Year in Review

by Bjorn Petersen ·Posted
There were nearly 200 new lenses released this year, many of which were iterations of an existing lens. Many of the lenses were also wholly new designs, whether first-party designs to pair with a new flagship camera or third-party innovations designed to fill the gaps in existing lineups. With such a breadth of new lenses available in the past 12 months, we're narrowing things down to cover some of the highlights and most unique or exciting lenses that came out
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Songwriters, producers, and audio engineers looking to upgrade their MacBook may be wondering if it’s worth investing in Apple’s latest MacBook Pro with the M4 chip or whether previous models offer sufficient performance for typical audio production needs. With that question in mind, let’s take a brief look at what the new MacBook Pro is capable of and who it is ideally designed for. And for those focusing on song production, scoring, and typical
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Whether you’re in the market for your first podcast microphone or looking to upgrade the one you have, we’ve put together a list of our favorite models to help you on your way. Read on to learn about some of the classic and iconic picks we have in store at B&H! Best Budget Podcasting Mics RODE PodMic Let’s start with the best seller in this category, the Rode PodMic. Designed specifically for
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Thanks to its powerful M4 architecture, the latest gen of Apple’s iPad Pro makes it easier than ever to create music without the assistance of a computer. As a songwriter, performer, and/or producer, the main questions you need to answer before investing in the new iPad Pro are how much internal storage you’re looking for, what kind of processing power you’ll need, and how big you want your screen to. You will
by M. Brett Smith ·Posted
The best beginner drones are easy to operate, durable, and come equipped with user-friendly features designed to help novice pilots get accustomed to operating a drone. Best Beginner Drone Overall: Potensic ATOM 2 Best Beginner Drone for Photography: DJI Mini 5 Pro Best Beginner FPV Drone: EMAX Tinyhawk III Best Value Beginner Drone:
by Mos Khan ·Posted
Choosing the best camera backpack is no easy task. Not only are there countless bag options to choose from, but because every photographer is different and has different needs and a different budget, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. To help make the selection process a little easier, we've put together a list of some of our favorite camera backpacks with reasons why we like them so much. 1. Shimoda Designs Urban Explore Backpack (Anthracite, 30L)
by Mathew Malwitz ·Posted
When it comes to choosing the right camera, there’s often a gap between the small, pocketable point-and-shoot cameras and larger mirrorless ones. While interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras have much to offer, their higher price points and larger form factor often make them unfeasible for the average photo enthusiast. It often leads to the question of how a photographer can bridge that gap. Enter the aptly named
by Steven Esposito ·Posted
With the recent unveiling of its upgraded MacBook Pro series—now featuring the unrivaled power of M4 silicon—Apple has once again redefined the landscape of artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of creative possibility further than ever before. But with new power comes new questions. Specifically, which configuration of MacBook Pro—of which, there are many—is right for you. If you're a photographer, the
by Luke Rollins ·Posted
In a stunning reversal of fortune, point-and-shoot cameras—which have long been dismissed as defunct—are currently experiencing a major resurgence. In both new and used markets, sales of point and shoots are way, fueled in part by nostalgia and the perceived shortcomings of smartphone cameras. With expanded feature sets, manual exposure controls, built-in and/or external flash support, and optical
by Bjorn Petersen ·Posted
Third-party lenses—those made by a brand other than the camera manufacturer—present a wide variety of creative opportunities and fiscal benefits. Though there are certain sacrifices with some third-party options, such as mount availability and autofocus/electronic compatibility, more often than not, you’re rewarded with benefits you can’t achieve with in-system, first-party lenses—for example, a different take on the size and speed of a particular
by Steven Wong ·Posted
Whether you’re updating an existing design or creating a layout from concept to finish, having the right monitor can help you effectively convey your message. But with so many options currently available, it can be difficult to decide which monitor is the right choice for you. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find a professional-level display that fits into your workflow, space, and budget. BenQ DesignVue Designer PD3225U Made with artists and designers in
by Zack Young ·Posted
2024 was a big year for video, as professional-level tools continued to become more accessible for aspiring filmmakers and creatives. Cinema cameras that cost less than ten grand can now compete with those that go for six figures. This opening up of the camera ecosystem means consumers have an increased power and ability to pick and choose exactly which features matter most to them. Once you decide what kind of projects you want to be shooting, you can
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Not all of us are blessed with guitar skills. And even for the talented among us, often, it just takes too long to record a clean phrase, pattern or bassline or come up with a fresh idea. That’s why adding a virtual guitarist to your studio can free you up to focus on the songwriting. We’ve put together our top favorite virtual guitars on the market in every category, from Fender Telecasters to upright acoustic basses. Acoustic and Electric Guitars Purely in terms of
by Zack Young ·Posted
When the Sony BURANO was first unveiled last fall, the big question on everyone's mind was how it would compare to Sony's other popular camera lineups. After months of extensive testing, the consensus among filmmakers was that the BURANO is something of a Swiss Army knife, an innovative cine camera that combines the best features from Sony's CineAlta, Cinema Line, and Alpha series into a portable powerhouse that's perfect
by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned keyboard pro looking for the best all-in-one solution for your composition, production or performance needs, we’ve got a great list of keyboard workstations in every price range. From hammer action keys to arpeggiators to variable voice polyphony, we’ll try to find the right keyboard features for you.  What Is a Keyboard Workstation? A