Leica’s Impressive Four-Year Streak of Record-Setting Revenue Just Ended
Although Leica did not achieve record revenue for its fifth consecutive year, the legendary German camera company nonetheless sold a ton of product and made a lot of money.
The Latest
Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art Review: Sigma is the Alpha This Time
Sigma has never made an 85mm f/1.2 lens -- until now. Maybe this lens is late to the party, but the company might have saved the best for last. The new 85mm f1.2 will be available in Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount where previously the only lenses available were manual-focus. This gives Sigma a unique opportunity to make a big splash and, in that metaphor, this lens is a cannonball.
Sigma’s Redesigned, Slimmer Lens Filters Promise Better Image Quality
Alongside its new 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG Contemporary and 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras, Sigma has announced a new product for every photographer: redesigned lens filters.
The Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55 Is Getting a Very Nice Dedicated Viewfinder
Fujifilm has announced the development of the VF-GFXC2, an external electronic viewfinder (EVF) for the Eterna 55 cinema camera. It promises a mix of high resolution, brightness, and an aspect ratio that matches the Eterna's 4:3 open gate.
Sigma’s Compact 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG C Is Wider Than Your Typical Zoom Lens
Sigma has announced the 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG Contemporary, a new standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Remarkably Lightweight Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art Promises Unparalleled Image Quality
The promised Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art has finally arrived, ushering in a new era of ultra-fast prime lenses for the Aizu-based company. Sigma promises unparalleled image quality in an impressively compact and lightweight design.
Nikon is Developing Nine Cinema Lenses That Cover Larger Than Full-Frame
Nikon has revealed that it is currently developing nine Nikkor Z Cinema T1.9 cinema lenses that are specifically designed for its Z-mount cameras, including the V-Raptor X VV, which has a sensor larger than full-frame.
The Reel Snaps on The Reel are up-to-the-minute updates and quick hits from the PetaPixel news desk.
This week, Jakob Owens, photographer and owner of multiple studios in Los Angeles and Arizona, got into a bit of an argument with the photography community surrounding image rights and reciprocal sharing. What do you think, is he in the right?
Sponsored
Get 20% Off All DxO Software, Including PhotoLab 10, This Weekend
I put DxO PhotoLab 10 to work on a set of my RAW files from Morocco. The new feature I liked most was the Depth Mask tool. On one of my favorite photos from the Sahara, I used it to build a mask based on distance from the camera. That let me adjust the exposure, color, and detail of the distant dunes without painting around them by hand.
If you want to try it, new customers can get 20% off all DxO software through September 7, 2026, with code PetaPixelLD2026.
Blackmagic Slashes Cinema Camera Prices
Blackmagic Design has announced lower prices for its Pyxis 6K models and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. The Cinema Camera 6K, which just recently got phase-detect autofocus via firmware, is down from $2,715 to $1,595. The Blackmagic Pyxis 6K L has dropped from $3,080 to $1,995. The EF version is down to $1,995 as well, from $3,070. The PL one is $2,195, a $1,070 discount. The revised prices are available now through authorized retailers.
"We have been working hard to secure improved pricing on some parts, so we can now pass that on to our customers through a lower price," says Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "This price reduction allows even more customers to buy a professional full-frame cinema camera giving them a whole new way to tell their stories. This will be exciting!"
Flickr Reveals the MODE Photo Festival’s Full Lineup
Flickr's MODE Photography Festival is taking place September 18-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the full lineup of speakers and entertainment has been announced. Matthew Rolston, Jonathan Mannion, Steve Sweatpants, and YK join previously announced photographers Sandro Miller, Chris Burkard, Brooke Shaden, Penny De Los Santos, and more, leading dynamic experiences across the festival's seven thematic pillars, Change, Next, Money, Motion, Culture, IRL, and Earth. It sounds like a packed schedule, but it doesn't come cheap. Passes are available now starting at $500 for Flick Pro Interactive, $410 for general admission, and $900 for VIP passes.
NiSi Is Making a 26mm f/0.7 Full-Frame Lens
Per Pronews in Japan, NiSi is showing off upcoming lenses at the BIRTV exhibition in China, including a 26mm f/0.7 lens. Details are very scarce, but based on its focal length and aperture alone, it's unlike any other lens on the market. There's no word yet on when more information might be coming, but this is definitely a lens to keep an eye on. NiSi also showed off a 50mm T1 lens, which could also be a compelling option.
Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would be dropping the price of its famously expensive $19 polishing cloth to a still expensive, but far more reasonable $9. As it turns out, that wasn't a price cut so much as a product revamp.
Snazzy Labs' Quinn Nelson (who makes his own polishing cloth to compete with Apple's) decided to test the old one versus the new one and found that the new price-cut version is significantly different than the old one. Different, and maybe worse in some ways. It should still do a good job, but not quite as good of a job as Apple's original.
Photos From Latvia’s First International Kite Festival
Held at Riga Passenger Port, the Fantadroms Riga International Kite Festival brought some of the world’s leading kite artists to the heart of the Latvian capital. Obviously a really neat opportunity for photos, this is a rare scene anywhere in Europe as the skies above the Daugava River were transformed into a temporary aerial art installation. This was the inaugural event and it took place on August 29. Photographers should keep an eye on this event next year, it looks like a gorgeous visual spectacle.
Photos courtesy of the International Kite Festival “Fantadroms”
Lomography’s New Fisheye No.2 Film Camera Has a Punk Attitude
Lomography has announced a new, very colorful version of its Fisheye No.2 35mm film camera. The Graffiti edition model is red, blue, and yellow, with graffiti styling all over its front. It is like the other Fisheye No.2 cameras, meaning it uses a 10mm fisheye lens with a 170° field of view to capture photos to 35mm film. It has a built-in flash, no tripod mount, and uses a single AA battery for power. The Lomo Fisheye No.2 Graffiti is $69 and available now.
Xiaomi’s Next Foldable Looks Pretty Dang Nice
Foldable smartphones have been a real mixed bag thus far, especially for photographers. While some of them have had great cameras, like 2023's OnePlus Open, many more have made unattractive camera compromises. Xiaomi is teasing its upcoming 18 Fold smartphone, slated for a full reveal on September 7, and it has a triple rear camera setup and a striking design. There's even a lengthy video on Weibo.
Hopefully the new Xiaomi 18 Fold will incorporate many of the camera features of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a superb smartphone for photographers with excellent image quality.
The Nikon ZR Will Get Open Gate Recording in 2027
Nikon has announced a firmware update for the Nikon ZR, and while it has some nice, small additions, the real story is that the ZR will get open gate recording and in-camera anamorphic desqueeze by next year.
Super-Cool DIY Digital Instant Camera ‘Prints’ Photos On Reusable Cartridges
Strange Inventions Lab has designed a custom instant camera that uses full-color e-paper displays as physical "digital film," and it's awesome.
How This Photographer’s Stock Images of Her Dog Became a Viral Meme
Between shoots at the photo studio where she was working, photographer Iryna Kalamurza would take advantage of her free time to practice her lighting and use her dog Maya as a model.
This Upcoming EufyMake Printer Puts Your Photos Onto Fabric
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Anker says it’s committed to launching its new EufyMake Fabric Printer in Q1 2027 as a consumer product that would enable owners to print full-color, textured graphics on garments right at home. Photos are among the images the device can handle, possibly opening a door for photographers looking to get creative with their work.
Tecno’s Ultra-Slim Smartphone Borrows its Style From Famous Artists
The Tecno Camon Slim 5G is an ultra-slim phone that heavily emphasizes style.
10 Great Vintage Lenses for Portrait Photography
Vintage lenses are often talked about as if their only value is “character.” That usually means lots of flare, low contrast, possibly swirly bokeh, spherical aberration, or some other charming defect that gives digital images a little analog grit. There is nothing wrong with that, of course. A flawed lens can be a wonderful creative tool. But the more interesting vintage bargains are not always the strange ones. Sometimes the best buys are lenses that are simply much better than their used …
Apparently ‘Photography Is All Fake Anyway’
A short while ago I was reading the comments on a restaurant's Facebook group post. The post was a set of dodgy AI-generated food images, and they had that giveaway look. Too glossy, sauce behaving strangely, and bread that somehow looked like a sponge.
Photographer Captured California Life in the 1980s From Behind the Wheel
A photographer whose fascinating images of everyday life in California -- taken from behind the wheel of his car on his daily drive to work -- are the focus of a new exhibition.
How This Photographer Turned Drone Photography Into a Creative Advantage
As photography becomes an increasingly competitive and crowded field, adding new skills can give photographers an important edge. In this exclusive PetaPixel interview, photographer and filmmaker Megan Zabel Holmes shares how becoming a commercial drone pilot has helped her stand out, attract new clients, and turn aerial work into a valuable part of her business.
10 Winning Photographs From the Underwater Awards Australasia 2026
The Underwater Awards Australasia has announced the winners of the third edition of the photo competition that focuses on marine photographers in Oceania.
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Waterfall Photography
New to waterfall photography? Learn how to choose your gear, find great locations, work with changing light, and use your camera settings to capture waterfalls in different ways. We’ll also cover the basics of staying safe around the water and creating that signature silky water effect.
‘The Way We Never Were’ Photo Exhibit Examines the Myth of Postwar America
Harvard Art Museums has delved into its extensive photographic collection to put on a thought-provoking exhibition titled The Way We Never Were that questions the postwar narrative in the United States.
David Bowie’s Official Photographer Transforms His Photo Archive Into an Immersive Experience
David Bowie’s official photographer has transformed his vast archive of images of the legendary singer into an immersive audio-visual experience.
A Photographer Reignited His Passion By Building a Custom Lens, Then He Founded an Optics Company
Photographer Thomas Spicher has founded a lens company, Adapted Optics, and built what he calls the "Everyday Lens." It features a 3D-printed body and a simple camera lens salvaged from a disposable camera. It promises to combine the character of a disposable film camera with the build quality and control that modern photographers expect.
Vimeo Can Decide To Change Your Plan and Force You to Pay 5x More
Vimeo users probably believe they are the right people to determine what type of account they need. Vimeo disagrees and has begun switching some users to a new, significantly more expensive subscription tier at its own discretion.
Kodak Gold is Somehow Both Very Popular and Underappreciated
Welcome to another Film Friday spotlight! This time we’re turning our attention to a film that is simultaneously quite popular but still somehow underappreciated: Kodak Gold 200.
Manfrotto Adds a Dedicated Video Tripod to Its ONE System
Manfrotto has announced the ONE Video, rounding out its ONE System tripods with a dedicated professional video option.
SmallRig Nano Power Banks Have Mounting Points for Camera Rigs
SmallRig has announced the Nano Power Bank Series, a set of smaller power banks that look more like offerings from UGreen or Anker but with mounting points that make them more tailored to working photographers and videographers.
I’m Really Digging Adobe Camera Raw’s New Glow Effect
Adobe Camera Raw 18.6 arrived recently, bringing a rather interesting new Glow feature in its Effects panel that could easily fly under the radar. With this new tool, photographers can easily create an Orton effect or mimic film halation, delivering some pretty cool looks.
GoPro’s Founder Promises It Isn’t Done Making Consumer Cameras
This morning, GoPro's founder Nick Woodman published a letter to GoPro's website addressing concerns about the future of the company and how the choice to be acquired by Starman Optical will affect the products the company is best known for.
This $55 Toy Camera Looks Like a Cassette Tape for Some Reason
Over on Japanese crowdfunding site Makuake, photographers can support what is arguably one of the goofiest toy cameras to date. And that's a high bar to clear. The "DV42" is a 24-gram, teeny-tiny camera that, for some reason, is styled to look like a cassette tape.
Celebrate Labor Day With These 20 Great Deals on Photo Gear
To celebrate Labor Day, B&H Photo Video has a ton of fantastic discounts for photographers. You can save big on cameras, lenses, and accessories right now. To make it easier to find the best deals, we've picked out 15 highlights for you.
17-Year-Old Photographer Captures ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Shot of Falcon Chasing a Dragonfly
A 17-year-old photographer has beaten 1,200 other entries to win a U.K. photography competition for his superb shot of a small falcon chasing a dragonfly.
Filmmaker Shoots ‘The Odyssey’ Entirely on iMacs (yes iMacs)
A director and comedian has remade Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster The Odyssey. But instead of shooting it entirely on IMAX cameras, the way Nolan did, Will Norman shot his version entirely on iMacs.
Rising NFL Star Picks Up Film Photography During Offseason
The NFL is oh so close to being back, and while the players have been running drills and pumping iron to keep themselves in shape during the offseason, one rising star has also been pursuing a more cultured pastime.
Lexar’s New SSD Is So Thin It Doesn’t Even Have a Regular USB-C Port
Lexar has announced Muse, the world's thinnest portable SSD.
This One-of-a-Kind Rugged Phone Has a Detachable Action Camera
RugOne unveiled its new modular action camera-slash-phone, the Xsnap 7 Pro, at IFA 2026 in Berlin.
Fujifilm XF 400mm f/4.5 R LM OIS WR Review: A Top-Tier Super Telephoto
I have to admit that I don't have a ton of faith in Fujifilm when it comes to wildlife and sports photography. I don't feel like the autofocus performance of the cameras is quite up to par with the competition when it comes to more demanding situations. However, I do think that the glass lineup is excellent, and it just got even better.
Fujifilm Bolsters Its XF Telephoto Lens Line with a 400mm f/4.5
Fujifilm has announced the Fujinon XF400mm f/4.5 R LM OIS WR, a new super-telephoto prime lens with an equivalent full-frame focal length of 609mm along with the promise of some of the highest optical performance in the entire XF lens line.
You Can Now Use Gemini Spark to Manage Your Google Photos
Google has announced that Gemini Spark now works with Google Photos, allowing Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers to manage, edit, and share photos through prompts.
DxO PhotoLab 10: Faster RAW Editing Without Giving Up Creative Control
Photographers often know how they want an image to look before they begin editing, but reaching that result can require both changes across the entire scene and adjustments limited to specific areas. Selecting one person in a group, isolating the midground without affecting the foreground or background, or removing dozens of dust spots can take longer than the exposure or color adjustment that follows. DxO PhotoLab 10 introduces new tools that make this process faster while giving photographers …
Pentax’s Last Active DSLR Seems Pretty Dead
Ricoh Imaging's Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR, announced in 2018, has reportedly been discontinued across all major Japanese retailers, which means that there are now no Pentax DSLRs in active production in Japan.
This Flashy Thunderbolt 5 Dock Has a Screen, Memory Card Slots, and Expandable Storage
Lexar's sub-brand, Pexar, first made its name in 2024 by making digital picture frames. While frames are still Pexar's primary product, the company is expanding into Thunderbolt 5 docks with the PexarBolt Ultra. While it may seem like a strange departure, a Thunderbolt 5 dock aligns with its parent company's product portfolio.
Massive Classic Camera Fair Kicks Off In Ginza, Tokyo This Weekend
A massive classic camera fair is taking place this weekend in Ginza, Tokyo, that will feature a huge array of used cameras from across the film and digital eras. Called the 55th World Used Camera Fair, the event runs from September 4 through September 9 on the 8th floor of the Matsuya department store.
TLS Has Rehoused Vintage Nikon AI and AI-S Lenses for Today’s Filmmakers
True Lens Services (TLS) has rehoused vintage Nikon AI and AI-S lenses for modern filmmakers, delivering classic Nikon optical charm to today's productions.
AP Photographers Captured Over 130,000 NFL Photos Using Sony Cameras Last Season
The 2026 NFL season kickoff is just around the corner, with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks gearing up for a Super Bowl rematch on Wednesday, September 9. Ahead of the new season, Sony is celebrating how its technology was used throughout the NFL last year and sharing new details about how it will expand this season.
Hohem Unveils the ‘World’s First’ 2-in-1 Pocket Gimbal Camera
Hohem has unveiled the Eyepic at IFA 2026, introducing what the company calls the "world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera." The device combines a detachable camera with three-axis stabilization, allowing it to function as a handheld gimbal camera or a wearable camera for hands-free recording.
Nvidia Goes All-In on Open AI Models, Buys Hugging Face for $12.93 Billion
Nvidia has agreed to acquire New York City-based AI company Hugging Face for a whopping $12,930,300,000.
Third-Party Companies Are Fixing One of the Sony FX5’s Few Flaws
The new Sony FX5 cinema camera is one of Sony's most exciting video products in years. It is also extremely well-designed, with one notable exception. PetaPixel hoped a third-party would step in and address the issue, and sure enough, it has happened.
Umpire Tells Influencers to Stop Photo Shoot During US Open
There's a time and a place to conduct a photo shoot, and during a tennis match at the US Open ain't one of them.
Scary Sight As Photographer Hit in the Head By Foul Ball During MLB Game
A Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels was delayed last night in Anaheim after a photographer was hit in the head by a hard foul ball line drive.
The Leica Summicron-M 66mm f/2 Is a New Take on a Historic Spy Lens
Leica has announced the Summicon-M 66mm f/2, which it calls a reinterpretation of the Elcan 66mm f/2 that was developed by Dr. Walter Mandler at Ernst Leitz Canada in the late 1960s.
Movie About Gerda Taro, The Photojournalist Behind Robert Capa, Gets World Premiere
A feature film about Gerda Taro, the first female photojournalist to be killed while covering war, was given its world premiere at Venice Film Festival this week.