Photo News

Photo: Richard Butler

After getting a new lease on life in 2023, we here at DPReview are making up for lost time and getting the throttle back up to max. Here's a recap of the reviews and testing we've done this year so far, with more (and more and more) to come as the year goes on!

Sony a9 III initial review Photo: Richard Butler

The Sony a9 III is the company's latest high-speed pro sports camera. It features a Stacked CMOS sensor capable of shooting at 120 fps and able to read all its pixels out simultaneously: the long hoped-for 'global' shutter. Our studio scene analysis shows that it comes at a cost.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

Read the review.

Buy Now:

$5998 at Amazon $5998 at B&H $5998 at Adorama Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro sample gallery Photo: Shaminder Dulai

Panasonic's Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro is a full-frame L-mount lens that's designed to be compact and lightweight, coming in at 82mm (3.2") long and 74mm (2.9") in diameter and tipping the scales at 298g (10.5 oz). Hands-on, we can confirm it is very tidy and light.

See the gallery here.

Buy now:

$998 at B&H Photo $998 at Adorama Nikon Zf review Photo: Richard Butler

Nikon's Zf is a full-frame mirrorless camera with classic styling, built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's designed to mimic the look of the company's FM2 SLR from the early 1980s, meaning it effectively becomes a full-frame counterpart to the company's Z fc APS-C camera.

Read the review.

Buy now:

$1997 at Amazon $1997 at B&H Photo $1997 kit at Adorama Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II sample gallery

Photo: Dan Bracaglia

Sony's 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens is smaller, lighter and more capable than its predecessor. Optical improvements come in the form of better corner-to-corner sharpness and a new close-focus distance of just 22 cm.

See the gallery.

Buy now:

$2,298 at B&H Photo $2,298 at Adorama iPhone 15 Pro Max sample gallery Photo: Jeff L Carlson

When we published our iPhone 15 Pro Sample Gallery, we didn’t yet have an iPhone 15 Pro Max model in hand. In addition to boasting a larger 6.7-inch screen, the Max differentiates itself by having a 5x (120mm equivalent) telephoto camera with a clever tetraprism design. The iPhone 15 Pro’s telephoto camera, meanwhile, shares the same 3x (77mm equivalent) field of view as the iPhone 14 Pro. Is the extra reach worth the bigger physical size and higher cost?

See the gallery.

Buy now:

iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1199 at Apple Canon EOS R100 review Photo: Shaminder Dulai

The Canon EOS R100 is an ultra-compact 24 Megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera with an RF mount. It is the cheapest way to enter Canon's mirrorless ecosystem, offering more flexibility than a smartphone.

Read the review.

Buy now:

$429 body only at Amazon $499 kit at B&H Photo $499 kit at Adorama Fujifilm XF23mm F2 R WR lens review Photo: Mike Tomkins

The Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR is a very compact, portable, wide-angle prime lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. It makes a great walkaround lens and is well-suited for uses like travel and street photography, as well as things such as moderately wide landscapes and environmental portraiture.

Read the review.

Buy now:

$449 at Amazon $449 at B&H $449 at Adorama OM System OM-1 II Photo: Richard Butler

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a high-speed Micro Four Thirds camera based around a 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor. As the name implies, it's an updated version of the flagship OM-1, with a series of hardware and firmware improvements.

Read the initial review.

Buy now:

$2399 at Amazon $2399 at B&H Photo $2399 kit at Adorama Sony ZV-1 Mark II review Photo: Shaminder Dulai

The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a vlogging-focused compact camera built around a 20MP Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor and an 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens. Besides the new focal length range, much of this camera remains the same as its predecessor, which was itself a competent pocket-sized video camera.

Read our review here.

Buy now:

$898 at Amazon $898 at B&H $898 at Adorama Tenba Axis V2 18L backpack review Photo: Tim Barribeau

The Tenba Axis V2 18L ($200) is a well-made, quietly competent but otherwise uninteresting backpack. Tenba has been in this industry long enough to know the basics of building a functional bag, but this simple black rectangle struggles to stand out against a field packed with more interesting, stylish, or specialized options like Peak Design's exceedingly versatile Everyday Bag or LowePro's hiking bag that happens to hold cameras well too.

Read the review.

Buy now:

$200 at Tenba $200 at B&H Photo $200 at Amazon

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryStripV2({"galleryId":"3708545803","isMobile":false}) }) 83%Overall scoreJump to conclusion

Product images by Shaminder Dulai

The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a vlogging-focused compact camera built around a 20MP Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor and an 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens. Besides the new focal length range, much of this camera remains the same as its predecessor, which was itself a competent pocket-sized video camera.

Key specifications:

• 20 megapixel Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor
• 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens with built-in ND filter
• 4K/30p, 1080/120p video
• 24fps stills in both JPEG and Raw, for up to 800 JPEGs
• Fully articulating, 921K dot, 3" touchscreen display
• 8-bit Log and 'HLG' video shooting modes
• Directional 3-capsule microphone with wind screen
• UHS-I SD card support
• USB-C charging port, which can also be used while the camera is on and for streaming
• 3.5mm stereo microphone socket
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for image and video transfer

The ZV-1 Mark II runs $899.99 (MSRP) and comes in two color options: black or white. The camera can be paired with a black or white Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth shooting grip, which doubles as a compact tripod, for an additional $139.99.

Buy now:

$898 at Amazon $898 at B&H $898 at Adorama Index:

• What is it
• How it compares
• Body and handling
• Video
• Audio
• Autofocus
• Image quality
• Conclusion
• Sample gallery

What is it?

The ZV-1 Mark II is an entry-to-intermediate level vlogging camera designed first and foremost for users to film themselves speaking to camera from arm's length, at a tabletop or from a tripod. It has a three-mic array designed to isolate voices speaking to the camera, a selfie-friendly zoom range and touch controls to operate the camera with the rear screen flipped out for selfie video shooting.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

While the camera can shoot stills in Raw and JPEG (the cheaper ZV-1F couldn't shoot Raw), it's very evident that Sony sees this as mainly a walk-and-talk video camera for YouTubers and social media creators; for confirmation, we only need to look at Sony's logo on the touchscreen, which only appears right side up when it's flipped out for a selfie.

Compared to its predecessor, the ZV-1 Mark II is an update with very few changes save for one very notable switch (arguably correction) to a wider 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens. The original ZV-1 had a 24-70mm equivalent lens that made it challenging to frame wide-angle selfies, especially if you cropped in by engaging digital stabilization. With the updates to the lens, we can start at 18mm equiv. or employ digital image stabilization (IS), which imposes a 1.33x crop to give approximately 24mm equiv. field of view. The change means the Mark II gives a 24-67mm equiv range when stabilized, making it more usable for on-the-go selfie vlogging.

Other than the wider lens, the rest will be very familiar for ZV-1 users. The same Type 1 (13.2x8.8mm) Stacked CMOS 20MP sensor returns, which helps it achieve fast autofocus, quick and accurate people and animal tracking with low rolling shutter. It also has the same form factor as its predecessor, with the same buttons in the same configuration, the same rocker switch for the zoom, and the same distinctive fuzzy rat over the mic array, which slightly obscures the on/off button in the same way. Also carried over are the fully articulating 3" touchscreen, battery and ports for a 3.5mm stereo mic socket and Micro HDMI output. The multi-port has been swapped for a USB-C port. Absent once again is a headphone socket for audio monitoring.

How it compares

We've seen a slew of vlogging or creator cameras in recent years from Sony, Canon, Panasonic and even Nikon; there's no shortage of options. Sony alone has produced five models in its vlogging-focused 'ZV' range, stretching from the $500 ZV-1F to the $2200 full-frame interchangeable lens ZV-E1.

Considering the vlogging camera space and which cameras to compare, we thought it apt to include Sony's ZV-1F and ZV-E10. These cameras are aimed at a similar user need as the ZV-1 Mark II, yet they're spread across lower price points, making a features comparison useful. Among competitors, we also looked at the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III and Nikon Z30, as they fit the bill for size, weight and features aimed at vloggers, making a comparison meaningful.

Sony ZV-1 Mark II Sony ZV-1F Sony ZV-E10 Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Nikon Z30 MSRP $900 $500 $700 (body only), $800 (w/16-50 lens) $750 $710 (body), $850 (w/16-50mm lens) Sensor 20MP Type 1
(13.2 x 8.8mm)
Stacked CMOS 20MP Type 1
(13.2 x 8.8mm)
BSI CMOS 24MP
(23.5 x 15.6 mm)
APS-C CMOS 20MP Type 1
(13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Stacked CMOS 20.2MP
(23.5 x 15.7 mm)
APS-C CMOS Stabilization Electronic (Video only)

Electronic
(Video only)

Lens + electronic Lens + electronic Lens + electronic AF system Phase-detect Contrast-detect Phase-detect Contrast-detect Phase-detect Viewfinder No No No No No Lens/Zoom range 18–50 equiv 20mm equiv Interchangeable lenses 24-100mm equiv Interchangeable lenses Rear screen Fully articulating, 0.92M dot, 3" touchscreen

Fully articulating, 0.92M dot, 3" touchscreen

Fully articulating,
0.92M dot,
3" touchscreen

Tilting 1.04M-dot (180° up, 45° down) 3" touchscreen Fully articulating, 1.04M-dot, 3" touchscreen Video

Up to 4K/30p

Up to 4K/30p Up to 4K/30p Up to 4K/30p Up to 4K/30p Mic / headphone socket Yes/No Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/No Dials 1 rear dial 1 rear dial 2 rear dials 1 rear dials 1 front dial,
1 rear dial Card slots UHS-1 SD UHS-1 SD UHS-1 SD UHS-1 SD UHS-1 SD Battery life rating Still: 290; Video: 45 min at 4K Still: 350; Video: 60 min at 4K Still: 440;
Video: 80 min at 4K Still: 235; Video: 55 min at 4K Still: 330;
Video: 75 min at 4K Weight 292g 256g 343g 304g 405g Dimensions 106 x 60 x 47mm 106 x 60 x 47mm 115 x 64 x 45mm 105 x 61 x 41mm 128 x 74 x 60mm

If vlogging and auto mode simplicity are the chief concerns, then the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a suitable option. It benefits from a Stacked sensor, allowing for faster readout for minimal rolling shutter, and has very responsive phase-detect autofocus to help it avoid focus hunting during videos.

However, if you're seeking more control and want the versatility of exchangeable lenses – and don't mind losing the outstanding autofocus, rolling shutter performance and pocketability of the ZV-1 Mark II – we recommend the Nikon Z30. It's a trade-off that gains a larger sensor and better ergonomics, and while you may miss focus more often for selfie videos, we think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Body and handling

The ZV-1 Mark II is small, compact, lightweight and relatively pocketable at 292g (10.3oz) and 106mm (4.2") on its longest side. The body is very boxy, with a slight bump along the front for a hand grip and a thumb rest along the back. For its size and stature, the bump and thumb rest in tandem are surprisingly efficient and comfortable in securing the camera when not shooting selfies. A wrist strap loop adds peace of mind that the camera won't get jostled loose while in use.

When held in selfie mode, the camera can become difficult to hold steady or maintain a nice grip. We found having an external handle to screw into the tripod mount was essential for steady operation. Sony has an optional Bluetooth shooting grip (Sony GP-VPT2BT) with REC and zoom controls, which can also double as a compact tripod, for an additional $139.99, but any grip will do if you're looking to save some money.

The camera is sparse on buttons. Along the top plate and rear are a limited set of buttons, a rocker switch for the zoom and one rear dial. There is no viewfinder on the ZV-1 Mark II, which may present a challenge when used in bright sunlight if you're not shooting video in selfie mode.

On the back, there's a button for the Fn menus and 4-way dial to make quick adjustments to camera settings, but aside from the prerequisite shutter button, menu button and some additional customizable function buttons, the ZV-1 Mark II delegates most operations to the touchscreen.

We found the touchscreen to register inputs quickly. With the screen flipped out for selfie video, the touchscreen allows quick adjustments to shutter, aperture, ISO and white balance settings, but anything more requires swiping the panel to bring up additional quick menus. For instance, if you want to activate the ND filter or switch from touch focus to touch tracking, you'll need to swipe up on the touchscreen to bring up the Fn menu. Starting and stopping recordings can also be done through a touchscreen button, but we found it far easier to use the physical record button on the top plate. Having a tactile confirmation you are recording is nice, but we also appreciate the inclusion of a tally light and a red border that appears around the screen when recording. However, adjusting beyond basic settings requires accessing the main menus, which became an issue when shooting in selfie mode.

With the screen-flipped out or selfies, the touchscreen becomes your main way to control the camera, with all basic settings a tap away, including focus and the record button.

While on the go, thankfully the ZV-1 Mark II is quick to boot up and be ready to shoot. Users can turn the camera on/off via a power button along the top plate. However, this button ends up obscured and buried under the fuzzy rat accessory which sits over the three-capsule microphone, but there is an alternative. The camera can be set to turn on and off by flipping open or closing the rear touchscreen, and this quickly became our preferred way of activating the camera.

Battery

The ZV-1 Mark II retains the same 4.5Wh NP-BX1 battery from the original ZV-1, which is CIPA-rated for 290 still frames per charge (it's pretty normal to achieve at least twice the rated value). This is a reasonable level of endurance to squeeze out of a small battery. The CIPA rating for "Actual" video recording is 45 minutes. In practice, we landed closer to 30-35 minutes for video, which became a pain point.

New to this version is a USB-C port, which can be used to recharge the battery. Using this method, we could recharge the battery from nearly empty to full in about 35 minutes. You can also power the camera while in use over USB. Hence, an external power bank becomes an option for longer shoots than a single battery will allow, but this also defeats the purpose of a small form factor and highly portable design.

Video

The ZV-1 Mark II can capture up to 4K/30p, but that drops to 1080 if you want to use slow-motion frame rates. Unlike its predecessor, this version does not have lens or in-body stabilization. Stabilization is only available in video as a digital process, which crops the frame and takes its video from a moving frame within the cropped region to correct for motion. It works fairly well when capturing 4K video, and the crop turns the 18mm equiv. into about a 24mm equiv. This crop feels intentional; to deliver a camera designed to be a stable 24mm equiv., an unstabilized 18mm equiv. lens was required. (If you're curious, the original ZV-1's digital IS had a crop that turned the 24mm equiv into about a 30mm equiv.)

1080 video crops

4K video crops

Sony has included HLG modes, which are designed for viewing on HDR displays, and S-Log2 and S-Log3, which are aimed at retaining additional tonal information about the scene to give users more control over how they color grade their footage during editing. But there's just one problem. The camera only has 8-bit color depth. This is unusual for HLG and has a major drawback for Log footage.

Capturing in 8-bit risks the footage falling apart if you try to adjust color too far; this is because a wide dynamic range is stored with too few data points, and the result is images can start to degrade, band and posterize as you try to make large adjustments. S-Log3, which tries to maintain a very wide dynamic range, is particularly susceptible to this. We'd tend to stick with S-Log2 on this camera.

A few creative modes and dedicated buttons also return from the ZV-1 for vlogging ease. A defocus button tells the camera to prioritize a shallow depth of field and a 'Product Showcase' mode uses face detection but tells the camera to automatically rack focus to any objects you hold up close to the camera, which should help for anyone doing make-up tutorials, cooking demos, unboxing videos or anything where you need to demonstrate something and shift focus from your face to the object. A 3-capsule mic array also automatically adjusts to isolate the speaker's voice, whether behind, in front or around the camera.

CineVlog mode

New to this version is CineVlog mode, which automatically sets the camera to a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio with the 24p frame rate used in cinema and a gentler 'film-like' color profile. It also lets you apply color filters and adjust focus speed to mimic the big screen presentation.

Within CineVlog mode, a unique subset of color filters are broken down into "Moods" and "Looks." Broadly speaking, Moods adjust color response and Looks adjust tonal response and contrast. Both can be used in combination with each other to dial in a preferred presentation.

Looks: Chic Clean Mono Moods: Forest Gold Ocean

Four Mood options (Auto, Gold, Ocean and Forest) and five Look options (Classic, Clean, Chic, Fresh and Mono) exist. Autofocus transition speed may also be set between Hi, Mid and Lo.

The idea behind CineVlog is to produce ready-to-share videos directly from the camera. However, it should be noted this mode has baked-in black borders and the 2.35:1 isn't the native format YouTube and other social media platforms use.

File management and Sony's Creator App

One appeal of dedicated vlogging cameras is improved file management. Whereas a smartphone requires freeing up internal memory to continue shooting or a possibly slow and tedious download process that halts work, a camera with an SD memory card allows for quick swapping and downloading of files independently of a camera being used for filming.

In addition to memory cards and USB-C tethering, the ZV-1 Mark II can transfer files to mobile devices using Sony's Creator App (Android or iOS). With the app, files are meant to be moved directly from camera to phone and appear in the phone's photo/video library. In practice, we found the iOS version of the app was finicky with failed connections and frequent signal drops mid-transfer. We did not test the Android version.

Image stabilization performance

The quality of the stabilization will vary, depending on how much movement the camera is experiencing and in which direction. As you may expect, the slower and more steady the movement, the better the result in digital stabilization.

Walking at a normal pace – not briskly or intentionally slow to steady the camera – we found the stabilization to be better when moving forward and backward in the same direction as the walker talking to the camera. Vlogging to the camera was smooth, and pointing the camera out as we walked forward also yielded decent results.

Once we introduced walking turns around street corners and panning there was a noticeable drop in quality, with the the stabilization trying to grab onto the framing and then releasing as it reached the limit of what it could correct, giving a jerky experience. It's a very noticeable pain point that doesn't come up often, but it can make your work look amateur when it does.

Another option is bypassing the in-camera stabilization to use Sony's "Catalyst Browse" software. The camera records movement metadata from its IS sensors, making it possible to take unstabilized footage into the software and utilize the greater processing power of a computer, rather than expecting the camera to deliver results in real time. With this software, our stabilization results ranged from decent to marginally better. The extra steps to take this route are cumbersome and bring to question the camera's design ethos of steering users toward auto settings to make things quick and easy.

Audio performance

The ZV-1 Mark II has a directional 3-capsule microphone that can be set to auto or manually to capture directional sound from the front, back or all around. It is the same system used in the original ZV-1.

We tried a few simple tests to evaluate how much separation the microphones produce between the audio we want (a person talking to the camera) and the ambient noise in the environment. The results were mixed.

In Auto, the camera does its best in quiet and outdoor spaces but struggles indoors and in noisy environments, such as windy beaches or heavily trafficked city streets. Reverb is an issue with all audio capture, but on the ZV-1 mark II it is particularly bad indoors and gets worse as the distance between the speaker and camera increases. Auto audio mode struggles to discern where sound is coming from in these environments, and it's a guessing game if it will decide to use omnidirectional pick-up, recognize where the speaker's voice is coming from, or get fixated on the reverb source in the room.

We also noticed when rotating the camera 180 degrees, from having a person speaking behind it to in front of it in one continuous take, the auto mic array isn't consistently reliable in switching mic priority from rear to front. Another issue for continuous takes is that the camera also picks up the sound of the lens zoom motor.

When the system works as intended to identify a main speaker and prioritize them over ambient noise well, the results still leave something to be desired. Out-of-camera voice tracks are flat and tinny, and pale in comparison to external audio we captured simultaneously.

If possible, external audio is recommended, however, the Mark II does not have a headphone socket to monitor sound. There are visual levels, but there is no way to know exactly what those levels are measuring without listening.

Autofocus performance

One area this camera shines is the autofocus; it is very zippy, recognizing faces and eyes on people quickly. And once a face is locked in, the camera does a great job of staying on that person, even if other people enter the frame later.

Product Showcase mode demonstrates how effective the camera can be at tracking faces or transitioning to other subjects as required.

Thanks to the Stacked CMOS sensor, readout is fast and aids AF tracking to stay sticky on people and animals. We only noticed the camera losing focus in situations where we were briefly backlit and the focus jumped to the background, such as walking into a dark alley and the camera shifting focus to the trees behind us. In these situations, users can tap to focus on their face again or wait for the camera to recognize there is a face in the frame and start tracking it again.

Image quality

Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors and detail types you'll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes to see the effect of different lighting conditions.

$(document).ready(function() { ImageComparisonWidget({"containerId":"reviewImageComparisonWidget-15776873","widgetId":889,"initialStateId":null}) })

The ZV-1 Mark II uses the the same Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) sensor we've seen in RX100 models and image performance is similar as expected. The new lens is sharpest at the center with some falloff as you approach the corners. Colors and skin tone capture are fairly accurate, and we didn't notice skin tones going too pink for typically lighter skin or too red for darker skin. Greens and yellow are pleasing but not partially punchy using the standard profile. There is an issue with daylight white-balanced images going very blue, an unfortunate stumble in an otherwise capable system.

Conclusion What we like What we don't like

• Fast and reliable autofocus with face and eye tracking for people and animals
• Clean out-of-camera 4K video
• Touch-controls for selfie mode video
• Quick boot-up time
• Very good rolling shutter
• Tally light and red border on touchscreen to confirm video recording
• Built-in ND filters
• Auto modes that make tech invisible
• Wide lens for selfie videos

• Lack of IS for stills, digital-only for video
• Densely packed menus can be challenging to navigate
• No headphone socket
• Slow and quick motion drops to 1080
• Electronic shutter limits lower end to 1/4 sec
• Difficult to shoot stills in non-auto modes
• Limited body buttons
• S-Log3 in 8-bit has limited flexibility

The ZV-1 Mark II has many nice video features; it's fast to boot up, auto modes get you shooting quickly, autofocus and rolling shutter performance is very good and there's digital image stabilization for video (no IS for stills however). Users considering a compact vlogging camera or an upgrade to the original ZV-1 would find much to love in this camera, but there are stumbling points and limits that smartphone users and more advanced users may find frustrating. And, unsurprisingly, if you're primarily interested in stills and want manual control, this isn't the camera for you.

A brief note about stills

I've spent the bulk of this review examining the video capabilities of this compact, but if you noticed that 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens, stacked sensor and small form factor and thought, "This might make a great compact point-and-shoot," you're not alone. It's certainly not a thought that didn't occur to me during this review. The image quality is pretty decent; during our studio scene, we found minor softness in the extreme corners. However, while the ZV-1 Mark II is capable of stills, it's a camera aimed at vlogging and using it for stills isn't the most enjoyable photographer's compact.

"Video needs to be your primary need... making things using mostly auto modes and features."

The design philosophy of the ZV-1 Mark II is one built on automatic settings, aimed squarely at solo video creators. There's no need to know what an aperture is, what the lens is doing, the difference between cardioid and omnidirectional mics, or why Hollywood uses 24fps; the resulting look is the key here and Sony has tried to make it simple.

For all these promises, the ZV-1 Mark II is held back by a few glaring issues that prevent it from meeting the needs of its target users. Out-of-camera audio is better than most other cameras but isn't good enough to fully rely on: we don't recommend using it if you have other options. Then there is the issue with the jerky IS, which struggled to travel around corners, grabbing and releasing the frame. Coupled with color going too blue in some outdoor daylight scenes and an anemic battery run time for video, and it becomes hard to recommend the camera for users seeking a pocketable video-centric camera.

The biggest question to ask with any vlogging camera is whether the dedicated device is better than the smartphone we already carry daily. In this regard, we don't think the ZV-1 Mark II is up to the task.

The camera's excellent autofocus, subject tracking and rolling shutter performance are all leagues ahead of most smartphones. The addition of aperture control and memory cards that make it easier to transfer files is also appealing, but its over-reliance on auto modes, audio issues, terrible battery (I can't overstate this enough) and price point make it a product we would not recommend for users already meeting their needs with a good smartphone.

For smartphone users hoping to find manual controls a smartphone can't provide, I'm afraid here too, the ZV-1 Mark II does not fit the bill. It does have manual controls, but using them is punishing as you have to navigate menus and virtual buttons on the touch screen, and it's very easy to errantly adjust a setting with a misplaced finger. Manual focus is a non-starter here, as in: it's available, but we don't advise ever trying to use it.

Scoring

Scoring is relative only to the other cameras in the same category. Click here to learn about what these numbers mean.

Sony ZV-1 Mark IICategory: Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact CameraBuild qualityErgonomics & handlingFeaturesMetering & focus accuracyImage quality (raw)Image quality (jpeg)Low light / high ISO performanceViewfinder / screen ratingOpticsPerformanceMovie / video modeConnectivityValuePoorExcellentConclusionThe video-centric Sony ZV-1 Mark II has excellent rolling shutter, industry-leading autofocus and a very nice selfie-friendly zoom lens, but runs into issues with short battery life and flat out-of-camera audio. The camera thrives in auto modes, making it best suited for users seeking a simple-to-use camera.Good forVideo creators seeking a feature-packed dedicated device without a large learning curve.Not so good forVideo creators desiring manual controls and still photographers seeking a pocketable compact.83%Overall scoreRegularScoreCompareWidget({"mainElementId":"scoringWidget","mainProduct":"sony_zv1m2","scoringSchema":{"id":"SLRs","variables":[{"id":"BuildQuality"},{"id":"ErgonomicsAndHandling"},{"id":"Features"},{"id":"MeteringAndFocusAccuracy"},{"id":"QualityRaw"},{"id":"QualityJpeg"},{"id":"LowLightHighISO"},{"id":"ViewfinderScreenRating"},{"id":"Optics"},{"id":"Performance"},{"id":"Movie"},{"id":"Connectivity"},{"id":"Value"}],"categories":[{"id":"EntryLevel","label":"Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Entry Level"},{"id":"MidRange","label":"Mid Range Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Mid Level"},{"id":"EntryLevelFullFrame","label":"Entry Level Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Entry Level Full Frame"},{"id":"MidRangeFullFrame","label":"Mid Range Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Mid Range Full Frame"},{"id":"SemiProfessional","label":"Semi-professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Semi-professional"},{"id":"SemiProfessionalFullFrame","label":"Semi-professional Full Frame Camera","shortLabel":"Semi-professional Full Frame"},{"id":"Professional","label":" Professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR","shortLabel":"Professional"},{"id":"LargeSensorCompactEntry","label":"Entry Level Large Sensor Compact Camera","shortLabel":"Entry Level Large Sensor Compact"},{"id":"LargeSensorCompactEnthusiast","label":"Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact Camera","shortLabel":"Enthusiast Large Sensor Compact"},{"id":"VideoCamera","label":"Video Camera","shortLabel":"Video Camera"}]},"helpText":"Choose one or more cameras from the drop-down menu, then roll your mouse over the names to see how their scores compare to the camera on review."}) Compared to its peers

Amongst Sony's ZV line of vlogging-centric cameras, the closest competitors to the ZV-1 Mark II are the Sony ZV-1F and Sony ZV-E10.

The ZV-1F is the lowest-priced alternative to the ZV-1 Mark II, something it accomplishes by cutting features. The most notable 'cut' is that the camera only has contrast-detect autofocus. This isn't an issue for stills but will make videos, particularly selfie videos, an exercise in regularly having footage with missed focus and focus hunting. The camera also suffers significant rolling shutter, making it further unsuitable for video. We don't recommend it over the ZV-1 Mark II. Saving $400 (MSRP) may seem appealing, but don't do it.

On paper, Sony's ZV-E10 looks like a better buy, but it also pales next to the ZV-1 Mark II. Although the ZV-E10 has a larger APS-C sensor, dual dials and the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, the ZV-1 Mark II's faster readout gives smoother video from a more compact package. If your main use case will be selfie videos on the go, we prefer the ZV-1 Mark II.

Canon's closest competitor is the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, but it is the worst vlogging option among the cameras highlighted here. Video quality is significantly lacking compared to the ZV-1 Mark II, and contrast-detect autofocus introduces notable bouts of focus hunting. If you don't see yourself ever capturing video, then the Canon's ease of manual operation makes it an appealing option for stills.

Nikon's Z30 captures lovely video and has a low-light advantage over the ZV-1 Mark II thanks to its larger sensor. Rolling shutter performance isn't as good as the ZV-1 Mark II and its stacked sensor, but it's not terrible either. The autofocus is also less dependable.

We recommend Nikon's Z30 over the ZV-1 Mark II for vloggers who can accept a less pocketable option. A kit with a 12-28mm F3.5 can be had for cheaper than the ZV-1 Mark II. The only thing really holding this camera back is a limited selection of lenses (there are 5 own-brand and a few third-party lenses at present).

Buy now:

$898 at Amazon $898 at B&H $898 at Adorama 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.

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({"containerId":"embeddedSampleGallery_1506965461","galleryId":"1506965461","isEmbeddedWidget":true,"selectedImageIndex":0,"isMobile":false}) });

Photo: Shaminder Dulai

Blink, and you may have missed it, but the first month of 2024 has already come and gone. Here's a recap of the most noteworthy camera gear announced, released, or put up for preorder this January.

Hasselblad CFV 100C Image: Hasselblad

Hasselblad has announced a 100MP version of its CFV digital camera back, which combines with the 907x camera to create the smallest medium format camera on the market.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

Read more here.

Buy now:

$8,199 at B&H Photo $8,199 at Adorama Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 macro Image: Panasonic

In conjunction with CES 2024, Panasonic has announced the Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro lens for full-frame L-mount cameras. Panasonic calls it "the world’s smallest and lightest medium-telephoto fixed focal length macro lens." However, as important as its size and weight is versatility: Panasonic tells us its goal was to produce a macro that can also handle portraiture and medium telephoto shooting with vanishingly few drawbacks.

Read more here.

Preorder:

$998 at B&H Photo $998 at Adorama OM System OM-1 Mark II

Photo: Shaminder Dulai

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a high-speed Micro Four Thirds camera based around a 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor. As the name implies, it's an updated version of the flagship OM-1, with hardware and firmware improvements.

The OM-1 Mark II will be available from February 26th at a recommended price of $2399, a $200 increase compared with the original model from February 2022. US customers ordering before Feb 25th will receive a second BLX-1 battery and $300 off select lenses; we'd expect other regions to offer similar pre-order incentives.

Read our initial review here.

Preorder:

$2,400 at Amazon $2,400 at B&H Photo $2,400 at Adorama OM System 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS Image: OM System

OM System just announced its new OM-1 II, but that's only some of the news the company had to share. Also breaking cover is a 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 super telephoto zoom (equivalent focal length range of 300-1200mm) as well as a new version of the Olympus 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) with an updated body and OM System branding.

Read more here.

Preorder:

$2,700 at B&H Photo $2,700 at Adorama DJI Mic 2 Image: DJI

This January, DJI announced the Mic 2, the sequel to its first wireless microphone system released back in 2022. We were fans of the original, especially the details of its interface and user experience, and the Mic 2 expands on that with some additional creature comforts, 32-bit float backup recordings and a new transparent design.

Read more here.

Buy now:

$349 at Amazon $349 at DJI $349 at B&H Photo Apple Vision Pro Image: Apple

Apple announced the Apple Vision Pro's February 2nd shipping date during CES 2024. The flagship, first-generation "spatial computer" is now available to preorder on Apple's website for $3,499. Apple Vision Pro is not primarily a camera, of course, but it is, in part, a device for capturing photos and videos. The Vision Pro will be able to capture spatial photos and video using a button along the top edge of the goggle part of the device.

Read more here.

Preorder:

$3,499 at Apple Sony a9 III Photo: Richard Butler

The Sony a9 III is the company's latest high-speed pro sports camera. It features a Stacked CMOS sensor capable of shooting at 120 fps while reading all its pixels out simultaneously: the long hoped-for 'global' shutter. Announced in 2023, it's currently up for preorder with a February ship date (at Adorama, at least), though some readers report it's already available in Europe.

Read our review in progress here.

Buy Now:

$5998 at Amazon $5998 at B&H $5998 at Adorama

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryStripV2({"galleryId":"5720775046","isMobile":false}) })

Product images by Shaminder Dulai

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is a high-speed Micro Four Thirds camera based around a 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor. As the name implies, it's an updated version of the flagship OM-1, with a series of hardware and firmware improvements.

Key Specifications:

• 20MP Four Thirds Stacked CMOS sensor
• Continuous shooting at up to 50fps with full autofocus, 120fps with AF/AE locked
• In-body stabilization rated to 8.5EV
• 4K (UHD or DCI) at up to 60p with 10-bit and Log capture options
• Extended subject recognition AF modes
• 5.76m dot OLED viewfinder with 0.83x magnification
• 80MP multi-shot high res mode with 50MP hand-held option
• Live composite, Live ND and Graduated ND mutli-shot modes
• Environmentally sealed to IP53 standard
• Twin UHS-II cards

The OM-1 Mark II will be available from February 26th at a recommended price of $2399, a $200 increase compared with the original model from February 2022. US customers ordering before Feb 25th will receive a second BLX-1 battery and $300 off select lenses, we'd expect other regions to be offering similar incentives to pre-order.

Index:

• What's new?
• Body and controls
• Initial impressions
• Sample gallery
• Specifications
• Press release

What's new?

The OM-1 Mark II arrives two years on from the original model and offers a series of improvements, rather than a radical change of specs, compared with the existing model.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

The OM-1 II uses the same TruePic X processor as the original model did and its headline capabilities are essentially the same, but the new version has more RAM onboard, which the company says underpins many of the changes that have been made possible.

So, while the max burst rate and video specs remain unchanged, the way features are implemented and the performance of the camera within the bounds of those headline figures have changed.

Improved AF A 'Human detection' option in the camera's subject detection system replaces Face/Eye detection. It should be better at recognizing smaller subjects as well as helping simplify the user interface.

The headline change is the improvement of the camera's autofocus. The OM-1 II builds on what was one of the earliest implementations of machine-learning-trained subject recognition. The Olympus E-M1 X was the first camera to use machine learning to offer an AF system with AF algorithms that had been trained to recognize a broad range of subjects (previous rivals could only recognize people and domestic animals, typically).

The biggest outward change is that OM-1 II gains a Human detection mode, which extends subject recognition beyond just face detection but also means that all the camera's recognition modes are now integrated within the same section of the interface (Face Detection was a separate mode on the OM-1).

The company also says the refresh rate of the AF system has been improved, boosting the performance of the (non-recognition-based) C-AF + Tracking mode as well as the effectiveness of the AI-trained subject recognition modes.

As before, you can specify what the camera does if the recognized subject ventures beyond your chosen AF area: stick with the subject or revert to focusing within your chosen area. This can be set separately for stills and video.

We're also told the based C-AF tracking (without subject recognition) has been improved, which we're looking forward to testing.

Improved IS

Another major step forward in the OM-1 II is its improved in-body image stabilization. The revamped system, which uses updated algorithms, is now rated to deliver an impressive 8.5EV of correction when subjected to industry-standard testing.

This is unlikely to mean that you can actually reliably shoot at 8.5 stops below the traditional 1/focal length shutter speed (with a 50mm equiv lens, that would be an exposure of around seven seconds), but it does leave the OM-1 II as the highest-rated camera on the market.

More blackout-free modes

The existing OM-1 offered true blackout-free shooting at its fastest shooting settings. The Mark II extends this to some of its slower burst rates, meaning that photographers who don't always need to use the camera's fastest rates still experience the benefit of the sensor's rapid readout.

Bigger buffer

The most obvious sign of a hardware change in the Mark II is its deeper buffer. The Mark II can shoot 256 Raw frames at 50fps or 213 in its single (initial) AF 120fps mode. These numbers are around double the figures that the original model could achieve, and help boost the value of its high-speed capabilities.

In many circumstances, the benefit won't so much be the ability to stay on the shutter for five seconds, but instead that it decreases the likelihood of the buffer being full at the moment you need to capture another quick 50fps burst.

Graduated Neutral Density filter The OM-1 II's GND feature lets you adjust the severity of the gradient and adjust its position and angle.

Building on the Live ND option, which blends lots of short exposures to give the effect of a neutral density filter, the OM1 II gains the ability to simulate a graduated neutral density filter.

It gives the choice of whether you want the gradient to have a hard, medium or soft edge, and whether you want it to have a 1, 2, or 3-stop impact (ND 2, 4 or 8). You can then use the four-way controller or the touchscreen to move the mid-point of the gradient, and the dials to rotate its angle. The front dial rotates the gradient effect by 15 degrees, while the rear dial makes single degree adjustments.

The camera's Live ND feature has also been extended and can now simulate a 7-stop ND128 filter: a stop darker than the original model.

14-bit multi-shot Raw

The OM-1 II has the option to capture its multi-shot high-res images in 14-bit Raw. In both the 80MP mode that requires the use of a tripod and the 50MP mode designed for hand-held shooting, the camera can now store Raw files with the capacity for wider dynamic range that multi-shot shooting generates. It doesn't appear that this additional Raw depth is used to store the image data any more efficiently, though: the multi-shot Raws are between 2.4 and 4 times the size of a single-image file. We look forward to discovering whether there's an appreciable difference one we get independent Raw support for the camera.

Body and handling The OM-1 II shares a body with its predecessor: a compact, dense body with a well-designed layout that offers extensive direct control, despite the camera's small size.

The most obvious change between the OM-1 and the Mark II is that the camera now wears OM System branding across its viewfinder hump. The original OM-1 was at quite an advanced stage of development when Olympus divested its camera business, so it still had the previous company's branding emblazoned on it, which the Mark II sets straight.

Beyond this, the handling of the camera is almost identical to that of the original camera. We say 'almost' because OMDS has changed the camera's command dial to one with a rubbery coating. These offer an improved tactile feel and also make the camera a little easier to operate when using gloves.

The OM-1 II's dials have a rubberized finish to them, improving the feel and making them easier to use when wearing gloves.

The result is a small camera with a huge degree of direct control but with a layout that means these two factors are rarely in conflict (unless you have very large hands). We remain impressed with how much direct access is available and how comfortable the camera is to hold and shoot.

The elimination of the separate face detection option means that subject recognition options can now take its place on the Super Control Panel, just below the White Balance setting.

Beyond this, the camera's handling and operation remain unchanged. It continues to use the updated version of the Super Control Panel quick menu, making it easy to see and adjust the camera's key settings.

The dizzying degree of customization of the camera is still present. For instance, you can set the two-position lever around the AEL button to switch between focus settings, at which point you can decide whether this affects the AF mode, AF area mode and chosen AF area, so that it does exactly what you want. However, newer features such as focus limiter and subject recognition mode aren't options for what the switch changes, so you can't use this feature to engage and disengage subject detection mode or switch between subject types.

Viewfinder and screen Caption

The OM-1 uses the same 5.76M dot (1600 x 1200 px) OLED viewfinder as the previous model. The viewfinder optics give a finder with 0.83x magnification. As before, this can be run at up to 120Hz, with OMDS claiming a refresh lag of 5ms. It's a large and responsive viewfinder.

As you might hope, the OM-1 II also comes with the little FL LM3 flash. This mounts in the camera's hotshoe and can be rotated sideways and upwards, allowing you to bounce it. It's not very powerful in itself, but as well as being a lot more flexible than a typical built-in flash, it can also be used to communicate flash information to external flash units using the 'RC' infrared system.

Battery

The OM-1 II uses the same BLX-1 battery as the previous model. This is a 16.4Wh unit that powers the camera to a CIPA rating of 500 shots per charge: a very slight drop compared with the existing camera. In the more efficient Quick Sleep mode, the rating jumps to 1010 shots per charge, but with the screens slowing and then going dark much, much more quickly after each interaction with the camera.

As always, CIPA numbers tend to significantly underestimate the number of shots you're likely to get from a camera. Double the rated value isn't unusual, and this number significantly increases if you're shooting shots in bursts, where you're unlikely to view each image individually for long periods on the rear screen.

The OM-1 Mark II is compatible with the existing HLD-10 battery grip, which adds a second battery to the camera.

Initial impressions

By Richard Butler

The first thing that's likely to strike many OM System and Olympus users about the OM-1 II is that OMDS has chosen to update one of its most recent models rather than expanding or refreshing the rest of its lineup.

The company's presentation about the camera talked in terms of "perfecting" the already impressive capabilities of the original OM-1, rather than significantly expanding them. A deeper buffer, improved AF performance and uprated image stabilization suggest the company's engineers have been busy, though.

The new camera has more onboard memory, which we're told enables some of the new features. The deeper buffer during burst shooting is the most obvious outcome, but it could plausibly also be underpinning features such as the virtual Graduated ND feature that requires lots of frames to be held while the processor blends them together. But it's clear why the company has called this a Mark 2, rather than branding it as an entirely new model.

The move to a human detection mode within the camera's subject recognition options, rather than face/eye detection that lives separately, helps improve the coherence of the camera's operation. But there are still clear signs (such as the limited functions that can be controlled by the two-way switch) that this is a camera that's been added to, year by year, rather than developed from a blank sheet of paper.

What it continues to offer is pro-level speed with camera/lens combinations that are appreciably smaller and lighter than larger formats. There's a trade-off to be made for this, but features such as hand-held high resolution mode can help to overcome the differences.

The OM-1 II's video specs are unchanged, compared with the existing camera.

OMDS has clearly recognized this, and if the improved AF performance makes the camera more effective for wildlife photography, then it could help strengthen the brand's handhold in that niche. We're still in the early days of testing the OM-1 II, but more effective autofocus, combined with the OM-1's speed, its weather sealing and the availability of light long lenses, would help justify the company's focus on its high-end models.

We'd love to see a continuation of the PEN line of small, classic-looking cameras, as they were some of the models that helped define the early promises of the move to mirrorless. But the speed and multi-shot capabilities Olympus and OMDS have developed make more sense in a rugged camera to be taken into the wilderness with a long lens for landscape and wildlife shooting. Arguably, some of these capabilities could also translate into a go everywhere/do everything travel camera, too, but for now the efforts have been concentrated on the OM-1 and OM-5 lines.

As with the move from the E-M1 II to the III, there'll be people who wonder whether the changes could have been made as a firmware update, and it'll be interesting to see whether some of the behavioral refinements of the Mark II are made available to owners of the original camera. But our first impressions are that the OM-1 II represents a meaningful advance in the areas that matter for its intended uses. Whether they're meaningful enough to prompt OM-1 users to upgrade is something we'll discover in the coming weeks.

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.

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({"containerId":"embeddedSampleGallery_3632672590","galleryId":"3632672590","isEmbeddedWidget":true,"selectedImageIndex":0,"isMobile":false}) });

Back to index

Image: OM System

OM System just announced its new OM-1 II, but that's not all the news it has today. Also breaking cover is a 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 super telephoto zoom (equivalent focal length range of 300-1200mm) as well as a new version of the Olympus 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) with an updated body and OM System branding.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

The 150-600mm shares the bulk of its specs with Sigma's 150-600mm F5-6.3, suggesting it's a version of the same, modified with a Micro Four Thirds mount to fit OM System cameras. OM System's 150-600mm has an optical construction of 25 elements in 15 groups, weighs in at 2,065g (4.6 lbs), and provides up to 7 stops of stabilization paired with the OM-1 II, with 6 stops of stabilization on the lens itself.

Image: OM System

The new 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 sports an all black casing and OM System branding, but is otherwise functionally equivalent to the lens Olympus released in 2010, its third for the Micro Four Thirds system.

Both lenses will be available in late February, the 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 for $2,700 and the 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 for $700.

Introducing the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600 F5.0-6.3 IS Lens

Capture Wild Birds Easily with Powerful Image Stabilization and Super-Telephoto Hand-Held Shooting

Bethlehem, PA - January 30, 2024 - OM Digital Solutions Corporation is pleased to announce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS (35mm equivalent: 300-1200mm) lens, a pinnacle in super telephoto zoom technology. This Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant super telephoto zoom lens is a testament to innovation, offering an expansive focal length of up to 1200mm equivalent¹ on its own and up to 2400mm equivalent1 when combined with the optional M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter MC-20, redefining versatility, delivering unparalleled imaging excellence. This lens will be available beginning in late February 2024 and features compatibility with 5-axis sync IS when used with the new OM-1 Mark II, providing up to 7 shutter speed steps of image stabilization². When used independently, it offers up to 6 shutter speed steps of image stabilization³, for razor-sharp clarity even at extreme distances, eliminating the need for a tripod and allowing photographers to seize decisive moments on the fly.

Crafted with resilience in mind, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens features IPX1 splash & dust-proof performance, complete with fluorine coating, making it a reliable companion in the harshest environments. Its compact, lightweight design grants photographers unparalleled mobility, enabling fast and nimble maneuverability while seeking elusive subjects. The OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens heralds a new chapter in photographic excellence. Empowering photographers with unparalleled reach, resilience, and performance, it redefines boundaries and captures the extraordinary.

Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens will be available beginning in late February 2024 at a suggested retail price of $2,699.99 US and $3,599.99 CAD.

1 35mm equivalent

2 According to CIPA standards; Image stabilization is disabled at the halfway release when correction is performed on two axes (yaw and pitch) Camera body: OM-1 Mark II at a lens focal distance of 150mm (35mm equivalent focal length: 300mm)

3 According to CIPA standards; Image stabilization is disabled at the halfway release when correction is performed on two axes (yaw and pitch). Camera body: E-M10 Mark IV at a lens focal distance of 150mm (35mm equivalent focal length: 300mm)

Introducing the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II Lens (35mm Equivalent: 18-36mm) with Retractable Design for Unmatched Portability

Experience Effortless Creativity with the Unique Photographic Possibilities of an Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Bethlehem, PA, January 30, 2024 - OM Digital Solutions Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II, with a 35mm equivalent of 18-36mm. This wide-angle lens complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, providing users with a versatile tool to explore a wide range of photographic possibilities. Customers can pre-order the lens now. The lens is set to hit the market in late February 2024.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II stands out as the lightest and most compact option among the three M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ultra wide-angle zoom lenses.¹ Photographers can fully leverage its wide-angle capabilities to capture expansive natural landscapes and take wide macro shots of flowers and trees from a low angle, encompassing the sky in the composition. This approach emphasizes perspective by bringing the subject closer, resulting in an effortless expansion of the photographer’s creative palette in outdoor photography.

Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II Lens

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II lens will be available beginning in late February 2024 at a suggested retail price of $699.99 (US); $949.99 (CAD)

1 Among these three lenses: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO, and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO.

Photo: Jeff L Carlson

Much of the appeal of using your smartphone as a camera is that it's simple – and for most people, it is. But things can rapidly get complex for photographers who want the best quality and full control when shooting with their phones. That's the case with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

Which of the phone's various cameras gives you the best resolution? Which modes override that resolution? When are you capturing an optical image versus digital upsampling, which can switch without your knowledge? To help you get the best quality from the camera that’s always with you, let’s look at these and other situations.

For this article, we’re talking about capturing photos using the built-in Camera app. You can find even more specific features, such as shooting in unaltered Raw format or using manual modes, using third-party apps such as Halide, Lightroom for mobile or Obscura.

Also, even though we're focusing on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, much of the information here applies to the iPhone 14 Pro (which can capture 48MP in Raw mode) and other models capable of running iOS 17.

How to get 48MP resolution on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro

One of the most appealing features of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro cameras is the ability to capture images at 48MP resolution, but you won’t get it every time without deliberate preparation.

Each lens on the iPhone 15 is backed by its own sensor, so an iPhone 15 Pro includes four separate cameras, including the front-facing one. Only the main camera includes a 48MP sensor, so for 48MP images, you need to be shooting at 1x zoom. The 0.5x ultrawide and 3x or 5x telephoto (on the Pro and Pro Max models) cameras use 12MP sensors.

Despite that 48MP main sensor, the default resolution is set to 24MP, presumably to rein in large file sizes. To kick that up to 48MP, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and turn on Resolution Control (on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus) or ProRAW & Resolution Control (on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max).

On the Pro models, set the Pro Default option to HEIF Max or ProRAW Max. That enables a control at the top of the Camera app that enables the Max (48MP) resolution.

Make sure the Resolution Control setting is turned on. Look to the Resolution control to make sure you're capturing 48MP.

When you want to capture in 48MP, tap the control (labeled HEIF Max or RAW Max), removing the diagonal line through the text to enable it. To switch back to the 24MP default, tap it again.

Viewing the information about the photo reveals the resolution. 24MP HEIF capture (exported as JPEG from Apple Photos) 48MP HEIF capture (exported as JPEG from Apple Photos)

That toggle seems straightforward, but sometimes you won’t get the maximum resolution even when enabled. Resolution gets knocked down to 12MP whenever Night mode, Macro mode, or the built-in flash is enabled. Similarly, the resolution is reduced in Portrait mode when a lighting style (such as Contour Light) is selected.

On the Pro models, touch and hold the control to choose a format without navigating back to the Settings app.

Touch and hold the Resolution control at the top of the Camera app on iPhone 15 Pro models to quickly switch options. How to choose the right format: Raw, HEIF, or JPEG

The default image format for all recent iPhones is HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format), which saves files with the extension .HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding). It’s a format that compresses better than the near-universal standard JPEG and acts as a container that includes other data, such as depth map information.

If you’d rather store images in JPEG format to make sharing or publishing images easier without converting them later, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible under Camera Capture.

To capture in JPEG format, choose Most Compatible in the Camera settings.

On the iPhone 15 Pro models, you can also capture Raw images saved in Apple ProRAW format. Raw photos include more dynamic range information and give you more editing flexibility. However, ProRAW differs from most Raw formats in that Apple demosaics the raw data to create a hybrid image incorporating the iPhone’s computational processing.

If you want to edit the unaltered data from the camera’s sensor, you’ll need to turn to third-party apps that can shoot Raw. If you’re using the non-Pro iPhone 15 models, those other apps are the only way to shoot Raw photos since Apple reserves ProRAW as a feature for its Pro models.

You can capture either 48MP in the ProRAW Max mode or 12MP using the ProRAW 12 setting. When shooting Raw, 24MP is not an option. That resolution is possible only when shooting HEIF or JPEG because the camera captures multiple 12MP exposures and computationally combines them with a 48MP image.

Choose the resolution and format that is active when you launch the Camera app. How to minimize digital zoom

The ultrawide (0.5x) or telephoto (3x/5x) cameras each capture images optically, where each pixel corresponds to the area perceived in the field of view – if you don't tweak the zoom. If you choose an arbitrary zoom level between those ranges, such as by pinching two fingers on the screen, the camera zooms digitally and interpolates how the pixels appear based on that field of view, which can introduce softness or artifacts.

The main camera is a special case. At 1x and with HEIF Max or RAW Max enabled it records 48MP of optical information. The 2x level remains at 12MP because it's a crop of the main camera sensor. But for the other zoom levels, including 1x with HEIF Max turned off, the iPhone uses computational photography to create a final 24MP photo. It pixel-bins the sensor (grouping sets of nearby pixels to act like a single, larger pixel) to create a 12MP image and then combines that with a 48MP reference image.

With the Pro models' 1.2x and 1.5x zoom levels, the camera is cropping the 1x frame and then upsampling to make the 24MP photo. The results are usually quite good, which is no doubt why Apple makes 24MP the default resolution.

At the 1.5x zoom (35mm equivalent), the image is captured at 24MP. (Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max.) At the 2x zoom (48mm equivalent), the image is 12MP. (Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max.)

If you want to minimize that upsampling, you can go to Settings > Camera > Formats and change Photo Mode to 12MP, which gives you the pixel-binned version without the scaling, at the expense of overall resolution.

Sometimes, though, the camera system attempts to be clever. For instance, if you’re using the telephoto camera (with an aperture of f/2.8) on the iPhone 15 Pro and the system calculates that there isn’t enough light to get a good exposure, it automatically – and silently – switches to the main camera with its wider aperture (f/1.78) and digitally crops to capture the same field of view.

You can confirm this in the Photos app by tapping the (i) button and seeing which camera was used. The result may be acceptable because the better-quality main camera uses a crop of its high-resolution sensor to mimic the zoomed-in field of view. However, it may not be what you wanted.

In this case, the room was darkened and the 5x telephoto was used. The Camera app decided that the 5x telephoto camera wouldn't capture enough light, so the photo was actually made using the main camera simulating the 120mm field of view.

Ideally, the solution here is to add light to the scene somehow, move to a position that lets you get a similar composition using the main camera or capture a 48MP photo and crop it later during editing.

An even more drastic version of this auto-switching can happen on the iPhone 15 Pro models using Macro mode. The mode uses the ultrawide camera with its 2cm (0.78 inch) focal distance to capture subjects close up. (Even though the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include an ultrawide camera, the Macro feature is reserved for the Pro models.)

When the camera senses objects very close to the lens, it automatically switches to the ultrawide camera (without changing the zoom indicator). You can display a button that appears when this happens by going to Settings > Camera and turning on Macro Control.

Macro mode uses a cropped portion of the ultrawide camera’s sensor, no matter which camera you've selected. This can become a blurry problem if you start with one of the telephoto cameras. To replicate the same field of view, the iPhone blows up a severe crop of the ultrawide camera's sensor, and you wind up with a blurry mess.

The 1x view is active, but the camera detected close-up items and activated Macro mode (the yellow button at top). When you start with the telephoto camera (3x on the iPhone 15 Pro) and use Macro mode, you end up with a mess. How to capture low-light photos

Computational photography has greatly improved shooting low-light photos with smaller sensors. The iPhone’s Night mode can do a great job of illuminating dark situations, even if you're shooting handheld. If the lighting is dim enough, the Night mode icon at the top of the screen turns yellow and displays the number of seconds needed to capture a good exposure.

Normally, that countdown is dictated automatically, but you can specify a different duration. Tap the carat (^) button at the top of the screen to reveal additional controls (which appear below the image preview), then tap the Night mode icon above the shutter button. This gives you a slider to set the exposure duration. When you tap the shutter button, you’re asked to “Hold still”: try to keep the crosshairs aligned to improve the sharpness of the image.

Night mode determines the exposure time for a dark scene (top), which can be adjusted using its control (below the preview). When hand-holding in Night mode, try to keep the + icons aligned during the exposure.

However, even with this manual control, the Camera app still limits the exposure time based on its reading of the available light and whether the internal gyroscopes detect that you’re shooting handheld, such as setting the Max value to 5s or 10s. To extend that time to 30 seconds in especially dark situations, put the iPhone on a tripod or stabilize it so it’s not moving.

Photo: Jeff L Carlson

This photo of the sky was captured using a tripod and a 10-second exposure. (iPhone 15 Pro capture, white balance adjusted in Lightroom.)

Another way to get decent photos in the dark, without Night mode active, is to make sure you’re using the main camera, which has much better light-gathering ability than the ultrawide or telephoto cameras.

Photo: Jeff L Carlson

iPhone 15 Pro Max main camera without Night mode.

Photo: Jeff L Carlson

iPhone 15 Pro Max main camera with Night mode active.

How to lock focus and exposure

This feature has existed since the first iPhone camera, but many people don't know about it. You probably know that you can tap an area of the screen to set focus, which also adjusts the exposure value. But if you tap elsewhere or reframe the scene, the focus and exposure shift based on that new area. If you move the camera, it attempts to reset the focus and exposure based on the scene.

To lock focus and exposure, touch and hold the area you want to focus and meter until an AE/AF LOCK badge appears at the top of the screen. To turn off the lock, tap anywhere in the scene.

Touch and hold an area (indicated by the box on the image) to lock exposure and focus. How to apply exposure compensation

The iPhone's exposure metering is usually pretty good, but you may want to adjust the exposure manually. But because the Camera app lacks a manual shutter speed control, you need to change the exposure value (EV).

To do that, tap the carat (^) button at the top of the screen to reveal the additional controls, then tap the (+/–) button to display the Exposure slider. Drag to the left or right to decrease or increase the value. A new badge at the top of the screen indicates the EV amount. That compensation stays fixed while you’re shooting until you reset it (tap the badge to display the slider again).

Adjust the Exposure Compensation control to set a fixed EV between shots.

A quicker approach (that isn’t sticky) is to tap the screen to set focus and exposure, lift your finger, and then drag the sun-shaped exposure icon up or down.

Drag the exposure icon down reduce the exposure. Drag the icon up to increase the exposure. How to capture in Burst mode

For years, the way to shoot bursts of photos on the iPhone was to touch and hold the shutter button. Now, though, that’s a shortcut for recording video. Instead, drag the shutter button to the left to capture a burst.

Another option is to enable the Volume Up button to be used as the burst trigger. Go to Settings > Camera and turn on Use Volume Up for Burst feature.

Drag the shutter button to the left to capture multiple shots in burst mode. Burst mode photos appear in a group in the Photos app. Tap Select to choose which ones to keep.

A burst is saved in the Photos library as a single group of shots, regardless of how many frames you shot. Tap Select to view them all. Tap to select your favorite images from the bunch, then tap Done, at which point you’re asked if you want to keep the entire set or only the ones you selected.

How to record video to external storage

Now that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models use USB-C for wired connections, the Pro models can finally record video to external storage such as an SSD or a memory card reader. That’s great news when you’re working with Apple ProRes 4K/30 files that occupy as much as 6 GB for every minute of video (or higher for some formats and resolutions). Naturally, there are caveats to making it work.

Only video saved in ProRes format can be recorded externally. First, go to Settings > Camera > Formats, enable the Apple ProRes option and choose HDR, SDR or Log encoding. Next, when you’re ready to record, tap the ProRes button at the top of the screen to enable ProRes, and also specify the resolution (HD or 4K) and frame rate (24, 30 or 60). ProRes 4K/60 is available only when recording externally.

Hardware-wise, you need a USB-C cable that supports USB 3 speeds of at least 10Gbit/s; the cable that comes with the phone supports only slower USB 2 data speeds as it is mainly intended for charging. The storage device must write at speeds of 220MB or faster and be formatted as APFS or ExFAT.

Lastly, make sure the external device is plugged in and the Camera app is reading it. You should see “USB-C” near the port.

Look for the "USB-C" badge to indicate that video will be recorded on a connected external device.

Note that it’s possible to shoot still photos and save them directly to external storage, although the Camera app does not currently do this. The app Photon has this feature. We expect other developers to follow suit.

How to record spatial video for the Apple Vision Pro

The iPhone 15 Pro models running iOS 17.2 and later have another video trick. It can record spatial videos for the Apple Vision Pro. When viewed on the iPhone or any other device, the video looks the same as you shot it, but on the Vision Pro, the depth information generated during recording adds a 3D element to the footage.

To enable this option, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and turn on Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro.

In the Camera app, switch to Video mode and hold the iPhone in its landscape orientation. Provided there’s sufficient light (the mode won’t activate in dim environments), tap the Spatial Video button that appears. If the app can’t easily discern subjects in front of the camera, it may direct you to move farther away.

With the Spatial Video for Apple Vision Pro option enabled, tap the Spatial Video icon to record footage with embedded depth information.

Now that you know about how the iPhone 15's camera works under the hood, it should be a little easier to bully it into giving you the results you want instead of just the results that it thinks you want.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve run into unexpected complexity or if there are other features our readers (or their friends and family members who they might forward this to) should know about.

Sony World Photography Awards Student and Youth shortlists announced

Photo: Chengchen Wang, China Mainland, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

This week, the World Photography Organization announced the shortlist for Student and Youth Photographer of the Year, a subset of the broader Sony World Photography Awards of 2024.

The students, all attendees of institutes of higher learning, each put together bodies of work based on the prompt "Home." The photos run the gamut, depicting the inside of some of the photographers' actual homes, while others speak more broadly to the cultures of the various countries they hail from.

The youth photographers, all 19 or under, shot for the prompt "Through Your Eyes," with results covering landscape, portraits, astrophotography and more.

The winners will be announced on April 18th 2024, but you can feast your eyes on all the contenders right here, right now.

Lonely Surfer

Photographer Name: Daniel Murray

Image Name: Lonely Surfer

Year: 2024

Image Description: I took this picture in Newquay, Cornwall, at the start of summer to capture the figure on the beach. I felt that this moment summed up Cornwall quite nicely in one picture.

Copyright: © Daniel Murray, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Flock of Magic

Photographer Name: Zy Grei Zander Esperanza

Image Name: Flock of Magic

Year: 2024

Image Description: This is an image inspired by the photographer Trent Parke. My image consists of two ICM shots of a flying flock of doves I photographed on 19 May in my backyard, then blended together in an editing software. Though not taken with the same process as Parke’s, it still has the same goal that he is known for, to ‘turn the ordinary into the magical using light.’

Copyright: © Zy Grei Zander Esperanza, Philippines, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Self-portrait

Photographer Name: Joyce Xu

Image Name: Self-portrait

Year: 2024

Image Description: In June 2023, I took this self-portrait in a photo studio. I was in an introspective mood, grappling with an inner turmoil, torn between my connection to Chinese culture and tradition, and my hope to liberate myself from self-imposed constraints linked to my heritage. This image represents a quest for belonging, adaptation, and identity in unfamiliar lands.

Copyright: © Joyce Xu, Australia, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Snow Mountain at Sunset

Photographer Name: Chengchen Wang

Image Name: Snow Mountain at Sunset

Year: 2024

Image Description: This photo was taken at the beginning of the year, when the sun slowly set and the sunset hit the snow mountain of Yala. It looked so holy, so I took this photo.

Copyright: © Chengchen Wang, China Mainland, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Tea-Portrait

Photographer Name: Shayna Cuenca

Image Name: Tea-Portrait

Year: 2024

Image Description: For my image titled ‘Tea-Portrait,’ I took a self-portrait, printed the image, and cut it into tea bag-sized pieces. I then transferred the cut pieces onto tea bags using Modge Podge, and reattached the tea bag strings. Finally, I laid out the bags and pieced them together to create my image.

Copyright: © Shayna Cuenca, United States, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

63.4057° N, 19.0716° W

Photographer Name: Isaac Friend

Image Name: 63.4057° N, 19.0716° W

Year: 2024

Image Description: Basalt columns on a black beach in low visibility.

Copyright: © Isaac Friend, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

The Beginning Hours of the Sourdough Fire

Photographer Name: River Lewis-Gosch

Image Name: The Beginning Hours of the Sourdough Fire

Year: 2024

Image Description: This was taken during the first hours of the Sourdough Fire, a fierce wildfire in the North Cascades National Park, which was started by a lightning strike. While returning from a nearby backpacking trip in the woods we came upon this fire. Completely surprised, I took out my camera and took this shot. A firefighting helicopter carrying water can be seen in the top right.

Copyright: © River Lewis-Gosch, United States, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Comet Falls to Earth

Photographer Name: Sebastián Fernández Lora

Image Name: Comet Falls to Earth

Year: 2024

Image Description: This image is of comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura), which, close to the horizon like the Sun at dawn, appears to be falling onto Earth. This photo was taken on the morning of 8 September, shortly before sunrise, from a rooftop.

Copyright: © Sebastián Fernández Lora, Spain, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Keep Me Awake

Photographer Name: Kas Christiaens

Image Name: Keep Me Awake

Year: 2024

Image Description: This image is about light pollution. As a young artist interested in nature and stars, I became aware that light pollution is a major factor affecting the sky’s clarity. I live in Belgium, a small country with a large population living in the countryside, so there is light pollution everywhere you go. The red light in this image is coming from a street lantern, the blue light from a nearby city.

Copyright: © Kas Christiaens, Belgium, Shortlist, Youth Competiton, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Untitled

Photographer Name: Afiq Sharkawi

Image Name: Untitled

Year: 2024

Image Description: The traditional weapon known as a ‘keris’ is expertly made by the master craftsman.

Copyright: © Afiq Sharkawi, Malaysia, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Appleby

Photographer Name: Frederik Rüegger

Image Name: Appleby

Year: 2024

Image Description: Taken at Appleby horse fair, June 2023.

Series Description: The English and Irish traveller communities face discrimination from many angles and are compelled to settle by the government. As a result, the nomadic lifestyle that has been a centuries-old part of their way of life is becoming more endangered than ever. There are, however, several events where the travellers can freely live out their traditions, including the horse fairs that are held each year at Ballinasloe, in County Galway, Ireland, and Appleby, England. In 2023 I photographed at both of these fairs, aiming to capture an intimate and authentic portrayal of the lives of the traveller communities. This project is set to continue for 18 months, and my goal is to highlight their rich cultural heritage, unique lifestyle and the challenges they face. Through my photographs I hope to shed light on the social importance of these communities and help foster an understanding and empathy among my audience.

Copyright: © Frederik Rüegger, Germany, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Appleby (2)

Photographer Name: Frederik Rüegger

Image Name: Appleby

Year: 2024

Image Description: Taken at Appleby horse fair, June 2023.

Series Description: The English and Irish traveller communities face discrimination from many angles and are compelled to settle by the government. As a result, the nomadic lifestyle that has been a centuries-old part of their way of life is becoming more endangered than ever. There are, however, several events where the travellers can freely live out their traditions, including the horse fairs that are held each year at Ballinasloe, in County Galway, Ireland, and Appleby, England. In 2023 I photographed at both of these fairs, aiming to capture an intimate and authentic portrayal of the lives of the traveller communities. This project is set to continue for 18 months, and my goal is to highlight their rich cultural heritage, unique lifestyle and the challenges they face. Through my photographs I hope to shed light on the social importance of these communities and help foster an understanding and empathy among my audience.

Copyright: © Frederik Rüegger, Germany, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Peers

Photographer Name: Gaoge Ouchen

Image Name: Peers

Year: 2024

Image Description: My cousin, who returned with me, is about the same age and we share the same employment concerns.

Series Description: During the pandemic, time seemed to stand still. When I returned to my hometown, I shared the same worries with my peers who had likewise returned. The streets were filled with elderly people and children. In the backyard of my hometown, the orange trees my father planted had dropped their oranges to the ground.

Copyright: © Gaoge Ouchen, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

The Orange Tree

Photographer Name: Gaoge Ouchen

Image Name: The Orange Tree

Year: 2024

Image Description: The orange trees in my grandmother’s home, which my father and mother diligently planted, dropped oranges all over the ground.

Series Description: During the pandemic, time seemed to stand still. When I returned to my hometown, I shared the same worries with my peers who had likewise returned. The streets were filled with elderly people and children. In the backyard of my hometown, the orange trees my father planted had dropped their oranges to the ground.

Copyright: © Gaoge Ouchen, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

The Urus stand, honoring the legacy of their ancestral way of life

Photographer Name: Gaston Zilberman

Image Name: The Urus stand, honoring the legacy of their ancestral way of life

Year: 2024

Image Description: The disappearance of the lake put an end to the possibility of hunting and fishing for the indigenous Uru community. Now, only memories of their ancestral life remain, but they strive to keep alive the memory and essence of being Qotzuñi – ‘people of the lake’.

Series Description: ‘The lake was our mother and father, our home. Now, we are orphans,’ said Rufino Choque, whose words echo through the desolate, windswept salt flat that had once been the thriving shore of Lake Poopó, Bolivia. Rufino’s indigenous Uru community had lived in harmony with the waters of this ancient lake for generations, nurturing a profound bond that sustained their lives and preserved their unique cultural identity. Today, however, their way of life is marked by profound transformation, as climate change-induced droughts and industrial contamination caused Lake Poopó to disappear entirely by 2016. Prior to this, the Urus lived in floating houses and spent weeks on their boats in the lake; hunting and fishing was their main source of subsistence. By narrating the Uru community’s loss of their cherished home, my goal is to provoke reflection and raise awareness about the urgent need to address the consequences of climate change and contamination.

Copyright: © Gaston Zilberman, Argentina, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Home traditions

Photographer Name: Gaston Zilberman

Image Name: Home traditions

Year: 2024

Image Description: Cipriana stands in front of her adobe home. The Uru community maintains a traditional way of life, although it has been heavily transformed by the loss of their source of livelihood.

Series Description: ‘The lake was our mother and father, our home. Now, we are orphans,’ said Rufino Choque, whose words echo through the desolate, windswept salt flat that had once been the thriving shore of Lake Poopó, Bolivia. Rufino’s indigenous Uru community had lived in harmony with the waters of this ancient lake for generations, nurturing a profound bond that sustained their lives and preserved their unique cultural identity. Today, however, their way of life is marked by profound transformation, as climate change-induced droughts and industrial contamination caused Lake Poopó to disappear entirely by 2016. Prior to this, the Urus lived in floating houses and spent weeks on their boats in the lake; hunting and fishing was their main source of subsistence. By narrating the Uru community’s loss of their cherished home, my goal is to provoke reflection and raise awareness about the urgent need to address the consequences of climate change and contamination.

Copyright: © Gaston Zilberman, Argentina, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Untitled

Photographer Name: Kazi Arifujjaman

Image Name: Untitled

Year: 2024

Image Description: In this picture, the chatal workers are working and their sons and daughters are playing in the same place.

Series Description: A chatal is a place where paddy (raw rice) is boiled, dried in the sun and threshed to be made into prepared rice – the staple food of Bangladesh. Families from different parts of the country work together in a chatal, which is also their place of residence. As many families from different cultures come together, the chatal becomes like a large house.

Copyright: © Kazi Arifujjaman, Bangladesh, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Untitled

Photographer Name: Kazi Arifujjaman

Image Name: Untitled

Year: 2024

Image Description: After letting the paddy dry on the floor, the women do their housework.

Series Description: A chatal is a place where paddy (raw rice) is boiled, dried in the sun and threshed to be made into prepared rice – the staple food of Bangladesh. Families from different parts of the country work together in a chatal, which is also their place of residence. As many families from different cultures come together, the chatal becomes like a large house.

Copyright: © Kazi Arifujjaman, Bangladesh, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Resting in unfamiliar places (I)

Photographer Name: Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana

Image Name: Resting in unfamiliar places (I)

Year: 2024

Image Description: This single pinhole photograph is composed of five negatives that together reflect both the confusion and acceptance of my identity.

Series Description: This series of pinhole photographs was taken for my Fine Arts degree in 2023. It speaks of the struggles and changes I faced in terms of my identity when leaving childhood and becoming a young adult. The series reflects my confusion with various aspects of myself, such as my faith, sexuality and place in the world, and my later acceptance of who I am.

Copyright: © Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Resting in unfamiliar places (IV)

Photographer Name: Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana

Image Name: Resting in unfamiliar places (IV)

Year: 2024

Image Description: A side-by-side view of a negative and positive image of the same photograph, representing a new sense of clarity.

Series Description: This series of pinhole photographs was taken for my Fine Arts degree in 2023. It speaks of the struggles and changes I faced in terms of my identity when leaving childhood and becoming a young adult. The series reflects my confusion with various aspects of myself, such as my faith, sexuality and place in the world, and my later acceptance of who I am.

Copyright: © Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Don't Trust Pretty Girls

Photographer Name: Kayin Luys

Image Name: Don't Trust Pretty Girls

Year: 2024

Image Description: I had a fascination with my partner’s grandfather’s tattoo, which reads ‘don't trust pretty girls’.

Series Description: This series explores my relationship with my in-laws, with the title referring to the tattoo on my partner’s grandfather’s left arm. I wanted to explore the tension between fiction and reality, guided by stories I was told, memories and my interpretations of both. The result is a play of possibilities that reflect and/or transcend reality. Thanks to the increasingly strong bond formed, I found a second home with my new family.

Copyright: © Kayin Luys, Belgium, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Don't Trust Pretty Girls (2)

Photographer Name: Kayin Luys

Image Name: Don't Trust Pretty Girls

Year: 2024

Image Description: This aunt loves to sing karaoke, and often does during family gatherings.

Series Description: This series explores my relationship with my in-laws, with the title referring to the tattoo on my partner’s grandfather’s left arm. I wanted to explore the tension between fiction and reality, guided by stories I was told, memories and my interpretations of both. The result is a play of possibilities that reflect and/or transcend reality. Thanks to the increasingly strong bond formed, I found a second home with my new family.

Copyright: © Kayin Luys, Belgium, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Ta ii

Photographer Name: Makaziwe Radebe

Image Name: Ta ii

Year: 2024

Image Description: Whom was a boxer when he was younger, and his living room is filled with many of his trophies. I took pictures of his family with their chosen outfits and treasured objects while my mother and brother helped hold the white background.
Emdeni, Jun 2023

Series Description: Soweto raised me. This series is in honour of my childhood home – the familiar faces and the streets that continue to shape how I move in the world. My childhood was immersed in the embrace of a tight-knit community where love and ambitious dreams thrived. Like the day I defied going home, facing my mother’s wrath and her looming belt. A neighbour intervened, guiding me back and turning my tumultuous action into a serene evening. Fezile, a steadfast friend, was always at the corner, and our quiet journey to school was a cherished routine; soggy bacon and eggs, bathed in tomato sauce and well-worn grease, awaited our return.

Copyright: © Makaziwe Radebe, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Ubumbano

Photographer Name: Makaziwe Radebe

Image Name: Ubumbano

Year: 2024

Image Description: A collective embrace through the silent language of prayer. Thinking about these moments of quiet I realise that how I move in the world is intimately connected with the ease I feel at home.

Series Description: Soweto raised me. This series is in honour of my childhood home – the familiar faces and the streets that continue to shape how I move in the world. My childhood was immersed in the embrace of a tight-knit community where love and ambitious dreams thrived. Like the day I defied going home, facing my mother’s wrath and her looming belt. A neighbour intervened, guiding me back and turning my tumultuous action into a serene evening. Fezile, a steadfast friend, was always at the corner, and our quiet journey to school was a cherished routine; soggy bacon and eggs, bathed in tomato sauce and well-worn grease, awaited our return.

Copyright: © Makaziwe Radebe, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

High Noon

Photographer Name: Yufei Ma

Image Name: High Noon

Year: 2024

Image Description: This photo was taken in a neighbourhood built on a deck next to my house. On their side near the road, they also have a platform for drying sheets. The contrast between the tall buildings and this neighbourhood reminded me of the ways that city life differs from traditional living habits.

Series Description: The Intermission project began with a spring sunset casting a soft glow on the clothes drying on my family's rooftop, transporting me back to childhood evenings at my grandmother's home. This nostalgia inspired me to capture the essence of everyday traditions in our fast-paced world. My work focuses on these commonplace scenes in my hometown, particularly the airing of linens and garments at noon, symbolising a pause in our daily hustle. Through my lens, I explore how these moments become tranquil intermissions in urban life, offering glimpses of simplicity and continuity. This project represents a reflection on time, a respect for the past, and a hope for the future. Each photo weaves a story of deep familial connections and traditions, aiming to resonate with shared emotions and memories about home.

Copyright: © Yufei Ma, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Middle Break

Photographer Name: Yufei Ma

Image Name: Middle Break

Year: 2024

Image Description: This photo was taken at midday one day. The sun was shining on these children's clothes hanging on the clothesline. In that moment I felt a sense of calm, neutrality and peace.

Series Description: The Intermission project began with a spring sunset casting a soft glow on the clothes drying on my family's rooftop, transporting me back to childhood evenings at my grandmother's home. This nostalgia inspired me to capture the essence of everyday traditions in our fast-paced world. My work focuses on these commonplace scenes in my hometown, particularly the airing of linens and garments at noon, symbolising a pause in our daily hustle. Through my lens, I explore how these moments become tranquil intermissions in urban life, offering glimpses of simplicity and continuity. This project represents a reflection on time, a respect for the past, and a hope for the future. Each photo weaves a story of deep familial connections and traditions, aiming to resonate with shared emotions and memories about home.

Copyright: © Yufei Ma, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

20 Years of service

Photographer Name: Brayan Enriquez

Image Name: 20 Years of service

Year: 2024

Image Description: They sit in the uniforms of the only job they could get: Steak ‘n Shake. Her name tag reads ‘Gloria Salinas, 20 years of service’.

Series Description: Twenty-six years ago my parents immigrated to the United States. As a child, I would imagine my parents’ odyssey in rudimentary terms: walking, loving and being bold. Through the years, however, I’ve managed to contextualise the reality of our situation and now use words such as treacherous, lonely and fearful. When asked, my father replays the moment his group lay flat on their stomachs, hiding from an oblivious ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer who sat nearby. My mother recalls trekking through knee-high mud in an Arizona desert, thousands of miles away from her home in Acapulco, Mexico. My sister, on the other hand, can’t remember much – she was only five years old at the time. This project navigates this complicated history, highlighting how this experience isn’t wholly unique to my family. The photographs were all taken within our home, because of its function as a place of refuge for undocumented immigrants across the nation.

Copyright: © Brayan Enriquez, United States, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

My mother

Photographer Name: Brayan Enriquez

Image Name: My mother

Year: 2024

Image Description: My mother sits alone. Just before I pressed the shutter button I asked: ‘What are you thinking about?’ Her response was simply ‘home’.

Series Description: Twenty-six years ago my parents immigrated to the United States. As a child, I would imagine my parents’ odyssey in rudimentary terms: walking, loving and being bold. Through the years, however, I’ve managed to contextualise the reality of our situation and now use words such as treacherous, lonely and fearful. When asked, my father replays the moment his group lay flat on their stomachs, hiding from an oblivious ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer who sat nearby. My mother recalls trekking through knee-high mud in an Arizona desert, thousands of miles away from her home in Acapulco, Mexico. My sister, on the other hand, can’t remember much – she was only five years old at the time. This project navigates this complicated history, highlighting how this experience isn’t wholly unique to my family. The photographs were all taken within our home, because of its function as a place of refuge for undocumented immigrants across the nation.

Copyright: © Brayan Enriquez, United States, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

Childhood is rough

Photographer Name: Juan David Aguirre

Image Name: Childhood is rough

Year: 2024

Image Description: Children living in the tenement tend to grow up faster than others, as they experience harsh conditions from a young age.

Series Description: The photographs in this series were all taken on August 10, 2023, in the Andes tenement in the city of Medellín, Colombia, a space inhabited by homeless people. The tenement is likened to a prison because in its rooms you can feel a sense of confinement: the people who live there look for bread each day, living with deep uncertainties about the future as even their dreams have been taken away.

Copyright: © Juan David Aguirre, Colombia, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

This is not the freedom they promised us

Photographer Name: Juan David Aguirre

Image Name: This is not the freedom they promised us

Year: 2024

Image Description: Supposedly, our entire system is meant to defend freedom, but only for those who can pay for it.

Series Description: The photographs in this series were all taken on August 10, 2023, in the Andes tenement in the city of Medellín, Colombia, a space inhabited by homeless people. The tenement is likened to a prison because in its rooms you can feel a sense of confinement: the people who live there look for bread each day, living with deep uncertainties about the future as even their dreams have been taken away.

Copyright: © Juan David Aguirre, Colombia, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({"containerId":"embeddedSampleGallery_0261659899","galleryId":"0261659899","isEmbeddedWidget":true,"selectedImageIndex":0,"isMobile":false}) });Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

Nikon's Zf is a full-frame camera designed to be a head turner; built around a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor, it combines excellent image quality, very good autofocus and classic styling that borrows from the manufacturer's film bodies of yesteryear. As part of our review we took it out on the streets of London and Seattle, and were pleased to find it didn't attract too much attention to itself.

Buy now:

$1997 at Amazon $1997 at B&H Photo $1997 kit at Adorama

In our final review, we found the Zf's image quality to be very similar to the Z6 II, which we also liked and awarded Silver in 2020. Detail capture performance on the Zf was very good across all ISO ranges, even at very high ISO settings. Noise reduction helps smooth out high ISO captures. However, there is a trade-off in that it takes a lot of the fine detail with it.

Color is vibrant and saturated, which aligns with what to expect from Nikon. We've included a wide range of portraits and natural images so you can judge skin tone capture and color for yourself.

View our Nikon Zf sample gallery

We also have our preview sample gallery if you haven't gotten your fill with the sample gallery above. The images in this set were made with a pre-production Nikon Zf and were limited to out-of-camera JPEG samples.

$(document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({"containerId":"embeddedSampleGallery_6922569214","galleryId":"6922569214","isEmbeddedWidget":true,"selectedImageIndex":0,"isMobile":false}) });

View our Nikon Zf preview sample gallery

Buy now:

$1997 at Amazon $1997 at B&H Photo $1997 kit at Adorama

The 100MP CFV 100C back can be used with existing Hasselblad V-series bodies or with the 907X camera and XCD lenses.

Image: Hasselblad

Hasselblad has announced a 100MP version of its CFV digital camera back, which combines with the 907x camera to create the smallest medium format camera on the market.

Recent Videos!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.src='javascript:false';t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js?cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a&cid=a1b625fb-cd44-410e-9479-699e835fd645';cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "1cad57d1-aae3-42ce-aa46-cb49bb02d99a" }).render("0f952e209d6147a793d43f13d9e1cfa2"); });

The CFV 100C back contains most of the camera functions, meaning the 907x is almost an adaptor plate with a shutter release button. It natively accepts Hasselblad's XCD lenses, designed to match the CFV's 44 x 33mm sensor, but can also accept adaptors to mount HC/HCD lenses, V-series lenses or XPan lenses.

The CFV 100C is built around the same BSI CMOS sensor as the X1D 100C, which Hasselblad claims delivers 15 stops of dynamic range. The chip features on-sensor phase detection and offers face detection autofocus. It has 1TB of built-in storage and accepts CFexpress Type B memory cards. It has a tilting 3.2", 2.36M dot touchscreen and can be used with a new hotshoe adapter that allows TTL flash metering when used with Nikon-compatible flashes.

Like the closely related X2D 100C, the CFV 100C has an ISO range of 64 up to 25,600 and captures 16-bit Raw files (which Hasselblad wants to market as capturing trillions of colors). It can also shoot 10-bit HEIF files.

The tiny 907X 'camera', seen here between the CFX 100C back and the XCD /38 lens, allows the creation of a small medium format combination that echoes the style of the cameras on which Hasselblad's reputation was founded.

Image: Hasselblad

When combined with the 907x camera and XCD lenses, the CFV 100C delivers a compact, autofocus medium format camera styled after Hasselblad's classic 6x6 film cameras (now know as the V Series). This gives access to a 14-strong lens lineup that extends from the 16mm equiv XCD 4/21 up to the 105mm equiv XCD 2.8/135, all of which use in-lens leaf shutters capable of speeds up to 1/4000 sec with flash sync at any shutter speed. The CFV 100C with 907X camera weighs just 620g (21.9oz) without a battery or memory card (roughly 780g / 27.5oz with a battery).

The CFV back uses the standard Hasselblad magazine mount, so can also be used with the majority of other Hasselblad bodies, including 500 and 200-series manual focus cameras (though not SWC fixed-lens wideangle cameras). Its use of the 44 x 33mm medium format standard means there'll be a 1.27x crop, relative to 645 film or a 1.21x crop, relative to the larger 53.5 x 40mm digital medium format sensors Hasselblad previously used in its H6D-100c camera.

Photo: Hasselblad

The Hasselblad CFV 100C will be available with the 907x for a recommended price of $8199 or €7799 in Europe.

HASSELBLAD UNVEILS THE 907X & CFV 100C

ENHANCING MEDIUM FORMAT PHOTOGRAPHY WITH VERSATILITY & UNMATCHED IMAGE QUALITY

Hasselblad, a pioneer in medium format photography, introduces the 907X & CFV 100C, a fusion of modular design and advanced technologies that offer three distinctly different photographic abilities, presenting the most compatible Hasselblad 100-megapixel medium format camera to date. Building on its iconic design, the 907X & CFV 100C has been upgraded with a new 100-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, doubling the resolution of its predecessor, the 907X & CFV II 50C.

A MODULAR DESIGN. THREE APPLICATIONS.

THE 907X CAMERA BODY

The 907X & CFV 100C combine to create the smallest and most powerful medium format camera in the industry. This dynamic combination is compatible with all XCD, HC/HCD, and Xpan lenses, uniting high optical lenses to produce the best image straight out of the camera.

HASSELBLAD V SYSTEM FILM CAMERAS

The CFV 100C breathes new life into Hasselblad V System cameras, such as the 500 and 200 series. Photographers can use their beloved film camera with the powerful CFV 100C sensor to produce the same picture quality of the digital age while also providing the unique experience of shooting at waist level. The CFV 100C keeps a classic timeless in every sense of the word.

TECHNICAL CAMERAS

With the CFV 100C, technical film cameras will reap the benefits of its 100-megapixel sensor, helping photographers, museums, or institutions meet rigorous and precise photographic needs. The 3.2-inch touchscreen display and 2.36 million resolution, with its superior flexibility and colour richness, provide photographers with an easy-to-use experience and a cost-effective digital solution for a technical camera.

UNIQUE DESIGN AND ICONIC HERITAGE

The 907X & CFV 100C provide users with the unique experience of capturing images at waist level. Its classic design, waist-level viewfinder, leather-like coverage, and chrome frame are tailored for individuals who seek to showcase their unique taste and appreciation of vintage aesthetics. The viewfinder can be tilted upward from 40 to 90 degrees to provide photographers with a range of perspectives.

UNPARALLELED IMAGE QUALITY, LIFE LIKE AND TRUE TO COLOUR

The CFV 100C, combined with the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), ensures colours are captured with unparalleled accuracy, reproducing scenes just as the human eye perceives them. Photographers can capture their subjects with true and natural colour presentation in both JPG or RAW format. With a 16-bit colour depth, the CFV 100C presents approximately 281 trillion colours, providing photographers with an extensive palette for capturing the full visual spectrum. The CFV 100C introduces an ISO sensitivity as low as 64, producing image quality that is delicate, pure, and rich in lifelike details. With an impressive 15-stop dynamic range for preserving rich light and dark details, the CFV 100C ensures a smooth and natural transition in every image, allowing photographers to push creative boundaries.

ADVANCED AUTOFOCUS AND FACE DETECTION

The 907X & CFV 100C introduce users to its Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) with 294 zones spread over the 100-megapixel sensor surface. Covering an impressive 97% of the focus range, this advanced autofocus technology ensures every shot is sharp and precisely focused. Its face detection capabilities make capturing portraits easier in various locations.

BUILT-IN STORAGE SYSTEM

The CFV 100C boasts a remarkable 1TB of built-in storage space, marking it as the first modular camera with built-in storage capabilities. The 1TB of built-in storage space allows users to store up to 4600 RAW images directly on the camera. This exciting new feature eliminates photographers' concerns about running out of storage during crucial moments or not being able to locate a memory card.

REDUCED WEIGHT AND COMPACT SIZE

The 907X & CFV 100C weighs 120g less than the 907X & CFV 50C, making it lightest, smallest and high-resolution medium format camera in the industry. The reduction in weight enhances comfort during extended shoots, minimizing fatigue and contributing to improved stability for handheld photography.

WHERE TO GET IT

The Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C has an MSRP of USD $8,199. It is now available to order online. See details of the new product at www.hasselblad.com.