Sam Kieldsen

Sam Kieldsen

Sam has been writing about tech and digital culture for over 20 years, starting off in video games journalism before branching out into the wonderful worlds of consumer electronics, streaming entertainment and photography. Over the years he has written for Wired, Stuff, GQ, T3, Trusted Reviews and PC Zone, and now lives on the Kent coast in the UK – the ideal place for a camera reviewer to ply their trade.


Articles by: Sam Kieldsen

GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS camera

I tested GoPro's intriguing Mission 1 interchangeable lens camera with Micro Four Thirds glass — and the experience is the opposite of what you expect from GoPro

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Recommended

GoPro's first interchangeable-lens camera unlocks real creative flexibility, sacrificing ease of use and ruggedness to get there

A close up of the Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo Camera

The best bird feeder camera for birdwatching at home

By Timothy Coleman Last updated

Updated If you want to see which feathered friends are visiting your garden, we've reviewed the best bird feeder cameras for you

The Hohem iSteady M7 on a blue background

Best phone gimbals: the best mobile stabilizers from DJI, Insta360, and more

By Sam Kieldsen Last updated

We've rounded up the best phone gimbals to keep your smartphone steady for video and photography.

Photo diptych with DJI Mini 5 Pro in the air on the left, and the DJI Neo 2 in person's hand on the right

The best beginner drones: we've tested the top flying cameras for new pilots

By James Capell Last updated

Updated Looking for the best beginner drone? I've rounded up all the top, novice-friendly models with cameras in this handy guide, including DJI alternatives.

DJI Mic Mini 2S wireless microphone

I tested the DJI Mic Mini 2S — its flagship features and budget price make it the ‘sweet spot’ in DJI’s wireless mic range

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Editor's Choice

This mid-tier wireless mic borrows internal recording, 32-bit float and AI noise cancelling from the DJI Mic 3 — and costs half the price

Insta360 X6 camera

I test 360 cameras for a living and the new Insta360 X6 is my favorite  — but the price is hard to swallow

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Best in Class

Insta360's new flagship pairs larger sensors with class-leading image quality in any light, plus useful pro-level video tools.

Insta360 X6 camera

I compared the Insta360 X6 and X5 — these are the 5 upgrades that really make a difference for 360 footage

By Sam Kieldsen Published

The Insta360 X6 beats the X5 in five head-to-head tests, but the gap isn't as wide as the spec sheet suggests — here's what's actually worth paying more for

DJI Mic Mini 2S wireless microphone

DJI unveils the Mic Mini 2S — here are 5 upgrades you can expect over the regular Mic Mini 2

By Sam Kieldsen Published

DJI has launched the Mic Mini 2S, building on the Mic Mini 2 with internal recording, four-transmitter connectivity, AI-powered noise canceling, and a redesigned charging case.

Bird spotting scope on tripod in bird watching hide

I tested the world's first AI spotting scope for birders — and it's brilliant in places, frustrating in others

By Sam Kieldsen Published

The GoBirding Vision Master's on-device bird recognition impresses, but shaky autofocus and stabilization issues hold it back.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 and Nextbase iQ dash cams mounted to vehicle windscreens

The best dash cam: we've tested the finest car cameras by Garmin, Nextbase, 70mai and more

By James Capell Last updated

Updated Searching for the best dash cam for your car? We've rounded up the finest choices available for every budget, and packed this guide with tonnes of buying advice.

Top plate of theFujifilm X100VI in the hand

The best compact cameras: we've tried and tested these take anywhere models

By Timothy Coleman Last updated

Updated Our best compact camera guide will help you find the right pocket camera for you, whatever your budget.

Phantom Twist invisible drone

University engineers have figured out how to build an 'invisible' drone — here's the science behind it

By Sam Kieldsen Published

It's all gone very blurry for this partially AI-engineered drone, which spins itself into a hard to spot haze

Tornyol autonomous drone and its base station

A mosquito-hunting killer drone is available for preorder – and I have questions

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Before welcoming an AI-guided hunter-killer into the backyard, it's worth asking what else it could eventually be trained to target.

A DJI FlyCart 100 drone transports material over Mount Everest

DJI drones are saving Mount Everest from being the 'world's highest garbage dump' — FlyCart 100 removes over 10,000kg of waste to save Sherpas from an eight-hour trek across a hazardous icefall

By Sam Kieldsen Published

DJI's FlyCart 100 is airlifting waste off the mountain in eight-minute hops

A hand holding the Sony FX3 camera

A blow for Canon? Sony FX5 cinema camera tipped to launch soon with a time-saving video feature fans have demanded for years

By Sam Kieldsen Published

A new report claims Sony will announce the FX5 on July 22, complete with open gate recording, an optional new EVF, and a 16.6MP stacked sensor that trades resolution for other benefits.

skyrover x1 drone flying against a blue sky

The FBI has seized over 600 drones around World Cup matches across all 11 US host cities — and that's bad news for all drone fans

By Sam Kieldsen Published

A flagrant disregard for clear rules could affect the whole US drone community

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Ruko U11Mini 4K drone

I tested the affordable Ruko U11Mini 4K drone — and it's no match for DJI's new flyer

By Sam Kieldsen Published

A parade of issues and quirks means this entry-level camera drone is difficult to recommend

Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S folded away, in the hand

The best travel tripod: finest lightweight supports for your camera

By Timothy Coleman Last updated

Buying guide Lightweight, strong and compact, we rank the best travel tripods you can buy right now.

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II lens in the hand attached to Sony A6700

Best Sony lenses: we've tested top lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras

By Timothy Coleman Last updated

Updated If you've got a Sony mirrorless camera, these are the lenses you need to know about.

Leica SL3-P mirrorless camera

I tested the Leica SL3-P, and it's a masterclass in restrained design

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Recommended

The Leica SL3-P is built for photographers who'd rather be invisible than impressive, and it largely delivers on that promise.

The Insta360 X4 Air outdoors in a garden setting

I test 360 cameras for a living, and I'm surprising even myself by recommending this particular budget Insta360 model instead of the awesome X5

By Sam Kieldsen Published

Both Insta360's X5 and X4 Air are discounted for Prime Day, but here's why the smaller, cheaper X4 Air is the one I'd recommend to most buyers.

The twin camera lenses of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro on a black background, next to the dual lenses of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro

Can’t buy the DJI Pocket 4P? This 'remarkably similar' dual-lens camera will rescue US creators soon

By Sam Kieldsen Published

The Xtra Muse 2 Pro is coming to the US this summer

Sony A1 II mirrorless camera with FE 28-70mm F2 lens, outdoors on a tripod with autumn leaves background

Best Sony camera: top choices for both stills and video

By Timothy Coleman Last updated

Updated Searching for the best Sony camera? Whether you need a full-frame powerhouse or a travel-friendly compact, we've ranked the best models in its impressive range.

kodak pixpro wpz2 waterproof camera

The Kodak WPZ2 is less than half the price of Tough TG-7 — even still, should you buy it? I tested the cheap waterproof camera on vacation, and here’s my verdict

By Sam Kieldsen Published

One of the most affordable rugged cameras around, the Kodak PixPro WPZ2 is a 16MP point-and-shoot that's waterproof to 15m.

DJI Mini 4K beginner drone in flight with soft focus tree foliage in the background

The FBI says it’s already seized 13 drones in Atlanta near World Cup stadiums — and pilots could face fines up to $100,000 if they don’t follow these new rules

By Sam Kieldsen Published

The FBI has already confiscated dozens of drones near match venues, but here’s how to keep your flights within the law

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