iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Gordon Laing

@cameralabs.bsky.social

260 followers 48 following 322 posts

Camera tester for over 30 years! Travel lover. Coffee junkie. One of the first reviewers on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@cameralabs

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Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

This is the interior of SEY Coffee in Brooklyn, New York. Not only a gorgeous space but one of the very best coffees I’ve had in New York, no, in the whole USA! Suffice it to say I’ve made a new video all about it, over on my Gordon Gets Coffee YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgmw...

BEST coffee in New York? SEY, Brooklyn review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Just posted my in-depth review of Fujifilm’s latest fun camera, the instax Pal 2, which for me is way better than the original Pal and Kodak’s Charmera. I cover lots missing on other reviews too! Find out if it’s worth the price at youtu.be/NZZByyz8HBQ

instax Pal 2 REVIEW: best camera gift?

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

During a recent trip around China, I checked out the local coffee scene and enjoyed some of the most innovative and unique drinks I've had anywhere - think coffee-based mocktails. Leading the charge in these Signature Drinks is OPS in Shanghai, and here's my review! www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJdD...

BEST COFFEE in SHANGHAI? OPS review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This Summer I rode Japan's most famous bike route, the Shimanami Kaido, and made a video all about it! I show you how to get there, the rental services, things to do, and most importantly what it's like! Here's my guide www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKC... #shimanamikaido

Best bike ride in JAPAN! Shimanami Kaido guide

YouTube video by Gordon's Travel Tips

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Delighted to post my first cafe review from THE USA! During a recent trip to New York and Boston I visited a LOT of cafes, but I'm starting with one of the best! Here's my review of Suited, arguably the best coffee in Manhattan and pretty good sandwiches too! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC8c...

BEST COFFEE NYC? Suited review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I keep crying out for compact primes, and once again L-mount has answered the call! Here's Panasonic's new Lumix S 20mm f2.5, a compact ultra-wide prime ideal for big views or vlogging, and at $500 or £430, not badly priced either. I've made an in-depth review for you www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WXz...

LUMIX S 20mm f2.5 REVIEW in-depth vs 20-60!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Here's the new Canon EOS R8 Mark II, sporting a full-frame 24 MP sensor with uncropped 4k 60, IBIS, an AF joystick, and a new - or perhaps old - design. Find out what else it has and crucially how it compares to rivals both from Canon and other brands in my review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y8h...

Canon EOS R8 Mark II REVIEW : first looks

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Hey you! This is the new Olympus PEN, a compact everyday camera with a viewfinder, IBIS and a great-looking splash-proof body. And the best part, it's under a grand: £850 UK or $999 US. Actually no, the best part is I already have an in-depth review ready for you at www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJNa...

OM System PEN REVIEW - AT LAST!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I've heard so many claim an 85 1.2 isn't possible on e-mount, so I guess that makes the new Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art the impossible lens. And yet here it is, for both e and L mounts, and I've made an in-depth review for you! TLDR - it's amazing! www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrDQ...

Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art REVIEW : stunning!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I'm seeing some claim Sony's new 8-14 f3.5 is the first Fisheye zoom in e-mount. Not true. Laowa's 8-15 f2.8 has long been available in e-mount, and while it's MF only (not a big deal for Fisheyes), it has a brighter 2.8 aperture and is half the price. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=-39o...

Laowa 8-15mm f2.8 Fisheye Zoom REVIEW

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Crumbs, it was 20yrs ago I joined YouTube and uploaded my 1st video, a review of the Canon 400D / Rebel XTi, a single take in 3mins filmed on a tape-based camcorder. Two decades and over 700 videos later, I'm still going! So a huge thanks to everyone who's joined me! www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvpn...

20 YEARS ON YOUTUBE !

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Anyone fancy a pancake? A pancake lens of course! I just tested five tasty models for Fujifilm X cameras side by side to see which slim lens from budget to premium will be best for you! Fujifilm vs Viltrox vs TT Artisan: youtu.be/MUZlTUZmjjs

Fujifilm PANCAKE group test: 18 vs 23 vs 27 vs TT Artisan vs Viltrox

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside… with the brand new Sony RX10 V launched today! It packs respectably bright 25x zoom and fast 1in type sensor into an Alpha styled body with great AF and 4k 120 video too! I’ve spent some quality time with it for my in depth review: youtu.be/CshItceSC5E

Sony RX10 V REVIEW : best super-zoom camera!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

When in Akihabara, Tokyo, take a break from all the anime and head to Kielo for a coffee, by far the best cafe I've found in the area! Find out why in my latest review at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlFb...

BEST COFFEE in Tokyo Japan? KIELO Akihabara!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Tokyo's most precise coffee? In a city with plenty of high-end brews, LEAVES roaster is right up there with the best. Amazing coffee for sure, but how about the experience of visiting the cafe? Find out in my latest review at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zyh...

TOKYO's PRECISION coffee: LEAVES Coffee Roasters review

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Comprehensive Compact Comparison! Yes, what started as a Lumix L10 review has turned into a group test of five premium compacts, all retested side-by-side! Clockwise: V1 vs X100 VI vs L10 vs RX100 VII vs TZ300 ZS300! Check my latest video to see which is best for you: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC2Q...

COMPACT CAMERA group test! Fuji vs Sony vs Lumix vs Canon

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Coffee SWAMP is one of the highest-rated cafes in Tokyo, and for good reason. This chilled-out spot just moments from the madness of Shinjuku Station is an oasis of calm, serving seriously good brews. See what it's like in my latest review at www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6iV...

COFFEE SWAMP review: BEST cafe in Shinjuku, Tokyo!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

As promised, I've posted my deeper dive into HDR Photography that exploits the greater brightness of modern phones, TVs and laptops. I'll show you how to capture and crucially share these images in an HDR format that really stands out! See www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyXQ...

NEW HDR PHOTO tutorial - everything's changed!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

What's the fastest coffee? BULLET TRAIN COFFEE of course! In my latest video, I check out Shinkansen Coffee from a series of suitably comprehensive vending machines in Japan, exclusively on the bullet train platforms. But which variety to order...? www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZN7...

Trying BULLET TRAIN COFFEE in Japan! Shinkansen coffee

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

BONUS BTS! I'm working on some videos about HDR photography- the kind that displays highlights more brightly on compatible phones, laptops and TVs. As part of my next video, I've made an HDR Photo slideshow as an HDR video. It's unlisted, but you might be interested! youtu.be/9WjDo0-fhZA

HDR Photo Slideshow: HLG test for displays (silent)

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

BONUS BTS! I'm working on some videos about HDR photography- the kind that displays highlights more brightly on compatible phones, laptops and TVs. As part of my next video, I've made an HDR Photo slideshow as an HDR video. It's unlisted, but you might be interested! youtu.be/9WjDo0-fhZA

HDR Photo Slideshow: HLG test for displays (silent)

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

This is the 100MP Hasselblad X2D II which has one of the best approaches to HDR photos I've tested. No, not horrible tone-mapped HDR, but the type that exploits the extra brightness of modern phones, tablets, laptops and TVs, not to mention its own OLED screen. See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gau-...

100 Megapixel IN-DEPTH! Hasselblad X2D II 100C

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

This week's cafe review is IKIGAI in my home town of Brighton on the UK's South Coast. A very cool addition to a town that's not short of decent places for coffee! Check it out, along with my other cafe reviews and coffee tips at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gwj...

BEST COFFEE in Brighton, UK? IKIGAI near the station

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

22 years ago, Epson launched the R-D1, the World’s 1st digital rangefinder and one of the best looking cameras ever made. Today it’s a sought after rarity, delivering a surprisingly analogue experience with great looking images. Find out how hard I fell for it in my retro review youtu.be/qE02fq569Y8

Epson R-D1: 22 YEARS later! Best-looking camera?

YouTube video by Dino Bytes by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

And for the truly curious, here's my review of the original Lumix L10 DSLR from back in 2007 in the very early days of YouTube! www.youtube.com/watch?v=U20I...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 review

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Today Panasonic launched a new premium compact camera, the Lumix L10, not to be confused with the Lumix L10 DSLR from 2007! It's essentially the long-awaited successor to the much-loved LX100 series and I've been trying it out. Check out my first-looks video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLgu...

Lumix L10 REVIEW : first-looks with NEW compact!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Fed up with losing or mislaying digital photos and other files? I've been using a NAS for many years for my own photo storage and management, as well as setting up backups to other drives or cloud storage. Here I test UGREEN's top NAS with a great spec for the money: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv2j...

Best PHOTO backup? UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro TESTED

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Got an interesting video for you today! Two high-end 35mm f1.4 lenses stand before you: one from Canon, the other from Sony, but which is best? In my latest video I’ve put them through a load of tests to see if one takes a lead. So get ready… aaand FIGHT! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og24...

CANON vs SONY: 35 1.4 SHOOTOUT!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Is Crema ruining your coffee? Yep, that dark foam atop your espresso could actually be compromising the flavour! Inspired by a recent @jameshoffmann.bsky.social video, I tried a quick and easy test with surprisingly effective results! I'd love to hear what you think www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdZi...

Is CREMA ruining your coffee? Coffee Hacks #1

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Looking for a decent NAS to store, share and manage your photos and other files? My latest video is all about the UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro, a solid step-up from their budget models without breaking the bank. Check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv2j...

UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro: best PHOTO storage?

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Oooh, L-mount and the S9 just got a lot more attractive! Here's the brand new 40mm f2 prime on the S9 with an equally new Black Titanium finish! It's the compact lens L-mount has been waiting for and I've fully tested it against the TT Artisan 40 f2 and Lumix 18-40: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0emo...

Lumix S 40mm f2 REVIEW vs 18-40 vs TT Artisan

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

BIG REVIEW ALERT! I've just completed my in-depth review of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III for photography, which includes a load of side-by-side comparisons against the R6 II, Sony A7 V and Lumix S1 II! It's a biggie, so grab a drink, sit back and dive in at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzs-...

Canon R6 Mark III for PHOTO review vs A7 V vs R6 II

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Looking for a great coffee in East London? Hackney alone has some fantastic options, including the popular Batch Baby which is where I visited for my latest cafe review, at Gordon Gets Coffee It's also a lovely stroll there along the Regent's Canal from Islington... www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYP0...

BEST COFFEE in East London? BATCH BABY review, Hackney!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

London's Fitzrovia, just North of Oxford Street, has become one of the capital's go-to destinations for great coffee! Now joining Kaffeine, Omotesando and The Barn is OMA, following the highly regarded original from Hong Kong! Find out more in my latest cafe review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTWw...

BEST COFFEE near Oxford Circus, London? OMA REVIEW!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

In my latest cafe review, I visit Sibling in Cardiff, South Wales! Run by real-life siblings, it's a great neighbourhood cafe with an excellent selection of coffees and some lovely food. Check out my video review of it on my Gordon Gets Coffee YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7TE...

BEST COFFEE in Cardiff, Wales? SIBLING review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Fancy a coffee? Today's cafe review is the lovely LOAM in my home town of Brighton on the UK's South Coast. Find out why it's become a favourite of locals and visitors alike in my latest review on my Gordon Gets Coffee YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJo...

BEST COFFEE in Brighton, UK? LOAM review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

After an eight year hiatus, Panasonic has released a new travel zoom camera, the Lumix TZ300 / ZS300. It packs a 15x optical zoom and a 1in type sensor into a body that'll fit into most pockets, and I've made a video all about it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar0N...

LUMIX TZ300 ZS300 review : NEW pocket super-zoom!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

This is the Olympus E-1 from 2003, their first DSLR with interchangeable lenses and the first model in the new Four Thirds system. It's a pro body that still looks and feels great, so 23 years after it was launched, I take it out for a spin in my latest retro review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrC9...

Olympus E-1: 23 YEARS later! FOUR THIRDS retro review

YouTube video by Dino Bytes by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Three white coffees stand before me, but which is best?! In my follow-up interview with two Brighton cafe owners, we talk white coffee and the differences between a Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Cortado and Macchiato! Which is your favourite? See www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEVR...

FLAT WHITE vs CAPPUCCINO! Which is best?

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

I recently visited The Common Beaver, a great cafe in Exeter, SW UK, named after the reintroduction of Beavers to the county of Devon 7 years ago. Great guest coffees and home-made bagels make both it and Exmouth's Coastal Beaver a must visit in the area. My review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u48C...

BEST COFFEE in Exeter, Devon UK? COMMON BEAVER review

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Can't decide which Canon 85mm lens is best for you? Fear not, for I've just made a video with side-by-side-tests comparing the RF 85 f2, RF 85 1.4L, RF 85 1.2L and the old EF 85 f1.4L! It involved a ton of work, but has some really useful results I hope you'll enjoy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=soBs...

BEST Canon 85mm: f1.2 vs f1.4 vs f2 compared

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

The Long Black has overtaken Americano in many cafes, but what's actually the difference between them? To find out I interviewed two cafe owners about black coffees and how they make them. Even if you know the main differences, I hope you'll enjoy this video! www.youtube.com/watch?v=flp5...

LONG BLACK vs AMERICANO! What's the difference?

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Panasonic just launched a very cool new microphone that doubles as a shotgun and an ambient stereo mic, plus everything in-between! It also connects through the hotshoe, so no wires or battery to worry about. Hear how it sounds around Brighton in my review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqUv...

Lumix DMW-DMS1 MIC REVIEW - best for video creators?

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

It’s time for a new cafe review, so allow me to show you around the lovely Komodo in my home town of Brighton on the UK’s South Coast. Nestled in the historic Laines, they enjoy a mix of tourists and locals who come to enjoy the excellent service and coffee! My review www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP40...

BEST COFFEE in Brighton, UK? KOMODO review!

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Sigma's second lens launched today is the 15mm f1.4 DC, designed for Sony, Canon or Fujifilm bodies with cropped APS-C sensors. It's smaller, lighter and sharper than the previous 16 1.4 and now includes an aperture ring! What's not to like? Here's my review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Lu...

Sigma 15mm f1.4 DC REVIEW : Sony Canon Fuji bargain!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Today Sigma launched two new lenses and I've reviewed them both for you! First-up, their 35mm f1.4 DG II Art for full-frame e and L-mount bodies becomes the best 35 1.4 I've tested! Optically stunning, the same size and weight as the Sony GM & cheaper too. My review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCq...

Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG II Art REVIEW : the best I've tested!

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Happy birthday PowerShot! 30 years ago, Canon launched the first of its PowerShot compact digital cameras, the PowerShot 600. It was a chunky beast even for the day, so here I've pictured the far better-looking PowerShot G1 from the Year 2000! Here’s their 30 year story! youtu.be/HaaBVKSnEPk

CANON POWERSHOT: 30 years of digicam history!

YouTube video by Dino Bytes by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Are you concerned about the plastic parts in your kettle? I've noticed a lot of people mentioning it in kettle reviews, so for this week's coffee video, I've made a quick guide to removing most of the plastic parts inside a kettle. Not all of course, but a reduction: www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Yo...

Reduce MICROPLASTICS? How to remove plastic from your kettle

YouTube video by Gordon Gets Coffee

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Fujifilm's new instax mini Link+ printer couples a smart industrial design with a new mode that makes text and graphic art crisper. My review includes a rant about being able to replace built-in batteries. EU models are forced to do it, US ones are not. Naughty US: www.youtube.com/watch?v=In7Z...

INSTAX mini Link + REVIEW : best phone printer?

YouTube video by Gordon Laing

Gordon Laing @cameralabs.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

The 2nd lens launched by Canon today is the RF 7-14mm f2.8-3.5L Fisheye Zoom which delivers diagonal or circular images on full frame; AND that includes recording an uncropped circle on video if you use Open Gate on the R6 III or C50! See it in action in my review: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHrS...

Canon RF 7-14mm FISHEYE ZOOM review

YouTube video by Gordon Laing