We know from experience: Photographers are almost never completely happy. Even if they use the most capable cameras in the history of photography, which is probably the case with current mirrorless cameras. And this is understandable, because even good things have to be developed further, and sub-optimal things have to be developed anyway.
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A while ago we asked for your personal camera and photo wish list in our newsletter.
Their responses reflect a wide range of suggestions for improvement, some of which we have examined in more detail. There are some topics that obviously concern many photographers, for example the always popular operation and configuration, but also communication (or lack thereof) between the camera and the smartphone or tablet. It appears that all brands need to understand these points – the exceptions prove the rule. In addition, we have put together many personal tips and ideas that will make life as a photographer easier.
Camera wish list: what does the ideal camera really look like?
Atari announces the handheld console “GameStation Go”.For some requests, it may only be a matter of time before some existing functions become available in a new, improved version. This includes, for example, pre-capture in raw format. Better, more comfortable “shoot before you shoot” tops the wish list of many wildlife photographers. The latest Canon models R1 and R5 II already save images as individual RAW, while the R7, R10 and R6 II with up to 64 individual images still have to be extracted later. Nikon’s top models Z8 and Z9 as well as the current Z6 III currently limit precapture image quality to JPEG.
fast memory card
Many high-quality cameras now come with two memory card slots. In most models, one slot accommodates the newer, faster CFExpress card, the other the tried and tested, but slower SD card. The dual offering was and is a welcome addition to those for whom SD speeds are sufficient; if you want to take advantage of all the capabilities of the camera such as high-end video formats and ultra-fast series of images, there is no way other than new memory. . Card Standard. In this regard, it would only be welcome if manufacturers would install two consecutive CFExpress slots in the future, at least in the upper camera range.
built-in gray filter
Digital gray filters built into the camera are at the top of the wish lists of many of our readers. Instead of using physical filters, the camera electronics calculate the effect of gray and gray gradient filters. OM Systems is a pioneer of this technology in its MFT cameras with “Live ND” and “Gray gradient filter” functions. To do this, the camera takes multiple shots with different exposures and combines them into an image that looks as if it has a longer exposure time or graduated filters. Cameras with larger sensors (APS-C or 35 mm format) have not yet implemented comparable solutions.
These are just two examples from the camera wish list, others relate to the topic of interaction between the cell phone and the camera, flashing and, frequently, operation. Read more in current version,
Other topics in issue
In testing: Fujifilm X-M5 and Nikon Z50II. Fujifilm’s two APS-C models are aimed at a similar target group: content creators who both stream and take photos. Manufacturers also give importance to easy operation, flexibility and accessibility. The X-M5 with the pancake lens also fits in your jacket pocket, but it lacks the viewfinder, internal image stabilizer, and pronounced grip ridges for a secure grip. The Z50II continues the APS-C line of Nikon’s mirrorless Z system.
Useful photo accessories. With a camera and lens you have the basic elements for a successful photo. But it’s like salt in soup and a powerful food processor: It tastes better with additional ingredients and the preparation is easier. This is where accessories come into play in photography, and they are quite diverse. The landscape of assistive devices keeps changing with time. Due to technological advances, some aids become less important, others enter the market or become adapted to current needs and standards. Some of them have been built virtually unchanged for decades and are now flooding the used market. That’s why production no longer makes sense for many manufacturers. For example, if you try to find a high quality new bellows device, there is only one manufacturer and their prices are accordingly high. It is worth looking for a used copy here. Among the variety of accessories we present some practical ones.
CFExpress – Fast data storage. Because SD cards are too slow for some capabilities of modern system cameras, a new memory card standard has been established with CFExpress. What photographers should look for when choosing cards and why it’s worth taking a closer look at the intrinsic values.
Lake – Taking pictures of rivers. Flowing water makes its way through nature, sometimes creatively, sometimes wildly, in powerful and exciting ways – from waterfalls to streams. Mark Roberts knows how to expertly capture all aspects of rivers with his camera.
All topics of C’t Photography 1/2025 at a glance
you will receive Current issue of C’t Photography (1/2025) for 12.90 euros in the Heise Shop. There you will also see a complete overview of the content and information about the particular online additional content we offer through a clearly designed user interface, as well as preview images and editorials. The version for ePaper and Amazon Kindle costs 12.49 euros.
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