The Fixation Blog
With over 30 years experience in the photographic industry, our knowledgeable team brings you the latest news from the imaging world, repair tips, in-depth product reviews and behind the scene stories from top photographers in the industry.
Fixation was established in 1988 and we are the go-to-place for repairs and pro equipment advice and sales. Our reviews include products from top brands such as Canon, Nikon, Leica, Fujifilm, Hasselblad and Sony and we have worked with a huge number of established photographers to bring you insights and tips about their work.
In the Tips & Tricks section, you can find a series of handy tips from our experienced technicians on how to keep your gear in tip-top working order.
Articles in the Close Up section take an in-depth look at particular features of modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
- Latest News
- Tips & Tricks
- Features
- Close Up
- Reviews
- ProFiles
Canon EOS R8
The EOS R8 is an ideal step into full frame photography to get the most out of the Canon RF lens lineup.
Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S
Nikon have launched two prime lenses at impressive extremes the portrait heavyweight Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the lighweight pancake Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8
Sony a7R V
Sony launches the A7R V mirrorless full frame digital camera body with a powerhouse 61 megapixel sensor supported by a new processing engine to get the best from every pixel.
Services for the press following the death of Her Majesty The Queen
Following the death of Her Magesty the Queen the UK’s and world’s press will be arriving in London. From Thursday...Learn More
Canon RF 24mm f1.8 Macro IS STM
Great for details as well as environmental portraits and general views the RF 24mm f1.8 Macro IS STM will be in the kit bag for photographers for weddings, travel, street, portraits, vlogging and more.
Profoto Connect Pro trigger and A2 flash head
Profoto has a new trigger to control their impressive range of flash heads, and a new head, the smallest in their range, the A2
Nikon Z 400mm f4.5 VR S Lens
Nikon has launched its first super-telephoto prime lens for the mirrorless Z series. Perfect for sport and wildlife this lens gives the Z system extra reach with a built in 1.4x teleconverter.
Mirroless APS-C Digital Cameras
We round up the latesr APS-C format sensor mirrorless digital cameras including Canon R7 and Fujifilm X-H2S camera bodies as well ad NIkon and Sony options.
Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II
Sony launches the FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens the second generation of the workhorse wide to standard to short-telephoto lens that powers countless professional photographers around the world.
Olivia Harris on Shot by Women
We speak to Olivia Harris about Shot by Women a new image library launching on International Women's Day 2022
Canon RF Telephoto Lenses
We round up the telephoto lenses available in the Canon RF range for mirrorless cameras including two blockbuster super telephoto optics pushing the boundaries of Canon lens craft.
Tips & Tricks | How to check your sensor at home
Our technicians clean camera check and clean DSLR and Mirrorless sensors every day. We asked them the best way to check for dust or oil on an imaging sensor.
Tips & Tricks | Don’t live view a solar eclipse
A solar eclipse is definitely a photo-worthy event but, just like looking into the sun, pointing your camera at the sun can have damaging consequences.
Tips & Tricks | Watch out for frayed straps
A camera strap isn't something you spend too much time thinking about but keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't become twisted and frayed over time.
Tips & Tricks | When should you clean your sensor?
With Easter rapidly approaching and Spring just around the corner, now is a good time to check that your camera is in good working order and that all important sensor is free from dust.
Tips & Tricks | Li-ion battery care
Li-ion batteries don't suffer the same memory problems as the old NiCad versions used to, but they still need a certain degree of maintenance to ensure they keep running as long as possible.
Tips & Tricks | How to clean a lens correctly
Lens cleaning is not a particularly difficult task, but certain precautions should be taken to ensure you minimise the risk of scratching the front element.
Tips & Tricks | Camera maintenance
Our technicians share their knowledge of how to best look after your camera's sensor.
Tips & Tricks | Resetting your camera
If certain functions on your DSLR stops working as expected, it might be that you need to perform a full reset on your camera.
Tips & Tricks | Don’t leave cameras in the sun
Leaving your camera in the sun can cause a lot of damage, especially if you don't have a cap on the lens!
Tips & Tricks | Memory card maintenance
The small squares of plastic and silicon that we entrust our images to need a bit of TLC to keep them working properly.
Tips & Tricks | Equipment storage
Polypropylene, or ‘Peli’ cases are a great solution for transporting camera gear but not so good for storing your kit.
Tips & Tricks | Don’t leave batteries in equipment
Leaving alkaline batteries in equipment can lead to expensive damage if they leak. Play it safe and store them separately.
Guide to the best Sony FE lenses
Whether you’re using the super-speedy A9 II, the ultra-sensitive A7S III or the high-resolution A7R IV, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to Sony lenses.
The Complete Guide to Canon RF lenses
We explore the Canon EOS R system and answer the essential question for every camera system: "What are the lenses like?”
In conversation with Bette Lynch on Women by Women
Watch our dicussion with Bette Lynch about her work with Action Aid: Establishing the Women by Women campaign, and about her career comissioning photographers across the globe.
Olivia Harris on Shot by Women
We speak to Olivia Harris about Shot by Women a new image library launching on International Women's Day 2022
Behind the Image with Samir Hussein: Stormzy at the 2019 BRIT Awards
As the Assignments 2021 exhibition prepares to open, we chatted to Samir Hussein to get the story behind his shot of Stormzy
Behind the Image with Hollie Adams: Dominic Cummings departs Downing Street
As the Assignments 2021 exhibition prepares to open, we chatted to Hollie Adams to get the story behind her shot of Dominic Cummings
Vlogging Guide | Sony ZV-E10
Thinking of starting a YouTube channel, or sharing videos of your exploits on Facebook, Instagram or another social media platform?...Learn More
Fixation Team: Nathan Wake, B2B Account Manager
Introducing Nathan Wake our new B2B Account Manager in the Fixation sales team.
The complete guide to Nikon Z lenses
Having recently introduced its S-line of pro-grade lenses, which includes a trilogy of f/2.8 zooms Nikon has made its Z lens range cater for all needs and all budgets.
The best 100-400mm lenses available right now
Now that optical technology is improving and lenses like the 100-400mm are getting lighter and lighter, carrying a broad-range telephoto zoom lens could make more sense than carrying around multiple telephoto prime lenses.
Why I love my 100-400mm lens: Richard Pohle
At Fixation we’ve long rated the 100-400mm lens and someone who firmly agrees is Richard Pohle, staff photographer at The Times.
Why I use Canon flagship cameras | Mark Weeks
I knew I’d made the right decision, as image quality for me is paramount.
CFexpress Cards Explained: What are Types A, B and C?
If you’ve been following the latest camera releases, like the Canon EOS R5 and the Sony A7S III, then you’ve probably heard about CFexpress.
Using Canon EF lenses with EOS R bodies
In this article, we run through the adapter options for mounting EF lenses to EOS R bodies and explain how you really can get the best of both worlds.
Fujifilm Launch the X-Pro3
Fujifilm has pumped its latest technology into the new X-Pro3 rangefinder digital body. Fujifilm prove that, as ever, they are brave enough to be different with a camera dedicated to their stills heritage.
Nikon D850 video options
A camera strap isn't something you spend too much time thinking about but keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't become twisted and frayed over time.
Sony A7S II vs Sony A7 III: Which should you use for video?
A camera strap isn't something you spend too much time thinking about but keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't become twisted and frayed over time.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV versus Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for video
A camera strap isn't something you spend too much time thinking about but keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't become twisted and frayed over time.
Mirrorless camera for video | What are the advantages and disadvantages?
A camera strap isn't something you spend too much time thinking about but keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't become twisted and frayed over time.
Close up | Guide to the Fujifilm X series
We take an in-depth look at Fujifilm's X series cameras and look at the respective features of the different models
A Guide to the Sony Alpha series (E-mount)
We take an in-depth look at Sony's E-Mount cameras and walk you through the features of each respective model
Close up | C-Log on the EOS 5D Mk IV
When Canon announced that it would be bringing its C-Log colour profile to the 5D Mk IV, things suddenly got very interesting for DSLR videographers...
Close up | Sony a9 focus modes
We take an in-depth look at the different AF modes and settings on the Sony a9 and explain best practices for different situations.
Close up | Canon 5D Mark IV 4K specs for video
Canon’s EOS 5D Mark IV lists video recording as one of its main features – we take a look at...Learn More
Why I love my 100-400mm lens: Richard Pohle
At Fixation we’ve long rated the 100-400mm lens and someone who firmly agrees is Richard Pohle, staff photographer at The Times.
Flagship Cameras Compared from Canon, Nikon and Sony
Today Nikon announced their new flagship DSLR the Nikon D6. Alongside the Canon EOS 1DX mark III and the Sony...Learn More
Canon EF versus RF: Why use RF lenses?
One of the biggest, best surprises of 2018 was Canon’s announcement of its full-frame mirrorless EOS R system. No longer...Learn More
Chris Schmid shooting natural world with Alpha Mirrorless
Wildlife pro Chris Schmid tells us why his Alpha mirrorless cameras have changed the way he shoots the natural world....Learn More
Micro Four Thirds | What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
In a world of full-frame mirrorless cameras and DSLRs with ever-spiralling megapixel counts, do Micro Four Thirds cameras have a...Learn More
Fujifilm X-H1 vs. X-T2 for video
Mirrorless shooters have been singing the praises of Fujifilm’s flagship X-T2 ever since it arrived on the scene and it’s...Learn More
Fujifilm XH1 vs. Panasonic Lumix GH5 for video
The Fujifilm X-H1 is a serious attempt by Fuji to start courting pro video shooters and hybrid photo/video content creators....Learn More
Nikon D850 | Love at last?
Longtime Nikon user Holly Wren pitches the Nikon D850 against her trusted D800.
CamRanger review | The best kept secret in Wireless triggering?
Holly Wren was looking for a wireless tethering solution and discovered the CamRanger. See what she thought of this nifty little box.
Canon EOS 5D Mk III vs. 5D Mk IV
London based portrait photographer Nyla Sammons pitches the Canon EOS 5D Mk IV against her trusty 5D Mk III.
Using the Profoto A1
Holly Wren reviews the Profoto A1 - dubbed the world’s smallest studio flash - and explains how it fits in with her style of shooting.
A Case for the Profoto B2
Portrait and commercial photographer Holly Wren tests the Profoto B2 and shows what can be achieved with a simple one-light setup.
ProFiles | Steve Best
As both a stand-up comedian and a photographer, Steve Best enjoys unparalleled access behind the closed doors of the comedy circuit.
ProFiles | Sean Smith
We talk to Guardian photographer Sean Smith about his 2019 election project, a possible switch to Sony and why he keeps returning to report on Baghdad.
ProFiles | Simon Reed
If you happened to pass the Houses of Parliament over a recent bank holiday weekend, you may have spotted some of Simon Reed’s handiwork
ProFiles | Peter Dazeley
Born and raised in the capital, photographer Peter Dazeley has London in his bones. We were thrilled he found the time to chat with us about his life, his career, and most importantly, photography.
ProFiles | Tolga Akmen
Tolga Akmen is a freelance press photographer shooting the news in the heart of London for Agence France-Presse (AFP), it’s his job to chase down the latest big stories, get cosy with the famous and the powerful, and every day find an informative new angle for the various ongoing political dramas that surround us.
ProFiles | Nyla Sammons
Shooting portraits, travelling the world, capturing sports stars at the peak of their prowess – Nyla Sammons certainly keeps busy. Read on to find out about photographing badass women, shooting the aftermath of the 2016 election in New York, and more…
ProFiles | Louise Murray
Louise Murray is a freelance photojournalist at the forefront of issues around ecology, nature, environmentalism and science. She has traveled from pole to pole, to shoot critical stories on the natural world.
ProFiles | Mauro Carraro
Read on for stories of the glory days of Fleet Street, being told off by the Queen herself and moving from press to studio as we profile Mauro Carraro
ProFiles | Dickie Pelham
Sport has its legends of course, but sports photography does too, and one character who could lay a serious claim to the title is Dickie Pelham.
ProFiles | Mark Allan
Almost 34 years ago a young Mark Allan grabbed a camera, lens and a few rolls of film and drove down to Live Aid, ticket in hand, ready to capture some shots.
ProFiles | Neil Emmerson
Neil Emmerson, aka The Travelling Photographer, has photographed just about every major city in the world during his 30 year career.
ProFiles | Ingrid Abery
Ingrid Abery is one of finest marine sports photographers around and for the last 20 years she has photographed the yachting world’s most famous boat races.