GEAR OF THE YEAR

We're kicking off 2023 with a look back at the most exciting and most innovative photography kit we tested and used in 2022

Not every year is the same in terms of camera launches. Some years there's a flurry of major announcements, causing photography journalists around the world to suffer from repetitive strain injury as their typing fingers struggle to keep up with all the reviews they have to write. In other years, the new releases trickle in at a more leisurely pace.

Arguably, in the first half of 2022 it looked as though the year might fall into the latter category. This was due in part to the ongoing component supply problems that have plagued camera and lens manufacturers and caused significant delays to new products, and stock shortages after those products have been released. However, the second half of the year had a few surprises in store, as the pace of reveals accelerated from the springtime onwards.

At this stage in the development of digital photography, there are few areas in which the key brands can be truly revolutionary. The megapixel race is all but over, maximum ISO settings rarely shock anymore, and who remembers when LCD size used to be worthy of a shoutout? Artificial intelligence is the

latest buzzphrase, with new cameras boasting innovative ways of applying this technology. Intelligent AF is on spec sheets more than ever before, and Al modes are diffusing down from the pro models into enthusiast-level cameras.

Here we've rounded up the best bits of kit from 2022, choosing the products that stood out from the crowd based on a number of metrics. Above all, these products offered the best balance of value and quality, with many setting trends that look set to continue in 2023. which promises to be another exciting year for photography lovers.

CAMERA OF THE YEAR

Full-frame may be the future, but don't discount smaller sensors just yet