James Abbott

James Abbott

James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech. James is also the author of ‘The Digital Darkroom: The Definitive Guide to Photo Editing’.

Articles by: James Abbott

Sony A7R V on a multi-color background

Best cameras for landscape photography: top picks for the great outdoors

By Timothy Coleman last updated

If you're looking for the best cameras for landscape photography, our guide ranks all the best options and reveals how to pick the right one for you.

V-Copter Falcon Mini in flight against a blue sky

I flew the world’s lightest bi-copter drone, and it’s the most fun I’ve had outside of FPV drones – but there's a catch

By James Abbott published

The V-Copter Falcon Mini is a unique and innovative bi-copter drone — but while fight is a lot of fun, the camera is far from the best I’ve seen.

Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro on a wooden floor with the follow focus motor attached

I've finally found the only gimbal I need — here's why the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is my go-to stabilizer for every camera I own

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is a versatile gimbal that can stabilize most cameras, including phones, and offers some fantastic features.

Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera on a tripod in a city

I tested the Enlaps Tikee 4, and it’s the best timelapse camera I’ve ever used for several reasons

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Enlaps Tikee 4 timelapse camera is the best option for long-form timelapse capture thanks to its features and great image quality.

Enlaps Tikee Mini+ on a wall

I tested the Enlaps Tikee mini+ 4K timelapse camera – it’s a breeze to use, but the extra costs sure do add up

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Enlaps Tikee mini+ timelapse camera delivers fanatsic image quality alongside ease of use, all with an incredibly simple design.

Antigravity A1 in flight

I tested the Antigravity 360 drone – and only a sky-high price tag brings this unique DJI rival down to earth

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Antigravity A1 is an innovative 360-degree drone that uses FPV goggles and a motion controller for an immersive experience while capturing up to 8K video.

Sirui SVM-145P monopod

Monopods have come a long way, and the Sirui SVM-145P takes this simple camera support to new heights

By James Abbott published

The Sirui SVM-145P is a versatile and robust monopod with fast operation and an impressive maximum payload, making it ideal for photography and video.

Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 in a field

I’ve been using the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 for several weeks, and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a travel tripod and more

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 is a compact, lightweight and highly versatile tripod that could be the only tripod you ever need.

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit

I tested the Freewell Real Locking filter kit, and now it’s my go-to filter system for photography and video

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL filter kit is a stackable filter solution for photography and video that moves away from magnetic attachment in favour of locking clips.

Boya Magic 4-in-1 microphone

I tested Boya's unique 4-in-1 wireless mic – it does the job of many, with effective AI noise reduction to boot

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The Boya Magic is an affordable 4-in-1 mic that can be used as a lavalier, on-camera, handheld and desktop mic, with fantastic AI noise cancellation.

Ulanzi GlideGo Travel Tripods side by side on grass

I’ve just found a pair of travel tripods that surprise and excite me in equal measure, and the video version is truly something special

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The Ulanzi GlideGo Travel Tripod and GlideGo Video Tripod are a unique pair of tripods offering unique features and functionality that could make a creative difference.

NiSi V7 with True Color NC CPL front view attached to a lens with a filter attached

I’ve used the NiSi V7 kit for a long time, and it’s the best filter holder I’ve used by a long shot

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The NiSi V7 with True Color NC CPL is a 100mm filter holder that comes in a comprehensive kit for an incredibly attractive price.

Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE attached to a Sony A7R V

I tested the surprisingly cheap Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 LAB lens for Sony cameras, and it's made me fall in love with the 35mm focal length

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE is an impressive lens in every way, and comes in at an amazingly attractive price you may not be able to resist.

Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE attached to a Sony A7R III view from above

I tested the Viltrox 16mm F1.8 and it's now my go-to ultra-wide prime for landscape and astrophotography

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE is an impressive ultra-wide-angle prime lens that offers pro-grade performance and image quality at an affordable price.

Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle attached to a metal fence

The Brinno BCC5000 is an amazing construction timelapse camera kit, just short of its full potential

By James Abbott published

The Brinno BCC5000 Time Lapse Bundle takes long-form timelapse capture to new levels thanks to advanced features, functionality and a weatherproof housing.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro in flight against a blue sky facing towards the camera with the drone camera and gimbal visible

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone is something special – I'd buy it just for the mind-blowing tilt and rotate camera tricks

By James Abbott published

The ability to look up, look down and to be able to rotate the three DJI Mavic 4 Pro cameras is truly mind-blowing.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro in flight against a blue sky

I’ve reviewed every DJI drone, and the triple-camera Mavic 4 Pro sets a new benchmark for what’s possible

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The DJI Mavic Pro 4 has raised the bar beyond expectations with some seriously impressive features and functionality.

Potensic Atom 2 in flight against a blue sky

I've spent hundreds of hours testing drones, and the Potensic Atom 2 is easily the best DJI alternative I've flown

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Potensic Atom 2 builds on the success of the Atom and Atom SE to deliver Potensic's most impressive sub-250g drone to date.

photographer wearing an f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond

I'm an outdoors photographer, and this f-stop backpack has gone on every photography trip with me for many years – here's my long-term review

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond is a modular photography backpack designed for the outdoors that can comfortably carry all of your camera and outdoor gear.

Shooting with a Samsung Galaxy Ultra smartphone

I shot and edited this photo with my Samsung Galaxy Ultra and Adobe Lightroom Mobile – here's how you can get pro results with just your phone

By James Abbott published

We explain how to get professional-looking photos entirely using your phone, from the camera app to editor.

Mindshift Backlight 26L being worn

Mindshift Backlight 26L review: a lightweight outdoor backpack you can depend on

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Mindshift Backlight 26L is a versatile and lightweight outdoor backpack offering 26 liters of storage, including space for personal items such as essential outdoor gear.

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 folded away and on a wooden table

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 review: pro quality, competitive price

By James Abbott last updated

Editor's Choice

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 is a travel tripod that offers pro-level build quality and features for an enthusiast price.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM attached to a Canon EOS R1

Canon's hefty ultra-wide zoom lens for pros doesn't disappoint, but its excellence relies heavily on lens corrections

By James Abbott published

The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is an impressive professional lens, but it's also expensive, heavy and relies on lens corrections.

Canon EOS R1 mirrorless camera with red brick background

Canon EOS R1 review: a five star high-speed powerhouse for pros, with a sky-high price

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Canon EOS R1 is a high-speed professional camera built to withstand the rigors of professional use, but it comes at a high cost many will struggle to justify.

DJI Flip in flight against a blue sky

DJI Flip review: a new breed of beginner drone

By James Abbott published

The DJI Flip is a multi-use camera and vlog drone with an innovative, first-of-its-kind folding design.

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