Reviews

Expert reviews of the latest digital cameras, lenses, lighting products, accessories, phones, photography-editing software, and more. PetaPixel tests state-of-the-art products in the photo industry and provides insights and recommendations for photographers to make informed purchasing decisions.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Review: Ultra-Light Without Compromises

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a drone I’ve been looking forward to flying for a while. Weighing in at under 250g, while still featuring a powerful and capable camera, the Mini 4 Pro packs a lot of features into a tiny body. But can a drone that only weighs a few ounces really deliver quality photos and videos?

Fujifilm GFX 100 II

Fujifilm GFX 100 II Review: Pushing Medium Format Boundaries

Fujifilm has come to dominate the medium format market and for good reason. Combining the ergonomic controls and autofocusing capabilities of its APS-C cameras with the colossal image quality from the 100-megapixel sensor has paid dividends for the company. Although Fujifilm also uses a 50-megapixel sensor, it's the latest sensors in the GFX 100 line of cameras that steal the show.

Pergear Action Camera Review: 5K and 50MP for Just $80

I think Pergear likes my reviews! Here I am, reviewing an “action camera,” which is the opposite of my habits. But, I review gear and share my honest opinion with all the information in the open.

Sigma 70-200mm Review

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review: Long Awaited

Sony is on its second version of a pro-level 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master lens. Tamron recently released its second 70-180 f/2.8 G2 lens. A professional 70-200mm f/2.8 was one of the first lenses released by Panasonic for its Lumix full-frame bodies. And in all this time, where has Sigma been? Well, the wait is over. Sigma has finally released the 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports series lens, but was it worth the wait?

Pentax 50mm Review

Pentax 50mm FA f/1.4 HD and Classic Review: A Tale of Two Fifties

I consider myself an ardent supporter of Ricoh/Pentax products and have always endeavored to review its cameras and lenses when many others have chosen not to. I also think that the Pentax brand has really found its niche as more of a boutique manufacturer, focusing on the classic SLR design -- a move that I think makes a ton of sense in today's waning market.

Sony a9 III Hands-On: Finally, An Actual Game-Changer

This week, Sony announced the a9 III featuring the world's first full-frame 24-megapixel sensor to feature a global shutter in a interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. There have only been a few times in my reviewing career where I would, in all seriousness, call something an actual game-changer. This is certainly one of those moments.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 VXD VC G2: Making a Good Thing Even Better

The original Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD has quite a wordy title to say. Luckily, it's worth the hassle because it is one of my favorite lenses in recent memory. Sharp, compact, and affordable, the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 was an immediate hit. However, debuting on Sony E-mount, we now have a brand new version, and it promises to shake things up again.

Kodak Ektar H35N Half Frame Camera Review: More Sharpness, More Fun

Lately, it seems like everyone wants to save money on film while still having fun shooting it. So, on the heels of the wildly successful 72-photos-per-roll, Kodak Ektar H35, Hong Kong camera maker, RETO, just released an upgraded version of their smash hit half frame point-and-shoot, the H35N.

Leica M11-P Review

Leica M11-P Review: As Authenticated as They Come

The Leica M11 series now consists of three cameras. We have the original M11 which I very much enjoyed using on the streets of New York. Then, the M11 Monochrom was released and became an instant classic. I loved taking black-and-white images with it all over Montana. Now we have the release of the M11-P which apart from some minor cosmetic changes is largely the same as the original M11. So, why then should we get excited about such a similar camera?

Shure SM7dB Review

Shure SM7dB Review: Luxurious, Perfect Sound Every Time

You have definitely seen the Shure SM7 series before because it's basically the gold standard of podcast microphones and can be found in studios around the world. Now, thanks to a built-in preamp, the SM7dB lets anyone get that silky smooth sound every time -- no fuss, no hassle.

Vivo v29

Vivo V29 Review: There’s Not Enough New Here

Only months after launching the V27 Pro and V27, Vivo comes back with the V29 as yet another option, giving its V-Series a fair bit of attention. Releasing successive models within the same calendar year is unusual for any brand, but Vivo seems to think pumping them out in shorter cycles is serving a market that wants them.

Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 Review

Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary: Compact Compromises

The first thing you notice about the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is just how compact and adorable it is. In fact, Sigma claims that it is the smallest and lightest ultra-wide APS-C zoom lens on the market. Having used it myself, I wouldn’t disagree with that statement.

DJI Osmo Action 4

DJI Osmo Action 4 Review: Big Sensor, Big Impact

Without skipping a beat, DJI has released its newest Osmo Action camera. This year’s big advancement is its larger-sized sensor which is 25% bigger than last year’s model. Is it enough reason to go with the new Osmo Action 4? I think yes.

Unistellar eQuinox 2

Unistellar eQuinox 2 Review: An Expensive But Easy Telescope Camera

Most "serious" astrophotographers will balk at the idea of a smart telescope. While it may miss some of the professional level tools, resolution, and precision, the $2,499 eQuinox 2 from Unistellar does provide easy access to the cosmos for up to 10 viewers at a time, making it a great (albeit expensive) tool for beginners and casual stargazers to enjoy viewing interstellar objects in minutes.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Review for Photographers

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.

Best Keyboards

The Best Keyboards in 2024

Having a solid keyboard is crucial for any desk setup, whether that’s in an office or at the dining room table. But not all keyboards are built equally, and not every model is best suited for each task. These are the best keyboard options across use cases.

Panasonic G9 II hands-on review

Panasonic G9 II Hands-On: It’s Made for Photographers, But is it Really?

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.

Pergear 60mm f/2.8 Mark II Review: A Basic Macro Lens at an Attractive Price

A while ago, after I reviewed an inexpensive shift lens, Pergear contacted me to review a lens available only in Sony and Nikon mounts. I told them I did not have cameras that would take the lens. Later, I learned that they reissued their 60mm f/2.8 macro lens, Mark II.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Judging This Book by Its Cover

Foldable phones are probably going to be a viable part of future mobile devices, but for now, they’re not moving the needle forward in image quality. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is no different, except it makes a better case that the rear camera lenses are much better off when there’s a larger cover screen all around them.

GoPro Hero12 Black Review

GoPro Hero 12 Black Review: A Step, Not a Leap, Forward

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?