I had a chance to test the Sony NEX-5N, along with its kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens while reviewing the Nikon 1 camera system. My initial intent was to only use this camera for lab tests, to see how it would fare against the new Nikon mirrorless cameras. But after...
How to Convert Portraits to B&W with Lightroom
In this tutorial I will show you how to convert a portrait (shot in RAW format) to a black & white image using Lightroom 4. By the end of the tutorial, and with some practice, I hope to teach you how to have full control over the look of your...
Lens Stabilization vs In-camera Stabilization
There are two ways that cameras can stabilize themselves so that lower shutter speeds can be used: lens stabilization and in-body image stabilization, also know as IBIS. These technologies are very useful if you can't use a tripod, but what are the differences between these two? Lens Stabilization Lens stabilization...
Taekwondo Photography Tips
I had an opportunity to photograph a local Taekwondo sparring event last weekend and I decided to share some of the photographs from the event, along with some photography tips and lessons learned. I have been involved in Taekwondo since I was 12 and while I spent many years taking...
Oben AC-1410 Tripod Review
This is a quick review of the Oben AC-1410 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-0 Ball Head. While simultaneously testing a number of digital cameras from Sony, Nikon and Olympus, I realized that I need another tripod that is light, easy to use / setup and affordable. I already have a...
Sony A77 Review
Sony SLT-A77 digital SLR camera was announced together with the Sony SLT-A65 in August of 2011. I had a chance to test both cameras, along with a number of Sony / Zeiss lenses for the Sony mount, while reviewing the Nikon 1 camera system in late 2011. While I concentrate...
Why Sensor Dust is More Visible at Small Apertures
Do you wonder why sensor dust is not visible at very large apertures, but starts to show up at small apertures like f/8? Below you will find an excellent illustration that demonstrates how aperture size affects the shape and the size of dust particles. (more…)
Best Nikon Lenses for Wildlife Photography (2025)
What are the best Nikon lenses for wildlife photography in 2025? Our readers often ask us about lenses for nature photography, and while I have already written about which Nikon lenses I consider to be the best for landscape photography, I have received numerous requests to write about lenses for...
Impact Multiboom Light Stand and Reflector Holder Review
This is a review of the Impact Multiboom Light Stand and Reflector Holder, used in studio environments for holding lights, reflectors, flags and other light accessories. If you do any studio work, whether it is for photographing models or your clients, it is often necessary to use light reflectors to...
How to Properly Resize Images in Photoshop
If you like sharing your photographs online, whether on Facebook or on your own blog, you should learn how to properly resize your images in Photoshop. While your camera can take very high resolution photographs, it is always a good idea to down-size or "down-sample" those images, not only because...