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Digital Photography Review
Digital Photography Review
Digital Photography Review
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Digital Photography Review, also known as DPReview, is a website about digital cameras and digital photography, established in November 1998.[4] The website provides comprehensive reviews of digital cameras,[4] lenses and accessories, buying guides,[4] user reviews,[4] and forums for individual cameras, as well as general photography forums. The website also has a database with information about individual digital cameras, lenses, printers and imaging applications. Originally based in London, Digital Photography Review and most of its team relocated to Seattle, Washington, in 2010.[5] It was owned by Amazon from 2007 to 2023.[4][6]

Key Information

Main features

[edit]

DPReview has regularly published thorough,[4][3][7] technically orientated camera reviews since the website launched in 1998.[8][9] The content and scope of the reviews have changed over time, but the basic formula (extensive descriptions of controls and menus, consistent, repeatable studio tests, side-by-side pixel-level comparisons) has remained unchanged since the earliest days. In 2004, a shorter "concise" review format was introduced for compact cameras,[10] and group tests were added in 2008.[11] The website's camera reviews have always offered side-by-side comparison images and test results from competing cameras.[4] In 2010, an interactive comparison widget was introduced that allowed visitors to compare studio results from any camera in the site's database.[12] Later widgets added the ability to compare other test results (such as noise and dynamic range) between cameras. Extensive real-world sample galleries are available for all reviewed (and some unreviewed) cameras and lenses.

Until February 2010, DPReview did not score cameras numerically, but used an often controversial [13] six-level rating system (from best to worst: Highly Recommended, Recommended, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Poor). The site now scores all cameras and lenses using up to 11 categories (which in turn are based on "nearly 60 aspects of camera performance and specification").[14] Two new discretionary awards ('Gold' and 'Silver') were introduced at the same time as the scoring system.

DPReview introduced lens reviews in 2008.[15]

Although the vast majority of its published reviews are of digital cameras, DPReview also publishes occasional reviews of printers, software, photography books, accessories and mobile imaging devices.

DPReview has a database of digital cameras, lenses, printers and desktop imaging software packages. Camera product pages contain full specifications, product and sample images, user reviews[4] and links to other internal and external resources. The product database offers browse, search and compare features.[16][17][18]

DPReview has discussion forums[8] and also commenting[4] (on some, but not all content types), user-created articles and product reviews, photographic challenges and free personal galleries. A simple personal messaging system is available to registered users.

DPReview publishes occasional non-review articles, covering imaging science and technology,[8][7] photographic techniques, interviews with photographers and industry figures, and buying guides.[4] In 2012, DPReview added a Link Directory that allows registered users to view and subscribe to RSS and Twitter updates from external resources without leaving the site.

Ownership history

[edit]

Digital Photography Review was founded in December 1998 in the United Kingdom by Philip and Joanna Askey.[4][9] On May 14, 2007, it was acquired by Amazon.[3][4][19] DPReview employs a dedicated editorial team of in-house and freelance writers, and was editorially independent of Amazon.[20]

The original founder, Phil Askey, is no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the site.[21] The company directly employs 14 full-time workers.[21] Askey was followed as general manager by Simon Joinson, who took on the role in 2010. Joinson joined the company in 2004, having previously founded and edited several UK digital photography magazines, including What Digital Camera.

The current manager is Scott Everett who joined DPReview in 2011 as a Product Manager.

In 2007, the site had "in excess of 7 million unique viewers monthly."[9]

On March 21, 2023, DPReview announced that it would cease operations,[22][23] but that its website would remain available as an archive.[24] On June 20, 2023, DPReview was acquired by Gear Patrol and resumed operations.[2][1]

References

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[edit]
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Digital Photography Review

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Digital Photography Review (DPReview) is an online publication dedicated to providing expert news, in-depth reviews, buying guides, and community forums focused on digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and related photography technology. Founded in December 1998 by Phil Askey as a comprehensive resource for digital imaging enthusiasts, it quickly grew into one of the world's leading authorities on the subject, offering tools like a vast camera database and side-by-side comparison features. In May 2007, Amazon acquired DPReview to enhance its photography product offerings, integrating the site's content with its platform while maintaining its editorial independence. Under Amazon's ownership, the site provided video reviews, learning articles, and active user forums that fostered discussions among photographers worldwide. However, in March 2023, Amazon announced plans to shut down the site after nearly 25 years, citing a strategic shift away from non-core operations. The closure was averted when Gear Patrol, a media company specializing in consumer gear and lifestyle content, acquired DPReview in June 2023, ensuring its continued operation and commitment to high-quality journalism. Today, DPReview remains a go-to destination for photographers, delivering timely previews of new gear—such as the Canon EOS R6 Mark III in November 2025—and educational resources like primers on and techniques. Its mission continues to emphasize authoritative, unbiased coverage to help users make informed decisions in the evolving landscape.

History

Founding and Early Development

Digital Photography Review (DPReview) was founded in December 1998 by Phil Askey and his wife Joanna Askey as a hobby project dedicated to reviewing digital cameras, at a time when digital photography was still an emerging technology. Initially operating from Singapore, where Phil worked as a software developer, the site began as a subdomain on his personal tech blog (photo.askey.net) and quickly gained traction among early adopters seeking reliable information on nascent digital imaging devices. The Askeys, both photography enthusiasts, aimed to fill a gap in objective testing, as Phil noted that "nobody was really trying to test digital cameras in a repeatable way." The site's first review, published on December 25, 1998, covered the Pro70, a 1.7-megapixel with a fixed 28-70mm , representing one of the earliest serious digital cameras aimed at enthusiasts. This review, facilitated by a loaner unit from Canon Singapore, set the tone for DPReview's focus on in-depth analysis, using improvised setups like tape-marked focus charts and home-printed test targets in a makeshift studio. By early 2000, the Askeys relocated to , , enabling a more professional testing environment with a dedicated , studio lights, and standardized charts to ensure consistent results across evaluations. As digital cameras proliferated in the late 1990s and early 2000s, DPReview expanded beyond body-only reviews to include assessments of lenses and accessories, solidifying its role as a primary resource for enthusiasts navigating the shift from film to digital workflows. The site hired its first additional staff member, Simon Joinson, in mid-2004 to handle news and contribute to reviews, marking the transition from a two-person operation to a small team. Key milestones included rapid audience growth, from 40,000 monthly visitors in January 1999 to over 600,000 by January 2000 and 3 million by January 2002, reflecting its influence amid the digital photography boom. During this period, DPReview developed a standardized review methodology featuring lab-based tests for critical metrics such as image quality, noise performance, and dynamic range, which became benchmarks for the industry and helped establish the site's reputation for scientific rigor.

Acquisition by Amazon and Relocation

In May 2007, Amazon.com acquired Digital Photography Review (DPReview) for an undisclosed amount, incorporating the site into its growing media portfolio as a key resource for digital camera information and reviews. This move allowed Amazon to leverage DPReview's established authority in photography content to support its e-commerce ecosystem, particularly in camera sales, while enabling the site to benefit from Amazon's resources for further development. By 2010, following the departure of founder Phil Askey in late 2009, DPReview relocated its headquarters and nearly its entire team from to a new office and studio in Seattle, Washington, to align more closely with Amazon's corporate operations. The transition, announced in April 2010 and completed by November, included comprehensive relocation support for staff, with only two members opting to remain in the UK; this shift marked a pivotal operational change, centralizing activities near Amazon's base and facilitating enhanced collaboration. Under Amazon's ownership through the , DPReview saw substantial growth, expanding its editorial and technical capabilities with dedicated resources, including a team that reached around 10 core members by 2008 and continued to evolve with additional contributors. Key developments included the launch of video reviews via DPReview TV in 2018, featuring hosts Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake to provide dynamic content alongside traditional written analyses. The site also integrated more deeply with Amazon's platform, embedding purchase links and affiliate recommendations into its buying guides to streamline user access to reviewed products. During this period, DPReview broadened its scope to encompass smartphone photography, reflecting the decade's surge in mobile imaging technology, with dedicated articles, comparisons, and beginner guides starting as early as 2012. The relocation to Seattle enabled upgrades to lab testing equipment and studio facilities, such as the introduction of side-by-side comparison tools, improving the precision and depth of hardware evaluations. These enhancements solidified DPReview's role as a comprehensive authority in digital imaging during the Amazon era.

Shutdown Attempt and Acquisition by Gear Patrol

In March 2023, Amazon announced the shutdown of Digital Photography Review (DPReview) after nearly 25 years of operation, citing it as part of broader cost-cutting measures amid layoffs; the site was scheduled to cease updates and enter read-only mode after April 10, 2023. The announcement triggered widespread backlash from the photography community, including a petition that garnered thousands of signatures calling on Amazon to reverse the decision and preserve the resource. DPReview founder Phil Askey publicly criticized the move in a post, labeling it "what a waste" and expressing disappointment in Amazon's handling of the site during its ownership. On June 20, 2023, media company Gear Patrol acquired DPReview from Amazon for an undisclosed sum, enabling the site's continuation with its core editorial team intact and maintaining its focus on coverage. Under Gear Patrol's ownership, DPReview resumed full content production in late 2023, restoring active updates to reviews, , and forums after the interim read-only period. In October 2025, the company announced upgrades to the forum software, temporarily placing the forums in read-only mode starting October 31 to implement enhancements for better . As of November 2025, the site continues to publish new material, including an initial review of the Mark III released on November 6, 2025.

Content and Features

Reviews and Buying Guides

Digital Photography Review (DPR) employs a standardized review structure that integrates rigorous laboratory testing with practical field evaluations to assess the performance of digital cameras, lenses, and accessories. In laboratory settings, reviewers conduct controlled tests using a dedicated studio scene to measure critical image quality attributes, such as resolution via simulated real-world textures, performance across ISO ranges, color accuracy in output, from raw files, and reliability through subject tracking protocols. Field tests complement these by evaluating real-world handling, ergonomics, and usability during extended shooting sessions with various lenses and scenarios. The scope of DPR's reviews encompasses in-depth analyses of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, lenses, drones, and accessories, providing comprehensive insights into features, build quality, and overall value. Each review typically includes sample image galleries captured under diverse conditions, along with downloadable raw files to allow users to examine unprocessed output and perform independent evaluations. DPR's buying guides serve as curated resources for consumers, offering recommendations segmented by categories like price thresholds (e.g., best cameras under $1000) and specific use cases such as or . These guides feature side-by-side comparisons with pros and cons for each model, emphasizing key strengths like image quality and battery life while highlighting limitations such as or compatibility issues, and they are refreshed annually to reflect new market entries. The evolution of DPR's reviews has incorporated multimedia elements, with video assessments becoming integral in the 2010s as camera manufacturers advanced hybrid stills/video capabilities, including 4K recording and log profiles starting from models like the GH4. Following the rise of , DPR began dedicated smartphone camera testing after 2015, evaluating aspects like low-light performance and computational enhancements in devices such as the DMC-CM1.

News and Educational Articles

Digital Photography Review (DPReview) maintains a dedicated news section that provides real-time reporting on product launches, industry events, and market trends in the photography world. For instance, in November 2025, the site covered the announcement of the Leica SL3 Reporter, a rugged variant of the SL3 system camera emphasizing durability and environmental sustainability. Coverage extends to major trade shows such as CP+, where DPReview offers roundups of announcements like new lenses and cameras from manufacturers including Canon and third-party brands. Similarly, the site has historically reported on Photokina, the world's largest photography trade show, with hands-on previews and interviews from events like the 2018 edition. Market trends, such as the integration of AI tools in editing software, are analyzed through articles discussing Adobe's updates to Lightroom and Photoshop. In addition to news, DPReview produces educational articles aimed at building foundational and advanced knowledge in . The "Learn" section features guides on core concepts like the exposure triangle, including detailed explanations of aperture's role in controlling and light intake. Other tutorials cover post-processing workflows, such as techniques to prevent and fix noisy images in digital files. Emerging technologies are addressed in pieces exploring AI applications, like improvements and generative tools that enhance traditional workflows without replacing them. DPReview also hosts special series that blend education with community engagement and commentary. The site spotlights competitions like The BigPicture, an annual contest, with announcements of winners such as the 2025 entries highlighting insect macro and encounters to promote conservation. Technique spotlights within the features section provide in-depth tutorials on topics from beginner setups to advanced lighting. pieces offer balanced perspectives, such as debates on digital versus , arguing that retains a unique aesthetic appeal alongside digital's immediacy. The news section updates daily with fresh posts on announcements and developments, ensuring timely access to industry information. Archival content dating back to 1999 allows users to explore historical announcements, such as early releases, through a searchable monthly .

Forums and Community Interaction

The Digital Photography Review (DPReview) forums, established in January 1999, feature a structured organization into categories such as General Discussion, Camera Companies, Equipment, and Photography and Techniques, with dedicated boards for major brands including Canon, Nikon, , , and others, as well as specialized sections for techniques like and studio lighting. The Buying Advice forum serves as a key resource for discussing equipment deals and recommendations, while the platform maintains an extensive spanning over 25 years, encompassing approximately 4.5 million threads and 47.8 million messages as of late 2025. Community interaction is facilitated through Q&A-oriented boards, such as the Beginners' Questions forum with over 72,000 threads for troubleshooting and advice, and the Samples and Galleries section, where members contribute and critique photographs in more than 115,000 threads. User polls on gear preferences and other topics have been supported since a 2012 forum system update, enabling participatory discussions on equipment choices and trends. Additionally, contests and challenges in a dedicated forum encourage creative engagement among users. The forums have evolved significantly, growing from 10 million posts by 2005—averaging 11,000 new messages daily at that time—to the current multimillion-post archive, reflecting sustained user participation with over 1.7 million registered members. Challenges included a 2023 read-only period starting during Amazon's planned shutdown, which was averted by Gear Patrol's acquisition in , preserving the during the transition. In , a major software to a modern platform began with a read-only phase from October 31 to November 5, enhancing performance, security, and feature sustainability while migrating all historical data. Engagement peaked with hundreds of thousands of subscribers in the mid-2000s, and the forums continue to serve over a million members, playing a vital role in peer reviews via gallery critiques and discussions in the Open Talk section, often drawing inspiration from editorial news topics.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on the Photography Community

Digital Review (DPReview) played a pivotal role in standardizing camera evaluations through its rigorous lab tests, particularly the studio test scene introduced in 1999, which enabled consistent, side-by-side comparisons of image quality across models. This methodology, applied to 494 cameras as of 2023, emphasized metrics like low-light performance and , becoming a key tool for community comparisons. The site's extensive free resources, including over 1,300 in-depth reviews and 2,500 long-form articles as of 2023, democratized access to professional-level knowledge during the early digital transition, empowering hobbyists to make informed decisions without relying on expensive courses or print media. These materials covered topics from technology to workflow optimization, serving as a formative educational hub for generations of photographers shifting from to digital formats. DPReview's commitment to clear explanations, such as collaborative efforts to standardize nomenclature, further bridged complex engineering concepts for non-experts, fostering broader participation in the field. DPReview's forums emerged as a vital global hub for photographers, amassing 2.7 million comments and 850,000 user-submitted photos as of 2023, where enthusiasts exchanged advice on gear and techniques, accelerating trends like the adoption of mirrorless systems in the . This interactive space cultivated a tight-knit of over 20 years, enabling real-time discussions that shaped preferences for innovative features, such as electronic viewfinders and in-body stabilization. By facilitating learning and critique, the forums not only built lasting relationships among users but also amplified advocacy for emerging technologies. Beyond direct engagement, DPReview contributed to significant market shifts, including the rise of photography, through its analytical coverage of mobile imaging advancements that highlighted computational photography's role in challenging traditional cameras. The site's data and insights, drawn from 640 camera reviews and comparative analyses as of 2023, were frequently referenced in industry reports assessing the contraction of dedicated camera sales amid dominance, underscoring how informed consumer awareness drove diversification in photographic tools. This influence extended to broader ecosystem changes, promoting hybrid workflows where s complemented professional gear. Under Gear Patrol's ownership since 2023, DPReview has continued to extend its influence, publishing annual awards for the best gear in 2024 and maintaining active testing and buying guides into 2025.

Reception and Criticisms

Digital Photography Review (DPReview) has long been praised for its in-depth and unbiased reviews of digital cameras, lenses, and related gear, establishing it as a leading authority in the community. The site's commitment to detailed, original content has been highlighted as a key strength, with contributors noting its role in providing comprehensive evaluations that help enthusiasts make informed decisions. Criticisms of DPReview have primarily centered on its ownership under from 2007 to 2023, with concerns raised about potential bias in reviews due to the integration of links that could favor Amazon's sales ecosystem. Some users and observers worried that this affiliation might compromise , viewing the site as a potential sales funnel rather than a neutral resource. Additionally, during periods of ownership transition, such as the lead-up to the 2023 shutdown announcement, there were reports of slowed content updates, contributing to user frustration amid uncertainty. The 2023 announcement of DPReview's impending closure by Amazon elicited widespread mourning across the photography world, with photographers and enthusiasts expressing shock at the loss of a 25-year-old staple. A petition urging Amazon to reverse the decision garnered 7,670 signatures, ultimately marked as a victory following the site's rescue. After Gear Patrol acquired DPReview in June 2023, the move was met with praise for preserving the site's independence and community focus, with Gear Patrol's CEO emphasizing a commitment to its core mission without introducing paywalls. As of 2025, DPReview maintains its reputation as a trusted resource, continuing to publish reviews and engage its audience through an active presence.

References

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