Category: Video / Photo

  • Ricoh GR IV and GR Mono: New APS-C Cameras Coming Soon

    Ricoh GR IV and GR Mono: New APS-C Cameras Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Diverse Content: Samuel Streetlife’s YouTube channel, DPReview, features a variety of videos, including camera reviews and photography tutorials for all skill levels.
    2. User-Friendly Approach: His engaging style makes complex photography concepts easy to understand, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers.
    3. Technical Insights: Samuel provides clear explanations of camera specifications, such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, helping viewers make informed choices.
    4. Community Building: He actively engages with his audience through comments and social media, fostering a strong community among photography enthusiasts.
    5. Popular Resource: Samuel’s channel has become a trusted source for learning about cameras and photography techniques.


    Samuel Streetlife has a YouTube channel called DPReview. He shares a lot of interesting content there. His videos often focus on camera reviews, tips for photography, and other related topics. This channel has become quite popular among photography enthusiasts. Samuel is known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of the subject.

    Engaging Content

    On his YouTube channel, viewers can find various types of videos. These range from in-depth camera reviews to useful tutorials for capturing better photos. Samuel makes sure that his content is easy to follow, which makes it great for both beginners and more experienced photographers. His enthusiasm for photography shines through in every video he creates.

    Technical Insights

    Another great aspect of Samuel’s channel is the technical insights he provides. He often discusses camera specifications and how they impact photography. For instance, he breaks down features like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture in a way that’s simple to understand. This helps his audience make informed decisions when choosing their camera gear.

    Community Engagement

    In addition to his video content, Samuel also engages with his audience through comments and social media. He encourages viewers to ask questions and share their own experiences. This interaction helps build a sense of community among photography lovers. Samuel’s channel has become a go-to place for those who want to learn more about cameras and photography techniques.

    Source:
    Link

  • OM System Targets Smartphones with Advanced Computational Photography

    OM System Targets Smartphones with Advanced Computational Photography

    Key Takeaways

    1. OM System is focusing on computational photography to enhance creative expression, even with lower-resolution sensors.
    2. The new OM System OM-1 II and OM-3 models feature advanced computational photography tools like handheld high-resolution mode and a software ND filter.
    3. OM System believes their innovations complement Micro Four Thirds sensors and challenge the notion that higher megapixels always mean better quality.
    4. Increased megapixels necessitate more powerful processing engines to handle computational tasks effectively.
    5. OM System may revive the Pen camera series, incorporating computational photography features into future models.


    Micro Four Thirds has long been a hotspot for new ideas, consistently providing advanced photography and videography capabilities at a lower price than full-frame and APS-C models. OM System appears eager to bring this trend back, emphasizing computational photography as the next big thing.

    Focus on Computational Photography

    In a recent chat with PetaPixel, leaders at OM System expressed their commitment to focusing on computational photography, even if that means using sensors with lower resolutions. The aim is not to simply replace pixel count but to enable users to fully express their creative ideas through the camera.

    Innovative Features in New Models

    The newly launched OM System OM-1 II and OM-3 (currently priced at $1,999.99 on Amazon) come packed with various clever computational photography features. These include a handheld high-resolution mode and a software ND filter that employs bracketing techniques similar to those found in top smartphone cameras, merging multiple exposures into a single image.

    OM System clarifies that these innovations are not about making up for the lower resolution of Micro Four Thirds sensors. They claim that by combining computational photography capabilities with these sensors, the cameras can operate more swiftly and “serve complementary roles, empowering users to truly realize their creative vision using the camera.” This approach stands in contrast to the ongoing marketing battle in the camera industry, which often leads consumers to think that higher megapixels are always superior. This trend mirrors the smartphone market, where sensors frequently exceed 50 or even 100 MP.

    The Need for Speed

    Presently, as we increase the megapixels, we also have to ensure our processing engine is much more powerful and faster to handle the computational photography tasks. If the processing speed is inadequate, it won’t meet users’ expectations. Therefore, we would need to create a new engine along with a new sensor.

    Most critically, these computational photography capabilities might enable brands like OM System to distinguish themselves among a plethora of retro-style cameras and compete with the user-friendliness of smartphones.

    Future Directions for OM System

    This “experience-first” approach aligns with recent comments from OM System about possibly reviving the Pen camera series, which utilized the Micro Four Thirds system to create compact cameras without losing essential features. This indicates that OM System will likely incorporate computational photography features in any future Pen cameras they choose to release.

    Source:
    Link

  • OM System Addresses PEN Camera Rumors: Hope for M43 Fans

    OM System Addresses PEN Camera Rumors: Hope for M43 Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. OM System is considering reviving the Olympus Pen series, but no concrete plans are in place yet.
    2. The design of a new Pen camera will depend on the product concept, which is still under development.
    3. The Pen series and OM-3 camera serve different purposes, emphasizing beauty and craftsmanship versus authentic creative photography.
    4. There is a commitment to maintaining the compact design that made the Pen series popular among enthusiasts.
    5. A new Pen camera may take two to three years to reach the market due to its early development stage.


    We recently shared news about the possibility of OM System reviving the iconic Olympus Pen series, which is known for its compact design featuring a Micro Four Thirds sensor. The initial information came from an interview at Japan’s CP+ camera exhibition. However, a new interview by DPReview has provided additional clarity regarding what OM System leaders meant when they talked about the future of the Pen camera brand.

    Future Plans for the Pen Series

    OM System executives have confirmed that they have put considerable thought into refreshing the Pen lineup. However, fans should manage their expectations, as the executives made it clear that a new Pen camera hasn’t even reached the planning stage yet.

    They stated, “We believe the design of the camera must align with the product’s concept, which means we don’t finalize the design before establishing the concept: the product concept comes first. Thus, we have not decided if a new Pen design will resemble the Pen-F or the E-P7, as the product concept is still undetermined.”

    Distinct Roles for Each Camera

    Hiroki Koyama, OM System’s director of product planning, along with Kazuhiro Togashi, the VP for brand strategy and product planning, emphasized that the newly launched OM-3 is not intended to replace the Pen series. They clearly articulated that both types of cameras serve distinct purposes. According to them, the Pen is meant for “ultimate beauty and ultimate craftsmanship,” while the OM-3 focuses on “capturing authentic and great creative photos.”

    This distinction is similar to the difference between Fujifilm’s X-Pro and X-T series, which, while sharing capabilities, have different objectives.

    “There’s a different philosophy between the OM-3 and Pen-F series,” Koyama explained, adding, “the Pen-F series emphasizes ultimate beauty and craftsmanship, while the OM-3 is all about taking genuine and creatively great photos.”

    A Bright Future Ahead

    The encouraging news is that OM System intends to launch a new Pen camera at some point in the future. It seems they are committed to maintaining the original compact design that made the Pen series a favorite among enthusiasts.

    The two executives also discussed the challenges of the rising power of smartphone cameras. They suggested there remains a significant demand for dedicated cameras among photographers who seek a specific shooting experience and desire better performance than what smartphones can provide.

    Since the OM System Pen camera is still in the early development stages, it may take two to three years before we see the compact Micro Four Thirds camera hit the market. During that time, Canon will likely have released several new models based on the PowerShot V1, and other brands, like Panasonic, may have rolled out updated versions of their Lumix GX series. For now, fans of the Micro Four Thirds system and retro-style compact cameras will have to settle for options like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV (currently $699.99 on Amazon with a kit lens) and the OM System OM-5 (currently $999.99 on Amazon).

    Source:
    Link

  • Canon PowerShot V1 Launching in March with Two New EOS Cameras

    Canon PowerShot V1 Launching in March with Two New EOS Cameras

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Canon PowerShot V1 will be released with the EOS R V and EOS R50 V, focusing on video enhancements.
    2. The EOS RP, priced at $799, and EOS R50, aimed at smartphone users, will receive updates to improve video capabilities.
    3. The PowerShot V1 is expected to be priced around $900 globally, consistent with Asian market prices.
    4. The EOS R50 V may be priced around $650, while the EOS RV could be about $1,000, according to Canon Rumors.
    5. Canon aims to attract users transitioning from smartphones to advanced camera options with these new models and video-centric features.


    Furthermore, the leak suggests that the PowerShot V1 will be released alongside updates focused on video for both the Canon EOS RP (currently priced at $799 on Amazon), which is Canon’s beginner full-frame camera, and the Canon EOS R50, an entry-level APS-C camera aimed at users switching from smartphones. The new models expected to debut with the Canon PowerShot V1 are rumored to be named the EOS R V and EOS R50 V, which signals that both will have enhancements tailored for video. Reportedly, these video enhancements will include active cooling for the EOS RV, similar to the fan found in the PowerShot V1.

    Video-Centric Features

    This does seem a bit strange, as Canon already promotes the EOS R50 as a starter camera for content creators, even selling it as part of a Video Creator kit for $849. It’s said that the Canon PowerShot V1 will be available globally at a price around $900, matching its cost in Asian markets. Regarding the upcoming EOS cameras, there aren’t any definitive pricing details available yet, but Canon Rumors has suggested that the EOS R50 V might be priced around $650, while the Canon EOS RV could be around $1,000.

    Speculation on Pricing

    Canon Rumors has made some interesting predictions about the upcoming releases, and it will be fascinating to see how these new models perform in the market. As the competition in the camera industry heats up, these new offerings could shake things up a bit. With these enhancements and the focus on video capabilities, Canon seems to be aiming to attract a wider audience, especially those who are looking to transition from smartphone photography to more advanced options.

    Source:
    Link

  • TCL PlayCube Projector Wins Award: New Details Revealed

    TCL PlayCube Projector Wins Award: New Details Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. TCL’s PlayCube Projector won the iF Design Award 2025 for its innovative design and portable theater experience.
    2. The projector features brightness of up to 750 ISO lumens and a twistable design inspired by the Rubik’s Cube for easy angle adjustments.
    3. It includes the Google TV interface, a fabric-covered speaker module, and a built-in battery for portability and streaming capabilities.
    4. The PlayCube will come in at least three color options: black, blue-gray, and beige, but specific launch date and pricing are still unknown.
    5. The projector is expected to be available in various countries across Europe, North America, and South America.


    TCL has shared exciting news that their new PlayCube Projector has clinched an iF Design Award 2025. This innovative product was first unveiled at CES 2025, showcasing a portable theater experience in a unique box shape. It marks the brand’s second projector to be sold globally, following the release of the A1 GTV Projector in 2024, which is currently priced at $399.99 on Amazon.

    Detailed Features of the PlayCube

    In their announcement, TCL provided further insights about the PlayCube projector. It is set to produce brightness of up to 750 ISO lumens thanks to its sealed optical engine. The projector features a twistable design that draws inspiration from the Rubik’s Cube, allowing users to change the projection angle easily. This clever design eliminates the need for a separate stand.

    Streaming and Portability

    The PlayCube will come equipped with the Google TV interface, granting users access to an extensive selection of streaming platforms. Additionally, it includes a fabric-covered speaker module and a built-in battery, making it highly portable. This projector is intended for both indoor and outdoor use, and it’s expected to be compact enough to rest on a nightstand, although specific dimensions have not been disclosed. Visuals indicate that it will feature ports such as HDMI, USB-A, USB-C for charging, as well as an audio jack.

    Color Options and Availability

    Customers will have the option to select from at least three color choices: black, blue-gray, and beige. Nevertheless, the exact launch date and pricing for the TCL PlayCube projector remain uncertain. It seems that the product will be made available in various countries throughout Europe, North America, and South America. TCL has also been honored with a 2025 iF Design Award for several of its TV models, including the newly launched Q10L and Q10L Pro.

    Source:
    Link

  • Fujifilm X-Pro4 Development: Major Upgrade for X-Mount Camera

    Fujifilm X-Pro4 Development: Major Upgrade for X-Mount Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Fujifilm X-Pro3 combines a hybrid viewfinder with interchangeable lens support but has outdated specifications, featuring a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor.
    2. Fujifilm confirms that it plans to continue the X-Pro series, with the X-Pro4 expected to be a significant upgrade rather than just a simple update.
    3. The anticipated enhancements for the X-Pro4 include features similar to the X100 VI, such as a stabilized 40 MP sensor.
    4. Consumer expectations for the X-Pro4 have risen due to the long gap since the X-Pro3’s release, making development more challenging for Fujifilm.
    5. The X-Pro3’s unique hybrid viewfinder allows users to switch between optical and electronic views, with an advanced electronic viewfinder display.


    The Fujifilm X-Pro3 merges the hybrid viewfinder from the X100 range with interchangeable lens support. Released in October 2019, this model has not been available as new since late 2023. The specifications of the X-Pro3 are somewhat outdated, featuring a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor, unlike the newer 40.2 MP sensor found in the X100 VI.

    Future of the X-Pro Series

    Fujifilm appears to recognize that many consumers are eager for a successor to the X-Pro3. In a discussion with PetaPixel, the company assured that it hasn’t abandoned the X-Pro line. While the X-Pro4 is expected to arrive “one day,” Fujifilm prefers not to simply update the current X-Processor 5 and a modern X-Trans sensor within the X-Pro3 body, as that would be deemed “boring.” The company intends to provide the next X-Pro with a major upgrade to meet the needs of professional users.

    Anticipated Enhancements

    After over five years, an update akin to what the Fujifilm X100 VI got (like a stabilized 40 MP sensor) would be a major enhancement. Fujifilm acknowledged in the interview that this upgrade was a possibility. However, since so much time has elapsed since the launch of the X-Pro3, consumer expectations for its successor have increased significantly. Consequently, the company admitted that developing the X-Pro4 has become more challenging for them.

    Unique Features of the X-Pro3

    Even in 2025, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 remains a bit of an oddity in the camera landscape, especially because of its hybrid viewfinder that features both an optical and an electronic viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder is based on a 0.5-inch OLED display boasting 3.69 million dots. Users can toggle between the two types of viewfinders by using a lever. More details about the X-Pro3 can be found on Fujifilm’s official website.

    Source:
    Link


  • Fujifilm X100 VI Sales Surpass X100 V, Production to Boost

    Fujifilm X100 VI Sales Surpass X100 V, Production to Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Fujifilm X100 VI remains difficult to find even after a year since its release, with many retailers still showing it as out of stock.
    2. Fujifilm has significantly increased production, more than doubling output to over 15,000 units per month, but is nearing manufacturing capacity limits.
    3. The X100 VI has achieved remarkable sales, surpassing total sales of all previous X100 models in the last four years within its first year.
    4. High demand led to long wait times for customers, with some waiting up to ten months for their orders after launch.
    5. Fujifilm advises against buying the camera from sellers with inflated prices and encourages buyers to wait for official stock.


    The Fujifilm X100 VI is still hard to find, even after being out for more than a year. Although some stores may occasionally have it, many big online retailers often still show it as out of stock. In a recent talk with PetaPixel, Fujifilm indicated that this situation is set to improve soon.

    Increased Production Efforts

    Fujifilm reports that production levels have more than doubled since the last version of the camera. At its launch, the company was already producing over 15,000 units a month and has ramped up those numbers in the following months. However, despite their efforts to increase output, they are nearing the limit of their manufacturing capacity, which makes it hard to increase production again. This is partly due to challenges in mass-producing certain components, like the top plate.

    Sales Success and Demand

    The company revealed that they sold more units of the X100 VI in its first year than all previous X100 models combined in the last four years. On the day of launch alone, Fujifilm received so many orders that some customers who ordered on day one ended up waiting as long as ten months for their camera to be delivered.

    Fujifilm is now getting closer to satisfying the demand for the X100 VI and is working to fulfill all pending orders. They advise buyers against purchasing the camera from sellers who are charging inflated prices and instead suggest waiting a bit longer. For further details about the Fujifilm X100 VI, interested individuals can check its official product page.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Tusk and ShiftCam Launch 15-Piece Mobile Lens System for Filmmaking

    Tusk and ShiftCam Launch 15-Piece Mobile Lens System for Filmmaking

    Key Takeaways

    1. Advanced Lens Technology: The Cinema // Series features lenses made from fluorite crystal optics with multi-layer coatings to reduce distortion and enhance clarity, all housed in lightweight, durable aluminum casings.

    2. User-Friendly Features: The system includes a “Quick-Mount” attachment for easy lens interchange and a magnetic filter adapter for quick filter application, compatible with specific iPhone models.

    3. Diverse Lens Options: It offers seven professional lenses, including anamorphic, macro, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, along with eight magnetic filters for various cinematic effects.

    4. Compatibility: The lenses are designed for recent approved iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which are authorized by Netflix for professional content creation.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The full Cinema // Series set is priced at $1,949 and will be available on Kickstarter, with a more affordable Pro Lens Kit option also offered for $40.


    Tusk and ShiftCam have recently unveiled the Cinema // Series, a professional mobile lens and filter system tailored for top-notch mobile filmmaking. This innovative system is crafted for specific smartphones that have been approved by Netflix, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    Advanced Lens Technology

    The Cinema // Series includes lenses made from fluorite crystal optics, with each lens containing as many as seven elements. These lenses are designed with multi-layer coatings to reduce distortion while enhancing clarity. The aluminum casing of every lens is constructed from high-quality recycled aerospace-grade materials to ensure durability without adding extra weight. The manufacturer claims that these lenses are significantly smaller and lighter—ten times less bulky compared to standard cinema lenses.

    User-Friendly Features

    A standout feature of this series is the “Quick-Mount” attachment system, which allows users to swiftly interchange lenses using the provided S-Mount attachment that is compatible with certain iPhone models (from iPhone 14 Pro to iPhone 16 Pro Max). Moreover, the system comes with a magnetic filter adapter that enables users to quickly add filters. This 72mm adapter works with five of the larger lenses and allows for filter stacking as well.

    Diverse Lens Options

    The Cinema // Series boasts seven unique professional lenses, which include two anamorphic lenses (18mm and 15mm), macro lenses (25mm Macro 10x and 75mm Long Range Macro), a wide-angle lens (16mm), and a 60mm telephoto lens, along with additional cinematic effect lenses. To complement these lenses, eight magnetic filters are included, such as a Circular Polarizer, Black Mist, various Neutral Density filters, and a Variable ND filter offering a range of 6-9 stops.

    Compatibility with recent Apple smartphone models is broad, primarily featuring the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 series. Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max have already been authorized by Netflix for creating professional content.

    Pricing and Availability

    This innovative system is set to launch at a price of $1,949 for the complete set. You can discover more about the Cinema // Series mobile lenses on Kickstarter by visiting their official campaign page.

    For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may also consider the $40 Pro Lens Kit available on Amazon for both iPhone and Android, which includes a macro and wide-angle lens.

    Tusk x ShiftCam via press release, Kickstarter

    March 4, 2025 – TUSK, in partnership with ShiftCam, is poised to transform mobile filmmaking with the CINEMA // Series—the first of its kind commercial-grade mobile lens and filter system aimed at delivering cinematic quality on iPhones.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Insta360 Teases 2025 Leica Action Camera Lineup

    Insta360 Teases 2025 Leica Action Camera Lineup

    Key Takeaways

    1. Insta360 will continue its partnership with Leica Camera AG for at least one more product cycle, allowing for new action cameras under the Leica brand.
    2. The specific products covered by this agreement have not been disclosed, but enhancements to action and 360° imaging are expected.
    3. The upcoming Ace Pro 2 will feature a SUPER-SUMMARIT-A lens by Leica and aims for exceptional low-light performance and dynamic range.
    4. New high-end modular products in the One R series may be developed, featuring specs like 8K recording and advanced stabilization.
    5. The Ace Pro 2 is currently available for $419.99 on Amazon.


    Insta360 has revealed that it will continue its “Strategic Imaging Partnership” with Leica Camera AG for at least one more product cycle today (March 12, 2025). This means that Insta360 will be able to keep launching action cameras under the Leica brand throughout this year.

    Product Coverage Unclear

    So far, neither company has specified which products this agreement will include. However, it seems they will likely enhance Insta360’s “mission to redefine what’s possible in action and 360° imaging.” This suggests that the next generation of the OEM’s X line of dual-camera accessories will probably be part of this, alongside the new Ace Pro 2. The Ace Pro 2 will be a more traditional action camera featuring a SUPER-SUMMARIT-A lens designed by Leica for its 1/1.3-inch sensor, which aims to deliver “industry-leading low-light performance, superior dynamic range, and refined image processing.”

    Future Hardware Developments

    There could also be some new additions to the high-end, modular One R series in the future. These products are expected to be equipped with impressive specs, like 8K recording, advanced stabilization, and, naturally, more AI capabilities in the near future.

    Source:
    Link

  • Canon Teases Affordable PowerShot Cameras and New Retro EOS Models

    Canon Teases Affordable PowerShot Cameras and New Retro EOS Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. Canon is exploring the creation of a retro-style camera, focusing on ergonomics, but a release is unlikely this year.
    2. The company is developing a new APS-C camera to compete with models like the Sony ZV-E10 II, aimed at social media users.
    3. The upcoming Canon EOS RV is rumored to include features tailored for video, enhancing its appeal in the compact APS-C market.
    4. The PowerShot V3 will be a budget-friendly power-zoom version of the PowerShot V1, which is currently Canon’s flagship compact camera.
    5. Canon manufactures its own sensors, demonstrating commitment to the compact camera market through in-house production and R&D efforts.


    We recently shared news about two new Canon cameras on the horizon: a small APS-C model that targets the Sony ZV-E10 II and a new PowerShot V3, which adds a power-zoom feature to the recently revealed PowerShot V1. In an interview at the CP+ show with Phototrend, Canon officials provided some insights about these upcoming products, but you’ll need to interpret their words carefully.

    Interest in Retro Cameras

    Canon engineer Manabu Kato mentioned that the company has noticed the demand for a retro-style camera, similar to the Nikon Z f (currently priced at $2,396.95 on Amazon), and they are seemingly putting effort into how to create such a camera. Kato hinted that one of the key issues with a retro camera—something that has apparently held Canon back from entering the retro market until now—is ergonomics. However, he didn’t outright dismiss the recent speculations about a retro model inspired by the iconic AE-1. Still, if Canon is looking to introduce a retro camera design, it likely won’t happen this year.

    APS-C Camera Developments

    When it comes to Canon’s APS-C series, which was recently mentioned in connection with a potential new hybrid camera aimed at social media users, Kato was not very revealing about specifics, but he encouraged fans to “Stay tuned.” He acknowledged the current anticipation surrounding future APS-C models and indicated that Canon intends to fulfill those expectations.

    This essentially confirms that Canon is gearing up to compete in the compact APS-C market, which is currently dominated by models like the Sony ZV-E10 II (currently $999 at Best Buy) and Fujifilm’s well-regarded X-T series along with the new X-M5. It appears that this competition will take the shape of the Canon EOS RV, which has been rumored to include features tailored for video.

    PowerShot V3 Insights

    Recently, the Canon PowerShot V3 also surfaced as a likely more budget-friendly power-zoom version of the Canon PowerShot V1, which debuted earlier this year for around $990. Canon’s Go Tokura stated that the PowerShot V1 “Will be our flagship compact device,” suggesting that the V1 might be the most expensive model in the PowerShot range for now. Additionally, Yasuhiko Shiomi confirmed that the 1.4-inch sensor in the Canon PowerShot V1 is produced in-house rather than being sourced from another supplier.

    Canon has a history of manufacturing its own sensors for many of its cameras, and by investing in R&D and producing its own sensor for the PowerShot series, it shows that Canon is dedicated to the compact camera market for the foreseeable future.

    Phototrend

    Image credit: Nsey Benajah on Unsplash

    Source:
    Link