In addition to announcing a new $6,000 pro-grade sports camera yesterday (the EOS R3), Canon also unveiled a pair of affordable new RF lenses, specifically a 16mm f/2.8 prime, and a 100-400mm f/5.6-8 telephoto. While you likely won’t be mounting either on the R3, both seem like a perfect match for the budget-friendly Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera.
First up, among the two new RF lenses, we have the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM ($299), a compact and lightweight wide-angle prime, similar in design and form-factor to Canon’s $200 RF 50mm f/1.8 lens. These two lenses, along with the RF 35mm f/1.8 ($500) and RF 85mm f/2 ($600), make up Canon’s budget-friendly RF prime line.
So, if you’re looking for a wide-angle field of view, but don’t want to break the bank on the RF 16-35mm f/4 L IS ($1699) or the RF 15-30mm f/2.8 L IS ($2,299), this nifty little 16mm could be a great option.
Like the RF 50mm f/1.8, a stepping motor drives focus and should provide smooth, silent AF acquisition—something video shooters will surely appreciate.
The optical construction consists of 9 elements, including one aspherical element. And Canon’s Super Spectra Coating should help minimize instances of ghosting and lens flare. The minimum focus distance is just 5.1 inches for a 0.26x maximum magnification.
In terms of features, a customizable control ring adorns the lens barrel, along with a switch to toggle the function of said control ring between its custom setting and focus control. The front of the lens accepts 43mm filters; a lens hood is not included.
Canon isn’t claiming any dust/moisture-sealing, but given our positive impressions of the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, we still expect a reasonably solid build quality.
The RF 16mm f/2.8 STM will be available in October for $299.
Next up is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM telephoto lens. Though it doesn’t offer the fastest aperture range in town, the lens is impressively lightweight (1.4 pounds) and compact (6.5 inches long at 100mm), given its reach.
Canon is comparing it to the well-regarded EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM DSLR lens, in terms of optical performance and build quality. Like the 70-300mm, a Nano USM motor drives autofocus and should be ultra zippy, yet silent.
Optically, the lens has 12 elements including both aspherical and ultra-low dispersion elements. And like the RF 16mm f/2.8, the 100-400mm features Canon’s Super Spectra Coating to fend off ghosting and lens flares. A 9-blade aperture should provide pleasant-looking bokeh.
The minimum focus distance is 35 inches for a maximum magnification of 0.41x. The front accepts 67mm filters and the unit ships with a lens hood.
There’s no weather-sealing, but again, we expect a solid build quality if the RF 100-400mm is anything like the EF 70-300mmn. Like the RF 16mm f/2.8, the RF 100-400mm offers a customizable control ring around the front of the barrel. There’s also a sizable zoom ring (the lens telescopes outward when zoomed) and a dedicated manual focus ring. The barrel also offers an AF/MF toggle, as well as an IS on/off toggle.
Lens stabilization provides up to 5.5-stops (CIPA rated) of shake reduction on its own. And you’ll get an extra 0.5-stops when mounted on a Canon mirrorless camera with in-body IS.
Also noteworthy: This is Canon’s first non-L-series telephoto lens to be compatible with the RF 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.
The RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM will be available in October for $649.
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The full-frame EOS R3 is Canon’s most impressive mirrorless camera to date, offering 30 fps continuous shooting with AF, 6K Raw video capture, and a rugged twin grip design.
The post Canon EOS R3 pro mirrorless camera officially announced, full specs revealed appeared first on Popular Photography.
The Canon EOS R3 has officially entered the chat. For nearly 6 months, Canon has been teasing its latest full-frame camera with occasional hints about specifications. But we now have a clear picture of what this pro-level body brings to the mirrorless camera party.
Geared toward sports and wildlife shooters, as well as photojournalists, the EOS R3 emphasizes speed, durability, and easy file transfers. It uses Canon’s latest stacked CMOS sensor technology and features a unibody magnesium alloy shell with an integrated vertical grip. In short, it’s easily Canon’s most impressive mirrorless camera to date – just don’t go calling it a ‘flagship.’ Canon maintains the EOS 1D X Mark III DSLR is still the top dog in its lineup (but perhaps a mirrorless 1D body isn’t too far away).
We see a lot of cameras sporting 24-megapixel, full-frame sensors. But what makes the EOS R3’s sensor special is its backside-illuminated ‘stacked CMOS’ design. It’s the first of its kind from Canon and developed in-house. Before we discuss what ‘stacked’ means, let’s talk BSI. These sensors have been around for several years and by design can collect more light at the pixel level than standard sensors, leading to comparably less digital noise (giving users a potential advantage in low light conditions).
Stacked CMOS is the next progression of sensor technology beyond BSI. By incorporating system memory directly onto the physical sensor chip, stacked sensors can process information quicker than their standard sensor counterparts. This allows for faster burst shooting and quicker AF calculations, as well as better video performance with less rolling shutter. Sony’s already proven just how impressive this sensor tech is with its recent pro-level bodies, like the Sony A1. And it’s exciting to see Canon leverage it as well.
To complement its fancy new stacked CMOS sensor, the EOS R3 uses Canon’s latest Digic X processor. Combined, they provide exceptionally snappy performance. The R3 can capture images at up to 30 fps using the electronic shutter, with no screen/viewfinder blackout and up to 12 fps using the mechanical shutter. The former is 10 fps faster than the EOS 1D X Mark III’s top e-shutter burst rate (of 20 fps). But the flagship DSLR remains faster in the mechanical shutter department with a top speed of 16 fps.
In terms of storage, the body offers both a UHS-II SD slot as well as a CFexpress slot. Regardless of which you utilize, you’ll be able to fire off about 150 Raw files before the buffer kicks in when using the 30 fps mode. But in 12 fps mode, CFexpress offers an advantage: 1000+ Raw files before hitting the buffer compared to about 290 frames when writing to a UHS-II SD card.
The EOS R3 uses Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system and offers a whopping 1,053 AF points. In addition to face and eye detection, it also has an animal recognition AF mode as well as a motorsport recognition mode (which is tuned to spot fast-moving cars and motorcycles). Canon says face and eye tracking performance has been improved upon compared to previous mirrorless models, like the EOS R5 and R6, thanks to a combination of user feedback and machine learning. For low light shooting, the EOS R3 can focus in conditions as dark as -7.5EV (when using an F1.2 lens).
Perhaps one of the coolest new features of the EOS R3 is its Eye Control AF functionality. Rather than choosing one’s AF subject via the joystick, this mode monitors your eye position when held to the EVF – via infrared beams – and repositions the AF point/area in whatever direction you’re looking. How well does it work? We’ve yet to test it out, but initial reports suggest it’s more than just a gimmick. You’ll need to run through a calibration process before using Eye Control AF and the more times you run the process, the better it supposedly works.
Surprisingly, this feature has been around for quite a while, though laid dormant for several decades: Canon originally introduced Eye Control AF in high-end film bodies during the 1990s, including the Canon EOS-3 or Elan 7e. In that iteration, the mode worked just OK. But we expect far better performance from it in its latest iteration.
The EOS R3 is Canon’s first mirrorless full-framer with an integrated vertical grip. Like the EOS 1D X Mark III, this allows the camera to be comfortably used in either the vertical or horizontal orientation, with twin controls for each. Button and dial placement is nearly a match with the 1D X Mark III (though the R3 is considerably smaller, as there’s no viewfinder prism). And well-placed joysticks allow for quick and easy AF area/point placement (when not using Eye Control AF).
The build quality of the camera also impresses: the EOS R3 features a unibody magnesium alloy design, which should provide excellent durability. The outside is wrapped in a grippy, textured, rubber-like material. Canon doesn’t specify an IP rating, but we’re told the R3 offers the same degree of dust and weather sealing as a 1D-series camera. Which is to say, you could probably use this thing in a hurricane and it’d come out unscathed.
This is Canon’s first twin grip camera to offer an articulating touchscreen. The 3.2-inch panel is also among the highest resolution screens we’ve seen on a digital camera, with 4.15-million dots. The display is touch-sensitive and can be used for a variety of functions in both record and playback mode.
The EOS R3 sports a hearty 5.76-million dot OLED EVF with 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification, and a 23mm eyepoint.
One major advantage the EOS R3 has over its twin grip DSLR counterparts is the inclusion of 5-axis in-body image stabilization. Canon says it can provide up to 8-stops of added hand-hold-ability, depending on which lens you pair it with. That said, you’ll get at least 6-stops of IS, regardless of which RF lens you mount. IS works during both stills and video capture.
The EOS R3’s stacked sensor and fast processor also provide major advantages when it comes to video capture. Users can shoot 6K Raw video using the full width of the sensor at up to 60p. Or you can choose to shoot oversampled 4K video at up to 60p. Additionally, there’s a subsampled 4K/120p video mode (with no crop factor). In all these modes, rolling shutter should be very well controlled, again thanks to the stacked sensor design and quick readout.
If you’re not looking to shoot Raw video, but still want plenty of flexibility in post, the EOS R3 offers 10-bit capture using Canon’s Log 3 profile.
It’s worth noting: 6K Raw and 4K/120p both require you use a CFexpress card rated at 400mb/s or higher.
A pro-level camera should offer pro-level connectivity and the EOS R3 does not disappoint. Users can transfer files via 5 GHz Wi-Fi using Canon’s Mobile File Transmitter application. The camera also offers Bluetooth (for pairing with a device), and a built-in wired LAN port (for transmitting photos the old school way).
The EOS R3’s hotshoe is multi-functional and plays nice with a wide variety of Canon speedlights as well as a variety of other accessories including external microphones and Canon’s Smartphone Link Adapter.
The EOS R3 uses the same LP-E19 battery as the EOS 1D X Mark III, but battery life is considerably less when shooting through the finder due to the power needs of the EOS R3’s EVF. According to CIPA standards, you can expect up to 860 shots per charge when using the LCD and 620 when using the EVF in power-saving mode. In the standard mode, you can expect 760 shots using the LCD and 440 using the EVF. That said, CIPA battery ratings tend to be on the conservative side. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by battery performance in real-world use.
The EOS R3 also can play nice with LP-E4N batteries (but not LP-E19’s). However, Canon cautions against charging these batteries using the R3’s charger for safety reasons.
And there you have it, a full breakdown of Canon’s latest drool-worthy, pro-level mirrorless body. If all of the above sounds good to you, you can get your hands on the new EOS R3 come November 2021 for a body-only price of $5999.
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在$ 3,999个,新富士GFX50S II是便宜,因为媒体格式得到的那一刻,但低廉的价格来有一些妥协。 p>
的交富士GFX50S II:最经济实惠的中期格式反射镜相机还第一次出现在大众摄影。 p>18新利娱乐首页
This week, Fujifilm introduced a new model in its GFX, medium-format line of cameras—the Fujifilm GFX50S II—which has a remarkably low sticker price. A “cheap” medium-format mirrorless digital camera sounds like an oxymoron. But, the new 51.4-megapixel GFX50S II, which will be available in late next month, will cost just $3,999. The company also announced a new lens— GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR lens—which will be sold as a kit with the new GFX50S II for $4,499. Now, the very large size of medium-format sensors is a good thing–since they’re larger than sensors found in, say, full-frame mirrorless cameras. That helps image quality when it comes to noise and also creates a unique depth of field effect smaller sensors can’t necessarily replicate. But the bad news is this–such a budget-style, high-end camera will almost always have compromises, as this one does: In essence, the company itself said that this camera is essentially a GFX100S camera body with an older 51-megapixel medium-format sensor (instead of the newer 102MP sensor in the current GFX100S). In tech, “older” rarely if ever means better. So, where are the compromises? One drawback is that the autofocus lacks phase-detect AF, and instead, uses contrast AF, which is not as robust and quick at focusing as phase detection. The company notes that they’ve updated various elements within the contrast AF system—such as Far AF tracking and Face/Eye detection—but by and large, many photographers, particularly those who are shooting active subjects, may not find this model a very good value. Of course, if you’re shooting It also shoots at just 3 frames per second in burst mode, which is another issue for those shooting action. (By contrast, the GFX100 and GFX100S capture 5 fps.) Features are similarly limited when it comes to video. The GFX50S II captures video at only Full HD resolution at just 30 fps. However, on the upside, it does come with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which the company rates as having up to 6.5 stops of compensation. And you can also shoot at a high-resolution—205MP—using its pixel-shift multi-shot technology. The new kit lens, the GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR, is weather-resistant and lightweight and has a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 28-55mm. The post Fujifilm GFX50S II: The most affordable medium-format mirrorless camera yet appeared first on Popular Photography. 在新宝丽现在+相机提供的应用程序为基础的额外通过连接到智能手机经由蓝牙。 p> 的交宝丽来现在+瞬时胶片相机所连接到通过蓝牙智能电话的第一次出现在大众摄影。 p>18新利娱乐首页
Polaroid has just announced a new Bluetooth-connected, app-enabled instant camera: the Now+. It shoots 3.1” square instant photos and costs $149 at launch. Polaroid calls it their “most creative camera yet”—and that’s a pretty on-the-money summary. The Polaroid Now+ is technically an upgrade to last year’s $99 Polaroid Now—but it’s really just a modern take on a retro Polaroid instant film camera. Even the styling should be familiar to anyone who visited Santa’s Grotto in the 1980s or 90s. The lens has the same field of view as a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera. It’s got a wide opens aperture of f/11 and stops down to f/32. Basically, what you see in front of you is going to be pretty close to what appears on the film. In terms of on-camera controls, there’s not a huge amount to talk about: it has a power button, a flash button, a + button that controls the camera mode and Bluetooth connection, and a shutter release. Point the camera, look through the viewfinder, press the button, take a picture. Most of the extra features are handled using the Polaroid Originals app (available for iOS and Android smartphones) that we’ll talk about in a moment. At roughly 3.7” by 4.2” by 5.6” and weighing just less than a pound the Now+ is chunky, if not heavy. It’s not going to weigh down your bag but it certainly won’t fit in your pocket. A big part of that size is dictated by the i-Type instant film it shoots (though the Now+ also supports the more expensive 600 film). A pack of eight black-and-white or color i-Type exposures costs $16 through Polaroid’s website—and there are regularly limited edition films available for a little more. The Now+ comes with five filters: Starburst, Red Vignette, Orange, Blue, and Yellow. The colored filters either add a cast to your color photos or change the contrast with your black-and-white shots. The Starburst filter softens the overall look and makes your highlights pop with a stars effect. One small-yet-noteworthy addition is a standard tripod socket. They’re not common on these kind of cameras, but it gives you a lot more creative shooting options—even for things like group selfies. So far, so instant camera. The real options with the Now+ comes when you connect it to your smartphone. The Polaroid Originals app allows you to take manual control of your camera and gives you access to different creative modes. Some of the options are: This is what takes the Now+ from a novelty to something can be used incredibly creatively. Unlike most instant cameras, you’re not limited to day-time snapshots. If you have your smartphone (and maybe a tripod) to hand, there’s a lot of fun to be had. The Polaroid Now+ seems to be a pretty great camera, but there are other options. If you don’t want the creative features, the Now remains in the lineup for $99. Fujifilm’s Instax Square SQ1 ($120) is a little less featured as well, but it shoots the slightly smaller and significantly cheaper Instax Square film; it’s roughly $20 for 20 color or black-and-white exposures. Otherwise, if you’re happy to wait, you could get a non-instant film camera. You’ll have a lot more creative controls and photos will be cheaper, but developing them is a lot more hassle. The post The Polaroid Now+ instant film camera connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth appeared first on Popular Photography. 为您的相机选择适合各种拍摄情况的最佳广角镜头。 贴子如何为您的相机选择最佳广角镜头首先出现在流行摄影 The best wide-angle lens is more versatile than you may realize. Technically, wide-angle lenses allow you to fill the frame with more content than other lenses but they also provide tools to create dramatic effects, especially at low or close angles. From ultra-wide to mid-range, wide-angle glass expands both the creative and practical aspects of picture-taking. While standard and telephoto lenses often are the more common components of your camera kit, a wide-angle lens (or two), will complement other focal lengths with their unique perspective. Like any photography equipment, selecting the best wide-angle lens depends on how you plan to use it and, importantly, what camera you’ll be shooting with. Landscape photography is often the first genre that comes to mind when thinking about a wide-angle lens and while landscapes are one of the most common uses of wide-angle lenses, there are many more including street photography, environmental portraits, architecture/real estate, underwater and night sky photography. For example, 14mm lenses are ideal for underwater photography and night sky images. Street photography and environmental portraits are often best served by 35mm lenses since they’re wide enough to include a subject’s surroundings without distorting people’s faces. You have more flexibility when you choose a wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture since the optimal field of view depends on the scope of the scene. Wide-angle lenses are generally considered to be any lens that is wider than 50mm on a full-frame camera. Multiply the focal length by 1.5x or 1.6x (Canon) for APS-C models and 2x for Micro Four Thirds cameras (Olympus and Panasonic). Obviously, you’ll need a wider lens for a cropped sensor camera than a full-frame model to meet the “wider than 50mm” criteria. Other criteria to consider is whether you want (or need) a prime lens or a zoom. While a zoom lens, of course, provides a broader range, a prime lens may be smaller and lighter and sometimes offers a faster maximum aperture (maximum aperture stops down when you zoom on some lenses). A faster maximum aperture, like f/2.8 or faster, translates to a shallow depth-of-field for times when you want a soft, beautiful background. If you’re flush with cash and want to pursue architectural photography, you can opt for a tilt-shift prime lens to offset skewed perspectives. To help sort out the best wide-angle lens for your particular camera, we’ve sorted our “best” selection by brand. The first consideration when choosing a Canon wide-angle lens is what mount your camera uses. Canon offers full-frame (EF), APS-C (EF-S) and two versions of mirrorless models: EOS-M (EF-M), which fit the more entry-level APS-C mirrorless models, and EOS R (RF), Canon’s full-frame mirrorless models. If you already have a stash of Canon DSLR glass, pick up an adapter to fit them to R cameras. Keep in mind that, although Canon EF lenses fit on Canon APS-C cameras (you’ll get the 1.6x APS-C crop when you do), the reverse isn’t true: you can’t mount a Canon APS-C lens (EF-S) directly onto a full-frame camera. It’s a little confusing so be sure to research lens compatibility and availability of adapters before you make a purchase. Designed for full-frame Canon DSLRs, this lens is also compatible with its APS-C DSLR siblings, this lens offers a versatile focal range. Edge-to-edge sharpness and weather sealing help push this wide-angle lens to the top of the list. The new Canon RF version looks promising, too. Also consider: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM and Canon Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM. Nikon offers more cross compatibility than Canon for its DSLR and mirrorless camera lines. Full-frame and DX (APS-C) lenses are interchangeable within their individual DSLR and mirrorless Z models. It’s important to note, however, that full-frame lenses produce a cropped image when used on DX cameras. When mounting a DX lens on a full-frame camera, you can set the menu to automatically recognize a DX lens and switch to an APS-C crop. If you already have one or more F-mount lenses and plan to switch to a Nikon Z mirrorless camera, be sure to pick up the FTZ (F mount to Z mount) adapter for full compatibility. We’ve used the FTZ adapter and it functions very well with no slow down of AF. A constant f/2.8 aperture adds to this zoom lens’ versatility especially in low light. Nikon This lens is best matched with a full-frame Nikon DSLR to maximize its wide-angle benefits of view but it delivers equally impressive sharpness on DX DSLRs as well, although with a cropped field of view. Designed to reduce flare and ghosting, the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens delivers fast autofocus and edge-to-edge sharpness. Also consider: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S In addition to thinking about the genres with which you’re going to be shooting, it’s critical to remember that Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras double the effective field of view. That’s because they use a different sensor format than full-frame and APS-C cameras. Fortunately, the math is easy—just multiply the focal length that’s on the lens times 2 to get the 35mm (or full-frame) equivalent. While that doubling is great for telephoto lenses since you get double the focal length, giving you a lens that’s smaller and lighter than its full-frame or APS-C equivalent. The bottom line is that it’s more challenging to reach the wide-angle perspective you want with MFT. And, most of the MFT wide-angle lenses are zooms. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but it’s something to keep in mind. A fast aperture and a solid wide angle range make this lens a perfect fit for MFT users. Olympus One of the widest angle MFT zooms, the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO offers a wide-angle field of view at both ends of the zoom. It’s splashproof, dustproof and has a dedicated programmable Fn button. Also consider: Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 While your camera’s manufacturer offers a wide range of wide-angle lenses, there are third-party options that may present a more appealing focal length, extra features or sometimes even a better price. But don’t let price alone be the driver of your choice. There are some really inexpensive options that tend to prove the point that you get what you pay for so be sure to read reviews if a lens sounds too good to be true. Importantly, check specifications to make sure that the lens delivers the same compatibility—especially autofocus—as a native lens. Rugged and protected from the elements, this fast wide-angle lens delivers excellent performance and images. Sigma A constant, fast f/2.8 aperture and speed, accurate autofocus are complemented by well-controlled distortion which is non-existent when focused at infinity. It’s a bit heavy but well worth the extra weight. Available for Canon, Nikon (which comes with a rear filter holder) and Sigma mounts. Here are some other lenses to consider. For Canon and Nikon DSLRs (FF & APS-C): Tamron 15-30mm F/2.8 DI VC USD G2 For MFT, Sony E-mount, Canon EOS M mount and L Mount: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN C Like all lenses, the best place to start is with the focal length that best fits your needs. After that, budget lenses generally require a little bit of extra research to make sure that it will deliver the best possible image quality and performance for a lens in its class. Keep your expectations in line with the price point—you may not get the edge-to-edge sharpness or responsive autofocus with a budget lens that you would with a much more expensive lens. At the same time, if you’re just starting to explore wide-angle photography, a reasonably priced lens will help you discover what works (and doesn’t work) for your style of photography. The good news is that some of the least expensive wide-angle lenses—such as those 35mm-equivalent models—are perfect for everyday photography. And, they’re often small and light enough that they won’t weigh you down when you’re out and about shooting. Designed for Canon APS-C DSLRs, this little lens offers a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 38mm. Given its size, weight and good-for-everyday field of view, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens is perfect for street photography as well as environmental portraits and even cityscapes—all for less than $200. Here are some other options to consider. For MFT: Panasonic LUMIX G II Lens, 14mm, F2.5 ASPH For Nikon APS-C: Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G For Fuji X-series (APS-C): Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS That depends. If you want the ultimate in wide-angle, choose a 14mm equivalent focal length (or zoom). This is perfect for landscapes with broad vistas. And 14mm is a favorite among underwater shipwreck photographers as well as those who spend their nights capturing starscapes and the Milky Way. But if you’re more likely to photograph street scenes or subjects at work or play, then a 35mm equivalent lens is a better option. Simply put, a wide-angle lens allows you to fit more into a single frame—more landscape, mountains, more buildings, more anything. Just be careful if you’re photographing a large group of people since those towards the edge of the frame are likely to be distorted. The short answer is yes. A wide-angle lens adds versatility to your creative options. But choose your focal length carefully. You may not need an ultra-wide 14mm lens. Instead you may want to start out with a wide-angle lens (35mm or so) and then see if you need or want a broader field of view. Regardless of your camera’s format—full-frame, APS-C or MFT—there are any number of wide-angle lenses from which to choose at a variety of price points. Adding a wide-angle lense (or two) to your camera gear can motivate you to add versatility to your image-making. And the best wide-angle lens may give you a whole new perspective on the world. The post How to choose the best wide-angle lens for your camera appeared first on Popular Photography. 对于初学者和专业人士来说,这是最好的观察范围。 While binoculars tend to top out at a magnification power of about 10 times the size of an object, spotting scopes expand that to more than 60 times the size. That means if you need to see across the length of several football fields—instead of just seeing the action on the field from the upper deck—you’re in the market for a spotting scope. The best spotting scopes, like telescopes, can be used for a variety of purposes. Photographers add them to their camera gear to capture close-up images of things that are far away in a process known as digiscoping. Hunters and bird watchers rely on spotting scopes to track wildlife that’s far away, while stargazers use them to view distant planets. No matter your intended use, you can find the best spotting scope to meet your needs. You just have to know where to look. Some things like waterproofing and fog resistance are all but standard. But when it comes to glass quality, magnification, and lens sizes, the best spotting scopes vary widely. Here’s what to consider as you search for the best spotting scope for your specific purposes. Some spotting scopes come with a straight-through viewing setup, similar to binoculars, while others have eye pieces that are angled at 45 degrees. Although it might not seem intuitive to angle the eyepiece, the angled setup is more comfortable when you’re sitting or lying down, and it also works better with tripods, preventing you from having to crouch. In addition, if you’re bird watching, and therefore often looking up, the angled configuration means you don’t have to tilt your neck to focus on the sky. The best spotting scopes have fluorite-coated, high density, or extra-low dispersion glass lenses that create a brighter, more vivid view by allowing all colors to come into focus at once. This is also known as limiting chromatic aberration. The quality of the glass determines how well you’ll be able to see with your spotting scope—and even how far you’ll be able to see. Scopes with the same 80mm lenses and magnification ranges can vary significantly based on the glass quality. Remember, it doesn’t really matter how much you can magnify a blurry view. Some scopes allow you to change the magnification level, while others have eyepieces with fixed magnification levels. If your focus changes, or you’re following a fast-moving target— like birds—zooming is a helpful feature. But note that as you zoom in, you also limit your overall field of vision. Zoom lenses let you change from less than 20x to more than 60x but tend to not gather light as well as fixed lenses, though this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. With the best spotting scopes, you don’t have to actually press your eye to the eyepiece in order to see out. That’s helpful if you wear glasses or if you want to limit the irritation that could come from using a scope for a sustained period of time. Eye relief refers to the distance (typically in millimeters) that your eye can be behind the focal point to see the entire field of view. Anywhere between 12mm to 15mm of eye relief should work for most people who wear glasses, but some of the best hunting scopes have an eye relief that stretches several inches, meaning hunters don’t have to crouch over their scope as they wait for the deer to show up. It’s worth noting that eyepieces are sometimes sold separately from scopes. Pay attention to what’s supposed to be included —otherwise, you may feel blindsided when a scope shows up without an eyepiece. Whether you want to take pictures or save money, you can find a scope to meet your needs. We’ve set our sights on the following brands and products as the best spotting scopes available to serve a variety of long-range viewing purposes. If you want the powerful zoom of digiscoping, a spotting scope is a necessary piece of photography equipment. This Nikon spotting scope attaches to your DSLR, letting you capture images your telephoto lens can’t. The Fieldscope features a 50mm lens made with extra-low dispersion glass designed to limit chromatic aberration and focus on every color. You can also attach a 55mm filter for more power. The Nikon spotting scope is lightweight (just over a pound) and can survive being in a meter of water for 5 minutes—so no worries if you accidentally drop the scope while setting up along the banks of an alpine lake. The lens is also fog-free thanks to nitrogen gas that displaces oxygen. The best spotting scope for hunting gives you the clearest view of when a shot is clear—even from football field-lengths away. This Vortex Optics scope takes that ability to a whole new dimension, with a 1-6×24, extra-low dispersion objective lens that lets you see up to 600 yards in front of you. An illuminated center dot helps with precision at all hours of the day. Plus, the durable aluminum construction has a low-glare matte finish that helps with camouflage, and the 4-inch eye relief means you don’t have strain to set your sights on the target. Whether you’re trying to snap an evening grosbeak or a new morning bird, the best spotting scopes offer a factor of 10 greater magnifying power over the best birding binoculars. The Maven S.1A spotting scope is ideal for bird watching because it features 25x to 50x zoom that lets you follow a bird as it flies farther away, as well as an 80mm fluorite lens designed to deliver a bright view, from dawn till dusk. The robust objective lens does add to the weight—this scope checks in at 4 pounds—but at 14.9 by 6.3 by 3.9 inches, it’s still plenty packable. And the waterproof magnesium/polymer frame is also quite durable. The ED objective lens on this spotting scope is out of this world. Celestron Made with the same lens coating that Celestron uses to maximize light transmission in its observatory telescopes, the Regal is the king of backyard stargazing. The 100mm, extra-low dispersion glass provides vivid images, while the 22x to 67x zoom with an included eyepiece (the scope has 20x minimum magnification) will make the night sky feel as close as a planetarium ceiling. You can easily add this scope to your photography equipment thanks to a T-mount adapter that connects to your DSLR. At 5 pounds, this Celestron spotting scope is somewhat hefty, but it includes a carrying case that can stay on the spotting scope while you’re using it, offering added protection to the already waterproof frame. Offering zoom and a 50mm lens, this Bushnell is clearly a good deal. Bushnell For hundreds of dollars less than some of the best spotting scopes on the market, you get Bushnell, a 50mm objective lens with 12x to 36x zooming. This is the best spotting scope for the money, considering it also features a multi-coated lens that will transmit light well. Although it won’t match the vivid look you’ll get out of an extra-low dispersion glass lens, you will get a tripod included with your purchase, plus water and fog protection. An angled spotting scope is better if you plan to use a tripod, sit down while you scope things out, or want to watch the sky. Straight spotting scopes have more of an intuitive feel, similar to binoculars. Spotting scope eye relief refers to the distance your eye can be behind the focal point in order to see the entire field of vision. Most of the best spotting scopes have some amount of eye relief—at least 12mm—so they can be used when wearing glasses. But some spotting scopes stretch the relief up to several inches. How far you can see with a 20-60×60 spotting scope depends on the quality of the glass. The numbers tell you that your scope can zoom from 20 times to 60 times the actual size of an object using a 60mm lens. Generally speaking, these specs should work for seeing an object 100 yards away. The best scopes let you see clearly from hundreds of yards away. But finding the most powerful scope is not as clear as simply looking for the largest lens, or the scope that offers the most amount of zoom. Glass quality is the penultimate factor in determining how brightly and vividly a lens will be able to transmit light. Ultimately, the best spotting scope is going to be in the eye of the beholder. The post The best spotting scope for photography, birding, stargazing, and more appeared first on Popular Photography. 镜头适配器初学者指南 Lens adapters are clever camera accessories that allow incompatible and vintage lenses to work together. A lens adapter allows photographers to use old school lenses with digital cameras, attach a Canon lens to a Sony body, or attach an older DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) lens to a new mirrorless camera body. A lens adapter is a great low-cost way to upgrade your camera body without having to upgrade all of your lenses and other photography equipment at once. Make the most of your camera gear by investing in one of these great lens adapters now. Lens adapters come in two main varieties: passive and active adapters. A passive adapter has a simplified design that provides a secure connection between a camera lens and the camera body. A passive adapter is typically less expensive than an active adapter. Active adapters include electronic connections that allow the lens and the camera body to communicate with one another. Active adapters are more expensive, but also more popular because using one means that your camera body can use AF (autofocus) functions and also record details regarding aperture in the metadata of your files. Ultimately, a more expensive lens adapter will typically communicate better with your camera body. This is moot, of course, if you’re using an old-school manual lens. Most lens adapters have a female and male fitting design. The male fitting attaches to the camera body and the female fitting is what attaches to your lens. A massive hole in the lens adapter allows light to pass through the lens and hit the camera’s sensor. Although a lens adapter allows you to attach any style of lens to any style of camera body, most often they work best with camera bodies with short flange distances (i.e. the distance from the camera’s mounting flange to the film or sensor plane). If the flange distance isn’t conducive to adapting, you may need to buy an adapter with an extra glass element inside to make it work. Attaching a lens that was designed for a smaller camera body to a full-frame camera will result in vignetting because the lens won’t be able to cover the sensor. This is why it’s most common to see lens adapters used to attach DSLR lenses to mirrorless camera bodies. The most important thing to consider when shopping for a lens adapter is what style of camera lenses you want to attach to your camera body. Lens adapters are designed specifically to work with certain types of lenses, so it’s important to know what lens mounts you are trying to shoot with. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. If you are looking to attach a DSLR lens to a mirrorless body of the same brand of camera, consider using an adapter made by that camera brand. Nikon and Canon both released lens adapters that allow photographers to use older DSLR lenses with the new mirrorless camera body with almost no lost functionality. If you are looking to attach a Canon or Nikon DSLR lens to a Sony or Fujifilm body, we recommend checking out the Metabones adapters. These are active lens adapters that will allow the lens to easily communicate with the camera body, while taking advantage of settings like AF. Metabones is one of the most popular brands of lens adapters for good reason. This fifth-generation adapter has a rubber gasket that protects your Sony camera S E-mount from dust and moisture and has an LED indicator to show you that the adapter is ready to go. Best of all, there is a dedicated switch that controls in-body image stabilization, allowing you to utilize Sony’s SteadyShot tech even when using Canon lenses. This is a great option if you are a Canon DSLR shooter who is making the switch to a Sony mirrorless system. The passive adapter from Metabones allows shooters to attach Nikon F, G, or D lenses to a Fujifilm X-Mount camera. It lacks some of the electronic connections of fancier Metabones products, meaning that the shooter will have to manually adjust aperture and autofocus, but it does have a sturdy construction made of chrome-plated brass. It also has a flocked interior to cut down on flare and the ability to infinity focus. If you have a lot of Nikon lenses that you would like to use with a Fujifilm body, you can’t go wrong with this adapter. Use your Canon DSLR lenses with your new Canon mirrorless camera. Canon Released in conjunction with the Canon EOS R line, this adapter makes it so Canon DSLR shooters can easily use their existing lenses with the newer mirrorless bodies like the EOS R5 and the EOS R. It features a built-in control ring for easy access to camera functions, and it is dust and water-resistant and made of metal on both sides of the mount. The control ring can be set to a clicking mechanism or to silent operation mode. Since it’s designed by Canon, aesthetically it will match all of your EF lenses too. The adapter is compatible with over 360 F-mount nikkor lenses. Nikon Released in conjunction with Nikon’s mirrorless Z camera, the FTZ adapter allows photographers to use older Nikkor F lenses with the new mirrorless camera bodies. The FTZ adapter allows these lenses to utilize in-camera VR (vibration reduction), hybrid AF, silent shooting, and focus peaking. Lenses that are connected via the FTZ adapter will retain full sharpness and image quality, too. It’s weather-sealed, made of magnesium alloy, and is compatible with over 360 different Nikon F-mount lenses. This passive lens adapter won’t give you access to any automatic functions on your lenses or your camera body, but you can’t beat the price. Urth X Gobe adapters are available in a wide variety of lens mounts, and they are made of hardened aluminum and copper to maintain a snug, light-sealed connection between your camera lens and body. Urth also uses a portion of the proceeds of this lens to plant trees in an area that has been affected by deforestation. It’s a low-cost adapter that supports a great cause. A lens adapter is a piece of camera equipment that allows you to use different brands or models of camera bodies and lenses together that would otherwise be incompatible. A lens adapter allows a photographer to do things like use a Canon or Nikon lens on a Sony body. A lens adapter makes it possible to use any kind of lens with any kind of camera body for the most part. However, before you buy one make sure you know what type of lenses you want to mount to your camera body. Lens adapters are designed specifically to work with certain brands. An F-mount is a type of Nikon lens that was designed to work with Nikon SLR and DSLR camera bodies. When Nikon released its line of mirrorless camera bodies, it was important to create a mount that would allow long-time Nikon photographers to use their F-mount lenses with the new Z-mount body. Lens adapters are a really helpful tool if you are making the jump to a mirrorless camera system, but you’re not ready to splurge on a whole new collection of glass. A lens adapter can help you ease into the transition to mirrorless by allowing you to use older DSLR lenses with new mirrorless bodies. A more expensive, active lens adapter will give you access to features like autofocus and image stabilization, but if you are just getting started a less expensive passive adapter is a great way to try things out without breaking the bank. The post Best lens adapters: An introduction appeared first on Popular Photography. For some photographers, film is still magic. There’s a look and texture to film photography and video that their digital counterparts can’t capture. However, you can’t deny the ease of editing and sharing digital photos. Enter the film scanner, which converts film images to digital format. Film scanners aren’t just for photography either. There are also film scanners that convert 8 mm and Super 8 film into easily edited and shared MP4s. The best film scanners preserve the look and feel of the original film and make it easier to edit, share, and replicate your work. Film scanners come in different sizes, use different technologies, and may only work for certain types of film. Others work with several types of film as well as scan documents and printed photos. Consequently, your chosen film scanner will need to work for the type of film you use as well as offer the quality that works for your purposes. Professionals will need the manual control and versatility of a more expensive film scanner, while hobby photographers don’t need to make the same financial investment. Read on to get the lowdown on the models that made our list, along with tips to help you choose the best film scanner for you. The best film scanners capture the light, shadows, and colors of the original film with accuracy and clarity. When choosing, you need to be cognizant of the type of film you intend to scan and what you plan to do with the scans. Film scanners come in one of three basic types—flatbed, dedicated film scanners (also known as transparency or slide scanners), and drum scanners. If you’ve ever seen a standard photo scanner, you’ll recognize a flatbed film scanner. These models feature a clear, glass bed with a lid. You lift the lid, place the film, and start scanning. Most typical flatbed scanners have a single light source that goes under the document. Flatbeds that scan film, however, have another light source in the lid to illuminate the negatives or slides. These scanners are popular and versatile, but some can be difficult to use, requiring setting adjustments with each scan. Negative or slide scanners pass a more focused beam of light through the film than a flatbed scanner, and they can scan uncut film, feeding multiple frames through at a time. Some scanners move the film through the machine automatically, which is handy. That creates greater potential for scratches if the scanner isn’t maintained properly. The final type—drum scanners—provides the best scan quality. However, they’re expensive, difficult to find, and the scanning process takes a long time. For that reason, they’re not on our list since, unless you’re looking to start your own professional film scanning business, this type isn’t economical or practical. For reference, they can cost well over $10,000. Flatbed scanners work by passing light through the image, which then gets reflected back to the CCD image sensor. The CCD uses red, green, and blue filters like old school digital cameras. These models often can work with several different formats like 35mm, slides, or format film. You will have to adjust settings based on the type of film being scanned. However, the biggest perk of a flatbed scanner is that they’re usually multifunctional, scanning developed photos and documents for digital use, too. The V600 offers excellent scan quality, including technology to remove dust and scratches. Epson The Epson V600 features 6400dpi optical resolution that’s high enough for film and print scans. It works for 35mm film, 35mm slides, and medium format film and completes a scan in 21 seconds. That’s not the quickest scan speed, but it’s a great balance of speed and scan quality. This Epson also features Digital ICE Technology that removes dust and scratches for cleaner scans. Negative scanners, also called slide scanners, apply the same principles as a flatbed scanner but with greater precision and focus. They use a narrow beam of light that passes through the film to better replicate light intensity and color differences. These models also feature a feed that moves frames through the scanner for you. How many frames the scanner holds varies by the make and model. The downside with this type is that the mechanism that moves the film through the scanner can potentially scratch the film if it’s not cleaned and carefully maintained. They’re also often slow and sometimes rely on finicky software. The Plustek offers good resolution and includes easy-to-use software that lets you preview scans without additional applications. plustek The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI includes a 7200dpi optical resolution (although max resolution scans can take up to two minutes). This model is more specific in what it scans, which includes only 35mm film and 35mm mounted slides. However, the Plustek stands out for the included software, SilverFast Ai Studio 8. This software lets you preview, adjust settings, and share and organize files without connecting to additional programs. Most scanners of this type max out at 35mm film, but some more expensive models will accept medium format. Gone are the days when you need a projector and video camera to convert your old reels into digital format. Film scanners designed for movie reels can now do it for you. These models convert 8mm and Super 8 film reels into digital videos, which can then be edited or shared. These machines feature a screen to watch the film in action before and during the recording process. Some models connect to a TV via HDMI for instant playback. This type only fits reels of certain sizes, so check to make sure that the reels you have are compatible with the machine. While these machines do a great job of transferring visual media, they do not have the capability to record sound. If there’s audio with your movie, you’ll have to add that in using a program or app later on. The Wolverine digitalizes 3-in and 5-in reels, offers TV playback, and saves the final MP4s onto a SD SDHC card. Wolverine The Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner fits 8 mm and Super 8 reels up to 5 inches in diameter and converts them into MP4 format. The MP4s are saved onto a removable SD SDHC card (that’s not included with the scanner). The Wolverine can also connect to a TV using an HDMI cord for playback. The scanning and conversion process is fairly slow, but if you have a lot of film to convert, this model is far more affordable than having the scanning done professionally. Professionals and photographers who regularly use film may want to invest in a film scanner with a few extras. Professional-grade scanners typically offer higher resolutions, multiple lenses for greater versatility, and software that expands what you can do while scanning and with the scans once they’re done. Professional-grade models also include film holders of different sizes to accommodate a wider range of film types. The Epson V850 includes several film holders, a dual-lens system, easy-to-use flatbed design, and software that corrects photos directly from the scanner. Epson The Epson Perfection V850 comes with a high price tag, but that’s because it includes premium features and extras. It includes film holders for 35mm mounted slides, 35mm film, medium format strips, and 4 x 5 sheet film. You can also run the scanner without using one of the holders. This model features a dual lens system that includes high-resolution and super high-resolution lenses and automatically adjusts them based on the scanning media and resolution selection. Many film scanners require an upfront investment, though they’ll save money in the end if you’ve got a high volume of film to scan. However, hobby photographers may not need many of the fancy extras like dual lenses and multiple film holders. The biggest difference you’ll notice between these scanners and more expensive models is the scan quality. Budget models may fit several film types, but they typically scan slower and offer lower resolutions with minimal correction options. They’re best for preserving film that won’t come under professional scrutiny. The Slide N Scan scans several film types and connects directly to a laptop with a USB cord. KODAK The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner includes holders for 50 x 50 hinged slides, 135 film , 126 film, and 110 film. It can also scan 35mm negatives and slides. Scans go quick, taking only a few seconds, and they’re transferred directly to a laptop or computer via a USB cord. You can make a few adjustments to the negatives, but this model won’t correct most problems, especially film damage that comes from age. Taking your film to a professional scanning or conversion service can get pricey. If drawers of film or reels have taken over your home office, a film scanner will save you a lot of cash. Of course, you’ll have to put in the time to do the scanning, but it’s often worth it to make corrections yourself. Not all scanners can scan film. Flatbed scanners are the most versatile, but not all of them are designed for film if they don’t have a light source in the lid. Make sure film is specifically listed as a feature before investing in the scanner. Choose a film scanner based on your budget, film habits, and what you want to do with the scanned images. Film scanners aren’t cheap, so decide on a budget and get the best model you can afford within your budget. Are you an avid photographer or filmmaker? If so, it makes more sense to invest in a professional-grade film scanner. Only invest in an expensive model if it will make it less expensive for you to convert your film and movies over time. Finally, if you’re a casual or hobby photographer, save a few dollars and get an entry-level model. The scans won’t be professional quality, but they’ll certainly preserve your adventures. The best film scanner can take what’s old and make it new. They can also give you the power to easily edit and share the results of your current film work. Determine a budget and the scan quality that fits your goals. Whether that’s a slide scanner or flatbed will depend on the type of film you use and what you plan to do with your film once it’s in a digital format. But, the right film scanner can become a go-to among your camera equipment, saving money and giving you the ability to share your work with the world. The post Best film scanner for your photography studio appeared first on Popular Photography. The post Best desktop computer for photographer, editor, and more at every price point首先出现在Popular Photography. Laptops and tablets have gotten more convenient and powerful over the years, but there are still plenty of great reasons to opt for a desktop computer instead. For one thing, in most cases, you’re likely to get a better-performing desktop machine for a lot less than you’d pay for a laptop with the same specs. Taking the desktop computer route also gives you the option of going as big as you’d like with your monitor size—which is better when it comes to editing photos, videos, or even just enjoying your favorite series on Netflix. Considering the many choices available today, purchasing the best desktop computer could start to feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to make your selection process a little easier. Whether you’re looking for a powerhouse gaming machine or an all-in-one productivity center, you’re sure to find the best option to suit your needs. When it comes to finding the best desktop computer for your work or lifestyle, there are a few things to consider before pulling out your wallet. First of all, think about which operating system will work best for you. Many people choose to go with a Windows computer, but there are also folks who prefer Apple’s macOS. After you’ve decided on your OS, consider what you’ll end up using the computer for most. Are you a gamer? If so, you’ll want to purchase a desktop with a good graphics card to make sure you’re getting the best gaming experience. Editing software like Adobe Lightroom can also use that GPU to help it run faster. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough ports for all your peripherals and that your machine has a proper cooling system. Are you someone who edits a lot of photos or videos? In this case, you’ll want to get the best processor you can afford and then consider bumping up your memory, aka RAM, if possible. As a photo or video editor, you’ll no doubt be spending a lot of time staring at your screen, so make sure to choose a machine with a higher-resolution display. Now, let’s talk about design. Do you want a tower system, or do you prefer the look of an all-in-one design? Picking an all-in-one leaves you stuck with the provided screen while going with a tower gives you the freedom to choose your own. However, most all-in-ones do come with a pretty good screen, and adding a separate monitor of the same caliber may get expensive. If you’re tight on space, you may also opt for a mini machine. Another thing to consider when choosing the best desktop computer is whether you’ll want or need to upgrade in the future. One of the reasons many people choose a desktop is the ability to easily swap out and upgrade older parts, but this is only available on tower-style models. As for storage, it’s recommended to get at least 512GB, so you’ll have some room to keep your files or downloads. That said, you always purchase an external storage device. Storage is usually a good place to save a few dollars if you really don’t need to keep a ton of files on your machine. Now, let’s check out some of the best desktop computers money can buy. Apple’s Mac mini is by far one of the best small desktop computers available, and it’ll be the perfect addition to your workstation if you’re tight on space. The mini is sized at just 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches (3.6 by 19.7 by 19.7cm) and weighs around 2.6 pounds. Its size coupled with the fact that it’s loaded with Apple’s own eight-core M1 processor truly makes it a small—but mighty—machine. The mini will fit neatly on top of your desk or it can be mounted underneath, which leaves room for the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you’ll need to purchase to go along with it. Meeting your day-to-day browsing, entertainment, and productivity needs will be a breeze for the mini but it also has the capability to run more processor-heavy tasks, including coding and video editing. Going with the M1-powered Mac mini also means you’ll be able to run your usual Mac apps along with apps that were originally designed for the iPhone and iPad. The Mac mini is perfect for anyone looking for a small yet powerful desktop computer. Apple Apple’s M1 Mac mini is tiny but powerful—and it will make a great addition to your setup, especially if you’re tight on space. Despite its form, the mini can match or outperform many larger desktop towers with similar or even better specs. Whether you opt to build and customize your own or buy one off the shelf, you’ll probably end up spending quite a bit if you want one of the best gaming desktop computers on the market. Once you’ve accepted that very real fact, you should take a look at Alienware’s Aurora Ryzen Edition R10. Over the years, the Dell-owned Alienware has become renowned for its high-end gaming desktops and the Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is no different. This tower runs Windows and comes with a 16-core AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor running at 3.6GHz, 8GB RAM, and it offers plenty of storage with its 512GB SSD+1TB Hard Drive combo. On the graphics side of things, the Aurora R10 will bring you an AMD Radeon RX5700 with 8GB of dedicated video memory. The tower is also pretty customizable, so you’ll be able to swap out different components in order to keep your machine running the latest and greatest games. As mentioned, peripherals can make or break your gaming experience, but you won’t have to worry about not being able to plug in your favorite accessory here. The Aurora R10 offers more ports than you’ll likely need, including a total of 13 USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, three DisplayPorts, and a headphone jack. Alienware’s Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is a great option for new gamers or pro gamers looking for a solid gaming desktop that won’t break the bank. Alienware The Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 offers beefy specs, including a 16-core AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor running at 3.6GHz and an AMD Radeon RX5700 with 8GB of dedicated video memory, along with a host of ports for all your devices. Plus, it comes at a price that’s more affordable than most. Over the years, Apple’s computers have become super popular with creatives, including video editors, photographers, and anyone else looking to make great content. So, it should be no surprise that the recently released 24-inch M1 iMac comes in as one of the best all-in-one desktop computers for video editing right now. Here’s the breakdown: Picking up the iMac gets you Apple’s 8-core M1 CPU, 7-core or 8-core M1 GPU, 8 or 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB SSD—all housed in an incredibly slim design. The new chip makes the 24-inch iMac fast and efficient at handling a lot of power-hunger tasks, including video editing. It comes in seven colorways, making it one of the most eye-catching desktops available. All this power is paired with a gorgeous 24-inch Retina Display, boasting a striking 4.5K (4480 x 2520) resolution and 500-nit brightness. There is a slight drawback with this recommendation, though. If you’re someone who edits really huge, high-res video files then you may want to wait for the updated version of the 27-inch iMac. While the 24-inch iMac does an impressive job handling video editing tasks, it doesn’t offer more than 16GB of RAM, which makes it less future-proof. This might not be an issue for you now, but as image and video resolutions get better (and bigger), you might need more power to get the job done. You could also consider the current 27-inch iMac with beefed up specs, but you do have to keep in mind that this machine still has an Intel chip instead of Apple’s own silicon. The 24-inch M1 iMac is a great computer for most folks looking to edit video and create content. However, if you are a “pro” user with an intense workload, consider waiting for the updated 27-inch model. This is the best all-in-one desktop computer for casual video editors and content creators. Apple The 24-inch M1 iMac offers impressive performance in a gorgeous all-in-one, colorful form factor. The iMac will absolutely do a good job at handling video editing—even some intense video editing—but you could run into limitations in the future. The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is perfect for anyone who loves the look of an all-in-one desktop but prefers to edit their photos or videos in a Windows environment. One advantage over the 24-inch iMac is the Surface Studio 2’s bigger 28-inch screen with a pixel display of 4500×3000, which offers more space to view and tweak photos to perfection. The screen can also be moved and adjusted from an upright vertical position or be laid flat, allowing you to mimic working on a tablet. This new position gives you total freedom to edit and work on your creative projects via the touchscreen or the included Microsoft Surface Pen. This dream machine is powered by an Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake CPU alongside the NVIDIA GeForce GTX1080i, which both offer impressive results despite not being the latest and greatest. However, what the Studio 2 lacks in heavy-duty performance, it makes up for with its uniquely elegant design and gorgeous touchscreen, true-to-life color display. The one major downside here is the hefty price tag, but if you can swing it you won’t regret it. The Microsoft Studio 2 is a beautiful, all-in-one display desktop that’s perfect for photo editing and other creative endeavors. Microsoft Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2 makes editing photos and creating illustrations easier than ever with its swivel touchscreen display and included Microsoft Surface Pen. The all-in-one design makes for a solid addition to any workspace. Sure, the CPU could pack a bigger punch, but you may not end up noticing because it’s still plenty snappy. While a fancy computer makes life simpler and easier, it can also require some serious investment. Luckily, there are some value models on the market that can handle the rigors of photo editing if you’re willing to have a little patience. When looking for a budget solution, don’t pay extra for a ton of built-in storage because you can often get cheap external storage for keeping your photo catalog. Lots of RAM will come in handy, but you can also upgrade that later most of the time. Processor and GPU, however, are harder to switch out. The HP Slim Desktop is as budget-friendly as it gets, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed. HP HP’s Slim Desktop is one of the best budget desktop computers on the market with its small and stylish design, and its entry-level specs. This machine could be great for the kids to use or as a family desktop that sits in the middle of your home. Either way, you’ll have more than enough power to handle basic tasks. It will struggle with heavy programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, however, so it’s better suited for lighter apps. The main disadvantage of a desktop computer is the lack of portability. Sure, you can technically pack it up and move it from one room to another, but you’ll have to disassemble then reassemble and make sure there’s a functional power outlet nearby. And when it comes to long distance travel, things will only get more complicated with packing and proper protection. What you end up looking for when buying a new desktop computer depends on what you want from your machine. But, in general, look for a form factor you love that fits into your space while offering solid processor speeds, enough RAM and storage, and an operating system that you’re comfortable using. It’s also important to make sure all those details align with your budget. . Yes, desktops do often end up lasting longer than laptops. But this has less to do with the quality of the components used and more to do with the fact that laptops are portable. This portability makes them more susceptible to accidental drops and spills. It’s also a lot easier for a laptop to overheat, which can end up damaging internal components. Also, laptops aren’t very repairable or upgradeable, which means if one component dies or goes woefully out of date, you may have to replace the whole machine instead of just part. The fact is, many of the best desktop computers are expensive. But you truly do get what you pay for, and these machines are created to last for many years to come. If you do decide to purchase one of these desktops, make sure the specs you’re paying for are enough to suit your needs, especially if you’re going with one of the less customizable models. Whether you’re looking for the best video editing desktop computer or the best gaming computer, a good rule to thumb is to always buy the best processor you can afford at the moment and consider upgrading RAM yourself, if possible. If you can’t add RAM later, then 16GB should be more than enough to meet your needs. When it comes to storage, a 512GB SSD is a good starting point if you have a lot of files. However, you can always opt for an external storage device or even cloud storage to save a little cash. The post Best desktop computer for photographers, editors, and more at every price point appeared first on Popular Photography. 为初学者摄影师的最好的生日礼物,所以他们可以捕捉所有。 Yes, you can spend your life amassing more photography accessories. But some camera equipment is especially helpful for those just starting out. Whether you know someone with a DSLR on their wishlist or a friend who needs a way to carry their new camera to the top of a mountain, we’ve compiled a list of the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers. It includes a broad scope of items, from practical purchases like chargers and SD cards to more fun purchases like printers and reflectors. No matter your budget, this list of the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers is made to get your friends or family members set up to capture memories they’ll be looking back on for years to come. From the best camera and the best camera bag to the best online course and photo book, we’ve compiled the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers. Nikon boasts that if you can take a picture with a smartphone, you can take a picture using the D3500’s automatic mode, making it one of the best cameras for beginners. The image sensor is roughly 15 times bigger than most smartphone sensors, resulting in sharper, more detailed photos. The Nikon DSLR camera captures 24.2-megapixel images and can shoot video in 1080p. And with the ability to take five frames per second, it’ll keep up with the action as long as the beginning photographer on your list isn’t planning to use it to shoot extreme sports. Other novice-friendly features include 11 autofocus points on the frame, built-in flash, and an interactive guide that can be viewed on the 3-inch LCD screen. With padded inserts and even an included rain cover, this backpack offers serious protection. Vanguard Without a proper camera bag, photographers are limited in where they can cart their camera equipment, thus limiting the pictures they can take. That’s why a camera bag like the Alta Sky 51D is one of the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers. The 6.44-pound backpack features well-padded shoulder straps, breathable mesh back pads, a sternum strap, and hip pads to displace the weight of all your gear—it can hold nearly 30 pounds of stuff. It has a customizable interior, with multiple zippered access points, that can be set up to carry a full load of camera equipment, including four additional lenses and a drone. Or you can remove the padded inserts to make more room for your personal stuff—the bag can fit a 15-inch laptop. It also has smaller pockets to store your wallet and SD cards, as well as outside mesh pockets for water bottles. Meanwhile, you can clip a tripod to the back or tuck it in a special side pocket. While new cameras come with a charger, universal chargers can be useful photography accessories because they provide additional charging options, and perhaps more portable charging options. At 9.75 x 2 x 5.5 inches and with a foldable plug, this DigiPower will fit in your pocket. Compatible with brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Kodak, and Olympus, this battery charger also features a 5 Watt USB port so you can charge your smartphone at the same time, plus a 12V DC adapter for the car. With 360 degrees of rotation, a monopod option, and low-leg mounting, this tripod lets you change perspective. TYCKA A tripod is an important piece of photography equipment because it allows you to explore the full range of your camera. Not only does a tripod offer a steadier shot, but it lets you adjust important factors like shutter speed and framing while your camera is fixed in place. This aluminum travel tripod, with an included carrying case, is very portable, weighing just 2.88 pounds and measuring 14.17 inches long. Yet it’s strong enough to support 26.5 pounds of equipment. Its legs feature four segments with quick-release foldable locks to stretch the total height to 56 inches. Meanwhile, the central pole can be inverted to enable low-angle shooting. A ball joint provides 360 degrees of rotation, while a built-in level lets you know when you’re on uneven ground. Looking for creative photography gift ideas? A printer lets budding photographers put their creativity on full display. The Canon Selphy sticks it to the competition when it comes to photo quality, but at 5.4 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches, it’s bulkier than pocket-sized printers like the Fujifilm Instax. Users can connect their camera wirelessly, with a USB cord, or can print via a camera’s memory card. This birthday present is also ready for the party. The Selphy can print photo-booth pictures, and a Party Shuffle mode allows users to send pictures from multiple smartphones to print a collage. An adjustable camera strap that can support up to 200 pounds. Peak Design A strap may not be the most exciting of birthday gifts for beginner photographers, but it’s definitely among the most useful gifts. The Peak Design leash strap features dual adjusters that let you change the length from 33 inches to 57 inches. The leash can also be configured as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap, giving whoever is using it the chance to find the right fit. Four anchor connectors can hold up to 200 pounds, and the strap boasts universal compatibility, including with brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji. Storing thousands of photos, this card lets you keep all those memories. Transcend A memory card is another birthday gift for beginner photographers that won’t stir up much enthusiasm during the present-opening process, but it’s also one of those critical photography accessories. This 32GB device stores thousands of photos with a read speed of 285 megabytes per second. It also stores HD video at a read speed of 180MB/s. And like the moments the card is made to store, the card is built to last—it’s water, shock, and static proof. The party is today, but you forgot to get a gift. No problem. Online courses make for great last minute gifts for someone looking to get into photography. Led by author and photographer Scott Kelby, the nine-segment “Beginners Start Here” course covers everything from camera settings to F-stops to lenses. The tone is welcoming and non-condescending. Unlock the course to help birthday boys and girls unlock their full photography potential. This book can help budding photographers develop their technique. Bryan Peterson With more than a million copies sold, Understanding Exposure has helped photographers across the world capture great images. Explaining the basics of light, aperture, and shutter speed, renowned photographer Bryan Peterson cuts through the jargon and emphasizes how the right exposure can help you make the exact picture you had in your mind. No wonder it’s one of the most popular gifts you can find for photographers. Plus, for less than $20, it also makes for one of the better cheap gifts out there. If you’re shopping for someone interested in portraits, reflectors make excellent cheap gifts. The Neewer set features five collapsible 43-inch discs that fit into a portable bag. Translucent, silver, gold, white, and black color options let photographers redirect light using the exact shade their picture demands. Taking up photography is an exciting pursuit—but it can also be a daunting one considering the amount of equipment involved. After all, camera accessories range from bags to straps to memory cards to tripods. But by giving someone any of the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers, you’ll be setting them up for picture-perfect moments. Popular Photography wants to help you find the most useful and expert shopping recommendations for the best gift ideas. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out Birthday Gifts for Professional Photographers, the Best Gifts for Mom, or the Best Father’s Day Gifts. The post Best birthday gifts for beginner photographers appeared first on Popular Photography. DIV>
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The Polaroid Now+ spec sheet
Polaroid Now+ camera controls
App-based extras
Your other options
Things to consider when choosing a wide-angle lens
Things to consider when choosing a Canon lens.
Best Canon wide-angle lens: Canon EF 16-35MM f/2.8L III
Things to consider when choosing a Nikon lens
Best wide-angle lens for Nikon cameras: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Rugged and ready
Things to consider when choosing a Micro Four Thirds lens.
Best Micro Four Thirds wide-angle lens: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
Micro Four Thirds wide-angle lens
Things to consider when choosing a third-party wide-angle lens
Best third party ultra wide-angle lens: Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM/A
Team player
Things to consider when choosing a budget wide-angle lens
Best budget wide-angle lens: Canon EF-S 24mm, f/2.8 STM
FAQs
Q: What is the best size for a wide-angle lens?
Q: What is the advantage of a wide-angle lens?
Q: Should I get a wide-angle lens?
A final word about the best wide-angle lens
What to consider when shopping for the best spotting scope
Have you considered every angle?
Does your scope come with the best in glass?
Do you want to zoom with your view?
Is there relief for sore eyes?
Is the eyepiece included?
The best spotting scopes
Best spotting scope for photographers: Nikon Fieldscope ED50
Best spotting scope for hunting: Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E
Best spotting scope for bird watchers: Maven S.1A Spotting Scope
Best spotting scope for stargazers: Celestron Regal M2 100ED
Aim for the Stars
Best spotting scope for the money: Bushnell 12-36x50mm Ultra Compact Spotting Scope
Scope Out Savings
FAQs
Q: Is an angled or straight spotting scope better?
Q: What is spotting scope eye relief?
Q: How far can you see with a 20-60×60 spotting scope?
The final word on shopping for the best spotting scope
How do lens adapters work?
Things to consider when buying a lens adapter
Best adapter for mounting a Canon lens to a Sony body: Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount
Best adapter for mounting a Nikon lens to a Fujifilm body: Metabones Nikon Lens to Fujifilm X-Mount Camera
Best adapter for mounting Canon EF lenses to a Canon EOS R body: Canon Mount Adapter EF – EOS R
Built-in Control Ring
Best adapter for mounting Nikkor F lenses to Z body: Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ
Magnesium Alloy Build
Best budget lens adapter: Urth x Gobe Lens Mount Adapter
FAQs
Q: What is a lens adapter used for?
Q: Can you put any lens on any camera?
Q: What does F-mount mean?
Final thoughts on lens adapters
Use the best film scanner to enhance your artistic preferences.
Flatbed scanners (often) offer a versatile range of uses.
Best flatbed scanner: Epson Perfection V600
Versatile and Flexible
Capture deeper darks and lighter lights with a negative scanner.
Best negative scanner: Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI
Helpful Software
Photo and slide negatives aren’t the only film in need of scanning.
Best for digital video: Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner
Effective and Compact
The professional needs photography equipment that can keep up with high demand.
Best professional: Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner
Packed with Extras
Save your photos and cash with a budget film scanner that’s gentle on film. What do you get for a film scanner under $75?
Best budget: Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner
Versatile and Affordable.
FAQs
Q: Is it worth buying a film scanner?
Q: Can you scan film on any scanner
Q: How do I choose a film scanner?
Final thoughts on shopping for the best film scanner
Features to consider when shopping for the best desktop computer
Are you tight on space? Consider going mini
Best small desktop computer: Apple M1 Mac mini
The Mighty Mini
Looking for the best computer for your gaming set-up?
Best desktop gaming computer: Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10
Gamer’s Dream
Take your video content to the next level!
Best computer for video editing: Apple 24” iMac
All-In-One Wonder
What about editing photos?
Best computer for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Studio 2
Picture Perfect
Best budget desktop computer: What you get for under $400
Best budget desktop computer: HP Slim Desktop
Budget Friendly
FAQs
Q: What are the disadvantages of a desktop computer?
Q: What should I look for when buying a new desktop computer?
Q: Do desktops last longer than laptops?
A final word on choosing the best desktop computer
The best birthday gifts for beginner photographers
Best camera for beginners: Nikon D3500
Best camera bag: Vanguard Alta Sky 51D
Guard Your Gear
Best camera battery charger: DigiPower Universal Li-ion Battery Charger
Best tripod for beginners: TYCKA Rangers Travel Tripod
All the Angles
Best portable printer: Canon Selphy CP1300 Compact Photo Printer
Best camera strap: Peak Design Leash Camera Strap
A Long or Short Leash
Best SD card: Transcend 32 GB UHS-II Class 3 Memory Card
Memorable Gift
Best online photography course for beginners: Beginners Start Here
Best photo book: Understanding Exposure By Bryan Peterson
Shelf Help
Best reflector set: Neewer 5-in-1 Collapsible Light Reflectors
The final word on finding the best birthday gifts for beginner photographers