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Image: Sony
Sony has released an update for its ZV-E10 II that unlocks better slow-motion capabilities from the tiny vlogging-focused camera. While the addition of 4K120p recording is free, it isn’t delivered as a standard firmware‑only update.
Instead of being able to install new firmware, the typical way releases like these are disseminated, ZV-E10 II users will instead need to install a free license file. To do so, users can go to the Sony Creators' Cloud website and sign in with their account to obtain the license. Alternatively, you can generate a license without an account by entering your camera's serial number.
The upgrade also adds support for shooting Full HD footage at 240 fps.
In addition to the 4K/120 mode, the upgrade also adds support for shooting Full HD footage at 240 fps. There are some limitations with both additions, however. First, proxy recording isn't supported with either of the new frame rates. Additionally, Smart Zoom, Clear Image Zoom and Digital Zoom are also restricted when 4K120 recording or "slow and quick*" frame rates of 120 fps or higher.
The higher frame rate also comes with a more substantial crop. At ... Continue Reading »
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Images: Sony / Mitchell Clark
It's not terribly often that I get to test something that's unlike any other piece of equipment I've used before, but from the moment I laid hands on it, I knew the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM would provide one of those rare occasions. I'd used both Sony's and Canon's 28-70mm F2s before, but was excited to have that same speed and level of versatility in a telephoto zoom. All the lens had to do was have decent image quality, and I'd have been delighted.
Given that this is a Gear of the Year article, you probably won't be surprised to hear that it surpassed that benchmark. Even wide-open, I was impressed by how sharp it was, capturing as much detail as I wanted (at least, in the razor-thin silver of the scene that was in focus). I was also impressed at how well it handled chromatic aberration, even in relatively harsh conditions. Sure, there's a touch of color fringing in this image, but given that it was taken with a zoom, wide open in direct sunlight, it's more than acceptable in my book.
... Continue Reading »
My favorite photo from this past year was of my favorite season, in one of my favorite places and taken with my current favorite camera.
Mamiya RB67 | Kodak Portra 400
I am a notoriously indecisive person and rather hate making decisions in most situations. So, when tasked with choosing my favorite photograph from the past year, I immediately started agonizing. How on earth is one to select only a single photo that, theoretically, represents an entire year?
With that in mind, I started combing through the thousands and thousands of images I've created this year. I've documented hikes, vacations, work trips, family time and quiet moments at home. I've also participated in numerous local photography club photo walks. The end result is an overwhelming number of images across a diverse set of subjects and genres to choose from. As I scanned through all of them, one kept popping back into my head.
If you aren't familiar with the Mamiya RB67, here I am using it at the beach. This wasn't where I took the image at the top of the article, or immediately below, but it is where I took the image of the stilt house in the gallery at the bottom.Photo: Anthony ... Continue Reading »
Photo by synyan
In this week's Question of the week, members of the community said the biggest positive changes to their photography came from simplifying their gear and embracing a few smart tools and habits, rather than chasing specs alone.
Some of you pointed to big-ticket purchases, such as returning to interchangeable-lens systems after a long absence or investing in a medium-format body. In contrast, others highlighted inexpensive adapters, flashes, or AI tools that quietly transformed your workflow. A recurring theme was that anything which removed friction, such as lens changes, menu-diving, clunky tripods, or excessive retouching, freed you to focus more on composition, timing, and storytelling.
Read on for a spotlight selection of contributions, and then join our forum community to share your great photos and the stories they tell.
New gear rekindling motivation
Photo by MyReality
Several community members did point to new cameras or lenses as their standout change, but not only for the specs. What mattered most was how a body or lens made them feel: whether they were more inclined to get out to take photographs, more confident handling the camera or less distracted by constant gear decisions.
Alan Sh: I know it sounds odd, but buying the Fuji X-E5 rekindled my ... Continue Reading »
Image: Adobe
Earlier this year, Adobe made it possible to use third-party AI models in Photoshop, but now, the reverse is also true, and the company is bringing its own tools to AI chat platforms. Adobe is integrating Photoshop, Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat with ChatGPT, allowing users to access select Adobe tools directly in the AI-powered conversational chatbot, for free.
Adobe says the integration aims to make it easier for everyone to edit photos, design invites and posters and create professional-looking documents. Users will be able to use ChatGPT’s conversational interface to request changes, instead of hunting for the correct tool themselves. The move builds on Adobe's AI Assistants and its beta Edit Suggestions feature, which it introduced at Adobe Max as its first step in testing "agentic style" editing.
Image: Adobe
To access the apps in ChatGPT, users need to type the name of the app or select it from the plus menu. Then users type a specific request describing the change they want. For example, if someone wants to change the colors in an image, they need to type something like, "Adobe Photoshop, warm up the colors in the image." After applying the adjustment, users can click on the selection ... Continue Reading »
The Tele Conversion Lens (TCL) gives X100 series photographers a 50mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox
Viltrox has announced two conversion lenses for the Fujifilm X100 series of cameras. The TCL-X100VI (Tele Conversion Lens) and WCL (Wide Conversion Lens) aim to provide greater flexibility by offering two additional fields of view from the fixed-lens cameras.
Fujifilm's X100 series cameras all feature a fixed, built-in 23mm (35mm equiv) lens. That focal length is relatively versatile, but the single option is inherently limiting. The conversion lenses give Fujifilm X100 users two additional options. The TCL results in 1.4x magnification, effectively turning the lens into a 50mm equivalent. The WCL offers a 0.8x magnification, equivalent to a 28mm lens.
The Wide Conversion Lens (WCL) results in a 28mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox
Viltrox says that both conversion lenses use professionally engineered optics to prevent any degradation in image quality or light transmission. They feature an optical design comprising five elements in four groups. The TCL benefits from two high-refractive-index elements and one extra-low-dispersion element, while the WCL offers two refractive-index elements. Both use multi-layer nano coatings to reduce vignetting. The TCL accepts filters with a 67mm filter thread, while the WCL uses 49mm filters.
Both the WCL ... Continue Reading »
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Nikon has announced that it's bringing nine "Imaging Recipe" color profiles inspired by popular color grading looks for its Red cinema cameras. The company says it'll let users get cinematic-looking videos straight out of camera. It's Nikon's latest announcement tied to its Red cinema brand, after it released the video-focused Nikon ZR earlier this year.
Four of them – CineBias, CineBias Offset, Film Bias Bleach Bypass and Achromic – will be familiar to Nikon users, as they've been available as Lookup Table files, or LUTs, for a while. While those are relatively subtle color modes, the newly-added ones push things a little further, which you can see below.
Unlike when Nikon released a few Red-inspired LUTs for its Z-series cameras last year, this release isn't coming in the form of standard Lookup Table files. Instead, Nikon is distributing them through its Imaging Cloud service, and they'll be applied to your H.264/H.265 videos as you record them. That means you'll only be able to use them on cameras that support Imaging Cloud, a list that includes the ZR, Zf, Z6III, Z5II and Z50II, though notably not the Z8 and Z9. That's a bit awkward, given how much effort Nikon has put ... Continue Reading »
2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition has announced its 2025 winners. Hosted by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas, this marks the 8th year of the contest and highlights 25 of the most outstanding Aurora images captured over the past year.
The selected images from this year's contest showcase stunning scenes from across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The top 25 photographers represent 15 nationalities, with image locations ranging from Iceland and Norway to Australia and New Zealand and more. Geomagnetic activity was exceptionally high throughout the year, allowing photographers opportunities to capture Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis in unusual locations.
The winning images are curated by Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, with the selection based on image quality, the story behind the shot and the inspiration the photo conveys. You can see all 25 of the winning images and find tips on photographing the Northern Lights at Capture the Atlas.
Lights & Ice
Photographer: Tori Harp
Location: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand
Camera gear: Sony a7R IV, Sony 20mm F1.8 G
Technical details: Sky and ice cave: F1.8, ISO 2000, 20 sec; Abseiler shot: F2.8, ISO 1250, 1/50 sec
Caption: I originally found this ice ... Continue Reading »
Hasselblad X2D II 100C | XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E @ 100mm | F4.0 | 1/180 sec | ISO 3200
Please download the original and view on an HDR display, where the light on the right of the subject's face is rendered more realistically.Photo: Richard Butler
Sometimes you just know. Sometimes it's in the moment you hit the shutter, but more often I find, it's the moment the review image pops up on your screen or viewfinder: you've caught exactly the moment you wanted to. Or, perhaps something even better than you anticipated.
I always struggle with choosing my photo of the year, because I think of myself primarily as a writer who's a keen photographer, rather than as a photographer (still less, a YouTuber). Like the majority of DPReview's readers, I'm a keen amateur always pushing myself to get better. And one of the core photography skills I'm still working on is the ability to select and assess my own images. But I knew, in the moment I'd taken this one, that it was the best thing I'd shoot this year.
And I'm going to fight my inner Britishness and try not to be bashful or stumble about between self-deprecation and false modesty. I ... Continue Reading »
Our favorite pictures from this year's Editors' photo challenges
One of the secret pleasures of being Managing Editor of DPReview is that I get to run our monthly Editor's photo challenges. Each month, we challenge readers to show us their best photos that illustrate a new theme.
Don't tell the staff, but this is basically the best part of my job. We frequently share winning images from international photo competitions here on DPReview, but I'll put the photos submitted by members of our community up against any of them. DPReview readers may have a reputation for being pixel-peeping nerds, but behind that facade are some incredibly dedicated, master photographers.
On the pages that follow, you'll see two of the staff's favorite photos from each Editors' challenge over the past 12 months. To ensure a full year of fantastic photos, we're going all the way back to the winners of our December 2024 challenge (since the winners of our December 2025 challenge won't be announced until the very end of the year).
With that, we present our favorite Editors' challenge photos from 2025, presented in random order.
The empire of the midnight sun
Photographer: BasilG
Month: July
Challenge theme: Landscape photography
Photographer's description: Spectacular view of the midnight sun in ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Mitchell Clark
The Sony a7 V is an enthusiast-tier camera with a new, full frame, 33MP 'partially stacked' CMOS sensor, with a focus on high burst rates, capable autofocus and a complete suite of video features.
Key Specifications
33MP full frame 'partially stacked' sensor
IBIS rated to 7.5EV in the center
AI-derived recognition for six subject types
"Blackout-free" continuous shooting at 30fps
Configurable pre-burst capture up to 1 second
3.2" tilting/fully-articulating display
Dual USB-C ports for power and data
4K 60p derived from 7K capture, 4K 120p with 1.5x crop
AI-based auto-framing in video
Sony says the a7 V will be available from late December 2025 at a recommended retail price of around $2899.
Index:
What's new?
In context
Body and handling
Video
Initial assessment
Sample gallery
Press release
Specifications
What's new?
New sensor
Like its predecessor, the a7 V features a 33MP sensor, but with extra readout circuitry to improve readout speeds (which were one of the a7 IV's weak points). We've seen this "partially stacked" technology in 24MP cameras like the Nikon Z6III and Panasonic S1II, but here it's being applied to a higher-resolution sensor.
Sony says ... Continue Reading »
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Editor's note: This review is based on Panasonic's November 2025 v1.2 firmware update for the S1II, which was provided to DPReview ahead of its public release.
91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1II is the company's second-generation, high-end 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera, now based around a partially stacked CMOS sensor, and the same body introduced as the S1RII.
Key specifications
24MP partially-stacked BSI CMOS sensor
Up to 70fps shooting, including Raw
1.5 seconds pre-burst capture
96MP multi-shot mode with in-cam combination and motion correction
10-bit HLG HEIF still images
In-body stabilization rated at up to 8.0EV of correction
Open-gate 6K video up to 30p
Full-width 5.9K or 4K up to 60p
4K/120p video with slight crop
6K Raw output over HDMI
Built-in fan for extended recording
External SSD output for video
V-Log with 15-stops in DR Boost mode
Arri C-Log3 paid upgrade option
4 channel and 32-bit float audio with XLR2 adapter
Bluetooth timecode sync
The Panasonic S1II is available now at a recommended price of $3199. As with the launch of the original S1, this is around $400 more than the list price of its nearest competitors from Nikon or Canon.
Index:
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
In use
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
May 13: Initial review published
Nov 26: ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica Q3 Monochrom is a black-and-white only version of the company's 61MP full-frame fixed 28mm lens camera.
Key specifications
61MP BSI CMOS sensor with no color filter
Reduced res JPEGs or Raws at 36MP or 18MP
28mm F1.7 lens
5.76M dot OLED EVF with 0.79x magnification
3" tilt touchscreen LCD with 1.84 million dots
8K video capture in UHD or DCI ratios up to 30p (H.265)
Apple ProRes 422HQ support for 1080p video capture up to 60p
AI-assisted perspective control mode
IP52-rated dust and water resistant
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be available from today at a recommended price of $7790.
Index:
What is it
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial assessment
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What is it?
The Q3 Monochrom is an updated version of the Q2 Monochrom based, as the name implies, on the newer Q3 camera. This means it has the same lens as the Q2 but with the excellent 61MP BSI CMOS sensor and Maestro IV processor from the newer camera, bringing features such as perspective correction.
However, unlike the color Q3, it does not ... Continue Reading »
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Product Photos: Mitchell Clark
The Canon EOS R6 III is an enthusiast-class camera with a new 32MP full-frame CMOS sensor, aimed at photographers and videographers who need high burst rates and fast readout speeds.
Key specifications
32MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Built-in image stabilization rated to 8.5EV
40fps burst rate w/ pre-capture
3.0", 1.62M dot fully-articulating screen
7K recording up to 60p (Canon Cinema Raw Lite)
Oversampled 4K ≤60p, subsampled 4K 120p
3:2 Open Gate recording up to 30p
The Canon EOS R6 III will be available from late November at a recommended price of $2799, a $300 premium over the Mark II's launch price. The EOS R6 II will formally drop to a $2299 price point. There'll also be a variant costing $100 more, designed to work with the professional stop-motion software, Dragonframe.
The EOS R6 III will be available as a kit with the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM for around $3150 and with the RF 24-105mm F4.0 L IS USM for $4050.
Index:
What's new?
What is it?
In Context
Body and handling
Video
Initial Impressions
Sample gallery
Press release
Specifications
What's new?
New sensor
The 33MP FSI ... Continue Reading »
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Product Photos by Mitchell Clark
82%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The OM System OM-5 II is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that uses the same stabilized 20MP sensor as its predecessor. It also features the same processor as the OM-5, so the list of new features is relatively subtle, but it gains some minor updates that make it feel a bit more modern.
Key Specifications
20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
50MP handheld high-res multi-shot mode
Up to 7.5EV stabilization with Sync IS lenses
Up to 30fps continuous shooting, configurable pre-capture
2.36M-dot 0.68x OLED viewfinder
IP53 dust and water resistance rating
USB-C for charging / data transfer
Updated menu system
The OM-5 II retails for $1199 body-only, the same as its predecessor, and is available now. It comes in black, silver and a "sand beige" tan.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
In Use
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What's New
USB-C
When the OM-5 launched in 2022, its use of a micro USB port instead of a USB-C one felt like a huge omission, especially given that the European Union was already well on its ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica M EV1 is a full-frame manual focus mirrorless camera with a 60MP BSI sensor. It's shaped like the company's other M-series models but has no optical viewfinder or rangefinder mechanism, relying instead on an electronic viewfinder.
Key specifications
60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
60, 36 or 18MP output, Raw or JPEG
5.76M dot OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification
Two-way Fn switch on front
2.33M dot LCD rear touchscreen
64GB of internal storage
2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi
The Leica M EV1 is available everywhere except the USA, where gaining FCC approval has caused a delay. Once cleared for sale in the US, it will be available at a recommended price of $8995.
Index
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Leica M EV1 specifications
Press release
What's new
The Leica M EV1 features a new, diamond-patterned leatherette coating.
There's not much that's new on the M EV1, other than the concept of removing the rangefinder and optical viewfinder that goes with it, and replacing it with an EVF. Leica points out this isn't the first M-series camera to go without ... Continue Reading »
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Fujifilm X-T30 III is the company's latest entry-level, SLR-shaped mirrorless camera, with its latest color mode recipes and autofocus.
Key specifications
26MP X-Trans APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
Film simulation dial with recipe positions
Tilt up/down rear screen
2.36M dot EVF
4K/60 video with 1.18x crop, 6.2K/30 full-sensor capture
315 shot-per-charge battery life, 425 in power saving mode
The X-T30 III will be available from November 2025 at a recommended price of $999. There will also be the option to buy the camera with a new, unusually wide, 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS zoom lens, which will cost around $1150.
Index
What's new?
What is it?
How it compares
Body and handling
Video
Initial impressions
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What's new?
The Film Simulation dial on the camera's shoulder has three custom positions that can be assigned to film simulations or the simulation-and-parameter-tweak combinations known as 'recipes.'
The X-T30 III, as the name implies, is an iterative update of the existing X-T30 II. It gains the latest Fujifilm processor, which brings subject recognition autofocus. This brings it into line with the X-M5 and X-T50.
It also ... Continue Reading »
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Updated Oct 22, 2025
Well over a decade after Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, they now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market. They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits and models at everything from budget to professional price points.
We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, as you move up the price ladder, you'll see larger sensors with better image quality, higher resolution, faster burst rates, and more capable video specs. We'll explain why we've chosen each camera and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Our picks:
Best affordable kit: Sony a6100
Best value around $1000: Nikon Z50II
Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T5
Best value full-frame: Nikon Z5II
Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Nikon Z6III
Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon R5 II
Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR
IQ above all else: GFX 100S II
Best affordable kit: Sony a6100
24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture
Photo: Richard Butler
What we like:Excellent autofocus ... Continue Reading »
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Updated: October 13, 2025
These days, you can get a lot of camera for around $2500, though in the US tariffs have made great deals in this price range a little harder to come by. The picks on our list are high-spec options that are excellent for stills and video, and many have autofocus systems that come close to the performance of professional sports cameras.
Choosing a camera means committing to the ecosystem of lenses that are available for it, so we advise looking into the price and availability of your preferred kit. It's also worth noting that some camera manufacturers are more restrictive of what options third-party lens makers can provide, so be sure to consider that during your lens research.
Speaking of lenses, it's also worth considering that the latest lens designs for mirrorless cameras regularly outperform their older DSLR counterparts. If you have any lenses already, you may want to think about whether they're worth keeping around and adapting to a new system, or whether you'd be better off selling them and using the proceeds to buy modern equivalents of your most-used lenses. This option also gives ... Continue Reading »
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Updated October 8, 2025
$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography, especially as photography equipment is steadily getting more expensive. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.
At this price point, your options will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or larger-sensor compact cameras with built-in lenses. Compacts offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but likely won't offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones (despite their typically larger sensors).
Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.
It's worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will ... Continue Reading »
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Image: Sony
Sony has released an update for its ZV-E10 II that unlocks better slow-motion capabilities from the tiny vlogging-focused camera. While the addition of 4K120p recording is free, it isn’t delivered as a standard firmware‑only update.
Instead of being able to install new firmware, the typical way releases like these are disseminated, ZV-E10 II users will instead need to install a free license file. To do so, users can go to the Sony Creators' Cloud website and sign in with their account to obtain the license. Alternatively, you can generate a license without an account by entering your camera's serial number.
The upgrade also adds support for shooting Full HD footage at 240 fps.
In addition to the 4K/120 mode, the upgrade also adds support for shooting Full HD footage at 240 fps. There are some limitations with both additions, however. First, proxy recording isn't supported with either of the new frame rates. Additionally, Smart Zoom, Clear Image Zoom and Digital Zoom are also restricted when 4K120 recording or "slow and quick*" frame rates of 120 fps or higher.
The higher frame rate also comes with a more substantial crop. At ... 
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Images: Sony / Mitchell Clark
It's not terribly often that I get to test something that's unlike any other piece of equipment I've used before, but from the moment I laid hands on it, I knew the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM would provide one of those rare occasions. I'd used both Sony's and Canon's 28-70mm F2s before, but was excited to have that same speed and level of versatility in a telephoto zoom. All the lens had to do was have decent image quality, and I'd have been delighted.
Given that this is a Gear of the Year article, you probably won't be surprised to hear that it surpassed that benchmark. Even wide-open, I was impressed by how sharp it was, capturing as much detail as I wanted (at least, in the razor-thin silver of the scene that was in focus). I was also impressed at how well it handled chromatic aberration, even in relatively harsh conditions. Sure, there's a touch of color fringing in this image, but given that it was taken with a zoom, wide open in direct sunlight, it's more than acceptable in my book.
... 
My favorite photo from this past year was of my favorite season, in one of my favorite places and taken with my current favorite camera.
Mamiya RB67 | Kodak Portra 400
I am a notoriously indecisive person and rather hate making decisions in most situations. So, when tasked with choosing my favorite photograph from the past year, I immediately started agonizing. How on earth is one to select only a single photo that, theoretically, represents an entire year?
With that in mind, I started combing through the thousands and thousands of images I've created this year. I've documented hikes, vacations, work trips, family time and quiet moments at home. I've also participated in numerous local photography club photo walks. The end result is an overwhelming number of images across a diverse set of subjects and genres to choose from. As I scanned through all of them, one kept popping back into my head.
If you aren't familiar with the Mamiya RB67, here I am using it at the beach. This wasn't where I took the image at the top of the article, or immediately below, but it is where I took the image of the stilt house in the gallery at the bottom.Photo: Anthony ... 
Photo by synyan
In this week's Question of the week, members of the community said the biggest positive changes to their photography came from simplifying their gear and embracing a few smart tools and habits, rather than chasing specs alone.
Some of you pointed to big-ticket purchases, such as returning to interchangeable-lens systems after a long absence or investing in a medium-format body. In contrast, others highlighted inexpensive adapters, flashes, or AI tools that quietly transformed your workflow. A recurring theme was that anything which removed friction, such as lens changes, menu-diving, clunky tripods, or excessive retouching, freed you to focus more on composition, timing, and storytelling.
Read on for a spotlight selection of contributions, and then join our forum community to share your great photos and the stories they tell.
New gear rekindling motivation
Photo by MyReality
Several community members did point to new cameras or lenses as their standout change, but not only for the specs. What mattered most was how a body or lens made them feel: whether they were more inclined to get out to take photographs, more confident handling the camera or less distracted by constant gear decisions.
Alan Sh: I know it sounds odd, but buying the Fuji X-E5 rekindled my ... 
Image: Adobe
Earlier this year, Adobe made it possible to use third-party AI models in Photoshop, but now, the reverse is also true, and the company is bringing its own tools to AI chat platforms. Adobe is integrating Photoshop, Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat with ChatGPT, allowing users to access select Adobe tools directly in the AI-powered conversational chatbot, for free.
Adobe says the integration aims to make it easier for everyone to edit photos, design invites and posters and create professional-looking documents. Users will be able to use ChatGPT’s conversational interface to request changes, instead of hunting for the correct tool themselves. The move builds on Adobe's AI Assistants and its beta Edit Suggestions feature, which it introduced at Adobe Max as its first step in testing "agentic style" editing.
Image: Adobe
To access the apps in ChatGPT, users need to type the name of the app or select it from the plus menu. Then users type a specific request describing the change they want. For example, if someone wants to change the colors in an image, they need to type something like, "Adobe Photoshop, warm up the colors in the image." After applying the adjustment, users can click on the selection ... 
The Tele Conversion Lens (TCL) gives X100 series photographers a 50mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox
Viltrox has announced two conversion lenses for the Fujifilm X100 series of cameras. The TCL-X100VI (Tele Conversion Lens) and WCL (Wide Conversion Lens) aim to provide greater flexibility by offering two additional fields of view from the fixed-lens cameras.
Fujifilm's X100 series cameras all feature a fixed, built-in 23mm (35mm equiv) lens. That focal length is relatively versatile, but the single option is inherently limiting. The conversion lenses give Fujifilm X100 users two additional options. The TCL results in 1.4x magnification, effectively turning the lens into a 50mm equivalent. The WCL offers a 0.8x magnification, equivalent to a 28mm lens.
The Wide Conversion Lens (WCL) results in a 28mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox
Viltrox says that both conversion lenses use professionally engineered optics to prevent any degradation in image quality or light transmission. They feature an optical design comprising five elements in four groups. The TCL benefits from two high-refractive-index elements and one extra-low-dispersion element, while the WCL offers two refractive-index elements. Both use multi-layer nano coatings to reduce vignetting. The TCL accepts filters with a 67mm filter thread, while the WCL uses 49mm filters.
Both the WCL ... 
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Nikon has announced that it's bringing nine "Imaging Recipe" color profiles inspired by popular color grading looks for its Red cinema cameras. The company says it'll let users get cinematic-looking videos straight out of camera. It's Nikon's latest announcement tied to its Red cinema brand, after it released the video-focused Nikon ZR earlier this year.
Four of them – CineBias, CineBias Offset, Film Bias Bleach Bypass and Achromic – will be familiar to Nikon users, as they've been available as Lookup Table files, or LUTs, for a while. While those are relatively subtle color modes, the newly-added ones push things a little further, which you can see below.
Unlike when Nikon released a few Red-inspired LUTs for its Z-series cameras last year, this release isn't coming in the form of standard Lookup Table files. Instead, Nikon is distributing them through its Imaging Cloud service, and they'll be applied to your H.264/H.265 videos as you record them. That means you'll only be able to use them on cameras that support Imaging Cloud, a list that includes the ZR, Zf, Z6III, Z5II and Z50II, though notably not the Z8 and Z9. That's a bit awkward, given how much effort Nikon has put ... 
2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition has announced its 2025 winners. Hosted by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas, this marks the 8th year of the contest and highlights 25 of the most outstanding Aurora images captured over the past year.
The selected images from this year's contest showcase stunning scenes from across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The top 25 photographers represent 15 nationalities, with image locations ranging from Iceland and Norway to Australia and New Zealand and more. Geomagnetic activity was exceptionally high throughout the year, allowing photographers opportunities to capture Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis in unusual locations.
The winning images are curated by Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, with the selection based on image quality, the story behind the shot and the inspiration the photo conveys. You can see all 25 of the winning images and find tips on photographing the Northern Lights at Capture the Atlas.
Lights & Ice
Photographer: Tori Harp
Location: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand
Camera gear: Sony a7R IV, Sony 20mm F1.8 G
Technical details: Sky and ice cave: F1.8, ISO 2000, 20 sec; Abseiler shot: F2.8, ISO 1250, 1/50 sec
Caption: I originally found this ice ... 
Hasselblad X2D II 100C | XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E @ 100mm | F4.0 | 1/180 sec | ISO 3200
Please download the original and view on an HDR display, where the light on the right of the subject's face is rendered more realistically.Photo: Richard Butler
Sometimes you just know. Sometimes it's in the moment you hit the shutter, but more often I find, it's the moment the review image pops up on your screen or viewfinder: you've caught exactly the moment you wanted to. Or, perhaps something even better than you anticipated.
I always struggle with choosing my photo of the year, because I think of myself primarily as a writer who's a keen photographer, rather than as a photographer (still less, a YouTuber). Like the majority of DPReview's readers, I'm a keen amateur always pushing myself to get better. And one of the core photography skills I'm still working on is the ability to select and assess my own images. But I knew, in the moment I'd taken this one, that it was the best thing I'd shoot this year.
And I'm going to fight my inner Britishness and try not to be bashful or stumble about between self-deprecation and false modesty. I ... 
Our favorite pictures from this year's Editors' photo challenges
One of the secret pleasures of being Managing Editor of DPReview is that I get to run our monthly Editor's photo challenges. Each month, we challenge readers to show us their best photos that illustrate a new theme.
Don't tell the staff, but this is basically the best part of my job. We frequently share winning images from international photo competitions here on DPReview, but I'll put the photos submitted by members of our community up against any of them. DPReview readers may have a reputation for being pixel-peeping nerds, but behind that facade are some incredibly dedicated, master photographers.
On the pages that follow, you'll see two of the staff's favorite photos from each Editors' challenge over the past 12 months. To ensure a full year of fantastic photos, we're going all the way back to the winners of our December 2024 challenge (since the winners of our December 2025 challenge won't be announced until the very end of the year).
With that, we present our favorite Editors' challenge photos from 2025, presented in random order.
The empire of the midnight sun
Photographer: BasilG
Month: July
Challenge theme: Landscape photography
Photographer's description: Spectacular view of the midnight sun in ... 
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Product photos: Mitchell Clark
The Sony a7 V is an enthusiast-tier camera with a new, full frame, 33MP 'partially stacked' CMOS sensor, with a focus on high burst rates, capable autofocus and a complete suite of video features.
Key Specifications
33MP full frame 'partially stacked' sensor
IBIS rated to 7.5EV in the center
AI-derived recognition for six subject types
"Blackout-free" continuous shooting at 30fps
Configurable pre-burst capture up to 1 second
3.2" tilting/fully-articulating display
Dual USB-C ports for power and data
4K 60p derived from 7K capture, 4K 120p with 1.5x crop
AI-based auto-framing in video
Sony says the a7 V will be available from late December 2025 at a recommended retail price of around $2899.
Index:
What's new?
In context
Body and handling
Video
Initial assessment
Sample gallery
Press release
Specifications
What's new?
New sensor
Like its predecessor, the a7 V features a 33MP sensor, but with extra readout circuitry to improve readout speeds (which were one of the a7 IV's weak points). We've seen this "partially stacked" technology in 24MP cameras like the Nikon Z6III and Panasonic S1II, but here it's being applied to a higher-resolution sensor.
Sony says ... 
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Editor's note: This review is based on Panasonic's November 2025 v1.2 firmware update for the S1II, which was provided to DPReview ahead of its public release.
91%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1II is the company's second-generation, high-end 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera, now based around a partially stacked CMOS sensor, and the same body introduced as the S1RII.
Key specifications
24MP partially-stacked BSI CMOS sensor
Up to 70fps shooting, including Raw
1.5 seconds pre-burst capture
96MP multi-shot mode with in-cam combination and motion correction
10-bit HLG HEIF still images
In-body stabilization rated at up to 8.0EV of correction
Open-gate 6K video up to 30p
Full-width 5.9K or 4K up to 60p
4K/120p video with slight crop
6K Raw output over HDMI
Built-in fan for extended recording
External SSD output for video
V-Log with 15-stops in DR Boost mode
Arri C-Log3 paid upgrade option
4 channel and 32-bit float audio with XLR2 adapter
Bluetooth timecode sync
The Panasonic S1II is available now at a recommended price of $3199. As with the launch of the original S1, this is around $400 more than the list price of its nearest competitors from Nikon or Canon.
Index:
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
In use
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
May 13: Initial review published
Nov 26: ... 
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica Q3 Monochrom is a black-and-white only version of the company's 61MP full-frame fixed 28mm lens camera.
Key specifications
61MP BSI CMOS sensor with no color filter
Reduced res JPEGs or Raws at 36MP or 18MP
28mm F1.7 lens
5.76M dot OLED EVF with 0.79x magnification
3" tilt touchscreen LCD with 1.84 million dots
8K video capture in UHD or DCI ratios up to 30p (H.265)
Apple ProRes 422HQ support for 1080p video capture up to 60p
AI-assisted perspective control mode
IP52-rated dust and water resistant
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be available from today at a recommended price of $7790.
Index:
What is it
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial assessment
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What is it?
The Q3 Monochrom is an updated version of the Q2 Monochrom based, as the name implies, on the newer Q3 camera. This means it has the same lens as the Q2 but with the excellent 61MP BSI CMOS sensor and Maestro IV processor from the newer camera, bringing features such as perspective correction.
However, unlike the color Q3, it does not ... 
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Product Photos: Mitchell Clark
The Canon EOS R6 III is an enthusiast-class camera with a new 32MP full-frame CMOS sensor, aimed at photographers and videographers who need high burst rates and fast readout speeds.
Key specifications
32MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Built-in image stabilization rated to 8.5EV
40fps burst rate w/ pre-capture
3.0", 1.62M dot fully-articulating screen
7K recording up to 60p (Canon Cinema Raw Lite)
Oversampled 4K ≤60p, subsampled 4K 120p
3:2 Open Gate recording up to 30p
The Canon EOS R6 III will be available from late November at a recommended price of $2799, a $300 premium over the Mark II's launch price. The EOS R6 II will formally drop to a $2299 price point. There'll also be a variant costing $100 more, designed to work with the professional stop-motion software, Dragonframe.
The EOS R6 III will be available as a kit with the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM for around $3150 and with the RF 24-105mm F4.0 L IS USM for $4050.
Index:
What's new?
What is it?
In Context
Body and handling
Video
Initial Impressions
Sample gallery
Press release
Specifications
What's new?
New sensor
The 33MP FSI ... 
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Product Photos by Mitchell Clark
82%Overall scoreJump to conclusion
The OM System OM-5 II is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that uses the same stabilized 20MP sensor as its predecessor. It also features the same processor as the OM-5, so the list of new features is relatively subtle, but it gains some minor updates that make it feel a bit more modern.
Key Specifications
20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
50MP handheld high-res multi-shot mode
Up to 7.5EV stabilization with Sync IS lenses
Up to 30fps continuous shooting, configurable pre-capture
2.36M-dot 0.68x OLED viewfinder
IP53 dust and water resistance rating
USB-C for charging / data transfer
Updated menu system
The OM-5 II retails for $1199 body-only, the same as its predecessor, and is available now. It comes in black, silver and a "sand beige" tan.
Index:
What's new?
How it compares
Body and handling
Image Quality
Autofocus
Video
In Use
Conclusion
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What's New
USB-C
When the OM-5 launched in 2022, its use of a micro USB port instead of a USB-C one felt like a huge omission, especially given that the European Union was already well on its ... 
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Leica M EV1 is a full-frame manual focus mirrorless camera with a 60MP BSI sensor. It's shaped like the company's other M-series models but has no optical viewfinder or rangefinder mechanism, relying instead on an electronic viewfinder.
Key specifications
60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
60, 36 or 18MP output, Raw or JPEG
5.76M dot OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification
Two-way Fn switch on front
2.33M dot LCD rear touchscreen
64GB of internal storage
2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi
The Leica M EV1 is available everywhere except the USA, where gaining FCC approval has caused a delay. Once cleared for sale in the US, it will be available at a recommended price of $8995.
Index
What's new
How it compares
Body and handling
Initial impressions
Leica M EV1 specifications
Press release
What's new
The Leica M EV1 features a new, diamond-patterned leatherette coating.
There's not much that's new on the M EV1, other than the concept of removing the rangefinder and optical viewfinder that goes with it, and replacing it with an EVF. Leica points out this isn't the first M-series camera to go without ... 
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Product photos: Richard Butler
The Fujifilm X-T30 III is the company's latest entry-level, SLR-shaped mirrorless camera, with its latest color mode recipes and autofocus.
Key specifications
26MP X-Trans APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
Film simulation dial with recipe positions
Tilt up/down rear screen
2.36M dot EVF
4K/60 video with 1.18x crop, 6.2K/30 full-sensor capture
315 shot-per-charge battery life, 425 in power saving mode
The X-T30 III will be available from November 2025 at a recommended price of $999. There will also be the option to buy the camera with a new, unusually wide, 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS zoom lens, which will cost around $1150.
Index
What's new?
What is it?
How it compares
Body and handling
Video
Initial impressions
Sample gallery
Specifications
Press release
What's new?
The Film Simulation dial on the camera's shoulder has three custom positions that can be assigned to film simulations or the simulation-and-parameter-tweak combinations known as 'recipes.'
The X-T30 III, as the name implies, is an iterative update of the existing X-T30 II. It gains the latest Fujifilm processor, which brings subject recognition autofocus. This brings it into line with the X-M5 and X-T50.
It also ... 
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Updated Oct 22, 2025
Well over a decade after Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera, they now dominate the interchangeable lens camera market. They include cameras designed for a wide range of photo and video pursuits and models at everything from budget to professional price points.
We've used and tested just about every current mirrorless camera on the market and picked out what we think are the stand-out models. We'll start with the most affordable models, then work our way up from there. In general terms, as you move up the price ladder, you'll see larger sensors with better image quality, higher resolution, faster burst rates, and more capable video specs. We'll explain why we've chosen each camera and try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Our picks:
Best affordable kit: Sony a6100
Best value around $1000: Nikon Z50II
Best APS-C mirrorless camera: Fujifilm X-T5
Best value full-frame: Nikon Z5II
Best mid-priced mirrorless camera: Nikon Z6III
Best high-end mirrorless camera: Canon R5 II
Compact high-resolution: Sony a7CR
IQ above all else: GFX 100S II
Best affordable kit: Sony a6100
24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture
Photo: Richard Butler
What we like:Excellent autofocus ... 
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Updated: October 13, 2025
These days, you can get a lot of camera for around $2500, though in the US tariffs have made great deals in this price range a little harder to come by. The picks on our list are high-spec options that are excellent for stills and video, and many have autofocus systems that come close to the performance of professional sports cameras.
Choosing a camera means committing to the ecosystem of lenses that are available for it, so we advise looking into the price and availability of your preferred kit. It's also worth noting that some camera manufacturers are more restrictive of what options third-party lens makers can provide, so be sure to consider that during your lens research.
Speaking of lenses, it's also worth considering that the latest lens designs for mirrorless cameras regularly outperform their older DSLR counterparts. If you have any lenses already, you may want to think about whether they're worth keeping around and adapting to a new system, or whether you'd be better off selling them and using the proceeds to buy modern equivalents of your most-used lenses. This option also gives ... 
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Updated October 8, 2025
$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography, especially as photography equipment is steadily getting more expensive. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.
At this price point, your options will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or larger-sensor compact cameras with built-in lenses. Compacts offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but likely won't offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones (despite their typically larger sensors).
Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.
It's worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will ...