James Abbott

James Abbott

James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech. James is also the author of ‘The Digital Darkroom: The Definitive Guide to Photo Editing’.

Articles by: James Abbott

A hand using a cloth to clean a camera lens

How to clean your camera lens

By James Abbott published

Noticed a some unusual spots in your photos? You probably need to clean your camera lens – these are the best ways to do it safely.

Close-up of DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone camera and gimbal

Should I buy a DJI drone in 2021?

By James Abbott last updated

It's been a tumultuous year for DJI, so is the world's biggest drone maker still the best in its flying camera field?

DJI Air 2S vs Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Air 2S vs DJI Mavic 2 Pro: which is the best drone for you?

By James Abbott last updated

Versus Trying to decide whether to buy the new DJI Air 2S or its older Mavic 2 Pro cousin? We're here to explain which one you should get.

A rocky coastal seascape at dusk

Land grabs: 26 essential landscape photography tips you need to know

By James Abbott published

Updated Struggling for landscape snapping inspiration? These 26 ideas and techniques will give your landscape photography a leg-up to the next level.

A phone screen with a Lighthouse in the Lightroom app

How to master the Lightroom app for next-level smartphone snaps

By James Abbott published

Photography Week 2021 Looking to take your phone snaps from lukewarm to chef's kiss? Our in-depth guide to the Adobe Lightroom app has the perfect recipe.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro review

By James Abbott published

Recommended

Updated Our former number one drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro remains a great option if you need features like variable aperture.

Fujifilm GFX100S

A week with the Fujifilm GFX100S: why I'll be buying it over the Sony A1

By James Abbott published

Opinion A camera that can do everything is incredible, but specialist cameras like the Fujifilm GFX100S are still usually the better option.

DJI Air 2S vs Mavic 2 Pro

Why the DJI Air 2S has convinced me to sell my DJI Mavic 2 Pro

By James Abbott published

Opinion The DJI Air 2S packs impressive features into a lightweight package – it's a combo that's convinced me to trade in my trusty Mavic 2 Pro.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM review

By James Abbott published

Best in Class

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 is an incredible lens that produces beautiful images, for a considerable cost.

10 Photoshop editing skills every photographer should know

By James Abbott last updated

Read our expert guide to help you get to grips with the best image-editing software available.

DJI FPV

DJI FPV drone laws: where and how can you actually fly DJI's new drone?

By James Abbott last updated

With the DJI FPV, first-person view drones are about to go mainstream – here are all the laws you need to know about flying them.

UK drone laws

UK drone laws: where can and can't you fly your drone?

By James Abbott published

Got a new drone? Here's everything you need to know about staying on the right side of the new laws in the UK.

DJI drone setup

Got a new DJI drone? Here's how to set it up and take great photos

By James Abbott published

Woken up to find a DJI drone has miraculously flown into your Christmas stocking? Here's how to set it up and get shooting.

How to colorize photos lead

How to colorize your old family photos – with smartphone apps or PhotoShop

By James Abbott last updated

Bring your black-and-white memories to life with these photo colorizing options – for both smartphones and PhotoShop.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro V2.0: which is the best drone for you?

By James Abbott published

Versus Struggling to decide a winner in the big DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 debate? Our side-by-side test has the answer.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 review

By James Abbott published

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 remains a great option for pros who need a sturdy drone with great range and image quality.

DJI Mavic Air 2

DJI Mavic Air 2 review

By James Abbott last updated

Best in Class

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best drone for beginners and hobbyists, thanks to a series of major upgrades.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom review

By James Abbott last updated

Recommended

The Mavic 2 Zoom is a lightweight, portable drone with a twist – it has an optical zoom lens to help you get close to the action.

DJI Mavic Air 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic Air 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro: which is the best drone for you?

By James Abbott last updated

Struggling with the great DJI Mavic Air 2 vs Mavic 2 Pro conundrum? Our in-depth comparison will help you pick the best drone for you.

PowerVision PowerEgg X

PowerVision PowerEgg X review

By James Abbott published

The PowerVision PowerEgg X is a modular, waterproof drone with many skills – but is it jack of all trades, master of none?

Sony FE 12-24mm f2.8

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM review

By James Abbott published

Sony's latest G Master is the widest lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture – and as you'd hope for the price, it produces stunning results.

DJI Mavic Air 2 camera

DJI Mavic Air 2 tips and tricks: 7 ways to master our favorite drone

By James Abbott published

Got a DJI Mavic Air 2? Our handy tutorials are here to show you how to master the drone and what it's capable of.

Leica M10 Monchrom

Leica M10 Monochrom review

By James Abbott published

Shooting with the Leica M10 Monochrom is about as close as you can get to film photography with a digital camera.

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G review

By James Abbott last updated

Recommended

Sony’s latest wide-angle prime is a winner for photographers shooting with both full-frame and APS-C E-Mount cameras.

Macro photography: five ways to focus your close-up shots

By James Abbott published

Get pin-sharp macro shots every time by choosing the most appropriate focusing method for the subject.

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