Articles by: James Abbott

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James Abbott

James Abbott is a professional portrait and landscape photographer, and a freelance photography journalist producing words and pictures for the best photography magazines in the UK. James is also a qualified college lecturer and has taught photography and Photoshop to a wide range of age groups and situations including one-to-one, group and distance learning.

Articles by: James Abbott

The Leica M11 in a leather case resting on a table

Are Leica cameras worth their price tags?

By James Abbott published 15 January 22

Analysis The new Leica M11 has stirred an age-old debate. Are Leica cameras overpriced luxury indulgences, or priceless workhorses?

A hard drive and laptop screen showing the Lightroom and Google Photos logos

How to build the ultimate photo backup for Adobe Lightroom or Google Photos

By James Abbott last updated 11 January 22

Tech resolutions Looking to start the new year by getting your Lightroom or Google Photos backups sorted? Our in-depth guide is for you.

Got a new DJI drone? Here's how to set it up to take great photos and video

By James Abbott published 27 December 21

Woken up to find a DJI drone has kindly flown into your Christmas stocking? Here's how to set it up and get shooting.

Festive photography: 7 great Christmas photo ideas to try with your new camera

By Phil Hall, James Abbott, Mark Wilson published 26 December 21

Stuck for photo inspiration this festive period? It's time to spice things up with these great Christmas-themed photo ideas.

The DJI Mavic 3 drone sitting on a green surface

DJI Mavic 3 review

By James Abbott published 5 November 21

The DJI Mavic 3 is the most powerful folding drone we've seen, but it's also expensive and missing a few features at launch.

Why I might not buy the DJI Mavic 3 (despite selling my DJI Mavic 2 Pro)

By James Abbott published 30 October 21

Opinion The DJI Mavic 3 is strongly rumored to launch soon, but here's why I'm undecided about upgrading – despite recently selling my DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

The image size box in Photoshop showing an image of some hills

How to resize images in Photoshop

By James Abbott published 9 October 21

Increase and decrease the dimensions of your photos while maintaining optimal quality

A hand using a cloth to clean a camera lens

How to clean your camera lens

By James Abbott published 3 October 21

Noticed a some unusual spots in your photos? You probably need to clean your camera lens – these are the best ways to do it safely.

How to fly your DJI drone: 7 steps to becoming a confident drone pilot

By James Abbott published 2 October 21

Follow these steps to get your DJI drone safely into the air and ready to shoot dynamic aerial stills and video.

Land grabs: 26 essential landscape photography tips you need to know

By James Abbott published 19 August 21

Updated Struggling for landscape snapping inspiration? These 26 ideas and techniques will give your landscape photography a leg-up to the next level.

A phone screen with a Lighthouse in the Lightroom app

How to master the Lightroom app for next-level smartphone snaps

By James Abbott published 16 August 21

Photography Week 2021 Looking to take your phone snaps from lukewarm to chef's kiss? Our in-depth guide to the Adobe Lightroom app has the perfect recipe.

Close-up of DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone camera and gimbal

Should I buy a DJI drone in 2021?

By James Abbott last updated 25 August 21

It's been a tumultuous year for DJI, so is the world's biggest drone maker still the best in its flying camera field?

DJI Mavic 2 Pro review

By James Abbott published 15 June 21

Recommended

Updated Our former number one drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro remains a great option if you need features like variable aperture.

DJI Air 2S vs DJI Mavic 2 Pro: which is the best drone for you?

By James Abbott last updated 25 August 21

Versus Trying to decide whether to buy the new DJI Air 2S or its older Mavic 2 Pro cousin? We're here to explain which one you should get.

A week with the Fujifilm GFX100S: why I'll be buying it over the Sony A1

By James Abbott published 22 May 21

Opinion A camera that can do everything is incredible, but specialist cameras like the Fujifilm GFX100S are still usually the better option.

Why the DJI Air 2S has convinced me to sell my DJI Mavic 2 Pro

By James Abbott published 17 April 21

Opinion The DJI Air 2S packs impressive features into a lightweight package – it's a combo that's convinced me to trade in my trusty Mavic 2 Pro.

DJI Air 2S review

By James Abbott last updated 7 January 22

Best in Class

The DJI Mavic Air 2S packs a serious punch thanks to its 1-inch sensor and compact size, making it the best drone available for most people.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM review

By James Abbott published 28 March 21

Best in Class

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 is an incredible lens that produces beautiful images, for a considerable cost.

Sony A1 review

By James Abbott last updated 28 April 21

Recommended

The Sony A1 is a truly remarkable camera that covers almost every photographic style, but specialist models will likely be more practical for most of us.

DJI FPV drone review

By James Abbott, Mark Wilson last updated 25 August 21

The DJI FPV is a unique, first-person view drone for beginners. But despite being fun, it doesn't quite rise above its quirks and limitations.

DJI FPV drone laws: where and how can you actually fly DJI's new drone?

By James Abbott last updated 10 March 21

With the DJI FPV, first-person view drones are about to go mainstream – here are all the laws you need to know about flying them.

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM review

By James Abbott last updated 11 November 21

The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM is a super-premium prime lens for Alpha fans. But how it live up to its billing?

Got a new DJI drone? Here's how to set it up and take great photos

By James Abbott published 27 December 20

Woken up to find a DJI drone has miraculously flown into your Christmas stocking? Here's how to set it up and get shooting.

Got a new camera? Here are 5 quick ways to take great photos with your kit lens

By Phil Hall, James Abbott, Chris Rowlands published 25 December 20

Updated Got a new camera and not sure where to start? These top tips will help you get great shots right out of the box.

Leica Q2 Monochrom review

By James Abbott published 8 December 20

A full-frame compact that only shoots in black and white might sound like folly, but the Leica Q2 Monochrom has won us over.