Search results for: photography buying guide best budget dslr cameras
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by Meg Mann · Posted
There are plenty of dads who seem incapable of taking a break, even if you were to drop them off at the beach. We’ve put together a list of gift ideas that will hopefully give them a much-needed reason to take a breath and indulge in that long-awaited trip or vacation.
To Capture
1. FUJIFILM instax WIDE 400 Instant Film Camera
Appeal to nostalgia with FujiFilm’s fresh take on instant film with the
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
We’ve all tried to photograph something up close. This small-scale world fascinates us all, whether it be a stunning flower or a bumble bee crawling about, but our cameras can’t seem to focus as close as we want. So, what is a struggling photographer to do?
There are several ways to do close-up, or "macro" photography, but the
by Luke Rollins · Posted
An open secret for photographers in 2025 is the robustness of the used market. With manufacturers pivoting to different production and distribution strategies in response to various geopolitical upheavals, finding popular, coveted, unique, competent, and flagship equipment second-hand has moved from viable to (sometimes) necessary. Flagship models turn over and older high-end gear depreciates, creating deals for savvy buyers. Earlier
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
For landscape photographers, having the right equipment is everything. You want gear that is lightweight, rugged, and easy to travel with. Multipurpose gear that has a variety of practical applications when you’re out in the field never hurts either. If you are a landscape photographer or buying a gift for one, we have some great product recommendations for every budget.
Gifts Under $50
1. Multitools are a photographer's best friend, especially out in the field.
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
As a student, much of your life is about making choices and sacrifices. “Should I skip this class and sleep in?” or “Should I go to class even though I’m too tired to pay attention?” There are a lot of hard decisions to make as a student, especially if you’re a burgeoning photographer looking to attain professional status.
But, as a student, means are often limited and you need to be more conscious about what gear to add to your kit. What gear is critical and worth the investment versus what are some of the things you can ignore for now and
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
We live in fortunate times because there are no bad cameras. Modern technology has advanced to the point where practically every camera—from a smartphone to professional mirrorless—can be used to create pro-quality imagery. However, some cameras are better than others for certain purposes. Sony knows this, which is why the brand has developed an extensive line of cameras to cover the needs of different users. Let’s take a closer look at which cameras are best for content creators.
Key Features
Content creation covers an incredibly wide range
by Mary Latvis · Posted
Welcome to Filmmaking 101, where we offer some tips on how to go about creating your movie masterpiece. Read on to discover suggestions for your pre-production, production, and post-production phases.
Pre-Production
Scriptwriting
You have your idea for an arthouse masterpiece or an action-based blockbuster; now how do you translate that into a script―the backbone of your production? You can use MS Word, Google Docs, or another document program. But using dedicated screenwriting software provides the standard formatting, outline tools,
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
Mirrorless camera technology continues to evolve in 2023. Though some people want to define a camera as "video-centric" or "built for stills," some of the best cameras manage to balance the two by taking the so-called "hybrid" path. Compared to, say, a cine camera, the inability to pin down what a mirrorless camera is or should do makes it a highly versatile platform capable of anything from everyday photo taking to high-budget Hollywood productions. To see manual focus, stills-only rangefinders sharing a space with the first mirrorless
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Whether you just picked up your first mirrorless camera or you've been partying with your Canon DSLR for years, there are always a few toys you haven't managed to add to your collection and a couple you haven't even thought of yet. Here are a few I would recommend to anyone who is looking to fill out their wish list for the coming holidays, for nearly any type of photographer.
Protective Cloths/Lens Wraps
Okay, this is definitely my favorite item on the list and I can tell you that if you don't already have a
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
When it comes to bird and wildlife photography, the one word you need to know is: telephoto! If you've ever tried to approach birds or wild animals (not too close, please!) you've likely noticed they usually don't take kindly to humans and fly or scamper off before you get close enough for a photograph. The magic of the telephoto lens allows you to get "up close" without getting… up close.
For birding and wildlife, getting closer usually means using lenses with a minimum 300mm focal length. We've all seen spectacular wildlife images by top
by Rachel Leathe · Posted
Nothing kills creativity faster than an aching back. For all the benefits of full-frame cameras, telephoto lenses, and dedicated flashes, there’s something to be said for the freedom that comes with a lightweight setup. If you’ve been hunting for a simple camera to stick in your bag on your way out the door, a traveling companion, or something discreet when photographing on the streets, then you’ve come to the right place.
Test Photographs © Rachael Leathe
The heavy-hitting cameras on this list tend to box above their weight class. They
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
What is the best lens focal length for photographing the total solar eclipse? Well, there really isn’t a correct answer to that question. There are many factors involved, so let’s outline some options for different types of cameras and budgets.
Above: The Hinode satellite X-ray telescope mission captures the January 6, 2011 solar eclipse. © JAXA/NASA.
Expedition 43 Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti took a series of photographs
by Cory Rice · Posted
One of the leading trends in digital cameras over the past few years has been the development of advanced video capabilities in mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Features that could once only be found in costly cinema cameras now come standard in still cameras targeted toward hybrid photo-video content creators. Accompanying the interest in cameras able to create high-quality stills and videos has come a demand for lights that can be used for both purposes.
While on-camera flashes and strobes have long been the standard for photographers, the short
by John Harris · Posted
There is still one basic truth about photographing sports—access is everything. If you are not near the action, you will not get a photograph. Does this mean you need a sideline pass at the Super Bowl or a family member in the NBA? No. Those are good to have, and media credentials for a Super Bowl is a professional feather in your cap, but “access” can be found in many places and many ways. A good sports photo does not even have to be on-field action, so do not let a lack of access intimidate you, but understand that to join the upper echelons
by Jill Waterman · Posted
For photography enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons from pictures made with a mobile phone or a point-and-shoot, the major benefit in of upgrading to a DSLR or mirrorless camera system is the ability to swap out different lenses to fit your specific needs. Prime lenses are available in all lengths and varieties and offer numerous advantages in performance when compared to their zoom-lens brethren. Also, the particular choices associated with sticking to a specific focal length can help improve your photographic technique, as well as