The LX100 II is the newest model in Panasonic's LX line of compact cameras, historically designed to appeal to photography enthusiasts. This week, Chris and Jordan take it for a spin and explain why photographers will really enjoy shooting this camera.
I can't help but feel a 4 year wait for this 2nd version has to be disappointing to most. At $1000, too, if it had weather and dust sealing, SOME articulation to the screen, and an OLED EVF, all, most likely, could have been forgiven. As it is, though, it's disappointing to me. Maybe next time, at $1200... : )
it now has the lens sealed. screen articulation is nice if you want nit but is just another point of mechanical failure it is missing a better OLED EVF, but everything gives a higher quality and more refined experience whilst retaining the feel of the original. just what the doctor ordered
M2's photos are slightly better then the Leica version, and the enhanced grip on the front is nearly good. The camera has a weird hesitation when its showing you on the screen that its focused. the moment where it locks into focus ( on the screen) it sort of jerks into focus, and, it does not handle macro shots as well as the LX100. I think the issue is that the processor taken from the G model, does not work as well in some ways as the original LX100's processor, yet, the IQ is better. However, a fixed screen? Its this acceptable in the age of selfies, ? So where is that articulation in the screenorama. Its found about 4. yrs from now, and for about $299 added to the price. Sha ZAM. What a deal. Here is the sad thing. Pany's LX85, slays the Olympus Pen-F. The photos, the quick focus, the handling, its got it all. The Pen-F handles like the Sony RX100's. Think "wet soap". Get a used GX85, and a few used Prime lenses, like the 14, 17 and the 45, and that big tele one the 12-40.
no, the M2 and D-lux 7 have the same photos. the hesitation you are seeing is actually the better lens stabilisation, locking in when you change the view. a fixed screen is much more robust and less chance of mechanical failure. I think you then went on ramble down favourite camera lane :)
@LucaPCP that's great news. I'm sure not everyone encounters it. But from the many comments I've read, and it even getting a mention in this video review, it's more of a risk than I have an appetite for.
LX100.M3 mabe an real upgrade as seen from FZ200 to FZ300:
"...The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is the update to the very popular FZ200. It maintains the same 12MP sensor and fast 25-600mm equivalent F2.8 lens but adds: - a new image processor, - weather-sealing <----<<<< - 3" tilting OLED display - higher resolution (2.36M dot) OLED EVF. - uses Panasonic's latest autofocus system and - ..."
That's called an REAL update, and users can wait for 4 more years to see the same update for LX100.M2 if ever...
LX100s have decent lens + larger sensor. If Panasonic wants LX100.M3 to be the king of P&S, just replacing the LOW tech, poweLESS image processor with smartphone image processor, Take a look:
Panny have said previously they were looking at using Android in Cameras - following the CM1, which although was a failure they learnt a lot from. Nothing announced as yet though - but they are well placed to take advantage.
I have and love my LX100, and am considering the LX100 II as an upgrade. That said, I did get dust on the sensor of the LX100 (after a trip to the desert - which is challenging), and had to send it in to be serviced.
Is there any chance that DPReview can ask Panasonic about improved dust sealing on the lens? ePhotozine asked and was apparently told by Panasonic that the LX100 II has urethane in the lens gap, to try and address this issue . Further confirmation would be great, if it is true...
Basically, I will be buying it to capture kids' recitals. So good video capability is mediocre stage lighting is super important. Given that criterion, is the RX100VA still going to be superior in video? I was waiting for the LX100 successor for the past 2 years. Really disappointed by the underwhelming reviews.
If you're doing recitals, you're not going to like the lens reach of the LX100 or RX100. I'd get an RX10m3, a tripod, and a mic with a wide footprint (NOT a shotgun mic for a gym/concert hall).
If that's too much money you can get an FZ1000 (and a tripod and a mic)
@mosc Under $1k budget I'd guide sansin toward an interchangeable lens video camera with more features like Panasonic G7 (with tripod) or G85 (handheld).
@mosc Sure you can. G85 with 12-60 3.5-5.6 kit lens is under $900 and G7 is under $600. Throw in another 40-150 or 45-200 for another $150. Nevertheless, I agree FZ1000 is the best all in one option under $1k.
Hey Chris, I think I remember you reviewing the original version on youtube. It sure looked like you, minus the Grey highlights, scruffy Beard and the picky complaints. I think it was raining the day that you did the original one too, but that didn't bother you at all. Btw, if the zoom was faster, I think it might just drag dust inside with it. Unlike you, I still love the original version, and there's not enough new features to sell mine, to buy the new version. When I need something smaller to carry, I still use the LX7! I guess using more new cameras, might make you spoiled, but really, it works fine, and I like the grip just as it is. I have several Lumix battery charges, but several of their cameras still use batteries that were in their system before, but I agree, a charger would be needed if someone was just buying it now. Anyhow, very decent review Chris and I wish you the best of luck here! ... Joe
I think you underestimate them. Their sales may be down, but Panasonic puts out good products that pack in lots of features and are well designed. 9 gold and silver awards on this site the past two years, more than any other brand, for what its worth (Sony had 7, Canon 6 on my quick count).
My personal experience has been that even highly rated items have been unusable. The noise on their cameras was something that I couldn't deal with at all. Their TVs and other AV equipment was always behind Sony in both longevity and daily use.
I won't ever buy another Panasonic anything as long as I live.
And I certainly don't understand why they would revive or otherwise continue an old line from 4 years ago that had problems then, and keep in a bunch of those parts from it. It's just a disgrace. Everything about this camera is bad, except that it does beat a few cameras that are less than half its price.
Never let the facts get in the way of a good prejudice.
IMHO, Panasonic have always given far more bang for the buck than Sony and I've had no problem with longevity, my Panasonic cd radio has long outlasted the newer Sony, as has my TV/blueray combo.
I've also had an LX100 as my everyday camera for over a year now, and it is a delight to use. Just sad that the LX100ii wasn't available a year ago, I'd like the extra resolution but can't see the point of upgrading, I'd rather invest in a full frame.
I have been asking for an exchangeable lens Panasonic camera with the same body size as the LX100 to no avail. A better size for me than the GM5 (my choice for travelling light), and handier than the GX9, I want a GX8 replacement with this size of body. Yes I want a tilting view finder something like the GX8 (a lovely VF), water proofing, and a tilting screen too. I am sure all the amateur marketing and technical specialists will tell me why I can't have what I want, but I am letting Panasonic know (hopefully) anyway. F.
It does remind me so much of Fuji with a focus on user experience. Touchscreen and dedicated dials is really quite a joy.
I think you hit the nail on the head though when you mentioned the T20 with the 18-55 f2.8-f4.0. It's bigger, but it's really the same cost and it's so much more flexible a system.
Panasonic needs the LX100 to be ~$800 and with a better viewfinder.
... though I do love the pre capture 4K photo mode. Why can't anybody else make that feature?
I just bought the LX100 (version 1). It costs $400 less than version II. The major improvement of version II, the touch screen, was not an improvement for me. I find touch screens annoying because I inevitably accidentally change a setting by touching the screen.
The LX100 feels great in my hands. I like the certainty of the controls, easy access for exposure compensation, shutter speed and aperture settings.
I've never liked multi-point focus setting...I just use the center point for focus; focus on the object,, half press, re-frame and shoot. It works like a charm.
I like the photo quality of the LX100 I. The colors are great and the pictures are sharp. For sheer usability as well as capability I rate the LX100 among the very top. It is the perfect Travel camera with absolutely no irritating qualities.
Chris Nichols complains (gently) about the slow zooming on the LX100 II. The LX3 and LX5 I owned were like that too, but I was often glad of that. The slowness allows for precise setting of focal length, which is useful for careful compositions.
Then you may prefer a fast zooming speed, although I don’t and I took plenty of people pics with my LX3 and LX5.
A solution to this conundrum is a manual rather than motor-driven zoom. Hands and wrists can zoom slowly when precision is needed and quickly when speed is needed. But for several mechanical and packaging reasons, manual zooms are rare on these small cameras with collapsible lenses.
Does the LX100 II retain the step-zoom feature of earlier LX-series cameras and, if so, does that drive the zoom quicker to the next step?
I have my old LX100 on step zoom, 24/28/35/50/70/75 and the zoom speed is perfectly fine in most incidences. If you need something faster for "action scenes", then I'd suggest a small compact camera is the wrong one for the task. I'd suggest using a DSLR or similar for sports etc.
User, I have an lx100, and a dlsr, and several other camera variants. I get what it does and doesn't do, and use different cameras for different tasks. I actually rarely even zoom the lx100, as I am not a zoom type of shooter.
I just commented as it drives me nuts when slow, deliberate shooters act like things that aren't going anywhere are the only photographic subjects out there, so what's everyone complaining about.
I do hope, that a LX-100 Mark III someday would bring a fully articulated Touchscreen, at least a tilt-able screen, something, that the 1st NEX-3/5 from 2010 already featured - and a manual focus Zoom lens, means, Autofocus of course, but focal length change by hand, not by some motor drive, and a matching Lens Hood with filterthread for protector/UV or ND/Polarizer filters, Panasonic.
Btw, i am still shooting my original NEX-5, and it's fine.
Guys, check out this review of the new LX100 II. On the comment section someone said the sensor dust issue (seen on the LX100) has been improved as Panasonic engineers put urethane in the lens gap.
Why wouldn't "urethane in the lens gap" dissipate or vanish after a few lens actuations? Every time the camera is turned on, and the lens extends, air (accompanied by dust and lint) will get sucked into the seams of the lens turret. Urethane would not make any difference, unless the inner chamber were altogether pressurized and sealed.
By urethane it's likely a ring (similar the silicon rubber rings used to weather seal lenses), not just a coating that wears off after a few applications.
A dust resistant lens does not necessarily have to be airtight given dust particles that show up in the image are likely considerably larger than air molecules.
Gotta say DPReview made a very smart move by getting Chris and Jordan. I was curious about the LX100 II as I never upgraded from my LX5 up to the original LX100. All my questions about the camera were answered in one easy to view and entertaining video.
They do seem to be a tad reluctant to diss the camera being reviewed, you have to be quick and notice the innuendos.
Personally I have found zoom lenses that extend are too slow for the type of photography I shoot. I prefer a fixed lens compact like the Sony RX1 where I don't have to deploy and de-deploy the lens.
KEEP YOUR LX5!! Do not sell it!! Look up for the great, simple & beautiful videos made with the LX5 by Charlie Waite. And if you can find a LX7 in great conditions...BUY IT..!! If not...Try to get a PENTAX MX-1. These are , for me, the best MEAT & POTATOES (no gravy) cameras for the money.
Sometime. I still use LX LX7 with add-on Tube + 0.8X LX5's WA conversion lens, as well I bought add-on EVF for low angle shooting as the EVF can flip up.
These LX100s can accept the add-on tube, but can not use any kind of WA conversion lens, also LX100s hard for low angle shooting.
Will Pana make a LX7's alike with 1" or larger sensor? Or better to make a NIKON DL18-50?
While I understand Panasonic wanting to do a minor cost savings upgrade to the LX100 in regards to hardware, it is a shame that they fell short of what could have been with simple, low cost, firmware enhancements. Since this is a camera for Creative / Enthusiast / Pro, it would have been interesting to let users access the extended captured image (no crops) to allow more cropping flexibility in post including room for roll correction or show whole capture with rounded corners. It is disappointing that after 3 years asking for it, users have no way to deactivate the automatic lens correction even in Raw. Given that the 4K is a severe crop, that would bring the opportunity to offer automatic roll correction (leveling) but nope. Other possible features like Step-less Aperture control, Programmable Pull Focus like the GM5, Programmable Zoom for Video and Time Lapse, Bluetooth Microphone, etc I'd expect all these after a 4 years wait and that price tag!
The dust issue with the LX100 has more to do with the zoom lens excessive extension/retraction cycles (a simple firmware issue) rather than the lack of weather sealing which makes it even more irritating, Roger Cicala from Lensrentals wrote a good piece about this fact of life about ANY zoom lens. However, Panasonic seem to be aloof and never paid attention to this important detail, despite numerous users complaints. For instance, the LX100 even extend the lens when the user only wants to play some pictures. On top of that when in shooting mode the inactivity timer is so short causing the lens to retract prematurely, having the user to initiate another lens extension and there is no way for the user to change this. https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/08/the-apocalypse-of-lens-dust/
Dust inhalation is a physical phenomenon that firmware alone could not remedy. I cannot conceive of a single fixed-lens camera that can be dust proof unless the lens never extends or retracts or it were somehow pressurized and sealed, which would likely wear out or fail after time anyway.
That is why I said “The dust issue with the LX100 has more to do with the zoom lens excessive extension/retraction cycles” Of all the motorized zoom cameras I ve had the LX100 is the one with more frequent lens extensions. You have yo use one to see how irritating this.
My dream LX II would have been the same ergonomics, a little bit bigger, articulating screen, IBIS, a manual zoom so as to not have to worry about lens errors, better sealing for dust, a focus on quality of image vs length of zoom. They’ve had years to make the Mark II, yet it doesn’t seem years ahead of the last one. The difference between the XT2 and 3 is what consumers wanted to see with the LX II and would have been happy to pay for.
Thanks for the great review. I so wanted the first gen of this camera. But I wanted a better evf and more than 12mp. Well the new one is out and the evf is the same and it is now 17mp. My problem is that I can no longer justify it's price. Even my cellphone can blur the background now (though not with perfect results) Having a lens that is a full frame equivalent of f5.6 at the long end does not make me happy.
For me, it makes more sense to pick up a G9 or lx8 and that nice sigma 30mm f1.4 (full frame equiv. of 60mm f2.8) and have the ability to shoot knowing I can have a little shallower depth of field, a good evf and good in body stabilization with out the full frame camera/lens combination cost or weight.
I guess you meant gx9. In that case, save you self a lot of money and get secondhand gx80/85 for below $300 and if you really want that nice EVF get GX8 - the best micro 4/3 cam in my eyes there is at the moment. I had many micro 4/3 cams. Even the huge G9 and GX8 tops them all in many departments. I still have GX80 too and keeping it for great dual IS in 4k video but you can get great 4k with GX8 too with OIS. But for stills, GX8 is king bar the shutter shock which is mostly theoretical disadvantage as using fully electronic shutter has no impact on IQ apart from rolling shutter in extreme cases where you would want to use mechanical shutter and to freeze the motion you would be way past the affected shutter speed range. And I don't think Sigma 30 - a non zoom lens would be affected at all too. Get GX8 second hand like me and be super happy. That tilting EVF and ergonomics of GX8 is pure pleasure. Check my review - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4330169
I meant the Panasonic G9 The 20mp one with a with one of the best evf's made. Its $300 more than the lx100 ii for the body only... but it is the more capable camera and with a nice prime lens, I think I will be able to do what I want to do without yielding to temptation for Sony full frame bodies and glass.
Agree. However, select another pre-exit jingle; as it's the same one Consumer Reports uses/used. Just sayin'. Anyway, no excuse the LX100 II has no tilt-screen and OLED vf and charger. Not an exact competitor, but my little G5 X is great, a real sleeper. About 2/3rds the price. Has all the goodies the LX100 is missing (but no 4K).
Enjoyed this episode, thank you. I use the classic LX100, but I find its extensive manual controls a little bit decorative, because of limited DOF control on such a small sensor. Though its video capability is really nice for '2014 camera.
According to comments this video review was very well done, but I just wonder about review consistency. Are some cameras being done the old way with a comprehensive written review, and some being done with video, and if so why? I'm not that keen to visit DPR, and then being navigated to YouTube for a video. Also, if I want to check some fact, it is easily done with a written review, but almost impossible with a video review.
There will also be a written review of the LX100 II. The DPReview TV content comes in addition to, not in the place of, our existing written articles and reviews.
"throwing this camera in your pocket is the best selling feature of this camera but since it has a history of dust entering the sensor at least make sure your pockets are clean" AHAHAHAHHA
You guys have been my favorite camera reviewers since the early days of the camerastore. Love those lines and all the goofy moments. You are always focused attentively on what matters and never been too formal. I am really happy you joined the dpreview. It was a great place that became even better!
Nice Video, Guys. I do prefer your Videos being shot with the X-T3, for it's Quality, instead the GH5. Oh, and Chris growed a beard - another Hipster @DRReview now. :-)
You're spot on, Chris - for that price, a external Wallcharger *is* a must! What are these companies thinking? Especially for that money. And why isn't there a Lens Hood into the Package, seriously?
Panasonic: Make the LX100 Mark III into ca. 2022 with a new Leica Zoom, manual focus, please! Not that motor-driven thing. Think Sony R1 from 2005!
I have an LX100 for about 4 years. Yes, I miss a tilting screen, but I never had a problem with dust on the sensor. I did have problems with sand in the lens mechanism.
The shooting experience is unique, reminds me of my film cameras. Adding a touchscreen and higher resolution arengreat. I hope that the price of the MK2 will soon go down to its real value. The Sony RX100 cameras are great, but don't have a hotshoe, and I bounce an external flash a lot.
So: If you cal live with a fixed screen, you like using the viewfinder like in the old time, and you add a lightweight external flash like the Godox 350, you will have an enjoying camera that will go with you everywhere.
I have dust. I like the camera a lot in spite of that. Just means no landscapes at narrow aperture.
But for the love of all that is holy... I don't know why they didn't add a tilt screen in the mkII. It's so close to the perfect do-it-all camera, and it seems like it would have taken so little to add the tilt screen.
This seems like a great camera that has a lot going for it.... but is just priced a bit too high. At the $1,000 price point there should be some sort of articulating screen. And the omission of a battery charger is a real insult at this price (yes, I know Sony does it too.)
This camera just isn't worth the price of a GX9 plus 12-60mm lens. And that cameras isn't very much larger, although that particular lens certainly is larger. In terms of features and performance the GX9 is a much better deal for $1,000. It just isn't as nice looking, and doesn't have those nice manual dials.
Panasonic should market this LX100 II for $699 and they would have a real hit on their hands. I suppose if you wait around 6 months, it will be down to that price anyway. So I will wait. Or perhaps find a nice used one by then.
We actually don't think this camera is crap at all. Chris enjoys shooting with it, despite the limitations, and it's likely going to become my timelapse camera of choice.
Jordan, look at the Arsenal once they have the Holy Grail finished. I have one of the early models and it's pretty bloody good. Looking forward to shooting some milky way lapses down near Waterton next summer.
It sounds funny but it's definitely possible. I did this a bunch with my first cheap digital camera. It had a terrible lens that I tried to sharpen up in post, but my efforts ended up only adding noise and halos.
It seems Sony and Panasonic are trying to do different things. Sony is trying to cram as many features and specs into the smallest space, which they have always been very good at. Panasonic is trying to make a camera that feels familiar and ergonomic.
Yes, "Sony is trying to cram as many features and specs into the smallest space", and below is what LX100s do not have, but SONY has: - Flip up/down LCD - Build in ND filter - Build in Flash
Sadly, the review doesn't explain the tremendous artistic and practical advantages of the multi-aspect ratio sensor that only this camera now has, except for Panasonic's micro-4/3rds camera that is tweaked for video.
Most cameras can do multi aspect today. The difference mainly being that the LX100 II can never use the whole sensor. This allow Panasonic to make the lens slightly smaller, but I can't see this as a tremendous advantage.
Svein, other mirrorless cameras crop 4:3 and 16:9 from 3:2, giving only full field of view for 3:2. The full image circle is only used with 3:2.
For micro-4/3rds bodied, they crop 3:2 and 16:9 from 4:3, giving only the full field of view for 4:3.
The goal is to make the sensor large enough to use the whole width of the lens, instead of giving us tunnel vision — now that the SLR's, restrictive, 3:2 mirror box is gone.
Svein, as Jeff explained, you have it backwards, or at least, saying it "doesn't use the whole sensor" doesn't tell the whole story. One thing I always liked about my Panasonic is that if I compose in 3:2 and wish I had more width, switching to 16:9 will acquire that width without having to zoom out or step back. This is especially useful when I cannot step back any further due to a wall or railing. And switching to 4:3 or 1:1 gives me more height. With other cameras, switching to other aspect ratios is strictly subtractive.
I agree that "doesn't use the whole sensor" is not the whole story. As I said in my first post "not using the whole sensor" allow for a lens with a smaller image circle and therefore more compact lens.
So, if you have a standard like MFT, APS-C 1.5 crop or FF lens with a fixed image circle radius then using a larger sensor than normal will give you extra options for using different aspect ratios without losing (as much) resolution/MP/diagonal field of view. Which is why I thought it was a pretty good idea on the early GH-models.
IMO it's not an obvious advantage on a fixed lens camera though. It's not like there are a fixed standard image circle so Panasonic are basically throwing away the option of using the whole sensor to make the camera/lens smaller, and maybe a bit less expensive. So, if you value lens size high enough then it's a good idea. If not then it would have been better with a larger lens that could cover the whole sensor.
"So, if you value lens size high enough then it's a good idea. If not then it would have been better with a larger lens that could cover the whole sensor."
But in that case, you wouldn't be able to change aspect ratio without also changing the diagonal AoV. And that's the whole idea of using a sensor that's oversized relative to the image circle.
Svein, this lens is special. I transcribed this from this B&H video:
Matt: This camera actually uses 5 aspheric elements.
B&H: Glass elements, I might add. No polymer…, just glass.
Matt: They’re all glass. There’s actually 8 aspheric surfaces…. And 2 of them are ED glass. … To go a step further, we were really worried about the quality of the bokeh in the background: those little bokeh balls you get in the background, and all of a sudden you see these concentric rings. Well, we have a new milling technique for molding our aspherics that gets rid of that. So you shouldn’t have any of that funky, onion curl ring in your bokeh balls.
Svein, if Panasonic placed the entire 4:3 sensor inside of the image circle, the standard way, the lens and camera would be much larger. It's just barely a compact camera the way it is.
The ultimate compact camera sensor size is probably a 1" (made by Sony, which is actually only 1/2 inch), because then the camera can actually fit in a pocket, but Sony won't make an oversized 1" sensor, or any sensors for multi-aspect at all. They're party poopers. They won't step out of the SLR's 3:2 box; though, the box is gone.
Ideally, the LX10 should be made from an oversized 1" sensor, having 20MP for both 4:3 and 3:2, and close to that for 16:9, with an increased field of view for 4:3 and 16:9. Sony is holding up the show.
The LX100 is now the only camera designed for stills left; though, it seems to me that all serious mirrorless cameras should be multi-aspect.
The multi-aspect sensor is only 13% larger, and the artistic advantages are huge!
I greed with "No sensible person will buy this camera" for its known issue.
If it happens to others, it could happen to me as following example: - My Oly 9-18 repaid once b/c lens error msg which is a known issue. - My RX100.M3's USB door cover can not be closed because a leg (for locking the door to the body) is broken. -...
To avoid dust getting onto the sensor, you need to buy a weather sealed P&S, Also fixed LCD is a bad ideal as this TV says. FWIW, years ago, I bought an add-on EVF for my LX7 for high/low position shooting as the add-on EVF can flip up.
If I do not have RX100.M3, Will I buy this LX100.M2 with two CONs' above? No. for $150 less, I can get Canon G1X.M3 with weather sealing + articulate LCD + better EVF:
G1X.M3 has a very slow lens, but much larger sensor. It is still behind LX100.M3 in low light after normalizing, but I'm prefer G1X.M3 over LX100.M2 as I can not live with its 2 CONs.
Mike, Reviews stated that the APS-C Sensor here is worth nothing - means, soft Lens, also corners, and DPR also did, as far as i remember, a comparsion between the G5X vs G1X III here - it's not worth all the extra $. A fast, sharp lens is much more worth, than a bigger sensor. It's the same with any camera - what good is a better Sensor, when the lens, in front of it, isn't up to the same standart, to get the most out of it.
For that, i do prefer better glass, and a older body, compared to a average lens, but better body/sensor combo.
LX100 is a good camera on the paper and lab test, and I buy Panasonic once a while, and the last Pana that I bought is ZS100 as there was no other travel zoom available.
As far as LX100 goes If you have no other choice, and do not mind DUST on sensor + FIXed LCD + POOR EVF, but we use camera in the real world VS compare the camera on the paper. No?
Thanks Chris & Jordan for joining DPReview! I apprichiate your video reviews! I've been following DPreview from Sweden (yes in Europe, in the northern and really cold part where we have ice-hotels! :) ) for 15+ years (being a professional photographer for some time) and your reviews really adds the practical part of photography added to the technical part of DPReview. Thanks.
We're thrilled to be here! I really appreciate all the positive feedback and constructive criticism. We have some very cool shows lined up for the next few months!
Another great video review. The sensor dust issue is probably a deal killer for me as I've experienced it before. This simply must be addressed during design for fixed lens compacts at this price point.
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Although a lot of people only upload images to Instagram from their smartphones, the app is much more than just a mobile photography platform. In this guide we've chosen a selection of cameras that make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images, ideal for sharing on social media.
The Nettle Magic Project uses a hidden Raspberry Pi device with an IR camera to scan and decode a deck of cards marked with invisible UV reactive ink. The scan produces a full breakdown of the deck and delivers it to the performer in nearly real-time.
We go hands-on with Nikon's new compact super-telephoto lens, the Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 VR S, to see what all Nikon has managed to pack into this lens, even without the help of PF elements.
Profoto's new A2 monolight is extremely compact and lightweight. It's about the size of a soda can and weighs around 770g with its battery and optional stand adapter attached. The 100Ws light is designed to be portable and easy to use.
DigiKam is a free, open-source raw photo management and editor for macOS, Windows and Linux. The team has recently released the latest version, bringing the app to version 7.7.0. The update adds many bug fixes, new features and file support.
The Nikon Z30 is the company's latest 'creator' focused mirrorless camera, a 21MP APS-C model made to be more vlogging friendly than ever. Find out what it offers and what we think so far.
Nikon has announced the Z30, an entry-level Z-mount camera aimed at vloggers and other content creators. What are our initial impressions? Better watch to find out.
Nikon has announced the Z30, a 21MP APS-C mirrorless camera aimed at vloggers and content creators. It has a lot in common with the existing Z50 and Z fc with a few tweaks and a lower price tag.
The Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 VR S is incredibly compact, measuring just 104mm (4.1”) in diameter by 235mm (9.3") long and weighing 1245g (2lb 12oz) with the tripod collar. It's set for a July 2022 launch.
NASA and the University of Minnesota are working on a citizen scientist initiative alongside the Juno Mission and need your help. Volunteers are tasked with identifying atmospheric vortices on Jupiter, as captured by the Juno spacecraft.
The PROII CPL-VND 2-in-1 Filter offers a variable neutral density filter with between 3-7 stops of compensation as well as a circular polarizer filter. Independent control means you can dial in the exact type of compensation you want in a single filter.
Joining its diverse lineup of ONE R and RS action cameras, Insta360 has announced the 1-inch 360 Edition camera, co-engineered with Leica. The camera sports dual 1"-type image sensors and records 21MP still photos and 6K/30p video with a full 360-degree field of view.
Capture One Mobile bring Raw photo editing to iPadOS devices. While it's a familiar look and feel, it's clear Capture One has focused on providing a touch-first interface, designed for quick and easy culling and editing on-the-go.
Godox has announced the R200 ring flash for its AD200 and AD200Pro pocket flashes. The new add-on is a lightweight ring flash that works with numerous new light modifiers, promising portable and controllable ring light.
Even sophisticated microphones can't eliminate ambient noise and the effect of acoustics. But researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a camera system that can see sound vibrations and reconstruct the music of a single instrument in an orchestra.
Do you want to shape and create content for the largest audience of photography and video enthusiasts in the world? DPReview is hiring a Reviews Editor to join our Seattle-based team.
In our continuing series about each camera manufacturer's strengths and weakness, we turn our judgemental gaze to Leica. Cherished and derided in equal measure, what does Leica get right, and where can it improve?
A dental office, based in Germany, had a team of pilots create a mesmerizing FPV drone video to give prospective clients a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of their office.
Samsung has announced the ISOCELL HP3, a 200MP sensor with smaller pixels than Samsung's original HP1 sensor, resulting in an approximately 20 percent reduction in the size of the smartphone camera module.
Street photography enthusiast Rajat Srivastava was looking for a 75mm prime lens for his Leica M3. He found a rare SOM Berthiot cinema lens that had been converted from C mount to M mount, and after a day out shooting, Srivastava was hooked.
The lens comes in at an incredibly reasonable price point, complete with a stepping motor autofocus system and an onboard Micro USB port for updating firmware.
The new version of the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K brings it much closer to the 6K Pro model, with the same battery, EVF but a new rear screen. New firmware for the whole PPC series brings enhanced image stabilization for Resolve users
The OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is an updated version of one of our favorite Olympus zoom lenses. Check out this ensemble gallery from our team, stretching from Washington's North Cascades National Park to rural England, to see how it performs.
The first preset, called 'Katen' or 'Summer Sky,' is designed to accentuate the summer weather for Pentax K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III DSLR cameras with the HD Pentax-D FA 21mm F2.4 ED Limited DC WR and HD Pentax-DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited lenses attached.
As we continue to update our Buying Guides with the cameras we've recently reviewed, we've selected the Sony a7 IV as our pick for the best video camera for photographers. It's not the best video camera we've tested but it offers the strongest balance of video and stills capabilities.
For the next several weeks, many observers will be able to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in the predawn sky with the naked eye. Of course, a camera with a telephoto lens or telescope attached will get you an even closer look.
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