Contour+

Want to capture high-quality video of the action—and still be a part of it?

By Wes Pitts

Want to capture high-quality video of the action—and still be a part of it? Wearable cameras like the Contour+ open up a new way to record your adventures from your point of view. It’s a great way to augment your still photos to tell a bigger story. The Contour+ is the top-of-the-range model from Contour, and it can record 1080p video, as... Read more

What Defines A Pro DSLR?

We’ll look closely at what distinguishes the most expensive DSLRs, but keep in mind that the higher-end DSLRs aren’t always the best choices, even for those who can afford them.

By Mike Stensvold

It’s generally acknowledged that pro DSLRs are the "best," and in many ways, that’s true. What makes them better than less expensive models? We’ll look closely at what distinguishes the most expensive DSLRs, but keep in mind that the higher-end DSLRs aren’t always the best choices, even for those who can afford them.... Read more

All About Mirrorless

There’s no question that mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras are increasingly popular—more mirrorless models were introduced last year than traditional DSLRs.

By Mike Stensvold

There’s no question that mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras are increasingly popular—more mirrorless models were introduced last year than traditional DSLRs. Their main advantages are size and weight. By eliminating the mirror and pentaprism or pentamirror viewfinder, the camera itself and the system’s lenses can be made considerably... Read more

Winter-Ready Cameras

Winter provides some great photo ops, but also some problems for the unwary photographer.

By Mike Stensvold

Winter provides some great photo ops, but also some problems for the unwary photographer. Cold and wet weather aren’t good for most cameras, and can be uncomfortable for the photographer as well. Here are some things to consider before heading out into the cold with your camera gear. BATTERIES Batteries don’t like cold weather.... Read more

How Sensors Stack Up

The concept behind the popular mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras was to create a truly compact camera that could produce DSLR image quality.

By Mike Stensvold

The concept behind the popular mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras was to create a truly compact camera that could produce DSLR image quality. This originally was done by putting a DSLR image sensor (Four Thirds or APS-C) into a truly compact body. Recently, a couple of new sensor formats have been introduced, which were developed specifically... Read more

Mirrorless Vs. DSLRs

For many years, the two most popular types of digital cameras have been compact models and digital SLRs. Each offers advantages over the other.

By Mike Stensvold

One of the primary advantages of traditional DSLRs over mirrorless models is that DLSRs offer faster phase-detection autofocus, while mirrorless models employ typically slower contrast-detection AF that relies on the imaging sensor. However, camera makers are working to improve contrast-detection AF speeds. Sony recently introduced a unique solution... Read more

Compact Super Zooms

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.

By David Willis

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. This year’s models have had some exciting improvements and technological advancements, which have made them smaller and yet more robust than ever before. Often available... Read more

Camera "Apps"

Early digital cameras struggled to deliver the quality and resolution of their film forefathers.

By The Editors

Early digital cameras struggled to deliver the quality and resolution of their film forefathers. As sensor technology advanced and quality comparisons fell away, camera makers began focusing on the processor to take advantage of these onboard computers for more sophisticated camera functions. Now there are digital cameras that even have dual processors—something... Read more

High-Performance Compact Cameras

There are dozens of compact digital cameras on the market in a wide variety of shapes and even colors.

By Mike Stensvold

There are dozens of compact digital cameras on the market in a wide variety of shapes and even colors. Most are aimed at folks who just want to get nice pictures without having to learn much about photography, and they do a great job at that. But what about those who do know something about photography? Are there any compacts that allow us to put that... Read more

Digital DNA

Unless you’re already committed to a specific brand through years of lens and accessory purchases, buying a new DSLR today may mean comparing a dozen models.

By Mike Stensvold

Unless you’re already committed to a specific brand through years of lens and accessory purchases, buying a new DSLR today may mean comparing a dozen models. And even if you’re settled on a camera family, picking the right model from the tree isn’t always apples to apples. In the days of film, there really was only one dominant format:... Read more

Translucent Tech

By Mike Stensvold

When Sony entered the DSLR market following its acquisition of Konica Minolta’s camera business in 2006, we wondered whether the consumer electronics giant would fully embrace and address the needs of pro and enthusiast photographers. We think we can safely say that they did, having introduced some excellent new technologies that have pushed the whole... Read more

10 Tips For Your New DSLR

Cameras today are evolving faster than a Super Bowl defense.

Text & Photography By Tom Bol

Cameras today are evolving faster than a Super Bowl defense. Just about every few months a camera manufacturer will introduce a new body loaded with features and technology not previously available—not that this is a bad thing. All photographers benefit from these new cameras and improved performance; it just means you might be upgrading your camera... Read more

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