Nikon Z7 Camera

By most accounts, the Nikon Z7 has been a smash hit with Nikon shooters (and plenty of others, too).

It’s packed full of incredible features and has racked up some excellent performances on crucial indicators like image quality, ISO performance, and sharpness.

But, like any camera, the Z7 is not perfect.

That being the case, if you’re considering adding a Z7 to your camera bag, here’s a few things you should know before you buy.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: It’s Has Essentially the Same Sensor as the Nikon D850

 

If you look under the hood of the Z7, you’ll find the same 45.7-megapixel full frame backside-illuminated sensor as you do in the Nikon D850. You’ll also find no anti-aliasing filter for improved image capture.

This means that the Z7 performs nearly identically as the Nikon D850. The small differences in dynamic range, color depth, and ISO performance are likely attributed to the presence of phase-detect autofocus pixels on the Z7’s imaging sensor.

Sharing the same sensor as the D850 is a good thing given that it is so utterly good (it was the first to receive a perfect score by DXOMark).

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: It Produces Huge Files

 

In its default settings, the Nikon Z7’s maximum resolution output is 8256 x 5504. Each image, depending on the subject, camera settings, and so forth, is in the neighborhood of 17-31MB.

After opening the image in a program like Photoshop or Lightroom, the file size measures a whopping 130MB.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: The Buffer is Small

 

One of the biggest complaints about the Z7 is the size of its buffer.

When shooting JPEGs, you’re limited to 25 frames. In 12-bit NEF format, that drops to about 23 frames. It falls further to 20 frames when shooting RAW + JPEG. 

Once the buffer is full, it takes roughly 4-7 seconds to clear. Though you can’t shoot more images while the buffer is clearing, you can at least adjust camera settings so your time isn’t lost.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: There’s Tons of Lenses Coming 

Though the Z-series of cameras launched with just three lenses, many more are on the way.

Additionally, Z-series cameras can use F-mount lenses using Nikon’s FTZ adapter, shown above.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: The Z6 is the Better Option for Video

I wrote an article that compares the filmmaking abilities of Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7, and the conclusion was clear: the Nikon Z6 is the superior camera for video.

You can check out the full comparison for more details, but of particular note is that the Z7 doesn’t have full sensor readout when shooting in 4K UHD. Instead, you have to shoot with a 1.5x crop factor to get full sensor readout.

As a result, full frame footage is soft and noisy when compared to what the Z6 is capable of capturing.

Get more details on the differences between the Z7 and Z6 in the video above by Nice Lady Productions.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: The EVF is One of the Best in the Business

 

The Z7 has garnered lots of love for many of its features, but perhaps none more than its impressive EVF.

With 3.69-million-dots of resolution, the EVF is beautifully bright, crisp, and clear.

Additionally, it boasts a magnification of 0.8x (the same as the Z6), which bests the D850’s 0.75x magnification. That makes the EVF in the Z7 and Z6 the largest Nikon has ever made.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: The Grip Isn’t Quite Big Enough

 

I have big hands, and though the Z7 has a nice, large grip for a mirrorless camera, my pinky dangles alone below the grip.

This isn’t a problem for smaller-handed folks, but for us bigger people, it’s a little uncomfortable. 

Having said that, at least Nikon worked to get as big a grip as possible on this camera. Aside from not having enough room for my pinky finger, the grip is spot on.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: Connectivity Isn’t an Issue

 

The Nikon Z7 offers a range of connection options, including Bluetooth and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Additionally, the camera features the newest iteration of Nikon’s SnapBridge wireless system. 

SnapBridge allows you to transfer RAW and JPEG files wirelessly to your computer. You can also use it to control the camera from a smartphone.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: Image Quality is Spectacular 

One of the claims to fame for the Z7 is its superb image quality.

As noted earlier, the backside-illuminated sensor without an anti-aliasing filter sure helps in the image quality department.

The new EXPEED 6 processor also helps by reducing noise. Having 5-axis image stabilization doesn’t hurt, either.

The Z7 also ranks near the top of the food chain in dynamic range.

See some sample Nikon Z7 images in the video above by The Big Picture.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: The Controls are Laid Out Perfectly

 

If you’re a Nikon shooter, the Z7 will feel like an old friend. 

The power control button is positioned around the shutter release, which makes it super easy (and intuitive) to turn the camera on when you pick it up.

Likewise, the exposure compensation, ISO, and video record buttons can be reach with your index finger without issue.

The only caveat is that when moving from ISO to Auto ISO, you have to use your middle finger to manipulate the command dial on the front. This is a little difficult, to say the least.

What You Should Know About the Nikon Z7: Its Hybrid AF System is Fantastic

For a first go at hybrid AF, Nikon seems to have gotten it just right.

The system boasts 493 hybrid phase detect and contrast detect autofocus points that cover approximately 90 percent of the frame.

In addition to excellent coverage, the Z7’s autofocus system is quick to focus and performs well in challenging lighting conditions. When shooting in extremely low light, you need to engage the camera’s low-light AF mode to maximize its performance.

Nikon Z7 Price

 

Clearly, Nikon got it right with the Z7.

Though it was a long, hard wait for its release, the extra time Nikon spent developing this camera has definitely paid off.

Currently, you can purchase a Z7 body for $3,396.95. A Nikon Z7 kit with a 24-70mm f/4 S lens runs $3,996.95.

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^{Photo by Jevgeni_Tr via iStock}

If you missed out on the smokin' Black Friday deals for photographers, no worries!

Cyber Monday holds many huge discounts and awesome deals on cameras, lenses, bags, and other gear.

Check out some of the best Cyber Monday deals for photographers below!

Hazard 4 is Offering Up to 35% Off on Select Products

Adorama Has Up to 50% Off on Cyber Monday

Adorama's Cyber Monday sale offers up to 45% off on cameras, up to 30% off on lenses, up to 30% off lighting, and up to 40% off on computers.

There are savings of up to 50% on items site wide, including exclusive doorbusters on popular brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Apple.

Shop Adorama's Cyber Monday deals

Skylum is Offering Almost $400 Off

Are you tired of getting hundreds of Black Friday offers for something you will never use? Ugh, we are too! 

Skylum’s Black Friday offer is different. It’s about Creativity, Freedom, and Choice. 

Instead of getting a slightly bigger TV this Black Friday, how about giving an enormous boost to your artistic powers (and saving almost $400)?

You can build your very special bundle that will include Luminar 4 to create mind-blowing images with unique features not available anywhere else. And you have the freedom to choose what bonuses you like (your options are wide, for example the highly acclaimed PDF Expert, Envira Gallery, ViewBug, Xpozer and more). Pick only those that bring a real benefit to you. 

Offers:

• Bundle #1 - $79 - Luminar 4 + 2 bonuses of your choice
• Bundle #2 - $99 - Luminar 4 + 5 bonuses of your choice
• Bundle #3 - $129 - Luminar 4 + All bonuses

Bonuses: 

• PDF Expert - free app - $80 value
• Envira Gallery - free plan + 30% off of other plans - $29 value (+up to $90 discount)
• ViewBug - free 1 year of Pro plan - $118 value
• Xpozer - discount - $75 value
• Clipchamp - 3 months free of Clipchamp’s Create account - $30
• Rocky Nook - free book of a choice - ~$44.99 value
• Look Pack (Skylum) - free presets - $25 value
• Look Pack (Skylum) - free presets - $25 value

The sale starts November 27, 2019. Your creativity will not expire on December 2, but this offer will! Make sure you don’t miss out.

Get more details on Skylum’s Black Friday 2019 deals

Get 20% Off Site-Wide at Litra

I have several Litra lights in my arsenal, and they are among the best photography lights I’ve ever used. They’re durable, have excellent battery life, and emit beautiful, flicker-free light. 

Litra’s Black Friday sale runs November 25-December 2, 2019.

Get a Litra light (or two!) for Black Friday 

Get 10% Off Popular Products at MPB

This Black Friday, MPB is offering 10 percent off a wide selection of cameras and lenses from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and even Hasselblad.

Their curated selection of used gear is already discounted, so the extra 10 percent off is just an added bonus!

Shop MPB for Black Friday discounts

Save Up to $350 on f-stop Bags

Makers of some incredible bags, f-stop has already kicked off their Black Friday event.

This year, they’re offering up to $350 off bundles, which are full modular setups used by the pros. If you live in the U.S.A. or the EU, you get free shipping, too! International shipping is just $49.

Shop f-stop Black Friday deals while supplies last

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^{photo bymartin-dm via iStock}

If you’re like me and you’re getting more and more into creating videos, and, in particular, vlogs, then this is the place to source recommended cameras for vlogging.

Getting a camera for this type of work requires that you hone in on some very specific features.

In fact, buying a camera for vlogging is a much different animal than buying a camera for landscape photography or portraiture. This article has Nikon D5600 review pertaining to vlogging only, basically its an all rounder camera.

Let’s first look at the best camera features for vlogging and then dive into a few of the top cameras for vlogging.

Best Cameras for Vlogging: What to Look For 

^{The Canon 77D has a large LCD screen that's articulating, so you can see yourself as you film.}

Far and away, the most important of camera features for vlogging is the LCD.

Not only do you want a large, bright, and resolute LCD that allows you to get a clear, crisp view of what you’re doing, but having an articulating LCD is also of the utmost importance.

After all, if you can’t see yourself while you’re filming, you’ll have a much more difficult time creating good vlogging content.

^{The Panasonic G85 has an all-important external microphone port for improved audio.}

Second, the best vlogging cameras have an external microphone port.

DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are not known for having built-in mics that produce excellent audio, so having the ability to attach a better, external microphone is a must.

^{The Sony a6400 has an excellent autofocus system that can track moving subjects with ease.}

Third, top vlogging cameras have good autofocus systems that can track your movements as you’re recording.

Not only is this an important feature from the standpoint of getting sharp video, but since you’re in front of the camera, you can’t adjust the autofocus when needed. The camera must be able to do this on its own!

^{The Panasonic G85 shoots 4K UHD video at 30 fps.}

Lastly, though shooting your vlogs in 4K isn’t a requirement, it’s definitely a good choice. Viewers appreciate the highest-quality video, and 4K is only going to become more and more popular, so having a 4k vlogging camera is a good investment to make.

So, all that being said, what are the top cameras for vlogging? 

Top Mirrorless Cameras for Vlogging: Sony a6400 

If you want a mirrorless camera for vlogging, it’s tough to beat the Sony a6400.

Armed with a superb 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, this camera offers excellent image and video quality (in 4K!) that maximizes resolution.

The 3-inch articulating LCD can be positioned to face the front - exactly what you want for vlogging - and it offers 921k dots of resolution, so it’s bright and resolute as well.

The only problem, though, is that if you have an external microphone mounted to the camera, it blocks the front-facing LCD.

That's why I use an external field monitor (the Andycine A6 Lite) mounted to my Ikan Stratus Cage.

What I most appreciate about this field monitor is that it is incredibly bright and has a tilting arm that enables you to view it from multiple viewing angles.

And since it's about two inches larger than the a6400's screen, there's also a larger picture to view as I'm filming, which is incredibly helpful in ensuring that I'm getting the shots I want.

This thing also has a ton of features for making improved videos, including audio level controls, focus peaking, a histogram, zebra exposure, and both vertical and horizontal screen orientations. I highly recommend it!

If you don't need all the accessory attachments a cage provides, you can alternatively use an L-bracket (I use the Really Right Stuff BA6300-L). With a quarter-inch mount on the side, this bracket enables you to mount your external mic out of the way of the a6400's flip-up LCD.

Getting back to the a6400, perhaps most impressive feature is the its autofocus system with Eye-AF performance. Even though this is an entry-level camera, it has an autofocus system that can outperform even high-end full frame cameras. See Eye-AF in action in the video below by AdoramaTV:

In other words, the Sony a6400 ticks all the boxes - it’s got a top-notch LCD, a microphone port, an excellent autofocus system, and it shoots 4K video. Learn more about this excellent camera in our Sony a6400 review.

Current Price: $898.00 (body only)

Editor’s Tip: Though you can buy an a6400 with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens, you’ll get better quality video if you opt for a higher-end lens. Give the Sony 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 a try instead. For shooting video, the 18-135 lens offers vastly superior optical quality, and the much greater reach of this zoom enables you to shoot wide-angle to telephoto footage.

Runner-Up Mirrorless Camera for Vlogging: Panasonic Lumix G85 

The Panasonic Lumix G85 has a 16-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor, a 1.04-million-dot touchscreen display, good continuous autofocus, and a microphone port. You can get the camera with a 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for under $700.00. 

Top DSLR for Vlogging: Canon EOS 77D 

If you’d rather shoot video with a DSLR, a good alternative to the mirrorless cameras for vlogging noted above would be the Canon EOS 77D.

This camera has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that has digital five-axis image stabilization that will help you capture improved handheld video footage (and stills, too).

The EOS 77D does not capture 4K video footage, and instead maxes out at 1080 at 60p.

However, the presence of the aforementioned image stabilization along with a big 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen helps make up for it. Get a detailed review of this camera in the video below by Chris Winter: 

Additionally, this camera has Dual Pixel autofocus, which gives you far better autofocus capabilities for video capture. This is especially the case when you’re filming moving subjects.

Again, though this camera lacks 4K video, it has a microphone port and its other must-have features are so good that it essentially makes up for it.

Current Price: $699.00 (body only)

Editor’s Tip: When shopping for lenses for the EOS 77D, consider investing in a Canon EF lens rather than a Canon EF-S lens. Though EF-S lenses are designed for use with APS-C cameras like this, they aren’t compatible with Canon full frame cameras. Since EF lenses are compatible with APS-C and full frame cameras, you can future-proof your kit with lenses that will work with a full frame rig, should you upgrade to one in the future.

Runner-Up DSLR for Vlogging: Nikon D5600 

Like the EOS 77D, the D5600 does not offer 4K video capture, but it has an excellent 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen LCD, and a microphone port. Pick up a Nikon D5600 (body only) for $596.95.

Though there are plenty of other choices for the top cameras for vlogging, these four options are at the top of the heap if you’re looking for a camera that’s capable for stills and video, while also having a small price tag.

Editor's Tip: A must-have for any vlogger is a gimbal of some sort. We'll have more details on gimbals in an upcoming article, but I wanted to highlight the gimbal I use - the FEIYU AK2000 - because it has tons of features that make it incredibly useful for shooting video. The smart touch panel is handy for making quick camera adjustments, and it has stronger, updated motors that improve its performance. It also has 12 hours of battery life for those marathon shooting sessions!

Must-Have Vlogging Accessory: Portable Video Light

Since we're talking about vlogging, it's important to note the need for a high-quality light.

Not only do you want something that puts out great light, but you want it to be small and portable too.

The Andycine Portable Boling Video Light certainly fits the bill.

This light has a flexible design with a 360-degree arm support and an adjustable bracket arm so you can get the light shining just where you wish.

It can be mounted on a hot-shoe stand or a tripod and has a full color LCD display.

You can adjust the light from 2500k-8500k for precise customization of its light output. There's even nine built-in lighting presets to make using this light that much more efficient.

With fast charging via USB cable, this is the ideal light for vlogging applications!

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^{photo byshilh via iStock}

I know what you’re thinking…

How can anyone possibly narrow down all the excellent landscape lenses to a set of just three?

It’s true that there are a lot of fantastic lenses you can use to capture gorgeous landscapes, but standing above them all is the “holy trinity” of landscape photography - a wide-angle zoom, a standard zoom, and a telephoto zoom.

More specifically, something like the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L, and the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L for the Canon EOS R is what I’m talking about. 

I know, I know...there’s no prime lenses in the holy trinity.

But as I explain in my video below, there are some very good reasons why you should pursue the holy trinity of zoom lenses and forget about primes for landscapes.

Give the video a watch and find out what lenses qualify as the holy trinity for Canon EF and RF lenses, Nikon F and S lenses, and Sony E-mount lenses.

Below, I’ve offered up a quick overview of why the holy trinity is your best bet as a landscape photographer.

 

Recommended Landscape Photography Books:

• The Landscape Photography Book: The Step-by-Step Techniques You Need to Capture Breathtaking Landscape Photos Like the Pros
• National Geographic Greatest Landscapes: Stunning Photographs That Inspire and Astonish
• The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography

 

The Holy Trinity 

^{Photo by Jason Wong on Unsplash} 

As I mentioned earlier, the holy trinity for the full frame EOS R includes the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L, and the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L.

I’ve talked about my love for Canon’s RF lenses before, and I’ll do it again here - each of these lenses is simply spectacular.

The crazy part is that they’re spectacular on the EOS R, which can’t come close to maximizing the quality that these lenses are capable of. That’s something that the EOS R5 will certainly be able to do, and boy am I excited to get my hands on one of those cameras later this year! 

As I explain in my video, there are some minor differences in focal length and aperture in the holy trinity depending on what camera you have and what mount the camera uses.

But, by and large, you’re looking at something in the 14-24mm range, as well as a 24-70 and a 70-200mm. This is most likely your best bet for the best lens for landscape photography combination.

Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Should You Get f/2.8 or f/4 Lenses?

^{Photo by 2 Bro’s Media on Unsplash} 

There are very few situations in which you need to shoot at f/2.8 in landscape photography. Low-light situations like astrophotography are a prime exception.

That being the case, if landscapes are all you shoot, an f/4 lens will be plenty fast for your needs. In fact, you’ll likely not even shoot at f/4 all that often!

I personally like having f/2.8 lenses over f/4 lenses because of their low-light capabilities. I’m not out every night photographing the stars by any means, but when I do, an f/2.8 lens is much more capable than an f/4 lens. 

But, budget is the ultimate factor for most people, and since f/2.8 lenses are usually much more expensive, it makes sense for a lot of folks to go with f/4 lenses. I’ve shot many landscapes with a 24-70mm f/4 and they turned out great, so I’m not poo-pooing f/4 lenses by any means. 

I suppose the advice I’m trying to give here is that you need to buy the best lens for landscape photography you can afford. Your lenses will last you for decades if you care for them properly, and they have a more significant impact on image quality than your camera, so putting your money towards good glass will definitely pay dividends. 

Learn More:

• Wide-Angle Landscape Photography
• Top 3 Canon RF Lenses You Want

Benefits of Wide-Angle Zooms

^{photo by Oleh_Slobodeniuk via iStock} 

The biggest asset of a wide-angle zoom like my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 is that you can take photos that look so much different than what our eyes see.

The distortion of a wide-angle lens isn’t for everyone, but I really love that distortion in a landscape - it looks unique and interesting, and that’s precisely what you want in a photo. 

Besides, wide-angle lenses allow you to include a ton of foreground interest. Doing so gives your shots more depth and makes the photo seem more immersive too because you can create a layered shot with elements in the foreground, midground, and background. These are some of the primary reasons why a wide-angle zoom is considered a best lens for landscape photography.

Benefits of a Standard Zoom

^{Photo by Simon Migaj from Pexels} 

Having a 24-70mm lens in your kit is a must because it is such a versatile lens.

I’d say that most landscape photographers - myself included - would choose a 24-70mm lens as being the only one they could take on an epic landscape photography trip.

You can go wide at 24mm, shoot telephoto at 70mm, and have a ton variability in between.

This is an easy lens to use, too.

^{photo by Wiltser via iStock} 

Photos captured with a 24-70mm lens look much more natural than what you can create with a wide-angle or a telephoto lens. Without the distortion of a wide-angle and the compression of a telephoto, the images you create look more like what you see with your own eyes. 

This can be helpful when framing up your shots and composing images because what you see through the viewfinder looks so much like what you see with your own eyes.

If you’re a beginner, pick up a 24-70mm zoom first - it’s an excellent learning tool and a best lens for landscape photography! 

Learn More:

• Is a 24-70mm the Best Landscape Photography Lens?
• 6 Tips for Landscape Photography With a Telephoto Lens

Benefits of a Telephoto Zoom

^{Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash} 

The biggest advantage of using a telephoto zoom like a 70-200mm lens is that you can fill the frame with individual landscape elements and create much more intimate images.

Rather than showcasing the entire landscape, you’re forced to find that one element that’s more eye-catching than the rest and find ways to capture it in a beautiful way.

Telephoto lenses also give you the greatest opportunity to show scale.

^{Photo by Taneli Lahtinen on Unsplash} 

Because of their compression, distant elements seem larger than they are, so while mountains in the background of a wide-angle shot look tiny, they are big and robust in a telephoto image. 

I’d argue that using a telephoto zoom for landscapes is the most challenging of the three lenses discussed here, but also the most rewarding.

Most landscape photographers start out with a wide-angle (I know I did…), and switching to telephoto requires you to think outside the box and reimagine what landscape photography can be.

So, if you’re in the market for the best lens for landscape photography, think about investing in the holy trinity of zoom lenses.

You’ll be covered from wide-angle to telephoto with just three lenses, and if you’re cramped for space in your backpack, any of these lenses can be used effectively on their own.

 

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If you want to elevate the quality of the videos you create, a good way to do so is to add an external monitor and recorder.

Doing so opens up a wealth of monitoring tools, not to mention having a much larger and brighter monitor for keeping tabs on what you're shooting.

And on top of that, an external recorder allows you to get around those pesky recording limits that so many cameras have. These are but a few advantages of using an external monitor...

Let's have a deeper look at these and other reasons why a monitor and recorder like the Atomos Ninja V is a good investment for you.

Why You Need an Atomos Ninja V: No Recording Limits

One of the primary reasons why you might want to invest in an Atomos Ninja V is that it allows you to get around the video recording limits on your camera.

Many modern mirrorless cameras offer incredible video capabilities, but limit you to 30 minutes (or so) of recording time.

If you're doing an interview, 30 minutes might not be enough. Likewise, if you're shooting video at an event, that time limit might be way too short.

By using an Atomos Ninja V, you can extend that recording time - it'll keep recording so long as your camera is powered up and you have space on an SSD drive.

Video Quality is Increased by Using the Atomos Ninja V

Many cameras on the market today shoot internal 4:2:0 8-bit video. But if you output that video via HDMI, the quality often increases to 4:2:2 in either 8-bit or 10-bit. While you can grade 4:2:0 8-bit Log video, the color information simply isn't that great.

So, by externally recording, you can record much more color information. Additionally, if you're shooting Log footage, external output will give you the best possible dynamic range. It's just a better setup to get the highest-quality videos.

What's more, the Ninja V can save Raw video output as ProRes Raw direct from the camera, which results in an incredible difference in the footage. It's similar to the difference between shooting Raw and JPEG still images - the RAW files have much, much more data for you to work with.

To top all that off, the Ninja V can record 12-bit Raw video from any supported camera!

The Atomos Ninja V Has a Killer Screen

The 5-inch touchscreen on the Ninja V offers a lot more real estate for viewing the footage as you shoot. And, if your camera doesn't have an articulating screen, it'll be far easier to position the Ninja V so you have a good view (even if your camera has an articulating LCD, the Ninja V will still be easier to view).

The touchscreen is nicely responsive, and using it to adjust the settings is intuitive and user-friendly. The layout of the icons on the screen is also intuitive and makes it really easy to do what you need to do.

And while having that extra viewing space and touch capability is nice, the best feature of the screen is its brightness...

At 1000 nits, this thing is incredibly bright, even on a sunny day. Now, if you're outside shooting on a cloudless day at high noon, a sunshade might be in order to see the Ninja V's screen, but in most situations, I've had zero problems seeing the screen when shooting outdoors during the day.

You Get Focus and Exposure Tools 

The large, bright screen is certainly helpful for getting the focus and exposure just right in your footage. But the Ninja V helps you perfect those qualities in other ways as well.

The unit comes with focus peaking capabilities, which is enormously helpful for ensuring your video's focus is spot-on.

On the exposure front, you get every tool imaginable - vectorscopes, RGB parade, and false color displays, among other helpful tools that will generate high-quality video.

Load Up Custom LUTs

Yet another nice feature of the Atomos Ninja V is that you can load up to eight LUTs.

Not only that, but you can either use the Ninja V to simply see what the finished look will be when the LUT is applied or you can bake the LUT in. You can even output the video from the Ninja V with the LUT applied.

If you have a specific style you like to shoot your videos in, this is a huge benefit that can save you a lot of time in post-production.

Of course, this is just one of many benefits of using a device like this for your video recording! As more and more photographers like me get more and more into shooting video (also like me!), gadgets like the Ninja V will become even more important.

While it isn't perfect - it's a little cumbersome and you have to add all kinds of accessories for it to work - the benefits you derive from it far outweigh its minor inconveniences and added output of money you might encounter. The difference in the quality of the videos I create while using the Atomos Ninja V is immediately noticeable - and it will be for you as well!

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Just a few years ago, we were writing about how drones were becoming the next big thing in photography.

Well, as 2020 approaches, I think we can all agree that drones are here - and here to stay.

As more and more photographers (and everyone else, for that matter...) take to the skies with a drone, safety becomes a bigger and bigger issue.

Not only do you have to fly your drone safely to avoid crashes, but you also have to be mindful of other people flying drones nearby who may or may not be as careful or as good a pilot as you are.

With this in mind, let's explore eight things you can do to avoid crashing your drone.

Editor's Note: Check out the first two articles in our drone series - Getting Started in Drone Photography and Selecting the Right Drone for Your Photo and Video Needs - to get even more insights about drones and drone photography.

DO Fly in Open Areas

A nice, open area to fly your drone is ideal.

Not only do you avoid obstacles, but you can also maintain line of sight with your drone as you fly.

Be sure that the open area you choose isn't restricted airspace, like near an airport, a military base or in a national park.

Needless to say, those areas are off-limits for a reason, and breaking the no-fly rule in those areas can have serious consequence.

DON'T Fly Over People or Homes

 

Avoid flying over people and buildings at all costs.

A drone falling from the sky, can cause serious injury and even death, whether it be from mechanical malfunction, weather-related issues or even sabotage (you've seen videos of people shooting down drones, right?). Drones can also cause major damage to buildings and vehicles; an experience that even seasoned pilots encounter.

Some drones, like the DJI Mavic 2 pro shown above, come with an obstacle-avoidance system that detects obstacles. You can fly forward and backward with less worry of crashing because the Mavic 2 Pro's APAS system will plan an appropriate flight to avoid any obstacles automatically. Though that's excellent peace of mind, it's still prudent to stay away from other people and their homes.

Unless you have express permission to fly over private property, avoid it altogether. If something goes wrong, it can go wrong quickly, and you could be responsible for damages. Ultimately it is best to be respectful of people's privacy - not everyone wants a drone flying over their home!

DO Defer to Other Aircraft

FAA regulations require that you keep your drone at an altitude of 400 feet or less when in uncontrolled Class G airspace.

If you go above that, you run the risk of encountering other air traffic.

When flying, maintain awareness of the airspace in your vicinity. If you see or hear other aircraft, defer to them and allow them to continue on their flight path. Unless you have permission to fly in controlled airspace (like near airports), don't even think about flying your drone!

Remember - you can much more easily see an airplane than the pilot of that aircraft can see your drone. It's your responsibility to make sure the airspace around you is safe.

DON'T Fly When the Battery is Low

Flying your drone when the battery is low is just asking for trouble.

Your drone needs battery power to stay aloft, and if you run out of juice, it could fall out of the sky, injure someone or cause property damage.

Fortunately, many drones - like the DJI Mavic 2 Pro - have intelligent batteries that trigger a "return to home" function.

This means that when the battery is at a point at which it might not have enough power to keep the drone flying much longer, it will automatically ascend to its return to home height and return if no action is taken.

If the battery is critically low, the drone will simply land itself - an action that cannot be canceled by the pilot.

Nevertheless, keep an eye out for your drone's low battery warning so you know when it's time to bring it home or to land immediately.

DO Avoid Poor Weather Conditions

Though some drones come with a self-heating system for flying in the cold, avoiding adverse weather conditions is a good rule of thumb. Inclement weather to avoid includes rain, snow, sleet, hail, lightning, and certainly strong winds.

Each of these weather events makes flying much more difficult, and negatively impacts the performance of the drone too.

Just like you have to take extra caution when driving your car in bad weather, the same caution should be exercised when deciding if it's okay to fly your drone.

DON'T Fly Under the Influence

Flying a drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a recipe for disaster. Under no circumstances should you attempt to fly when in an altered mental state.  

Your ability to maintain line of sight with your drone - let alone pilot effectively - will be significantly reduced if you fly while impaired.

Be smart: only fly when you are physically and mentally capable of doing so in a safe manner.

DO Ensure the Compass is Calibrated and the GPS Signal is Strong

Before you take flight, make sure its compass is properly calibrated.

While in flight, avoid strong magnetic fields that emanate from certain structures, like steel-reinforced buildings. 

Likewise, if you aren't picking up a strong GPS signal, don't take flight.

DJI recommends flying with a signal from at least 10 GPS satellites and at least four bars of GPS signal for optimum safety.

To see how to calibrate the compass on the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, check out the video above by Dylan Young.

DON'T Answer Your Phone While Flying

Talking or texting on the phone are illegal driving a car, and for good reason.

These activities distract you from the task at hand and increase the likelihood of an accident.

For the same reasons, you should never answer your phone while flying a drone.

Remember, flying a drone isn't just a fun activity - it's a huge responsibility that requires you to be alert, attentive, and respectful of others around you.

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As far as action cams go, it’s hard to beat the GoPro MAX for features, capabilities, and pure usefulness. It is also one of the most fun cameras to use for either photography or videography.

GoPro MAX OvervieW

What makes the GoPro MAX such an outstanding action camera? Take a new GoPro HERO 8 with all of its single lens features and functions and then add a full 360 imaging capability to it. 

There really isn’t anything else quite like an immersive 360 degree video to thrill your viewers with the action or area you’re filming. Anything you could imagine doing, or have already done, with single lens HERO style action cam, just think of the WOW factor of showing that as a 360 degree video or image.

GoPro MAX can record in high-quality video, single lens or 360, has excellent audio and can dive underwater with you (or your dog) to 33 feet. It stitches in-camera for panoramic video or stills. All the other regular action features from the GoPro 8 HERO apply as well. Quite an awesome action cam!

Table of Contents

• GoPro Max Camera Settings
• Use Voice Control
• Composition Ideas for Photographs
• Make Use of HERO Mode
• Take Advantage of 360 Mode
• Get the GoPro App for Your Smartphone
• Use Horizon Leveling
• 360-Degree Sound
• Edit In-Camera or with App

GoPro MAX Tips for Photos and Video

With all that this camera can do, you find yourself asking for ideas and tips for exactly how to accomplish all of those things. Let’s examine some ideas for how to use a GoPro MAX for photography and some video tips for GoPro MAX.

GoPro MAX Camera Settings

First off, you will need to set your new action cam to make the videos or images you are imagining in your head. Almost everything in the camera is accessed by means of a menu on a touch screen. The touch screen doubles as a view screen.

From the touch screen, you select whether you are in 360 or HERO mode, what type of lens you want, switching between still imaging or video, and deeper features. Which brings us right away to the second of our GoPro MAX tips.

Editor’s Tip: Need to use your GoPro for capturing B-roll? Pair the GoPro Hero MAX with the Octopus.Camera Octopad, and you’ll have the perfect setup! Its weighted anti-slip mat keeps it right where you want it, even if you’ve got it on a smooth or uneven surface. It has a built-in ¼-20 threaded male bolt for attaching your GoPro (or any number of other GOPRO ACCESSORIES, for that matter). When you need to be hands-free, Octopad is a great helper!

How to Use A GoPro Max Voice Control

^{photo by metamorworks via iStock} 

Lots of action cams have remote control capability, and the best GoPro MAX has voice control. From the touch screen menu, choose the voice control option. Now, your action cam can start and stop video recording with simple vocal commands. 

Some of the commands are start and stop video recording, take a still picture, highlighting a part of the recording for finding it easily later (tagging), switching between video, photo, burst, and time lapse mode, powering down the camera, and a few other functions. 

The camera can be set to recognize English, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and a few others. A funny thing to me was that there are separate language files for certain accents of languages, such as Australian or UK for English. So, Mad Max can easily control his GoPro MAX.

Composition Ideas for Photographs

^{photo by lzf via iStock} 

Many photographers and videographers learn the “rules” of composition early on. Action cams require a slightly different set of parameters.  

Most action cams use a fairly wide angle lens, the GoPro MAX adds 360 degree filming, so those old rules are good as a starting point, but you should take into consideration the unique aspects of action cams.

If you previsualize what results you want, you pretty much have a no-brainer for how to compose your photos and videos. One video tip for GoPro MAX use is to include a reference point for viewers to know what the point of view is. In other words, sometimes it’s okay to show part of the mounting bracket or whatever your camera is attached too. 

Learn More:

• Top 10 GoPro Accessories for Content Creators

Make Use of GoPro HERO Max Mode

^{photo byOnfokus via iStock}

The deciding factor for many purchasers of the GoPro MAX over the GoPro HERO is the 360 dual lens feature of the MAX. However, you don’t want to limit yourself to only 360. The HERO single lens style of action cam is a very versatile and extremely useful camera for both video and still imaging. 

Play with the different lens choices available in HERO mode. The lenses are Narrow, distortion-free Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView, which is an extremely wide-angle view. 

In HERO mode, you have the ability to shoot video or take still photographs.

Take Advantage of GoPro Max 360 Mode

^{photo by FluxFactory via iStock} 

One of the most amazing features of the GoPro MAX is the ability to shoot video and take pics in 360 degrees. There is also a panoramic mode that creates a special still image that covers 270 degrees of the view. 

Truth be told, there are a number of modes and features that use the two superwide lenses. Some of them are accessed with the GoPro smartphone app.

Once you start filming or taking pictures in the 360 degree mode, you will wonder how you so long without that option. It adds an extra dimension that many find fascinating. Take some time to properly orient your camera and frame your view before you start filming. In fact, try out some previsualization exercises without even taking out your camera.

 

Editor’s Tip: Whether you’re using your GoPro Hero MAX for photos or videos, sometimes you need a little extra light, and for that, the Litratorch 2.0 is an excellent option. It has 16 LEDs that give you several different lumen settings depending on what you need. It’s rugged, waterproof, and at 3.17 ounces and barely more than 1.5 inches square, it’s an accessory you can slip in your pocket and easily take anywhere!

Get the GoPro App for Your Smartphone

 ^{photo by semenovp via iStock}

So many things can be done with this app. The GoPro MAX tips above list several options available to you in regards to 360 imaging or single lens imaging. Using the smartphone app for GoPro, you can take a 360 degrees video and use the ReFrame tool in the app to adapt that footage into traditional photos and videos. 

What this does is it allows you to shoot in one mode and show it in three modes. Since you are immersed in your action footage, there is no reason to get sidetracked by taking still images to show also. Just use the app!

Use Horizon Leveling

^{photo by cihatatceken via iStock} 

One of the best video tips for GoPro MAX filming is to watch that horizon. The reason is because a slightly tilted view during extreme wide angle recording can be quite annoying to viewers when played back. 

Thankfully, GoPro MAX cameras have a tool to level the horizon for both still and video, in single lens or 360 mode. 

Anytime you shoot with extreme wide angle lenses, regardless of camera or format, being level adds to the quality of the results. By the same token, not being level degrades the perceived quality because it exaggerates the distortion that wide angle already has.

360-Degree Sound

^{Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash}

When using the GoPro MAX for 360 videos, you can also record sound in the full 360 degrees around you. The MAX has 6 microphones that capture a sphere of sound.  

Since you can record sound all around you, you will need to stay aware of all of the sound happening around you. You have the option of turning off 360-degree sound and using stereo sound or even directional audio. 

Using directional audio while recording visuals in 360 will allow you to diminish engine noise or other distracting noise. Staying aware of audio is one of the more important video tips for GoPro MAX since excess audio feed can make the video difficult to enjoy without major audio editing.

Edit In-Camera or with App

^{Photo by Jye B on Unsplash} 

A great feature of the GoPro MAX is the ability it gives you of editing your videos and images right in the camera or in the full featured smartphone app. After editing, use the smartphone app to upload your video or images directly to your social media feeds or other online applications. 

That’s right! You can post your vacation or your project right there from the field. No need to wait to get to a computer for advanced editing, you’re doing it on the go.

Editing is an essential skill for videographers. While some still images may seem to look just fine straight out of the camera, it’s been my experience that few videos do. Some editing is always needed for a smooth finished product.

How Much Can You Do?

^{photo by kyonntra via iStock} 

How much can you find to do with your new GoPro MAX 360 action cam? We have barely covered the tip of the iceberg with GoPro tips for videos and still imaging. Some of the capabilities of the GoPro MAX aren’t readily apparent when you first start using it. 

Take a little time before you go out with your GoPro MAX and familiarize yourself with the functions, features, and capabilities. The Instruction manual is your most valuable first tool in mastering action cam videography and photography.

Keep up with GoPro online, too. The nature of this fantastic camera allows for features to be updated without GoPro even touching your camera. An update to features can come at any time, all you have to do is download it and apply it to the camera when it comes. 

The GoPro MAX is not the perfect action cam, but it’s close. Enjoy  getting to know all you can accomplish with yours.

 

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^{Photo by Jimmy Fermin on Unsplash}

At some point in our photographic careers, we toyed with the idea of setting up for studio portraits. By careers, I’m not specifying making money, but how we approach photography. We have all gone from a person who takes pictures to a craftsperson creating art.  

That’s us, that’s you, we are Photographers, capital P. This is true regardless of experience level, in my opinion. Beginner photographers are definitely a photographer, having grown from merely liking to take pictures to wanting to improve.

So, we thought about setting up our own studio, maybe for portraits, possibly for small product advertising. Well, let’s move beyond the thinking stage and actually start something. We’ll focus for now on getting geared up for studio portraits.

Table of Contents:

• How to Take Studio Portraits: Setup and Gear
• Taking the Portraits: Camera Settings and Lighting
• Keep Taking Pics, But Make Them Better

How to Take Studio Portraits: Setup and Gear

^{Photo by curtis powell on Unsplash}

First we start looking at the basics of getting a portrait studio going with what we may already have or with gear we can pick up for lower cost. Here are some beginner studio portrait tips. 

Where To Set Up

 ^{photo bysdominick via iStock}

The first thing to consider is a spot for our portrait studio. 

Many have started in what we could call a home studio. Some ideas are a spare bedroom in our home or apartment, rearranging our living room or dining room to use a corner or wall, space in our garage, a porch, a backyard shed, a wall of our workplace office, or an unused room in that office.

Truly, you don’t need a huge space to set up a makeshift portrait studio - just room enough for the model, your gear, and you!

 

Recommended Portrait Reading:

• POSE!: 1,000 Poses for Photographers and Models
• Mastering Portrait Photography
• The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow

 

What Gear to Use

 ^{photo by AleksandarNakic via iStock} 

Many studio items can be found in the home or office already, other items are specific photographic and lighting gear that’s needed. 

Some of the more basic items I use in my home studio include barstools and chairs, tables and nightstands, potted plants, and other things that can either be a prop or part of making the subject comfortable while posing. 

Cameras and lenses are probably already covered by what we already have. An entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera with the kit lens can take a fantastic portrait image when used properly. More on that in a bit.

Other gear that is really helpful include tripods or other mounts, and lighting equipment. Some of the most useful lighting equipment are the wonderful LED compact lights that can be mounted on camera or on stands or mounts. 

A fantastic couple of items I’ve found extremely useful in a home or office studio are the Hakutatz portable LED light and the Octopad camera and accessory mount.

Using the Hakutatz LED light shown above, we can make use of various studio lighting techniques such as the Rembrandt lighting, low key portrait lighting, and other configurations.

What’s more, these lights offer a high-degree of customization, including an adjustable color temperature, brightness, and saturation.

Best of all, the light can be controlled via a smartphone app. In fact, you can operate multiple lights at the same time to create more complex lighting effects.

If using two or more lights for our studio lighting techniques, the Octopad mount comes in handy to place the light wherever we need it in our possibly tight home studio.

What’s nice about the Octopad is that it’s so small and portable. Whether you’re in your home, your backyard, or the local park, it’s easy to bring with you to support a light.

Depending on the camera you use, you can utilize the Octopad to stabilize it. Compact cameras, smartphones, and some mirrorless systems are ideal for use with this mount.

 

I also like that the Octopad has a non-slip surface on the bottom. I’ve put this thing on my dashboard and used it with my GoPro Hero 8 Black as a dashcam setup. 

Even when I took my Volvo off-road, the Octopad held firmly in place. Just imagine how stable it’ll be for your studio lights! 

Learn More:

• Basic Portrait Lighting Principles
• Essential Portrait Lighting Tips
• 2019 Best Lights For Photography

Taking the Portrait: Camera Settings and Lighting

 ^{photo by CoffeeAndMilk via iStock} 

To actually make the images, Here are some beginner studio portrait tips and beginner portrait techniques. 

Camera Settings

^{Photo by ShareGrid on Unsplash} 

One of the most important camera settings for portraits is to capture your images in RAW format instead of JPEG. The reasons for using RAW when you can is that RAW files contain a lot more exposure information than a partially compressed file such as a JPEG. 

This extra information allows for a whole lot of leeway in post processing the portraits for the best look possible. I like to use a program such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to take care of all the adjustments necessary for a showable or saleable portrait image. 

We talked earlier about using the kit lens on our entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for portraits. Yes, you can use a kit lens for portraits. You could even sell a portrait made with a kit lens and entry level camera.

 

A different lens such as prime - like this Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L shown above - or a fast zoom - like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L - may give you more options for changing exposure settings to make use of selective focus techniques or bokeh. But if you haven’t picked up your next lens yet, your kit lens is likely to be very sharp and relatively distortion free.

The trick will be making use of the capabilities you actually have. A kit lens zoomed to short telephoto and with the aperture as wide as possible will still give you good options for selective focus and their bokeh is often quite nice. And if you record in RAW, you can really maximize your post processing program features.

Studio Lighting Techniques

 ^{photo by alvarez via iStock} 

Outside of all other options you have in front of you, your use of studio lighting techniques will be where you show the difference from merely snapping a pic to creating a portrait as a photographer.  

Some lighting configurations can be made with one light, one light and a reflector, or two lights. Check the learn more links in this article for details on lighting setups. 

In addition to the lighting, you can improve the portraits you’re creating by encouraging good, relaxed posing. 

A big part of making the portrait subject comfortable enough to fall into natural looking poses is to have a good rapport with the subject. Especially when shooting in the smaller space of a home portrait studio do you need to be sure to have your portrait subject at ease with you and the photographic process. 

As a beginner, you make the subject comfortable by being in charge of the session. Not over controlling, but giving the subject confidence in you and your art. You can do this! For practice, work on taking portraits of a friend or a family member. 

Keep Taking Pics, But Make Them Better

We often speak about the difference between merely taking pictures and creating photographic images. Truth be told, there is nothing wrong with taking pictures, it’s fun! As photographers, we never really stop.  

What happens is that we want to improve and then we make the improvements. Your studio portraits show off your growing talent and  give your subjects images they can enjoy.  

In the video above, get a thorough tour of studio portraiture by Academy of Photography.

Learn More:

• How to Use Rembrandt Lighting For Portraits
• Short Vs Broad Lighting For Portraits
• How to Create a Low Key Portrait

 

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Adorama is one of the most popular camera stores around, and for good reason.

With excellent reviews for their customer service, great prices, and an outrageously large selection of camera gear, photographers can't get enough of Adorama.

To reflect their continued commitment to bettering themselves, Adorama just unveiled a new logo and a fresh update to their website.

As you can see above, the new logo is fresh, clean, and streamlined for an updated look.

^{Adorama's old homepage}

Adorama's new homepage

The biggest changes, though, are to Adorama's website.

In addition to a new, easier-to-use site taxonomy, there's a revamped homepage that makes it easier for customers to see the breadth of products offered by Adorama. Hint: they have lots of stuff.

The site also features better merchandising that results in an improved navigational experience as well as creator highlights on feature testimonials that allow working professionals to share their thoughts on some of the most popular products on the site.

All of this is in an effort to focus more on content, improve the website's catalog, and provide a better shopping experience for customers.

Adorama has a new mission statement and vision statement that expresses as much. Their mission statement reads, "We believe everyone is a creator. Our mission is to inspire, educate and equip to make dreams a reality." The company's new vision statement reads, "Be an integral part of every creator's success story."

With this new website, Adorama seems poised to fulfill these missions!

Learn More:

• Adorama Review

 

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^{Photo by Vasyl Dolmatov via iStock}

Adorama Review

If you’re in the market for new photography gear, chances are you’ll include Adorama on your short list of places to find what you need.

It makes sense, too. For more than three decades, Adorama has been one of the top go-to establishments for photographers to get their gear. It’s built a solid reputation for having an excellent inventory of photography equipment and other gear and has solid reviews from customers the world over.

Whether you visit Adorama’s store or shop online, you’ll have access to hundreds - if not thousands - of items for all manner of photography and videography pursuits.

In this Adorama review, I outline some of the essential features of this ever-popular store.

Adorama Camera Store

 ^{Photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock}

Though perhaps best known as a massive online retailer, Adorama operates a flagship store in New York City.

Located at 42 W 18th Street New York, the store is a full-service destination for shoppers looking for photography gear, video gear, and other electronics.

In fact, you can pick up a new DSLR or mirrorless camera, a couple of lenses, a saxophone, a home theater system, and a printer (and a lot more) at Adorama.

Adorama Store Hours

^{Photo by Cecilie_Arcurs via iStock}

If you visit the Adorama store, the hours are Sunday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Monday through Thursday, the store is open 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Fridays the store opens at 9:00 am and closes at 2:00 pm. Adorama is closed on Saturdays.

If it’s customer service you’re after, call 1-800-815-0702 Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 7:30 pm or on Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Customer service is closed on the weekends.

Learn More:

• Shutter Speed Explained for the Beginning Photographer
• Best Video Recording Glasses for 2019

Adorama Cameras, Lenses, & Other Gear 

Adorama has an inventory of thousands of cameras, lenses, and other photography accessories. Carrying major brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and others, you can find virtually any type of camera you want and lenses to go with it.

But as their slogan says, Adorama is “More than a camera store.”

You can buy musical instruments, surveillance equipment, computers, printers and ink, and drones.

They’ve got a large selection of action cameras, studio lighting equipment, professional audio gear, and scopes and other optics as well.

You can learn more about photography at an Adorama event, have your photos printed, rent gear, and buy used gear too.

Adorama Photo Coupon

You can increase your savings by keeping an eye out for an Adorama photo coupon (and coupons on other gear, for that matter.

Adorama makes it easy to get coupons with a dedicated page on their website with current coupons there for the taking.

If you give them your email address, you can get even greater access to coupons and other special deals.

Learn More:

• What is Candid Photography?
• Key Tips for Getting High-Quality Prints of Your Photos

Adorama Return Policy 

^{Photo by PeopleImages via iStock} 

Adorama offers a 30-day return policy during which you can return most items for a full money-back refund, excluding any shipping charges.

Of course, returned items must be brand new and in their original packaging with all accessories, booklets, packing inserts, and so forth accounted for as well.

If you purchase an item and you receive it in defective condition (or if it’s the wrong item entirely), you can fill out an online return request and Adorama will resolve the issue, and they’ll cover shipping provided you inform them of the problem before shipping it back.

Adorama also offers what’s called a VIP360 Membership which gets you, among other things, a 60-day return policy. 

Adorama Credit Card

If you’re dying to buy new gear but don’t have a pile of cash to pay for it, you can apply for the Adorama credit card and pay for your new stuff over time.

If you’re approved, you can take advantage of a host of special financing offers on all kinds of gear.

Additionally, there are often special offers like no interest for 18 months on specific items, no interest for 24 months on items priced between $750-$1,499, and no interest for 48 months on some items priced $1,500 or more.

Adorama Black Friday 

You can stay on top of Adorama’s Black Friday deals year-round by visiting their dedicated Black Friday page.

Adorama Reviews 

 

Adorama has generally good reviews, with 64% of reviews on Trustpilot giving the company an “Excellent” rating of five out of five stars and another 10% giving them a “Great” rating of four out of five stars.

Concerningly, there are many one-star reviews for Adorama on Trustpilot - 17% of their reviews, in fact.

Each one-star review has gotten a response from Adorama, though, which shows that they pay attention to customers that are not satisfied with their experience.

Adorama TV

AdoramaTV has something for any visual creator wanting to have more fun and a better experience with their camera.

From studio lighting, video, and compact cameras to Photoshop, audio gear, and photographer interviews, new product releases and gear reviews, Adorama TV provides something for any visual creator wanting the desire to explore their own creative directions with photography and video.

They seek to engage with the viewers through their passion and knowledge, helping them feel more confident when they’re taking photos or video.

With over 1,000,000 views a month, you can definitely tell they know what they are talking about, which helps build the trust, credibility, and rapport they have with their audience.

Learn More:

• Easy Astrophotography Tips for Beginners
• Sony a6500 vs a6600 Review

 

So is Adorama Legit and trustworthy?

Is it safe to buy from Adorama? Like any brick-and-mortar or online store, there will be a mixed bag of reviews.

Adorama has been in business for 35 years and counting, and have established themselves as one of the go-to stores for photographers the world over.

By and large, photographers trust Adorama, and all indications are that most photographers will continue to use Adorama for their gear needs for many more years to come.

Adorama Review: Photography Forum Talk

Want to learn more about Adorama? Join the conversation on our Forum! And read more reviews from our members here:

Adorama Coupon
Adorama Coupon Code
Adorama Financing
Adorama Financing Offer
Adorama Military Discount
Adorama Price Match
Adorama Price Protection
Adorama Restocking Fee
Adorama Shipping
Adorama Used Camera
Buying used lens from Adorama
What does Adorama mean

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 ^{YouTube Screenshot/AdoramaTV}

Earlier this week, we introduced you to Adorama’s new web series, My Travel Diary: Kenya, which features photographer and travel guide Erin Sullivan.

As we saw in the first part of this series, Erin traveled to Kenya to explore the country with her camera and bring a different side of the country and its people to the social media forefront.

In this episode, Erin takes us to meet the “Maker Moms” who work for Ubuntu and make money to support their families by crafting beautiful products.

As Erin explains in the video, photography is such a compelling medium for telling stories because we are by nature visual beings. 

“If I’m doing my job well here, then I am translating someone else’s story to the viewer in a way my subject finds true and feels to be true,” she notes in the video.

And that is precisely what photography is all about.

Kudos to Adorama for developing this show. If you want to be inspired to do good with your life (and your camera), give the video above a look!

Learn More:

• Adorama Review 
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Regaining Your Inspiration 

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 ^{YouTube Screenshot/Adorama TV}

Just a few weeks ago, Adorama launched a web series entitled My Travel Diary: Kenya, featuring travel guide Erin Sullivan. 

If you missed the first episode and second episode of the series, be sure to check them out as they shine a light on the purpose of the series - to demonstrate what it means to practice ethical travel photography.

In this third episode, Erin meets the kids of Maai Mahiu.

As Erin discusses in the video, photographing children is a challenge because if you don’t go about it the right way, kids can seem like just an accessory in the photo. Likewise, it’s too easy to paint kids with a broad brush, particularly if they come from marginalized or poor communities.

If you travel, rather than being a photographer first, be a human being first. Take an interest in the people you meet and the places you visit, and seek to use that knowledge and understanding to create photos with more impact that tell the story of the person in the photograph.

YouTube Screenshot/Adorama TV

This sentiment is critical, especially for westerners that might view places like Africa with some degree of pity. But as shown in the video, the people of Maai Mahiu want no one’s pity; they simply want what the rest of us want - a means to live, provide for our families, and be happy.

The work that Adorama, Erin, and the Ubuntu Life crew are doing is truly inspiring. Check the video out to see what I mean...it’s well worth five minutes to watch!

Learn More:

• Adorama Review 
• Must-Have Tips for Travel Photography in 2019 

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^{YouTube Screenshot/AdoramaTV}

One of the reasons why Adorama launched their web series My Travel Diary: Kenya, was to educate photographers about ethical photographic practices.

This is especially important when photographers interact with indigenous peoples, as sometimes these people can be treated more like a museum exhibit than a human being.

This topic was touched on in the first episode, episode two, and the third installment as well.

In this episode of Adorama’s show, Erin Sullivan and the staff from Ubuntu Life introduce us to the Maasai people of Kenya.

As Erin and the Ubuntu team discuss, it’s important not to oversimplify the story of the people you’re photographing.

Instead, strive to focus on ways that you can portray your subject such that their story is told in a modern way, not an archaic manner that is so prevalent when photographing indigenous people.

 ^{YouTube Screenshot/AdoramaTV}

Erin makes the point that she wants to “convey a rich, deep, complicated story of human life” in her photos.

That might sound like a lofty goal, but as you can see in the video, it’s definitely one worth pursuing.

Learn More:

• Adorama Review 
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Regaining Your Inspiration

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^{photo bynarvikk via iStock}

For a couple of weeks now, we’ve been featuring Adorama’s new web series, My Travel Diary: Kenya.

So far, we’ve been introduced to the purpose of the show, the “maker moms” who are learning skills to support their families, the kids of Maai Mahiu, and met members of the Maasai tribe.

Each episode offers a glimpse at what life is really like in Kenya, and what photographers can do to create images that tell that story accurately and compassionately.

 In the final installment of the series, shown above, the focus shifts from the people of Kenya to the incredible wildlife found there.

^{YouTube Screenshot/AdoramaTV}

As Erin Sullivan shares in the video, wildlife photography is all about showing the personality of the animals, their interactions with one another, and their relationship with their environment.

^{YouTube Screenshot/AdoramaTV}

One tip that Erin shares is to approach wildlife photography with more of a film mentality. That is, don’t fire off dozens of photos simply because you can. Instead, focus your attention on being patient and waiting for the very best shots to take.

Check out the full video above to see the beauty and magic of Kenya and its wildlife through Erin’s lens.

Learn More:

• Adorama Review 
• A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Improved Wildlife Photos 

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^{Photo by Tucker Tangeman on Unsplash} 

When you hop on Instagram and other social media sites, you don't often see photos - let alone photo stories and videos - about places like Kenya.

Yet, Adorama is seeking to change that.

The photography giant recently launched a YouTube series entitled My Travel Diary that serves as a "passport to countries and cultures we don't often see shared on social media."

As you can see in the video above, the first series features travel guide, Erin Sullivan.

In this first episode, Erin travels to Kenya to work with Ubuntu Life, a non-profit that seeks to harness the power of global commerce to create social impact for mothers and their children in Kenya.

As Erin discusses in the video, her purpose is to show her subjects as they are (she does not pose people she photographs) while also opening people's eyes to the struggles and successes of the Kenyan people.

It's a truly inspiring video that will make you want to grab your photography gear, head to Kenya, and change the world one shutter click at a time.

Check out the full video above and see the good work that's being done!

Learn More:

• Adorama Review
• These Products and Services are Innovating Photography as We Know It

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^{Photo by Roman Koval from Pexels}

I love digital photography and videography with a drone. Although I was already an advanced and experienced filmmaker and photographer, I had to go to my own personal drone pilot school before I felt expert enough as a drone operator and pilot.

Thankfully, the learning curve is not steep, and anyone who is already used to learning new technology for digital photography can step up from beginner level with just a little instruction and practice. 

So, if you upgraded from posting JPEGs to using Lightroom plugins, or upgraded from the built-in flash to an advanced speedlight, you can do this. Here are some useful drone flying tips to help you get past the beginner stages. 

Practice Flying

Arthur Dent (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) learned how to fly accidentally. We, however, will need to make a conscious effort to become a good drone pilot. The newest drones, such as the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, make this step easier than earlier generations of drones.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro has an amazingly high quality Hasselblad camera and advanced flying controls. To get the most benefit from those features and high quality, taking some time to practice is as important as becoming familiar with your other high quality photographic gear.

Many drone makers have helpful drone flying tips on their own websites. I still haven’t finished all that DJI has on theirs.

 

Recommended Drone Photography Reading:

• Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky
• Drone Photography Explored: Beautiful Drone Photography

 

Storyboard Your Drone Videos 

 

^{Storyboard template by Happy_vector}

An essential advanced video tip doubles as one of our advanced drone tips. Storyboards are used by videographers to plan out shots for an efficient workflow and to tell a good story. 

Here’s how it works. You come up with an outline of the video footage you want. It could be all drone footage or you could be using your drone to add B-Roll to another video. Using that outline, I like to actually draw out a series of shots. 

This helps get your ideas from your mind to the screen. You can simply fly and film by the seat of your pants, but planning will result in less wasted footage during editing.

Take It Slow

^{Photo by Ahe from Pexels} 

By taking it slow, I’m not simply speaking metaphorically. I mean this literally. Though advanced drones such as the DJI Mavic 2 Pro can fly at speeds approaching 50 MPH, there are very few times during filming that we will need to use that capability. 

An advanced drone tip I learned is to quickly fly to where you will begin shooting, but then slow down for the taping itself. While the motion effect filming can be used judiciously, indiscriminate motion shots can detract from the video.

Unless you’re aiming for a specific, that is. It’s just like videography with your mirrorless or DSLR. If you zoom in and out quickly, or pan rapidly across the field of view, that looks jarring and is often uncomfortable to view.

Use Flight Modes

^{photo by urbazon via iStock} 

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and other DJI drones have a set of features labeled Intelligent Flight Modes. Similar functions are also found in the various drone brands in the field. Learning these flight modes will allow you to concentrate on the camera work, while letting the drone fly itself.

Once I figured out this advanced drone flying tip, it helped smooth my filming a great deal. Picture it as having an assistant as a dolly mover or a focus puller on a ground based cinemagraphic set.

Some of the flight modes will automatically do for you what you already put on your storyboard. DJI Mavic 2 Pro has some great modes that will enhance your videos.

^{photo by SimonSkafar via iStock} 

Dronie mode is a basic mode that slowly flies the drone upward and backing away from the subject. You can reverse it in flight or editing to also be an approach shot.

Circle and Helix modes circle or spiral around your subject, keeping the subject centered in the field of view. By the way, one of my own advanced drone tips is that you can be relatively close to ground level for these drone flying tips, it doesn't always have to be an obviously overhead view.

Boomerang mode is super useful. In this mode, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro flies around your subject in an oval pattern, slowly rising and backing away, then it smoothly reverses to descend and approach the subject. See Boomerang mode and other intelligent flight modes in action in the video below by Drone Supremacy: 

Perhaps the Intelligent Mode I appreciate the most is the Dolly Zoom mode. In videography and cinematography, dolly zoom is used to change the apparent perspective while keeping the subject the same size in the field of view.

The dolly zoom effect changes the background appearance significantly, though the subject remains the same. You zoom in or out while changing camera position from closer to further away or vice versa. 

A difficult trick when filming on the ground, I’m extremely grateful for having this intelligent mode available to me in the air. Again, don’t get stuck in the thought that all drone shots need to be from way overhead. Set this up near ground level for amazing footage to add to your video project.

Use That Gimbal

 

The 3-Axis gimbal is another extremely useful tool for drone videography. Practice ahead of time to move beyond the intelligent modes. Adjusting the camera position while flying adds interest to your shots while allowing you to increase your average shot time and scene time.

Using your storyboard as a guide, you will decide that some shots are going to look great from directly overhead. It’s a drone, it flies, might as well use that feature to good affect when it fits your creative vision.

Use Photographic and Cinematographic Techniques

 photo by kurmyshov via iStock 

In the beginning stages, we were thrilled to have our drone because it let us fly. That thrill never really goes away, but we do learn to view our drones as a real camera after a while. Drones are one of the most useful cameras for videography yet invented.

All of the advanced techniques and methods you learned for creating outstanding still images and video footage also apply to your drone use. Use your drone as a real camera, you will be amazed by what you can accomplish.

 

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^{Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels}

The best results often come about due to good planning. Same is true in photography, videography, and advanced drone photography. Strategy and planning are essential steps for how to plan a drone photo shoot. 

For our examination of landscape photography with a drone, we’ll consider overall strategy and how to plan to reach the goal of your strategy.

Table of Contents

• Choose a Strategy First
• Planning Details - The Beginning Stage
• Plan Your Flight Around the Shots
• Storyboard Your Shots
• Check and Monitor Conditions
• Pre-Flight Check
• Fly Through / Shoot Though
• Shoot Extra and Edit
• Make It Fun

Choose Strategy First

^{Photo by Retha Ferguson from Pexels}

Every stage of planning will depend on deciding on a basic strategy. Early on in our planning stage, we will choose if we are shooting video, still images, or a combination of both. If we are shooting video only, that will cause us to choose smoother flight modes. If we are shooting still images, we can fly quickly to get into position then stabilize for the shots. 

We can also decide ahead of time if we are shooting A-Roll or B-Roll for video, or what type of landscape still image we are wishing to capture. Do we want a high level scenic view? A point of view closer to ground level and the subject? Or something in between?

Once the basic overall strategy is determined, then we can start working on how to plan a drone photo shoot. The planning is where the details are.

Planning Details - The Beginning Stage

A good place to start with drone photography planning tips is to remind yourself of the capabilities and limitations of your drone photography gear. Thankfully, the newest drones have a lot of capabilities that we can incorporate into our overall strategy.

As a good example of this, if we look at the DJI Mavic line of drones, it’s more a matter of certain models adding extra features and capabilities than anything else.

 

The DJI Mavic Miniis a modest budget option drone that is also below the weight limit for certain restrictions and regulations concerning drone photography and flying. Yet, within its extremely light weight, it boasts features and capabilities that can capture high resolution still images and high quality video. 

It also has advanced flight modes for specialty images and video, plus a 30 minute battery range. Controlled from your own iPhone, this is a powerful choice either as your first drone or as a nice lower cost upgrade from an earlier generation drone.

 

Their mid-range option, the DJI Mavic Air 2, upgrades your capabilities with a larger sensor camera for even more resolution and higher quality video recording. It adds a faster top flight speed and slightly longer battery life, as well as even more sophisticated flight modes to give you more shooting or filming options.

For professionals or anyone else requiring the highest quality imaging and video, it’s hard to beat the DJI Mavic 2 Prowith the best in class 20MP Hasselblad L1D-20c gimbal camera, improved flight performance, and live video remote feed from over 5 miles away. Just think of all you could do with that.

 

 

Plan Your Flight Around the Shots 

^{Photo by Max Ravier from Pexels} 

When shooting landscape photography with a drone, the primary goal is to come back with great images or video footage. 

Some variables will need to be factored in. You can take these advanced drone photography tips in any order you desire, find a method or routine that works for you.

Storyboard Your Shots

 ^{photo by Erdark via iStock} 

Whether still imaging or shooting video, an important step is the storyboard. You could label it as a flight plan or a mapping out of your drone photography trek. It’s very close to our standard photo and video methodology of visualizing the results ahead of time and then finding a way to get to that desired end. 

In landscape photography with a drone, sometimes the mapping out is quite literal. You need to know where you’re going, what flight issues change and where that might happen, and what will show from your position at certain times of the day.

Check and Monitor Weather Conditions

 ^{photo by Ralph W. lambrecht via Pexels}

Weather forecasts are a good resource. Another option is to monitor in real time with a smartphone app. If you’re going to rely on a phone app, you should check coverage in the shooting area. 

Some beautiful areas for drone photography are out of range of some networks. Besides the drone flight conditions, this is also a safety tip, especially if inclement weather may be  a possibility.

 

 

Pre-Flight Check 

^{Photo by Kyle Loftus from Pexels} 

You should have all of your gear clean, charged up, with imaging cards ready before you get to the location for your landscape drone photography. Before powering up to start flying and shooting, check it all again. 

Few things are more disappointing than coming back with bad images or nothing at all. A pre-flight check as part of your regular routine will help minimise the danger of that happening.

A pre-flight checklist is also part of the regulations for certain categories of drones, which you already know because of passing the certification for those drones.

Fly Through / Shoot Through

^{Photo by Nick Kwan from Pexels} 

Especially if your landscape drone photography includes video footage, you will benefit from this tip. Begin filming before your storyboard start point and keep filming after your scene. This gives you some extra video to work with in editing. 

It can make the transitions go smoothly and you don’t accidentally miss anything you planned on capturing. “Lights, Camera, Action” is in that order for good reason. Set exposure and flight mode, start recording, and then fly your drone through the shoot.

Shoot Extra and Edit

 ^{photo byHuseyin Bostanci via iStock}

Another of the advanced drone photography tips that doubles as a drone video tip is to shoot more and edit it down. This is not a Spray and Pray style of shooting, where you just keep filming and hope you get to capture something good. 

Each of your drone photography shots or video scenes can have the potential of being the game winner. Giving ourselves more to work with allows for a possibly more discerning editing session.

Having good editing habits will increase our capabilities and consistency a lot more than most equipment upgrades will give us. We have a lot of options for tutorials and training, plus experience will teach us as well. 

Make It Fun

 ^{photo by DisobeyArt via iStock} 

Even pro baseball players tell me they have fun doing their job. Drone photography is very enjoyable. Just look at all the articles we write about it. 

Learn what you need, then get out and shoot. Develop a strategy, plan it out, and enjoy the ride.

 

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^{Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash}

The old standard landscape photography tips - use leading lines, have a solid tripod, get the horizon straight, use filters - are great tips and wonderful to learn landscape photography, but they’re pretty basic.

What about advanced landscape photography tips you can use to enhance your images?

In this article, I’ve got three such tips that go beyond the basics and help you get your photos dialed in. 

Advanced Landscape Photography Tip #1: Use Focus Stacking

^{photo by RichLegg via iStock} 

Though you often hear about how important good light is for landscape photography, getting tack-sharp photos is right up there for capturing high-quality images.

Originally a macro photography technique, focus stacking involves taking multiple images - each focused at a different distance - and then blending those images together in post-processing.

What this does is enable you to get a crisp, sharp image from the nearest object in the foreground to the furthest object in the background. See what I mean in the video below by Thomas Heaton.

To incorporate this advanced landscape photography tip, you must have your camera on a tripod and use a remote shutter release. The slightest movement of the camera from frame to the next can be detrimental to the sharpness of the photos.

Likewise, each camera setting should be the same from one frame to the next. The only thing that should vary is the distance at which the lens is focused. Begin the process by focusing on the nearest object in the frame, and then adjust the focus deeper in the scene, step by step taking an image, until your lens reaches infinity.

 

As you may or may not know from reading some of my other posts, I’ve been using the Nikon Z7 as my primary camera the last couple of months.

In my Nikon Z7 review, I discuss many of its incredible attributes, but something I wanted to mention that’s pertinent to this discussion is that it has a feature called Focus Shift.

Focus Shift is essentially focus stacking built into the camera. The Z7 will take multiple photos, each focused at a different distance, which you can then blend together in post-processing.

This feature makes it easier to get the shots you need, though it doesn’t output the final image itself - you’ll still need to do that yourself.

The Z7 lets you choose everything from the maximum number of shots to the focus depth width to the interval between shots, and much more. If you’ve used a Nikon D850, this feature will look familiar as it’s exactly the same in the Z7. Learn all about it in the video above by Mark Smith.

Learn More:

• Nikon Z7 vs Canon EOS R 
• Nikon Z7 Landscape Photography Workhorse 

Advanced Landscape Photography Tip #2: Look for the Shot 

^{photo by cassiohabib via iStock} 

I’m sure this tip seems like a “duh” moment, but hear me out…

How often do we get out of our cars, stand by the side of the road, take a few photos of something pretty, and then move on?

I do it far too often, and the result of that laziness is photos that often look lazy.

^{photo by MariuszBlach via iStock} 

Don’t get me wrong - there are lots of roadside spots that give you a view of a spectacular landscape. But often, if you go even just a few yards one way or the other, venture off-road a little bit, or find a higher or lower point of view, you’ll end up with a better shot.

So, that being the case, don’t just settle for the typical shot that everyone else takes. Inquire about hiking trails you can take to find a different perspective. If you have a drone, get a shot from above (if it’s legal, of course!). Try using a different lens than you normally do. At the very least, see how dropping your camera below the typical eye level changes the scene.

^{photo by DieterMeyrl via iStock}  

The point is that the best photos are often those that are planned in advance with a lot of effort to find new and unique perspectives on the subject. If you do the same, you’ll end up with much better photos.

Learn More:

• Landscape Photography Myths Debunked 
• Travel Photography With the Nikon Z7 

Advanced Landscape Photography Tip #3: Have a Vision for Your Photos

 ^{photo by Umkehrer via iStock}

A final tip I want to offer for improving your landscape photography is to have a vision for what you want your photos to say.

This is part of the planning process. When you decide where you want to go take photos, think about what you need to do to make your photos say what you want them to say.

If you’re after a bright, cheerful vibe, going out shooting at blue hour isn’t going to fulfill that vision.

Likewise, if the vision for your photos is to convey a sense of solitude, going to Yosemite in the middle of the summer probably isn’t the best choice.

 ^{photo by Scott Cressman via iStock}

Fulfilling the vision for your photos requires thinking not just about the location and the timing of your shoot, but also about your gear.

A 24mm lens has a much different look than a 200mm lens, so you must consider how your gear conveys the scene and how that does or does not jive with your vision.

 ^{photo by Alan_Lagadu via iStock}

How you frame the shot also influences how it fulfills your vision. If you’re going for a feeling of wide-open grandeur, avoid having elements immediately in the foreground. If you want to showcase the vastness of space, find a high perspective from which you can shoot down toward the primary subject.

The common theme here is that quick snapshots of landscapes are fine, but they often fall short of being spectacular.

You need to plan, try different techniques, and have a vision beforehand in order to create great  landscape photography and for taking landscape photography to the next level.

Learn More:

• Best Entry-Level DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras of 2019 
• 11 Things You Need to Know When Considering the Nikon Z7 

 

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^{Photo by Dose Media on Unsplash}

You’ve unpacked your new drone and now you’re chomping at the bit to get it up in the air, to get your drone flying. Assemble the blades, charge the battery, install the app, you’re ready to go… But wait! There’s more! 

For first-time users to learn how to fly a drone, attending a drone flying school may be a good idea. You can get the education you need either by video courses or by taking in as many drone photography tips from experienced users as you can find that are relevant to you and your drone. 

First Step - RTM!

 ^{photo by knape via iStock}

Things are different than when many of us first started in photography or videography. One of the biggest advances I’ve seen in recent times is the advent of flying drones used by everyday people for photography and videography.  

If you want to use basic cameras in automatic modes, you may be able to simply turn it on and start taking pics. With a more complicated tool, or one with advanced features, it isn’t necessarily that simple. 

RTM is a term used online to give a very good piece of advice to new drone users before you try to get that drone flying. It means Read The Manual. Even though we could simply turn it on and learn by trial and error, gathering basic knowledge ahead of your first use will result in immediate benefits.

 

Recommended Drone Photography Books:

• Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky
• Drone Photography Explored: Beautiful Drone Photography

 

Satisfy the Legal Requirements 

 ^{photo by sefa ozel via iStock} 

It doesn’t matter if you are just practicing, there are laws and regulations controlling drone flying in the United States and in many countries worldwide. It’s easy to find the requirements and satisfy them, many things can be done online.  

Do not neglect this step, it is for your protection as well as others. Drone flying is regulated differently depending on the drone’s weight and also according to their intended usage.

Check the learn more links below for more details about the legalities of flying a drone in the U.S. 

Do a Dry Run

You may not even need to turn on the drone in order to get some practice flying and using your drone. Many drone manufacturers have smartphone and tablet apps that work like a flight simulator.  

For instance, DJI drone operation can be learned by using their DJI GO app in flight simulator mode. This lets you get very familiar with the features and operations of your new drone.

Why is this an important step? It’s important because you really need to practice with the capabilities and features of your particular drone. This is true for your drone regardless of whether you’ve used another drone before because of the differences among drones and the drone flying characteristics.

As an example, if you were used to flying a small, relatively simple drone such as the DJI Mavic Mini (shown above), and have upgraded to a more capable imaging machine like the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom (shown below), you have more features and different capabilities to learn.

For instance, the DJI Mavic Mini is an ultra light drone, under the 250 gram threshold. It has a top speed of about 30 mph and a very capable camera with a 12MP still camera and 2.7K video recording. So, it’s very full featured and capable of capturing fantastic stills and video. 

If you are now stepping up to the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, you now have a larger format camera with a zoom lens, which is another control to take care of, by the way. The Mavic 2 Zoom is over 250 grams which requires different registration than the Mini for non-commercial use. It also has a top speed of 45 mph, quite a bit faster than the Mini’s 30 mph. 

So, familiarity with the camera and flying controls is a vital early step in getting your new drone into the air.

Follow a Pre-Flight Drone Checklist

 ^{photo by golubovy via iStock} 

Okay, you’ve finished all your registration and you are familiar with the features and capabilities of your new drone, now let’s go outside and fly! 

As a drone operator, you are more than merely a photographer, you are also a pilot. All pilots do a pre-flight check, and so should you. What is included in a drone flying pre-flight checklist?

Charge up your batteries. Flight times are advertised as being long, and compared to early drones they are long. Still, 30 minutes will go by before you know it when having fun while drone flying.

 ^{photo by martin-dm via iStock} 

Check the weather. Every place in the entire USA that I’ve ever been has a quaint ‘local’ saying: “If you don’t like the weather, with 15 minutes!” In other words, weather changs, sometimes rather quickly. Just because it is sunny and calm now, that’s no guarantee it that wind may pick up and thunderstorms form. I use a weather alert app on my smartphone. Each locality has TV stations with free alerts, national services exist, too. 

Set your altitude and range limits, as well as your return to home settings. We sure don’t want to lose our drone on our first day of drone flying school.

Double check your propellers are mounted properly and make sure you have a strong GPS signal. 

First Flight Safe Practices

 ^{Photo by YURI MANEI from Pexels}

Now that you are ready to fly, let’s get the drone flying. As you lift up the drone above you, pause for a little while and hover. This lets you check the drone’s stability.  

As you’re hovering, go through some camera and lens functions.

Snap a couple of pictures and shoot a few seconds of video. Make some adjustments to the drone’s orientation. Fly around a bit right around your home base, get used to how quickly the drone reacts to your flight controller. 

Get a few tips on flight modes for DJI drones in the video above by Adorama.

Now It’s Time To Fly

^{Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels} 

“I believe it’s time for me to fly!” from REO Speedwagon is the theme song for drone flying. Well, actually it isn’t, but it should be.  

Taking a little time to familiarize yourself with your drone by reading the manual, playing with flight simulator, doing a pre-flight check, and hovering when first taking off will pay off in a safe, productive, and fun drone flying session.

 

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It's been about two months since I picked up the Sony ZV-1 from Adorama.

Admittedly, when I first got the camera, I really didn't expect much. After all, I have a Canon EOS R5 and an EOS R6, both of which are much more fully-featured (and more expensive) than the ZV-1.

If I'm honest, I figured I'd test it out and get rid of it, but I've been so impressed by this little camera that it's going to remain a permanent fixture in my kit for the foreseeable future.

As I explain in the video above, there is a lot to love about this camera.

Is it perfect? No. But for the price, you get an awful lot of features, benefits, and utility.

So, check out the video above to see the 60-day review of the Sony ZV-1. For convenience's sake, I've outlined some of the highlights about this camera below.

Table of Contents

• Sony ZV-1 Basic Specs
• Best Budget Camera of 2022: The Sony ZV-1 is Loaded With Features
• Pros of the Sony ZV-1
• Best Budget Camera of 2022: There are a Few Cons...
• Is This the Best Budget Camera of 2022 for You?

Sony ZV-1 Basic Specs 

As I just mentioned, even though this is a budget camera, it comes loaded with some really great features:

• 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
• Bionz X image processor
• 4K video at 30p or 1080 at 120p
• Built-in ZEISS lens with a focal range of 9.4mm to 25.7mm (which is equivalent to 24-70mm)
• Optical lens stabilization
• ISO range of 100-51,200 (expandable up to 1,640,000
• 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD with 921,600 dots of resolution
• 260 still images per charge (or around 75 minutes of video)
• Just 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.8 inches (and the body weighs only 9.5 ounces)

So, that's not a bad list of basic specs, right? I've been really impressed by the quality of the 1-inch sensor and the speed that the Bionz X processor provides.

The built-in lens has been impressive as well (it is a ZEISS, after all...). The focal range is nice and wide and allows me to change up the framing of my still images and videos quickly and easily. 

The flip-out touchscreen LCD is a nice feature, too. I've found it to be nicely sized, bright, and the menu system is easy to navigate. These basic specs add to making Sony ZV-1, the best budget camera of 2022.

But there are other features that I've really enjoyed about this camera as well...

Best Budget Camera of 2022: The Sony ZV-1 is Loaded With Features

It's worth mentioning that in addition to 4K video, this little camera has the ability to shoot in Log and HLG. There are high-speed modes that record at up to 960fps.

I've found that the ZV-1 has a great autofocus system that's both fast and accurate. The accuracy comes from it being a hybrid system with both phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocus points. Eye AF for animals and humans is also included.

The lens has built-in ND filters, which are handy for both still imaging and video recording. The ND filters can be used in either auto mode or three different levels that are determined by the user.

Another handy feature is the connectivity that this camera offers: a microphone jack, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, in addition to a Micro HDMI port, a USB terminal, a high-speed USB port, and a multi-interface shoe. There's a built-in directional 3-capsule microphone with a windscreen included as well.

All this is in a tiny package that is small enough to fit in a purse, fanny bag, or around your neck with a neck strap. And at 9.5 ounces, it won't weigh you down, either!

Learn More:

• Videography Tips for Photographers
• Video Tripod Buyer's Guide

Pros of the Sony ZV-1

In addition to the features I've already mentioned, I want to mention that I'm really impressed with the battery life.

Now, as I discuss in my video, I'm using a third-party battery in this camera, and I was able to get almost 54 minutes of 4K 60 video out of a single charge. That's not bad!

Another feature I really like that makes this the best budget camera of 2022 is that it has a fantastic color profile.

Having a good stock color profile helps save me time in terms of editing video footage - the less time I have to fiddle with that, the more time I have to get my other work done!

As I mentioned earlier, this camera has a touchscreen LCD that flips out to the side. I really like this feature.

On some of my old Sony cameras, the screen either flipped up or down, which is pointless if you have a microphone or other accessory on top of the camera or the camera is mounted to a tripod or other mount - you can't see the screen!

But in this case, the screen isn't obstructed, so you get a clear view of yourself as you film. Nice!

Best Budget Camera of 2022: There are a Few Cons...

As I said earlier, this camera is awesome, but there are a few things that I don't especially like.

For starters, the factory 5-minute timer is a pain in the butt. Fortunately, this is an easy fix to make, so consult my video above to learn about that process.

Secondly, I like to be able to check my audio when I'm filming, but this camera lacks a headphone jack. Granted, there are tons of other ports and jacks, so kudos to Sony for cramming all the other stuff in there. But, a headphone jack would have been awesome.

Lastly, the built-in 24-70mm equivalent lens just isn't wide enough for what I need this camera to do. So, I've added the Ulanzi WL-1 lens adapter, which converts the 24-70mm lens to the equivalent of an 18mm lens, which is ideal for shooting handheld video in selfie mode.

So, while there are several things I don't especially like about the Sony ZV-1, two of them are easily fixed. In my book, that's a win!

Is this the Best Budget Camera of 2022 for You?

If you're looking for a feature-rich and capable camera on a budget, the Sony ZV-1 is a great pick.

Just bear in mind that it fulfills many of my specific needs - your needs might be a little different.

But, if after reading this quick review and watching my videos about the ZV-1 you've decided it's a great fit for your needs, then by all means, snag one today!

At the time of this writing, the Sony ZV-1 is $748.00. Again, for all the features you get with this camera, that's a great price!

Learn More:

• The Best Video Camera Bags
• Videography Tips for Beginners

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^{photo by sergeyryzhov via iStock}

"Camera store near me"...

Raise your hand if you have Googled this exact phrase. While looking for the closest camera store near you, you might notice that many smaller camera stores have closed during the last 10 years.

Heck, even a few larger stores who have been around for a very long time have packed their bags and turned off the lights!

So, what camera stores are still here, and which ones are the best?

This list is meant to shine a light on a number of camera stores that are standing tall and adapting to changing markets. The next time you feel the urge to search for the camera store nearest you, we hope this list will be of help.

Table of Contents

• Adorama
• B&H Photo Video
• Paul's Photo
• Roberts Camera
• KEH Camera
• MPB
• Unique Photo
• Samy's Camera
• Amazon
• Abe's of Maine
• Best Buy
• Hunt's Photo
• National Camera Exchange
• Mike's Camera
• Precision Camera & Video

“Camera Store Near Me”: Things to Consider 

 ^{photo by Vasyl Dolmatov via iStock}

When you Google “camera store near me,” you shouldn’t necessarily go to the one that’s at the top of the list.

Instead, there’s a few things you should consider when comparing the results when you make this all-important search:

• Return policy. Scope out the returns information on each store’s website before you buy. You’ll be surprised how much variation there is.
• Consider the location. I live in California, so Samy’s, which is based here, can probably get gear to me faster than MPB, which is based in New York City. If you find similarly priced items at multiple stores, the speed with which you get your order could be the determining factor for which “camera store near me” is your best bet.
• Beware of taxes. If I buy from a retailer in California, I have to pay sales tax. That can add up to a pretty penny if you’re buying something like a Nikon Z7. In some cases, you can avoid paying sales tax, depending on where the store is based.
• Study up on selection. While most of the camera stores on this list have substantial inventories, some have better than others. What’s more, if you’re looking for something specific, the best camera store near you might be the only one that has what you need!
• You get what you pay for. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many camera stores sell gray market gear - cameras, lenses, and the like that are for another market. So, that super cheap full frame camera you find at your favorite camera store might have a French owners manual and battery charger with a European plug. Worse still, gray market gear does not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The retailers below are good about identifying gray market goods, so just keep your eyes peeled.

There's also a number of things to consider about the camera itself.

In the video above, I go over some of the most common mistakes people make when buying a camera.

Without further ado, here’s our picks for the best camera stores, in no particular order.

Learn More:

• Camera Basics and Photography for Beginners
• The Exposure Triangle Explained in Plain English

Adorama

Adorama is one of the most popular camera stores both in New York City (where their brick-and-mortar store is located) but also online.

That’s due in part to their enormous selection of camera gear, TVs, computers, and all sorts of other electronics.

For nearly 40 years, Adorama has been serving the photography community and doing so with excellent customer service. It’s no wonder that Adorama gets such rave reviews from their customers and from publications like Consumer Reports.

^{photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock}

If you aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger and buy brand-new gear, Adorama also has used gear for sale (you can sell or trade in your old gear, too). There’s also a rental program so you can test drive a particular camera or lens before you buy.

Adorama often has coupons that make your purchase a little easier on the wallet, a 30-day money-back guarantee on most items, and they even have their own credit card that gets you perks like no interest on large purchases.

Our Adorama review gives you a deeper picture of whether it should be the best “camera store near me.”

Recommended Photography Books:

• Picture Perfect Lighting: An Innovative Lighting System for Photographing People
• The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow
• The Landscape Photography Book: The Step-by-Step Techniques You Need to Capture Breathtaking Landscape Photos Like the Pros
• The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography

B&H Photo Video 

Another top choice for the best camera store is B&H Photo Video.

Opened way back in 1973 by Blime and Herman (thus, the B&H), the store had humble beginnings in Tribeca, New York. Today, though, it’s one of the top camera stores in the country and has its massive home base in Midtown Manhattan.

Like Adorama, B&H has a huge selection of camera gear as well as all kinds of other electronics. Whether you need a camera body, a video camera, a computer or computer software, or something in between, chances are B&H will have it in stock.

For those of us in the United States, B&H has free 7-10 day shipping on the bulk of their inventory. If you place an order over $49, you can get free expedited shipping that cuts delivery time to 3-7 days.

Learn More:

• Camera Basics and Photography for Beginners
• Nikon D850 Review

photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock

 If you desire, you can become a B&H rewards member and earn points on purchases. Those points can be redeemed later for discounts, though points expire after six months.

Purchases that don’t work out can be returned within 30 days, provided the item is still in brand-new condition in its new, unaltered box.

B&H prides itself on education, and has an Explora section where you can read free articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts on all things photography. If you’re in the New York area, you can also go to the store and participate in photography presentations, often free of charge.

Paul’s Photo

If you’re on the west coast like me, and in particular, in the Los Angeles area, Paul’s Photo is a top choice for the best “camera store near me.”

Unlike some of the other options on this list, Paul’s Photo is a small, family-run business. That means that they actually get to know you as a customer rather than you just being another dude in line.

But don’t think that because they’re a small outfit that they can’t deliver the photography goods you need. You can shop online or at their store, where they have a great selection of the latest gear and gizmos you might need for creating photos and videos.

Something else worth mentioning is that Paul’s Photos is basically a one-stop shop for photographers.

 photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock

You can buy or rent gear, have your photos printed, take a photography class, or sign up for a photography adventure to places like Vietnam, Tuscany, and Africa. 

I also really appreciate how much Paul’s Photo focuses on education. They aren’t just there to sell you stuff; instead, they genuinely want to help you better understand your gear and how to use it to take great photos.

I recently wrote an in-depth Paul’s Photo review. Check it out to learn more about one of the best camera stores in L.A.!

Roberts Camera

 

Like Paul’s Photo, Roberts Camera is a small, family-owned business that started out as a little mom and pop shop that sold everything from fishing gear to jewelry. In the late 1960s, owners Robert and Rose Pallman decided to start selling cameras as well.

Based in Indiana, Roberts Camera has since grown into an excellent source of photography gear both for locals and those of us far and wide that need to buy gear online.

From cameras and lenses to video equipment to TVs and other electronics, Roberts Camera has just about anything you could want or need for your photo and video adventures.

If you just need a particular lens or camera body for a few days, you can rent one, or if you’re a new photographer and you want to learn some new skills, you can head over to Roberts Camera and participate in their educational events.

And since it’s a smaller operation, you get that down-home, friendly customer service you’d expect. In fact, they consistently have some of the best-reviewed customer service in the industry!

Learn More:

• KEH Camera Review: What You Need to Know
• Types of Photography: 19 Popular Photography Genres You Can Try

KEH Camera

It’s been about four decades since KEH opened their doors, and in that time they’ve become the largest pre-owned camera store in the world.

In some cases, you can find deals up to 40 percent off the retail price when you buy used cameras, lenses, and other gear. That obviously represents a significant savings over buying brand-new stuff.

What’s nice about KEH is the process by which they rate their inventory. It’s not a matter of a simple visual inspection - instead, they have an industry-leading 10-point rating system that ensures each item they list for sale is accurately described.

 photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock 

Items are graded on a wide scale, from new at the top to “as-is” at the bottom. In between, there are highly specified grades such as “like new” and “like new minus” so you get a pinpoint idea of just how good of shape the item is in.

There’s a 180-day warranty on the used items you purchase, and a 14-day return policy for peace of mind as well.

Of course, if you have gear you aren’t using anymore, KEH will buy it from you. You can go online and get an instant quote to see what it’s worth and start the process of unloading some of your old, unused gear.

MPB

Another worthwhile option for the best “camera store near me,” particularly for used gear, is MPB.

What started as one of the largest used retailers in Europe, MPB expanded over here to the U.S. several years ago with operations based in the New York City area.

Since then, their inventory has grown by leaps and bounds, and you can find just about any type of camera, lens or other photography accessory you might need in their collection of used gear.

Like KEH, MPB grades the used gear they buy based on several factors, including its level of functionality, cosmetic appearance, and its physical condition. Furthermore, items are valued based on their current market value and the level of demand for the item.

 ^{photo by ArisSu via iStock}

If you decide to sell or trade your old gear to MPB, they’ll even pick up the tab for shipping!

If you’re a buyer, you can rely on the grading system MPB has developed to determine the exact condition of the item before you buy. Their product specialists painstakingly inspect every single item in their inventory, that way you’re assured that the condition of the item you look at online is the condition of the item that arrives at your doorstep.

When you buy an item, you can choose from all kinds of shipping options, from next-day priority for situations in which you need your gear fast to No Hurry Deliver that takes up to a week in the lower 48 states.

Items you purchase have a six-month warranty, and there’s a seven-day return policy on most items.

Be sure to learn more about MPB by reading our detailed MPB review.

Unique Photo

Based in New Jersey, Unique Photo might not have the name recognition of Adorama or B&H, but they’re still one of the top options for the “best camera store near me.”

Unique Photo was founded more than 50 years ago in Brooklyn, and while it’s become a worldwide leader in photographic equipment, the company’s workers haven’t forgotten what it means to have humble beginnings.

As such, this family-owned business provides incredible customer service that gets high marks from customers far and wide.

  photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock 

Like many of the other options on this list, Unique Photo isn’t just a camera store. You can buy and sell all kinds of gear, rent photography equipment, have your photos printed, and even buy darkroom supplies. 

Unique Photo also has a Unique University, where you can participate in classes and workshops to refine your photography skills.

Additionally, Unique Photo has gear repair services, 0% financing for 12-months, and a VIP rewards program that allows you to earn points towards money you can spend in the store.

Samy’s Camera

Samy’s CameraSamy’s Camera is a California-based company that I’ve personally used before to buy a couple of different rigs.

The first was a Nikon D800 back in the day. I actually drove across L.A. specifically to go to Samy’s to get that camera. The drive was awful, but the experience of working with the fine folks at Samy’s made it worth it.

I was so happy with my experience there that I returned a few years later to pick up a Sony a6300, which I still use to this day. Again, their customer service experience was top-notch.

Of course, Samy’s is a full-service store with all kinds of photography goodies, gear for video making, studio supplies, drones, and much more.

^{photo by electravk via iStock} 

Over the last four decades, Samy’s has developed a reputation as having a friendly, knowledgeable staff that helps walk you through your purchase so you feel comfortable with what you’re buying. There’s even educational programs to help you develop your skills even further!

Samy’s has a used and trade-in program as well, so if you’re a little short on cash for that new camera you’ve been eyeing, you can sell or trade in your old stuff to help offset the cost.

Add in guaranteed 1-3 day shipping on purchases of $49 or more, leasing options, a rewards program, and more, and you have the makings of one of the best camera stores around!

Amazon

Obviously, Amazon needs no introduction given that it’s the largest company on the planet.

And while it isn’t exactly your local mom-and-pop camera store that you can run to and handle the gear before you buy, it would be silly not to include Amazon on a list of places where you can get photography gear.

Since Jeff Bezos has a hunger for market dominance, Amazon is honestly the most likely candidate for the closest “camera store near me” for most people in the world.

As noted earlier in this article, some retailers on this list sell gray market items. And while most of these companies clearly identify their gray market goods, sometimes Amazon isn’t so great about it.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t shop at Amazon for photography gear. Quite the contrary - it’d be hard to match their inventory of cameras, lenses, and other photo gear. Just be careful when placing an order that you’re not getting gray market equipment if you don’t want it.

Abe’s of Maine

Like numerous other camera stores on this list, Abe’s of Maine started as a small mom-and-pop shop.

Founded in 1979 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Abe’s has since grown to be one of the most popular camera stores in the United States and is one of the best places to buy a camera online.

In addition to a state-of-the-art showroom and warehouse in New Jersey, Abe’s of Maine has a huge online inventory of photography gear and other necessities.

Unsurprisingly, Abe’s humble beginnings mean that its commitment to customer service is second-to-none. In fact, the company’s mantra is to meet your needs and exceed your expectations every day. 

Abe’s is known for having great sales on its merchandise, so consistently checking in with them to see what’s on sale could be hugely beneficial for you. They offer 12 months no interest financing, too.

When you buy online, you can typically get free ground shipping in the United States. Once you get the item, if it doesn’t quite work out, you can return it within a 14-day period.

Best Buy

Perhaps aside from Amazon, Best Buy likely has the best name recognition among the greater public than any other camera store on this list.

What Best Buy brings to the table that none of these other companies does is that they have hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores across the country. Chances are there’s one in your town, or at least within a couple of hours of where you live.

That’s nice from an “I need to see it and touch it before I buy it” perspective.

 ^{photo by Sakkawokkie via iStock}

Of course, you can also buy camera gear from Best Buy online, which is a much better option if you’re looking for a greater selection of gear. To be honest, Best Buy’s stores do not have a good selection of cameras and lenses at all, so before you hop in the car and drive to one, you better check that store’s inventory online.

Another potential issue is that most of what Best Buy has in stock in their stores is geared towards beginner photographers. If you’re an enthusiast, and certainly if you’re a professional, this is not your best option.

However, with a 15-day return policy, free shipping on many items, and door-busting sales throughout the year, Best Buy is one of the best online camera stores for beginner photographers.

Hunt’s Photo

Hunt’s PhotoHunt’s Photo is based in New England and has been doing business there for about 70 years.

In that time, the fine folks at Hunt’s have garnered a reputation as being some of the most friendly, knowledgeable folks in the industry.

Today, Hunt’s is still family-owned, but they’ve expanded their footprint well beyond New England with a robust online retail store. 

You’ll find excellent prices at Hunt’s, and with a 30-day return policy, you have ample time to test-drive your purchases to determine whether they’re the right fit for you. 

  photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock 

If you live in New England, you can join the Hunt’s team for educational courses, photo walks, and the like, where you can learn new skills and meet other photography enthusiasts.

From audio and video gear to used gear to binoculars, lighting, and gear rentals, Hunt’s is definitely a full-service photography store that’s worth checking out. Particularly if you’re in New England, Hunt’s is one of the top “camera stores near me” for sure!

National Camera Exchange

Yet another option for the “best camera store near me” started as a regional business. National Camera Exchange has been in business in the Minneapolis area since 1914, and has been going strong ever since.

With both new and used gear for sale, you can likely find precisely what you need at National Camera Exchange. If your order is over $50, you get free shipping, and there’s a 30-day return policy to go along with that (though a restocking fee applies on purchases over $1,500).

In addition to a wide selection of DSLRs, mirrorless, and point-and-shoot cameras, National Camera Exchange also has a nice selection of lenses, video equipment, lighting gear, camera bags, tripods, memory cards, and just about any other goodie you might need for your kit.

   photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock 

You’d do well to keep tabs on their sale items and clearance items, as you can save quite a bit of money on new gear. National Camera Exchange also has deep discounts on refurbished and outlet items.

There’s printing services, a cleaning and repair department, archiving services, and much, much more, too. There’s a reason why people in the upper midwest turn to National Camera Exchange - they have excellent services, good prices, and a knowledgeable staff.

Mike’s Camera

 

Mike’s CameraMike’s Camera is a regional photography supplier based in Colorado and Northern California. If you’ve never heard of them, you’re missing out!

Not only is Mike’s a great place to buy a new camera or other new photography gear, but it’s also a prime choice for having your photos printed. And that’s not just paper prints - you can get all sorts of items from metal prints to custom frames to mugs to calendars when you work with Mike’s.

Mike’s also has a gear rental service and an extensive repair shop as well. And no matter what you need Mike’s to do for you, you’ll get excellent customer service throughout the process.

In fact, Mike’s has won tons of photography industry awards thanks to their commitment to the customer. That includes the Best Camera Store Award by Photo Trade News.

Precision Camera & Video

Austin, Texas-based Precision Camera & Video is yet another regional camera store that has deep roots locally, but a wide net thanks to a robust online store.

Specializing in both new and used equipment, Precision Camera likely has just what you’re looking for no matter your budget.

In addition to selling photo gear, they also have rental and repair services, an on-site photo lab, and they offer educational courses for folks that live in the Austin area.

Interestingly, Precision camera uses their classroom space as a studio as well, so if you’re in Austin and need a studio, Precision can accommodate!

If you’re not in Texas, you benefit from not having to pay sales tax, and with free ground shipping on orders of more than $200, you can end up saving a pretty penny.

 

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^{Photo by pixdeluxe via iStock}

Best Mirrorless Camera and DSLR Camera

What is the best camera for beginners who are just getting started?

That's a great question, and lucky for you, finding the best entry-level DSLR won't be that difficult. We have made it even easier for you in this article about Nikon D3500 which is the best entry level DSLR camera.

After all, camera manufacturers have been stuffing more and more features into their cameras regardless of price point.

The same is true of mirrorless cameras as well.

In fact, the best mirrorless camera for beginners offers perhaps even more features and functionalities than their DSLR counterparts.

Best Entry-Level DSLR: Canon EOS Rebel SL2

 

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 has a ton of features for its price point, which makes it the best DSLR camera for beginners.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 at a glance:

• Type: DSLR
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.040 million dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 5 fps burst shooting speed
• Canon EF-S lens mount

Pros: Built-in guide helps you learn, good sensor, highly resolute articulating LCD

Cons: Autofocus system has just 9 autofocus points

One of the best features of this camera is its articulated LCD.

Not only is the LCD bright and resolute, but with touchscreen capability and a flip-out and tilting design, you can take photos and videos from awkward angles with much greater ease.

And since this is a review of the best camera for beginners, the fact that the Rebel SL2 has a guided user interface to help you figure out how to best use the camera is a nice touch.

Canon has outfitted this beginner camera with tons of other features as well, including NFC and Wi-Fi. The DIGIC 7 image processor means excellent performance, even when maxing out the burst shooting speed of 5 fps.

Beginner photographers will also appreciate the Dual Pixel autofocus system which aids in tracking moving subjects, that way you get sharp, focused still photos. It works great in live view and helps you shoot improved video as well.

The SL2 is also one of the smallest DSLRs available right now, so if you're making the jump from a compact camera or a smartphone, this little guy won't feel like a bulky, heavy camera in your hand.

Get an in-depth look at this camera in the video above by AdoramaTV.

Current Price: $599.00 with 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens

Editor's Tip: Saving money when you're starting out in photography is paramount. Now that the SL3 has been announced, the SL2 is an even more affordable entry-level camera. With that extra money in your pocket, consider buying an upgraded lens for your SL2. A good first choice is the CanonEF 50MM F/1.8 STM. A 50mm lens is incredibly versatile for stills and video, is small and lightweight, and with its big f/1.8 aperture, it's great for low-light shooting as well.

Top DSLR Camera for Beginners: Nikon D3500

If the Nikon environment better suits your needs and wants than Canon, a top choice for a best camera for photography beginners should be the Nikon D3500.

Nikon D3500 at a glance:

• Type: DSLR
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch fixed LCD with 921k dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 5 fps burst shooting speed
• Nikon F-Mount

Pros: Simple to use, excellent sensor, superb image quality

Cons: Lacks touchscreen, LCD doesn't articulate, no Wi-Fi

Looking at the specs above, the Nikon D3500 looks like the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 under different badging.

And while there are many similarities between these cameras - the sensor resolution, burst shooting speed, and 1080p video among them - there is one important difference that makes the Nikon not quite as good as the Canon.

The Nikon's LCD does not articulate or even tilt. It also does not have touchscreen capabilities like the SL2.

Though this might not seem like a big deal, having touchscreen capabilities is extremely helpful for beginners, as most likely you're coming from a smartphone camera that has touchscreen controls.

Having a tilting LCD is also advantageous for low-angle and high-angle shots, and an articulating screen is even better for taking selfies, group photos, and vlogging.

Aside from the lack of LCD features, the D3500 offers superb performance for beginners.

Its sensor is widely regarded as one of the best of the entry-level bunch. It has a guide shooting mode that is basically a built-in camera assistant to help you capture the best shots by explaining different camera settings.

This camera also has simple, easy-to-use controls that are easy to learn, which makes it one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. See what I mean in the video above by Jared Polin.

Current Price:$446.95 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens

Good Camera for Beginners: Nikon D5600

Though not as simplified as the Nikon D3500, the Nikon D5600 is a more capable camera that can grow with you as you develop more skills as a photographer.

Nikon D5600 at a glance: 

• Type: DSLR
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1.037 million dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 5 fps burst shooting speed
• Nikon F-Mount

Pros: Large touchscreen LCD, excellent sensor, advanced autofocus system

Cons: No guided learning mode, expensive

If you're a brand-new photographer, the Nikon D5600 might be a bit much for you, both in terms of usability and price.

Unlike the D3500, there is no guided interface to help you learn the ropes, so you're left to your own devices to figure things out. This isn't a terribly difficult task, but certainly more so than if you have a built-in guide to help you.

Perhaps this D5600's best feature (aside from its sensor) is its 39-point autofocus system.

With so many more AF points, you get much-improved coverage over the D3500 and EOS Rebel SL2, which means you get more precise control over focusing.

Another feature to appreciate on this camera is the 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen LCD, which is bigger and more resolute than the D3500's LCD.

As noted above, the D5600 is perhaps the best option if you want to future-proof your kit for a few years.

With the D3500 and the Rebel SL2, you might find that in a couple of years your skills are beyond what those cameras can handle. The D5600, though, can grow with you and provide you all the photo-taking power you need for years to come.

Learn more about this camera in the video above by RealWorld.

Current Price: $596.95 (body only)

Editor's Tip: When looking for the best entry-level DSLR, price should be one of the primary factors you use to determine which camera to buy. The more you spend on your camera, the less you have to buy lenses, and lenses are the more important of the two. In fact, after you get a good camera for beginners, start thinking about adding a good prime lens to your bag. If you shoot landscapes, a 24MM F/2.8 is a great option. If you shoot portraits, think about an 85MM F/1.8.

Other DSLR Cameras for Beginners

Other options for the best DSLR camera for beginners include the models listed below.

Nikon D3400

• Type: DSLR
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch LCD with 921k dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 5 fps burst shooting speed
• Nikon F-Mount

Pros: Cheap ($417.00 with 18/55mm AF-P DX Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G VR lens), excellent battery life, same great sensor as the D3500

Cons: No articulating LCD, no touchscreen capabilities

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

• Type: DSLR
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD with 1.040 million dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 6 fps burst shooting speed
• Canon EF-S mount 

Pros: Superb imaging sensor, great touchscreen LCD, features for enthusiast-level photography

Cons: Expensive ($699.00 for the body only), no 4K video, plasticy materials feel cheap

Obviously, mirrorless cameras are much different from DSLRs since they lack a mirror inside, and because of that, offer much smaller form factors outside.

Mirrorless cameras otherwise offer similar features and benefits for new photographers as their DSLR counterparts, including many options with excellent sensors, autofocus systems, and big LCD panels.

Here's a few suggestions for beginner mirrorless cameras if DSLRs aren't quite your style.

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL MIRRORLESS CAMERA: FUJIFILM X-T100

This little camera packs a punch, and is the best mirrorless camera for beginners who want a capable, yet small camera.

Fujifilm X-T100 at a glance: 

• Type: Mirrorless
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
• 4K video
• 6 fps burst shooting speed
• Fujifilm X-mount

Pros: Gorgeous electronic viewfinder, small and lightweight, 4K video

Cons: CMOS sensor isn't as advanced as Fuji's X-Trans sensor found in higher-end cameras, 4K video limited to 15 fps

 

Not all mirrorless cameras at this price point have an electronic viewfinder, so the fact that the X-T100 has a stellar viewfinder is a big deal.

What's more, it has a gorgeous tilting touchscreen LCD to help you get those low-angle and high-angle shots that a fixed LCD just can't accommodate.

The design of this camera is worth mentioning as well. It's small and lightweight, and it looks great with a vintage vibe.

Don't let its little body fool you, though. This camera is on the edge of a beginner and intermediate body, so it has the chops to work hard for you as your skills grow. That's why I've listed it as one of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners!

Get a detailed review of the X-T100 in the video above by The Art of Photography.

Current Price: $499.95 (body only)

Editor's Tip: One thing to bear in mind with mirrorless cameras is that they have much smaller bodies than DSLRs. Though that's great for saving weight and room in your camera bag, if you have large hands, you might find the smaller grips on mirrorless cameras to be less comfortable than those on DSLRs. Not sure what else to consider when shopping for a good mirrorless camera for beginners? Consult this DSLR vs mirrorless guide.

Best Mirrorless Camera for Beginners: Sony a6400

A more advanced camera than others on this list, the Sony a6400 isn't just a great camera for still photography, but is also one of the best vlogging cameras around.

Sony a6400 at a glance: 

• Type: Mirrorless
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen LCD with 921k dots
• 4K video
• 11 fps burst shooting speed
• Sony E-Mount

Pros: Excellent sensor with superb image quality, 180-degree tilting LCD, outstanding autofocus system

Cons: Expensive, more difficult to learn how to use than other cameras on this list

If shooting video is at all an interest of yours, the Sony a6400 is an excellent choice because of its screen that flips around so you can see yourself as you film. It also helps that the camera shoots 4K UHD video, too.

Aside from that, the newest member of the Sony Alpha lineup boasts a beautifully resolute 24.2-megapixel sensor and a fantastic autofocus system that has a whopping 425 autofocus points.

Of course, those fancy features means that this is more of mid-range camera for enthusiasts, but a beginner with some gusto and time to learn how to use this camera will find it to be well-equipped and ready to tackle all kinds of tasks.

It has a moisture-resistant body and is rated to 200,000 shutter clicks, so it's a camera that should last you a good, long while as well.

See the Sony a6400 in action in the video above by Dan Watson.

Current Price: $1,158.35 (with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens)

Good Mirrorless Camera for Beginners: Olympus OM-D E-M10 III

Don't let the retro look of Olympus OM-D E-M10 III fool you - under the hood is a high-powered, high-tech camera.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 III at a glance: 

• Type: Mirrorless
• 16.1-megapixel micro four thirds sensor
• 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
• 4K video
• 8.6 fps burst shooting speed
• Micro Four Thirds lens mount

Pros: Beautiful high-resolution viewfinder, touchscreen LCD, easy to use

Cons: Only 16.1-megapixel sensor, expensive compared to other options

Though this is one of the smaller mirrorless cameras currently available, Olympus has managed to pack it full of features that make it one of the best digital cameras for beginners.

The electronic viewfinder is bright and crisp, and displays important image information that can help you improve the quality of your photos.

Paired with that is a beautiful tilting touchscreen LCD for making easy adjustments to the camera settings and for reviewing your images.

This camera also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization.

Add to that 4K UHD video shooting and 8.6 fps burst shooting, and you have the makings of a great little camera.

See how the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III works in the real world in the video above by AdoramaTV.

Current Price: $649.00 (body only)

Other Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners

If the above mirrorless cameras aren't quite what you're looking for, consider the following as good mirrorless cameras for beginners.

Sony a6000

• Type: Mirrorless
• 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch tilting LCD with 921k dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 11 fps burst shooting speed
• Sony E-Mount

Pros: Cheap ($398.00 body only ), electronic viewfinder, blazing-fast 11 fps burst shooting speed

Cons: Old model that's a little long in the tooth, electronic viewfinder lacks resolution by today's standards

Canon EOS M100

 

• Type: Mirrorless
• 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 3-inch 180-degree tilting LCD with 1.04 million dots
• 1080p Full HD video
• 6.1 fps burst shooting speed
• Canon EF-M Mount

Pros: Cheap ($449.00 with EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens), easy to use

Cons: Limited features, no viewfinder

With that, you have a solid list of choices for the best entry-level DSLR and the best entry-level mirrorless cameras.

Any of these options would be great for a beginner, but keep in mind that if you have some experience, one of the more advanced cameras on this list will be the better bet for you.

---

_{Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash}

Though dynamic range isn't the only factor that determines the quality of a photo, it's certainly an important one.

If you aren't familiar with dynamic range, here's a quick definition:

"In the simplest of terms, dynamic range refers to the balance between the white and black intensities in a photo. In other words, it's the ratio of the maximum (white) and minimum (black) values of light." You can get a detailed look at dynamic range here.

So, dynamic range is the range of light values present in a scene. Some cameras do a better job of recording this range of light values than others.

The cameras listed here are among the best, and provide the most number of stops of dynamic range currently available. Note that this is not a complete list, nor does it include medium format cameras.

Note: The dynamic range values listed for each camera are based on DXOMark's testing.

Nikon D850 Dynamic Range

• 14.8 stops EV at ISO 64
• Price: $3,296.95 (body only)
• Read our Nikon D850 Review

Nikon D810 Dynamic Range

• 14.8 stops EV at ISO 64
• Price: $2.796.95 (body only)
• Read our Nikon D850 vs Nikon D810 Comparison

Sony a7 III Dynamic Range

• 14.7 stops EV at ISO 50
• Price: $1,998.00 (body only)
• Read our Sony a7 III Review

Sony a7R III Dynamic Range

• 14.7 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $2,798.00 (body only)
• Read our Nikon D850 vs Sony a7R III Comparison

Nikon Z7 Dynamic Range

• 14.6 stops EV at ISO 64
• Price: $3,396.95 (body only)
• Read our Nikon Z7 Review

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 Dynamic Range

• 14.5 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $2,497.99 (body only)

Nikon Z6 Dynamic Range

• 14.3 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $1,996.95 (body only)
• Read our Nikon Z6 Review

Sony a6400 Dynamic Range

• 13.7 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $898.00 (body only)
• Read our Sony a6400 Review

Sony a6500 Dynamic Range

• 13.7 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $1,198.00 (body only)
• Read our Sony a6400 vs Sony a6500 vs Sony a6300 Comparison

Sony a6300 Dynamic Range

• 13.7 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $748.00 (body only)
• Read our Sony a6400 vs Sony a6500 vs Sony a6300 Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Dynamic Range

• 13.6 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $2,999.00 (body only)
• Read our Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review

Canon EOS R Dynamic Range

• 13.5 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $2,299.00 (body only)
• Read our Canon EOS R Review

Leica SL Dynamic Range

• 13.4 stops EV at ISO 50
• Price: $5,995.00 (body only)

Sony a9 Dynamic Range

• 13.3 stops EV at ISO 50
• Price: $3,498.00 (body only)
• Read our Sony a9 Review

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Dynamic Range

• 13 stops EV at ISO 200
• Price: $1,497.99 (body only)
• Read our comparison of the Sony a9, Panasonic GH5, and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Dynamic Range

• 12.8 stops EV at ISO 64
• Price: $1,599.00 (body only)
• Read our comparison of the Sony a9, Panasonic GH5, and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 MARK II Dynamic Range

• 12.5 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $499.00 (body only)
• Read our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II review

Canon EOS M50 Dynamic Range

• 12.5 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $629.00 (body only)
• Read our Canon EOS M50 Review

Canon 6D Mark II Dynamic Range

• 11.9 stops EV at ISO 100
• Price: $1,499.00 (body only)
• Read our Canon 6D Mark II Review

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^{Photo by MicroStockHub via iStock}

Black Friday is coming in hot, and a lot of photography companies have smokin' hot deals.

Of course, we can't preview ALL of the Black Friday 2023 photography deals, but what we can do is give you a head's up on some of our favorite items on sale this year.

So, without further ado, let's dive in and see what deep discounts await you this holiday season!

Table of Contents

• Skylum Luminar Neo
• Saal Digital
• Vanguard
• Sigma
• Adorama
• Insta360

Skylum Luminar Neo - Up to 85% off

Luminar Neo is one of my favorite photo editors thanks to its impressive (and easy-to-use) AI-based tools. If you haven't tried it yet, you should - and you'll be hooked!

Now is the time to give Luminar Neo a try, too as, Skylum is offering incredible deals on this fantastic photo editor:

• New users get a 12-month Pro subscription plus the Creative Assets Collection for $79 (normally $479), a 24-month Pro subscription plus the Creative Assets Collection for $119 (normally $659), or a Lifetime subscription with Extentions, the Creative Journey Pass, and the Creative Assets Collection for $149 (normally $998) 
• Luminar Neo Lifetime owners can get the Extentions Pack and the Creative Journey Pass for $99 (normally $411) or a 24-month Pro subscription plus Creative Assets Collection for $99 (normally $479)

This Black Friday deal is good until 7:00 am EST on November 27th.

Learn more about Luminar Neo's Black Friday deals

Saal Digital

Saal Digital has won high praise from me this year for their high-quality products, their extensive selection of prints, and their superb customer service. In a space that's full of excellent options, Saal Digital stands with the best of them, and this year during their Black Week event, you can get your very own Saal Digital products and save some green stuff, too:

• $15 voucher for purchases over $30: WgxCheh4kb-JVG
• $30 voucher for purchases over $60: bm9zUkeFCQ-JVG
• $45 voucher for purchases over $120: PU9Ce2sXJe-JVG
• $60 voucher for purchases over $150: 3UJFTcX3NJ-JVG

Choose which of the Black Week coupons suits you best and redeem it to purchase anything in their range of products. These deals are valid until November 24, 2023, and cannot be combined with other promotions.

Learn more about Saal Digital's Black Friday deals

Vanguard

I've used Vanguard tripods, bags, and other gear for years, and appreciate the build quality, ease of use, and affordable price point - you will too! That's especially true with these Holiday Sale photography deals (which are good through December 31st):

• Alta Sky 68 Large Camera Backpack - $239.99 (normally $369.99)
• VEO 3T+ 264AB Aluminum Travel Tripod - $249.99 (normally $379.99)
• Alta Pro 2+ 263AP Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Video Pan Head - $199.99 (normally $299.99)
• Alta Fly 58T Rolling Camera Bag - $269.99 (normally $399.99)

Learn more about Vanguard's Holiday Sale deals

Sigma

Sigma has made a name for itself for exceptional lenses at affordable prices. But, as is the case this time of year, those affordable prices are even more affordable with savings of up to $200 now through December 10th:

• 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO Art for Sony E-Mount and L-Mount - $699 (normally $799)
• 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E-mount and L-Mount - $1,049 (normally $1,099)
• 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports for Sony E-mount and L-Mount - $1,299 (normally $1,499)

Learn more about Sigma's Black Friday deals

Adorama

Adorama is one of the biggest photography retailers in the nation, and their selection of photography gear (and other goodies) is second to none. This Black Friday, Adorama has tons of incredible deals, including a variety of big sales on Panasonic Lumix gear:

• Lumix DC-S5 Mirrorless Digital Camera with Lumix S 20-60mm L-Mount Lens Bundle - $1,597.99 (normally $2,097.99)
• LUMIX S5 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body - $1,697.99 (normally $1,997.99)
• LUMIX S5 II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens - $1,997.99 (normally $2,297.99)

Adorama has great deals on other brands, too, like $400 off the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/ M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm PRO II Lens Kit, $300 off the Nikon D7500 DSLR with 18-140mm VR Lens, and $200 off the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Digital Camera with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, to name a few.

Learn more about Adorama's Black Friday deals

Insta360

Insta360 is one of the most innovative action camera companies, and this Black Friday, they're bringing the heat with deals on many of their top sellers:

• Insta360 X3 - 10% off plus a FREE T-shirt and 20% off Insta360 Care and Extended Warranty when purchased with select products (available in select countries and regions) You can also choose from a FREE 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, Sticky Lens Guards or Battery.
• Insta360 GO 3 - 5% off plus a FREE T-shirt and 20% off Insta360 Care and Extended Warranty when purchased with select products (available in select countries and regions). You can get a FREE extra Lens Guard or Carry Case, too!
• Insta360 Flow - 12% off plus a FREE T-shirt and 20% off Insta360 Care and Extended Warranty when purchased with select products (available in select countries and regions). You can also choose a FREE All-Purpose Tripod or Spotlight.
• Insta360 ONE RS - 25% off Twin Edition, 20% off 4K Edition and 10% off Core Bundle plus a FREE T-shirtand 20% off Insta360 Careand Extended Warranty when purchased with select products (available in select countries and regions). You also get a FREE ONE RS Battery Base.

Learn more about Insta360's Black Friday deals

Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

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^{Photo by Pedro Sandrini from Pexels}

While you’re sitting at home with nothing better to do, why not start researching for your next camera gear upgrades? 

Online shopping quickly passes the time, and there are so many camera gear upgrades available for under $100, so you don’t need to totally break the bank.

While the camera gear upgrades on this list are going to be a little more expensive, they’re going to save you a ton of money in the long run because once you make these camera gear upgrades, you’ll never need to make them again.  

An Upgraded Camera Strap

The Holdfast Classic Strap is the perfect example of how camera gear upgrades don’t need to break the bank. 

This camera strap is made of high-quality leather in a variety of colors to make you look like a professional while remaining comfortable during long shoots.

You can tell that the Holdfast Classic Strap was made by a photographer from the details. All of the rings are made of stainless steel so they will never rust, and your camera is protected from the steel by an additional strip of leather to keep it protected. 

My favorite part about this camera strap is that it is fully customizable. You can choose the color, the width of the leather and the length of your strap so your camera falls precisely where you want it to.

The Holdfast Classic Strap is available for just $95, which I’ll consider inexpensive camera gear because you’ll only ever need to buy it once. Holdfast features a lifetime guarantee on all of their products. 

 

Recommended Photography Reading

• National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
• Photography: The Definitive Visual History
• Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs

 

A Tripod Built Like a Tank 

 

When you start to think about camera gear upgrades, you’re probably thinking about buying new lenses, new filters or additional batteries. Tripods never get any love.

But, once you try Ikan’s E-Image EK50AAM Tripod, you’ll wish you had purchased it years ago. 

This tripod can carry up to 13.2 lbs of equipment while remaining fluid. It features 360-degree panning and can tilt 90-degrees down and 75-degrees up.

It has a working range of 31” to 64”, folds down to 32” and comes with foot spikes so you’ll never need to purchase them separately.

For $180, the Ikan E-Image Tripod is definitely one of the best camera upgrades you can make in 2020.  

Learn More:

• 5 Gadgets to Upgrade Your Mirrorless Camera
• Photography Gear Upgrades You Should Make in 2020

A Nifty Fifty Lens

Is it time for you to upgrade from your kit lens? If I had to guess, I’d say yes.  

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is one of the most lightweight nifty fifty lenses on the market at just 5.5 oz.  

It features an impressively low minimum focusing distance of just over 13”, and will ensure your photos are bright and sharp, with beautiful bokeh-filled backgrounds.

Plus, you can use this lens for still portraits or video because it is optimized for both. 

For $125,this lens will pay for itself in no time. Besides, what’s the point in making camera gear upgrades without ensuring you have the basics. 

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens

If you prefer Nikons to Canons, we have the perfect nifty fifty lens for you as well.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens is definitely not beginner camera gear, but it is a lens you will keep for a lifetime.

It features an incredibly quiet stepping motor, to ensure your autofocus is unwavering, and a 9-blade rounded diaphragm to create incredible bokeh. This lens will also work just as well for video as it does for stills and works best when paired with Nikon cameras that are optimized for low-light shooting.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens also features a fluorine coat which repels dust, water droplets and grease and will help you maintain the quality of the lens for decades to come. 

At $600, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens isn’t inexpensive camera gear, but it is a wise investment in your future. 

Learn More:

• 4 Photography Mistakes You Should Stop Making
• Tips for Picking a Camera Bag

 

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^{Image Credit: DieterMeyrl via iStock}

I know, I know...

Why buy a Canon 5D Mark III when you could buy a 5D Mark IV? Or perhaps even better, a Canon EOS R?

I'll tell you why - the Canon 5D Mark III is still a really good camera. Oh, and you can get it for much less money, too.

That's a win-win if you ask me!

Aside from bargain-basement prices when compared to newer cameras, there's still a lot to love about the 5D Mark III.

A Little History on the Canon 5D Mark III

Released in the spring of 2012, the 5D Mark III was a giant step forward from its predecessor, the Mark II (shown above).

Not only does the Mark III offer increased sensor resolution (22 megapixels versus 21 megapixels in the Mark II), but it also has a much-improved ISO range. The Mark II's native ISO range is 100-6400 while the Mark III boasts a 100-25600 range.

At three years newer, the Mark III also offers some technological upgrades that make it a much more capable camera.

That includes an improved autofocus system that has 61 AF points compared to just 9 AF points on the Mark II.

^{Image Credit: AlenaPaulus via iStock}

When the Mark III was released, it was an instant hit among professional photographers.

In fact, many professional photographers that are in the Canon ecosystem rave about the Mark III and still use it as their primary camera.

Six years after its release, the loyalty that photographers have for this particular camera is quite impressive.

If that doesn't tell you that this is still a great camera, I don't know what will!

Canon 5D Mark III Specs

In addition to the improvements noted above, the Mark III boasts plenty of other specs that make it a solid camera, even in 2018:

• 3.2-inch LCD with 1.04 million dots
• 100-percent viewfinder coverage
• AE bracketing range of +/-3
• 6fps continuous shooting
• Dual memory card storage slots
• Headphone and microphone ports
• 950-shot battery life
• Weather-sealed body
• 150,000 shutter cycle life expectancy

Sure, there's no touchscreen LCD, no Wi-Fi, and no 4K video.

But if you can get past the modern-day amenities it lacks and look at how good the list of specifications is, you realize that the Mark III still has plenty to offer. That's especially true if you're a portrait or wedding photographer.

^{Image Credit: Erstudiostok via iStock}

The Mark III has excellent low-light shooting capabilities, so if you're in a situation in which an external flash isn't an option (like at a wedding) or you're shooting indoors under dim lighting, the Mark III will perform very well.

That's thanks in large part to the aforementioned ISO range that extends to 25600. Even when pushing the ISO upward, the Mark III produces clean images with little indication of digital noise.

Additionally, the Mark III has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, which is a great asset to have for wildlife, sports, and action photography.

Like just about all full frame cameras, the Mark III is a big rig, weighing in at nearly 2.1 pounds (body only). That means you likely wouldn't use it for something like street photography or travel photography, when smaller, lighter cameras provide much more value.

Nevertheless, the Mark III has plenty of versatility for photographers that focus on portraiture and weddings, as well as for photographers that need a rugged, weather-sealed body, like wildlife photographers and landscape photographers.

The Canon 5D Mark III is a Great Bargain

^{Image Credit: jacoblund via iStock} 

When the Mark III was released, it had a price tag of around $3,500. That's typical for professional-grade camera bodies.

But as noted above, you can now get a used 5D Mark III for much less - about $1,300, in fact.

Buying an older, yet still highly capable camera means you save hundreds of dollars. All that money can either stay in the bank or you can put it towards upgrading other gear, like buying a new lens or a new tripod.

That price point makes it easier for enthusiast photographers that want to upgrade to a full frame camera to do so.

With that kind of accessibility, I imagine that the 5D Mark III will continue to be a favorite camera for photographers for a good, long while.

 

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^{Photo by ShareGrid on Unsplash}

If you thought you missed the boat on a new camera on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, think again...

Canon has an incredible promo going right now on EOS R and 5D Mark IV camera bundles that get you up to $1,300 off. Yeah - $1,300!!

It's part of Canon's big holiday blowout with some of the best deals of the season.

So, if you're in the market for a new 5D Mark IV or EOS R, you might give strong consideration to one of the bundles listed below. 

EOS 5D Mark IV with Flashpoint Zoom Li-On X TTL Speedlight - $1,100 Off

This bundle would normally set you back $3,099, but it's on sale right now for just $1,999.

Get more details on this Canon 5D Mark IV bundle 

EOS 5D Mark IV with ED 24-105mm Lens and Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X TTL Speedlight - $1,300 Off

Normally you'd spend $4,199 for this setup, but right now it's just $2,899.

Get more details on this Canon 5D Mark IV bundle

EOS 5D Mark IV with EF 24-70mm f/4L IS Lens and PC Accessory Bundle - $1,250 Off

This bundle is priced at just $2,749 but is usually $3,999. The bundle includes a huge list of goodies:

• SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO UHS-I U3 V30 SDHC Memory Card
• Lowepro Format 160 II Camera Bag
• Adorama Slinger Digital Memory Card Wallet - Holds 12 Cards
• Green Extreme USB 2.0 Multi Card Reader, SD, Mini SD, microSD, Memory Stick (MS)
• ProOPTIC Glass Screen Protector for Canon 5D Mark 4 Camera
• 3Pod Small Portable Table Top Mini Tripod
• Corel Photo Video Art Suite Software Kit
• ProOPTIC Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
• ProOPTIC 77mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit

Get more details on this Canon 5D Mark IV bundle

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon Log and Free Accessory Bundle - $1,100 Off

You'd normally have to plunk down $3,199 for this 5D Mark IV bundle, but right now you can snag it for just $2,099!

This kit includes the following:

• SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO UHS-I U3 V30 SDHC Memory Card
• Lowepro Format 160 II Camera Bag
• Adorama Slinger Digital Memory Card Wallet - Holds 12 Cards
• Green Extreme USB 2.0 Multi Card Reader, SD, Mini SD, microSD, Memory Stick (MS)
• ProOPTIC Glass Screen Protector for Canon 5D Mark 4 Camera
• 3Pod Small Portable Table Top Mini Tripod
• Corel Photo Video Art Suite Software Kit
• ProOPTIC Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit

Get more details on this Canon 5D Mark IV bundle

Canon EOS R with Flashpoint Zoom Li-On X TTL Speedlight - $800 Off

This bundle is usually $2,299, but it's on sale now for just $1,499.

Get more details on this Canon EOS R bundle

Canon EOS R with RF 24-105mm Lens and Flashpoint Zoom Li-On X TTL Speedlight - $1,000 Off

This EOS R bundle would normally set you back a cool $3,399, but you can get it for $2,399 right now!

Get more details on this Canon EOS R bundle

 

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I got up extra early this morning to watch Canon's announcement of the R5 and R6.

It's been a long time coming, and I wanted to see the official specs with my own eyes and get my R5 pre-ordered as fast as possible!

The EOS R5 specs and features weren't really anything new. But there were lots of new details on the EOS R6, which Canon has kept under wraps pretty well for months.

Let's talk about the R5 first.

As expected, the EOS R5 sensor is a 45-megapixel unit. It isn't as beefy as Sony's 61-megapixel sensor in the a7R VI, but 45-megapixels will certainly get the job done.

And as rumored, the R5 will be capable of shooting at 12fps with the mechanical shutter and 20fps with the electronic shutter. This is true with both auto-exposure and continuous AF engaged.

Pre-order your Canon EOS R5 now while supplies last!

The autofocus system is the all-new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II that has 1,053 autofocus points and offers 100 percent coverage.

Since the R5 sports a DIGIC X image processor, it enables the camera's autofocus system to be more accurate and provide faster continuous shooting speeds.

Additionally, the autofocus system offers improved eye detection over the EOS R, especially if the subject's eyes are small or the subject is further away from the camera. The autofocus system also has face, eye, and head-detection support. Canon claims the autofocus system will work in low light situations down to -6 EV.

The R5 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200. It's expandable to 102,400.

This indicates good low-light performance, but since the R5 has smaller pixels than the R6, it's safe to assume the R6 will be the better of the two in low-light situations.

Shooting in low-light situations will be aided by the first-ever in-camera stabilization system for a Canon camera. Canon claims the system will give you five stops of stabilization on its own or eight stops when paired with an optical image stabilized lens.

Just like the EOS R, the R5 sports a fully-articulating LCD, though the R5's LCD is higher resolution at 2.1-million dots. The R5's EVF also gets an upgrade with 5.76-million dots of resolution and a 120fps refresh rate.

You'll find two card slots on the R5 (one CF Express and one UHS-II), a microphone jack, a headphone port, and many other goodies wrapped in a weather-sealed, water-resistant, and dust-resistant body that looks more like a DSLR than a mirrorless camera.

The EOS R5 is available for pre-order right now for $3,899 (body only) or $4,999 (paired with an RF 24-105mm f/4L lens).

Editor's Tip: Need a new memory card to harness the power of the R5? I use ProGrade UHS-II memory cards in my Canon EOS R and Canon M6 Mark II, and they have proven to be reliable, blazing-fast cards that get the job done each and every time. When I get my R5, you can bet I'll buy a ProGrade CF Express card to really tap into the blazing speed of the EOS R5!

As I noted in the introduction, there were many new details revealed this morning about the EOS R6.

It had been speculated that the R6 would inherit the 20.1-megapixel full frame sensor from the 1D X Mark III, and Canon confirmed as much today.

Supplies are limited...pre-order your Canon EOS R6 today!

The R6 does not offer 8K shooting like the R5, but it does have uncropped 10-bit 4:2:2 4K videos at 60fps as well as 1080p at 120fps.

Since this is a lower price point model, you'll find a lower resolution EVF than the R5, though it still has a very respectable 3.69-million dot resolution. The 3.2-inch articulating LCD has 1.62-million dots of resolution. The other main difference is that the R6 does not have a top LCD panel like the R5 does.

But there are many similarities between these cameras...

The R6 has the same IBIS system and the same DIGIC X processor. You get 12fps shooting with the mechanical shutter and 20fps with the electronic shutter, just like with the R5. There's also WiFi, Bluetooth, microphone and headphone ports, and dual card slots, though the R6's are both UHS-II.

The R6 is also weather-sealed with water and dust resistance.

The EOS R6 is very well priced (if you ask me) at $2,500 for the body. You can get a kit with a 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens for $2,900 or a kit with a 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens for $3,600. The R6 will not ship until late August, though.

I don't know about you, but I'm extremely impressed with the specs and features of both of these cameras.

As I said before, I've got my R5 on pre-order, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Stay tuned for some detailed, hands-on reviews of the R5 in the next few months!

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Canon SL3 - EOS Rebel

Canon has just announced the release of the EOS Rebel SL3 and it is advertised as the lightest and smallest model in the EOS series.

The Canon EOS SL3 is aimed at photo enthusiasts who are looking for a compact and relatively cheap camera with all the features one would expect from a DSLR model. Note that this camera has got better image quality than Canon T6 which is a good beginner camera.

In this review, we will focus on the capabilities of this camera, and we’ll start with its primary specifications.

Canon Rebel SL3 - Specs

First of all, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 offers high image quality because of its 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 Image Processor.

This combination of sensor and processor allows a native ISO range of 100 to 25600, which means the camera can make good pictures in different light environments.

Additionally, the camera provides a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second, Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system and 4K video capabilities.

The camera’s specs are not mind-blowing. Although it has a good autofocus system with eye detection, it has only 9 phase-detection autofocus points. Also, Dual Pixel AF is not available in the movie mode and there is a huge 2.64x crop in 4K videos.

However, the Canon Rebel SL3 was not designed as a professional camera and its features are quite decent for an average consumer. After all, the biggest advantage of this camera is a compact design and usability.

Why is this camera great for beginners in photography? Get an answer to this question in the video above by CanonUSA.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 – Design and Connectivity

The Canon Rebel SL3 weighs only 15.84 ounces which makes it one of the lightest DSLR models ever made. It will feel like a feather in your hand and because of its compact size (4.82 x 3.65 x 2.75 inches), it can follow you everywhere you go.  

The camera incorporates an optical viewfinder with 0.87x magnification and a 3.0 inch vari-angle LCD screen (1.04 million dots). It also has a pop-up flash that can be handy if you want to take photos during nighttime. For vlogging, Canon T7i is better because it has got a fully articulated touchscreen convenient for creating vlogs.

Although it is very compact, the camera has a deep grip which allows very comfortable handling.

It is worth mentioning that you should be careful when using the Rebel SL3 in harsh weather conditions. The working temperature range of the camera is 32-104°F, while you should not use it if the humidity is over 85%.

If you are in need of a camera with good connectivity options, you will be satisfied with what the Rebel SL3 has to offer. You can easily share files via Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth. Also, the camera can be remotely controlled by smart devices.

Canon Rebel SL3 – Price

The Canon Rebel SL3 is expected to reach the stores by the end of April.

At the moment, you can preorder the EOS Rebel SL3 with EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Kit for $649.99 ($100 off).

It is available in black or white color.

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^{Photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock}

Adorama has some smokin' deals right now on Canon and Nikon products.

We're talking savings on dozens of items, of anywhere from $20 up to several hundred dollars off normal prices. PhotographyTalk has done an extensive Canon Vs Nikon camera debate, check it out!

In fact, there are some deals that you can save up to $700!

Here's a sampling of some of the biggest savings...

Canon EOS 80D Bundle - $700 Off

This bundle includes a treasure trove of stuff, including a camera cover, a camera strap, a battery charger, a Rode VideoMic Go, a memory card, and a cleaning kit, among many other goodies.

Normally, this bundle is $1,949, but you can get it for $1,249 through May 31, 2020.

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED-IF AF-S VR NIKKOR Lens Bundle - $200 Off

If you need to round out your collection of lenses with a fast 24-70mm zoom, this Nikkor lens bundle is a great option. In addition to the lens, you get a lens hood, a soft case, an 82mm filter ket, a lens wrap, a cleaning kit, and more!

Normally $2,096.95, this lens is on sale for $1,896.95 through May 31, 2020.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Bundle - $600 Off

Looking to upgrade to a full frame camera? The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great option that's also much more affordable at the moment!

This bundle includes the 6D Mark II body, an EF 24-105mm f/4L lens, and Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2 TTL On-Camera Round Flash Speedlight, as well as several other items.

This bundle is normally priced at $2,699, but through May 31, 2020, you can pick one up for $2,099.

Be sure to head over to Adorama to check out all the other Canon and Nikon rebates that are currently available.

 

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 ^{photo byGrafikactiva via iStock}

I think we can all agree that 2020 has not been the best of years… 

But at least we have what’s looking like an excellent Black Friday for photographers to look forward to.

I’ve put together a quick list of some of the best photography Black Friday deals at the moment. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list and that many retailers have limited stock. In other words, if you see something you like, it’s best to jump on it now rather than later!

Adorama Black Friday Deals

• $600 off Nikon Z6 (this deal, shown above, includes an FTZ lens adapter, a Vanguard Tripod, a Slinger Alpine Shoulder Bag, a ProOPTIC Cleaning Kit, and a Green Extreme USB Memory Stick)
• $500 off Panasonic Lumix G9 (this deal includes a huge accessory bundle, including a Joby GorillaPod 3K kit, a SanDisk 32GB UHS-I memory card, a Peak Design Everyday Sling bag, and more)
• $300 off Sony a7III (this deal includes a Flashpoint Speedlight too)
• $200 off Canon EOS R (this includes a Flashpoint Speedlight)
• $50 off GoPro Hero 9 Black
• $200 off Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens for Sony E-Mount
• $500 off Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED-IF AF-S VR NIKKOR Lens (this includes an accessory bundle with a filter kit, a cleaning kit, a lens wrap, and more)

Amazon Black Friday Deals

• Up to 34% off Canon cameras and lenses
• Up to 41% off Sony cameras
• Up to 41% off Panasonic Lumix cameras and lenses
• Up to 23% off Nikon cameras and lenses
• Up to 11% off DJI drones
• $60 off ViewSonic VP3881 38-inch UltraWide Curved Monitor
• $70 off ViewSonic VP3481 34-inch Curved Monitor

Nikon Black Friday Deals

Nikon has a wealth of deals on mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and lenses for both systems. This includes:

• $250 off Z50 two-lens kit
• $400 off Z6 24-70mm kit
• $400 off Z6 body only
• $300 off Z7 body only
• $150 off Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
• $200 off Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S
• $300 off D7500 18-140mm kit
• $570 off D500 16-80mm kit
• $400 off AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
• $500 off AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 

Nikon is also offering their online courses for free through the end of the year.

Holdfast Gear Black Friday Deals

Our friends over at Holdfast Gear are kicking off Black Friday with an Early Bird Sale that gets you 20% off straps and other accessories.

Holdfast makes all sorts of high-end gear, including bags, single and dual camera straps, and a host of leather accessories like shoes, wallets, and pen holders, just to name a few.

To score the 20% discount, simply use the promo code EARLYBIRD2020 when you check out.

This is a short, time-limited discount, so hurry over to Holdfast Gear to do some early Black Friday shopping!

MPB Black Friday Deals

You can get an extra 10% off select camera bodies, lenses, gimbals, and stabilizers at MPB through November 30th. MPB has also partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a tree each time someone buys, sells, or trades gear at MPB.com as an added bonus!

Additionally, U.S. residents can score 10% off these camera bodies:

• Nikon D610
• Canon EOS 70D
• Sony Alpha A5000
• Fujifilm X-T1

The sale on these cameras runs from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Head over to MPB to check out these deals and much more!

HEX Brand Black Friday Deals

Black Friday through Cyber Monday, HEX Brand is offering 20% off, which includes their brand-new Ranger Crossbody Bag shown above.

Like all HEX Brand gear, this new Crossbody bag represents the ideal mix of style and substance.

The exterior of the bag is crafted of Genuine Cordura^® and ballistic nylon. Inside is EVA foam padding to protect your camera and accessories. There's also an adjustable padded divider to keep your gear organized.

But don't think that this is a bulky bag. Quite the opposite. Its small form factor hugs your body as you move so it stays out of your way. In fact, it's just 1.3 pounds yet can hold up to 1.5 liters of gear.

Check it out at HEX Brand and see if it's the right bag for you this holiday season!

Other Photography Black Friday Deals

There are TONS of other awesome Black Friday deals for photographers. Here’s a few:

• Up to 46% off at DJI.com
• Up to 40% off paper prints at Artbeat Studios
• 25% off Adobe Creative Cloud for individual subscriptions through November 27th (which includes more than 20 apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and InDesign)
• 70% off Adobe Creative Cloud for students and teachers through November 27th (the discount makes it just $15.99 per month)
• Up to 20% off on Peak Design gear through December 1st (this includes 20% off on Everyday Bags and 10% off on tripods)
• 20% off site wide on orders over $50 at Printique (use promo code BLACKFRIDAY20 at checkout)

Like I said earlier, some of these deals might disappear, and other killer deals might pop up, so keep your eyes peeled and your credit card ready!

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^{Photo by Valeriia Bugaiova on Unsplash}

I worked in the real estate photography space for years before I got my first commercial real estate photography gig, and I was nervous. 

I wrongly imagined that commercial real estate photography would be similar to other real estate photography, just with a bigger paycheck. 

Unfortunately, I had to create a new contract, buy a new lens, and finally contact a lawyer friend to make sure I hadn’t messed anything up along the way. 

When I started my commercial real estate photography career I wish I would have known these things.

Table of Contents

• Types of Commercial Properties
• Commercial Real Estate Photography Paperwork
• How to Market a Commercial Real Estate Photography Business
• Commercial Real Estate Photography With a Drone
• Processing Real Estate Images

Types of Commercial Properties

^{Photo by Orlova Maria on Unsplash}

First things first. You need to understand the different types of commercial real estate photography properties, like:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Spas or salons
• Office spaces
• Shops or malls 
• Public spaces

^{Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash}

While there are a lot of physical differences between these types of properties, there isn’t very much you need to change in your routine to shoot them, so long as you keep these two things in mind: showcase the amenities and the entrance.

Potential buyers want to know what this space offers them, and their clients, that other spaces don’t, hence the amenities. They also want to get a feel for the space as quickly as possible, which is where the entrance shot comes in. 

Recommended Real Estate Photography Books:

• The Business of Real Estate Photography: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting your own Real Estate Photography Business
• Photographing Real Estate Interiors and Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide to Equipment, Technique and Workflow for Real Estate Photography

 

Commercial Real Estate Photography Paperwork 

 ^{photo by Cytonn Photography via Pexels} 

This is the part of the process that nobody wants to talk about but is most important. 

You are going to need a new contract, a commercial model release, a license for use, and a formal quote.

Let’s start with the formal quote, which will be the first document you use in the commercial real estate photography process. 

You will have already negotiated your pricing before you get to the formal quote because the formal quote will be what your client will show to his or her boss when trying to decide if they want to go with your business. So, it needs to look professional and be worded professionally. 

If you aren’t great with programs like Adobe InDesign, you may want to hire someone to create this contract template for you.

 ^{Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash}

You will also need a commercial model release form, which allows your client to share your images with different members of the press for public relations purposes and should be factored into your overall formal quote since your photos very well may end up being used in national publications. 

Finally, you will need a license for use, which outlines the ways your client may use your photos, and a contract, which should include information about all of these documents combined in one easy to read document.  

Learn More:

• What You Need to Do Before Taking a Single Real Estate Photo
• 3 Real Estate Photography Cameras to Consider for 2020

How to Market a Commercial Real Estate Photography Business

^{Photo by Christian Lambert on Unsplash} 

Just like with our real estate photography tips list we made, the number one best way to market yourself as a commercial real estate photographer is to make sure your portfolio is perfect.

However, creating the perfect portfolio should never be an endeavor you face alone because it’s important to get second and third opinions from friends and strangers alike.

Who is your target audience for your portfolio? Do you have enough photographs to break your portfolio down into a few separate portfolios, like a portfolio for hotels and a portfolio for office spaces?

Your portfolio should highlight the ways your photography is unique.

^{Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash} 

Additionally, if you’re serious about commercial real estate photography you will want to start investing your time online.  

You will need a simple, intuitive website that showcases your portfolio and allows clients to contact you, hopefully from multiple pages on the website. You should also include a page where you explain your business and another page where you give some background about yourself.

Your blog should also be housed on your website so that you can draw more people to your website, but in order for this marketing tactic to work, you must be writing a new blog around three times every week to build a readership base. 

 ^{Photo by Evangeline Shaw on Unsplash}

Finally, you will want to start networking with professionals in your area, and if you don’t already happen to know anyone in the commercial real estate space then you can join one of the tens of thousands of real estate networking groups in the world.  

Bonus tip: If you’re serious about learning how to market your commercial real estate photography business, you need to do more than read a few articles about it. Real Estate Photographer Pro is an online group of professional photographers who have already learned all of these tips before and can walk you through it.  

There’s no point in reinventing the wheel, and nobody understands that like Real Estate Photographer Pro. They have easy to understand videos on all types of marketing, videos on editing, and a Facebook group where you can ask any question you have! 

You can also take part in weekly Q&A sessions and learn even more tips and tricks for honing your real estate photography skills. It’s simply a great way to connect, learn, and network !

Commercial Real Estate Photography With a Drone

^{Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash} 

If you’re just entering the commercial real estate photography industry, and I’m assuming you are since you’re reading a 100-level article about the industry, get yourself a drone and learn how to use it.

No other subsection of photography has embraced drone photography like commercial real estate photography has. 

Let’s face it, most commercial buildings are just too small to capture from the ground.

^{Photo by Caleb Semeri on Unsplash} 

You’ll need to do a few things before you set out for your first drone shoot, though. First, you’ll need to ensure you can make it out to the property on a day and time where the weather will be clear because it would suck to get there and be unable to send up your drone. 

You’ll also want to plan the exact shots you want, since camera drones have very limited flight times. 

If you’re looking for a recommendation of a great drone that will last you the course of your career, DJI’s Mavic 2 Pro Drone is perfect for you.

This drone features a 20MP Hasselblad camera that shoots 4K video, can handle low light shooting, and can be up in the air for up to 31 minutes at a time, which will give you plenty of time to capture all the footage your clients need.  

It’s an investment at $1,729, but what would you expect of a camera drone that can transmit full HD video at distances of up to 5 miles? It’s an impressive price for an impressive camera that is sure to impress your clients. 

Learn More:

• Selecting the Right Drone for Your Photo and Video Needs
• Drone Photography Tip: Understanding FAA Rules and Regulations

Processing Real Estate Images

^{Photo by Zakaria Zayane on Unsplash} 

Whether you take photos of commercial properties from the ground or the air, you’ll need to process those images for maximum impact.

One of my favorite real estate-specific processing programs is Photomatix.

It works as a standalone program or as a plugin for Lightroom (or Capture One, if that’s your program of choice).

It comes with 6 HDR styles, over 70 HDR settings, and 40 HDR presets, all of which enable you to create beautifully exposed images of commercial properties inside and out.

There’s even a batch processing feature to speed up the process and a variety of tools - like advanced ghost removal - that help you clean up your images and put the best foot forward for each commercial property you photograph.

Processing your images is not an option here - it’s a must if you want to impress potential buyers!

Learn More:

• Basic Business Tips for Real Estate Photographers
• Best Lenses for Real Estate Photography

 

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^{Photo by Iewek Gnos on Unsplash}

Drones are amazing photographic tools capable of creating outstanding images and videos. 

At the heart of a drone is a camera, so users will want to think about what are the proper camera settings for drone photography to get the most pleasing shots. PhotographyTalk.com has a great article about real estate drone photography showing good tips about using drone for real estate photos.

Let’s have a look at some essential settings with which you need to be familiar.

Table of Contents

• Two Types of Drone Uses
• Drone Photography Settings - Pro
• Drone Photography Settings - Fun
• Videography Settings - Pro and Fun
• Most Valuable Drone Accessory - ND Filters
• Pro or Fun, It’s All Fun!

Two Types of Drone Uses

 ^{photo byOnfokus via iStock}

There are two types of people who are using drones. One is an advanced photographer or videographer using the drone for all sorts of photos and videos including paid gigs. Another is any level of photographer who wants to use the drone for fun and is looking for drone photography tips. 

Either of these two types of drone photographers can be further categorized into those primarily desiring still images and others more into video than still pics.

Obviously, there will likely be a lot of overlap among these types. An advanced still photographer can just be playing around with drone video or an amatuer videographer can use their drone for paid still photography jobs. And any mix in between. Drone photography settings will change depending on which type of drone you are on any given day. 

Recommended Photography Books

• National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
• Photography: The Definitive Visual History
• Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs

Drone Photography Settings - Pro 

^{Photo by Tyler Casey on Unsplash} 

First up, we’ll examine some pro level still photography drone camera settings. For the purposes of these drone photography tips, we’ll standardize on one current and very popular drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro. We got ours from Adorama, so we’re sure it’s got a legit USA warranty and all the items that are supposed to come in the box.

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is one of the better drones on the market that still is pretty friendly for most serious photography budgets. It has a 20MP 1” type sensor Hasselblad camera with a moderately wide angle lens. Video capability is 4K 10-bit HDR plus some lower resolutions. Maximum flying speed is about 45 MPH and battery life is up to 31 minutes.

You could allow the camera to set everything automatically. Many pro level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have full auto modes that are capable of figuring nearly exposures, but the realities of drone photography pretty much require exposing manually.

A good place to start is with the image file setting. For pro or advanced levels, record in the RAW/DNG file mode. As with all our other cameras, the amount of exposure information in a RAW file far surpasses other file types found in most cameras. This gives you a whole lot of leeway to enhance in post processing. Get more details about camera settings on the Mavic Pro 2 in the video above by Tom’s Tech Time.

Keep the white balance in auto. Since you’re shooting RAW, your imaging program will let you set the proper color profile for the scene.

Shutter speed, lens aperture, and ISO, the exposure triangle, are pretty easy to figure out for most daylight conditions. A good place to start is ISO 100, shutter speed of 1/60th, and an f-stop of f/4.0. Even with the most stable of drones, you will want to keep your shutter speed fairly high.

^{Photo by Juan N. Gomez from Pexels} 

Then, review your photos. Some regular photography tutorials will preach against “chimping” or viewing the exposed image on camera (or live monitor), but it is a valid method to use in certain situations. This is definitely one of those situations.  

If the exposure is too light or dark, adjust the exposure appropriately. Start with adjusting the lens aperture, then ISO if the exposure is still out of range, lastly adjust the shutter speed. If the image is still too dark, it may not be a good day for drone imagery. Or really make use of the RAW data to pull out shadow detail. If the image stays too bright, add on an neutral density (ND) filter to compensate. 

Since this is a flying machine, one of your camera settings for drone photography will be flight mode. You want the most stability possible out of any drone. On the Mavic 2 Pro, that mode is labeled “T” for tripod. One of the best drone photography tips you can learn is to use the “S” or sports mode to fly into position, but always switch to a stability mode like “T” when actually taking pictures or shooting video. 

Drone Photography Settings - Fun

^{Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels} 

Almost everything listed above still works, simply adjust a couple of key settings. Set your image file recording to JPG (Jpeg). A JPG file is a compressed file, processed by the camera, that can be used straight out of the camera if desired. So, that eases up any work to be done for casual or fun style imaging. 

The other setting to change is white balance. Since you’re shooting in JPEG, you should assign one. Leaving it on auto could give you settings all over the map for a lot of drone uses. Daylight or cloudy are two common options if auto isn’t giving good results. 

Keep using the manual exposure triangle settings and ND filters as listed above. It’s easy enough to do since you are reviewing your shots to check exposure. 

Videography Settings - Pro and Fun

^{Photo by Rayyu Maldives photographer on Unsplash} 

When shooting video, start out staying with the same exposure triangle settings as with still imaging. Adjust up or down as needed, first with f-stop, then with ISO.

For video recording mode, use the highest quality available for your particular camera. On the Mavic 2 Pro, that’s 4K HQ. No need to go lower for extended recording times since the drone flight time is limited. Use 30 FPS instead of 24 FPS to help smooth out flying irregularities. 

Pro users may want to synch FPS if using drone footage for B-roll, but 30 FPS will edit in smoothly for most applications. Get more pointers on camera settings for video in the video below by Drone Film Guide.

White balance should be set to something besides auto. Auto white balance and extended video footage will give you annoying and unexpected shifts in colors. Custom is a good option for pro users. Fun users can choose daylight or cloudy. 

The color profile setting works best as either Normal or DLog-M. DLog-M lets you adjust color profile in editing, so that would be the setting most common for pro uses, but there’s nothing wrong with the normal setting. 

Video encoding should be the newest available, style setting can be adjusted as you see fit. The one style setting I foresee most drone users changing would be contrast. Adjust incrementally until it suits your own personal style or brand.

Most Valuable Drone Accessory - ND Filters

Since the exposure triangle options are a little bit limited for drone photography and videography, having a good set of high quality ND filters will let you shoot or film in a wide variety of brightness situations.  

The Polar Pro Mavic 2 Cinema Series from Adorama for the DJI Mavic 2 Pro cameras is an outstandingly good choice for drone ND filters.

Obviously, the ND filters will bring down levels that are too bright. If the levels are still too dark after making all the adjustments you could, maybe it’s time to invent a usable LED light for drones. Any inventors and investors out there?

Pro or Fun, It’s All Fun!

Now that you have some experience flying, know the do’s and don’ts of drone flying, are properly registered, and have a good idea of what settings to use, you are all set to capture high quality images and video footage. 

Remember, even pros can have fun when using a great drone for photography. Likewise, even amatuer photgraphers can capture professional level results from the fantastic drones available now. 

 

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^{Photo by Marin Tulard on Unsplash}

How are you liking your new drone? Or perhaps you’re considering either upgrading your current drone or getting into drones as a beginner. Whichever describes your situation, you will need to  know the FAA rules for drones as well as how to fly a drone safely.

We have some drone photography tips explaining some of what you need to know to stay within regulations and restrictions concerning FAA rules for drones.

What Is Required?

^{Photo by Harry Cunningham on Unsplash}

The FAA requires that drones should be registered and also that they are operated within certain restrictions and guidelines. This is true regardless of whether you will be using your drone for profit or not. 

Recreational fliers are registered under the guidelines covered by what was formerly called Section 336 and is for fliers now labeled Recreational Flyers and Modeler Community-Based Organizations.  

A separate registration is called Part 107 and is required for anyone making money off of their drone use. These users are labeled Certified Remote Pilots, including Commercial Operators. There are some very important distinctions between these two types of users. To make sure you operating legally, be sure to know what type of registration applies to your drone flying.

How To Register Drones

^{Photo by Helloquence on Unsplash}

 hear two questions come up most frequently about the FAA and drones. One is “do I have to register my drone?” The answer for that query is yes. You can cause yourself all sorts of problems if you decide to skip this step. 

The next question is about how to register my drone with the FAA. There are two ways to register. You may submit a paper application or you can choose to register online. If you are filing under Part 107, you will also have to pass a test administered by the FAA. There will soon be basic testing for recreational users as well according to the FAA website about drones. 

Besides the initial testing and registration, there will be periodic renewing of certificates and perhaps more training and testing required. Flying a drone has all these guidelines and requirements because of the hazards involved and because of the potential for abuse.

What Drones Need Registration?

Any drone that is over 0.55 pounds but less than 55 pounds and are flown recreationally or for certain commercial activities must be registered. It’s a good idea to keep up to date with government rules, nationally and locally, so you are within the bounds of what is acceptable.

 As a drone photography tip, let’s look at two different drones you may have in mind and see which registration, if any, applies to them.

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone (shown above) is a full featured but relatively lightweight drone with a zoom lens and video recording built in. It weighs in at just a few grams under 2 pounds. That makes it over 0.55 pounds but nowhere near 55 pounds. Does it need to be registered? Absolutely yes. 

Another DJI drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro (shown above), is marketed towards advanced users and professional photographers and videographers. It has a Hasselblad camera and lens for ultra high resolution imaging and video. It weighs about 2 pounds too, so it definitely needs to be registered.

So, which registration applies? Does the DJI Mavic 2 Pro have to be filed under Part 107 since it’s considered a pro camera drone? Should my new DJI Mavic 2 Zoom be listed under former Section 336 since it’s not labeled a pro tool? 

Well, both of those questions are actually misleading. It isn’t the drone that determines what type of registration it’s the intended use of the drone. If you are using your Mavic 2 Pro merely for your own personal enjoyment, it would be a recreational license. If you use your Mavic 2 Zoom to create B-roll video for a project that makes you money, it’s a commercial license. 

If you get confused over the distinctions, check the FAA drone website. Basic rule of thumb is if it makes you money or you intend for it make you money, file as a commercial operator.  

How To Fly a Drone Safely

^{Photo by Kaleb Kendall on Unsplash}

There are a lot of do’s and don’ts concerning safety and privacy with drone operation. Check our other drone articles listed under the Learn More heading for some specifics. 

The main thing is, operate your drone safely and within the law. If you do that, you have a greater chance of having a pleasant outing and getting nice photos and videos! 

 

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^{Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels}

Drones are one of the best new things to come to amatuer and pro photography in recent years. If you have been enjoying drone photography for a while or have just started to use your new drone, some drone safety tips may be helpful for you. 

Before You Start

Your new drone is an amazing tool. Looking at two of the current drones from DJI, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, you find several incredible capabilities and features. 

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom has a 12MP camera for video or still imaging with a 4X optical zoom lens, a top speed of over 45mph, a range of transmission and control from 5 miles away, and can fly for over 30 minutes on one charge.

If you picked up the new DJI Mavic 2 Pro, you will enjoy one of the best cameras on any drone, the 20MP Hasselblad L1D-20c gimbal camera, with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution technology, an aperture range of f/2.9 to f/11, and an ISO from 3200 to 12,800. The Mavic 2 Pro boasts similar range, speed, and flight times as the Mavic 2 Zoom.

 

With those features and capabilities, you want to be able to safely operate your new drone for a long time. First steps include proper training, licensing, and registration. After those basics are taken care of, the next step is to learn how to fly a drone safely.

 

Recommended Drone Photography Reading:

• Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky
• Drone Photography Explored: Beautiful Drone Photography

 

Learn to Operate Your New Drone 

 ^{photo by Onfokus via iStock} 

DJI has an excellent page of video tutorials and guides. In addition to the video guides, DJI has a forum for questions and feedback. Many of the better drone makers have similar support.  

We also have a number of tutorials for beginner drone pilots. See the Learn More links below for some introductory tips for flying your drone safely.

Check the Battery

  ^{photo by Scharfsinn86 via iStock}

Now you’re ready for your first actual flight. Proper drone safety includes all the preflight prep. You want to ensure the battery is fully charged. You will be testing out your new drone for a while, so having a full charge is important to get used to the drone. 

Though 30 minutes is a great flight time for a drone. That ½ hour will fly by very quickly as you examine all the controls and functions. 

Of course, when actually flying for a project, you also want a full battery charge to maximize how much video or how many images you can gather. You’ll also want to have a spare battery or two on hand that are fully charged, that way you can extend the time you can actually have the drone in the air.

Check all the Pieces 

Drone safety can be thought of in two ways. Protecting yourself and others from harm and protecting your drone. Protecting yourself from harm mostly involves not letting the swiftly moving propellers impact you. They really do spin quite fast.

Most drones have removable propellers. They are removed either for storage or for replacement. Drone safety suggests you should double check that the propellers are properly attached. Besides injury to you, if the propellers come off in flight, you could lose or break your drone.

Set the Return Home Feature

^{Photo by Peter Fazekas from Pexels}  

At the start of each drone flying session, check that the return home function is properly set and that the built-in compass and GPS are calibrated.

Then give it a flick of the switch or toggle the button, and see if it does what the tutorial says it should. If not, you’ll need to consult the owner’s manual for your specific drone.

Practice in an Open Area

^{Photo by Stephan Müller from Pexels} 

For your first outdoor test flight, or for testing out new techniques or features any time thereafter, it’s good practice to choose an open area without obstructions that could get in the way. An open field is preferable to an apartment courtyard, for example. 

The more obstructions there are, the more likely you could fly your new drone into them as you test out its features and your skills. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to observe exactly how you’re affecting the drone with the controller.

Post Flight Drone Safety Tips

 ^{photo by golubovy via iStock} 

Drone safety doesn’t end when the flight ends. Some things need to be taken care of properly afterwards, too.

It may sound too obvious to be a real drone safety tip, but you want to definitely turn off your drone after flying. In fact, best drone safety practice is to turn it off before you shut off the remote controller. If you turn off the remote before switching off the drone, there is a chance of accidental uncontrolled flight.

Right after the flight, the rechargeable battery is going to be very hot. Instead of charging the battery after flight, you might want to develop the habit of waiting for recharging until you need to use the drone again. If nothing else, allow sufficient time for the batteries to cool before charging.

Store Your Drone Properly

 ^{photo by gorodenkoff via iStock} 

 Our final drone safety tip concerns storage. Some people keep the box it came in for as long as it lasts, using it for storage and transport. A better solution is a dedicated bag or case optimized for carrying a drone. I like to keep mine in a protective bag designed for photographic equipment. 

By observing these drone safety tips, you help ensure that your new drone will perform optimally each time you take it out for flight and imaging.

 

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^{Photo by Patrick Donnelly on Unsplash}

It’s hard to believe that not all that long ago, digital cameras were just digital cameras with no video capabilities.

I remember being blown away when HD video was added to many DSLRs. And now, here we are discussing the 4K UHD video features of two very capable Nikon cameras. If you missed it, I have a complete Nikon Z7 review that dives deep into the features, performance, image quality, and other important factors of this camera. If you want a broader view of the Z7’s capabilities, have a look at that.

You can learn more about the Z6's other features in my Nikon Z6 review.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - videography is the new still photography. I’m not saying that video has usurped the importance of photography, but it is certainly a more important skill now than ever before, especially for professional photographers.

With that in mind, here’s a quick overview of filmmaking with the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7.

Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 Common Video Features

^{Nikon Z7}

There are a few things these cameras share in common on the video front.

For starters, both the Z7 and Z6 have the exact same body and the exact same grip. From a handheld shooting point of view, they are evenly matched in terms of comfort and usability.

Nikon seems to have prioritized easy handheld recording given the button layout of both cameras.

More specifically, the video record button is placed at the top of the grip so you can easily start and stop recording with your pointer finger.

^{Nikon Z6}

Another common trait of these cameras is the big, bright, 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD. With 2.1-million-dots of resolution, you don’t miss any details when you’re shooting. Its tilting action is nice for keeping an eye on low-angle and high-angle footage, though a fully articulating screen would have been nice.

The EVFs in these cameras are even better, if you ask me. Granted, I don’t shoot much video with my eye to the viewfinder, but the fact that the EVF doesn’t get soft when shooting video (an issue I’ve found in my Sony a6300) is definitely a bonus.

^{Nikon Z6}

Of course, both the Z7 and the Z6 feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which is a Godsend when shooting handheld video.

This is especially true when you’re panning or tilting while handheld. The image stabilization helps you get buttery smooth motion, though it should be noted that it isn’t as effective when walking and shooting video at the same time.

Something else of note is that both of these cameras have good continuous autofocus performance when shooting video in good lighting. Even if the subject is moving quite fast toward the camera, the Z7 and Z6 do a good job of tracking the subject. In low-light, the autofocus obviously struggles, but that’s to be expected of any camera.

These cameras can shoot up to 30p in 4K, so there's no 60p option for slow-motion recording, though you can record in 1080 120p if slow-motion footage is needed.

One last note - neither camera has a good built-in audio pre-amp. For Nikon shooters, this is nothing new, so just be aware that if you use a mic that has poor output levels, the audio will be very noisy.

Nikon Z7 Video Capabilities

Let's focus on the Nikon Z7 video specs.

The primary thing you should know about filmmaking with the Nikon Z7 is that even though it offers 4K UHD video recording, it does not offer full sensor readout in full frame mode. For full sensor readout, you have to shoot with a 1.5x crop factor.

As a result, full frame video footage is quite soft compared to the Nikon Z6 and quite noisy as well. Banding and pixelation can also be an issue.

On the plus side, the camera has 10-bit N-log video via the HDMI output. This gives you improved dynamic range and much more color depth with which to work in post-processing. See the Z7 in action in the video below by AdoramaTV.

Make no mistake, the Z7 is a still camera with video capabilities. As noted in the previous section, it has a lot of features to help you capture excellent video. However, the Z7 is not intended to be a go-to camera for video footage. That distinction goes to the Z6.

Nikon Z6 Video Capabilities

Nikon definitely developed the Z6 to be the video king of its mirrorless lineup.

Not only does it offer super-sampled full frame recording and better shallow depth of field than the Z7, but it also performs beautifully in low-light situations.

That's advantageous for situations in which you don't have a ton of light (or don't want to lug around lighting).

Its pixel-to-pixel readout of the sensor means there's no pixel binning to get to full 4K video. As a result, video is clean, sharp, and detailed, and dynamic range is outstanding, particularly if you're recording externally. Read more about Nikon D750 camera on our website PhotographyTalk.com.

Speaking of external recording, the Z6 offers 10-bit N-log video output just like the Z7. The result of this is improved dynamic range, as noted above, as well as better colors, particularly if the video footage was shot in challenging lighting.

Something to be aware of is that the Z6 has a focus-by-wire system. This means that you can't set lens marks based on where your subject is located and pull focus to follow their movements.

The camera does have focus peaking when shooting in manual mode, so you can at least see what's sharp and what isn't.

For some reason, though, Nikon doesn't let you use focus peaking and highlight peaking at the same time.

Despite these minor issues, the Z6 is a very, very good camera for filmmaking - perhaps one of the best on the market right now. Get more details on this camera in the video above by AdoramaTV.

When comparing the Z6 to the Z7 for video purposes, the Z6 is a clear winner. If video is the most important factor when you buy a new camera, the Nikon Z6 video specs make it a prime choice.

And since the Z6 is $2,000.00 (body only), it's far cheaper than its big brother, which comes in at $3,400.00 for the body only.

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^{photo byjacoblund via iStock}

So, you’re thinking about vlogging and you’re wondering if you really need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on your equipment.  

No. You don’t. You just need the basics. But, you’ll want to make sure your vlogging gear will still last you a long time. 

Here’s a list of everything a vlogger can’t live without. 

Camera: GoPro

^{Photo by Arindam Raha from Pexels}

You’re definitely not going to get very far as a vlogger without the most basic of vlogging gear: a good camera. 

I think the most important thing when purchasing a camera is to remember that it’s 2020 and most cameras are going to be more than enough for your new vlog. Don’t overspend here and not be able to purchase the other vlogging gear essentials.

While you can use just about any DSLR or mirrorless camera out there, I’d recommend purchasing a GoPro because GoPros are definitely the easiest vlogging camera for traveling and shooting outside of a studio. 

They’re rugged, easily portable, and packed with features that make them a well-rounded camera. Besides, you can get a GoPro Hero 8 Black for $400, which is a great price for all the functionalities you get: 

• 12MP sensor
• 4K video at 60p or 1080p video at 240p
• 8x Slo-Mo video
• HyperSmooth 2.0
• TimeWarp 2.0
• Live Streaming
• LiveBurst
• SuperPhoto + HDR

You may not be planning to shoot anywhere other than your house, but if the need arises, you’ll have wished you went with a GoPro!

Quick Tip: You’ll want to invest in a quality external microphone to go with your GoPro. I’ve used the RODE VideoMicro and loved its sound quality and compact size. It’s a perfect addition to a GoPro because it’s rugged and portable, just like the GoPro! And at just $59, it’s budget-friendly too!

 

Recommended Videography Books:

• How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro
• The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques

 

Light: LitraPro 

You’ll want to use natural lighting for your vlog as often as possible, but sometimes it’s not. In these times, you’ll want a natural-looking light to ensure your face doesn’t have any awkward shadows. 

I use the LitraPro because it is 100% dimmable, has adjustable color temperature, can run for up to 10 hours on one charge and is waterproof up to 90 feet. 

You can use it in your studio, on that epic surfing trip you’ve been planning, or on your trip to Machu Picchu and points in between.

It’s hard to find a light that is this bright, this rugged, and this portable. You can purchase a Litra Torch LitraPro on Adorama for $220. 

Learn More:

• 2019 Top Cameras for Vlogging
• Introduction to Drone Photography

Tripod: Octopad

 

People who write about vlogging best practices will always recommend getting a tripod, but I’ve found something just a little bit better. 

The Octopad does everything a tripod can’t through its patent-pending technology. It doesn’t slip or slide, it doesn’t cave under weight and it never loses suction - because it doesn’t use suction!

It’s weighted bottom keeps your GoPro, LitraPro, microphone, and other vlogging accessories perfectly stable, even on uneven surfaces. Heck, I often use my GoPro and Octopad as a dashcam setup - I set the Octopad on the dash, hit record on the GoPro, and we’re off.  

As soon as you buy this, you’ll have wished you had it in your camera bag over the years because it makes taking video and photos so much easier.  

The Octopad is available for only $27 on Adorama. 

Handheld Mount: HandlePod

Finally, before getting started in vlogging you’ll need a handheld mount. 

I chose the HandlePod because it works with GoPros, and you can use it in a variety of ways.

I typically use it as a handheld mount, but you can also use it as a tabletop mount or even mount it to a stable object, like a tree or a fencepost. 

Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty and weighs just 4 oz so you can take it everywhere. 

This camera stabilizer is available for less than $30 on Adorama.  

Pro Vlogging Tips

^{photo by NoSystem images via iStock} 

Now that you’ve got all the equipment you might need, you’ll need some information about getting started in vlogging. 

The first thing you’ll need to do is establish the “why” behind your vlog. Are you getting started in vlogging to educate your audience? Do you want to entertain them? Are you just looking to make some extra cash to take your family on vacation every year?

Once you have your “why,” other parts of your vlog will come more easily, like your story outlines, your purpose, and your filming dates. 

Next, you’ll need to get really good at editing, like Matti Haapoja.

Most people stop watching videos within the first two minutes, so you need to prove to your audience that your material is worth sticking around for. That means editing the crap out of your vlogs.  

Anything that isn’t 100% necessary to fulfill the purpose of the vlog needs to get cut. As a beginner vlogger, you should be aiming for videos that are no longer than 5 minutes. 

Finally, you should be doing a ton of market research. Watch other vlogs, both those who you consider your competitors and those who aren’t. Figure out what you love about watching vlogs and then try and emulate that. 

Learn More:

• Landscape Photography Myths Debunked
• Nikon Z6 Review

 

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 ^{photo byMorgan Somers via iStock}

You’re the proud owner of a new GoPro MAX. Congratulations! The GoPro MAX is a fantastic action cam with 360-degree camera capability in video and still imaging modes. With all that this camera can do, you want to be sure that you know how to get the most out of it. 

We’ve put together some tips for GoPro MAX and some ideas of situations, techniques, and even some accessories that can assist you to do just that.

 Get Used to 360-Degree Shooting

^{Photo by Don Stone on Unsplash}

One of the hardest things for us to think about when we start using a 360-degree camera is just how much shows in the camera’s point of view (POV). You, your boat, your motorcycle, your trained monkey, your drone, whatever you have yo attached to will be in the action camera’s POV, showing up in the viewed video.

Regular action cameras tend to have very wide angle lens options, but you can get behind even a 180-degree fish-eye lens. Not so with 360-degree cameras. You, or the item you mounted it on are going to be seen. So make sure to take that into account as you set up for filming.

Viewers of 360-degree camera video and still images are used to this already. It’s us photographers and videographers that need this advice. It’s not really a technique, more like a mindset. 

 

Recommended Videography Books:

• How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro
• The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques

 

Get a Good Handheld Mount 

^{Photo by li xianan on Unsplash} 

One way or the other, you will most likely be mounting your GoPro MAX to something. The two basic options are hands-free and handheld.

If you are going to try to hold the camera with your hands alone, you quickly find out that it’s not really a practical alternative for action cams or a 360-degree camera. The cameras are small and your hands will take up way too much of the view when in 360-degree camera mode.

One of the better grips I’ve found for the GoPro MAX is the HandlePod 3-Axis Action Camera Mount from Adorama. It is a multi-use tool that can operate as a tabletop base, be lashed to a pole, post, or arm, or be gripped like a pistol grip.

It really comes in handy as a handheld grip for these small cameras. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and it is a comfortable way to hold the GoPro MAX plus an accessory or two like a light or a microphone.  

Learn More:

• 6 GoPro Accessories You Didn’t Know Exist
• 9 GoPro MAX Tips You Need to Know

Hit the Action Hard With a Hands-Free Mount

If you are really hitting the action hard, then holding the GoPro MAX in your hands, even with a great grip like the HandlePod, simply isn’t a desirable option. You will want to use a hands-free mount of some sort.

There are a lot of methods that can be employed for mounting. Suction cups are a valid method to attach to a windshield of a vehicle, strap mounts can allow you to put the camera on your head, arm, or leg for interesting views.

A traditional tripod can be used, but that is actually a bit of an overkill for most action cams. Another usable style of mount is a weighted stabilizer mount such as the OctoPod camera mount.

 

The OctoPod is a small camera mount that features a non-slip bottom coupled with a weighted, flexible pad that can stabilize on virtually any type of surface including angled surfaces up to 45 degrees.  It can hold your GoPro Max stable in all but the most extreme of uses.

^{Photo by Kamil Pietrzak on Unsplash} 

Making use of a stabilizer mount such as the OctoPod really helps open up your shooting style for action, both in HERO mode and in 360-degree camera mode.

You’re still probably going to show up in the final image or video, but you won’t be as noticeable. Handheld and hands-free are both great for action cams.

Light It Up

 

One of the best tips for GoPro MAX users is not to neglect the HERO mode. HERO mode is a great way to get the most out of your GoPro MAX 360-degree camera. In HERO mode, adding a light source can sometimes turn a difficult exposure situation into an amazing video or photo shoot. 

Of course, with the compactness of action cams being one of their best features, any light you do add will need to be small as well. The Litra Torch 2.0 becomes an excellent choice for many GoPro MAX users.

A battery powered LED continuous light, the Litra Torch 2.0 matches well with the GoPro MAX. Small enough that you can add it to the HandlePod for a lightweight all in one videography rig, it adds very little weight to the package.

A high CRI (color rendition index) means you will get natural looking colors of your subject and surroundings. Since the light is small, it can’t be too powerful, but you will be surprised at how bright it is.  

If you want to shoot with a light in 360-degree camera mode, you will either have to deal with only about half of your view being lit up, or use multiple lights. Since the Litra Torch 2.0 is very small and quite budget friendly, having two lights on at once becomes a viable alternative. Try it out for yourself.

Learn More:

• Composition Tips for Shooting Video
• Common Videography Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Choose the Right Settings

^{Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels} 

Whenever you start using a new camera, a learning session before going out into the field is a good idea. There are some excellent videos on YouTube that can be used as a GoPro MAX tutorial.

Here is one short tutorial from The 360 Guy that you might find interesting:

Avoid shooting with the idea that you will “fix it in post.” I like to recommend avoiding that train of thought in general in all of my photography and videography.

Post processing and editing should be used to enhance footage and images, not save them. Unless that poor footage is all you have of a special event, only use your best raw footage for editing into a finished product.

The Rule Is: There are No Rules!

^{Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels} 

Break free from any thoughts or habits that hold back creativity. Action cameras such as the GoPro MAX with 360-degree camera capability are meant to push the limits.  

I’m sure you had some amazing things in mind when you first thought about getting an action cam. Now that you have yours, find a way to do those things! And share the results.

 

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Though it took Nikon forever to get into the mirrorless camera game, if you ask me, the wait was worth it.

I have a Nikon Z7 in my camera bag, and I’ve had the opportunity to shoot with a Z6 as well. They are superb cameras in their own right (read my Nikon Z7 review and my Nikon Z6 review for more details).

What gets lost in the excitement over these cameras are the lenses Nikon has developed for them, which is a shame, because they deserve a little love as well.

Let’s get to know the Nikon Z-mount lens lineup.

Nikon Z-Mount Lenses Overview 

 

The lenses built for the Z-series camera actually have the S-series moniker.

When the Z7 and Z6 were introduced last year, three S-series lenses were introduced as well: a 24-70mm f/4 S, a 35mm f/1.8 S, and a 50mm f/1.8 S.

Though at first glance one might think that these lenses are more geared towards enthusiasts rather than professionals (mainly because of a lack of f/1.4 and f/1.2 apertures), a deeper dive reveals that these are definitely pro-grade-worthy lenses.

 

For starters, each of these lenses is totally weather-sealed. Additionally, they have a nano crystal coating to improve their performance.

When these lenses were in development, Nikon put them through more stringent testing than any of their other lenses ever (even more so than their gold-ring F-mount professional lenses), so no matter where you look under the hood of these things, you find delightful surprises.

 

One example of this is the control ring. Not only is it impeccably made and ultra quiet, but it also provides superb feedback and beautifully smooth strokes to change the focus and aperture. 

Also on the goodie list for these lenses is a quieter autofocus drive (which is great for videography), improved low-light performance for the 24-70mm f/4 lens, and two autofocus drive units and a brand-new multi-focusing system in the 35mm f/1.8 that make it an excellent choice for high-speed shots.

Furthermore, the 50mm f/1.8 has a brand-new stepping motor, which enables much more accurate autofocus control that is also super quiet at the same time.

I can attest from using each of these lenses that they have less ghosting, less flare, less chromatic aberration, and less distortion than comparable F-mount lenses.

 

There are new additions to the S-series lineup as well - the 14-30 f/4 S and the 24-70 f/2.8 S.

These lenses are currently on pre-order, so I haven’t had the opportunity to test either lens. However, considering they have the same build quality and features of the original Z-mount lenses, I imagine they are every bit as capable of helping you capture stunning photos.

 

In fact, in the case of the 24-70mm f/2.8, Nikon has incorporated what’s called an ARNEO coat. Used with the nano crystal coat that’s found on the other Z-mount lenses, this ARNEO coat is designed to substantially reduce ghosting and flare.

Additionally, the 24-70mm sports a dedicated manual focus ring as well as a customizable function button and OLED display

Nikon Z-Mount Lens Features 

 

In addition to the features discussed above, the Z-mount lenses have plenty of other things to get excited about.

Each S-series lens has a focus-by-wire system in which all focusing is done electronically (rather than the mechanical focus control seen on all F-mount lenses).

Though some photographers are averse to focus-by-wire systems - and rightfully so given that many such systems are frustratingly imprecise - I have had no such issues in shooting with these lenses. In fact, focusing is buttery smooth with excellent accuracy and the ability to hold the focus position when the camera is turned on and off.

Another spec that’s worthy of a shout out is the increased number of camera contacts.

F-mount lenses have eight contacts while the Z-mount lenses have 11. The result of this is improved performance all the way around, and, more specifically, much more refined control over the lens.

That more refined control is especially evident when shooting video. Paired with the new stepping motor system in these lenses, you get ultra-smooth aperture transitions and focus transitions. Both can be configured using the camera’s menu so you can fine-tune these transitions when shooting video.

 

But perhaps my favorite feature of the Z-mount lenses is that you can customize the focusing ring from the camera.

In other words, you can determine whether the focus ring adjusts focus, aperture, or exposure compensation. You can also elect to have it control nothing if you so wish.

Future Nikon Z-Mount Lens Features

As more Z-mount lenses are released, we’ll start to see even more features that enable improved performance.

For example, some forthcoming Z-mount lenses will include an electronic OLED screen (like the 24-70mm f/2.8 mentioned earlier). The screen will display important information like focusing distance, lens aperture, and hyperfocal distance.

Future lenses will also incorporate two customizable buttons to give you even more refined control over the behavior of the lens.

Upcoming Nikon Z-Mount Lenses 

Nikon laid out their Z-mount lens roadmap a while back, and it has an impressive list of lenses.

Later this year, Nikon will release the following: 

• 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
• 20mm f/1.8 S
• 85mm f/1.8 S
• 70-200 f/2.8 S

Clearly, the 58mm f/0.95 S Noct will be the one that everyone wants to get their hands on. That makes sense given that it will be the fastest Nikkor lens ever made.

In 2020, Nikon will release the following: 

• 50mm f/1.2 S
• 24mm f/1.8 S
• 14-24mm f/2.8 S

I think it goes without saying that Nikon has a solid plan for their Z-system cameras and lenses. If I wasn’t already a Nikon shooter, I’d be looking at this list of forthcoming glass and seriously think about switching!

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 ^{photo byTom Merton via iStock}

I know what you’re thinking…you can’t get a truly awesome gift for a photographer with just $100.

But you’re wrong!

Not only are there plenty of gifts for photographers with a price less than $100, but there are also lots of amazing gifts for that price.

While a lot of photography gear is admittedly expensive, these gift ideas will keep you on budget - and impress the photographer on your list, too.

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Artbeat Studios HD Metal Print

If you ask me, one of the best gifts for photographers is a print of one of their favorite photos. It's a great way to honor their craft while also giving them a gift that truly keeps on giving! 

And I know what you're thinking...metal prints for under $100 must be pretty low quality. Happily, though, that's just not the case!

Artbeat Studios is known as an industry leader for high-quality metal prints. One of the reasons for this is because Artbeat Studios’ HD metal prints have the image heat infused directly into the metal. The result is unsurpassed resolution and color vibrancy.

Metal is a gorgeous substrate for all manner and type of photos, too. The crisp, clean detail and modern look is just what the doctor ordered for highlighting a beautiful image.

What’s more, Artbeat Studios uses Chromaluxe® brand aluminum sheets. This brand of aluminum has a 3x better permanence than Kodak Silver Halide Prints and resists fading for more than 65 years. So not only is an HD metal print a great gift for this holiday season, but it’s a gift that will keep on giving for decades!

You can also customize the look of the print by choosing different finishes, surfaces, and mounts. One of the newest additions to the options list is the textured matte surface for a true fine art look. 

Whatever options you choose, the result is a breathtaking and custom print that your favorite photographer is sure to love that won't bust your budget! And since Artbeat Studios won our 2020 Metal Print Shootout, you know you’re getting a high-quality product! 

Learn more about Artbeat Studios’ HD Metal Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: An SD Card (or Several!)

^{Photo by nicolas_ via iStock} 

Is the photographer on your holiday shopping list difficult to shop for? Then a great gift idea is something that offers utility now and in the future, like an SD card. 

All photographers need memory cards, so giving the gift of a memory card or two will be much appreciated.

Memory cards can be expensive, though, so you’ll want to maximize your budget by finding the best deals on top brands.

I use SD Card Express to find great deals on memory cards, and I think you’ll find that their selection is just right for finding the photographer on your list the cards they need.

From microSD cards to Class 10 cards, TF Cards to U3 cards, SD Card Express has you covered. 

There’s a huge selection of different brands, too, so if the photographer you’re shopping for likes Lexar, SanDisk, Western Digital, or something in between, you should be able to find what you need.

For example, you can get a SanDisk Ultra 512GB MicroSD Memory Card for $86.64. As another example, you can get a Lexar Professional 633x 256GB SD Memory Card for $48.13. You can mix and match types and brands to give your favorite photographer a nice collection of cards while staying under your $100 budget.

Learn more about SD Card Express

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: CanvasHQ Print

It's tough to beat a large-format canvas print as a holiday gift...

Canvas prints offer a classic look with an interesting texture that helps bring the image to life.

What's more, when it's a well-made canvas, like those from CanvasHQ, the print can become a family heirloom - something that you cherish for decades to come. What a powerful gift!

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are from CanvasHQ. 

What appeals to me about these prints is the impeccable quality. There is a great level of detail and sharpness, beautiful color accuracy, and the frames on which the print is stretched are handmade with kiln-dried wood to ensure the frame stays square and true for years to come.

Additionally, these guys use archival-grade canvas and commercial-grade inks to ensure long-lasting durability.

They also have a new product - a variety of floating frames - that add a touch of elegance and depth to canvas prints.

The floating frames extend along the sides of the print and don't obscure the front of the print, that way you can see 100 percent of the image. It's a clean, dynamic finish that looks great!

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry. 

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back! That’s just a few reasons why CanvasHQ was a repeat winner of our 2019and 2020Canvas Print Shootouts!

Learn more about CanvasHQ Prints

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: RODE VideoMicro

This tiny shotgun microphone is perfect for a GoPro (or DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, for that matter).

It's compact and lightweight, but audio quality isn't sacrificed. In fact, it has a high-quality cardioid condenser mic capsule so you can get clear, crisp audio.

And since it's a directional mic, it minimizes sounds from the periphery so your video has focused audio from the subject. That’s just the kind of audio performance you want to match the high-quality video footage that you can capture with modern cameras.

Add to that a thermoplastic suspension structure for minimizing vibrations as you adventure around with your GoPro, and you have the ideal audio companion for the best adventura camera on the market!

If the photographer on your list is an adventurer and utilizes a GoPro, this is the perfect gift idea!

Learn more about the RODE VideoMicro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

If you’re shopping for a photographer that was alive in the 1990s or earlier, they probably have a habit of carrying a notebook with them to write down camera settings, site information, and other details about the shots they take. I know I do that… 

And while some folks have transitioned to taking notes on their phones or other devices, there’s something about having handwritten notes about your photos that is so satisfying.

With the Mini EDC Fieldbook from Holdfast, your favorite photographer can take all the notes they want and protect them in style.

This leather journal cover is beautifully made of leather and is sized perfectly to fit the Rite in the Rain spiral-top 3x5 notebook.

This gorgeous fieldbook also has room to fit pens or pencils, your ID, business cards, and other small items that photographers might need on a photo shoot. In fact, there are six pockets and two hand slots for carrying the essentials.

Not only is this fieldbook supremely useful, it’s also impeccably made right here in the U.S. Talk about a wonderful gift idea!

Learn more about the Holdfast Mini EDC Fieldbook

Gifts for Photographers Under $100 - Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED Light

As modern cameras become more and more about photography and videography, and as more and more photographers add videography to their list of services, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a quality light for video work.

 The Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED light is a perfect option, given its performance and its price tag.

At just 3¾” x 3⅓”, this tiny light won’t burden photographers with extra size and weight. But don’t think that it doesn’t pack a punch despite its small size…

There’s a 60-degree beam pattern and 5300K-5900K LEDs that put out clean, beautiful light. And since it’s an Ikan product, you can trust that this light is solidly built, packed with features, and field tested to ensure long-term reliability.

 This light comes with an on-board rechargeable lithium battery, a battery charger, a camera bracket, a shoe mount, and a diffuser, so it’ll be ready to go right out of the box!

Learn more about the Ikan ILED 120 Daylight Flood LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: PhotoRepairPro

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

The best gifts are the ones that offer long-lasting joy and utility. For the photographer on your list, a way to provide that is by restoring one of their favorite photos.

We all have printed photos that have seen better days, but fortunately there is a way to bring those photos back to life - PhotoRepairPro.

For $34.99 - which is obviously way under the $100 limit - you can give your favorite photographer a repaired photo.

Not only that, but PhotoRepairPro also throws in an online proof, a JPEG download, and two 5x7 prints of the image. It's five gifts in one!

And don't worry if the source image has water damage or is faded, or if it has cracks or creases. PhotoRepairPro can bring it back to its original beauty.

You can get the process started now online. In a few days' time, you'll have the perfect gift for your favorite photographer!

Learn more about PhotoRepairPro

Gifts for Photographers Under $100:Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag 

One of the best gifts you can give the photographer on your list is a new camera bag.

But not all camera bags are made alike...

Honestly, I’m a bit of a camera bag snob, so I look for things that others might skim over.

For instance, I check the stitching inside and out to see how well put together it is, and with this bag, it’s very well put together.

It’s part of the thoughtful construction and design processes that also make this bag an excellent choice for a gift for the photographer on your holiday shopping list.

One of the things I like most about the bag is the collapsible interior dividers - including the bottom divider. This gives you a bag that can not only be customized to your gear for each photoshoot, but you can also fold up or remove the dividers to allow the bag to be packed totally flat for travel inside another bag. 

Speaking of customizations, this bag has side adjustable load straps and adjustable bottom carry straps so you can carry even more gear when needed.

This bag is also packed full of pockets to help you keep track of your stuff. There’s a front access organizer for small items, a faux fur lined pocket on the front for your phone or a pair of shades, a faux fur lined pocket for your table, and multiple hidden velcro stash pockets. And the bag sits very well when worn. It’s comfortable and easy to access your gear and really hugs your body.

With genuine Cordura material and YKK zippers with metal pulls, this bag will stand up to use and abuse, too. And since it’s so compact (just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H), you can rock it in the urban jungle without worrying that it’ll be knocking into people as you move from shot to shot.

Something that really stood out to me was that, although the bag is listed at 8 liters, there is no wasted or negative space. In fact, I easily transferred all the gear I would normally carry in my Peak Design 10L Sling into the HEX Ranger Sling. I have to say that I am a big fan of the efficient use of space in this bag and the collapsible potential of the HEX bag certainly gives it a leg up.

With eight liters of storage space, a streamlined design, and looks that don’t quit, this is definitely a gift for photographers that will put a smile on their face!

And there’s also an updated Version 2 of this bag that offers tons of upgrades, like like a hideaway rain fly, upgraded padding, and a double buckle strap for additional sizing options. It’s under $100 too!

Learn more about the Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Camera Canopy

I don’t know about you, but I’m all about giving gifts that are functional, and functional is a perfect word to describe Camera Canopy.

If the photographer on your list spends any time outdoors, they need something to help protect their camera gear. As a photographer that falls into that category, I understand that when it rains, my day of shooting could be over if I don’t have the protection I need. That’s because even weather-sealed gear isn’t completely water-tight.

There are all kinds of rain guards for cameras, but most of them are plastic bags that make using your camera a huge pain. It’s hard to adjust your lens. It’s hard to see the rear LCD. It’s hard to use the viewfinder too! That’s why Camera Canopy is a much better alternative.

Camera canopy attaches to a camera via its hot-shoe mount. Once attached - which takes just seconds to do - it shields the camera and lens from rain. It even protects the glass on the end of the lens so there’s no worry that good shots will be ruined by water droplets on the glass.

Better still, it’s adjustable for lenses up to 500mm in length, and there’s even a smaller version for mirrorless setups (shown above). Add in a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ve got the perfect gift for this holiday season!

Learn more about Camera Canopy and Mini Camera Canopy

Gifts for Photographers Under $100: Pre-Owned Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

Photographers can never have too many lenses, right?

Okay, so maybe there’s a limit, but one of the best lenses a photographer can have in their camera bag is a good Nifty Fifty.

 What makes Nifty Fifties so great is that they’re versatile - they can be used for portraits, landscapes, and video work.

Plus, Nifty Fifties like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 have a nice, big aperture for getting beautiful background blur and for shooting in low-light conditions.

And since you can get a pre-owned 50mm lens for under $100, they’re also an economical gift idea!

 Don’t be scared off by the word “pre-owned,” either…

 You can buy with confidence from MPB because each item in their inventory is thoroughly reviewed and tested before it’s put up for sale.

 That means that if you find a 50mm lens listed in good condition, that lens will be in good condition! There are no surprises, no scams...just a quality used product that comes with a six-month warranty.

 So, this holiday season, help your favorite photographer fill out their kit with a new-to-them lens!

Learn more about the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

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 ^{photo byPekic via iStock}

We're getting down to the wire with the holiday shopping season...

If you're in a rush to find the perfect gift for the photographer on your list, don't fret - we've got some great ideas!

With a budget of $2,500, you can find all sorts of epic gifts for photographers including cameras, lighting, office equipment, and much more.

Let's get to the list!

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: iMovR Lander Standing Desk

One of the great things about the holiday season is that you have an opportunity to really change a loved one’s life for the better.

And this isn’t hyperbole - with a gift like the iMovR Lander Standing Desk, you can help your favorite photographer be more comfortable, healthier, and more productive.

Think about it…

Sitting at a desk editing photos all day isn’t good for your neck, shoulders, or back. You need to move your positioning as you work, varying from sitting to standing, to ward off the negative effects of sitting for hours and hours on end. The iMovR Lander desk lets you do that with ease. So, how is this accomplished?

The Lander desk has electric motors that can lift up to 365 pounds and do so with whisper-quiet operation. The motors are engaged in one of two ways: the height-control paddle on the underside of the desktop or the companion smartphone app. With a simple double-tap of the paddle or a tap of your finger on your smartphone screen, you can move the desk up and down as you please.

And unlike many desks, the iMovR Lander doesn’t require a ton of time or tools to assemble. 

In fact, this desk arrives 98-percent assembled, so you’re not only giving an incredible gift, but one that comes without a huge investment of time required to put it together. In about three minutes the legs can be attached to the desk (with no tools!) and the photographer on your list can go about setting up their workspace.

iMovR gives you peace of mind with the desk, too. There’s a five-year warranty on the desktop and a 10-year warranty on the base components. On top of that, the desk is beautifully engineered and constructed, so you can give the gift of something that will be durable and functional for the long term.

The desktop is made of 3D laminate material that is highly durable. There are also hundreds of color and size combinations to choose from, so you can truly design the perfect desk for your loved one (or yourself!).

Best of all, this desk starts at just over $1,000, so with a $2,500 budget, you’ll have a lot of money left over. Perhaps you can buy two desks!

Learn more about the iMovR Lander Standing Desk

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Ikan Professional 15-Inch High Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter With Travel Kit

If you're shopping for a photographer that wants to start a YouTube channel or is otherwise interested in producing video content, a professional teleprompter is certainly a gift that they will get a lot of use out of.

This 15-inch beam splitter teleprompter from Ikan is what I personally use in my home studio, and I couldn't be happier with it.

One of the best features of this teleprompter is its bright 1000 nit monitor. No matter if I have the studio lights on full blast with the window shades open or if I'm shooting at night with low light, I can clearly see the monitor and see the text I need to read.

Another nice feature you get with this teleprompter is its compatibility with different camera mount options. Whether you're using a small mirrorless camera or a dedicated video camera or something in between, this teleprompter can accommodate most rigs.

Setup is easy, too, with simple balancing and a quick-adjust base. The lightweight and compact design are also nice for small studios like I have, as well as for traveling. Speaking of which, this teleprompter comes with a handy travel case for easy transport.

Add in high-quality American-made 70/30 beam splitter glass, the ability to flip the image on the monitor, and the ability to read the monitor from up to 17 feet away, and you have the makings of a fantastic addition to your favorite photographer's or videographer's home studio!

Learn more about the Ikan Professional 15-Inch Bright Beam Splitter Teleprompter With Travel Kit

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Ask any photographer what the most versatile focal length is, and many will likely say it's 50mm

You can use a 50mm lens for all sorts of pursuits - portraiture, landscape photography, street photography, and videography, just to name a few.

Heck, you can even reverse-mount a 50mm and use it for macro photography!

In this case, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM goes above and beyond what a normal 50mm f/1.8 offers and gives photographers a bigger maximum aperture for light-collecting capabilities and improved bokeh.

And since this is a L-series lens, you get the advantage of improved optics for superb image quality.

That image quality is thanks in large part to the three aspherical and one UD element inside the lens. These elements help generate high image quality from center to corner with reduced aberrations and distortion.

This lens is also vibration-resistant, weather-sealed, and has fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements that help repel water and dust.

In other words, this lens was built to last to provide photographers with reliable service for years and years to come.

Learn more about the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II

Photography (and videography, for that matter), are all about good lighting. And when it's good lighting you're after, it's tough to beat the Aputure 120d II.

I have these lights in my home studio, and as I explain in my review of this light, I couldn't be happier with their features, performance, and ease of use.

One look at the spec sheet and you can see why I've been so impressed with the Aputure 120d II:

• 1000-watt Tungsten equivalent
• Integrated power and control box
• CRI & TLCI 97+
• Dimmable from 100 percent to just 1 percent
• Built-in lighting effects, including fireworks, fire, lightning, paparazzi, and TV flicker
• 18 dB quiet fan
• DMX Capability
• Wireless remote (328-foot range) 

With this light, you get clean, beautiful lighting, the option to dim or brighten it from 1 to 100 percent, and you can select from a range of special effects, all in a light that offers quiet operation. Nice!

If you're shopping for a photographer or videographer that needs to upgrade their lighting setup, this is the one that should be at the top of your shopping list!

Learn more about the Aputure Light Storm LC 120d II

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 is a fantastic mirrorless camera, and since it's been a couple of years since its release, its price has dropped - especially for pre-owned models.

Whether you're shopping for a Nikon shooter who could use an upgrade to a "new" camera or you're shopping for a photographer that wants to get into the Nikon Z ecosystem, this is a great choice.

The Z6 has a 24.5-megapixel full frame back-illuminated sensor that offers top-notch image quality with excellent detail, clarity, and sharpness.

The 12fps burst shooting speed is ideal for action photography while the 273-point autofocus system helps you keep track of moving targets.

On the back is a large 3.2-inch variable-angle touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots of resolution, so you can easily see the camera's menu system and take a peek at images you've shot.

The Z6 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, shoots 4K video, and has a battery life of 310 shots.

This camera is an excellent option for photographers that want a solid rig that can tackle still photos and videos all in one package!

Learn more about the Nikon Z6

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: CanvasHQ Print

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Holdfast Roamographer Duffle Bag, Camera Bag, and MoneyMaker

This might just be the ultimate photography setup...

If you want to impress a photographer, go ahead and give them a bundle of products from Holdfast.

Holdfast's venerable Roamographer bags not only look incredible, but they're also incredibly functional, too.

Give them the Roamographer Duffle Bag for those long weekends out taking photos.

The duffle is handcrafted out of American Bison hide and has a shearling-lined shoulder strap for easy carrying. It's the perfect bag for a quick trip, and with a metal frame that keeps the bag open during packing and unpacking, two boot bags to keep your shoes away from your clothes, and tons of pockets for small items, it'll become their favorite getaway bag.

To carry their gear, you can include a Holdfast Roamographer Camera Bag as well.

Like the duffle, the camera bag has a vintage aesthetic but with modern features.

The camera insert cradles each camera item, ensuring their safety during transit.

The carrier straps accommodate a tripod for easy carrying, and the shearling-lined shoulder strap makes it easy on your favorite photographer's shoulder to carry the bag, too.

While you're at it, you can throw in a Holdfast MoneyMaker dual camera system.

The dual straps mean that a photographer can carry up to three cameras in ultimate comfort, and with their gear right at their fingertips for safe carrying.

What's more, for quick shots, their cameras are easy to reach, making the MoneyMaker just about the most functional gear you could give a photographer this holiday season.

And, like all other Holdfast products, the MoneyMaker looks like a million bucks.

You can pick up all three of these products and still have money to spare with a $2,500 budget!

Learn more about Holdfast products

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Pre-Owned Canon EOS R  

Back when the EOS R came out, it was groundbreaking for Canon since it was their first mirrorless camera.

It was the first Canon camera I owned, and it served me well - it will do the same for the photographer on your list!

The EOS R offers loads of features that include an ultra-resolute 30.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor.

Paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor, this camera is capable of shooting at 8fps and up to a native ISO range of 40000.

What's more, Canon gave the EOS R excellent video capabilities with UHD 4K video recording at 30fps.

One of this camera's best features, though, is the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system.

All told, it has 5,655 selectable autofocus points that allow photographers to quickly and accurately select where the focus of the image will be.

With a small, lightweight body, excellent build quality, great handling, and an increasingly large selection of lenses, the EOS R is definitely a fantastic gift idea this Christmas!

Learn more about the Canon EOS R

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod 

ProMediaGear tripods are among the best on the market. And that’s not just lip-service, either.

I’ve used ProMediaGear tripods, including the TR424L, for quite some time, and I can assure you that they are well-made, durable, and extremely functional.

These are professional-grade tripods, without a doubt. It can hold up to 125 pounds of gear thanks to its 42mm-thick carbon tripod legs.

Even when I’m out shooting video and I have a ton of accessories, it still doesn’t come close to that 125-pound mark!

From a functionality standpoint, the legs have three-position angle locks so you can adjust the tripod to be perfectly level, no matter how uneven the terrain. The built-in bubble level helps in that regard as well.

Deploying the legs is simple, too - just a quarter-turn locks them in place.

This tripod also has huge rubber feet, which as a landscape photographer is a favorite feature. The tripod doesn’t sink into soft soil and it doesn’t slip when things are wet or frozen. The metal spikes in the bottoms of each leg offer even more stability for truly rough shooting conditions.

You get all this in a tripod that folds down to just 26.3-inches tall, which can easily fit into a camera bag.

This isn’t a lightweight tripod by any means, but if the photographer on your list needs a go-anywhere, do-anything tripod, this is definitely it! 

Learn more about the ProMediaGear TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gifts for Photographers Under $2,500: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you have given them carte blanche to get what they want, they'll be stoked!

With an Amazon gift card, they can put the card amount towards whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card.

Learn more about Amazon gift cards

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^{Photo by GMVozd via iStock}

Shopping for a photographer can be a tough task. Heck, shopping for yourself can be a difficult task!

It's not that there aren't all kinds of gifts for photographers under $250...it's simply trying to decide which ones are the best.

In this holiday gift guide for photographers, we've got 10 great gift ideas, all of which come in at less than $250. That means you have many options for giving an awesome photography gift without blowing your budget.

Let's get to the list!

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Colorado Tripod Company Highline Ballhead

The great thing about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium Ballhead is that it's a fantastic addition to my kit whether I'm working in my home studio or I'm out in the field.

When I'm in the studio, I use this ballhead with Colorado Tripod Company's lever clamp (which is compatible with L-brackets and Arca-compatible plates) doing overhead shots. There is a distinct clicking noise that tells me that the ballhead is 100 percent locked in, that way I don't have to worry if the camera is going to crash down on my head as I'm recording.

And, as you'd expect with a product from Colorado Tripod Company, the Highline Ballhead is beautifully made using high-quality materials. It's smartly designed, too, with a universal knob clamp, a drop-in window, dedicated friction control, and independent locking and panning knobs. Addin a 10-year warranty, six available colors, and two different sizes, too!

It's just an easy-to-use, go-anywhere ballhead that any photographer on your holiday shopping list would appreciate!

Learn more about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium Ballhead

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: CanvasHQ Print

It's tough to beat a large-format canvas print as a holiday gift...

Canvas prints offer a classic look with an interesting texture that helps bring the image to life.

What's more, when it's a well-made canvas, like those from CanvasHQ, the print can become a family heirloom - something that you cherish for decades to come. What a powerful gift!

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

What appeals to me about these prints is the impeccable quality. There is a great level of detail and sharpness, beautiful color accuracy, and the frames on which the print is stretched are handmade with kiln-dried wood to ensure the frame stays square and true for years to come.

Additionally, these guys use archival-grade canvas and commercial-grade inks to ensure long-lasting durability.

They also have a new product - a variety of floating frames - that add a touch of elegance and depth to canvas prints.

The floating frames extend along the sides of the print and don't obscure the front of the print, that way you can see 100 percent of the image. It's a clean, dynamic finish that looks great!

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ. 

Best Ever Backdrops Mix and Match Backdrop

Ever since the pandemic started, many photographers have been looking for ways to supplement their income from home. For many people, that means getting involved in product photography and food photography because both are easy to do from the comfort of your own home, provided you have the necessary gear.

Of course, the photographer on your holiday shopping list already has a camera, lenses, a tripod, and so forth, but they might not have the kind of backdrops that make product photography and food photography an easier task.

That’s where Best Ever Backdrops come in!

Now, if the photographer on your list is a portrait photographer, they undoubtedly have a collection of backdrops already. The problem is that those big, bulky, heavy backdrops aren’t well-suited for small scenes like product or food photography.

But since Best Ever Backdrops are just 24 x 36 inches, they are perfect for making small subjects stand out against the non-glare matte finish. These backdrops are also waterproof and stain resistant.

In addition to being just the right size, these backdrops are double-sided which means each backdrop comes with TWO textures! You choose the color or pattern you want for both sides which maximizes the utility of the backdrop for the lucky photographer who will get them as a gift.

And if you know photographers, you know that we have tons of gear all over the place, so storage is often an issue. But since these backdrops are small, lightweight, and just 1/8th of an inch thick, they can be stored under the bed, behind a door, in the corner of a closet - you name it! 

To top it all off, these backdrops are virtually indestructible, so this is a gift that will literally keep on giving for years and years to come. PLUS...the more you order, the more you save. For example, if you order two backdrops you get four textures. Each backdrop is $124.50, but if you order four, the price drops to $104.75 each.

Giving a great gift is all about being thoughtful and giving your loved one something that they will use over and over again. That’s exactly what you get with a backdrop that pulls double duty and allows the photographer on your holiday shopping list to expand the footprint of their business

Learn more about Best Ever Backdrops

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: RODE VideoMic NTG

I've used the RODE VideoMic NTG for well over a year and a half now. 

Needless to say, this mic has impressed!

Like the larger NTG 4 studio mic, the VideoMic NTG captures gorgeous, natural sound. There are various controls to assist you in getting beautiful sound, including:

• Infinitely variable gain control
• Digital switch for controlling high-frequency boost and the high-pass filter
• Headphone output for monitoring audio
• Peak decibel warning light to avoid distortion

The best feature of this mic, though, is its sliding rail.

In the past, a difficulty with my RODE mics is that they stuck out so far from the camera that you might find yourself with a face full of microphone.

But the sliding rail on this mic means that problem is solved - if I'm shooting in selfie mode, I can slide the rail back and keep the microphone from hitting my face.

Add to that a battery that gives you more than 30 hours of runtime on one charge and you have a recipe for an excellent microphone for the photographer or videographer on your holiday list.

Learn more about the RODE VideoMic NTG

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight

One of the most critical pieces of equipment in a portrait photographer’s arsenal is a good LED light. After all, without good lighting, the task of creating captivating images is difficult, if not impossible.

This year for the holidays, you can ensure the photographer on your shopping list has that all-important good lighting by giving them the Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight.

This AC-powered light from our friends at Samy’s offers a beautifully even light spread thanks to a large LED array and a high-quality reflector. The light puts out 26380 Lux at 5600K and boasts a CRI of 96 and a TLCI of 98. What all that means is that this light emits beautiful, color-accurate light that falls evenly across the scene.

This light is an all-in-one device as well. It has a control unit, power adapter, and lamp body all in one compact unit. So, not only does this light offer beautiful lighting, but it’s also lightweight and easily portable. The in-body cooling is a further advantage because it enables easier heat dissipation for longer-lasting performance.

Since Nanlite incorporated a Bowens-style light modifier mount and an umbrella holder into the yoke, this light also gives photographers the ability to use a wide array of light modifiers. Additionally, this light offers customizable pre-programmed special effects to give photographers additional leeway in terms of how the light is used.

In other words, this is a gift that offers all sorts of functionality and utility; it’s truly something a photographer can use everyday!

Learn more about the Nanlite FS-150 AC LED Monolight

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Refurbished SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor

One of the best gifts you can give the photographer in your life is the ability to streamline their workflow and make it more functional.

And a great way to do that is to give them a monitor that allows them to double the workspace of their laptop screen…

That’s where the SideTrak Slide Portable Monitor comes in.

At 12.5-inches, this portable monitor offers loads of additional real estate for working photographers. It simply attaches to the back of a laptop with a semi-permanent metal plate and gives photographers the ability to work with two screens or to mirror to the second screen if desired.

The Slide can be rotated 270-degrees, which means it can be used to share what’s on screen with clients. The monitor can be used on the left or right side of a laptop and can be used in portrait mode as a standalone monitor as well.

As a photographer that often travels, I know that space can often be at a premium which makes having a complex computer setup next to impossible.

But with Slide, you don’t need any extra table or desk space because it attaches directly to the back of a laptop. And since Slide is a lightweight, portable monitor, it can be brought along on field assignments with ease.

This is definitely one of those “gifts that keeps on giving” situations…

Giving gifts that can be used over the long-term gets you more bang for your buck while giving the photographer on your list tons of utility. This holiday season, make sure they have all the utility they need with the SideTrak Slide!

Learn more about the SideTrak Slide

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Onyx 30W Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

With more and more photographers getting into video production, it makes sense to get the photographer on your list a high-quality LED light for their video shoots.

The Onyx Bi-Color LED light is a great option because it features 30-watt high-quality LEDs, high brightness, and beautiful clarity for giving video sequences the light they need to stand out.

With an aluminum frame, the light is both lightweight and durable. Likewise, there is minimal heat release because the aluminum frame allows for excellent ventilation.

The light can be mounted on-camera or a tripod. It comes with a bracket that can attach to any light stand with a baby 5/8-inch receiver.

Best of all, the Onyx Bi-Color light has easy-to-use controls. The LED display gives you the ability to make quick and accurate adjustments of brightness from 10 percent to 99 percent and color temperature from 3200K to 5600K.

Of course, this light can also be used for photography, so it's a gift that offers multiple benefits for the person on your list!

Learn more about the Onyx 30-Watt Bi-Color On-Camera LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Edition II Variable ND Filter

^{PolarPro Signature Edition II}

A variable ND filter is a crucial component of a photographer's kit because it's such a versatile piece of kit.

You can use a variable ND filter for photo and video work, and since this filter is variable, it gives you the ability to adjust from 2-5 stops or 6-9 stops depending on which version you opt to get.

What's so innovative about this filter is that it has preset stop ranges that eliminates the all-too-frequent occurrence of cross-polarization.

Likewise, this filter displays zero vignetting down to 16mm focal lengths. That means your favorite photographer can get a lot of utility out of this filter with a lot of different lenses.

^{PolarPro Mist Edition II}

This updated version includes PolarPro's new Defender360 system, too. It's a 360-degree protection system for the filter, including a waterproof and dustproof seal.

PolarPro has also developed a new haptic feedback mechanism that gives photographers the ability to make quick and easy stop-value changes without taking their eye off the viewfinder. 

On top of that, PolarPro offers Adventure Assurance, so if the photographer on your list isn't satisfied with the performance of the filter, you get your money back.

PolarPro has demonstrated a commitment to quality over the years, and this filter is no exception. With two versions (Signature II and Mist II) it's a great gift idea if you want to spend less than $250!

Learn more about the PolarPro PeterMcKinnon Edition II Variable ND Filter

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Aputure Amaran AL-MX Bi-Color LED Mini Light

This pocket-sized light might be small, lightweight, and portable, but it packs a mighty punch with 128 LEDs, 3200lux of brightness, and a "boost mode" that increases brightness by 30 percent for bursts of 60 seconds.

Add to all that power the ability to tune the light from 2800-6500K so the photographer on your list can make fine adjustments to how the light looks to suit each and every photograph.

The quality of the light is top-notch, too - it offers a CRI of 95+ and a TLCI or 95+ as well.

This light has a wide beam angle of 120-degrees, a portable design that's about the width and height of a credit card, and a durable metal body that's crafted of aircraft-grade aluminum.

It has a 1/4 screw and a universal cold-shoe mount so it can be mounted on a camera, a tripod, a light stand, and so forth.

This unit has a built-in battery that offers about an hour of runtime at full power and four hours of runtime at minimum power. The battery is rechargeable via a USB-C cable.

This is simply a well-built, bright, easy-to-use light that any photographer would appreciate in their stocking this holiday season!

Learn more about the Aputure Amaran AL-MX Bi-Color LED Light

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Nomatic Peter McKinnon Cube Pack

Nomatic has forged a reputation for being innovative and focused on developing high-quality, high-utility bags, and the Peter McKinnon Cube Pack is certainly no exception.

The Cube Pack holds 21 liters of gear and offers complete customization thanks to the customizable dividers inside. That customizability comes from the input of Peter McKinnon, who as a photographer and videographer understands the need to be able to customize your bag to fit the specific needs of each shoot.

On the exterior of the bag is a durable and water-resistant finish. There are also external attachment loops for carrying additional gear.

And since this bag fits inside the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack, it can pull double-duty as a standalone bag or as an organizational tool for the larger Camera Pack.

Plus, at a price of $125.00, this bag is one of the least expensive items on this list! What's not to like about that?

Learn more about the Nomatic Peter McKinnon Cube Pack

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder

As I noted earlier, since many photographers are now fully invested in also making videos, having proper video equipment is a must.

And one of the best gifts for a photographer that's shooting videos is a high-quality audio recorder like the Zoom H4n.

I've used Zoom products for years, and I can't express enough how pleased I have been with their performance.

In this case, the H4n offers four-channel recording up to 24-bit and 96 kHz. It has 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors and built-in stereo X/Y microphones that are adjustable from 90-120 degrees.

It has 4-in and 2-out USB interfaces and can record directly to SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB in size.

The H4n is portable, has professional-grade preamps, three recording modes, and many other features that make it an ideal holiday gift for the photographer on your list.

Learn more about the Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder

Gifts for Photographers Under $250: E-Image EK650 Tripod

A solid tripod is a must-have for any photographer, and that's exactly what you can give them in the E-Image EK650.

This professional tripod kit is ideal for photographers that shoot with DSLR or mirrorless gear.

It has a fluid head with a 75mm bowl that can support up to 11 pounds thanks to its fixed counterbalance.

The tripod's legs have plastic leg locking frames which reduce the overall weight of the tripod, making this a great option for photographers that travel a lot.

The mid-level spreader offers increased stability for shooting on uneven terrain too. The anti-skid pads and highly stable aluminum legs also help in that department. You get fixed pan drag, variable tilt drag, and continuous adjustable tilt drag options as well.

This is simply a fantastic all-in-one package (with a carrying bag included) that will bring a smile to your favorite photographer's face!

Learn more about the E-Image EK650 tripod

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A $5,000 budget can get you a lot of camera swag for the photographer on your list.

We're talking incredible cameras and lenses, amazing photography trips, and a whole lot of beautiful prints or gifts from Amazon.

We've considered lots of different types of gifts for this list of the best gifts for photographers under $5,000. See what your budget can get you in 2020!

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: CanvasHQ Print 

One of my favorite gifts to give (and to get, while we're at it) is a big, beautiful print.

Personally, I like canvas because of the texture the canvas gives to the print. Besides, a canvas print is something that will continue to give joy to the person that receives it for years and years to come!

Now, I know what you're thinking...canvas is so old-school.

But if you order your canvases from the right printers, you can get something that is beautiful, well-made and looks modern, even if the substrate is perhaps a bit old-school.

I have tons of canvases in my home, the vast majority of which are fromCanvasHQ.

These are some of the best canvas prints I've ever purchased. The sharpness of detail, the color accuracy, and the overall build quality of these prints is next-level good.

Part of the reason for this is the materials CanvasHQ uses. We’re talking archival-grade canvas, commercial-grade inks that are water and UV resistant, and kiln-dried pine frames to keep everything straight and true.

But CanvasHQ isn't just tops in the quality department...

They have excellent customer service that makes you feel heard and as though you're the only customer they have to worry about at that moment.

These guys are committed to getting it right, so if something doesn’t go as planned, you won’t be hung out to dry.

If you have questions, they’ll answer them. If you have a problem, they’ll fix it. If you need assistance with uploading your photo or even picking the best finishes for your canvas, they’ve got your back. 

In the video above, you can see how one of my CanvasHQ prints stacks up against similar prints from other printing companies. I think you'll see why I'm so loyal to CanvasHQ!

Start shopping for your favorite photographer today on CanvasHQ.

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens

The Canon EOS R5 is one of the best cameras on the market, and the RF lineup of lenses is absolutely stellar.

That being the case, the combination of this camera and lens is a perfect gift idea for the photographer on your list.

This 45-megapixel camera is no joke - that's why I went out and got one at the first opportunity.

The new imaging sensor produces clean, sharp results with beautiful color rendition.

The Dual Pixel autofocus system is both fast and accurate, for still images and shooting video.

Speaking of video, the 8K/30p internal recording in 4:2:2 10-bit C-Log and HDR PQ is an astonishing spec. Those specs are also available in 4K/120p, in case you were wondering!

This rig has in-body image stabilization that gives you up to five stops of stabilization. When paired with a stabilized RF lens, you can get up to eight stops. If the photographer you're shopping for has stabilized EF lenses, those will work too (with an EF-RF adapter, of course).

This camera is not for the faint of heart or budget. But for a professional photographer that demands the best, I think it's one of the top options available today.

Adding a versatile and sharp 24-105mm f/4L lens to the mix is just the icing on the cake! This lens is a fantastic zoom option that can accommodate all kinds of tasks, from landscapes to portraits, wildlife to automobile photography, and many other pursuits.

If you really want to impress your favorite photographer this holiday season, this gift will do it!

Learn more about the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000:Razer Blade Studio 15

The 2020 Razer Blade 15 Studio is impressive, to say the least...

It's retained many of the best features of the 2019 version and juiced up many others.

Get a load of these specs:

• Windows 10 Pro
• 8-core 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with up to 5.1GHz max boost
• NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 GPU
• 15.6” OLED touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass 
• Up to 4TB of SSD storage
• Up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory
• Upgraded backlit keyboard

Of course, the 2020 version kept the best thing about the 2019 version - the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 GPU.

I've had a lot of laptops and desktops over the years that had a "high-end" graphics card, and I can tell you that none come close to what this Quadro GPU can do. Honestly, it's like something you'd find in a Hollywood studio! No matter if you're doing intensive photo editing or video work, this GPU will be able to handle it.

Another exciting feature about the 2020 Razer Blade 15 Studio is that it's now available with 8-core processors. Having that extra power is certainly a bonus!

The larger 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen color-calibrated display is another amenity to note. Not only is it bigger than its predecessor, but it also now has a Gorilla glass panel for added durability. Add in a UHS-III sd card reader, ports galore, and an anodized aluminum body finished in mercury white, and you have the makings of the hottest laptop of the year for photographers and videographers!

Learn more about the Razer Blade Studio 15.

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Pre-Owned Canon EOS R, Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, and Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro

If the photographer on your list needs an upgrade in the camera department, you might consider giving the gift of a Canon EOS R this year.

The EOS R was released in October of 2018, so there's been time for prices to fall and for a good selection of used cameras to develop.

With a like-new-condition EOS R, you can save yourself quite a bit of money while still giving your loved one a capable, reliable, and virtually new camera!

The EOS R features a 30.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 8 image processor.

The result of this is superb performance, excellent image quality, and a bevy of secondary features that make it a fantastic camera for just about any photographer.

With a native ISO range up to 40,000, this camera is a good low-light performer, and with 8 fps continuous shooting, it can tackle subjects like wildlife and sports photography in which rapid movement needs to be captured.

Additionally, the EOS R has a top-of-the-line autofocus system called Dual Pixel AF, which allows users to select from 5,655 AF points to quickly and accurately acquire focus.

Add to that 4K UHD video recording at 30p, and you have the makings of a fantastic holiday gift!

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L USM is a great choice for an all-around lens that accommodates wide-angle, standard, and telephoto shooting. And since pre-owned versions in like-new are under $950, you're well under the $5,000 budget threshold! That means you can add a second lens like the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro to the gift bundle!

Though the 35mm f/1.8 isn't an L-series lens, it has excellent optics, a large maximum aperture, and image stabilization. Plus, the 35mm focal length is hugely versatile, so the photographer on your list could use it for everything from architectural photography to portraits.

With this bundle, you can equip your favorite photographer quite nicely, and for well under budget.

Learn more about the Canon EOS R, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Colors of Costa Rica Photo Tour With ColorTexturePhotoTours

From spectacular sunsets on the coast to breathtaking waterfalls, incredible diversity of wildlife (including dozens of species of frogs) to stunning flowers, Costa Rica has no shortage of subject matter for a photographer.

And as part of ColorTexturePhotoTour's Colors of Costa Rica photo tour, the photographer on your list can explore all that and much more as part of a luxurious, all-inclusive trip!

This trip is the ideal length - six days and five nights - so it's easier to get away from work and other responsibilities to spend a relaxing time in one of the most beautiful locations on earth.

Over the course of the trip, the photographer on your list will join no more than three other participants to tour the landscapes of Costa Rica with workshop leader Scott Setterberg.

Those landscapes, which includes four national parks, will be fodder for some spectacular photography opportunities, as well as plenty of one-on-one instruction time with Scott.

In this regard, this trip isn't just about seeing gorgeous places, but it's also about developing and improving photography skills.

With stops in Tenorio Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, and Juan Castro Blanco National Park, the tour takes participants to varied locations, each of which offers unique beauty and challenges photographers to apply their skills to get the best shots.

Along the way, a licensed, English-speaking nature guide will offer insights into the biodiversity of Costa Rica, so tour-goers learn more about the beauty they see and photograph.

Each evening, the tour winds down and participants stay in luxurious, award-winning accommodations.

The photographer on your list can enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine, spa services, massages, and more.

What better way to celebrate the holidays than by giving your loved one the photography trip of a lifetime?!

Learn more about the Colors of Costa Rica Photography Tour by ColorTexturePhotoTours

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Nikon Z7 with Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S Lens

When I had a Nikon Z7, I used this very lens as well. It's an ideal combination for everyday photo-taking.

What impressed me the most about this camera is its sensor - a 45.7-megapixel full frame behemoth that offers superb image quality.

The sensor is paired with a fast and accurate 493-point autofocus system that offers 90 percent coverage. Whether the photographer on your list photographs people, places, or things, this camera will be a great companion!

Other features of note include 9 fps shooting, 4K video up to 30p (up to 120 fps in HD), an ISO range of 63-25600, and built-in image stabilization.

Additionally, Nikon gave the Z7 a beautifully resolute 3.69-million-dot electronic OLED viewfinder as well as a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen display.

I really appreciated the design of the camera as well - it feelslike a Nikon with a deep grip and a familiar button layout.

On top of all that, the Z7 is fully weather sealed - I tested it out in Norway and can attest to its ability to stand up to really, really cold temperatures.

You get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB battery charging, and Nikon's SnapBridge functionality as well.

And in this case, the Z7 comes with a killer lens, the Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S.

This lens is the ideal walk-around lens, with wide-angle to short telephoto capabilities that allows photographers to capture all kinds of subject matter without the need for lens changes.

What's more, this S-series lens is small and lightweight, making it an ideal alternative to bigger, heavier f/2.8 models.

It has an aspherical extra-low dispersion element, three aspherical elements, and Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, all of which combine to reduce chromatic aberrations, distortions, ghosting, and flare.

The result is beautiful color rendering and improved contrast. In other words, it's a great camera-lens combination!

Learn more about the Nikon Z7 With Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/4 S Lens

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: eMotimo spectrum ST4 Run & Gun Bundle

For the photographer on your list that's itching to add videography to their repertoire, the eMotimo spectrum ST4 Run & Gun Bundlespectrum ST4 Run & Gun Bundle is a perfect gift with a $5,000 budget.

Included in this bundle are a spectrum ST4 4-axis motion control unit, a eMotimo heavy duty L-bracket for mounting a camera, an eMotimo Fz focus motor, and iFootage Shark Slider with both two-foot and four-foot lengths.

Also included is an iFootage integration kit with the motor of your choice, a uSD card with instructions, an Arca compatible quick release clamp for tilt, and an Arca compatible plate for pan axis.

In other words, this bundle is loaded for bear with all the fixings a photographer needs to create breathtaking cinematic films and time-lapse videos!

Learn more about the eMotimo spectrum ST4 Run & Gun Bundle

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Sony a7R IV

The Sony a7R IV will be hot off the assembly line well in time for the holiday season, and it's a fantastic gift idea for the photographer in your life.

This camera is packed to the gills with modern features that will make any photographer smile from ear to ear.

The a7R IV has a 61-megapixel sensor that's unrivaled on the market at this point.

 

Along with that crazy sensor is a laundry list of jaw-dropping specs:

• a 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder
• 5-axis image stabilization
• 10fps burst shooting
• 15 stops of dynamic range
• A 567-point phase-detect autofocus system
• Wireless tethering
• Enhanced dust and moisture resistance.

That's not even to mention Sony's impeccable Eye AF system which tracks human and animal eyes with extreme precision.

There's also Real-Time AF for video recording, 26-megapixel resolution in APS-C crop mode, and sensor-shift multi-shot mode that creates image files that are a whopping 240-megapixels in size.

And at less than $3,500, you can give the gift of the Sony a7R IV without breaking your budget!

Learn more about the Sony a7R IV

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Arca-Swiss F-Classic 4x5 View Camera

For discerning photographers that enjoy working in medium format, it’s tough to beat the Arca-Swiss 4x5.

This is a professional-grade tool that is both easily transported and produces high-quality images.

It’s made specifically for 4x5 medium format film and digital backs made to fit medium format digital camera systems.

It’s a fully modular system, too, with a wide array of accessories for everything from viewing to conversion.

Whether it’s used for film or digital prints, this camera will bring a smile to any photographer’s face!

Best of all, it's well below the $5,000 budget mark, so you can give an awesome gift and save a ton of money, too!

Learn more about the Arca-Swiss F-Classic 4x5 View Camera

Gifts for Photographers Under $5,000: Amazon Gift Card

Totally stumped regarding gift ideas for photographers on your list?

Why not go the easy route and get them an Amazon gift card?

Though a gift card isn't exactly the sexiest gift, when the photographer in your family sees that you dropped $5,000 into a few gift cards (there's a $2,000 limit per card), they'll love it just the same.

With an Amazon gift card, they can buy whatever they want - a new lens, a second camera body, lighting gear, a laptop - you name it!

As far as flexibility goes, there's nothing better to give a photographer than a gift card with some serious money loaded onto it!

Learn more about Amazon gift cards

 

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^{photo byImgorthandvia iStock}

A series of rumors have been swirling around the GoPro Hero 9 Black for a few months now and it looks like GoPro is finally ready to unveil its newest product this week, on September 16th.

GoPro tweeted a teaser trailer early Sunday morning. In the trailer, GoPro promises that the new GoPro will include “more resolution,” and “more everything.”

09.16.20 #MoreEverything
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀https://t.co/45sp1d7Lsg pic.twitter.com/ZLhRSVMTzP

— GoPro (@GoPro) September 13, 2020

But, what does “more everything” really mean?

Well, since the GoPro Hero 8 Black didn’t bring as many changes as a lot of avid GoPro users wish it had, it seems GoPro has decided to pack a lot of these changes into the GoPro Hero 9 Black. 

^{GoPro Hero 8 Black} 

For instance, rumors suggest that the GoPro Hero 9 Black is going to include a 20MP resolution, which makes sense with the “more resolution” promise. But, rumors also suggest that this GoPro Hero 9 will be able to shoot 5K/30p video, which will be the best video capabilities of any GoPro to date. 

The addition of 5K video capabilities doesn’t mean, however, that any of the old video capabilities you love are going to be canned. Supposedly, other shooting modes, like 4K, 1080p and 240fps slow-mo will still be included. 

Learn More:

• 9 GoPro MAX Tips You Need to Know
• 6 GoPro Accessories You Need That You Didn't Know Exist 

^{GoPro Hero 8 Black}

Other rumors surrounding the GoPro Hero 9 Black include promises of a much larger battery capacity. The current model uses a 1,220 mAh battery, but the GoPro Hero 9 Black may use a battery as large as 1,720mAh, which would be a jump of 40% capacity. 

However, before you get too excited about this much larger battery capacity, you may want to think about whether this version of the GoPro will need it because another rumor suggests that the monochrome front display will now be a color display, which will be helpful for vloggers or anyone shooting selfies.

^{GoPro Hero 8 Black}

The GoPro Hero 9 Black will also need a large software upgrade in order for me to be convinced to buy it, and it sounds like it’s going to get one. For instance, this new GoPro will likely include HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization, which will make all of your videos feel like they were taken with a gimbal. 

Moreover, it is also supposed to come with TimeWarp 3.0, which will allow you to create really easy time-lapse footage. 

^{GoPro Hero 8 Black}

However, all of these improvements are going to come with a large price jump, if you believe the rumors. WinFuture,  the German site that has been leaking a lot of these rumors, saw one of their employees, Roland Quandt, tweet that theGoPro Hero 9 Black will cost €479 or around $570. 

Keep in mind that all of these specs are rumors. We will really need to wait just a little while longer in order to get our hands on the new GoPro Hero 9 Black to test it for ourselves.

But, until then, you can pick up a GoPro Hero 8 Black for $350 on Adorama. Plus, you can expect this price to continue falling as the new edition finally rolls out. 

Learn More:

• Shooting Video in the Field: Top GoPro Video Tips
• Top GoPro Accessories for Traveling

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 ^{photo byVladK213 via iStock}

Drones for photography are cameras. As with all of our other cameras, there are good reasons to use filters for drone photography.

What are you using as drone photography gear? The number of choices for drone filters are going up, both from the drone manufacturers and from third party filter makers like PolarPro Filters and Tiffen Filters.

Filters for Drone Photography

^{Photo by Lukas Rodriguez from Pexels}

Does one need drone filters? What filters should you have in your drone photography gear? What other drone photography tips are beneficial?

Just as with regular photography, two of the most useful filters for drone photography are circular polarizer (C-POL) filters and neutral density (ND) filters. The very popular graduated neutral density (GND) filters aren’t that practical for drone photography, primarily due to needing exact positioning placement for best effect.

 

Recommended Drone Photography Reading:

• Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky
• Drone Photography Explored: Beautiful Drone Photography

 

C-POL Filter 

^{Photo by Tobias Bjørkli from Pexels} 

The circular polarizer filter is a must have filter for serious photographers. It can be used in many situations for a variety of purposes. A polarizer removes or reduces glare and reflections and also helps capture full color depth due to reducing glare. 

For drone photography, polarizer filters will improve the end result of still images and video footage. Much of the subject matter a lot of drone photographers use their drone cameras for tend to include large areas of surfaces that can be reflective. Photo elements such as wet lawns, pools, lakes, and city streets and parks can be imaged better with a polarizer filter.

ND Filters

Neutral density are vital filters for drone photography and videography because of the limited range of exposure options in many high end photographic drones. 

For instance, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro has one of the best cameras available in a reasonably priced drone, the 20MP Hasselblad L1D-20c gimbal camera with a rather large-for-a-drone 1-inch type sensor and 4K 10-bit HDR video capture capability.  

 

The maximum aperture of the 28mm full frame equivalent lens is f/2.8, but it only stops down to f/11.0. Combined with an ISO range of 100-6400 and shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second, this combination is well-suited to many exposure situations, but it could sometimes use a little help in bright daylight lighting.

A neutral density filter will allow you to get back into moderate shutter speeds and apertures to take advantage of the sweet spot of the lens and for a more natural appearing video feed with a slower shutter.

PolarPro Filter Kits

 

Sticking with our example drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, you can find a great set of filters for a very reasonable price, the PolarPro filters.

What I like about this kit is the multiple filters in very usable strengths. There are 3 separate ND strengths and 3 hybrid combination filters with polarizer and neutral density together. The ND filters provide for reducing the shutter speed or adjusting lens aperture without changing color profile.

With the ND filters you can reduce the video recording shutter speed to cinematic levels for a more natural appearance when played back. 

Using the hybrid ND/POL drone filters, you also gain the benefit of reducing glare and reflections while improving color rendition.

Get a detailed review of these filters in the video above by 51 Drones.

Other Drone Photography Tips

^{Photo by Adil from Pexels} 

Besides those two basic and very important uses, your drone photography and videography can make use of slower shutter speeds and wider apertures for other techniques.

By opening up the aperture, you can limit focus to show what you want to emphasize. Since it’s all part of the Exposure Triangle, changing aperture also lets you adjust the shutter speed for your specific imaging needs. 

When recording video footage, whether A-Roll or B-Roll, being able to slow down the shutter speed helps eliminate that choppy, hard feel that fast shutters in video tend to produce. Also, if you’re using the dorne for B-Roll, it lets you match what you shot for A-Roll, so the editing blends in better.

The PolarPro filters made for the DJI Mavic 2 Pro are perfectly balanced for use on the gimbal mounted camera. They do not affect any camera movement and all of the drone flight modes are workable with the filters mounted.

How To Adjust a Polarizer On a Drone

^{Photo by Jeremy Bishop from Pexels} 

One of the questions going through your mind is how to adjust the polarizer from the ground when your drone is in the air. Well, you have to adjust ahead of time. The instructions with the filters show you the best method and it works pretty well.

It’s a “best guess” scenario, but you can get it close to optimal and it will still be far superior to not using a polarizer at all. Before any paid gigs, be sure to practice!

Using filters for drone photography is a good idea. The cameras have advanced so much in a very short time. And they are generally very affordable now as well. Try out your favorite filters on your own drone and see the difference they make. 

 

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