Best for photographers		Peak Design Backpack V2		SEE IT	One of the best camera bags around can conveniently carry a laptop.
Best overall		Timbuk2 Authority laptop backpack		SEE IT	A lightweight, sturdy option with enough space for your everyday carry.
Best for travel		Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday		SEE IT	It’s built much tougher than it looks and will fit easily in any overhead.

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best laptop backpack available by searching both the online retail outlets–both big and small–and the brick-and-mortar stores near you, you’ve probably realized that there are a lot of laptop backpacks available for you to choose from. 

For some photographers, it makes sense to buy a laptop bag that doubles as a camera bag. But for others, a high-end laptop backpack on its own can come in handy. You don’t always want to mix your gear with your everyday carry. And you may not need enough room for a laptop in your the best camera bags. So, this is a mix of bags that include some camera-capable models and some excellent all-around options.

Here’s a half-dozen of the best laptops currently in the marketplace. 

• Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack 
• Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday backpack V2 30L
• Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack
• Best for women: North Face Women’s Recon backpack
• Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday
• Best on a budget: AmazonBasics laptop backpack 

How we picked the best laptop backpacks

For our ratings of best laptop backpack, we researched various retail websites and selected only current models (ones that can be commonly bought from major online retail outlets) from some of the major brands that produce laptop backpacks. We then researched and selected models that included the broadest spectrum of features at a reasonable price, which would meet the needs of most users.

The best laptop backpacks: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack

SEE IT

Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for commuting or traveling at a decent price.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 18.1 x 11.4 x 5.91 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 28 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2.4 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 17-inch laptop

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Extra padding on back panel and the straps
• Luggage pass-through strap 
• Can hold a 17-inch laptop or smaller

Cons:

• Not quite as roomy as other 28 liter models

Timbuk2 makes a wide range of bags to fit all kinds of laptop-carry needs, including laptop backpacks, messenger bags, travel briefcases and more. The Authority laptop backpack is one of the company’s best sellers, and for good reason, since it has a sturdy build but is also comfortable to wear, due to the extra padding on the back panel and the straps. It also has some convenient features, like a luggage pass-through strap on the back, which is helpful when you travel and need to slide your backpack onto the handle of your carry-on luggage.  

There are a variety of compartments inside the body of the backpack. The compartment for the laptop is in the back, which is nicely padded for protecting a laptop and is big enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. The Authority comes in several colors, including olivine, titanium, eco static and black deluxe.

Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday laptop backpack V2 30L

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for photographers that is great for accommodating your photography gear. 

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): xx x Xx x Xx inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 22 to 30 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 4.6 lbs (with dividers)
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop 

Pros:

• Very versatile
• Sturdy build
• Comfortable
• Allows you to expand its capacity

Cons:

• Expensive

If you’re a photographer, you know that you need a special type of backpack that protects both your digital camera gear and your laptop. And that can be a tall order for some laptop backpacks. 

But not for Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack, which is available in either black, gray or midnight blue. This model is designed with dual side zippers, which allow you sling-style access to all your gear. It also comes with a protective laptop sleeve with pockets, for a 15-inch laptop, a tablet or files and documents. The sleeve is also adjustable, so it can accommodate smaller laptops, too.

Inside, the backpack has customizable internal dividers, which is great if you need to change what kind of camera gear you’re using. 

This laptop backpack also has the ability to expand its capacity–with 8 liters of internal expansion, plus 4 hidden straps for carrying items on the exterior of the backpack. And the Peak Design Everyday also has weatherproof exterior zippers and weatherproof fabric made of strong nylon canvas to keep your gear dry.  

Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for men because it’s versatile and also designed to allow you to quickly access all your gear.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 18 x 11.5 x 7 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 31.4 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 3 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Allows quick access to your gear
• Very roomy
• Includes a side-access shoe bag
• Versatile design
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Doesn’t stand upright, unless it’s filled with gear

There’s a lot to like about this Swissgear laptop backpack, which has an exterior encased in a durable, abrasion-resistant polyester fabric, which is strong and also hides any scratches. But it’s also very comfortable to carry. It’s designed to be able to carry both a tablet and a laptop in its back compartment, but it also comes with a front pocket, which provides you with quick access to your personal item or gear. 

The Swissgear 5358 has a fleece-lined crush-resistant sunglasses pocket and an organizational pocket, with multiple divider pockets for pens, mobile phone, ID card and memory stick. In the center, there’s a that comes with an internal zippered panel, which, when it’s unzipped, turns into a side-access shoe bag. The shoulder straps and back panel are both padded, as well.  It also has a built-in USB outlet power-ready port for charging on the go and mesh side pocket for storing additional items.

Best for women: North Face Recon laptop backpack

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Why It Made The Cut: This is our pick for the best laptop backpack for women because it’s an excellent, well-designed laptop backpack with lots of support for a comfortable fit

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.3 x 7 x 13 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 30 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2.5 lb
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Roomy 
• Very good organization system
• Very comfortable

Cons:

• Nothing significant 

Northface designed this laptop backpack with its FlexVent suspension system, which the company says features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, which provides a comfortable, padded back panel, which is also very breathable and flexible. It also has a lumbar panel, which Northface says is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. There’s also a sternum strap with whistle buckle. Plus, it has very flexible shoulder straps and a removable waist belt.

In addition, it has a dedicated, protected laptop compartment and a large main compartment, for books and files, plus an extendable front stash pocket with daisy chains for added lash points. It also comes with two external mesh water bottle pockets that can double as multi-use pockets with quick-draw smartphone access on one side. 

Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday

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Why It Made The Cut: A fun, colorful, nicely designed backpack that’s also relatively inexpensive but sturdy.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 16.5 x 7 x 11 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 18 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 1.2 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Made of sturdy material (Vinylon)
• Comes in lots of different colors

Cons:

• Holds less than other backpacks (just 18 liters)
• A bit less versatile than pricier models

One of the first things you’ll notice about this model (if you go to the product page on the manufacturer’s website) is that this nicely designed laptop backpack is available in more than 15 different colors. But it’s not just about being colorful–it can accommodate both 13- and 15-inch laptops in a separate padded compartment. This model is the best laptop backpack for travel because it also has a large main compartment to hold all your daily essentials, and front zip pockets for additional storage. And there’s a side slip pocket for water bottles. You can also use it as a tote, since it has dual top handles with a snap closure. It’s also comfortable, with adjustable, padded shoulder straps

However, it doesn’t hold nearly as much as what’s available in other laptop backpacks. So, if you’re the type of person who travels with a lot of gear, this might not be the best model for you. 

Best budget: Amazon Basics laptop backpack 

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Why It Made The Cut: A well-made laptop backpack for those on a budget making it our choice for the best budget laptop backpack.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.3 x 7 x 13.4 inches 
• Total Volume (in liters): N/A
• Weight (in lbs.): 1.9 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 17-inch laptop

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Nicely designed
• Accommodates a large 17-inch laptop

Cons:

• Might not be as sturdy as other models
• No warranty (but will offer refund in some cases)

If you’re on a budget or just don’t want to spend a lot of money on a laptop backpack, this backpack might fit the bill. It has several large compartments, and comes with a padded sleeve to hold up to a 17-inch notebook. There are also two nicely designed mesh water bottle pockets on either side of the backpack and the backpack includes several organizational compartments, for pens, keys and other items. However, it doesn’t come with some of the special features that you’ll find on other models (which you’ll also pay more for). 

This Amazon Basic laptop backpack lacks a warranty, but Amazon does have a refund policy, provided the bag is returned within 30 days of purchase. Be sure to read the refund policy on Amazon.

Best for business: Rains Backpack Mini

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Why it made the cut: A super-sleek design conceals plenty of space and surprisingly durable construction. 

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 5.7 x W11.4 x D3.9
• Total Volume (in liters): 9
• Weight (in lbs.): Not offered
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch

Pros:

• Stylish and understated
• Comfortable
• Water-resistant
• Comfortably holds common laptops

Cons: 

• Not great for carrying lots of stuff

Business attire can look odd with a huge technical backpack strapped across your body. This understated professional backpack has a padded compartment inside that’s big enough to hold most business-oriented laptops up to 15 inches. The buckle fastens magnetically, so you won’t have to struggle with it or worry about loud zippers or Velcro.

Despite this modern backpack’s simplified design and appearance, it offers adjustable shoulder straps and a vinyl lining for water-resistance. A dedicated laptop pocket keeps a computer safely stowed away from other objects that may scratch or scuff it. The simple back panel includes a zippered pocket for storing smaller items, including a wallet or phone. 

This slim backpack is a simple, elegant work backpack that will fit right in a corporate setting. 

Best large: Incase ARC Commuter Pack

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Why it made the cut: It offers tons of room inside, but won’t make you look like a Ninja Turtle by sticking way off of your back.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 16 x 5 x 19 inches
• Total Volume (in liters): Not offered
• Weight (in lbs.): 5 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 16 inches

Pros:

• Lots of pockets
• Ample space inside
• Tough construction
• Comfortable
• Fits a 12.9-inch iPad in addition to a laptop

Cons: 

• Heavy

Incase makes some of the best backpacks I have ever personally used and the ARC Commuter backpack has room for everything most people need. It can hold up to a 16-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro at the same time. It has two spacious pockets on the front as well as a roomy main compartment. Inside the main space, stretchy straps can hold a folded shirt in-place so it won’t get wrinkled. 

In the front compartments, you’ll find zippered pouches for holding important objects like passports, devices, or power banks. The outer layer consists of mostly recycled nylon, but extra PU coatings on heavy-use areas add considerably to its durability. 

It’s not a light pack by any stretch, but soft material in the adjustable straps makes them very comfortable to wear. A chest strap also shifts some of the weight from your shoulders in order to keep it from weighing you down. If you have to carry a lot of stuff around every day, this commuter backpack truly great option. Its tough outside will also help protect your devices from theft.

Best for college: Hex Technical Backpack

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Why it made the cut: It offers lots of room with a slick aesthetic.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.5″H x 11.5″W x 4.75″D
• Total Volume (in liters): 17.5 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 16-inch

Pros:

• Fits a full-sized laptop and a large tablet
• Lots of pockets
• Holds a water bottle
• Attractive

Cons: 

• Bulky

Hex primarily deals in camera bags, but this everyday backpack offers solid features for any student. It has a water-resistant outer shell and a Cordura ballistic bottom so you can basically put it down in a puddle and not worry about the stuff stored inside. If that’s not enough protection, a fold-away rain cover makes the whole thing impervious to precipitation. 

The main compartment offers dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, as well as several smaller pockets for chargers, keys, or other items. The front compartment is easily accessible via a zipper at the top. A pass-through makes it simple to attach to a rolling suitcase handle in case students need to fly home or off to spring break. 

A handle on the side of the bag makes it easy to grab at basically any angle, which is handy when you’re running out the door two minutes before class starts.

Best leather: Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack

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Why it made the cut: This handsome pack comes in a variety of colors to match your style.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 12.5 x 4.5 x 16.25 inches
• Total Volume (in liters): Not listed
• Weight (in lbs.): 3 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 15.6 inches

Pros:

• Leather is soft, but durable
• Several color options
• Pass-through for attaching to a rolling case
• Laptop and tablet pocket
• Meets TSA guidelines

Cons: 

• Tight squeeze for modern 16-inch laptops

If leather matches your look, this pack offers several color options to go with your wardrobe. This professional backpack offers three main compartments. The main space is like a typical laptop bag with an additional pocket for a tablet. The secondary compartment is like a mini garment bag with enough room for folded clothes that can stay nice and flat. The front compartment can hold smaller belongings to which you want quicker access. There’s a flat zippered pocket on the front to hold very small belongings as well. 

Despite its sophisticated looks, it’s still surprisingly comfortable. The padded straps offer ample cushioning and easy adjustability. Some leather backpacks prioritize looks over comfort, but that’s not the case here. Plus, this pack should only get better looking over time. All of that makes this one of the best work backpacks you’ll find on the market.

What to look for when buying a backpack for your laptop and gear?

Before you go out and buy a laptop backpack for yourself or as a gift for a family member or friend, you’ll first want to find out how you or the person you’re giving this gift to will use the backpack.

Here are some important factors to consider: 

Price

As with most products, you’ll want to make sure that the laptop backpack you’re buying is in your budget. Take note: Late summer (from mid-August to mid-September) and Black Friday are both good times to buy a laptop backpack, since other items, like laptops and other consumer electronics, are also discounted during these times. 

Size & Weight

Since your laptop is the reason you’re buying a laptop bag, you’ll want to make sure it fits into your backpack, which means the size of your laptop (15-inch, 16-inch, 17-inch, etc.) will most often be the most important factor in choosing a laptop backpack. Next, check to see what the weight of the laptop backpack itself is, particularly if you’ll be using it each day for going to class or to work. You don’t want to add any more weight than you need to. 

Then, make sure that you can fit your laptop as well as all the various accessories you plan on using into your backpack. This can be a challenge for some, for example, if you’re a photographer since you’ll be carrying two rather expensive and sometimes heavy pieces of hardware around with you—a laptop and a camera. And if you travel often, you’ll want to be sure the backpack is compact enough to fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. If you’re traveling with more photo stuff, you should check out our list of the best travel cases for camera gear.

Comfort & Design

Another essential factor in finding the best laptop backpack for your needs is to find one that’s comfortable. For instance, examine the material. Does it feel durable? Is it waterproof? Or  just water-resistant? Also, feel it to see if you like its texture. Also, take a good look at the backpack’s design and be sure it meets your needs. For instance, does it have the right number or type of interior compartments? Can you adjust or customize those compartments? Some backpacks let you. Make sure the interior design lives up to your expectations. Check out any user reviews on the product online, as well, which can also give you a sense of how the product actually functions in the real world, and may expose any weaknesses in its design. 

Other important factors: 

Once you’ve made sure your laptop backpack is the right size and weight, as well as being comfortable and made from the right materials, you’ll also want to check the following: 

• Does it have any unique features? Laptop backpack makers have been very creative over the years in offering lots of special features on their products. Some include features like a charging port, which lets charge your device (using a portable power charger located inside the backpack) without needing to open up your backpack. Other unique features include a built-in battery, a combination lock and scratch- and tear-resistant material. There are a few that even have solar panels that can recharge a built-in battery, which can recharge any USB device.
• Examine the warranty: Like most products, you’ll find that the warranties offered by laptop backpack manufacturers vary greatly. Some offer a lifetime warranty, while others are simply a 30-day return policy, which may or may not be honored, depending on the defect. Be sure to read the warranty carefully. 

FAQs

A final word on the best laptop backpacks

• Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack 
• Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday backpack V2 30L
• Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack
• Best for women: North Face Women’s Recon backpack
• Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday
• Best on a budget: AmazonBasics laptop backpack 

Although it seems like common sense, many people overpack a backpack, even a laptop backpack, which can be a problem, since overpacking can create pressure and damage your notebook. A laptop backpack that’s too heavy can also be bad for your health. 

Don’t overpack when you use a laptop backpack 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Children should not carry more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight in the backpack.
• Young adults should not carry more than 13 to 15 percent of their body weight.
• College-aged adults should not carry more than 15 to 20 percent of their body weight.

If you want to avoid carrying too much in your laptop backpack, do the following: 

• Pack only what’s necessary.
• Use and tighten both backpack straps (it distributes weight evenly). 
• Use a waist or chest strap, if your backpack comes with one.
• Place the heaviest items in the center of the backpack.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best laptop backpacks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for instant shots		Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera		SEE IT	Simple controls and cool instant prints make this one of the most fun cameras around.
Runner-up		Nikon COOLPIX W150		SEE IT	It’s cheap enough that it won’t hurt too badly if it gets smashed or lost.
Best action		GoPro HD Hero8 Black		SEE IT	Abundant mounts and accessories give the GoPro tons of flexibility.

If you’re thinking of buying a camera for kids, you might be tempted to buy them a smartphone instead. After all, smartphones can do more than one task, and it is what most people use for photos these days. But unfortunately, smartphones are expensive and yet easy to break. On the other hand, cameras can be sturdier and quite a bit cheaper than a smartphone, depending on the model you choose. A phone’s multifunctional and interconnected aspects can be a double-edged sword with kids and can lead to problems or even dangerous situations. A dedicated camera will not have the same challenges, meaning you can relax some when handing your child a camera. Lastly, certain dedicated cameras will be able to provide better quality and features than a phone. If you have a budding creative, a camera could give them more control and flexibility over their images and spark a lifelong interest in the medium. Here are our recommendations for the best cameras for kids:

• Best overall: OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera
• Runner-up: Nikon COOLPIX W150
• Best for young kids: myFirst Camera 2 Waterproof Kids Camera
• Best for instant shots: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera
• Best mirrorless for (older) kids: Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera
• Best DSLR for (older) kids: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR with EF-S 18-55mm kit lens
• Best for video: GoPro Hero 8 action cam 

How we picked the best cameras for kids

The writers and editors at Popular Photography have combined decades of experience in the photography and camera world. To select the best cameras for kids, we identified models that would address the specific needs for kids of various ages. We have selected an assortment of cameras that provide an easy starting point for those just learning. But, at the same time, these cameras produce high enough image quality (and often manual control options) that will grow with them as they get older and improve their skills.

We also put an emphasis on durability. Kids are tough on gadgets and a broken camera can’t make great pictures. So, we picked models that will likely stand up to the abuse that comes from kid usage. Lastly, we suggested models that aren’t overly expensive. Some certainly still aren’t cheap, but they also aren’t going to come anywhere close to a pricy pro offering.

The best cameras for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Olympus Tough TG-6

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This camera is a win-win for most families. Kids can take it swimming with them, while parents know it won’t break, and parents can flex their photography skills with full manual mode and RAW shooting.

Key features

• Type: Compact 
• Sensor: 1/2.3in CMOS image sensor
• Megapixels: 12 megapixels 
• LCD: 3 inch 
• Video resolution: 4K

Pros:

• Sturdy and waterproof
• Built-in GPS mode for geotagging your photos
• Can capture 4K video
• Can capture RAW files

Cons:

• A little heavy for a point-and-shoot camera
• Expensive for a point-and-shoot

This Olympus point-and-shoot, the latest of its Tough series of cameras, lives up to the name. It is waterproof to 50 feet without the need for separate underwater housing. It’s shockproof and able to withstand drops from a height of 7 feet. And the TG-6 has a specially designed exterior to make it dustproof and freezeproof (to temperatures as cold as 14 degrees F) and crushproof up to 220 pounds lbf.

The Tough TG-6 not only stands up to being dropped into the toilet or onto a concrete sidewalk. It excels at capturing underwater photos and video clips, too. It has several shooting modes designed for underwater photography, including a high dynamic range mode and an underwater macro mode. You can even attach converter lenses to expand your photography options underwater, including a fisheye-converter lens and adapter.

It has only a 4x optical zoom lens (25mm-100mm equivalent zoom range), but the aperture at the wide end of the zoom is f/2.0, making it useful in low-light conditions. It can also shoot 4K/30p resolution video and capture RAW files (in addition to JPEGs) for those who want higher quality and more control. This makes it one of the best cameras for kids.

Runner-up: Nikon Coolpix W150

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Why it made the cut: Nikon’s Coolpix W150 is ideal for those looking for a rugged point-and-shoot geared towards kids.

Key features

• Type: Compact 
• Sensor: 1/ 3.1 inches CMOS image sensor 
• Megapixels: 13.2 megapixels
• LCD: 2.7 inch
• Video resolution: 1080 at 30p (full HD)

Pros:

• Rugged build
• Comes in different colors and designs
• Can connect with other devices via built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 

Cons:

• Image quality is not as high as other point-and-shoots

This rugged-and-waterproof point-and-shoot is specifically designed for younger photographers and underwater photography. Its “Shoot Under Water” setting is an auto shooting mode intended to capture photos underwater. And the “Underwater Face Framing” setting automatically detects faces below the surface, making it easy for young kids to get quality photos. You can also use the “Add Clarity Under Water” editing function on the camera that corrects overly blue hues and adds clarity to underwater images. The controls are also kid-friendly (as well as adult and senior-friendly) due to the large buttons and easy-to-read interface.

The camera does a decent job shooting photos and video on land, as well. It comes with 18 different shooting modes that let you change your style to compliment your subject. It also comes with many in-camera effects, frames, and stickers to make your child’s images fun and attractive. For example, add the “Little Planet” effect to make a landscape look like a small planet or “Picture-in-picture” to make your images appear as if they were taken on an instant camera and then placed in front of the background of another picture.

Best for young kids: myFirst Camera 2 Waterproof Kids Camera

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Why it made the cut: The myFirst Camera 2 is a fun, easy-to-use camera for kids between six and twelve years old. 

Key features

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: Not stated
• Megapixels: 8 megapixels
• LCD: 2 inch
• Video resolution: 320×240 pixels

Pros:

• Compatible with microSD cards
• Fun design in two colors
• Comes with durable waterproof housing

Cons:

• Video resolution is poor

myFirst Camera makes a range of cameras for young kids, but this model comes with a rugged, waterproof case, making it usable up to ten feet underwater or on land. It has a fun, colorful design with large buttons, making it easy to use, even for little hands still building dexterity. It also comes with a 16GB microSD so that your child can start shooting right away.

The myFirst Camera 2 has an 8-megapixel sensor, can shoot 30 fps, and has face recognition autofocus. It also features plenty of built-in filters and frames, allowing your younger child to express their creativity fully.

Best instant camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 instant camera

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Why it made the cut: Fujifilm Instax cameras are among the most accessible cameras for a child to use. They’re also fun for adults! 

Key features

• Type: Instant film camera 
• Instant film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini instant film 
• Film size: 2.1 × 3.4 inches
• Image size: 1.8 × 2.4 inches

Pros:

• Easy to use 
• Instant, physical result
• Runs on two AA batteries
• Available in fun colors
• Film is available with different borders

Cons:

• Image quality is variable

Instant cameras continue to be popular because they are very approachable–both in price and difficulty of use–no matter the age. With instant cameras, you can quickly and easily shoot and get a real, physical photo instantly. The camera is available in various colors, and the film also comes with lots of options for fun borders.

This model isn’t all that different from past versions of the Fujifilm Instax cameras, though it does come with a selfie setting and a mirror on the front to assist. Unfortunately, it does not include a display or LCD to compose your images, so if you’re shooting a selfie, you won’t be able to see how you’re framing it; you’ll just have to guess.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is very simple to use, with full auto exposure and easy to load film. It’s a camera ideal for children, even as young as four or five.

Best DSLR for (older) kids: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 with 18-55mm kit lens

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Why it made the cut: The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a DSLR that’s ideal for an older child who wants to learn about the fundamentals of photography.

Key features

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS image sensor 
• Megapixels: 24.1 megapixels
• Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
• LCD:  3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen 
• Video resolution: 4K at 24p

Pros:

• Small for a DSLR
• Easy to use
• Swiveling touchscreen LCD
• High-quality viewfinder

Cons:

• 4K video tops out at 24 frames per second
• Autofocus could be more advanced

A common complaint that some photographers have when they’ve decided to switch to using a DSLR is that the interchangeable-lens camera is generally much larger and heavier than a point-and-shoot or a mobile device. That’s why Canon built the compact and lightweight EOS SL-series of Rebel DSLR camera bodies. It allows young or beginner photographers to use Canon’s extensive DSLR system of compatible lenses and other accessories without weighing them down. 

Like many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the Canon EOS SL3 is jam-packed with features. It uses its powerful and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which can also detect eyes using Eye Detection AF. It also has several assist modes that can help your older child quickly learn about settings, including Creative Assist, Feature Assistant, and Shooting Mode guide. 

What’s also nice is that the kit lens that comes with this Canon Rebel has an optical image stabilizer built into the lens, which can help you catch sharper images in challenging lighting scenarios, like low light. However, should you want something beyond the kit lens, its Canon EF mount makes it compatible with a ton of older lenses, many of which can be very affordable, so options grow as their skills progress.

Best mirrorless for (older) kids: Nikon Z50

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Why it made the cut: Mirrorless cameras are the way the camera industry is headed. The Nikon Z50 is an ideal photography introduction for teens that will allow them to grow with the camera and camera system.

Key features

• Type: Mirrorless camera 
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS image sensor
• Megapixels: 20.9 megapixels 
• Lens mount: Nikon Z lens mount 
• LCD: 3.2-inch swiveling touchscreen LCD
• Video resolution:  4K at 30 fps

Pros:

• Small and compact 
• Easy to use
• High-quality electronic viewfinder
• Excellent image and video quality

Cons:

• No in-body image stabilization

Like the Canon EOS SL3, the Nikon Z50 is an interchangeable-lens camera. However, it’s not a DSLR. Instead, this Z-series Nikon is part of the mirrorless camera line. It is Nikon’s first Z-series mirrorless model with a “DX-format,” which uses an APS-C-sized image sensor (instead of the larger full-frame image sensor). The cropped sensor is more affordable and thus ideal for beginners or teenagers alike.  

The Nikon Z50 comes with many powerful features, including a wide ISO sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51,200, which can help shoot in low light. It has a built-in pop-up flash, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features for easily transferring images to a phone, and a large 3.2-inch swiveling touchscreen LCD. It’s fast, too, allowing you to fire off photos at up to 11 frames per second in burst mode. It comes with a very sharp electronic viewfinder, with 2.3-million dots. And you have access to creative filters with 20 different controls and effects for video.

Like the Canon EOS SL3 kit, this Nikon comes with Nikon’s Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR zoom kit lens, which includes an image stabilizer for better quality still photos. Of course, should you want a different lens for your child, you can always purchase the camera body and desired lens separately.

Best action: GoPro Hero 8 action cam

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Why it made the cut: Because it is older than more current GoPro models, you can get a great deal on this still very capable action cam.

Key features

• Type: Action cam 
• Sensor: 1/ 2.3 inches CMOS image sensor
• Megapixels: 12 megapixels
• LCD: Approximately 2-inch touchscreen display 
• Video resolution: 4K at 60 fps

Pros:

• Very lightweight and compact
• Easy to use 
• Compatible with many useful accessories  
• Good for video, photos, and timelapse

Cons:

• Fewer physical controls than those found on digital cameras 
• Lacks an optical zoom lens

Action cams are great for those who like to participate in outdoor sports and activities such as biking, skateboarding, or snowboarding and want the ability to capture hands-free footage. GoPro has long been the leader in such cameras. Earlier GoPro models used to lack some features, like a touchscreen LCD or image stabilization. But more recent models, including the Hero 8, include these two features.

The Hero 8 comes with some cutting-edge audio technology, such as GoPro voice commands, which can be helpful if you have your GoPro mounted on your helmet or another hard-to-access spot. With the voice commands feature, you can simply utter one of several commands, such as “GoPro Start Recording,” and the GoPro will carry out that operation.

The GoPro Hero 8 also has an extremely rugged exterior design that can withstand even the roughest use. For example, you can take it underwater to a depth of 33 feet without any extra housing. Plus, it comes with high dynamic range features to improve your still photos.

A huge arsenal of GoPro accessories and mounts adds versatility. Even the smallest child can get some cool POV shots while running around on the playground wearing a chest-mounted GoPro making this camera our pick for the best action camera for kids.

When buying the best cameras for kids, ask yourself some of the following questions:  

Step 1: How old is your child?

Here’s a rough guide by age for the type of camera your child might want:

• Age 3-6: For preschool to kindergarten-aged kids, you’ll want a camera with simple controls, an easy-to-hold body, and a rugged build to stand up to the inevitable drops and potential for getting left out in the rain.
• Age 7-12: A rugged and waterproof point-and-shoot is ideal for younger kids since they’re designed to withstand being dropped on the ground or in the pool. Something with a few more controls can keep the camera entertaining as well.
• Ages 13 and up: If your kids are interested in photography or just want to shoot better images, a DSLR or mirrorless camera can make a great gift.
• Best cameras for kids of all ages: Action cams, instant print cameras, and disposable cameras make great gifts for both young and old kids.           

Step 2: How interested is your child in photography?

Is your child interested in photography or looking to shoot higher-quality photos or videos? Do they already know some of the basics? If you think your kids might be interested in really learning about photography fundamentals and developing their skills, consider buying either a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Step 3: Are there particular features that might be important to your child?

Cameras come with a wide assortment of features. Ask your child what features might be important to them. Here are some things to consider:

• Underwater photos and video: Rugged point-and-shoots stand up to kids’ rough and tumble action, but you can also capture fun pictures and video underwater with them.
• Optical zoom: Most point-and-shoots have between a 3x and 5x optical zoom. But some have longer ranges, as much as 50x or 60x or greater, which are great for photographing sports or wildlife. And the Nikon Coolpix P1000 has such a long zoom that it can capture photos of the moon’s craters! However, rugged cameras generally have no more than 5x optical zoom, so you’ll need to decide which is more important.
• Swiveling LCD: A camera with a swiveling display is not only helpful when shooting selfies but is excellent for composing hard-to-reach shots.
• Capturing video: If your child wants to capture good quality video, you’ll want to pay attention to video specs such as frame rate and resolution. A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the best quality, though they are for more advanced kids. An action cam can be a good choice for quality and durability and also provides the option for point-of-view videos like skateboarding.
• Trying new lenses: If you think your child would like to experiment with different types of lenses for different photographic effects, you’ll want to buy either a DSLR or mirrorless camera since they allow you to change out lenses, unlike point-and-shoot cameras.
• Not interested in shooting digital: If your child isn’t interested in capturing digital photos, consider an instant film camera or even a disposable film camera.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best cameras for kids

Finding the best cameras for kids depends on your child and how the camera may get used. If you designate the camera for your kid’s use, something specifically designed for that age is best. However, if it will be more of a family camera that you plan to take pictures and video with as well, you will find something like the OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 or Coolpix W150 more suitable.

The post The best cameras for kids in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14-inch portable monitor		SEE IT	A solid mix of features and price
Best for photographers		Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 drawing tablet with screen		SEE IT	An advanced option for serious editing
Best for macs		ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch portable monitor		SEE IT	A great companion for your MacBook Pro

Laptops are wonderful because they will let you work from just about anywhere. And while modern machines have plenty of power for photo editing, the screens can still feel cramped once you have a photo and your chosen program’s interface splayed across the display. The best portable monitors provide ample extra screen to work without requiring lots of effort to lug them around. We’ve curated a list of some of the best and most useful models and listed them below. Here’s our list of the best portable monitors available this year:

• Best overall: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14-inch Monitor
• Best for photographers: Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
• Best for Macs: ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
• Best budget: AOC I1659FWUX 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
• Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Strix 17.3-inch 1080P (XG17AHPE)

How we chose the best portable monitors

For our ratings of best portable monitors, we chose a range of current models at different price points, since models can range in price from models that cost less than $125 to those that cost more than $500. We also searched for models that can be easily bought from major online retail outlets. We then researched, selected and tested models that included the broadest spectrum of features and capabilities, which met the needs of most users, from professional photographers to consumers who were on a budget.

The best portable monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14-inch portable monitor

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Why It Made The Cut: If you’re looking for an inexpensive, very lightweight, but dependable portable monitor, this Lenovo may fit the bill

Key Features

• Display size: 14 inches 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 700:1
• Dimensions: 3.82 x 12.72 x 8.23 inches
• Weight: 1.26 lbs 

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Relatively inexpensive
• Decent color accuracy
• Include’s Lenovo’s low blue light technology

Cons

• Not as responsive as more expensive models
• Offers few controls to adjust the brightness or contrast of the display

This Lenovo portable monitor is great if you need a compact, easy to use, plug-and-play display. It’s also great for traveling, since it’s very lightweight. You’ll need to connect it via a USB Type-C connection–and there are two USB Type-C ports on the portable monitor. So, you can use one to connect the table to your laptop for content and use the other for powering the tablet. In other words, it lets you charge both the ThinkVision M14 and your laptop with a single adapter.

It also comes with Lenovo’s Low Blue Light technology, to reduce eyestrain.

It’s not perfect. For example, it’s not quite as responsive as pricier models and it doesn’t have many on-board controls to adjust the screen’s brightness or contrast. However, for most office tasks, it should perform just fine. 

Best for photographers: Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 drawing tablet with screen

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Why It Made The Cut: Ideal for those who want precise control to make edits on images, digital graphics and other creative task.

Key Features

• Display size: 15.6 inches 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 1000:1
• Dimensions: 16.6 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches
• Weight: 4.19 lbs 

Pros

• Unique combination of touchscreen technology and creative controls 
• Powerful Wacom Pro Pen 2 stylus pen
• Solid color accuracy
• Intuitive interface

Cons

• Expensive and heavy for a portable monitor
• Some may find there’s a learning curve to using this portable monitor

For many years, Wacom’s Cintiq tablets have been the go-to portable monitors for many types of creatives, from graphic artists to photographers to animators and more. And although the Wacom Cintiq 16 is pricey, the reason so many artists and content creators use Wacom Cintiq models is that they offer a unique experience of letting you interact with a touchscreen display via a touch sensitive pen (the Wacom Pro Pen 2). This model is no exception.

You simply connect it to your computer, via two cables—an HDMI cable and a USB cable. Then, just start up your favorite graphics, image-editing or animation app, at which point you can start using the Cintiq 16 as a second screen. In doing so, it offers you powerful and precise ways to control your work, whether you’re producing illustrations, creating edits on your digital photos, or producing new animations. (A very similar tablet, the Wacom Cintiq 22, which is a 22-inch portable monitor, is available in a larger size, for a lot more money.) It’s likely overkill for most users, but essential for others.

Best for Mac: ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch portable monitor

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Why It Made The Cut: When you don’t have access to an AC outlet, this portable monitor can run on the power from its built-in battery.

Key Features

• Display size: 15.6 inches 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 700:1
• Dimensions: 14.16 x 8.95 x 0.35 inches
• Weight: 1.9 lbs

Pros

• Comes with a convenient built-in battery
• Elegantly designed
• Good image quality
• Inventive design
• Includes a blue light filter to reduce eye strain

Cons

• A bit pricey

A convenient feature that stands out on this flicker-free portable monitor: its built-in battery, which will sustain power for up to 4 hours. It also can connect, via USB-C or micro-HDMI ports, with not only laptops but also with mobile phones, game consoles, and cameras. And it comes with a blue light filter to reduce eye strain. If you need to change the orientation of the display, this ASUS monitor automatically senses its orientation and switches the monitor between landscape and portrait modes. Plus, it has a foldable smart case, which can be turned into a stand to prop the monitor up in either portrait or landscape modes.

Best budget: AOC I1659FWUX 15.6-inch portable monitor

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Why It Made The Cut: If you’re on a budget, this AOC portable monitor is a very good value.

Key Features

• Display size: 15.6 inches 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 700:1
• Dimensions: 9.16 x 1.4 x 14.64 inches
• Weight: 2.64 lbs 

Pros

• Inexpensive 
• Nicely designed
• Low blue light filter to reduce eye strain
• Comes with a foldable stand

Cons

• Not as versatile as others in its class.

For those on a budget, this AOC 15.6-inch portable monitor is a very good value. It’s easy to use, too: Just connect the display to your laptop via one USB cable. That means you don’t need extra media cables or a power supply. The USB cable itself transfers data to the screen and acts as an energy-efficient power source. Plus, it has full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, can auto-rotate to the correct orientation (landscape or portrait) and has an innovative, foldable stand. However, you won’t find as many ports or controls as you’ll get with pricier models.

Best gaming monitor: ASUS ROG Strix 17.3-inch 1080P (XG17AHPE) portable gaming monitor

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Why It Made The Cut: This ASUS is thin and portable, but also quite powerful and versatile

Key Features

• Display size: Xx.x 17.3 inches 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 240 Hz
• Panel type: IPS
• Contrast ratio: 1000:1
• Dimensions: 15.71 x 9.86 x 0.39 inches
• Weight: 2.34 lbs 

Pros

• Large 17.3-inch full HD monitor
• Very responsive: 240 Hz refresh rate and 3 ms response time
• Comes with 7800 mAh built-in battery
• Has USB-C and micro-HDMI ports

Cons

• Expensive

A very quick response time and its high refresh rate make this the go-to portable monitor for gaming. It also comes with a 7800mAh battery, which provides you with 3 hours of power. On the side of the display, you’ll find a variety of connections, including USB-C and micro-HDMI ports, and an audio out port, for headphones. And according to the tech specs, this ASUS portable monitor also has a 100% sRGB color gamut, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees, which should ensure minimal distortion and color shift, even when you’re viewing from an extreme angle. For a portable monitor, it’s definitely pricey, but it makes a great monitor for almost anyone, not just gamers. 

What to consider when buying the best portable monitors

Use the following information to help guide you to find the right model for your needs:

What kind of work are you doing?

Before you take a deep dive into the tech specs of any specific portable monitor, you should take a moment to figure out how you want to actually use your extra monitor. If you’re like most people, you might need it for general work and personal use, in which case you might not need the most robust specifications or the latest features. But if you’re looking to do a lot of gaming or you want to play or work on a lot of multimedia, in which you might be doing a lot of photo- or video-editing, then you’ll want to make sure that you have a better, more responsive portable monitor. In other words, you want your motion graphics, video clips, photos and animations to appear correctly in your projects. 

Size and weight

Since it is, after all, a portable monitor, you’ll want to make sure that it’s not only the right size for your needs, but that it also isn’t too heavy, which can make it difficult when you need to travel with it. Most of the monitors on this list come in between one to four pounds. Most useful models tend to be between 15 and 17 inches, which would basically double the amount of screen real estate compared to most laptops. 

Resolution

At the moment, most portable monitors display at 1080p, although 4K will eventually become the standard as pixel counts continue their upward march. More pixels mean more power consumption, though, so 1080p is totally fine for now. 

Power 

Most portable monitors come with a USB-C type cable. However, some of these monitors can also be powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, which can be very useful when you don’t have access to an AC outlet.

Ports and connections

Since these monitors are almost always thin and lightweight, they aren’t always equipped with a lot of connections and ports. Always check the features and specs on the web (preferably on the product page for the portable monitor) to see what type of connections, and how many, are on the model. 

Touchscreen: Decide if you need your portable monitor to have touchscreen capabilities. Some portable monitors include them, but you’ll pay extra for this feature. 

FAQs 

Additional shopping tips for finding the best portable monitors

In addition to our advice at the start of this guide, consider the following tips when searching for the best portable monitor: 

• For the best price, buy a portable monitor in January (when the new models are announced and new ones go on sale), August (for back-to-school sales), or November (for Black Friday). 
• Avoid buying an extended warranty, but look for a decent warranty from the manufacturer. 
• Look for a portable monitor that has as many connections as possible.
• Examine the portable monitor’s finish—is it too shiny or matte? Be sure the finish or surface of the screen it’s acceptable to you for the type of work you need to do and for the type of environment you’ll be working in. 
• Check the viewing angle of your portable monitor if you plan on using it with others. For instance, if you’re planning to present movies on the monitor, you’ll want to make sure others can see the screen without getting a distorted image. 

A final word on what’s next for the best portable monitors

• Best overall: Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14-inch Monitor
• Best for photographers: Wacom DTK1660K0A Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
• Best for Macs: ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
• Best budget: AOC I1659FWUX 15.6-inch Portable Monitor
• Best for gaming: ASUS ROG Strix 17.3-inch 1080P (XG17AHPE)

It’s a great time to be searching for the best portable display, since some manufacturers are introducing new models at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Here are a few portable monitors that show where portable monitor technology might be headed: 

• LG’s foldable display: LG unveiled a new “17-inch Foldable OLED for laptops,” but the company says the display will be entirely crease-free at the point of folding, which will let users enjoy one device in various ways and forms, including as a tablet to a laptop to even a portable monitor. LG also said the screen will be a touchscreen.

• Two new ASUS portable monitors: At this year’s CES, ASUS introduced two new portable monitors: The new ZenScreen Ink MB14AHD is a 14-inch display designed for those who like to take a lot of notes: It has dual-touch functionality that comes with an active stylus for writing on the monitor when you need to jot down a lot of notes. With the new ZenScreen Go MB16AWP, which is a 15.6-inch portable monitor, ASUS focused on Wi-Fi features: So, for devices running iOS, Android and macOS, it can wirelessly mirror those devices. But for PCs running Windows 10 or 11, it’s able to serve as an extended wireless display. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best portable monitors for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars		SEE IT	A great blend of reach and brightness.
Best budget		Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 binoculars		SEE IT	Look far for short money.
Best for star gazing		Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 binoculars		SEE IT	Just look up.

If you’ve done even a cursory search on the internet for some of the best binoculars currently on the market, you’ll soon realize how challenging and confusing a task that can be. There are a few reasons for this. For starters, there’s such a wide array of models currently available and they’re available at many different price points; models can range in price from as little as $20 to more than $2,000. What’s more is that you’ll most likely come across and read about features, specs, and numbers that can easily confuse you. So, where do you begin? 

Right here. We’ve created this guide to assist you in pinpointing the best binoculars for your needs.  

It’s interesting to note that binoculars have been used for centuries, nearly as long as the telescope, invented by Galileo in 1609. In some ways, that’s not surprising since you can almost define binoculars as a pair of telescopes mounted together on a frame. 

But there’s more to binoculars than just sticking to telescopes together. In fact, they’ve changed a lot over the years. Today, you’ll find that most models can be categorized into one of two groups: binoculars that use Porro prism and those that use roof prism (you can find more on these two types of binoculars below, in the FAQ section). Both types have pros and cons, but each allows you to use both eyes to view your subjects, giving you an immersive and compelling visual experience.

• Best overall: Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars
• Best value: Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 binoculars
• Best for bird watching: Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 binoculars
• Best for stargazing: Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 binoculars
• Best night vision on a budget: Nightfox 110R Widescreen Night Vision binoculars

How we picked the best binoculars

For our ratings of best binoculars, we chose a range of current models at different price points. We also selected models that can be commonly bought from major online retail outlets. We then researched, selected, and tested models that included the broadest spectrum of features and capabilities, which met the needs of most users across a variety of use cases.

The best binoculars: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars

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Why it made the cut: Although they are pricey, the Vortex Viper binoculars will perform very well in almost any setting, both in nature and in urban environments making them the best binoculars overall.  

Key features:

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective diameter: 42mm
• Minimum focusing distance: 5 feet
• Weight: 1.53 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.85 x 11.05 inches

Pros

• Center focus wheel provides quick, smooth focus
• Offers a clear, bright image 
• Very well constructed
• Waterproof and fog proof

Cons

• Expensive

This Vortex binocular has 8x magnification and 42mm objective lenses and comes with extra-low dispersion glass. In addition, it has XR coatings (to increase light transmission), dielectric prism coatings (for bright, clear, color-accurate images), and phase correction coating (on roof prism models for optimal resolution and contrast). Vortex says it’s also waterproof and fog proof. 

The exterior of the lenses is also coated with Armortek, which is ultra-hard and scratch-resistant and protects from scratches, oil, and dirt. It also features adjustable eyecups, a center focus wheel, a locking diopter, and will fit on a tripod. 

Best value: Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 binoculars

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Why it made the cut: It’s a binocular that provides very clear images and performs like a much pricier model.

Key features:

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective diameter: 42mm
• Minimum focusing distance: 7.8 feet
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 5.71 x 5.08 x 1.65 inches

Pros

• Bright image 
• Comfortable 
• Easy to use
• Very well constructed

Cons

• Close focus range is 7.8 feet, which isn’t  as good as other models

Overall, these are the best binoculars for the money. It’s well-built, easy to use, and provides you with excellent images that are crisp, clear, and bright. Its controls are easy to use, too, and are easily adjusted. In addition, it’s also a binocular that is comfortable to hold and carry around.  

One of its few flaws, which is a minor one, is its close focus range of 7.8 feet, which isn’t as close as many other models in its class.

Best for bird watching: Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×42 binoculars

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Why it made the cut: These are the best binoculars for serious bird watchers, nature observers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key features:

• Magnification: 8x 
• Objective diameter: 42mm
• Minimum focusing distance: 6.5 feet
• Weight: 1.44 lbs
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 2 inches

Pros

• Comes with ED objective lenses 
• Has a close-focus distance of 6.5 feet
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Can easily connect to a tripod
• Made with BaK-4 prism glass

Cons

• Expensive

Although this model is pricey, it’s worth the price. For starters, Celestron included ED objective lenses, which results in images that are virtually free of chromatic aberration. It also allows the binoculars to have accurate color reproduction, increased resolution, and image contrast. In addition, the company used BaK-4 prisms for maximum light transmission and vivid, true-to-life colors.

What’s more, the binoculars can easily attach to a tripod for comfort and ease of use during extended viewing sessions. And it comes with a waterproof chassis that is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging of the lenses. It also comes with fully padded, twist-up eyecups for comfort, as well as eyeglass compatibility.

Best for stargazing: Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 binoculars

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Why it made the cut: Well-constructed, powerful binoculars that are also quite affordable making them the best binoculars for stargazing.

Key features:

• Magnification: 15x 
• Objective diameter: 70mm
• Minimum focusing distance: 43 feet
• Weight: 3.28 lbs
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 4.3 x 11 inches

Pros

• High magnification 
• Uses BaK4 prisms
• Performs well in low light 
• Compatible for use with a tripod
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Heavy
• Not as versatile as other models

With its high 15x magnification and 70 mm objective lens, which offers maximum image brightness in low-light and long-range conditions, the Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 binoculars provide a lot of quality. And since it has a Porro prism binocular design, these binocular can maintain quality while also being less expensive than the competition. 

It’s suitable for many different types of uses, including terrestrial or astronomical viewing. Its protective rubber covering will also give you an ultra-firm grip, while the large center focus knob allows you to quickly and easily focus the binocular. It also comes with a carrying case. 

However, some might find it a bit heavy for certain activities, like bird watching. But you can easily attach it to a tripod to help with the weight.

Best night vision on a budget: Nightfox 110R Widescreen Night Vision binocular

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Why it made the cut: These are an ideal choice for those looking for an inexpensive night-vision binocular. 

Key Features

• Magnification: 7x (with 2x digital zoom)  
• Power: 4 AA batteries 
• Weight: 1.13 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.76 x 9.57 x 3.23 inches

Pros

• Has a range of over 160 yards
• Easy to use
• Can record video and still photos (on to a micro SD memory card)

Cons

• Image quality could be higher

This model is rated to resolve subjects in darkness as far as 150 meters. It offers a 7x optical magnification and includes the ability to use a 2x digital zoom. The Nightfox is powered by 4 AA batteries, which provide up to 5 hours of battery life. It comes with large buttons that are easy to use, even with gloves on. There is also a micro SD memory card slot, enabling you to record photos and video clips on the 110R. 

Although there are night-vision models that may offer higher quality, this model does a very good job for the price. 

What to look for when buying the best binoculars

Understanding the numbers

When you’re looking to find the best binoculars for your needs, it’s important to understand two numbers that often appear in the name of a particular binocular. For instance, if you’re interested in buying a binocular that has the numbers “8×42” in its name, here’s what those numbers mean:

• The first number in our example, “8x,” refers to the magnification of the binoculars.
• The second number in our example, “42,” refers to the diameter of each of the two objective lenses used in the binocular, measured in millimeters. In this case, each lens has a diameter of 42mm.

But how do you begin your search? First, determine what you’ll be using them for to help you select the right magnification and objective lenses. Then, use the following tips to help you better choose your ideal binocular.

How to choose magnification: 

• 6-12x magnification: If you’re using them outdoors for birding or hunting, you’ll want to choose a binocular with magnification from 6x to 10x. You might even go for 12x magnification if you think you may want a closer view of your subjects. This magnification range is also suitable for using binoculars at various events, such as sporting events, musical concerts, outdoor festivals, parades, and more. However, you should take note that your arms will get tired after a while when holding binoculars with 10x or 12x magnification unless you use them with a tripod.

• 10x-20x magnification: If you plan on using your binoculars for stargazing, look for one that has more magnification, anywhere from 10x to 20x magnification. Of course, the higher the magnification means you’ll bring objects visually closer to you, but you’ll also have a narrower field of view. In other words, you’ll see less space around the object you’re looking at. Another downside of higher magnifications—you’ll end up with a heavier setup. So, you might want to buy a tripod and mount your binocular on the tripod for stargazing.

How to choose the right size objective lenses:

• 30mm-50mm: Look for models with objective lenses in this range for most types of uses, including birding, hunting, travel, sporting events, concerts, etc. It’s why most of the binoculars in the recommended list are in this range. The upside in having larger-sized objective lenses is that they let in more light, which can be helpful for use in low-light situations, like during sunrise, sunset and dusk, or in forests. However, like high magnifications, larger objective lenses also increase the weight of the binoculars. 

• 50mm-80mm: If you’re using your binocular for stargazing, look for objective lenses in this range. As noted above, these larger objectives will let in more light but also make them heavier.  

FAQs 

A final word on caring for your binoculars

Whether you’re buying a top-of-the-line binocular or a budget model, you want to make sure it lasts a long time. Follow these steps to help keep yours in good working condition:

• Remove dirt by gently brushing it off all metal parts. Use lens cleaning tissue or a soft brush on the lenses, being careful not to scratch the lenses. If you see any oil on the lens, clean it with some lens cleaner (by adding it on to the tissue) and use a circular motion to wipe the lens.
• Be sure to examine your binocular to see if it’s clean and in good working order.
• When hiking or traveling with your binocular, don’t let them swing when you’re walking with them; always use a strap. 
• Always put the caps over the lenses on your binocular when not in use.
• Don’t leave your binocular on the seat of your car when driving. If you stop short, you could damage them.
• If you see dust or dirt inside your model, contact the manufacturer to get the binocular repaired. Don’t try to open it up yourself.
• After using your binocular, store them in the case that came with your model.

The post The best binoculars of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for pros		DNP DS620A		SEE IT	A high-output option for professionals.
Best value		Canon Selphy CP1300		SEE IT	A great option for small prints.
Best for fabric		Sawgrass SG500		SEE IT	Put your photo on a t-shirt.

There are a few compelling reasons why you might want to search for the best sublimation printers instead of choosing between the many different models of inkjet and laser printers currently available. The first work case has to do with quality and convenience: Perhaps you simply want to buy a dye sublimation printer because you’re primarily interested in owning the best portable printer that can quickly and conveniently produce 4 x 6-inch glossy color photos of your digital images. After searching on Amazon and elsewhere, you’d soon realize there aren’t a lot of models to choose from. But each of those models can print using dye-sublimation technology. But that might not be the only sublimation printer you’re looking for. 

Perhaps you’re an event photographer or a wedding photographer, which means you’re a pro who needs to provide his or her customer with more print-size options. But you want your printer to print them out almost immediately. So, instead of just offering your customers a 4 x 6-inch print, you require the best sublimation printer that can produce, say, 5×7-inch and 6x 8-inch prints in addition to 4x 6-inch prints. Well, you’ll find that there are several pricier pro sublimation printers, too, which offer many more options for pro shooters who might need more versatility and flexibility.

However, those aren’t the only types of photographers or creatives using sublimation printers. There’s still a third group, one made up of many different types of small-business owners and pro photographers, who are still interested in using sublimation printers. However, if you’re part of this group, you’re interested in producing high quality sublimation prints so you can transfer your photos (via a heat-press process) onto t-shirts and fabrics, as well as other objects, like mugs or smartphone cases. Regardless of your use case, we’ve put together this selection of the best sublimation printers for any person.

• Best for beginners: Epson EcoTank ET-2720
• Best for professionals: DNP DS620A
• Best wide format: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
• Best for T-shirts: Sawgrass SG500
• Best cheap: Canon Selphy CP1300

How we chose the best sublimation printers

For our ratings of best sublimation printers, we chose current models from some of the major brands that produce these types of printers. We researched and selected the models that included the broadest spectrum or features and capabilities, and also which met the needs of most users as well as which models and printer types are most affordable.

We also looked at printers that were compatible with both Windows and Mac computers (the most current operating systems for both), as well as other connectivity technologies, including USB, wireless, Bluetooth and more.

The best sublimation printers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best for beginners: Epson EcoTank ET-2720 

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Why It Made The Cut: Because it comes with large ink tanks, this Epson EcoTank model is easier and less expensive to convert than most the inkjet printers making it our pick for the best sublimation printer for beginners.

Key Features

• Weight: 12.45 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 14.8 x 8.7 inches
• Type: All-in-one converted sublimation printer with ink tanks

Pros:

• Easier and less expensive to convert to a dye sub printer
• Ink tanks can hold months’ worth of ink
• Easy to set up
• Has both wireless and hands-free voice-activated printing capabilities
• Includes built-in scanner and copier

Cons:

• Printer is slightly more expensive than some
• This Epson EcoTank model has fewer features than others in its product line

If you’re a novice at printing on dye sub printers, you’ll want to watch your budget since you won’t just be buying a printer, but other items, as well, including sets of ink, different sets of paper and quite possibly a heat-transfer machine, as well. 

So you don’t want to go through more ink than is necessary, since that can get very expensive. But that’s one of the benefits of using one of Epson’s EcoTank line of printers. They’re specifically designed to hold a lot of ink (in each color), which can last for months, depending on usage. But what’s really great about this Epson EcoTank model is that since it’s Epson’s entry-level model, this is a cheap sublimation printer compared to most ink-jet models with ink tanks. So, if you’re just starting out and are looking for an ideal inkjet printer to convert into a dye sub printer, the ET-2720 is ideal.

Additionally, there’s also a benefit in converting one of Epson’s EcoTank inkjet printers with ink tanks into a sublimation printer: According to various experts, it’s much easier and less expensive to convert one of these models to a sublimation printer than printers that use ink cartridges. This Epson line is also responsible for some of our favorite at-home printers.

Best for pros: DNP DS620A

SEE IT

Why It Made The Cut: A pricey professional-grade photo sublimation printer that’s ideal for setting up a photo booth at a wedding or corporate event. 

Key Features

• Weight: 29.95 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: ‎19.7 x 15.7 x 12.9 inches
• Type: Purpose-built sublimation printer

Pros:

• Excellent performance and very fast
• Prints high-quality photos
• Offers several different print sizes
• You can print either glossy or matte finish

Cons:

• Very pricey
• Not designed to print on transfer paper, for transferring images to t-shirts or mugs

As the top sublimation printer this printer is ideal for event and wedding photographers and content creators who want to produce lots of quality photos quickly to hand out at an event. For instance, say you’re a pro event photographer who might be interested in setting up a photo booth for a wedding or corporate event, this model would be an excellent choice since it can produce lots of good quality photos and print them rather inexpensively.

What’s also nice about this printer is that, unlike cheaper purpose-built sublimation printers, this model has the option of printing in three different sizes—4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, and 6 x 8 inches. 

It’s very fast, too: The company says it can print 400 prints per hour. You can also place a watermark on the back of all your images, and you can use the same media to produce either glossy or matte photos.

It has a standby mode, as well, to lower costs (and increase profitability) by making the most efficient use of energy. The printer also provides advanced status information from the driver, enabling you to check on remaining media, media format, printer status, printer life counter, color control data, firmware version and serial number.

If you’re looking for something more flexible when it comes to making physical versions of your photography, check out our list of the best printers for photos.

Best wide format: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

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Why It Made The Cut: As the best wide-format sublimation printer this model is also an excellent choice for those who need to convert a single-function inkjet printer.

Key Features

• Weight: 18.7 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 30.9 x 18.7 x 16.2 inches
• Type: Single-function converted sublimation printer 

Pros:

• Lets you print in larger sizes than most inkjet printers
• Includes a 2.4-inch touch display
• Uses a 6-color ink sets
• Printer unit is lightweight
• Wireless connectivity 

Cons:

• Not as easy to convert as Epson’s EcoTank models
• More expensive to convert than Epson’s EcoTank models

Typical printers can only handle media up to 8.5×11 inches. But if you need prints that are larger, you’ll enjoy this wide format sublimation printer from Epson, which can print at larger sizes, up to 13 x 19 inches. And since it can print using six colors and higher resolution settings than many printers, the images are sharp and vibrant. However, it’s not a perfect printer since it’s not as easy to convert this Epson into a sublimation printer since it uses ink cartridges instead of ink tanks. Also, this Epson produces prints more slowly than others in its class.

Best for heat transfer: Sawgrass SG500

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Why It Made The Cut: This versatile but relatively pricey sublimation printer can transfer photos and graphics onto a variety of objects, including t-shirts, mugs, and other items making it our pick for the best sublimation printer for fabric and rugs.

Key Features

• Weight: 30.61 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 15.75 x 17.25 x 8.5 inches
• Type: Purpose-built sublimation printer

Pros:

• Comes with a set of Sublijet UHD sublimation inks
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• 2-Year Product Warranty and In-house Support

Cons:

• Somewhat pricey

The Sawgrass SG500 fits easily onto the top of a desk thanks to its small size. But, it’s still a powerful dye-sublimation printer that can be used on many projects, whether you’re a hobbyist or you own a small business or kiosk operation. It’s also great for making sublimation prints for shirts.

You can print on media up to 8.5″ x 14″ and use it to create and apply custom graphics to a wide variety of items, including mugs, coasters, phone cases, apparel and more. The SG500 also offers WiFi connectivity. The SG500 includes a free license of CreativeStudio software. It was developed for the sublimation process and comes with built-in product templates and thousands of ready-to-use designs making it an excellent sublimation printer for shirts. The printer also comes with Sawgrass Print Manager, a software utility that automatically adjusts the ink output to ensure optimal quality while also reducing wasted ink.

Best cheap: Canon Selphy CP1300

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Key Features

Why It Made The Cut: If you only need to print out good quality 4 x 6-inch color photos that have vivid color and are durable, this Canon small, portable, dye sub printer should fit the bill as the best cheap sublimation printer.

• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches
• Type: portable photo dye sublimation printer

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Portable
• Includes wired (PictBridge) and wireless connectivity
• Can print directly from SD memory card (via memory card slot)

Cons:

• Hot a sublimation printer for heat transfers for mugs, t-shirts, etc.
• Not very versatile

There’s a lot to like about the Canon Selphy CP1300 dye sub photo printer, provided that you’re OK with being limited to printing only 4 x 6-inch size photos and that you don’t need a very versatile dye sub printer. For instance, unlike other dye sub models, you won’t be able to print your images onto transfer paper and then use a heat transfer process to transfer the image or design onto a t-shirt, mug, or other objects. But if you’re OK with these limitations, this Canon Selphy printer produces good quality 4 x 6-inch color photos that have vivid color and are also durable.

What’s also nice about the Selphy CP1300 is that the printer is small and compact, so it will fit in almost any small office or anywhere in the home. You also have several options when you want to connect with the printer: You can connect to it via one of two USB ports, for a wired connection, or you can print via Wi-Fi. Since there’s an SD memory card slot, you can also print right from your SD memory card. 

Are you eager to see how some of the photos on your mobile devices look when you print them out?  Well, you can also print directly from your mobile devices by downloading Canon’s PRINT app, although it can also work using Apple AirPrint (for Apple devices) or Mopria (for Android devices).

The printer is powered via an AC adapter, but you can buy a battery pack, which makes the printer even more portable. The Selphy CP1300 also sports a small 3.2-inch LCD, which allows you to preview any images you’d like to print directly from your memory card or thumb drive.

What to consider when buying the best sublimation printers

For many of you, it’s quite possible that you’ve never even heard of sublimation (or dye sublimation) printers before, in which case you might be wondering: How does a dye sublimation printer work, and how does it differ, say, from the process inkjet printers use to create images and prints? Essentially, during the printing process, heat is applied to the three layers of solid ink dye (cyan, magenta and yellow) in the dye sub printer’s ink cartridge. On traditional dye subs, the layers of ink are also the same size as the paper. There’s an additional layer, as well, which contains the material used for a clear protective coating that’s put on at the end of the process. Once a section of the ink is heated, the three dyes are vaporized into gas and are transferred to the paper. The clear coating is then applied and the process is complete.

However, sublimation printing can also be used to transfer photographic images onto fabric, like t-shirts, and hard materials, like specially manufactured ceramic mugs. To do this kind of dye sub printing, you first create a graphic or photo and produce a dye sub print (which is printed in reverse) onto transfer paper. Once the ink is dry on the transfer paper, the photo or graphic can then be transferred on to an object by heating it. Heat is applied to the dye sub ink dye, at which point they’re vaporized and transferred to an object. So, when you buy a sublimation printer, you’ll want to be clear on what you’ll be using it for and how often. Then, look at the various printer features and capabilities to narrow the focus of your search.

Do you just need a printer that produces durable photos quickly?

If you’re not making images or graphics that will be transferred to an object, then you can limit your search for printers that produce fine-quality sub-dye photo prints. If you don’t intend to print anything larger than a 4 x 6-inch print, then look for a portable photo printer, like the Canon Selphy CP1300.

But if you’re looking for better quality, faster output, or more options, consider a printer like the DNP DS620A dye sublimation printer, which is pricey but designed for pro photographers who want to print out quality photos quickly for their clients at an event.

What are you printing on?

If you’re interested in placing your photos or graphics on customized gifts, like baseball hats, cell phone cases, mugs or t-shirts, you have two options: First, you can convert a new inkjet all-in-one or regular printer to a dye sublimation printer. Note: You should be aware that when you decide to change your printer and convert it so that it now uses a sublimation process to produce prints, you will no longer be able to use that printer as an inkjet printer anymore. Also, not all inkjets can be converted. So, be sure to do some research to find out if your model can be converted. 

Your other option is to buy a purpose-built sublimation printer (which is a model that is specifically built to produce sublimation prints). 

What other equipment and supplies will I need on hand? 

There are various techniques for transferring an image printed on transfer paper to an object, like a t-shirt, mug, or other objects. In some cases, you’ll also need either a heat press machine or a mug heat press, or both. You’ll also need to invest in other items like sets of ink and heat-resistant tape. 

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best sublimation printers

As with all printers, be sure to do some research on how much your ink will cost you over the lifespan of the printer you’re thinking of buying. 

Be sure to look into possible ways of saving time and money on ink refills. For instance, make sure you follow any steps or recommendations you find on reputable websites. For example, if you buy an Epson EcoTank printer, you might not only save money, since the ink will last a lot longer than models that rely on traditional inkjet cartridges, but you’ll also save time, since you won’t have to spend the time in a conversion process, since the ink tanks only need to be filled up with sublimation ink. 

However, also be sure to heed any warnings. For instance, if you intend to convert an Epson EcoTank model, be sure it’s a brand new, right-out-of-the-box model, and that it’s never been used with inkjet ink.

The post The best sublimation printers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Logitech HD Pro c920S		SEE IT	The right mix of quality and price for most people
Best for business		Logitech Brio 4K		SEE IT	4K resolution makes for a clearer picture
Best for lowlight		Razer Kiyo Pro		SEE IT	Impressive HDR helps when light gets low

Before 2020, most consumers weren’t all that interested in finding the best webcams. The general public used services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype relatively infrequently, and built-in webcams usually sufficed. As a result, at the start of 2020, most webcams still produced average video and audio quality with limited features. Since then, these computer cameras have become a lifeline to the outside world. Suddenly, it really mattered how good your webcam was.

While image quality is still the most crucial aspect of these devices, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Some offer clever features that you may not even have known you wanted. So if you are looking for one of the best webcams in 2023, here are our recommended models. 

• Best overall: Logitech HD Pro c920S
• Best budget: Microsoft Q2F-00013 LifeCam Studio
• Best for business: Logitech Brio 4K
• Best for lowlight: Razer Kiyo Pro
• Best versatile: Logitech StreamCam

How we chose the best webcams

We selected a range of current models for our ratings of the best webcams at different price points. We also chose models that you can easily purchase on major online retail outlets. We then researched, selected, and tested models that included essential features and capabilities that met most users’ needs across a variety of use cases. The resulting list comes from a mixture of research and hands-on experience.

The best webcams: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Logitech HD Pro c920S

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Why it made the cut: This webcam is our top choice because it’s easy to install, has excellent performance, and has useful features like a privacy shutter and 1080p quality.

Key features

• Resolution: 1080p
• Framerate: 30 fps
• Field of view: 78 degrees 
• Dimensions: 1.7 x 3.7 x 2.8 inches
• Weight: 5.71 ounces 

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Glass lens for better quality video
• Dual omnidirectional built-in mics
• Easy to use and set up
• Includes a removable privacy shutter

Cons

• Only 30 fps
• Not great in low light settings

There are a few crucial reasons we selected this Logitech model as the best webcam overall. For starters, it comes with a feature that allows you to stop taping up your laptop’s webcam for privacy concerns. The Logitech HD Pro c920S has a privacy shutter, which fits snugly over the lens and lets you cover it whenever not in use. Second, it’s easy to install and use.  

The c920S is an excellent performer, allowing you to make and record video calls in full HD (1080p) so that the footage is sharp and clear. The lens has autofocus, so subjects stay in focus. Plus, its auto-white balance does a great job at correcting color casts. Logitech also equipped this webcam with stereo audio (with dual mics), so the audio sounds natural and clear. It’s not the fanciest webcam in the world, but it’s solid and reliable enough to suit the needs of most people. 

Best budget: Microsoft Q2F-00013 LifeCam Studio

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Why it made the cut: This inexpensive webcam still provides good video recording quality at 1080p and solid performance.

Key features

• Resolution: 1080p recording/720p for video chats
• Framerate: 30 fps
• Field of view: 75 degrees
• Dimensions: 4.48 x 2.36 x 1.77 inches 
• Weight: 4.5 ounces

Pros

• Relatively inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Rotates 360 degrees to easily adjust the angle of the camera

Cons

• 1080p resolution is only for video recording, not calls
• Narrower field of view than most models

As with many bargain or budget devices, you’ll need to be willing to make a few compromises with this webcam. For instance, it comes with a 1080p resolution sensor and can record in 1080p. However, during video chats, the resolution drops to 720p. It also has a 75 degree field of view, which is just a touch narrower than most. Additionally, the lens itself is just plastic instead of glass, which makes it even more important to keep clean.

One nice feature is that you can rotate the webcam 360 degrees around. Microsoft also equipped the LifeCam Studio with a wideband microphone for very good audio quality. Of course, you won’t get every bell and whistle with this model, but overall, it does a good job when you need to hop on a conference call. Lastly, this Microsoft webcam is only compatible with Windows computers, so Apple users need to choose something else.

Best for business: Logitech Brio 4K

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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking for a higher resolution for clearer conference calls with your business partners or recording more professional content, this webcam can record and capture 4K resolution video.

Key features

• Resolution: 4K/1080p/720p
• Framerate: 30 fps (for 4K) and 60 fps (for 1080p)
• Field of view: Adjustable–65, 78 and 90 degrees
• Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 4 inches
• Weight: 2.22 oz 

Pros

• Higher resolution (4K) than most in its class 
• Very versatile
• Three field of view settings
• Two omni-directional mics
• Auto exposure technology for getting the correct exposure in video chats

Cons

• Expensive

This Logitech is pricey compared to most other best webcams. However, we think it’s worth the money, particularly if you’re looking for the best video conference camera with a high resolution or versatility. 

The Logitech Brio 4K can capture video in 4K resolution, four times higher than what you’ll get with most models. In addition, you can step it down to record in 1080p or even 720p, allowing you to increase the framerate to 60 fps and 90 fps, respectively. You also get three field of view settings: 65, 78, and 90 degrees. These different FOV options allow you to limit or expand the space around you or your subject when you’re on a video chat. 

Other impressive features include dual omni-directional mics for getting great audio. It also has smart security features, like the ability to sign-in securely to your computer with Windows Hello facial recognition. And there’s a privacy shade to cover and protect the lens.  

Best for lowlight: Razer Kiyo Pro

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Why it made the cut: This adjustable and versable webcam is ideal for low-light environments.

Key features

• Resolution: 1080p 
• Framerate: 60 fps
• Field of view: 80, 90 and 103 degrees
• Dimensions: 2.71 x 2.71 x 1.91 inches
• Weight: 6.88 ounces

Pros

• Very versatile
• Three field of view settings
• High dynamic range (HDR) capabilities
• Both autofocus and manual focus settings 

Cons

• Software could be easier to use

Lowlight or dim environments have always been a challenge for cameras, particularly those using inexpensive components like webcams. However, webcams like this one use smart or automated features to get the most out of the cheaper components. For example, the Razer Kiyo Pro has HDR settings, allowing streaming video to maintain vibrant colors and even exposure in lower-light or high contrast environments. 

Like the Logitech Brio, the Kiyo Pro offers three FOV settings: 80, 90, and 103 degrees. It also comes with a lens that has an f/2 aperture, which allows more light into the lens, helping even more with darker lighting conditions. And it can record 1080p video at 60 fps for more fluid and smoother-looking video.

Best versatile: Logitech StreamCam

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Why it made the cut: The StreamCam is a well-rounded and versatile webcam that adjusts quickly to changing lighting conditions. The 1080p video at 60 fps will appeal to streamers, content creators, or anyone looking for smooth, high-quality video.

Key features

• Resolution: 1080p
• Framerate: 60 fps
• Field of view: 78 degrees
• Dimensions: 2.29 x 1.9 x 2.38 inches
• Weight: 7.83 ounces

Pros

• Versatile, particularly when recording in changing lighting scenarios
• Good camera build
• Offers 60 fps, for smoother-looking footage
• Comes with several smart features, including auto-framing and auto-exposure

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Software can be a little confusing

Although it’s a little more expensive than most webcams, there’s a lot to like about the Logitech StreamCam, particularly if you value versatility. For starters, it’s a slightly larger camera that allows for a better quality lens. That’s something that helps with various settings, from image quality to its ability to adjust to changes in lighting quickly. Overall, it’s a webcam that responds very quickly to the environment. 

The StreamCam can capture content at 1080p at the higher framerate of 60 fps, which provides smoother-looking video. And the webcam also has an auto-framing feature and intelligent exposure to help keep your video looking great. In addition, the built-in mic is dual omnidirectional and has a noise reduction filter to help with any background noise.

What to consider when buying the best webcams

If you are in the market for a new model, here are some features, capabilities, technical specs, and technologies you’ll want to consider when you buy a new webcam: 

Image Quality

Two important specs control image quality: Resolution and the quality of the lens. Resolution refers to the total number of pixels the webcam captures in a frame. The minimum resolution you’ll want to accept these days is 720p. However, webcams with more resolution can provide even more detail up to fancy 4K if your connection and computer can handle it.

The quality of the lens also determines how sharp the image will be. A glass lens will offer better quality than plastic alternatives, though they will be more expensive. Also, look for a lens with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/2, which allows more light into the camera.

Field of View

Field of view (FOV) provides you with a measurement of how wide or narrow the webcam’s lens is. It will control how much of your surroundings the people you are chatting with will see. Most webcams have a FOV ranging between 65 and 90 degrees, with 65 degrees being narrower and 90 degrees being a wider angle. The majority have a FOV of 78 degrees, which shows the main subject, you, and some of the surrounding space. If you don’t want your surroundings displayed as much, opt for a narrower FOV.

Frame rate

The frame rate will also play a role in video quality. Some models allow you to capture video at a higher frame rate, such as 60 frames per second, resulting in smoother-looking footage. Avoid going lower than 30 fps if the video quality is important to you.

Audio quality 

Be sure to consider what kind of audio system your webcam has, including the quality of the microphones and other audio features. Microphone features like dual microphones and omnidirectional mics may also be important if you want solid audio quality. If you need to record professional-level audio, however, you should likely invest in a standalone mic.  

Ease of use

By and large, most webcams are easy to set up and use. However, do some research before purchasing to see if the settings and menu systems make sense to you. Also, make sure it’s compatible with your operating system. For example, Mac computers don’t offer controls in the Preference section to control your webcam. So, those controls need to be included in the webcam or the app that controls it.

FAQs 

A final word on buying the best webcams

While it’s always a good idea to closely examine the technical specifications and features available on a new webcam, you’ll also want to be aware of what features are available for you to use when you’re actively in a video chat or web conference. In other words, you might have a webcam that has high-quality resolution and high frame rate settings. But that might be more than what the major online video conferencing services even support.

For instance, here are a few of the top resolution settings for some popular video conference services:   

• Zoom: 1080p
• Microsoft Teams: 1080p
• Google Meet: 720p

As you can see, none of them include 4K or 8K video resolution, meaning you won’t be using the full capabilities of your webcam if it has more than that. If all you are doing with your webcam is video chats and conference calls, you could save some money and go with a lower resolution.

The post The best webcams in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens		SEE IT
Best budget		Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Lens		SEE IT
Best for beginners		Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens		SEE IT

If you’re looking to start shooting close-up photography and own a Canon mirrorless camera or a DSLR, you’ll want to buy one of the best macro lenses for Canon system cameras to get the best results. To help you, we found several lenses that match the type of photography you’re interested in and that are also compatible with your Canon camera system.

But finding the precise right lens for your camera can be confusing. Like many specialized photography genres, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon (some of which is necessary) and the high number of lenses available for all the different Canon cameras currently on the market. We hope our guide helps clear up some of that confusion.  

The following are the lenses we recommend for Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras:  

• Best overall:  Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
• Best budget: Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Lens
• Best for beginners: Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens
• Best third-party lens: Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens for Canon EF
• Best for professional photographers: Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo Lens

How we picked the best macro lenses for Canon

For our ratings of the best camera lenses for Canon, we chose current lenses that are compatible with Canon’s current lines of interchangeable-lens cameras, including its full-frame mirrorless camera system and its DSLR camera system. We not only researched and judged lenses made by Canon, but we also considered several third-party lens manufacturers. We also selected models that would appeal to the broadest spectrum of photographers and content creators. 

Beyond choosing a lens, here are some important factors to consider when shooting macro photographs:  

• Use a tripod to minimize even small vibrations, which can blur your photos.
• Be aware that when you shoot a macro photo, you’ll have a very shallow depth of field, making it a challenge to keep your subject in focus, particularly when you shoot outdoors. 
• If you’re shooting hand-held, use in-camera image stabilization, optical (or lens-based) IS, or, best of all, a hybrid IS system that uses both IBIS and optical (or lens-based) IS.
• When shooting outdoors, it’s important to know that even a gentle wind can move your subject out of focus.
• When you use a short macro lens, be careful not to cast a shadow on your subject.
• If your lens has autofocus, experiment shooting with AF on and off and see which gives you the best results. 
• Read the manual for your macro lens.
• Be patient.

The best macro lenses for Canon: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

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Why It Made The Cut: It’s the first true RF macro lens in Canon’s full-frame mirrorless lens lineup and has 1.4x magnification.

Key Features

• Mount / Format: RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Magnification: 1.4:1 magnification 
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 10.2 inches
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Unique bokeh control ring
• Has 1.4x magnification
• Includes optical image stabilization
• Dual-focus system  
• Bright f/2.8 maximum aperture

Cons

• Expensive

The RF 100mm f/2.8 is Canon’s first true RF macro lens in Canon’s full-frame mirrorless lens lineup. It comes with a very impressive feature called Spherical Aberration control. Many refer to it as a bokeh control button since it allows you to control the level or amount of bokeh or blur in the foreground and background. What’s more, it has smooth and silent autofocus, which is helpful for shooting wildlife. 

Another critical factor for macro photographers is that this lens has a 1.4x magnification, which means that subjects will be 40 percent larger than you could capture with Canon’s EF DSLR macro lens. Since the newer EOS RF cameras, like the R5 and R3, have high-resolution sensors, the 1.4:1 magnification ratio also lets the camera bodies capture incredibly small details in sharp focus. And because both the lens and the camera bodies have IS systems running, there’s an additional level of technology to help stabilize your images, which can be powerful, particularly in low-light situations. 

Best budget: Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Lens

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Why It Made The Cut: The Laowa 25mm is a unique budget-priced macro lens with a high magnification range of 1:2.5 to 1:5.

Key Features

• Mount / Format: RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Magnification: 2.5:1 to 5:1 magnification ratios
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 6.8 inches 
• Autofocus: No

Pros

• Inexpensive 
• Has 2.5x to 5x magnification range
• Lightweight

Cons

• Lacks autofocus or auto exposure capabilities
• Lacks optical image stabilization

One of the things that makes this a unique macro lens for Canon full-frame mirrorless R-series cameras or a Canon EOS DSLR is that it offers you the ability to shoot images in a range of magnifications–from 2.5x up to 5x magnification. That’s very powerful. The lens is also relatively light–in fact, it’s the lightest of all the lenses we recommend, aside from the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens. It’s also smaller in diameter than almost any other lens built for an interchangeable-lens camera.  

However, it does lack some features other photographers might find important. It’s a lens that does not offer the ability to focus to infinity. When positioned at 5:1 magnification, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 6.1 inches and a working distance (or the distance from the front of the lens to the subject) of 1.6 inches. At the 2.5:1 position, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.2 inches and a working distance of 1.8 inches. So, in both cases, you have to get pretty near to your subjects, which can be a challenge when photographing some wildlife subjects. It also makes it easy to cast a shadow on your subject accidentally. It does, however, have an 8-blade diaphragm design for creating a pleasing bokeh. 

It’s a little less versatile than other macro lenses because you can’t use it for different types of photography, such as portraits or landscapes, but it does produce some very stunning macro photos. 

Best for beginners: Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM Lens

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Why It Made The Cut: The Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 macro lens is a lightweight, compact, and cleverly designed prime for Canon’s M-series of mirrorless cameras.

Key Features

• Mount / Format: EF-M Mount Lens/APS-C Format
• Magnification: 1.2:1 magnification
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 3.7 inches
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Includes a built-in integrated LED light
• Compact
• Lightweight
• Has a lens-based image stabilizer 
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Maximum aperture is just f/3.5, not as wide as many macro lenses

One of the first things you’re apt to notice on this EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens is its unique feature—an LED light. It’s the world’s first macro lens that comes with a built-in macro light, which can illuminate hard-to-capture subjects. (Note: You’ll need to unscrew the lens hood to use the LED, which you control with buttons on the side of the lens.)  

What’s also nice is that its autofocus system is functional at both ends of the spectrum: It can focus at infinity in both normal shooting and its Super Macro mode (which provides a magnification of up to 1.2x). In addition, the lens employs a Hybrid IS image stabilization system to keep things steady, which helps you capture sharp details by reducing blur due to camera shake. It’s also easy to use and has a lightweight, compact and clever design. And it’s very affordable.

Best third-party lens: Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens

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Why It Made The Cut: Sigma’s 70mm f/2.8 with 1x magnification is an excellent choice for a macro lens from a third-party lens manufacturer.

Key Features

• Mount / Format: EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Magnification: 1:1 magnification
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 10.2 inches
• Autofocus: Yes

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Sharp and distortion-free
• 1x magnification
• AF/MF switch for changing from autofocus to manual focus

Cons

• Lacks optical (lens-based) image stabilization
• Lens telescopes out as its focusing

If you want to buy a versatile, easy-to-use macro prime for EOS DSLR models that isn’t made by Canon, this telephoto prime from Sigma may fit the bill. It’s compact, lightweight, and portable and can capture images and videos that are sharp and distortion-free. It also can capture macro shots with a magnification ratio of 1:1, and there’s a switch on the lens that lets you toggle between autofocus and focusing manually. 

It’s not perfect since it lacks an optical image stabilizer in the lens, and the barrel of the lens also telescopes out as it’s focusing. However, it’s a very solid, well-made macro lens. And because it’s an EF lens designed for Canon DSLRs, you can use it with one of two adapters on mirrorless cameras. You can use Canon’s Mount Adapter EF-EOS M for attaching this macro lens to an EOS M-series mirrorless camera. Or use the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R-series for connecting this macro lens to an EOS R-series full-frame mirrorless camera.

Best for professionals: Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo Lens

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Why It Made The Cut: The MP-E 65mm is the only Canon-branded prime lens capable of capturing images with a magnification range between 1x and 5x magnification.

Key Features

• Mount / Format: EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Magnification: 1:1 to 5:1
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 9.45 inches 
• Autofocus: No

Pros

• Can capture macro images between a 1:1 and 5:1 magnification 
• Versatile for macro photography
• Includes a magnification ring
• Sturdy construction

Cons

• Expensive
• No autofocus or image stabilization

If you’re a professional photographer who focuses on macro photography, whether you shoot commercial, nature, science, or food photography, this specialty lens might be a great addition to your photography workflow. Although it’s a short telephoto prime lens (65mm) for full-frame Canon DSLRs and a slightly longer telephoto prime lens (104mm) for Canon APS-C DSLRs, it lacks the ability to focus on infinity the way other macro lenses can. So, it’s really dedicated to just capturing macro photos.

What’s powerful about this unique lens is that it lets you render subjects within a range of magnification factors: From 1x to 5x life-size magnification. But since it’s a telephoto lens, it has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches. The lens also uses floating elements to maintain quality throughout the focusing range. It is strictly a manual focus lens, but it can accept an optional macro ring light or macro twin light for improving your light setup. It also comes with a tripod collar for extra stability. 

Things to consider before buying the best macro lenses for Canon

Before searching for a great macro lens for your Canon camera, it’s helpful to know what a macro lens is and what “macro photography” means. Macro photography doesn’t just mean that you’ve captured an image of something up close. It actually means something quite specific: A macro photograph is anything that produces an image at a magnified ratio of 1:1 or greater, such as 1.4:1 or 2:1. That ratio is also known as magnification factor and is expressed as “1x magnification” (for a 1:1 ratio) or “2x magnification” (for a 2:1 ratio). 

So, what exactly does “1:1 magnification ratio” or “1x magnification” mean? 

Let me try to illustrate it with an example. If in real life, you’ve placed a tiny mustard seed that’s 1/16th of an inch long on your desk to photograph it, the projected image that your camera casts onto its image sensor must also be at least 1/16th of an inch long for it to be considered a macro photo. That’s why it’s a 1:1 ratio. The size of the mustard seed in real life is the same size as the projected image. 

In some cases, a macro lens might enlarge that image: For instance, if the size of the projected image of the mustard seed is 1/8th of an inch, then the ratio is 2:1 or 2x magnification. 

What’s also important to know is that some camera manufacturers make lenses that they label as macro lenses but fall short of the 1:1 magnification ratio. For instance, some lenses are marketed as macros but have just a 0.5x magnification or 1:2 ratio. The lower magnification means it’s not technically a macro lens. However, once you understand what defines a macro lens, you’ll just need to be on the lookout and read the technical specifications carefully for a lens’ magnification factor or ratio. 

In addition to knowing what a macro photo is, you’ll need to figure out which macro lenses are compatible with your Canon camera body. To make things slightly more confusing, you can also buy lenses from third-party manufacturers, such as Sigma and Venus Optics. These companies make a variety of lenses compatible with Canon’s different camera systems and other systems. 

Follow this guide when looking for either a Canon-branded macro lens or one made by a third-party manufacturer:  

• Make sure the lens has a magnification ratio of 1:1 (1x magnification) or greater.
• If the manufacturer or retail outlet labeled the lens as a “macro” lens, disregard it unless the magnification ratio is at least 1:1. 
• Pick the macro lens compatible with your camera:
  • Canon’s R-series full-frame mirrorless cameras accept lenses with an RF lens mount. 
  • Canon’s series of full-frame DSLR cameras accept lenses with an EF lens mount.  
  • Canon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras accept lenses with an EF-M lens mount.
  • Canon’s APS-C DSLR cameras accept lenses with either an EF or an EF-S lens mount.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best macro lenses for Canon

Macro photography is an extraordinary genre that provides you with a powerful way to see the world differently. The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens is an ideal all-around option for taking those macro images. The 10mm focal length is right in the sweet spot for minimum focus distance, as it isn’t too close or too far away. It also has a nice 1.4x magnification and built-in stabilization to help get sharp images. Lastly, the bokeh control ring gives you more control over the amount of bokeh in your pictures, which is a helpful tool.

The post The best macro lenses for Canon in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best Overall		Apple iPad Air		SEE IT	It’s just the right mix of power and portability.
Best for photo editing		Microsoft Surface Pro 8		SEE IT	Get full versions of Photoshop and Lightroom.
Best iPad for photo editing		Apple iPad Pro		SEE IT	The best performance comes with a gorgeous screen.

There are so many models available, and typically each new tablet that enters the market comes with a larger, more powerful feature set than its predecessor. You’ll also find them at many different price points. For example, you can buy a basic tablet for under $100 or a high-end model that costs more than $2,000, which can make choosing tricky. Finding the best tablet comes down to how you want to use your tablet. For instance, if you intend to use your tablet for checking email or watching videos, you will have very different technology needs than a photographer editing photo or video content. In some cases, today’s top-of-the-line tablets can include laptop-like capabilities, something that not all users need. High-end machines can handle very complex photo editing as well as some compositing tasks. This type of work can use a lot of a device’s resources and require a powerful processor, which can bring up the price significantly.   

• Best overall: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) 
• Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus 
• Best budget: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
• Best iPad for photo editing: Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch (6th generation) 
• Best Android for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Pro 8 

How we picked the best tablets

We picked current models from the major brands that produce tablets for our list of best tablets and relied on a mixture of research and hands-on testing to pick the top performers in each category. To choose the best models, we considered many different factors but focused on those most important to consumers and creatives, especially photographers, including price, performance, the quality of the display, versatility, and its feature set. We also considered how portable the tablet is. 

The best tablets: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) 

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Why it made the cut: New features like an updated design and a more powerful A14 Bionic processor allow this tablet to stand out from the pack, even in a competitive market making it the best tablet overall.

Key features

• Screen size: 10.9 inches 
• Resolution: 2360 x 1640 
• Weight: 1 pound 
• Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches
• Operating System:  iPadOS  

Pros

• Includes a USB-C connection, for connecting extra storage
• Excellent performance
• Beautifully designed
• Ideal for basic and advanced tasks, including video and multimedia 

Cons

• Lacks 3.5mm audio ports
• Lacks SD or microSD card slot
• Pen and keyboard sold separately

Apple didn’t drastically overhaul the iPad Air’s insides with its latest update, but the design changed a lot. It now looks like a more compact version of the flagship iPad Pro. While it’s not quite as powerful as its pricier sibling, it offers the right mix of design, power, and portability to suit most people. The new Air now has a powerful M1 chipset, so it’s capable of performing many different types of power-hungry tasks including photo and video editing. 

In terms of design, Apple borrowed several elements from its top-of-the-line iPad, the iPad Pro, including its USB-C port, which allows you to attach an external SSD for expanding the amount of storage you have. That means you’re not stuck with the 64GB or 256GB of onboard storage.You can even plug a camera directly into the iPad to transfer images to its built-in storage.

Its screen is slightly less reflective than previous iPads, making for more pleasant viewing. And it has better sound, with four speakers– two at the top and two at the bottom–for a better audio experience. However, it still lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which for some audiophiles is very important. Nevertheless, it’s a very powerful iPad that will meet the needs of most photographers, content creators, and consumers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with either a stylus pen or keyboard.

Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus 

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Why it made the cut: As the best Android tablet is concerned this model comes close to the performance you get on the top-performing Apple iPad.

Key features

• Screen size: 12.4 inches
• Resolution: 2800 x 1752
• Weight: 1.3 pounds 
• Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.28 x 0.22 inches
• Operating System:  Android 

Pros

• Sharp, colorful 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display
• Up to 14 hours of battery life
• 120Hz refresh rate for smoothing video 
• Newly redesigned and very responsive S pen stylus
• MicroSD slot to expand storage (up to 1TB)

Cons

• A bit pricey

Although this tablet is a bit on the pricey side, it’s an excellent performer and is powerful enough to handle all your work and personal tasks. It has a sharp, colorful 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display, which Samsung says is more flexible and has a better viewing experience than OLED. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes for smoother video. Lastly, it includes a new, redesigned, more responsive S Pen stylus.

The Tab S7+ has excellent battery life–the specs claim up to 14 hours of battery life when watching videos. And it’s available in 3 storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

How does it stand apart from Apple? In at least two important ways: First, it has a memory card slot, which allows you to expand your storage capacity by up to 1TB. And Samsung includes the S Pen stylus. That’s a critical element that Apple should note since they charge quite a bit extra for buying the Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2. Samsung recently announced new versions of the S-series tablets, and we’re looking forward to testing them when they hit the market.

Best budget: Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

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Why it made the cut: This compact version of Apple’s iPad pairs portability with performance, which is great if you’re always on the go.

Key features

• Screen size: 11 inches
• Resolution: 2,000 x 1,200
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.2″ x 6.4″ x 0.295″
• Operating System:  Android

Pros

• Affordable
• Up to 12 hours of video  playback
• Dolby Atmos sound for watching content

Cons

• Not super powerful
• Unpredictable Android updates

When it comes to the best cheap tablet, Amazon’s Fire tablets tend to pop to the front of mind. While very affordable, they lack the flexibility of a more open operating system and they’re typically very underpowered. Lenovo’s budget-friendly Tab P11 employs a fairly powerful eight-core processor and up to 6GB RAM, which is more than enough for most tasks.

The 11-inch screen only has a 2,000 x 1,200 resolution, which isn’t as pixel dense as some of its competition, but again, it’s plenty for most tasks. It’s especially good for watching content since it can handle 1080p  HD movies just fine and they don’t take up as much space as 4K versions. It even has a MicroSD slot built in for expanded storage and uploading photos and video, something many of its more expensive competition lacks.

Best iPad for photo editing: iPad Pro 12.9 inch (6th generation)

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Why it made the cut: It’s very pricey, but this iPad Pro fits the bill for those looking for photo editing performance that can match a laptop.

Key features

• Screen size: 12.9 inches
• Resolution: 2732 x 2048
• Weight: 1.5 pounds 
• Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
• Operating System:  iPadOS  

Pros

• Superb performance and feature set
• Can be configured to have up to 2TB
• Beautiful display
• Excellent speakers produce superior-sounding audio

Cons

• Lacks 3.5mm audio ports and SD or microSD card slot
• Very expensive
• Pen and keyboard sold separately

This iPad is ideal for all types of content creators, including photographers, videographers, motion graphic designers, animators, and musicians. It not only has the best processors that allow you to create resource-intensive videos and multimedia, but it also packages it all in a very easy-to-use design. Plus, it gives you the ability to store those videos and presentations because the iPad Pro is available in several storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Of course, it also includes a USB-C port to transfer media to an external SSD for additional storage. 

But what prevents this iPad from being one of the best tablets for everyone is its very high sticker price, even for the basic version that’s Wi-Fi only and has just 128GB of storage. If you want one that includes a cellular data plan or more storage, it will cost even more. And as usual, if you want the Apple stylus pencil or a keyboard, you’ll need to pay still more. It’s one of the few drawbacks to this iPad, though. It can truly replace a full-powered laptop for some users who don’t need access to desktop versions of software.

Best Android for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

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Why it made the cut: The Surface Pro 8 runs using a full computer OS, Microsoft 11, which allows it to run full software versions, like Photoshop, instead of apps.

Key features

• Screen size: 13 inches
• Resolution: 2880 x 1920
• Weight: 1.96 pounds 
• Dimensions: 11.3 in x 8.2 in x 0.37 inches
• Operating System: Windows

Pros

• Comes with Windows 11, so you can run full versions of software 
• Very nicely designed 
• Fast processor
• Refresh rate up to 120Hz 
• Excellent front and rear-facing cameras

Cons

• Expensive
• Pen and keyboard sold separately 

Although it’s quite pricey, there’s a lot to love about this powerful 2-in-1 laptop. It can be used as a laptop or reconfigured to perform like a tablet. Overall, the system is fast and performs very well. But what really makes this model stand out for content creators is that you can use a full version of your favorite software since it runs Windows 11 for its OS, not Android. So instead of using mobile apps, you can use the entire host of features and tools found in desktop versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and even Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. 

A few things would make this product even better, mainly dropping the price a bit. It should also include the stylus pen and keyboard. But for those who want to stick with Windows and not buy an iPad Pro for their creative work, this model absolutely does the job.

What to consider when buying the best tablets for your needs

It’s easy to lust after the biggest and most powerful tablets, but that’s a good way to spend more money than you need on a device that’s overkill for your work and life.

To find the right model for you, figure out how much money you want to spend, and then dig into the specs. Here are some essential things to consider when you’re looking for the best tablets for you.

Platform

First, choose the operating system of your tablet. Apple iPads will use Apple’s iPadOS, which is stable and easy to use, although it doesn’t allow for as much customization as Android or Windows systems. Because it’s in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad is a very natural choice if you’re already using other Apple gear like a MacBook and iPhone.

 If you choose to go with an Android tablet, in many cases, you’ll have the ability to do more customizing and expand your system. But it’s not always easy to use or as seamless when it comes to integrating with other devices. 

iPadOS and Android aren’t the only two choices. If you buy the Microsoft Surface device, you’ll get Windows 11, a full computer operating system. A computer OS allows you to run full software versions instead of tablet-specific apps. 

Size and portability

Another factor is to determine the size of the tablet. Models with smaller screens cost less and are more portable but often have fewer features. Larger models are pricer and more challenging to travel with but include premium capabilities. Most tablets come in one of two size ranges: Tablets that roughly measure between 7 and 8.5 inches in size and ones between 10 and 13 inches. Samsung recently introduced a new Galaxy tablet that checks in at a massive 15.6 inches.

Connectivity and storage 

Tablets connect to other devices and networks via Wi-Fi, cellular networks. Most of the models we recommend are Wi-Fi only since you’ll pay more for a cellular connection. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time away from reliable WiFi, a mobile connection could be worth your while, but sometimes a phone acting as a hot spot can provide a connection that’s just fine for your needs. 

The vast majority of the tablets you’ll find on the market at the moment connect to chargers and computers via USB-C. Even Apple has transitioned its iPads to USB-C connections instead of its proprietary Lightning cables.

Display quality

Most consumers will want to get the sharpest and most accurate display on their tablet. So, look for a high pixel density, which refers to the pixels per inch or ppi. A higher pixel density will have more tightly packed pixels on the display. The higher the number–most are between 175 and 350 ppi–the sharper the display. High-end options like the iPad Pro also offer high refresh rates, which means they refresh more times every second to make on-screen motion appear smoother. Apple calls this TrueMotion, but others will tell you in terms of hertz. A screen with 120Hz will refresh twice as often as one with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Battery life

Consider how much battery life you’ll need and how often you’ll have access to outlets for charging up. Many models have a battery life of 10 hours or more, depending on usage. Bigger tablets tend to offer more battery life at the cost of more bulk.

Audio ports

A wired connection is vital for sound quality with some audio files. Unfortunately, Apple has phased out 3.5mm jacks on most of its newer models. So, you’ll have to use wireless earphones or connect via that USB-C port with an adapter.  

Cameras 

Nearly all tablets today come with front and rear-facing cameras. However, since most people don’t shoot many photos or videos using a tablet, they’re not the most important feature you’ll need to consider unless you have a specific reason for it. For instance, the higher-end iPads can achieve some truly cool augmented reality feats using their rear cameras.

Nevertheless, if you plan to use your tablet for video conferencing and video chats, you’ll want to look closely at what’s available. Most front and rear-facing cameras range between 8 and 12 megapixels. Though a few models have cameras with very low megapixel counts that you may want to avoid if quality is important to you. 

Accessories

Another important consideration is finding compatible accessories for your tablet, such as a keyboard, stylus, case, mount, earbuds, etc. Be sure to do some research to find the best accessories for your tablet. Also, check to see if your tablet comes with any important accessories. Some of these accessories can be extremely pricey, so make sure you consider the total cost of the package before you pull the trigger on the device itself.

FAQs 

A final word on the best tablets

It’s wise to consider which mobile apps you’ll want to use on your new iPad or Android tablet, particularly if you’re interested in making photo or video edits, or you want to create content for social media. And just as hardware changes are making tablets work better and faster, software and apps companies are designing software to work better.

Here are some suggested mobile apps to help you make the most of your tablet: 

• For photo-editing apps: Try Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, Prisma, VSCO, or PicsArt
• For video-editing apps: Try Adobe Premiere Rush, GoPro Quik, PowerDirector, KineMaster, VSCO, or iMovie (available for free, only on iPads)
• For creating multimedia for use on social media: Try Adobe Creative Cloud Express, which is available as both a web and mobile app, on both iPadOS and Android platforms.

The post The best tablets in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Epson Home Cinema 3200		SEE IT	A solid all-around option for most people.
Best portable		Anker Nebula Solar Portable		SEE IT	Take it with you for shows on the go.
Best water-resistant		BenQ GS50		SEE IT	It’s not scared of a little humidity.

You might not be able to recreate the nostalgia and romance of a 1960s drive-in movie theater, but the best outdoor projectors come close to replicating that magic. Maybe you’re screening an old classic like Sinatra’s original Ocean’s Eleven or a modern classic like George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s Ocean’s 11. Or maybe you really just want to watch Mean Girls in your yard. A good projector can help you get there. But beyond the cinematic possibilities, outdoor projectors also provide an opportunity for you to show your own photography and video work in a totally new venue.

In this guide, you’ll find key points to consider before you purchase an outdoor projector. You should consider what price range, features and capabilities will be important to you. 

if you just do a quick search on Google for portable projectors, you’ll quickly see that there’s an enormous price range, from $200 or less to more than $3,000. But price isn’t the only significant variable. For many consumers, ease of use is often the most important consideration. Others don’t mind spending time reading through manuals on PDFs and trying to figure out every last setting. 

The point is be sure you’re aware of the type and complexity of the outdoor projector you’re looking to buy so that it meets your needs and how you interact with technology. Choosing the best outdoor projector will save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. 

The best outdoor projectors:

• Best for home: Epson Home Cinema 3200
• Best portable: Anker Nebula Solar Portable
• Best on a budget: GooDee Video Projector 
• Best 4K: ViewSonic X10-4KE
• Best water-resistant: BenQ GS50

What to consider when buying the best outdoor projector for your needs

When you’re looking to buy your first outdoor projector, it might be a little confusing in figuring out where to begin. Follow the tips below to help you make that process easier. You’ll also find that as with many complex consumer electronics products, such as TVs, computers and cameras, that when you’re examining what features are available on each outdoor projector, you’ll come across some jargon–or technical language–that might not be familiar to you. 

Step one: Determine your budget range

The first thing you should do when buying an outdoor projector is to set a price range for the model you’d like to purchase. If you do this first, then you’ll be able to more quickly narrow the focus of your search. 

Step two: Abbreviations for the types of outdoor projectors

As you do your research, you’ll find that there are several types of projectors available. Here’s a short list of the types of projectors : 

• LCD: Liquid crystal display projector
• DLP: Digital light processing projector
• LED: Light emitting diode projector
• Laser: Laser projector

Understanding features of outdoor projectors

When you’re looking for the best outdoor projectors, you’ll soon come across a number of technical phrases and terms regarding brightness, resolution and other features. Here are some of the more important ones you’ll want to understand in order to help you make the right choice:

Brightness

The brightness of a projector is measured in lumens (or ANSI lumens). The higher the number, the brighter the projected picture will be. A projector rated at 3,000 lumens will be 3 times as bright as one rated at 1,000 lumens.

Resolution

As a rule of thumb, the larger the image you’re looking for your projector to create, the higher the resolution you’re going to need. So, if your projector is 10 feet away from the screen and the resolution is in 4K (3860 x 2160), the footage will potentially look more detailed than a projected image in 1080 (1920 x 1080) projected from the same distance from the screen. However, if you move the project closer to the screen, the size of the image decreases but the detail increases. Conversely, moving the projector further away from the screen increases the image size.

Unfortunately, the detail as well as other image quality factors, such as contrast ratio, will also drop. Should you buy a 4K projector? While it’s ideal to buy a projector that has 4K resolution, there are still quite a lot of good quality projectors that project at 1080. Additionally, you might look for special features, like Epson’s pixel shifting technology, which doubles the 1920 x 1080 resolution. It’s not true 4K, but the model is less expensive.

Contrast ratio

The contrast is the ratio of dark to light in an image or in video footage, which can affect how sharp, vivid and detailed a movie appears to us. The technical specification is generally presented in the following format: “3000:1.” What this means is that the whitest area of the image is 3000 times brighter than its darkest dark. What’s important to know in setting up any outdoor projector is that even a small amount of ambient light can degrade contrast, which, of course, will diminish image quality. 

Throw distance

This term refers to the distance between the projector and the image on the screen. If you have two projectors, one that has a short throw lens and one that doesn’t, a projector that uses a short throw lens (which is a projector that’s positioned anywhere from 3 to 8 feet away from the screen) can produce a larger image than one that doesn’t use such a lens. There are also projectors that come with ultra short throw lenses (which is a projector that’s positioned anywhere from 0 to 4 feet away from the screen).

Related: Check out our list of the best film scanners

Other factors and variables to consider

In many ways, there are infinitely more factors and variable to consider in setting up an outdoor projection system than indoors, including: 

• Ambient light: If you’ve set up your outdoor projector, screen and sound system in a location that isn’t completely dark, that could affect the picture quality. In some locations, even a full moon could present a problem for your picture quality.
• A good quality screen, either a white or gray screen. 
• Consider your audio needs. If the speakers are inadequate, you’ll need to buy a better pair of external speakers (provided the unit has an audio out jack). Another option is to use wireless speakers, which can hookup via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 
• Make sure you’ve correctly connected any streaming media players you want to use with your projector.
• Check your Wi-Fi settings or your wired (HDMI) connections to make sure you have a good signal, if you’re using a streaming media device. Or, if you’re using a Blu-ray player, make sure that it’s hooked up appropriately.
• If you don’t need weather resistance or outdoor functionality, check out our list of the best overall projectors.

The best outdoor projectors

Best outdoor projector overall: Epson Home Cinema 3200

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Why It Made The Cut:Although it’s pricey, it has powerful pixel-shifting technology that allows this projector to display excellent image quality.

Key Features

• Brightness: 3,000 lumens 
• Resolution: 4K Enhancement or (1920 x 1080) x 2 = 3840 x 2160p supported resolution 
• Inputs and connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB (type A) ports, Bluetooth

Pros:

• Displays excellent 4K and HD-resolution content 
• Excellent brightness and contrast ratio
• Color is very accurate
• Relatively lightweight and portable
• Easy set up and easy to tweak setting

Cons:

• Expensive

Although some may consider this a pricey outdoor projector, this Epson Home Cinema projector offers a lot of value for the money making it our pick for the best outdoor projector overall. And in some ways, it’s Epson’s pixel-shifting technology at work that makes it such an excellent deal for a family who wants to build a mini-Ziegfeld theatre in their suburban backyard.  

Essentially, this Epson projector allows you to experience 4K with pixel shifting. But like most projectors you can set it for lower resolutions, including 720p, 576i and 576p and 480i and 480p. It even has the ability to display 3D video footage in full HD. However, it’s not just the 4K-like resolution that makes this an all-around best buy. It also offers both 10-bit HDR support and HLG support, so it can reproduce even very subtle details in dark shadows and bright highlights, and it does so in a consistent manner, whether you’re showing 4K, HD or SD-resolution footage. 

This being one of the best projectors also strikes a nice balance for most people’s needs, in terms of use: It’s an easy-to-use projector that’s also easy to set up, but it allows a variety of ways to easily tweak the settings and for making picture adjustments. It also comes with a nicely designed remote control that gives you quick access to various settings and features, such as keystoning and color modes. 

On-board, the system comes with two 10-watt stereo speakers, although there’s an audio jack output for connecting to external audio speakers . The Epson project also offers Bluetooth, for wirelessly casting movies and video and for connecting to an external wireless speaker. 

Best portable outdoor projector: Nebula Anker Solar Portable

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Why It Made The Cut: This lightweight mini projector draws power from its built-in battery. That makes this Anker Nebula outdoor projector one of the most portable projector options on the market.   

Key Features

• Brightness: 400 lumens 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Inputs and connectivity: 1 HDMI port, 1 USB port and 1 USB (Type C) port; Bluetooth

Pros:

• Can run up to 3 hours on battery life
• Easy out-of-the-box experience 
• Offers a variety of connectivity options
• Comes with keystoning feature for adjusting the projection

Cons:

• With only 400 lumens, the picture may look washed out if there’s any ambient light.

This is the best portable outdoor projector because we like that this small projector is very lightweight and measures around 7.5 x 7.5 x 2.2 inches, which is a very portable size and weight. It also can run on battery power, as well, which is helpful when you don’t have access to AC power to plug in the unit via its power adapter. We also like the adjustable built-in stand, which lets you tilt the unit, if you need to.

This Anker Nebular outdoor mobile projector has Full HD 1080p resolution and can produce a 120-inch image. It also supports HDR10 video. The audio system has two 3-Watt speakers with Dolby Digital Plus. The speakers can also double as a Bluetooth projector and speaker. In terms of brightness, it’s only rated at 400 lumens, which could be a bit dim in some scenarios, depending on the size of the image and how much ambient light there is. The model includes Android TV 9, which offers more than 5,000 apps for the unit, including YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and more. You can also mirror your content from your smartphone or other mobile devices. 

Best budget outdoor projector: GooDee Video Projector

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best budget outdoor projector that will give you lots of power and options for connectivity.

Key Features

• Brightness: 6,000 lumens 
• Resolution: 1280 x 768 native resolution (with support for 1920 x 1080)
• Inputs and connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• LED light (50,000 hours of light)
• Built-in, dual stereo, 3-Watt audio speakers with SRS sound 
• Includes manual keystone & focus controls 

Cons:

• Doesn’t include wireless connectivity
• To connect with Apple devices, you need to buy adapters

For a budget-priced outdoor projector, the GooDee HD, which is the 2021 upgraded edition of the model, gives you a lot of value for the money, particularly since they improved the brightness of the lamp. It has a 1280 x 768p native resolution, but it does support 1080p Full HD resolution and can project a picture up to 230 inches. The projector also includes two built-in 3-Watt speakers with an SRS sound system. 

The GooDee HD gives you a variety of inputs, including 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports. It also offers VGA and AV ports, for connecting multimedia devices, such as Amazon Fire Stick TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Sony PS3 and PS4, as well as other media players. But as with many budget-priced devices, it comes with a few compromises. For instance, there’s no wireless connectivity. Additionally, with some Apple devices, you need to buy adapters, like a lightning-to-HDMI adapter, which isn’t included with the projector. 

Best 4k outdoor projector: ViewSonic X10-4KE

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Why It Made The Cut: Although it’s pricey, this ViewSonic outdoor projector is the best 4k outdoor projector because it provides you with a bright projection with excellent picture and lots of versatility for connecting to content.

Key Features

• Brightness: 2,400 lumens 
• Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) 
• Inputs and connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 1 USB (Type C) port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth (in/out)

Pros:

• Bright image in 4K resolution (with HDR and HGL support)
• Has auto keystoning and auto focus features to quickly correct projected image
• Short-throw lens lets you project 120-inch image from about 7 feet away
• Offers various ways of streaming, including via USB-C

Cons:

• Expensive

There’s a lot of power built into this expensive outdoor projector, starting with a bright projection, which has 2,400 (LED) lumens, which can provide an image as large as 200 inches. And because the system uses solid-state LED technology (which has an estimated lifespan of 30,000 hours), the system consumes less power than many LCD-type projectors. It supports HDR content, as well, which gives the picture a fuller, more immersive viewing experience. 

The projector comes with built-in Dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers and has a short throw lens, which gives you lots of flexibility positioning the projector unit, which can be particularly helpful in outdoor scenarios. It even comes with an easy-carry handle, which makes it even more portable. This ViewSonic projector also supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile device. It connects via and USB-C, as well as Wi-Fi.

Best water-resistant outdoor projector: BenQ GS50

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Why It Made The Cut: This outdoor projector was designed for all types of weather since it has a water-resistant exterior that’s also drop-proof making this backyard projector our pick for the best water-resistant outdoor projector. 

Key Features

• Brightness: 500 lumens 
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Inputs and connectivity: 1 HDMI port, 1 USB (Type C) port, 1 USB port, Wi-Fi 

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Splash resistant exterior (IPX2 rating)
• Drop Proof (from a height of 2.3 feet)
• Audio system included two 5-Watt speakers and a 10-Watt woofer
• Can create its own Wi-Fi network.

Cons:

• 500 lumens may be a bit dim in some settings 

What sets this BenQ projector apart is its rugged exterior: It comes with a water-resistant IPX2 rating, which is useful in outdoor settings when you don’t want your projector to get caught in the rain. But it’s also constructed to be drop-proof, which means it can survive a fall from a height of 2.3 feet. One feature that’s quite nice is that the unit can create its own Wi-Fi network. 

It can produce a full HD resolution picture (1920 x 1080) and it also supports HDR10 and HLG, for displaying more details. The system also comes with two built-in 5-Watt stereo speakers, as well as 10-Watt woofer, which should produce more bass in the audio. It also has a built-in stand for tilting the unit up 15 degrees. It also comes with Android TV built into the unit. Other features include autofocus, 3D keystone and 4 corner adjustment.

FAQs

Methodology

For our ratings of best outdoor projectors, we chose current models (ones that can be commonly bought from major online retail outlets) from the most reputable brands. Compared to introductions of new TV models, there are not as many projectors produced each year. That means that projector models stay in product lines long. That also means some top models might be a few years old. We also researched, selected and tested models that offer the most current or expansive feature sets as well as the latest technologies in the industry. We also made sure the models matched some of the latest standards for streaming media and connectivity, both wired and wireless. 

Lastly, we considered a number of other factors, including the unit’s portability (how much the unit weighed) and if the exterior of the unit was water-resistant or included other rugged features. Since some current 4K and FHD projectors weigh more than 40 pounds, we determined that for a projector to be truly portable, it would need to weigh 10 pounds. or less.  

A final word on buying your best outdoor projector

When you’re looking to get the best experience with showing movies on the best outdoor movie projectors, you’ll want to make sure you have the right audio setup for your needs. Here are some options to consider: 

• Use the built-in speakers: These days, you’ll find many outdoor projectors offer on-board speakers that offer decent volume. 
• Try using a soundbar. For more volume, you can try using a sound bar, which can connect to your projector via an HDMI or 3.5mm audio out jack. It might also connect via Bluetooth.
• Connect a pair of powered speakers: If you’re having a larger type of event in your backyard, where you need to crank up the volume, you can connect a pair of powered speakers to the projector (using various types of wired connections, like 3.5mm audio out cables). 
• Wireless Speakers are also an option: You can try to connect via Bluetooth. However, if that doesn’t work, some wireless speakers have 3.5mm audio jacks (or aux in).

The post Best outdoor projectors of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best for photos		Epson SureColor P900		SEE IT
Best for home offices		Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850		SEE IT
Best cheap printer		Canon Pixma MG3620 all-in-one printer		SEE IT

The right home printer for you really depends on the kind of output you expect from it. Pro photographers have very different printing needs than casual shutterbugs or regular people who mostly capture candids of family and friends. Pros might need to print lots of photographs in many different sizes, perhaps even large fine-art prints. Additionally, you might need to use your printer to produce smaller prints for self-promotional work that you’ll mail out to your clients. That means you’ll want to be sure your printer produces decent photo prints and is very versatile. 

Not all printers print out pages quickly, and some that produce stunning photographs might be very slow to print your average 8.5 x 11-inch Word document or Excel PowerPoint document. Moreover, you might also require that your new printer print on both sides of a document or one that produces stellar graphics for presentations or reports. And since you’re always looking to save money, you might want to consider investing in a printer that doesn’t use ink cartridges at all but instead has an ink tank for each color, which can store more than a year’s worth of ink for each color. 

As you can see from just this one example, finding the best home printer can be more challenging than you might expect. The good news is that if you’re looking to buy the best home printer for your needs, you can use this guide to assist you in making the very best choice.

• Best overall for home use: Canon TR8620a all-in-one printer
• Best all-in-one: Brother MFC-J4335DW
• Best for home offices: Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
• Best cheap printer: Canon Pixma MG3620 all-in-one printer
• Best wireless: Epson EcoTank ET-3760 all-in-one printer 
• Best for photos: Epson SureColor P900 single-function inkjet printer 
• Best laser printer: HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

What to consider when choosing the best home printer for your needs

When you’re looking to find the top-rated printer for your needs, think about the projects or tasks you’ll need it for—since different types excel at different tasks.

You might need it for a variety of jobs, including printing out many pages of text (both black-and-white and color) and photos. Plus, you might need one that allows you to scan and copy pages. All-in-one inkjets do a great job at a variety of tasks. 

But say you only need a printer to crank out pages of black-and-white text. You might want to buy a black-and-white laser printer. Or say you want to produce really large photos—you can find a few single-function models that can create stunning 17 x 22 fine-art quality photographs, but they’re slow if you need to print simple text. 

Of course, you’ll want to consider how much you’ll want to spend. In most cases, you’ll find that many printers range between $100 and $500. However, select models with unique or cutting-edge features may cost you more. Additionally, you’ll want to look at how many ink cartridges your printer uses and how much they cost since buying ink cartridges will add up over the lifespan of your printer.

Here are some key points to consider before making your decision on buying the best home printer for your needs: 

Determine the type of printer you need: laser or inkjet

When looking to buy a printer, determine the type of printer you need—laser or inkjet. The most popular printers are all-in-one inkjet printers, which can print text, photos, and graphics. Laser printers, which print in black-and-white or color, have a higher sticker price but, depending on how you need to use them, can save you money since they use a toner cartridge that lasts a long time. If you just print black-and-white documents, a monochrome laser printer might be more cost-effective since they generally produce documents with excellent print quality and do so very quickly.

Do you need an all-in-one or single-function printer?

After selecting an inkjet or laser printer, decide if you want to buy an all-in-one (AIO) or a single-function printer. AIOs are the most popular type of printer, and there are far more AIOs available on the market, which not only print documents and photos but let you scan, copy, and in some cases fax. But if you only need to print, consider a single-function printer. Also, a few single-function printer models are designed for printing higher quality photos in larger sizes than what you can print on AIOs.

Additional specialized features to consider: Ink tanks, connectivity, and more

Next, choose the features that are important to your workflow—whether it’s a home or office setting, or both. Here are a few to consider:

• Ink tanks: Epson introduced the first EcoTank inkjet printers a few years ago, which didn’t use ink cartridges. Instead, these EcoTank models let you refill ink tanks that last far longer, often more than a year. Many in the printing industry believe these types of printers will save you money in the long run. Other brands also include this feature, including Canon and Brother.
• Ink cartridge subscription plans: In response to the introduction of new ink tank printer models, printer manufacturers, like HP, have introduced ink cartridge subscription plans, which will monitor your ink use and send you a new cartridge as the ink levels in your printer run low.   
• Connectivity: Almost all printers can connect to a laptop or desktop via a USB cable. But nearly all new printers print via wireless features, letting you use your home wireless network or allowing you to print directly via technologies like wireless PictBridge.
• Printing large photos: Most printer manufacturers produce a select group of single-function inkjet printers considered pro-level photo printers. These pricey models provide you with many options for printing out very high-quality photos in large sizes.
• Additional features to keep in mind: Above, we’ve listed several of the more notable features currently available on the best home printers. But there are many other features to consider, including features like an auto-duplexer (which lets you print or scan on both sides of a document), an SD memory-card slot, a flatbed scanner, and the ability to print borderless photos, to name just a few. 

Here are our best home printer reviews:

Best overall for home use: Canon TR8620 all-in-one printer

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Why it made the cut: Although there are many all-in-one printers available, not all are easy to set up or easy to use. But the Canon TR8620a is our top choice for an excellent all-around printer since it does many different tasks very well.  

Key features

• Weight: 17.4 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 17.3 x 13.8 x 7.5 inches
• Type: All-in-one inkjet printer

Pros:

• Intuitive feature set
• Very versatile
• Easy to use
• Quick set up
• Easy to print from mobile devices

Cons:

• May use more ink than other models on maintenance
• Can cost more due to ink use

What sets the Canon TR8620 all-in-one printer apart from most printers is that it can perform many different tasks and does them all quite well—from printing documents or photos to scanning and copying. We liked that it also connects via USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, which gives you lots of options for connectivity. 

We also like that this Canon printer has several useful automated features. For example, auto-duplexing lets you print on both sides of your document, and a 20-sheet auto document feeder (ADF) makes it easy to scan, copy, or fax multi-page documents.

It also has a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD, which lets you easily access the functions you need to print, copy, or scan. It’s also where you’ll access the printer’s maintenance screen or other settings. If you want to print directly from an SD memory card, it has a card slot, which is a feature fewer all-in-ones include these days. Best of all, this Canon printer is very easy to set up, whether you’re connecting via a wired or wireless connection, and it’s easy to use. Its wireless features also allow you to connect via your mobile device, so you can quickly print via your smartphone or tablet.

Best all-in-one: Brother MFC-J4335DW

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Why it made the cut: It has fast print speeds with low costs per print and auto-duplexing, making it a well-rounded printer at a very reasonable price.

Key features

• Weight: 17.6 pounds
• Product dimensions: 17.1 x 14.2 x 7.1 inches
• Type: All-in-one inkjet printer

Pros:

• Faxing abilities
• Low cost per page
• Auto duplex printing
• Mobile device connectivity

Cons:

• Small display

The Brother MFC-J4335DW is truly a jack of all trades, capable of handling all of the standard office tasks. It can print, scan, copy, and even fax, so you just need one device for it all. It also has many connectivity options, from Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB, and can connect to your mobile device for easy remote printing. 

It has excellent resolution at 4800 x 1200 dpi and can scan up to 2400 x 1200 dpi. So you’ll get excellent text quality in your prints and even some decent photos from this AIO. There is an automatic document feeder (ADF) to make printing and scanning multiple pages faster. And the automatic duplex printing lets you print on both sides without figuring out which way to feed the paper back in.

The running cost of this printer is a big selling point and a reason it is one of the top-rated printers. It costs only 0.7 cents per color page and 0.9 cents per black page, so you can print lots without breaking the bank. The low upfront cost of the printer is also excellent, making this one of the best printers for the money.

Best for home offices: Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850

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Why it made the cut: The ET-5850 is ideal for the busy home office, with paper trays capable of holding 550 sheets total, large ink tanks for less frequent changes, and low running costs.

Key features

• Weight: 39.2 pounds
• Product dimensions: 19.7 x 16.73 x 13.8 inches
• Type: All-in-one inkjet printer

Pros:

• Small footprint 
• Low running costs
• Excellent print quality
• Large paper capacity

Cons:

• High initial purchase price

More people than ever are working from home these days. Small businesses are also on the rise, with many running those businesses out of home offices. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is one of the best work from home printer options available, especially for those who still need to print frequently. 

It boasts multiple paper trays that can hold up to 550 sheets and large ink tanks, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of paper or ink mid-document. The large ink tanks will also save you money over time since you won’t have to purchase ink as frequently. Epson frequently has big incentives, such as two free years of new ink, for buying new printers, so keep your eyes peeled for more savings. 

The print quality from this Epson printer is excellent, with clear, crisp text even at small font sizes. You won’t have to worry about readability if you are printing contracts with lots of fine print. Its color accuracy is also great, which means you can print promotional materials with on-brand colors. You’ll also be able to print borderless up to 8.5 x 14 inches, perfect for posters or flyers. 

Best cheap printer: Canon Pixma MG3620 all-in-one printer

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Why it made the cut: Although it’s a basic, budget-priced all-in-one inkjet printer, the Canon Pixma MG3620 offers lots of value for the money and is one of the best cheap printers.

Key features

• Weight: 11.90 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 17.7 x 6 inches
• Type: All-in-one inkjet printer

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Offers duplex printers for printing documents on both sides
• Scans documents quickly and easily
• Wireless

Cons:

• No touchscreen LCD
• Doesn’t offer separate color ink cartridges

If you’re looking for an inexpensive all-in-one printer that’s also easy to use and intuitive, consider this Canon Pixma budget printer. It offers many useful features found on pricier models, like the Canon Pixma TR8620, such as auto-duplex printing features to print on both sides of the document. It also has a flatbed scanner, which some budget models lack. It scans documents quickly, which can be helpful in both home and office settings. It’s also very easy to set up.

The footprint of the printer unit itself is compact, so it can fit into many office or home settings. It’s wireless, too, so you can print from just about anywhere in your home. You can also download Canon’s PRINT mobile app, which makes printing from mobile devices easy—you can print and scan photos and documents directly from iPads or iPhones via AirPrint or from Android devices via Mopria and Google Cloud Print.

Best wireless: Epson EcoTank ET-3760 all-in-one printer

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Why it made the cut: It’s not an ink tank all-in-one with the most features. But it’s also not the priciest. However, it has loads of wireless connectivity options, making it easy to print from anywhere.

Key features

• Weight: 16.1 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 14.8 x 9.1 inches
• Type: All-in-one inkjet printer with refillable ink tanks

Pros:

• Versatile
• Its ink tank design can save you money on ink
• Easy to use
• Simple set-up

Cons:

• Expensive sticker price for a personal printer  

Gone are the days when you need to sit at a desktop and physically connect to a printer in order to print. These days, all printers are wireless, so you can easily print from anywhere. Some will have more connectivity options than others, however. The Epson EcoTank ET-3760 has loads of different options for printing wirelessly, making it one of the most versatile and reliable home printers. 

It includes Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and WiFi direct printing for even easier setup. In terms of mobile device connectivity, there is no shortage. The ET-3760 works with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Fire OS support, and Mopria Print Service. You also get Epson’s own suite of apps: Epson Email Print, Epson Remote Print, Epson Scan to Cloud, and the Epson iPrint app. No matter what device you have or what you are trying to do, there will be an app that works with this printer. It also has voice-activated printing, should the rest not be enough for you.

Beyond connectivity, the printer offers many additional features. For instance, it has a 2.4-inch color display and can hold 150 sheets of paper. It has an auto document feeder for faster printing and copying of multi-page documents. And, though the initial purchase price is high, the ink tank format will save you money in ink costs down the line.

Best laser printer: HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

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Why it made the cut: This single-function laser printer has lots of wireless connectivity options, a small footprint, and printing speeds up to a fast 22 ppm.

Key features

• Weight: 32.6 lb
• Product Dimensions: 15.4 x 16.5 x 9.7 inches
• Type: Color laser printer (single function)

Pros:

• Small footprint
• Low operating costs
• Easy to use
• Mobile device connectivity

Cons:

• Paper capacity could be better

Laser printers are a great option for those who print a lot and want their documents fast or those who print infrequently and don’t want to worry about ink cartridges clogging. The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is a color laser printer, so you can still print graphics in color while getting the other benefits of laser printers. 

Color prints from this printer are well saturated and accurate for a laser printer, putting it ahead of the competition in printer comparisons. While photos won’t be professional quality by any means, they will be plenty for basic home or office use. The text quality is excellent, with clear, sharp text even with small fonts. 

The M255dw has plenty of wireless printing options, including WiFi Direct, mobile app connectivity, and voice-activated printing. It has automatic duplex printing and can print up to 22ppm, faster than many other home printer options. Be aware that this isn’t an all-in-one printer, however, so you won’t be able to scan, copy, or fax.

Best for photos: Epson SureColor P900 single-function inkjet printer

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Why it made the cut: This pro-grade single-function printer produces stunning prints, whether you’re printing high-quality, large-sized black-and-white, or color fine-art photographs.

Key features

• Weight: 35.3 lbs.
• Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 14.5 x 7.8 inches
• Type: Single-function inkjet printer

Pros:

• Produces excellent quality prints
• Print as large as 17 x 22 inches 
• 10-color archival pigment ink cartridges last a long time and won’t fade
• 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen
• Wireless connectivity

Cons:

• Expensive 
• Pricey ink cartridges

Epson makes some of the best printers for photos, and this option is no exception. The P900 is the larger of Epson’s two models in its current line of SureColor single-function printers—although it’s actually 30 percent smaller than its predecessor. The P900 is more than double what you’d pay for most inkjet printers, but it’s pricey for a purpose. This printer can produce some of the best professional-level photographs and fine-art prints. Moreover, it can print out large photographs, up to 17 by 22 inches. If you buy the additional print roll adapter, you can print panoramic photos as large as 17 x 129 inches.

What allows this printer to produce such high quality is that it’s based on a 10-color archival pigment ink, which has an expanded color gamut. This 10-color palette also offers you many different options to customize your workflow to reproduce your fine-art image accurately or convert your work into stunning black-and-white works of art. The printer also comes with a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD, which even lets you configure the settings for each print (letting you avoid the need to always access the printer via apps or software).

FAQs 

Methodology

For our best home printer ratings, we researched and selected current models from most major brands that produce all-in-ones, single-function prints, and laser printers. We also picked models that included the broadest spectrum of features and capabilities and met most users’ needs. 

Additionally, we looked at printers that were compatible with both Windows and Mac computers (ensuring that the printers were compatible with the most current operating systems for both), as well as other connectivity technologies, including USB, wireless, Bluetooth, and more.

A final word on shopping for the best home printers

Although it can be a challenge to find the best home printer for your needs, this guide can help you select the correct model. What’s more is that because there is fierce competition in the home printing market, particularly at the consumer level, you’ll find that today’s home printers are more versatile, include more features, and have better overall quality than past models. There are also a wider array of printers to choose from, whether you’re looking for an all-in-one, a single-function printer, a laser model, or an inkjet printer.

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