PetaPixel Launches PixelMeter, an Aggregated Review Score for Cameras and Lenses

PixelMeter, described by PetaPixel as the camera industry's first review aggregator, assigns each product a single score from 1 to 100 drawn from hundreds of reviewers. Cameras, lenses, smartphones and accessories such as computers are covered at launch, with short excerpts and links to every original review, PetaPixel's own included. Sources are sorted into tiers by reputation and reach under a custom rubric, and Tier 1 outlets carry more weight so that volume cannot outrank authority. Only reviews that reach a verdict count; first looks, unboxings and spec roundups are excluded. Scores in other formats — 4.5/5, 8.5/10, percentages, letter grades — are converted mathematically, while the excerpt keeps the reviewer's original figure. Where no score was published, a 1–100 rating is inferred from the verdict, a method PetaPixel says matters most for YouTube reviews. Retailer reviews with conflicts of interest are down-weighted and labeled rather than hidden, and sponsored reviews are not counted at all. The scale runs from 95–100 (Masterpiece) and 90–94 (Exceptional) down to 30–39 (Dust Collector) and 1–29 (Paperweight); green is reserved for 80 and above, since PetaPixel holds camera gear to a higher bar than film, television or games. Products reaching 85 or higher with at least five live Tier 1 reviews earn a Certified Keeper badge. Scores are expected to shift as reviews arrive over weeks or months.