Fujifilm X-H1: Hybrid GFX/XT Inspired Excellence

Fujifilm X-H1: Hybrid GFX/XT Inspired Excellence

February 2021, Carl Garrard

When I returned my loaner X-H1 to Fujifilm back in February 2019, it didn't occur to me then that I just sent back my favorite X mount camera ever. And I certainly had no intention to wait two years to write a review about it either. For reasons I still can't explain, the timing to complete a review just didn't feel right. I guess I just wasn't ready to decide what to think about the X-H1 at that time. I knew it's design was a blend of stills and video of sorts, and I knew how Fujifilm were marketing it. Nearly two years on from the day I originally sent the X-H1 back, I know exactly what I want to say about it.

 

Nikon D810 Review Series Part I

Nikon D810 Review Series Part I 

November 2020, Carl Garrard

First, a bit of clarity. Although the title of this review implies that I may write further articles about the D810, please don't count on it. But also, don't discount it happening either. It's important to know that my impression of the D810 continues to evolve the more that I use it, thus, I may decide to have additional observations to note in the future. Consider instead that the title is a place marker. I won't rush or force myself into a writing review anymore, that time has long gone (thankfully). So my practice now is that an article happens when the time is right. After months of experience with the D810... I finally sat down this morning with a cup of black rifle coffee, motivated to condense my thoughts and experiences about the D810 into an article. I don't think I need to explain the reasoning why I'm reviewing an older camera, in my mind the point of relevancy for all interchangeable lens cameras came and went over 10 years ago, and many older cameras are just as relevant today as they were then.

The Magnificent Dozen (Updated List 2020)

The Magnificent Dozen (Updated List 2020)

October 2020, Carl Garrard

 

Since posting the Magnificent Seven article about two years ago (here), I've tested and reviewed more cameras in that time than in any two year period in the past. During which time, a few more cameras  have managed to really stand out as my favorites, so I thought I'd update my all time list to include these as well. As I stated in my first article; in order for a camera to reach my all time favorite list, it has to have several special qualities about it that make it stand out from the rest. There really is no set list of qualities it must have, rather, it must have the right combination of qualities to give it that something special- that at the end of the day makes it a camera that I never want to part with. These are also cameras that constantly beg my attention to be used for whatever subjective reason, and subsequently they are the ones I never lose interest in. Some cameras just have mojo, and it matters not what category they are in, or how expensive they are, they just have... it.

 

Zeiss ZX1: Pre Order Alert (Can it be?!)

Zeiss ZX1: Pre Order Alert (Can it be?!)

October 2020, Carl Garrard

October starts off with some spooky news. It appears as though BHPhoto has sent out pre order available emails on October 4th 2020 to those interested in the Zeiss ZX1- a prototype camera Zeiss unveiled in 2018 that was nearly forgotten. I myself received an email from BHPhoto early this morning. The camera is listed for $6,000.00 on pre-order and according to BHPhoto, should be available soon. To my knowledge it is not available for pre-order on other sites just yet (I did some checking around).  So I'm not entirely sure what BHPhoto are up to here, or, if they know something the rest of the industry hasn't caught up on yet. In case you doubt my sincerity, here is a screen shot from BHPhoto's site, as well as a direct link to the page where you can actually pre-order the Zeiss ZX1. (click on read more)

Photoshop Elements 2020 Deal

Photoshop Elements 2020 Deal
August 2020, Carl Garrard

If you are like me and refuse to buy into a subscription model only to be able to use software you should own, then this quick article will appeal to you. I've been using Photoshop Elements as one of my post processing software solutions since Elements 12, and find it a great little program for quick raw processing, especially for beginners. For more heavy handed work that requires more time and features to resolve final output, I use other raw programs. But I find for most raw processing or general post processing work that Elements is a really good and easy to use product. Adobe still sells it in CD form which is my absolute requirement, and for $59.99, it's a pretty darn good deal if you're using a much older version of Elements, or are new to Elements. Currently I have Elements 15, I've just been updating DNG converter as needed. I can recommend Elements. It's the only Adobe product I enjoy using and the only one I will endorse buying these days. Since I refuse to buy into an auto-subscription model, for this price a CD is a good deal; it provides great value to a photographer and will have free updates at least for a year or so. If you use the link below, you are automatically supporting my site. Regular price is $99.99 so it's been discounted a great deal here.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 [PC/Mac Disc]

Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD Review: The Lil Secret Wide Angle Lens

Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD Review
August 2020, Carl Garrard

This lens is a rare fantastic zoom. It so closely rivals prime lens performance offerings in the focal range it covers, that it made me reconsider keeping a couple of my prime lenses. Tamron nailed this one. Optically, good luck to you finding any other UWA lens that performs as well as this one for any where near it's price. Almost indistinguishable when compared to my highly regarded and optically excellent 24mm f/1.8G Nikkor at the same focal length, and its the best 17mm wide angle performance I've seen from any zoom lens yet. I'd pit it against any 17mm prime lens for edge to edge sharpness too. Clearly, this is a "modern optics" lens capable of handling the newer higher resolution sensors. A few test shots in, I knew it was a find immediately. Read on or visit it here:
Tamron 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD Seriously only $599.99?

Nikon Lineup: The Fantastic Four

Nikon Lineup: The Fantastic Four
August 2020, Carl Garrard

My goal was to update my main working camera kit. Never thought I'd end up using Nikon DSLR's for that task, but using is believing I guess. This is my main four camera set up, and I've other lenses not shown in this picture for each. I have other cameras of course, but these are the ones I'll be relying on for serious photography work only.I will detail which ones they are, and what I think all four are best purposed for.

Quick Spot: Pentax Perfection- The K5IIs

Quick Spot: Pentax Perfection- The K5IIs
August 2020, Carl Garrard

Pentax's K5IIs still remains one of my favorite cameras I've ever used, let alone in the DSLR segment. It's August 2020, and time has not taken it's toll on this beauty of a DSLR. The K5IIs is still an absolute gem, a small and amazingly built camera. It's capable of fantastic image detail because it lacks an AA filter, and its raw files don't feel as strained in post processing as the 24mp chips do. Besides the K70/KP it has the best overall APS-C image quality of any Pentax DSLR and it comes with better than expected video performance if you need it. With this list, the K5IIs is nearly future proof. The only feature it's missing is full compatibility with any KAF4 mount lens, this means the excellent 55-300mm PLM.
Pentax K-5 IIs Body Only (Black)

Photo of the Day- Waxing Gibbous Moon

Waxing Gibbous shot with Nikon D810 and Sigma 100-400mm HSM. 400mm f/8 ISO 100

Nikon D800E First Impressions

Nikon D800E First Impressions
July 2020, Carl Garrard

Prices on used and older pro level DSLR's have all fallen dramatically. Lucky for me, it was time for to upgrade two key areas of my kit. I needed an edge in two key types of photography: Birds in Flight/Action, and Landscape/Low Light. I've already found my perfect combo for bird in flight/action, the D500/Sigma 100-400 HSM. And trust me when I say that finding a camera and lens combination that I deem perfect for this task is so rare that it's only happened once in my life. My D500/Sigma 100-400mm HSM combo is stunning. But I'm here to talk about part II of my quest. Yep, I've set out to find that combo's equal, but this time for landscape/low light work instead. And after much deliberation, weighing practical advantages to cost etc. I decided to give the Nikon D800E a try. The D800E, is a camera I always wanted to try out, and although it was released in Feb of 2012, practically speaking I do not find it dated in the least bit.
Nikon D800E 36.3 MP Best Used Prices

Nikon D500 (Initial Impressions)

Nikon D500 (Initial Impressions)
July 2020, Carl Garrard

(Updated 9-17-2024) Hello Nikon fans! Just wanted to give a quick initial impression of the D500 for Nikon readers while I have my morning coffee. Again, this is only an initial impression and not my full review, which will come later. I've been using the D500 for just over a week now (constantly), which, honestly is plenty of time for me to get mostly familiar with a camera. When you review as many cameras as I do, you pretty much know what you need and like or dislike about a camera almost immediately. Nikon's D500 has been a camera that has intrigued me since its launch in 2016, and with the market going pretty much mirrorless now, I wanted to test a D500 against my other cameras to get a feel for its capability. For those living under a rock, the D500 is the most advanced APS-C (DX) format camera Nikon has ever made, and it's been updated in firmware a couple of times since its release.
Nikon D500 $949.00 Here

Panasonic Lumix G9 Review

Panasonic LUMIX G9 Review
May 2020, Carl Garrard

*G9 has arrived in all of its metal and dial glory

Today's editorial is one based around using a brand new factory fresh Panasonic G9 that incorporates firmware version 2.1 (the latest as of this article date). From the ground up, Panasonic designed its G9 prioritizing the pleas and requirements of still photographers into a true pro level camera. In a way, the G9 is the yin to the GH5's yang; a camera originally designed to prioritize videographers requirements. But, by adding new firmware to an already quietly popular pro level stills oriented camera, Panasonic would blur the line between the two models while simultaneously endearing current owners of the G9. Not only that, but the firmware would create new customers for it as well. Customers like me. The new comprehensive firmware bolsters excellent video quality and functionality, while simultaneously giving it performance boosts in autofocusing for stills photography. The G9 is reborn, an even better camera. Thus, I've named it the G9 Mark II.
PANASONIC LUMIX G9 Current Pricing

Olympus M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 PRO Review

Olympus M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 PRO Review
May 2020, Carl Garrard

24-90mm f/4 (T) is as near perfect as you can get for a compact zoom. Not only is the zoom range ideal for most subjects, but the close focusing is excellent too. Tie in pro quality build, and near prime optical performance in the entire range, small size, and this lens is a no brainer that brings true practical value to your m4/3 kit. Practical value means you'll appreciate it, and forget all about its price, and zoom range. Other lenses we have in our kit we may wonder why we bought them, not so for this lens. As soon as it was announced, I knew it was a gem that ticked off all the right boxes, price is excellent too (link provided here), as the optical performance alone well compensates for the price you pay. Everything else about this wonderful lens is a bonus beyond that in terms of price. It's a must have you'll not regret purchasing.  In fact, you'll be glad you did, and you'll wonder why there aren't more photographers making a huge deal out of this lens. The old f/2.8 argument is well engrained, goes way back to the film days. F/4 lenses are the real value these days, and they are better than ever.
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO Lens

Sony A100: Why I Will Always Love It

Sony A100: Why I Will Always Love It
April 2020, Carl Garrard

Konica Minolta's camera business was bought by Sony officially on March 31, 2006, about a year after the two companies agreed to co-develop digital SLR cameras together (July, 2005). Konica Minolta cited that the quickly growing digital camera industry was moving at a pace which, despite their talented staff and excellent technology resources, simply could not keep up with. This was both disconcerting and exciting news alike. On one hand, the Alpha lens mount would survive, and on the other hand a "television electronics company" was taking the reins of a historical and innovative photography company.  Through this merger came Sony's Alpha A100, the very first interchangeable lens camera with the Sony badge on the front. To this day I still consider the A100 to be a Konica Minolta camera, not only because of its resemblance to the Konica Minolta 5D, but because KM employees retained by Sony, designed and built it.

Seems like all that happened yesterday, in a blink of an eye.

Pentax 100 Years of History

GET READY

 

Mystery (Bargain) Enthusiast DSLR

Mystery (Bargain) Enthusiast DSLR
February, 2020, Carl Garrard

Today, I'm going to change things up here. I'm going to introduce a camera in reverse of my normal writing format, one that I find to be a very special bargain for enthusiast and pro level photographers. Of course, you could just scroll down to the bottom of this article to find out what camera I'm talking about, but wouldn't that would negate the very fun of a short mystery review? I promise, it isn't long, you can wait to be surprised. Assuming you have some restraint and haven't looked yet, I'll get on  talking about a very special camera that is a ridiculous deal for shutterbugs.

DSLR's Still Rule: The Afffordable Nikon D610 Part I

DSLR's Still Rule: The Affordable Nikon D610 Part I
January 2020, Carl Garrard

One of my favorite DSLR cameras to rely on for serious outdoor photo work in the past has faithfully been my Canon 6D. Matched with the 24-70mm L f/4 lens, it's a compact, easy to use, comfortable combo with image quality that sings. As written here previously, the 6D is one of my top seven favorite cameras of all time. I've never desired to replace it for the work I bought it for, nor wondered if I ever would. Over time it hasn't been my first choice for all outdoor though, such as action work of any kind. Today, Canon and Nikon's newer fast focusing AF-P/USM II 70-300mm lenses out there are lighter, quieter, and more compact than the high end pro lenses (like my 70-300mm L). Nikon's especially has given me reason to look further into a system for this task. Their lens is weather sealed, while Canon's 70-300mm IS II USM isn't. It's also not rugged enough for my needs. So both the 6D and  that lens left me wanting to fill a niche Canon couldn't fill- a lightweight semi-pro set up for action photography.

Nikon D610 Current Retail and Used Pricing

What Happens Now?

What Happens Now?
January 2020, Carl Garrard

As the camera market settles down to court only the remaining pro's and shutterbugs; as it was during the film era, I've been inclined to wonder what will happen after sales and profits finally level out. There's no denying the power of the larger portion of the market that targets smartphone users. Only a pro, or dedicated shutterbug will want to use cameras for still or video work going forward. I do believe we are already at that point in time.As such, I believe that camera companies will have to start changing designs of cameras dramatically to cater to the specific needs of shutterbugs simply because they outnumber the pro's handily- and sales matter. Example: one only has to look to Fujifilm to see what making throwback design has done for the growth of its camera division. In less than 10 years time since the X mount came to the market, Fujifilm has become a major player in digital.

Photo of the Day: Winter Sunset 2019

December 10th 2019 (Panasonic FZ300). I've shot this silhouette several times, yet I think this background is the best of them all to date. Always go back to your favorite places to shoot. Photo © Carl Garrard

Ricoh Bring Gunmetal Back!

Ricoh Bring Gunmetal Back!
December 2019, Carl Garrard

Ricoh's Pentax branded Prestige Edition Gun Metal K3 is arguably the best special edition color ever, for any camera or any manufacturer. In the days when everything counts to sell a camera, manufacturers need to pay attention to the reaction from its' photographers more than ever. I don't think I saw a single comment on the net that wasn't full blast in support for this limited edition color. Ricoh, please make your new upcoming DSLR for next year in this fine Gun Metal color. Why we haven't seen more cameras with a color like this is beyond me, but at least Fujifilm did it with the XPRO 2 (or as similar color). Only 2,000 units were produced in this color world wide. Are you one of the lucky owners of this K3? I say more of this color, what say you?