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Best fixed prime lens cameras in 2024

Digital Photography Review news -

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

Updated December 18 2024

Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.

Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.

Our picks: Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI

40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder

Image: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$2174 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo What we like:
  • Excellent build quality
  • Subject-detection autofocus
  • Now with in-body image stabilization
What we don't:
  • Lens not especially fast to focus
  • Hard to find in stock

Updated with in-body image stabilization rated at up to 6EV of correction and a 40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor, the X100VI is a significant upgrade over its predecessor despite looking virtually identical. It features the same 35mm equivalent F2 lens and a hybrid viewfinder that lets you use it as a traditional rangefinder – with some digital augmentation if you want it – or as a modern, fully electronic viewfinder.

The addition of subject-recognition autofocus has given the X100VI the ability to recognize animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles and bikes, airplanes, and trains. However, human (face/eye) detection is a separate mode. The lens is not the fastest to autofocus, prioritizing sharpness over speed, though that's not necessarily unique in this category.

The elephant in the room is that the X100VI has essentially been sold out since its initial release. However, if you're patient enough to sign up for waitlist notifications from a variety of sites, you may be able to get one in time.

It's probably worth the wait. While the X100VI has more dials and functions than previous versions, it still offers one of the most engaging photographic experiences out there. It's easy to see why it became so frustratingly unobtainable: It's an even better follow-up to a camera that was already popular with photographers of all kinds, and that had already sold out after going viral.

Click here to read our review of the Fujifilm X100VI

Click here to see the Fujifilm X100VI studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III

24MP APS-C sensor | 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth

Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo What we like:
  • Excellent image quality
  • Good controls and ergonomics
  • Truly pocketable
What we don't:
  • Short battery life
  • No built-in flash
  • Sluggish AF in low light
The Ricoh GR III is a compact camera with a 24MP APS-C sensors and a a very sharp 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens in an incredibly small yet well-built body.

The GR III is the lightest and most compact camera on this list by a long shot, thanks to its retracting lens and lack of a viewfinder. If size is a major concern for you, it's definitely the fixed lens option to look at.

The GR III's image quality is excellent, especially in Raw (we found the JPEG color to be a little drab). The lens is impressively sharp, and in-body image stabilization means you can confidently shoot down to around 1/10 sec. The built-in stabilizer can attempt to shake off dust particles that find their way to the sensor. "Offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera" The GR III handles well, despite its size, thanks to well-placed controls, flexible customization options and a responsive touchscreen. The grip is just the right size for easy one-handed operation. The Ricoh GR III offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera. Its short battery life and fixed focal length lens mean this camera certainly isn't for everyone, but it's a compelling offering for travel, street and casual photographers alike.

Click here to read our review of the Ricoh GR III

Click here to see the Ricoh GR III studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. A different perspective

Ricoh also sells the GR IIIx, which is the same great camera as the standard GR III but with a 40mm equiv. lens instead. If you prefer the 'normal' field of view to a wider one, be sure to pick the IIIx up instead.

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo The Rolls Royce of fixed lens cameras: Leica Q3 43

43mm F2 stabilized lens | 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor | 5.76M dot OLED EVF

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Leica What we like:
  • Excellent image quality
  • Fast, dependable autofocus
  • Good video support tools
What we don't:
  • Subject recognition system could be better
  • Auto white balance can be aggressively neutral/cool
  • Significant price premium for the Leica name
The Leica Q3 43 is a variant of the company's full-frame prime lens compact, with a 43mm F2 lens mounted in front of a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor.

While we've chosen the Q3 43 for its excellent control layout that puts photography first, the camera is also available with a 28mm F1.7 lens. There are minor cosmetic differences between the two Q3 models, such as the color of the leatherette wrap, but they're otherwise the same camera. There's also a price difference, with the 43 coming at a $600 premium.

Image quality is superb, with a lens that's very sharp and with high cross-frame consistency even at wide apertures. The light luminance noise reduction helps preserve detail at high ISOs. The Leica Q3 43 is a beautiful piece of engineering and design, and a welcome addition to the range. The controls are minimal, but help focus your attention on the fundamental settings of photography. It has the build quality that you'd expect of a luxury product. Autofocus is swift and precise, though the subject recognition system doesn't let you specify an AF point to pre-select a subject and can jump from one subject to another if there are multiple options in a scene. The Q3 43 is an impressive photographic tool, and manages to feel like a first-rate camera, not just a desirable object.

Click here to read our review of the Leica Q3 43

Click here to see the Leica Q3 43 studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. The other full-frame option

Despite the fact that the RX1R II is almost a decade old at this point, you can still buy Sony's last compact full-frame fixed-lens camera. Unsurprisingly, as a nine-year-old camera, it's rather showing its age. Its autofocus and menu systems are significantly more primitive than we've subsequently become used to, but focus speed isn't exactly a strength for any of the cameras in its class. Its 35mm F2 lens is excellent, and its sensor still delivers excellent image quality. Battery life is atrocious, though, and we considered its performance sluggish even by 2016 standards.

We can't wholeheartedly recommend it after all this time, but if you've already made the seemingly irrational decision of buying an expensive camera with a single, fixed focal length that doesn't really even fit in your pocket, you might be the sort of person that gets some enjoyment out of opting for the slow, awkward, oddball choice.

Buy Now:

$3,298 at Amazon $3,298 at B&H $3,298 at Adorama Why should you trust us?

Our Buying Guides are based on extensive use and testing of the cameras included. We only recommend cameras once we know how they compare to their peers in a variety of shooting situations. All selections are made solely by our editorial and video teams and are the models we'd buy or recommend to friends and family. We gain no financial advantage from recommending one camera over another, either as individuals or as a business.

Best fixed prime lens cameras in 2024

Digital Photography Review news -

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

Updated December 18 2024

Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.

Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.

Our picks: Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI

40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder

Image: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$2199 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo What we like:
  • Excellent build quality
  • Subject-detection autofocus
  • Now with in-body image stabilization
What we don't:
  • Lens not especially fast to focus
  • Hard to find in stock

Updated with in-body image stabilization rated at up to 6EV of correction and a 40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor, the X100VI is a significant upgrade over its predecessor despite looking virtually identical. It features the same 35mm equivalent F2 lens and a hybrid viewfinder that lets you use it as a traditional rangefinder – with some digital augmentation if you want it – or as a modern, fully electronic viewfinder.

The addition of subject-recognition autofocus has given the X100VI the ability to recognize animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles and bikes, airplanes, and trains. However, human (face/eye) detection is a separate mode. The lens is not the fastest to autofocus, prioritizing sharpness over speed, though that's not necessarily unique in this category.

The elephant in the room is that the X100VI has essentially been sold out since its initial release. However, if you're patient enough to sign up for waitlist notifications from a variety of sites, you may be able to get one in time.

It's probably worth the wait. While the X100VI has more dials and functions than previous versions, it still offers one of the most engaging photographic experiences out there. It's easy to see why it became so frustratingly unobtainable: It's an even better follow-up to a camera that was already popular with photographers of all kinds, and that had already sold out after going viral.

Click here to read our review of the Fujifilm X100VI

Click here to see the Fujifilm X100VI studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III

24MP APS-C sensor | 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth

Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo What we like:
  • Excellent image quality
  • Good controls and ergonomics
  • Truly pocketable
What we don't:
  • Short battery life
  • No built-in flash
  • Sluggish AF in low light
The Ricoh GR III is a compact camera with a 24MP APS-C sensors and a a very sharp 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens in an incredibly small yet well-built body.

The GR III is the lightest and most compact camera on this list by a long shot, thanks to its retracting lens and lack of a viewfinder. If size is a major concern for you, it's definitely the fixed lens option to look at.

The GR III's image quality is excellent, especially in Raw (we found the JPEG color to be a little drab). The lens is impressively sharp, and in-body image stabilization means you can confidently shoot down to around 1/10 sec. The built-in stabilizer can attempt to shake off dust particles that find their way to the sensor. "Offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera" The GR III handles well, despite its size, thanks to well-placed controls, flexible customization options and a responsive touchscreen. The grip is just the right size for easy one-handed operation. The Ricoh GR III offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera. Its short battery life and fixed focal length lens mean this camera certainly isn't for everyone, but it's a compelling offering for travel, street and casual photographers alike.

Click here to read our review of the Ricoh GR III

Click here to see the Ricoh GR III studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. A different perspective

Ricoh also sells the GR IIIx, which is the same great camera as the standard GR III but with a 40mm equiv. lens instead. If you prefer the 'normal' field of view to a wider one, be sure to pick the IIIx up instead.

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.

Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo The Rolls Royce of fixed lens cameras: Leica Q3 43

43mm F2 stabilized lens | 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor | 5.76M dot OLED EVF

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Leica What we like:
  • Excellent image quality
  • Fast, dependable autofocus
  • Good video support tools
What we don't:
  • Subject recognition system could be better
  • Auto white balance can be aggressively neutral/cool
  • Significant price premium for the Leica name
The Leica Q3 43 is a variant of the company's full-frame prime lens compact, with a 43mm F2 lens mounted in front of a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor.

While we've chosen the Q3 43 for its excellent control layout that puts photography first, the camera is also available with a 28mm F1.7 lens. There are minor cosmetic differences between the two Q3 models, such as the color of the leatherette wrap, but they're otherwise the same camera. There's also a price difference, with the 43 coming at a $600 premium.

Image quality is superb, with a lens that's very sharp and with high cross-frame consistency even at wide apertures. The light luminance noise reduction helps preserve detail at high ISOs. The Leica Q3 43 is a beautiful piece of engineering and design, and a welcome addition to the range. The controls are minimal, but help focus your attention on the fundamental settings of photography. It has the build quality that you'd expect of a luxury product. Autofocus is swift and precise, though the subject recognition system doesn't let you specify an AF point to pre-select a subject and can jump from one subject to another if there are multiple options in a scene. The Q3 43 is an impressive photographic tool, and manages to feel like a first-rate camera, not just a desirable object.

Click here to read our review of the Leica Q3 43

Click here to see the Leica Q3 43 studio scene

Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. The other full-frame option

Despite the fact that the RX1R II is almost a decade old at this point, you can still buy Sony's last compact full-frame fixed-lens camera. Unsurprisingly, as a nine-year-old camera, it's rather showing its age. Its autofocus and menu systems are significantly more primitive than we've subsequently become used to, but focus speed isn't exactly a strength for any of the cameras in its class. Its 35mm F2 lens is excellent, and its sensor still delivers excellent image quality. Battery life is atrocious, though, and we considered its performance sluggish even by 2016 standards.

We can't wholeheartedly recommend it after all this time, but if you've already made the seemingly irrational decision of buying an expensive camera with a single, fixed focal length that doesn't really even fit in your pocket, you might be the sort of person that gets some enjoyment out of opting for the slow, awkward, oddball choice.

Buy Now:

$3,298 at Amazon $3,298 at B&H $3,298 at Adorama Why should you trust us?

Our Buying Guides are based on extensive use and testing of the cameras included. We only recommend cameras once we know how they compare to their peers in a variety of shooting situations. All selections are made solely by our editorial and video teams and are the models we'd buy or recommend to friends and family. We gain no financial advantage from recommending one camera over another, either as individuals or as a business.

Ingenious pickup camper kit carves out a cozy tiny home in your truck

Gizmag news -

We've seen camper kits for vans, 4x4s and even small crossovers. But pickup truck owners have long been left to shop more expensive, comprehensive campers or build out their trucks themselves. Roadloft has launched a pickup camper package for those who want something simpler and more affordable without going full DIY. The new kit serves as a lounge, dining area, mobile office, kitchenette and bedroom inside the confines of a capped pickup bed. Lightweight materials and multipurpose construction ensure the base truck still looks and maneuvers like a pickup.

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Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle

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Your Lightroom or Photoshop plan may be getting more expensive

Digital Photography Review news -

Adobe is raising the price of some of its photography-focused Creative Cloud Plans. The monthly Lightroom plan is going from $9.99 a month to $11.99 a month and the monthly Photography plan – which includes Photoshop, Lightroom, and 20GB of cloud storage – is going from $9.99 a month to $14.99 a month for existing subscribers. However, that tier will no longer be available for new subscribers, regardless of whether you're paying monthly or annually.

The annual versions of the plans are not increasing, remaining $120 a year. The pricing changes will take effect for new customers starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025. For customers on an annual, paid monthly plan, the price will go up upon their next renewal.

In case you're not intimately familiar with Adobe's photography plans, here's a chart explaining what they are and what they cost.

Plan Lightroom (1TB) Photography (20GB) Photography (1TB)

Includes

Lightroom, 1TB cloud storage Lightroom, Photoshop, 20GB cloud storage Lightroom, Photoshop, 1TB cloud storage Current Price $9.99/month, $119/year $9.99/month, $119/year $19.99/month, $239/year New Price $11.99/month, $119/year $14.99/month, $119/year Unchanged Available for new subscribers? Yes No, starting Jan. 15 Yes

This move makes it substantially more expensive to get into the Photoshop and Lightroom ecosystem for users who can't shell out for annual plans, as the affected plans are the cheapest way to access the apps. That's especially true with the discontinuation of the 20GB Photography plan for new subscribers; previously, you could get Photoshop and Lightroom for $10 a month, but you'll have to go up to the $20 a month Photography Plan, which includes 1TB of storage instead of 20GB. That plan hasn't gone up in price.

Adobe says the price increase for the Lightroom (1TB) plan will come with one perk: the plan will now include access to Lightroom Classic, alongside Lightroom for desktop, mobile, and web. Previously, you had to subscribe to one of the Photography bundles to get access to that particular version of the app, which includes some features not found in the more modern, cloud-based version.

The Photography plan has existed at its current price for a long time – in November 2013, we wrote about how it was being made available to everyone for $9.99 a month, and at the time, it included Photoshop CC, Bridge CC, Lightroom 5 and 20GB of cloud storage; very similar to the current offering.

Adobe says the price hikes are meant to "better reflect the value that the apps deliver." However, the news follows a notable downturn in the company's stock price. Earlier this month, the company reported record earnings for Q4 2024 and predicted it'd earn even more in 2025. Despite this, its stock fell by over 15% after the news, according to Forbes, and hasn't recovered by the time of writing.

Your Lightroom or Photoshop plan may be getting more expensive

Digital Photography Review news -

Adobe is raising the price of some of its photography-focused Creative Cloud Plans. The monthly Lightroom plan is going from $9.99 a month to $11.99 a month and the monthly Photography plan – which includes Photoshop, Lightroom, and 20GB of cloud storage – is going from $9.99 a month to $14.99 a month for existing subscribers. However, that tier will no longer be available for new subscribers, regardless of whether you're paying monthly or annually.

The annual versions of the plans are not increasing, remaining $120 a year. The pricing changes will take effect for new customers starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025. For customers on an annual, paid monthly plan, the price will go up upon their next renewal.

In case you're not intimately familiar with Adobe's photography plans, here's a chart explaining what they are and what they cost.

Plan Lightroom (1TB) Photography (20GB) Photography (1TB)

Includes

Lightroom, 1TB cloud storage Lightroom, Photoshop, 20GB cloud storage Lightroom, Photoshop, 1TB cloud storage Current Price $9.99/month, $119/year $9.99/month, $119/year $19.99/month, $239/year New Price $11.99/month, $119/year $14.99/month, $119/year Unchanged Available for new subscribers? Yes No, starting Jan. 15 Yes

This move makes it substantially more expensive to get into the Photoshop and Lightroom ecosystem for users who can't shell out for annual plans, as the affected plans are the cheapest way to access the apps. That's especially true with the discontinuation of the 20GB Photography plan for new subscribers; previously, you could get Photoshop and Lightroom for $10 a month, but you'll have to go up to the $20 a month Photography Plan, which includes 1TB of storage instead of 20GB. That plan hasn't gone up in price.

The Photography plan has existed at its current price for a long time – in November 2013, we wrote about how it was being made available to everyone for $9.99 a month, and at the time, it included Photoshop CC, Bridge CC, Lightroom 5 and 20GB of cloud storage; very similar to the current offering.

Adobe says the price hikes are meant to "better reflect the value that the apps deliver." However, the news follows a notable downturn in the company's stock price. Earlier this month, the company reported record earnings for Q4 2024 and predicted it'd earn even more in 2025. Despite this, its stock fell by over 15% after the news, according to Forbes, and hasn't recovered by the time of writing.

The photo gifts we'd buy for ourselves if money were no object

Digital Photography Review news -

Photo: Mitchell Clark

As camera reviewers, we have the good fortune to try the latest and (sometimes) greatest in camera tech. In some ways, this can help tamp down on the all-too-common gear acquisition syndrome; it's hard to justify buying new cameras or lenses for our personal collections when we'd be too busy testing out new products to ever use them.

However, that doesn't mean we're completely unaffected. After all, when your job is testing cameras, it becomes really easy to cast your eye towards all the accessories meant to make your shooting experience easier, faster, or more luxurious. And sometimes you just really want that one special lens to shoot whenever and wherever you want.

As a fun holiday exercise, we've compiled some items that we think are cool but couldn't justify actually buying for ourselves unless money truly was no object.

Dale

When thinking about what photo products I would buy if money were no object, I realized that most of the things I really wanted aren't necessarily that expensive. Sometimes, they're just difficult to obtain.

Another Lowepro Photo Sport 300 photo pack Photo: Dale Baskin

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about my favorite camera pack, the Lowepro Photo Sport 300, and it's been my go-to pack for over a decade. I love this pack because it just doesn't quit. Mine has trekked through tropical jungles, ridden on roof racks through snowstorms, dragged across ice in the sub-arctic and been bungied to the backs of motorcycles and tuk-tuks. It's a product I genuinely love.

Unfortunately, Lowepro doesn't make this exact model anymore, and while it makes similar models today, I like this one. If I found a good copy, I would buy it to save for the day when my current one finally gets pushed beyond the breaking point.

Mentorship by a photographer I admire

I believe that no matter how good you are at something, you can always learn more. Most of the things I've learned in photography over the decades fall into two categories: things I learned from trial and error and wisdom passed on to me by more experienced photographers.

"While I can easily trial and error my way through life, mentorship and advice from the best photographers in the world is a rare commodity."

While I can easily trial and error my way through life, mentorship and advice from the best photographers in the world are a rare commodity. So rare, in fact, that it's not something you can buy. They must recognize your passion and be inspired to take you under their wings.

However, if there was any way to swing it, I would find an opportunity to be mentored by a photographer that I admire, like Joel Sartore, whose work I've followed through years in the pages of National Geographic, or Cristina Mittermeier, who has done fantastic work with conservation photography.

An opportunity to tell an important story

Climate change is having a tremendous impact on the Amazon basin.

Photo: Dale Baskin

Many years ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to live in the Amazon, and I've been back many times since. Unfortunately, in the 20 years since I started going there, I've been able to see the impact of climate change in the Amazon basin firsthand: water at historically low levels, villages cut off when smaller tributaries dry up, and the resulting cultural and economic impact that ensues.

If I could really buy myself a photo gift where money was no object, it would be a return to the Amazon for an extended period to tell this important story, focused on the environmental impact of climate change in the Amazon and its impact on the people who live there. This one may not be so far-fetched, and the more I think about it, the more I realize I should probably apply for a grant to do this.

The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens Photo: Dale Baskin

OK, I'll give in to good 'ol consumerism on this one because it's fair for anyone to lust after something they want. Strictly speaking, I don't need the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN as I already have the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art, which is fantastic for astrophotography. But dear lord, that 14mm F1.4 is a beautiful optic. So, yeah, if money were no object, I'd likely find myself splurging on this.

Matt Waller

You may not be familiar with Matt's name, but you're certainly familiar with his work – he keeps the marquee at the top of our site up to date with our latest stories and pictures.

Lightpix Labs FlashQ Trigger kit Image: Lightpix Labs

As a small camera user (my everyday carry is an Olympus Pen E-PL10) who's trying to get into off-camera flash, every trigger I try has been just too big and clunky, not much improvement on the on-camera flash. I recently found these, which are just what the doctor ordered. And yes, I could just buy them (and will), but they would make ideal small-camera-afficionado stocking stuffers (assuming one can find them in the stocking).

Richard Something flashy Image: Profoto

In common with Matt, having more regular access to an offboard flash is probably the thing that would most improve my photographic life. In practice this is unlikely to happen, given I’m perpetually working with a chaotic mixture of whatever camera is going to be launched next, so the likelihood of me finding something compatible with all the different x-TTL systems is essentially nil.

While, given the ‘cost no object’ ethos of this article, I like the idea of something powerful enough for any situation, such as a ProFoto B3 or A2. In reality, I suspect something like a Godox V1 or V1 Pro would actually get more use in my hands. I love the idea of it having its own Li-ion battery and being USB chargeable, as it means I might actually be able to keep it topped-up when I’m traveling. Given the company’s smaller Li-ion flashes all feature removable batteries, separate chargers and the awkwardness of having to find power lead adapters, they’d probably end up taking up just as much room in my bags, so I’d rather that space was given over to the flash itself, rather than accessories and peripherals I’d inevitably leave in hotel rooms and on trains (as I have a number of X100 chargers, down the years).

Image: LumeCube

In addition to a Godox, a couple of LumeCubes would mean I stopped worrying about TTL compatibility and would also provide a flexible option for a bit of fill for both stills and video work

A photo trip A photo Richard took on his last trip to the UK.

On which note, perhaps the best thing I could buy to improve my photography next year would be a holiday. I’ve increasingly found that I shoot my best galleries while on vacation and, looking out of the window at another gray, wet Seattle December day, following a weekend where I didn’t take a single photo, the idea of a change of lighting, a change of scenery and a something novel to spur the imagination seems incredibly welcome. Of course, there’s then the question of whether it’s really going to be an inspiring creative opportunity if I’m feeling the nagging (self-imposed) pressure to get photos for work, but that’s not a quandary I can buy myself out of, irrespective of unlimited fantasy budgets.

Mitchell A better camera strap

I don't mind the Peak Design strap, I just think there's something better out there for me.

Image: Peak Design

In absolute terms, most camera straps aren't particularly expensive. However, the issue is that I'm not 100% sure what I want, and I'd probably have to try a ton of them to find out what I actually like. Other than manufacturer-provided straps, I've only used the Peak Design Slide strap. It's fine, but I don't love it... though I also don't have any specific improvements I'm looking for; just a general feeling that it could be better. That may not really be its fault, as a metal plate on my collarbone makes me especially sensitive to how things fall across my shoulder.

I do have two in mind that I'd start my search with. The first is the MagPul MS4. It's actually a rifle strap, but it's compatible with the QD mounts that show up on some camera accessories, and it can be used in both single-point or double-point mode, depending on how I'm carrying it. The other option I've considered is on the completely other end of the complexity spectrum: one of those straps that are made out of recycled climbing rope, which I feel would be a very comfortable material, but only for lighter-weight setups.

A press photography pass to Kendrick Lamar's Grand National tour Image: Kendrick Lamar

The only concerts I've photographed were for small indie bands with crowds that could be counted in the dozens, not the hundreds or thousands. So, while I'm approximately 0% qualified to photograph what will likely be one of the biggest tours of the year, I would still absolutely say yes to the opportunity if someone offered. I think it'd be extremely cool to photograph one of my favorite artists at what very well could be the height of their popularity – and think of what a great sample gallery that'd be.

What I'm saying is that if you're part of pgLang and want to make my Christmas, you know where to find me.

A massive card reader station Image: Lexar

A downside of writing our accessory roundup is that I often end up covering things that I couldn't possibly justify buying but that I still want. One of those items is this $600 docking station from Lexar, which can accept up to six (sold separately) card reader modules and lets you offload from them all at once at speeds up to 40Gbps.

Obviously, we work with a wide variety of cameras at DPReview, which involves juggling several types of cards. And while I've pretty much never needed the ability to dump six, it'd be fun knowing I could, even if I could realistically do my job just as well with a single CFexpress type A and Type B reader. Another plus of the Lexar dock: it gives you a few extra ThunderBolt and USB A ports, and I always feel like I could use one or two more of those despite already having a ThunderBolt dock.

The Sony 28-70mm F2 This is an incredible setup – it's a shame it costs $9,400.

My personal favorite time to take photos is late at night, so I'm always looking for the fastest lens I can get my hands on – an unfortunately heavy and expensive hobby, I know. That's why Sony's new 28-70mm F2 is so compelling to me; it's a stop brighter than standard 24-70mm lenses, and even though it's got a tiny bit less range, it's still way more versatile than the F1.4 primes that make up the bulk of my arsenal. Of course, it had better be, given that it costs $2,800. Plus, I'd have to pay even more if I truly wanted to get one for myself since I currently don't own any Sony bodies.

The photo gifts we'd buy for ourselves if money were no object

Digital Photography Review news -

Photo: Mitchell Clark

As camera reviewers, we have the good fortune to try the latest and (sometimes) greatest in camera tech. In some ways, this can help tamp down on the all-too-common gear acquisition syndrome; it's hard to justify buying new cameras or lenses for our personal collections when we'd be too busy testing out new products to ever use them.

However, that doesn't mean we're completely unaffected. After all, when your job is testing cameras, it becomes really easy to cast your eye towards all the accessories meant to make your shooting experience easier, faster, or more luxurious. And sometimes you just really want that one special lens to shoot whenever and wherever you want.

As a fun holiday exercise, we've compiled some items that we think are cool but couldn't justify actually buying for ourselves unless money truly was no object.

Dale

When thinking about what photo products I would buy if money were no object, I realized that most of the things I really wanted aren't necessarily that expensive. Sometimes, they're just difficult to obtain.

Another Lowepro Photo Sport 300 photo pack Photo: Dale Baskin

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about my favorite camera pack, the Lowepro Photo Sport 300, and it's been my go-to pack for over a decade. I love this pack because it just doesn't quit. Mine has trekked through tropical jungles, ridden on roof racks through snowstorms, dragged across ice in the sub-arctic and been bungied to the backs of motorcycles and tuk-tuks. It's a product I genuinely love.

Unfortunately, Lowepro doesn't make this exact model anymore, and while it makes similar models today, I like this one. If I found a good copy, I would buy it to save for the day when my current one finally gets pushed beyond the breaking point.

Mentorship by a photographer I admire

I believe that no matter how good you are at something, you can always learn more. Most of the things I've learned in photography over the decades fall into two categories: things I learned from trial and error and wisdom passed on to me by more experienced photographers.

"While I can easily trial and error my way through life, mentorship and advice from the best photographers in the world is a rare commodity."

While I can easily trial and error my way through life, mentorship and advice from the best photographers in the world are a rare commodity. So rare, in fact, that it's not something you can buy. They must recognize your passion and be inspired to take you under their wings.

However, if there was any way to swing it, I would find an opportunity to be mentored by a photographer that I admire, like Joel Sartore, whose work I've followed through years in the pages of National Geographic, or Cristina Mittermeier, who has done fantastic work with conservation photography.

An opportunity to tell an important story

Climate change is having a tremendous impact on the Amazon basin.

Photo: Dale Baskin

Many years ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to live in the Amazon, and I've been back many times since. Unfortunately, in the 20 years since I started going there, I've been able to see the impact of climate change in the Amazon basin firsthand: water at historically low levels, villages cut off when smaller tributaries dry up, and the resulting cultural and economic impact that ensues.

If I could really buy myself a photo gift where money was no object, it would be a return to the Amazon for an extended period to tell this important story, focused on the environmental impact of climate change in the Amazon and its impact on the people who live there. This one may not be so far-fetched, and the more I think about it, the more I realize I should probably apply for a grant to do this.

The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens Photo: Dale Baskin

OK, I'll give in to good 'ol consumerism on this one because it's fair for anyone to lust after something they want. Strictly speaking, I don't need the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN as I already have the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art, which is fantastic for astrophotography. But dear lord, that 14mm F1.4 is a beautiful optic. So, yeah, if money were no object, I'd likely find myself splurging on this.

Matt Waller

You may not be familiar with Matt's name, but you're certainly familiar with his work – he keeps the marquee at the top of our site up to date with our latest stories and pictures.

Lightpix Labs FlashQ Trigger kit Image: Lightpix Labs

As a small camera user (my everyday carry is an Olympus Pen E-PL10) who's trying to get into off-camera flash, every trigger I try has been just too big and clunky, not much improvement on the on-camera flash. I recently found these, which are just what the doctor ordered. And yes, I could just buy them (and will), but they would make ideal small-camera-afficionado stocking stuffers (assuming one can find them in the stocking).

Richard Something flashy Image: Profoto

In common with Matt, having more regular access to an offboard flash is probably the thing that would most improve my photographic life. In practice this is unlikely to happen, given I’m perpetually working with a chaotic mixture of whatever camera is going to be launched next, so the likelihood of me finding something compatible with all the different x-TTL systems is essentially nil.

While, given the ‘cost no object’ ethos of this article, I like the idea of something powerful enough for any situation, such as a ProFoto B3 or A2. In reality, I suspect something like a Godox V1 or V1 Pro would actually get more use in my hands. I love the idea of it having its own Li-ion battery and being USB chargeable, as it means I might actually be able to keep it topped-up when I’m traveling. Given the company’s smaller Li-ion flashes all feature removable batteries, separate chargers and the awkwardness of having to find power lead adapters, they’d probably end up taking up just as much room in my bags, so I’d rather that space was given over to the flash itself, rather than accessories and peripherals I’d inevitably leave in hotel rooms and on trains (as I have a number of X100 chargers, down the years).

Image: LumeCube

In addition to a Godox, a couple of LumeCubes would mean I stopped worrying about TTL compatibility and would also provide a flexible option for a bit of fill for both stills and video work

A photo trip A photo Richard took on his last trip to the UK.

On which note, perhaps the best thing I could buy to improve my photography next year would be a holiday. I’ve increasingly found that I shoot my best galleries while on vacation and, looking out of the window at another gray, wet Seattle December day, following a weekend where I didn’t take a single photo, the idea of a change of lighting, a change of scenery and a something novel to spur the imagination seems incredibly welcome. Of course, there’s then the question of whether it’s really going to be an inspiring creative opportunity if I’m feeling the nagging (self-imposed) pressure to get photos for work, but that’s not a quandary I can buy myself out of, irrespective of unlimited fantasy budgets.

Mitchell A better camera strap

I don't mind the Peak Design strap, I just think there's something better out there for me.

Image: Peak Design

In absolute terms, most camera straps aren't particularly expensive. However, the issue is that I'm not 100% sure what I want, and I'd probably have to try a ton of them to find out what I actually like. Other than manufacturer-provided straps, I've only used the Peak Design Slide strap. It's fine, but I don't love it... though I also don't have any specific improvements I'm looking for; just a general feeling that it could be better. That may not really be its fault, as a metal plate on my collarbone makes me especially sensitive to how things fall across my shoulder.

I do have two in mind that I'd start my search with. The first is the MagPul MS4. It's actually a rifle strap, but it's compatible with the QD mounts that show up on some camera accessories, and it can be used in both single-point or double-point mode, depending on how I'm carrying it. The other option I've considered is on the completely other end of the complexity spectrum: one of those straps that are made out of recycled climbing rope, which I feel would be a very comfortable material, but only for lighter-weight setups.

A press photography pass to Kendrick Lamar's Grand National tour Image: Kendrick Lamar

The only concerts I've photographed were for small indie bands with crowds that could be counted in the dozens, not the hundreds or thousands. So, while I'm approximately 0% qualified to photograph what will likely be one of the biggest tours of the year, I would still absolutely say yes to the opportunity if someone offered. I think it'd be extremely cool to photograph one of my favorite artists at what very well could be the height of their popularity – and think of what a great sample gallery that'd be.

What I'm saying is that if you're part of pgLang and want to make my Christmas, you know where to find me.

A massive card reader station Image: Lexar

A downside of writing our accessory roundup is that I often end up covering things that I couldn't possibly justify buying but that I still want. One of those items is this $600 docking station from Lexar, which can accept up to six (sold separately) card reader modules and lets you offload from them all at once at speeds up to 40Gbps.

Obviously, we work with a wide variety of cameras at DPReview, which involves juggling several types of cards. And while I've pretty much never needed the ability to dump six, it'd be fun knowing I could, even if I could realistically do my job just as well with a single CFexpress type A and Type B reader. Another plus of the Lexar dock: it gives you a few extra ThunderBolt and USB A ports, and I always feel like I could use one or two more of those despite already having a ThunderBolt dock.

The Sony 28-70mm F2 This is an incredible setup – it's a shame it costs $9,400.

My personal favorite time to take photos is late at night, so I'm always looking for the fastest lens I can get my hands on – an unfortunately heavy and expensive hobby, I know. That's why Sony's new 28-70mm F2 is so compelling to me; it's a stop brighter than standard 24-70mm lenses, and even though it's got a tiny bit less range, it's still way more versatile than the F1.4 primes that make up the bulk of my arsenal. Of course, it had better be, given that it costs $2,800. Plus, I'd have to pay even more if I truly wanted to get one for myself since I currently don't own any Sony bodies.

Nikon Z9, Z8 and Z6III gain Frame.io compatibility through NX MobileAir app

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The Nikon Z6III is one of three Nikon bodies to gain support for Adobe's Frame.io Camera to Cloud service.

Photo: Richard Butler

Nikon has announced that its NX MobileAir app for Android now supports Adobe's Frame.io Camera to Cloud service when used with the Nikon Z9, Z8 and Z6III cameras. Adobe revealed the upcoming integration with Nikon on its Frame.io blog during the Adobe MAX conference back in October.

Frame.io is a cloud-based service that allows teams to collaborate on video and photo projects. It provides a centralized location for uploading and sharing media, real-time project feedback, and integration with other tools.

The latest version of the NX MobileAir app can automatically or manually upload video files from the supported cameras to a user's Frame.io account, including the ability to filter uploads by file format or ratings if they have been applied.

By providing support through the NX MobileAir app, Nikon is taking a slightly different approach to Frame.io support than companies like Fujifilm and Panasonic, which embed support directly in the camera.

Frame.io has become a popular integration on mirrorless cameras in recent years, particularly among video shooters. More recently, Frame.io gained the ability to automatically upload photos and push them to a user's Adobe Lightroom account.

There are some constraints to Nikon's current Frame.io implementation: uploads are limited to video files, and support is limited to the Android version of the NX MobileAir app. The company says a version of the app for iOS with Frame.io support is in the works.

The NX MobileAir app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play store.

Press release:

Nikon's NX MobileAir mobile app now supports Adobe's Frame.io Camera to Cloud NX MobileAir supports video transfer for the first time

MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2024) -- Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce that NX MobileAir (Android version*) now supports Frame.io, Adobe’s creative collaboration platform, and its Camera to Cloud service. NX MobileAir, which enhances the efficiency of professionals’ workflow by providing high-speed image delivery without using a computer, will now support video transfer.

This latest version of NX MobileAir will allow users to manually or automatically upload recorded video files to Frame.io, where they can be shared with others for real-time cloud collaboration. Additionally, when selecting video files for upload, they can be filtered by rating and/or file format. Support for Frame.io will provide a more efficient workflow by seamlessly connecting the entire video production process, from recording to final delivery. This feature is especially useful when speed is of the essence, such as with live event social media creation as well as news and sports reporting.

The Frame.io feature will be compatible with the Nikon Z9, Z8, and Z6III mirrorless cameras via the NX MobileAir App. In addition, Nikon will continue to provide software updates to satisfy the needs of those involved in video production and to contribute to the development of imaging culture with the hope of further expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

*Development to add support to the iOS version of the app is currently underway.

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