Gear

The X Factor

Let’s separate some fact from fiction when it comes to memory-card speed.

By Kim Castleberry
Let’s separate some fact from fiction when it comes to memory-card speed. High-speed memory cards save big digital images fast: True. The higher the speed rating, the faster your camera will write images to the card: Maybe. Using a memory card with a “write” speed rating faster than what your camera supports doesn’t increase how quickly your... Read more

Designed For Digital Lenses

From fixed-focal-length prime lenses to wide-angle to telephoto zooms, modern lenses use a complex combination of high-end glass, unique materials and chemical cocktails capable of producing optics with incredible power.

By Dave Willis
From fixed-focal-length prime lenses to wide-angle to telephoto zooms, modern lenses use a complex combination of high-end glass, unique materials and chemical cocktails capable of producing optics with incredible power. Digital optical design has advanced so much that zooms now can extend up to an incredible 15x range, while wide-angles produce images... Read more

Photographers’ Laptops

One of the joys of digital photography is the instant feedback you get from looking at your images right after capturing them.

By Jon Canfield
Above: Alienware Area-51 M15X Weight: 7 pounds Size: 14.5×10.7×1.3 inches List Price: From $1,299 One of the joys of digital photography is the instant feedback you get from looking at your images right after capturing them. Whether you’re photographing a family event or traveling on vacation, having a laptop... Read more
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Tele-Zooms

A tele-zoom is the convenient solution for getting close to the action, even when you need to remain at a distance.

By Dave Willis
A tele-zoom is the convenient solution for getting close to the action, even when you need to remain at a distance. For portrait, sports and wildlife photography, these zooms give you the compositional flexibility you need to frame your subjects creatively. Telephoto lenses tend to be large and often heavy, so one of the big advantages of a tele-zoom... Read more

2009 Editor's Picks

Looking for a perfect holiday gift for the “To Me, From Me” under the tree?

By The Editors
Looking for a perfect holiday gift for the “To Me, From Me” under the tree? We’ve compiled our annual list of a few of our favorite gear and accessories about which you’ll want to start dropping hints. From updated versions of essential tools to totally new ideas to make your photography more successful and enjoyable, this year’s list includes... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Lenses

Cameras get all the attention. When a new camera is expected from one of the big players, the rumor mill starts up and bloggers frantically conjecture at what new features and technologies it might have.

By William Sawalich
Cameras get all the attention. When a new camera is expected from one of the big players, the rumor mill starts up and bloggers frantically conjecture at what new features and technologies it might have. Photographers and tech junkies get excited, and soon the buzz is a juggernaut. Lenses, on the other hand, aren’t the stuff of rumors and anticipation—but... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Must-Have Accessories

Camera bags are especially important as they perform two vital functions, protecting your gear from damage and keeping it all organized.

By The Editors
Bags Camera bags are especially important as they perform two vital functions, protecting your gear from damage and keeping it all organized. Available in a range of sizes, shapes and styles, there’s no perfect bag for everyone, but there’s a perfect bag for you, your equipment and the types of photography you do. $189 Lowepro’s... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Photo Workstations

With so many factors to weigh, deciding which computer best fits your photographic needs is a challenge. Consider power and expandability first.

By Kim Castleberry
With so many factors to weigh, deciding which computer best fits your photographic needs is a challenge. Consider power and expandability first. PROCESSORS Dual-core processors now are the standard in today’s high-performance notebooks and desktops. With this technology, each chip serves as two processors in one, so the computer performs faster... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Monitors

Buying a monitor for digital photography is one of the most important decisions to make on the computer side of imaging.

By Jon Canfield
Buying a monitor for digital photography is one of the most important decisions to make on the computer side of imaging. While a smaller, basic monitor may be fine for web browsing and e-mail, when it comes to digital photography, a large, high-resolution display makes the process a lot easier and more enjoyable. With the monitors we’ll suggest... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Portable Printers

Making 4×6-inch, photo-quality prints at home and on the go has never been easier.

By Jon Sienkiewicz
Making 4×6-inch, photo-quality prints at home and on the go has never been easier. There are several excellent snapshot printers on the market. Most are reasonably priced and easy to use. Many print directly from your camera or memory card, allowing you to make prints without booting up your computer. Some even run on battery power. And all of... Read more