Rod Lawton
Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com
Latest articles by Rod Lawton
![best iPhone tripods and supports](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4F6MJJde8xAifRUg3rgFYM-320-80.jpg)
The best iPhone and smartphone tripods: for long exposures, night shots and selfies
By Rod Lawton last updated
UPDATED The best smartphone supports are small and light, simple to set up, and open up a world of creative shooting opportunities
![Pentax K-3 III Monochrome](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ax5DKXa5LD2J64QEfmd5wY-320-80.jpg)
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome review: not a black and white purchase
By Rod Lawton last updated
Review Now you don't have to buy a Leica to get a monochrome sensor. But what’s the point, and how well does it work?
![Portrait shoot with a photographer photographing a model under a blue light](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ftfLi2cpZ25DiAitmMUgob-320-80.jpeg)
The best camera for portraits in 2025: cameras that are perfect for people pics
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Updated The best camera for portraits needs to capture perfect facial perspective and beautiful background blur
![Leica SL3 camera on a wooden surface against a blue background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RMnVfATHaFwdSDthVp8kg4-320-80.jpg)
The best Leica cameras: from classic rangefinders to modern mirrorless
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Buying guide The best Leica cameras cost plenty, but they deliver plenty too, and there are more affordable Leicas to choose from too
![Platypod Delta](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e6x3mbRAxaPKBmwWgcdhKK-320-80.jpg)
Six alternative camera supports you might not even know existed
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion If we need to keep the camera steady we reach for a tripod, right? But tripods have limits and there are alternatives
![Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV with M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ zoom lens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/debpxUdf3Lu4BRnKRzSbYY-320-80.jpg)
Best lenses for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV
By Rod Lawton published
Buying guide We name the best lenses for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV, weighing up cost, convenience and quality
![Best Nikon Z lenses: Nikon Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II and Z50 mirrorless cameras](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X4Pn8SYPGMg2WorNHZo7hY-320-80.jpg)
The best Nikon Z lenses in 2025: the top buys for your Nikon Z-series mirrorless
By Adam Waring last updated
UPDATED Our list of the best Nikon Z lenses includes Nikon's zoom lenses, prime lenses and its two macro lenses
![Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2FNJtBqTcAtq7PDioUprtg-320-80.jpg)
Best lenses for the Panasonic Lumix S9 in 2025
By Rod Lawton published
Buying guide This compact full frame vlogging camera has caused quite a stir, so which are the best lenses for the Panasonic Lumix S9?
![Rod Lawton using Sony A7R V](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GzG7bqsn6tfhTy3XN73DNk-320-80.jpg)
Becoming a camera reviewer has spoiled my photography. Don't end up like me!
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Reviewing cameras and lenses sounds like a dream job, but it can turn every frame into a test, not a photograph
![Canon PowerShot G1 X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f3RDXVAbgMY6kYGcfNyvQ6-320-80.jpg)
I think these are the compact cameras that actually deserve to make a comeback
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Some compact and point and shoot cameras are making a comeback, but are they the ones we want?
![Sony A7C II camera with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5iE2r5RoP6H9CVZ95Swvzj-320-80.jpg)
The best Sony camera for vlogging, filmmaking and photography
By Gareth Bevan last updated
UPDATED These are the best Sony cameras right now for photographers, videographers, and content creation
![best tripod: man using tripod in sunny field](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gnt7zRELjCq6WGgn9Zgefd-320-80.jpg)
The best tripod for photographers: give your camera a rock-steady support
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide The best tripods offer high performance and sturdy build quality at a fair price, but which will win the three-legged race?
![Sony a1 II camera with a Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens attached on a brick wall in front of green plants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/54wVBQGryJcRoEXMmqkYeK-320-80.jpg)
Best lenses for the Sony A1 and A1 II: flagship cameras deserve top-class glass
By Rod Lawton published
Buying guide It’s the most powerful and versatile camera Sony has ever made, so what are the best lenses for the Sony A1 II?
![Best Olympus Lenses (OM System)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nF6nLhadYnv6q5UNXXPSw7-320-80.jpg)
The best Olympus / OM System lenses: great glass for Micro Four Thirds cameras
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated We pick the best Olympus lenses (OM System) to get right now, from compact primes to professional constant aperture zooms
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9Kk3sbNLZh8GcMF4wQnvSW-320-80.jpg)
Best Lightroom alternatives in 2025: Switching doesn't have to mean sacrificing powerful editing tools
By Hillary K. Grigonis last updated
Buying guide These are the best Lightroom alternatives for anyone who wants an all-in-one editor without a subscription
![Fujifilm X100VI camera on a slatted wooden table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yBZ6aFASdLCkMTLE2nBwCL-320-80.jpg)
The best Fujifilm cameras: from retro X-mount mirrorless to affordable medium format
By Gareth Bevan last updated
BUYING GUIDE The best Fujifilm cameras appeal to traditionalists, enthusiasts, and professionals alike, blending retro style with the latest tech
![Sigma fp L with Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens on wooden decking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NMKquN8VkeoJkfJKkvCDg9-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Sigma fp and fp L in 2025
By Rod Lawton published
Buying guide They are unique amongst full frame cameras, but how do you choose the best lenses for the Sigma fp and fp L?
![Best Sony lenses for video - Sony E PZ 10-20mm F4 G being used on a gimbal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LTGseYQwKiYLwzCoNVc9V-320-80.jpg)
Best Sony video lenses for vlogging and filmmaking
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying guide What are the best Sony video lenses for vloggers and filmmakers? Here are our top picks
![Sony A7S III](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umQ9pebmt7nXTvK2s8rDj9-320-80.jpg)
Best lenses for the Sony A7S III (and A7S II)
By Rod Lawton published
Buying guide The A7S III was launched back in 2020 and a lot has happened since – so what are the best lenses for the Sony A7S III today?
![Rolleicord TLR](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bNnDQf75v9vXdqpMntyEPd-320-80.jpg)
Why has no-one made a digital TLR camera, or is it only me that wants one?
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion The twin lens reflex camera design looks like a museum piece, but the experience of using one is unique
![Best Photo Editing software:](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zm4g3bTguxU4AKAma5oRAV-320-80.jpg)
The best photo editing software in 2025: retouch, fix and enhance your images
By Mike Harris last updated
BUYING GUIDE This is the best photo editing software for improving your images and feeding your creativity
![Affinity Photo tutorial](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Q3VWfMCyiBPpSz25VrW6rA-320-80.png)
The best Photoshop alternatives in 2025
By Hillary K. Grigonis last updated
BUYING GUIDE Photoshop too expensive? These photo editors are a viable alternative
![Ricoh GRIIIx](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/32RGX2oEdZCf7LTPjjNSS3-320-80.jpg)
The best compact cameras: top quality cameras you can take anywhere
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Buying guide These are the best compact cameras you can get right now, and we've tried them all. Get big camera quality in your pocket!
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