Gordon Laing, Editor of Camera Labs, is back again with another episode of ‘Retro Review.’ In this video, he puts the Canon Pro90 to the test to see how well it holds up two decades after it was released.
At the time of its release, the Canon Pro90 IS was Canon’s flagship PowerShot camera. It retailed for $ 1,300, used a 3.3MP sensor and had a design similar to its Pro70 predecessor, but featured a 10x zoom lens compared to the 2.5x zoom lens on the Pro70. It was also Canon’s first camera with optical image stabilization.
As impressive as the optics were though, the camera had an interesting design quirk—the image circle of the lens didn’t fully cover the 1/1.8″ sensor, so the resulting images were digitally cropped down to just 2.6MP. Incredibly, the camera featured a Raw capture mode though, in addition to JPEG support (with various compression ratios) as well as QVGA (329 x 240 pixel) video recording.
To find out more, set some time aside to watch the entire 12 minute video. To see more Retro Review content and other interesting insights on vintage tech, head over and subscribe to Laing’s Dino Bytes YouTube Channel.
If you have an iPad or are thinking of purchasing an iPad, the camera app will be your best friend. Most people, even if they have an iPad, don’t use the camera app to its full potential. The iPad camera, just like an iPhone camera, can do a variety of things, many of which you might have not known about. Continue Reading Photodoto
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Would you prefer to see your subject’s face or have a sun flare where her head should be? No? Well, then that’s just one good reason why you should be shooting with a lens hood. However, many beginning photographers wonder what on earth the lens hood actually does? Is it just there to make your camera look more professional? Of Continue Reading Photodoto
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The post The 10 Best Camera Phones You Can Buy in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.
If you’re eager to dive into smartphone photography and you’re looking for the best camera phone on the market, you’ve come to the right place.
It can be difficult to decide which phone to buy when there are so many good options. In my opinion, it’s a matter of deciding which features you want to prioritize and ensuring a good balance with the rest of the specs.
For example, if you do a lot of selfies, then you’d want a phone with an excellent front camera. If you like night photography, then you should search for a phone that performs best in low-light conditions. Obviously, you’ll also need to take your budget into account.
On this list, I’ve included the best camera phones for different needs – from the best point-and-shoot camera phones to the best phones for post-processing, from the phone with the best performance overall to the best budget smartphone.
Let’s get started.
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
When you buy a camera, you’ll want to be able to change lenses – and that’s the idea behind adding more cameras to a phone: it gives you a wider variety of focal lengths.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has an impressive four-camera setup on the back: A wide 26mm camera with 108 MP and an f/1.8 aperture; an ultra-wide 12 MP camera with a 13mm lens and an f/2.2 aperture; a 10 MP telephoto camera with an f/2.4 aperture and 3x optical zoom; and a 10 MP telephoto camera with an f/4.9 aperture and 10x optical zoom. (The front camera is 40 MP, with a 26mm field of view and an f/2.2 aperture.)
All in all, the S21 has a fantastic camera system. As for the display, it has a high-resolution 6.8-inch (17.3 cm) screen. It supports the use of any S Pen, including future releases and options from third-party manufacturers.
While the S21 doesn’t have a microSD slot, it does come with several different storage capacity options: 128 GB and 256 GB.
2. Huawei P40 Pro
Some people are hesitant to buy Huawei phones because they don’t have Google Play services, but photographically speaking, the Huawei P40 Pro is one of the best camera phones on the market.
With the P40 Pro, the slogan “Visionary Photography” is more than a catchphrase; the phone is equipped with a Leica quad-camera, including an ultra-vision sensor that offers beautiful results in daylight and at night.
The P40 Pro features a 12 MP telephoto camera with 50x digital zoom and 5x optical zoom; a 40 MP, ultra-wide Cine Camera; a 12 MP telephoto camera with an f/3.4 aperture; and a 3D depth-sensing camera.
On the front, you’ll find a 32 MP camera with an aperture of f/2.2, plus a depth camera. As for the software perks, the P40 Pro incorporates an AI function that removes unwanted passersby from your picture.
The P40 Pro display is rounded and supports AI gesture control. You can share the screen with your laptop and download content just by touching both devices. And even with the beautiful display, it has excellent battery life.
So if you’re interested in leveling up your smartphone photography, the Huawei P40 Pro is a great pick.
3. iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple has made a point of staying on top of smartphone photography, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its amazing camera system and quality display, is further proof. It features a 6.7-inch (17 cm) edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display protected by a ceramic shield.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has three rear cameras, each offering 12 MP: an ultra-wide 13mm camera, a wide 26mm camera, and a 52mm telephoto camera. The front camera is 12 MP and packs TrueDepth technology (which captures 3D information and is useful for face ID).
The 12 Pro Max supports Apple ProRAW format, and it’s powered by a super-fast A14 Bionic chip. It also offers impressive battery life (so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying in the middle of a photoshoot!), and it’s water resistant up to 6 m (19.7 ft) for 30 minutes.
The iPhone 12 Pro is another excellent camera phone if you’re looking for something a little less pricey – and smaller – than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The biggest downgrade is the camera sensor size (though the resolution remains the same).
4. Oppo Find X3 Pro
The Oppo Find X3 Pro has a 50 MP ultra-wide camera with an aperture of f/2.2. And thanks to a large sensor, you get brighter pictures with better color depth, ideal for photographs in low light. A second camera packs 50 MP and an aperture of f/1.8.
The X3 Pro also has a microlens with a 60x magnification and an aperture of f/3, as well as a 13 MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid optical zoom and 20x digital zoom. The smartphone features one of the best night modes in photography and video.
The Oppo Find X3 Pro includes a 6.7 in (17 cm) display that covers the full color gamut and offers 10-bit color depth. Its AI Scene Enhancement reads the scene and automatically shifts tones to fit.
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The potent Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is not only great for photography, but also for photo editing. With a 6.9 in (17.5 cm) edge display and an S Pen, you can do precise photo and video editing on the go. And for detail work, you can connect your desktop or TV as a second monitor.
The Note 20 Ultra packs a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, a 108 MP wide-angle camera, and a 12 MP telephoto camera. The latter features a 5x optical zoom and a 50x digital zoom. Plus, it has a laser AF sensor to improve focusing precision and speed.
You get multiple shooting modes such as Food, Night, Hyperlapse, and some extra features like Motion Photos and AR Doodle. In the Single Take mode, you can capture a scene from different angles, formats, and styles with one touch of the shutter.
You can record 8K video and extract any frame as a 33 MP image. The front 10 MP camera has a 26mm lens and an f/2.2 aperture.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there’s also the Galaxy Note 20. It’s slightly smaller (6.7 in/17 cm display) and the camera array is different, but the smartphone is still top-notch.
6. Sony Xperia 1 II
The Sony Xperia 1 II is an excellent smartphone for both photography and videography. For one, it uses the same technology as the Sony Alpha cameras to capture up to 20 frames per second; it also supports Real-Time Eye AF for people and animals.
Battery life is highly improved from its predecessor, so you can enjoy the 4K display without concerns. The screen has a 21:9 ratio, a feature that appeals to those who frequently stream video.
The Xperia 1 II includes three rear 12 MP cameras with different Zeiss lenses: a 24mm wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide 16mm lens, and a 70mm telephoto lens. (The front camera packs 8 MP.)
The smartphone comes with 256 MB of storage and a microSD slot for storage expansion. If you’re a creator who toggles between photography and video, the Sony Xperia 1 II is the best camera phone available.
7. Google Pixel 5
In a world where phones keep getting bigger and heavier, the Google Pixel 5 is a refreshing change of pace.
Its design might seem basic compared to its competitors, but it’s lighter and more comfortable to use while still delivering high-quality pictures. Sure, the 6 in (15.2 cm) display might be on the small side, but it comes with great battery life, plus a 90 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ with three color profiles to choose from.
You get two cameras: a 12.2 MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.7 aperture and a 16 MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. Unfortunately, the native camera app doesn’t offer Manual mode, but you can adjust the highlights and shadows using sliders. And the Pixel 5 supports HDR but is a little slow when processing it.
The front camera offers 8 MP and an f/2 aperture. In Portrait mode, you can capture subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds (and you can also add this effect at a later time!).
8. OnePlus 8 Pro
Looking for a smartphone camera that’s both powerful and versatile? The OnePlus 8 Pro is a stellar option.
Battery life is extremely good – it can last for over a day with heavy use (and over two days with light use). Impressively, this doesn’t come at the expense of the display; it’s bright enough to be used in direct sunlight and features accurate colors. Also, the recharging time is quite fast.
The main camera has a 48 MP sensor with great dynamic range and an f/1.8 aperture. You also get an 8 MP telephoto camera, plus a 48 MP ultra-wide camera with excellent macro capabilities.
The front camera is 16 MP, and while the later-released OnePlus 8T may have more cameras, the overall performance of the OnePlus 8 Pro is better.
9. Google Pixel 4A
If you’re not ready to invest in the pricier options from this list, don’t worry – there are some good choices that are also budget-friendly, such as the Google Pixel 4A.
What makes this smartphone special? For one, while you only get a single rear camera, it’s surprisingly great. It packs 12.2 MP, and images are far better than you would expect from reading its specs. The front camera is 8 MP and uses an f/2 aperture.
The Pixel 4A has many of the features on higher-end Google phones, including Live HDR+ (which lets you preview the HDR effect before you take the picture). The display is 5.81 in (14.8 cm) and full HD for a bright picture with realistic colors.
Storage is only 128 GB and the battery life isn’t great – but at such a low price, the 4A remains appealing.
10. iPhone SE
For Apple fans after a budget smartphone, the iPhone SE is equipped with a 12 MP, 28mm rear camera and a 7 MP front camera, perfect for spur-of-the-moment shots, portraits, and more.
The SE combines the camera from the iPhone 8 with the software of the iPhone 11. As a result, you get great photographs, plus videos with image stabilization.
The iPhone SE also packs a 4.7 in (11.9 in) HD Retina screen; paired with the A13 Bionic chip, you can expect great battery life. And you still get Portrait mode, including a slider to manually control the blurred background (you also get Portrait Lighting!).
This is the most affordable iOS smartphone yet, and the quality is what you’d expect from a standard iPhone. Yes, the SE has fewer cameras and features, but it offers great value for money.
Best camera phone: conclusion
As you can see, there are many wonderful camera phone options – all of which allow you to capture professional-quality smartphone photography.
So it’s not so much about finding the best camera phone as finding the one that best fits your needs and means.
Now over to you:
Do you have any questions? Which camera phone do you like the best? Which one will you buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post The 10 Best Camera Phones You Can Buy in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.
The post 10 Must-Know Camera Settings for Concert Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matthias Hombauer.
What are the best concert photography settings, and how can you use them for great results?
Settings are a key part of getting awesome concert photos, especially in low-light situations. If you get your settings right, the results will be spectacular. But if you get them wrong? Your shots will be blurry, unpleasant, and just all-around bad.
That’s why, in this article, I’m going to share 10 settings for concert photography. These are the exact camera settings I use in my own concert shooting, so you know they work. (And I promise: They’ll help you immediately boost your career!)
Let’s dive right in.
The Rolling Stones Nikon D800 | 185mm | f/4 | 1/320s | ISO 1600
1. Use Manual mode orAperture Priority
When I started off doing concert photography, I used Aperture Priority mode. I would dial in the aperture, my camera would set the shutter speed accordingly, and I’d hit the shutter button.
And in general, Aperture Priority works well. It’s great for beginners because it partially automates the exposure process, giving you one less thing to worry about.
But after shooting for a while, I recognized that only Manual mode would give me the flexibility I was after. I wanted to set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO – and then change each setting on the fly based on my requirements.
So depending on your level of experience and comfort, pick one of these two options.
(Also, if you do choose Manual mode, make sure to frequently check your LCD preview and your histogram to ensure your exposure is correct!)
Struggling to decide which lens to use for concert photography? I always give the same advice: use fast lenses and shoot them wide open.
Set your aperture to the smallest f-number your lens allows, which will give you the biggest aperture opening. That way, the most possible light hits your sensor.
A wide aperture is especially important in low-light concert photography. If possible, shoot with an f/2.8, f/1.8, f/1.4, or f/1.2 lens.
If you’re a beginner on a budget, I’d recommend grabbing a 50mm f/1.8 lens, which is cheap, features a wide maximum aperture, and offers surprisingly nice image quality.
3. Use a fast shutter speed
Have you ever been to a concert where the artist was running and jumping from one side of the stage to the other?
This type of action makes for some great photography – but to freeze such movement, you must use a fast shutter speed.
In general, I set my shutter speed to 1/200s or faster (and depending on the level of action, you may want to push this even higher.)
Miley Cyrus Nikon D800 | 340mm | f/4.8 | 1/320s | ISO 1600
4. Boost your ISO
The higher your ISO, the less light you need for a proper exposure – and in concert photography, where light is generally limited, this is a key setting to get right.
Your camera’s ISO range likely starts at 100. But if you’re shooting a low-light concert, I’d recommend kicking this up to 1600, 3200, or even 6400. Otherwise, your shots will end up far too dark (or you’ll be forced to drop your shutter speed, which will introduce blur).
Unfortunately, a high ISO does come with a significant tradeoff:
Noise.
As you push your ISO from 400 to 800 to 1600, you start to get little flecks of color and light that look pretty bad. The specifics will depend on your camera (modern sensors do a very good job of minimizing high-ISO noise!), but you should always be cautious when boosting the ISO. Only raise it when absolutely necessary, and be mindful of your particular camera’s high-ISO capabilities.
5. Use spot metering
Spot metering limits your camera’s exposure readings to the center of the scene – which allows you to determine the exposure based on a small subject (e.g., a face). It works especially well when your subject and background are differently lit.
And when shooting concerts, the artist will often be lit by a spotlight while the rest of the stage remains dark.
So here’s what you do:
First, switch your camera to spot metering mode.
Then place the artist’s face in the middle of your viewfinder and memorize the recommended exposure settings.
Finally, if you’re using Manual mode, you can dial in the settings, then compose without worrying about fluctuating meter readings. If you’re using Aperture Priority, you’ll need to lock in the exposure; that way, you don’t end up with varied exposures as the performers jump around your viewfinder.
If you don’t like spot metering and it’s giving you bad results, you can try the matrix/evaluative metering mode. The camera will take a light reading at several points in the scene, and this can work – but you’ll want to be on the lookout for overexposed faces, especially when the background is dark.
Did you know that different autofocus points feature different levels of accuracy?
It’s true. Peripheral autofocus points tend to work fine in good light, but the performance weakens as the light drops.
Whereas the center autofocus point remains effective in both good light and bad.
That’s why I recommend you use the central focus point in low-light situations. It’ll be the most accurate, and it’ll ensure you get the sharpest results, no matter what the artist is doing on stage.
If you don’t want the artist to sit smack-dab in the center of the frame, you’ll need to use a focus-and-recompose technique; simply push your shutter button halfway down to focus on the artist’s face – this will lock focus – then adjust your composition until you get the desired framing. Once you’ve nailed both focus and composition, press the shutter button the rest of the way.
Note: To use this focus-and-recompose technique, you’ll need to set your camera to One-Shot AF, also known as AF-S. Otherwise, the camera will focus continuously while you reframe your picture.
(You can also set up back-button focus, which many shooters – myself included! – love. With back-button AF, you use a button on the rear of your camera to lock focus, then use the shutter button to take the shot.)
7. Use Auto White Balance
White balance combats unwanted color casts in your scene, and it’s important to use if you want good-looking photos.
However, I highly recommend you deal with white balance after taking your photos, during post-processing. So set your camera to Auto White Balance, then ignore the WB setting until you’re back at home.
You see, if you shoot in RAW, the white balance is completely flexible. Whether you determine the white balance setting at the time of capture or whether you wait until you’ve opened up Lightroom days later makes zero difference.
Except that setting the white balance during a concert is difficult to do, especially when you have different lights flashing all around the stage. So do yourself a favor and leave the white balance setting for another time.
Your camera’s burst mode setting, also referred to as continuous shooting, lets you do rapid-fire photography.
With burst mode activated, you can shoot five, ten, or even sixty frames per second, depending on your camera.
And this is hugely helpful in concert photography, for two reasons:
If you take several shots in a row, at least one of them will probably turn out sharp even if the others aren’t in focus.
Multiple photos increase your chances of nailing the perfect frame.
Now, I don’t recommend you set your camera to its high-speed continuous shooting mode and use it nonstop. You’ll run out of storage space pretty quickly, plus you’ll just end up with thousands of unnecessary photos.
But I do recommend analyzing the situation, then – when you’re ready to capture split-second action shots – turn on burst mode and use it judiciously.
Make sense?
9. Never use flash
This is a quick tip:
Don’t use flash at a concert.
For one, you’re not allowed; imagine ten photographers bursting their flashes all at the same time.
And straight flash pictures don’t look great. For good flash photography, you’ll need to position your flash off to the side of the artist (i.e., you’ll need an off-camera flash), which isn’t really feasible in a concert setting.
Here’s your final concert photography setting, and it’s a big one:
Always, always, always shoot in RAW.
If you shoot in JPEG, your camera will automatically add processing, such as contrast, saturation, and sharpness. And while it might look nice, it’ll limit your post-production freedom, so you won’t be able to further enhance your concert photos.
On the other hand, if you shoot in RAW, the camera won’t process your photo at all. That way, you can change parameters such as exposure, white balance, saturation, contrast, and clarity long after you hit the shutter button.
(In other words: If you’re careful and deliberate with your editing, you can make your photos look a lot better!)
Must-know concert photography settings: final words
Now that you’ve finished this article, you’re well-equipped to capture some stunning concert photos. And for quick reference, here are the concert settings I recommend:
Manual mode
Your lens’s widest aperture
A fast shutter speed
A high ISO
Spot metering
The middle autofocus point
Auto White Balance
Burst mode
No flash
RAW format
So the next time you’re out shooting a concert, make sure to dial in those settings. Your photos will instantly improve!
Now over to you:
Which of my recommended settings do you use for concert photography? Do you have any additional settings you love to use for concerts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The Prodigy Nikon D800 | 85mm | f/1.8 | 1/320s | ISO 1600
Zola Jesus Nikon D700 | 50mm | f/1.8 | 1/200s | ISO 1600
The post 10 Must-Know Camera Settings for Concert Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matthias Hombauer.
Apple’s new AirTags are a straight-up gift for photographers. After testing one for the past couple of weeks, I’ll be hiding an AirTag in my scooter, one in my car and another one in my camera bag. Read more » Strobist
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The post The Best Camera for Travel Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.
I love photography and I love to travel, so I often get the question, “What is the best camera for travel photography?”
When I bought my first camera in 1994, I really wasn’t thinking too hard about the decision. Growing up in Australia, I always longed to travel the world. When I was 20 years old, I got my chance – I bought my first camera and my first overseas airline ticket on the same day.
At the time, I wanted a camera that was compact, light, affordable, and weather resistant. I didn’t know much about photography, but I ended up walking out of the duty-free camera store with a Pentax Zoom 90WR. This compact point and shoot traveled with me all over Europe for the next two years and made a ton of memories. It was also my doorway into photography.
Since buying that first Pentax, I have traveled with dozens of cameras – film, instant, and digital. Although technology has changed, what I look for today is the same as what I looked for 25 years ago.
What should you look for in a travel camera?
Here is my list of ideal travel camera characteristics:
Compact and lightweight
An excellent fixed lens (or a good range of lenses available)
A good range of features
Good battery life
Weather resistant
A competitive price
Note that I used the word “ideal,” as there are very few cameras that offer everything on the list. In fact, one of my favorite travel camera and lens combinations is the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Fujifilm 50-140mm lens, and it’s not exactly a pocketable option.
But for this list of best cameras for travel photography, I focused on compact and lightweight models, starting with my number one pick:
1. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the third iteration of a popular point and shoot series from Canon. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it almost looks like a mini DSLR.
Many compact cameras have a tiny sensor – one inch or smaller – but not this one. The PowerShot boasts an impressive APS-C sensor, which is one of the biggest sensors offered in a camera so compact. It also features a handy zoom range of 24-72mm and an optical stabilizer for shooting in low light.
The PowerShot is easy to use and produces images with high clarity and outstanding colors. The only downside is the price tag; at around $ 1000 USD, it may be on the high end for some enthusiast photographers.
Pros
Large APS-C sensor
Compact size
Articulating screen
Cons
Premium price
2. Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII is a small camera with an impressive zoom range.
Sony keeps improving the RX100 line, and the VII is their best model yet. It may have a smaller sensor than the Canon PowerShot featured above, but the RX100 VII is still a powerful performer. It boasts impressive autofocus, a flip-screen for vlogging and selfies, a mic socket, and a huge zoom range equivalent to 24-200mm in full-frame terms.
The RX100 VII also borrows tech from Sony’s flagship models, which is why it can shoot up to 20 frames per second with no viewfinder blackout.
If you’re a watersports fan, there’s an added bonus: the RX100 has underwater housing available for surfing, diving, and snorkeling photos. At around $ 1300 USD, the RX100 VII is on the pricier side, but for serious travel photographers, it’s an excellent choice.
Pros
Impressive autofocus
Handy zoom range
Up to 20 frames-per-second shooting
Mic jack
Cons
Expensive for a compact camera
Smaller 1-inch sensor
Battery life could be better
3. Fujifilm X-T30
The X-T30 has many features of the flagship X-T3, yet it’s lighter and more affordable.
In 2016, I bought a Fujifilm X-T10 as a backup camera for trips to Indonesia and the Faroe Islands. It was so good I couldn’t tell the difference between images shot on the X-T10 and my X-T1.
The X-T30 is the latest Fujifilm model to take the best features from the flagship camera but in a smaller, lighter body. The X-T30 features the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor as the X-T3 and can shoot up to a whopping 30 frames per second. And like other Fujifilm cameras, the X-T30 has face- and eye-detection autofocus, which is a big help for travel portraits and street shots. It also includes Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations for JPEG files.
You’ll get around 30 lenses to choose from (the hard part is deciding which is the best for you!). My personal go-to lens for travel photography is the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens. While there is no stabilization in the X-T30 body, there is optical image stabilization in the 18-55mm lens, and it delivers the quality you’d expect from much more expensive glass but at a fraction of the cost.
Unfortunately for photographers who like to shoot in tough conditions, the X-T30 isn’t weather resistant – it seems there are some trade-offs for a lighter, less-expensive body.
Pros
Excellent lens lineup from the affordable XC lenses to enthusiast and professional XF lenses
Stunning image quality with a range of JPEG film simulations
Many of the features of the flagship X-T3 model
Cons
No weather sealing
The price point isn’t especially competitive
4. Nikon D5600
This next brand needs no introduction; Nikon SLRs were favored by many famous travel photographers in the 1980s and beyond. The D5600 is the latest camera in Nikon’s midrange APS-C series, and it’s a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.
The D5600 boasts Nikon’s excellent ergonomics, and the camera feels reassuringly comfortable in your hand, although it’s not as compact as other models on this list. Image quality is superb and low-light shooting is very impressive. Plus, you get a fully articulating screen (for selfies, vlogging, and tough compositions), along with excellent battery life.
Pros
Excellent image quality
Good ergonomics and handling
Good battery life
Cons
No 4K video
Not as compact as other cameras on this list
5. Ricoh GR III
Stylish minimalism: the Ricoh GR III.
Ricoh has been producing super-compact GR cameras since the film heydays of the late 1990s. Those classic point-and-shoot GR models were known for their sharp wide-angle lenses and minimalist controls, and the digital line of GR cameras is no different.
The Ricoh GR III is a perfect mix of portability, optical quality, and impressive features. You get a fixed 28mm full-frame equivalent f/2.8 lens capable of producing good images, and four-stop shake reduction that ensures sharp files even in challenging light.
The GR III is often compared to another camera in this list, the Fujifilm X100V. Consider the Ricoh if you prefer a smaller camera with a wider angle of view.
Pros
Truly pocketable
Four-stop shake reduction
Fantastic wide-angle lens
Cons
The straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are not as good as Fujifilm’s
Battery life could be better
6. Sony a6600
The Sony a6600 has an impressive spec sheet that includes Real-Time Eye AF.
It’s easy to see why Sony has grabbed a big share of the mirrorless camera market in recent years: the company produces an impressive range of cameras that appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Sony a6600 may not have a full-frame sensor like some of its stablemates, but its compact body and impressive specs make it a strong candidate for the best camera for travel photography. The a6600 features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, along with Real-Time Eye AF for photography and video, plus five-axis optical image stabilization. The 180-degree flip screen also makes the a6600 handy for vlogging and selfies. I do think that the layout and controls could be improved, but it’s one of the only drawbacks to an otherwise excellent camera.
Quick note: if you like the look of the a6600 but you’re on a tighter budget, also consider the a6400. It may not be as up to date as the a6600, but it offers excellent value for money.
Pros
Small and light
Great lens lineup
Real-Time Eye AF
Cons
Handling and ergonomics could be improved
7. Olympus Tough TG-6
Shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and fogproof: the Olympus Tough TG-6 can handle pretty much anything.
Going on an extreme adventure? The Olympus Tough TG-6 could be the best travel camera for you. This compact point and shoot can withstand a lot of punishment, thanks to its shockproof, dustproof, and crushproof body.
The TG-6 can also work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), and it’s fogproof, even during sudden changes in temperature. As I found out on a recent trip to Indonesia – where I was frequently moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to the outside heat and humidity – a foggy camera can be a real inconvenience.
For snorkeling and diving fans, the Tough TG-6 loves being underwater as much as you do. It’s waterproof up to 49 ft (15 m), and it boasts several underwater modes, including a microscope mode that can focus on objects 0.39 in (1 cm) away.
Pros
Super tough
Compact
Affordable
Cons
Only 12 megapixels
More suited to adventurers than enthusiast photographers
8. Fujifilm X100V
I’m a huge fan of the Fujifilm X100 series cameras (I’ve owned three of the five models released over the last decade). Even photographers loyal to other brands buy an X100-series camera as their “take everywhere” body.
The X100V is small and light, yet it features an incredible 35mm f/2 fixed lens. Other useful features include its leaf shutter and built-in neutral density filter. And of course, Fujifilm’s range of stunning JPEG film simulations are ready to use as soon as you turn on the X100V.
The best compact camera ever? The Fujifilm X100V.
While the entire X100 series is great, note that the latest model, the X100V, does have an important improvement over its predecessors: it’s weather resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in sand, rain, snow, and more.
Pros
Excellent lens
Built-in ND filter
Fujifilm JPEGs
Weather resistant
Cons
Fixed lens
No in-body image stabilization
More expensive than its predecessors
9. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
For travel photographers, there’s a lot to like about the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. The camera has a stylish design, with an aperture ring on the lens and a shutter speed dial on top of the camera for full manual control.
The Lumix LX100 II sports a fast lens with a handy 24-75mm zoom range. It also features optical image stabilization and can shoot 4K video up to 30 fps.
Although it has a smaller 17-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, the Lumix makes up for this in other ways. It can focus as close as 1.2 in (3 cm), it offers a focus stacking feature, and it even includes the ability to change focus in an image afterward.
Pros
Excellent image quality
Fast lens
Small and compact
Cons
Fixed rear screen
Only 17 megapixels
10. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Olympus has a reputation for making some of the most innovative compact cameras in photographic history. Their mirrorless cameras are no exception, and it’s easy to see why Olympus models have been popular with the travel influencer crowd. I’ve spoken to many people who’ve downsized to Olympus from full-frame systems, and they couldn’t be happier.
The OM-D E-M5 Mark III is one of Olympus’s latest weather-sealed Four Thirds cameras. It’s lightweight, yet it boasts impressive autofocus and excellent image quality. Other features include a fully articulating 3-inch screen, in-body image stabilization, and built-in focus stacking.
Olympus also boasts a wide range of lenses. A perfect choice for a lightweight setup is the 14-42mm EZ lens, though if you want more range, take a look at the 14-150mm.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a favorite among travel influencers.
Pros
Compact and light
Excellent image quality
Good range of lenses
Weather sealed
Cons
Smaller Four Thirds sensor
Battery life could be better
What is the best camera for travel photography?
Choosing the perfect travel photography camera is a difficult task, and one that depends on many factors. I recommend looking at the list of ideal features offered earlier in this article. Determine what you value most, then evaluate the different cameras I’ve discussed based on those criteria.
So what is the best camera for travel photography? Only you can answer that question! Research different models. And if you need to, go to a camera shop, where you can talk to the staff and hold each camera in your hands. Also try talking to people who own your top picks and ask for their honest opinions. Then, when you’re ready, buy a camera – and hit the road!
Now over to you:
What camera do you currently use for travel photography? Which of the cameras on this list is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post The Best Camera for Travel Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.
Are you an avid photographer? Are you having problems with your camera lens retracting or are you simply wanting to learn more about the issue? Then you are in the right place! This article is going to discuss what to do when your camera lens will not retract including all the possible solutions. What does is mean that your lens Continue Reading Photodoto
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Lux, the team behind the popular iOS camera apps Halide and Spectre, has announced a major update to Halide that adds support for Apple’s iPad tablets.
The Halide experience on the iPad will be familiar to those who have used the iPhone version thanks to a similar design language, but the interface has been redesigned from the ground up to make to a more streamlined shooting experience on the larger display.
As a whole, the interface is more spread out across the edges of the display and Lux’s custom typeface is now bolder for easier viewing. Lux even took into account the radius of the iPad screen’s corners so they could match the radius of the buttons to neatly nest into the interface for minimal distraction. To minimize the need to reach across the screen when changing settings, Lux has included what it calls an ‘expandable honeycomb’ next to the shutter button that brings up the most commonly needed settings and tools
Since iPads tend to be more two-handed devices, Lux has also added a feature that will ‘flip’ the interface so it’s left-hand oriented for the southpaws out there.
Lux has also addressed the issue of the iPad’s unusual aspect ratio that can sometimes make for a confusing experience when shooting. It’s called ‘Pro View,’ and what it does is shrink the liveview display into the center of the screen so it’s easier to see the entire scene and compose a shot. Doing this also adds extra space on the display to more prominently display the histogram, waveform, manual focus and other pro features, ensuring nothing overlaps with the liveview. Pro View can be toggled on and off in the bottom left-hand corner of the interface (bottom right-hand if you’ve flipped the interface).
The iPhone version of Halide has also been updated with bug fixes and other improvements, including a few UI changes inspired by the iPad update.
You can download Halide for free in the iOS App Store. An in-app purchase will unlock additional features for $ 1.99 per month or $ 9.99 per year.
When Raspberry Pi announced its 12.3MP High Quality Camera module in April 2020, it opened up a whole new world of photo-centric DIY projects. One such project that’s come as a result of its release is the RUHAcam, a ‘retro-style’ digital camera made from scratch by Ping-Hsun ‘penk’ Chen and Ruha Cheng.
The RUHAcam is built around a Raspberry Pi Zero W connected to a Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera module, which accepts C and CS mount lenses. Other features include a built-in 2,000mAg Li-Pi battery, a 2.2” TFT display that serves as the viewfinder and a 3D-printed case clearly inspired by SLR cameras from the past. The camera is still a work in progress, but is fully functional and captures rather impressive images when used with the 16mm lens ‘penk’ and Cheng attached to it for the following sample photos:
In addition to sharing detailed instructions on how to make your own RUHAcam at home, ‘penk’ and Cheng published the 3D design components and software required to run the camera for free under MIT license. This means you’re free to build an exact replica of the RUHAcam or use it as a base to make your own DIY digital camera.
In speaking with DPReview, ‘penk’ said the duo ‘plan to improve more on the software side, to add controls to the UI using Pi’s libcamera stack, and to leverage Raspberry Pi more as a server to easily share captured images with smartphones.’ You can find all of the instructions and materials needed to make your own on the RUHAcam GitHub Page.
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