Gear reviews and how-to guides on digital cameras.
Slower SD cards will quickly choke the Nikon D780's buffer during RAW bursts or 4K video. Here's how I configure the dual UHS-II slots and match card speeds to the camera's actual limits to avoid overspending.
The D500's Slot 1 still says XQD on the box, but a firmware upgrade lets it take far faster CFexpress Type B cards. Here's how to pick the right cards for both slots and avoid a dual-slot setup that silently bottlenecks your buffer.
Formatting your memory card is a crucial housekeeping step to prevent file corruption and free up space. Here is a step-by-step guide to using both the standard and low-level format tools on your Canon EOS Rebel T7 (also known as the 1500D or 2000D).
The Rebel T7 (sold as the EOS 2000D and 1500D abroad) can't actually use the fast, expensive SD cards camera stores push. Here's exactly what card type, size and speed this DSLR needs, and what's a waste of money.
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.
The Fujifilm X-T30 shoots high-quality 4K video, but buying the fastest memory cards is a waste of money. Here is how I match SD card speeds to the camera's limits.
The Nikon D850 is a legendary workhorse, but its dual card slot management is spread across two different menus. Whether you're looking for an instant backup or want to separate your RAW and JPEG files, here is a hands-on look at how to configure the XQD/CFexpress and SD slots for a reliable 2026 workflow.
Here are some practical recommendations on which SD cards to get for the Canon EOS R mirrorless camera.
The D850 also has a built-in function that lets you copy from one memory card to the other, which can be a really useful way to make backups on location. Here's how to do it and the options that are available.
Because Nikon's crop-sensor (DX) DSLRs share the exact same lens mount, finding the perfect wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes or tight real estate photography is the same whether you shoot with an entry-level D3500 or a flagship D500. Here are my practical recommendations for the best wide-angle options for your Nikon DX camera.
Here are some of the key accessories and replacement part numbers for the Ricoh GR III compact camera.
The small metal ring around the lens barrel of the Ricoh GR III has a habit of coming off. Here’s how to replace it, with either the official gray Ricoh version or a more colorful aftermarket version.
Ensure you have a spare battery for your Ricoh GR III, as the included battery is small. Whether you need a replacement or spare battery, discover the recommended model and learn how to maximize its performance.
The Ricoh GR III has a 2GB internal memory that can be used as a safety net in case there are issues with the SD card. Here's how to save images and videos to it and copy data from it.
The Ricoh GR III is a camera I love shooting with, and it's usually the one I reach for when I'm not looking to carry a larger camera around. It just slips in my pocket, is very discreet to shoot with, and has fantastic image quality. But you really just want to get out shooting with it, right? Not messing around with trying to make sense of SD card specs. I get it. So here are my recommendations.
Whether you are offloading files, running X RAW Studio, or setting up a high-end webcam for your next call, here is a practical guide to connecting your Fujifilm X100V to a computer using the right USB-C cables or wireless apps.
Camera manufacturers rarely stick to predictable schedules, but keeping your software current unlocks major features. Here is a secure, step-by-step workflow for updating the Fujifilm X100V firmware without bricking the camera or triggering macOS file errors.
A memory card is an essential accessory, but the Fujifilm FinePix XP series doesn't come with one in the box. From maximum capacities to 4K video speed limits, here is everything you need to know about choosing the right SD card for your camera, along with my practical recommendations.
The Nikon COOLPIX W150 doesn't come with a memory card as standard. But you're going to need one to get out shooting. Here are some practical recommendations on which card to get.
The Nikon COOLPIX B600 doesn't come with a memory card by default. Here are some practical recommendations on which card to get.
It's not easy to know which is the right SD card for your camera. Here are my practical recommendations on good choices for the Nikon COOLPIX B500.
The Nikon COOLPIX P950 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.
A memory card is an essential accessory, but the Canon PowerShot SX420 doesn't come with one in the box. From maximum capacities to video speed limits, here is everything you need to know about choosing the right SD card for your camera, along with my practical recommendations.
It's not easy to know which is the right type of SD card for your camera. Here are my practical recommendations on good choices for the Nikon COOLPIX W300.
The Canon EOS M50 remains a massively popular camera for travel and vlogging, but its older memory card slot means it's incredibly easy to overpay for an SD card you don't actually need. Here is a clear-eyed look at the M50's hardware limits and the best UHS-I cards to keep your camera running smoothly.
It's not easy to know which is the right type of SD card for your camera. Here are my practical recommendations on good choices for the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80.
This is a collection of photos I've taken with the Sony a6500 mirrorless camera to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting under different lighting conditions.
See exactly how the Nikon D810 handles low light and high ISOs. This gallery features real-world sample images shot from ISO 6400 up to 51,200, processed with zero noise reduction so you can evaluate the true sensor performance.
Here's a collection of high-resolution photos I've taken at high ISOs with the Nikon D800 DSLR to give a sense of what you can expect when shooting with it in low-light situations.
While the Nikon D850 is legendary for its still photography, it is also a highly capable 4K video camera. Here is a complete breakdown of its video resolutions, bitrates, framerates, and HDMI output settings.
If you are formatting your Nikon D850 memory cards by scrolling through the setup menu, you are doing it the slow way. Nikon built a dedicated two-button hardware shortcut into the body specifically so you can wipe cards in the field without digging through menus. Here is exactly how to use it, plus a quick refresher on why your camera — not your computer — should always handle the final format.
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.
The Sony a1's two identical slots each accept CFexpress Type A or SDXC — but mixing formats carelessly can bottleneck your buffer mid-burst. Here's how the slots actually work and which cards avoid the trap.
Here's a collection of sample images of photos I've taken with the Sony a1 at high ISOs.
Here are some sample images I've taken with the Sony a1, Sony's latest and greatest 50MP full-frame mirrorless camera.
The Nikon D850 is one of the greatest high-resolution DSLRs ever made, but shooting 45.7-megapixel RAW files generates an enormous amount of data. To handle that load, the D850 features a dual-slot system (one XQD/CFexpress slot and one SD slot). However, navigating the post-launch firmware updates, memory card formats, and the inevitable dual-slot bottleneck can be confusing. Here is a practical, tested guide to exactly which memory cards the D850 requires to run at full capacity.
The Nikon D780 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 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.
Here's a collection of full-resolution sample images I've taken with the Fujifilm X-T1 mirrorless camera.
Here's a collection of photos I've taken with the Sony HX99 compact camera using the macro feature.
The Nikon Z6 has a single card slot that originally only accepted legacy XQD media. Here is how I use the CFexpress firmware upgrade to maximize the camera's buffer and save money on modern cards.
Confused by the a6500's manual and its cryptic memory card codes? Here are tested SD card picks that cover every one of the a6500's photo and video features, plus guidance on sizes and compatibility.
The Nikon D3400 won't shoot a single frame without an SD card, and getting one in correctly is the first thing you'll need to do with your new camera. Here's how to insert, format, and remove it safely, plus a few things worth knowing about the D3400's card slot.
The Canon 700D doesn't need the fastest, priciest SD card on the shelf — but not every card is reliable, and counterfeits are common. Here's what actually works, what the SDXC, UHS-I, and V30 codes mean, and which cards are worth buying.
The Nikon Z7 features a single memory card slot that originally only accepted legacy XQD media. This guide covers the CFexpress firmware upgrade, the 2.0 vs. 4.0 market shift, and how to maximize the camera's burst buffer.
The Sony a6600 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.
Formatting your Nikon D3400's SD card regularly helps prevent file corruption and flags compatibility issues early. Here's exactly where to find the option in the menu and what it actually does to your card.
The Canon EOS R5 has some very high-end video features, but it's also an outstanding stills camera. Here's a selection of photos I've taken with it to give a sense of how it performs in everyday shooting conditions.
See what the entry-level Nikon D3500 really delivers: sample photos shot with the 18-55mm kit lens, mostly RAW and only lightly edited in Lightroom. Each caption lists the exposure details, and every image opens full size.
The D3500 shoots 1080p at up to 60fps, but at 12–36 Mbps with no mic port and no stabilization. Here's what each setting does, the clip limits, and why the record button seems dead until LiveView is on.
Getting photos and videos off a Nikon D3400 isn't obvious if it's your first DSLR. Here are three ways to do it — USB cable, memory card reader, or wireless via SnapBridge — with the upsides and catches of each.
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.
The Nikon D3500 has Bluetooth but no Wi-Fi, and its Bluetooth menu stays grayed out until you start pairing from the SnapBridge app. Here are the exact camera settings, the pairing steps, and fixes for stubborn connections.
The Nikon D3500 has no aspect ratio setting: stills are always 3:2 and video always 16:9. You can still crop to 1:1, 4:3, 5:4 or 16:9 after the shot with the Trim tool, and this covers how it works and where it falls short.
Here's a collection of full-size sample images I've shot with the Nikon Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera.
By default, the Nikon D3300's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes. Here's how.
By default, the Nikon D5300's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes. Here's how.
If you want to drastically improve your video quality for Zoom meetings or live streams, you don't need a dedicated webcam. Here is exactly how to connect your Nikon DSLR (including the D3000, D5000, and D7000 series) to your computer using USB or an HDMI capture card.
By default, the Nikon D5600's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
By default, the Nikon D3400's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
The Nikon D3500's Live View quietly shuts off after 10 minutes. Here's the exact menu path to extend it to 30 minutes, plus the limit to know: Nikon won't let you turn the timer off completely.
Even in the age of mirrorless, the 36.3MP Nikon D810 remains a favorite for its incredible base-ISO dynamic range. I’ve updated this gallery with sample images ranging from broad daylight to challenging low-light conditions to help you decide if this legendary DSLR still fits your workflow in 2026.
The Nikon D3500's USB port carries data only, so the battery has to come out and go into an external charger. Here's the MH-24 charger, the EN-EL14a battery, and how aftermarket options compare.
Unlike many cameras, the Nikon D3400 won't charge its battery over USB while it's still in the camera. Here's why, which charger and battery models you actually need (EN-EL14a, MH-24), and which aftermarket options are worth considering.
Keeping your camera's firmware up-to-date gives you the benefit of the latest bug fixes and features. Here's how to check the firmware version and update the firmware on the Nikon D850.
Keeping your camera's firmware up-to-date gives you the benefit of the latest bug fixes and features. Here's how to check the firmware version and update the firmware on the Nikon Z7.
Nikon buries your shutter count in hidden photo metadata, not the camera menu — but you can pull the exact number for free in about a minute, on Mac or Windows, no software required.
The D3500 shoots 24-megapixel files, but its menu hides RAW, three JPG quality levels, and three image sizes. Here's what each setting does, when to use it, and how many photos fit on your memory card.
On the Nikon D3500, aperture changes with the rear dial in Aperture Priority, but in Manual you hold the +/- button while turning it. Here's the right method for each mode and lens, plus why S and P modes won't let you adjust it.
Changing the aperture on a Nikon D3400 depends on your lens and shooting mode. Here's exactly which dial or button to use in Aperture-Priority and Manual mode with common lenses.
If the Bluetooth option on your Nikon D3400 is grayed out, that's normal — it can only be activated through the SnapBridge app, not the camera's Bluetooth menu. Here's exactly how to pair it and fix common connection problems.
The Lv Live View toggle has moved for the Nikon D3500. Here's where to find it.
Yes, the Nikon D3400 shoots video up to 1080p60, but starting a recording isn't obvious. Here are direct answers to the video, RAW, battery, and Wi-Fi questions readers keep asking about it.
A rundown of some of the good options for batteries and chargers that are compatible with the Nikon D3500, including Nikon's own as well as some good ones from aftermarket manufacturers.
A practical guide on how to change ISO on a Nikon D3400, including manual and Auto ISO options.
Just like old-school film cameras, the Nikon D3400 has options for imprinting date and time information in the bottom corner of the photo. Here's how it works.
Remember those time and date stamps that you used to be able to get embedded in the bottom corner of your prints? The Nikon D3500 can do that too. Here's how it works.
Slapping a thick piece of conversion glass onto a highly corrected prime lens usually comes with a severe optical penalty. To see how the Ricoh GW-4 actually performs, I bypassed the spec sheets and shot uncorrected RAW files of harsh architectural lines and direct, high-contrast lighting. Dive into the side-by-side visual comparisons to see exactly what this 21mm adapter does to the GR III's legendary sharpness.
Sony has released a new version of their flagship full-frame mirrorless camera: the Sony a7R IV. After having been shooting with it quite a bit, here's my take.
Here's a collection of images shot with the Sony a7R IV full-frame mirrorless camera under different lighting conditions and with different settings to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting.
The Sony a7R IV gives you several options when it comes to choosing which file image file format to use and how to work them into your workflow. Here's a rundown.
The virtual horizon (or virtual level) tool is one of the most useful overlays for composing your shots. Here's how it works on the Sony a7R IV.
The Sony a7R IV gives you some control over customizing what types of information you can see on the back screen and through the viewfinder. Here's how to set it.
Formatting an SD card on the Sony a7R IV takes just a few taps once you know where the menu is — here's exactly where to find it, how each of the two card slots is handled, and what to do if you wipe a card by accident.
If you're running into an error when Slot 1 SD card is full on the Sony a7R IV, here's how to make it roll over to Slot 2 automatically.
Here's a collection of images shot at high ISOs on the Sony a7R IV, Sony's flagship model with a new and improved 61MP sensor.
Here's a real-world look at what the Sony RX100 VII's images actually look like — 20MP files shot across its 24-200mm optical zoom, in RAW and JPG, under varied conditions and ISOs.
Real-world RAW sample images from the Sony RX100 VII at ISO 3200 through 12800, showing how this compact holds up once the light fades and noise starts to creep in.
See untouched Sony RX100 VII photos shot across its full ISO 64–12800 range, with downloadable original RAW and JPG files and real-world RAW file size figures to judge quality for yourself.
The Ricoh GR III has an ISO range from 100 to 102400, which is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the GR II. Here are some high-resolution practical examples of how that translates in real-world shooting, with side-by-side examples at different ISOs so you can get a sense of image quality at different ISOs.
I've been out shooting with the brand-new Sony a7R IV, the full-frame flagship model in Sony's mirrorless camera range. Here are some side-by-side examples taken through the ISO range from ISO 50 to ISO 102400.
The Sony RX100 VII's built-in panorama mode is convenient but has real limits: JPG-only output, a fixed 1/500s shutter, and no way to stop a sweep early. Here's exactly how it works, with dimensions for each aspect ratio and real example shots.
The Sony RX100 VII's 24-200mm optical zoom is just the start — two digital zoom modes push it further, at a real cost to sharpness. Here's how each one works, with sample images to show the actual differences.
When Panasonic launched their first full-frame mirrorless camera, they didn't try to make it small. Built like a professional DSLR with high-end 10-bit video capabilities, the Lumix S1 is a workhorse. Here is my hands-on review and sample images to see if it holds up.
Here are some side-by-side comparisons of the Lumix S1's high ISO performance with photos I've taken with it at ISO 3200 through ISO 204800.
Here's a collection of sample images I've taken with the LUMIX S1 mirrorless camera to give some practical examples of how it performs in real-world shooting.
Here's my hands-on review of the Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 macro, a versatile and high-quality zoom lens for Lumix, Sigma, and Leica cameras using the L-mount system.
A growing set of real-world Ricoh GR III sample photos, shot in RAW under everyday street and travel conditions, with full exposure details captioned under each image.
Here are some practical examples taken at each end of the zoom range of the new Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 macro zoom lens.
Here's my hands-on review of the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera, a high-end Micro Four Thirds camera with speed features especially well-suited to sports and wildlife photographers.
Here's my hands-on review of the Sony Alpha a6400, Sony's newest addition to its compact mirrorless interchangeable lens range.
Here's a collection of photos I've taken with the Sony a6400 to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
Here's a collection of photos I've taken with the Sony Alpha a6400 mirrorless camera using high ISOs from ISO 6400 up through ISO 102400.
Here's a selection of images I've taken in my hands-on testing of the Olympus OM-D E-M1X Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera.
See exactly how the Olympus OM-D E-M1X handles low light with this complete ISO range test from 64 to 25,600. View full-size sample images and download the original RAW files to test the limits of this flagship Micro Four Thirds sensor for yourself.
The Ricoh GR III tops out at ISO 102400, but real-world shooting shows image quality falls off well before that. Here are sample images and practical ISO limits from hands-on low light testing.
Here are some practical examples of photos shot throughout the Sony a6400's ISO range from ISO 100 through ISO 102400.
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.
I've been out shooting with the Ricoh GR II and testing how well it performs under challenging shooting conditions like low light at high ISOs. Here's a collection of sample images I've taken with it.
Here's a selection of images I've taken with a Fujifilm X-T3 to give a sense of how it performs under different real-world shooting conditions.
A tiny, pocketable camera with a 24-720mm zoom sounds too good to be true — here's what the Sony HX99 actually gets right and where it falls short after extended hands-on shooting.
A selection of real-world Sony HX99 sample photos, shot in a mix of RAW and JPG and lightly processed, showing exactly how this pocket superzoom compact performs day to day.
A tiny sensor was never going to match the low-light leaders, but how bad is the Sony HX99's high ISO noise really? Here's a set of real sample images shot at ISO 1600 and above, judged on their own merits.
The Sony HX99 is a fun little camera to shoot with, and it has some really impressive features. But it's not as easy as it could be to know which is the right type of SD card for your camera. Here are my practical recommendations on good choices for the Sony HX99 compact camera.
I've been out shooting with the Fujifilm X-T3 and testing how well it performs under challenging shooting conditions. Here's a selection of high-resolution photos I've taken with the Fujifilm X-T3 specifically focusing on its high-ISO performance in low-light conditions.
Here's a selection of photos I've taken with a Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless camera. It has a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS cropped sensor.
The Sony a6000 takes the NP-FW50 battery, good for roughly 310-360 shots — here's how the genuine Sony version compares to cheaper aftermarket picks, plus faster charging options.
The Nikon D3000 series (D3100 through D3500) shares the same hardware limits, so one card recommendation covers them all. Here's what the SDHC, UHS-I, and speed-class codes actually mean, and why the fastest, priciest cards on the shelf won't help your camera.
It's not difficult to format a memory card in the Sony a6500, but the option is a bit buried in the menu system. Here's where to find it, as well as some other related tips.
The Sony HX99 is a tiny camera with a massive zoom range. Here are some examples of what the zoom can do in real-world shooting.
Here's a selection of photos that I've shot at high ISOs with the Sony a6500 to give a sensor of how useful its high ISO settings are in real-world shooting.
Battery life isn't one of the Sony RX0's strengths. Whether you're looking for a spare battery or to replace a battery that isn't holding a charge as well as it should, here's a rundown of the options. And what Sony doesn't tell you is that there's a good alternative that might be easier to find and potentially cheaper.
The Sony RX0 is tiny and looks like an action camera that's built for shooting video. But it's also a surprisingly capable stills camera as well. Here are some example photos I've taken with it to give a sense of its real-world performance in various shooting conditions.
The Sony RX0 is tiny, rugged, and waterproof. But while it might look like Sony's answer to GoPro, it packs a surprising amount of high-end features and power.
The Sony RX0 is a tiny but surprisingly powerful camera. It's an unconventional choice as a travel camera, and it's not without its issues. But it also has a lot going for it, including decent low-light performance. Here's what I've found when shooting photos with it in the ISO 3200 to ISO 12800 range.
Here's my hands-on review of the Fujifilm Finepix XP130 waterproof camera, an affordably priced go-anywhere waterproof compact camera.
A collection of real Sony a7 III sample images shot on actual travel trips in variable light, not a studio test. Shot in RAW with minimal edits and Sony's native color profiles, they show exactly what this eight-year-old sensor still delivers in the field.
After testing several sub-$200 waterproof cameras at the beach and pool, one clear favorite emerged, along with a close runner-up and a few I wouldn't recommend. Here's what actually held up in the sand, sun, and surf.
The Sony a7 III's native ISO range runs 100 to 51200, with an extended range stretching from 50 down low to 204800 at the top. Here's what that actually looks like, with side-by-side high-ISO sample images and downloadable RAW files.
The Sony a7III's silent shutter really is silent, not just quiet. Here's the two-step setup to enable it, plus the shooting-mode limits and one electronic-shutter caveat worth knowing before an important shoot.
Wondering how useful the Fujifilm X-T2's high-ISO settings are that go all the way up to ISO 51200? I shot some images to find out. Here are the results, with high-resolution sample images.
How to access all of the extended ISO settings on the Fujifilm X-T2 isn't really self-evident. That's because you need to customize one of the settings. Here's how to do it.
How useful are the Sony a7r iii's high-ISO settings that go all the way up to ISO 102400? I shot some images to find out.
The Sony a7r iii has a well-earned reputation for boasting an extraordinarily good sensor, and it has an ISO range from 50 up through 102400. I shot some real-world examples through the ISO range to see how the ISO settings compare side by side.
One of the greatest joys of shooting with the Fujifilm X-T series is the tactile, old-school layout of the top dials. But that physical design comes with a real-world frustration: pulling the camera out of a tight bag only to realize your ISO got bumped to 12,800 or your shutter speed was knocked completely out of sync. If you are missing shots because you constantly have to double-check your top plate, you might be misunderstanding how Fujifilm’s dial locks actually work. Here is a quick look at how to properly secure the ISO and shutter speed dials on the modern X-T lineup.
By default, Sony mirrorless cameras with dual memory card slots don't automatically switch to memory card slot 2 when the card in slot 1 is full. Here's how to change that.
The Fujifilm X-T2 has an ISO range from 100 to 51200. Here's a selection of sample images shot across the full ISO range to give an idea of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 might not have all the bells and whistles of some other mirrorless cameras out there, but it excels at refined shooting pleasure.
This is a straightforward guide on how to format memory cards in the Sony a6000 camera to free up space and to prepare the memory card just the way the camera wants it.
Any current V30 UHS-I SD card handles the Sony a6000 just fine — but XAVC S video also needs a card of 64GB or larger, which is the real cause of the notorious 'does not support XAVC S movies' error. Here are solid picks plus the bitrates, formatting, and spec details behind them.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon D3400. Here's a collection of images taken across the D3400's ISO range (ISO 100 through ISO 25600) to give a sense of how it performs under low light conditions at high ISOs.
The Nikon D7200 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 D7500 uses the EN-EL15a battery, but the original charger isn't the only option worth knowing about. Here's a hands-on look at genuine Nikon batteries and chargers alongside tested third-party picks from Wasabi, Watson, and NITECORE.
Here's a selection of photos I've taken with the D7500 to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
To give a sense of the Nikon D7500's high-ISO performance, I've put together a some example photos I've taken with it at a range of ISO settings.
A guide to changing the ISO on a Nikon D7500, including an explanation of the D7500's Auto ISO feature.
The Nikon D7500 has built-in virtual horizon tools that provide a more precise alternative to the old-fashioned bubble level method of making sure you're shooting level. Here's how to use the three different versions of it.
The Nikon D7100 is a fantastic DSLR, but buying the fastest modern SD card is a waste of money. Here are the exact memory card requirements, real-world speed limits, and practical recommendations for dual-slot shooting.
The Olympus TG-5 offers two memory card options that look similar but behave differently: Format wipes everything, while All Erase skips images you've protected. Here's how each works, and how to protect specific photos or video clips first.
The Nikon D5000 series (including the D5600, D5500, and D5300) are incredibly capable, enthusiast-level DSLRs, but they do not come with memory cards. If you are shopping for an SD card to put in yours, you will likely be steered toward the fastest, most expensive premium cards on the market. Do not buy them. Because these cameras share older internal hardware, paying for premium memory card speeds is a complete waste of money. Here is exactly what memory card you need, and how to keep your cash.
Ricoh's WG-50 promises to be adventure proof, waterproof to 45 feet and built to survive drops, crushing, and cold. Here's a hands-on look at how it actually performs shooting photos, video, and macro shots underwater and out.
Here's a selection of high-resolution images I've taken with a Fujifilm X-Pro2 with a 23mm f/2 Lens to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
There are two methods to formatting the memory card on the Nikon D7500. One of them is obvious; one of them isn't. Here's my straightforward guide to both methods.
The Nikon D7500 is a fantastic, highly capable DSLR, but its older memory card slot means you can easily overpay for modern SD cards your camera physically cannot utilize. Here is a clear-eyed look at the D7500's exact hardware limits and the most reliable UHS-I cards to keep your camera running smoothly.
The Canon Rebel T6 (EOS 1300D, Kiss X80) can't even use the UHS-I standard, so its memory card speed is hard-capped at roughly 10 MB/s no matter what you buy. Here's exactly which SD card class you need, and why paying for a premium V90 card gets you nothing in-camera.
Here's a collection of sample photos I've taken with the new Olympus TG-5 camera to give an idea of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions with a range of settings and subjects.
The Nikon D3400 doesn't offer the option to choose a different aspect ratio when taking photos, but here's a partial workaround that works for small numbers of images at a time.
Leica has a waterproof camera in their line: the Leica X-U. I recently had the chance to shoot with it for a few weeks on a trip to the Arctic. Here's my hands-on review.
Here's a collection of sample images I've taken with a Leica X-U under different conditions and at different settings to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
A collection of photos I've taken with a Nikon D5500 to give an idea of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
If the built-in lens on your Olympus Tough TG-6, TG-5, or TG-4 isn't as wide as you'd like, there's a waterproof fisheye adapter lens that you can snap onto the front that will instantly add a super wide-angle perspective.
For the past few months I've been shooting a Vello BG-N7 battery grip on a Nikon D810. It retails for only a fraction of the cost of Nikon's own battery grip. Here's my hands-on review of the Vello grip.
Taking a smartphone photo of your camera's back screen to show off menu settings usually looks terrible. If you want pristine, guide-book quality screenshots of your camera menus for a blog post or YouTube video, here is the exact HDMI-to-USB hardware setup I use to capture them cleanly.
Running low on power mid-shoot is inevitable, so here's a practical look at Nikon D3400 battery and charger options — from the stock EN-EL14a to Wasabi Power spares and USB chargers worth carrying.
The Nikon D3400 offers several ways to change ISO, from quick manual adjustments with the Fn button and dial to customizable Auto ISO behavior. Here's how each method works, and when to use it.
When you are in the middle of a shoot, stopping to dig through menus just to wipe a memory card breaks your momentum. Fortunately, Nikon built a physical, two-button shortcut into many of its professional and enthusiast DSLRs — including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and D610. In my workflow, this is the only way I format cards in the field. Here is exactly how to use the quick format shortcut.
A look at real Nikon D3400 sample photos, shot mostly RAW with the 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm prime across varied lighting, with settings listed for each shot and full-resolution versions to click through.
Nikon removed the D3400's Easy Panorama mode, so getting a seamless panorama now means shooting overlapping tiles manually and stitching them yourself. Here's the full two-step process, from camera settings to software.
Here's a selection of photos I've taken with the Sony RXR1 II high-end compact camera under different shooting conditions.
Here's a selection of sample images I've taken with the Ricoh GR II compact camera under different lighting conditions and scenes.
Fujifilm cameras come with several film emulation profiles built-in. You can apply them in-camera if you're shooting JPG or apply them in processing if you're shooting RAW. Here's how to use them and what they look like.
Here's a selection of high-resolution sample images I've taken with the Fujifilm X70 compact digital camera, including macro and low-light.
This is a selection of high-resolution sample images I've captured with the Fujifilm X100T compact mirrorless camera.
The Nikon D3400 DSLR has two color space options in its settings. Here's an explanation of which to use when.
The Nikon D3400 has a number of options you can choose relating to image quality, image file formats, and size. Here's a rundown of what they mean and which is best for what.
Sony's new RX1R II marks the very high end of pocketable cameras. It has a 42-megapixel full-frame sensor, a fixed f/2 Zeiss lens, and boatloads of features. It also has a price to match.
Livestream have put out a new live-action, real-time editing camera, the Mevo. Here's my hands-on review.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon D5300 DSLR with a Nikon NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. It's a versatile combination, especially for something like travel photography. Here's a selection of images I've taken with it to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
Here's a selection of photos I've taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Micro Four Thirds compact camera.
Whether you're trying to make it for magic hour, line up the sun or moon with a landmark, or just want to make sure your subject is shown in the best natural light, smartphone apps that calculate the location of the sun and moon for any location on earth for any date and time can come in very handy.
If you're finding that the autofocus isn't focusing exactly where you want it, some cameras offer calibration tools. Here's how they work.
The Ricoh GW-3 0.75x conversion lens takes the GR II's 28mm equivalent down to a proper 21mm wide-angle, with surprisingly little softening or distortion. Here's a hands-on test from a trip to Mexico City, with before-and-after samples and the hidden extra cost Ricoh doesn't advertise.
The Canon Rebel T3i doesn't ship with a memory card, and its manual barely explains what actually works. Here's a plain-language look at SD card compatibility and practical picks for reliability, size, and value.
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 has a well-deserved reputation as a very good camera for video. I wanted to find out how it held up for stills.
Fujifilm has a new contender for the best mirrorless camera. On paper it looks impressive. Here's how it performed in real-world shooting.
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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