Equipment

Photographers use all kinds of equipment to craft their art, from cameras and lenses to lights and accessories. We cover the latest news and information on the tools of the trade in the photography industry.
A black Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR camera with a large lens is displayed on a plain white background. The camera features a textured grip and several control buttons and dials.

What the Curious Case of the Pentax K-1 Tells Us About Photography (and Photographers)

Despite being ahead of its time, the Pentax K-1 (and its Mark II upgrade) was a camera system that promised so much yet appears to have run out of road. Born seemingly from an R&D department whose chains had been freed, the engineers went wild, strayed off-script, and produced a camera full of innovation. Fast forward to 2024, and a lack of lens support paired with no upgraded models in over six years leaves Pentax owners in an unwanted state of limbo where even the most loyal customers are now compelled to look elsewhere.

A close-up of a black camera lens with red accents. The lens features text indicating "AF 12/2 RF-S" and "0.2m / 0.66ft." The interior glass elements are visible, and the exterior has textured grip rings. The background is plain and neutral.

Samyang Brings Ultra-Wide AF 12mm f/2 Lens to Canon RF Mount

Earlier this year, Canon made the (great) decision to allow third-party manufacturers to bring autofocus-equipped lenses to RF mount, albeit only RF-S (APS-C) lenses. Since that announcement, companies like Tamron and Sigma announced RF-S lenses. Now South Korean lens maker Samyang is getting in on the action by bringing its 12mm f/2 ultra-wide prime to RF mount.

A person in winter clothing smiles while holding a camera with a large telephoto lens. They are positioned behind a green sculpture. The image also features the "PetaPixel Reviews" logo in the corner.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z Review: Excellent Features Come at a Cost

I like the ultra-compact Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens very much. It’s easy to carry around in the camera bag. It’s very sharp and well-corrected. But the inability to attach a teleconverter is a huge strike against a fast 70-200mm lens and video shooters don’t like the shifting balance as you zoom the extendable lens elements.

Gold laurel wreath encircling the letters "PP" on a black background with gold sparkles. Text below reads "2024 Nominees.

The PetaPixel Awards Nominees: The Top Photo Gear of 2024

Every year, PetaPixel recognizes the top cameras, lenses, and photography accessories in The PetaPixel Awards. Selections are voted on by the PetaPixel staff and while final awards will be announced next week, we are happy to share our nominees in each of the categories today.

A camera with a large lens on a tripod is set up in a forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow. The camera is branded with "Sony," and the lens strap reads "Tamron." Moss covers the base of the tripod.

Tamron Lens Buyer’s Guide: Holiday Instant Savings

This holiday season, upgrade your gear and save on select Tamron lenses for your Sony E-mount, Nikon Z mount or FUJIFILM X-mount camera! Enjoy big discounts on a wide-range of lenses including fast zooms like the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-mount and the versatile 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount! With a diverse selection of lenses available, Tamron provides outstanding quality and performance to assist you in capturing breathtaking images during this holiday season -- and in any season.

A Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera with a 24-105mm lens. The camera is angled slightly to the right, showcasing the lens and body with visible brand and model markings. The background is white.

The Venerable Canon 5D Mark IV Shows That DSLRs Are Far From Dead

Black Friday and Cyber Monday offered many deals for photographers looking to upgrade their equipment while saving a few dollars in the process. Typically, this online promotion on steroids allows brands and camera store chains to push stock that has been on the shelves for a couple of years and is likely to be superseded by newer models over the coming months. However, there are a few models that buck typical trends.

A person smiles while holding up a Fujifilm camera outdoors, with greenery and a blurred landscape in the background.

Fujifilm is Cracking Down on Camera Reselling in Japan

Fujifilm has a problem, albeit a good one, in that it is struggling to make enough cameras to meet demand. The excess demand has resulted in a significant issue: scalpers, people who buy a popular product to resell it at a markup. Fujifilm is doing something about it, at least in Japan.

A person lying on a wooden deck poses with three cameras from Sony, Nikon, and Canon. The person is smiling, resting their chin on their hands. A brick wall serves as the background. The text "PetaPixel Compares" is displayed in the top right corner.

Canon R1 vs Nikon Z9 Vs Sony a1 II: 2024 Flagship Camera Review

Now that Canon has released the R1 and Sony has updated its a1 II platform, the Nikon Z9 has stiff competition. The title of "flagship camera" represents the pinnacle of each company's technological abilities and becomes the outward face of that company for all to judge. Should a flagship camera be able to handle anything that is thrown at it? And is there such a thing as a "best" right now?

A collage of five cameras, including digital and vintage designs. The cameras vary in size and style, featuring displays, lenses, and intricate details, showcasing the evolution of photographic technology.

The Best Budget Medium Format Cameras in 2026

Medium format cameras have long been cherished by photographers for their ability to produce images with exceptional detail, rich tones, and a unique aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate in smaller formats. While these cameras were historically the tools of professional studios and well-funded enthusiasts, the growing interest in film photography has created a vibrant market for medium format options that cater to a range of budgets. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of budget-friendly medium-format film cameras and find the perfect model to match your creative ambitions without breaking the bank.

Stacked portable power stations against a dark background. The top unit displays a digital screen with numbers, and various ports are visible on its front side. A cable connects the two units, emphasizing their functionality for power supply.

DJI Adds Power Capacity With Release of Expansion Battery 2000

DJI has released the Power Expansion Battery 2000, a modular extension option to the brand’s Power 1000 portable charging solution that sees the system greatly increase its power capacity and potential to photographers who are working remotely in locations where mains power isn’t available or those who may need to frequently recharge power-hungry equipment, such as drones.

A person holding a vintage-style camera close to the lens, standing against a blurred wooden background. The image features the text "PetaPixel Reviews" in the bottom left corner.

Fujifilm X-M5 Review: Agonizingly Close to Entry-Level Excellence

I wanted to love this camera so desperately. When I first looked at the X-M5, I was won over by its handsome design and compact nature. And the world needs more stylish little cameras like this, which are within the reach of most people’s budgets. However, we might lose too much to make this lower $799 price possible. Most of the technical specs and features were covered in a previous video and subsequent article, but I want to focus on the make-or-break features today.

Close-up of a Leica camera focusing on the lens with detailed markings and the distinctive red Leica logo on the camera body. The textured black grip and metallic finish are visible, highlighting the precision and elegance of the design.

The Best Leica M Lenses That Won’t Break the Bank

Leica M-mount cameras and lenses are legendary for their precision craftsmanship and stunning image quality. But let’s face it -- Leica glass can be intimidatingly expensive. If you’re dreaming of getting the most out of your Leica setup -- whether it be digital or analog -- without spending a small fortune, you’re in the right place. The truth is that these days, you needn’t buy the most expensive glass to get incredible results; most major manufacturers are making lenses that are, at minimum, good. Many of them are making excellent optics, including those relatively new to the scene.

A black Tamron camera lens with visible zoom markings from 70 to 180mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens has a ribbed texture for grip and a silver mount. The brand name is printed on the side.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Firmware Update Enables 120 FPS on the a9 III, With a Catch

Tamron is a prolific lens maker for numerous camera systems, including the Sony E-mount. Since Sony released the speedy a9 III late last year, which offers 120 frames per second of continuous shooting, third-party lens makers have been updating lenses to keep pace. The latest lens to receive the update is Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom.

Close-up of a camera's sensor and lens mount with the label "E-mount," showing a metallic circular opening and electronic contacts. The camera body has a textured black finish and visible buttons.

Sony Reusing an Image Sensor in the a1 II Is Not That Weird

A lot of the conversation surrounding Sony's new flagship camera, the a1 II, concerns the camera's image sensor. The 50-megapixel backside-illuminated stacked sensor is the same as the one featured in the original a1 which released in 2021. While some describe the reused sensor as disappointing, it is normal for Sony to use the same sensor across multiple iterations of the same camera series.

A vintage 35mm rangefinder camera with a black textured body and silver accents is shown. It's accompanied by a detachable light meter on the side. The camera has dials and a viewfinder on the top.

‘One of the Most Remarkable’ Leica Camera Prototypes Ever Sells for Over $2.1 Million

Earlier this month, the Leitz Photographica Auction previewed some of the 423 lots that were for sale over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, including a rare Leica M prototype auction organizers expected to sell for as much as 700,000 euros (about $735,000). Now that the auction has occurred, it turns out the estimate was far too low -- the Leica M prototype sold for 2,040,000 euros ($2,143,509).

A person in an orange jacket and dark beanie uses a camera in a snowy mountain landscape. They have a large backpack and are surrounded by snow-covered peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Deal Alert: Save on Popular SIGMA Lenses This Holiday Season

SIGMA has been crafting lenses specifically designed to appeal to every type of photographer since the launch of SIGMA Global Vision back in 2012. Since then, SIGMA has been innovating the most standard of workhorse zooms to the apex of niche astrophotography gear. This year, SIGMA announced several new takes on old favorites, including the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art -- a reinvention of a classic complete with more bells and whistles than ever before.

A person wearing a brown beanie and a large backpack is taking photos with a camera in a desert landscape. Rocky hills and a clear blue sky are in the background.

Power Up With Black Friday Deals From Bluetti

The right gear can mean the difference between a fleeting moment lost or perfectly captured. This Black Friday, Bluetti is offering limited-time deals on three products tailored for photographers who demand performance, portability, and peace of mind.

Square image sensor with a gradient from green to blue in the center, surrounded by a black border with gold contacts. The sensor is set against a light background, and its reflection is visible below.

Sony’s New 24.5MP Global Shutter Sensor Shoots at up to 442 FPS

Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) announced a new global shutter image sensor earlier this week. While aimed at industrial applications and therefore unlikely to appear in a consumer camera anytime soon, if ever, the 24.5-megapixel sensor's specifications are well worth discussing.

Two digital cameras are floating against a dynamic background of yellow and orange light streaks. The larger camera is positioned to the left, while a smaller version is on the right. Both cameras have visible lens mounts.

Sony Has the Problem Every Competitor Wants: Its Flagship Was Too Good to Follow

The Sony a1 II has arrived, and it is a fantastic flagship camera. However, while its predecessor was leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, the mirrorless flagship camera race is much closer in 2024 than it was in 2021, and it has left the a1 II in a somewhat awkward position -- it feels like the middle child in a camera series that only actually has two models.