The American tradition is firmly rooted in these shores too - but how can you make the most of this annual shopping extravaganza. Have a read of our tips below.
X-Archive
F-stop numbers explained
Almost two years ago I had a go at explaining F-stop numbers but on re-reading that article I’m not sure how useful it was (and its over-simplification was sometimes so…
Macro Sharpness
Trying to evaluate the sharpness of macro lenses at macro reproduction ratios is tricky. Here is a quick look at the nature of the problem – and the real-world performance…
Pentax Lenses
Pentax has been the name on some outstanding photographic products over the years and now the company has unveiled its intended launches for the next two years. Let’s take a…
Chromatic aberration
Nothing ruins a good picture quite like chromatic aberration, which reveals itself as colour fringes. Let’s see what chromatic aberration looks like on technical targets and in real-world pictures.
Pro-spec and consumer lenses
Having set the scene with various technical definitions and explanations we are now ready to consider how best to compare the performances of pro-spec and consumer lenses.
Picture lines and image detail
Having looked at resolution figures quoted in line-pairs-per-millimetre and in cycles-per-pixel attention now turns to lines-per-picture, which is a measure that defines the maximum number of picture lines and therefore…
Measuring lens resolution
Lens resolution figures have long been stated in line-pairs per millimetre but in the digital arena it is common to use cycles per pixel: what is the difference and how…
Compact System Cameras
Compact System Cameras are, in many ways, the best of both worlds; they and small and yet also very versatile. But by the same token, Compact System Cameras may be…
Zoom lenses and composition
The arrival of zoom lenses changed the way photographers approached their subjects. In the days of primes you had to move to another spot to change the composition but zoom…
Macro lens choice
Macro lenses come in a variety of different focal lengths but how do you choose the best focal length for any given macro situation?
Split Toning
Phil Hall shows how to create the Split Tone effect yourself
Visual sharpness
Numerical testing and visual sharpness are two very different things. Of the two, visual sharpness is probably more important but it is also harder to define.
Advent day 22 – Get a trial version of Rebit back up software plus 26% off
Get a trial version of Rebit back up software plus 26% off
Advent day 21 – Get £20 off an Epson R3000 and a free £50 media voucher
Today get £20 off Epson R3000 and a free £50 media voucher
Advent day 20 – get 10% off gift vouchers with The Darkroom UK Ltd online or instore printing service
Today get 10% off gift vouchers with The Darkroom UK Ltd online or instore printing service
Tamron 18-270mm EISA Award
Tamron’s new 18-270mm, with its piezoelectric motor, was named EISA’s European Zoom Lens of the Year 2011-12. Yet the same Tamron 18-270mm zoom failed to shine when tested for the…
Advent day 19 – get 15% off photography courses, £350 off Photoshop CS5 and a free Camlink bag!
Today's gift save 15% off SPI courses, and £350 off Photoshop CS5 and free Camlink bag!
Advent day 17 – get a trial version of Prodad’s new Mercalli video stabilizer software plus 30% off any ProDad product
Today get a trial version of Prodad's new Mercalli video stabilizer software plus 30% off any ProDad product
Advent day 16 – get 42% off a subscription to Amateur Photographer or What Digital Camera
Get 42% off a subscription to Amateur Photographer or What Digital Camera