Introduction
 |
Somehow another year has passed and it's already time for us to look back on the camera gear releases of the previous twelve months and pick the standout arrivals of 2022.
With Canon, Nikon and Sony all having launched pro-targeted sports cameras at the end of 2021, we thought this year might be a bit quiet, but a gentle trickle of launches developed into a deluge in the last few months. We saw OM Digital Solutions and Fujifilm both bring Stacked CMOS sensors down to slightly more accessible levels with their respective crop-sensor speed machines, and Canon and Sony both 'Mark up' their mid-range full-frame models. Nikon, meanwhile, has been one of a series of companies expanding its lens range amongst a flood of interesting releases. And that's before you get to the smartphones, drones and software, which only continue to improve and expand the capabilities of today's photographer.
There's a lot to keep track of (and still to fully review), but we've been busily shooting the latest releases in the studio and out in the real world to make sure we know how they compare. Here, then, are our awards for what we think are the most compelling new products of 2022. Let us know what yours would be in the comments.
Best Accessory
 |
Shortlist:
- GoPro Hero11 Black
- DJI Osmo Mobile 6
- Sony ECM-B10 microphone
- Apple Mac Studio desktop computer
Runner-up: GoPro Hero11 Black
Every year, GoPro adds some new features to its action cams that get hype, but ultimately a GoPro is a GoPro. This year, a fundamental change to the Hero 11 Black actually brought big dividends, making this the best GoPro we've seen in some time.
The change to a nearly square 8x7 sensor means that video shot with the Hero 11 Black can be cropped to a number of handy aspects, including vertical and square format. That includes the ability to can fit an entire 16:9 image in any orientation, so you can shoot the camera in its horizon-lock mode that keeps the image stable no matter how it's rotated or jostled in a dynamic situation. This nearly open-gate style of shooting unlocks a ton of creative potential.
Of course, the Hero 11 Black offers a long list of video resolutions, bit rates (up to 5.3K and 10-bit in the Flat profile), frame rates (up to 240 fps) and cropping options. Compression artifacts are greatly improved, but it's still best used in bright light for video. As a relatively affordable supplemental camera, we think that the GoPro Hero 11 Black may be a worthy addition to your camera bag.
Winner: Apple Mac Studio
 |
Although we honored Apple's M1 Silicon family with a coveted DPReview award in 2021, we weren't prepared for how much further this hardware platform would stretch. In 2022, Apple answered the prayers of creatives by introducing a new pro-grade desktop that might be the most powerful computer the company has ever produced. In the Mac Studio, Apple took its M1 to the extreme, adding beefier cooling along with a doubling of cores and RAM configurable on the high end.
Its basic industrial design doesn't begin to hint at the architectural changes inside, particularly in the new M1 Ultra. Using a special bridge, the Ultra is two M1 Max processors stuck together, unlocking the ability to address up to 128 GB RAM and leverage 20 CPU cores and up to 64 GPU cores and a double-dose of Apple's encode/decode engines to boot. Ports are plentiful, as well, with an SDXC UHS-II card reader, multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, 10-gigabit ethernet, and even two legacy USB-A 3.0 ports and a high-impedance audio-out jack.
In our benchmark tests, the diminutive desktop kept pace with modern PC hardware, all while staying cool and nearly silent under load. It's worth appreciating how hard-pressed it would seem for a company to build a custom small form factor PC with this kind of unobtrusive, power-sipping performance, but Apple as done it. Years after the spendy, underwhelming $6,000 Mac Pro redo, the Mac Studio is a versatile, compact piece of kit that production houses and enthusiasts alike can justify buying.
Best Smartphone
 |
Shortlist:
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Runner-up: Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro may be the runner-up, but it’s not by much. This year, Apple revealed a new 48MP Type 1/1.28 (9.8x7.3mm) quad-pixel sensor for the 24mm equiv. main camera. Rounding out the trio of lenses on the rear of the device is a 12MP Type 1/2.55 (5.6x4.2mm) sensor behind a 13mm equiv. F2.2 lens and a 12MP Type 1/3.5 (4x3mm) sensor behind a 77mm equiv. F2.8 lens.
While the main camera will most often result in a 12MP image using the quad-pixel design (which merges quartets of pixels together for improved image quality), it's capable of capturing 48MP ProRaw files. These files have proven to be very flexible in terms of post-processing, but the file size is a limiting factor.
A single 48MP ProRaw file comes in around 75MB, which is especially impractical considering Apple is still using its proprietary Lightning connection, which has a transfer rate of just 480Mbps. If you’re only editing and sharing photos from your phone, that might not be a problem (except for the fact that you’re going to need a lot of onboard and cloud-based storage), but it does feel as though Apple’s stand-out photo feature for its latest flagship devices is curtailed by Apple’s choice to continue using its Lightning connector.
Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro
 |
Google has taken a steady, iterative approach with its line of Pixel smartphones over the years. This year is no different in many ways, but the consistent improvements and increasingly capable image processing pipeline and workflow makes the Pixel 7 Pro our top pick for 2022. It's worth noting that the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is, without question, the most capable smartphone camera we've tested this year, but considering it's limited to China, its usefulness as anything other than a camera is of limited utility elsewhere in the world.
Getting back to the Pixel 7 Pro, Google has put a well-rounded camera setup into a smartphone that has what is arguably the best Android experience out there. It doesn't have the 48MP ProRAW of the iPhone 14 Pro, nor the 10x telephoto module the Samsung S22 has, but its Portrait mode has improved, it has a new Macro mode and Night Mode is substantially faster than its predecessor.
Google also added a sensor crop mode for its main and telephoto cameras, giving you a little extra reach on your shots for 2x and 10x zoom, respectively. There's also Photo Unblur to make blurry shots sharp, an updated Face Unblur feature as well as Cinematic Blur for video. All of these features combined with Google’s improved image processing pipeline results in a well-rounded camera system that can handle most any environment you throw its way.
Best Drone
 |
Shortlist:
- Autel EVO Nano+
- DJI Avata
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic
- DJI Mini 3 Pro
Runner-up: DJI Mini 3 Pro
Despite being the 800-pound gorilla in the consumer drone space, DJI continues to innovate, and the Mini 3 Pro proves that innovation happens in small packages. DJI originally launched its Mini series in 2019 as a line of sub-250g drones, aimed at falling below the weight threshold that requires registration with the FAA in the US and similar agencies in other countries. While lightweight, those early Mini models lacked advanced features, leaving many users looking for more.
DJI's answer this year was the Mini 3 Pro, which incorporates technologies from its more advanced models while still remaining under 250g. These include enthusiast-friendly features like a larger, 48MP sensor, 4K/60p video and 10-bit video capture using DJI's D-Cinelike color profile. A three-axis obstacle avoidance system adds an element of safety, and DJi's O3 transmission system ensures a robust and reliable signal. For greater flexibility, an optional, larger battery can extend flight time to 47 minutes, with the tradeoff that the drone will exceed 250g in total weight. The result is a capable and flexible drone that will likely fit in your jacket pocket.
In essence, the Mini 3 Pro is the best drone on the market today for anyone who wants a small, light, travel-friendly model that doesn't scrimp on advanced features or image quality.
Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Classic
 |
The Mavic 3 Classic is the Goldilocks drone many photographers and videographers have waited for. It shares the same airframe and primary camera as 2021's Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine drones, but leaves behind the more costly, premium features found on those models, including a secondary camera, ProRes video recording and additional onboard storage. Equally as important, the Mavic 3 Classic leaves behind those models' premium pricing, making it much more accessible to an enthusiast audience.
What makes the Mavic 3 Classic so compelling? To start, it's built around a large (for a drone) 20MP Four Thirds sensor, and its variable-aperture lens provides more flexibility to manage exposure than most models. It's capable of capturing 5.1K/50p or 4K/120p video, and has support for 10-bit D-Log and HDR recording profiles. This is a camera that's capable of capturing stunning stills or video in the right hands. To top it off, the Mavic 3 Classic also includes omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and delivers an impressive 46-minute flight time, meaning you won't be as rushed to get the shot.
In short, the Mavic 3 Classic hits the sweet spot for users who want the best image quality available at a price that doesn't break the bank, which is why it earns our Drone of the Year award.
Best zoom lens
 |
Shortlist:
- OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
- Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
Runner-up: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
The Sony FE PZ 16-35 F4 G is a versatile video-centric lens that includes tons of manual controls, a compact and lightweight build (350g), weather-sealing and more, making it feel right at home on a stills camera as well.
DPReview editors loved this lens for its size and adaptability in offering customization for both stills and videos without feeling like one was giving up something for the other. It's a great lens for travel, street photography or lean video shoots on location.
This lens excelled in quick autofocus and has a smooth power zoom, driven by 6 XD motors, making great video easy with little effort. We did have some hesitations about the plastic feel to the build quality and the lack of in-lens image stabilization. Still, we appreciated that the Sony FE PZ 16-35 F4 G was able to be a great video lens without any sacrifice to still photographers, making this a great investment for hybrid shooters.
Winner: Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
 |
Take a flagship lens that was as reliable as it was consistent and ratchet everything up to 11 – that's the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, the most improved player on a team of all stars.
Sony improved its professional flagship zoom with better optics in every way, shape and form, with advancements in sharpness, macro capabilities, autofocus, contrast, ghosting, flare control, size and weight, and even a cleaner, smoother, satisfyingly soft bokeh, to produce a new king that plays nice with both stills and video.
Clever considerations such as a toggle switch to make the clickable aperture ring smooth, options for tight and smooth resistance on the zoom ring (useful for video where you don't want to accidentally nudge it), and a lens hood with a built-in door to adjust filters, only add to an otherwise stellar product.
We did feel a desire for a little more resistance to the manual focus ring, and would love to see a focus and zoom lock in a future version, but these are small gripes in an otherwise excellent lens, one which delivers premium quality at a premium price.
Best Prime Lens
 |
Shortlist:
- Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R WR
- Nikon Z 400mm F4.5 VR S
- Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F1.7 ASPH
- Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art
- Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art
Runner-up: Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The 20mm and 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art primes were two of our favorite lenses this year, with each offering an excellent combination of image quality, size and price. The 24mm is probably going to be the more popular of the pair, simply because 24mm equiv is such a versatile focal length, but we're giving our award to the more unusual 20mm lens.
The 20mm was primarily conceived as a lens for astrophotography and it shows, with factors like coma being well-controlled. It's this single-minded focus on the photographer's needs that makes it stand out for us.
Winner: Nikon Z 400mm F4.5 VR S
 |
The Nikon 400mm F4.5 would be a contender for this award based on concept alone: a relatively small, relatively affordable super telephoto prime lens from one of the major camera makers. But it wins our award because our experiences with it so far have been really positive. The inclusion of image stabilization and solid optical and autofocus performance make it a really attractive alternative to combining a 70-200 F2.8 with a 2x teleconverter (giving you 400mm F5.6 at the long end).
If the camera makers are going to try to sell increasingly fast full-frame cameras as their main enthusiast-targeted products, it's essential that they're backed up with the lenses those photographers need. Super telephotos lenses can't be the $10,000+ preserve of the professionals; if the manufacturers want to push us all to full-frame, a sub-$3,500 long telephoto option, with a usefully fast aperture and compatibility with teleconverters, brings sports and wildlife shooting within reach of a great many photographers. This is a step in the right direction, and it's hand-holdable, too.
Best consumer camera 2022
 |
Shortlist:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Canon EOS R7
- Fujifilm X-H2S
- OM System OM-1
Runner-up: Fujifilm X-H2S
The Fujifilm X-H2S is a close runner-up in this category. Its price may seem high for an APS-C camera, but the more you use it, the more you appreciate how much it's capable of.
On the stills front, it can shoot at up to 40 frames per second and, especially if you're willing to experiment a little with the C-AF settings, can autofocus and track to a high standard, even at its higher speeds. On the video side it offers 4K at up to 120p, with a host of color, codec and bitrate options including ProRes capture. Video autofocus isn't such a strong point, but its combination of speed and all-round ability make it a hugely strong contender. Solid build and good ergonomics make it a pleasure to use.
Winner: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
 |
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is our current pick in what's probably the most competitive part of the market: the $2000-2500 mirrorless camera space. It builds on the enormously likable EOS R6 with a higher-resolution sensor and improved video performance. As with the X-H2S, the main reason it stands out it its impressive versatility, with Canon pipping the Fujifilm thanks to the higher image quality its larger sensor can deliver.
First and foremost, the EOS R6 II can capture images with tremendous image quality and is engaging to shoot with. But it's the range of situations in which it can shoot that helps it stand out. Rolling shutter is certainly present (you're not getting Stacked-CMOS performance and full-frame image quality at this price), but its well-enough controlled for the camera's 40fps shooting capability to be usable for all but the fastest of subjects. Likewise, while the video AF isn't quite as dependable as the very best, it's still pretty usable, which helps make its video easier to shoot.
Best High-end camera 2022
 |
Shortlist:
- Sony A7R V
- Canon EOS R5 C
- Leica M11
Runner-up: Leica M11
The ever-reliable engineers and designers working in Wetzlar, Germany refuse to mess with the tried-and-true Leica M recipe too much. The Leica M11, then, keeps the spirit of the M3 alive in a decidedly digital-first world. Built around a new 60MP dual-gain full frame sensor, the M11 continues to put manual focusing and the legendary optical rangefinder first.
The M11's two color options represent different construction, with the chrome version sporting traditional brass panels while the black is a lighter aluminum build. A convenient USB-C port should make charging faster, and can speed up direct file transfers as well. The new battery design eliminates the film-camera-like removable bottom panel in favor of a quickly swappable modular design like on the Leica Q2.
Of course it's eyewateringly expensive, but the M11 shows Leica's dedication to a slower, more methodical shooting style. In a year when other manufacturers are busy chasing AI-powered AF and blistering burst rates, Leica stuck to its guns. In the future, if/when Leica introduces an M with a built-in EVF, we'll miss pure, high-end rangefinders like the M11.
Winner: Sony A7R V
 |
Never one to rest on its laurels, Sony's latest high-res stills camera builds on a successful platform, with the A7R V bringing pro-grade features to an attainable high-end body. While it still contains the familiar 60MP BSI sensor from the previous model, its autofocus capabilities, stabilization, menus, and video all got meaningful upgrades that significantly improve the way the camera operates.
It's a testament to how mature the FE ecosystem is at this point that Sony can file down what few remaining rough edges still exist and meaningfully improve the shooting experience. That's exactly what we saw in the A7R V this year.
The end result is a very capable, adaptable stills camera for portraits and landscapes. We love its flexible flip screen, human detection capabilities, and impressively detailed RAW files. It might not be a hybrid video powerhouse (rolling shutter remains a nagging issue), and the clunky high-res mode is still a hassle, but on the whole we're very impressed – enough to name the A7R V as our high-end camera of the year.
Innovation of the year 2022
 |
Shortlist:
- DJI Mini 3 Pro
- Canon EOS R5 C – dual interfaces for stills and video
- Adobe Camera Raw HDR support
- Capture One wireless tethering
Runner-up: Canon R5 C – dual interfaces for stills/video
Canon's EOS R5 C is the first camera we've encountered to offer entirely distinct interfaces and menus for its stills and video modes. While that might sound like forcing you to essentially learn two cameras, it actually delivers two very focused, clutter-free experiences, tied together by a consistency of visual language and design logic.
We're increasingly seeing cameras adopt dedicated stills/video switches that present different menu tabs and offer the ability to select different stills and video values for various camera settings, but none have gone so far as the Canon. We're not as impressed by the time taken for the camera to boot up in each of its modes, or its lack of IBIS, but the idea of utterly dedicated interfaces might be one solution to the increasingly overwhelming menu systems of modern cameras, as well reducing the impact on stills-only photographers of the increasingly complex video functions on modern cameras.
Winner: HDR support in Adobe Camera Raw
 |
We've been watching HDR TVs and monitors become increasingly commonplace, with evolving support allowing streaming services to deliver HDR video to our homes. Unfortunately, the movement to allow photographers to exploit these displays' capabilities has been slower paced. Companies including Canon, Panasonic and Sony all make cameras that output 10-bit, lifelike HDR images, yet there's previously been little support for software to edit or create such files.
Adobe is poised to change that, though, with an HDR Output option in its Camera Raw plug-in. It's currently a Mac-only Technology Preview (beta implementation), but even in its rough form it provides a powerful mechanism for visualizing and creating images that take advantage of the brighter brights and darker darks that the latest displays can reproduce.
The infrastructure for sharing these images and being certain that the person receiving them can view them correctly is still being developed, but ACR already supports both JPEG XL and AVIF, two of the formats most likely to achieve widespread adoption.
The HDR Output feature isn't our innovation of the year just because it's something we'd been waiting for. It's because it's a key piece of the jigsaw required to let your photos look more striking and more lifelike. The ability to make bright light in your photos shine like it did in the real world is a major innovation for all photographers.
Product of the year 2022
 |
Shortlist:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic
- Fujifilm X-H2S
- Sony a7R V
Runner-up: Canon EOS R6 II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a very capable camera, which is why we gave it our best mid-price camera award. Its combination of image quality, autofocus performance, video capability and fast shooting rate makes it an excellent companion almost regardless of what you plan to shoot.
Despite this, we've chosen to reverse the winners for our Product of the Year category, partly because we're less focused on stills in this category, and the winner is a stronger video shooter, but also because the EOS R6 II is an incremental update to an already good camera, so there's much that's already familiar about it.
Winner: Fujifilm X-H2S
 |
The Fujifilm X-H2S is our product of the year, primarily because it's an excellent camera, but also because it's an ambitious one. Stacked CMOS technology has underpinned a host of fast-shooting cameras in the past few years, including the OM System OM-1 that can shoot at up to 50fps with autofocus and the Sony a1, which combines 50MP resolution with the ability to shoot at 30 frames per second, but Fujifilm has done more than just offer pure speed. As was done with the OM-1, Fujifilm has also used the fast sensor to deliver information to a series of AF algorithms trained to recognize subjects, but on top of this, the company has also raised its game in terms of video.
The X-H2S's video specs build on what the company had done with the X-T4, adding very high bitrate ProRes recording. On top of this is the addition of the F-Log2 profile, which encodes a wider dynamic range, and the camera's ability to shoot in 14-bit mode to improve deep shadow noise when doing so. So, while we feel the Canon EOS R6 Mark II's image quality gives it the win in the mid-price camera category, we think the X-H2S is the more ambitious product, raising our expectations of what a hybrid camera can do.
from Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) https://ift.tt/3r0ej4C
via IFTTT
0 comments: