
Rod Lawton
Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com
Latest articles by Rod Lawton

What is 32-bit float audio – and do you need it on your video camera or sound recording set-up?
By Rod Lawton published
Jargon explained It’s become a major selling point for microphones and audio recorders, but what is it and do you need it?

What is RAW video? And do I really need it on my camera?
By Rod Lawton published
Feature RAW video is like raw files for photographers – the actual image data captured by the sensor. But do you need it and can you handle it?

The best messenger bags for photographers in 2025: carry your camera gear in style
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying Guide Over-the-shoulder bags are practical and stylish solutions for packing your photo kit and a laptop, whether you're traveling, shooting or commuting

What is Rec.709 vs Rec.2020 in video?
By Rod Lawton published
Jargon explained These are two different color spaces used in video production, so which is the one you should be using?

4:2:2 vs 4:2:0 video: What are they and why do they matter on your camera?
By Rod Lawton published
Jargon explained You’ll see this choice a lot on hybrid cameras. 4:2:0 is ‘basic’ video, 4:2:2 is better quality. But what does it actually mean?

What is a stacked sensor – and do you actually need one in your camera?
By Rod Lawton published
Jargon explained Not so long ago, a back-illuminated sensor was the thing to have. Now it’s a ‘stacked sensor’ – so what is this, exactly?

What is a LUT? Here's why lookup tables matter for video AND photo editing
By Rod Lawton published
Jargon explained Suddenly LUTs are everywhere. They’ve been in video editors for years but now they’re in cameras like the Lumix S9 and even in photo editors

Best lenses for the Leica SL3 in 2025
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying guide Leica’s 60MP flagship produces superb images that deserve the best glass – so what are the best lenses for the Leica SL3?

Fed up of converging verticals in your iPhone's wide-angle shots? Follow these tips…
By Rod Lawton published
iPhone tip Everyone knows how skewed horizons happen, but why do photos of tall buildings get distorted?

DxO PureRAW 5 review: your raw files never looked so good!
By Rod Lawton published
Review DxO PureRAW 5 brings more control, a slicker workflow and beta DeepPRIME XD3 support for X-Trans Fujifilm owners

This gadget lets you rig up your iPhone with lights and mics without a cage
By Rod Lawton published
iPhone tip It’s called the Shoulderpod G2, it’s made in Barcelona, and I bet you’ve never seen anything like it (well I haven’t, anyway)

You can't disable the iPhone's HDR mode any more, but you CAN do this…
By Rod Lawton published
iPhone tip Apple’s HDR usually does a good job in extreme lighting, but sometimes the results can just look a little flat

If you make a vlogging camera, the least you can do is give it a bigger screen
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion When you're filming with a camera that has no EVF and only a rear screen, then it had better be a good one

In-camera black and white film simulations are just plain boring
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Black-and-white photography needs more than safe-but-sterile ‘monochromatic’ modes

Don't use Canon's new VCM lens if you've got a pacemaker. Seriously?
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Just when you thought photography was safe, there’s this. Shout out to Canon, though, for being careful

Should your camera's lens really rattle like that?
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion I thought I’d broken my lens, but apparently it’s made that way

Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 IIX
By Rod Lawton published
Versus The new Lumix S1R II is a real hybrid powerhouse, but does the existing Lumix S IIx actually do everything you need?

It's like camera bag makers have no idea compact primes and pancake lenses exist
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion I have a lot of camera bags. No, A LOT. And NONE of them are quite right for my more compact mirrorless camera systems

DJI Pocket 2 vs Pocket 3 - which gimbal camera should you choose in 2025?
By Rod Lawton published
Versus The DJI Pocket 3 is amazing, but the Pocket 2 is also pretty amazing and much cheaper, so which should you get?

The best Sony camera for vlogging, filmmaking and photography
By Gareth Bevan last updated
UPDATED These are the best Sony cameras right now for photographers, videographers, and content creation

In praise of the smaller camera sensor – bigger isn't always better
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Saying a bigger sensor will always be better than a smaller one is like saying a truck will always be better than a car. For what?

Best accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI in 2025
By Rod Lawton last updated
Buying guide The best accessories for the Fujifilm X100VI don’t just make it look good, they make it more practical and better handling too

Everyone thinks tripod quick-release plates save photographers time. I don't agree
By Rod Lawton published
Opinion Shall I tell you the biggest single barrier I find for using a tripod? Quick release plates. It seems everyone loves them except me…
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