For a very, very, very long time I resisted the idea of taking the regular camera route and getting a cage for my iPhone. What an idiot. I just bought a I bought a SmallRig Universal Mobile Phone Cage and immediately realized I should have done it long ago.
Reviews
Many of my reviews are published on Digital Camera World, but here are some more that might not make it on to the larger sites. I review cameras, lenses, camera bags, tripods and photo and video accessories of all kinds.
Joby Wavo Air review
Verdict: 3.8 stars The Joby Wavo Air is a very comprehensive wireless two-mic kit with optional plug-in lavalier mics thrown in for less obtrusive wearing for interviews and the like. The mics and receiver come already paired and come with clips and attachments for hotshoes, tripods legs, clothing and even a magnetic lanyard. But there’s no supplied carry case for all these mics, cables and gadgets and the instructions are very basic – and describe a power status display that I still can’t find.
Canon EOS RP pros and cons
So nearly three years on from the original launch, here are my current thoughts on the Canon EOS RP, in the light of cameras that have come along since then, which all help to put Canon’s ‘starter’ full frame mirrorless camera into proper perspective today.
Sony A7R V review
Verdict: 4.2 stars On paper, the Sony A7R V is just brilliant. Is there anything this camera can’t do? From 8K video, to nex-gen AI subject recognition to 10fps with a massive buffer to that class-leading 61MP sensor. But are some issues, for me. The first is that this is a high-res camera spearing off into different almost unrelated territories. The second is that Sony’s lazy physical design is unappealing and doesn’t play to this camera’s strengths. Yes, lazy.
Ulanzi & Coman Zero F38 Travel Tripod review
Verdict: 4 stars The Ulanzi F38 is a decent little travel tripod. It feels well made, it folds down small and stands tall when you need it to. The inverted ball head is clever because it has a separate pan axis on top that you can level properly.
Joby Swing Complete Kit review
Verdict: 3.5 stars The Joby Swing is a clever little smartphone slider with very definite limitations. It brings smooth movie-style camera movements to your phone that can be controlled quickly and simply with a few taps on the app. But its tracking movement is modest and it has a pretty plasticky feel. The supplied Joby GorillaPod 3K tripod in the Complete Kit does not have the spread or the rigidity to handle the Swing at full extension. The Regular or Phone Mount kits are better buys.
Nya-Evo Fjord 60-C ECONYL backpack review
Verdict: 4.8 stars The Nya-Evo Fjord 60-C ECONYL is a big, robust and weatherproof backpack that’s extremely versatile and comfortable even with heavy loads. Its swappable RCI inserts make packing a breeze and it’s ideal for longer hikes and expeditions. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photo review
Verdict: 4 stars The Spyder Checkr Photo is really only useful for Lightroom Classic, Adobe Camera Raw and Hasselblad Phocus software users, but it does provide useful and precise color corrections within those programs. It works outside of a regular color management workflow, but this helps make it easy to understand and use.
3 Legged Thing Vanz review
Verdict: 4.5 stars The 3 Legged Thing Vanz ‘footwear’ can be used on the maker’s Legends and Pro tripods to extend the legs and provide extra protection on poor surfaces or in place of legs to make a tabletop tripod! They might look like a novelty but are actually rather useful.
RØDE VideoMic Me-L review
Verdict: 4 stars The RØDE VideoMic Me-L is a brilliant little clip-on shotgun Mic for smartphones, but there are some niggles which are more to do with the design concept than the way it’s made. It works great, but be aware it might not always be convenient.