by Chris Gampat on April 23, 2012
Nikon recently updated their 85mm f1.8 lens to the current G version: something it was in need of for a while. 85mm lenses are primarily used as portrait focal lengths are are preferred by many because it allows them to work up close to their subject and still not suffer from distortion. We’ve reviewed many 85mm lenses on this site, and the staff are in agreement that they’re amongst some of our favorite focal lengths.
But how does the new Nikon budget level portrait focal length do? After testing it out against the Canon 85mm f1.8 and showing off a couple of image samples, our conclusions may shock you.
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by Chris Gampat on April 19, 2012
Which one? The Fuji X Pro 1, the Olympus OMD EM5, or the Sony NEX 7? These three cameras seem to be the current flagship of their respective camera systems. We’ve had hands on time with each camera already and feel that there is a sufficient lack of major information out there on the internet. Sure, everyone is comparing the high ISOs and looking at charts on image quality; but there is much more to a camera than that. What about the viewfinders? Or the ergonomics? Or the practicality of the lens selection?
Let’s take a look.
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by Chris Gampat on March 28, 2012
I’ve seen, held and played with the Fujifilm X Pro 1 before; but never long enough to really make any substantial judgements about it. Recently though, that changed and I was treated to a good hour or so of playtime with the camera. Not only the camera though: but the entire system of lenses in the form of the 18mm f2.0, 35mm f1.4 and 60mm f2.4.
What’s different about this hands-on review from all the rest though is that I was able to put an SD card in the camera. However, I must warn you all that I handled a pre-production model and that the image quality is perhaps not the final version. If the image quality isn’t the final version, I may just cry. Why? To be honest, I haven’t been this excited about a mirrorless camera since the Olympus EP3 was announced.
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by Chris Gampat on February 12, 2012
After reviewing the Sony NEX C3, I have been dying to get my hands on the 5N (5n). Though initial reviews have shown the earlier versions to have clicking problems when recording video, my version did not seem to have that fault. I have already done a hands on review of the Rokinon 8mm f2.8 fisheye lens using the 5N, and I’ve also compared it to the Canon 5D Mk II in a real life situation.
So as Sony’s middle child (with the C3 being the low end and 7 being the high end) can the 5N really prove to excel above some of the competition?
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by Chris Gampat on February 6, 2012
Nikon finally announced what all the fanboys and girls were waiting for after leaks of the worst kept secret ever: the Nikon D800 full frame successor to the D700. Sporting a new 36.3MP full frame CMOS sensor, 91,000 pixel RGB sensor (metering), and an advanced Scene recognition system, it sounds like the camera that lots of enthusiasts and pros alike have been asking for.
More images and specs after the jump; but if you want to read the press release, check out Nikon’s press room section.
Available for Pre-order at B&H Photo: D800 and D800E
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by Chris Gampat on December 28, 2011
The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC is an extremely popular lens amongst budget conscious users. With a constant f2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range and the added value of having vibration compensation it’s not hard to see why consumers spring for this lens. Designed for those with APS-C sized sensor cameras, the equivalent focal range on a Nikon DSLR such as the D5100 is around 25.5-75mm; making it an essential event and workhorse lens for many pros and semi-professionals.
But is all perfect with the lens?
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