2022 was a pretty good year for photography and me. I got to use a lot of different cameras, lenses, and films. Here are my top digital photos of 2022.

To preface this blog post, I just want to say this has been a cool year for my photography. I didn’t get to do any big trips, but I had a lot of fun with cameras. My freelancing for Photofocus and my job at a camera store allowed me to try out a lot of stuff. That said, a lot of my favorite photos this year came from my own gear. Let’s get into it. If you missed it, check out my favorite film photos of 2022!

Top digital photos of 2022: Fujifilm X-T4

One of the coolest bits of gear I got to review at Photofocus was the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 lens for Fuji X-mount. I loved using that lens and the X-T4 and got some of my best shots from bike rides of the year. The cinematic look of the image above with the lens flare and my friend Josh being awesome just works for me.

I also got to review the Sigma trio of primes. Normally, I’m not much of a wide-angle guy. However, this shot with the 16mm turned out to be one of my top digital photos of 2022. I love the starburst, the colors of the sunset, and the unique architecture. I was definitely out of my element here, so it makes me happy that this shot challenged me and turned out great.

Top digital photos of 2022: Nikon D780

The D780 is my digital camera of choice. I purchased it after borrowing it from work and reviewing it here. I just love me an optical viewfinder. Plus, the D780 has great autofocus, a great sensor, endless deals on used F-mount glass, and can be a mirrorless camera just by pressing the live view button. It was hard to narrow down just a few photos for my top digital photos of 2022 from this camera.

As for the two photos above, I lucked into them. I have photographed that waterfall tens of times. For whatever reason, I noticed the composition of this photo for the first time ever this autumn. It’s easily the best photo I’ve taken of this spot and reminded me to always look for new ways to approach a subject.

For the bird photo, well, Nuthatches are awesome. Bokeh is awesome. The Nuthatch landed in a perfect composition, and I happened to catch it. I got to borrow a used Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 from work to try out that day, and man, do I want one now!

A few more from the D780

I’ve really enjoyed the Nikon since I bought it. Maybe it’s the film shooter in me, but its ergonomics and great viewfinder just feel so much better to me than mirrorless cameras.

Several of the photos above came from a trip to Buffalo National Park with a friend, which I wrote about here. We initially went hoping to find Elk, but failed at that, and ended up finding a lot of other interesting stuff to photograph.

I’m quite pleased with the hummingbird photo in the rain. I had a 300mm PF lens on loan for review and just happened to get some lucky timing to catch it preening in the rain like that. Lastly, on a trip to Devil’s Den with a friend, I caught a nice shot of him working the scene. I used my old Tamron 35-105mm f/2.8 lens, and I love the character that lens lends an image. The lead image was also taken with this combo.

Top digital photos of 2022: Pentax K-70

My poor Pentax K-70 has been a bit neglected this last year. Between all the film cameras and the purchase of the D780, it only had a short window during summer where it saw much use. However, that’s not to say it isn’t still a great camera.

Between its pixel-shift mode, excellent IBIS, fun and interesting lenses, and small size, it really hits above what people might expect. It accompanied me on a few hikes and several bike rides in 2022. I wasn’t at all disappointed that it was the camera I had with me for the photos above, and I’m happy to include them in my favorites for the year.

Top digital photos of 2022: Canon EOS R6

I had a Canon EOS R6 for a short time in 2022. While it was a great camera, I was focused more on filming mountain bike trips with it. I never got a chance to get out on photo trips with it, and I also never quite fell in love with it. I ended up in need of money, and well, I still have my K-70, so the R6 went on to find a new photographer.

However, I do really enjoy these photos I got with it. One of the coolest aspects of the RF system is the lens adapters. I used the adapter with the drop-in VND filter and a Pentax K-mount to EF-mount adapter to put my Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens on it for these shots. Talk about character! It also made for some sweet-looking videos as well.

Can’t forget the little guys: Canon Powershot S50

Not long ago, I wrote about picking up a few digicams for next to nothing, taking them out on the town, and having an absolute blast using them. I got some photos I really enjoy from the little Powershot S50 that day. It really goes to show that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun and make quality photos.

Canon Powershot G5

The Powershot G5 is probably my favorite of the retro digicams that I picked up, at least in terms of ergos and usage. It’s probably the same sensor that’s in the S50, but the body is super user-friendly. I’ve really enjoyed having it around the house to capture daily life, and it’s a fun street camera too! It’s no wonder that a few of my favorite photos of my wife and dog were taken with it.

Canon Powershot G11

Out of the 3 retro digicams that I have, the G11 is the one I find myself grabbing most often. It’s almost as well laid out as the G5, and almost as pocketable as the S50, but with a 10-megapixel sensor and lens stabilization. This makes it super versatile and easy to always have on me.

Two of the photos above were taken when I was leaving work. The waterfall was on my way home from visiting with the in-laws, and the light trails shot was out on a film camera Photowalk with a buddy. The fact that I can fit such a high-quality camera in my pocket and it cost me about 30 bucks makes it one of my favorite cameras that took some of my favorite photos in 2022.

Top digital photos of 2022: That’s a wrap

While 2022 wasn’t the best year overall, it could’ve certainly been worse. I had a great time with photography and have only grown my love for it. I’m super happy to have gotten to document so many good times with such a wide variety of gear, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the industry.

Now that 2023 is in swing, I’m off to a great start. I’ve already gone through several rolls of film and don’t plan to stop now! Keep your eyes peeled for some photowalks, one-roll reviews, and more coming to the site in the near future. I’m excited about where photography will bring me this year, and hope you all continue to join me for the ride!

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