June 10, 2019 Donald Scarinci

Leica recently unveiled the Q2, the sequel to its popular compact full-frame Q camera and it is a winner.  The revamped model features a number of new features, including a 47.3MP sensor, 4K video, and weather-sealing. Leica released the original Q in 2014. The latest iteration incorporates Leica’s latest technology, while preserving the compact footprint of the Q. To start, the Q2’s newly developed 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor delivers the highest resolution in its class. The Q2 features three cropped capture modes, which provide fields of view equivalent to 35mm, 50mm and 75mm in excess of lens’ optical focal length…

March 4, 2019 Donald Scarinci

Sigma unveiled five new lenses at Photokina. One of the most highly-anticipated is the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens, which is the world’s first 10x optical zoom telephoto lens with a tele end of 600mm. Not surprisingly, sports and wildlife are eager to test it out. Image courtesy of www.bhphotovideo.com Sigma’s new mega-zoom lens features 25 elements in 19 groups, with three FLD (low dispersion) and one SLD (special low dispersion) element to control chromatic aberration. According to Sigma, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is equipped with an “intelligent” OS featuring the latest algorithm, which…

December 3, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon has released its first mirrorless cameras to somewhat mixed reviews. However, whether people like them or not, the mirrorless camera is the most significant shift in Nikon’s product line since auto focus and some speculate that it is the future of Nikon’s product line. Digital Trends Just like when Nikon introduced auto focus several decades ago, Nikon lenses are eternal.  Fortunately, an F-Mount adapter enables the use of just about the entire line of Nikon’s F-Mount NIKKOR lenses with the new camera. Notwithstanding what would appear to be an inevitable shift in the product line…

August 27, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon’s much-anticipated Z7 camera is finally here. Based on the early reviews, Nikon’s new mirrorless full-frame camera exceeds the hype. Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Digital Camera As more fully detailed in a prior article, this is Nikon’s first entry into the mirrorless camera market. The cameras are unique in that they lack the complex internal mirror system of DSLRs. As a result, there is also no optical viewfinder, which means photographers must rely on the rear screen or an electronic viewfinder. After much speculation about how Nikon would design its maiden mirrorless camera, the company did not disappoint. According to Nikon, the Z7…

July 30, 2018 Donald Scarinci

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR ultra-wide lens is a bargain at around $300. The lens, which debuted last year, is designed for DX-format F-mount DSLRs where it provides a 15-30mm equivalent focal length range. Overall, the lens performs surprisingly well given the price point. It far surpasses any kit lens. To start, it includes Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, a feature that is often absent in lower-priced lenses and can prove invaluable when shooting handheld and in low light. The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR also features a pulse stepping motor AF system, which benefits both video and…

July 16, 2018 Donald Scarinci

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) recently announced the winners of the annual TIPA WORLD AWARDS for the Best Imaging Products of 2018. When it comes to photography, Nikon won big. The Nikon D850 won for Best DSLR Professional, while the Nikon D7500 was awarded Best APS-C DSLR Expert. In addition, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4Fl ED VR was named the Best Professional Lens. Photo from bhphotovide.com Along with cameras and lenses that cover every category, from entry level to professional, the TIPA WORLD AWARD winners included a wide range of products and services…

July 2, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Sigma continues to expand its offering of mirrorless lenses. Its latest entry is the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens. Photo from Mirrorless Comparison The high performance prime lens is designed for APS-C Mirrorless cameras, including Sony E mount and Micro Four Thirds. On a Sony E-mount APS-C format camera, it is equivalent to 24mm, while on a Micro Four Thirds ILC it functions as a 32mm medium-wide. It also fully accommodates Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF. With a fast, bright f/1.4 aperture, the mirrorless lens excels in low-light conditions. While intended for nature and event…

November 20, 2017 Donald Scarinci

The Panasonic ZS70/TZ90 is one of the best travel cameras currently on the market. Equipped with a Leica lens 30x optical zoom lens, the camera delivers stunning 4k photos and video. While using a camera with the red dot that says “Leica” is cool and high-end, this Panasonic performs just about the same and maybe better than the Leica. It just doesn’t have the red dot.   Panasonic introduced its latest travel zoom camera this spring. The new features of the Lumix DC-ZS70 (TZ90 outside of North America) include a 20.3MP MOS sensor, flip-up 3-inch touchscreen display, and Panasonic’s Depth-from-Defocus AF system….

November 6, 2017 Donald Scarinci

As Jean-Luc Godard aptly described, “When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it.  What is the best lens to use for portrait photography? When shooting portraits, your lens should deliver a sharply defined subject with just the right amount of bokeh. For owners of Nikon DSLRs, there are several great options at a variety of different price points. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to create stunning portrait photography. If you are in the market for a new portrait lens for your Nikon, below are several models to put on your…

October 23, 2017 Donald Scarinci

Nikon recently announced the D850. Unlike the prior upgrades from the D800/e to the D810, the D850 substantially raises the bar. So if you are looking for a new Nikon DSLR, the new and improved features may be worth the splurge. In announcing the D850 to commemorate its 100th anniversary, Nikon called its latest camera a “formidable tool for creators.” Compared to its predecessor, the D850 delivers more speed, superior low light performance, and more reliable autofocus. Its new ergonomic design also results in improved handling. According to Nikon, the most significant upgrade is the camera’s back-side illuminated (BSI) FX-format full-frame…