Product Review: Sony a7R IV

By Ellis Vener
July 2020 issue Tech

At the heart of Sony’s a7R IV flagship high-resolution camera is a full-frame 61-megapixel (effective resolution) sensor. Paired with high-quality lenses at base to moderate ISO settings, this compact mirrorless delivers the best overall image quality of any comparable camera that I’ve used so far. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, and the in-body five-axis sensor stabilization system works well. Sony has put a lot of work into fixing most of the handling problems that bothered me... Continue Reading >

Product Highlight: Nikon D6

July 2020 issue Tech

The Nikon D6 takes its place as the flagship DSLR with Nikon’s most powerful autofocus system to date, featuring 105 selectable cross-type AF points to help capture the moment even in challenging conditions.© Courtesy NikonWith the promise to be an uncompromising workhorse, the FX format Nikon D6 is engineered to work fast and shave time off your workflow. The Expeed 6 processor is Nikon’s fastest, most comprehensive image processing engine to date. Features and upgrades deliver... Continue Reading >

Review: Nikon D780 is a Winning Hybrid Camera

By Stan Sholik
June 2020 issue Tech

Seemingly a hybrid of Nikon’s D750 DSLR and Z 6 mirrorless models, the camera-maker’s new D780 sounds promising, but does it live up to my hope of being the best all-around Nikon of the modern era?Since its introduction in 2014, the D750 has been Nikon’s most popular DSLR for advanced amateurs and many professionals, myself included. Yet after six years and the introduction of the Z 6 mirrorless, the D750’s shortcomings, though few, are apparent. This is particularly true with respect... Continue Reading >

Camera highlight: Canon EOS R5

May 2020 issue Tech

Canon’s new EOS R5 will be the company’s most advanced full-frame mirrorless camera to date. The advances begin with a new CMOS sensor design, a new image processor, and new optical technologies. Also in development are seven RF lenses and two RF lens extenders.Leveraging the benefits of the R System’s wide lens mount, shorter back focus, and high-speed data transmission between lens and camera, the R5 will record internal 8K video capture up to 29.97fps using the full width of the... Continue Reading >

Product Review: Sigma fp

By Ellis Vener
April 2020 issue Tech

The full-frame 24.6-megapixel, 4K UHD-capable Sigma fp caused a stir when it was introduced last year. Measuring slightly less than 4.5x2.75x1.785 inches and weighing a scant 13 ounces, the camera is packed with a lot of image-making power. Part of that power is its compatibility with a vast array of excellent glass. The fp uses L-mount lenses, of which there are 47 at the time of this writing. An optional Sigma MC-21 adapter allows photographers to use a wide range of Canon EF-mount lenses as... Continue Reading >

First look: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

March 2020 issue Tech

User feedback led the design decisions Canon made while developing its new flagship professional DSLR, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Its predecessor, the EOS-1D X Mark II, served as one of the most reliable workhorses of the industry, and Canon engineers listened to photographers to learn what would make it even better.A new 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor features a freshly designed high-detail, low-pass filter and a new DIGIC X image processor. The native ISO range covers ISO 100 to... Continue Reading >

Review: Sony RX100 VII compact camera

By Ellis Vener
March 2020 issue Tech

The seventh iteration of Sony’s RX100 series is a capable carry-anywhere camera. It boasts an excellent built-in Zeiss zoom lens and surprisingly good high ISO performance for a 1-inch (diagonal) sensor camera. If it weren’t for some limitations that do not directly relate to image quality, it would be more than qualified for many professional assignments.© Courtesy SonyFor still photographers the best features of the camera include its size, long zoom lens, sensor quality, autofocus... Continue Reading >

Product highlight: Hasselblad X1D II 50C

February 2020 issue Tech

In its first generation, the Hasselblad X1D 50C offered a mirrorless medium-format design in a compact, lightweight build. With the X1D II 50C, you get true-to-life tones that reflect what the human eye sees, 16-bit raw image capture as well as full-resolution JPEGs captured with a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor, and an upgraded electronic platform. Improvements include a 2.36 million-dot touch display and enhanced OLED electronic viewfinder with higher resolution and faster live view refresh rate.... Continue Reading >

Fujifilm X-Pro3: A durable partner

January 2020 issue Tech

Beyond its distinctive looks, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 rangefinder has one of the most durable camera bodies in Fujifilm history. In addition to the standard black model, titanium top and base plate models are available in two color variations—Dura Black and Dura Silver (pictured)—with Duratect surface-hardening technology for additional toughness and premium finish.The 180-degree tilt and touch screen has a mini display that, when closed, shows only essential settings to remove distractions.... Continue Reading >

World’s smallest full-frame mirrorless camera: Sigma FP

By Joan Sherwood
December 2019 issue Tech

The new Sigma fp is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless digital camera. The design provides portability, performance, scalability, and seamless function.Sized at 4.43x2.75x1.78 inches, the camera body houses a back-illuminated 35mm full-frame Bayer sensor that captures 24.6 effective megapixels. The electronic shutter enables quiet shooting without any shutter shake.Three new lenses have been released for the fp’s L-mount: the 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art ($1,499), the... Continue Reading >