Articles by Chris Niccolls at PetaPixel https://petapixel.com/author/chrisniccolls/ Photography and Camera News, Reviews, and Inspiration Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:47:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 191656271 Nikon Zf Initial Review: Retro on the Outside, the Future on the Inside https://petapixel.com/2023/09/19/nikon-zf-hands-on-review-nostalgic-toy-or-modern-classic/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:02:09 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=704057 Nikon Zf Hands On Review

The Nikon Zfc is one of the most beautiful modern mirrorless cameras, and I would argue, the classiest. You're all welcome because for years I hounded Nikon to recreate the famous Nikon FM/FE look in a digital format, and with the Zfc it finally happened. I'm taking all the credit.

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The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review for Photographers https://petapixel.com/2023/09/19/the-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max-review-for-photographers/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:00:38 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=704310 iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max bring a lot to the table across the board, from a gaming-ready chip, to USB-C, and -- of course -- photography. It is that last point where we are putting the emphasis, and this review is specifically for those of you who care about the iPhone as a camera.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: There is a Lot to Unpack Here https://petapixel.com/2023/09/12/apple-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max-there-is-a-lot-to-unpack-here/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:01:38 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=703664 iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Visiting Apple Park in Cupertino for the launch of the brand-new iPhone 15 series was quite the experience, and after a day getting to know the Pro and Pro Max series devices, I was left with a few answers and a lot more questions.

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Panasonic G9 II Hands-On: It’s Made for Photographers, But is it Really? https://petapixel.com/2023/09/12/panasonic-g9-ii-hands-on-review-its-made-for-photographers-but-is-it-really/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:00:06 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=703053 Panasonic G9 II hands-on review

The original Panasonic G9 was quite a revolutionary camera. Built around a modern and intimidatingly professional-looking body, the G9 featured blazing-fast burst rates, an exceptionally good EVF, and motion-compensated multi-shot mode. However, it has been seven years since the G9 launch -- a long time to wait for a successor.

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GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: A Step, Not a Leap, Forward https://petapixel.com/2023/09/08/gopro-hero-12-black-review-a-step-not-a-leap-forward/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:59:06 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=702496 GoPro Hero12 Black Review

It seems like every year a new GoPro action cam model is released. This creates a dynamic where changes are often incremental and many users hold off on purchasing the latest and greatest. However, every once in a while, GoPro makes a worthwhile change that demands attention. Is 2023 one of those years?

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Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 for Fujifilm X Review: Greatness for Half the Price https://petapixel.com/2023/08/31/sigma-100-400mm-f-5-6-3-for-fujifilm-x-review-greatness-for-half-the-price/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 01:00:50 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=700962

We've seen the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary before because it's the current full-frame super-telephoto option from Sigma for mirrorless cameras. What we haven't seen before is a full-frame Sigma that has been specifically adapted for the APS-C-sized Fujifilm lens mount -- until now.

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Sony a7C II and a7CR Hands-On: Entry-Level No Longer https://petapixel.com/2023/08/29/sony-a7c-ii-and-ac7r-hands-on-review-entry-level-no-longer/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:01:07 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=700140 Sony a7C II and aC7R First Impressions Review

The original Sony a7C was very much an entry-level camera. I really liked the minimalistic styling; a strong departure from the boxy DSLR look of the other Alpha cameras, and it was easy to navigate, but suffered from what many entry-level cameras suffer from: a lack of manual control dials, and a bargain basement viewfinder. But now we've got an upgrade. Or rather, upgrades.

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Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II Review: Easy to Recommend https://petapixel.com/2023/08/29/sony-16-35mm-f-2-8-g-master-ii-review-the-trinity-is-complete/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:00:58 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=700038 Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II

The classic professional photographer's kit has for decades consisted of the holy trinity of f/2.8 zoom lenses: a 16-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm. Armed with these, a photographer can cover almost any shooting situation. When Sony first started its full-frame mirrorless camera line, it quickly made these professional zoom lenses under the G Master moniker. Unfortunately, these lenses were not able to deliver the high-grade results that many of the other brands could.

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7 Reasons To Use a ‘Real’ Camera Instead of a Smartphone https://petapixel.com/2023/08/15/7-reasons-to-use-a-real-camera-instead-of-a-smartphone/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:02:25 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=697857 Smartphone versus camera

It's no surprise that smartphones have become the new everyday camera that we all use and love and they absolutely are legitimate creative picture-taking tools. So why even consider getting a more traditional camera with its bulkier size and expensive lenses?

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The Canon EOS R1: What We Need to See From The Upcoming Flagship https://petapixel.com/2023/08/08/the-canon-eos-r1-what-we-need-to-see-from-the-upcoming-flagship/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:00:25 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=696531 EOS R1 Wishlist

When the Canon EOS R3 hit the market two years ago, we knew there would be a flagship R1 camera coming at some point. While we wait, we figured why not make a wishlist of the features and technologies we would like to see when the R1 finally arrives.

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Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 Review: A Golden Pancake or a Flop-Jack? https://petapixel.com/2023/08/01/canon-rf-28mm-f-2-8-review-a-golden-pancake-or-a-flop-jack/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:00:40 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=695912 Canon RF 28mm Review

If there was ever a focal length that the manufacturers tend to put by the wayside, it's the trusty 28mm prime lens. You see, ultra-wide lenses are dynamic and 24mm lenses are admittedly more versatile. However, the 28mm range is probably my preferred focal length for walking the streets with only one prime lens.

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Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 Review: Great Things Do Come in Small Packages https://petapixel.com/2023/07/29/fujifilm-xf-8mm-f-3-5-review-great-things-do-come-in-small-packages/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 14:00:52 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=695652 Fujifilm XF 8mm

A 12mm full-frame equivalent lens isn't my idea of a versatile do-everything piece of kit, but Fujifilm really needs something like this to supplement the very expensive -- and heavy -- XR 8-16mm f/2.8 zoom. That is a great lens, but it's beyond many people's needs and budgets. Enter the Fujifilm 8mm f/3.5 prime.

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Canon EOS R100 Review: It Feels Like an Old Camera, and Not in a Good Way https://petapixel.com/2023/07/25/canon-eos-r100-review-it-feels-like-an-old-camera-and-not-in-a-good-way/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:00:40 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=694908 Canon EOS R100 review

In my line of work, a lot of cameras corss my path. Like any good tools, they only do their best work when they match the specific tasks for which they were intended. It seems that lately, the majority of cameras I've looked at have been fairly pricey devices, so I was happy to get to review a new affordable entry onto the market. And of course, I don't have expectations that it will compete with higher-end products, but can the $479 EOS R100 even do what it was designed to?

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Canon R6 II Versus Sony a7 IV: A Battle of Two Well-Rounded Cameras https://petapixel.com/2023/07/22/canon-r6-ii-versus-sony-a7-iv-a-battle-of-two-well-rounded-cameras/ Sat, 22 Jul 2023 14:00:17 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=694532 a7 IV vs R6 II

In Calgary, Alberta, there is a huge annual fair called the Calgary Stampede. A once-a-year celebration dubbed "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". Full of rides, games, and lots of rodeo events, this show attracts 1.5 million visitors each year. One of these guests was the illustrious Ted Forbes and we thought, why not have a good old-fashioned showdown, wild west style?

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The Worst Thing About Every Camera Brand: 2023 Edition https://petapixel.com/2023/07/20/the-worst-thing-about-every-camera-brand-2023-edition/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:00:34 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=694040 the worst thing about every camera brand

It's time for a State of the Union, Camera Edition. In recent years, we have seen some dramatically positive changes from all the major camera manufacturers, but nobody is perfect. Let's talk about each one's weak points.

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Fujifilm X-S20 Review: Making the Case as the Best Camera Under $1,500 https://petapixel.com/2023/07/15/fujifilm-x-s20-review-making-a-case-for-the-best-camera-under-1500/ Sat, 15 Jul 2023 14:00:31 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=693344 Fujifilm X-S20 Review

We finally did it! We reviewed the Fujifilm X-S20 after a very long wait. I fell in love with the original X-S10 when it first came out because it represented a departure from the design stylings of Fujifilm. It also added IBIS to the camera at a price that created excellent value for the dollar. Now the new X-S20 is in our hands, and we take it through its paces.

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Sony a6700 Review: Definitely Worth the Wait https://petapixel.com/2023/07/12/sony-a6700-review-definitely-worth-the-wait/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:12 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=692570 Sony a6700 Review

The Sony a6000 series of cameras have a long history, starting with the insanely popular a6000 in 2014. In the nine years since that fateful camera, there have been quite a few new models and upgrades. However, the last camera to be released, the powerful a6600, came out almost four years ago and it is only now that we have a new model to replace it. The Sony a6700 has just been announced, but was it worth the long wait?

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Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Review: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing https://petapixel.com/2023/07/12/sony-70-200mm-f-4-macro-g-oss-ii-review-a-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:00:05 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=692181

Sony has been working hard to re-release new iterations of its existing lenses because although many of the early lenses were decent, they still left much to be desired. The original G Master zooms, for example, were priced like high-grade professional lenses, but came up short optically.

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AstrHori 18mm f/8 Probe Lens Review: Confusing Name, Confusing Results https://petapixel.com/2023/07/08/astrhori-18mm-f-8-probe-lens-review-confusing-name-confusing-results/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:00:05 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=691840 AstrHori 18mm f:8 Probe

Venus Optics had a big hit with the original Laowa 24mm f/14 probe lens. What first garnered snickers and jokes, proved to be a unique video lens and the peri-probe lens with a 90-degree rotating end soon followed. Now Laowa has some serious competition from a company with a name I struggle to pronounce.

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Sony a7R V vs Nikon Z8: A Battle of Mirrorless All-Stars https://petapixel.com/2023/07/01/sony-a7r-v-vs-nikon-z8-our-two-favorite-full-frame-cameras-duke-it-out/ Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:00:02 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=691060 Nikon Z8 vs Sony Alpha 7RV

I recently stated that the Alpha 7RV is my favorite Sony camera to date, and one of the most ideal platforms for what I want personally in a camera. Since then I've had the pleasure of using the Nikon Z8, and it has definitely made an impression on me as the best Nikon camera I’ve used so far. When we saw that the price was similar, it made perfect sense to do a shoot-out between the two.

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