November 2012

Buyer's Guides

• Video Microphones
  

  Ideal on-camera mic solutions for DSLRS

  
  by David Willis Sound presents unique challenges to both photographers and videographers alike, especially when working with the limited capabilities of a DSLR's built-in microphone system.
• 2013 Buyer's Guide Resources
• Bags & Cases
  

  From compact slings to full-sized rolling cases, there’s a camera bag for every need

  
  by Kim Castleberry Whether you're hitting the road, the airport or a local park, the process of getting your camera equipment from point A to point B is a smooth one when using the right kind of carrying system.
• Camera Supports
  

  For sharp photos and video, choosing the right option for steadying your camera is essential

  
  by Kim Castleberry Using the right support system can make all the difference between a blurry and a sharp photo or shaky and smooth video clips.
• Canon EOS 1D X by Mike Stensvold Canon has long produced two versions of its flagship EOS-1-series pro DSLRs: an EOS-1 model with an APS-H (1.3x crop) sensor and high frame rate, and a high-megapixel, full-frame model with even better image quality.
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III by Mike Stensvold The EOS 5D Mark III's new 22.3-megapixel Canon full-frame CMOS sensor provides more pixels than any other Canon DSLR, yet offers a good balance between resolution, high-ISO performance and shooting speed.
• Canon EOS M by Mike Stensvold Canon's long-anticipated mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera finally materialized in Summer 2012.
• Canon EOS Rebel T4i by Mike Stensvold Canon's EOS Rebel DSLRs are entry-level models, the new Rebel T4i being the 10th member of a line that began when the original Digital Rebel became the first DSLR to sell for under $1,000 in 2003.
• Continuous Lights For Still & Video
  

  Constant lighting solutions, from traditional fixtures to new led systems

  
  by David Willis Continuous lighting solutions have seen a lot more attention over the last few years thanks to the need for a constant light source that will provide illumination for both stills and video.
• Desktop Photo Printers
  

  The best printers to consider for at-home photo printing and the technology that makes them great

  
  by William Sawalich Before you make a printer purchase, here's what you need to know about the technology that makes beautiful desktop prints a reality.
• Essential Accessories
  

  Filters, power charges, memory cards and other extras can go long way in improving your shooting experience

  
  by The Editors Figuring out the right camera and lens probably takes up most of the time you spend thinking about gear.
• Flash & Accessories
  

  Extensive lighting possibilities with a single flash

  
  by David Willis There are more choices to consider than your camera maker's dedicated system flash, as well.
• Fujifilm X-Pro1 by Mike Stensvold Fujifilm made a real splash in 2011 with the X100, a little gem with a great design, a unique hybrid viewfinder, a big APS-C image sensor and a built-in wide-angle lens.
• Lenses
  

  The latest optics for DSLR and mirrorless models

  
  by William Sawalich If you're looking to buy a new lens with the latest optical technology, you're in luck.
• Nikon D3200 by Mike Stensvold When the D3100 entry-level model came out, it had more megapixels (16.2) than any Nikon DSLR but the $8,000 flagship 24.5-megapixel pro model.
• Nikon D4 by Mike Stensvold Nikon's new flagship pro DSLR, the D4 improves on its D3S predecessor in almost every area.
• Nikon D800 by Mike Stensvold Nikon's full-frame D800 offers a great mix of image quality (even at high ISO settings), AF performance, ruggedness and price.
• Nikon J2 by Mike Stensvold Nikon entered the mirrorless interchangeable-lens marketplace last year with the Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 models, very compact cameras built around the same 10-megapixel CMOS sensor in a new CX format.
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 by Mike Stensvold Olympus' first mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras were inspired by the company's popular PEN 35mm compact cameras of the 1960s.
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 by Mike Stensvold The first large-sensor interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera was Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1, introduced in 2008.
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 by Mike Stensvold The replacement for Panasonic's GF3 entry-level "pocket" Micro Four Thirds model, the new GF5 improves on its predecessor in a number of ways, including a higher-resolution LCD, higher ISO capability, more effects filters, an improved grip and additional video capabilities with a built-in stereo microphone.
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 by Mike Stensvold Panasonic's premium "flat"-style mirrorless model, the GX1 features a handsome, comfortable body and ergonomic controls.
• Pentax K-01 by Mike Stensvold Pentax does mirrorless a bit differently. After introducing the smallest interchangeable-lens mirrorless model (with the smallest image sensor) in the Q, they followed up with the largest mirrorless model without a built-in eye-level EVF in the K-01.
• Pentax K-30 by Mike Stensvold Pentax has been producing weatherproof DSLRs since the K10D in 2006, but they have always been the flagship models.
• Premium Compacts
  

  Big zooms and other unique, high-performance features in affordable, portable cameras

  
  by Kim Castleberry For many photo opportunities, compact "superzoom" cameras are the perfect blend of size and performance, combining DSLR features with a versatile, big-range zoom lens.
• Samsung NX 20 by Mike Stensvold Samsung's mirrorless cameras all feature big APS-C image sensors and are available in "mini-DSLR" and "flat" form factors.
• Samsung NX 210 by Mike Stensvold The middle model in Samsung's Wi-Fi NX lineup, the NX210 offers the same 20.3-megapixel image sensor, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and shooting features as its siblings.
• Samsung NX1000 by Mike Stensvold The most compact member of Samsung's current NX family, the NX1000 shares the 20.3-megapixel image sensor and built-in Wi-Fi capability of the NX20 and NX210, but measures just 4.5x2.5x1.5 inches and weighs just 7.8 ounces.
• Sigma SD1 Merrill by Mike Stensvold Sigma is the only camera maker to offer the unique Foveon X3 image sensor, which stacks pixels in three layers so that every pixel site records all three primary colors of light: blue (in the top layer), green (in the middle layer) and red (in the bottom layer).
• Software
  

  No matter what you want to do with your photos, there's a software solution to handle the job

  
  by The Editors These applications excel at importing and organizing your photo library, but they do a lot more, including RAW processing and the essential adjustments you'll make to most images
• Sony NEX-5R by Mike Stensvold We're into the third generation of NEX now, with Sony's successor to the NEX-5N, the NEX-5R, bringing a number of improvements on the earlier model.
• Sony NEX-6 by Mike Stensvold While those moving up to a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera from a point-and-shoot are happy to use the LCD monitor as their composing device, some longtime DSLR (and film SLR) users find it awkward.
• Sony NEX-F3 by Mike Stensvold Taking over from the NEX-C3 as the entry-level model in Sony's mirrorless line, the NEX-F3 incorporates a big, 16.1-megapixel APS-C HD CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality and video. Besides simple operation, features include Auto HDR, Anti-Motion Blur, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, focus peaking (for easy manual focusing) and 15 in-camera effects.
• Sony SLT-A37 by Mike Stensvold The A37 is a bit slower than the A57, but sill quite fast for an entry-level model: 5.5 fps at full resolution, 7 fps in Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority mode (8-megapixel images, 1.4x crop factor), all with full-time continuous phase-detection AF.
• Sony SLT-A57 by Mike Stensvold This relatively low-cost Translucent Mirror camera can shoot 16-megapixel images at 10 fps and 8.4-megapixel images at 12 fps—all with full-time phase-detection continuous AF.
• Sony SLT-A99 by Mike Stensvold In 2010, Sony introduced the first cameras with its Translucent Mirror Technology (TMT)—the entry-level SLT-A55 and A33.
• Storage Solutions
  

  Hardware and services for safeguarding your photos

  
  by Wes Pitts A smart photo-backup strategy is one of the best investments you can make.
• Studio Strobes
  

  Monolights for premium studio light

  
  by David Willis When people refer to a monolight or a strobe, they're talking about a light that produces a short, but very powerful burst of light for illuminating a scene or a subject and, when used to their maximum abilities, for freezing the actions of a subject or achieving high levels of sharpness in a scene.
• Tablets
  

  Enjoy an immersive photo experience with these ultramobile computers

  
  by Wes Pitts Remember that unwieldy seven-pound laptop you used to haul with you as part of your photo gear?
• Top 10 Tips For Camera Buyers
  

  Consider these factors when choosing your next camera

  
  by Wes Pitts Digital technology hasn't only transformed the way we take photographs, but also created an explosion of camera options.