Now that Canon has released the R1 and Sony has updated its a1 II platform, the Nikon Z9 has stiff competition. The title of "flagship camera" represents the pinnacle of each company's technological abilities and becomes the outward face of that company for all to judge. Should a flagship camera be able to handle anything that is thrown at it? And is there such a thing as a "best" right now?
Medium format cameras have long been cherished by photographers for their ability to produce images with exceptional detail, rich tones, and a unique aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate in smaller formats. While these cameras were historically the tools of professional studios and well-funded enthusiasts, the growing interest in film photography has created a vibrant market for medium format options that cater to a range of budgets. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of budget-friendly medium-format film cameras and find the perfect model to match your creative ambitions without breaking the bank.
DJI has released the Power Expansion Battery 2000, a modular extension option to the brand’s Power 1000 portable charging solution that sees the system greatly increase its power capacity and potential to photographers who are working remotely in locations where mains power isn’t available or those who may need to frequently recharge power-hungry equipment, such as drones.
I wanted to love this camera so desperately. When I first looked at the X-M5, I was won over by its handsome design and compact nature. And the world needs more stylish little cameras like this, which are within the reach of most people’s budgets. However, we might lose too much to make this lower $799 price possible. Most of the technical specs and features were covered in a previous video and subsequent article, but I want to focus on the make-or-break features today.
Leica M-mount cameras and lenses are legendary for their precision craftsmanship and stunning image quality. But let’s face it -- Leica glass can be intimidatingly expensive. If you’re dreaming of getting the most out of your Leica setup -- whether it be digital or analog -- without spending a small fortune, you’re in the right place. The truth is that these days, you needn’t buy the most expensive glass to get incredible results; most major manufacturers are making lenses that are, at minimum, good. Many of them are making excellent optics, including those relatively new to the scene.
2024 has been an exciting year for film photography enthusiasts, and the thrill is not over. Lomography, well known for its analog cameras, unveiled the Lomourette Half Frame camera today. The 35mm camera can capture 72 images on a single roll of film.
Tamron announced that its 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD will be available for Canon RF mount in December. Tamron initially said this lens was coming to RF mount back in April.
Tamron is a prolific lens maker for numerous camera systems, including the Sony E-mount. Since Sony released the speedy a9 III late last year, which offers 120 frames per second of continuous shooting, third-party lens makers have been updating lenses to keep pace. The latest lens to receive the update is Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom.
Fujifilm and Google announced a collaboration between Fujifilm's Instax series and Google's flagship Pixel 9 Pro smartphone.
A lot of the conversation surrounding Sony's new flagship camera, the a1 II, concerns the camera's image sensor. The 50-megapixel backside-illuminated stacked sensor is the same as the one featured in the original a1 which released in 2021. While some describe the reused sensor as disappointing, it is normal for Sony to use the same sensor across multiple iterations of the same camera series.
The DJI Mic 2 has proven extremely popular among content creators thanks to its excellent audio quality and wireless functionality. DJI's new Mic Mini, weighing just 10 grams (0.35 ounces), promises to pack great wireless mic performance into an extremely compact package.
A new YouTube video showcases the incredibly detailed process of how Sigma manufactures a 70-200mm zoom lens from start to finish.
Earlier this month, the Leitz Photographica Auction previewed some of the 423 lots that were for sale over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, including a rare Leica M prototype auction organizers expected to sell for as much as 700,000 euros (about $735,000). Now that the auction has occurred, it turns out the estimate was far too low -- the Leica M prototype sold for 2,040,000 euros ($2,143,509).
Way back in 2017, Nikon expanded from lenses into lens accessories with the launch of the Arcrest line pro-level filters. It recently announced a new Gold Edition set that adds Nikon's iconic gold ring to any of its lenses.
SIGMA has been crafting lenses specifically designed to appeal to every type of photographer since the launch of SIGMA Global Vision back in 2012. Since then, SIGMA has been innovating the most standard of workhorse zooms to the apex of niche astrophotography gear. This year, SIGMA announced several new takes on old favorites, including the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art -- a reinvention of a classic complete with more bells and whistles than ever before.
Newly filed patents in Japan suggest Canon is, at the very least, considering bringing new telephoto and super-telephoto prime lenses to its EOS R mirrorless camera system, with numerous designs promising relatively compact and lightweight alternatives to exotic lenses.
Boya unveiled the Boya Mini, a tiny wireless microphone with a USB-C or Lightning connection that promises studio-quality sound in the field.
While slightly delayed from its original June 2024 target date, FilmNeverDie's Nana 35mm point-and-shoot camera is available worldwide. The passion project from founder Gary Wong appeared for pre-order just over a year ago.
The first OstLicht camera auction on Chinese soil included some heavy hitters, including a one-of-a-kind Leica camera that sold for an incredible record sum of 3.62 million euros, or just about $3.8 million.
With the debut of the Sony 28-70mm f/2 GM lens this week, Sony now has 56 full-frame lenses and 77 total E-mount lenses. That is a lot of lenses -- by far the most among all full-frame camera systems and as the 28-70mm f/2 shows, Sony is finally free to experiment more.
The right gear can mean the difference between a fleeting moment lost or perfectly captured. This Black Friday, Bluetti is offering limited-time deals on three products tailored for photographers who demand performance, portability, and peace of mind.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) announced a new global shutter image sensor earlier this week. While aimed at industrial applications and therefore unlikely to appear in a consumer camera anytime soon, if ever, the 24.5-megapixel sensor's specifications are well worth discussing.
Canon and Amazon have won a default judgment against 29 seller accounts that were engaged in what the two characterize as the illegal sale of counterfeit "Canon" batteries and chargers.
The Sony a1 II has arrived, and it is a fantastic flagship camera. However, while its predecessor was leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, the mirrorless flagship camera race is much closer in 2024 than it was in 2021, and it has left the a1 II in a somewhat awkward position -- it feels like the middle child in a camera series that only actually has two models.
As its name suggests, British company 3 Legged Thing is best known for its tripods and associated accessories, like camera plates and L brackets. However, the company has ventured into new territory this week with its Str3amcase triple mic system, hereafter referred to as "Streamcase."
Chinese lens maker Yongnuo recently teased a new 35mm f/1.8 prime lens in its native market. Details on the specifics of the lens are scarce, but Yongnuo has unveiled the prime's complete name: YN35mm f/1.8 DA Art. Yes, that's right, "Art" -- a term strongly associated with Sigma's Art lens series.
In October, Jean-Christophe Thiry, the President of Tamron France, spoke with Phototrend and said that the company was "focused on our strength with zooms." The language sounded as though it closed the door on primes, but Thiry and Tamron have clarified this isn't the case.
Earlier this year, Nikon announced a partnership with lifestyle brand Gaston Luga, pairing a stylish backpack with the Zf. That partnership continues today with the announcement that the new Z50 II can be paired with a Gaston Luga crossbody messenger bag.
Cosina will release three limited edition Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50mm f/3.5 VM Limited lenses next month, and all three feature striking, unusual colorways.
Black Friday is a battleground for deals, and this year, SmallRig is arming photographers and videographers with some of the best discounts on essential gear.
