TechRadar Choice Awards 2024

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II, while facing some criticism from specialized sources, has nonetheless garnered significant praise within the photography community. The criticism often centers around issues like battery life, overheating in high-resolution video modes, or minor ergonomic choices, which are typically pointed out by professionals who push the camera to its extremes. However, many of these critiques are balanced by the camera’s strengths: its impressive 45MP sensor, improved autofocus capabilities, high-speed shooting, and 8K video recording.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike have highlighted these features as powerful tools for both still photography and video production, noting the R5 Mark II’s versatility and performance. Moreover, improvements in image stabilization, dynamic range, and low-light performance make it a highly adaptable camera, suited to a range of shooting conditions. The overall positive press reflects the camera’s ability to meet or exceed the expectations of photographers seeking top-tier image quality, reliable autofocus, and professional-grade features.

That's why it's not surprise to see how TechRadar has selected this camera as Choice Awards Winner 2024.

Photography Statistics

Here’s an article filled with interesting statistics about the world of photography. A few numbers that caught my attention are these:

• 50.6% of photographers started taken photos as a hobby during childhood
• 36.5% learned from online resources such as YouTube
• 40.8% invest from $500 to $1000 per year in photography gear and only 10.9% from $2.5K to $5K
• 46.9% take from 1K to 3K pictures per session! (Comparing to me with 100 to 200!)
  
• 43.9% deliver from 500 to 1K pictures to the client
• 31.1% deliver these pictures in 2 to 4 weeks after the shooting

Interesting, is not it?

 

 

Be aware of your surroundings

It's an unfortunate reality that photographers sometimes face serious accidents while working. Many incidents are reported involving photographers falling from heights, getting hit by cars, trains, or other vehicles, or encountering other hazards while focused on capturing the perfect shot. In a particularly tragic case, one photographer lost her life after being struck by an airplane's propeller while attempting to take photos near the plane.

This phenomenon happens largely due to what I call a "tunnel vision effect." When you're deeply engaged in the process of capturing an image, your focus narrows dramatically, pulling all your attention toward the subject. It’s easy to become so absorbed in framing, lighting, and composition that the world outside your lens fades away. This intense focus, while beneficial for creativity, often leaves you unaware of your surroundings, which is when accidents can occur.

Please, please, remember to take a step back and stay mindful of your environment. No shot is worth risking your life or safety for. Stay alert, and make sure you’re aware of potential hazards in the area. A great photograph is a wonderful achievement, but your well-being is even more important.

Pictures from this weekend walk

 This weekend I shot few photos that I really liked. The first one was this one with two Sand-hill Cranes flying close by.

I love the way the morning sun hits the birds. The Canon R6 locked the focus right away and followed the birds allowing me to take few pictures all in focus. 

In my way to visit Crews Lake and right leaving the neighborhood I took this landscape picture which I loved. 

Two things in this landscape made me stop the car and take the picture: the fog drifting over the empty field in the background and the warm sunlight casting a glow on the white fence to the left. Besides these, the sky itself was stunning.

This was my first time visiting Crews Lake after the hurricane, and I found the water level at a record high, creating an entirely new landscape unlike anything I had seen there before.

The falls colors together with the morning sun give this picture a beautiful look.

Here’s the last photo I want to share in this note—I like how the two Sandhill Cranes became part of the composition.

Would you pay $23000 for a Camera?

 Leica is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the M rangefinder camera, but the most precious gift it’s giving for the occasion is for only 250 rich people and costs $22,995. The ludicrously expensive Leica M Edition 70 set includes a platinum-plated Leica M-A 35mm film camera with Leicavit fast winder, a matching 50mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 lens, and a metallic film container with a roll of black-and-white film. Source. 

A camera is fundamentally a tool for capturing images, and while technology can enhance image quality, the true value of a photograph largely stems from the photographer’s skill, creativity, and vision. Paying a premium for the latest camera may make sense for certain technical needs, but for many, it can be more about status than necessity. A $23,000 camera might showcase wealth, but it doesn’t make someone a skilled photographer.

DSLRs are cheaper than ever

With the rising popularity of mirrorless cameras, DSLR prices have dropped significantly, even for models that were once considered professional-grade. As mirrorless systems continue to evolve and dominate the market with their advanced features—such as faster autofocus, silent shooting, and lighter designs—many photographers are transitioning away from DSLRs. This shift has led to a surplus of high-quality DSLR bodies and lenses available at more affordable prices. For budget-conscious photographers, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire gear that was once out of reach, offering exceptional image quality and reliability at a fraction of its original cost. Even though mirrorless cameras are the new industry standard, DSLRs remain highly capable tools, especially for those who prefer their robust build, optical viewfinders, and battery life.

How-To Geek recently published an article highlighting the numerous advantages of purchasing a DSLR in today's market.

R1 is shipping

The R1 is reaching the hands of the first buyers. So no more reviews of pre production units, this below is an actual review from a wildlife photographer!

I don’t know, I feel like the R1 is too big! I think that I would prefer the R5 mark II or the R6 Mark II.

LP-E6P Batteries

 The new Canon batteries LP-E6P for the Canon R5 Mark II are now in stock at various retailers, including Amazon.

The Canon LP-E6P battery, designed for the EOS R5 Mark II, is an upgraded version of the LP-E6NH battery used in previous Canon models. This new battery model supports higher power output to meet the demands of the R5 Mark II's advanced features. For instance, the LP-E6P is necessary to fully utilize high-resolution video modes like 8K and the high frame rate options (up to 240p in 1080p and various over sampled 4K options). Using older batteries, like the LP-E6NH, limits access to these intensive settings due to lower power output compatibility​ PetaPixel  Canon Forums

I should note that recent firmware updates have introduced support for the new LP-E6P battery in older Canon mirrorless cameras.

Canon R6 + Canon EF100-400L Mk2

I have been using this camera + lens combination for the last few months and I can testify that this pair work exceptionally well together. The author of the following video has reached to the same conclusion. 

The Best camera that money can buy for wildlife photography

Ok, let me give you first the bad news, you will need to have ready around $20000! Did I get your attention? Check the following video. 

Is the Death of DSLR a marketing mistake?

 Today in my daily reading of news about photography I found this article in the Amateur Photographer Page.

While I understand the author's point that the quality of a photograph is what truly matters, regardless of whether it was taken with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, I believe mirrorless cameras represent the logical evolution of camera technology. By eliminating moving parts, mirrorless cameras offer greater reliability, and their design also allows for the integration of advanced AI features in the software, enhancing the shooting experience and results.

Photographer falls to his death

Sometimes people do crazy things and this is one of these cases. A British content creator and photographer Lewis Stevenson died when trying to climb the Castilla-La Mancha Bridge while filming a video. 

More about this news here. 

Besides the fact that many photographers have died trying to shoot the ultimate photo, there are Legal consequences that can destroy a photographer’s career or tarnish their professional reputation. Moreover, ethical responsibility should always come first—photography should not harm or exploit subjects, whether they are people, animals, or places. Sustainable and ethical photography practices are critical for preserving both the art and the world it documents.

Close to 10 years...

In March 2025, I'll reach 10 years since I got my first DSLR, a Nikon D5200, and began regularly taking wildlife pictures, mostly of birds and sometimes the two legged animals called humans 😂.

It has been a long learning process. When I look back at the pictures I took back then, I can see the significant improvement I've made over these 10 years. 

Photo taken in 2015 using the Nikon D5200.

I've taken more than 69,000 pictures, and that doesn't even include the ones that ended up in the Windows Trash Bin. This number may seem small for some photographers that use their camera in burst mode and shoot thousands of photos in one session. But believe me, these are 69000 pictures edited by me representing long hours seating in front of my computer. 

You can see these pictures organized by albums at Flickr, the platform that use to backup online my pictures.

Photo from my album Quinceañera, from November 2015. 
One of my first attempts to shoot an event.
At that time I was a firm believer in not editing my photos. 

This is one of my latest photos in a Karate Event, using a Canon R6 Mark I. 

 

 

Another picture taken with the Canon R6 Mark I,
an example of me editing a photo.

From time to time strangers ask for their photos to be taken.
Taken using the Canon R6 Mark I.

What camera brand to buy

 As you may already gather, this is one of those articles about what camera brand is best. The difference is that in case the answer is there is not a camera brand that is best in everything. And I quote an article recently posted by The Photographer. 

• Canon: The Best for Autofocus and Ergonomics
  • The Best Canon Cameras
• Fujifilm: The Best Colors and Aesthetics
  • The Best Fujifilm Camera
• Leica: The Best Build and Character
  • The Best Leica Cameras
• Nikon: The Best Lenses and Low-light Autofocus
  • The Best Nikon Cameras
• Panasonic: The Best Photo-video Hybrids and in-camera LUTs
  • The Best Panasonic Camera
• Sony: The Best Innovation and Speed
  • The Best Sony Cameras

Sensor Size Matters More Than Megapixels

Here's an elaboration of your text with a more in-depth explanation and smoother flow:

Recently, I joined a discussion about the significance of megapixels in cameras. While having a higher megapixel count can be advantageous, particularly when cropping your images, it's not the sole factor that determines image quality. In fact, the physical size of the sensor plays a far more critical role in producing high-quality photos.

A larger sensor, such as a full-frame sensor, captures more light compared to smaller sensors like those found in APS-C cameras or smartphone cameras. The ability to gather more light directly impacts the image's dynamic range, detail, and overall quality, especially in low-light situations. This is because each individual pixel on a larger sensor tends to be bigger, allowing it to capture more light and produce clearer, sharper images with less noise.

In contrast, while smartphones and APS-C cameras may boast high megapixel counts, their smaller sensor sizes limit the amount of light they can capture. This often results in noisier images, especially in low-light conditions. So while megapixels are important, particularly for cropping and printing large images, the sensor size is actually the key element in achieving better image quality.

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the video below that covers these differences in detail. Play attention to what he says at minute 6:15.

Are you a photographer?

 This is a very interesting topic recently analyzed at DIY Photography. When you are not making a living with your camera you hesitate to call yourself a photographer and this is what they call "The Impostor Syndrome". 

I resonate with this video deeply because even after over 15 years in photography, I still don’t call myself “a photographer.” When someone else refers to me that way, I feel like a fraud. It could be because I don’t do it for a living (never did), but it can also be because of the impostor syndrome I’ve felt in each and every field I’ve worked in.

A photographer, in my view, is not simply someone who earns a living by taking pictures; rather, a photographer is anyone who uses a camera to create art. While professional photographers may earn a salary through their work, I believe photography transcends the idea of a mere occupation. It's about capturing moments, emotions, and perspectives through a lens, turning them into meaningful expressions of creativity. Whether someone is a professional or an amateur, the real essence of being a photographer lies in the ability to use a camera as a tool to craft visual stories, evoke emotions, and make art.

Explorer Web Winner of Wildlife photographers of the year

The winning photos from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year will leave you in awe! Explore these breathtaking shots on the Explorer webpage and be prepared to be amazed. Check them out here.

How to shoot Manual

One thing that I do in this blog is to find easy tutorials about photography so you don’t have to. Today I would recommend you to watch the below video showing how to shoot manual.

Lens Basic

Ok, you bought your camera but what lens do you need? Buying your first lens it’s not an easy task and depends a lot on how are you planning to use your new camera. The next video tries to explain what do you need to know when picking your first lens.

Photography Basics

Yesterday I mentioned a video about the basics of using a flashlight with your camera. Today I would like to present you a video that explains photography basics. In other words, everything that you need to know to control your camera in Manual Mode. 

Flashlight basics

I know that using a speedlight or flashlight in your camera could be intimidating at first but once you watch the following video you may find that it’s not that complicated. 

Beginners mistakes

If you can pass his presentation style and humor here is video that shows mistakes that most of us have made and you may learn to avoid in your next photo shoot. 

2024 - Best Cameras for Sport Photography, all brands

 The Photographer is a nice page to follow if you are into photography. This is why I'm recommending this article compering and selecting the best cameras independent of the brand. 

Picking the right Camera for Sports Photography for you, [Considerations]

•     What’s your budget?
•     How will you use the product?
•     What lighting situations are you in, and how will that affect what you’re doing? Our reviews hyperlinked in this article can help with that.
•     Are you traveling a lot with it?
•     Will you be using it in a situation that’s a bit rougher?
•     Who else uses this product? How are they using it?
•     What’s so appealing about this product that I can’t get from what I have already or something else?
•     When will I really have time to use this product?
•     Where will I bring this product?
•     How will this product help bring me joy and joy in my photography?

In my opinion The Photographer missed another camera from Canon, the Canon R5 Mark II. The fact is the AF of the Canon R1 (Still not in the market), the R3, the R5 Mark II and the Canon R6 Mark II is just amazingly good.  

The bottom line is that picking a new camera is a difficult decision that includes many personal questions that only you can answer. Articles like this can only guide you a little in this decision and whatever it's the most important point is you enjoying your new camera.
 

Why to go mirrorless

In traditional digital cameras, such as DSLRs, there is a mirror located between the lens and the sensor. When you look through the viewfinder, you're actually seeing a reflection of the scene captured through the lens. More modern cameras, called mirrorless cameras, eliminate this mirror. Instead, the image you see in the viewfinder comes directly from the sensor, capturing exactly what the lens sees in real-time. This design is what gives these cameras their "mirrorless" designation.

What are the advantages of mirrorless cameras? This article explores the key benefits of mirrorless cameras.

Canon R6 Mark II price goes down

 Canon R6 Mark II drops by almost $500 now that rumors of Canon R6 Mark III release intensified.

If you are looking for a new camera you can get this deal at Adorama where the price went down from $2499 to $1999. 

The Canon R6 Mark II is one of the cameras recommended by me for Wildlife Photography. 

Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Recommended, Full Frame, 24.1 MP non stacked sensor , New ($1999), Used ($2029-$1949), Dual Card Slot. Includes In Body Stabilization. Good Low Light Performance. Auto Focus in this camera is more sophisticated than the one included in the R6 Mark I. 30 FPS in Electronic Mode. It uses the LP-E6NH Battery. Very low Rolling Shutter. No fully weather sealed. 

Drone Photography

Drone photography has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, becoming an exciting new genre. 

Capturing a bird’s-eye view of human life offers a stunning and awe-inspiring perspective that captivates viewers. If you're skeptical, take a moment to explore the winners of the World Drone Photography Awards 2024—their breathtaking shots speak for themselves.