Pre-release capture from 0.03 to 1 second
Fully-articulated rear screen on tilt-out cradle
8K 30p video downsampled from 8.6K / 4K 120fps
9.44M dot viewfinder with refresh up to 240fps (at lower res)
The a1 II will retail for $6,499.99 – the same as its predecessor – and will be available in mid-December.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Sample Gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
What's new
Despite using the same sensor as its predecessor, Sony claims the a1 II will have improved image quality at ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated: November 13th, 2024
Whether you’re just sharing clips with friends or you’re launching an online on-camera career, vlogging matters. And there’s a point at which your smartphone may not give you the look, control, or flexibility you’re after. With 180-degree selfie screens, wide-angle lenses, microphone inputs and great video quality, more and more dedicated cameras are catering to people who want to take video of themselves and post it online.
The meaning of vlogging has changed over the years, so our picks cover a variety of styles – we'll explain what makes each camera good for vlogging, and what key features each has that make taking video of yourself easier. We've also included videos shot on the cameras in question when we have them to give you an idea of what kind of performance to expect.
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Photo: Richard Butler
$519 at B&H
$519 at Amazon
$519 at Adorama
DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 is a stabilized handheld vlogging camera, designed for on-the-move vlogging. It’s built around a type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) sensor mounted on a tiny gimbal, meaning it can deliver stabilized footage ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
85%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product images by Dale Baskin/Mitchell Clark
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is the newest addition to Panasonic's line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, though it differs considerably from previous models by being the first to diverge from the traditional DSLR form factor. More significantly, it's the first full-frame Lumix camera aimed squarely at social media content creators.
The basic premise of the S9 is that it's designed to simplify and speed up the social media workflow. The goal is to allow content creators to generate photos or videos ready to publish straight out of the camera without additional editing in other applications.
Key specifications
24MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with on-sensor phase detection
Sensor stabilized to 5EV (6.5EV w/ lens)
1.84M dot fully-articulating LCD
Open-gate video at 4K or 6K up to 30p
Extensive range of video resolutions, frame-rates and codecs
Dedicated LUT button to apply LUTs to output (photos and video)
Tight integration with the new Lumix Lab smartphone app
Dual conversion gain sensor with explicit 'Dual Native ISO' gain selection
Single UHS-II card slot
The Lumix ... Continue Reading »
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 8, 2024
Sixteen years after Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, mirrorless cameras now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market. They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits and models at everything from budget to professional price points.
We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, as you move up the price ladder, you'll see larger sensors with better image quality, higher resolution, faster burst rates, or more capable video specs. We'll explain why we've chosen each camera and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Our picks:
Best value: Sony a6100
Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Sony a6700
Best bargain full-frame: Canon EOS R8
Best mirrorless camera under $2000: Nikon Zf
Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Nikon Z6III
Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon R5 II
Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR
Best value: Sony a6100
24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture
Photo: Richard Butler
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at Adorama$598 at B&H ... Continue Reading »
Images: Leica, SmallRig, Pelican
We've made it to another weekend, which means another edition of our accessory roundup. Today, we'll be looking at a few lights, some Leica gear, and some rugged accessories, but first, as always, let's check out what's on sale.
Sony Sales
Photo: Richard Butler
The Sony a7R V, a camera with a whopping 61MP sensor that makes it great for landscape or product photography, is currently on sale for $400 off its MSRP.
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Photo: Richard Butler
If you don't need that much resolution, the a7 IV is also on sale for $300 off its MSRP. It's an older model that doesn't include some of Sony's latest tech and refinements, but it's still a capable stills camera.
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Tough travel backpacks
Image: Pelican
Pelican is well known for its ultra-rugged hard cases, but the company has recently started making soft goods as well. The Trvl Aegis collection includes several types of bags, including backpacks, slings, duffel bags and rolling bags; some of them feature a "hybrid" construction, which Pelican says provides the "quality construction and protection of a hard case with the versatility of a ... 
We've been thrilled with the response to our DPReview pop-up store, which opened before the holidays and features limited edition items from our 25th Anniversary collection of DPReview swag. If you've been planning to place an order but haven't done so yet, act soon: the pop-up store will disappear on January 31.
What’s in the store? You'll find the DPReview logo on apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts and baseball caps. Of course, to honor DPReview’s early history, many items are designed in dark mode with a black background.
Visit the DPReview pop-up store
If you’re a camera nerd, head over and take a look.
If you’re not feeling nerdy enough to want DPReview-branded swag, we've also designed products with photo-friendly slogans like ‘Say Cheese’, ‘Photo Department’, and ‘I ♥ Bokeh’.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.
Products from our 25th Anniversary pop-up store.
Why a pop-up store?
Readers have been asking us about DPReview merchandise for years, so we decided to do something about it. So, if you’re one of those who’s emailed or messaged us asking where to find things like DPReview shirts, now is your chance.
Of course, when you buy our ... 
In the 1860s, two brothers, Nelson and Roswell Moore, photographers from Connecticut, got the idea to use the then-nascent technology of photography to preserve images of the last veterans of the American Revolution.
Photos: Nelson and Roswell Moore
As a photographer with a strong interest in history, I often find myself captivated when the two worlds collide. Looking at pictures of historical events, even seemingly mundane ones, sparks my imagination and transports me back in time.
More than the historical events themselves, I’m drawn to the people in these photos. I try to envision their lives, their experiences and the world they inhabited. I remind myself that they aren’t just historical figures frozen in time but real people who led lives as complex as you or me, and I often wonder about their experiences and the eras that shaped them.
Perhaps this is because old photographs serve as a reminder of our own mortality. Historical photos whisper to us that our time on Earth is finite and that one day, we, too, will become subjects of historical curiosity.
Photo: Nelson and Roswell Moore
This fascination with the past, coupled with my interest in photography, is probably why a recent video by the BBC caught my attention, ... 
Image: Panasonic
Panasonic has made it clear: the torch has passed from its Lumix Sync app to the Lumix Lab app. If you own one of the company's modern phase detect autofocus cameras – that's the S5 II, S5 IIX, G9 II, GH7 and S9 – Lumix Lab can now do pretty much everything that Sync could do, alongside all the new features it brings to the table.
When Lumix Lab originally launched alongside the S9 in May, Panasonic was clear that it wasn't ready to fully replace Lumix Sync for its older cameras; it didn't support critical features such as remote shooting, remote shutter control, image transfer, or live streaming.
That's changed this week, though. Panasonic released firmware updates yesterday, as well as an update to Lumix Lab, which work together to let you fully control and sync your camera from your phone.
Enter the LUT lab
Lumix Lab lets you download LUTS made by creators and gives you a library to manage those LUTs alongside the ones you create yourself.
Beyond the functions that already existed with Lumix Sync, Lumix Lab adds several features around Look Up Tables, or LUTs, which are essentially color presets that you can apply to your photos and ... 
Image: SmallRig
SmallRig has announced it is expanding its lineup with a new cage for the Sony a9 III and a1 II. Like SmallRig's existing offerings, the new cage aims to add additional protection for the camera. Perhaps more importantly, it also offers expansion options, making it easier to attach additional gear like phone mounts, monitors, microphones and more. It offers what SmallRig calls a "brand-new streamlined design with precision-fit protection and unobstructed button access." It's available for purchase now for $99.
Image: SmallRig
SmallRig's latest full cage features a leather grip that fully wraps around the grip of the camera. The leather design allows it to blend in a bit more to the camera, and results in a more polished look worthy of the flagship cameras.
The cage features a three-point locking installation to keep it securely attached to the camera, but doesn't require removing the D-rings. It uses an integrated bottom Arca-Swiss quick release plate for seamless use on a wide range of tripods and gimbals. It comes with a magnetic wrench on the bottom of the plate for easier attachment or removal.
Buy now:
$99 at SmallRig
Image: SmallRig
Of course, one of the main benefits to a cage is all the extra attachment points ... 
Image: Canon
Canon has developed a 410MP full-frame sensor, which it says is primarily designed for markets such as surveillance, medicine and industrial applications.
Canon doesn't typically disclose details of sensors it plans to use in its cameras prior to those cameras being announced, which is another strong hint that this won't be the basis of the next R-series model. Still, it gives and insight into where Canon's sensor design and technology has got to.
The 410MP chip is a Stacked CMOS design with some signal processing circuitry built into one of the layers of that stack. This design allows it to read all its pixels at a rate of 3,280 megapixels per second. This is sufficient to let it deliver 24K 'video' at up to eight frames per second.
Alternatively, Canon says a monochrome version of the chip can bin the output of four neighboring pixels to deliver "100MP" video at up to 24 fps. These numbers suggest the company is talking about full-sensor, 'open-gate' 12K footage from the full 3:2 sensor region. Given this is its maximum output rate, it's reasonable to assume it would have a rolling shutter rate not much quicker than 1/24 sec (ie: around 40ms), which wouldn't be ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Image: Canon
Canon has announced the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, a fast wide-angle full-frame zoom that's meant to be a more budget-friendly option for people looking to shoot photos and videos. The lens is lightweight and compact, coming in at a very similar size and weight as its sibling, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM.
The 16-28mm is explicitly designed to pair with that lens for enthusiasts wanting constant F2.8 capability on a budget.
The lens' optical formula includes 16 elements in 13 groups, with 2 aspherical lenses and 4 UD elements. Like many of Canon's RF lenses – including its higher-end L-series models – the 16-28mm uses of digital corrections as part of its design. At its long end, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.2m (7.9"). The lens is weather sealed to provide some protection against dust and moisture, though there aren't gaskets on all of its various buttons, switches and rings.
Canon
As its name implies, the 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM uses a lead-screw type stepper motor for focusing, which the company says will provide "fast and accurate" focusing. It also features optical image stabilization, rated for ... 
Photo: Brendan Nystedt
Panasonic has announced a suite of updates for its latest cameras, designed to make sure the S5 II, S5 IIX, GH7, and G9 II are all on level playing field with each other and the S9 in terms of what features they support.
All four cameras will now be able to display multiple frame guide markers at once, which can help if you're trying to frame a shot that will eventually be edited into multiple aspect ratios. The markers are heavily customizable – you can choose different colors for each aspect ratio and position and resize the lines on your screen.
The ability to have multiple frame guides debuted on the S9's v1.1 firmware but is now available across Panasonic's modern lineup.
The updates also add support for Panasonic's "MP4 Lite" codec, which records 3.8K open-gate footage at a lower bitrate, making it easier and faster to transfer to a phone via Wi-Fi. For the S5 II and S5 IIX, the video will be in the same 3:2 aspect ratio as the S9, but for the Four Thirds cameras it'll be in a taller 4:3 aspect ratio.
Speaking of transferring footage to your phone, Panasonic is also bringing full support for its ... 
Hopefully it's not too cold on this mountaintop.
Image: Sony
Sony has expanded a free repair program for some of its CEA-G Series "Tough"-branded memory cards, saying that some units failed to work properly in the extreme conditions they're designed for.
According to a notice spotted by Digital Camera World, some of the Tough CFexpress Type A cards could stop being recognized or, worse, fail to finish writing data in "low-temperature conditions" that are "around the lower limit of the recommended operating temperature range." Sony specifies that the cards are intended to be used in conditions ranging from -10° to 70°C (14° - 158°F), and its page for the cards touts that they're "designed for extended professional use in the most challenging environments – from snow-covered mountains to sand-blown deserts."
The company initially reported the issue last summer, but the version of the notice that appears on its Japanese site says that it found more units that are eligible for free repair. Sony's various sites list the affected lot numbers, which you can check against the one printed on the back of your cards. We've listed the model numbers below, but only specific units are eligible for repair. The additional numbers added this week, ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica SL3-S is the company's fast 24MP full-frame L-mount mirrorless camera, sitting alongside the high-res SL3 and superseding the SL2-S.
Key Specifications
24MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with on-sensor phase detection
Up to 30fps shooting
IP54 weather sealed body
96MP Multi-shot high res mode
6K full-sensor 'open gate' video up to 30p
Full-width 4K video up to 30p, 60p with APS-C crop
ProRes 422 HQ internal capture, output to SSD and Raw over HDMI
'Camera-to-cloud' compatibility with Frame.io collaboration platform
CAI Content Credentials authenticity metadata
The Leica SL3-S will be available immediately at a recommended price of $5295.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Leica
What's new
Speed
Leica describes the SL3-S as its fastest-ever camera, able to shoot at up to 30fps. This can be done with Raw capture (12-bit), including full use of the camera's subject recognition and tracking autofocus.
In terms of autofocus, the SL3-S gains on-sensor phase detection and the ability to detect people (head/face/eyes) and animals.
In concert with this added speed, ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
84%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product Photos by Mitchell Clark/Dale Baskin
The Fujifilm X-M5 is the company's latest APS-C mirrorless camera and comes in as the lowest-end entry in its current lineup. It uses the company's last-generation 26MP X-Trans sensor, the same one found in cameras like the X-T4 and X-100V, but comes equipped with its latest processor, giving it access to Fujifilm's AI-powered subject detection autofocus.
Key features:
26MP X-Trans BSI CMOS sensor
X-Processor 5 with AI-powered subject detection AF
On-sensor phase detection
Fully articulated 3", 1.04M-dot LCD
20 Film Simulation modes, including Reala ACE
Continuous shooting up to 8fps (30fps with E-shutter and 1.25x crop)
6.2K 3:2 video up to 30p, 4K up to 60p with crop
External mic and 3.5mm headphone socket
Single UHS-I card slot
Battery life rated up to 330 frames (440 frames in Eco) per charge
The X-M5 is available in silver at a body-only price of $799. A black version is coming in April 2025. Fujifilm is also selling a kit with the X-M5 and its XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens for $899. Optically, it's ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated December 18 2024
Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.
Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.
Our picks:
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100 VI
Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III
The Rolls Royce of fixed lens camera: Leica Q3 43
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder
Image: Richard Butler
Buy now:$2098 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent build qualitySubject-detection autofocusNow with in-body image stabilization
What we don't:Lens not especially fast to focus ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated November 29 2024
Landscape photography is a demanding medium, requiring cameras with high resolution and dynamic range. When considering what cameras should make it on this list, we look at factors like weather-sealing, battery life and operability on a tripod.
We've selected cameras that are most likely to deliver the best possible image quality if you're going to spend hours hiking to the perfect location and waiting for the perfect light. For some picks, we've also considered the best image quality you can get at a certain size and weight of camera body.
Our picks:
Best camera for landscapes: Fujifilm GFX 100S II
Best for landscapes and more: Sony a7R V
Best camera that's also good for landscapes: Canon EOS R5 II
The bargain option: Nikon Z7 II
Best compact option: Fujifilm X-T5
Best camera for landscapes: Fujifilm GFX 100S II
102MP BSI medium format sensor | In-body image stabilization | 5.76M dot viewfinder
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Buy now:$4999 at Amazon.com$4999 at Adorama$4999 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent detail captureVery high tonal quality Ready-to-go JPEG or malleable Raws
What we don't:Autofocus not especially fastVideo prone to rolling shutter
The GFX 100S II uses the same sensor as ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 27, 2024
It's sad to say, but the golden age of compact cameras is pretty much over, thanks to the rise of smartphone cameras that are, in many cases, good enough for most people. Manufacturers seem to realize this, too; we last updated this list in 2023, and since then, there haven't really been any new additions to it. The ones that remain can also be difficult to find in stock, even when the companies that make them say they're still a part of their lineups.
However, that doesn't mean the category is completely dead. Even today, there are several types of compact cameras, and some have capabilities that pretty much no phone can match. This list calls out the few that are still available and looks at what they're good for – because there are still cases where a compact camera is a great option.
Our recommendations:
Enthusiast camera
Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III
Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Waterproof cameras
Best waterproof compact: OM System Tough TG-7
Long zoom camera
Best long-zoom camera: Panasonic FZ1000 II
Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000
Vlogging cameras
Best vlogging compact Sony ZV-1 Mark II
Enthusiast compacts
The ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 22, 2024
$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.
At this price point, your main options will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or enthusiast-tier compact cameras with a built-in lens. Compact cameras offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but – despite having sensors that are around 60% larger – likely won't offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones.
Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.
It's worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will stick ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
Product photos by Mitchell Clark
The Sony Alpha 1 II is the company's latest flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. It's built around the same 50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor as the original but now includes an "AI processing unit," which allows its autofocus system to recognize seven different subject types and to automatically select one based on what's in the scene.
Key specifications
50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor
In-body stabilization rated at up to 8.5EV
Improved autofocus subject recognition with automatic selection
Continuous shooting at up to 30fps with full AF tracking
Pre-release capture from 0.03 to 1 second
Fully-articulated rear screen on tilt-out cradle
8K 30p video downsampled from 8.6K / 4K 120fps
9.44M dot viewfinder with refresh up to 240fps (at lower res)
The a1 II will retail for $6,499.99 – the same as its predecessor – and will be available in mid-December.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Sample Gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
What's new
Despite using the same sensor as its predecessor, Sony claims the a1 II will have improved image quality at ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated: November 13th, 2024
Whether you’re just sharing clips with friends or you’re launching an online on-camera career, vlogging matters. And there’s a point at which your smartphone may not give you the look, control, or flexibility you’re after. With 180-degree selfie screens, wide-angle lenses, microphone inputs and great video quality, more and more dedicated cameras are catering to people who want to take video of themselves and post it online.
The meaning of vlogging has changed over the years, so our picks cover a variety of styles – we'll explain what makes each camera good for vlogging, and what key features each has that make taking video of yourself easier. We've also included videos shot on the cameras in question when we have them to give you an idea of what kind of performance to expect.
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Photo: Richard Butler
$519 at B&H
$519 at Amazon
$519 at Adorama
DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 is a stabilized handheld vlogging camera, designed for on-the-move vlogging. It’s built around a type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) sensor mounted on a tiny gimbal, meaning it can deliver stabilized footage ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.
85%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product images by Dale Baskin/Mitchell Clark
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is the newest addition to Panasonic's line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, though it differs considerably from previous models by being the first to diverge from the traditional DSLR form factor. More significantly, it's the first full-frame Lumix camera aimed squarely at social media content creators.
The basic premise of the S9 is that it's designed to simplify and speed up the social media workflow. The goal is to allow content creators to generate photos or videos ready to publish straight out of the camera without additional editing in other applications.
Key specifications
24MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with on-sensor phase detection
Sensor stabilized to 5EV (6.5EV w/ lens)
1.84M dot fully-articulating LCD
Open-gate video at 4K or 6K up to 30p
Extensive range of video resolutions, frame-rates and codecs
Dedicated LUT button to apply LUTs to output (photos and video)
Tight integration with the new Lumix Lab smartphone app
Dual conversion gain sensor with explicit 'Dual Native ISO' gain selection
Single UHS-II card slot
The Lumix ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Updated Nov 8, 2024
Sixteen years after Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, mirrorless cameras now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market. They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits and models at everything from budget to professional price points.
We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, as you move up the price ladder, you'll see larger sensors with better image quality, higher resolution, faster burst rates, or more capable video specs. We'll explain why we've chosen each camera and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Our picks:
Best value: Sony a6100
Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Sony a6700
Best bargain full-frame: Canon EOS R8
Best mirrorless camera under $2000: Nikon Zf
Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Nikon Z6III
Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon R5 II
Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR
Best value: Sony a6100
24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture
Photo: Richard Butler
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at Adorama$598 at B&H ...