Gear of the Month | December 2024

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As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the gear that defined 2024. The standout cameras, drones, and accessories we’ve seen this year demonstrate the cutting-edge innovation of our industry, delivering incredible performance and creative possibilities for photographers and filmmakers alike. Standout kit comes from industry heavyweights Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon and Canon, who have all shown why they are the go-to brands with cameras that give us a glimpse into what is possible in the future of camera tech. 

Let’s dive into the very best of this year’s tech.

 

Fujifilm X100VI Digital Camera - Silver

£1,599.00 View

The X100VI represents everything photographers love about Fujifilm – style, functionality, and innovation. With a compact form factor and a new 23mm f2 lens design, it delivers stunning sharpness while maintaining its signature portability. Its 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS sensor and X-Processor 5 work in tandem to produce incredible colour rendition and dynamic range, perfect for street and travel photography.

What truly sets the X100VI apart is its hybrid viewfinder, allowing you to toggle between an optical and electronic viewfinder. This gives you a level of creative flexibility that is rare in compact cameras. Add to that advanced video capabilities like 4K recording with F-Log2, and you’ve got a hybrid camera that’s just as capable for filmmakers. This blend of nostalgia and modern tech secures its spot as a top choice for 2024.

 

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Digital Camera Body

£4,499.00 View

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II takes everything great about the original R5 and dials it up a notch. With a refined 45MP sensor and updated autofocus, it’s faster, more reliable, and more capable than ever. Canon has even improved the heat management, meaning those stunning 8K videos can run longer without interruptions – a big win for filmmakers.

What really makes the R5 Mark II shine is its versatility. From 30fps burst shooting that freezes fast action to superb image stabilisation for smooth handheld video, this is a camera that adapts to almost any scenario. Wildlife? Weddings? Vlogs? It handles it all with ease. And while 8K might sound like overkill for some, it future-proofs your content and gives filmmakers incredible creative options.

The R5 Mark II doesn’t just do everything – it does it exceptionally well, making it one of the most well-rounded cameras on the market today.

 

Canon EOS R1 Digital Camera Body

Half price Delkin memory card

£6,999.00 View

And then there’s the Canon EOS R1, and it’s every bit the flagship powerhouse we hoped for. With an 85MP full-frame sensor, it sets a new benchmark for resolution, making it ideal for detailed commercial work or large-scale prints. But it’s not just about megapixels – the R1 combines speed and precision with lightning-fast autofocus and 9K video recording, making it equally appealing for action photographers and filmmakers.

What stands out most about the R1 is its ability to handle anything you throw at it. Whether you’re tracking wildlife at high speed, shooting in challenging low-light conditions, or producing cinema-grade footage, this camera delivers consistently outstanding results. The rugged, weather-sealed build also means it’s ready for any environment, from remote landscapes to busy studios.

The R1 isn’t just Canon’s most advanced camera to date – it’s a statement of what’s possible at the top end of mirrorless technology. For professionals who demand the absolute best, this is the camera to beat.

 

Fujifilm XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens

£2,899.00 View

Fujifilm’s XF 500mm f5.6 R LM OIS WR offers impressive telephoto reach in a compact, lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for wildlife, sports, and nature photographers. Its optical construction minimises chromatic aberration for sharp, detailed images, while the f5.6 aperture maintains a balance between brightness and portability. 

It has Optical Image Stabilisation with up to five stops of compensation meaning you can shoot handheld and its Linear Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. Built with weather-resistant sealing, it performs reliably in challenging conditions, whether rain, dust, or extreme temperatures.

Why does it make our list? Simply put, this lens offers the kind of reach and quality that professionals demand, while its manageable size makes it practical for enthusiasts. If you’ve been dreaming of capturing breathtaking wildlife or distant subjects with clarity and ease, this lens deserves a spot in your kit.

 

Sony A1 II Digital Camera Body

£6,299.00 View

The Sony A1 II builds on the success of its predecessor, refining an already top-tier formula. With its 50.1MP full-frame sensor and blistering 30fps burst shooting, it delivers stunning detail and speed in equal measure. The addition of improved autofocus and 8K video at 60fps ensures it’s ready for both high-pressure stills work and demanding video production.

The A1 II’s advantage is its adaptability. Whether you’re capturing split-second action at a sports event or creating cinematic video content, it performs without missing a beat. Sony has fine-tuned the user experience too, with upgrades like better heat management and enhanced connectivity options to support modern workflows. While the A1 II doesn’t revolutionise the formula, it perfects it, maintaining its status as one of the best hybrid cameras on the market. For professionals who need a tool that does it all, the A1 II is as close to faultless as it gets.

 

Sony FE 28-70mm f2 G Master Lens

£2,749.00 View

Sony labels this as a zoom lens that could replace three prime lenses in your kit bag. It strikes a fine balance between versatility and performance, making it a standout addition to Sony’s lineup. Covering a practical zoom range and offering a bright f2 aperture throughout, it’s a lens that can handle almost anything – from portraits to landscapes, events to creative low-light work.

What really sets this lens apart is its optical performance. Sony’s G Master series has a reputation for sharpness and stunning bokeh, and the 28-70mm f2 delivers on both counts. Images are crisp edge-to-edge, even wide open, with minimal chromatic aberration. Its constant aperture makes it an excellent tool for achieving consistent exposure in tricky lighting conditions, whether you're shooting indoors or capturing golden hour portraits.

This lens feels like a smart evolution in Sony’s lineup, bringing premium image quality to a practical focal range. While wider zoom ranges like the 24-70mm f2.8 G Master II are popular alternatives, the extra light from the f2 aperture adds real creative potential. For those who want a high-performance, fast lens that doesn’t compromise on flexibility, the 28-70mm f2 is a worthy contender.

 

 

Nikon Z50 II Digital Camera Body

£849.00 View

The Nikon Z50 II is a testament to Nikon's commitment to delivering high-quality performance in a compact form. This mirrorless camera is perfect for both budding photographers and seasoned pros looking for a lightweight yet powerful option. With its 20.9MP DX-format sensor and EXPEED 7 processor, the Z50 II offers excellent image quality and impressive low-light performance, making it ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios.

What really sets the Z50 II apart is its portability without compromising on performance. It's a great travel companion, allowing you to capture high-quality images and videos on the go. Whether you're exploring cityscapes or capturing the beauty of nature, the Nikon Z50 II is a reliable and versatile choice for travel and street photography.

 

Canon EOS C80 Camcorder

£5,339.00 View

Finally, we’re looking at the Canon EOS C80. Designed for filmmakers and content creators, it offers professional-grade features in a compact, user-friendly package. This camcorder is equipped with a Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor, delivering exceptional image quality with impressive dynamic range and low noise, even in challenging lighting conditions.

One of the key features of the EOS C80 is its advanced autofocus system. With Dual Pixel CMOS AF, you get smooth, accurate focus tracking, making it easier to capture sharp, professional-looking footage. The camera also supports 4K DCI recording at up to 60fps, providing flexibility for creating high-quality cinematic content.

The EOS C80 is designed with the modern filmmaker in mind, featuring a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, for seamless integration into your workflow. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for on-the-go shooting, whether you're working on a documentary, a corporate video, or a creative project.

In summary, the Canon EOS C80 combines advanced technology with ease of use, making it a top choice for filmmakers who need high performance without the bulk. It's a versatile and powerful tool that can handle a wide range of filming scenarios, ensuring you get excellent results every time.

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