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

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.

DJI Neo in flight in front of trees

DJI Neo review: autonomous simplicity with a few surprises up its sleeve

By James Abbott last updated

Recommended

The versatile DJI Neo can be controlled in multiple ways and allows users to capture simple 4K video and 12MP JPEG photos with ease.

Polaroid Go 2 Polaroid Go 2 on a wooden floor

Polaroid Go 2 review: retro fun

By James Abbott published

The Polaroid Go 2 brings back the enjoyment of instant analog photography in a miniaturized format.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone in flight on a intermittent cloudy day

DJI Mavic 4: what we want to see

By James Abbott published

The rumored DJI Mavic 4 could be on the horizon now that the popular Mavic 3 series is three years old.

Olympus OM-1 Mark II

OM System OM-1 II review: the pint-sized powerhouse

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Olympus OM-1 Mark II isn't a huge upgrade on its predecessor, but it's still a hugely impressive camera.

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS controls

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS review: double your reach

By James Abbott published

Recommended

An ultra-long OM System telephoto zoom offering incredible image stabilization for enthusiast wildlife photographers.

Holy Stone Sirius HS900 inflight against a cloudy sky

Holy Stone HS900 review: should DJI be looking over its shoulder?

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Holy Stone HS900 is not only Holy Stone’s best-ever drone, but it also delivers features not commonly seen with similarly priced sub-250g drone models.

Manfrotto Elements MII tripod stood on grass supporting a mirrorless camera

Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium review: superb value

By James Abbott published

Great Value

Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium is a compact and fairly lightweight travel tripod ideal for those on a budget.

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod at minimum height

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod review: incredible versatility

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod is a versatile option with a unique feature up its sleeve, although it is heavy.

Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 tripod folded away on concrete ground

Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 review

By James Abbott published

Editor's Choice

The Gitzo tripod kit Traveler series 1 is a premium travel tripod kit offering excellent build quality and smooth operation.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod at minimum height

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod review

By James Abbott published

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a lightweight and compact travel tripod aimed at enthusiasts.

Peak Design Travel Tripod at minimum height

Peak Design Travel Tripod review – triumphant unique design

By James Abbott published

The Peak Design Travel Tripod features a unique design that makes it incredibly compact and lightweight.

SJCAM SJ20 Dual Lens Action Camera on a wooden floor

SJCAM SJ20 Dual Lens Action Camera Review: unfulfilled potential

By James Abbott published

The SJCAM SJ20 is the world’s first action camera to provide two cameras and lenses for daylight and night capture.

The Sony A7R V angled on a table

Sony A7R V review

By James Abbott last updated

Recommended

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

Photographer shooting landscape photography

I spent $500 on a geared tripod head, and here’s why you should, too…

By James Abbott published

After years of dithering, I finally treated myself to an expensive geared tripod head. And I don't regret a thing.

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 screengrab to show the features and interface of this photo editing software

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 review: an Adobe alternative, but it's not for pros

By James Abbott published

Recommended

Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 is a Windows-only image management, raw processing, and editing alternative to Adobe's offerings.

Two cheap drones on a green gift guide background

These cheap drones under $500 are great gift ideas for first time flyers

By James Abbott published

Take to the skies this Christmas with one of the best drones for less than $500.

Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a frosty wooden table

Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S review: the lightest telephoto prime lens of its kind

By James Abbott published

Recommended

The Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is a compact and lightweight professional telephoto lens that provides excellent image quality for professionals.

Ryze Tello drone on a red background

This cheap camera drone is an awesome gift idea for the budding photographer wanting to get airborne

By James Abbott published

The best drone models to buy for your kids this Christmas to get them airborne shooting photos and videos.

Kandao QooCam 3 on a wooden table

Kandao QooCam 3 review: an enticing Insta360 and GoPro alternative

By James Abbott published

The QooCam 3 360-degree camera is an enticing alternative to Insta360 and GoPro alternatives thanks to its low-light credentials.

Nikon Z f with the Nikkor PC-E 45mm f/2.8 attached

This amazing Nikon Zf feature changes manual focusing forever – and even works with vintage lenses

By James Abbott published

The Nikon Zf offers a range of manual focus features that make it one of the best mirrorless cameras available for vintage lenses.

Fujifilm X100V and camera accessories on a wooden floor

The 8 Fujifilm X100V accessories I can’t live without

By James Abbott published

The essential small-form-factor accessories I use to keep my X100V kit compact, lightweight and highly versatile.

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