Camera Gear Review News

Just posted: Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens Review.

Expect this lens to become super popular among birders and other wildlife photographers.

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Just posted: Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens Review.

Great performance in a tiny package with a low price.

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Physically, the Canon EOS R50 and EOS R50 V appear to be completely different, unrelated cameras. However, their names, differing by only the "V" denoting a video emphasis, suggest a strong relationship.

Image quality is one aspect these cameras share, and entry-level pricing is another. Still, the differences are vast.

Here are the R50 V advantages:

• Greater stills buffer — JPEG 140, RAW 59 vs 42, 7
• Video codec XF-HEVC S/ XF AVC-s vs. MP4
• 4K/4K Crop/ Full HD vs. 4K/ Full HD
• Addition of 119.88 fps
• Standard Intra/ Standard LGOP vs. IPB/IPB Light
• Slow and Fast movie mode
• Cinema View
• Smooth Skin Movie
• 4K Timelapse Movie
• 24-bit 4ch audio vs. 16-bit 2ch
• Tally Lamp/Recording emphasis
• 2 hr Max record time vs. 1 hr
• Movie Color Filters vs. none
• Custom Picture vs. none
• AF working range EV -5.0-20 vs. EV -4.0-20
• Metering range EV -5.0-20 (-2.5-20 for video) vs. EV -2.0-20
• UHS-II SC card support
• Register people Priority
• Detect Priority AE while AF vs. none
• False Color for Movie
• Interval timer built in vs. none
• Headphone Jack vs. none
• E3 remote jack vs. none
• Bluetooth 5.1 vs. 4.2
• Super-Speed Plus USB (USB 3.2 Gen 2) vs. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 USB Type-C
• UVC/UAC, HDMI, Camera connect, Live Switcher mobile vs none
• Smaller — 4.7 x 2.9 x 1.8" vs. 4.58 x 3.37 x 2.71" (119.3 x 73.7 x 45.2mm vs. 116.3 x 85.5 x 68.8mm)
• Modestly lower list price (though discounting may impact street price and reverse this advantage)

Special thanks to Canon USA's Drew MacCallum for providing most of this rather long list.

Here are the R50 advantages:

• Has an EVF
• 1.62 million dot LCD vs. 1.04
• Built-in flash

The controls and control layout are considerably different between the two camera models, including the mode dial optimized for stills or video, and a zoom lever on the R50 V.

The generalized recommendation comes back to the "V". Those primarily interested in capturing video will want the R50 V, and those focusing on stills may appreciate the R50's EVF over the V's advantages.

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results are now available on the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens page.

Here are some comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens

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Expectations, an MTF comparison, and specifications are now available on the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens page.

I'm in for this one.

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results are now available on the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens page.

Getting the comparisons started:

Compared to the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens

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Just posted: Think Tank Photo Digital Holster Review.

Available in a wide range of sizes, the Digital Holster is often what I use to protect, carry, and transport my gear.

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Image quality test results from a second lens are now available in the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.

The first lens was tested on the EOS R5, and the second lens was tested on the EOS R5 Mark II, but the camera difference does not influence these results.

Here is the comparison between the two lenses.

Primarily at question were the first lens's 35mm results. The second lens delivered sharper center of the frame results at 35mm, but the periphery results are not quite as good. The first lens was sharper in the periphery at 20, 24, and 28mm.

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Just posted: Kondor Blue 501 Arca-Type Pivot Camera Plate Review.

John Reilly shares the solution to his fluid head mounting problem.

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Just posted: Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens Review.

This lens is a great addition to the RF lineup.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens page.

The expected step-above image quality is seen in these results.

Compared to the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

There are many additional relevant comparisons available.

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Just posted: Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip Review.

If you have a Canon EOS R5 Mark II, you want a BG-R20.

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Just posted: Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens Review.

This lens is an especially great choice for portrait, wedding, and low-light event photographers.

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Just posted: Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is a fantastic choice for those looking for a standout landscape, architecture, and low-light event lens.

Remember that we are in a solar maximum? This lens is Canon's best ever for Northern Lights (and Milky Way) night sky photography. Buy this lens today and start watching the aurora forecast.

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Just posted: Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review.

This lens is a great addition to Canon's lineup.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens page.

Another useful, high-performing lens to include in the kit.

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art Lens

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A worthy a1 II comparison is against the Sony Alpha 9 III. I'll let you figure out which camera is which in the comparison image.

Check out the a1 II vs. a9 III specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the s9 III? Here are the a1 II advantages over the a9 III:

• 50.1 MP vs. 24.6
• 1/32,000 second continuous shooting shutter speed vs. 1/16,000
• ISO 100–32000 vs. 250–25600, expandable to ISO 50 to ISO 102400 vs. 125–51200
• Improved IBIS — 8.5 stops vs. 8.0 (center)
• Slightly greater dynamic range

Here are the a9 III advantages over the a1 II:

• Global shutter, with no rolling shutter or banding in stills or movies, vs. 3.8 ms (still fast)
• 1/80000 second shutter speed vs. 1/32000
• 120 fps continuous shooting vs. 30 fps, Continuous Shooting Speed Boost feature
• Flash sync to 1/80000 vs. 1/400
• AF working range of EV -5 – 20 vs. EV -4 – 20
• Exposure metering range of EV -5 – 17 vs. EV -3 – 20
• Slightly less expensive

Most photographers will find the a1 II the best option, but the a9 III is the better choice for a niche market, primarily those who value extreme speed over resolution.

Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II

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Photographers contemplating this question will find the Canon EOS R5 Mark II's price especially attractive. The difference is enough to fund a pro-grade lens.

Check out the a1 II vs. R5 II specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the R5 Mark II? Here are the a1 II advantages:

• 50 megapixels vs. 45 megapixels (50 is my favorite, but 45 is close)
• 3.8 ms imaging sensor readout speed vs. 6.3 (faster readout reduces electronic shutter issues)
• 0.64" (16mm) 9.44 million dot 0.90x EVF vs. 0.50" (12.7mm) 5.76 million dot 0.76x
• 240 fps EVF vs. 120
• 4-axis articulated LCD
• Up to 1 second Pre-Capture vs. 0.5 seconds
• +/- 5 stops exposure compensation vs. 3
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (provides dramatically higher resolution after post-processing, but everything in the frame must be still)
• 1/400 max flash sync vs. 1/250
• Movie Auto Framing feature
• Ethernet port vs. available with accessory grip
• 420 shots CIPA viewfinder battery life vs. 340
• Slightly smaller

Here are the R5 II advantages:

• Dramatically lower price
• 30 fps with lossless RAW vs. lossy
• Eye Control AF
• AF to EV -7.5 to 21 vs. -4 to 20 (ratings at f/1.2 vs. f/2, but still an advantage)
• 5,850 manually-selectable AF points vs. 759
• 8K 60p 12-bit internal RAW vs. 8K 30p 10-bit
• 6 GHz WiFi vs. 5
• Has a top LCD
• 630 shots CIPA LCD battery life vs. 520
• Cooling fan grip available
• Slightly lighter

The Sony camera has dual CFexpress Type A and SD combo slots, while the Canon camera has dedicated CFexpress Type B and SD slots.

Comparing across brands is significantly challenged by the differing interface and ergonomics. These cameras are quite different in those regards, and advantages will often be determined by personal preference. Notably, I find the Canon grip more comfortable when using mid- and large-sized lenses.

Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II

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The Alpha 1 II is, without a doubt, the best for most uses Sony camera, and lower price is practically the only reason to choose otherwise. Before the II, the a1 version I was my ultimate choice, and leads to the question I'm asking. Should I get the Sony a1 II or keep the Sony a1?

Check out the a1 II vs. a1 specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the Alpha 1?

Let's get the short list out of the way first. I already gave you the answer, but I'll put a bullet beside it. Here are the Sony a1 advantages over the a1 II:

• Lower price

When the a1 II was announced, the a1 was immediately discounted by $1,000.00. That discount is not a factor for those considering an upgrade, except that the lower new camera cost may put downward pressure on the used camera sale price, directly impacting the upgrade cost. The items on the next list must be worth the additional expense for the II purchase to be logical.

Here are the a1 II's advantages:

• 0.03 to 1 second Pre-Capture of up to one second and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
• 8.5-stop IBIS vs. 5.5
• Improved grip ergonomics
• New C5 button
• 4-axis articulated LCD
• 3.2" LCD with 2.1 million dots vs. 1.44 million dots
• AF-dedicated AI processor
• Insect, vehicle (planes, trains, and automobiles), and Auto subject detection modes
• Improved eye detection for animals and humans (by 30%) and birds (50% improvement).
• Upgraded human pose estimation
• XS and XL Spot AF area options
• 30 ms electronic Shutter lag vs. 42
• Video improvements, including AF performance, auto framing, movie self-timer, breathing compensation, import and embed of up to 16 custom LUTs
• 2.5Gbps Ethernet vs. 1Gbps, and Wake on LAN vs. no
• Stacked exposure mode dial
• FDA-EP21 enhanced eyecup additionally included

Serious photographers chasing wildlife and other action subjects will find the first bullet worth the upgrade cost. Pre-Capture is game-changing.

Other individual improvements, such as AF and IBIS performance, will also be worth the upgrade cost to many photographers, and the cumulative enhancements show the II to be a solid upgrade.

Still, the price difference is a factor, and the a1 is still the outstanding performer it always was.

Those of us considering the a1 to a1 II upgrade must consider that the value of our current cameras will continue to decline, and a fresh camera with a full warranty has value.

Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II

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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens page.

You are going to like these results.

Compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens (at f/1.4)

Compared to the Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens

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