I’ve written in the past about adapting old manual focus lenses to mirrorless cameras, something that I think that most everyone should try out from time to time. With the release of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, using old manual focus lenses becomes even easier, as these lenses were designed for a 35mm frame, and so…
Category: Shop Talk
Testing the new Fujifilm Firmware Updates
Fujifilm released several firmware updates today. There are updates for both the X-T1 and the X100T that fix a few issues. The X-T1 updates focus on fixing flash not firing if the mechanical+electronic shutter setting is on, even with the shutter speed below sync speed, along with a few other remote and tethering fixes. The X100T…
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II – A Quick Test of 40MP Mode
I just received the Olympus E-M5 Mark II in for review today, and I’ve only had a few hours to shoot so far. However, like anyone interested in this camera, the very first thing I had to test was the 40 megapixel Hi-Res mode. The E-M5 Mark II has a feature that shifts the sensor…
Thoughts on Tripods
Ahh, tripods. Those stalwart things from times of yore, still fundamentally the same as those used over a hundred years ago. Of course, the materials have changed, the heads have improved dramatically, and there’s more choice than ever before. A lot of people, especially newer shooters with small kits, don’t want to carry around a…
Fuji 16-55mm f/2.8 vs 18-55mm f/2.8-4
Fuji’s brand new pro-grade standard zoom, the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 WR, has just been released. It’s a fast weathersealed lens that promises excellent optical quality at a premium price. Fuji has two other standard zoom lenses, and for those considering the 16-55mm, there has been much thought about how much of an improvement can be…
Sony A7 II vs. Sony A6000 – Landscape Use
There’s a fierce running debate about the merits of full frame vs. APS-C or even smaller sensors like Micro 4/3. Full frame has an image quality advantage due to the larger sensors, and given the same technology, will produce cleaner images with better tonality and larger dynamic range. Many people will argue that full frame…
Mirrorless Year in Review 2014
It’s the last day of 2014, and we’re about to embark on what is hopefully an excellent 2015. The mirrorless market has been surging when it comes to realizing fully developed gear, while the actual consumer market for the devices has been somewhat tepid as the overall photography market declines. Still, I think there’s reason…
The World of Printing
Last summer I wrote an article encouraging every photographer, both serious and casual, to ensure that they make prints of their photographs, to ensure that there is both a physical record of their photography, as well as to enjoy the wonders of a great photographic print. At the time, I had just a little 4×6…