Articles by: James Abbott

TechRadar The source for Tech Buying Advice

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

A closeup of the three cameras of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro consumer drone

I've spent hours flying the DJI Mavic 3 Pro – and now I can’t go back to a two-camera drone

By James Abbott published 20 May 23

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s three cameras set a new benchmark for consumer drones, but only if you need them

DJI Inspire 3 drone in flight against a blue sky

DJI Inspire 3 review – great heights

By James Abbott published 16 May 23

Editor's Choice

The DJI Inspire 3 is a powerful drone with precise control and next-level image quality, aimed at professional filmmakers, and priced accordingly.

Cheap 4K drone on a table opened into flying position

I bought the cheapest 4K drone I could find – and it’s shockingly awful

By James Abbott published 13 May 23

TechRadar's drone expert scoured the internet to find the cheapest 4K drone available and took it to the skies to shoot some video and photos, or at least he tried to.

Why the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM is the only lens you'll ever need

By James Abbott published 28 March 23

Opinion One lens to rule them all thanks to its excellent image quality, compact size and light weight

The Sony FE 50mm f1.4 on a chipboard surface

Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM review

By James Abbott published 24 March 23

Recommended

The Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM is an outstanding lens in terms of image quality and performance but it comes with a premium price tag that could be prohibitive for many.

Camera on a tripod with square filters and colorful golden hour in scenic seascape

5 reasons why photographers no longer need a tripod

By James Abbott published 11 March 23

With all the advances in camera technology and handheld shooting easier than ever, do photographers even need a tripod anymore? Here’s our five cases against the tripod

Potensic Atom SE review

By James Abbott published 9 March 23

The Potensic Atom SE is a budget beginner drone in the sub 250g category and it's the best available at its price point despite limited camera functionality.

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G attached to Sony A7C on wooden table

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G review

By James Abbott published 6 March 23

The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G is an ‘everyday’ lens for enthusiasts looking for one lens to cover most situations they find themselves in. Image quality impresses, besides strong optical distortion.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic review

By James Abbott published 23 February 23

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic has a single Hasselblad 20MP 4/3 camera plus advanced flight and safety features, meaning absolute beginners and experienced pilots alike can fly with confidence.

Sony A7C on top of a table with lens attached and flu out screen

Sony A7C review: Tiny full-frame with compromises

By James Abbott published 19 February 23

A full-frame sensor in a compact rangefinder-style body offers an intriguing yet flawed proposition

DJI Mini 3 Review

By James Abbott published 10 February 23

The DJI Mini 3 delivers the excellent image quality of the Mini 3 Pro, but its relative affordability means certain safety compromises.

Holy Stone HS700E review

By James Abbott published 2 February 23

A beginner-level drone with a non-folding lightweight design that flies well, but is let down by poor image quality.

Sony A7R V review

By James Abbott published 16 January 23

The Sony A7R V is a 61MP full-frame powerhouse with some powerful new autofocus features. Is it a Canon EOS R5 killer?

The Polaroid SX-70, Epson RD-1 and Olympus Trip 35 cult cameras on a blue background

Ranked: the best cult cameras ever

By James Abbott published 30 December 22

From toy models to some of the best SLRs ever made, we rank the iconic cameras that have become cult classics.

The Insta360 One RS camera sitting on a wooden table

Got a new 360 camera? Here's how to set it up to shoot great videos

By James Abbott published 29 December 22

If you got a new 360 camera for Christmas, our tips will help you shoot great-looking videos from the off.

Why cheap drones are a false economy – and how to land a bargain

By James Abbott published 15 October 22

Buying the cheapest drone you can find may not always be the best option, but our tips will fly you in the right direction.

BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit review

By James Abbott published 14 October 22

A beginner's drone for those just learning to fly, though it's not for those who want to shoot photographs and video.

Flying the DJI Avata is a lot harder than it looks in the drone's trailers

By James Abbott published 4 September 22

FPV for the masses is a whole lot of fun, but it’s still not first-person view flying as we know it unless you’re an expert pilot.

A laptop screen showing a before and after photo restoration in Photoshop

How to restore your old photos for free or with Photoshop

By James Abbott published 20 August 22

Looking to restore your old photos for free or with Photoshop? We've picked out the three best techniques to help you do just that.

A DJI drone in the air connected to the Insta360 Sphere 360 camera

I took my DJI drone videos to new heights with this unique 360 camera

By James Abbott published 13 August 22

With the Insta360 Sphere, the creative video possibilities endless if you're prepared to put in the hard

A laptop screen showing the RawTherapee software

The best free photo and video editing software for your new mirrorless camera

By James Abbott last updated 4 July 22

Got yourself a new mirrorless camera? Boost its photography and video skills with the best free software available.

An aerial view of mountain peaks and someone standing on a viewing platform

Sky art: the best drone photos of 2022 so far

By James Abbott published 4 June 22

Find inspiration in some of the most impressive aerial photos uploaded to the SkyPixel Awards.

A side on shot of the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro drone and the Autel EVO Nano+ drone on a concrete surface

DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Autel Evo Nano+: which is the best compact drone?

By James Abbott published 2 June 22

The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Autel Evo Nano+ are the two best compact drones you can buy. Which one should you buy?

The DJI Mini 2 drone in flight on a blue background

Should you buy DJI Care Refresh for your drone?

By James Abbott published 29 May 22

DJI’s after sales service plan can offer a cheap and easy form of drone insurance, but it’s not for everyone.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone in flight in a forest

I've spent hours flying the DJI Mini 3 Pro – here's why it'll replace my Mavic 2 Pro

By James Abbott last updated 24 May 22

I've always felt the DJI Mini series was too big a step down from its more premium drones, but the Mini 3 Pro changes that.

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