Category: Camera Reviews

Fujifilm X-E3

Camera Reviews / Fujifilm Cameras / Gear Reviews

Fujifilm X-E3: No Articulating Screen, Does it Matter? [Review]

  The intermediate mirrorless camera tier is increasingly competitive. Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sony, and Olympus all have incredible cameras on the market today, eclipsing Canon and Nikon, the traditional DSLR manufacturers. Mirrorless cameras are different from DSLRs in that they use more advanced sensors instead of an inner mirror system. The sensor not only creates images, but also acts as the autofocus system and viewfinder image generator. As a result, mirrorless cameras are usually significantly smaller and lighter than DSLRs while having comparable image quality. However, the sensors do tend to draw more power over DSLR designs. And the smaller batteries they use in order to keep the design sleek, compounds the stamina problem. Fortunately, the technology is starting to mature, and Fujifilm in particular has created an excellent mid-range camera. The Fujifilm X-E3 is a solid intermediate level camera in terms of design and features. Let’s have a look at this capable camera.

Fujifilm X-A3

Camera Reviews / Fujifilm Cameras / Gear Reviews

Fujifilm X-A3: Does the Lack of a Viewfinder Really Matter? [Review]

  DSLR cameras still represent the majority of camera purchases. But the intriguing features of mirrorless cameras are slowly stealing customers away with each passing year. Mirrorless cameras are the newest digital camera type. They don’t have dedicated autofocus systems or optical viewfinders like DSLR cameras have. Instead, the sensor generates a preview image with the LCD panel or an electronic viewfinder. And the autofocus system is integrated into the sensor as well. As a result, the bodies of mirrorless cameras can be smaller without all of these extra mirrored systems. The downside is that all of these extra sensor functions tend to drain battery life much more quickly. They also use smaller batteries to keep the camera compact, which further compounds the stamina problem. But many photographers find the tradeoffs more than worth it. The Fujifilm X-A3 is a mirrorless camera that’s marketed towards beginners and intermediate level photographers. Let’s take an in-depth look at this camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T6

Camera Reviews / Canon Cameras / Gear Reviews

Canon EOS Rebel T6: Is the Low Megapixel Count a Big Deal? [Review]

  Sometimes new photographers think that big DSLRs must be expensive. Many of these cameras can be outside the budget of photographers shifting from smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is well worth considering as a budget option. It is well-designed to give an excellent photography experience while teaching the new user the fundamentals of DSLR photography. It’s button design and menu layout can be quickly navigated, and it doesn’t compromise on image quality in the slightest. Let’s have a look at this budget marvel.

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Nikon Cameras

Nikon D5600: Do the Features justify the Price? [Review]

Nikon is one of the two undisputed kings of the DSLR world, along with Canon. DSLR cameras are what most people think of when they think “professional photographer.” They have a system of internal mirrors that direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder for composition. The inner mirrors create extra weight and space, and give DSLRs their familiar blocky design. Anyone interested in photography has probably seen someone walking with a Nikon DSLR. And they probably wondered just what it would be like to own one. Nikon’s lower price range DSLR cameras are well worth looking at. And the D5600 is an excellent entry point into the world of Nikon. Although slightly pricey for the beginner, it’s well designed and capable of excellent photography.

Panasonic LUMIX GX85

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Panasonic Cameras

Panasonic LUMIX GX85: No Articulating Screen, Does it Matter? [Review]

  Panasonic is well known as a video camera brand, but is stepping up its mirrorless photography game as well. Mirrorless cameras are different from DSLR cameras because they don’t have a system of internal mirrors. DSLRs use these inner mirrors to channel light to the optical viewfinder and the phase detection autofocus system. Mirrorless cameras use the image sensor for triple duty. It’s the autofocus system, viewfinder, and image creator all-in-one. Mirrorless cameras can weigh half as much as an equivalent DSLR camera. But their hard working sensors tend to burn through battery life much faster than DSLRs. Panasonic’s mirrorless camera selection caters to photographers that also like to dabble in videography. And the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 offers plenty to satisfy budget-oriented users while still providing the features one expects in higher end cameras. Let’s have a look at this highly capable pocket-sized marvel.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Olympus Cameras

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III: Is it Good for Beginners? [Review]

  The mirrorless camera world continues to become more and more competitive with the DSLR market. Mirrorless cameras are different in that they lack the complex internal mirror systems used by DSLRs. As a result, the cameras use more battery power to fuel their complex sensor functions. But mirrorless cameras are generally lighter and more compact thanks to the space reduction. Slowly, they’re breaking the DSLR monopoly and becoming more well known. Nikon and Canon, the major DSLR manufacturers, have a rather lackluster selection of mirrorless cameras. But the Olympus mirrorless line has a variety of excellent features. Many have built-in image stabilization and a fairly large selection of lenses. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is an excellent entry-to-intermediate level mirrorless camera. Let’s explore what this camera has to offer.

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Sony Cameras

Sony a6300: Are the Upgrades Worth the Additional Cost? [Review]

  The Sony a6300 is the successor to the immensely popular a6000, which received rave reviews following its release. The a6300 is a mirrorless camera. It uses its sensor as autofocus system, image creator, and viewfinder all-in-one. DSLR cameras, on the other hand, have separate systems for each of these functions. As a result, mirrorless cameras are far more compact than DSLR cameras, though they also tend to use battery life faster. The Sony a6300 is one of the best beginner to intermediate mirrorless cameras on the market today. We will explore the full suite of features offered, below.

Canon EOS M6

Camera Reviews / Canon Cameras / Gear Reviews

Canon EOS M6: Do you get enough Bang for your Buck? [Review]

  The EOS M6 is one of Canon’s newest mirrorless cameras to hit the market. Mirrorless cameras are the next generation of digital camera design. They use a sensor that operates as viewfinder, image sensor, and autofocus system all-in-one. On the other hand, DSLR cameras use optical viewfinders and autofocus systems separate from the image sensor. As a result, the cameras are much larger and heavier. The EOS M6 goes one step further by eliminating the viewfinder entirely. The result is a light, pocket-sized camera still capable of creating the high-quality images Canon is known for.

Nikon D3400

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Nikon Cameras

Nikon D3400: No Stereo Microphone Port, is it a Deal Breaker? [Review]

  The Nikon D3400 is consistently rated as one of the very best DSLRs for new photographers. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras use a system of mirrors to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder. With the viewfinder, you can see the subject without the camera using any power. And when it’s time to snap a photo, the first mirror behind the lens flips back, exposing the image sensor. Successor to the immensely popular D3300, the D3400 builds on all of its strengths as an entry level DSLR. The price is well in line with what a new user is willing to spend. And the base specifications (megapixels, sensor size, battery life, etc) are average to excellent across the board. The D3400 also provides plenty of features to help a beginner grow into an intermediate photographer. Let’s take a closer look at what this camera has to offer.

Sony a7

Camera Reviews / Gear Reviews / Sony Cameras

Sony a7: No Built-In Flash, Does it Really Matter? [Review]

  The full-frame camera selection has been almost exclusively a professional-level market for many years. Even now, very few full-frame cameras are available for less than $2,000 brand new. This places them well beyond what a beginner or even intermediate photographer would be comfortable spending. The Sony a7 rocked the digital camera world by being both the lightest and least expensive full-frame camera available. In addition, it’s a mirrorless camera, which means it does not have a system of internal mirrors like a DSLR. Instead, the sensor functions as viewfinder, image creator, and autofocus system. The mirrorless design helps cut down on weight. But being lightweight and having a budget price only scratch the surface of this camera. Quality-wise, what does the Sony a7 bring to the table?