VIDEO: My Favourite Cameras That I have Used in 2024!

I love using different cameras and whether they are film or digital, photo or video focussed - every one of them brings something unique. I thought I would share my favourite cameras that I have used throughout 2024 and there may be a few in there that surprise you. Take a look at the video and let me know in the comments what your favourite camera of 2024 has been!

---

Posts you might also like…

---

About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.

---

Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.

REVIEW - Sekonic L-858D - The Rolls Royce of Light Meters!

The Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster light meter is a sophisticated tool that has become increasingly popular among photographers, particularly those working with film. This advanced meter offers a range of features that cater to both digital and analog photography needs, making it a versatile choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. In addition, it could be useful for those working with video and filmmakers who need a professional grade light meter, let’s take a closer look. 

PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THIS ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW

Design and Build Quality

The L-858D is a robust and weather-resistant construction, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography and all of the challenges that landscapes can throw at it. It is dustproof, splashproof  and ensures reliability in various shooting conditions. The meter features a mix of physical buttons and a 2.7-inch color dot-matrix touchscreen, providing an intuitive interface for users and the screen is a joy to use.

One of the standout design elements is the retractable incident metering lumisphere, which can rotate 270 degrees, offering flexibility in measurement angles. The meter also includes a 1-degree spot meter for reflected metering and a 1/4-20 mount point on the base, enhancing its versatility. The versatility of this little beauty is one of the standout features, offering reliable metering whatever your needs. 

Video Source - Stephen Milner via YouTube

Enhanced Sensitivity

The L-858D has impressive sensitivity, capable of measuring light levels as low as 0.1 lux or to the uninitiated, like me, in very dark situations! This three-stop improvement over previous models is particularly beneficial for photographers working in low-light conditions or with long exposures. This may be particularly useful to landscape photographers or those shooting film, where reading even the lowest measurements of available light is critical.

Expanded Measurement Range

With an ISO range extending up to 13,107,200 and a luminance range of 0.1 to 2 million lux, the L-858D can handle a wide variety of lighting scenarios. This expanded range is especially useful for film photographers who often work with various film speeds and lighting conditions. However, most photographers and videographers will benefit from this incredible range and it will come as good comfort that you are pretty much covered in any situation.

Customisable Profiles

The meter allows users to create and store custom camera exposure profiles, which can be particularly useful for film photographers working with different film stocks. These profiles can be easily edited, saved, and recalled, providing quick access to specific camera or film characteristics. This is one feature that I absolutely love and is a real time saver, in particular if you are using multiple cameras or prefer certain film stocks in different lighting conditions. 

Filter Compensation

The L-858D can store up to 30 filter factors, allowing photographers to account for light loss when using filters. This feature is invaluable for landscape and fine art photographers who frequently use neutral density or color filters. Landscape photographers using ND filters will love this feature and for those of us using older film cameras where it may be necessary to use centre ND filters to compensate for vignetting - this is a real killer feature. 

Multiple Measurement Modes

The meter offers both incident and reflected light measurement capabilities, with the ability to switch between them without changing attachments. It also includes an illuminance mode, which is useful for measuring the intensity of light sources. I have personally held back on buying expensive light meters in the past because of needing both incident & reflected meters, but this solves that problem by having both metering methods available, though this does come at a price. 

Averaging and Contrast Measurement

The L-858D can store up to 9 measurements in memory for averaging, helping photographers determine optimal exposure in complex lighting situations. Additionally, the AVE/EV feature allows for easy measurement of lighting ratios, which is particularly useful for portrait and studio photographers. Average metering is one of the most effective metering methods for shooting with film stocks. Using this feature can also work well with the Zone System famously used by Ansel Adams - whereas that is slightly different to average metering, the L858D is a fantastic tool for use in the Zone System. That would take an entire blog of its own to explain though! 

Usability

The touchscreen interface of the L-858D represents a significant improvement in usability compared to previous models. The menu system is generally intuitive, although some users may find that certain features require navigating through multiple levels. It also takes a level of knowledge around metering terms and methods but I doubt this is the kind of light meter that ‘new’ photographers would be plumping for, so some knowledge is certainly assumed. 

The meter's ability to auto-dim its backlight to prevent influencing measurements is a thoughtful touch that demonstrates attention to detail in its design. The option to lock the touchscreen while still taking measurements adds an extra layer of usability, particularly in challenging shooting conditions. I did find the screen a little difficult to see in very harsh lighting situations but this is quickly resolved when shielded with a hand.

Pros

1. High sensitivity in low-light conditions

2. Extensive measurement range

3. Customizable camera/film profiles

4. Comprehensive filter compensation features

5. Versatile measurement modes

6. Durable, weather-resistant construction

7. Intuitive touchscreen interface

8. Uses standard AA batteries

Cons

1. Some features may require navigating through multiple menu levels

2. The touchscreen may take some getting used to for those accustomed to analog meters

3. The price point may be high for casual photographers

4. Some advanced features may be unnecessary for certain users

Who Would Find It Useful…

Film Photographers

The L-858D is particularly well-suited for film photographers due to its ability to create and store custom profiles for different film stocks. Its high sensitivity and expanded measurement range are also beneficial for those working with various film speeds and in challenging lighting conditions. I, for one, found this an incredible tool to accompany any of my film cameras, no matter how accurate I assumed their meters to be - the L-858D would be my go-to choice. 

Landscape Photographers

The meter's durability, filter compensation features, and ability to average multiple readings make it an excellent tool for landscape photographers, especially those working with large format cameras. I assume many would rely on modern cameras internal metering but if you really want to unleash your creativity in the wild, adaptive and versatile metering is a must and there are few that are more versatile than the L-858D.

Studio Photographers

The illuminance mode and the ability to measure lighting ratios easily can be invaluable for studio photographers working with complex lighting setups. This is certainly not my forte so I will leave that to the experts, but I can certainly see the benefits of such a hugely capable light meter. 

Long Exposure Enthusiasts

The L-858D's enhanced low-light sensitivity and expanded measurement range make it particularly useful for photographers experimenting with long exposures. Film photographers dealing with reciprocity and all the other challenges of shooting film will also enjoy the L-858D’s all encompassing abilities.

Professional Cinematographers

While primarily designed for still photography, the meter's ability to handle various frame rates and shutter angles makes it a versatile tool for cinematographers as well. Simple things like being able to measure in T-Stops and the aforementioned ability to average meter and consider lighting ratios make this an excellent tool for those dealing with moving images, as well as still. 

Video Source - Sekonic Via YouTube

Comparison to In-Camera Metering

While many digital cameras offer sophisticated in-camera metering systems, a dedicated light meter like the L-858D can provide several advantages, especially for film photographers:

1. Consistency across different cameras and film stocks

2. More precise control over exposure, particularly in challenging lighting situations

3. The ability to meter light without the camera, which can be beneficial for large format photography

4. Advanced features like filter compensation and custom profiles that may not be available in-camera

All-in-all, the L-858D offers a more versatile and trustworthy level of metering that most modern cameras simply can’t compete with and for film shooters, it’s quite simply a must! 

Software and Connectivity

The L-858D offers connectivity with MAC/PC Software, allowing users to upgrade firmware, apply custom settings, and utilise exposure profiling. This feature enhances the meter's longevity and adaptability to future needs.

Value Proposition

At a retail price of around £600 (though price do seem to vary so some research is suggested), the Sekonic L-858D represents a significant investment. However, for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts, particularly those working with film, the meter's advanced features and durability can provide excellent long-term value. Many photographers view a high-quality light meter as a lifetime investment, and the L-858D's comprehensive feature set positions it well in this regard. I’m a big believer in ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ so even though it is a heavy investment, it really will pay off in the long run. 

Conclusion

The Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster is a highly capable light meter that offers a wealth of features for both film and digital photographers. Its enhanced sensitivity, expanded measurement range, and customisable profiles make it particularly well-suited for film photography, while its durability and versatility appeal to a wide range of photographic disciplines.

While the meter's advanced features and touchscreen interface may present a learning curve for some users, the overall design is intuitive and user-friendly. The L-858D's ability to handle complex lighting situations, coupled with its filter compensation and averaging capabilities, make it an invaluable tool for photographers who demand precise exposure control.

For film photographers, landscape shooters, and those working in challenging lighting conditions, the L-858D offers capabilities that can significantly enhance workflow and ensure consistent, accurate exposures. While the price point may be high for casual users, professionals and serious enthusiasts will likely find the investment worthwhile, given the meter's comprehensive feature set and potential for long-term use.

Ultimately, the Sekonic L-858D Speedmaster stands as a powerful tool in the modern photographer's kit, bridging the gap between traditional light metering techniques and contemporary digital technology. Its ability to cater to both film and digital workflows makes it a versatile choice for photographers across various specialties, ensuring its relevance in an ever-evolving photographic landscape.

---

Posts you might also like…

---

About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.

---

Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.

REVIEW: iFootage SL1 220DN Video Light

Among the most consequential variables to consider in photography or videography is quite simply, light. It can, therefore, be pretty challenging to take good photos and videos when you don't have a good light source. Or, if you were thinking of capturing good photos or recording videos under nice sunlight, but the weather gods have turned against you. However, perhaps iFootage's daylight studio lights might help.

The iFootage SL1 220DN is a part of their Anglerfish series, marking a line of daylight-balanced, COB LED lights that are designed to best emulate natural sunlight. As I've countless times experienced before, not all studio lights are created equal! Some are better than others when it comes to faking sunlight within a studio or enclosed room. Meanwhile, others make it quite obvious that it's an artificial light source.

PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THIS ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW

Video Source - New Layer via YouTube

On the bright side (pun intended), the iFootage SL1 220DN is on the better end of the spectrum - arguably, it's one of the best studio lights that money can buy. It's aimed at both photography and videography pros alike. On the surface, the SL1 220DN aims to deliver industry-leading color accuracy and versatility in your studio, or on-location scenarios. In practice, it works wonders at replicating a true-to-life light source.

With its highly controlled blue light frequency and ability to match the color temperature of daylight, the iFootage SL1 220DN can emulate actual daylight and sunlight in your studio effortlessly and reliably. Plus, it even offers a vast array of distinct lighting effects, easy transportability, and is built like a tank. Yet, can the iFootage SL1 220DN outweigh all other options, as the only studio light you'll really ever need?

What Makes The iFootage SL1 220DN So Unique Among Studio Lights?

But, first off, let's first take a closer look at what makes this iFootage SL1 220DN so distinct in the market. Its most noteworthy feature is the SL1 220DN's supreme color accuracy, which boasts a near-perfect color fidelity. In fact, on the Color Rendering Index (CRI), the iFootage SL1 220DN scores a high 98, which shows its ability to handily recreate true-to-life colors, as well as emulate actual daylight and sunlight.

0.1%

25%

100%

Speaking of, the SL1 220DN even offers a variety of lighting effects like fireworks and strobes, which could be pretty handy if you're trying to set a unique scene and tune the lighting accordingly. On top of that, the SL1 220DN also has four dimming curve options for much more granular, accurate, and creative lighting control. Again, there's an abundance of versatility with how you can set the lighting for your needs.

It's not like it's even that chunky, either. The iFootage SL1 220DN is decently compact and lightweight for a studio light. It comes with a really nice, padded carrying case for easy transportation, which makes this ideal for photogs who need to ferry it around between location shoots. You don't need to baby it, as well. The SL1 220DN is well-built and robust, given that it's constructed from a durable aluminum alloy.

Furthermore, it's fairly easy to use and intuitive for calibrating and adjusting the light itself. The iFootage SL1 220DN has some large twist knobs for angle adjustments, in addition to tweaking the light source. It’s able to work reliably for a long time, to boot. The SL1 220DN comes with a passive cooling system, hence, making sure that this giant studio light is cool, even under prolonged operation, and without excess noise.

Is There Anything You Should Consider With The iFootage SL1 220DN?

With that being said, there are a couple of things that you need to take into account before setting up the SL1 220DN. First off, about that cooling system... Yes, it's pretty quiet, and the internal fans don't add that noise, bleeding into the environment. Nonetheless, there's still a tiny hint of sound. Thus, you need to take this into consideration for ultra-quiet environments, or if you're recording very sensitive audio clips.

Although, the SL1 220DN makes up for it with its wide-ranging compatibility with third-party accessories. The iFootage SL1 220DN is fitted onto a Bowens mount, which makes it adaptable with a diverse array of modifiers. This could easily further expand its versatility. With this, you can make better use of its massive power output. That light source on the iFootage SL1 220DN has a 220-watt output (hence, its name).

It's worth bearing in mind that iFootage also offers other, similar studio lights in its Anglerfish series that have a lower output, if 220 watts is too much or a bit overkill for your use case. Regardless, the SL1 220DN here could easily output and provide 42,000 lux of light at one meter, using the provided reflector. Seeing that this light source is fixed at 5,600 Kelvin, it thus matches the right color temperature of daylight.

With a convincingly natural sunlight look, it's perfect for shoots that require a natural, outdoorsy look for your images and videos. And, for those times when you need to quickly adjust the angle or light, there's a handy OLED display on the back of the unit. With those aforementioned knobs that I noted earlier, you're able to make easy adjustments on-the-fly, and have integration for DMX connectors for pro setups.

Video Source - Gerald Undone via YouTube

What Are The Best Aspects Of The iFootage SL1 220DN?

If you're on the fence about getting the iFootage SL1 220DN, here are some of the upsides and best things about it that make it well worth considering if you're shopping around for studio lights...

• Superior Color Accuracy - The SL1 220DN's color accuracy is, once again, its standout feature. With a lot of testing done and high-tech spectrometer data to back this up, iFootage is deservedly proud of this fact. It's the perfect match for folks who value natural lighting in their shoots. This helps with cutting down time on post-production edits to fix the lighting, which is a situation that I'm all too familiar with. Moreover, on the day of the shoot itself, you can guarantee a more naturally lit background, with true-to-life skin tones, and casting more accurate and balanced color outputs.

• Quiet Operation - While I mentioned earlier that the internal fans helping to cool the iFootage SL1 220DN do emit at least a bit of noise, this is fairly normal. If anything, there are studio lights out there that can emit much harsher and more unpleasant fan noise. Comparatively, the SL1 220DN is far quieter, almost a whisper-quiet sound, even when the fans are ramping up its internals are getting toastier. That'll come in quite handy for more noise-sensitive environments. Still, do be wary that there's still some noise.

• Robust Construction - Another aspect of the SL1 220DN that I really like is its build quality. The design and engineering here are superb, making sure that it can withstand the rigors of constant and frequent use. Even the knobs on the rear of the device for auxiliary adjustments are tactile, with a solid feel to them. I'm more confident in the SL1 220DN's reliability and longevity the more I use it. On top of that, it's quite a bit more portable than some other studio lights as well, so you could more easily carry it around from one shoot to another.

• High Power Output - Given its peak brightness of 42,000 lux at 1 meter, the iFootage SL1 220DN is more than capable of illuminating large areas, which is fantastic for bigger studios and outdoor environments. Moreover, with the extensive dimming controls, it'll ensure more precise lighting adjustments for various shooting scenarios without color shifts. What's more, remember that the SL1 220DN maintains a consistent color temperature of 5600K. This is crucial for any video and photo work to ensure that your lighting does not fluctuate much during shooting.

Are There Any Downsides With The iFootage SL1 220DN?

Still, nothing is ever perfect, and while there's a lot about iFootage's SL1 220DN that I really like, there are some downsides and flaws that you need to know before adding it to your shopping list...

• Limited Power Supply - When you need to whip out the SL1 220DN and use it, it could be powered off the included power cord. Sounds easy enough, right? However, using it directly from the power cord will only allow you to use a fraction of the light's true capability. If you want to leverage its full brightness, it can only be done if you - 1) use a 100W (at least) USB-C cable, and 2) attach an external battery pack or your V-mount battery. Doing the latter two can now supply enough power to the SL1 220DN. Still, it's good to know that, if your batteries are running low on charge, you can readily plug in a USB-C battery bank to keep it topped up.

• Missing U-Mount Stand - Unlike its higher-powered (and costlier) siblings in the iFootage Anglerfish line-up of studio lights, the SL1 220DN lacks a U-mount stand. This could've otherwise offered more flexibility in positioning the light. Speaking of mounts, remember that Bowens mount I mentioned earlier? Well, it's not included in the package, and it's sold as an optional accessory (at least, this was the case for most of the folks who bought the SL1 220DN). So, that's a bummer. But, if you are getting a Bowens mount from iFootage, do be careful to buy the right Bowens mount, as they also sell mini Bowens mount for the SL1 220DN's smaller siblings.

• App Connectivity Issues - Although you can control the iFootage SL1 220DN from the auxiliary knobs and switches on the rear of the unit, you could also do this wirelessly. The SL1 220DN could be paired with an accompanying app from iFootage, called 'Lumin'. This gives you easy access to wireless controls, which is great for accessibility and simply makes it easier to fiddle around with. Unfortunately, this mobile app is liable to suffer from inconsistent connectivity to the light itself, as well as its general performance, which can be rather subpar at times.

How Much Does The iFootage SL1 220DN Cost (And Is It Worth It)?

The iFootage SL1 220DN is priced at $429. At this price point, it's positioned quite competitively in the oft-saturated studio lights market. Alas, as I mentioned earlier, $429 is a suggestive price, as you will need to shell out a bit more for additional accessories, like the Bowens mount. The latter of which would add quite a bit more value and functionality to the SL1 220DN, and depending on your needs, it might be essential.

When you compare the iFootage SL1 220DN to similar studio LED lights, such as the Godox UL150, the SL1 220DN shows far superior color accuracy. Additionally, it's able to control its blue light frequency in a way that outclasses most other studio lights that I've had the chance to work with. This is crucial for emulating true-to-life daylight and creating a scene that showcases more natural and convincing sunlight.

When looking at price-to-performance, the iFootage SL1 220DN is an incredibly attractive proposition. It's an even greater deal given the high color accuracy and build quality. iFootage has something special here, emerging as a strong contender in the LED studio light market, with exceptional color fidelity, ease of use, and solid construction. Naturally, the SL1 220DN is not without its fair share of faults to be wary of.

The usability of the accompanying mobile app for wireless controls needs a bit more time in the oven. Yet, it's not made any better given that you'll need to invest even more for its optional accessories, such as the Bowens mount and (really nice) battery grip. Still, I've gotten around those faults thus far, and as a whole, the iFootage SL1 220DN is a worthy investment for professionals looking for reliable studio lighting.

Specs And Details

About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.