Camera Gear Review News (Page 8)

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs and standard product images, are now available on the Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.

I expect that you will like this lens.

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

Compared to the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from B&H

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Just posted: Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens Review.

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Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | WEX

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results from the Canon EOS R7 are now available on the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens page.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | WEX

Just posted: Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review

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Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs measurements, are now available on the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.

Check out the performance of this tiny, lightweight, affordable lens.

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The RF 24-50's estimated ship date is Tue, Apr 18 per B&H and Canon.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens Review

Is this lens right for your kit?

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Just posted: Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review.

Is this the next lens for your kit?

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Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens page.

This is a sharp lens. Check out these comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Lens

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

Compared to the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens

Build your own comparisons.

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For a long time, I have been sharing my camera setup guides and including a link to them at the bottom of each relevant review page. These pages have become quite popular, so now a "Setup Guide" link is included in the top navigation for these camera reviews.

The guides are free, but please remember to support this site.

Here is the complete list of setup guides (as of this post):

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS 5Ds R
• Canon EOS 6D Mark II
• Canon EOS 90D
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 77D
• Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
• Canon EOS Rebel T7i / 800D
• Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D
• Canon EOS 5Ds
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS Rebel T6s / 760D
• Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D
• Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D
• Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / 200D
• Canon EOS R3
• Canon EOS R5
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II
• Canon EOS R6
• Canon EOS R7
• Canon EOS R8
• Canon EOS R10
• Canon EOS R50
• Canon EOS R
• Canon EOS RP
• Canon EOS M50
• Canon EOS M200
• Canon EOS M5
• Canon EOS M6 Mark II
• Canon EOS M6
• Canon EOS M100
• Nikon Z 7
• Nikon Z 6
• Nikon D850
• Sony Alpha 1
• Sony Alpha 9 II
• Sony Alpha 7R V
• Sony Alpha 7R IV, IVA
• Sony Alpha 7R III, IIIA
• Sony Alpha 7 IV
• Sony Alpha 7 III
• Sony Alpha 7C
• Sony Alpha 9

The Canon EOS R50 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 36 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R50.

1. Record serial number, and add camera to the insurance policy
2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
3. Consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to gain support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I include in the install.
4. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
5. The date, time, and time zone setup display will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
6. The camera will prompt to connect your phone running the Canon Connect App. Follow the prompts as desired.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options) and press the menu button.
8. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear direction keys to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details, so I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 6: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (the default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Disp performance: Smooth (select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern, and Power saving otherwise.)
20. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select Auto, People, Animals, Vehicles, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
21. AF Menu, Tab 2: Preview AF: Disable
22. AF Menu, Tab 3: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
23. AF Menu, Tab 3: MF peaking settings: On
24. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
25. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
26. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
27. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable (novices may appreciate this feature)
28. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Feature guide: Disable (novices may appreciate this feature)
29. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
30. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Power saving: Screen dimmer: Disable (I found the dimmer annoying - the LCD is as useful off as dimmed)
31. Set-up Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
32. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: Av
33. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
34. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, Display simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
35. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Shutter mode, reorder menu items as desired
36. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted.

More Information

Canon EOS R50

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Please share!

The Canon EOS R8 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 44 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R8.

1. Record serial number, and add camera to the insurance policy
2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
3. Consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to gain support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I include in the install.
4. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
5. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
6. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options) and press the menu button.
7. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
8. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details, so I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (the default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: Smooth (select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern, and Power saving otherwise.)
19. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select Auto, People, Animals, Vehicles, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
20. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
21. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, Single Point, and Whole area AF (fewer options means faster changing between these options)
22. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
23. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: On
24. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree (forces linear MF adjustment)
25. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Magnification: 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
26. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB (fewer options means faster changing between these options)
27. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
28. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it – all data on the card will be lost)
29. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
30. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable (novices may appreciate this feature)
31. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Feature guide: Disable (novices may appreciate this feature)
32. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
33. Set-up Menu, Tab 3: Power saving: Screen dimmer: Disable (I found the dimmer to be annoying - the LCD is as useful off as dimmed)
34. Set-up Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
35. Set-up Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
36. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
37. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: Multi-function button: Dial function and press info to set details: Top row: 1. Drive mode, 2. One Shot - Servo, 3. Exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off; Bottom row: 1. ISO, 2. AF area, 3. Flash exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off
39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
42. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, Display simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
43. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., RAW burst mode, Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
44. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do, including in RAW-only format. While this setup works optimally for me, you should adjust the camera setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted.

More Information

Canon EOS R8

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Please share!

Image quality test results have been added to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens page.

Check out how Sigma's latest entry into the beloved, affordable 50mm f/1.4 lens category performs.

Compared to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

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

Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Let's take a closer look at the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens.

This page features a hands-on preview of a preproduction lens. The full review, including an image quality evaluation, will be completed when this lens hits the streets.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

As the dust from the Sony Alpha 7R V review is settling, I have a decision to make. Do I keep my Sony Alpha 7R IV / IVA or upgrade to the 7R V.

Check out the Sony a7R V vs. a7R IV specification comparison along with the visual comparison of these cameras.

What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 7R V and the Alpha 7R IV? Here is a summary:

• New AI processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition
• BIONZ XR processor, a significant upgrade to the BIONZ X
• Next-generation AF Real-time Recognition and tracking AF in still and movie modes utilizing detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that only detect face and eye
• AI subject recognition subject types added, now including animals, vehicles, and insects (Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane available)
• 8-stop image stabilization system — most effective ever offered in a Sony Alpha camera, a noticeable improvement from the a7R IV's IBIS
• AF Working Range expanded to EV -4 – 20 vs. EV -3 – 20
• 0.64" (1.6 cm), 9.44 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder vs. 0.5" (1.3 cm) with 5.76 million dots
• New 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor that combines the utility of a conventional tilting monitor with side-opening vari-angle flexibility
• 3.15" (8.2cm), Touch Screen with 2,095,104 dots vs. 2.95" (7.5cm) non-Touch Screen with 1,440,000 dots (the IVA has 2,359,296 dots)
• 8K 25/24p video, 4K 60p, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning vs. 4K 30p
• Breathing compensation
• Focus Bracketing
• Stacked mode dial and exposure compensation dial is customizable
• Movie start/stop button moved from back to top
• In-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording (slight image crop in Active mode, Active mode not available when recording XAVC HS 8K or using a frame rate of 120 (100) fps)
• Improved heat dissipation for extended recording times
• Upgraded Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, taking advantage of the precision in-body image stabilization system
• Variable shutter function for stills and movies (higher than 100 Hz or 120 Hz)
• Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes for storage efficiency
• High-quality HEIF images with high compression efficiency
• Dual CFexpress Type A and SDXC compatible media slots
• New menu system with touch control and a wide range of customizable functions
• Support for UVC/UAC, allowing direct streaming of up to 4K (QFHD) with audio
• a7R V has shorter battery life — Viewfinder: 440 vs. 530, LCD: 530 vs. 670
• a7R V is slightly heavier: 25.6 vs. 23.5 oz (723 vs.665g)

The primary factor against this upgrade is that the 61.0MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, Sony’s highest resolution in an Alpha camera, remains the same. While there were surely cost factors involved with the decision to stay with this imaging sensor, it is a high-performing one, and the latest technology available may not warrant an upgrade.

If the acquisition cost, selling a used camera and buying a new camera, was not a factor, this decision would be extremely simple. For many, the improved AF performance alone justifies the upgrade and numerous bullet points are solid upgrade reasons, but my decision is further complicated by having a Sony Alpha 1 for higher performance demands. Thus, I'm still contemplating this decision.

Order the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H (save big on used models currently available) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 7R V from Lensrentals.

Just posted: initial Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.

It's time to share some initial impressions from this tiny, lightweight, affordable lens.

The RF 24-50's estimated ship date is Tue, Apr 18 per B&H and Canon.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Sony Alpha 7R V Review.

This camera is impressive.

Order the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H (10-rated used available for $3,507.95) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 7R V from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review.

Was image quality sacrificed for the awesome focal length range?

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

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Just posted: Canon EOS R8 Review.

The Canon EOS R8 is a compact, lightweight, affordable full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera packed with power and features. While the R8 looks like the RP, the internal upgrade is huge (the R8 is on the left).

I'll add more sample pictures to this review soon.

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Canon EOS R50 Review.

The Canon EOS R50 is a tiny, ultralightweight, inexpensive APS-C mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with impressive power and features. The R50 is similar to the M50 Mark II on the exterior (the R50 is on the left).

I'll add more sample pictures to this review soon.

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Please share!

Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens page.

The new Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens does not feature the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens optical design, and the new design nicely outperforms the old one.

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

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