Verdict: 4.5 stars The Sony A7 II was launched back in November 2014, which is a long time ago in the fast-moving world of digital camera technology. Yet for everyday stills photography, not that much has changed. Its 24MP sensor is on a par with modern rivals, its hybrid AF system lacks AI subject recognition but is still fast and responsive, and while its burst speed is a modest 5fps and it doesn’t shoot 4K video, these are not things that everyone needs. As a general purpose stills camera, the A7 II still feels fresh and modern – and it’s so cheap it’s hard to believe Sony can afford to keep selling it.
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Reviews
Olympus OM-D E-M1 III review in 2023
By Fotovolo
Verdict: 4.5 stars The OM-D E-M1 III may have been superseded by the OM-1, but it runs it very close in so many areas that – depending on the type of photography you do – it could prove just as good. You can occasionally buy it new, but it’s most likely you’ll need to buy used. I bought my example in excellent condition from MPB at well under half the price of a new OM-1.
Nikon D800 review in 2023
By Fotovolo
Verdict: 4.5 stars The Nikon D800 is the first of Nikon’s full frame DSLR multi-megapixel monsters, but Nikon had been making cameras for decades up to this point, so there’s nothing unfinished or experimental about either its design or operation. This is a tough, durable, effective DSLR that captures still images of a resolution that only a handful of cameras surpass even today.
Opinion
Nikon’s retro revival is great to see, but it burned its boats with lenses
By Fotovolo
The Nikon Z fc offers beginners and vloggers a charming old-school camera look with thoroughly modern tech inside, while the new Nikon Z f delivers the same retro charm in an altogether better-made full frame model. So what’s the problem?
Film simulations don’t go far enough
By Fotovolo
Fujifilm makes a big deal about its cameras’ built in film simulations. You can recreate the look of Velvia, Provia, Astia, ACROS and a host of other famous film emulsions, we’re told. Yeah, right.
Previous articles
Sony wants $149 to add gridlines to your viewfinder
By Fotovolo
The announcement came via Alphauniverse, the official community site for Alpha users. It’s a paid for software upgrade key that will only apply to the A7 IV at first and won’t be available until March 2024.
Fujifilm X-T1 review in 2023
By Fotovolo
Verdict 4.3 stars The Fujifilm X-T1 is a terrific low-cost used choice that makes a great camera for photography students and enthusiasts today. Its traditional external exposure controls are perfect for re-discovering the lost art of exposure, and its excellent build quality and handling make it a very satisfying camera to use.
Has Black Friday backfired for the camera industry?
By Fotovolo
Perhaps not just for the camera industry, but this is the one I know best and where I can best see what has been happening. I have spent some years at the front line of camera journalism and the heavily orchestrated sales bonanzas of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and to a lesser extent Amazon Prime Day.
The myth of megapixels and print sizes
By Fotovolo
A question I constantly get, and I constantly see being asked online, is ‘how big a print can I get from this camera or that camera?’ Any printing expert can work this out with a pocket calculator and I’ll show you how. The trouble is, it’s wrong. Not because the figures don’t add up, but because we’re looking at this the wrong way.