Sony’s A7R III is the Highest Rated Mirrorless Camera of All Time

Though, we have covered DxOMark in recent times in regards to its smartphone camera reviews, the site also reviews professional gear including mirrorless cameras which have been seeing increasingly better scores.

The latest such product to clinch the top spot is the new Sony a7R III, which got a perfect score of 100 from DxOMark. It dethrones its predecessor, the Mark II which got a score of 98 more than two years ago. Most importantly, the score puts the a7R III into the same league as the Nikon D850 DSLR, which was released only a few months back.

Vs Nikon D850

Where the a7R III beats the others is in the Sports (low-light ISO) category, where the camera has a higher ISO limit (102400 with a lens). The D850 still does better in ideal conditions by having a lower ISO limit of 32, compared to Sony's 100. The a7R III lags the D850 primarily in the Portrait (or color depth) and Landscape (or dynamic range) scores.

The camera comes with a 42.4 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, coupled with the Bionz X image processor which results in a burst mode of 10 fps with continuous autofocus. While the Mark II shares several of these specs the new microprocessor results in much faster shooting speeds than before, including a twice as fast autofocus.

It also has a 5-axis image stabilization system, 4K video recording, dual SD card slots and a 399-point autofocus system. The Nikon D850 by comparison comes with a few extra pixels (for a total of 45.7 MP). It is also priced slightly higher at $3300 vs $3200 for the Sony.

4th Overall

The D850, a7R III, and a7R II currently sit at third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively in the overall hierarchy. Only the Hasselblad X1D-50C and Pentax 645Z with their medium-format sensors are ranked above the three, priced as much as three times higher.

Source: Sony's A7R III is the Highest Rated Mirrorless Camera of All Time

Camera Bag Review: CRAVAR Rana 13 Messenger Bag

Photographers who want to carry their gear in style at an affordable price will love the CRAVAR Rana 13.

The CRAVAR Rana 13 is a bag that I really thought that I wasn't going to fall for due to my moving away from messenger bags for my back's sake; but CRAVAR got to my heart like a bad ex that woes you back into their web. In some ways, you know that it can be bad for you, but it works. It's what you need for the moment. The CRAVAR Rana 13 is a gorgeous leather messenger bag designed for the photographer. They're made of all leather and have weather resistance built in alongside a number of other of standard features for photographers. Specifically, it may appeal to mirrorless camera owners a bit more considering that it can surely hold a lot of gear and it can double as a daily work bag.

Are there groundbreaking features that differentiate it from the rest though?

Tech Specs

Specs taken from our news post

Fits a camera and up to 3 lenses and 13″ screen laptop.

1 Laptop / Work Panel, 3 Vertical, 2 Stack dividers.

Two spacious front pockets, one full width back pocket.

Exterior (W * H * D) : 14″ * 9.8″ * 5.1″ / 35.5 * 25 * 13 cm.

Interior  (W * H * D) : 13.2″ * 9.1″ * 4.7″ / 33.5 * 23 * 12 cm

Max laptop size : 13″ * 9.1″ / 33 * 23 cm.

Weight                       : 3.2 lbs./ 1,450 grams – w/out dividers. 3.7 lbs./ 1,700 grams w/ all 6 dividers.

Ergonomics

The CRAVAR Rana 13 is a bag that features a whole lot of leather on the outside. This leather has a sleek coating that makes it much smoother than a lot of other options outside vs being more pebbled in appearance and design. Part of this is due to its being vegetable leather.

On the front of the CRAVAR Rana 13 you can find leather straps that provide closure. They also go through belt loops in addition to having holes that thread through those brass nipples. As you can also tell, it has a suitcase handle on top. The extra attachment is a leather SD card case that CRAVAR provided for us.

The interior of the CRAVAR Rana 13 is a soft, velvety material but a bit rougher. There are pockets for smaller things like film, batteries, etc. Then on the inside, you get a number of dividers. I configured my bag to only use two. Behind the main section is an area for you to slip your laptop into the bag.

On top of the bag you'll find this shoulder strap. It has a pad for easing any sort of weight on your shoulder. It isn't the most padded shoulder pad but it surely does the job.

Turn to the back of the CRAVAR Rana 13 and you'll spot yet another slot for stuff. I've stuffed a photography notes notebook in there that I keep around for when I shoot film.

Build Quality

The CRAVAR Rana 13 is every bit as solid as most other leather and canvas bags that I've used. What I'm really excited about it having it wear in with creases and such where it will get a lot more patina to it. The closing system is very secure and I wasn't too sure about it at first but extended use has proven me wrong with my initial thoughts.

Ease of Use

When you're out and about using the CRAVAR Rana 13, you should know that even though this is a messenger bag, it won't give you quick access to your gear at all. Instead, you'll be much better off simply having your camera in hand as you use it. Years of street photography have taught me that quick access can be overrated in the way that it's spoken about and marketed. But it surely is nice for convenience sake.  What I really like is that there are guards put into place to ensure that rain doesn't get into the bag and that your gear won't get stolen. When the CRAVAR Rana 13 is around your torso, opening the bag up will mean that the flap won't come all the way back with ease. At first I didn't like this and then I grew to appreciate it as it meant that my gear stayed protected.

What's also really nice is that there is padding on the bottom of the bag too–and that means extra protection of your gear. The interior padding isn't too thick but provides just enough protection. If anything, it's a little thinner than those that Think Tank offers and is overall more rigid. But again, I really like that.

Conclusions

I think the CRAVAR Rana 13 messenger bag is a fantastic option. However, what I'd love to state outright is that it does nothing special over a number of other bags except provide full gear protection in a leather messenger bag. To be fair, innovation is really tough to find in the camera bag world these days at this price point. The CRAVAR Rana 13 will make the most sense with mirrorless camera users that may also want to bring their laptops with them. But more and more these days, I find myself bringing my images home to edit on my iMac. This bag would be great if I'm on location away from Brooklyn though; and for that I'll surely use it.

Source: Camera Bag Review: CRAVAR Rana 13 Messenger Bag

How To Choose The Best Travel Camera (Plus Win A Free GoPro!)

How to Choose a Travel Camera

Travel Photography

After 7 years as a professional travel photographer & blogger, I keep getting asked what's the best travel camera. There are so many to choose from! Here's what I would pick, and why.

If you're into photography, traveling the world with a good camera can help you bring back images that will stand the test of time — memories to share with family and friends for years to come.

Amazing travel photos are some of my most treasured souvenirs!

But what's the best travel camera for capturing these special moments on your journey? There's no easy answer to this question. Different people will have different requirements and budgets.

My goal with this digital camera buyers guide is to help you narrow down the overwhelming choices that are out there — and pick the perfect travel camera for your next trip.

Norway's Lofoten Islands

Travel Camera Features

Size & Weight: Gone are the days when a bigger camera means a better camera. If you want to travel with your camera, you'll want something small & lightweight.

Manual Settings: Photography professionals want the ability to fully control the settings of their camera so they can dial in the perfect shot in all kinds of different situations.

Megapixels: Many people assume that more megapixels is better. This isn't always true. However more megapixels will give you higher detail, and allow you to "crop" your image without reducing quality.

Fast Lens: Lens aperture is measured in f/numbers, like f/1.4, f/2.8, f/4, etc. The lower the number, the better it will perform in low-light situations.

Zoom Range: A zoom lens lets you get closer to the action, especially for wildlife or people. But the bigger the zoom the bulkier a camera gets. How much zoom you want is a personal preference.

HD/4K Video: Most quality travel cameras will shoot video in HD 1080p. Some even have 4K capabilities — which honestly most people won't need unless you're doing professional work.

WiFi/Bluetooth Enabled: Some cameras have their own wifi network, allowing you to upload your photos instantly to your computer or smartphone.

Interchangeable Lenses: High-end mirrorless and DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to pick the perfect lens for different situations.

Weatherproofing: Will your travel camera hold up against the elements? Some cameras are better protected from moisture and dust than others.

Ridge Hiking in Hawaii

What Do You Want To Capture?

When choosing the best travel camera for your needs, you must define what those needs are. Different cameras have strengths and weaknesses depending on what you're using them for.

Are you looking for portability? Weatherproofing & ruggedness? Professional high-end image quality? Something reasonably priced? Are you going to be shooting more landscapes, wildlife, adventure activities, or people?

You often can't have it all when it comes to travel cameras.

Keep reading below to learn the pros & cons for each type of camera, and which types of travel photography they work best for.

Point & Shoot Cameras

Point & shoot cameras have come a long way. As technology has improved, companies have managed to pack these pocket-sized cameras with tons of features. Some shoot 4k video and have manual settings, just like the more expensive ones in this list.

The big difference is the camera sensor is a bit smaller, and they don't have interchangeable lenses.

In my opinion, a mid-range to high-end point & shoot is the best option for 75% of amature travel photographers. They combine the perfect mix of portability, power, and budget-friendliness.

Sony RX100 Series ($700 – $1000)

Sony RX100 V

The Sony RX100 V is my favorite point & shoot travel camera. It's what I'd call a "professional" point & shoot. While it fits in my pocket, it has many of the same features as my larger primary mirrorless camera.

It's a bit pricey at $1000, but you can also pick up older models like the RX100 III ($700) and RX100 IV ($850) for less. They also make reasonably priced underwater dive-housings for this line.

Canon PowerShot G7 X ($650)

Canon G7X II

The Canon G7 X is another fantastic point & shoot that's great for travel photography. A bit less expensive than the Sony, it has fewer high-end features, but shoots great video with better on-board audio than the Sony. It's a favorite for many YouTubers and Vloggers.

Best Action Travel Cameras

Action Cameras

Action cameras have really transformed the travel photography & video world over the years. These tiny, waterproof, indestructible cameras can go anywhere & record anything!

If you plan on hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, or even swimming under waterfalls during your travels, an action camera can create epic video & photos of the experience.

GoPro Hero 6 ($500)

GoPro Hero 6

The GoPro Hero 6 is GoPro's best camera yet, with improved video stabilization, color, and 60p slow-motion 4k footage. It's waterproof case and touch-screen will handle any adventures you dream up. A must-have for adventure addicts like me!

GoPro Hero Session ($200)

GoPro Session

The GoPro Session is GoPro's smaller & cheaper model. Without a screen, this tiny cube can fit just about anywhere — you'll barely notice it. If you aren't an action sports junkie, this will do for most people. Connect to the GoPro App on your smartphone to frame your shots.

Best Mirrorless Travel Cameras

Mirrorless Cameras

Larger than a point & shoot, but smaller than a DSLR, mirrorless digital cameras are all the rage right now. Even professional photographers are starting to switch over due to their small size and ability to produce high-quality images.

I use a mirrorless camera as my main travel camera. They offer more features than a point & shoot, like the ability to use interchangeable lenses, and a larger sensor with better low-light capability and detail.

Sony A7 Series ($1300 – $3200)

Sony A7ii

The Sony A7 II is one of the best travel cameras money can buy. Sony is on the cutting edge of camera technology lately, and other brands are having trouble keeping up. There are a few different models available.

The Sony A7S II is geared towards videographers, with extremely good low-light capabilities. The Sony A7R III is geared for professional photographers who want super-fast focusing and a giant full-frame sensor.

One big downside to the A7 line is the lack of a full swivel screen for vlogging.

Fujifilm X‑T2 ($1500)

Fujifilm X‑T2

Sony A6500 ($1200)

Sony A6500

The Sony A6500 is an even smaller version of Sony's awesome A7 mirrorless camera. The big difference is a slightly smaller APS-C cropped sensor, and less weatherproofing to protect against rain.

The A6500 also shoots 4k video, shoots faster photos than the A7, and has a touch-screen. For a more budget friendly version, the older Sony A6000 is almost just as capable, for almost $700 hundred dollars less!

DSLR Cameras

Digital SLR Cameras (DSLR) wouldn't be my first choice for a travel camera. I've included a few here, because some people still prefer the larger body.

However personally I think most people would be better off with a mirrorless camera these days. Especially if you are trying to keep your travel gear weight to a minimum.

Nikon D3400 ($400)

Nikon D3400

Canon 80D ($1000)

Canon 80D

Using Your Smartphone

Can you use your smartphone for travel photography? Of course you can! You'll sacrifice a bit of quality due to the super small camera sensor in phones, but if you're only publishing to the web, most people won't notice.

Another downside is lack of a physical zoom feature (digital zooming doesn't produce great results).

Some smartphones can even shoot in RAW format these days though. I travel with an iPhone 7+, but the Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 2 also take amazing photos & video. Smartphones are also great backup cameras too.

What About Camera Lenses?

You honestly don't need a million different camera lenses. When I first started, I only used a single general-purpose lens while I was learning.

If you have money to burn, then get two: a wide angle zoom and a telephoto zoom.

These two lenses will allow you to capture a mix of landscapes, portraits, and wildlife from a distance. However lugging around multiple lenses and changing them back & forth can be annoying if you're new to photography.

To keep things easy, I'd recommend only one lens at first. Something with a decent focal range, around 18mm – 55mm or 28mm – 70mm.

When looking at a lens aperture, the lower the number, the better it will be in low light. F2.8 or F4 should cover you for most situations. If you want to shoot star photography, go with F2.8 or lower.

Flying my DJI Mavic Over Hawaii

Drones For Travel Photography

Drones are incredible tools for capturing images & video in a totally different perspective. But this probably isn't the most important travel camera for the average person.

Many places have restrictions on flying personal drones, for example US National Parks, and even entire countries. So you need to do your research to avoid heavy fines or confiscation.

If you REALLY want a drone, I'd recommend the DJI Spark for beginners. It's tiny, pretty affordable, and very easy to use.

If you eventually want to make money from your drone photography, and have a larger budget, than you'll completely fall in love with the more professional DJI Mavic Pro. You can see my review video here.

All My Camera Gear

What Travel Cameras Do I Use?

I actually travel with 4-5 different cameras on my adventures around the world. This is a bit overkill for most people.

However travel photography is how I make my living, so I invest in gear to help me accomplish my job. When I first started 7 years ago, all I used was a Canon 7D and a GoPro Hero.

The camera backpack I use is called a LowePro Whistler 350. It's got room for a 15″ laptop, jacket, and incredibly fits all 5 travel cameras, lenses & some accessories if I need it to — great as an airplane carry-on.

Travel Photography Tips

I want to let you in on a little travel photography secret. Even if you have a top-of-the-line $10,000 camera, your photos aren't going to be spectacular if you don't know how to use it.

And I don't mean pressing the shutter — I mean:

Learning how to shoot in manual mode

How to expose images properly

Adjusting your white balance

Framing shots for maximum impact

Paying attention to light

Post-processing your images with software

You don't become a good photographer because you have a nice camera, your photography improves over time through practice, patience, and skills you learn from others.

So sure, invest in a new travel camera if you think you need it, but remember to invest money & time into learning new photography skills if you really want to create those jealousy-inducing images for your Instagram feed!

Here are some of my favorite beginner travel photography tips.

Who Wants to Win a GoPro?

Free GoPro Session Giveaway!

If you don't have a GoPro action camera yet, but want one, here's your chance to win a GoPro to use on your next travel adventure!

I'm giving one lucky reader their very own GoPro Hero Session 5 (along with some accessories).

I love my GoPro, and travel with it everywhere. It's great for capturing water sports, hiking trips, epic selfies, and hands-free video from my travel adventures around the world.

I've been traveling with a GoPro of some kind for the last 7 years!

Here's an article I wrote about my favorite GoPro accessories for travel, along with examples of how you can use it to capture amazing footage.

OFFICIAL RULES

ELIGIBILITY: Ages 18+Promotion is open and offered to residents of any country. However the winner will be responsible for their own country's customs fees.

CHOOSING A WINNER:A winner will be selected at random from the list of entries, and notified by email on December 3rd. If the winner does not respond within one week, an alternate winner will be chosen at random.

PRIZE:The winner will receive (1) GoPro Hero Session, (1) GoPro Backpack, and (1) GoPro Selfie Stick. Prize value worth $450. Prizes are shipped to winner's chosen address. Local customs fees are not included in the prize.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Click Here For Details

How To Enter Contest

Enter your name and email address below and follow the instructions.

You'll have the option to earn extra contest entries (and more chances to win!) by completing certain tasks.

Good luck, and I look forward to congratulating the winner! ★

Pin This!

Have any questions about travel cameras? What about other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Source: How To Choose The Best Travel Camera (Plus Win A Free GoPro!)

Top 10: Best DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras (December 2017)

Here's the Stark Insider Top 10 DSLR & mirrorless cameras for December 2017.

Looking to buy or gift a DSLR or mirrorless camera? You've come to the right place. We've rolled up 10 of our favorite cameras as selected from rigorous tests, and hours of intense use for actual projects. Yes, a camera body may or may not have been dropped at least once. All in the name of shopping science.

Whether you're a stills shooter, a videographer or a beginner or seasoned pro looking to upgrade, you should be able to find something to help satisfy your shopping mission.

We run the gamut in this top 10 list, from a $448 Sony a6000 mirrorless all the way up to a (gulp) $13,000+ Hasselblad medium format body. In between, lots of sane choices from the likes of Canon, Olympus, Blackmagic, Sony and Nikon, among others. Ah, choice!

As for me, I've been shooting video and stills here on Stark Insider for about 13 years (my Vimeo channel). Here's an example of a recent video we shot for LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil:

I have an important rule for these kinds of lists: I need to have personally handled and shot with a camera for it to get a mention. Every camera on this list is one I've used at least once — either for an actual project or for a camera test (disclosure: except for the Hasselblad as you might have guessed). Some I rent, others I borrow, and a few I own.

Specifically, I typically use one of three cameras for Stark Insider projects: a Canon Cinema EOS C100 (documentary and interviews); Panasonic Lumix GH5 (filmmaking, music videos, travel & times where discretion is necessary); and a 5K RED Scarlet-W (narrative, fashion films and other commercial work).

At the end of the day, however, I've learned that just about everything else is more important than the camera body itself. Lighting. Sound. Composition. Camera movement. Acting. Wardrobe. And on and on. Just something to keep in mind.

Here's the top 10 list of DSLR and mirrorless cameras I think are worthy of your consideration.

Happy shooting!

Top 10: Best DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras (December 2017)

Top Pick: Canon EOS Rebel T7iWhy: Easy to use with advanced features including outstanding auto-focus and a high performance 24MP sensor.Price: $799 (USD) on Amazon

Canon makes some of the best DSLRs, so it may not be a surprise that I think this is one of the best bodies to jumpstart your photography or videography pursuits. In the T7i you're getting everything the company has learned about building cameras in a package that screams quality. A lot of that has to do with a stellar 24MP APS-C sensor. Yes, it's an entry level camera, but Canon didn't skimp. There's a first class 45-point auto-focus system, easy-to-use menus, and all the latest technology including wi-fi and Bluetooth. This is a great camera for those wanting to learn the basics of photography such as aperture, ISO and shutter speed controls. And, unlike a smartphone, the lens is interchangeable (Canon EF mount) so there's lots of opportunity to learn about choosing and using lenses for the right shooting scenarios. Highly recommended.

Also consider: Sony Alpha a6000, Nikon D3400, Canon EOS Rebel T6

Quick tip:

Want to learn how to expose images properly? Check out this great article by PetaPixel that explains shutter speed, aperture, and ISO and the importance of their relationship and how to adjust them depending on the situation:

Top Pick: Panasonic Lumix GH5Why: Best-in-class features for video shooters including 10-bit 4:2:2 files, dual SD cards, filmmaking tools (focus peaking, waveform monitor, optional log mode), and 4K/60 for slow motion.Price: $1,998 (USD) on Amazon

Panasonic promised a lot, and it delivered even more. The GH5 — a successor to the widely heralded GH4 — is one of, if not the most exciting camera releases this year. If you shoot serious video there's not question the GH5 needs to be on your short list. 10-bit 4:2:2 video. Dual SD card slots. Option V-Log mode ($100 add-on). 4K/60 in camera. Waveform monitor. Focus peaking. Dual image stabilization (when used with compatible lens). What more could you possibly want? At its price point, nothing comes close. I was a former Canon DSLR video shooter (T2i->60D->70D->80D). No longer. I now use the GH5 for about 90% of our projects here on Stark Insider. The GH5 is… in a word… phenomenal.

Also consider: Sony Alpha a7S II, Sony Alpha a6500, Canon EOS 80D

Top Pick: Canon EOS Rebel T6Why: Inexpensive, but enough features and capability to get the job done in most situations.Price: $399 (USD) on Amazon

$399 is not bad given all you get with Canon's Rebel T6. The image for video is just fine, though keep in mind you only get HD 1080p and not 4K. I used a T6 to shoot this video in San Francisco and liked its performance:

Keep in mind you do sacrifice some capabilities. For instance, the sensor is "only" 18MP so you'll get fewer pixels to work with, but that shouldn't be an issue unless you're printing out large format prints to hang on a wall (in that case consider the above mentioned T7i or other cameras with a 24MP sensor like the Sony a6500).

Also consider: a used Rebel T2i (try eBay), Fujifilm X-A10, Sony Alpha a6000

Best Camera for Landscape/Travel/Wildlife: Sony a7R III

Top Pick: Sony a7R IIIWhy: A technological triumph. Lots of pixels. Beautiful image. Svelte design is welcome for those traveling, climbing mountains or working in tight spaces.Price: $3,198 (USD) on Amazon

Say hello to the 42MP mirrorless beast known as the Sony a7R III. For wildlife, landscape and travel-style video episodes, the a7R III is pretty hard to beat. Yes, it has an incredible sensor that captures plenty of dynamic range with pleasing colors. But it's also full-frame. That's important when you want to capture panoramic shots and wide angles. Unlike a crop sensor (APS-C) with full-frame you get a larger field-of-view. Basically, you get more to look at. One minor compromise is that you get less bokeh (or depth-of-field) — use the right lens and this becomes a non issue. Working in low light? a7R will astound you with its ability to capture relatively clean images even with no lights. An absolutely performance breakthrough. Very highly recommended (if you can stomach the price).

Also consider: Nikon D850, Sony Alpha a7R II, Canon 6D Mark II, Canon 5D Mk IV

Best Camera for the Pro Photographer: Canon 5DS

Top Pick: Canon 5DSWhy: High performance in all regards. New 50MP sensor. 61-point AF.Price: $3,499 (USD) on Amazon

Canon's new flagship DSLR is the 5DS, and it's stacked with goodness. A serious camera for serious shooters who want the best. It starts with Canon's new 50MP sensor. Combined with 61-point AF and some impressive image processing hardware and you can expect outstanding all-around performance. It's OK for picking up occasional 1080p video, but I'd recommend this one primarily for those concerned first with stills. For those of you who live and die by your photos, the 5DS will serve and protect.

Also consider: Sony a9, Sony a7R III, Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, Nikon D850

Best Camera for Wedding Videography, Music Videos & Events: Panasonic Lumix GH5

Top Pick: Panasonic Lumix GH5Why: High quality 4K video with 4K/60 and 10-bit 4:2:2 color. Dual IS works exceptionally well, making the GH5 a smart choice for handheld work. MFT lens mounts offers plenty of options with adapters.Price: $1,998 (USD) on Amazon

Wedding shooters typically require a camera that can operate in a variety of setups: tripod, handheld, gimbal, drone, etc. 4K is typically important for re-framing in post. As is lens flexibility and long-form storage recording options. For all those reasons — and many more — the Panasonic GH5 is an easy recommendation. Dual SD card slots will provide peace of mind (you can choose redundancy so you always have 2 copies of your footage) and the ability to add on something like the Metabones Speedbooster adapter means you can use Canon glass, and benefit from an extra stop of light and slightly wider FOV. Lots to like. At about $2,000 USD the GH5 body is not cheap, but its performance level far outweighs its class, and for serious wedding operations buying several of these will likely be within budget. No wonder wedding filmmakers love the GH5. I expect that trend to continue.

Also consider (note that some of these are not DSLRs): Canon EOS Cinema C100 Mark II, Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro, Sony Alpha a7S II

Top Pick: Blackmagic Micro Cinema CameraWhy: Filmic image quality that belies its price. Everything an aspiring filmmaker could want in a tiny package at a very reasonable price.Price: $999 (USD) on Amazon

Blackmagic is not exactly a household name here in the U.S. But among filmmakers the Australian A/V up-start is making some high performance gear for the price. Take the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera. It's only $995, but you'd never know it by looking at the image this tiny camera produces. It is gobsmacking. Just gorgeous. Yes, it's only 1080p (no 4K option), but never mind that because if you're an aspiring filmmaker or a film student, the BMMCC is a superb option to complement your studies and short film experiments. It's not an easy camera to use and it eats batteries, but in my view it's about the closest you can get to a RED or Arri image without spending tens of thousands of dollars. Highly recommended (just know this not a camera for those looking for something that is automatic).

Also consider: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Panasonic Lumix GH5

Top Pick: Sony Alpha a6000Why: Compact camera with plenty of performance. 24MP APS-C sensor produces high quality stills and pleasing HD video (1920×1080). Somewhat confusing menu layout, but otherwise fairly easy to use. Fast and accurate AF (for stills).Price: $498 (USD) on Amazon

Yes you could buy the fancier and newer a6500, but then again its little baby brother does everything almost as well, has the same 24MP APS-C sensor and costs far less. Plus, it comes in a tiny package, perfect for serious travel shooters who want something light, but don't want to compromise. Bring a few prime lenses along with you and the a6000 packs a punch, delivering a nice image, and with controls that are relatively easy to use (though I do wish Sony would simplify the menu layout). Battery life is decent, if not quite as good as what you'll get on a (larger) DSLR. AF performance is blazing fast and in my experience very reliable. A terrific little camera for travel shooters. Highly recommended (if you want 4K get the a6500).

Also consider: Sony a6500, Fujifilm X-T20

Top Pick: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Why: Because you want to look timeless doing your job in the field.Price: $799 (USD) on Amazon

It has the it factor. And why not? Sometimes a sexy camera body is a sexy camera body. If you find yourself in a LIFE magazine cover story about your photographic adventures, you want something like this Olympus E-M5 hanging around your neck — especially in silver. Yes, it might not influence the final result much, but looking cool might count for something right? You be the judge. But in my books this camera just looks beautiful (fortunately it performs exceptionally well too).

Also consider: Leica D-Lux (Type 109)

Top Pick: Hasselblad X1D-50c 4116 EditionWhy: You won the lottery!Price: $13,395 (USD) on Amazon

So you just won the lottery? Here's what to buy after your mom has picked out a new house: a rarefied Hasselblad medium format camera. Because.

Also consider: a Lamborghini.

Follow Stark Insider on Twitter and Facebook. Join our 11,000 subscribers who read SI on tablets and smartphones on Google Newsstand. Prefer video? Watch us on Amazon Prime or subscribe to Stark Insider on YouTube, the largest arts & travel channel in San Francisco.
Source: Top 10: Best DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras (December 2017)

Best Cyber Monday Camera Deals

© Namphon2U / Shutterstock.com Hand holding camera. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, there are tons of great year-end photography deals going on right now. From kits perfect for a beginner, to video-capable mirrorless and DSLR cameras, and even high-end, high-performance bundles. we've scoured the internet looking for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts and you'll find them all below.

(Be sure to also check out our Cyber Monday deals guides for a lot more sales.)

Handpicked WIRED Cyber Monday Guides: Our Favorite Camera Deals Panasonic Lumix G7 with 14-42 kit lens - $497 ($302 off)

Buy on Amazon, Adorama, or B&H Photo

This compact mirrorless camera is a great way to get back into photography. With a sharp 16 megapixel sensor, the G7 also can shoot crystal-clear 4K video way better than any phone can manage. Pair this with your phone over Wi-Fi and you're sure to crush it on Instagram.

Refurbished Canon Rebel T6 for $228 ($221 off)

Buy from Canon

This entry-level DSLR is a steal! Even though it's refurbished, Canon guarantees its refurb products are closely checked and gives them a standard 1-year warranty against defects. The T6 isn't the newest DSLR on the block, but it's a great starter for the budding photographer in your family.

Sony A6000 with 16-50mm power zoom lens for $498 ($152 off)

Buy on Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama

This APS-C mirrorless camera performs at a very high level for this price, giving you fast autofocus and good-looking HD video. It's also smaller and easier to carry than a normal DSLR, which means it's a cinch to take just about anywhere.

Sony A7 with 28-70mm lens for $998 ($200 off)

Buy on Amazon, Adorama, or B&H Photo

Even though it's a few years old, the Sony A7 is still an impressive camera with a 24-megapixel, 35mm sensor under the hood. Grabbing a full-frame for under a grand is pretty astounding, but getting a kit lens thrown in is even better. You'll be ready to capture family moments throughout the new year.

Canon EOS M100 with 15-45mm lens - $499 ($100 off)

Buy on Amazon, Adorama, or B&H Photo

Canon's compact camera system was slow to start, but it's mature and easily recommended for anyone looking for a new camera. The M100 has Wi-Fi so you'll be able to transfer your pics to your phone in a jif.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III with 14-42mm power kit lens - $699 ($100 off)

Buy on Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama

Released this year, the newest Olympus OM-D is a stylish, sophisticated choice that's as cute as it is capable. It's rare that a brand-new Olympus would see a price-cut this quickly after its announcement, but if you crave high-quality imaging and retro styling, look no further. Adorama and Amazon are both including a handsome carrying case and a 16 GB SD card to get things started on the right foot.

Nikon D3400 with two lenses and bag - $546 ($300 off)

Buy on B&H Photo

It's that time of the year—time for great deals on starter DSLR kits like this one from Nikon. This camera is a couple of years old, but it's largely the same as the current D3500 that costs a bit more. This is a great deal on a solid little camera that can produce some very nice images. With a standard 18-55mm kit lens and a 55-200mm zoom, you'll be ready for any family event or outing.

Canon T6 with two lenses and bag - $449 ($300 off)

Buy on B&H Photo

Prefer Canon to Nikon? This twin-lens starter kit includes the Rebel T6 comes with everything you'll need to become the family's go-to shutterbug in 2018. Between its 18-55mm standard zoom and a 75-300mm lens, you get enough reach to keep your kids in the frame even from the back row of the school auditorium.

Nikon D750 with 24-120mm lens and battery grip for $1996 ($1,429 off)

Buy on Adorama, B&H Photo

If you've always wanted to get into photography in a big way, then this lightweight Nikon DSLR is the way to do it. Including a long zoom lens, you'll be able to shoot the soccer game or ballet recital with ease, and the full-frame 24-megapixel sensor is sure to give you results you'll love. Adorama and B&H are including a bag and other goodies so you'll be ready to start shooting as soon as the battery is fully charged.

Canon EOS 80D with 18-135mm lens - $1,299 ($500 off)

Buy on Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Photo

Buy the EOS 80D Video Creators Kit on Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Photo

Got an aspiring YouTuber in the house? Grab this discounted Canon DSLR to give them a leg-up on the competition. Featuring Dual Pixel autofocus, this video-centric DSLR will give them cinematic focus pulls and high-quality HD footage. You can even spend $100 more to get this Canon bundled with a shotgun microphone, a power zoom attachment, and an SD card in a special video creators' bundle.

Our Favorite Lens Deals $100 off Sigma's ART lenses for Canon and Nikon

Shop Sigma SLR Lenses on Adorama, B&H Photo

Sigma's amazing, award-winning lenses for DSLRs all bear the ART designation for good reason—they're among the sharpest, most affordable high-quality primes you can buy. If you had held off buying a new lens for yourself or for your photography-obsessed friend, now's the time to save on an amazing family of lenses all hand-assembled in Aizu, Japan by a family-owned and world–renowned lens maker.

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 USM - $469 ($80 off)

Buy on Adorama, and B&H Photo

If you're a Canon DSLR owner looking for a solid wide-angle lens, you can't go wrong with Canon's 28mm f/2.8 gem. Featuring Canon's silent USM focusing and image stabilization, this wide prime is $80 through Cyber Monday.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G - $176 ($40 off)

Buy on B&H Photo

Got a Nikon fan in the family who wants to take their photos to the next level? This autofocus prime lens is super affordable and works with Nikon's APS-C DSLRs and produces very nice photos for the price, especially with the $40 discount in effect.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G - $396 ($50 off)

Buy on Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo

This fast Nikon prime is an ideal upgrade for someone with a full-frame or APS-C Nikon DSLR. The kit lens can only get you so far in photography—this 50mm prime is a great way to see the world from a new perspective. In this case, that perspective is 75mm on a DX camera, and 50mm on an FX full-frame body.

Our Favorite Drone and Action Cam Deals DJI Spark for $399 ($100 off)

Buy for $399 from DJI

This portable drone is perfect for beginners, and it's $100 off through the weekend. It's a great way to cut your teeth on a high-quality quadcopter before spending the big bucks.

$200 off GoPro Karma

Buy the Hero5 Karma for $899 on Amazon, Adorama, or B&H Photo

Buy the Hero6 Karma for $999 on Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo

GoPro's flagship drones are on sale for the holiday weekend, making them $200 cheaper. Whether you're looking for the latest Hero6 onboard or the older but still awesome Hero5, you'll be able to get a nice discount on either one.

$50 off GoPro Hero5 Black

If their old GoPro isn't cutting it any more, give them an upgrade to last year's flagship action cam for only $350. With a rugged, waterproof case, a rear-mounted touchscreen, and signature GoPro modes like super slow-mo and ProTune, this is more than enough camera for most enthusiasts.

Buy the GoPro Hero5 Black for $349 on Jet

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Little dude tries to stay awake for dad

This video is too cute for words! You should definitely check it out and allow yourself a moment to say "awwwwwwww". A toddler boy is sitting in the backseat of his dad's car and he is so clearly ready to fall asleep. His dad talks to him about how tired he is "are you tired buddy?", the boy softly replies "yeah". All of that is super adorable but it isn't the cutest part of video. Not by a long shot! The cutest part is when the dad says "it's okay buddy, you can go to sleep"! AS SOON AS HIS DAD SAYS THIS HE DROPS HIS HEAD AND GOES RIGHT TO SLEEP! nnSeriously! How adorable? He wanted to keep his dad company, so he was fighting sleep on a serious level. Serious enough that he DROPS HIS HEAD and goes right to sleep. Cuteness overload if you ask me.

'Victoria's Secret' Angels talk inspiring their daughters

ET was with Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Lily Aldridge to find out what it's like to pull double duty as Angel moms.

UP NEXT

Source: Best Cyber Monday Camera Deals

These are the best Black Friday deals on cameras and camera accessories

Whether you're looking to upgrade your old film camera or need a gift for a loved one who's interested in photography, Black Friday is the perfect time to shop for a new camera. We've rounded up the best deals on cameras (and their requisite accessories) across the web.

Best Buy

We've already told you about some of the amazing deals at Best Buy this weekend, and the sales on cameras are no exception. Get $20 off the super gift-able instant film camera, or pick up a DSLR camera and get a free memory card. 

Fujifilm - instax mini 9 Instant Film Camera (plus free film) — $49.99 ($20 off)

Fujifilm - Groovy Camera Case — $11.25 ($3.74 off)

Fujifilm - instax mini Instant Color Film (2-Pack) — $12.49 ($2.50 off)

GoPro - HERO5 Black 4K Action Camera (plus $50 gift card) — $349.99 ($50 off)

Essential Accessory kit for GoPro — $29.99 ($30 off)

Nikon - D3400 DSLR Camera with AF-P DX 18-55mm G VR and 70-300mm G ED Lenses — $499.99 ($400 off)

Nikon - D7200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 70-300mm Lenses —$999.99 ($550 off)

Canon - EOS 80D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm IS USM Lens — $1,299.99 ($500 off)

Sunpak - TravelLite Pro Reverse Folding 63" Tripod — $49.99 ($50 off)

Lowepro - Format 160 Camera Bag — $20 ($19.99 off)

B&H

The photo and video superstore specializes in the best equipment for professionals, so if you're looking for high quality gear, this is the place to shop. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera Body with Inkjet Printer Kit — $2,849 with mail-in rebate ($989 off)

Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm and 55-210mm Lenses and Free Accessory Kit — $996 ($350 off)

Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 75-300mm Lenses Kit — $449 ($300 off)

Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera Body with 18-55mm and 55-250mm Lenses Kit — $1,198 ($450 off)

Amazon

Of course, if you're going to be doing the rest of your shopping on Amazon anyway you might as well consolidate and pick up everything you need there. They've got some pretty good camera sales for Black Friday as well. 

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm and EF 75-300mm Zoom Lenses — $449 ($300 off)

Yi Lite Action Camera, Sony Sensor 16MP Real 4K Sports Camera with Built-in WiFi — $67.99 ($68 off)

Erligpowht Common Outdoor Sports Kits for GoPro — $10.89 ($29.10 off)

Kattee Professional Canvas SLR DSLR Camera Backpack Laptop Bag Case — $37.59 ($22.40 off)

12 in 1 Fujifilm Instax Mini 8/8+ or Instax Mini 9 Accessories Bundles — $17.99 ($18 off)

Source: These are the best Black Friday deals on cameras and camera accessories

Here’s A 38% Black Friday Monster Deal On The PANASONIC LUMIX G7 4K Camera

Juan Carlos Ropel, November 23, 2017

Have you been looking for a fully loaded camera with 4K video shooting at a budget price? Well, Amazon's Black Friday Week is offering exactly that, in this case in the form of Panasonic's best-selling Lumix G7 mirrorless 4k camera at a ridiculous price!

If you buy the Lumix G7 (with 14-42mm MEGA O.I.S. Lens) during Black Friday Week you'll get a 38% discount on its listing price, dropping the price from $799.99 to $497.99 plus free shipping, saving you $302.00! Enough to get additional lenses or even another cheaper camera. The Lumix G7 version with the 4-140mm Power O.I.S. Lens is also at discount, but this version is available at a smaller price-drop of 18%, from $1,099.99 to $897.99, saving you from spending $202.00.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is one of many amateur and professional photographers' favorites. Here is why.

Since last year Panasonic has been packing its critically acclaimed line of stylish LUMIX cameras with a host of new technological features, including  4K video recording and powerful new digital sensors. The DMC-G7KK is Panasonic's entry-level interchangeable lens camera, and its ultra-compact design and high-quality image captures have been a hit with photography enthusiasts since it launched.

You can read our own review here:

Panasonic Lumix G7 4K mirrorless camera review

Panasonic Lumix G7 Features:

16 MP Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine 9 – The 16-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds operates like larger DSLR sensors, but is free from artifacts that degrade image quality. Pairing with an updated Venus Engine 9 processor, the G7 delivers fast overall performance with incredible high-resolution images with up to 4592 x 3448 pixels and a sensitivity ISO of 200 – 25,600 (expandable to 100), making it versatile for a wide variety of lighting conditions with consistent results. I

4K UHD Video Recording – The Lumix G7 can record 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30p or 24p frames rates at 100Mbps in MP4 format. Full HD 1080p/60 is also supported, in both MP4 and AVCHD formats, as well as HD and SD resolutions.

Fast and Precise Auto Focus Tracking- Features one of the fastest Auto Focus system on the market that performs well in low-light conditions down to -4 EV. DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) technology is used to quickly calculate the distance to subjects and adjust the focusing position in as little as 0.07 seconds. It's shooting modes allow you to pair high continuous shooting rates with AF; including shooting up to 8 fps with AF-S, 6 fps with AF-C in one area, and 6 fps during live view.

Flexible Expandability Options – The LUMIX G7 can be combined with a variety of microphones, SD Cards and other accessories.

Story by 4k.com
Source: Here's A 38% Black Friday Monster Deal On The PANASONIC LUMIX G7 4K Camera

The new Sony a7RIII camera still eats stars

Jim Kasson published a new report confirming that the new Sony a7RIII mirrorless camera ($3,198) still "eats stars". Dpreview now has a comparison tool that clearly shows the issue. I was told by a reader that the Sony star eater issue is not something that can be resolved because of those reasons:

The smaller body design/size of the Sony A7RIII (and other A series cameras) results in a higher internal camera heat level which means in general a more aggressive noise reduction is necessary across the ISO range, but particularly important in the high ISO range and during long exposures because the accumulated effect of the activated sensor causes the heat to skew the signal/noise ratio and produces much noisier images. This is much more evident in higher resolution cameras like the A7R II & III because the more intense data processing generates more heat and the electronics of a higher resolution sensor means more dark noise in the signal/noise ratio. In order to resolve that a more aggressive noise reduction had to be applied at ISOs > 3200 which causes pixel level stars to be wiped. Pixel level doesn't mean actual pixel sized stars, the threshold is actually 4 pixels that make up an RGB block of the Bayer array since color info is needed to make noise reduction adjus tment, so stars that are ~4 pixels or smaller are at risk of getting removed.

The phase detect AF sensors built into the imaging sensor generate dark noise in the sensor readout, and that is also especially noticeable at ISOs >3200. In addition, even though the PDAF system is not active during the actual capture of a photo, the electronics are passively in a "standby" mode and that generates additional dark noise. Because of this, the PDAF hot spot areas follow a noise reduction algorithm that is different than the rest of the sensor and accounts for that in order to deliver a smooth gradation and even noise pattern.

I was also told that currently because of the hardware limitations there is no way to resolve the issue and that it is not technically an issue at all, it is just a limitation of the hardware. Any fixes that would be applied via firmware would end up exposing the higher noise, which the engineering team determined would be a worse problem for users so it doesn't seem like a proper solution is in the works.

Via SonyAddict (2)

Check the latest Black Friday deals
Source: The new Sony a7RIII camera still eats stars

Finding The Best Camera for Travel Photography

If you are like me, some of your most treasured souvenirs from your travel are your photos (see mine). Which camera you bring will make a difference on the quality of those photos.

Twice in the last three years I have left a camera behind while traveling. One was left in a Buenos Aires taxi and a second disappeared from a rental car in Northern Virginia. So I have had 4 main cameras in the last few years and can provide some perspective on a few different camera options:

SLR Camera

My usual camera for the last few years was an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, specifically a T5i from the Canon Rebel line of cameras.

An SLR has a number of advantages. With an SLR when you are setting up your picture (framing your shot and focusing) you are looking through the actual lens that will be used to shoot the photo, so what you see is closer to what you will actually get in your final photo.

There are a few parts of the camera that are key to the quality of the photos you will take. One is the quality of the lens and the other is the size of the sensor. The sensor is what replaced the film in an old film camera. It is where the light hits the electronics and is turned into a picture. A larger sensor will, as a rule, enable the camera to capture more light and let you take photos in a darker environment. A "full frame" camera has a sensor that is the size of an old frame of film.

SLR cameras also have more flexibility than a point and shoot camera which has a built-in lens. With an SLR camera, you can usually change lenses.

Another factor to look at in an camera is how fast it can take different photos, especially if you want to take pictures of a sporting event or an action shot like a safari trip. Most SLR cameras are good at this kind of burst photography.

Most professional photographers will shoot photos in raw mode, rather than have the camera create jpeg images. When you "shoot in raw" then you will need to spend more time editing your photos later but you will get the best photo you can for the shot you take. Raw photos will take up a lot more space on your camera and on your computer.

Most SLRs these days can also shoot high definition video. Entire movies and TV shows can be shot on an SLR with some great results. The biggest issue is sound. If you do want to shoot videos, I would recommend getting a camera with an external mic jack so you can add a shot gun mic or a lavaliere microphone.

My Experience

The Canon T5i camera I used is not the top of line Canon camera but more of a prosumer model. One of the reasons I was using a Rebel is that when I travel to a country like Morocco, Cambodia or India then I know that the cost of my camera can easily be more than a year's wage for some families. A more expensive camera makes you a bigger target for property theft. Also if you are going to start handing out cameras to taxi drivers on a regular basis, as I appear to be doing, then that lost or stolen camera will hurt less if it is less expensive.

Despite the fact that my camera could take multiple lenses, I found that traveling with multiple lenses was a hassle. I never had the right lens on the camera for the shot that I wanted. I found it better for travel to have a flexible lens so I could take the shot I wanted before I lost the opportunity. I needed a lens where I could take the wide shot and then zoom in and take a more detailed shot.

My standard lens was a Tamron AF 18-250mm zoom lens which would let me take both wide angle and zoom shots. It had a good manual zoom (which I find faster than automatic) and good auto focus. There are better and more expensive lenses, especially some of the lenses from Canon itself, but the Tamron lens gives good value for the money in a flexible lens.

Despite the ability to shoot in raw, I still mostly shot in JPEG. I was not shooting for magazine covers, but mostly for photos to illustrate blog posts. JPEG was good enough for what I needed with a lot less effort needed to edit the photos and a lot less space needed on memory cards and hard disks.

I only had one battery for my Canon 5ti. I could go on vacation and shoot pictures for a week in many cases without recharging. Using more flash photos or shooting more video will make the battery drain faster.

I loved my SLR, but one thing I did not like was the weight. The Rebel is reasonably light for an SLR, weighing in at 2.21 with the lens on (not counting extra battery, strap and case). But having that weight around your neck or on your arm gets tiring after a long day. Also, the size and shape of the camera makes for awkward packing in a backpack when I check my luggage (never put expensive electronics like a camera, computer, iPad, or iPhone in checked luggage).

Point and Shoot Camera

With my most recent camera purchase I actually went back to a point and shoot camera, a camera with a built-in lens. I used to use a point and shoot camera so in many ways it feels like I am moving backwards as a photographer. But if I get over the stigma that a point and shoot might give me with my photographer friends there are some advantages with a modern point and shoot.

Pretty much any modern point and shoot camera can take good photos in daylight photography. Like their SLR cousins, most of these cameras can shoot in automatic or manual modes. They can also detect faces, auto focus and shoot video.

One advantage that they have is weight. On my recent trip to India I was shooting with a Canon PowerShot SX60 HS which has a built-in 65x optical zoom lens that still lets me get close up shots even like these shot from a distance on a moving boat. I love that even in morning light I could take the wide shot, zoom in for medium distance and this zoom in closer for close up. Not bad for a handheld camera on a moving boat.

While my Rebel weighed 1000 grams / 2.21 pounds, the Powershot weighs only 650 grams / 1.43 pounds and is half the size which makes it easier to carry with me. If you don't carry your camera because it is inconvenient then it doesn't matter how good the camera is.

The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS was also cheaper at $449 instead of than the Canon T5i which was $898 for camera and lens.

My Experience

One thing I don't like about the new Canon PowerShot SX60 HS is that instead of looking through the lens I am looking at an LCD, even when I look through the eyepiece. This not only doesn't give me as good a view, but because it is always running that LCD, this camera goes through a battery in a couple of days so I have to be much more careful to recharge. On our that recent boat trip on the Ganges river in Varanasi, I burned through the battery in a single morning. Of course, I took hundreds of photos.

I also don't like the automatic zoom. With practice, I could focus and fire faster with my SLR. So I caught a few more shots that I may not catch now.

That being said, I am happy with the photos that I am getting and loving the weight and size differences.

I also enjoy that the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS has wi-fi so I can pull photos off the camera straight to my iPhone for posting to Instagram (see Chris2x on Instagram).

Mirrorless Cameras

The other technology that I looked at was the new mirrorless cameras. These cameras take the SLR design and shrink it by taking out the mirror that an SLR uses to switch between having the lens direct light to your eye to focus and to the sensor to actually take the picture.

A number of my photographer friends have switched to the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera as at least part of their kit.

No doubt that the Sony and other cameras in this class take great photos but they are still more expensive by the time you add the kind of flexible zoom lens I like. They burn through batteries quickly as well.

My next camera may still be a mirrorless camera.

iPhone's Camera

We need to stop and talk about that other camera that is always in your pocket, your smartphone. The modern smart phone (mine is an iPhone 7) takes great photos… as long as you don't want to zoom in. It also takes particularly great video because of the built-in lens stabilization that you would only find on a very expensive lens on an SLR.

When I was in the Philippines last year I took a ride on top of a Jeepney. I shot video with both my iPhone and with my SLR but only ended up using the video from my iPhone (except for one shot) because it was much less jittery and therefore quite superior in quality. Since that trip, my iPhone has become my primary device for video. Yes, I can zoom in and take video on my larger camera, but unless the camera is on a tripod, that video is useless because zooming in makes camera shake even more obvious.

Here are some other videos shot on my iPhone:

 I also shoot photos on my iPhone because it is still the quickest way to post to Facebook or Instagram.

Conclusion

There are a number of good options for travel photography. What have found works best for you?

 

Source: Finding The Best Camera for Travel Photography

Rent a Hasselblad, Because No One Can Afford a $9K Camera

Hasselblad recently introduced the sexpot X1D-50c mirrorless camera—tall, slim, and cool to the touch, with a medium format sensor.

Its $9,000 price tag, however, is the world's most expensive cockblock.

The Swedish manufacturer has taken pity on customers, this week launching the "Rent a Hasselblad" program, which offers on-demand access to its products.

"Owning a Hasselblad medium format camera system is a significant investment even for a successful high-paid photographer," marketing manager Bronius Rudnickas said in a statement.

Amen to that.

So, instead of dropping two months' salary on one piece of equipment (that doesn't include lenses or accessories), anyone can now take the shooter for a test drive.

The X1D-50c mirrorless camera comes with a $9,000 price tag (via Hasselblad)

"Rent a Hasselblad" is a global online service that allows photographers to book cameras and lenses for a select period, based on needs—a photoshoot, a wedding, a vacation. Give the gear a spin (not literally; the "you break it, you buy it" policy probably applies) before making a long-term investment.

At launch, folks can book the X1D-50c and a selection of XCD lenses at dozens of pick-up locations around the world. More models and venues will added as the program grows.

According to the reservation site, the camera body alone costs $90 per day; add XCD 3,2/90MM and 3,5/45MM lenses for $26 or $22 a day, respectively. The project also allows buyers to offset rental expenses against the purchase price in the future.

"Many professional photographers and enthusiasts haven't had the opportunity to see what they're able to create with Hasselblad's medium format technology," Rudnickas said.

"The 'Rent a Hasselblad' program is designed to change that," he continued, "and we're looking forward to seeing what photographers are able to produce having easier access to our photographic tools."

For more, see Geek sister site PCMag's review of the Hasselblad X1D-50c (which received a three-out-of-five "good" rating from resident shutterbug Jim Fisher).

Let us know what you like about Geek by taking our survey.

Source: Rent a Hasselblad, Because No One Can Afford a $9K Camera

The Ultimate Sony E Mount Camera and Lens Guide For 2017

If you're looking for the end all be all guide to Sony's Mirrorless System, look no further

Well, the time has come for us to start doing our end of the year posts and one way we are planning to do that is with these 'ultimate guide' posts. On the docket for today is Sony, which has managed to make it yet another year without any full frame mirrorless competitors to their E mount system; and having released maybe the first truly competitive mirrorless sports camera in the A9 and quite possibly the best all around camera in terms of Resolution/Speed with their A7R III.

We have posted a lot of great Sony guides here over the last year regarding everything from cameras to lenses, accessories and everything in-between. If you're looking for an easy place to get some information on Sony's E-Mount system then you are in the right place.

You can find a complete listing of our 2017 Sony guides below, however, before we can started we wanted to take a moment and highlight one of our Sony guides for portrait photographers. In this guide we will take a look at what we considered to be an ideal budget portrait kit for Sony mirrorless photographers. If you shoot portraits and are considering getting into the Sony system then you should have a look at this!

The essential Budget Portrait Kit: Sony Mirrorless Photographer (Read It)

Lens Guides

If there is one area where the Sony system has faired well over their mirrorless competition it has been through the adoption of third-party manufacturers in producing lenses for E/FE cameras. This has been a great help to Sony as the company has worked hard to bring their lens system up to be competitive with their closest competition. While they still have some holes, the lenses that they released in 2017, combined with that of the third-party lens makers, has led to a rather robust lens ecosystem that hits most of the needs your average photographer may have.

We have put together quite a few lens guides based around Sony's lenses this year and you can have a look at them below:

Perfect Portrait: 3 Budget Portrait Lenses for the Sony E System Under $1000 (Check It Out)

The Best Bang for Your Buck Wide Angle Lenses For Sony's E-Mount System (Check It Out)

Which One? Comparing 85mm Lenses For Sony's FE Mount System (Check It Out)

The Best Lenses For The Sony A7II, A7s II, and A7R III (Check It Out)

After the Kit: 5 Killer Lens Upgrades For Your Sony E-Mount Camera (Check It Out)

Three Kits: Wedding Photography With The Sony Mirrorless System (Check It Out)

Camera Guides

Sony did not have a ton of announcements in terms of cameras this year; but what they did announce will have a lot of implications on the mirrorless market and the overall photography market as a whole. The Sony A9 is without a doubt the most interested sports/action mirrorless camera on the market, and later on the A7R III, which looks to be quite possibly the best all around compromise of size, resolution and speed on the market right now. It's quite possible many of you getting into the Sony system recently or in the near future are joining because of one of these two cameras.

Which One? Sony A6500 vs Fujifilm X-T2 vs Fujifilm X-Pro2 (Check It Out)

Which Sony Mirrorless Camera Is Right For You? (Check It Out)

How To Get Better Battery Life Out Of Your Sony Mirrorless Camera (Check It Out)

How To Get Film-Like Black and White Images Out Of Your Sony Mirrorless Camera (Check It Out)

Our Review of the Sony A9 (Check It Out)

Our First Impressions On The New Sony A7R III (Check It Out)

So there you have it, our complete guide listing for the Sony E Mount System in 2017. If you are looking for guides on other camera systems stay tuned, those will be coming out soon as well – but also,make sure and check out our last one on the Fujifilm X-Series.

Source: The Ultimate Sony E Mount Camera and Lens Guide For 2017