Gear of the Month | November 2024

November has been another exciting month for new gear launches, with a mix of cameras, lenses, and accessories. From Nikon's Z50 II and Sony’s A1 II to a host of lenses from Hasselblad and Leica, it’s clear the industry is pushing forward with some impressive tech. It’s all here – get caught up with everything you need to know from the past month as you start thinking about what to put on the Christmas list…

We begin with the Nikon Z50 II. This is a refined version of the original Z50, designed for content creators and enthusiasts looking for a compact, yet powerful, mirrorless camera. With a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the Z50 II offers a good balance of resolution, speed, and low-light performance. It comes with the latest EXPEED 6 processor for faster processing and an improved AF system with eye detection. It also includes 4K UHD video recording at 30fps and a fully articulating touchscreen, making it perfect for vlogging or shooting in any orientation.

While it's exciting, is it worth upgrading? Yes. We pride ourselves in giving genuine opinions of the tech that we sell it is safe to say that the Z50 II is a far superior camera than the original, and is the most advanced DX-sensor camera in their range. Something to consider though… This camera is marketed as a content creator camera and as such it can shoot 4K 10-bit video up to 30fps from oversampled 5.6K and it has Nikon's N-Log colour profile; all great stuff. But for one, it has no vertical video modes which are essential for social media. And, there other options are seemingly more suited to content creators such as the Fujifilm X-M5 which has vertical modes, higher-resolution video, and multi-directional internal mics that can be isolated or used together. And it’s smaller, which may or may not be more useful for content creators. That said, the Z50 II is a solid camera.

This one was a welcome surprise. The Sony A1 II is a powerhouse of a camera, combining speed, resolution, and versatility into one seamless body. With its 50.1MP full-frame sensor, you get incredible detail and clarity, whether shooting stills or video. The A1 II can shoot at 30fps, capturing even the fastest action with precision, while its 8K video capabilities make it a top choice for professionals in both still and moving image production. The inclusion of Dual Pixel AF and 15+ stops of dynamic range means no scene is too complex or too fast for this camera to handle.

It’s hard to believe that many people would be disappointed by the A1 II. Its performance is exemplary and the images it produces are top-of-the-line; everything we’d expect from Sony. But there’s in lies the little niggle. The upgrades to the A1 II are expected but not revolutionary, like the A1 was when that was released in 2021. They were necessary to rival the other best cameras on the scene at the moment, but not groundbreaking. But if we think more broadly — about most users — the A1 II takes its predecessor’s place as one of the best cameras you can buy. 

Watch our review here:

Sony’s G Master lenses have a deserved reputation for exceptional sharpness and all-around uncompromising performance. They’re some of the finest lenses that professionals can buy, and the new FE 300mm f2.8 OSS G Master Lens gives sports and wildlife photographers practically everything they could ask for. Offering outstanding edge-to-edge resolution, the lens also uses two XD linear motors for lightning-fast autofocus. There are three Optical Steadyshot modes for effective stabilisation. , and should you need to push the focal length further, the lens is also compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters.

If you fly drones, you’ll have come across the term FPV. FPV stands for "first-person view" and refers to a drone flying method that allows the pilot to see what the drone sees in real time. It’s an immersive experience that gives you more precise control (and makes you feel like a bird or a bug… we’re told). It’s usually a hefty chunk more money on top of your drone but, the DJI Goggles N3 offers a straightforward and (relatively) affordable entry into DJI's FPV ecosystem. This pair is a lighter, simpler alternative to DJI’s higher-end goggles like the Goggles 3, making them ideal for beginners. But it’s good to know that they lack some of the adjustability and performance features of the premium models.

The Rode Wireless Micro kit is all about simplicity and pro-level quality for mobile content creators. With dual clip-on transmitters featuring built-in omnidirectional microphones, it’s designed for interviews, vlogs, or live events. Seamlessly pairing with smartphones, this setup eliminates the clutter of cables, ensuring a sleek and efficient workflow. Features like Intelligent GainAssist help maintain consistent audio levels in unpredictable environments, making it a lifesaver for on-the-move creators. The robust 100m transmission range gives you the freedom to move while staying connected, whether you’re capturing bustling city scenes or wide-open landscapes. Plus, the kit’s impressive 21-hour battery life via its portable charging case means you can focus on your content, not your gear.

We’ve listed the black USB-C version but there’s also a Lighting version, and then a White version of both of those. You can find all of those here.

And finally, we have new versions of the M11 and 50mm f1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH Lens in a stunning glossy black finish. This exclusive design pays homage to Leica’s rich heritage, combining the unmatched functionality of its flagship gear with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

The Leica M11 in glossy black retains the technical brilliance of the original, featuring a 60.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, Triple Resolution technology, and the Maestro III processor. This is a camera built for photographers wanting both performance and style. It’s perfect for street photographers or anyone looking for a portable, visually understated powerhouse. And of course, this pairs seamlessly with the 50mm f1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH lens in glossy black. With its bright f1.2 aperture and manual focus design, this lens excels in everything from portraiture to creative low-light shots. Together, these classy glossy black versions of the M11 and 50mm f1.2 Noctilux-M lens offer a cohesive, beautifully crafted system for photographers who value artistry in every detail.