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Tested and Recommended
Photography is both an art and a craft. The Luminous Landscape tries 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 Our Full Disclosure Statement for 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 from B&H Photo, this site's only advertiser. Others, that B&H does not sell, are linked to their respective suppliers or manufacturers.
The only products listed here
are ones that I have personally tested,
use in my own work, and can personally recommend.
That's what Tested & Recommended means.
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 of any product after clicking on a B&H link on this site.
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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
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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 |
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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. |
Panasonic Lumix GF1
The battle for pocket-sized cameras with large sensors heats up, and with the GF1 Panasonic becomes the current leader. |
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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. Reviewed August, 2009 |
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Epson Stylus Pro 7900 / 9900
Epson has 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 new Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 printers they have produced what are likely the highest quality, most robust printers to date. A new milestone. Reviewed May, 2009 |
Panasonic Lumix ZS3 (TZ7)
There are many pocket digicams available. None are ideal for the serious photographers, but for anyone looking for a so-called Compact Super-Zoom, the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 is at the top of my list. Reviewed April, 2009 |
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
The Canon 5D MKII was first reviewed here in a Preview Report in September, 2008, then by videographer Chris Sanderson in a report from Antarctica, as part of a comparison with the Sony A900, and in a 3-Way shootout with 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
At about US $40,000 and with 60 Megapixels resolution the Phase 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 the Phase One 645, is possibly the highest quality imaging device available this side of NASA. Reviewed March, 2009 |
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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? 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. Reviewed December, 2008 |
Sony 500mm F/8 Mirror Telephoto
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LensAlign
Ensuring perfect focusing capability with selected DSLRs. The end of backfocus problems. Reviewed December, 2008 |
Sony A900 DSLR |
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. Reviewed November, 2008 |
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