Photo by David Coleman
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The Hasselblad Battery Finder: What Each Body Takes and What Happens When It Dies
The classic Hasselblad V-system bodies need no battery at all, but the EL motor drives, 200 series, XPan, H1/H2 and digital X and H bodies do. Every entry comes from the camera’s own manual or spec sheet, with notes on what happens when a battery dies.
Bronica Camera Battery Compatibility Charts: Which Cell Does Your Body Take?
Nearly every Bronica ETR, SQ, GS and EC body runs on one 6V cell, sold as a 4SR44 or 4LR44. This chart, checked against the manuals, shows the exceptions and which bodies still fire with a dead battery.
Konica Camera Battery Compatibility Charts: What Each Model Takes Today
Konica’s Autoreflex cameras were built for mercury cells that no longer exist, but most have a cheap modern fix: the PX675 matches a standard zinc-air hearing-aid battery. Every battery here is verified against the camera’s own manual or spec sheet.
Agfa Camera Battery Compatibility Charts: Which Models Take One, and Which Cell
Most secondhand Agfa cameras need no battery at all, and even the Silette LK Sensor’s meter runs without one. Find your model by camera type and see which cells the electronic ones, like the Selectronic and Optima Sensor, actually take.
MonsterAdapter LA-FZ1 Review: Autofocus for Nikon AF-D Lenses on Z Cameras
The MonsterAdapter LA-FZ1 puts a focus motor in the adapter, so Nikon’s screw-drive AF and AF-D lenses autofocus on Z cameras again, which the FTZ II can’t do. Here’s how it handled a fisheye and a 24mm, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth $359.
Contax Camera Battery Compatibility Charts
Contax bodies span several eras, from a 6V cell that’s still made to button cells and modern lithiums. Every battery here comes from the camera’s own manual, and I note which bodies still fire when the battery dies.
Nikon Z50 II Back-Button Focus: Turn AE-L/AF-L Into Your Focus Button
The Nikon Z50 II has no AF-ON button, but the AE-L/AF-L button can do the job once you change two settings, not just one. Here are the exact menu paths, what to do about exposure lock and video, and how to undo it.
Nikon Z50 II Image Quality Settings: RAW, JPEG, HEIF and Image Size Explained
The Z50 II ships on JPEG normal, but one step up to JPEG fine at Large size is the best image quality setting for many people. Here’s what each option does, and the simple setup I’d start with.
Nikon Z50 II RAW Files Won’t Open in Lightroom or Photos? What Will Probably Fix It
If your Nikon Z50 II RAW files won’t open on your computer, the cause is nearly always an outdated app or the camera’s default High efficiency compression. Here’s how to tell which, and how to rescue photos you’ve already taken.
How to Reset the Nikon Z50 II: Every Option and When to Use Each
A full factory reset on the Nikon Z50 II can’t be undone, and it isn’t always the right fix. Here’s every reset the camera offers, what each keeps and erases, and how to back up your settings first.
Getting the Most from the Nikon Z50 II’s Burst Modes
The Nikon Z50 II packs several burst speeds plus a Pre-Release Capture mode that saves frames from before you even press the shutter — but it comes with real trade-offs. Here’s which settings to use for action shots, and the limits (JPEG-only, battery drain, buffer caps) worth knowing first.
Yashica Camera Battery Compatibility Charts
Picked up an old Yashica camera and want to get it working? Here are charts for Yashica SLRs, the Electro 35 family, the T-series compacts and the Yashica-Mat TLRs, plus what to do about the Electro 35’s discontinued mercury cell.
Nikon Z50 II Grid Lines Won’t Show? It Takes Two Settings
Adding grid lines to your viewfinder or back screen can be an extremely useful tool for composing your shots, helping with keeping lines level and key elements balanced in the frame. Here’s how to enable them in the Nikon Z50 II and the options that are available.
How to format an SD card in the Nikon Z50 II
I explain why further down this page, but it’s always best practice to format the memory card in the camera that you’re using it in. It’s quick and easy; here’s how to do it on the Z50 II.
Mercury Batteries Are Gone: Four Ways to Keep an Old Meter Working
Mercury button cells like the PX625 haven’t been sold for 30 years, so old film camera meters need a workaround. Here are four replacement options, from cheap silver-oxide spacers to full meter recalibration, plus how to tell which one your camera actually needs.
Leica Camera Battery Compatibility Charts
Which battery does your Leica take? Charts for digital and film Leicas, from the M, SL, Q and S lines to the compacts, Leicaflex and R-series SLRs, all taken from Leica’s own manuals and data sheets. Plus which bodies can share spares, and the few rows that rest on weaker sources.
Memory cards
How to Download Nikon D3500 Photos & Videos to a Computer
At some point, probably sooner rather than later, you’re going to want to get your photos and videos off your Nikon D3500 and edit them on you computer. So here’s a straightforward guide on how to do that.
How to Put an SD Card Into a Nikon D3500: Insert, Format and Eject
The D3500’s SD slot sits on the right side at the bottom, and the card only goes in one way, label toward the front of the camera. Here’s how to insert, format and safely eject it, plus the flimsy door hinge to watch.
How to Format an SD Card in the Nikon D3500, Step by Step
Formatting in the D3500 takes a few menu clicks, but there’s no quick-versus-full choice, and a locked card can block it. Here are the steps, plus what to do if you format on a computer.
Fujifilm X-S10 Memory Card Recommendations
It’s not easy to know which is the right type of SD card for your camera. There are a lot of confusing codes and marketing hype to cut through. So here are my practical recommendations on good choices for the Fujifilm X-S10.
Nikon Z50 II Memory Card Guide: Why You Need UHS-II
The Z50 II is a video powerhouse, but its high-bitrate 4K modes will choke standard SD cards. Nikon’s manual is confusing, recommending “Speed Class 3” while actually requiring much faster speeds for top performance. This guide cuts through the jargon to tell you exactly which cards work.
Nikon Z50 SD Card Recommendations, Sizes, and Specs Explained
Not sure which SD card the Nikon Z50 needs? Here are practical, tested recommendations covering compatibility, speed class, and card sizes so you can stop researching specs and start shooting.
Fastest SD Cards 2026: Real-World Speed Tests & Rankings
After independent speed tests of the top V90 UHS-II cards, a new leader has emerged. The updated SanDisk Extreme Pro (SDSDXDM) is the first card I’ve tested to genuinely hit the 300 MB/s write speed limit, setting a new benchmark for 2026.”
Choosing an SD Card for the OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II
Faster isn’t always better: the OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II don’t need the priciest V90 cards to hit full burst performance. Here’s the UHS speed class, capacity, and card picks that actually match what these cameras demand.
PGYTech Createmate Review: The Ultimate Travel SD Card Reader & Case
Most memory card readers are boring, utilitarian tools. But the PGYTech Createmate adds a clever twist by combining a high-speed UHS-II reader with a rugged, weather-resistant storage case for your SD and microSD cards. Here is my hands-on review of this clever travel essential.
Ricoh GR IV Memory Card Guide: microSD & Internal Storage
The Ricoh GR IV ditches standard SD cards for the smaller microSD format and adds 53GB of internal storage. Here are my practical recommendations on which memory cards to get for it.
Nikon Z7 III Memory Card Forecast: Getting Ahead of 8K RAW
The Nikon Z7 III hasn’t launched yet, but its expected 8K RAW N-RAW output already tells us what memory cards will be needed to avoid buffer bottlenecks. Here’s a pre-release forecast of CFexpress and SDXC cards to budget for, plus how to dodge the dual-slot backup trap.
How to Choose the Right SD Card for the Sony a6400
Sony’s manual is vague about which SD card the a6400 actually needs. Here’s what the UHS-I, U3 and card-size ratings really mean, plus practical picks that work.
Basics.Photography
Sigma Lens Codes Guide
Sigma lens names can be a mouthful of acronyms. Once you know how to read them, however, they are a powerful shorthand for identifying whether a lens is built for full-frame or crop sensors, DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. This guide demystifies the alphabet soup so you can quickly categorize any lens in their massive lineup.
What Is a Fast Lens? Aperture, “Fast Glass,” and When It Matters
Get to grips with fast lenses–what they are, how they work and why they’re so popular among photographers. Learn what defines a fast lens, the benefits of shooting with one, and good lenses to start with. Plus, discover some lens gotchas to watch out for.
Tokina Camera Lens Codes Guide
Tokina lenses are legendary for their “built-like-a-tank” construction, but their naming system has undergone a massive overhaul recently. If you’re confused by the jump from “AT-X” to “atx-i” or “opera,” you aren’t alone. Here is the definitive guide to every code Tokina uses, including their unique Focus Clutch mechanism and their 2026 mirrorless lineup.
What Does 35mm Equivalent Mean? How Sensor Size & Lens Focal Length Combine
If you’ve ever shopped for a lens and seen the phrase “35mm equivalent,” you know photography jargon can be confusing. This term is the key to understanding how different cameras see the world. Here is exactly what it means and how to use it to choose the right lens.
At War with the Dust Bunnies: Tips for Changing Lenses on the Go
Dust bunnies, which leave ugly dark spots and marks on your images, are one of the annoyances of digital photography. If you’re changing lenses on the go there are some tricks to minimize them.
Identifying Kodak 35mm & 120/220 Film Stock from Edgeprint Codes
Scanning decades of old negatives often means staring at cryptic numbers like “5053” or “GA” on the film strip. I compiled this reference guide to help you (and me!) cross-reference those edge codes with the actual film types to make your archiving and editing easier.
Canon Lens Codes Guide
Like most lens manufacturers, Canon uses codes in their lens names to identify key features and technologies of the lens. They might look like a look like a random jumble of letters, but they are actually a precise formula. Once you know how to read them, you can instantly tell if a lens will fit your camera, how fast it will focus, and whether it is weather-sealed.
Fisheye Lenses: The Good, the Bad, and the Distorted
Fisheye lenses pack a dramatic, distorted view into the frame — great for tight interiors and immersive action shots, terrible for portraits and architecture. Here’s what to know before you shoot with one, including the two main types and what to avoid.
Workflow
Some of the Free Lightroom Alternatives are Surprisingly Good!
Here are some good options of you’re looking for a free Lightroom alternative to manage and process your photos.
Photoshop Tips: How to Make Transparent Text
Master the art of creating transparent text in Photoshop with this straightforward guide. While the color palette may not offer a transparent option, I’ll walk you through the steps to achieve this effect seamlessly.
What’s the Largest Image Size You Can Import Into Lightroom?
You can import very large images into Lightroom Classic, but there are limits.
How to Invert the Selection of Photos in Lightroom Classic’s Library Module
The invert selection tool in Lightroom Classic’s Library Module instantly makes non-selected images selected, and vice versa. It’s a handy little tool to have available.
Using Photoshop to Simulate How Colorblind Users See Your Photos
Nearly 1 in 10 people who look at your photos are likely to perceive colors differently because of some form of colorblindness. Here’s a way to use Photoshop to simulate how your photos will look to someone who is colorblind.
JPEGmini Pro Tested: Pixel-Level Diff Tests & Comparisons
Does JPEGmini Pro actually shrink JPEGs without wrecking quality? I ran pixel-level diff tests against Photoshop compression, ImageOptim, and WebP to find out, using JPEGmini Pro 3 on real photos.
Instagram Photo Size Guide
If you’re posting images to Instagram, whether from a phone or computer, here’s my unofficial guide to photo and picture sizes for Instagram posts.
How to Resize Images in Lightroom Classic (and Why There’s No “Resize” Button)
If you’ve gone looking for a “resize” button in Lightroom Classic and come up empty, you’re not alone — there isn’t one. Lightroom handles resizing through its Export function instead, which is more flexible and safer than directly editing the original. Here’s how each of the Image Sizing options works in practice, with recommended sizes for email, social media, and prints.
Calculators
How Much 4K Video Your Memory Card Can Actually Hold
A 128GB card can hold anywhere from under an hour to 8 hours of 4K footage, depending entirely on your camera’s bitrate. Use the calculator and charts below to work out your exact recording time by card size.
Angle of View, Explained: Calculator, Charts, and Why Diagonal Matters
Enter a focal length to see its angle of view across full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds sensors, with charts for quick reference and an explanation of why the diagonal measurement is the one lens makers actually quote.
Memory Card Speed Converter (X-Rating to MB/s)
Memory card marketing is littered with jargon, but the “x-rating” multiplier is one of the most confusing. Here is a simple tool to convert those outdated speed ratings back into a standard MB/s format so you can accurately compare cards.
How Many Megapixels? A Quick Calculator for Photographers
A simple calculator to convert pixel dimensions into megapixels — handy for photographers working out print sizes, checking how much headroom you’ve got for a heavy crop, sizing files for stock agencies, or staying under Lightroom’s 512-megapixel import ceiling.
How Much Will Be in Focus? A Depth of Field Calculator
A practical depth of field calculator for photographers. Punch in your sensor, focal length, aperture, and subject distance to see your near and far limits, total depth of field, and hyperfocal distance. Useful for landscape work, portraits, macro, and group shots where you need to know exactly where the sharpness falls off.
Mbps to MB/s Converter: Camera Bitrates vs. Memory Card Speeds
The difference between a flawless 4K recording and a locked-up camera often comes down to a single capitalized letter. Here is how to quickly translate your camera’s Mbps video bitrate into MB/s memory card speeds.
The Crop Factor Calculator: Find Your True Focal Length
Mount the same lens on a full-frame and an APS-C body and the framing changes, but does your aperture really change too? Use the calculator below to find your true equivalent focal length and depth of field, and see why exposure stays the same.
The Aspect Ratio Calculator: Perfect Crops for Print & Web
You shoot a perfectly framed 3:2 portrait, but the client orders an 8×10 print. If you don’t calculate the aspect ratio and crop it yourself, the lab’s automated software will do it for you — usually right across your subject’s forehead. Here is how to take control of your output dimensions.
