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Now reading: Samsung Galaxy Note II camera review 83 comments

Samsung Galaxy Note II camera review

Item: Samsung Galaxy Note II
Rating: 71
Author: Peter M Ferenczi

Published Mar 22, 2013 | Peter M Ferenczi

1 Introduction

2 Next

DPReview smartphone reviews are written with the needs of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance, and image quality.

When Samsung unveiled the original Galaxy Note a little over a year ago, it marked the revival of a stillborn concept: the “phablet,” bigger than a phone, smaller than a tablet. Early efforts in this twilight category like Dell's 5-inch Android-powered Streak failed to catch on. But progress on the software and hardware fronts, as well as a market evolving towards larger handsets, made the original Samsung Note a substantial success. Now the Note II has arrived with an even bigger screen - 5.5. inches vs 5.3 inches on the original.

Of course the screen size is not the only specification that has changed. The Note II comes with a beefed-up processor (1.6GHz quad-core vs 1.4GHz dual-core), more RAM (2 vs 1GB) and a bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,500 mAh). The operating system has been updated to version 4.1 of Android (Jelly Bean) too but at 8MP the sensor resolution of the camera remains unchanged.

Is the Note II just a phone for users who like it big or can it offer advantages over its smaller-sized siblings in the mobile imaging context? We did some finger stretches and then put the Note II to work as both an image capture and editing tool. Read on to find out how it fared.

Key photographic/video specifications

8-megapixel backside illuminated sensor
5.5-inch 1280x720 dots (267 PPI) OLED display
Stylus
F2.6 lens
Native HDR, panorama and low-light image stacking support
LED flash
1080p video capture
Slow motion video capture

Our six-page review

We've considered every aspect of the Samsung Note II camera, with the photographer in mind. We examined the user interface of the native camera app and its special features. We experimented with the camera's performance when taking stills and video, and had a play with the S Pen stylus. Click any of the links below for more information of specific functions and continue our conclusion for a final summary of our findings.

Tags: review, mobile, camera, galaxy, note, samsung

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Gear in this story

Samsung Galaxy Note II

I own it

I want it

I had it

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View Comments (83)

Comments

All (83)

Most popular (2)

Editors' picks (0)

DPR staff (16)

Oldest first

jphotoworks

love this !!! the camera was awesome

Aug 9, 2013permalink

gilbertgk

This phone is like a dream that will never come true. I bought this phone 5 months ago where all of the sudden it stopped working.
Currently I live in Canada.. logically I can go to any Samsung service and fix but that is not possible for unknown reasons. so I had to contact Samsung UK.
I checked and confirmed with them that this phone belongs to them before sending it. I sent the phone which costs me shipping and handling back and forth because this cheap Samsung company doesn't pay for the shipping. Anyway that is not the point.

finally Samsung received my phone and they didn't even bother to follow up. so I called and guess what they told me that this phone is from United Emirates...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Which means that Samsung UK cannot touch..

Now I have to wait for the phone be sent back and then ship it to United Emirates.

they just lost a customer where all my products are Samsung. TV, phones...etc.

No way that I will touch their products.

Bye bye Samsung

May 21, 2013permalink

ssmita76

I like this phone just because o f its camera.

Apr 22, 2013permalink

KeeChiuPeng

Do a HTC One review, as the camera is term ultra pixels that uses a far larger single-plate cmos sensor with only 4MP.

Apr 10, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Patience please, we are currently working on it. We can only start a review once we get the sample units from the manufacturers and sometimes that takes longer than we would like.

Apr 19, 2013permalink

makofoto

DxO still refuses to acknowledge GoPro ... the most popular camera in the world and capable of higher quality then these phone cameras?!

Apr 10, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

well, DxO test high-end compact cameras and interchangeable lens cameras. The GoPro doesn't fit into either of those categories.

Apr 10, 2013permalink

focalphotography

Does this mean will be seeing the test results for Fuji X20 and the hundreds of other DSLR reviews missing.

Apr 12, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Can you send us al ist of the "hundreds of DSLRs missing" please...we'll start working on it right away.

Apr 19, 2013permalink

skysi

GoPro IS a high end compact camera.

Apr 23, 2013permalink

p51d007

I've got a Note I, and wouldn't trade it for anything. 18 months, and still going like a champ. Skipping the Note II, but holding off on the Galaxy IV...perhaps a Note III this fall??

Apr 10, 2013permalink

Andrew Booth

I switched from iPhone to Note II and I love the phone.

Samsung doesn't seem to do as good a job in colour balance as Apple, I have to say. Some of the brighter greens/reds can look a bit too bright and unrealistic.

Apr 10, 2013permalink

karlviehe

My Note II ( unlocked AT&T ) is quite nice .... much better battery life than the Note I.
I can do about 80% of the ordinary, every day photos with this unit. What would take that to 95% is to add a 10X to 12X optical zoom, even if that requires 10mm thickness and a few ounces. More control over exposure, ISO ( to 6400 ) and shutter speed would help. The phone manufactures don't really realize they are in the camera business ... and the camera manufacturers don't realize they are in the phone business .... although there are signs they are waking-up.
AS for OSs, MS is somnolent.

Apr 1, 2013permalink

Sanveer

I have this phone. I also have the GH2, and I have used a lot of Canon and Nikon Cameras. I can, easily say, that with the HDR Switched ON, the dynamic range of the Note 2's camera, easily rivals a lot of top end DSLRs. The only thing is, it cannot handle shake and moving objects, too well, in the HDR Mode. I think, its a reasonable, and small trade off.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

makofoto

Love HDR on my iPhone 5 !

Apr 10, 2013permalink

MrTaikitso

That's what I thought when I had a Note (1). Amazing camera. When I view my photos in iPhoto or Aperture, with the exception of zoomed in shots, I cannot tell which camera or phone I used! (I had a GH2 too, and it was good.)

Apr 11, 2013permalink

paqman

nice review, but if you can't get reviews out sooner than this for phone it's almost not worth bothering.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

jkr77

Agreed. Ive had this phone since November.

Mar 29, 2013permalink

vetsmelter

Having had my time with the Note 2 I must say it is a very decent phone + internet machine.
And once you get some security in place it can boost your outdoor your productivity regarding emailing / surfing / messaging etc.. It has CPU + RAM enough to load full web sites like Outlook web access etc..
Memory flexibility, the return of the stylus, battery life, software. A lot to love.

But the camera is just mediocre.

-continued-

Mar 25, 2013permalink

vetsmelter

DP Review should help the phone makers to integrate better camera's and use stronger term and verdicts to push for less generic camera module integration in Phones and have some them invest in some real R&D on the subject.

We usually walk with Note 2 + Nokia 808 Pureview and feel taking pictures with the Note 2 is a waste if you have the 808 at your disposal.

Since both Note 2 and Nokia 808 are about the same age I urge for a re-review of the Nokia 808 compared to "current best of class".

If we continue forget about what is possible in terms of camera integration we will be stuck for ages to come with anorexic smartphone designs with generic camera modules and mediocre results at best. Even from Nokia (see L920)

Until they get the camera's upgraded I say no to 6 month to yearly update cycle madness of the smartphone industry as we can already guess the Note 3 will not sport a superior groundbreaking camera technology.

Maybe it will have a hardware shutter?

Mar 25, 2013permalink

Demon Cleaner

Purchased the Note II specifically for photography and videography, but it had nothing to do with using it to take photos. The sumptuous 5.5 inch screen is a godsend when paired with the GH3's wifi feature. That extra real estate makes all the difference.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

hc44

Just another gadget review site.

New owners should always ask themselves why the site/product became popular in the first in the first place.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

You still get your camera reviews and you get (camera focused) smartphone reviews on top of that. What's there to complain?

Mar 25, 2013permalink

gogo2

Anyone complaining about cellphone review are out of touch with reality. Currently cellphone are the new P&S.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

mermaidkiller

Not only cellphones get better, but P&S as well. I have both a Note 2 and a Canon S100, the latter being far superiorin photos. I like ths Note 2 but never use the camera. I use its USB connectivity fo put photos from my S100 or 7d onto it and use its large screen to control my 7d with DSLR controller.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

jackfrost15

I'm coming to dp less and less. Cell phones? Really? What a shame, you used to best the best photo site in the world.

Mar 24, 2013permalink

gogo2

Cell phone is the new P&S.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

If you really can't deal with the (camera focused) smartphone reviews you could simply ignore them and still have the same dpreview that you've always had. You can even filter all connect articles from the front page if you really want to.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

yousaf

Both Photoshop touch and Photoshop touch for phone exist on Android.

Please correct it.

Mar 24, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Yes, they are available but not the version that is optimized for the S-Pen, like on the Galaxy 10.1. That's all we're saying.

Mar 25, 2013*permalink

michaelwalker

Thing I would like to know should I use my Note 2 Camera or buy a DSLR like a Nikon 3100 to take better pictures? or will this Note 2 take just as good of pictures? I have not really tried all of the features yet..I always just assumed DSLR is better, but maybe it is not worth the extra cash?

Mar 24, 2013permalink

AndreasHGW

it depends what kind of quality of your pictures do you like to have. Next question: do you like to have large prints?
And do you like playing with "depth of field" in your pictures. If you say to all questions that's not important to me then you can stay with your Galaxy.

I use my Galaxy Note 2 just for pictures which are not really important for me. Like selling someting via ebay or remember a streetname in a city...
For all others I use my Canon DSLR.

Mar 24, 2013*permalink

VIDGMER

DPReview, whoa!, behind & late to review, whats going on here? I got Note2 last year... Note 3 will release on Aug 2013.. C'mon..

Mar 24, 2013permalink

Sprocket2

We'd better come to terms with the fact that mobile devices are becoming a force in the imaging marketplace and camera review sites have little choice but to include at least the serious contenders. Unfortunately for DPR, the phone product cycle is so short that bringing a review like this out so long after a launch is pretty much useless as information for buyers.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

The Note II is the current model. If the Note III will be announced in August it won't be available before October. I think this review is till relevant (but yes, in an ideal world we'd have published it earlier, I give you that).

Mar 25, 2013permalink

SeanU

Garbage? Samsung is kind enough to offer the stylus to those that need or want it. The S4 can't be owned yet, and the iPhone 5... no sd card support, smaller screen, and you can't change the battery like you can with most Samsungs. The Note 8 is what I'm waiting for... That is the killer s-pen platform for me. Choice is a great thing.

Mar 24, 2013permalink

Airless

This phone is garbage, not sure why any photographer would prefer it over the S4 or IPhone 5

Mar 24, 2013permalink

Demon Cleaner

Pairing the 5.5 inch screen of the Note II with the wifi functionality of a number of DSLR cameras makes it an eminently more attractive proposition than an iPhone

Mar 25, 2013permalink

T. L. Rutter

Thanks dpreview! I have the note II and have gotten a lot of good results with the camera and video. The HDR mode works really well. Low light is a hit and miss, but I am able to get a good picture if there is time to setup the shot and take it. When there is plenty of light, most of the time no problems unless indoors and there are curly bulbs. If I change the WB then it works out just fine. When I view the pictures on the Note II and a more expensive monitor, the pictures are awesome! When I view on a cheaper or crappy monitor, detail is lost and I am disappointed. These smartphones are designed to capture memories and I think they do a really good job. I know each version of the Note will keep getting better and better, but I am happy with mine and probably will upgrade to the Note IV. For those complaining about a late review... I know where you are coming from, however, this is something new to dpreview so give them time. I'm sure Galaxy S4 Review will be quicker!

Mar 24, 2013permalink

PaulSnowcat

I liked Note 1 better. It's 16:10 form factor is MUCH more useful then 16:9 of Note 2...

Mar 23, 2013permalink

EwanMC

I got Note 1 and I agree the screen shape is a slightly better shape and a slightly higher 285ppi vs 267 ppi screen resolution, but not a huge difference I believe. On the other hand, there is not enough there for Note 1 owners to upgrade -better off buying a Note 8, for tablet use only, or waiting for Note 3 with a rumoured 5.9 inch dislay at 1920 x 1080.

Mar 25, 2013permalink

Ahmed ghazzawi

Go Samsung go ...this is the best device I ever owned , its not only the camera , its the whole combination .
It will take me hours to explain it ...
In short : it is the world in your hand .
Go Samsung go

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Rolandigital

Jeez, u sound like teenager. Grow up.

Mar 24, 2013permalink

JavierDiaz

@Ahmed: what's the problem if EwanMc likes his phone that much?

Mar 28, 2013permalink

Goodmeme

Nevermind shutter speed indication ffs. How about Shutter speed priority mode, and optional EV indications?

There are times shooting toddlers and such that one needs to guarantee a fast shutter speed, e.g. 1/200th

With my original Galaxy Note, even with the sport mode enabled, it often fails to deliver more than 1/30th due to some auto iso nonsense thinking the IS can handle it.

I just want semi-manual control. I don't need Aperture priority unless they increase the size of the sensor dramatically (Which wouldn't hurt), but shutter priority is essential.

Dpreview seemed to help drive development in dslrs by mentioning the major negatives in every camera review, and generally expecting more.

Incidentally good review, and I didn't know that about the volume button. An app called CameraPro does the same thing.

Mar 23, 2013*permalink

AkinaC

Why there's score for all reviewed phone so far except Nokia Lumia 920......

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Simon Cowell

What is the focal length (35mm equivalent) of the lens?

Mar 23, 2013permalink

bungalo

Approximately 40mm according to my rough measurements.

Jun 21, 2015permalink

MrTaikitso

I owned a Note 1 and to date, I can say with confidence, it produced the best images I have ever got from a phone - so much so, I sold my Panasonic GH2 and used the Note to do EVERYTHING on my trip to Chicago in March 2012, including of course, the photography and video. Although the video is a bit wobly without optical stabilisation, the photos were superb - indoor and out. I think Samsung have the edge when it comes to phone cameras.

I also used the Note (1) on the trip for hotel booking (using the awesome Hotel Tonight app), SatNav (GPS) when driving or walking about Chicago and area, taking notes and of course, as a phone, both regular calls and Skype.

The screen was great too.

So I cannot imagine how a Note 2 is, perhaps it has the same camera? Here's to the Note 3.

Anyway, if any pros want a second camera for quick shots, the Note comes highly recommended.
(I had sold the GH2 prior to knowing about my trip, would have kept it for the optical zoom and wide angle lens.)

Mar 23, 2013*permalink

Craig Power

I own the Note 1 as well, however its processor is its real handicap. I just downloaded Photoshop Touch for Phone and it's brutally slow. The one benefit of the Note 2 would be the faster processor that makes using PS Touch for Phone bearable. Other than that the Note 1 is fine. This comment is just a heads up for folks thinking that they could save money by purchasing a Note 1 for some advanced editing. If you want to use PS Touch for Phone, then stay away from the Note 1.

Mar 26, 2013permalink

HongKongExpat

lol, how long has this phone been out and only now a review! Note 3 is almost released....

Mar 23, 2013permalink

mdmiataman

..I love this phone. Just moved up from a HTC Thunderbolt. My main objective was something smaller than my Kindle Fire that I could use in conjuction with the WIFISD card on my Lumix LX7. I can take my snaps, upload thru the WIFI sd card to the phone, edit on the GN2 with my various Android apps and share instanly. I also bought (2) 3100 mAh batteries and a charger from Amazon for $20.00US, so I always have ample batteries in my pocket.
..and I am very pleased with the GN2's camera abilities as well. To all the naysayers out there,.. find something better,..go buy it.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

N8shon

The Galaxy Note 2 uses a quad-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz, not a dual core processor as stated, just to clarify, thanks!

Mar 23, 2013permalink

slyster

Can we have some comments about the display? AMOLED screens have been notoriously bad when it comes to colour accuracy. Is this better than usual? How does it compare to IPS displays?

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

If you want a color-neutral screen probably none of the current phones is for you. The Note II's certainly displays colors in a very vibrant fashion..but then that's not much of an issue, as the images captured by the camera are very vibrant too. The question becomes more relevant if you want to display images that have been shot with another camera on your phone. We'll look into ways of testing that in the future.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

FRANCISCO ARAGAO

Galaxy S3 has "Screen Mode" where one can choose:
"dynamic", "default", "natural" or "film"

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

The Note II has those too but as far as I am aware there is currently no way of calibrating a phone screen.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Stu 5

Lars if you want a colour neutral screen on a mobile you go for the iPhone which has a IPS panel and then colour calibrate it with the Datacolor Syder 3 or 4 using the free iPhone app they make.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

This only works for sRG images viewed in the Spyder app though, not for any other apps or images with other profiles. It's far from ideal.

http://regex.info/blog/2012-03-27/1964

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Combatmedic870

You can calibrate your screen if you unlock and root your phone.
Its tuff to do but can be done

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Got a link for that?

Mar 23, 2013permalink

jetherson

color calibration for note2:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927852

Mar 23, 2013permalink

knize10

The note I is already at the dumps X 150,000.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

brentbrent

I love my Note 2. I don't use the camera all that much, but it strikes me as decent for a cell phone (I don't have huge expectations), and it's always with me.

The Note 2 will accept a 64GB micro SD card. It's easy to load photos taken with a better camera, and the big screen provides a great way to show them to family and friends.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

huyzer

The Bad lists: "No physical shutter button" twice. That must mean it's really bad. ;)

Mar 22, 2013*permalink

Lars Rehm

thanks, corrected

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Magnus3D

You can also trigger the shutter when you plugin your headphones and use the volumebutton on them to take photos with. It works very well as a cabletrigger.

Mar 24, 2013permalink

msusic

Note 2 is a fantastic smartphone.
The first one I'm really happy with.

Screen is gorgeous, it's extremely fast and it's bettery lasts very long (for a smartphone).

Mar 22, 2013permalink

coldchiller

How long does yours last? Mine does not last more than 1.5 days even with little action- generally a work day gets it to the yellow zone after it is fully charged. To last longer I need to turn off wifi, gps and bluetooth. I'd be interested to hear how long other people's Note 2 lasts.

Mar 23, 2013*permalink

jetherson

you can root and install a custom kernel that permits adjustment of power/cpu/gpu/etc and then undervolt. your battery can last longer. or you can use a higher-rated battery.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Thanks, I'll have to give that one a read.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

msusic

It lasts depending on how heavily I'm using it, but generally a lot longer than smartphones I had before (iphone 3G, HTC Desire and Samsung Note 1).

It last me 2-3 days of heavy use, about 7-8h screen on time and 1-2hrs talk/day + 2hrs browsing/day, using GPS with Endomondo etc...

Mar 23, 2013permalink

coldchiller

One of your negatives is that there is no physical shutter button. There actually is a way to use a physical button (volume button) as the shutter, by adjusting the settings. In camera mode, go to Settings > Use volume key as > The camera key. Thought you might want to know.

Mar 22, 2013*permalink

Lars Rehm

That is true, I'll modify this comment. By default the volume rockers control the zoom in the camera app though, so it would be nice to have a dedicated shutter button, like on the Lumia 920. On the Nokia, this also brings up the camera app when you press this button.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Gadgety

DP Review. It makes sense to launch a DPReview mobile site, provided you are able to keep some of your key qualities. One of those is sharing a format among the reviews. Having checked this review out I looked into the Nokia Lumia 920, but unless I'm mistaken it follows an entirely different layout, sections are different, making comparison difficult. You want to have a large audience I suggest you get your review format aligned so that I can tell all reviews are off the same site. In addition, comparisons with various mobile phones within the article would provide some value as well. Good luck.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

The Note II's camera module is as good as identical to the S3's. Check the S3 review for comparison with various other devices.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

MonkRX

Agreed. I'm completely loss on this site. The reviews on this site are all over the place since the two Nokia 920 articles.

Dp should at least shoot the test scene for every phone.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

TheProv

Are you serious? Really? Are you the same of DPreview or are you stealing only the name?
It takes bravery to call this "camera review".
Even I could do this "camera review".

Please be serious and start doing cameraphone reviews at the level I can see on your mother site (?) and for wich I know you are able to.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

Lars Rehm

Take a breather please. Firstly, this is a phone review focusing on the camera capabilities of the device but this being a smartphone we are obviously looking at other factors too. Secondly, the Note II's imaging components are as good as identical as the Galaxy S3's which is why we link to the relevant sections in the S3 review. No need to say the same thing twice. Thirdly, we still have a DxO data report in the pipeline for this device which we will add in the near future, so if you prefer to look at diagrams over images, that should satisfy your needs.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

CanonPhotog

"Firstly, this is a phone review focusing on the camera capabilities of the device but this being a smartphone we are obviously looking at other factors too."

Then why weren't any of those "other factors" included in the Pros/Cons section of your review?

And why is DPR reviewing a cell phone that's been out now for over 5 months, and has already sold tens of millions of units? The GS Note II is an unqualified as well as a qualified success, hands down. This "review" would have been far more useful 4 1/2 months ago.

Once again, late to the party, and nothing really useful given to really help inform the consumer.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

David Fell

Agree, also seems to me DPR is looking for anything loosely allied to photography to pad out the site at the expense of core DP tests. Even peddling stuff from other sites which I don't understand, as product lifecycles get ever shorter there must be more to publish?

Mar 23, 2013permalink

MonkRX

+1. They need to call this place dp blog or something, because its lack of uniform testing is getting annoying. They need to backdate to the Nokia 920 and start shooting their test scene on every phone since then.

Mar 23, 2013permalink

jackpro

Love the HDR very easy to use. Great screen size for showing photos.

Mar 22, 2013permalink

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TTartisan celebrates Year of the Ox with a bright-red version of its M-mount 50mm F0.95 prime lens

The lens is optically identical to its black and silver siblings, but spices things up with a bright-red paint job and a custom lens cap to celebrate the Year of the Ox.

Jan 18, 202188 lens news

Shooting from dusk till dawn with the Manfrotto Befree 3-way Live Advanced Tripod

Join filmmaker John Webster and his team as they voyage into the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness in Idaho with Manfrotto's Befree 3-way Live Advanced tripod.

Jan 18, 2021Sponsored

Fujifilm X-T4 vs X-S10

The inclusion of in-body stabilization in Fujifilm's X-S10 means it's able to offer a lot of the features of the flagship X-T4. So, price aside, what are the differences between the two models, and how much of a bargain is the smaller camera?

Jan 18, 2021155

Buying guide: The Canon EOS R5 is the best camera for portraits

We've updated our 'best cameras for portraits' buying guide, and Canon's EOS R5 narrowly edges out the also-excellent Sony a7R IV.

Jan 17, 2021

DPReview TV: High resolution mirrorless cameras compared

Which high resolution mirrorless camera is best for you? This week, we compare the Canon EOS R5, Sony a7R IV, Nikon Z7 II and Panasonic S1R to answer that question.

Jan 16, 2021512 video

Explore earth from the Canon CE-SAT-1 satellite and its onboard Canon 5D Mark III

As part of CES 2021, Canon launched a new website allowing users to view select locations on earth from the Canon CE-SAT-1 satellite. Using the onboard Canon 5D Mark III and Canon telescope, you can zoom in and see our planet from a fresh perspective.

Jan 15, 202181

Nikon USA adds two new paid tiers to its Nikon Professional Services offerings

The new Pro+ and Platinum+ plans cost $150 and $300 per year, respectively, and add additional benefits over the complimentary 'Pro' plan Nikon Professional Services offers. These NPS plans are limited to residents of the United States and U.S. territories.

Jan 15, 202159

Review: The Insta360 One R is a modular action camera with a 1"-type sensor

The Insta360 One R is a unique action camera: it has interchangeable camera modules, including one with a large 1"-type sensor and a Leica lens. We show you how it works and ask, 'who's it for'?

Jan 15, 202177 review

Film Fridays: Don't buy a Soviet camera before reading this

Considering getting your hands on a Soviet film camera? Good for you! There's quite a few quality options out there and many can be had for a reasonable price. But before you go and pull the trigger on a Zorki-3C rangefinder, we suggest reading the guide below, from our pals at KosmoFoto.

Jan 15, 202198

Fujifilm discontinues its Pro 400H color negative film in 35mm, 120 formats

Fujifilm cites issues with sourcing raw materials as the reason for discontinuing the film stock in both its 35mm and 120 formats.

Jan 15, 2021138

Venus Optics confirms details of four new, ultra-fast ‘Argus’ F0.95 lenses for MFT, APS-C and full-frame cameras

Although the announcement wasn’t set to be made public yet, we’ve been able to confirm with Venus Optics the details of its four ‘Argus’ F0.95 lenses set to be released throughout 2021.

Jan 14, 2021182 lens news

Samsung announces Galaxy S21 series, including 8K capable, 108MP Galaxy S21 Ultra

Samsung has unveiled a trio of new Galaxy smartphones, the S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra. The S21 and S21 Plus incorporate new cost-saving measures amidst a variety of improvements. The S21 Ultra, on the other hand, showcases what Samsung can do with a $1,200 price point.

Jan 14, 2021265 mobile

Report: Apple may soon warn users if their camera was repaired using non-genuine components

MacRumors has come across a bit of code that suggests Apple may soon show a warning in the Settings menu when the camera modules inside iOS devices have been replaced with third-party components.

Jan 14, 2021155 mobile

Top-notch high-res mode: Panasonic Lumix S5 review update

We've been pressing on with our review of Panasonic's Lumix S5, and have put it in front of our studio scene to see what it can do. Spoiler alert, its JPEG engine and high-res mode are both really impressive.

Jan 14, 2021693 review

Sony 35mm F1.4 GM sample gallery (DPReview TV)

Our team at DPReview TV recently published its review of the new Sony 35mm F1.4 GM lens. How good is it? Take a look at the photos they took while reviewing the camera and judge the image quality for yourself!

Jan 14, 202117 sample gallery

Costco is shuttering all remaining in-store photo departments in Canada, US by February 14

Costco has informed U.S. and Canadian customers that all in-store camera departments will be shut down on February 14, 2021. Costco’s online printing services will still be available.

Jan 13, 2021170

Hands-on with new Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM

It's been a long time coming, but Sony has finally announced a G Master series 35mm lens for its full-frame mirrorless system. This compact alternative to the Zeiss version has some impressive spec: click through to learn more.

Jan 13, 2021213

These open-source medium format cameras are 3D-printed

Dora Goodman got her start customizing existing analog cameras. Since then, she and her team launched a company offering open-source designs for 3D printing cameras and selling customers 3D printed parts and fully assembled cameras.

Jan 13, 202171

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM sample gallery

We've been busy shooting around with Sony's brand-new, compact and lightweight FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lens and initial impressions are quite positive: It's extremely sharp wide open across the frame, and controls ghosting, flaring and chromatic aberration with ease.

Jan 13, 202183 sample gallery

DPReview TV: Sony 35mm F1.4 GM review

The 35mm F1.4 GM brings one of photography's classic focal lengths to Sony's G Master series of lenses. How does it perform? According to Chris and Jordan, it's pretty darn good.

Jan 13, 202155 video

Sony launches super-sharp, lightweight FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens

Sony has just announced their 39th full-frame E-mount lens, the FE 35mm F1.4 GM. It comes with a complex optical formula and fancy autofocus motor technology, but it's among the lightest fast 35mm lenses on the market.

Jan 13, 2021262 lens news

Sigma CEO confirms RF/Z mount lenses are a 'possibility,' estimates camera industry will stabilize this year and more

In an article published by ICAN Management Review, Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki speaks to the future of the company, including the possibility of RF/Z mount Sigma lenses, future camera systems and more.

Jan 12, 2021276 camera news

ViewSonic unveils new ColorPro monitors, including 32" 8K display aimed at photographers

ViewSonic has announced new ColorPro monitors at CES. The monitors, available in 27" and 32" sizes, range from 2K to 8K resolution and have been designed for color-critical applications including photography and video editing.

Jan 12, 2021151

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