Stay Focused Series (#1): Wanderings and Chronicles with the Olympus Evolt E-5 DSLR

Stay Focused Series (#1): Wanderings and Chronicles with the Olympus Evolt E-5 DSLR

May 2025, Carl Garrard

Today's article highlights the Olympus Evolt E-5 DSLR, Olympus's last (D)SLR they ever made and the center spotlight of my recent photographic meanderings. This new series is intentionally not a technical or exhaustive review that I've been doing for years. Rather, every article in the series is the summary of my casual observations that place the highest value on real-world camera performance from a single outing. Real world impressions are more important to me than the limited, white-coat, lab-style evaluations. Think of each article in the series as a spontaneous outing with an experienced photographer in unpredictable conditions—one that demonstrates a camera’s real life capabilities and, most importantly, its unique connection to a photographer. Like life, each article is unrepeatable and unpredictable—a fitting demonstration of how a camera performs when it truly counts the most. The Stay Focused Series title is inspired by my valediction and marks the newest addition to Photographic Central—an approachably penned, real-life journal of my experiences with a wide range of camera types from all brands. Enjoy!

Nikon D500 Review 2025: The Crop Sensor G.O.A.T? (Part 1)

Nikon D500 Review 2025: The Crop Sensor G.O.A.T? (Part 1)

January 2025, Carl Garrard

Wow, I am finally getting around to my Nikon D500 review. I have a lot to say, and therefore it is my preference to break this review up into two parts. There remain only two APS-C DSLR's that I'd consider for the "GOAT" title, and the D500 has always been at the top of that short list (once it was three cameras, now only two remain). This review of the D500 was written based on my years of experience with this fantastic DSLR, and, the Nikon F mount in general. It's being compared to a long list of cameras from my past and current experiences, therefore my words aren't written lightly. I thought I'd start off 2025 by writing about one of my favorite cameras of all time, also, to answer the question of whether or not this camera deserves the crown of all crop sensor DSLR's. I'll get right into my experiences with this camera with zero review "bloat".

The Sad (but true) State of the Photography Industry: A Long Overdue Opine

The Sad (but true) State of the Photography Industry: A Long Overdue Opine

November 5th, Carl Garrard

So, I was on ebay the other day. Saw this listing of a D300s and two lenses for about $425.00. It's brand new, 600 shots on the camera, lenses hardly used. It's such a good deal, I grab it. And then I start to reflect. The more I dig into it, the more I see the picture, a picture and story I've seen a thousand times or more since I got into digital photography...

A photographer buys a brand new D300S, throws away the box, buys two new lenses, puts 600 shots on the camera puts it down and lets the kit sit in a closet for who knows how long, never to be touched again. Years later he or she sells it to a retailer at some point. The camera was neglected so long that the original battery goes bad. The seller adds a third party battery to the kit out of his own pocket and puts it up on ebay for a profit. Sellers take a 10% hit automatically from Ebay, and with free shipping they pay that expense too. 

DSLR's Still Rule: The Affordable Nikon D610 Part II

DSLR's Still Rule: The Affordable Nikon D610 Part II

October 2024, Carl Garrard

Near five years later and part II of  my original review is complete, ta-da! Over the years I have put a lot of miles on a couple of D610's since my first article, and I've learned a lot more small details about this camera I wanted to share. I've also been very busy shooting with other Nikon DSLR's so I'm also able to do a few apples to apples comparisons to other bodies available on the used market. Today the D610 still manages to be a pretty affordable option but used prices on a good condition body are starting to increase quite a bit. I won't do a spoiler, but what I will say right off the bat is that this review is going to be positive considering I still own the D610 today and you can bet it's not gathering dust.

Shout Out to Andrew Reid: "Let's Just Be Honest About it"

I don't normally post articles linking to other sites, so this is a rare moment on the blog. The reason for that is because I have always maintained my complete independence with this blog. Sharing links to my favorites wouldn't seem genuine to me (or you). Unless of course the message was such an important point for the photographic community that I just had to make an exception. So here is the exception, and, it comes from a site that I hardly ever visited over the last decade or so (my impression was that it was a video-centric site only, as opposed to photographic centric). Hats off to Andrew for both of these two videos. One so ahead of it's time, and the other just so on point. I completely relate to both and have been saying the same for sometime myself. Amen Andrew, great job on these.

The Gerald Undone Challenge

IT'S FIXED - EOSHD on stage managed camera reviews & influencers (part 1)

Canon EOS 7D Review: 2023

Canon EOS 7D Review: 2023

December 2023, Carl Garrard

Every once in a while a camera will come along that transcends the normally inevitable barrier of aging. Those cameras, being either film or digital, are relatively far and few between. Yet most of these immortal-like cameras are easily identifiable. One only needs to seek out the loyal and dedicated following they have amongst photographers. One such camera I believe deserves this honor (as you've probably guessed), is the Canon EOS 7D. Of which personally I've owned several copies of over time, and I admire its design just as much as the rest of the loyal dedicated lot out there. Though reading back on my article I wrote in 2018 about this lovely camera was a painful experience. I just didn't hit the mark. Sometimes writing is just like that I guess. Needless to say then I suppose that I don't think that I did the EOS 7D any justice.

Gear Spotlight: Ricoh GR IIIX

Ricoh's GR IIIX is one of the most unique compacts you can buy. It's truly pocketable which makes it excellent for street work, vacation shooting, and even for outdoor enthusiasts needing a fully featured pro level camera in a supremely diminutive all metal case that doesn't weigh you down. It's 40mm equivalent focal length caters to many pro-photographers desire for a field of view that is slightly wider than 50mm but just narrower than 35mm for that goldilocks sweet spot shot. Built in image stabilization seals the deal. Pricing and variations here: RICOH GR IIIX 

Gear Spotlight: Canon EOS SL3 DSLR

Canon's EOS SL3 DSLR is a fantastic entry point into photography which gives you many modern features along with an optical viewfinder for classic style photography- blend that you can't get with a mirrorless system. Another selling point is the much lower price of the body and lenses (used prices are even much lower: Used SL3 Link) and if wifi, small size, and touchscreen are important to you, then you are covered! Browse for many more options/combinations here: CANON EOS REBEL SL3 SALE 

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Edition Announced!

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Edition

April 2023, Carl Garrard

Today is a great day for photographers. The worlds first production run Monochrome only DSLR has been announced by Ricoh, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome. As many here should already know, I have two versions of the K3 Mark III already; the original and the Jet Black edition. When I heard this one was finally going from concept to production, I immediately put myself on the notification/mailer availability list . As my review has already stated, the K3 Mark III is the best APS-C DSLR from any manufacturer to date, and I know this version carries over all of the same traits as I have with the other two. Only this version is an even more unique and special one that will help us all laser focus on tonality, subject, and composition using only grey tones. In addition to that, the high ISO performance, detail, tonality, and dynamic range will all be improved over the original model K-3 III. 

News: Photographylife.com

Just a quick news item for readers I am proud to share with you all. Photographylife.com will soon have a new contributing writer (and moderator) to their site, me! But please don't worry, I will continue this blog as usual and nothing will change here, business as usual. However going forward, I will be also putting efforts into contributing articles/content over at the wonderful Photographylife.com website as well. The folks over there (Nasim, Spencer, etal) are a class act, the articles are top rate, and they adhere to a photography/photographer-first ethical standard that I relate too heavily. I feel this is a great matchup of like-minds and I'm proud to be a new contributing author and member of the team. I will update my blog when I publish articles on the site there as they happen. I am excited, grateful, and proud to be a part of such wonderful company. More to come soon. Stay focused. -Carl

Follow Me!

For other Bloggers out there, follow me here! https://www.blogger.com/follow.g?view=FOLLOW&blogID=6938824791812834583

Pentax K1 Mark III: What Ricoh Should Do Next

Pentax K1 Mark III: What Ricoh Should Do Next

March 2023, Carl Garrard

As I put the finishing touches on my K3 Mark III part IV and V articles, I wanted to take a quick break and discuss what I think should be Ricoh's next move. Slowly over the last eight years or so Ricoh has done a decent job bringing in modern optic full frame lenses for their apex full frame cameras. From ultrawide to macro to super telephoto, they have at least one Pentax branded lens representing each category with their zooms, and they also have a few choice primes being sprinkled in there as well. While modern lens lineup isn't that robust, there are many used options from the full frame film days as well. The point being, Ricoh have enough lenses to support a K1 Mark III as is, and it wouldn't take much for them to kick out a few more choice full frame modern optics either. With that said, I'm not fortune teller but if there was a way to bet in Vegas on what Ricoh are working on currently, I'd throw my money down on a K1 II successor. 

Photographic Central's Future

Photographic Central's Future

March 2023, Carl Garrard

Just shy of nine months ago a career pivot has dominated more of my personal energy and time than I had forecast, thus making for less personal time to complete review projects here on PC than I'd ultimately like. Bread on the table is my number one priority, and something of which I'm sure readers here can relate and understand completely. With that said, I want to mention that I have multiple projects started on older and newer cameras alike and they are all simultaneously in the works. Now I'd love to have nothing but free time to complete all of these projects, especially some that are most near and dear to me, but life doesn't always work out as we plan. Saving any suspense, I have no plans of shutting down my site or to stop writing reviews and articles about camera gear and photography, quite the opposite in fact.

DPReview Shutting Down: Burning A Historic Library

DPReview Shutting Down: Burning A Historic Library

March 2023, Carl Garrard

WTF. That was the first thought I had when I read the headline DPReview was shutting down, as I'm sure many others shared a similar train of thought. I don't know the real reasons for the shut down of the internets largest community of photographic related content and users. Layoffs and cutbacks are not reasons I accept in this case, I repeat, I do not accept this and neither should you. DPReview could easily be sold through crowdfunding, to a highest bidder, the list of alternatives is staggering. And yet, Amazon is just wiping 25 years of information, contribution, wisdom, sharing, you name it... right off the grid. That takes a pretty soulless decision to do something like that, its the equivalent of burning the Vatican or another historic library right to the ground. This news shocked me in a way that hit my core being, and to the point that I couldn't find the words to describe how I was feeling or what I actually wanted to say. Well a good nights sleep is good for the brain and I woke up today pissed. 

Nikon D800 Review: A Legendary Nikon DSLR

Nikon D800 Review: A Legendary Nikon DSLR

March 2023, Carl Garrard

Back in November of 2022, I wrote a small piece about my four favorite Nikon DSLR's. Some of my opinions have changed a bit since then, and some have remained. The reason for these changes is due to spending more quality time with those cameras in that article. I have also added a few more Nikon DSLR's during that time as well. So yeah, I've been busy shooting with a lot with Nikon gear in the last couple of years. And through trial and error I have also continued to fine tune my lens lineup as well. I've ironed out what I want each camera to do for my photography. Much experimentation has resulted in setting up my Nikon's DSLR's with an ideal combination of custom configurations and settings. And during that process something wonderful has happened... an increasing understanding, respect, admiration, and appreciation of the Nikon D800. As it turns out, the D800 happened to be quite a surprise all rounder- something I didn't understand it to be when I first purchased one. NIKON D800 Used Prices

News: Pentax Brand Launching A Film Camera Project (Updated Jan 1, 2023)

Now this is what I call photo industry news. Ricoh has decided to launch a Pentax Brand Film Camera Project: https://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info2/2022/20221220_037861.html

Film popularity has only been increasing while digital popularity has been decreasing. This is a bold and exciting move from Pentax. And while I doubt film will ever become as popular as digital, it has enough popularity and movement to be considered lucrative for the brand- and for photographers alike. Read the article, and great job Pentax!

Update: I decided to add a link to a great video on Pentax cameras, A History of Pentax. I highly recommend watching this video as it is an important sort of addendum to the new announcement from Pentax, and you will not regret time spent soaking up this great information.

A History of Pentax

Happy New Year, and here's hoping for a wonderful 2023. Stay focused.

Pentax K3 III Used and New Pricing

Coming Soon, Parts IV and V

Coming Soon, Review Parts IV and V

November 2022, Carl Garrard

I haven't forgot. Stay tuned. Stay focused.

Pentax K3 III Used and New Pricing

My Favorite Nikon DSLRS: Df, D610, D500, and D800

My Favorite Nikon DSLRS: Df, D610, D500, and D800 

November 2022, Carl Garrard

My inspiration for this article arose from the personal experiences I'vd had over the last few years with my favorite Nikon DSLR's. This article is by no means an attempt to sway anyone's opinion of, nor defend my purchases for, these four Nikon cameras. Rather, I decided that it was important to share my opinions with other photographers. Mostly it is intended for those who are newer to photography or to those photographers that are  reorganizing a new kit. Frankly, at times we can all use some experienced wisdom or insight in order to help us decide on what gear to outfit ourselves with. As such, it's important to anyone reading this to know that I have owned almost every single DSLR in Nikon's inventory (with exception to the D5/6 and D850). In addition, I own multiple camera systems from multiple companies, and for fifteen years I've been reviewing as many digital cameras and lenses on the internet as possible. This does not take into account any and all previous experience I've had prior to reviewing digital cameras online. I have been a photographer for nearly 32 years now (in one form or another). Therefore it's my hope that sharing my thoughts are then at least somewhat helpful to other photographers out there looking for an honest opinion, all whilst simultaneously trying to navigate their way through the maze of gear choices and other opinions in the internet toilet. Trust me, I know it's not easy.

Fujifilm X-PRO 1 Review: A Decade Old, Better Than Ever

Fujifilm X-PRO 1 Review: A Decade Old, Better Than Ever

June 2022, Carl Garrard

Hope you don't mind, but I think a little reminiscing is necessary before I get into the meat of this review. I think that is vital to set up the context of this article. So with that said, lets just jump in and start at the beginning. Way back in January 2012 was the first time that I used the Fujifilm X-Pro1, and I can remember that experience like it was yesterday. It was a chilly early morning in Las Vegas Nevada, I was attending the 2012 CES show after a five hour drive from Southern California. I was one of the first in line to get in the show. When the doors opened I made a beeline straight to the Fujifilm booth. Fortunate or, maybe because I hustled, I was one of the first to be able to spend a couple of productive hours of time with a group of Fujifilm folk there, learning about and testing all their new cameras. Although a couple of hours doesn't sound like a lot of time, trust me when I say that it is, especially when you are attending a packed shoulder to shoulder electronics show event. The experience that I had with the staff there at that counter was very positive, they answered so many of my questions (the best that they could) and never rushed me to give the cameras back. Most of that time was spent with the X-Pro1. Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Used and New Prices

PENTAX K5II Review: If You Had To Pick One...

PENTAX K5II Review: If You Had To Pick One...

May 2022, Carl Garrard

Pentax DSLR's have brought me so many fond memories. But the state of our camera market is such that DSLRs will likely become a rarity one day. Camera manufacturers are beset on mirrorless as the future, and that becomes more evident by the day. Only Pentax has shown a dedication to keeping a DSLR in production, but lets face it, they are a small dedicated brand with a proportionally small but equally dedicated base of photographers. I have always loved Pentax cameras, I've owned every single Pentax DSLR ever made. But the time has come to make room on my shelves. And in doing so I have decided to sell off a huge portion of my camera "collection" that I have from all manufacturers, not just Pentax. In the end, the goal was to keep only my very favorites from each manufacturer I own.