If you're heading to a beach vacation this summer, here are some of my ideas for the best waterproof cameras under $200.
Latest
Using Burst Modes on FujiFilm Finepix XP120 & XP130 Waterproof Cameras
The FujiFilm Finepix XP120 and XP130 adventure cameras have a number of burst shooting modes available for capturing fast-moving action, but it's not necessarily self-evident what they do. So here's a rundown.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens | Sample Images
A collection of high-resolution sample photos taken with the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM E-Mount Lens designed for Sony full-frame cameras.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM E-Mount Lens | Sample Images
A collection of photos taken with the Sony FE 16-35mm ƒ/2.8 GM lens to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting conditions.
Sony a7iii High ISO Sample Images
The cameras in Sony's Alpha range are well-known for their superb sensors. I've been shooting with the latest model, the Sony a7iii, at high ISOs to find out how well it performs in real-world shooting in low-light conditions at high ISOs. Here are the results and some examples.
Silent Shooting with the Sony a7iii
Some cameras say they have a silent shutter, but when you go to use it they turn out to just have a very quiet shutter. I've been pleasantly surprised that the one on the Sony a7iii really is silent. Here's how to set it up.
Photos Taken with a Sony Distagon T* 35mm ƒ/1.4 ZA Lens
Here's a selection of sample images I've taken with the Sony 35mm ƒ/1.4 ZA lens, one of Sony's high-end E-mount prime lenses.
Photos Taken with a Sony 50mm ƒ/1.4 ZA Prime Lens on a Sony a7 iii
The Sony 50mm ƒ/1.4 ZA lens is one of Sony's high-end lenses. On full-frame sensors it offers a normal perspective and is especially good for low-light and selective focus shooting. Here are some sample photos I've taken with it.
How Useful are the Fujifilm X-T2's High ISO Settings in Real-World Shooting?
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.
GoPro Tips
GoPro HERO5 Session vs HERO (2018)
Here's a detailed breakdown of how the GoPro HERO5 Session compares with the new HERO (2018), including video and photo capabilities.
How to Control the HERO (2018) Remotely
Although the GoPro HERO (2018) isn't compatible with the Remo or Smart Remotes, there are still a couple of ways to control the camera remotely out of the box.
GoPro HERO (2018) Photo Resolution, Modes, and Settings
Here's a rundown of the relevant modes and settings of the photo mode on the GoPro HERO (2018), including file types, fields of view, and enhanced dynamic range.
JPG vs RAW on the GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black
On the GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black, you can choose between two image formats for still photos: JPG and RAW. Here's a quick overview of what the difference is and when to use which.
How to Use GoPro's QuickCapture to Power On and Start Filming with a Single Press
GoPro's QuickCapture feature is designed as a one-press way to power the camera up and start shooting immediately. There are a few tricks to using it, though.
GoPro HERO5 Black vs HERO (2018)
Here's a detailed side-by-side comparison of the GoPro HERO (2018) and the HERO5 Black.
GoPro HERO (2018) vs HERO6 Black
The new HERO (2018) and the HERO6 Black look the same, but there are lots of differences in features and capabilities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how they compare.
GoPro HERO (2018) Video Resolution, Framerates, and Modes
Here's a rundown of the video resolution, framerates, fields of view, and modes that are available on the GoPro HERO (2018).
Reviews
Sigma 105mm ƒ/2.8 Macro Sample Images
A selection of sample images I've shot with the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM macro prime lens.
How Useful are the Sony a7r iii's High ISO Settings in Real-World Shooting?
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.
Sony a7r iii Sample Images: ISO Range
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.
Fujifilm X-T2 ISO Range Sample Images
The Fujifilm X-T2 has an ISO range from 100 to 51200. Here's a collection of sample images shot across the full ISO range to give an idea of how to performs in real-world shooting.
Hands-on with the Fujifilm X-Pro2 Mirrorless Camera
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 might not have all the bells and whistles of some other mirrorless cameras out there, but it excels are refined shooting pleasure.
Manfrotto 190Go! M-Series Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod | Review
The Manfrotto 190go! M-Series Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a 4-section tripod that's rated for a load capacity of about 15 pounds, stands up to 58 inches tall, and weights under 3 pounds. Here's my hands-on review.
Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod | Hands-on Review
The Sirui W-2204 carbon fiber tripod has a distinctive feature: it's waterproof. A happy side-effect of that is that it's also protected against sand and grit.
WD My Passport Wireless Pro Hands-on Review
The WD MyPassport Wireless Pro combines an SD memory card reader, an internal hard drive, and a rechargeable battery into a pack-friendly device for backing up photos from a memory card while traveling.
Lightroom Tips
How to Enable the Publish Services Panel If It's Hidden
Here's how to enable the Publish Services, Catalog, Folders, or Collections panels in the Library module if they're not visible.
Can Lightroom Find Duplicates?
By itself, Lightroom can't find duplicate photos. But here are a couple of plugins available that can add that functionality.
How to Delete Rejected Photos in Lightroom
Here's how to quickly delete rejected photos in Lightroom to help speed up the culling part of the workflow.
How to Select Multiple Photos in Lightroom
A guide to selecting multiple photos in Lightroom.
Comparing the AI Auto Processing of Lightroom Classic CC and Luminar 2018
Both Lightroom Classic CC and Luminar 2018 now offer processing using AI, or artificial intelligence. Here's a side-by-side comparison of their initial automatic one-click processing options.
How to Install and Use Luminar 2018 as a Lightroom Plugin
Luminar 2018 is designed as a standalone app, but you can also use it alongside Lightroom. Here's how to install and use Luminar as a plugin in Lightroom Classic CC.
Lightroom Classic CC 7.1's New AI Auto Function | Real-World Examples
The Auto tone function has been given a major overhaul in the latest update to Lightroom Classic CC (7.1) to use Adobe's artificial intelligence network, Sensei, in an effort to improve the effectiveness of Auto tone. Here's how it works in practice.
How to Use Lightroom's White Balance Sliders
Lightroom's white balance tools help reduce color casts. They can be used to neutralized any casts or break the rules and create an entirely new look.
How to Enable the Fujifilm X-T2's Maximum ISO Settings
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 to Lock the ISO and Shutter Speed Dials on the Fujifilm X-T2
Locking the X-T2's ISO and shutter speed dials is very simple, but the lock works slightly differently to other cameras I've used. Here's how to do it.
How to Set the Sony a7r iii to Automatically Switch to Memory Card Slot 2 when Slot 1 is Full
By default, the Sony a7r iii doesn't automatically switch to memory card slot 2 when the card in slot 1 is full. So if you're getting an error message that there's no space on the memory card and it's not automatically switching to the card in slot 2, here's how to change that.
How to Format a Memory Card in the Sony a6000
A 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.
Sony Alpha a6000 Memory Card Recommendations
In some shooting modes, the Sony a6000 can be picky about what memory card you put into it. Here are some recommendations for which memory cards work best in the a6000.
How to Export a Single Frame as a JPG from Premiere Pro
There are two methods for exporting an individual frame from a Premiere Pro project. One is quick and simple but doesn't give you much control. The other involves more steps but gives you more control over things like size and compression amount.
How to Find an Instagram Location ID
Here's the quick way to find Instagram's location ID for any given place. This is useful for some plugins or feeds that can use location ID as a filter.
Review of the Formatt Hitech Firecrest Patrick Di Fruscia 100mm Signature Edition Pro Essentials Kit with 100mm Firecrest Filter Holder
Here's my hands-on review of the Formatt Hitech 100mm filter kit (Di Fruscia Signature Edition), which includes a holder, 3-stop ND filter, a graduated ND filter, and a polarizing filter.
Nikon D3400 High ISO Image Samples
A collection of images taken across the Nikon D3400's ISO range (ISO 100 through ISO 25600) to provide examples of the D3400's high-ISO performance.
Nikon D7200 Memory Card Recommendations
Here are some practical recommendations for SD cards that work well in the Nikon D7200, focusing on cards that are fast enough, reliable, cost-effective, and readily available.
Spare Battery and Charger Options for the Nikon D7500
A rundown of some of the best options for replacement EN-EL15a batteries for the Nikon D7500.
Photos Taken with a Nikon D7500 DSLR
A collection of sample images I've shot with the D7500 to give a sense of how it performs under real-world shooting conditions.
How to Make Your Twitter Photos Accessible to Visually Impaired Users by Adding Image Descriptions
Twitter has a built-in way to make your photos accessible to visually impaired users by adding image descriptions. Here's how to enable and use the feature.
Nikon D7500 High-ISO Examples
To give a sense of the Nikon D7500's high-ISO performance, I've put together a some example photos shot at a range of ISO settings.
How Do You Change the ISO on a Nikon D7500?
A guide to changing the ISO on a Nikon D7500, including an explanation of the D7500's Auto ISO feature.
Keeping Out the Wrong Kind of Light
We expect light to come in the front of the camera. Shooting with the lens cap on doesn't tend to work so well. But we don't always expect it to come in the back. Here's a real-world example of light leak through the viewfinder.
How to Use the Nikon D7500's Virtual Horizon Tools
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.
Photos Taken with a Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens | Sample Images
If I had to pick one lens to take with me to the ends of the earth, it would be this one: Nikon's 24mm ƒ/1.4G. Here are some example photos I've shot with it.
Recommended Memory Cards for the Nikon D7100
Here are some practical recommendations for SD cards that work well in the Nikon D7200, focusing on cards that are fast enough, reliable, cost-effective, and readily available.
How to Extract Preview JPGs from RAW Files
If you're looking to extract the JPG preview that's embedded in a RAW image file, here are two free apps that can help.
How Do You Change the ISO on a Nikon D3400?
A quick guide to changing the ISO light sensitivity on a Nikon D3400, including an explanation of the Auto ISO feature.
Photos Taken with a Ricoh WG-50 Waterproof Camera
A collection of sample images taken with a Ricoh WG-50 waterproof camera under various conditions and with different kinds of scenes.
How to Format a Memory Card in the Olympus TG-5
The Olympus TG-5 has an extra feature when it comes to formatting your memory card to free up space. Here's a rundown of the difference between the Erase All and Format options.
Hands-on Review of the Mevo Plus Pocket-Sized Live-Streaming Video Studio
Need to stream some live video but don't want to mess with the complications or expense that usually comes with doing that? The Mevo Plus is like having a basic TV studio in your pocket.
Ricoh WG-50 Waterproof Camera | Hands-on Review
The Ricoh WG-50 camera is a waterproof compact camera that's designed to be adventure proof. Here's my hands-on review after shooting with it for a while.
Induro Stealth Carbon Fiber Hi-Hats / Induro Baby Grand Tripods
The Induro Baby Grand Tripods aren't your typical travel tripods. Truth be told, they're not really travel tripods at all. But if you can settle for something very short, they're extremely solid and portable.
Video Modes of the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
Here's a rundown of the various video modes available on the VIRB Ultra 30.
Extraordinary Everyday Photography, by Brenda Tharp & Jed Manwaring | Book Review
The authors of this book encourage you to apply fresh eyes to the world close to home to capture creative photos and ultimately become a better photographer.
Photos Taken with a Fujifilm X-Pro2 with a 23mm f/2 Lens
A selection of 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.
Recommended SD Cards for the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
Not every memory card is fast enough to keep up with the high-bitrate recording of the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30. Here are some recommendations for cards that are fast enough.
Photos Taken with a Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens | Sample Images
Here are some samples of photos I've taken with Nikon's AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting.
How to Format Memory Cards on the Nikon D7500
There are two methods to formatting the memory card on the Nikon D7500. One of them is obvious; one of them is less so.
Hands-on with the Olympus TG-5 Tough Waterproof Camera
My hands-on review of the new Olympus TG-5 waterproof camera, the latest in Olympus's Tough line of go-anywhere shoot-anything amphibious cameras.
Nikon D7500 Memory Card Recommendations
Some recommendations for which SD memory card to get to work well in the Nikon D7500 camera.
Nikon 28-300mm vs Tamron 28-300mm Comparison
I've recently had the opportunity to shoot with the Nikon 28-300mm and Tamron 28-300mm side-by-side. Here's my take on how they compare.
Photography Magazines | Gift Guide for Photographers
Magazine subscriptions can be a gift that keeps on giving. Some provide news and information. Some provide education. Some provide inspiration. Some have a narrow focus, and some provide a bit of everything.
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G Hands-on Review
Here's my hands-on review of the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G, a compact, affordable, and highly versatile zoom lens.
Cyber Monday & Black Friday Deals on Photography Apps & Services | 2017 Edition
Here are some great deals on photography apps and services for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2017.
Photography T-Shirts | Gift Ideas for Photographers
If you're after a photography t-shirt for yourself or for a gift, here are some of my favorites.
Examples Using the New Accent AI Filter in Luminar 2018
Some examples of what the new Accent AI filter in Luminar 2018 does.