There is no perfect camera bag. There I said it. It's a license. Use it. Tell your spouse there's a reason you need so many camera bags. Camera bags do different things for different people. I have had as many as 30 but now am proud of the fact that I have it down to fewer than 10. Just as I wouldn't think of owning just one camera lens, I wouldn't think of owning just one camera bag. You need different bags for different tasks. Before I give you my updated picks for best camera bags, let's discuss some basics. What do you want your camera … [Read more...] about What Camera Bag Should You Buy?
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Ona’s Union Street DSLR Messenger Bag
This May Be The Finest Camera Bag I've Ever Seen! I've had every camera bag ever made. I've had every kind of bag ever made. I've thrown away more camera bags than most photographers have ever owned. In other words I have camera bags coming out my you know what. But THIS ladies and gentlemen is one bag I will NOT be throwing away. The ONA The Union Street Camera and Laptop Bag rocks! I've never heard of Ona before being contacted about this review. But clearly that hasn't stopped them! :) It's clear they have found a niche for themselves. … [Read more...] about Ona’s Union Street DSLR Messenger Bag
Captureleash Camera Clip System – Mini Review
I recently got my hands on yet another camera strap. This one is called the Captureleash Camera Clip System. I think that if Steve Jobs designed a camera strap, this one might have been it. That's both high praise and a warning. Read on to see what I mean. The basis of the Captureleash is a quick release system. There's nothing new about such systems, but the Captureleash employs a thinner, lighter, easier to carry connection point that offers plenty of security. The design of the quick release is very elegant. You can use the system as a … [Read more...] about Captureleash Camera Clip System – Mini Review
Olympus MSC ED Macro 60mm f/2.8 Lens
Here are the basics: 13 lens elements, 10 groups of lenses 1:1 reproduction ratio (photos will be 17.5mm across at closest focusing distance) Aperture range F2.8 - F22 Minimum focus distance of 19cm (7.5 inches). Dimensions 82mm x 56mm, weight 185 grams Filter size 46mm The Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm f/2.8 Lens is a dedicated Micro Four Thirds lens that I added to my kit both for its fast aperture and its effective focal length (EFL) of 120mm. It's a perfect length for macro work. The wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and … [Read more...] about Olympus MSC ED Macro 60mm f/2.8 Lens
Re-Thinking Micro 4/3 Cameras
I've recently been in a number of situations where I was hassled, bothered, interfered with, and made to feel like a monster because I was carrying a "professional looking camera." I own and use Micro 4/3 cameras as well as a variety of other camera formats. My Canon 1DX is my mainstay for pro work. It's the best camera I've ever owned. But when I carry the 1DX with a long lens, flash, flash modifiers, it's like I'm wearing a sign that says "Hey why don't you mindlessly bother me because I have a big camera." So I did an experiment. I took … [Read more...] about Re-Thinking Micro 4/3 Cameras
2012 Holiday Gift Guide
If you have a photographer in your family, or if your significant other is a photographer then in many ways, you have it made when it comes to holiday gifts. There are so many cool products out there that photographers will love. Everything on this list is something I myself have used or owned at one time and can highly recommend. Companies can't pay to get on this list. Im suggesting things I myself would like to receive but don't buy me any of these items because I already have them! :) (All prices approximate and subject to … [Read more...] about 2012 Holiday Gift Guide
What Camera Bag Should You Buy? Updated – November 2012
There is no perfect camera bag. There I said it. It's a license. Use it. Tell your spouse there's a reason you need so many camera bags. Camera bags do different things for different people. I have had as many as 30 but now am proud of the fact that I have it down to fewer than 10. Just as I wouldn't think of owning just one camera lens, I wouldn't think of owning just one camera bag. You need different bags for different tasks. Before I give you my updated picks for best camera bags, let's discuss some basics. What do you want your camera … [Read more...] about What Camera Bag Should You Buy? Updated – November 2012
Photofocus Camera of the Year – 2012
Every year we select a camera that we think merits special mention. We've awarded the Camera of the Year to all types and brands. It's always controversial. We always get told we're wrong. Usually by someone who feels badly because they bought a different camera. That's unfortunate because that implies the camera makes the art. It doesn't. There are however tools that do help the artist more than others and for that reason, we select a camera of the year. This is our fourth year of this tradition. In 2011 we selected the Olympus EP-3 - … [Read more...] about Photofocus Camera of the Year – 2012
What Camera Should I Buy? UPDATED VERSION – October 2012
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This post is an updated compilation of several shorter posts I wrote in the past trying to answer the question, "What camera should I buy?" Its still the most popular question I am asked. What camera should I buy? Lately there's a new twist to the question..."Is this brand camera better than that brand camera?" No matter how hard I try to tell people that theres no perfect answer, they keep asking. So since I can't convince anyone otherwise, at least know the answers to THESE questions before you ask me YOUR question. 1 ) … [Read more...] about What Camera Should I Buy? UPDATED VERSION – October 2012
The iPhone 5 As Pocket Camera
It's no surprise that cellphone photos are now the most popular on the Internet. Everyone I know carries a smart phone with a camera in it. The iPhone 5 sports an eight megapixel sensor made by Sony. Sony/Apple claim the camera is 40% faster than the iPhone 4s. I have no way to verify that claim but it does feel a little "snappier." Pun intended. The new camera also claims better low-light performance. It is in my opinion a full stop better - but some reviewers feel like there may even be a two-stop advantage. Perhaps I am a bit pickier than … [Read more...] about The iPhone 5 As Pocket Camera
Why Your Camera Messed Up
You made a photo and it didn't "come out" the way you expected. So you say the camera messed up. Most of the time it isn't the camera, it's the operator. The camera probably did what IT was supposed to do, but you didn't do what YOU were supposed to do. I've said it here dozens of times - read your manual. This is the best way to avoid this problem. Perhaps you've been disappointed with the results from your camera's face detection. Have you read the pages in the manual that cover this? For instance, on the new Canon 5D MK III and the 1DX, … [Read more...] about Why Your Camera Messed Up
iOShutter
I wish Canon followed in Nikon's footsteps and included an intervalometer right in the camera. Unfortunately, Canon doesn't care about my opinion on such things so they sell it as an accessory. I've never been a big fan of the Canon TC80N3 Timer. It's expensive and hard to program for some people. I've been looking for a more elegant solution that works at least as well and costs less. Enter the ioShutter Shutter Release Cable for Canon (N3) Connector Canon Cameras & iPhone. This device costs less than $70 and works with your choice of a … [Read more...] about iOShutter
What The Heck Is Safety Shift – Canon Users Listen Up
Safety Shift has been around for a long time but almost every Canon user I talk to has no idea what it is or has ever used it. That's a shame. Because Safety Shift is a valuable tool. It allows you to over-ride exposure when in Aperture or Shutter Speed priority modes. Why would you need that? What if you're in a situation where the light changes quickly - or as in my case, where the subject moves from a dark to light or light to dark area quickly? How do you compensate quickly? The answer is Safety Shift. With Safety Shift on, the camera … [Read more...] about What The Heck Is Safety Shift – Canon Users Listen Up
What Camera Should I Buy? UPDATED VERSION – July 2012
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This post is an updated compilation of several shorter posts I wrote in the past trying to answer the question, "What camera should I buy?" Its still the most popular question I am asked. What camera should I buy? Lately there's a new twist to the question..."Is this brand camera better than that brand camera?" No matter how hard I try to tell people that theres no perfect answer, they keep asking. So since I can't convince anyone otherwise, at least know the answers to THESE questions before you ask me YOUR question. 1 ) … [Read more...] about What Camera Should I Buy? UPDATED VERSION – July 2012
Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone From A Photographer’s Perspective
I own an iPhone 4s and have owned every iPhone since the very first one. I like the iPhone. But I have recently tired of Apple's closed systems, PR policies which limit valuable and necessary information that consumers need to make informed decisions as well as other business practices. Accordingly, I have decided for the first time since the 1980s to venture outside the Apple eco-system. While I still own and use an iPhone, I wanted to take a crack at the newest Android phones. I ran a poll on Google+ and the Samsung S3 was most often … [Read more...] about Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone From A Photographer’s Perspective
Five Things I Want The Camera Companies To Stop Doing Now…
Of course they don't care what I want but here goes: 1. Stop the megapixel madness. In the old days your marketing departments were able to convince camera buyers that bigger was better. Then you wised up and saw that wasn't working and you went to video. You added video to cameras and that was your hook. Then you got lazy and said "well let's go back to megapixel madness again - there are a bunch of newbies who won't realize we've already used this trick!" 12-14 megapixels is plenty of resolution for MOST shooters, especially with the … [Read more...] about Five Things I Want The Camera Companies To Stop Doing Now…
Camera Lens Buyer’s Guide – July, 2012
UPDATED July 2012 - there have been several cool new lenses released since I first published this list and those changes are reflected herein. I've also added a few more of the older lenses I've had time to test and fall in love with as well as another zoom. I've also added a section briefly explaining the difference between prime and zoom lenses: ______________________________ I get lots of "what camera should I buy" questions here at Photofocus. I personally don't enjoy that question since it's sort of like asking me "What sort of car … [Read more...] about Camera Lens Buyer’s Guide – July, 2012
Canon Announces A 40mm Pancake Lens For DSLR Cameras
In what is perhaps one of the most interesting lens announcements we may see this year, Canon has announced late June availability for a 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Canon has paid particular attention to making the aperture operate smoothly and quietly making this perfect for video. At f/2.8 it's fast enough for low-light situations but here's the really interesting fact I haven't seen many people talking about. It has a close focus distance of 0.3 meters. That's CLOSE. Canon claims it is sharp across the frame. The lens uses a 52mm filter and … [Read more...] about Canon Announces A 40mm Pancake Lens For DSLR Cameras
RuckStrap Camera Strap by HoldFast
There are a ton of camera straps out there and most of them are identical. Black, soulless, cheap and a burn on your neck. A company called HoldFast, LLC is out to change that. I recently procured one of their RuckStraps and I have to say right out of the box it's nothing like any other camera strap I've ever used. The company founder told me it came about because he didn't like carrying things in his pocket, so he designed a camera strap that could carry everything you might need for a day shoot, credit cards, ID, cash, memory cards, … [Read more...] about RuckStrap Camera Strap by HoldFast
Scott’s Favorite Camera Bags – May 2012
It's been two years since I originally wrote my post recommending camera bags. For me - things have changed since then. I've been focused on carrying less gear and reducing my carry load. So my personal favorites have changed. Here's the list of the camera bags I now use and recommend. NOTE: I've reviewed many bags here on Photofocus, but as I often say, there is no perfect bag. Just as I wouldn't think of owning just one camera lens, I wouldn't think of owning just one camera bag. You need different bags for different tasks. You need bags … [Read more...] about Scott’s Favorite Camera Bags – May 2012
Why I Don’t Talk Much About Third Party Camera Lenses
For all of you who use and love third-party lenses, this post isn't an invitation to outrage. I am merely expressing my opinion about my OWN experiences. With that in mind, let's continue. I am often asked why I don't give more coverage to third party lenses. There are many reasons, including the fact that the smaller companies won't send me review samples. Also, the third party lenses just don't get as much attention here because my audience isn't as interested in them. Third-party lenses have a much smaller market share than the lenses made … [Read more...] about Why I Don’t Talk Much About Third Party Camera Lenses
Nikon D800 Mini – Mini Review
This will be a very short review, because for me the D800 is a very confusing camera. I realize that my review will be very polarizing and controversial. If I don't heap praise on this camera the Nikon fanboys will revolt. But I call em' like I see em' so here goes nothing. I've had a short time to shoot with and test the Nikon D800. Let me say right off the bat it's a fine camera. So if you just want one regardless of what I say then buy one. But here's the thing. That said... The D800 is a camera that seems to be at odds with itself. On the … [Read more...] about Nikon D800 Mini – Mini Review
What Camera Should I Buy? – April 2012
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This post is an updated compilation of several shorter posts I wrote in the past trying to answer the question, "What camera should I buy?" Its still the most popular question I am asked. What camera should I buy? Lately there's a new twist to the question..."Is this brand camera better than that brand camera?" No matter how hard I try to tell people that theres no perfect answer, they keep asking. So since I can't convince anyone otherwise, at least know the answers to THESE questions before you ask me YOUR … [Read more...] about What Camera Should I Buy? – April 2012
Do You Think Buying One Of The Hot New DSLRs WIll Improve Your Photography?
[polldaddy poll=6095956] … [Read more...] about Do You Think Buying One Of The Hot New DSLRs WIll Improve Your Photography?
Ten Things People Don’t Know (Or Have Wrong) About The New Lytro Field Camera
Most of the people opining about the Lytro have never seen one, never held one, never used one - but these days, I guess authority doesn't count for much in a culture where everyone's entitled to their opinion even if it's not based on a single fact, completely wrong and slung with bad intent. Now that I have that off my chest let me continue by saying I do have a Lyrtro. I've used one on multiple occasions and now I actually own one. I have owned one for several days now. So what you read from me is based on my own experience. You may … [Read more...] about Ten Things People Don’t Know (Or Have Wrong) About The New Lytro Field Camera
The Canon 5D MK III Announced
The New Canon 5D MK III Is Official I took a bunch of crap from the trolls yesterday over offering a 5D MK III as a prize in my new contest, but I knew something the trolls didn't - the new Mk III is on its way and it will be here soon. Here are the most important things to know about the new camera. The 5D MK III costs $1000 more than its predecessor. $3499 - WOW! Both Nikon and Canon have significantly raised prices on their new flagships without offering much in the way of justification. I know why they did that. Here's why THEY … [Read more...] about The Canon 5D MK III Announced
The Lytro Has Landed!
Special Photofocus Coverage A while back during CES I told you about the Lytro camera. You can read all about that below. https://photofocus.com/2012/01/12/lytro-light-field-camera/ I highly recommend you read my previous post if you're sincerely interested in the subject. I can now tell you more. I had to back my original test camera but today I got one to keep and at 2:00pm PST the embargo was lifted and I can now tell you about the experience of actually OWNING a Lytro. Mine is the "Red Hot" 16GB camera. It comes with all the things you … [Read more...] about The Lytro Has Landed!
The Nikon D800 – First Thoughts
UPDATE: Within minutes of posting this - several of you claiming to be video experts say you disagree that the 36MP is good for video. So be it. I was simply reporting what I had been told. I personally don't have a dog in this hunt. As my post clearly expresses, I personally think 36mp is too many for a 35mm sensor. Your mileage may vary. I'll start with the usual disclaimer. I am not one of the cool kids so I have never shot with a D800. This is not a review. Until I actually shoot the camera I won't have a firm opinion, but looking at the … [Read more...] about The Nikon D800 – First Thoughts
Free Video Tutorial – How To Set Your Camera’s White Balance In Post
Guest Post by Watch the free video tutorial demonstrating - How To Set Your Camera's White Balance In Post... DISCLAIMER: This post isn't intended to be definitive - we're not claiming this is the ONLY way or even the BEST way to accomplish this task in Photoshop or any other post-prodcessing program. We're merely offering it as A way you might accomplish this task. These tips are free, offered only because they might be helpful to someone. ____________________ … [Read more...] about Free Video Tutorial – How To Set Your Camera’s White Balance In Post
Camera Lens Buying Guide – January, 2012
UPDATED January 2012 - there have been several cool new lenses released since I first published this list and those changes are reflected herein. I've also added a few more of the older lenses I've had time to test and fall in love with. I've also added a section briefly explaining the difference between prime and zoom lenses: I get lots of "what camera should I buy" questions here at Photofocus. I personally don't enjoy that question since it's sort of like asking me "What sort of car should I buy?" I do have more sympathy for the next … [Read more...] about Camera Lens Buying Guide – January, 2012
