BUYER'S GUIDE

Camera Gear Bags & Cases   

Innovations in camera bag design do not generally proceed at the breakneck pace of digital technology, and some tried-and-true examples (like my battle scarred 30-year-old Domke F-2, right) have endured virtually unchanged for decades. However, over the last year or two I’ve noted a distinct spurt in creative camera bag designs, many offering ingenious and effective new ways to tote your gear.... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

On-Camera Flash   

On-camera flash is an indispensable accessory for many photographers; it provides additional light when conditions become too dark to handhold your camera comfortably, allows you to achieve more balanced exposures in daylight conditions, permits freezing of fast-moving subjects and can also be used to control or trigger other flash light sources. Additionally, a flash can be used as a highly effective creative tool to establish an aesthetic that elevates your imagery when lighting conditions are considered less than stellar. The benefits of an external on-camera flash far outweigh those provided by a built-in camera flash, while the only drawback is keeping an additional piece of equipment... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Digital Underwater Gear   

Digital photography has drastically changed the way the world takes photographs. From the pro to the individual taking family snapshots, digital imaging is now the most popular option. Film is still used in certain specialized applications but now digital photography is the norm. Very few new film cameras are being produced, but every month manufacturers release new and improved digital cameras and accessories... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Lens Filters  

My lens came with a lens cap, so why do I need a filter?

If you ask most consumer-camera owners why they keep a filter on their lens, a majority will most likely reply, “For protection.” Although filters do, in fact, protect the surface of your lens against dust, moisture and the occasional thumb print, the primary function of lens filters is really to improve the image quality of the pictures you take—depending on the filter you’re using and how you use it—in a variety of obvious and not-so-obvious ways...... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Tripods & Tripod Heads  

Image stabilization (IS) is a terrific technology for better ensuring sharp photographs taken under less than desirable lighting conditions, especially when shooting with a slower aperture lens, which includes  almost every kit zoom lens. While IS allows you to handhold your camera at shutter speeds three to four stops slower than normally possible, a tripod is still the preferred method for ensuring image sharpness, especially when shooting with longer focal length optics. It’s also worth noting that IS diminishes image sharpness to a small, but measurable degree in the process, so users beware..... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Which Camera Is Right For You 

Go to a camera store or search camera options online and it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the shapes, sizes and features of the latest digital sharpshooters. Then there's a decision about price. Do you want to spend just a little for something small and basic for snapshots, or is your smartphone camera good enough? Is a pocket camera sufficient, or do you want a tricked-out mirror-less camera or DSLR that uses interchangeable lenses for maximum quality? Check out our buying guide for advice on how to buy the right camera for your picture-taking needs.... READ MORE

BUYEr's GUIDE

Cameras for Kids

We live in a digital age in which our mobile devices are capable of capturing high-quality images. But remember when a camera was just a camera? With all due respect to technology, let’s ensure that the children of today and tomorrow grow up understanding and appreciating cameras in their own right. There are future artists and perhaps future legends among them, and we want to nurture their gifts... READ MORE

BUYING GUIDE

Purchasing Your Next Lens

No matter how many lenses a photographer has, there’s always another one that we long for. There are so many options out there that choosing your next lens can be a confusing task. We're going to help you choose the best lens to fit your specific needs. The first question you have to ask yourself is, “What do I need that my current lens doesn’t give me?” Your answer is most likely going to fall... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Mirror-less Cameras

Mirror-less cameras have been on the market for a decade, but they have really begun to make waves in the past few years. Most serious photographers would have certainly been shooting with a DSLR camera just a few years ago, but now many have traded in their DSLRs for the smaller and lighter form factors that mirrorless cameras provide. Not only are mirrorless cameras usually lighter and smaller... READ MORE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUYER'S GUIDE
DSLR Cameras

DSLR cameras represent what are often considered the preeminent digital capture technology available today through their meshing of the highest image quality, speed, intuitiveness, and modular capabilities to suit nearly any type of photography imaginable. Being the first step toward serious photography for many, or simply additional tools or upgrades for the veteran, DSLRs cover a broad expanse... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE
Digital Camera

The gift-giving season is upon us. Chances are you’re one of the millions of people shopping for a new digital camera this year. Whether for a friend, a loved one, or you’re simply spoiling yourself, tackling the ever-changing and expanding market can be daunting. So where to start? There’s no overly specific technical formula for buying a camera. Be sure to do thorough research and ensure that... READ MORE

BUYER'S GUIDE

Camera Body 

“Entry-level” DSLR’s are intended for beginner photographers trying to learn the basics and casual shooters who want more features, higher quality, and faster performance than what point and shoot cameras can offer. Entry-level camera bodies are generally priced between $400-and $600, and are often bundled with a “kit” lens (which is generally an inexpensive, standard focal range zoom... READ MORE