Gear reviews and how-to guides on digital 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.
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.
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.
If your Nikon Z50 II RAW files won't open on your computer, the cause is nearly always an outdated app or the camera's default High efficiency compression.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sigma's camera lineup is small enough that one battery, the BP-51, covers most recent models — the fp, fp L, and all four dp Quattro compacts. This chart lays out exactly which pack each Sigma body takes, plus which models can charge over USB.
The Nikon Zf ships without a charger, and it charges the EN-EL15c battery in the body over USB-C instead. Here's exactly what cable and power source that needs, plus the optional chargers and spare-battery options worth knowing about.
Running old Nikon D3500 RAW files through DxO PureRAW turns out to be one of the cheapest ways to close the image-quality gap to a newer camera. Here are before/after sliders and 100% crops from ISO 100 to 25600, with the exact settings and RAW files to try yourself.
Bothered by noise from your Fujifilm X100V? Before you buy a newer body, see what AI-based RAW processing does to the RAW files. Before/after sliders and 100% crops from my own Fujifilm X100V photos show how much of a difference it makes.
The Sony a6000 is 12 years old and its high-ISO files show it. But AI-based RAW processing pulls cleaner, sharper images out of old RAW files than the camera ever could. Before/after sliders and 100% crops from my own Sony a6000 photos show how much of a difference it makes.
The Sony RX100 VII's small sensor gets noisy fast once the ISO climbs. That's exactly what AI-based RAW processing fixes best. Before/after sliders and 100% crops from my own Sony RX100 VII photos show how much of a difference it makes.
Bothered by noise from your Ricoh GR II? Before you buy a newer body, see what AI-based RAW processing does to the RAW files. Before/after sliders and 100% crops from my own Ricoh GR II photos show how much of a difference it makes.
Lumix battery names don't always make it obvious which model fits your camera, or which charger you actually need. This chart sorts out the battery families, flags the charger quirks, and covers what to know before trying a third-party cell.
Working out which battery fits your OM-System or Olympus camera isn't always as simple as it could be, because similar-looking models don't always share the same battery. These charts show which battery goes with which camera, with notes on chargers and third-party options.
Not sure which battery your Pentax camera takes, or whether that cheaper third-party pack is safe to buy? These charts match each model to its correct battery, with notes on chargers and compatible alternatives.
Not sure which battery your Fujifilm camera takes, or whether it needs a separate charger? These charts match every current model to its correct battery and charger, with notes on buying third-party alternatives.
Not sure which battery your Canon camera actually takes, or which charger comes with it? These charts match batteries and chargers to specific Canon models, with notes on third-party alternatives.
Matching the right battery to your Sony camera sounds simple until you hit the exceptions: cameras that ship with no charger at all, an a9 that charges over micro-USB, and an a1 II charger that needs a separate USB-PD source. This chart covers batteries and chargers for 39 mirrorless and SLT bodies plus the compact line.
Not sure which battery fits your Nikon camera? Even similar models like the Z9 and Z8 don't share batteries — these charts sort out exactly which model you need, plus what to know about third-party options.
After a month shooting the Fujifilm GFX100RF, I found a camera with genuinely excellent image quality but real low-light limitations that changed how I'd recommend using it.
The GFX100RF's digital teleconverter is a real composition tool thanks to its 102MP sensor — but the physical switch is easy to bump by accident. Here's what each crop costs in resolution, how RAW files handle it, and the menu setting that stops unintended crops.
A collection of real-world Fujifilm GFX100RF sample images, shot with its fixed 28mm-equivalent f/4 lens and no in-body stabilization, each with the exact exposure settings used to keep them sharp.
With no IBIS and a 102MP sensor, the Fujifilm GFX100RF's default Auto ISO minimum shutter speed isn't fast enough to guarantee sharp handheld files. Here's the three-profile setup I now use, plus a manual footnote that quietly overrides it.
I've been shooting with the Viltrox WCL-X100VI wide-angle conversion lens on my Fujifilm X100VI, and here's what I've found.
You’ve matched the channels. You’ve matched the groups. Everything looks perfect on the screen, but your flash refuses to fire. Before you blame your hot shoe or camera, check this one "invisible" setting.
Bypassing workflow friction when transferring 40MP files. Here is a practical look at the best ways to connect the Fujifilm X100VI to your computer via USB-C, wireless, or natively as a high-end webcam without extra software.
None of the TG-5, TG-6 or TG-7 ship with a memory card, and Olympus's own manuals barely help. Here are tested SD card picks that keep up with 4K video and 20fps bursts, plus what size to buy.
There's still no native Nikon Z-mount fisheye, but an old discontinued F-mount lens paired with the FTZ adapter turns out to be a genuinely strong option on the Z8. Here's what you gain, what you lose, and how it stacks up against the newer third-party Z-mount fisheyes.
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.
Here's an abbreviated set of sample images I've taken with the Ricoh GR IV.
I've been so looking forward to the Ricoh GR IV. But mine didn't last 24 hours before it died with a showstopping "lens error."
Using a manual-focus lens on a Nikon Z? Here's what a non-CPU lens actually is, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the Non-CPU Lens Data menu that sharpens IBIS, Auto ISO, and your image metadata.
I've been out shooting with the ultra-wide Laowa 10mm f/2.8 autofocus lens (full-frame). Here's a selection of high-resolution sample files I've taken with it.
At $176, the Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Z undercuts Nikon's own DX primes by hundreds of dollars — but is the autofocus and optical quality good enough to matter? Here's what real-world shooting with it on a Nikon Z8 revealed, from sharpness wide open to vignetting and AF speed.
There's a surprisingly large range of options available if you're looking for Nikon Z full-frame lenses. Here's my running list of the alternatives from Nikon and third-party manufacturers.
Formatting a new SD card in the X100VI takes seconds once you know where to look — here's the menu path, a hidden 2-button shortcut, and what a 'Card Error' message usually means.
The Fujifilm X100VI is a beautiful camera, but it's essentially a rectangular brick to hold. Thumb grips are a popular fix, but after testing the SmallRig version, I found the trade-offs — specifically regarding back-button focus and button access — might outweigh the benefits.
The Fujifilm X100VI's Boost mode speeds up autofocus, EVF refresh, and low-light visibility, but at a real battery cost. Here's what each of its three settings does and when to use them.
Looking for "metering" on your Fujifilm X100VI and coming up empty? Fujifilm calls it Photometry instead — here's exactly where to find it, what Multi, Spot, Center-Weighted and Average do, and how to assign it to a button or the Quick Menu.
A Nikon Z8 that suddenly refuses to autofocus is usually not broken — it's a small, easy-to-bump button hiding in plain sight. Here's the exact fix, plus what to check if the menu setting is greyed out.
The Fujifilm X100VI's default viewfinder text is small and low-contrast, easy to misread in bright light. Here's how to switch on Large Indicators Mode and customize which readouts appear where.
If your Fujifilm X100VI's viewfinder lever suddenly stops switching to optical mode, you haven't broken anything. One specific setting, the 3D Electronic Level, silently disables the OVF, and this is exactly where to find and fix it.
If you're considering moving from DSLR to mirrorless, these are some things to consider. This isn't about what's better or worse but about things that are different enough to potentially influence how you shoot in some way.
Fujifilm pushes its smartphone app for firmware updates, but the old-school SD card method is faster and more reliable. Here's the exact file name, menu steps, and precautions to get the X100VI updated without a hitch.
The X100VI's aperture ring is easy to fumble on its slim lens barrel. Here's the 3-step menu setup that moves aperture control to the front command dial instead, plus the trade-off it creates.
The AEL/AFL button is the key to real back-button focus on the Fujifilm X100VI, but the menu setup isn't obvious. Here's the exact steps, plus a hybrid trick for switching back to normal autofocus.
The "Q" button gives you instant access to 16 camera settings, but did you know you can completely redesign it? Whether you want to swap Film Simulations for Self-Timers or just reduce the clutter, here is the undocumented shortcut to customizing the Quick Menu.
The X100VI's fixed lens has no true zoom, but a Digital Teleconverter can simulate 50mm and 70mm crops via the control ring. Here's how that feature actually works, and why it often engages by accident, cropping your shot without warning.
The Fujifilm X100VI's digital teleconverter simulates 50mm and 70mm, but it's a crop, not a zoom — resolution drops from 40MP to 20MP and 10MP. Here's what it actually does, real sample images, and whether it's worth using.
The X100VI has a secret shortcut to reassign your buttons on the fly. Instead of navigating deep into the "Setup" menu, you can access the full button customization screen with a single long-press. Here is how.
The X100VI's top dial only gives you +/-3 stops of exposure compensation — but a lesser-known setting using the command dials extends that to +/-5 stops in each direction. Here's exactly where to find both controls and how to set them up.
The Fujifilm X100VI's base ISO is 125, with a native range up to 12,800 and extension down to 64 and up to 51,200 — but numbers alone don't show you image quality. These real-world sample sets, with downloadable RAW and JPEG files, let you judge the noise and highlight clipping for yourself.
The Fujifilm X100VI ships with its Wi-Fi set to 2.4GHz by default, which makes downloading photos and video to the XApp needlessly slow. Switching one setting to 5GHz gives a major speed boost on nearly any modern smartphone — here's exactly where to find it and what to watch out for.
Neither the X100VI nor the X100V ships with a card, and Fujifilm's official list points you toward expensive UHS-II cards the camera's UHS-I slot can't fully use. Here's exactly what card size and speed actually matter, and where you can save real money.
Here are some practical examples of the zoom range of the Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G wide-angle zoom lens to give a visual sense of how the focal lengths translate into real-world shooting.
After weeks shooting the Sony a6700, here's an honest look at its handling, menus, viewfinder, and image quality — with a focus on stills rather than its well-known video chops.
I've been shooting with these two fast wide-angle primes for Sony E-mount. Here's my take on how they compare.
If you'd like to get a visual sense of the image quality out of the Nikon D850 at high ISOs, here's a selection of high-resolution images I've taken with it.
As firmware becomes more and more important to how cameras work, we might see a shift in the very nature of our cameras, how we interact with them, and how they work.
Here's a full set of Sony a6700 sample photos, shot in RAW and lightly processed in Lightroom Classic, meant to sit alongside a separate hands-on review. Click any image to see the full-size version and judge the image quality yourself.
See how the Sony a6700 actually handles high ISO, with real-world sample photos from ISO 3200 up to 102400, plus downloadable JPG and RAW files so you can judge the image quality yourself.
This is my hands-on review of the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN lens, which I've been using on a Sony a6700.
Here's a selection of images I've taken using the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN prime lens on a Sony a6700.
Here's my hands-on review of the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G prime lens for Sony APS-C Alpha cameras.
Here are some sample images I've taken with the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G lens on a Sony a6700. It's a fast prime designed for Sony's cropped-sensor APS-C cameras in the Alpha range.
The Sony a6700 has a micro HDMI (Type D) port for video output, plus a separate USB-C port for charging and data. Here's how to tell them apart and which cable to get for each.
The Sony a6700's manual focus ring does nothing until you enable it — Sony buries this under the name Full Time DMF rather than anything obvious. Here's exactly where to find the setting and which lenses and shooting modes it won't work with.
The Sony a6700's mechanical shutter is surprisingly loud, but switching to Silent Mode brings trade-offs beyond noise, including rolling shutter risk, no flash at all, and disabled features. Here's how to set it up and what to watch for.
I've used a lot of different cameras in shooting black and white over the years, but I've found the Nikon Z8 surprisingly fun and well suited to it.
The Sony a6700's framing grid is switched off by default and buried a couple of menu levels deep. Here's exactly where to find it, how to turn it on, and which grid styles are worth choosing.
The Sony a6700's AF-ON button is set up to work alongside the shutter button for autofocus by default — not ideal for back-button focus. Here's exactly which menu setting to change to separate them.
The a6700's format option isn't where you'd expect — it's tucked in the Shooting menu, not Setup. Here's exactly where to find it, plus when to use quick format versus the less obvious full format.
The Sony a6700 defaults to capping Auto ISO at 6400, well short of its 32,000 native and 102,400 extended range. Here's how base, native, and max ISO break down, and how to raise that ceiling yourself.
The Z8 has no mechanical shutter, making it dead silent. But if you miss the feedback of a "clack," you can add it back digitally. Here is how to customize the artificial shutter sound.
The Nikon Z8's two card slots can do more than just store photos — set them to overflow, mirror as a backup, or split RAW and JPEG copies automatically.
The Nikon Zf pairs a full-size SD slot with a smaller microSD slot, and how you configure them affects more than storage. Here's how to set overflow, backup, and RAW/JPEG splits properly, plus a backup-mode setting that can silently stop 4K60p video recording.
Like other newer Nikon cameras, the Nikon Zf has a built-in battery check feature. This isn't so much about showing how much charge is left in the battery (although it does that). More interestingly, it can tell you when the battery has reached the end of its working life and is ready to be put out to pasture.
Unlike many other recent Nikon cameras, the Nikon Zf has only one method for formatting the memory cards. Here's how to do it.
My aim in this post is to walk through how to adjust the control ring settings, explore the default settings, and dive into the various options available so you can set it up for your own style of shooting.
I shot the Nikon AF-S and Z 105mm f/2.8 macro lenses side-by-side on my Z8 to settle a practical question: is the Z version's price worth ditching a lens I already own and use constantly.
Every time I turned my Z8 on, my exposure was off by a stop. I thought I had "Auto Reset" enabled, but I missed one critical detail about how the lens control ring behaves. Here is the fix.
One of the most common questions for Nikon shooters is whether the new, high-performance Z-mount mirrorless lenses can be used on older DSLRs. Here is the short answer, the technical "why," and how to manage your lens collection if you use both systems.
A collection of real-world Nikon Zf sample images, shot in RAW across the mixed and variable lighting typical of street and travel photography, then lightly processed to show the camera's true output.
When you check your Nikon's menu, you might see a confusing list of letters like C, LF, MA, or S. Here is exactly what those codes mean — and why updating your camera body might not be enough.
The Nikon Zf's native ISO runs from 100 to 64,000 — but what does that look like on an actual sensor? Here are unedited, straight-out-of-camera RAW and JPG samples across that range, with downloadable files for your own side-by-side comparisons.
Straight-out-of-camera Nikon Zf images from ISO 3200 up to 64,000, shot side by side so you can judge for yourself where the noise becomes a problem — with the native ISO range and full RAW files included.
Lithium batteries degrade over time, but you don't have to guess when to replace them. Your Nikon Z8 has a built-in health checker hidden in the menu. Here is how to find it.
The Nikon Zf has excellent composition tools, but they are turned off out of the box. From the classic Rule of Thirds to the new vertical video guides added in Firmware v3.00, here is the two-step process to get them on your screen.
Unlike the Z8, the Nikon Zf exposes its sensor every time you change a lens. Here is how to ensure the ultrasonic cleaning cycle runs automatically to try to keep those pesky dust bunnies from spoiling your shots.
The new v3.00 firmware adds Film Grain and Bird Detection to your Zf, but you have to install it manually. Here is the step-by-step guide to updating without bricking your camera or losing your settings.
Changed a Nikon Zf setting and can't remember the original value? Here's every menu's default for Firmware v3.01, plus the new menu items v3.00 added, so you can roll back just what you need.
The Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is probably the closest thing to a nifty fifty in Nikon's current Z lens lineup. Here are some photos I've taken with it to go alongside my hands-on review.
I've been out shooting with the small, compact Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 lens. Here are some photos I've taken with it.
The Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 is small, light, and very reasonably priced. Here are some photos I've taken with it.
The Nikon Zf isn't just for single frames. With its compact size and excellent stabilization, it is a surprisingly capable tool for shooting high-resolution panoramas on the go. Here is the setup I use to capture them without a tripod.
Here's my hands-on review of the Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8, a small, light, and cheap prime lens for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 prime lens. It's a small, light, and relatively fast prime that is a great option for candids, street, and travel photography. Here's my take on it.
Back-button focus is one of the most useful ways to configure a camera, allowing you to lock focus and reframe without the camera hunting every time you press the shutter. But because of its minimalist, retro design, the Nikon Zf is missing a dedicated AF-ON button. Fortunately, getting this functionality back is just a quick two-step menu tweak. Here is exactly how to repurpose the Zf's AE-L/AF-L button for focus, and how to configure an alternative button so you don't lose the ability to lock your exposure.
This 26mm pancake lens is the smallest lens in Nikon's Z lineup. And yet I'm very impressed with its performance, both in handling and in image quality. It has quickly earned a regular place attached to my camera.
The Nikon Zf pairs a fast UHS-II SD slot with a slower UHS-I microSD slot, a mismatch that can quietly cripple your buffer or video recording if you pick the wrong cards. Here are the best cards for each slot and how to avoid the Backup Mode bottleneck.
The Sony a7C II demands a fast UHS-II card, and picking wrong means dropped frames or a locked-up buffer mid-shoot. Here's exactly which V90 and V60 SD cards handle this camera's single card slot, 33MP bursts, and 600 Mbps 4K video without choking.
The Sony a7R V takes both CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II cards in identical-looking slots, but their performance isn't equal — here's which to pick, when to use both, and the best cards for the job.
The Nikon Z7 II's two card slots use completely different technologies, and pairing them wrong throttles your 10 fps burst to a crawl. Here's how to match CFexpress and SDXC speeds correctly, and when buying a newer CFexpress 4.0 card actually saves you money.
The Sony a6700 has a single UHS-II slot, and picking the wrong card grays out its best video modes entirely. Here's which V90 and V60 SD cards actually unlock 4K120 and All-Intra recording, based on independent speed testing.
It's not easy to know which is the best SD card for the Fujifilm X-S20. There are a lot of confusing codes and marketing hype to cut through. So here are my practical recommendations on good choices for your X-S20.
By default, your Z8 refocuses every time you touch the shutter. That isn't always what you want. Here is how to separate focus from the shutter release — and the hidden menu setting that unlocks Trap Focus.
Canon's manual barely explains which SD cards actually suit the R10. After testing numerous cards, here are specific recommendations plus the compatibility rules (SDXC, UHS-II, V60/V90) behind them.
If you've been changing settings on your Ricoh GR III and want to restore the default settings, or maybe you're lending the camera to someone, here's how to reset the settings.
If you're shooting with a Ricoh GR III and wanting to get video output directly from he camera, here's how to do it.
Sharp, smooth, and reasonably priced, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a highly versatile and useful lens in Nikon's expanding lineup of Z-mount primes.
I've tested various aftermarket EN-EL15C replacement batteries for the Nikon Z8, but had trouble finding a compatible option. However, this one not only works but also offers an additional useful feature.
The Nikon Z8 is an absolute powerhouse, but the earliest batches were hit with two major service recalls regarding the lens mount and strap eyelets. Whether you bought yours on launch day or you're looking at buying a used body, here's exactly how to check your serial number to see if your camera needs a free trip to Nikon's repair facility.
The Sony RX0 is compatible with just about any grip that folds out to a table-top tripod. But Sony makes one that adds a built in shutter release.
If you've changed the settings on your Ricoh GR III and can't remember what you've changed, this master list of default settings on the Ricoh GR III can help with changing individual settings back to their defaults.
Formatting your SD card directly in the Olympus OM-1 keeps its filesystem exactly how the camera expects — here's where to find the menu option and what the OM-1's format actually does (and doesn't) erase.
If you're using a battery grip on the Nikon D850, D810, or D800, here's how to see the charge status of both batteries.
Pulled a Fujifilm X-T5 out of the box only to find the viewfinder hopelessly blurry? The fix is simple once you know it: the diopter dial has to be pulled out before it will turn. Here's exactly how it works, plus what a viewfinder diopter actually does.
Getting an "unsupported format" error opening Z8 NEF files on a Mac? Apple only added native support for Lossless Compressed RAWs — not High Efficiency (HE or HE*) — and here's how to work around it for free.
Do you find that your Ricoh GR III's back screen turns off too quickly? That's a power-saving feature, but it's one you can adjust to make it stay on longer. Here's how.
As discreet as the Ricoh GR III is out of the box, you can make it even more so. You can make it quiet. You can also turn out the lights (well, mostly). Here's how.
The Canon EOS R100 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which cards to get.
The Nikon Z8 takes the EN-EL15C battery, but not every charger or aftermarket cell works with it. After testing multiple batteries, chargers, and USB-C power sources, here's what actually charges the Z8 and what to avoid.
Here are some practical recommendations on which SD cards will work well in the Nikon Z30.
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.
The Fujifilm X100V excels at minimalist photography, so you might not want to pack it with accessories. That said, there are some that are essential (a memory card), and some that make shooting more convenient and protect your camera.
The Z6 II's two card slots use completely different technologies, and pairing them wrong throttles your 14 fps burst to a crawl. Here's how I choose CFexpress B and SDXC cards, including when a 4.0 card is oddly cheaper than 2.0.
The Nikon Z8 won't update its firmware automatically, and interrupting the process can brick the camera. Here's how to check your current version, install the latest release (v3.11), and avoid the mistakes that cause problems.
The Canon EOS R8 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which cards to get.
The Nikon Zfc is locked to UHS-I speeds, so that expensive UHS-II card in your cart won't do a thing for it in-camera. Here's exactly which SD card, capacity, and format to buy instead.
I've previously posted a detailed review of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G. Here are some high-resolution sample images I've taken with it.
The Z8 has a built-in ultrasonic cleaner, but the menu status seems misleading. Here is how to set it up properly — and why the sensor feels like it is "loose" when you try to clean it manually (and why that is normal).
Dust is the enemy of every mirrorless camera. The Nikon Z8 has a built-in mechanical shield to keep your sensor clean, but you have to know how to turn it on. Here is the quick setup guide and the critical safety warning every owner needs to know.
The Canon EOS R7 pushes memory cards harder than most APS-C bodies, and a slow card will simply stop your 4K60 C-Log 3 recording mid-clip. Here's which V60 and V90 SDXC cards work, why, and how to set them up in the R7's dual slots.
Small, light, with great optical performance, and affordably priced, there's a lot going for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S ultra-wide zoom lens. Here's my hands-on review.
The Nikon Z8 has some really impressive low-light shooting capabilities. Here are some side-by-side examples of high ISO photos taken with the Nikon Z8 from ISO 3200 up to ISO 102400.
Here are some practical visual examples of the zoom range of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S zoom lens.
A 5x zoom range sounds simple on paper, but what does 24mm to 120mm actually look like side by side? Here are practical examples shot on a Nikon Z8, including how close you can really get at each end.
Here's how to set the Nikon Z8 up to shoot (almost) silently.
Your camera screen is subjective; the histogram is objective. But on the Z8, these tools are hidden deep in the menus. Here is how to unlock them — and the specific "Live View" setting that determines if they are telling you the truth or just guessing.
Selecting the "3x3 Grid" in your Nikon Z8 menu isn't enough to make it appear. You also have to enable the display itself. Here is the two-step process to get your Rule of Thirds back.
It is easy to get lost in the Z8's massive menu system. If you want to revert a specific setting without nuking your entire configuration via "Reset All," here is the master list of factory defaults.
From High Efficiency* RAWs to the hidden switch that enables HEIF files, the Z8 offers a lot of ways to save an image. Here is your plain-English guide to every file format, crop mode, and compression setting.
To unlock the Nikon Z8's flagship 8K RAW and 20 fps burst modes, you need a specific tier of CFexpress media. This guide covers the 2.0 vs. 4.0 market shift and how to configure the dual slots to prevent the camera from bottlenecking.
You don't always have to dig through the menu to wipe your memory card. Here is the hidden two-button shortcut to format your cards in seconds — and why you should occasionally use the Full Format option instead.
I've been shooting with the ultra-fast prime Fujifilm XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens on the new Fujifilm X-T5. Here are sample images.
I've been out shooting with the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR ultra wide-angle lens on the new Fujifilm X-T5. Here's my take on it.
A large set of Fujifilm X-T5 sample images shot hand-held across a range of lighting and ISOs, lightly edited to show real out-of-camera performance, with original RAW files free to download.
How clean is the 40MP Fujifilm X-T5 really at high ISO? Here's a growing gallery of real-world sample images from ISO 3200 up to 51,200, shot handheld straight from RAW with no noise reduction applied.
The Fujifilm X-T5's ISO dial tops out at 12800, and Auto ISO won't go higher either — so how do you reach the camera's full 64 to 51200 range? Here's the exact dial-and-button steps, plus what image quality you give up at those extended settings.
Fujifilm officially lists ISO 125 as the X-T5's native base ISO, with ISO 64 available as an extended setting — here's what that distinction actually means, plus sample images shot across the full ISO 64 to 51,200 range.
Here's a quick guide on how to format SD cards in the Fujifilm X-T5.
The Canon EOS R50 only needs a UHS-I V30 card, so paying extra for UHS-II gets you nothing in this camera. Here are tested SD card picks plus what the card type and speed codes actually mean.
Here are some real-world examples of the zoom range of the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.
The Fujifilm X-T5 has grid overlays (or framing guidelines), but it's not necessarily intuitive how to enable them. Here's how to do it.
The Canon R5 requires a mix of CFexpress Type B and SDXC memory cards. Here is how I manage this dual-slot workflow and choose cards fast enough to handle 8K RAW video without overpaying.
The Pentax K-3 III features dual SD card slots, but there's a major catch you need to know about: they don't run at the same speed. Here's exactly how to choose the right combination of UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards, how to avoid the dual-slot backup bottleneck, and my top recommendations for getting the most out of your camera.
Navigating memory card specs for Fujifilm's single-digit X-T bodies can be frustrating. Here's how I match SD card speeds to the X-T5, X-T4, X-T3, and X-T2 to prevent buffer bottlenecks without overspending.
I've been testing out the new OM System OM-5 mirrorless camera. Here's a selection of sample images I've taken with it.
Like other digital cameras, the OM System OM-5 has the Auto ISO setting on by default. But there are some things worth knowing about its limitations and how to tweak it.
If you're looking for a replacement or spare battery or alternative ways to charge the OM System OM-5's batteries, here's a rundown of options.
I've been testing out the OM System OM-5 under some challenging lighting conditions. Here's a selection of images I've shot with the OM-5 in low-light conditions at high ISOs to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
With a fast maximum aperture combined with a short telephoto, the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G offers wonderful opportunities for isolating a subject from its background and shooting in low light. Here's my take on it.
If you're looking for a replacement or spare battery or alternative ways to charge the Olympus OM-1's batteries, here's a rundown of options.
Whether you need to free up space on your SD cards or prepare a new card, here's how to format SD cards on the OM System OM-5 mirrorless camera.
The OM-5's manual says a U3 card is enough for 4K, but independent speed tests show that's risky at its high bitrates. Here are the V60/V90 SD cards that actually keep up, plus how to set them up right.
The Ricoh GR III excels at being discreet. With its plain looks and small stature, it doesn't attract attention to itself. You can also make it very quiet, but somewhat surprisingly, not completely silent.
I've been testing out the Olympus OM-1 mirrorless camera, a new digital version of a model first launched as a film camera over half a century ago. Here's a selection of photos I've taken with it to give a sense of how it performs under real-world everyday shooting conditions.
I've been testing how the new Olympus OM-1 handles challenging lighting conditions. Here are some high-resolution photos I've shot with it at high ISOs to give a sense of how it performs in low-light conditions.
The Olympus OM-1's two SD card slots can back up, split, or roll over automatically between cards — but the default Standard setting doesn't do what most people expect. Here's how each of the six slot modes actually behaves.
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.
Planning your hard drive storage needs or shopping for CFexpress memory cards? Dive into our complete, easy-to-read tables breaking down the exact video bitrates and recording formats for the Canon EOS R5 in both DCI and UHD.
The Nikon D3500 has no interval timer and no accessory port, so hardware intervalometers won't work with it. There is still a way to shoot timelapse: a free software app over USB, and I cover how it works and where it falls short.
Which SD card should you get for your Canon EOS 90D? Not every card is a good choice, because some are too slow for the camera's features. And Canon's guidance isn't especially helpful. So here are my practical recommendations on which SD cards will let you take full advantage of all the EOS 90D's features.
The Canon R6's 340Mbps 4K60 video and 20fps bursts push SD cards to their limit — here are the V60-rated UHS-II cards that keep up, backed by real-world speed tests.
These tables show the video bitrates that the Canon EOS R6 encodes video at with the different combinations of settings.
The Sony a7 III's two card slots aren't equal — Slot 1 takes fast UHS-II cards, Slot 2 is stuck at UHS-I — and pairing them wrong quietly bottlenecks your bursts and backups. Here's exactly which cards, sizes, and settings to use for each slot.
Confused about which SD card the Sony RX100 VII actually needs? Here's why U3/V30-rated SDXC cards of 64GB or larger are the sweet spot, why UHS-II cards are wasted money in this camera, and which cards to buy.
Figuring out how to charge your first DSLR can be surprisingly tricky. From finding the right replacement LP-E10 batteries to powering your camera directly from a wall outlet for endless video recording, here is the complete guide to keeping your Canon Rebel T7 powered up.
Firmware updates add new features, improve autofocus compatibility, and fix annoying bugs. Here is my complete, step-by-step guide to safely updating the firmware on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D and 2000D).
Don't overspend on memory cards for your Z5. Here are the best reliable memory cards for the Nikon Z5, plus a guide to UHS-II speeds and the right size to buy.
The Canon SL3, 250D, and 200D II are the same camera sold under three names, and none of them ship with a memory card. Here's exactly what speed class this DSLR's UHS-I slot and 4K video actually require, and why paying extra for a V90 card is wasted money.
If you accidentally changed a menu setting on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D), you don't have to factory reset the entire camera. Use this quick-reference chart to find the original out-of-the-box default settings for every menu option.
Whether you've accidentally messed up a setting or you're preparing to sell your camera, here is exactly how to perform a complete factory reset on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D).
The Nikon D3500 has had just one firmware update in its lifetime, a Distortion Control Data release from January 2020. Here's how to check your version, install it from an SD card, and why SnapBridge can't do it for you.
The Nikon D3500's continuous shooting mode (burst mode) is a single button press, but the 5 fps headline rate depends on your file format, battery, and memory buffer. Here's how to turn it on, what limits it, and why it won't work with the built-in flash.
Which SD memory card should you get for your Fujifilm X-E4 camera? Here are some straightforward and practical recommendations.
Canon's own T8i manual buries the memory card details you actually need, especially for 4K video. Here's what UHS Speed Class the Rebel T8i / EOS 850D / Kiss X10i really requires, plus my top card picks for 2026.
The D3500 has three resets: Reset All Settings, Reset Setup Options and Reset Shooting Menu. Here's where each lives, what it changes, and what none of them touch: your firmware, photos and memory card.
The Nikon D610 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one before you start shooting. Here are my practical recommendations on which card to get.
The Nikon D3400 has three separate reset options — a full reset plus two targeted ones for setup and shooting menus — and none of them touch firmware or erase your memory card. Here's exactly what each one changes.
Turning on the D3400's self-timer takes one button press, but it also has delay and shot-count settings worth knowing. Here's how to set it up and put it to use for group shots or long exposures.
The Fujifilm X100V is a classic everyday carry, but spec sheets can't show you how the files actually render. Here is a gallery of my real-world sample photos, complete with the exact exposure settings I used for each shot.
The Nikon D3400 can shoot bursts at up to 5 frames per second, but buffer size and flash settings affect how it performs. Here's how to turn on continuous mode, read the buffer indicator, and avoid the quirks that catch people out.
Updating the Nikon D3400's firmware is simple once you know the steps — from checking your current version to downloading, installing, and confirming the update without interrupting it.
The D3500 has no cable-release port and no true Mirror Lockup, so the self-timer is your best defense against camera shake on a tripod. Here's how to switch it on, set the delay and shot count, and when SnapBridge is the better trigger.
The Ricoh GR III has a built-in macro close-up shooting mode. Here’s how to enable it and what it does.
Here's a straightforward guide on how to update the Ricoh GR III's firmware.
My name is David Coleman, and this is my site. I take photos for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Underwater. And a bunch of places in between. I'm based in Washington, D.C.
This site is where I post practical photography help, tips, and troubleshooting.
All posts and reviews on this site are written by me. And I only review gear with which I have personal hands-on experience. By a photographer, for photographers. More about me.
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