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

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.

Sony A7R V on a multi-color background

Best cameras for landscape photography 2025: 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.

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.

photo book

Best free photo and video editing software for your new mirrorless camera of 2025

By James Abbott last updated

We list the best free photo and video editing software for your new mirrorless camera, to make it simple and easy to better manage the photos you take.

DJI Mini 3

DJI Mini 3 Review

By James Abbott last updated

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

HoverAir X1 PRO / PROMAX in flight

HoverAir X1 PRO review: the ultimate selfie drone

By James Abbott published

Recommended

With two options to choose from, the HoverAir X1 PRO and PROMAX deliver 4K and 8K video capabilities alongside solid selfie drone performance.

DJI Mini 4K and DJI Neo drones on plain colorful background

I'm a drone expert and trust me, the DJI Mini 4K is a better first drone than the DJI Neo – here are 5 reasons why

By James Abbott published

The DJI Neo may have taken the drone world by storm, but I think the DJI Mini 4K is the better choice for beginner pilots.

llano 18W Fast Dual USB Charger and llano NP-FZ100 compatible batteries

I'm fed up that cameras don't come with chargers anymore, but there's an ingenious solution for Canon and Sony

By James Abbott published

Camera kits often don't come with a charger, so in steps Llano with its tempting affordable multi-battery charger alternative for Canon and Sony cameras.

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra in use

Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra review: the best 8K 360-degree camera?

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra is an 8K 360-degree camera offering a range of features and functions that make it Kandao's most versatile consumer camera to date.

Kodak Ektar H35 at an angle on a gray sofa

Kodak Ektar H35 review: style over substance

By James Abbott published

If you're after a cheap and cheerful half-frame camera, then you can't go wrong with the Kodak Ektar H35. Just keep your expectations lo-fi.

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