Photography News

This is the version of the Kodak Super 8 Camera we saw at CES in 2017. As reported last week by The Verge, Eastman Kodak's Motion Picture division – not to be confused with Kodak Alaris, which sell photographic film – will finally release the Kodak Super 8 Camera, a traditional [...]

What does this beautiful Celebes crested macaque have to do with landscape composition? How would you think about the composition here regarding the principles introduced in this series? Canon 5D4, Canon 16-35mm F2.8 27mm | F2.8 | 1/100 sec | ISO 800 Tangkoko NP, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia So far, in my landscape [...]

Updated Nov 23, 2023Recent Videos Long gone are the days when all of us owned some kind of compact camera: the convenience and increasing quality of smartphones saw to that. But there are still some situations in which a compact can do things a smartphone can't. In fact, there are several types of compact camera that each offer capabilities that aren't easily replicated by even the best smartphones. We'll try to spell out what these capabilities are, and what the best compact camera is to provide them. Because there are definitely still some circumstances in which a compact camera still makes sense. Our recommendations: Long zoom camera Best long-zoom camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000 Compact superzoom cameras Best compact superzoom: Panasonic Lumic DC-ZS200 Waterproof cameras Best waterproof compact: OM System Tough TG-7 Vlogging cameras Best vlogging compact Sony ZV-1 Mark II Enthusiast camera Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII Long zoom cameras Perhaps the greatest weakness of smartphones is their lack of zoom. Many of the best phones have a camera with a slightly longer focal length and then try to crop into their images and use AI algorithms to try to approximate the fine detail to give the impression of zooming, but this has its limits. Dedicated cameras aren't constrained by the need to slip into your pocket, which can afford them the space to have an optical zoom lens to gain you more reach than your smartphone can deliver. There can be a trade-off: the small sensors required to put lots of zoom in a relatively small camera will be outshone by the computational cleverness that modern smartphones will bring to bear on their images. But superzoom cameras can gain you the kind of reach that no current smartphone can get near. Best long-zoom camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV 20MP Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-600mm equiv. F2.4-4 lens | 4K video Photo: Dan Bracaglia Buy now: $1698 at B&H $1698 at Adorama $1698 at Amazon What we like:Long, very sharp lensVery good image qualityImpressive subject trackingExcellent video quality and features What we don't:Very expensiveLarge and heavySome camera features locked while buffer clears The Sony RX10 IV is a superzoom cameras with a large Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor and a 24-600mm equivalent F2.8-4.0 zoom lens. The large sensor gives it image quality up there with the best smartphones while the lens delivers a 24x zoom that smartphones can't come close to matching. The RX10 IV has been on the market for a while, so its autofocus isn't as good as Sony's newer cameras, but its fast Stacked CMOS sensor and excellent face detection system means it'll track action very well. This combines with its ability to shoot at 24 frames per second to stretch its capabilities even further beyond those of a smartphone. The RX10 IV offers a reasonable degree of direct control and customization, including a dedicated aperture ring, exposure comp dial and controls that can be kept silent for video shooting. It has a hefty, weather-sealed body along with a tilting touchscreen display and high-res OLED viewfinder. "The RX10 IV offers a high level of competence across an impressively broad range of shooting situations" The F2.4-4.0 lens means you can get a decent amount of light to the sensor at any focal length, which helps get the most out of the camera's Type 1 (13.2x 8.8mm) sensor. The JPEGs' color isn't our favorite but the sophisticated sharpening and noise reduction mean they remain detailed even in fairly low light. The camera's oversampled 4K is some of the most detailed available and exhibits little in the way of rolling shutter. Mic and headphone sockets, along with a selection of tools to help judge exposure make the RX10 IV a very flexible all-in-one package. The RX10 IV is an expensive camera but it's also unique in its combination of zoom range, image quality, autofocus and excellent video with a lot of detail. It's not the best possible solution to any one question but it offers a high level of competence across an impressively broad range of shooting situations. Read our Sony RX10 IV review See the Sony DSC-RX10 IV studio scene

Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1000 16MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor | 24-3000mm equiv. F2.8-8 lens | 4K video capture Photo: Barney Britton Buy now: $997 at B&H $997 at Adorama $997 at Amazon What we like:Focal range cannot be matched by any cameraRespectable image quality, given camera's purposeRaw supportWell-built, with logical control layout What we don't:Large and unbalanced when zoom is extendedLens is slow at long end, reducing sharpnessNo touchscreenPoor battery life The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a small sensor camera with a vast zoom lens. The Type 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55mm) sensor will be out-performed by a good smartphone's clever merging of multiple images but the Nikon's gargantuan 24-3000mm equiv lens is its selling point. The small sensor means image quality isn't the camera's strength, but its frankly ludicrous zoom reach means it can photograph distant subjects in a way no other device (smartphone or dedicated camera) can. The P1000 is a large camera that weighs a substantial 1.4kg (3.2lbs). We found it can be difficult to compose a photo at 3000mm equiv since the stabilization can't fully correct hand movement. A 'snapback' function quickly zooms out so you can locate your subject. The P1000's fully articulating LCD, is not touch-enabled. Connectivity to smartphones works well. "When it comes to zoom power, there's no camera that comes close to Nikon's Coolpix P1000" The P1000's image quality depends greatly on the focal length. Photos are generally on par with other small-sensored cameras, with pleasant colors and a bit too much noise reduction. It offers Raw, though, so you can choose your noise/detail balance and modestly brighten shadows. Heat haze, coupled with the lens's slow maximum aperture limit image quality at the longest focal lengths. The P1000 has very good video quality for a camera with point-and-shoot roots. It can capture 4K video at 30p (with no crop) as well as 1080/60p and time-lapse/super-lapse clips. There's a manual exposure mode, a zoom microphone and a socket for addition an external mic. Electronic Vibration Reduction is available at 1080p and below. When it comes to zoom power, nothing comes close to Nikon's Coolpix P1000. Whether it's taking a portrait from 2 blocks away or getting up close and personal with a bird in the distance, this lens can do it. That said, while other cameras can't match that lens, many will offer better image and video quality for the same money, especially those with larger sensors. Read our Nikon Coolpix P1000 review See the Nikon Coolpix P1000 studio scene Compact superzooms Another class of camera that offers the kind of zoom range that a smartphone doesn't is the compact superzoom, also known as travel zoom cameras. These feature 10x or more zoom ranges (much more in some cases) in relatively small, convenient bodies. The downside is they typically use very small sensors that, without the sophisticated image combination that smartphones regularly do in the background, only offer their best image quality in good light. Canon and Panasonic (which invented this type of camera) still make compact superzooms, so if what you need is a bit more reach from something pocketable, this is what you're looking for. We haven't had a chance to try Canon's SX740 HS, with its 40x zoom, but it's a continuation of a series that has always produced attractive color from cameras with simple, user-friendly interfaces. The small sensor and very slow aperture at the long end of the zoom mean it's going to be a camera for outdoors and good light only, really. Similar things can be said of Panasonic's 30x zoom ZS80, though this no longer appears to be available in Europe. Best compact-superzoom: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 20MP Type 1 BSI-CMOS sensor | 24-360mm equiv. F3.3-6.4 lens | 4K video capture Photo: Dan Bracaglia Buy now: $648 at B&H $648 at Adorama $648 at Amazon What we like:Good balance of zoom and sizeBuilt-in EVF4K video capture What we don't:Soft lens1.5x crop when recording 4K videoSome may be bothered by 'color tearing' on EVF The more expensive Panasonic ZS200 (TZ200 in Europe) is based around a larger Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm), which is four times larger than the one on the cameras mentioned above. The zoom is a more modest 15x, but that's more than enough for most photography, and it shouldn't be as readily embarrassed by your phone, when it comes to image quality. The ZS200's metal body is well constructed and easy to grip thanks to rubber-like material on the front and back. The touch interface is responsive and the camera offers twin control dials: one top plate and one around the lens. Some users might find the field sequential EVF bothersome. But overall, the camera is easy to operate and customize. "Ultimately, the ZS200/TZ200 is is the furthest-reaching Type 1 pocket camera on the market" The ZS200 captures 4K UHD at up to 30p, but a 1.5x crop means it's noisier than many of its competitors and prevents any wide-angle shooting. Dropping down to 1080p results in better quality with just a slight crop when using the 5-axis 'hybrid' IS system. Autofocus has to hunt in low light situations and some rolling shutter is visible if there's any vibration present. There's no option for external audio, which is a drawback. Ultimately, the ZS200/TZ200 is the furthest-reaching Type 1 pocket camera on the market, and its combination of (so-so) 4K capture, touch-based interface, EVF, and twin control dials make it both versatile and easy to use. The cost of having all of that zoom power is a lens that isn't always sharp across the frame. If you're willing to trade some image quality for zoom reach, then the ZS200 is worth considering. Read our Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 review See the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 studio scene Waterproof cameras Waterproof cameras are another specialty that smartphones can't necessarily displace. Many flagship phones are waterproof to a decent degree but you shouldn't try to submerge them to any appreciable depth. Waterproof cameras also tend to be pretty rugged, designed to withstand a lot more mistreatment than a phone will withstand, meaning you can carry them with you at all times, without ever having to worry about it. Great for bikers, climbers and custodians of small, inquisitive but necessarily careful children. Best waterproof camera: OM System Tough TG-7 25-100mm equiv. F2.0-4.9 lens | 12MP Type 1/2.3 sensor | Waterproof to 15m (50ft) Buy now: $550 at B&H $550 at Adorama What we like:Bright, wideangle lensBuilt-in GPS, compass and manometerRaw image capture allowing creating editsRange of accessories What we don't:12MP is fairly lowLens isn't very bright at long endLimited battery lifeRelatively expensive The OM System Tough TG-7 is a rugged, waterproof compact with a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens. It is fully waterproof down to a depth of 15m (50 ft). The OM System isn't the only rugged waterproof still on the market, nor the cheapest, but it has several major factors in its favor. The first is that it lets you shoot Raw images, which gives you the ability to correct the white balance, which even the best cameras tend to get wrong when shooting underwater. Another factor is that there is a range of accessories for the TG-7, including a light guide that directs light from the built-in flash into a circle around the lens, letting you illuminate close-up objects. "The TG-7 is relatively expensive but packs in a host of useful features that help it stand out" Beyond this there are a few details that different users may find handy: it has an unusually wide-angle lens with a bright maximum aperture, helping the performance underwater and in low light. It also has a built-in GPS, compass and pressure sensor that lets you log your adventures. These all add up to a camera that's worth the added expense, we feel. Read our hands-on with the OM System TG-7 article Vlogging cameras Smartphones are great for vlogging, but a dedicated vlogging camera can shoot better quality video, have more sophisticated microphones (and provide options for connecting better mics), and can autofocus very reliably, dependably delivering YouTube-ready footage. Best vlogging camera: Sony ZV-1 Mark II 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor | 24fps burst shooting | 4K/30p, 1080/120p video Photo: Shaminder Dulai Buy now: $898 at B&H $898 at Adorama $898 at Amazon What we like:Low rolling shutter3-way mic arrayTouchscreen interface for vlogging What we don't:Limited body buttons/dialsNo stabilization for stills8-bit color not ideal for grading The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is one of three ZV-1 models and is by far the best. Its wide-angle 18-50mm equivalent F2.8-4.0 lens is ideally suited to self-shot video. Its excellent autofocus includes options such as 'Product Showcase' that focuses on the presenter, unless an object is held up to the camera. A vlogging beast for smartphone users wanting to upgrade to a dedicated device for more control over exposures, file workflow, sound and optical zoom without a large learning curve. The ZV-1 Mark II is primarily touchscreen-controlled to allow control while vlogging or shooting selfies. It's lightweight and easy to hold but has limited control points if you want to take more manual control. The ZV-1 Mark II is a big improvement on the original thanks to a more selfie-video-friendly zoom range. Video footage and autofocus are both very good. It is a camera that thrives in auto modes, making it best suited for users seeking a simple-to-use camera. See the Sony ZV-1 Mark II studio scene Enthusiast compacts The final niche in which it's difficult for a smarphone to compete is for enthusiast photography. No matter how good smartphone image quality gets, it's difficult for a phone to provide the feeling of connection to the process of taking photos that an enthusiast compact with lots of direct controls can offer. We've picked three cameras with large sensors that deliver good image quality, zoom lenses and direct controls. Both Sony models have built-in electronic viewfinders, for shooting when it's bright outside, again giving a more pleasant experience than trying to use a smartphone. Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III 20MP Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens | 4K/30p video capture Photo: Dan Bracaglia Buy now: $749 kit at B&H Photo $749 at Adorama $749 at Amazon What we like:Nice grip and well-placed controls4K/30p recording with live streaming to YouTubeFast burst shooting What we don't:Lens is soft at wide-angleLimited battery lifeContrast-detect only autofocus The Canon PowerShot G7X III is an enthusiast compact built around a 20MP Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor with a bright 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 zoom. The large sensor, and zoom that covers a really useful range help set it apart from a smartphone but it's really the clicking control dial around the lens and the dedicated exposure compensation dial that help you feel you're in the driving seat of the photo-taking process that makes us enjoy it so much. "If you're after a pocketable high-quality compact, the Canon G7 X Mark III is well worth a look" Though it's jacket-pocketable, the G7 X Mark III has a decent-sized grip and feels secure in the hand. The 'clicky' control rings around the lens and on the rear of the camera give good control over aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and the exposure compensation dial on the top plate is a nice touch. The touchscreen interface on its tilting 3" LCD is polished and responsive. Overall, we're impressed by the upgrades on this model. The Mark III brings improved video and continuous shooting performance while maintaining excellent controls and a competitive price point. If you do a lot of wide-angle shooting, there are options with better lenses, but if you're after a pocketable high-quality compact, the Canon G7 X Mark III is well worth a look. Read our Canon Powershot G7X III review See the Canon Powershot G7X III studio scene

Also worth considering The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA is also worth a look, offering a short, bright 24-70mm equivalent zoom. This is a little shorter than the one on the Canon but we've found it to be more consistently sharp, on the units we've tested. It has a pop-up viewfinder, adding to the appeal but also to the price. The Sony's autofocus is faster and more dependable than the Canon's but we prefer the handling of the Canon, thanks to its exposure compensation dial and clicking front control wheel. Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII 20MP Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-200mm equiv. F2.8-4.5 lens | Hybrid AF system Photo: Dan Bracaglia Buy now: $1298 at B&H $1298 at Adorama $1298 at Amazon What we like:Industry-leading autofocusExcellent image qualityOversampled 4K video What we don't:User interface can be overwhelmingLow light performance limited by slow lensSlippery gripExpensive The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is built around a 20MP Stacked CMOS and a long, flexible 24-200mm equivalent lens. It's not as bright at the long end as the zooms on the Mark VA or the Canon G7X III but it provides a lot more reach, still in a compact package. The RX100 VII is the most capable pocketable camera ever made The RX100 VII has a limited number of direct controls, but offers extensive customization for making the most of them. A touchscreen can be used for choosing a focus point or initiating AF tracking in video. The camera also includes the single-press pop-up viewfinder we liked so much on its predecessor. The RX100 VII is easily the most-capable compact camera on the market thanks to its great image and video quality, fast shooting, versatile lens and a highly-capable, easy-to-use AF system, though all of that comes with a high price tag. Read our Sony RX100 VII review See the Sony DSC-RX100 VII studio scene Why you should trust us This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.

Photo: Sony Sony has announced the completion of a month-long field test with the Associated Press to evaluate the performance of C2PA in-camera authenticity technology. In addition to the hardware-signed authentication written by the camera, the tests included working with 'Photo Mechanic' maker Camera Bits to develop a workflow in which [...]

In recent years there's been an explosion of affordable "creator" monitors from companies like BenQ, ASUS, MSI, and Dell. Monitors aimed at prosumers who want to make the most of their creative pursuits but aren't in the market for professional-grade monitors from brands like EIZO and NEC. That explosion has [...]

Travel can expose you to once-in-a-lifetime sights and experiences, and a good camera can be the perfect way to preserve those memories. We've looked at a range of models that offer great image quality, good autofocus and excellent video, so that you can capture whatever you encounter on your travels. We've also tried to select relatively small cameras so they don't interfere with your trip.Recent Videos Our selections include relatively compact cameras with fixed lenses, perfect for just documenting what you saw on your trip; they also include Micro Four Thirds and APS-C models that allow smaller camera/lens combinations, if you're looking to travel light. Full-frame cameras open up the potential for even better image quality but the lenses can get pretty big, so it's worth checking how big the total package is, before committing to a large-sensor model. Our recommendations Best pocketable travel camera: Ricoh GR III The classic choice: Fujifilm X100V Truly compact mirrorless: OM System OM-5 All-round compact capability: Sony a6700 The great travel kit: Fujifilm X-S20 with 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS The stylish travel companion: Nikon Zf Portable full-frame: Sony a7CR Best pocketable travel camera: Ricoh GR III 24MP APS-C sensor | 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth The Ricoh is a pocketable compact with a large APS-C sensor. Photo: Barney Britton Buy now: $997 at B&H Photo $997 at Adorama $1016 at Amazon What we like:Excellent image qualityGood controls and ergonomicsTruly pocketable What we don't:Short battery lifeNo built-in flashSluggish AF in low light The Ricoh GR III is the latest in a series of classic compact cameras with a large APS-C sensor and an 28mm equivalent lens. It's not the most flexible camera but it's one of the most pocketable and has built up a dedicated following of photographers who find it a joy to shoot with. The GR III handles well, despite its size, thanks to well-placed controls, flexible customization options and a responsive touchscreen. The grip is just the right size for easy one-handed operation. The GR III focuses swiftly and accurately in good light, but it slows significantly as light levels drop. There's also a Snap Focus option, where the user can preset a focus distance the camera 'snaps' to with a full press of the shutter button. The GR III's battery life is disappointing, at a rated 200 shots per charge. "Offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera" Our only concern, in terms of using the GR III for travel are that some users have found dust can get into the lens. So it's worth trying to find some sort of protective bag to keep it in. The Ricoh GR III offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera. Its short battery life and fixed focal length lens mean this camera certainly isn't for everyone, but it's a compelling offering for travel, street and casual photographers alike. There's also the GR IIIx, a variant with a longer, 40mm equivalent lens on it. This may be a little tight for documenting your travels, but it's historically a popular focal length. Read our Ricoh GR III review See the Ricoh GR III studio scene

The classic choice: Fujifilm X100V 26MP APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv. F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder The Fujifilm X100V makes an excellent travel companion, if you can find one. Photo: Dan Bracaglia Buy now: $1399 at B&H Photo $1399 at Adorama $1399 at Amazon What we like:Fujifilm's latest sensor is excellentTilting, touch-enabled screenRemarkably strong video featuresExcellent [...]

As this year's Black Friday / Cyber Monday events come to an end, many of the deals below are or will be no longer available. See you in 2024!Recent Videos It's that time of year again when people rush out to stores to climb over each other to buy $99 TVs [...]

Updated Nov 17, 2023Recent Videos Mirrorless cameras now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market, fifteen years after Panasonic introduced the first example. They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits, and models at everything from budget to professional price points. We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, the more expensive ones are better, offering better image quality through the use of larger sensors, or higher resolution, faster burst rates or superior video capture. We'll call out why we've made each pick and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Our picks: Best value: Sony a6100 Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Sony a6700 Best bargain full-frame: Canon EOS R8 Best mirrorless camera under $2000: Nikon Zf Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Canon EOS R6 II Best high-end mirrorless camera: Nikon Z8 Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR Best value: Sony a6100 24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture

Photo: Richard Butler Buy now: $848 w/ 16-50mm B&H Photo $848 w/ 16-50mm at Adorama $748 body only at Amazon What we like:Excellent autofocus system4K/30p video recordingTilting touchscreen LCD What we don't:Less robust build qualityRolling shutter 'jello effect' present in 4K videoCrop when recording 4K/30p video The Sony a6100 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera. It's [...]

Photo: Tim Barribeau These days, it’s not often I need a full camera bag – if I’m using my camera, I usually bring it along to something else, it's not the sole reason I leave the house. Which makes the PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack BP 24L AW III ($250) a smart compromise: it’s half hiking daypack, and half camera bag. And while it doesn’t truly excel at either, it does them well enough that it’s a bag I’d be happy to bring with me any time I head into the woods.Recent Videos Key Features: Hiking friendly features Good layout and useful pockets Removable (and useful) camera insert Specs (from manufacturer): Size: 27x22x50cm (10.5x8.75x19.75 in) Weight with dividers: 1.5kg (3.3lbs) Hydration pocket size: 3L Capacity: 24L (backpack), 5L (removable camera pouch) Example loadout: single camera, 2-3 lenses, accessories Buy Now: $249 at B&H $249 at Adorama $249 at Amazon Hiker’s delight The PhotoSport looks like it was designed for the trail. Photo: Tim Barribeau The PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack’s name tells you just about all you need to know: it’s a photo and outdoor backpack. It looks like just about any hiking day pack you could pick up at your favorite outdoor retailer but with the extra utility of carrying a camera and lenses while you're out for the day. "Like most hiking backpacks, the PhotoSport's build focuses on weight support and distribution." Like most hiking backpacks, the PhotoSport's build focuses on weight support and distribution, more so than most other packs I’ve tried. Unlike the Wotancraft New Pilot or Peak Design Everyday Backpack, the PhotoSport has a hip strap built-in rather than as an optional add-on, and it has enough padding to put the bag’s weight on your hips where it belongs. The sternum strap has a whistle (which isn’t really important but is fairly common in outdoor gear), and the back panel does a decent job of providing comfort and airflow. However, I’m 6’2”, and the hip straps hit a bit too high for me to use them properly. In the larger sibling models to the 24L backpack, the smaller and larger sizes can account for height differences, but in this one, you have one choice for where the straps land. The hydration pocket (which can double for laptops in a pinch)... ...and included rain cover are all hallmarks of a decent hiking backpack. Photo: Tim Barribeau There’s a hydration pocket that holds up to a 3-liter water reservoir, with a passthrough for the straw, which is absolutely necessary if you’re going to spend any appreciable amount of time hiking. It also has loops to store your hiking poles, a flexible external pocket for stowing a jacket or helmet, a water bottle pocket and even a rain cover. All practical, outdoor-focused features. Plus, you have the usual medley of pockets, including one on the hip strap, a small top flap pocket for stashing things you need to get to easily, like your sunglasses, a water bottle pocket, and a large drawstring pocket at the top of the bag for storing all your non-camera gear. Camera Storage When the camera insert is stowed, it's easy to get to via the side entry... Photo: Tim Barribeau To stash your camera gear, the PhotoSport has a single side access pocket (on your left side) where the included LowePro camera insert lives. It’s large enough to hold a body with an attached zoom lens, and 1-2 extra lenses, as well as some assorted bits and pieces like SD cards. While that’s not a lot, if you’re going for a hike, more than that will weigh you down quickly. ...and the insert can also be pulled out to free up space or carry on its own. Photo: Tim Barribeau Because the bag uses an insert system, you can quickly pull the camera section out if you just want to carry that or set it aside (somewhere safe) if you want to use all of the bag’s internals for non-camera reasons. The insert can be attached to the bag's hip strap, carried on its own with an included neck strap, or even attached to the bag's shoulder straps to sit against your chest. And those same attachments can be used with your camera directly if you want your camera clipped into your bag rather than directly around your neck. Jack of all trades, master of none Unfortunately, while splitting the difference between a hiking pack and a camera pack, there have been losses on both sides of the equation. Some of them are small; for example, there’s no place to clip the hydration straw or the single water bottle pocket. And some are substantially more noticeable – a better hiking backpack these days will have better back padding and ventilation system than the PhotoSport provides. Even after just thirty minutes of carrying it on a warm day, and I was sweating against the cushioning. On the camera side of things, while the insert is stowed, you only have access to the contents from one side of the insert, so any that are on the other side of a divider are out of reach until you pull the whole thing out. Photo: Tim Barribeau None of this is anything that's a deal breaker, as long as you go into using the bag knowing what it is and what it isn't. This isn’t a camera bag that works well as a commuter bag. There’s no specific dedicated laptop slot (though you can use the hydration pouch area), and it has a huge number of straps and flaps that look aggressively outdoorsy. It’s also not a camera bag. This should seem self-evident, but don’t go looking for a way to stash multiple bodies, lenses, and accessories into the PhotoSport – if you do, you’ll just be disappointed when it’s not that. And it's not a hiking backpack to take all of your gear for days of trekking through the wilderness. But if you're trying to do a little bit of all of the above? Then it's great. Conclusion If you’re going for a hike, and want to bring your camera so you can capture some interesting images along the way, the PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack BP 24L AW III is all but perfect, with space for just enough gear, both camera and otherwise, to support you through the day. But don’t go expecting it to be as good for hiking as a dedicated hiking backpack, nor as good for carrying camera gear as a dedicated camera backpack. What we liked What we didn't like Good shoulder and waist straps Hydration pocket Rain cover Handy removable camera insert Not as good as either a hiking bag or camera bag on their own Straps, straps, and more straps Fixed sizing won’t work for everyone Single side access pocket

Buy Now: $249 at B&H $249 at Adorama $249 at Amazon [...]

Sigma 70-200mm DG DN OS | Sports initial impressions Product photos: Carey Rose Sigma's latest release, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, provides a new constant-aperture telephoto zoom for users of Sony, Panasonic, Leica and Sigma full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens itself isn't much of a surprise, what with the [...]