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Image: Adobe

Adobe Max London is underway, and with it comes announcements from Adobe for its editing platforms. Some of the changes were previously revealed in a blog post from the company. The rest are mostly subtle, but, as usual, aim to streamline and simplify the editing process.

First, a new Select Landscape feature is coming to Adobe Lightroom. This tool will automatically detect and create masks for common landscape elements like plants, sky, water and more. Such automatic masking tools in Lightroom (and Photoshop) were previously limited to obvious subjects like people, so selective edits on landscapes still required more time-consuming manual edits. This should speed up the editing process for landscape photographers.

The Select Details actions can save you some tedious manual work.

Image: Adobe

For Photoshop users, Select Details will make it easier to select finer details like hair, facial features and clothes. Masking out hair is a tedious task that can be difficult to get right. Portrait photographers will appreciate anything that eases that process, so if this works as well as Adobe promises, it will be a welcome update.

Adobe says the Select Background tool will provide even more precise results, even with complex images.

Image: Adobe

Adobe says it updated the Remove Background tool in Photoshop, promising much more precise results and sharing an impressive demo of it cutting out a fish in a net. It should allow for much more accurate selections when dealing with complex images or colors that blend into each other, like a subject wearing a black shirt against a dark background.

You can now control colors from the Contextual Taskbar.

Image: Adobe

Adobe also updated the Contextual Taskbar with an Adjust Colors option. When clicked, it automatically samples the colors for you and creates an adjustment layer. That way, you don't need to create multiple adjustment layers or manipulate individual color changes when adjusting colors in your images or designs.

Image: Profoto

Swedish lighting company Profoto has announced the release of the Spot Small. This compact light shaping tool is built for photographers looking for precise control over their lighting and is aimed at professionals in the fashion, portrait, product and fine art industries. Profoto says the Spot Small delivers a crisp, artifact-free beam with its 115mm focusable lens.

Features

• Projects a clean beam of light.
• Focusable high-quality 115 mm optical lens.
• Four integrated adjustable metal leaves.
• It has an optional Iris and Gobo Holder (no Gobos included).
• Compatible with Clic light shaping tools.
• Compatible with both protruded and flat fronted 100mm lights.

Integrated adjustable leaves allow photographers to fine-tune the shape of the light, while optional add-ons like the Iris and Gobo Holder allow for the production of custom shapes and dramatic effects. A magnetic front ring ensures compatibility with Profoto's Clic light-shaping accessories, something users looking for more ways to experiment might be interested in.

Profoto says the Spot Small is built for longevity. It features fully vented 360-degree housing to withstand the demands of professional work. The device is compatible with both flat and protruded flash heads. Images of the product and its accessories can be viewed on the brand's official Instagram page.

The Spot Small is positioned as a tool for pro photographers who wish to work with intentionality and creativity, confidently shaping light with precision. Currently, there is no listed price.

Profoto Spot Small speficiations Focal length 115 mm Lens dimensions 12-18.5 cm (4.6-7.3") length x Ø7.3 cm (2.9") Width 19.5 cm (7.7") Height 23 cm (14") Length 35.5 cm (14") Weight 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)

Image: Helium Design Lab

There's no denying the bold, unique look of the Sigma BF mirrorless camera. It's unlike any camera currently available, with a body milled from a single block of aluminum. The minimalistic design lacks a grip, though, which some may take issue with. Helium Design Lab, a company started by photographers Ed Palisoc and Hugh Brownstone, has stepped up to the plate, with a grip worthy of the BF, as PetaPixel reports.

It takes a special design for any grip to look even somewhat right on such a distinctive-looking camera. The Helium Design Lab HeBF handgrip keeps the aesthetics of the camera intact, resulting in what Helium Design Lab says is a "more perfect union between camera and passionate photographers like ourselves." Like the camera, the grip is made of precisely machined aluminum, and each is hand assembled and inspected. It is designed, manufactured and packaged in the US.

Image: Helium Design Lab

The HeBF grip provides access to the battery without removing the grip and features a hidden, anti-tamper AirTag slot so you can keep track of your camera. It also offers built-in Arca-Swiss compatibility, and it's compatible with the Peak Design Capture Clip and Travel Tripod. There are bottom anchor lugs on the left and right, providing multiple options for wrist and camera strap configurations. It's available in natural silver aluminum and anodized black finishes.

The kicker: this is a very limited production run. Helium Design Lab says it is only making 100 units and will not offer it again. The limited nature of the grip, along with the close attention to detail of each one, naturally demands a steep price: $390.

The grip comes in silver and black.

Image: Helium Design Lab

As Brownstone admits in the YouTube video discussing the grip, "390 bucks is anything but chump change." But it isn't the company's most expensive offering. In fact, it's actually cheaper than all of the company's other options by $150.

Brownstone explains that they've engineered significant costs out of the grip compared to their other products to keep the price down as much as possible. Still, the grip's nature means it is expensive to produce. "This is not primarily a rational business decision. We're bad. It's an emotional one," says cofounder Hugh Brownstone. "Our ambition is to break even."

You can pre-order the grip from the Helium Design Lab website, provided you get there soon enough.

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Mitchell Clark

This week, Sony announced the FE 50-150mm F2 GM, a fast telephoto lens aimed at sports and wedding photographers. The company has made some big promises about its performance, saying that its theoretical sharpness at either end is comparable to that of modern primes.

We got to spend some time with the lens pre-launch, and took some sample images. We've processed them using Capture One, which lets us use the manufacturer-provided distortion correction profile.

See the sample gallery

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Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

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Image: Logitech

Logitech has announced new plugins for its MX Creative Console accessory, which acts as a control panel for various photo and video editing apps. It now supports Adobe Lightroom, Affinity Photo, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, as well as Figma, letting you trigger actions with its multi-function button and control edits using its dial and scroll wheel.

While you could use the console with these apps before, it was in a more limited fashion: you'd have to map keyboard shortcuts to the buttons rather than using pre-made actions that communicate directly with the app. And while a plugin for Lightroom Classic has been available since the Creative Console's launch, this is the first time an official one has been available for the newer version of the app.

Image: Logitech

The built-in actions let you do a variety of things based on which app you're working in. For example, when working in Lightroom, you can use the console to rate photos, filter photos by star rating or flags, open the color mixer and more. You can use the dial to change a variety of parameters and to crop and rotate your image. Meanwhile, in Final Cut Pro, you can use the console to trim your clips, zoom in and out on your timeline and access color correction tools. You can configure the wheel to scrub through your timeline by a single frame at a time or by several frames at once.

You can set up several pages of actions and scroll through them; the screens under the buttons will update depending on which page you're on and which app you're using. You currently can't create folders of actions, but the company says it's working on that ability and to expect support for more applications in the coming months.

The update that supports the new plugins and the plugins themselves are free if you already own an MX Creative Console. The accessory itself is $199 and comes in white or black.

Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H Adobe Lightroom, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Figma: Now Available for the MX Creative Console

Attention photographers, videographers, and designers! We are pleased to announce the latest software update for the MX Creative Console in the Logi Marketplace. This update brings powerful new integrations and expanded functionality for Final Cut Pro and the highly requested Adobe Lightroom, as well as new plugins for DaVinci Resolve, Figma and Affinity Photo.

“We have heard from the community that the MX Creative Console not only speeds up their workflow, but has increased their productivity and made work easier. Adding these highly requested plugins will unlock the MX Creative Console’s potential for a broader range of creative professionals,” said Anatoliy Polyanker, general manager of the MX Business Unit at Logitech.

Designed with creative professionals in mind, the MX Creative Console offers a personalized workflow experience. With dynamic display keys for instant access to essential actions and a customizable dialpad for intuitive navigation, it empowers creators to work smarter and faster. Additionally, every console includes a complimentary three-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps membership, providing exceptional value with access to industry-leading creative tools.

Effortless Setup with Pre-Built Profiles

These new plugins include default profiles with pre-assigned actions and tools, making setup quick and seamless. Built-in shortcuts and actions enable users to easily adapt and customize their console to fit their unique workflow needs.

Adobe Lightroom – Faster, Easier Photo Editing

• Built in collaboration with Adobe, this is the first time the native plugin for cloud-based Lightroom for Desktop is offered
• Quickly rate and flag images for faster processing of your images.
• Use Crop to straighten your image easily
• Adjust brightness, white balance, clarity, and more with speed and precision

Final Cut Pro – More Intuitive and Faster Editing

• Navigate and work in the timeline with quick, easy access to your most-used actions
• Instantly access all the tools you need to edit videos efficiently
• Get precise Color Grading via Color Wheels
• Clip Transport & Manipulation: Nudge, Trim, Select Next/Previous, Delete

Figma for Desktop – Optimize Your Design Workflow

• Quickly access essential tools and actions for Figma and FigJam
• Easily manage assets, text alignments, spacing, and layout adjustments
• Adjust text size, weight, height and more with the dial

DaVinci Resolve – Powerful Video Editing Controls

• Navigate the timeline with precision
• Cut, trim, and retime clips instantly
• Add, remove, edit and navigate your nodes efficiently

In addition to our existing lineup—including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Illustrator, Audition, and Capture One for Mac—we're introducing new plugins to enhance your creative workflow. Our tools are constantly evolving as we actively develop and refine features, ensuring there is always access to cutting-edge capabilities.

Visit the Logi Marketplace via the Logi Options+ app, which is available to download for free at logi.com/optionsplus, to explore these new features and elevate your editing experience to the next level. MX Creative Console, available in pale grey and graphite, is available for $199.99 on www.logitech.com and at other global retailers. Learn more at http://logitech.com/mx-creative-console

Earth Day in Pictures

Photographers posted images of what Earth Day means to them on their favorite platforms.

Copyright: © Brandon Dela Cruz

Today, Earth Day was celebrated around the world. What began in 1970 as a grassroots environmental movement has become a global effort to raise awareness about our planet. It encourages people to act on climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other pressing issues.

Photographers took to their favorite online platforms and shared their favorite related images to express what Earth Day means. My feeds were flooded with the loveliest tributes to what makes our planet worth fighting for. Enjoy this slideshow and check out the work these artists produce elsewhere.

'When badlands are good lands' by Larry Ginyard Copyright: © Larry Ginyard

Description: An aerial photo snapped in the badlands of southern Utah.

Artist statement about Earth Day: Capturing photos of the Earth grounds me. It’s where I go to escape the monotony of day-to-day life. The more isolated the destination, the better. With nothing but the sound of the wind, I can be introspective and contemplative.

I can also just be. Never underestimate the importance of just existing when surrounded by the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. We need to conserve places like this so that generations after us are afforded the same experiences.

'Twilight Reverence: Honoring the Earth Through Story and Light' by Criz Quinn Copyright: © Criz Quinn

Description: Every journey, every image, every breath… This planet has given me light, wonder, and awe. As a travel photographer, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to witness so much of our world, even its most remote and untouched corners. Every photograph I take is my way of saying thank you for the privilege to explore and share the Earth’s beauty.

This image, captured beneath the twilight sky among the ancient quiver trees of Namibia, is more than a memory. It’s a reminder that even in the quietest, farthest reaches of the Earth, there is magic waiting to be seen, felt, and honored.

The fading light, the silhouette of a friend dwarfed by ancient trees and scattered stone… this is scale, this is perspective. This is Earth reminding us of our place within something far greater than ourselves.

Artist statement about Earth Day: For me, Earth Day is about more than awareness. It is about reverence. A chance to pause and reflect on the extraordinary gift that we’ve been given: a planet that creates scenes like this without asking for anything in return but for us to respect it.

On this day, and every day, I choose to honor her through stewardship, and by continuing to tell her story through my photography with gratitude and awe.

'Atcama desert' by David Neuman Copyright: © David Neuman

Description: The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. In the middle of this arid desert is a laguna home to hundreds of flamingos, grazing about gracefully. The sheer randomness and juxtaposition of the bone-dry climate surrounding something so tropical is as breathtaking as the flamingos themselves.

Artist statement about Earth Day: As a photographer who loves traveling, exploring all of the diverse textures and colors of the earth’s surface is one of my favorite things to do. When I picked up photography in 2017, it offered me a whole new way to discover and seek out those perspectives. Earth Day serves as a reminder of how fortunate we are to have access to all of this. It also reminds us how precious our planet is, and that there is no planet B.

'Monument to the sun' by Justin Wood Copyright: © Justin Wood

Description: Video Projection.Photograph. Black Hills, SD (South Dakota)

Artist statement about Earth Day: Earth Day invites us to acknowledge our evolving relationship with the planet and the challenge of balancing emerging technology with ecological constraints. Drawing on the earthwork tradition, my projection installations seek to harmonize light and time, revealing fresh perspectives on ancient places.

'Aurora over high falls' by Nathan Klok Copyright: © Nathan Klok

Description: Vibrant Aurora lights up the night sky over High Falls on the Pigeon River along the Minnesota-Ontario border on August 11th, 2024. This night I chased and photographed the aurora from sundown to sunup during an intense storm of Northern Lights, where they were able to be seen throughout the entire United States.

Artist statement about Earth Day: Earth Day is a celebration of the beautiful planet we all get to call home and a call to protect it for future generations to come.

'Arizona sandstone' by Bayley Jordan Copyright: © Bayley Jordan

Description: A sunrise flight features the beautiful swirling color and texture of this Arizona sandstone landscape.

Artist statement about Earth Day: Earth Day, to me, is about appreciating and documenting the beautiful world we are so lucky to be surrounded by. If I am not out on a photo session, you will often find me spending time outdoors, whether it be biking amidst the beautiful alpine lakes and forests, camping with loved ones, or exploring a new hiking trail to capture stunning images with my camera or drone. I am outside daily in search of the gorgeous, golden-hour glow as it lights up each of the lovely landscapes we are so lucky to explore.

Multiple images (including header) by Brandon Dela Cruz Copyright: © Brandon Dela Cruz

Artist statement about Earth Day: As a photographer, Earth Day is a reminder to slow down and truly see. It’s easy to chase the next shoot or scroll past a sunset but this day reminds me to pause and appreciate how breathtakingly beautiful our planet really is.

To me, it’s not just about a single moment of recognition - it’s about honoring what has been here long before us the rugged coastlines, the towering redwoods, the untouched deserts, and all the wild iconic places that have stood the test of time. I think of national parks, not just in the US, but all around the world, as living museums of Earth’s raw beauty. Earth Day is a call to protect that to preserve the wild for the next generation.

I feel a deep responsibility with my camera to capture, not just the views, but the value of these places because if people can see how incredible this planet is, maybe they’ll feel more inclined to protect it. That’s what drives me.

'African Surf and Stone' by Adam Ledoux Copyright: © Adam Ledoux

Description: I took while in South Africa last year, of waves crashing onto rocks near the shoreline outside of Cape Town.

Artist statement about Earth Day: Earth Day serves as an annual reminder to love, appreciate, and care for the planet that we've been blessed to live on. We only have this one that we can live on (for now), and it comes with the task of keeping it healthy for future generations.

'Blue Earth. Pink sky.' by Sheen Watkins Copyright: © Sheen Watkins

Artist statement about Earth Day: Earth is a day of celebrating the natural wonders of our earth. It is also a reminder that she needs our protection and care.

'Avalanche Lake' by Karen Walter Copyright: © Karen Walter

Description: This image was captured at Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park, located in Montana.

Artist Statement about Earth Day: Earth Day to me means preserving our planet for generations to come by doing little things every day. Picking up trash in public places, recycling, planting a tree. Respecting nature by taking only pictures and memories, and leaving only footprints.

Icon: Meta

Today, Instagram released its new standalone free video editing app, Edits. It was introduced earlier this year when TikTok and its companion video editing app, CapCut, were briefly removed from iOS and Android app stores for US customers. The message was clear: Instagram is ready to compete.

Edits is Meta's response to CapCut, the video platform developed by ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. Unlike Instagram's native tools, which have long lagged in flexibility and depth, Edits is designed to give users more control over their editing process. The company acknowledged that "making videos can be challenging, often requiring multiple apps and complicated workflows." Edits aims to give creators a centralized space to produce, edit, and manage content.

Within the app, you can create videos using multi-channel timelines, organize projects through a dedicated tab, and jot down future ideas with built-in note-taking tools. The app supports video capture up to 10 minutes long, an upgrade from the 3-minute recording limit inside the main Instagram app. It also offers advanced effects like green screen replacement, AI-based animation of still objects, and subject cutouts.

Instagram aims to make video editing more streamlined with Edits.

Image: Instagram

Users can add captions and royalty-free music to videos and review performance metrics in the app. Unusual for a free app, Edits allows for exporting without a watermark, allowing creators to share the video footage across multiple platforms.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri noted the app will remain free, though paid features could arrive in the future to support more compute-heavy AI functions. "[Edits] will be free. I think over time, we might have some paid features where we’re going to need to cover costs of things," he explained on a recent Instagram post.

Edits is free to download on iOS and Android.

Image: Samyang

South Korean lens maker LK Samyang has partnered with German optics specialist Schneider-Kreuznach to launch its first co-branded lens: the AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE, designed for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras. We covered the recent announcement at CP+, at the end of February, and now more details have emerged.

Its lightweight at 445g (15.7oz), compact at 89mm (3.5") long and weather-sealed, this ultra-wide zoom is the only lens in its FE-mount class to support 77mm front filters, which is a bonus for photographers who rely on polarizers and ND filters. The lens also features a close minimum focusing distance for tighter compositions, along with a customizable button.

The lens is made up of 15 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical lenses, five high-refractive elements, and three ED elements. It has a nine-blade aperture, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.18m (7").

The 14-24mm focal length provides a 114.2º to 84.1º field of view, making it a strong pick for landscape images. The bright F2.8 aperture makes it suitable for nightscapes and astrophotography.

This marks the first release of a collaboration between LK Samyang and Schneider-Kreuznach. Samyang says the 14-24mm was "co-developed" between the two companies, but the specifics of the relationship haven't been disclosed. Schneider has allowed its name to be used on other optics before, including versions of Pentax lenses sold for Samsung DSLRs. Known for its third-party lenses, Samyang has built a reputation for making affordable and capable lenses for Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and the L-mount alliance.

The Samyang AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE joins the company's expanding Sony FE lineup and is expected to be available in May 2025. There's currently no word on pricing.

LK Samyang AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE specifications

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Sony

Sony has announced the FE 50-150mm F2 GM tele zoom: a shorter but faster alternative to the traditional 70-200mm F2.8. Its wider aperture will particularly suit photographers of indoor sports and wedding photographers.

The lens is the same 200mm (7.9") length as Sony's current 70-200mm F2.8 OSS GM II though 17% wider, at 103mm (4.1"). And, while it's a whole stop faster than the (longer and stabilized) 70-200mm, it's only 30% heavier, at 1340g (47.27oz), which feels surprisingly light in the hand.

Buy now:

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This comparative lightweight comes despite a design that incorporates 19 elements in 17 groups. There are 2 XA 'extreme' aspherical elements, 2 aspherical elements, 2 Super ED and 3 ED elements making up the design, delivering MTF charts of the theoretical performance that promise sharpness comparable to very good modern primes at both ends of the zoom.

It's an internal zoom design with a short throw zoom ring. It uses four 'XD' high-thrust linear motors to drive focus and can refocus fast enough for use with the a9 III's 120fps mode.

Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM @ 131mm | F2.0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 800

Photo: Richard Butler

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 | F2.0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 800

Photo: Richard Butler

Minimum focus distance is 0.4m (15.7") at the wide end and 0.74m (29.1") at the long end of the range. This is comparable to the working distance of the 70-200mm GM II but yields a lower 0.2x maximum magnification ratio as a result of its shorter focal lengths.

Video users will find the lens exhibits very little focus breathing (and this can be further corrected in cameras with breathing compensation mode). The focus ring can also be set to respond in a linear manner for predictable focus pulls.

The 50-150mm F2 takes relatively large 95mm filters and Sony says these must have an outside diameter of 99.4mm or less if you wish to fit the included hood at the same time.

The FE 50-150mm F2 GM will be available between the middle and end of May with a recommended price of $3899.

Image: Sony Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM sample gallery

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

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Buy at B&H Photo Sony Electronics Launches FE 50-150MM F2 GM

The World’s Firsti Telephoto Zoom Lens with a Maximum Focal Length of 150 mm and Constant F2 Aperture Designed for Wedding, Portrait, Indoor Sports, Photo, and Video Professionals

SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2025 - Sony Electronics Inc. introduces the FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM), the world’s firsti telephoto zoom lens with a maximum focal length of 150 mm and F2 aperture. This lens features a standard focal length of 50mm at the wide-angle end and combines a constant aperture of F2 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects. As part of Sony’s renowned G Master™ series, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.

“The FE 50-150MM F2 GM G Master marks a pivotal milestone in Sony's commitment to pushing creative possibilities,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By delivering a constant F2 aperture across its zoom range, this lens offers Sony Alpha users with an all-in-one solution that is comparable to multiple prime lenses, like a 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. This innovation expands the versatility professionals need to capture remarkable imagery in both photography and video.”

Exceptional Image Quality and Smooth F2 Bokeh

The G Master's internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.20 for detailed shooting.

The FE 50-150MM F2 GM's constant F2 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.

In addition, Sony's proprietary "Nano AR Coating II," applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.

Internal Zoom and Compact Design

Measuring at approximately 7-7/8 inches (200 mm) in length and weighing approximately 47.3 ounces (1,340g)ii, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide zoom range and bright aperture. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured internal zoom design that maintains the lens’s length and weight balance despite focal length changes. With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a standard 50mm through 150mm telephoto range.

Fast and Precise Autofocus Performance

Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony’s advanced control algorithms, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony's Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE trackingiii. With a fast AF system and a versatile 50-150 mm zoom range, the lens excels at capturing fast-paced indoor sports, portraits, and events.

Cinematic Video Production

Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM minimizes focus breathing and is compatible with Sony's Breathing Compensationiv feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens’s internal zoom design maintains stability even while zooming mounted on gimbals. Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.

Built for durability, the FE 50-150MM F2 GM features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant designv. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 50-150MM F2 GM will be available in May 2025 for approximately $3,899 USD and $5,499 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

i As of the April 2025 product announcement according to research by a Sony survey of lenses for interchangeable lens cameras.
ii Excluding tripod mount.
iii Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.
iv See camera compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is [ON]. Effective compensation may not be achieved in all situations.
v Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM specifications Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length50–150 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountSony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF2Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements19Groups17Special elements / coatings2 Extreme Asph, 2 Asph, 2 SuperED, 2 EDFocusMaximum magnification0.2×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight1340 g (2.95 lb)Diameter103 mm (4.06″)Length200 mm (7.87″)Zoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoFilter thread95 mmFilter notesFilter must have diameter less than 99.4mm for use with lens hood.Hood suppliedYesTripod collarYes

This morning, Fujifilm unveiled a brief teaser clip on its YouTube channel. Clocking in at less than 20 seconds, the words "Half the Size, Twice the Story" and "See you soon" appear, hinting at a new shooting experience centered around a half-frame format.

Speculation is already swirling in the comments section where the video is posted. Some users are guessing it could be an X-Pro4, a successor to the X70 or the long-anticipated X-E5. Nevertheless, the half-frame concept fits the "Half the Size" theme, and Fuji Rumors recently scribed an entire article on what it thinks will be the Fujifilm X-Half.

Fujifilm has not confirmed a launch date. However, if history is any guide, we won't have to wait long. The GFX100RF was officially announced two weeks after its first teaser dropped. If Fujifilm follows a similar pattern, the new release, whatever it may be, will be revealed in early May. All of this is speculation, not a confirmed rumor. Stay tuned!

Photo: Insta360

Insta360 has unveiled its latest flagship 360-degree action camera, the X5. Compared to its predecessor, the X5 promises improvements across the board with a larger sensor, better low-light performance and some upgraded durability features.

Insta360 increased the size of the twin sensors (one for each lens) on the X5 by 144%. The larger Type 1/1.28 (9.8x7.3mm) sensors should boost overall image quality and provide better results in darker conditions. Beyond that, the camera uses what Insta360 calls a "Triple AI Chip" system to improve image quality even more. That system comprises two image processors for handling noise reduction and processing and an "AI chip" that the company says handles additional processing.

Image: Insta360

Low-light performance is clearly a focus for Insta360 with the new camera. After all, many of the pre-release promo videos featured footage taken at night, and the above updates aim to help with low-light shooting. Insta360 is bringing PureVideo to its 360 lineup for the first time to address the camera's usefulness in dark conditions even more. The mode, which is already found on the Ace lineup of cameras, uses AI noise reduction, presumably more than what's happening in other modes, promising better low-light performance.

The update to the sensor and processing hasn't impacted the video resolution, though. Like the X4, the X5 can record 8K 30p video that is oversampled from 11K. Insta360 did upgrade the capabilities of its Active HDR mode, though, now allowing 5.7K 60p, whereas the X4 topped out at 30p in that mode.

Insta360 also aims to make it easier to share your content with the X5. While the flexibility of editing 360° videos is nice at times, it makes sharing your work more challenging. A new setting called InstaFrame enables instant sharing by producing two files: an instantly shareable flat video and a full 360° video. The flat file doesn't require any reframing or editing, though you do have to choose between a "fixed view that follows a constant direction or a selfie view that keeps you in frame throughout."

Image: Insta360

The X5 also sees upgrades to its build quality. Because the camera's lenses are so bulbous, they are relatively easy to scratch or damage. Previous models offered lens guards to protect against that, though many have reported that image quality suffered quite a bit when using those. So, Insta360 opted for "new, high-strength, scratch-resistant glass" on the X5 to help prevent damage without adding anything extra to the lens.

Should the lenses get marked up or shattered, the company has made it easier to replace them. You won't need to send it in for repairs, putting the camera out of commission for a time. Instead, the Replacement Lens Kit makes it easy and fast to swap out on the go. Of course, that means you need to have one on you at all times. Also, while Insta360 hasn't said what the Replacement Lens Kit will cost, we wouldn't be surprised if it's more than the $35 premium lens guards for the X4.

Photo: Insta360

Insta360 introduced other build upgrades, too. It says it improved the built-in wind guard and audio algorithm, promising to reduce wind noise and improve overall sound quality. The battery life should be better, too. Insta360 says it will support up to 185 minutes of recording at 5.7K in the power-saving Endurance Mode. That's a healthy bump from the 135 minutes of promised recording on the X4. The X5 boasts an IP68 rating, which is slightly improved from the X4's IPX8 rating. Insta360 says you can swim with it down to 15m (49') without dive housing, 5m (16') deeper than the X4.

The Insta360 X5 is available for purchase as of April 22 for $550, which is $50 more than the X4 when it launched a year ago.

Buy now: Buy at Insta360

Press release:

Insta360 Unveils X5: The Smartest, Toughest 360° Camera Ever Made

Insta360, the world’s best-selling 360° camera brand, is thrilled to announce Insta360 X5, its latest flagship camera. Combining groundbreaking image quality, rugged durability, and AI-powered ease of use, X5 sets a new benchmark for what 360° cameras can achieve.

X5's larger 1/1.28" sensors and lightning-fast Triple AI Chip system deliver a dramatic leap in image quality across all resolutions, including stunning 8K30fps 360° video. With PureVideo, a new AI-powered low-light mode, X5 achieves crisp, cinematic footage in challenging lighting.

Built for adventure, this is the toughest 360° camera ever. Its lenses are crafted from a new ultra-durable glass, while a first-of-its-kind replaceable lens system sets a new standard for the industry, allowing you to swap out damaged lenses on the go. Further hardware upgrades like a built-in wind guard, extended 3-hour battery life, and waterproofing to 49ft, make X5 the ultimate companion for active creators.

From shooting to sharing, X5 makes 360° creation effortless. The all-new InstaFrame Mode simultaneously captures an auto-framed, ready-to-share flat video and a full 360° video to fine-tune later. The Insta360 app has undergone a transformation with more intuitive editing tools, and X5 pairs with the Insta360+ cloud service, where you can instantly share 360º clips, edit on the cloud, and more.

"X5 redefines 360° cameras by solving creators' real challenges," said JK Liu, Insta360's Founder. "From replaceable lenses to AI-powered low-light shooting, we've built our dream camera—rugged enough for adventure, capable enough to produce high quality footage, and intelligent enough to capture epic moments effortlessly."

Insta360 X5 is available to order from April 22, 2025, via the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and select retailers, priced at US$549.99.

Insta360 is also hosting a pop-up event in NYC on April 22, offering attendees the opportunity to experience X5 firsthand through interactive demos, meet special guests, and receive exclusive merch.

Unmatched Image Quality, Day and Night

X5's 8K30fps 360° video looks better than ever, with supersampling from 11K to 8K resulting in minimal loss to image quality for true-to-life shots. But resolution is just part of what determines image quality.

X5's 1/1.28" sensors are 144% larger compared to X4's, meaning they capture far more light. The Triple AI Chip system, made up of one 5nm AI Chip and two Pro Imaging Chips, works wonders to reduce noise for clean, uncompressed images in any conditions. With 140% more computing power, every moment—whether on thrilling rides, underwater adventures, or the trip of a lifetime—becomes clearer, brighter, and more vivid.

Low light capture gets an additional boost with a dedicated mode: PureVideo. Advanced AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimization deliver clear, vibrant footage in low light, perfect for capturing your late-night city explorations, motorcycle rides, and more. Meanwhile, Active HDR has been upgraded to 5.7K60fps for smooth, sharper shots, especially in high-contrast scenes.

360° Capture - Souped Up & Simplified

As the fifth generation, X5 has refined every aspect of 360° capture with incredible results. The beauty of shooting with X5 is that you record everything, everywhere, always. No wondering "Did I frame that right?" or fears of missing an epic moment, just shoot first and choose your angles later, with the invisible selfie stick effect enabling otherwise impossible third-person shots. Ideal for solo creators, travelers, and well... everyone.

But now, there's a new mode that makes all that 360° goodness simpler to achieve than ever before. Meet InstaFrame. Hit record and X5 produces two files. The first is an instantly shareable flat video, no editing or reframing needed. Here you have the choice of a fixed view that follows a constant direction or a selfie view that keeps you in frame throughout. And the best part? At the same time, you'll also record a second clip in full 360° so you’ll never miss life's unexpected moments, from your toddler’s surprise first steps to a dolphin's sudden appearance beside your kayak.

The Toughest 360° Camera Ever

When a lens cracks mid-adventure, most 360° cameras become paperweights—but with X5 you can swap lenses before the ski lift reaches the top of the next run. No worrying about scratches or paying out of pocket for repairs, easily replace damaged lenses on the go with the handy Replacement Lens Kit.

Designed for the klutzes, the cliff-divers, and the 'I-just-dropped-it-again' creators among us, the lenses are also made from a new, high-strength, scratch-resistant glass that makes them far less likely to be damaged in the first place, making X5 a camera you can truly push to the limits.

Elsewhere, X5 has improved in almost every way that an action camera enthusiast could wish for:

• Built-in wind guard and improved audio algorithm - a multi-layer steel mesh Wind Guard silences wind noise, while the boosted algorithm offers sharp, immersive sound.
• Longer lasting, faster-charging battery - A 2400mAh battery supports up to 185 minutes of recording in 5.7K, using the power-saving Endurance Mode. It can also fast charge from 0 to 80% in just 20 minutes, or the time it takes to finish a cup of coffee.
• IP68 waterproofing to 49ft (15m) - go even deeper without a dive housing.
• Magnetic mounting system - allows for quick accessory swaps so you’re always prepared for the next shot.
• FlowState Stabilization + 360° Horizon Lock - still industry-leading for the smoothest shots possible.
• Convenient ways to "hit record" - the new Twist to Shoot feature enables shooting just by twisting a selfie stick back and forth. Other options include Voice Control 2.0, Gesture Control, or pairing with a wireless remote.

The Complete Post-Production Package

The Insta360 app has long been the most sophisticated, user-friendly app for editing 360° content. To coincide with X5's launch, it has undergone a revamp, with a sleeker user interface and new tools that make editing easier than ever.

A one-tap Dewarp button removes fisheye distortion for natural-looking footage, a new option to one-tap export with zero editing or reframing, and more. This is in addition to existing features such as Quick Edit and AI Edit for semi-automatic and automatic editing, Shot Lab with 40+ AI templates, as well as a full, manual editing suite.

Insta360 Studio, the desktop editing software for highest quality exports, is also available completely free, along with the mobile app.

For the best possible Insta360 experience and a smoother workflow, X5 is compatible with Insta360+, a cloud service offering auto file backup, instant sharing of 360° footage, cloud editing and export, and more, making it easier than ever to share your adventures with the world.

Availability

Insta360 X5 is on sale from April 22, 2025, at the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and authorized retailers, starting from US$549.99.

For those who can't wait, the new camera is also available to try and buy at Insta360's pop-up event at Grand Central Terminal, starting 9am on April 22.

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Tamron

Tamron has announced that it's working to bring its 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens to RF mount and Z mount. While it's only the company's second RF lens, it stands out even more on Nikon's system: it's the first third-party APS-C zoom lens with autofocus announced for Z mount.

That's more groundbreaking than the long list of qualifiers might imply. Nikon's lineup of APS-C-focused zooms includes just four lenses, and those are pretty much the only choices available unless you're willing to buy heavier, larger and more expensive full-frame lenses. Nikon also doesn't offer a lens with this large of a zoom range, nor as far a reach.

Tamron says the 18-300mm was the "world's first lens to achieve a zoom ratio of 16.6x when it was released in 2021 for Sony E mount and Fujifilm X mount." Earlier this year, Sigma announced the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary, which very slightly beats the Tamron when it comes to zoom ratio. It's also available for RF mount, though not for Z mount.

While some photographers don't find all-in-one zooms exciting, they can provide a lot of versatility to shooters who don't want to buy or carry around multiple lenses. Even though this type of lens generally doesn't have the greatest image quality or light-gathering ability, it's hard to argue that it's not a good fit for more entry-level systems, especially given its massive zoom range. In equivalent terms, its a 27-450mm for Nikon and a 29-480mm for Canon.

The RF mount version of the lens has a few extra switches.
Image: Tamron

The RF mount version of the 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD will have switches to toggle optical stabilization and autofocus on and off, as well as a lock switch to keep it from extending. Like the E and X mount versions, the Z mount model will have the lock switch, but not the other two.

Tamron says pricing and availability "will be announced at a later date." The lens retails for around $700 for other mounts.

Press Release:

TAMRON Announces Development of All-In-One Zoom Lens For Nikon Z Mount and CANON RF Mount

18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061)

One Lens That Covers Wide-Angle To Ultra-Telephoto-and Everything In Between!

April 22, 2025, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the development of all-in-one zoom lens, 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A[1] VC VXD (Model B061), for Nikon Z mount and CANON RF mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. Release date and pricing will be announced at a later date.

The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) is an all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It was the world's first[2] lens to achieve a zoom ratio of 16.6x when it was released in 2021 for Sony E mount and FUJIFILM X mount. And now, it is being released for Nikon Z and CANON RF mounts.

The 16.6X zoom range lets you enjoy taking photos from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto without having to change lenses. With its 18mm wide to 300mm ultra-telephoto reach (450mm plus full-frame equivalent on crop sensor cameras)[3], it’s ideal for a wide range of scenes, including landscapes, snapshots, portraits, animals, and sports. What's more, thanks to its compact design, you can easily take it with you on vacation, backpacking, and hikes. The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 5.9” (0.15m) at its wide-angle end, and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:2, making it possible to capture impressive images that bring out the power and detail of the subject. In addition, it is equipped with the high-speed, high-precision linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) and TAMRON's original VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization mechanism, supporting comfortable and stable shooting. This all-in-one zoom lens makes photography more fun because you can use it in an unlimited number of situations. It’s so versatile, it will inspire you to push your creativity further and further.

Product Features

1. Landscape, snapshots, portraits, animals, birds – an all-in-one zoom lens for all kinds of photography
2. Best-in-class autofocus, VXD that’s fast and precise, great for bird and animal photography
3. Maximum magnification ratio is 1:2, amazing for an all-in-one zoom lens
4. Uncompromising optical performance throughout the entire zoom range
5. TAMRON's proprietary VC supports telephoto and low-light shooting
6. AF/MF switch and VC ON/OFF switch for Canon RF mount

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.

This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under license from Canon Inc.

[1] Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

[2] Among interchangeable zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of July 2021: TAMRON)

[3] Full-frame equivalent of 27-450mm for Nikon Z mount, and 28.8-480mm for CANON RF mount

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Fujifilm

Fujifilm has said that it's temporarily pausing pre-orders for several of its cameras in the United States thanks to tariffs. A spokesperson for Fujifilm North America Corporation told DPReview that it is "currently not accepting new pre-orders for the X100VI, GFX100RF, and X-M5 (Black) models" so it can "assess various changes including tariffs, and their impact as cost-increasing factors."

The company didn't mention other cameras that are already for sale, such as the X-T5 or the X-H2 series, nor did it say what to expect if you had already placed a pre-order. You can read the full statement below:

"In the U.S. market, we have temporarily suspended orders for some digital camera products in order to assess various changes including tariffs, and their impact as cost-increasing factors. As a result, we are currently not accepting new pre-orders for the X100VI, GFX100RF, and X-M5 (Black) models."

PetaPixel reports that B&H, a major camera retailer in the US, has turned off pre-orders for those models, though other retailers continue to accept them. Fujifilm made no mention of when it expects to unpause pre-orders, or whether the products will end up costing more when they become available again.

The tariffs have made things complicated for manufacturers and retailers

Despite Fujifilm's latest statement, the company's stock issues in the US pre-date the tariffs. The X100VI has been on backorder ever since it launched early last year, and we noticed that the silver X-M5 – launched in November 2024 – was out of stock at most retailers in late March, weeks before the initial tariff announcements.

However, there's no denying that the tariffs being levied by the US government have made things complicated for manufacturers and retailers. The initial plan called for tariffs ranging from 24 to 46% to be imposed on imports from countries where most camera manufacturing takes place.

A few days after the initial announcement, President Trump said that most of those tariffs would be knocked down to 10%, though he billed it as a temporary pause for the next 90 days. However, as part of an escalating trade war, the tariffs on Chinese imports have ballooned to 145%. Both the X-M5 and the X100VI are produced in China.

Fujifilm isn't the only company to have reacted to the instability. BlackMagic and Harman – makers of Ilford film – both blamed the tariffs for price hikes on some of their products. Outside of the camera space, Nintendo delayed taking pre-orders in the US for its upcoming Switch 2 game console, though it has since said it intends to start taking orders this week. While the console will be available at its originally announced price, the accessories for it have all gotten price bumps.

It seems likely that we'll see more similar moves as the situation evolves. When we asked economic experts about the impacts of the tariffs on the camera markets, Anjali V. Bhatt, Communications Manager and Research Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told us: "the bottom line is that all photography equipment not made in the US, which is a significant majority of it, will be more expensive."

Click to read about the tariffs' impacts on camera gear in the US

US Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) outdoor photography show is back for a third season with a broader, national scope and nationwide availability. View Finders has grown from a quiet regional favorite into a nationally distributed, Emmy-nominated PBS series. The show, which is only viewable in the US, is hosted by professional photographers Chris Greer and Paul Daniel. It follows the duo as they explore breathtaking landscapes across the United States, seeking stellar shots while sharing tips on lighting, composition and storytelling through photography.

What began as a YouTube project focused on Georgia's natural beauty has evolved into a cross-country adventure. Season three premiered on March 17th and takes viewers to Grand Teton National Park, the Wind River Range and the White Mountain National Forest, among other destinations. View Finders' mission remains unchanged: celebrate the outdoors, educate the public about these places' ecological and cultural importance and inspire others to connect with nature through photography.

"The show has grown tremendously," Greer, who is also a Georgia College & State University professor, told Flagpole. "It's kind of transformed from a Georgia-based television show to a national television show, and this season reflects that national footprint."

The road to national syndication began after two successful seasons on Georgia Public Broadcasting. In 2023, Greer pitched the series to 300 PBS stations nationwide and received a warm reception. In Greer's opinion, what sets View Finders apart is its unique blend of adventure, photography, and conservation, an angle not often explored on traditional travel shows.

The show also addresses the growing urgency around public land preservation. With interviews from park rangers, ecologists and historians, View Finders integrates expert commentary into each episode. Beyond seeing beautiful places, viewers learn why they matter and must be protected, "so they don't turn into developments and condos."

The View Finders crew captured footage using lenses like SIGMA's SPORTS 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS.

Image: Sigma

Another signature element of the series is its music. The soundtrack features a blend of independent southern artists and nationally known names like Hozier and Bon Iver. This season highlights music from Athens, Georgia-based acts including Grassland String Band, Family and Friends, and Hotel Friction. Greer believes the combination of powerful music and visuals creates an immersive experience and resonates emotionally with the audience.

All third-season footage from Greer, Daniel, and camera operator Nathan Burnett was filmed using Sigma lenses, as the company is the official lens sponsor. You can watch episodes from all seasons, including the current season, on PBS' official site. The final three episodes for this season will air soon. Greer told us that distribution for the UK, additional European and worldwide markets isn't finalized at this time, though the show could potentially find international audiences at some point.

Image: DHL

DHL Express, the world's second-largest delivery company, has temporarily suspended some of its international shipments to the United States, citing a surge in customs processing requirements tied to new US import rules. The change, which went into effect today, impacts business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments with a declared value over $800, as Fox Business reports. For example, consumers ordering camera gear from Sony or drones from DJI could face significant delays.

The suspension follows a policy revision by US Customs and Border Protection, which quietly lowered the threshold for formal customs entry from $2500 to $800 on April 5th. Under the new rules, any shipment entering the US valued above $800 is subject to a more complex customs process, including additional paperwork, duties and inspections. For logistics providers like DHL, this change triggered an immediate spike in formal entries, creating bottlenecks across international networks.

In a statement to customers, DHL said it saw "multi-day transit delays" for packages over the $800 threshold and confirmed that it would no longer collect or ship those parcels if destined for private individuals in the US. The company stressed in its last announcement that "this is a temporary measure, and we will share updates as the situation evolves." DHL is reportedly scaling up operations to handle the uptick in customs volume, but it hasn't offered a precise date for when service will normalize.

Nikon's Z6III is now subject to processing requirements.

Image: Nikon

The suspension is explicitly limited to international B2C shipments, packages sent from businesses abroad to individual customers in the US, with a declared value over $800. Lower-value packages, including all shipments under this amount, are not affected and will continue as usual.

Business-to-business (B2B) shipments, packages sent between international companies and US-based businesses, are also exempt from the suspension. However, due to increased workload at customs, they may face processing delays. This can potentially impact new product shipments to retailers, including B&H and big-box stores such as Best Buy.

The policy shift has sent shockwaves through international shipping and e-commerce channels. The effects of US Customs change are being felt beyond DHL. Earlier this month, Hongkong Post suspended its sea mail service in response to what it deems unfair trade tactics by the US. DHL will continue processing shipments from Hong Kong but has warned that customers should expect slower processing times and prepare for more changes, in light of more regulatory adjustments expected on May 2nd.

DJI's Air 3, which starts at $1,099 and ships from China, is now subject to additional processing.

Image: DJI

US officials have not publicly commented on the motive behind the customs threshold adjustment. The move, however, is deemed as a broader effort to tighten control over under-declared shipments and counterfeit products, all of which amount to lost tax revenue. It could also increase pressure to localize inventory.

While DHL works to resolve internal backlogs and scale its infrastructure, affected businesses and consumers will be impacted. We've become increasingly reliant on fast global delivery; even a temporary disruption like this has wide-reaching consequences. If you're ordering any new gear from your favorite electronics brand's official website, you should be prepared to track updates and plan for continuous delays.

Image: Vivo

Smartphone maker Vivo has released its latest device, the X200 Ultra. The Vivo X100 Ultra was widely seen as one of the best camera phones from last year, though it was only available in China. Unfortunately, its new device will likely have the same limitation, though it is still worth looking at, as Vivo is marketing it as "a camera that happens to be a phone." Vivo has been teasing details for some time, but today it has officially hit shelves in China.

Resolution Sensor Aperture Equiv. focal length Main camera 50MP Type 1/1.28 (9.9 x 7.5mm) F1.69 35mm Ultrawide 50MP Type 1/1.28 (9.9 x 7.5mm) F2.0 14mm Telephoto 200MP Type 1/1.4 (9.1 x 6.7mm) F2.7 85mm Selfie 50MP 1/2.76 (5.2 x 3.9mm) F2.5 24mm

The X200 features the typical three rear cameras: an ultrawide, a main camera, and a telephoto. Interestingly, the main camera offers a 35mm equiv. focal length, whereas most smartphones use a 24mm equiv. focal length. The 35mm angle of view is more versatile (and natural-looking) than 24mm, which is why it is such a standard focal length for photographers. Though a subtle change, it is nice to see a company rethinking that main camera.

The phone also features a 3.7x periscope telephoto camera that offers the highest resolution of the three, thanks to the Samsung HP9 200MP sensor. Samsung released the sensor last summer and claimed it was the first 200MP sensor for telephoto cameras.

The Zeiss-branded add-on lens offers a 200mm equiv. focal length.

Image: Vivo

Where things get unique, though, is with the optional Photographer Kit. Lately, we've seen many handgrip add-ons for smartphones to make them more camera-like, either from the phone manufacturer directly or from accessory makers. Vivo has gone the latter route. The Photographer Kit includes the 16GB/1TB phone, a camera grip, a shoulder strap, a case and a 2.35x telephoto converter lens. While we've seen a few detachable camera lenses for smartphones lately from the likes of RealMe and Xiaomi, those were concepts and are not currently available for purchase.

Like all of the integrated lenses on the X200 Ultra, the add-on lens was co-engineered with Zeiss. The cute telephoto lens attaches via a custom adapter, sitting over the 200MP telephoto camera. The lens features 13 lens elements with an F2.3 aperture. It offers a 200mm equiv. focal length with 8.7x optical zoom and up to 70x hybrid zoom (a combination of optical and digital zoom), resulting in up to a 1600mm equiv. Vivo claims that images from the optional lens are "highly usable" at 35x.

Image: Vivo

The grip looks similar to Xiaomi's Photography Kit. It features a vintage look and convenient camera controls, including a shutter button, a customizable control dial, zoom controls and a video recording button. It also offers a 2,300mAh battery to extend the phone's battery life, something that's especially useful when taking lots of photos or videos with your phone.

Image: Vivo

The X200 Ultra also features two custom imaging chips: one for pre-processing tasks and one for post-processing. It's capable of 4K 60p 10-bit Log video from all three rear cameras, as well as 4K 120p video on all three rear cameras. Plus, even if you don't opt for the Photographer Kit, there's a dedicated shutter button on the phone itself that allows you to slide to zoom or adjust exposure, like Apple's Camera Control feature.

Outside of camera specs, the phone runs on the Origin OS 5 Android skin, which is exclusive to China. It features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 and peak brightness of 4500 nits. The phone's internals include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 6000mAh battery, all of which are wrapped in an IP69 rating.

The X200 Ultra is available in China as of today in silver, red or black. According to Android Authority, the 12GB/256GB model is priced at 6499 yuan (roughly $890) while the top-end model (16GB/1TB) is 7999 yuan ($1096). The Photographer Kit, which comes with the top-end model, will cost 9699 yuan ($1329), though you can also buy it without the phone for a promotional price of 1699 yuan ($233) or full-priced at 2598 yuan ($356).

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The Sigma BF and a trio of lenses fitted nicely in the sort of bag I'd have thrown over my shoulder anyway.

Photo: Al Power

During the three weeks I've been shooting with the Sigma BF, a surprising number of people asked me what I thought of it. I'm not necessarily going to suggest you should go out and buy one, but I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. Partly because it prompted me to think more about the photos I was taking than I have done in a long time.

In principle I was on vacation, but I thought it might be an opportunity to rekindle my love for photography, distinct from my job that requires that I take photos all the time.

Winters in Seattle are particularly hard: the skies are reliably gray and I've lived here long enough that I'm rarely surprised by a photo opportunity I've not noticed before. For the past few years, all my best sample galleries have been shot while traveling.

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo

So I set myself a challenge: in keeping with Sigma's claims that the Sigma BF is intended as a device to help you capture everyday life, I decided to try to take at least one photograph every day, to document my trip.

There are very few contexts in which you can use this combination of words, but the Sigma BF proved it to be an almost perfect tool for the job.

One photo a day

I should start by saying that I failed the 'one photo a day' challenge I'd set myself. I arguably failed it in two ways: there were a couple of days where, either due to spending the day in transit, or because I was catching up with friends, I decided to leave the camera in my shoulder bag. But I failed in the opposite way, too: although the challenge was to take one photo a day, there were days on which I couldn't narrow things down to a single photo.

For instance, a day spent shooting with a friend from the the Oxford Flickr group (circa 2007) meant shooting too diverse a range of images to be able to limit myself to a single shot. It was one of those days where the act of having a camera with me prompted me to recognize a wealth of photo opportunities I'd have otherwise missed.

Photo day with Al Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.

Meeting up with an old photography friend, in the midst of his black-and-white photo challenge, meant I shot far more than my photo-a-day target.

Photos: Richard Butler

And I'm quite comfortable with these failures: the 'one photo a day' concept was meant to be a source of motivation: not a chore. There was no room in my luggage for a straightjacket.

On which subject, I think there was only one occasion on which I found myself feeling restricted by the choice of the Sigma: it was a grabbed shot of a vintage bus, which I was hoping to take for a friend who loves historical transport. It started to pull away in the same instant I'd decided to take a photo. The camera turned on quickly enough but, in the split second I had to adjust the shutter speed to cope with the bright sunshine and its sudden movement, I turned the dial the wrong way, made my overexposure worse and missed the moment.

The rest of the time, the BF felt like the right tool for the job. Its exposure-focused interface and pleasantly clutter-free screen constantly asked the questions: "what are you trying to photograph, and how do you want to capture it?"

It constantly asked "what are you trying to photograph, and how do you want to capture it?"

I packed the BF, a 35mm F2, 24mm F3.5 and 90mm F2.8 into a small bag I could hang off my shoulder, pretty much all the time. There was still room to carry a warm scarf or a jumper, along with my sunglasses: the essentials for spring in the UK, so carrying a bag felt necessary, rather than burdensome.

For me, these lenses made an excellent trio. I quickly grew to love the outrageous vignetting of the 24mm, rarely bothering to engage corrections and instead often adding a similar effect to some of my 35mm shots, using the in-camera processing. The 90mm makes an excellent portrait option, letting me capture friends and strangers alike and, like the 24mm, is a suitable small, lightweight addition to the camera body.

There are a couple of ways in which Sigma could improve the BF, and I've sent some feedback, following my trip (why isn't it quicker/easier to toggle a setting between automatic and manual control, for instance). But overall, I found the considered approach to shooting that it demands was exactly what I needed to remind myself what sets photography as a hobby apart from smartphone snap shooting.

The best thing about the BF isn't its external design

The Sigma BF isn't trying to be a rival or a substitute to most of the cameras on the market, and if judged on their terms, it comes up short. But as a device for encouraging you to capture the world as you pass through it, and engage with the process of doing so, it's an absolute delight. Irrespective of its looks, the way it's so focused on exposure, composition and nothing else is inspiring.

Despite what you might assume, if you've not used it, the user interface isn't a series of compromises to fit with the camera's minimalist look, it's an original and seriously-considered attempt to answer the question: 'what do you really need to take photos?' It makes Leica's very exposure-focused UI look cluttered and conventional by comparison, though it's unarguably a little slower and occasionally fiddly, if time's against you.

Strangers would literally ask me what I was shooting with. Which would give me an excuse to ask to take their picture. They would also tend to ask what I thought of it, which kept that question front-of-mind.

Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN |F5.6 | 1/500 sec |ISO 200
Photo: Richard Butler

What kept catching me off-guard is how good the autofocus is, both in performance and implementation. I was able to leave the camera in AF-C, knowing that eye detection would do its job if there was a person in the photo and that tapping on the screen would focus on something specific if I wanted, even if I continued to adjust my composition. As with the rest of the interface, it's not a complex system that can be adapted to cope with every possible eventuality: it's a system that's so simple but effective that you don't need to think about it, for the type of photography the BF is intended for.

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo So, what did you think of it?

Overall, I loved my time with the BF. A little like the Fujifilm X100 series, it's one of the few cameras it might make sense for me to buy, because it's not trying to do the same thing as most of the cameras I have to use for my job. It's the unusual, though-provoking (and, apparently, comment-worthy) device that lets me capture my life in the gaps between having to take photos for work.

Putting together a gallery while on vacation usually risks being something of a busman's holiday. And yet despite spending a couple of weeks constantly thinking about photography, I've arrived back in the office refreshed and ready to see what's arrived in my absence.

A one-photo-per-day* view of a vacation Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.

*Approximately

What started as an attempt to shift the creative landscape is now a thriving ecosystem of photographers, filmmakers and storytellers. We spoke with a few people who have participated in Sony's women-centered initiative, Alpha Female+, about how it's become a source of connection, mentorship and validation for them and thousands of other artists.

Founded in 2018, the Alpha Female+ community was Sony's response to a long-standing issue: the underrepresentation of women and marginalized voices in photography and filmmaking. What began as a Creator-in-Residence grant for five artists has grown into an international community with over 16,000 active members in its Facebook group alone.

"We wanted to do our part in making our world a more equitable place," said Michaela Ion, the program's creator, who has spent nearly two decades at Sony in various entrepreneurial-type roles. "The only way we will succeed in ensuring all voices are represented is if we support each other in that endeavor."

At the heart of the community is the weekly micro-grant program, which offers small cash prizes to creators who submit work around rotating themes. It's more than a contest, though. It's a springboard for confidence, collaboration and connection.

"My voice matters"

The recognition went beyond financial reward for Allegra Hutton, a recent micro-grant recipient who was also nominated for Sony's Creator of the Year award. "Winning a micro-grant from Alpha Female is such an incredible honor. More than that, it feels like a deep validation that my work has meaning," she explains. "As artists, we pour so much of ourselves into what we create, hoping it resonates with someone. This recognition reminds me that my voice matters."

"Put me underwater, and the 14mm F1.8 GM is my new fave (it's also pretty stellar for astro)." This was one of Allegra's two micro-grant winners.

Copyright: © Allegra Hutton, all rights reserved

A conservation photographer, Hutton uses her talents to spotlight environmental issues and inspire climate action. Her images capture devastation as well as hope. While the emotional weight of her subject matter can be heavy, the community helps lighten the load.

"There are days when I think about the wildlife that has died, the ice melting, the wildfires, the plastic. These thoughts get loud," she states. "But I remind myself that this climate anxiety is what drives me. It shows that I care."

A place to grow together

In photographer Lisa Wolfe's opinion, the Alpha Female+ community offers inspiration and a blueprint for creative momentum. "Sometimes I need an external prompt to get going again. These weekly themes give me just enough structure to stay active," she explains. "The community isn't about competition. It's about encouragement."

Lisa's image of Arches National Park with the Milky Way won a micro-grant several years ago.

Copyright: © Lisa Wolfe, all rights reserved

Wolfe, whose work blends documentary and fine art, finds deep value in seeing how other photographers interpret the same theme. "You'll see ten wildly different responses to the same prompt. That pushes you to think in new ways or try a technique you've been avoiding. It becomes less about perfect work and more about consistent creative practice."

"People genuinely want to help each other grow, and that's rare online."

She also praised the group's openness and generosity. "There's a culture of feedback, but it's never harsh or performative. People genuinely want to help each other grow, and that's rare online."

It's more than the gear

Many creators initially chose Sony for its technology; however, they stay for the people. "I'll stay a Sony user forever because of the community," Hutton says. "There's something so special about finding a group of like-minded creatives who inspire, support and genuinely root for each other."

Hutton's favorite lens for shooting topside wildlife is Sony's 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS.

Copyright: © Allegra Hutton, all rights reserved

Wolfe echoed her sentiment. "Creating in isolation is exhausting. This community reminds me that I'm not doing this alone. And that reminder can be the difference between creative burnout and finding your next idea."

A culture of showing up

The Alpha Female+ group is designed to encourage participation at every stage of an artist's journey. The community organizes everything from meetups and mentorship programs to year-long creative challenges and the Alpha Female+ Creator of the Year Award.

"We're constantly blown away by the work that's shared in the group," Ion said. "The talent is so vast, and the intentionality of the stories is humbling and impressive." But talent alone doesn't win grants or build connections. Showing up does. "The most successful creators we see are the ones who participate regularly. Even if their early entries aren't perfect, they grow. They get better. And they become more confident in their voice."

Her three core principles for creators hoping to grow within the community are to keep showing up, push past self-doubt and actively engage with others. "The best, most successful communities focus on giving. That shows in how we uplift each other and how we give ourselves the opportunity to create."

Wrapping it up

Sony's Alpha Female+ Creator of the Year Award is accepting votes until Tuesday, April 29th. The Alpha Female+ community is free to join on Facebook.

Images: Godox, Fujifilm, Aura and Sony

It's been a busy week here at the DPReview offices, but we've still been able to comb through the accessory releases to find some new and interesting products. We'll be taking a look at an upgraded digital picture frame, some new flashes and more. But first, as always, the deals!

Sales of the week Photo: OM System

OM System's OM-5 is a small, lightweight camera that comes with a bunch of computational photography features and an IP53 weather resistance rating. It's currently on sale for $300 off, which means you can pick it and a lens up for under $1000.

Buy now:

Buy w/ 12-45mm F4.0 at Amazon.comBuy w/ 12-45mm F4.0 at B&H PhotoBuy at MPB Photo: Panasonic

Like the OM-5, Panasonic's G9 II uses a Four Thirds sensor, though it packs it into a much larger body. It can shoot at much faster burst rates and has an extremely capable suite of video features, and it's currently $200 off.

Buy now:

$1845 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Bring on the light

This week, both Sony and Godox each unveiled updated versions of their flash units. Sony quietly released replacements for its HVL-F46RM and HVL-F28RM units, adding an A to the name of both, while Godox announced the third iteration of its TT520.

On the left is the HVL-F46RMA with the HVL-F28RMA on the right.

Image: Sony

The HVL-F28RMA is a compact and relatively affordable unit. Sony says it redesigned the flash head and internal layout, resulting in a smaller flash that suits compact mirrorless cameras. It offers wireless radio communication and a dust- and moisture-resistant design.

Pre-order at B&H

The HVL-F46RMA is a wireless radio flash that supports the a9 III's ultra-fast sync speeds, syncing up to 1/80,000 sec. It also offers intelligent communication with compatible cameras, allowing you to control various parameters within the camera itself and it works with the camera's face detection autofocus.

Pre-order at B&H Image: Godox

Godox's updated flash, the TT520 III, features an LCD screen, which the previous model lacks. It offers eight levels of power control in 1/3 stop increments and Godox promises up to 400 full-power flashes with a 1.8 sec recycle. The flash also supports 433MHz wireless triggering for flexible off-camera use. Godox didn't provide specifics on when it would be available or how much it'll cost, and retailers – including the Godox website – currently don't have it listed.

Show off your work Image: Aura

Digital picture frame company Aura recently announced its latest model, the Aspen. It offers a 12-inch anti-glare HD display with a paper-textured mat around it. Even with the built-in stand, it's just 1.1 inches thick, so it won't take up much space on an end table or bookshelf. A built-in speaker allows you to play videos, and the app provides unlimited storage and simple sharing tools.

Buy at Aura Buy at Amazon A pricing update Image: Fujifilm

On April 8, Fujifilm announced the Fujifilm Mini 41, but at the time, it didn't reveal US pricing for its latest instant camera. Fujifilm recently informed us that the camera will cost $130, though B&H has it listed at $100. B&H may be behind on updating the pricing, but it isn't clear at this time.

Pre-order at B&H The most adorable cameras Image: Bandai Namco

While not a broad release that you can purchase online, a fun find this week was broader access to Nikon gashapon. Nikon announced a collaboration with Bandai Namco last year, bringing a set of miniature Nikon cameras to gashapon capsule vending machines in Japan. Now, they've made their way to the US. If your local store has the Nikon machine*, you can put some money into it, and it'll spit out either a Nikon F, Z Fc, SP or Z9, complete with a matching lens that can actually be removed from the camera and placed onto another one.

* - We here at the DPReview office took a field trip to our local Uwajimaya to try and find one and were partially successful – the machine was there, but the capsules were sadly out of stock.

A surprising use for the Sony a9 III

Finally, for this week's video, we're sharing a unique use of the Sony a9 III. Arc Eye is using multiple a9 IIIs along with ILX-LR1 industrial box cameras to create 3D photogrammetry & 4D volumetric content for both creative and industrial use. The video only shows the setup, not the final results, but it is a wild contraption and fascinating to see the broad application of the camera.

Read last week's roundup

Photo: DPReview

This week brought a wave of firmware updates from Sony and Nikon, targeting full-frame and APS-C models. Sony released new software for the a7C, a7 III and ZV-E10, delivering stability improvements and minor tweaks. Nikon released updates for its flagship mirrorless Z9 and the newer Z50II, aiming to refine performance and fix a few lingering bugs. Here's a quick rundown of what's new.

Sony

a7C updates for Version 2.01 (Mac) and (Windows)

a7 III updates for Version 4.02 (Mac) and (Windows)

ZV-E10 updates for Version 2.02 (Mac) and (Windows)

• Allows the camera to display a notification when new software is available
  WPA and WEP functionalities are no longer supported.
• You can no longer select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 moving forward.
• Improves the operational stability of the camera.
• Note: This update is only available for Windows and macOS. A memory card version is not provided.

Please note: the firmware updates are identical across these three camera models.

Nikon

Z9 updates for Version 5.20 (Mac) and (Windows)

• Added support for “NX Field,” a remote shooting system for corporate users. Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions.
• Renamed d14 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Fixed the following issues:
  • Pressing the playback button after repeatedly shooting bursts would in rare cases corrupt the display of all images.
  • In rare circumstances, optimal exposure could not be achieved during burst shooting after changing the exposure in mode M.
  • In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected. ▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]

Z50II updates for Version 1.01 (Mac) and (Windows)

• Pre-Release Capture is now available using a SmallRig SR-RG2.
• Added “русский” (Russian) to [Language] in [SETUP MENU] for Z50II cameras sold in the Middle East region.
• Renamed d13 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Fixed the following issues:
  • In rare cases, the camera would stop responding when it was reconnected to SnapBridge after it was connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud while connecting to SnapBridge.
  • In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected:
    ▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]

That's it for this week. Make sure to check in every Friday, from here on out, for a round-up of firmware updates on all major camera models. Have a great weekend!