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

Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX
By Rod Lawton published
Versus The new Lumix S1R II is a real hybrid powerhouse, but does the existing Lumix S IIx actually do everything you need?

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

It's like camera bag makers have no idea compact primes and pancake lenses exist
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion I have a lot of camera bags. No, A LOT. And NONE of them are quite right for my more compact mirrorless camera systems

DJI Pocket 2 vs Pocket 3 - which gimbal camera should you choose in 2025?
By Rod Lawton published
Versus The DJI Pocket 3 is amazing, but the Pocket 2 is also pretty amazing and much cheaper, so which should you get?

The best full frame DSLR in 2025: top cameras for enthusiasts and pros
By Lauren Scott last updated
Buying Guide The best full frame DSLRs don't have to cost a fortune. Here are the top choices for amateurs, enthusiasts and pros

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

In praise of the smaller camera sensor – bigger isn't always better
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Saying a bigger sensor will always be better than a smaller one is like saying a truck will always be better than a car. For what?

Best accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI in 2025
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying Guide The best accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI don’t just make it look good, they make it more practical and better handling too

Everyone thinks tripod quick-release plates save photographers time. I don't agree
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Shall I tell you the biggest single barrier I find for using a tripod? Quick release plates. It seems everyone loves them except me…

Ever heard of buyer's remorse? I get SELLER'S remorse from getting rid of cameras I wish I'd kept!
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion I have a list of all the cameras I want... but it includes a lot of cameras I used to have before I sold them

The best lenses for the Nikon Zf in 2025: high-performance yet stylish glass
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated I think that the best lenses for the Nikon Zf need to fit with its retro-styling but match its full-frame performance

Long GOP vs All-Intra: what are they and what’s the difference?
By Rod Lawton last updated
Video jargon Video files would be huge without a whole series of compression methods. These are two more to think about

The best Leica cameras in 2025: 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

Take control of your iPhone’s exposure – trust me, it will transform your images!
By Rod Lawton published
iPhone tips Controlling exposure is one of the keys to professional results, and it’s so easy to do on your iPhone…

Best lenses for the OM System OM-3
By Rod Lawton published
Buying Guide We’ve chosen the best lenses for the OM System OM-3 to match its classic retro styling and travel-friendly size

Don't be scared to use filters on your iPhone – you are not as committed to the look as you might think
By Rod Lawton published
Normally, when you use a filter on a camera, there’s no going back. The effect is ‘baked in’. Not with the iPhone…

DSLR vs mirrorless cameras in 2025: which format is best, and why?
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying Guide The DSLR vs mirrorless camera debate continues – we help you decide which is right for you

Some cameras feel right, some cameras feel wrong. Specs aren't everything
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Digital cameras are packed with nerdy tech and specs that we love comparing. But they are also physical tools

Best lenses for the OM System OM-1 II
By Rod Lawton published
Buying Guide What are the best lenses for the OM System OM-1 II? It’s a great camera for nature and wildlife, but does so much more

I found out that if you treat your phone like a proper camera, you get proper photos
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion We get one argument that smartphones are the future of photography, another is that they are rubbish. Who’s right?

The best budget vlogging camera in 2025
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying Guide If you want to be a vlogger, these are the best budget vlogging cameras to get you started!

Best lenses for the Panasonic Lumix G9 and G9 II
By Rod Lawton published
Buying Guide Here are some things to take into account when choosing the best lenses for the Panasonic Lumix G9 and G9 II

The best Pentax cameras in 2025: from APS-C to full frame and medium format
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Updated Looking for the best Pentax camera to buy? You’ve come to the right place as we list our top Pentax camera recommendations
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