Photography is both an art and a craft.The Luminous Landscapetries to recognize the creative aspects through our tutorials and essays, and equipment though our product test reports.
Since we began publication in 1999 we have gained a reputation for independence from any commercial bias or product favoritism. What bias we do have is a simple one –the best tools for the job. I care less about MTF charts and S/N ratios than I do about a product’s over-all usefulness and appropriateness for the task. Yes, sharpness is important. Low noise is also good. But, if the camera, lens or other device gets in the way of getting the shot, it won’t make the grade no matter how sharp or noise free it might be.
I’ve been a photographer and photographic journalist for more than 40 years, and have used just about every major piece of photographic equipment brought to market during that time. The products reviewed on this site are always either purchased, or on short-term loan.We accept no freebies!
Please See OurFull Disclosure Statementfor More on This
This page lists equipment which is currently on the market and which I have recently reviewed on this site. Much of it I currently own and use for my own work. Most of these products are available fromB&H Photo, this site’s only advertiser. Others, that B&H does not sell, are linked to their respective suppliers or manufacturers.
Why B&H?
Simple. B&H have been around for more than 35 years. They are the world’s largest photographic retailer, ship all over the globe, and have the world’s largest inventory – which means that what you want is likely in stock for immediate delivery, along with very competitive pricing. They are also highly reliable and reputable. I’ve been buying from them for decades. And, of course, this site makes a small commission when you make a purchase ofany productafter clicking on aB&H linkon this site.
Canon SX30 IS
Vs.
Panasonic Lumix FZ100
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Sony HX5
The Samsung EX1 (TL500 in some markets) is among the latest group of small digicams to offer a fast lens,raw capability and fin performance.
Reviewed May, 2010
Canon Powershot G11
The G11 is unusual because, for what may be the first time, a camera manufacturer has reduced the megapixel count on a camera model. With its new articulated LCD, and optical viewfinder, along with solid metal construction, the G11 will appeal to many photographers looking for a pocketable camera.
Reviewed October, 2009
Epson Stylus Pro 3880
This is the least expensive and smallest of Epson’s Pro series printers, but its image quality is unsurpassed. If one doesn’t need to use large rolls and has limited desk space, it’s hard to imagine a better printer, either for the money or on an image quality basis.
Reviewed October, 2009
Leica M9
The Leica M9 is a classic reborn. This is a full-frame digital M with 18 Megapixels, no AA filter, and no need for IR filters on the lenses.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed September, 2009
Panasonic Lumix GF1
The battle for pocket-sized cameras with large sensors heats up, and with the GF1 Panasonic becomes the current leader.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed September, 2009
Canon TS/E 17mm F/4
One of the most exciting lenses to come along from Canon in a while, or from any company for that matter. A premium priced lens, but with unique capabilities.
Reviewed August, 2009
Sony A850
The Sony A850 offers identical image quality and almost all of the features of the flagship A900 for under $2,000. The best value in a full frame DSLR as of Summer, 2009.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed August, 2009
Epson Stylus Pro 7900 / 9900
Epsonhas been building some of the world’s best printers for decades, and they have been a leader in inkjet and pigment ink technology for commercial and fine art photographic printing. With the newEpson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900printers they have produced what are likely the highest quality, most robust printers to date. A new milestone.
Reviewed May, 2009
Panasonic Lumix ZS3 (TZ7)
Panasonic Lumix ZS3
There are many pocket digicams available. None are ideal for the serious photographers, but for anyone looking for a so-calledCompact Super-Zoom, thePanasonic Lumix ZS3is at the top of my list.
Reviewed April, 2009
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon 5D MKII
The Canon 5D MKII was first reviewed here in aPreview Reportin September, 2008, then by videographer Chris Sanderson ina report from Antarctica, as part ofa comparison with the Sony A900, and ina 3-Way shootoutwith the Nikon D3x and A900. Clearly it’s a major contender in the full-frame DSLRs sweepstakes. For Canon users it represents tremendous value not only because of its video capability, which many are smitten with, but because of its full-frame sensor, high ISO capability and extremely high image quality.
Reviewed March, 2009
Phase One P65+ Back and 645 Camera
Phase One P65+
Phase One products are available from independent VARs worldwide
At about US $40,000 and with 60 Megapixels resolution thePhase One P65+back isn’t for everyone; not their pocketbooks nor necessarily their needs. But if you have the scratch, and can afford to itch it (sorry for the pun), this back combined with a medium format camera system such as thePhase One 645, is possibly the highest quality imaging device available this side of NASA.
Reviewed March, 2009
Nikon D3x
Nikon D3x
It took Nikon a long time, but with the D3 they finally introduced their long-awaited full frame camera, and with the D3x trumped the competition in terms of resolution and image quality. Is this the best DSLR available at this time?
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed March, 2009
Hyperdrive COLORSPACE UDMA
There are many devices available for backing up files in the field without the need for a laptop computer. One stands above the rest.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed December, 2008
Sony 500mm F/8 Mirror Telephoto
Autofocus Lens
The world’s only autofocus 500mm catadioptric – for Sony (K/M) DSLRs.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed December, 2008
LensAlign
Ensuring perfect focusing capability with selected DSLRs. The end of backfocus problems.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed December, 2008
Sony A900 DSLR
Nikon and Canon meet their match. The world’s highest resolution DSLR at the lowest price, with Zeiss lenses to boot.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed December, 2008
Panasonic Lumix G1
Small, light and able to produce high quality images. The first of a new breed.
Reviewed November, 2008
Kiboko from Gura Gear
Is this the best backpack style camera bag on the market? I think so.
READ OUR REVIEW
Reviewed November, 2008
Michael Reichmann is the founder of the Luminous Landscape. Michael passed away in May 2016. Since its inception in 1999 LuLa has become the world's largest site devoted to the art, craft, and technology of photography. Each month more than one million people from every country on the globe visit LuLa.
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