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The Nikon Zf is now available in even more colors. Photo: Nikon
The Nikon Zf is known for its retro design, but now there's even more ways to get one that looks like a camera of yore. Nikon has announced a silver edition, which features – no points for guessing – a silver top and bottom plate instead of a black one.
Nikon designed the Zf silver edition to resemble the chrome plating on cameras like the Nikon F. The true retro-nod comes in the silver and black model, which offers the same textured black leatherette found on the existing all-black version.
If you prefer something a little flashier, you can get the silver finish version wrapped in some of the existing colors from the black version, including Moss Green, Stone Gray and Sepia Brown. The silver also ushers in three new "premium" color options, which will also be available for the black-bodied version of the Zf as well. The Cognac Brown is a lighter brown than the existing Sepia option. Similarly, the Teal Blue is a brighter, more colorful blue than the existing Indigo. Finally, Mauve Pink is a ... Continue Reading »
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Images: Nikon, C2PA
Last week, Nikon released firmware v2.0 for the Z6III, which brought support for C2PA Content Credentials alongside several other features. Theoretically, the cryptographic signature should prove that an image was authentically captured with the camera, and that it hasn't been tampered with since its creation. However, DPReview forum user Horshack has found a way to get the camera to sign an image that it didn't actually take.
You should check out the thread for Horshack's (well-written, as per usual) explanation of how he did it. The summary is that it works by using the Z6III's Multiple Exposure feature. Nikon lets you select a photo as your base, and then stack multiple exposures on top of it. Horshack selected a Raw image taken by another Z6III without the content credentials feature enabled.
This image, created inauthentically, has Content Credentials that claim it was taken with a Z6III. Because it was... but only kind of.Image: Horshack
He then took a multiple exposure picture with the lens cap closed. The result: the previously unsigned image, now with a Content Credential attached. If you put the JPEG into Adobe's Content Credential Inspect ... Continue Reading »
Photo: boonchai wedmakawand / Moment via Getty Images
As photographers, one of our worst fears is discovering a failed hard drive or dead computer, resulting in losing countless photographs. Unfortunately, backing up images is an afterthought for many, putting those files at risk. If you fall in that camp, it may be time to consider how to revamp your backup process to protect your images.
The 3-2-1 rule has become the gold standard for photo backup, offering a safe method for keeping your work safe. Here's what you need to know about this method of backup.
What is the 3-2-1 rule?
Photographer Peter Krogh is typically attributed with coming up with the 3-2-1 rule nearly two decades ago. He wrote about his method in his 2009 book The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers. While digital storage has changed drastically since then, the general principle remains relevant.
The backup method explains that you should have three copies of your files. Files should be stored on two different types of media, and one copy should be kept offsite. Following that process helps to protect your files from hardware failure and physical disasters like fire or theft.
Components of the 3-2-1 rule
Each number of the 3-2-1 rule ... Continue Reading »
Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images
Last week marked the second edition of our 'Question of the week' forum series. Our first question centered around what to consider when buying a new camera, and lenses came up quite frequently. So this time around, we wondered what five questions you should ask yourself when choosing a new lens.
Can I afford it?
First and foremost, just about everyone mentioned cost considerations. Most of you had some variation of "can I afford it" or "how much does it cost?" For some of you, lens cost was the only question you brought up, showcasing the importance of price when choosing a lens.
JohnSil even went further and asked, "If I don't buy this lens today, will it cost more tomorrow?" Given that US customers have been facing repeat price increases across many brands, it's a worthwhile consideration.
Is it a need?
The other most common question we saw related to determining whether you truly need the lens. Again, that was the only question that mattered to some of you. There were some that added provisions for simply wanting a lens, but many of you focused on need rather than want.
Similarly, many of you suggested asking ... Continue Reading »
Sigma's 14mm F1.4 DG Art lens is a superb option for astrophotography. In 2023, it earned Dale Baskin's Gear of the Year pick. Photo: Dale Baskin
The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens has been a popular offering since its launch in 2023, so much so that it's been challenging to purchase. In a recent statement, Sigma acknowledged it has had "significant delays in delivery times" for the ultrawide prime and said it will be changing how users purchase the lens as a result.
Sigma explained that it currently doesn't have any stock of the 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens, other than what is available in stores. To address this, the company says it is switching to a "made-to-order" system. Users will be able to place orders for a limited time, and the lens will then ship at a later date.
The company says that orders will be open from September 4 through October 31. However, the lens won't ship until March 2026, so users who pick one up during the limited order period will have to wait a while to actually get the lens in their hands.
Photo: Dale Baskin
In addition to adjusting how customers order the lens, Sigma increased the ... Continue Reading »
Image: Viltrox
On the heels of announcing it had joined the L-Mount Alliance, Viltrox has unveiled a new lens, though not for L-mount cameras. The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro promises "professional-grade" optical design and attractive bokeh for E and X mount APS-C cameras at a budget-friendly price.
The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 lens sits in the company's Pro lineup, offering a fast maximum aperture with advanced autofocus. It's designed for APS-C cameras, providing a 84mm equivalent focal length. With the fast F1.2 aperture, it should be an excellent portrait prime lens for APS-C users.
Image: Viltrox
The lens uses Viltrox's HyperVCM motor, which it says is smooth and silent with minimal focus breathing, making it an ideal choice for photo and video. It can focus as close as 0.5m (1.6'). The optical design comprises 13 elements in 8 groups, including three high-refractive index elements, one extra-low dispersion element and one ultra-large precision aspherical lens. Viltrox says the lens is sharp and clear across the frame and promises limited chromatic aberration.
The 56mm lens features an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked, a dedicated Fn button and an AF/MF switch. Viltrox also made the lens to be a durable offering. The aluminum ... Continue Reading »
PhotoLab 9 features AI Masks to make retouching faster and easier. Image: DxO
French software company DxO has announced PhotoLab 9, its latest Raw editing platform. DxO says this is its most powerful Raw editor yet, offering improved masking capabilities, newly added batch renaming and support for iPhone HEIF and ProRaw files.
It's no surprise that AI features are at the forefront of the software announcement. DxO added AI Masks tools that use AI to create "pixel-precise selections in an instant." The tool is very similar to Lightroom's AI Masking option, which automatically creates masks of common and prominent subjects for users to select from.
Within PhotoLab 9, users can create these in three ways. They can hover and click on different parts of the photo or draw a box around an area that contains the object. DxO also added Subject Types, a list of predefined objects users can select from, including sky, people, faces and hair. The Subject Type option can also be "intelligently copied and pasted between images" or saved as a preset. When used as a preset, the mask is contextually aware of the selection, so it will automatically adjust for each image. It promises to make retouching much faster.
The ... Continue Reading »
Image: Canon
Canon UK has posted a teaser on its Instagram account, saying that "something new is coming" and encouraging people to set a reminder to watch a YouTube livestream on September 9th at 3PM CEST (6AM PT / 9AM ET).
The teaser image is surprisingly revealing, showing what looks like a video-focused camera with a boxy design and potentially 1/4-20" mounting points on the top plate. It also clearly shows a red Record button in place of a shutter and a front-facing tally light.
The design is reminiscent of the EOS R50 V, an APS-C vlogging camera the company released earlier this year which featured a gimbal-friendly form-factor. However, given the several control points shown in the image and what looks to be a red-ring lens attached, it won't be surprising if this is a higher-end offering.
It's also worth noting that the announcement is set right before the start of the IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) trade show, where we typically get a look at company's video-focused offerings.
Whatever Canon has planned, it sounds like we won't have to wait that long to get more details. Continue Reading »
The Z6 III is now more expensive for US customers. Image: Nikon
In August, Nikon warned that it would be raising its prices in the US on September 1 because of the negative impact of tariffs. At the time, the company didn't specify which products would be impacted or how much the increases would be. Now, those new prices have taken effect.
This is the second time Nikon has increased prices in the US because of tariffs this year, though the first price adjustment only affected its lens and accessory lineup. The company's cameras were not impacted. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case. Most Nikon cameras are now more expensive, with an average increase of 8%.
September 1 price (% change)
Original MSRP
Z5 II
$1847 (8.8%)
$1697
Z7 II
$2497 (8.7%)
$2297
Z6 III
$2697 (8%)
$2497
Z8
$4297 (7.5%)
$3997
Zf
$2197 (10%)
$1997
Z50 II
$1007 (11%)
$907
The first price adjustment impacted Nikon's lenses, and some models received an additional increase with this second round. For example, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S has gone from $2100 to $2247, and the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S from $2497 to $2697. The pricing change on Nikon's lens lineup was less significant than the pricing change on the camera bodies, potentially because those prices had already ... Continue Reading »
Image: Leica
Viltrox is the latest company to be inducted into the L-Mount alliance, according to a press release from Leica. It joins the organization alongside other budget lens companies like Sirui and Samyang, as well as major camera manufacturers like Panasonic, Leica, DJI, and Sigma.
The announcement says Viltrox plans to use the mount "in future product development. " In its blog post, Viltrox says it plans to bring its AF 16mm F1.8 and 28mm F4.5 to the mount. The latter could be an exciting choice for owners of cameras like the Panasonic S9 or Sigma BF who have been looking for an ultra-small, lightweight prime.
Viltrox also says that those two lenses are "only the beginning" and that "more full-frame L-Mount lenses are already in development." However, the company doesn't mention when the L-mount versions of lenses will actaully be available.
That could be an exciting prospect for those who own L-mount cameras. The company is a rising star in the lens world; it gained its reputation largely thanks to its very affordable, but still decent lenses, but has since proven capable of making more premium options with its Pro and Lab series.
Press release:
Viltrox Joins the L-Mount Alliance and Utilizes the L-Mount ... Continue Reading »
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Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content.Product Photos: Mitchell Clark
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is a medium format mirrorless camera, built around a 44mm x 33mm, 100MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's designed to deliver a high-dynamic range image workflow, and gains continuous autofocus supported by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors and more effective image stabilization.
Key Specifications
100MP 44x33mm BSI CMOS sensor
HDR output (HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG) by default
IBIS up to 10EV
Continuous autofocus
3.6", 2.36M dot tilting rear OLED display w/ 1400 nit peak brightness
5.76M dot 0.79x EVF
Human, animal and vehicle AF subject detection
LiDAR for autofocus
1TB internal SSD + CFexpress Type B slot
Despite the significant upgrades, the X2D II 100C sees the body-only price fall to $7399 / €7200 / £6400, an $800 reduction, compared with the existing X2D 100C.
Index:
What's new
How it compares?
Body and handling
In use
Initial impressions
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press Release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
What's New
"End-to-end" HDR
This image, captured as an Ultra HDR JPEG, makes the chrome of the car's wire wheels shine much more convincingly when viewed on an HDR ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Ricoh GR IV is a photographer's compact built around a 26MP APS-C sensor with a fixed 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens. It's the fourth entry in the GR series (though that was preceded by the long-running GR Digital series and film models prior to that), and includes elements from previous GR cameras that had been dropped by its predecessor.
Key Specs:
25.74MP APS-C sensor
18.3mm F2.8 lens (28mm equiv)
Magnesium alloy body
Built-in 2EV ND
5-axis image stabilization
53GB internal storage and UHS-I Micro SD slot
3.0" 1.04M dot LCD (720 x 480 px)
FullHD (1080) video up to 60p
262g with memory card and battery
The GR IV will be available from mid-September 2025 at an MSRP of $1499. This price represents a substantial increase from the GR III's $899 2018 launch price, though is less of a jump from the current market rate for the special editions of that camera, which go for around $1100 (when you can find them in stock).
Index:
What's new
How does it compare?
Body and handling
Initial Impressions
Sample Gallery
Specifications
Press Release
Buy now:Buy ... Continue Reading »
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91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product photos: Mitchell Clark
The Nikon Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's an update to Nikon's entry-level full-frame Z5 and is essentially a version of the Zf that trades retro styling for a more conventional design.
Key Features
24MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor
In-body image stabilization, rated up to 7.5EV
Autofocus subject detection with support for 9 subject types
11 fps Raw w/ mechanical shutter
30fps JPEG-only mode with pre-release capture
3.69M dot 60Hz EVF with 3000-nit peak brightness
4K/30 full-width, 60p w/ 1.5x crop
10-bit N-Log or N-Raw capture
Dual UHS-II card slots
Downloadable color mode presets via Imaging Cloud
The Z5II is available for $1699 – a $300 increase over its predecessor in absolute terms, though a very similar price when considering inflation and its greater ambitions. Kits will also be available with a 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999, or with a 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR for $2499.
Index:
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Image quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Apr ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Mitchell Clark
91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1RII is the company's latest high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, now beefed-up with 8K video capabilities and improved autofocus.
Key features
Full-frame 44MP dual gain CMOS sensor
Up to 40fps continuous shooting with pre-burst capture (e-shutter only)
8.1K/8K video at up to 30p
5.76M dot viewfinder
Flip-out and tilt rear screen
ProRes 422 and ProRes RAW capture
Capture to CFExpress Type B, UHS II SD or external SSD
Multi-shot high res mode up to 177MP
32-bit float audio via optional XLR 2 adapter
The S1RII is available now with a recommended retail price of $3300.
Index:
What's new
What's new for video
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Feb 25: Initial review published
Mar 31: Image quality and Autofocus results published
Apr 23: Autofocus section updated and conclusion added
Aug 7: Video section added, conclusion updated
What's new
New sensor
Rather than the 47MP used in the original S1R, or the 61MP chip used in Leica's SL3, Panasonic has opted for a slightly lower resolution but faster ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos by Richard Butler
88%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Sony DSC-RX1R III is the company's fourth full-frame compact camera with the same Zeiss-branded 35mm F2 lens. The latest version uses a 60.2MP sensor and Sony's latest processors.
Key specifications
60.2MP BSI CMOS sensor
35mm F2 Zeiss-branded lens
2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) EVF with 0.7x magnification
2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) fixed LCD touchscreen
NP-FW50 battery, rated to 300 shots per charge
4K video up to 30p with 10-bit 4:2:2 options, Log and S-Cinetone
Range of color modes including 3 'Film' modes
The RX1R III is available now, at a recommended price of $5099, £4200, €4900. There are also a series of rather expensive accessories available, including an add-on thumb rest, a lens hood and a leather half-case.
The US price is notably higher, in comparison to the European and UK prices, than is typical for Sony products. We have to assume the approximately 10% higher pricing is a result of the tariffs imposed by the US government.
Index:
What's new
How does it compare?
Body and handling
Image quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Buy now:Buy ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Richard Butler
85%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Fujifilm X-E5 is the latest mid-range rangefinder-style mirrorless camera to join the X-series. It takes several steps back towards the enthusiast-friendly outlook of the original X-E models and gains image stabilization along the way.
Key specifications
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor
Image stabilization rated to 7.0EV
Twin clickable command dials
Film simulation dial with 'recipe' option
2.36M dot EVF
1.04M dot rear up/down tilt LCD
Video up to 6.2K//30 (with 1.23x crop)
Continuous shooting up to 8fps, 13fps with e-shutter
Mic socket, headphones via USB
The Fujifilm X-E5 will be available in August at a recommended price of $1699, body only, or $1899 with the new 23mm F2.8R WR lens. At launch, this represented a $300 premium over the similarly specced X-T50 for US customers, likely to leave room for tariffs. However, Fujifilm has now adjusted the rest of its lineup's prices, so the X-E5's US price is more in-line with the rest of the world (for now).
Jul 30: Initial review published
Aug 4: Review updated with updated X-T50/X-T5 pricing
Index:
What's ... Continue Reading »
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Updated July 23 2025
Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.
Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.
Our picks:
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100 VI
The full-frame 35mm option: Sony DSC-RX1R III
Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III
The just-for-fun fixed lens: Fujifilm X half
The Rolls-Royce of fixed lens camera: Leica Q3 43
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder
Image: Richard Butler
Buy now:$2324 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent build qualitySubject-detection autofocusNow ... Continue Reading »
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All product photos: Richard Butler
The Fujifilm X half is a JPEG-only compact camera with a fixed focal length and a vertically orientated sensor, designed to mimic the experience of shooting with a half-frame film camera. It prioritizes fun over technical excellence.
Key features
Vertical 18MP, 8.8 x 11.7mm CMOS sensor
32mm equiv F2.8 lens
JPEG-only output
2-in-1 mode combining sequential shots into a 3:2 image
Tunnel-style optical viewfinder
Film Camera mode simulates the film camera experience
10 Film Simulations, 18 Filters
Twin touchscreen interface
Date stamp option
880 shot per charge rating when using OVF
'Film advance' lever
Direct printing to Instax printers
UHS-I SD card slot
The obvious reference point will, no doubt, be Fujifilm's own X100 series cameras, and we doubt Fujifilm will dislike the comparison, given their popularity. But, whereas the X100 cameras look a lot like miniature Leicas, the cute, boxy X half looks more like a Rollei 35.
The X half has a recommended price of $849 and is available in black, charcoal or silver. There's no obvious precedent for a camera like this and the uncertainty ... Continue Reading »
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Updated July 9, 2025
It's sad to say, but the golden age of compact cameras is pretty much over, thanks to the rise of smartphone cameras that are, in many cases, good enough for most people. Manufacturers seem to realize this, too; the major players have only released a small handful of compact zooms in the past few years, and most were very minor updates on old designs. The ones that remain can be difficult to find in stock, even when the companies that make them promise they're still a part of their lineups.
However, that doesn't mean the category is completely dead. Even today, there are several types of compact cameras, and some have capabilities that pretty much no phone can match. This list calls out the few that are still available and looks at what they're good for – because there are still cases where a compact camera is a great option.
Our recommendations:
Enthusiast camera
Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III
Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Best interface: Leica D-Lux 8
Waterproof cameras
Best waterproof compact: OM System Tough TG-7
Long zoom camera
Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1100
Vlogging cameras
Best vlogging compact: ... Continue Reading »
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Updated: July 8th, 2025
Whether you're just sharing clips with friends or you're launching an online on-camera career, vlogging matters. And there's a point at which your smartphone may not give you the look, control, or flexibility you're after. With 180-degree selfie screens, wide-angle lenses, microphone inputs and great video quality, more and more dedicated cameras are catering to people who want to take video of themselves and post it online.
The meaning of vlogging has changed over the years, so our picks cover a variety of styles – we'll explain what makes each camera good for vlogging, and what key features each has that make taking video of yourself easier. We've also included videos shot on the cameras in question when we have them to give you an idea of what kind of performance to expect.
Our recommendations:
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
A self-contained vlogging kit: Canon PowerShot V1
For ambitious vloggers and videographers: Sony ZV-E10 II
Best high-end vlogging pick: Sony ZV-E1
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Photo: Richard Butler
$519 at B&H
$519 at Amazon
$519 at Adorama
DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 is a ... Continue Reading »
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The Nikon Zf is now available in even more colors. Photo: Nikon
The Nikon Zf is known for its retro design, but now there's even more ways to get one that looks like a camera of yore. Nikon has announced a silver edition, which features – no points for guessing – a silver top and bottom plate instead of a black one.
Nikon designed the Zf silver edition to resemble the chrome plating on cameras like the Nikon F. The true retro-nod comes in the silver and black model, which offers the same textured black leatherette found on the existing all-black version.
If you prefer something a little flashier, you can get the silver finish version wrapped in some of the existing colors from the black version, including Moss Green, Stone Gray and Sepia Brown. The silver also ushers in three new "premium" color options, which will also be available for the black-bodied version of the Zf as well. The Cognac Brown is a lighter brown than the existing Sepia option. Similarly, the Teal Blue is a brighter, more colorful blue than the existing Indigo. Finally, Mauve Pink is a ... 
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Images: Nikon, C2PA
Last week, Nikon released firmware v2.0 for the Z6III, which brought support for C2PA Content Credentials alongside several other features. Theoretically, the cryptographic signature should prove that an image was authentically captured with the camera, and that it hasn't been tampered with since its creation. However, DPReview forum user Horshack has found a way to get the camera to sign an image that it didn't actually take.
You should check out the thread for Horshack's (well-written, as per usual) explanation of how he did it. The summary is that it works by using the Z6III's Multiple Exposure feature. Nikon lets you select a photo as your base, and then stack multiple exposures on top of it. Horshack selected a Raw image taken by another Z6III without the content credentials feature enabled.
This image, created inauthentically, has Content Credentials that claim it was taken with a Z6III. Because it was... but only kind of.Image: Horshack
He then took a multiple exposure picture with the lens cap closed. The result: the previously unsigned image, now with a Content Credential attached. If you put the JPEG into Adobe's Content Credential Inspect ... 
Photo: boonchai wedmakawand / Moment via Getty Images
As photographers, one of our worst fears is discovering a failed hard drive or dead computer, resulting in losing countless photographs. Unfortunately, backing up images is an afterthought for many, putting those files at risk. If you fall in that camp, it may be time to consider how to revamp your backup process to protect your images.
The 3-2-1 rule has become the gold standard for photo backup, offering a safe method for keeping your work safe. Here's what you need to know about this method of backup.
What is the 3-2-1 rule?
Photographer Peter Krogh is typically attributed with coming up with the 3-2-1 rule nearly two decades ago. He wrote about his method in his 2009 book The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers. While digital storage has changed drastically since then, the general principle remains relevant.
The backup method explains that you should have three copies of your files. Files should be stored on two different types of media, and one copy should be kept offsite. Following that process helps to protect your files from hardware failure and physical disasters like fire or theft.
Components of the 3-2-1 rule
Each number of the 3-2-1 rule ... 
Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images
Last week marked the second edition of our 'Question of the week' forum series. Our first question centered around what to consider when buying a new camera, and lenses came up quite frequently. So this time around, we wondered what five questions you should ask yourself when choosing a new lens.
Can I afford it?
First and foremost, just about everyone mentioned cost considerations. Most of you had some variation of "can I afford it" or "how much does it cost?" For some of you, lens cost was the only question you brought up, showcasing the importance of price when choosing a lens.
JohnSil even went further and asked, "If I don't buy this lens today, will it cost more tomorrow?" Given that US customers have been facing repeat price increases across many brands, it's a worthwhile consideration.
Is it a need?
The other most common question we saw related to determining whether you truly need the lens. Again, that was the only question that mattered to some of you. There were some that added provisions for simply wanting a lens, but many of you focused on need rather than want.
Similarly, many of you suggested asking ... 
Sigma's 14mm F1.4 DG Art lens is a superb option for astrophotography. In 2023, it earned Dale Baskin's Gear of the Year pick. Photo: Dale Baskin
The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens has been a popular offering since its launch in 2023, so much so that it's been challenging to purchase. In a recent statement, Sigma acknowledged it has had "significant delays in delivery times" for the ultrawide prime and said it will be changing how users purchase the lens as a result.
Sigma explained that it currently doesn't have any stock of the 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens, other than what is available in stores. To address this, the company says it is switching to a "made-to-order" system. Users will be able to place orders for a limited time, and the lens will then ship at a later date.
The company says that orders will be open from September 4 through October 31. However, the lens won't ship until March 2026, so users who pick one up during the limited order period will have to wait a while to actually get the lens in their hands.
Photo: Dale Baskin
In addition to adjusting how customers order the lens, Sigma increased the ... 
Image: Viltrox
On the heels of announcing it had joined the L-Mount Alliance, Viltrox has unveiled a new lens, though not for L-mount cameras. The AF 56mm F1.2 Pro promises "professional-grade" optical design and attractive bokeh for E and X mount APS-C cameras at a budget-friendly price.
The Viltrox AF 56mm F1.2 lens sits in the company's Pro lineup, offering a fast maximum aperture with advanced autofocus. It's designed for APS-C cameras, providing a 84mm equivalent focal length. With the fast F1.2 aperture, it should be an excellent portrait prime lens for APS-C users.
Image: Viltrox
The lens uses Viltrox's HyperVCM motor, which it says is smooth and silent with minimal focus breathing, making it an ideal choice for photo and video. It can focus as close as 0.5m (1.6'). The optical design comprises 13 elements in 8 groups, including three high-refractive index elements, one extra-low dispersion element and one ultra-large precision aspherical lens. Viltrox says the lens is sharp and clear across the frame and promises limited chromatic aberration.
The 56mm lens features an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked, a dedicated Fn button and an AF/MF switch. Viltrox also made the lens to be a durable offering. The aluminum ... 
PhotoLab 9 features AI Masks to make retouching faster and easier. Image: DxO
French software company DxO has announced PhotoLab 9, its latest Raw editing platform. DxO says this is its most powerful Raw editor yet, offering improved masking capabilities, newly added batch renaming and support for iPhone HEIF and ProRaw files.
It's no surprise that AI features are at the forefront of the software announcement. DxO added AI Masks tools that use AI to create "pixel-precise selections in an instant." The tool is very similar to Lightroom's AI Masking option, which automatically creates masks of common and prominent subjects for users to select from.
Within PhotoLab 9, users can create these in three ways. They can hover and click on different parts of the photo or draw a box around an area that contains the object. DxO also added Subject Types, a list of predefined objects users can select from, including sky, people, faces and hair. The Subject Type option can also be "intelligently copied and pasted between images" or saved as a preset. When used as a preset, the mask is contextually aware of the selection, so it will automatically adjust for each image. It promises to make retouching much faster.
The ... 
Image: Canon
Canon UK has posted a teaser on its Instagram account, saying that "something new is coming" and encouraging people to set a reminder to watch a YouTube livestream on September 9th at 3PM CEST (6AM PT / 9AM ET).
The teaser image is surprisingly revealing, showing what looks like a video-focused camera with a boxy design and potentially 1/4-20" mounting points on the top plate. It also clearly shows a red Record button in place of a shutter and a front-facing tally light.
The design is reminiscent of the EOS R50 V, an APS-C vlogging camera the company released earlier this year which featured a gimbal-friendly form-factor. However, given the several control points shown in the image and what looks to be a red-ring lens attached, it won't be surprising if this is a higher-end offering.
It's also worth noting that the announcement is set right before the start of the IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) trade show, where we typically get a look at company's video-focused offerings.
Whatever Canon has planned, it sounds like we won't have to wait that long to get more details. 
The Z6 III is now more expensive for US customers. Image: Nikon
In August, Nikon warned that it would be raising its prices in the US on September 1 because of the negative impact of tariffs. At the time, the company didn't specify which products would be impacted or how much the increases would be. Now, those new prices have taken effect.
This is the second time Nikon has increased prices in the US because of tariffs this year, though the first price adjustment only affected its lens and accessory lineup. The company's cameras were not impacted. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case. Most Nikon cameras are now more expensive, with an average increase of 8%.
September 1 price (% change)
Original MSRP
Z5 II
$1847 (8.8%)
$1697
Z7 II
$2497 (8.7%)
$2297
Z6 III
$2697 (8%)
$2497
Z8
$4297 (7.5%)
$3997
Zf
$2197 (10%)
$1997
Z50 II
$1007 (11%)
$907
The first price adjustment impacted Nikon's lenses, and some models received an additional increase with this second round. For example, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S has gone from $2100 to $2247, and the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S from $2497 to $2697. The pricing change on Nikon's lens lineup was less significant than the pricing change on the camera bodies, potentially because those prices had already ... 
Image: Leica
Viltrox is the latest company to be inducted into the L-Mount alliance, according to a press release from Leica. It joins the organization alongside other budget lens companies like Sirui and Samyang, as well as major camera manufacturers like Panasonic, Leica, DJI, and Sigma.
The announcement says Viltrox plans to use the mount "in future product development. " In its blog post, Viltrox says it plans to bring its AF 16mm F1.8 and 28mm F4.5 to the mount. The latter could be an exciting choice for owners of cameras like the Panasonic S9 or Sigma BF who have been looking for an ultra-small, lightweight prime.
Viltrox also says that those two lenses are "only the beginning" and that "more full-frame L-Mount lenses are already in development." However, the company doesn't mention when the L-mount versions of lenses will actaully be available.
That could be an exciting prospect for those who own L-mount cameras. The company is a rising star in the lens world; it gained its reputation largely thanks to its very affordable, but still decent lenses, but has since proven capable of making more premium options with its Pro and Lab series.
Press release:
Viltrox Joins the L-Mount Alliance and Utilizes the L-Mount ... 
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The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is a medium format mirrorless camera, built around a 44mm x 33mm, 100MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's designed to deliver a high-dynamic range image workflow, and gains continuous autofocus supported by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors and more effective image stabilization.
Key Specifications
100MP 44x33mm BSI CMOS sensor
HDR output (HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG) by default
IBIS up to 10EV
Continuous autofocus
3.6", 2.36M dot tilting rear OLED display w/ 1400 nit peak brightness
5.76M dot 0.79x EVF
Human, animal and vehicle AF subject detection
LiDAR for autofocus
1TB internal SSD + CFexpress Type B slot
Despite the significant upgrades, the X2D II 100C sees the body-only price fall to $7399 / €7200 / £6400, an $800 reduction, compared with the existing X2D 100C.
Index:
What's new
How it compares?
Body and handling
In use
Initial impressions
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press Release
Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
What's New
"End-to-end" HDR
This image, captured as an Ultra HDR JPEG, makes the chrome of the car's wire wheels shine much more convincingly when viewed on an HDR ... 
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Ricoh GR IV is a photographer's compact built around a 26MP APS-C sensor with a fixed 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens. It's the fourth entry in the GR series (though that was preceded by the long-running GR Digital series and film models prior to that), and includes elements from previous GR cameras that had been dropped by its predecessor.
Key Specs:
25.74MP APS-C sensor
18.3mm F2.8 lens (28mm equiv)
Magnesium alloy body
Built-in 2EV ND
5-axis image stabilization
53GB internal storage and UHS-I Micro SD slot
3.0" 1.04M dot LCD (720 x 480 px)
FullHD (1080) video up to 60p
262g with memory card and battery
The GR IV will be available from mid-September 2025 at an MSRP of $1499. This price represents a substantial increase from the GR III's $899 2018 launch price, though is less of a jump from the current market rate for the special editions of that camera, which go for around $1100 (when you can find them in stock).
Index:
What's new
How does it compare?
Body and handling
Initial Impressions
Sample Gallery
Specifications
Press Release
Buy now:Buy ... 
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91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
Product photos: Mitchell Clark
The Nikon Z5II is a full-frame mirrorless camera built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's an update to Nikon's entry-level full-frame Z5 and is essentially a version of the Zf that trades retro styling for a more conventional design.
Key Features
24MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor
In-body image stabilization, rated up to 7.5EV
Autofocus subject detection with support for 9 subject types
11 fps Raw w/ mechanical shutter
30fps JPEG-only mode with pre-release capture
3.69M dot 60Hz EVF with 3000-nit peak brightness
4K/30 full-width, 60p w/ 1.5x crop
10-bit N-Log or N-Raw capture
Dual UHS-II card slots
Downloadable color mode presets via Imaging Cloud
The Z5II is available for $1699 – a $300 increase over its predecessor in absolute terms, though a very similar price when considering inflation and its greater ambitions. Kits will also be available with a 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999, or with a 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR for $2499.
Index:
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Image quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Apr ... 
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Product photos: Mitchell Clark
91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1RII is the company's latest high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, now beefed-up with 8K video capabilities and improved autofocus.
Key features
Full-frame 44MP dual gain CMOS sensor
Up to 40fps continuous shooting with pre-burst capture (e-shutter only)
8.1K/8K video at up to 30p
5.76M dot viewfinder
Flip-out and tilt rear screen
ProRes 422 and ProRes RAW capture
Capture to CFExpress Type B, UHS II SD or external SSD
Multi-shot high res mode up to 177MP
32-bit float audio via optional XLR 2 adapter
The S1RII is available now with a recommended retail price of $3300.
Index:
What's new
What's new for video
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
Buy now:Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo
Feb 25: Initial review published
Mar 31: Image quality and Autofocus results published
Apr 23: Autofocus section updated and conclusion added
Aug 7: Video section added, conclusion updated
What's new
New sensor
Rather than the 47MP used in the original S1R, or the 61MP chip used in Leica's SL3, Panasonic has opted for a slightly lower resolution but faster ... 
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Product photos by Richard Butler
88%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Sony DSC-RX1R III is the company's fourth full-frame compact camera with the same Zeiss-branded 35mm F2 lens. The latest version uses a 60.2MP sensor and Sony's latest processors.
Key specifications
60.2MP BSI CMOS sensor
35mm F2 Zeiss-branded lens
2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) EVF with 0.7x magnification
2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) fixed LCD touchscreen
NP-FW50 battery, rated to 300 shots per charge
4K video up to 30p with 10-bit 4:2:2 options, Log and S-Cinetone
Range of color modes including 3 'Film' modes
The RX1R III is available now, at a recommended price of $5099, £4200, €4900. There are also a series of rather expensive accessories available, including an add-on thumb rest, a lens hood and a leather half-case.
The US price is notably higher, in comparison to the European and UK prices, than is typical for Sony products. We have to assume the approximately 10% higher pricing is a result of the tariffs imposed by the US government.
Index:
What's new
How does it compare?
Body and handling
Image quality
Autofocus
Video
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Buy now:Buy ... 
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Product photos: Richard Butler
85%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Fujifilm X-E5 is the latest mid-range rangefinder-style mirrorless camera to join the X-series. It takes several steps back towards the enthusiast-friendly outlook of the original X-E models and gains image stabilization along the way.
Key specifications
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor
Image stabilization rated to 7.0EV
Twin clickable command dials
Film simulation dial with 'recipe' option
2.36M dot EVF
1.04M dot rear up/down tilt LCD
Video up to 6.2K//30 (with 1.23x crop)
Continuous shooting up to 8fps, 13fps with e-shutter
Mic socket, headphones via USB
The Fujifilm X-E5 will be available in August at a recommended price of $1699, body only, or $1899 with the new 23mm F2.8R WR lens. At launch, this represented a $300 premium over the similarly specced X-T50 for US customers, likely to leave room for tariffs. However, Fujifilm has now adjusted the rest of its lineup's prices, so the X-E5's US price is more in-line with the rest of the world (for now).
Jul 30: Initial review published
Aug 4: Review updated with updated X-T50/X-T5 pricing
Index:
What's ... 
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Updated July 23 2025
Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.
Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.
Our picks:
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100 VI
The full-frame 35mm option: Sony DSC-RX1R III
Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III
The just-for-fun fixed lens: Fujifilm X half
The Rolls-Royce of fixed lens camera: Leica Q3 43
Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI
40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder
Image: Richard Butler
Buy now:$2324 at Amazon.com$1599 at Adorama$1599 at B&H Photo
What we like:Excellent build qualitySubject-detection autofocusNow ... 
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The Fujifilm X half is a JPEG-only compact camera with a fixed focal length and a vertically orientated sensor, designed to mimic the experience of shooting with a half-frame film camera. It prioritizes fun over technical excellence.
Key features
Vertical 18MP, 8.8 x 11.7mm CMOS sensor
32mm equiv F2.8 lens
JPEG-only output
2-in-1 mode combining sequential shots into a 3:2 image
Tunnel-style optical viewfinder
Film Camera mode simulates the film camera experience
10 Film Simulations, 18 Filters
Twin touchscreen interface
Date stamp option
880 shot per charge rating when using OVF
'Film advance' lever
Direct printing to Instax printers
UHS-I SD card slot
The obvious reference point will, no doubt, be Fujifilm's own X100 series cameras, and we doubt Fujifilm will dislike the comparison, given their popularity. But, whereas the X100 cameras look a lot like miniature Leicas, the cute, boxy X half looks more like a Rollei 35.
The X half has a recommended price of $849 and is available in black, charcoal or silver. There's no obvious precedent for a camera like this and the uncertainty ... 
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Updated July 9, 2025
It's sad to say, but the golden age of compact cameras is pretty much over, thanks to the rise of smartphone cameras that are, in many cases, good enough for most people. Manufacturers seem to realize this, too; the major players have only released a small handful of compact zooms in the past few years, and most were very minor updates on old designs. The ones that remain can be difficult to find in stock, even when the companies that make them promise they're still a part of their lineups.
However, that doesn't mean the category is completely dead. Even today, there are several types of compact cameras, and some have capabilities that pretty much no phone can match. This list calls out the few that are still available and looks at what they're good for – because there are still cases where a compact camera is a great option.
Our recommendations:
Enthusiast camera
Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III
Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII
Best interface: Leica D-Lux 8
Waterproof cameras
Best waterproof compact: OM System Tough TG-7
Long zoom camera
Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P1100
Vlogging cameras
Best vlogging compact: ... 
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Updated: July 8th, 2025
Whether you're just sharing clips with friends or you're launching an online on-camera career, vlogging matters. And there's a point at which your smartphone may not give you the look, control, or flexibility you're after. With 180-degree selfie screens, wide-angle lenses, microphone inputs and great video quality, more and more dedicated cameras are catering to people who want to take video of themselves and post it online.
The meaning of vlogging has changed over the years, so our picks cover a variety of styles – we'll explain what makes each camera good for vlogging, and what key features each has that make taking video of yourself easier. We've also included videos shot on the cameras in question when we have them to give you an idea of what kind of performance to expect.
Our recommendations:
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
A self-contained vlogging kit: Canon PowerShot V1
For ambitious vloggers and videographers: Sony ZV-E10 II
Best high-end vlogging pick: Sony ZV-E1
Best camera for vlogging on the move: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Photo: Richard Butler
$519 at B&H
$519 at Amazon
$519 at Adorama
DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 is a ...