Grading Every Camera Maker: 2025 Mid-Year Review (Feat. Gordon Laing)

Surprise! Today, Sony dropped the announcement of the RX1R III right before the PetaPixel Podcast team was scheduled to record, so we are coming to you with an early episode this week to talk about what we think of the new premium compact camera.With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the PetaPixel Merch Store, 5% off certified pre-owned gear from KEH, and now can download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses. Join today! It costs just $3 per month or $30 per year. Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro07:57 - Sony surprised with an RX1R III announcement28:02 - Samyang expands the affordable Prima line with two new primes33:49 - Judge says Insta360 may have infringed on GoPro patent, Insta360 will challenge38:12 - The Fujifilm X half is very popular44:49 - Canon to add password protection to 10 EOS R-series cameras, but it's not for what you think49:15 - Canon's re-mount of an ancient lens is very affordable54:32 - What happened to gap primes?

With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the PetaPixel Merch Store, and now can download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses. Join today! It costs just $3 per month or $30 per year. Some of the hottest cameras on the market today haven't been made in years, so this week The PetaPixel Podcast team goes back in time to go fixed-lens camera shopping! Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro 15:52 - Synology requires "certified" SSDs for its new NAS and, suprirse, they cost 5x as much19:10 - The NPPA is in trouble21:40 - OM System is considering in-camera AI upscaling to address resolution complaints30:13 - Apple patents a new image sensor with 20 stops of dynamic range34:43 - Cameras and lenses are in danger of getting even more expensive37:23 - If you could go back and use any fixed lens digital camera from the past, which would it be?1:00:01 - A brief film aside...1:05:56 - What have you been up to?1:09:11 - Tech support

To celebrate the summer, DxO is offering a great deal for the PetaPixel Podcast listeners. You can get 25% off any DxO software, including Nik Collection 8, by using the code JULY25 at checkout. This is a limited-time offer for new customers, valid until July 6th, so, if you want to unlock some serious creative potential, head over to dxo.com and check out Nik Collection 8. Use code JULY25 to save 25%!In what is quickly becoming a bi-annual tradition, the PetaPixel Podcast team welcomes Camera Labs' Gordon Laing back onto the pod to play proctor! It's time for the midterms: how is every camera maker doing so far in 2025? Well, that is, if they decided to show up and take the test. Support Chris and Jordan directly with a PetaPixel Membership!Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode00:00 - Intro11:58 - Tamron has a new 16-30mm f/2.8 G214:11- Tamron says it's the #1 third-party lens maker by total sales15:38 - You can finally download that big Z8 firmware update16:11- But that Z8 update borked Tamron lenses18:16 - Sadly no, Fujifilm isn't bringing back beloved old films19:51 - About that Leica film... 21:55 - The specific things Mint updated in the production Rollei35AF24:42 - Midterm Review: Grading Every Camera Maker's 2025 Performance w/ Gordon Laing

Thanks to Audiio for sponsoring this episode! If you sign up for Audiio's lifetime music plan in the next 24 hours, you’ll also get the opportunity to add on lifetime access to the Audiio Pro mobile app (typically only available to audiio pro members!)! We offer these lifetime upgrade very seldomly, so you won't want to miss out! Visit http://audiio.com/petapixel or use promo code "petapixel199" to take advantage of this stellar deal today!This week on The PetaPixel Podcast, the team chats about the state of the "midrange" camera and how it might not be in the place it was just a few short years ago. Come to think of it, what even is every brand's "midrange" option right now? The team debates!Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro12:32 - The Bild Expo was HUGE, and we had a blast16:19 - The largest camera ever made took its first photos (and we were there to see it)17:29 - Thypoch has a new 21mm f/1.4 for Leica M-mount20:43 - Panasonic Lumix cameras are getting a nice firmware update and S1R II photographers will be especially pleased22:58 - Magic Lantern for Canon cameras is back25:20 - It's been two years, but still no Abode28:43 - Leica announced a new film and it's a black and white 50ISO emulsion. 33:45 - Yashica adds a version of the FX-D that has a viewfinder 38:01 - What is the state of the midrange camera? 1:10:33 - What have you been up to?1:15:28 - Tech Support (and Never Read the Comments)nce)

This week on the PetaPixel Podast, Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider are here with a special episode as they took to the Photography Stage at the BILD Expo in New York City for a live recording! The trio discuss every camera brand's 2024 so far and what the new camera releases say about how they see the industry now and into the near future. Plus, they take questions from the audience including questions about their favorite cameras ever, what the future of HDR is, and the status of the "promised" PetaPixel BBQ sauce.Check out PetaPixel Merch: to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, .In This Episode:00:00 - Intro03:29 - What every camera release in 2025 says about the brand's industry views 40:55 - Tech Support (from the audience)

With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the PetaPixel Merch Store, and now can download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses. It costs just $3 per month or $30 per year. Join today.Running a camera store is hard enough as it is, but add the complexity of the 2025 economic environment, and The Camera Store's founder Peter Jeune has his work cut out for him. This week on the PetaPixel Podcast, he joins the team to give an update on navigating the fluctuating pricing and product popularity so far in 2025.Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro12:49 - Firstly, no the Kyu review wasn't sponsored content15:13 - Fujifilm moved manufacturing for four X series camera to Japan just for the US market18:41 - We got a ton of new info about the GFX Eterna23:20 - iPadOS is finally getting the update Chris desperately wants27:55 - The SmallRig x Potato Jet tripod is now available in a more compact version31:36 - 31:36 - 7Artisans Cine Primes promise pro quality for $80038:25 - Omnar Lenses made the 5cm f/2 MC FLB lens42:04 - The Camera Store's Peter Jeune talks 2025 pricing and camera popularity1:19:31 - What have you been up to?1:26:16 - Tech support1:36:41 - Feel good story of the week

With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the PetaPixel Merch Store, and now can download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses. Join today! It costs just $3 per month or $30 per year. This week on The PetaPixel Podcast, the team is in Burbank, California at the Sigma west coast headquarters to meet with the company's CEO Kazuto Yamaki and discuss the company's new set of Aizu Prime cinema lenses. Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro08:45 - George E. Smith, co-inventor of the CCD sensor, has passed away11:37 - Yashica made a digital camera with a film advance lever15:42- Lenovo made a camera... for some reason17:25 - 400 photographers sign letter demanding the return of Nick Ut's credit on the 'Napalm Girl' photo21:18 - David Lynch's camera collection is up for auction24:48 - Interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki 47:02 - What have you been up to?50:19 - Tech Support1:10:27 - Feel good story of the week

<em>With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the <em>PetaPixel</em> Merch Store, and now can <a href="https://petapixel.com/sample-galleries/">download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses</a>. Join today! It costs <a href="https://petapixel.com/members/">just $3 per month or $30 per year</a>. </em><br/<br/>This week on <em>The PetaPixel Podcast</em>, the team sits down together in La Serena, Chile to talk about Sony's FX2 announcement and what it might mean for the company's next camera.<br/<br/>Thanks to the the lovely <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hotelterradiaguita/">Terra Diaguita Hotel Boutique</a> for allowing us to podcast from your patio!<br/<br/><em>Check out PetaPixel Merch: <a href="https://store.petapixel.com/">store.petapixel.com/</a> <a href="https://creators.riverside.fm/Petapixel"><br/<br/>We use Riverside</a> to record <em>The PetaPixel Podcast</em> in our online recording studio.<br/<br/>We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on <em>PetaPixel</em>, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/petapixel">you can do so through SpeakPipe</a>.</em><br/<br/><h2>In This Episode:</h2><ul><li>00:00 - <a href="https://petapixel.com/2025/05/28/hey-folks-we-screwed-up/">Hey everyone, we screwed up</a><li>02:38 - Intro<li>14:51 - <a href="https://petapixel.com/2025/05/23/iconic-photographer-sebastiao-salgado-has-died/">Sebastiao Salgado has died</a><li>16:49 - <a href="https://petapixel.com/2025/05/21/the-highly-anticipated-ricoh-gr-iv-is-in-development-and-coming-this-fall/">The Ricoh GR IV is FINALLY coming</a><li>22:10 - <a href="https://petapixel.com/2025/05/23/the-reto-pano-35mm-film-camera-switches-between-standard-and-pano-modes-mid-roll/">The Reto Pano 35 can swap between panoramic and standard 35mm film</a><li>23:36 - <a href="https://petapixel.com/2025/05/22/light-lens-labs-remade-p-angenieux-lens-arrives-in-june-for-1099/">Light Lens Lab P. Angenieux is coming in June for $1,099</a><li>27:57 - How badly does Sony need the a7 V right now... and how badly does it have to be really good?<li>42:15 - Why are we in Chile?<li>47:37 - Tech support<li>1:07:45 - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@anhudy/video/7457999044363832622?lang=en">Feel good story of the week</a></ul>

With a PetaPixel Membership, not only can you support original PetaPixel reporting and in-depth reviews, but you can also remove ads from the website and gain access to some seriously great perks, too. Members get $15 off the Moment Store, 25% off the PetaPixel Merch Store, and now can download full-resolution RAW files and JPEGs from the latest cameras and lenses. Join today! It costs just $3 per month or $30 per year. The Fujifilm X half is a quirky, funny little camera that is actually exactly what many of us have been asking for: a digital camera that tugs on the analog heartstrings, combining the usability of the modern age with the fun of times past. The thing is, the X half isn't perfect: there are some things the team would have done differently. Also, for those who enjoyed her article and video from earlier this week, Sarah takes a few minutes to answer some questions about her recent photography excursion to Iraq, too, so you won't want to miss this episode!Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Intro9:33 - You need to watch Sarah's video about photographing Iraq22:49 - Nikon was the best selling camera brad in Japan for the first time in the mirrorless era25:29 - Voigtlander lens lets you adjust aberration and bokeh29:07 - Blazar's new anamorphic lenses can rotate31:19 - The DJI Mavic 4 Pro was kinda sorta available in the US for a short time35:30 - Reduction of Chinese tariffs sees immediate decrease in price for some Leica products37:13 - If tariffs hold, Nikon expects to lose $70 million37:29 - Sony expects to lose $682 million37:41 - Sony raised the price of many cameras, lenses, and accessories39:11 - Let's talk X half... and what we would do differently 1:05:35 - What have you been up to?1:11:52 - Tech support1:32:49 - Feel good story of the week

The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is a versatile all-in-one zoom lens, perfect for travel and everyday photography. With a wide 18-300mm range, it lets you capture everything from expansive landscapes to distant wildlife. Its Vibration Compensation (VC) ensures sharp images even in low light, while the VXD autofocus delivers fast and precise performance for both photos and videos. Compact and lightweight, this lens is ideal for on-the-go photographers. Available for Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount, with Canon RF-mount and Nikon Z-mount versions coming soon. Whether you're exploring new destinations or capturing everyday moments, this lens offers flexibility and quality in one compact package. Shop today and save $100 at Tamron Americas!--The X5 is the latest flagship camera from Insta360. With full 360° 8K30fps capture, enhanced low-light performance, and a 185-minute battery life, X5 is designed for all-day, all-night, all-angle shooting. Get the X5 now, the smartest and toughest 360° Camera ever made here and use code “PetaPixel” to get a free 114cm invisible selfie stick with your purchase.--This week on the PetaPixel Podcast, the team is joined by content creator Sarah Teng the newest member of the PetaPixel team! Sarah is an underwater and travel photographer as well as a content creator, but she's not necessarily up to date on the latest cameras from every manufacturer. So, Chris and Jordan try and "sell" her the top options!Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/ We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.In This Episode:00:00 - Are we too hard on dentists?11:15 - TTArtisan's new 35mm T2.1 has two different bokeh options15:40 - Viltrox has a new compact flash19:15 - Adobe opens the gates for any AI models to work in Creative Cloud22:15 - Logitech MX Creative Console now supports Final Cut and Resolve24:33 - Our friend Hugh made a grip for the Sigma BF28:05 - Canon confirms tariffs are going to increase prices32:26 - Are there limits to what a lens can be anymore?1:03:49 - What have you been up to?1:08:17 - Tech support1:26:02- Feel good story of the week