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!

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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.

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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 Cobra Strike 3 - New Heights for Monopods

iFootage has developed a great name amongst photographers and videographers over recent years with high quality yet affordable products. With their latest addition to their monopod range, the Cobra Strike 3, they have gone even further to provide a fully specced product that really does tick all of the boxes. If you are after the ‘TLDR’ lowdown, this thing is incredible and should be part of any photographer/videographers kit. However, that doesn’t really do it justice, read on to find out more.

I’ve owned and used many monopods over the years and I’m sure like many of you, always just assumed that they are basically fancy sticks for balancing a camera on - how hard can that be? Well, of those many Monopods almost all of them have failed the test of time. They have either broken, been too fiddly to use or simply not been practical enough to use, in particular as you grow as a creator.

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

I have a lot of faith in the stability of these things, but I DO NOT recommend walking away from them 😅

The Strike 3 (not to be confused with its sibling, the Cobra 3 - that ‘Strike’ part is very important, as we’ll see later) is pretty much all things to all users. Whether you shoot photo or video, use a basic camera setup or rig out heavy video cameras with long telephoto lenses - the Strike 3 has you pretty well covered. In combinations with the K5S fluid head, it really is a remarkable package that is pretty difficult to beat. 

Design and Build Quality

The Strike 3 builds on years of the ‘Cobra’ line and it really shows that iFootage have put those years of experience to good use. I’ll cut to the chase and get the headline feature out of the way - single handed use! That might not sound like anything you’ve ever needed from a monopod but believe me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back! Gone are fiddly flip locks or twist locks to adjust the height of your monopod - now, a simple grip of the locking system and you can raise or lower the monopod to your desired height - it’s so simple. 

I spent at least 30 minutes just extending and lowering the monopod in amazement! The amount of time it saves is incredible and you might be thinking ‘well it can’t be as secure as flip locks’ - believe me, it’s rocksolid, as I’ll show later with my own experiences. I can almost guarantee that this will change how all monopods operate going forwards. Not only is it intuitive and simple to use, but having another hand free means that you can keep operating your camera making fast shot setup and angle changes a breeze.

Video Source - Paule Heimlund via YouTube

Whilst we’re on the subject of angle changes, at the base you will not only find new improved feet for excellent stability, but iFootage’s pedal system for quickly adjusting the angle of the monopod. A simple press on the foot pedal releases the monopod so that you can freely move to a variety of angles. Press down further and return the monopod to the centre and it snaps back into a perfectly vertical position and automatically locks in place - ingenious. This feature alone makes using the tripod so fast and easy to get the angles you need. 

It passed Tilly's 'sniff' test with flying colours 😻

The fun doesn’t stop there, at both the top and bottom of the tripod you will find the Cobra 3’s popular Quick Release system, allowing you to quickly detach either the fluid head or feet. Both have their own use cases but detaching the feet in particular reveals a rubber base, similar to what you would find on a traditional monopod for single point contact with the ground - useful in tighter spaces. However, the feet are part of the beauty of this monopod, they offer amazing stability!

Depending which package you go for, if you get the additional K5S fluid head (and if you shoot any video work I can highly recommend it) then the monopod really does come to life. The K5S has pan and tilt motions that can be locked for static shots and even has an additional arm for smoother camera movements. I was sceptical about how much I would need a fluid head for a monopod but it came in incredibly useful.

Phew, now that’s the main design out of the way we can look at build quality and as you would expect from iFootage, it’s excellent. The monopod feels robust and very tactile. It is a mostly metal with some plastic parts (again, depending on the version you get) but even where there is plastic, it is high quality and built to last. My only concern would be how the ‘Stirke’ system, the locking mechanism for adjusting height will fare over time - iFootage have rigorously tested it so I feel confident that it will last, time will tell. 

Performance and Usability

I could talk for a very long time about this but I’m sure you’d rather I got to the point, it is excellent. There are so many well crafted features here from basic things like the included bag (that even extends if you want to leave the head attached) to the innovative ‘Strike’ system that I still can’t work out how it actually works! It really feels like iFootage have gone out of their way to build the most effective monopod they could. 

I have been fortunate enough to use the Strike 3 on a few shoots now, one in particular was a seven hour event coverage that included both photo and video. The Strike 3 completely changed how I approached this. Normally, I would need to grab a few quick photos and then set a camera up on a tripod and slowly move it around the room, trying not to disturb the crowd or speaker, all whilst sweating and generally looking like I don’t know what I am doing.

The Strike 3 changed all of this. The 5 kg payload meant that I was able to balance my R5C rig on top and even though neither iFootage or I would recommend ‘letting go’ of the monopod with a camera balanced on it - that is exactly what I found myself doing. I was shocked at the stability of this monopod even with a pretty decent sized rig balanced on top. This free’d up my hands to grab photos and in general, just move a lot quicker whilst adjusting height/angles and still getting rock solid shots. Happy camera operator and more importantly, happy client.

In real world use, the Strike 3 is excellent and delivers everything I had hoped for and more...

I would say there is a tiny learning curve to using the foot pedal and ‘Strike’ system but within minutes, it starts to feel natural. It’s like getting into a car you haven’t driven before, you just need to learn where the controls are but it isn’t long before you’re flying along. One of the best value propositions for the Strike 3 is just how much flexibility it offers and how creative you can get with the shots. With a height range of 71cm with the monopod only, or over 150cm with the monopod fully extends, you have most shots covered - and that’s before you get really creative and just combine the fluid head with the feet for super low angle shots - no monopod needed at all!

Video Source - Kyle Watts via YouTube

Pro’s and Con’s

As you can tell, I’m quite a fan of this monopod so I’m going to set myself a challenge and start with some cons, though I will stress, it was a real challenge to find any.

Con’s

The main downside for most will be the price. It starts from $299 (UK prices not available at time of writing) and with the K5S fluid head rises to $449. For most, that may make this a choice between a dedicated tripod or an all singing and dancing monopod. Having used both, I can really see an argument for the Strike 3 - it’s versatility is incredible. However, there is no getting away from the fact that there are cheaper options out there. Not many will be able to boast such high specifications and almost none will be as simple and intuitive to use.

The next con is the overall size. For some applications the minimum length of just over 71 cm and weight of 1 kg (both going up slightly depending on which package you choose) make this a dedicated choice to carry. In years gone by, I have carry a simple carbon fibre monopod that was both half the weight and length of the Strike 3 - the basic monopod pretty much just lived on my bag ‘incase’ I needed it, where as the Strike 3 feels far more of a choice as to whether I carry the additional item - though the included bag does at least make it simpler to carry.

Pro’s

I will try to restrain myself but the ‘Strike’ system is genuinely ‘game changing’ (I promised myself I wouldn’t use that phrase but it really is!). It is so simple to use and makes the way I operate so much smoother. The foot pedal and quick release system mean that this is by far the most versatile monopod that I have ever used and in conjunction with the K5S fluid head - I’ve already picked this system up over my $2500 Gitzo tripod setup on multiple occasions. 

The high quality material and attention to detail really makes you feel like you are using a premium product. I often think with some camera gear manufacturers that they must not actually use the products - with iFootage, it feels like they’ve tested their products to destruction - tweaking every little detail so the user experience is perfect. That is how I see this, almost perfect. 

Final thoughts

In all honesty, I harassed iFootage a little as I was desperate to try the Strike 3 as I thought it might offer a few benefits to me as a solo operator. However, I didn’t think I was quite prepared for how blown away I would be by it. The quality is excellent, the innovation is incredible but more than anything else, it just seems to open up new possibilities both in terms of speed and creativity.

With the K5S fluid head, I can use the included Manfrotto style plate to quickly switch from the monopod, to a gimbal or even a bigger tripod, making solo shooting fast and easy. This means that I can produce better work for clients in a shorter time and ultimately, that’s where I see the value proposition of this monopod. I understand that it may represent a large investment for some photographers/videographers - but if used right, I can almost guarantee this monopod will pay for itself in terms of time saved and the creativity it unlocks.

The Strike 3 has made me fall in love with iFootage even more. It feels surprisingly good to see a company dedicated to making products that make our lives as content creators easier. Rather than simply creating products with basic iterations - they seem dedicated to making genuine innovations and really pushing the industry forwards. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

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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.

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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.

VIDEO - The Leica M8 in 2024 - A forgotten Gem of a camera?

In this video, I take a look at the Leica M8 in 2024 and whether it is still a good purchase. You will have seen form some of my other posts about the Leica M8, I’m quite a fan of this absolute gem of a camera! However, it is definitely not for everyone.

In the video I discuss some of the pro’s and con’s of this nearly twenty year-old camera and why some people may consider buying one today. As always, if you enjoy the content or have any questions about the camera, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you. Thanks for watching.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.