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

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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? 

This is Digital Photography Review Today.

This is Digital Photography Review Today.
December 2019, Carl Garrard

Today, I deleted as much information on my account at Digital Photography Review that I was able too, I've said goodbye to that site, permanently. I had been a contributing member of that site for well over a decade. The reason? I was "sandboxed" by DPR staff for, frankly, being honest and asking questions about why they removed (shadowed) comments from a controversial Sony article they posted. In the comments section they were questioned or commented on by many members about their apparent bias towards the brand. I asked twice, on a forum post. I only asked twice because my first post didn't appear the next day when I checked on it. Thinking it was "user error" I asked the same question again. Then, "Mako" the moderator, tells me that I have violated some rule in which users are not allowed to question why posts are removed, and sandboxed me. I didn't ask about a post, I asked about a comment section in a Sony article. I was not warned at all, I was simply "sandboxed". In other words silenced. Thou shall not question DPR decisioning, apparently.

Nikon D610 vs. Canon 6D?

Nikon D610 vs. Canon 6D?
October 2019, Carl Garrard

Readers may be surprised to see that I'm writing about a Nikon DSLR. This site is almost void of any Nikon articles in general. Although I haven't been a fan of many of Nikon's cameras (none of the Coolpix cameras for example), there are a couple that I have liked a lot. Nikon's D80 and D90 are two such cameras that made sense to me and that I enjoy using. And lately I picked up a Fujifilm S5 PRO, which I adore, built around the bombastic D200 body.  That lead to me being curious about their full frame offerings. And after much debate and weighing pros and cons, I ended up getting the D610 that addresses a couple of my beloved 6D's short comings.

 

Finally Something Better: Fujifilm XPRO3

Finally Something Better: Fujifilm XPRO3
October 2019, Carl Garrard

I'll keep this short. Bravo to Fujifilm for being brave enough to make a camera like this. The camera market has changed and they know it. It was time to also court photographers with products that are more specific to certain types of photography, but most importantly products that encourage photographers to get back to the fundamentals. The market has long been flooded with cameras (cough mirrorless/DSLR's) that all do the exact same thing. Hiding the main screen without eliminating it is a gentle reminder to keep your eye to the finder.

Pre-order here: Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera - Dura Black (Body Only)

From left to right: Durablack Ti, Black Ti, Durasilver Ti.  XPRO "Three" Indeed.

Panasonic's Lumix GH3 and the 14-140mm II

Panasonic's Lumix GH3 and the 14-140mm II
October 2019, Carl Garrard

Yesterday I took the GH3 and 14-140mm II lens out for a hike. I've never used any of the GH series cameras, so recently I  purchased the GH3 in near new condition, boxed, for less than $300.00 USD. For a camera that used to sell for $1,300.00, this is quite a bargain. It's metal construction is top notch, it's weather sealed (splash proof), and has electronics that are quite capable even today. It's really a do it all camera, and when paired up with the 14-140mm II (second version) lens, you have a weather sealed lightweight combo that gives you a 28-280mm equivalent focal range. I wasn't so impressed with the lens of the FZ2500, so I wanted to see how this combination would do in comparison. Practically, there's not a whole lot of difference between 280mm and 480mm in terms of field of view.
Panasonic GH3  or Panasonic 14-140mm II f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Camera Conspiracies Rules!

Casey has one of the funniest channels on YouTube. It's refreshing to watch some unfiltered fun, and gives you a nice dose of happiness. He doesn't limit his content to talking just about cameras or ribbing "loser" photographers either. Take a peek, see if you agree like everyone else already does. If you don't, the Canon cripple hammer will come for you (he took over for the Grim Reaper). You don't even have to like cameras at all to enjoy his channel. Don't forget to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxgo62w72LxZDA1fTibdYg



Stay focused.
-Carl

Fujifilm X-A7: Tired of Your Smartphone Yet? Take the Leap...

Fujifilm X-A7: Tired of Your Smartphone Yet? Take the Leap...
September 2019, Carl Garrard

Fujifilm has redesigned the X-A series completely. And they are courting you, Smartphone or iPhone users: Those that may be tired of the lack of image quality, features, and general control from a smartphone that a camera instead offers you. And I have to say, this is quite an attractive entry level camera, with its 24mp sensor, huge 2.7 million dot, 3.5" Tilt and twist LCD screen with touch function control, wifi, 4K 30p video, 6fps continuous drive shooting, 1/32,000 second e-shutter (1/4000 manual shutter), programmable dials, time-lapse recording, you name it. And it comes in with a kit lens under $700.00. The body only weighs 310 grams, it's very light but ruggedly built, and comes in four different color schemes. Body only price will be lower, so if you already have Fujfilm lenses or adapters for other brands, you can save a bit of money. Of course it will be sold at many local camera stores or simply go to Amazon: Fujifilm X-A7 kit pre-order link here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XPXPM9X

Upcoming E-Mount Camera Review- Our First! *Update*

Upcoming E-Mount Camera Review- Our First!
June 2019, Carl Garrard

Surprise! Tis' Sony month here at Photographic Central. A slew of Sony A-Mount and now even an E-Mount camera reviews are coming from my desk this month. Three tribute A-Mount camera reviews are in the works as well as my first Sony E-Mount camera review, the Sony A7 II (and 28-70mm lens). I've managed to somehow completely miss reviewing the E-Mount cameras for one reason or another, but now is the time that I finally take a look at what they offer vs. all the other makers out there. I've been sent quite a few cameras lately, as well as purchased my own for my collection- so things have been very busy in the "office". I'm looking forward to using my very first full frame E-Mount camera. Last time I evaluated any Sony mirrorless was with the Sony NEX6/7 cameras. I wasn't impressed with those cameras so well see how far Sony have come since then.

Sony Alpha a7II 28-70mm Kit Best Current Price