Articles by Jon Stapley, Freelancer

Writer, photographer and editor Jon Stapley is an expert in all things cameras and digital art.

Articles by: Jon Stapley

Triptych of three images from the iPhone Photography Awards 2026, including a black cat, an erupting volcano, and a parrot perched on a watermelon

A stunning low light capture of a volcanic eruption in Guatemala sweeps the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards — and it was taken on an iPhone 15 Pro

By Jon Stapley Published 3 July 26

Turns out you don't need the latest tech to win prestigious prizes.

Photograph of the Godox C100 palm-sized transparent window camera

Godox's $29 camera also works as a light meter — as a film photographer, I'm buying

By Jon Stapley Published 30 June 26

I love the idea of a pocketable light meter that's also a camera, and at this price... I'm tempted.

The GoPro Mission 1 may be top of the range, but my Prime Day pick is the heavily discounted Hero 13 Black

By Jon Stapley Published 26 June 26

The Hero 13 Black is still a great action camera, and these price drops make it unbeatable value.

Photograph of the Canon EOS RP sitting on a stone wall, with TechRadar 'Amazon Prime Day' graphic beside it

This Prime Day might be your last chance to buy this full-frame Canon camera — and it’s heavily discounted

By Jon Stapley Published 25 June 26

Canon is discontinuing one of its most popular cameras — get it for a bargain price while you can!

You don't need to skimp with a cheap action cam — DJI's discounted Action 4 is better quality — and much better value at its lowest-ever price

By Jon Stapley Published 24 June 26

With punchy 4K video and 18m waterproofing, this is the best buy for adventurous vloggers on Prime Day.

Split image with a Polaroid I-2 camera on the left and an Instax Wide Evo camera on the right

Polaroid vs Instax: I’m an instant camera addict and I’m team Polaroid all the way — here’s why

By Jon Stapley Published 24 June 26

Here's why I will always pick Polaroid instant film over Fujifilm Instax, despite the cost.

Polaroid Go 2 being held to show the small size

This crowd-pleasing Polaroid is the instant camera I’ll be taking to World Cup watch parties — now with over 20% off and a twinpack of film thrown in

By Jon Stapley Published 22 June 26

While I really liked the Polaroid Go Gen 3, I actually think its predecessor is the one to buy this Prime Day — here's why.

Photograph of man's hand holding Polaroid Go Gen 3 camera in white

The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is a palm-sized instant camera that produces lovely little prints — in the right conditions

By Jon Stapley Published 20 June 26

Recommended

The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is a minor refresh with a new lens and flash — even better for instant-film selfies,

Photograph of man's hand holding Camp Snap 2 digital camera, in yellow colorway

I tested the Camp Snap 2, and the follow-up to the viral screen-free compact camera is slimmer, quicker and more creative, and still deliciously cheap

By Jon Stapley Published 18 June 26

Recommended

With faster shooting and new filters, the Camp Snap 2 is basically the first camera again, but better. It'll sell like gangbusters.

Photograph of Camp Snap 2 small digital compact camera in white

Camp Snap returns with another ultra-cheap screen-free compact camera — and this is the new feature I’m most excited about

By Jon Stapley Published 2 June 26

Camp Snap's latest screen-free digital compact doesn't tinker with a winning formula, but adds a few upgrades I like the sound of.

Young man happily holding a Polaroid Go Gen 3 tiny instant camera to his eye, with the sea and a sunset visible in the background

Polaroid just launched the ‘world’s smallest instant camera’ — and this pocketable hit of 1980s nostalgia only has one big drawback

By Jon Stapley Published 2 June 26

Right place, right time — I think current trends for cute cameras and screen-free experiences are good news for the new Polaroid Go Gen 3.

Photograph of Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1

I'm a travel photographer, and I'm already dreaming of my next trip with Peak Design's clever new 2-in-1 backpack and camera bag

By Jon Stapley Published 2 June 26

Peak Design's four new camera bags got funded on Kickstarter to the tune of $2.4 million — but there's one I'm especially excited about

Ben Biggs holding his custom 'Blackbird' drone

Custom drone makers hit 453mph to (unofficially) break the record for fastest drone on earth — and hand-made sawtooth carbon fiber propellors made all the difference

By Jon Stapley Published 26 May 26

Carbon fiber propeller blades have powered a custom drone to break a world speed record – but it hasn't been officially recognised.

Photograph of Camp Snap CS-Pro digital compact camera

Camp Snap’s upgraded screen-free retro compact camera hits the right notes, and I love how affordable it is

By Jon Stapley Published 26 May 26

Recommended

The 'Pro' upgrade to the Camp Snap loses the shutter lag, ups the resolution, and adds a dial for retro-style filters.

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Photograph of RewindPix digital compact camera

I'm an analog photography nut, and this cheap compact is as close as a digital camera has come to capturing the feel of shooting film

By Jon Stapley Published 20 May 26

Recommended

Offering a treasure-trove of app-based film looks, the RewindPix is a heck of a lot of fun for retro-loving photographers.

A YouTube teaser for a Sony camera with the slogan Ready for the next R

Sony and Canon are unveiling new cameras on the same day next week — and I know which one I’m more excited about

By Jon Stapley Published 8 May 26

Sony has shared a teaser on it YouTube channel of a new 'R' camera – releasing the same week as a mysterious new Canon camera.

Photograph of Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 mini instant printer

I tested Polaroid’s kitschy square-format printer — it’s an addictive way to print and frame your smartphone snaps

By Jon Stapley Published 25 April 26

Recommended

An instant printer and frame for phone photos, the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 is a charming way to get more from your camera roll.

Photograph of a man's hand holding the Lomography Lomo MC-A analog compact camera, front facing

I’ve been testing film cameras for years, and the Lomography Lomo MC-A easily just became my favorite

By Jon Stapley Published 2 April 26

Recommended

A solid metal build, capable autofocus and manual settings control make this premium compact the new film camera to beat.

How to choose a drawing tablet for photo editing

By Jon Stapley Published 9 June 24

Looking to edit photos using a drawing tablet? We offer tips on how to choose the right tablet for photo editing.

Pen tablet vs. pen display vs. tablet – what is the best drawing tablet for digital creatives?

By Jon Stapley Published 8 June 24

Trying to choose a drawing tablet for digital art, photo editing or other creative pursuits? We compare the different types to help you choose.

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