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Electronics

Now that flat-screen HDTVs have had a couple of decades worth of refinement and product development, it's fair to say that it's harder to find a bad TV than it is a good one. A modern HDTV pairs excellent picture quality with built-in smart TV streaming features, all at an incredibly affordable price. The most recent trend with HDTVs has been increasingly larger screen sizes; it's now possible to find 55-inch TVs priced similarly to 40-inch models from even a few years ago. Our top HDTV picks display inky black levels, creating a more immersive experience thanks to the well-defined contrast between light and dark areas. These selections also provide excellent color accuracy, recreating an image to make it look lifelike (along with carrying the necessary adjustments to dial in the perfect images with true-to-life colors). Each of the best HDTVs in 2022 can also easily process moving images and maintain clarity with fast-moving programs or movie scenes free of shuddering or skipping, making them well-suited for home theater use. We also evaluated each TV's respective smart TV capabilities for ease of use and functionality. If you're still unsure of which HDTV you should buy, head straight down to our buyer's guide below for more information.
August 15, 2019
AV receivers (alternately, A/V receivers) act as an electronic gateway or organizer for your home entertainment system, and consolidate the function of multiple devices into a single box. Modern AV receivers offer several HDMI inputs and an ARC-capable output, with higher-end units featuring advanced video processing as well. Better AV receivers offer superior sound quality, which can immerse viewers in the "atmosphere" that movie directors intended. The best AV receivers in 2022 below offer excellent options for expanding your home audio or theater system, and we’ve also provided an AV Receiver buyer's guide below for your review.
September 06, 2019
Sound bars are by far the easiest way to add volume and clarity to any TV or home theater system. Most TVs come with small downward or rear firing speakers that have especially poor bass response, and often unsatisfactory volume. This generally makes for terrible sound quality, and most don’t reach below 300 Hz or above 10,000; human hearing extends between 20-20,000 Hz, meaning that over half the spectrum is missing! The output from built-in speakers is certainly usable, especially in smaller rooms, but let’s face it: everyone wants their TV to sound more like a movie theater. The good news is that it's possible to move closer to this ideal with a minimal investment. Around $100-200 will net you a unit that can drastically improve sound quality over built-in speakers, lowering bass response down past 100hz to put some good thump in your music and movies, and offering a much more spacious, realistic presentation that will leave you wondering how you ever got by with the bare minimum. Check out our list of the best sound bars in 2022.
August 08, 2019
  • A television set is no longer a luxury in today's world, but rather an essential appliance in every home. There were few options in the TV segment until a few decades ago, and decision making was binary – black and white or color television? Today's situation is very different.
    February 02, 2023
  • Try searching for the best plasma TVs today, and you may have found out the hard way that plasma TVs no longer exist. LG and Samsung sold their last PDP sets in 2015 (largely as re-hashed versions of their respective 2014 models), while Panasonic packed up their plasma TV operations in 2014 and left the US TV market entirely only a couple years later. Despite their inherently superior picture quality and surprisingly affordable prices, dwindling consumer interest and falling prices of rival HDTV technologies led to the plasma display panel joining CRTs and DLP/rear projection in the "obsolete" section of the consumer TV market.
    January 25, 2023
  • This year, large gatherings with friends and family to watch the game might not be happening. The coronavirus has really kicked us in the teeth, and it seems to be loving it. Luckily there are other exciting ways to catch the game. And maybe these alternatives might not be the same as a physical viewing; we know some ways that you can get the absolute best out of them. Here are a few tips on how to build the best viewing experience for big games.
    October 12, 2021
  • Whenever you're considering a new TV for your home, you'll inevitably spend an untold number of hours looking through the specifications of all the ones you're interested in. However, one particular aspect which is quite difficult to decide is the size of the TV, especially in regards to how it will fit into the space you have available. For example, 40" to 55" TVs have become standard for most houses. However, there are people who want to buy larger sizes like 65", 75", or even 85" TVs.
    August 09, 2021
LATEST REVIEWS
  • Copy paper is usually heavy-duty paper that will never let your photos and documents fade or become blurry. When choosing a paper, consider the size, material, and durability. Here are some of the best copy paper in 2022 for you to consider.
    August 03, 2021
  • Seat cushions can be added to almost any chair to offer additional support and posture control. Adding a seat cushion to your home or office setup is ideal for those who find themselves sitting for extended periods of time. These affordable and versatile upgrades are suitable for those recovering from injuries or just looking for additional comfort and lumbar support.Our team gathered information on the best seat cushions of 2022 to help you find the best option for your needs. Learn more from our findings below and grab whichever one you prefer.
    July 21, 2021
  • Setting up a studio at home is not an easy task. One needs to consider several things like lighting, proper background, the best camera, tripod stand, etc. If one of the elements is chosen wrong, the entire setup will be nothing but a disaster, and you won't be able to shoot anything approaching perfection.
    July 16, 2021
  • Nowadays, many businesses are switching to a remote working environment. Employees are no longer required to come into the office as often. Many people are also discovering the joys of working as self-employed entrepreneurs, running entire drop shipping operations from their own bedroom.
    July 06, 2021
  • These days, HDMI cables are an absolute necessity. In comparison to older connection styles, HDMI is simpler to use and connect; it sends video and audio signals through the same cable, eliminating messy tangles of cords everywhere. But what do you do when your cable isn’t as long as it needs to be?Enter HDMI extension cables: they provide extra length and reach to help quickly connect your devices. When your cord length simply doesn’t cut it, then getting yourself a decent HDMI extension cable is the next step. However, most times it can be a bit of a bother to research the extension cable that's best.To help you make the right choice, we have compiled a buyer's guide and a list of the best HDMI extension cables in 2022. Without further ado, let’s check them out.
    June 16, 2021
  • The most important quality any creative must possess is the consistency required to churn out content. This quality distinguishes between a veteran and a newbie to the industry. However, due to the unexpected COVID-19 crisis that had everyone isolated for an extended period, both veterans and newbies were put in the same difficult situation of not being able to continue their regular creative routines.
    June 07, 2021
  • Although there are tech advancements every day, whiteboards are an invention that may never go out of existence. Not only are they used in visual learning, but they also provide a definite shape to a stream of thought. While some prefer having a whiteboard on their refrigerator, others use it as a teaching aid for their kids. Whatever reason you have, we’re here to introduce to you the best dry-erase whiteboards in 2022. Dry-erase whiteboards function like oversized paper sheets but can be written on over and over again. They are made in different sizes to serve various functions. Commonly built with steel or melamine, these are integral parts of learning, planning, or simply jotting down reminders. The best part is they stand the test of time and your budget!We have carefully selected dry-erase whiteboards that stood out the most to us on the market. Read below to find out about these products and browse our buying guide to further help you in making the best decision.
    May 24, 2021
  • Hearing is one of the five main senses, and it’s what we use to understand verbal languages and enjoy the tones of music. For those with especially sensitive ears, the type of speaker used to play digital audio can make all the difference. Not which one of the best speakers fit your home setup? Here are a few criteria that you’ll want to consider when getting a brand-new unit.
    April 29, 2021
  • Standing desks have become more popular among modern workspaces, particularly in home-based work environments. They appeal to those who either dislike the sedentary lifestyle associated with a desk job or to those who wish to stay as healthy as possible at all times. Here are five benefits that standing desks provide for those that use them.
    April 21, 2021
  • Video games have become one of the most popular pastimes in recent years. With different genres to choose from and many ways to have fun, it’s not hard to see why. But if you want to maximize your experience and fun playing the game, you’ll need the right gear. Here are some of the most important equipment you’ll need for the best gaming experience.
    April 12, 2021
  • Whether you’ve just got yourself a professional DSLR camera, or want to try out the high-spec camera on your smartphone, you’re probably wondering how to take good photos. And while it's by no means an exact science, one can improve their photography almost immediately by following a few simple rules that anybody can pick up. Feel free to take out the camera and try these out yourself.
    April 01, 2021
  • Since movie theaters have been mostly inaccessible due to a certain public health crisis, an increasing number of moviegoers have discovered that a home theater can be an acceptable substitute if set up the right way. What’s more exciting, as an ardent film lover, than having your personal theater designed to suit every movie time you have ever wanted? With the top ten tips for setting up a home theater below, you can quickly bridge the gap between your favorite cinema and the comfort of your home.
    April 01, 2021
  • A TV stand serves as a visual focal point in a home. Finding the right size, storage compartments, style, and color is worth the search if it adds to your comfort and satisfaction. Here is a list of best TV stands in 2022 that we recommend for adding that special touch to a room.
    March 11, 2021
  • When movie night rolls around, you may find yourself waffling about watching your chosen flicks on a plain old television screen. Why not jazz it up with a projector screen instead? The best projector screens are easy to set up, durable, and offer an excellent surface to display the ideal picture.
    February 25, 2021
  • Video conferencing is a popular way for business groups to stay connected, even when there are hundreds or thousands of miles separating team members. While the most basic setups utilize consumer-grade webcams to get the job done, the best solution for video conferencing is to invest in dedicated equipment designed to function in such an environment. Our best video conference cameras in 2022 recommendations are based on ease of use and overall audio/video capabilities. Though they're not the most affordable options around, each one is designed to excel in the most common video conferencing scenarios with minimal attention or maintenance required for reliable performance.
    March 25, 2020
  • Standing desks have become incredibly popular in recent years thanks to the ergonomic benefits they offer. Essentially, a standing desk can remove the possibility of slouching or bad chair posture. Though they come in many different shapes and styles, the best standing desks on the market offer easy adjustability and enough weight capacity to reliably hold your equipment. While hand-cranked units exist, we feel that the added convenience of power operation more than justifies the additional expense. Here are the best standing desks in 2022 (with one converter) on the market today.
    March 20, 2020
  • Bluetooth speakers are an ideal way to bring the party wherever you go. Whether it’s at the beach, your backyard, a picnic, or anywhere else you need tunes, a good Bluetooth speaker will do the job in a way that your cell phone alone simply can't. If you don’t already own one, you’ll be surprised how many places seem ideal to bring one along. Here are some of our favorites among the best Bluetooth speakers in 2021 on the market today.
    February 19, 2020
  • It's no secret that the most popular type of HDTV on the market today is the LED TV. Technically a misnomer born out of marketing and convenience, the term "LED TV" actually refers to an LCD TV that utilizes an LED backlight to display an image. LED TVs have attained their popularity due to their affordability, varied screen size options, as well as their low energy consumption and compatibility with all different types of content.The latest innovation in this field is the widespread use of "Quantum Dot" technology. While this may sound like something out of a sci-fi TV series, quantum dots are quite real and are commonplace in higher-end LED TVs. The basic science underpinning quantum dots revolves around their behavior when excited by certain frequencies; LED TVs equipped with quantum dots utilize a blue LED backlight, which in turn "excites" quantum dots into emitting red and green tones. In a nutshell, these TVs can display brighter colors that appear more lifelike and saturated, translating into a more pleasing image overall. If you want to do more research, check out our HDTV buyer's guide.You’ll find two distinct layouts that utilize LED backlighting: full array and edge-lit. Full-array backlighting positions the LED backlight directly behind the LCD panel. This is often combined with a feature known as "local dimming" in higher-spec models, which can selectively dim or switch off LEDs depending on the desired image to obtain deeper black levels where they are needed. Edge-lit LED backlighting moves the LEDs to the edges of the panel, instead relying on special light guides to illuminate the screen.In our research, we've noted that full-array LED TVs with local dimming consistently outperform their edge-lit counterparts in screen uniformity, black level measurements, and contrast with both standard and HDR content. When combined with quantum dot technology, these LED TVs are capable of generating an outstanding picture while keeping the cost versus screen size at a reasonable level. We've compiled the best LED LCD TVs in 2022.
    June 19, 2019
  • Digital media players have evolved a lot over the last few years, growing from a niche market to establishing a presence in millions of households. There are a lot of different devices available on the market, and they tend to offer a lot of the same features, with minor variations overall. However, these minor variations soon become major differences since they can impact how you control your digital media player and what it does in your living room. As you consider different models, take into account your own viewing habits, the features you want, and the media sources you’re most likely to use.These digital media players give you the best options and performance thanks to a wide range of channels and streaming services to choose from and utilize, with support for at least Netflix and some other media streaming options. All of these devices offer HD media options of up to at least 1080p, though you’ll typically need to also have access to HD video through a streaming service. These picks are easy to connect to your existing entertainment center either wirelessly or through an Ethernet port. Lastly, they all include remote controls with a variety of voice and manual input commands for accessing your preferred media.
    April 01, 2016
  • Best FM transmitters in 2022 are for consumers who want to bring the convenience and sound quality of iPods, MP3 players and other mobile music streaming devices along with them in older model automobiles that can't accommodate such technology. These transmitters work through your car stereo by pinpointing the clearest available FM signal and broadcasting music from your device. There are other features available with some transmitters such as hands-free phone use and USB ports to charge your device and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Some of them even have remote controls for easier use of all available functions.
    February 03, 2016
  • High-def recording has become the standard in the consumer camcorder market. With such incredible image quality, it is important you purchase a tool that will help you shoot video that lives up to the quality. The new features do everything from helping you with color correction, to allowing for low-light filming, to giving you an image-steady factor that eliminates camera shake when utilizing zoom. No matter what direction you go, be sure to think of what is most important to you. Sometimes you should choose based on price other times based on the portability of the camera. With this kind of variety, you can cherry-pick the options most important to you and edit perfect films for your family. There are loads of options out there, from basic consumer models to professional-quality camcorders. You can film everything from documentary footage to weddings to full-length feature films on these cameras, all the while testing your skill and learning about how to properly use a camera for the most effective footage. To help guide you through your purchase, here are our top picks for the best camcorder of 2022.
    February 02, 2016
  • It’s important to give your camera and lenses the best care possible and one way to do that is to have a safe a secure way to store and transport them. Camera bags and cases are great in that role. They’re specially made to provide a high level of protection from water and shock damage. Plus they’re designed to create an easy organizational system inside them so that you always know where a specific piece of equipment is. The Best Camera Bag in 2022 come in many forms like sling bags, backpacks, and hard cases. Here are the very best ones.
    February 02, 2016
  • Two-way radios, or walkie-talkies if you prefer, are one of the least expensive ways to communicate between parties. You can rely on them when cell phone service is spotty, they can keep families in touch with one another, and they're a crucial tool for staying safe in the wilderness or even on the water. There are two-way radios for every budget, with some of the cheaper models running a mere $20 for basic call capabilities; while the more expensive versions come with a whole list of additional features like weather radio channels, privacy codes to prevent unwanted outside interference on your signal and even GPS receivers. The best walkie talkie in 2022 offer greater talk range, and while most manufacturers claim such range abilities in the 20 mile range, or further even, these potential communication distances are only realistic on open water or flatlands with little to no obstacles to the signal. In more common surroundings, be it urban or rural, everything from trees to concrete will hinder your signal's true power and thus talk range is lessened greatly. The average range in this case is about two to four miles, and if your two-way is making clear, static-free transmissions at this distance, then you've got a good product.
    February 01, 2016
  • Singing can be one of the best -- not to mention the most fun -- ways for children to develop language and of course music skills. In addition, it can be a great group activity that can bring families together. As manufacturing costs have gone down with respect to karaoke machines in general, a new product category has developed in recent years aimed squarely at kids. The best karaoke machine in 2022 integrate both fun, kid-oriented design and color, and quality hardware that won't break after the third time your kid drops the mic on the floor. Most machines take CD-G discs, which contain music as well as lyrics on a separate track. The microphones that ship with these systems vary in quality, but for many the overall experience using the machine is more important. Some picks on this list are for older kids, and some are better suited to younger kids all the way down to toddlers. All in all, they represent a snapshot of the best karaoke machines currently available for kids.
    January 29, 2016
  • Many photographers don't realize how important a fast, quality memory card can influence their workflow. Not only do quality memory cards typically operate faster, but they are also demonstrably more stable. Imagine losing an entire day's shoot to memory card corruption! It happens all the time.Many individuals simply look for a good deal, or perhaps just want to limit their shopping to cards that match their camera's maximum write speed. After all, what's the point of paying extra for a card when your camera can only write data so fast, right? Don't forget, writing is only half the process. There's still the reading of that data! After filling up that slow 16GB card with pictures from your day at the beach, for instance, you get home, pop the memory card into the reader and wait…and wait! Instead of getting to edit your pics quickly, you’re stuck staring at the upload progress bar that just seems to be sitting still, like it’s almost mocking you. On the other hand, with a faster memory card the reading part of the process can be cut in half or sometimes much more.The process by which manufacturers produce flash memory has become more dependable over the years and the chances of corruption seem to have gone down significantly in that time. However, corruptions certainly still happen often enough for you to be mindful of the possibility. Case in point,  I borrowed a memory card to complete a wedding, got home, and a large portion of the photos on said card were corrupted. What a nightmare that was! You can do your part to help mitigate this possibility by keeping your memory card clean, dry, and stored in the recommended temperature range. Another thing you can do (and perhaps the most effective) is purchase a quality memory card by a reputable manufacturer sold by a reputable dealer as counterfeit memory cards are more common than you might think. Stick with a dealer with good reputation for providing authentic products; if the deal looks too good to be true, well, you know the rest.You’ll also want to consider that a high quality memory card will more than likely last you for the rest of your photography career and they can also take a beating. There have been several anecdotal stories of people finding memory cards lost over the side of cruise liners or river rafts that have been recovered working many years after they were lost! Although you may initially wince at the price, consider that a smart memory card purchase can mean you won't have to buy another for a very long time, if ever again for that matter.If I might suggest, buy the largest you can afford. In just a few years time that 16GB card you buy today will quickly become tight on space if you ever eventually decide to mix video with your photography. Even so, you'd be surprised at how quickly a 16GB card fills up shooting 20MP RAW files. With as competitive as the market has become, it doesn't cost much more to jump up a size or two compared to a few years ago. Take advantage of that!The best memory card for camera in 2022 listed here were chosen because they’re from reputable manufacturers. With an established history, you can be better assured that a card made by certain manufacturers will not only last but will also not corrupt your data as these cards are proven reliable. These memory cards are also chosen because at their respective price points, they represent the highest performance cards you can buy. If reliability is the most important metric, performance is the second most. No one wants to wait around for the camera's buffer to empty or data to transfer any more than they have to. Finally, these cards are chosen because they utilize special features like Error Correction Code (ECC) that can help eliminate errors during data transfers or special shock absorbing coatings to better ensure reliability during everyday use. Some even ship with data recovery software to get back those files you might accidentally delete.
    November 16, 2015
  • Many photographers, especially those just starting out, tend to overlook the utility of the humble monopod. It's a shame really, because monopods can solve many common photography issues tripods simply can't. For instance, at many tourist attractions including high-trafficked museums or historical buildings, tripods are prohibited. It's just not safe to splay out the legs of a tripod in the area where a lot of people are walking, especially with their attention often away from in front of where they’re walking. However, monopods are often allowed because they don't interfere with the flow of pedestrian traffic.Often, with cameras pushing ultra-high usable ISOs, you only need something steady to rest the camera to get a sharp shot of a dimly lit interior versus locking it down on a tripod. If you’re shooting a long telephoto lens at a sporting event and the weight of the lens precludes hand-holding, a tripod would be overkill; however, such a situation is perfect for a monopod. Many outdoor photographers who hike to interesting shooting locations well off the beaten path enjoy specially made monopods which double as walking sticks. Talk about two birds with one stone!Many people choose to put heads on top of their monopods, but this is strictly optional. Specially designed monopod heads can increase the usefulness of a monopod or make the monopod easier to use. However, they can also add significant weight to the unit so decide for yourself if the trade-off is worth it.The monopods on this list were chosen because they’re sturdy, the absolute most important metric for any monopod; when you lock these units, their mechanisms stay locked! These monopods are also made with lightweight materials for easy transport because what's the point of carrying around the weight of three legs if you can only use one? Finally, these monopods are all exceptionally well made because nothing so negatively affects the user experience like getting to a location you may never visit again only to have a pivotal component suddenly break. Rest assured, the best monopod in 2021 on this list will provide years of reliable service.
    October 15, 2015
  • Rings flashes, sometimes stylized as "ringflash" by manufacturers, are extremely popular in fashion and portrait photography and have been since their inception in the 1960s since photographers appreciate them for their unique lighting profile. If you ever see a well-lit portrait devoid of facial shadows and catch lights centered on the pupil, it might have been taken with a ring flash.Ring flashes are known for their ability to make "shadowless" images, even though they do actually produce shadows. In fact, another tip off that the image was show with a ring flash is a noticeable dark outline around the entire subject when they aren't far from a backdrop or background surface - that's the shadow! They do, however, eliminate almost all of the shadows on a face when used in portraiture. This is one of the reasons they remain so popular among professional fashion shooters when they want a model flatly lit.Another reason portrait and fashion photographers use ring flashes is because ring flashes create specular highlights which are bright spots caused by reflected light. You see them all over shiny objects when a bright light is pointed at them. Ring flashes create a unique specular pattern or shape that many fashion photographers find appealing.Let's not forget to mention, ring flashes give a very desirable catch light, centered right ont he subjects pupil. It's a very striking effect! You commonly see this effect exaggerated in beauty product ads with the model's face close up. It can often makes eyes pop all the more. Macro photographers also find ring flashes to be an essential part of their kit. Since a ring flash is typically mounted flush with the front of the lens, the lens won't cast a shadow on the image, which ruins macro shots.Many ring flashes can even take modifiers to further change the quality of light they produce making them flexible and adaptable to a variety of artistic lighting styles.One caveat of note, however, is that since a ring flash is mounted so close to the lens, when a portrait subject looks at the lens they are also looking at the flash. Indeed, one of the cardinal rules of off-camera flashes is to get them AWAY from the lens, such as with a flash bracket. Ring flashes defy this rule in the most severe way and this close flash-to-lens proximity will very often cause red-eye, on top of the drastic shadow behavior. Be prepared to remove unwanted red-eye in post production when using these types of flashes. Good quality ring flashes are dependable and will last you a very long time. Ring flashes also offer a platform to grow and change styles thanks to light modifiers.The ring flashes listed here were chosen for their predictable light quality. You don't want to spend a lot of extra time monkeying with color temperature fixes after-the-fact in you can help it. These best ring flash in 2022 are also extremely well-built and should stand up to the rigors of repeated use, either in the studio or in the field. These flashes also offer unique options or modes that make them good tools for their intended purposes, like portable battery packs for fast-paced location work or perhaps TTL functions that allow you to work faster.
    September 21, 2015
  • If you need or want to nail exposure the first time, an oft overlooked tool in this day of ubiquitous built-in meters, is the handheld light meter. Not too long ago a handheld meter was essential to every professional photographer's workflow. That's not so much the case anymore as camera manufacturers have done a good job integrating accurate light meters into their cameras. But, no matter how good they are, there are limitations to metering reflected light that cannot be overcome with a built-in light meter. That's where dedicated, handheld light meters come into play.When a photographer meters a scene from the camera, they are taking what is termed a reflective reading. Depending on the scene, this could include much more light information than simply what falls on the subject, up to and including extraneous light or objects near the subject that could confuse a camera's reflective light reading. Modern photographers get around this problem by "chimping" the exposure, that is, they take a picture at a given exposure, judge the result, then make changes and try again. And again. And sometimes again.For many professionals, trial and error is not an option. Not to mention, it just doesn't look professional. If the client is present on the shoot it probably will not instill confidence in the photographer's abilities to see the constant guessing and correcting. A handheld light meter can eliminate this guesswork.Handheld light meters measure what's called incident light. This is the light as it falls directly on the subject at the subject's position. It doesn't get confused by other brightly color objects in the frame and it doesn't adjust itself to light sources that emit light that doesn't hit the subject. It's takes a true reading of the light that the meter then uses to generate a measurement to render the subject perfectly exposed. It can do this on the first try, not the fourth.Listed here are the five best handheld light meters for photography. They are chosen because they are highly accurate, which is the most critical metric for any light meter. These light meters are also highly customizable, allowing photographers to change meter settings for a variety of situations including video or complex lighting setups. Our selections also have models or optional accessories that further increase their usefulness, like changing out the radio to trigger flashes from specific manufacturers, like Broncolor and Elinchrom, or add Pocket Wizard ControlTL support. Check out our top picks for best light meters in 2021.
    September 01, 2015
  • Digital compact cameras are some of the most popular picture-taking devices today. These devices range from simple "point-and-shoot" models to more advanced offerings that offer DSLR-style creative control. We’ve included the top picks from the most popular segments, factoring in criteria such as performance, versatility, ease of use, and value.With these factors in mind, we've made a list of the most versatile cameras on the market. Also below is a buying guide that will help you pick out the right camera for your needs- read on!
    August 27, 2015
  • One of the most important bits of kit in any landscape or portrait photographer's bag are neutral density filters. These filters block some portion of the light entering your lens, allowing you more creative freedom and, if used right, maybe better images. If you want to use a large aperture for a shallow depth-of-field on a sunny day or slow the shutter speed to capture the swaying grass in an open pasture, you'll probably need a neutral density filter. In videography, neutral density filters are essential to preventing overexposure in scenes where there is too much light to manage with the video's fixed shutter speed.Neutral density filters come in many styles, like square or rectangular slide-ins, and some even offer a graduated density pattern, perfect for holding back the sky's brightness against a darker horizon and foreground. Popular makers of slide-in graduated neutral density filters are Lee Filters, Singh-Ray, and Formatt-Hitech.Of the varied styles that neutral density filters come in, screw-on is by far the most popular. By foregoing the need for expensive and bulky foundation kits, like those that are needed for square and rectangular slide-in filters, screw-on filters are compact, light, easy to use and cost effective. Most of the makers listed here offer several slide-in neutral density options, many of which are just as exceptional as their screw-on counterparts.When purchasing, be sure to get the right size filter for the lens you intend to use it on. One particular money saving strategy would be to purchase a filter for the largest lens you own and use step-up adapters for your smaller lenses. In this way you can use one filter, adapt it to all your lenses, and save money over purchasing a filter for each size lens you own.The best solid screw-in neutral density filters listed here are chosen because they do not introduce unsightly color casts, which can be very time-consuming, if not near impossible, to correct in post processing. They are extraordinarily well-made selections, using the finest glass or optical resins and all but one has rings made of brass, a material that resists binding with other surfaces. The filters here also offer state-of-the-art usability features like front-threading and multi-coatings, which reduce flare, help with cleaning, with some even being scratch resistant. Checkout our top picks for the best neutral density filters in 2022.
    August 10, 2015