In this video, I'll be sharing my first impressions of the GFX 100 II medium format camera. If you're considering investing in this powerhouse of a camera, you've come to the right place. I'll be diving into the technical specifications, design and ergonomics, ease of use and handling, and ultimately, who this camera is best suited for. Stick around until the end for my conclusion!
Read MoreLeica SL2 : A Long Term Review
#Leica SL2 #mirrorless camera #full-frame # long term review #Photography
Welcome to my long-term review of the Leica SL2, a full-frame mirrorless camera that has been my primary camera for Photography for almost three years. As a travel and fine art landscape photographer, I've had the opportunity to shoot with this camera extensively and want to share my thoughts and experiences with you. In this video, I will discuss the features and functionalities of the SL2, its pros and cons, and how it performs in various shooting scenarios. I will also share some sample photos and video clips captured with the camera and provide tips for those considering the SL2 as their next camera purchase.
Links to Gear I Use
Leica SL2 : https://amzn.to/3Nps7rD
Panasonic Lumix S5 : https://amzn.to/3NnCYlU
Lumix S 24-105 f4 Lens : https://amzn.to/3oOtndD
Sigma 14-24 DG DN L Mount: https://amzn.to/41Pp8gJ
Sigma 85mm DG DN L Mount: https://amzn.to/3HqbloE
Lexar 128 GB SD CARD 250 MB/SEC : https://amzn.to/44ij7eb
Gitzo Tripod: https://amzn.to/40TazY9
Fuji GFX100S - First Impressions
I have been looking for a proper and modern but relatively affordable replacement for my Hasselblad H4D-40 Camera system for high resolution landscape and fine art portrait photography work for quite some time. From seeing some of the initial promos and reviews of the GFX 100S I felt this might finally be the camera Ive been waiting for.
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Best Professional or "Workhorse" Cameras for 2021
In this guide I list the best but yet affordable cameras for the professional photographer. These cameras are designed to be great hybrid cameras with very good performance for both still photography and video. These cameras can be used for most genres of photography except those that have very specific special needs . These cameras can be used effectively for Wedding and Event Photography, Portrait and fashion photography, sports and action photography etc where the emphasis is on speed and efficient workflow.
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Best Cameras for Intermediate Level or Amateur Photographers - 2021
So you have been using an Entry level DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with a kit lens for a while now and you have the basics down pat. You are ready to take your photography to the next level and want to get a more capable camera and lens combination. This guide is for you. I have listed here the best value for money cameras in the ₹ 65,000 (roughly 900$ USD) to ₹ 1,50,000 ($USD 2000) price range for camera body plus one non kit lens.
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The Best High Resolution Digital Cameras for Landscape and Travel Photography - 2021 Update
As an exhibiting Landscape and Travel Photographer what i’m looking for in the ideal camera system is 1. High Resolution .2 High Dynamic Range 3. Rugged Build and sturdy weatherproofing 4. Good Ergonomics and Most Importantly 5. The best IQ or Image Quality which is a combination of Sensor technology and quality of lenses available for the system.
What matters to a much lesser degree is the cameras video capabilities as long as i can record video in some standard form for purposes of documentation and selling my work.
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Best Cameras for Beginners - A Buying Guide 2021
I frequently get asked this question by friends and family. The question being which camera do you recommend for beginners? I decided to compile this quick reference guide to help this who are looking to buy their first camera with manual contols. Below is a quick reference guide to the currently available cameras with their MRP or Street Prices here in India.
Read MoreWeebill S Gimbal Transmission Pro Package Gimbal Unboxing
Is the Weebill S Transmission Pro Package the best value deal among entry level pro Gimbals? I certainly hope so. Ive just got one and check out my unboxing video. The gimbal seems perfect for my requirements at this stage. Hope the build quality holds up.
Purchased from www.futureforward.in
Price Rs 37,000
Gimbal Release Date Nov 2019
A back story to this Unboxing . Why did I decide to get a Gimbal?
There are a couple of reasons. One,. I’ve Been meaning to get a gimbal to improve the production value of my YouTube videos
Secondly, As video has become the medium for marketing and YouTube becoming the 2nd most used search engine I’m doing more and more video work as an extension of my photography.
As the thought of getting a Gimbal intimidated me for a few reasons including the thought of carrying more gear. I got the Osmo Pocket first as I though it would be a much easier transition to using a gimbal and would allow me to practice my gimbal movements before getting a proper gimbal.
I have been using that for about a year now and felt that I have now reached the limitations of the Osmo Pocket and now need a proper gimbal for my Canon 5D4 and Leica SL2.
Gimbals I looked at Weebill S, Crane 2s, Crane 3s and the DJI Ronin S and SC .
Finally Decided on the Weebill S as it was the best value package now with the Pro Transmission Pro Package combo.It met my payload requirements and also the ergonomics and size seemed more suited to how I like to work.
Check out my unboxing video at the bottom of this page. And if you want to order the Weebill S here’s a link to do that.
Buy Weebill S gimbal here
Buy Weebill S Transmission Pro Package here
In the Box
Weebill S Gimbal - 3 Kg Payload
Battery Type. 2 x 18650
Capacity (mAh). 2600 mAh
Battery Runtime. 12 to 14 Hours
Handle /Mini tripod
Quick Release plate
Zhiyun-Tech Transmount HDMI Wireless Video Transmitter For WEEBILL-S/CRANE 3S/2S
Transmission Distance
328' / 100 m
Transmount Mobile Holder
Zhiyun-Tech TransMount Max Servo Zoom/Focus Controller For CRANE 3 LAB/2S, WEEBILL-S/
All the required connecting cables for controlling the most popular camera and hdmi cables to connect the camera with the transmission module.
Thats it for now with the Webills S . You can expect to start seeing footage shot with the Weebill S in my upcoming videos. Also will do a review of the Gimbal after a few weeks of using it.
Canon R6
20.1 Megapixel and 4k Video Upto 60 FPS
Canon R6 Preview
20.1 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
4K DCI Video unto 60 fps and HD Video unto 120 FPS
Up to 8-stop In-Body Image Stabilizer X Optical Image Stabilizer
Low-light performance up to EV -6.5 + ISO 102 400
Up to 20 fps + Animal Detection AF
MRP INR 215,995. / USD 2,499
Canon R5
45 Megapixel, 8K DCI Movie, 4k DCI 120 FPS
Canon finally launches the high resolution R5 and here are my initial thoughts
Like many other Canon Camera users I have been waiting with bated breath for the high resolution mirrorless replacement for the 5DS-R to be available. It has been close to 2 years since the launch of the uninspiring EOS R and over 4 years since the launch of the Canon 5D IV.
And finally now in 2020 in the middle of a Pandemic Canon has come out with some good news in the form of the Canon R5 and R6.
I watched the global online launch on the 9th of July and found myself beaming with pride for Canon when the specs were revealed for the R5 and R6 .
Read MoreWhats in my camera bag? 2019
In this video I share what gear I currently use and why. As of June 2020 my gear hasn’t changed since 2019. But I hope to move to mirrorless camera this year finally.
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Panasonic Lumix S1 R and S PRO 70-200mm f4 lens
Panasonic Lumix S1 R and 70-200mm F4 Lens Short Term Review
Its been about a year since I wrote about my initial impressions of Panasonic’s first high resolution full frame mirrorless camera and its sibling the lower resolution yielding S1.
The cameras are now in stock with dealers here in India and the cameras have started selling in limited numbers to discerning photographers.
Thanks to the good folks at Foto Trade and Panasonic India I was able to get my hands on the S1R and a 70-200MM F4 lens to try out and review.
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Fuji XT-3 Short Term Review
The Photographer’s search for the best camera gear is never done. As mirrorless technology and cameras develop there are now very good APS-C Cameras available. Specially from Fujifilm which has led the charge on development of APS-C cameras with their XT and XH range of cameras. The latest flagship APS-C camera from Fujifilm The X-T3 claims to improve in all aspects from the X-T2 which has already gotten great reviews from the supporters of smaller sensor cameras.
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Panasonic S1 and S1R Pro Level Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras with Leica L Mount
Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R - Mirrorless has finally matured!
One of the most interesting announcements at Photokina 2018 was by Panasonic when they announced the S1 and S1R Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras.Now after months of teasing and rumours the cameras are now ready for preorder and according to Panasonic will be ready for shipping by the end of March 2019.
These are my initial impressions on the Cameras based on the specs, images and videos I have seen on the web. I will come out with a proper review once i’ve had a chance to shoot with the camera.
I am truly excited about this camera specially the S1R. More so than any other mirrorless camera that have been announced over the last year or so.
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My Thoughts on the Canon EOS R and RF Lenses - Canon's Foray into Full Frame Mirrorless
But the specs of the EOS R were definitely disappointing for me. After such a delayed entry into full frame Canon released a camera with specs inferior to even the 3 year old 5D Mark 4. So this seemed to be aimed at the 6D users. Why? The camera just isn’t interesting enough to look at as an upgrade from either of my current cameras. So now the wait and search continues for alternate camera systems.
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Nikon Z7
Nikon Enters the Full Frame Mirrorless Market with a Bang. introducing the Z7 and Z6 !
Nikon has finally entered the Full Frame mirrorless camera market with the Z7 and the Z6 and three lenses and a 4th in development.
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Arca Swiss C1 Cube Geared Tripod Head
I love this head and try to use it as often as I can specially when capturing special landscapes and panoramas. But the truth is I keep grabbing for my lighter and quicker to setup B1 ball head if I'm travelling or hiking to save on weight as I can pair those with a lighter tripod.
But I highly recommend the C1 for the dedicated Landscape photographer or wherever precision compositions are required.
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Comes in a choice of three colours
Mindshift Gear Backlight 26 L Backpack
The BackLight 26L, with a rear-panel compartment for photo gear, allows you to access your gear without taking off the backpack.
You can change lenses or just snap a quick photo by simply by spinning the bag to the front of your body while the waist belt is still secured.
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Canon 5DS-R Long term review
I believe the 5DS R represents good value for money specially now in 2018 if you can get hold of one the price is now considerable lower than it was a time of release.considering all that it offers. Sure there are competitors that may outperform it in specific areas but the 5DSR is a terrific CAMERA for High Resolution work such as landscape photography and for studio work requiring fine details. Well built to last a long time and to bear the rigours of professional use. It does a lot of thing very well and for canon users who will be shooting primarily portraits, events, weddings, landscapes, this is a good overall choice available now as long as the increased file size does not effect your workflow too much
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Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art Lens Review
Quick Facts
Retail : INR 91,500- INR 103,000
Date introduced : May 2016
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 20mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 32 mm
Weight : 953 gms
The Press Release
The Sigma 20mm 1.4 DG HSM Art is a state of the art wide-angle prime lens designed for Full Frame cameras but will work with APS-C sensors as well. Using over 50 years of lens making experience, particularly the knowledge gained from the 35mm 1.4 Art and the 24mm 1.4 Art, the 20mm 1.4 Art is the widest large aperture Art lens to date. The latest optical design allows for the utmost in image quality with careful attention paid to edge to edge performance.
Through decades of experience in lens design and Sigma Global Vision lens manufacturing, the 20mm incorporates both “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups. The combination of advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, producing outstanding image quality. With class leading performance, this lens is ideal for landscape photography, videography, astrophotography, lowlight/indoor photography and event photography.
As with all Global Vision lines, the 20mm will be tested using the proprietary “A1” measuring system ensuring the highest standard of operation. The Sigma 20mm Art is compatible with the USB dock to update and customize and is also compatible with the Mount Conversion Service. A staple procedure for the Global Vision lines, every lens will be tested using the proprietary “A1” measuring system.
Auto Focusing Performance 7/10
in AF mode the Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art is moderatley quick and accurate in acquiring focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions and works well even less than ideal conditions.The Autofocus performance of this lens is among the best in class when compared to other wide angle f1.4 AF lenses. Such lenses when used in a landscape application are anyway used in manual focus mode so the auto focusing is not used as often as in a portrait lens.
Sharpness 9/10
This lens produces sharp images even from wide open at f1.4. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Stopping down beyond f8 does not given any increase in sharpness. The image contrast and colour rendition are also very good.
Bokeh 8/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be very nice and pleasing . I am beginning to appreciate the use if wide angle lenses with large apertures to create pleasing environmental portraits.
Build Quality 8/10
The 20mm f1.4 Art lens seems to be built solidly and designed for the rigours of professional use.But only time will tell. This is a big heavy lens but balances fairly well with my Canon 5D IV body. The lens gives me the confidence to use it as a workhorse in landscape shoots and also environmental portraits. But the huge size and weight does make it a little difficult to carry around but if you make the effort it gives great results. I shot a lot with this lens during my trip to lapland.
Value for Money 8/10
At INR 91,000 retail this lens might feel expensive But is still cheaper compared to the equivalent canon lens. The Image quality, performance and build quality along with the added light capturing ability at f1.4 makes this a solid choice for amateur or professional landscape photography.
SAMPLE IMAGES FROM SIGMA 20MM ART F1.4
You can use the quick link below to shop for this lens.