Reading mode: Light Dark

News Reviews Articles Buying Guides Sample Images Videos Cameras Lenses Phones Printers Forums Galleries Challenges

What camera should I buy?

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

Discuss in the forums

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

Digital Suicide

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

Latest sample galleries

Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH Sample Gallery

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH sample gallery

Fujifilm X-T100 sample gallery

Canon EOS Rebel T7 sample gallery

See more galleries »

Latest in-depth reviews

The Sony RX100 VI is a spectacularly capable travel camera, combining a flexible zoom range with impressive autofocus. But there's no getting around the fact that it's an expensive camera, and a longer lens comes with certain trade-offs. Read on for our full analysis.

The Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD is a lightweight telephoto zoom lens for DSLR cameras that comes in at an MSRP of $799. How does it perform? Find out in our full review.

Samsung's flagship Galaxy S9+ comes with comprehensive photography features like dual optically stabilized rear cameras, smooth 4K video and of course, beauty filters for your selfies. But is it the best smartphone camera for you? Find out how it compares against the likes of Apple's iPhone X and Google's Pixel 2 in our full review.

Long-term test: Domke F6 'Little Bit Smaller' shoulder bag

The Domke F-6, also known as the 'Little Bit Smaller' bag shares a lot of characteristics with the venerable (and a Little Bit Bigger) F-2. Senior Editor Barnaby Britton has been using one for several years.

Peak Design's Capture Clip takes the pain out of carrying your camera – and the latest version is an improvement on an already popular design.

Latest buying guides

The instant camera market is heating up, and with four formats and 15+ cameras to choose from, we felt it was high time to examine them all and pick our favorite.

Buying Guide: The best waterproof cameras

Whether you're hitting the beach in the Northern Hemisphere or the ski slopes in the Southern, a rugged compact camera makes a great companion. In this buying guide we've taken a look at seven current models and chosen our favorites.

Buying Guide: The best cameras for parents

What's the best camera for a parent? The best cameras for shooting kids and family must have fast autofocus, good low-light image quality and great video. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for parents, and recommended the best.

Buying Guide: The best cameras for landscapes

What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.

Buying Guide: The best cameras over $2000

What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.

Check out more buying guides »

Latest articles

Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH sample gallery

The Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH is a fast, high-quality and decidedly heavyweight short telephoto prime lens, designed for use with Leica's digital M-series rangefinders. We've been grappling with it for a little while - take a look at our sample images.

Jul 16, 201834 sample gallery

DPReview TV: 70-200mm F4 lens shootout

70-200mm F4 zoom lenses may not get as much attention as their faster F2.8 siblings, but for many photographers these lenses hit the perfect sweet spot of price, performance, and weight. This week, we go to the Calgary Stampede with the Canon 70-200mm F4, Nikon 70-200mm F4, and Tamron 70-210mm F4.

Jul 15, 2018116

Blackmagic external GPU for MacBook Pro now available from Apple

Blackmagic recently worked with Apple to develop Blackmagic eGPU, an external GPU that brings "desktop-class graphics performance" to the new MacBook Pro laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Jul 14, 2018202

Skylum Luminar 2018 1.3.0 update brings many improvements, new camera support

Lightroom alternative Luminar has received numerous updates across both its Mac and Windows versions, primarily improvements to existing features, as well as support for additional cameras from Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Canon, and Pentax.

Jul 14, 201847

Sony replaces RX100 V with RX100 VA, bringing RX100 VI processor and firmware

Sony has quietly updated its RX100 V, bringing a couple of the goodies from the RX100 VI travel zoom. The updated RX100 VA gains a new processor and various firmware tweaks but misses out on the VI's other hardware improvements.

Jul 13, 2018256 camera news

More powerful notebooks from Apple in the MacBook Pro line

Apple has updated its MacBook Pro series of notebooks with 15in and 13in models that are claimed to be better for intense image and video editing. The company says the new models are the most advanced ever, and that they feature 8th generation Intel Core processors for faster performance.

Jul 13, 2018317

Adobe reportedly working on full Photoshop version for iPad

According to sources familiar with the matter, Adobe will announce a full-fledged Photoshop version for the iPad at its annual conference in October.

Jul 13, 2018157 mobile

Apple ceases Photo Print Products, recommends third-party apps

The last day to place an order for Apple photo prints and related products is September 30th.

Jul 13, 201840

Manfrotto Noreg series launches with Backpack-30 and Messenger-30 bags

Manfrotto has launched its new Noreg camera bag series with the Backpack-30 and Messenger-30 models. Both bags are designed for premium mirrorless camera systems, each featuring internal camera units that can be removed and used independently of the larger bags.

Jul 12, 201860

The Kanton DX35 concept is an all-in-one film development machine the size of a coffee maker

Industrial designer Thomas Müller has created a concept device that attempts to democratize film development using an all-in-one device that sits on your countertop.

Jul 12, 2018222

Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 VI review

Jul 12, 2018428 review

Mastin Labs' new 'Kodak Everyday' preset pack includes Ektar 100, Gold 200 & Tri-X 400

Mastin Labs has released its latest set of presets titled 'Kodak Everyday.' The pack includes film emulation presets for iconic Kodak films, including Ektar, Gold and Tri-X.

Jul 11, 2018218

Canon EOS 6D Mark II firmware 1.0.4 update fixes 'rare' operational bugs

Canon has released firmware update 1.0.4 for the EOS 6D Mark II, adding important bug fixes for "rare instances" of issues with the touch panel and operation buttons.

Jul 11, 201879

Nikon Inc confirms the Nikon 1 system is officially discontinued

In an email to DPReview, Nikon Inc. has confirmed ''The Nikon 1 series cameras, lenses and accessories are no longer in production'.

Jul 11, 2018506

Nikon Coolpix P1000: what you need to know

Nikon's new Coolpix P1000 boasts an extraordinary zoom range and a suite of powerful stills and video features in a (relatively) compact body. We're taking a detailed look at this powerful compact's key features.

Jul 11, 2018433

PhotoMirage software creates moving photos from a single image

PhotoMirage, a new Windows application from software company Corel, transforms images into "mirages" by adding movement to elements like water or clouds. Unlike a cinemagraph, it does not require video footage – instead animating a single static image.

Jul 10, 201888

Tamron releases updated firmware for 28-75mm F2.8 for Sony E-Mount

Tamron's version 2.0 firmware update for its 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD claims to have addressed reported issues with autofocus during video shooting.

Jul 10, 201832

Moment launches camera app with focus on manual control

Lens maker Moment is leaning into the software sector, launching a newly-revamped smartphone camera app targeted at enthusiast photographers.

Jul 10, 201836 mobile

NVIDIA researchers develop AI that removes noise from images with incredible accuracy

A groups of researchers from NVIDIA, MIT, and Aalto University have developed an AI capable of removing noise and grain from images with incredible accuracy.

Jul 10, 2018170

Nikon Coolpix P1000 shoots for the moon with 3000mm equiv. zoom

If the 24-2000mm equiv. zoom range on Nikon's Coolpix P900 just wasn't enough then you'll be excited about today's announcement of the Coolpix P1000. This camera has a once unthinkable 24-3000mm equivalent F2.8-F8 lens, though it's anything but light and will set you back $999.

Jul 10, 2018677 camera news

Cactus releases firmware to add TTL control for Canon flashes

Hong Kong flash system manufacturer Cactus has released new firmware for its V6 II Transceiver that will allow it to wirelessly communicate TTL information between a Canon or Cactus flash and a Canon camera. The X-TTL update makes it possible to trigger Canon flashes and retain full TTL control with that flash either on or off camera.

Jul 9, 20187

Video: Pro lighting at hardware store prices

Want to create pro quality lighting for your videos, but don't have thousands of dollars to spend on expensive video lights? In this video, our friends over at ShareGrid demonstrate how to professionally light a model with some work lights, a bit of poster board and even a shower curtain.

Jul 9, 201825 video

Capture One Latitude style packs bring warm and cold color presets

Phase One has launched its new Latitude processing presets series, the latest addition to the company's Capture One Style Packs product launched last year. Both Latitude style packs contain eight presets, each with original, bright, and dark variations, for a total of 24 styles per pack.

Jul 9, 201841

Godox announces AD400Pro strobe, due out in August

Godox has announced the impending launch of its upcoming AD400Pro, a 400WS monolight with wireless shooting capabilities and a battery life of 390 full-powered flashes.

Jul 9, 201884

Buying Guide: The best instant cameras

The instant camera market is heating up, and with four formats and 15+ cameras to choose from, we felt it was high time to examine them all and pick our favorite.

Jul 9, 201855

DPReview TV: where to place a microphone to record great audio

There's an old axiom in filmmaking which states that an audience will forgive a poor quality picture, but not poor quality sound. This week, Chris and Jordan bring in an audio pro to demonstrate why a cheap microphone positioned correctly will outperform an expensive model placed incorrectly.

Jul 8, 2018106 video

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI sample gallery updated

With enough reach to land itself in 'travel zoom' territory, the Sony RX100 VI is well suited for a wide range of shooting situations. We've made a significant update to our initial sample gallery with plenty of samples from the past few weeks.

Jul 7, 2018174 sample gallery

PinBox is a DIY 120 format pinhole camera made from cardboard and an acid-etched aperture

Hamm Camera Company has launched its second crowdfunding campaign to bring a fun, affordable pinhole camera to life.

Jul 7, 2018114

Rumor: Samsung Galaxy S10 triple-cam to offer super-wide-angle and 3x tele

Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphone could offer a significantly wider zoom range than current high-end models.

Jul 6, 2018158 mobile

US Postal Service ordered to pay $3.5m after using photo of Statue of Liberty replica

According to the lawsuit, the US Postal Service issued a new Forever Stamp design in December 2010 that mistakenly features the Statue of Liberty replica in Las Vegas created by Davidson rather than the original statue in New York.

Jul 6, 2018290

Tips or suggestions? Contact us!

www.dpreview.com

Mobile site

About

Editorial content

Cameras & Lenses

Community

All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998 - 2018 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.

Samsung Galaxy Note II EB595675LA Battery OEM Original Part	$9.99	Shop now
Samsung Original Genuine OEM Samsung Galaxy Note 2/II 3100mAh Spare Replacement Li-ion Battery with NFC - Non-Retail Packaging - Silver	$8.79	Shop now
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Flip Cover Case (Marble White)	$4.69	Shop now
Samsung Galaxy Note II, Titanium 16GB (AT&T)	$93.94	Shop now
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100 Lithium Phone Battery 3100mAh EB595675LU - Non-Retail Packaging - Silver	$9.99	Shop now


DxOMark Mobile report: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Mar 18, 2016	Updated with Editor's note: Apple launches 9.7-inch iPad Pro with 12MP camera Mar 22, 2016	iPhone SE is a compact-sized iPhone 6s Mar 21, 2016	Instagram is changing its feed to use algorithm Mar 17, 2016


Plastic by Aziz Ali from Plastic	Mia by mschf from Baby face	Canada Day Fireworks by Darren Langdon from national holiday	Tree Swallow hunting by iamdlewis from A big year - birds 2018	Father and daughter by Jill Hancock from - Being 'Dad' - ( Portrait in Full colours only)

Samsung Galaxy Note II camera review

Key photographic/video specifications

Our six-page review

Comments

You may also like

Latest sample galleries

Latest in-depth reviews

Latest buying guides