Tests & Reviews
How to Recover Deleted Photos from SD Card
Discover how to recover photos from an SD card that seemingly disappeared. Learn the do’s and don’ts of SD card recovery and explore both free and paid options available for retrieving your lost photos.
Fastest SD Card Speed Tests / Spring 2024
I’ve been buying and testing SD cards and posting the results here for 8 years. These are the fastest SD cards I’ve found so far. I regularly test new cards and update the table and rankings below.
Fastest microSD Card Speed Tests / Spring 2024
Need a fast microSD card? If you’re shooting 4K, 5K, or 8K video, high-speed burst-mode photos, or some other demanding use, speed matters. These are the results from my independent speed tests of the fastest microSD cards. Updated February 2024.
What are the Different Types of SD Cards & Which is Best for What?
There are several different types of SD card, as well as multiple speed rating systems and cryptic codes. Here’s a rundown of what the differences are.
Fujifilm X-T5 Sample Images
I’ve been testing out the new Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera. Here are some sample images I’ve taken with it under real-world shooting conditions to give a sense of how it performs in general shooting.
Cloud Storage for Photographers
Storing and backing up photos isn’t the most exciting part of photography, but it is crucial. And a cloud-based solution is now a good option. But not every cloud storage service is a good fit. Here’s a roundup of some of the best cloud storage for photographers.
Nikon Lens Filter Size Charts
If you’re looking to add screw-in filters to your Nikon lens, you’ll need to know the lens diameter to know which filters will fit. Sometimes it’s marked clearly on the lens itself; sometimes it’s not. Here’s my updated master list of the lens diameters of Nikon lenses, including Z-mount and F-mount, as well as older manual-focus lenses.
Nikon Lens Hood Compatibility Chart
Here are lens hood compatibility charts for Nikon lenses, including F-mount and Z-mount as well as older manual-focus lenses.
Sony a6700 High ISO Test Images
If you’d like to see how the Sony a6700 performs at high ISO photos, here are some high-resolution real-world test images.
Shooting Monochrome with the Nikon Z8
I’ve used a lot of different cameras in shooting black and white over the years, but I’ve found the Nikon Z8 surprisingly fun and well suited to it.
A Tiny Pancake Lens for Nikon Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras: Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 Hands-on Review
This 26mm pancake lens is the smallest lens in Nikon’s Z lineup. And yet I’m very impressed with its performance, both in handling and in image quality. It has quickly earned a regular place attached to my camera.
Nikon Zf Sample Images
I’ve been out shooting both black and white and color with the Nikon Zf, a full-frame retro-styled street shooter. Here’s a selection of sample images I’ve taken with it.
Latest Updates
Sigma 16mm ƒ/1.4 Sample Images
Here’s a selection of images I’ve taken using the Sigma 16mm ƒ/1.4 DC DN prime lens on a Sony a6700.
Shooting with the Sony 15mm ƒ/1.4 – Hands-on Review
Here’s my hands-on review of the Sony E 15mm ƒ/1.4 G prime lens for Sony APS-C Alpha cameras.
Sony 15mm ƒ/1.4 Sample Images
Here are some sample images I’ve taken with the Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G lens on a Sony a6700. It’s a fast prime designed for Sony’s cropped-sensor APS-C cameras in the Alpha range.
What Type of HDMI Port Does the Sony a6700 Have?
If you’re trying to output a video stream directly from your Sony a6700, you’ll want to use the camera’s HDMI port. But there are different types of HDMI port. Here’s what you need to know about the specific types the a6700 uses and the type of HDMI cable you’ll need.
How to Enable Manual Focus Override on the Sony a6700
On the Sony a6700, the manual focus ring on lenses is disabled by default. Here’s how to enable manual focus override on this camera.
Shooting Silently with the Sony a6700
The Sony a6700 has a Silent Mode setting that serves as a shortcut to quiet shooting. But there are some tweaks and limitations worth knowing about.
How to Enable the Sony a6700’s Framing Grid
Framing grids can be really useful tools for keeping elements in the frame aligned. If you’re a Sony a6700 shooter, here’s how to enable framing grids, with examples of the available options.
How to Securely Wipe an SD Card on Mac
Most cameras can only do what’s known as a quick format of the memory card, which leaves the actual data in place. So here’s how to do a more thorough and secure full format on Mac using reliable and free tools.
How to Set Up the Sony a6700 for Back-Button Focus
Back-button focus on a camera is useful when you separate the focusing process from the shutter release. This technique allows you to lock focus on a subject and then recompose the shot without the camera refocusing when you press the shutter button. Here’s how to set up back-button focus on the Sony a6700.
How to Format the SD Card in a Sony a6700
It’s best practice to format the memory card in the camera you’ll be using it in. Here’s how to do it on the Sony a6700, including the options for quick format and full format.
How to Adjust Auto ISO Limits on the Sony a6700
If you find that the ISO seems stuck on too low when using Auto ISO, this is the setting to change.
What are UHS-III Memory Cards?
UHS-III is one of several up-and-coming technologies to make memory cards faster so as to keep up with the needs of capturing 8K, 360-degree, and virtual reality footage. But there’s no point in rushing out now and buying a UHS-III card (even if you could).
How to Change the Nikon Z8 Shutter Sound
You can now change the type of generated sound the Nikon Z8’s shutter makes when you press it. Here’s how to change it.
How to Control the Dual Memory Card Behavior of the Nikon Z8
The Nikon Z8 has two memory card slots, and there are several options on how you can get them to work together. Here’s how it works.
How to Control the Dual Memory Card Behavior of the Nikon Zf
If you’re wondering whether you need to fill both of the memory card slots on your Nikon Zf, here’s a rundown of the benefits of doing so and how they can work together.
How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Nikon Zf Battery
Like other newer Nikon cameras, the Nikon Zf has a built-in battery check feature. This isn’t so much about showing how much charge is left in the battery (although it does that). More interestingly, it can tell you when the battery has reached the end of its working life and is ready to be put out to pasture.
Basics.Photography
What Does 35mm Equivalent Mean? How Sensor Size & Lens Focal Length Combine
Photography has many confusing terms. And one of the most confusing is “35mm equivalent.” You’ll see it when talking about lenses. So what does it mean?
Pros & Cons of Buying Gray Market Camera Gear
Found a deal on a new camera or lens that seems too good to be true? It might be gray market. So what does that mean? And what are the risks in buying gray market gear?
Venus Optics Laowa Lens Codes
Laowa lenss use various codes in their names to denote compatibility or particular features. Here’s how to make sense of them.
What is a Prime Lens?
You might have heard recommendations that if you want the fastest and sharpest lenses you should use prime lenses. So what is a prime lens?
What is the Sunny 16 Rule?
If you’ve ever seen mention of the Sunny 16 Rule and wondered what it means, here’s an explanation.
What is a Fast Lens?
Get to grips with fast lenses–what they are, how they work and why they’re so popular among photographers. Learn what defines a fast lens, the benefits of shooting with one, and good lenses to start with. Plus, discover some lens gotchas to watch out for.
What Does It Mean When a Lens Has an Aperture Range Like ƒ/4.5-6.3 in its Name?
Some zoom lenses have an aperture range like ƒ/4.5-6.3 in their names. Here’s what that means.
Rokinon Lens Codes
The names of Rokinon lenses include special codes to indicate compatibility and features. Here’s how to make sense of them.
Sony Lens Codes Explained
Sony uses a bunch of confusing codes in naming their camera lenses. Here’s how to make sense of them.
Pentax Lens Codes
Pentax has used a bunch of codes in naming their camera lenses over the years. So what do they all mean? Here’s a guide.
What are Series-Size Filters?
You don’t come across series-size filters much anymore, but if you’re using a vintage manual-focus lens, you might run into them.
Identifying Kodak 35mm & 120/220 Film Stock from Edgeprint Codes
Here are the edgeprint codes Kodak uses for 35mm (135) and medium-format (120/220) film stock, including black and white, color negative, and color transparency films.
