Search results for: photography buying guide smartphone photography accessories
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by Steven Esposito · Posted
While much of today’s coursework is online, it never hurts to have a good printer. Whether this is for your final term paper, notes for a group study session, or handouts to get everyone on the same page, so to speak, you will need a good printer to get it done. Photography students can also benefit from a specialized printer to have complete control over their final images. Here are a few options that would make a great choice for a dorm room or apartment.
The Workhorse: Brother HL-L2460DW
If all you need is a simple printer to get your
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
The new school year is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start stocking up on necessary gear and supplies. For film and photo students, that means finding the camera and gear that’s right for you.
Generally, schools require a DSLR or mirrorless camera with detachable lenses and full manual controls. Far from the smartphone or point-and-shoot pocket camera many of us are used to. To help you get the perfect tool, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cameras broken down into four categories:
Best Overall Cameras
Best Mid
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
The travel tripod conundrum is a cruel reality of physics and practicality. The larger and heavier a tripod is, the steadier it will hold a camera. The larger and heavier a tripod is, the less likely you will ever want to carry it around or take it on a trip. Why are we left with a photographic reality like that which makes the tastiest food bad for you?
Tripods come in all shapes, weights, heights, and styles. If you are new to the world
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Printing your work can be a very satisfying experience. The level of control you have when you do it yourself is unmatched and can be extremely rewarding. There's also the feeling you get when you're holding one of your photographs in your hand, which just can't be beat. Especially when compared to looking at them on a small smartphone screen.
Many choose to stick with the classic glossy or matte photo papers, which are the perfect solution for most of your images. That said, there are unique, textured papers more reminiscent of the thicker
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
After the smartphone revolution, it appeared that the days of the compact camera were done. How wrong we were. It’s true that a few years back, point-and-shoot options were few and far between. There were just a handful of options on the market, and some industry titans even left the market entirely. Despite the long-rumored demise of the compact camera, it seems that photo enthusiasts still desire a dedicated device without the distractions that come with a smartphone.
What is a compact or “point-and-shoot” camera? Just because a camera is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Who doesn’t want to capture fun and creative portraits of our four-legged friends? We know we love it. In fact, pet photography may just be the most popular form of photography there is. Think of all the smartphone snaps of yawns, big stretches, and funny moments we all take of our cats, dogs, chinchillas, and beyond.
Quick snaps aside, you know what really ups the quality of our pet portraits? Lighting. Just as with any form of portrait, lighting unlocks possibilities that can be impossible without it. But what lighting system should we use?
by Luke Rollins · Posted
If your mom isn’t just the family photographer, but the family’s director of photography, production designer, and art director as well, chances are she’ll appreciate a photo-related gift for Mother’s Day. But if she’s the type of mom who loves to research and investigate every purchase she makes, you might want to think outside the box to find a gift that surprises or excites her or is just something she doesn’t already have. Here are some suggestions for Mother’s Day photo gifts for the mom who has it all:
Fun Little Digital Point &
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
If there's one photo accessory that we all have too many of, it's bags. Whether our kit outgrew the previous one, or we found a new must-own style, there will always be something new. For those just getting started, even choosing the right style may be overwhelming. Well, we're here to help.
There are a lot of bags out there, so to narrow down the options, we're looking at the current selection from the Ruggard brand. Below, we've
by M. Brett Smith · Posted
The best beginner drones are easy to operate, durable, and come equipped with user-friendly features designed to help novice pilots get accustomed to operating a drone.
Best Beginner Drone Overall: Potensic ATOM 2
Best Beginner Drone for Photography: DJI Mini 5 Pro
Best Beginner FPV Drone: EMAX Tinyhawk III
Best Value Beginner Drone:
by John Foldi · Posted
What’s the best camera, you may ask? Why, it’s the one you have on you. For many people, smartphones are exactly that. In fact, we often treat our smart devices as cameras first, phones second. And why not? Thanks to the rapid advancement of mobile camera technology, smartphones have greatly outpaced and subsequently replaced many entry-level point-and-shoot cameras. Although higher end ones are having a bit of a comeback, smartphones are just oh so convenient. But what if you want to take your smartphone photography to the next level? Enter
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
Photographers are a tricky bunch to shop for, especially those avid shooters who seemingly already have all the gear they need. Cameras, lenses, bags, tripods, and so on—it’s a tough task to find a photo-related gift for the photographer who already has it all. Since the Pope’s Leica is no longer on the market, here are some ideas for not-so-common gift options sure to please all types of photographers.
Lensbaby Special Effects Lens
Sure, your
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Typically confined to the northernmost latitudes of our planet, the northern lights—or "aurora borealis"—are a natural spectacle many dream of seeing. Recently, it may seem like auroras are occurring more often and are visibly farther south than ever before. Maybe you've already seen one or even photographed one with your phone.
While rare, exceptionally powerful auroras have been seen with the naked eye as far south as Alabama. These are uncommon, but in mid-latitude states, visible auroras are a bit more frequent. Last summer, I found myself
by Luke Rollins · Posted
While 2025 continued many of the photo industry's developments (emphasis on hybrid developments, splashes of niche camera releases, sequels to established camera series), it also formalized the compact digicam trend that had emerged on social media in recent years, with several companies releasing (or re-releasing) point-and-shoot cameras. As the floor for image quality continues to rise, and with yesteryear's flagship features trickling down to today's mid-market offerings, manufacturers are distinguishing themselves through body design,
by Luke Rollins · Posted
Where other camera-makers might have the specs or the buzz, only one has the throne: Canon. Industry reports indicate the company has notched yet another year atop global sales of interchangeable lens cameras, extending that reign to 21. Yes, Canon's reign is now old enough to drink. And that's not to say their 2025 was booze-addled, but rather that there may be some unease in the
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Audio is extremely important. Photographers haven’t really had to worry about this, but it is something that can make or break your videos. Watch some of your favorite movies and pay close attention to the sound—you will probably pick up some audio cues or effects that amplify the scene or action. If recorded poorly, audio can make something completely unwatchable. Have you ever opened a video online to crackling and noise and decided that it just wasn’t worth enduring? Clarity in audio is one of the most important things for keeping your