Photo kit that’s on top of the world is the big story in the latest issue of Photography News as TIPA reveals the cameras, lenses and accessories that have topped its prestigious international awards. Don’t even think about buying some new gear until you’ve read it! We also launch our Photographer of the Year contest 2025, as we bid to uncover real creative talent. Plus we try out the Canon EOS R50 V mirrorless and Fujifilm GFX100RF medium format camera and try out software to help you find your best images. The issue is packed with inspirational images, top tips and the latest news on gear, as always.
ISSUE 121 6 May-30 Jun 2025 photographynews.co.uk
Pg17 Prized pictures / Be inspired by these award- winning pics
Pg22 Search for our star / Could you be the PN Photographer of the Year 2025?
Pg30 Big test: Canon R50 V / The new EOS that’s focused on creator perfection
The industry’s best in 2025
THE TECHNICAL IMAGE Press Association (TIPA) has announced the winners of its 2025 awards. These prestigious accolades cover 40 categories across all areas of the industry, from lenses and cameras to smartphones, lights, storage media and software. They provide guidance for consumers choosing their next product, offering expert insight from the industry’s leading journalists. This year, the big names can be seen taking the top spots, with OM System, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Sigma and Fujifilm all winning best camera awards. Notably, Nikon bagged three top camera prizes for the Z 50II, Z 6III and Coolpix P1100. Big names dominated in lens categories too. In other areas, Cewe had a great year, with four awards for its photo printing software and services. Read the details and see a full list of winners inside! See the results of the TIPA World Awards 2025, setting the benchmark for quality in the imaging industry
SNAP JUDGEMENT With 40 categories represented, the TIPA World Awards spotlight the breadth of today’s imaging technology
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“Having so much industry knowledge in one room was a pleasure”
The TIPA World Awards is the culmination of extensive, detailed discussions between members of the association. These members include representatives from the world’s leading photography publications and websites, including PN . This year’s General Assembly was held in Istanbul, where the winners were decided. Having so much industry knowledge and experience in one room was, as ever, a pleasure – this
EDITOR’S LETTER PETE TOWNSHEND
Here we are at issue 121, and we have just about recovered from the excitement of The Photography & Video Show. What a great event! It was fantastic to see so many like-minded people under one roof and indeed get our hands on all the latest gear. Thanks to all those who picked up a copy from the Photography News stand, as well as everyone who came to say hello; it’s always a pleasure to talk. But the burning question remains – did you prefer London or Birmingham? It’s been the subject of much debate here at PN since the show, so we’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop us a line with your preference and why. So, what have we got in store for you in this edition? Well, as you can see from the front cover, the greatly anticipated TIPA World Awards winners have been announced and we are bringing you full coverage. These awards set the benchmark for quality in the industry, so we’re always excited to see which brands and products came out on top. This issue also brings with it the launch of PN Photographer of the
unrivalled collective expertise is what makes the TIPA World Awards so prestigious. Consumers can be sure of a huge breadth of knowledge and complete impartiality, making these the most well-respected photo and video accolades out there.
Over the coming pages, we’ll offer a full list of winners for your review, giving you the complete picture. We’ll also dive deeper into a few individual winners, observing exactly why the TIPA judges made their decisions. tipa.com
In addition to all that, you can find inspiration in the form of winning images from some of the most prestigious photo contests, and we offer insurance advice by debunking common myths. You’ll also find all the usual gear reviews, with the Canon EOS R50 V, Fujifilm GFX100RF and Excire software put to the test, along with coverage of all the biggest news. As a final note, I’m afraid this will be my last issue as editor of Photography News , but do not fear! I will be handing over to a very capable successor, so rest assured that your favourite photography publication is in safe hands. Thanks for all your support over the past year, it’s been a real privilege to bring you the news. Keep shooting and stay inspired!
Year 2025! We received so many amazing entries last year that we just had to do it again. Turn to page 22 for a full rundown of categories and entry instructions. Pete Townshend
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ALL TOGETHER Representatives from across the photography industry joined together for the General Assembly in Istanbul
What’s inside 03 News There’s been lots to report since the last issue, with a number of notable new lenses, exciting camera launches and loads of other interesting industry developments
15 Samsung word search Our regular puzzle, sponsored by Samsung, once again offers you the chance of a great prize. Work out which word is missing and you could win a 512GB memory card 17 Prize-winning inspiration Take a look at this selection of shortlisted and winning images from a pair of fantastic competitions that showcase the best of both UK and global talent 22 PN Photographer of the Year 2025 After a phenomenal standard of entry last year, the Photography News Photographer of the Year competition is back for a second edition in 2025
30 Big test: Canon EOS R50 V Yet another content-creator-focused camera has hit the market. How does this one stack up? Will Cheung finds out 38 Insurance myths debunked It may seem boring, but trust us, if you are as clumsy as we are, it really is essential. Here’s a few things you might have got wrong
42 First tests See how Fujifilm’s medium format marvel, the GFX100RF, fared on the streets of Prague, plus read our reviews of Hasselblad’s new lens and Excire’s AI-powered organisation software
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The TIPA benchmark
TIPA’s World Awards provide the only reference guide you need for industry quality WORDS BY PETE TOWNSHEND
Read all about why the TIPA judges chose some of this year’s winners and what makes them the best in their class. With a whopping 40 categories, plus a special award, we don’t have the space to cover every winner, but there’s a full list on page 7. To learn more about the association and the World Awards, visit TIPA’s website. tipa.com
BEST MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA FUJIFILM GFX100RF WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“Blending the stunning image quality of medium format with the sleek, portable design of a rangefinder-style body, this mirrorless camera is built for professionals who refuse to compromise. Featuring an incredible 102-megapixel sensor, the GFX100RF captures breathtaking detail, rich dynamic range and outstanding low-light performance.”
BEST APS-C ENTHUSIAST CAMERA Nikon Z 50II WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “A perfect introduction to the creative charms of a real camera, the compact and affordable Z 50II offers opportunities to learn about features and functions found in advanced Nikon mirrorless cameras. With a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor and the powerful Expeed 7 processor, it delivers great image quality and fast 30fps shooting.”
BEST PREMIUM CAMERA Sigma BF WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “While many of today’s camera offerings sport multiple buttons and dials needed to access extensive and often complicated menus, the Sigma BF stands apart in a way that makes it radically simple. It begins with the design – a unibody construction carved from an aluminium ingot – a highly attractive look that will surely turn heads.”
BEST MICRO FOUR THIRDS CAMERA OM SYSTEM OM-3 WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“The saying ‘the best camera is the one you have with you’ is particularly apt when applied to this lightweight, retro-style camera, making it an attractive and eminently portable constant companion for day-to-day or extended travel journey photography. Its design and build evoke classic styling with simplified controls, yet it offers access to a host of state-of-the-art, modern-day still and video features.”
BEST FULL-FRAME HYBRID CAMERA Canon EOS R5 Mark II WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“This upgraded pro and very-advanced-enthusiast camera utilises the latest technology in connectivity, controls and recording options. Its new 45-megapixel stacked sensor offers high-precision autofocus with selective eye control – even for photographers wearing glasses – and numerous clever and useful shooting aids, including smart tracking of ‘registered’ subjects, such as a bride coming down the aisle or a star player on a soccer pitch.”
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BEST APS-C TRAVEL LENS Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “Perfect for APS-C cameras, this powerful 18.8x zoom lens delivers an impressive equivalent range of 24- 450mm in 35mm format (L-Mount), covering everything from sweeping wide-angle shots to super-telephoto close-ups. With a minimum focusing distance of just 6.7 inches (17cm) at the wide end and 41.4 inches (105cm) at the telephoto end, it’s a true all-in- one companion for versatile shooting.”
BEST MACRO LENS Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD is a high-performance macro lens with true 1:1 magnification, outstanding sharpness and smooth bokeh. Its fast, quiet VXD autofocus ensures precision for macro, portraits and many more applications. With approximately 82mm working distance at full magnification, this is the perfect lens for photographing insects and copying fine details of old films and photo prints.”
BEST ENTHUSIAST TELEPHOTO LENS Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO/VIDEO MONITOR Asus Proart Display 5K PA27JCV WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“Wildlife photographers need a lens that brings them up close and personal to enable intimate portraits of nature’s wonders. This super-telephoto Sony is designed for easy compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, which extends its reach to an amazing 1120 or 1600mm.”
“Designed for creators who demand stunning detail, true-to-life colours and pro-level features – all at an accessible price – this 27in 5K monitor is a powerhouse for visual work. With an ultra- sharp pixel density, every image and video appears crisp and precise. It boasts exceptional colour accuracy, covering 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB and 95% Adobe RGB for breathtaking vibrancy.”
BEST WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “This wide-angle zoom offers a versatile focal length range that is suitable for landscapes, architecture and vlogging. It incorporates a unique, leadscrew-type STM motor, a super-silent and smooth operating AF motor that pays off with greatly reduced noise and minimal focus breathing effects when recording video.”
BEST ANALOGUE PRODUCT Ago Film Processor WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “The Ago Film Processor takes the hassle out of film development. It’s designed for photographers who love the magic of analogue but want a streamlined workflow; this automated device connects to standard Paterson daylight developing tanks, making it easy to work with 35mm, 120, 4x5, 5x7, 9x12cm and even 8x10 large format film.”
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WhiteWall
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A prestigious TIPA World Award for best photo frame design is a major mark of achievement for this bespoke, gallery-style presentation mount Celebrating the excellence of WhiteWall’s Basel frame
including dazzling ChromaLuxe surfaces. Thanks to WhiteWall’s online configurator, selecting your perfect combination of frame, size and print surface is simple. Each bespoke piece is handcrafted and delivered straight to your home. Winning a TIPA World Award – judged by leading photography magazines – is a huge industry endorsement, and it’s easy to see why WhiteWall’s 6mm Basel Frame earned such acclaim. The frame completes a photograph.
a subtle sense of depth. Available in various finishes, including colour options, classic white and timeless black wood grain, the Basel Frame offers a gallery-quality presentation. The frame’s appeal lies in its balance between craftsmanship and innovation. Designed for float mounting, the print sits slightly recessed within the frame, creating a sophisticated visual counterpoint that draws attention inward without overwhelming the image. Whether it’s a vivid landscape, a powerful portrait or a conceptual fine art piece, the Basel Frame enhances the emotional impact of every photograph. Prints can be produced on a range of premium mediums,
WHEN SHOWCASING YOUR images, presentation is key. A thoughtfully chosen frame can elevate an image, turning a photograph into a true work of art. That’s why WhiteWall – the renowned name in premium photographic prints and displays – has been honoured with a coveted TIPA World Award for best photo frame design, thanks to the exceptional 6mm Basel Frame. It is the latest evolution of the acclaimed floater frame line, offering a sleek, minimalist design that complements, rather than competes with, the image it surrounds. At just 6mm wide, the thin wooden frame gives your photo a clean, elegant finish while adding
FRAME AND FORTUNE The WhiteWall Basel frame enhances every image and looks good in contemporary or more traditional spaces
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News
BEST ON-CAMERA FLASH Godox V100 WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“An excellent companion for wedding, event, news or candid photography, this versatile hotshoe flash is a high-performance unit designed for photographers seeking reliable lighting. A powerful lithium-ion battery delivers up to 480 full-power flashes on a single charge, ensuring power availability during extended shooting sessions. Supporting TTL, manual and multi- flash modes, the V100 provides versatility for both studio and location venues.”
BEST PHOTO/VIDEO ACCESSORY Benro QRB95 Quick Rotating Bracket WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
BEST ENTHUSIAST AI IMAGING SOFTWARE Topaz Photo AI 3 WHAT THE JUDGES SAID:
“The Benro QRB95 Quick Rotating Bracket is a versatile accessory designed to enhance camera positioning flexibility. It allows for quick switching between portrait and landscape orientations without readjusting the tripod head. Constructed from high-quality aluminium alloy, the QRB bracket ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight design.”
“Topaz Photo AI 3 is a cutting-edge photo editing software that leverages advanced artificial intelligence to transform and enhance images effortlessly. It automatically improves image clarity, reduces noise and adjusts colour balance while preserving natural details. The software’s intelligent algorithms analyse each photo, applying precise corrections and creative enhancements.”
BEST PHOTO BOOK Cewe Photobook with Panorama Page WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “Personal photo books deserve a special place on family bookshelves. Cewe has unveiled a very special touch to photo books that allows for the incorporation of a double- sided foldout page anywhere within the book. This page, measuring over a metre in length, is perfect for city skylines, landscape shots or chronicles and family collages.”
BEST PHOTO BACKPACK
PGYTech Onepro Flex WHAT THE JUDGES SAID: “A proper photo backpack should provide both safe storage of precious gear and easy access to that gear. Tailored for photographers who want to pack for a day’s trek or an extended journey, the Onepro Flex brings together organisational and protective elements, along with common sense features, making it an excellent travelling companion.”
THE WINNERS LIST IN FULL
› BEST APS-C TRAVEL LENS Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary › BEST PORTRAIT LENS Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II › BEST MACRO LENS Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD › BEST POWER ZOOM LENS Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ › BEST ZOOM PROBE LENS Laowa Probe Zoom series › BEST PHOTO SMARTPHONE Xiaomi 15 series › BEST ANALOGUE PRODUCT Ago Film Processor › BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO/VIDEO MONITOR Asus Proart Display 5K PA27JCV › BEST PORTABLE VIDEO MONITOR Atomos Shinobi Go
› BEST PROFESSIONAL IMAGING SOFTWARE DxO Photolab 8 Elite › BEST PHOTO BACKPACK
› BEST MICRO FOUR THIRDS CAMERA OM System OM-3 › BEST APS-C ENTHUSIAST CAMERA Nikon Z 50II › BEST COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA Fujifilm X-M5 › BEST FULL-FRAME EXPERT CAMERA Nikon Z 6III › BEST FULL-FRAME HYBRID CAMERA Canon EOS R5 Mark II › BEST FULL-FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA Sony Alpha 1 II › BEST CONTENT CREATOR CAMERA Panasonic Lumix S9 › BEST PREMIUM CAMERA Sigma BF › BEST MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA Fujifilm GFX100RF
› BEST ULTRAZOOM CAMERA Nikon Coolpix P1100 › BEST ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE PRIME LENS 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 II Fisheye ED › BEST WIDE-ANGLE ZOOM LENS Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM › BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENS Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM › BEST SUPERZOOM LENS Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD › BEST ENTHUSIAST TELEPHOTO LENS Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS › BEST PROFESSIONAL TELEPHOTO LENS Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports
› BEST VIDEO SOUND ACCESSORY Sennheiser Profile Wireless 2-Channel Set › BEST PHOTO/VIDEO ACCESSORY Benro QRB95 Quick Rotating Bracket › BEST ON-CAMERA FLASH Godox V100 › BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTER Canon ImagePrograf Pro-1100
PGYTech Onepro Flex › BEST PHOTO BOOK Cewe Photobook with Panorama Page › BEST PROFESSIONAL PRINTING APP Cewe Passport Photo App › BEST PHOTO SERVICE Cewe Fineline Wall Calendar › BEST PHOTOBOOK APP Pixum App Smart Photobook Layouts › BEST PHOTO FRAME DESIGN Whitewall 6mm Basel Frame › BEST DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Cewe Smart Layout Concept › SPECIAL APPRECIATION AWARD Leica 100 Centennial
› BEST STORAGE MEDIA Lexar Armor Gold SDXC UHS-II card › BEST AI WORKFLOW SOFTWARE Aftershoot › BEST ENTHUSIAST AI IMAGING SOFTWARE Topaz Photo AI 3
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Sony shows off trio of groundbreaking lenses
Sony has revealed three new lenses to fit its mirrorless range, including a superfast ‘standard’ professional zoom as well as its longest-ever telephoto, but they come at a cost. The most surprising is the launch of the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM – the world’s first zoom lens that goes from the 50mm standard to a 150mm max focal length, all at a constant f/2 aperture. The price is £3800. Part of Sony’s acclaimed G Master series, it’s designed to replace a whole set of prime lenses thanks to advanced XA, ED and Super ED optics. The famed G Master bokeh comes from an 11-blade aperture and close focusing capability. The lens boasts a compact internal zoom design, with fast and silent AF due to four XD linear motors. It can shoot stills at 120fps on Sony’s A9 III sports camera, too. For video use, it has focus breathing control. Designed for wildlife, sports and aviation photography, the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS offers an extended focal range with impressive stabilisation and autofocus features. It includes an 11- blade circular aperture, six extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and lens coatings to minimise flare and ghosting. The lens supports 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, allowing the
systems. Constructed for dust and moisture resistance, the lens has a fluorine-coated front element, three focus hold buttons and a redesigned hood with lock button and filter access. The FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is available now for £2550. sony.co.uk
focal length to be extended up to 1600mm. Also, an internal zoom mechanism helps maintain a consistent centre of gravity for stable handling. Built-in Optical Steady Shot (OSS) image stabilisation reduces motion blur and is compatible with Sony’s in-body stabilisation
Speedy E-mount wide prime The FE 16mm f/1.8 G is an ultra
wide-angle prime lens for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Featuring an 11-blade circular aperture and an f/1.8 max aperture, its close focus capability allows a minimum focusing distance of 0.15m in AF and 0.13m in manual focus. Innovative technology reduces focus breathing, aiming to maintain stable framing during focus transitions. It is also compatible with Sony’s breathing compensation function on select Alpha cameras. Additionally, in-body Active mode stabilisation is supported to assist with handheld video capture. The lens includes an aperture ring with a de-click option for silent adjustments, a focus hold button with customisable functions and a focus mode switch for switching between AF and MF. Measuring 73.8x75mm and weighing 304g, the lens is dust and moisture resistant, features a fluorine- coated front element and costs £849.
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News More glass for RF mirrorless
The new 75-300mm optic is ideal for shooting subjects you can’t get up close to, such as wild animals or birds, or for photographing a sports event from the sidelines. At 300mm, you can get as close as 1.5m to fill the frame with detail. The long zoom and wide, seven-blade aperture ensure superb separation between a sharp subject and blurred background for a refined look. This classic entry-level, full-frame 75-300mm lens can be used on any camera equipped with Canon’s RF mount. Paired with an APS-C body, such as the EOS R100, it delivers a more powerful 120-480mm effective reach to bring distant subjects even closer. The lens weighs just 507g and measures a compact 146.1mm in length when retracted. As well as the new mirrorless EOS R50 V, which we test this issue on page 30, Canon has also unveiled the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ – the brand’s first RF lens with internal power zoom. The £380 lens includes image stabilisation, an STM motor for AF and a non-extending design. canon.co.uk
The RF hybrid lens range for Canon mirrorless cameras expands with the RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM superfast prime and RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 – a lightweight, easy-to-use telephoto zoom ideal for users starting out in nature and sports photography. The full-frame 20mm prime lens – paired with a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture – allows for impressive wide-angle coverage and strong low-light capability. A 94° diagonal field of view and minimum focusing distance of 0.2m are offered, and the lens includes Aspheric, Super UD and Blue Spectrum Refractive components. There is an 11-blade circular aperture designed to deliver smooth background blur and highlight rendering. For video applications, the RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM includes a voice coil motor designed to offer quiet, accurate AF with reduced focus breathing. A dedicated iris ring offers fine control over aperture changes, allowing gradual adjustments during filming. It is weather resistant, weighs 519g and costs £1920.
Canon expands content creator collection Canon’s £960 Powershot V1 is a pocket-sized 4K camera aimed at vloggers and solo shooters. It features a built-in 16-50mm f/2.8-4.5 lens, a 1.4-inch sensor and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system for tracking. The camera supports 4K/60p and Full HD/120p video, plus includes image stabilisation, a vari-angle touchscreen and a built-in microphone.
Otus lifts Zeiss range Making a welcome return, the
Zeiss’ T* anti-reflective coating reduces reflections and flare, which improves clarity and colour accuracy. Otus ML lenses offer precise manual focus, featuring a smooth metal focus ring that uses a precision helicoid drive. Manual aperture control is also included, featuring a de-click function that allows for seamless video adjustments. Built with rugged reliability in mind, the all-metal construction remains relatively compact and portable – the 50mm weighs 0.68kg/1.49lb, while the 85mm comes in at 1.04kg/2.29lb. As per the original DSLR-fit Otus lenses, this quality does not come cheap. The 50mm is £2520 and the 85mm is £2820. zeiss.com
legendary Zeiss Otus range is now available to fit mirrorless cameras in Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z fitments. Starting with 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 versions, these are the first in the new Otus ML family – manual focus lenses designed for the highest optical performance and precision mechanics. The Otus ML lenses provide the well-known Zeiss look, characterised by sharpness, reproduction, accurate colour and a three-dimensional quality. The apochromatic lens design ensures colour fidelity while minimising chromatic aberrations. The aspherical design contributes to virtually distortion-free images, enhancing overall image quality.
Zed heads Sony World Photography Awards
The Anthropocene Illusion . Spanning four continents, the six-year project critiques the paradox between environmental destruction and curated natural experiences. Nelson
was awarded $25,000 and Sony digital imaging equipment, along with the opportunity to exhibit new work in 2026. worldphoto.org
British photographer Zed Nelson claimed the coveted professional Photographer of the Year title in the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards for his compelling series
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News
Insta360 launches new flagship Insta360 has unveiled its newest flagship 360° action cam, the Insta360 X5. The camera introduces several hardware and software upgrades, including larger 1/1.28- inch image sensors and a new Triple AI Chip system, supporting 8K 360° video recording at 30fps. A dedicated low-light mode, called Pure Video, enhances performance in darker settings through AI- driven noise reduction and dynamic range optimisation. The device is waterproof up to 15m and includes a new replaceable lens system, allowing users to swap out damaged lenses. A built-in wind guard and updated audio processing improve sound recording. insta360.com Instax Mini 41 delivers a modern twist on a classic Instax has released the Mini 41, the latest model in its range of instant cameras and an evolution of the Instax Mini 40. Among a revised design, upgrades include automatic exposure, which detects ambient light levels when the shutter is pressed. This feature adjusts the shutter speed and flash output automatically, delivering consistent results in a variety of lighting conditions. The camera also includes a close-up mode with parallax correction, which adjusts the position of the focus mark for improved subject framing when shooting at close range, including selfies. The Instax Mini 41 is priced at £94, with a matching case priced at £21. instax.co.uk
Polarpro Roadrunner is in the bag The Polarpro Roadrunner bag series includes two backpacks (8L and 16L), two shoulder bags (6L and 12L) and a 1L sling bag. Each bag is constructed from 600D ripstop nylon with 8mm XPE foam sidewalls for protection and water resistance. The backpacks include dual side access, modular interiors, as well as compartments for cameras, lenses, gimbals and laptops. The shoulder bags and sling offer quick access for smaller kit, like drones and compact cameras. The range is available from £49 for the 1L sling to £180 for the 16L backpack. polarpro.com
Nikon Z 5II with improved AF and low-light performance
Nikon has also unveiled firmware update version 2.00 for the Z f, including several features previously seen in the Nikon Z 9 and Z 6III. A major highlight is support for Nikon Imaging Cloud, enabling automatic image transfer to cloud storage, hands-free firmware updates and access to Nikon’s growing library of Imaging Recipes. A new bird-specific subject detection mode improves accuracy and tracking when capturing avian subjects. nikon.co.uk
for stills and 51,200 for video. The AF system is also faster than the original Z 5, with sensitivity down to -10EV and support for 3D subject tracking. There’s a 3000-nit electronic viewfinder, fully articulating touchscreen, dual SD card slots and 4K video recording with NRAW and N-Log options. A one-touch Picture Control button allows users to preview and apply colour profiles in real time. Weighing 700g, the magnesium-alloy body offers dust and moisture resistance.
Positioned as an entry-level full-frame model, the Nikon Z 5II builds on the original Z 5 and is set to go on sale later this month at £1599 for the body only. At its heart is a 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor with IBIS, offering up to 7.5 stops of compensation at the centre of the frame and six stops at the edges. Nikon’s Focus Point VR technology is also incorporated to reduce blur around the active focus point. Low-light performance has been improved, with an ISO range up to 64,000
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Gaza survivor recognised in World Press Photo contest The 2025 World Press
Photo contest has named Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf as this year’s top honouree. Elouf’s harrowing image of a nine-year-old Gaza boy took the Photo of the Year title. Captured for The New York Times , the winning photograph shows Mahmoud Ajjour, a child who lost both arms in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on March 2024. Abu Elouf – who herself fled Gaza in late 2023 – now resides in the same Qatari apartment block as Mahmoud. Her portrait was chosen for its emotional depth and powerful narrative, highlighting the broader human toll of war. Two runners-up were also recognised: Night Crossing by John Moore (Getty Images), depicting migrants in the rain at the US-Mexico border, and Droughts in the Amazon by Musuk Nolte (Panos Pictures), revealing the haunting dryness of the rainforest amid the ongoing climate crisis. worldpressphoto.org
Camera trap photos reveal rare Congo wildlife
strategically placed camera traps within multiple sites of the park. The images highlight the diverse wildlife thriving in the park, from large mammals to lesser- seen carnivores. Notably, a striking male leopard was photographed – one of the most-challenging species to capture in such dense jungle conditions. wcs.org
Camera trap images of rare, elusive Congo rainforest wildlife have been released by the Wildlife Conservation Society. New images from Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) reveal elusive Congo rainforest species, including the African golden cat, in unprecedented clarity. The year-long project, led by British wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas,
Tamron 18-300mm superzoom for Nikon Z and Canon RF mount
Tamron has confirmed the release of the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens for Nikon Z and Canon RF APS-C mirrorless camera systems. The 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens was previously only available for Sony E and Fujifilm X Mounts, but will be rolled out for the additional systems this summer. With a 16.6x zoom ratio – the highest in its class – the Tamron offers a focal range equivalent of 27-450mm on Nikon Z and 28.8- 480mm on Canon RF-S mounts. At the wide end, the lens features a minimum focusing distance of 15cm, enabling a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2. The lens boasts Tamron’s VXD linear motor for both fast and accurate AF performance, along with the brand’s VC (Vibration Compensation) system to help stabilise handheld shooting. The Canon RF version will also include additional physical controls, offering AF/MF switching and VC on/ off functionality. tamron.eu
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WhiteWall
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WHITEWALL HAS LONG been recognised as an international leader in premium photo finishing, offering museum-grade prints and handcrafted frames. Now, with a seamless connection to Shopify, it allows creatives to build an online store that’s not only beautiful but also brilliantly efficient. Once the application is installed, your WhiteWall account connects directly to your Shopify store – whether it’s a full website, a blog or a simple online shop. From there, your images become ready-to-sell
products, with full control over formats, materials, framing and pricing. The result is a professionally presented collection, entirely on your terms. What makes this solution truly powerful is the automation. As soon as a customer places an order, WhiteWall takes over. Every piece is produced to the highest standards in its cutting-edge lab near Cologne, packaged with care and shipped securely to over 50 countries using trusted logistics partners. There’s no need to manage inventory, worry
WALL TO WALLET WhiteWall’s Shopify link means artists can refine their brand while selling directly to buyers about quality control or deal with shipping – it’s all done for you. This print-on-demand model also means you can set your own margins without any upfront investment in stock. Your artwork is printed when purchased, giving you the freedom to experiment, promote and sell, without the overheads. Even those with an existing website can benefit thanks to
1 Register with WhiteWall 2 Set up your Shopify store 3 Link the WhiteWall app 4 Choose your products and set your prices 5 Start selling – WhiteWall takes care of production and shipping Set up in five simple steps: simple integration via the Shopify Buy Button. The result is a sleek, scalable sales channel backed by the craftsmanship and reliability WhiteWall is known for. German-Swedish fashion and beauty photographer Per Appelgren is among the first to embrace the new app, and he’s already seeing the impact. “My ambition for perfection doesn’t end on-set,” he says. “With the new opportunity to integrate Shopify with WhiteWall, I can now offer my prints directly through my print store – in gallery quality.” With over 18 years of experience and seven TIPA World Awards under its belt, WhiteWall is trusted by more than 20,000 professionals worldwide. This new Shopify integration brings its exceptional service to your fingertips – so you can focus on your art while it takes care of the rest.
whitewall.com
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News
A Samsung memory card! WIN!
South West Photo Show opens its doors in Exeter
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YLFRETTUBYS ZEETSPEPK I O ZT JYGOPEOTG I TAAERATWES HEHDFTCSMEU K U R I I R S A T R N LOMLLADPRTR P H A O D I N I A S I LLCHLTACVUS A I R R I I L N E I E V S O R W L A I L R K I Y L I M A F C S C G T N O I T C E L F E R SBLATSAOCDN E S G N I D L I U B G FRRASTROPUW AGQTESNUSJS Samsung’s updated Pro Ultimate cards allow you to shoot more, faster. Stunningly fast U3, Class 10 rated read and write speeds now up to 200 and 130MB/s respectively let you smoothly take and transfer masses of photos. The cards are ready to take on life’s adventures with six-proof protection from water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, magnets, drops and wearout, plus they come with a ten-year limited warranty. Complete the word search below – comprising 20 things you may wish to photograph this summer – and you’ll find one word in the list that’s not in the grid. Send us an email on puzzle@photographynews.co.uk with that word in the subject box by 27 June 2025, and the card will be yours if your name is drawn at random from all the correct entries received. Only entries from UK residents will be accepted for this competition. Congratulations to Jon Knight from Retford, who was our winner from issue 119. The missing word from issue 120 was ‘robin’. samsung.com/uk/memory-cards
London Camera Exchange (LCE) has confirmed the launch of its first South West Photo Show for 24 May at the Exeter Corn Exchange. The event is aimed at photographers, videographers and content creators, offering a chance to explore the latest equipment from major brands. Visitors can test gear, attend product demonstrations and access special offers on cameras, lenses and accessories. The show will also feature a series of free seminars and live presentations from industry professionals – but places are limited and pre-registration is advised. Entry is priced at £5, reimbursed with any purchase over £5 made at the event. swphotoshow.co.uk
Collectors converge at Photographica 2025
modern stereo equipment will be represented too, alongside newly produced film for a wide range of formats. Taking place on 18 May, the fair is open to the public from 10am to 1pm for £10, and from 1pm to 4pm for £5. Admission is free for PCCGB members. The event is being held at the Royal National Hotel in London. If you’re interested in selling equipment or booking a stall, email info@pccgb.com. pccgb.net
Organised by the Photographic Collectors’ Club of Great Britain (PCCGB), Photographica is widely regarded as the largest photographic collectors’ fair in the UK. It will feature roughly 100 tables providing various items, from early photographic formats such as daguerreotypes to classic film cameras from makers including Leica and Nikon, not to mention photographic books, restoration tools and accessories. Contemporary collecting interests such as Lomography, pinhole photography and
Editorial team Editorial director Roger Payne rogerpayne@bright.uk.com Editor Pete Townshend Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors Zanna Buckland & Minhaj Zia Contributing writers Will Cheung, Adam Duckworth & Ben Gawne Advertising team Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive
Design team Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer & ad production Holly May Distribution Distribution and subscription manager Phil Gray philipgray@bright.uk.com Publishing team Managing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck As well as your local camera club, you can pick up Photography News in-store from: Castle Cameras, Jessops, London Camera Exchange, Park Cameras, Wex Photo Video, Wilkinson Cameras
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REFLECTION SILHOUETTE
Photography News is published six times a year by Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridge CB22 3HJ. No part of this magazine can be used without prior written permission of Bright Publishing Ltd. Photography News is a registered trademark of Bright Publishing Ltd. The advertisements published in Photography News that have been written, designed or produced by employees of Bright Publishing Ltd remain the copyright of Bright Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. While Bright Publishing makes every effort to ensure accuracy, it can’t be guaranteed. Street pricing at time of writing is quoted for products.
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Excire
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Use code PHOTONEWS at excire.com for 15% off all purchases
ALL IN ORDER With Excire’s AI-powered tagging and sorting, finding photos in vast libraries is made easy
Tame the chaos: Five ways to get organised with Excire Excire Foto is an AI-powered, no-cloud-no-subscription software that helps photographers bring order to digital photo libraries, making browsing, sorting and selecting faster and smarter
Excire speeds this up with AI-driven tools that highlight the strongest shots and group similar images for side-by-side comparison. It helps eliminate weak frames early on, making the editing process more focused and less overwhelming. Excire offers a genuinely intelligent solution to one of the most persistent problems in digital photography. By simplifying organisation and searchability, it lets photographers spend more time doing what they love and less time managing files. With Excire, your photo library becomes an asset instead of an obstacle.
reviewing near-identical photos, but duplicate detection tools make this easy. Excire groups identical and similar images so you can review, compare and select your best work. Flagging duplicates helps you tidy up to reclaim valuable storage space. 4. People-centric organisation Excire can search for and group images by individuals so that you can easily locate all photos of a particular person. You can also search your archive using facial attributes (age, expression, etc). Whether managing client galleries or family archives, it’s a powerful tool for personalising your workflow and ensuring no face is forgotten. 5. Smarter culling for faster editing processes Culling is an essential but often dreaded part of any photo session.
engine analyses the content of your images and assigns them accurate, descriptive keywords. Subjects, scenes, colours and objects; each photo is intelligently categorised without lifting a finger. 2. Search with natural language Forget trying to remember cryptic file names or endlessly clicking through folders. With Excire, you can search your collection using natural language. The software understands descriptive queries, returning relevant photos instantly. This intuitive approach removes the technical barrier and makes your entire archive searchable, even if you’ve never tagged a single image. 3. Find duplicate or near- duplicate images fast Every photographer knows the struggle of sorting through bursts or
FOR MOST PHOTOGRAPHERS, managing vast libraries of images can be as time-consuming as shooting is. Thousands of files sit buried in hard drives, unlabelled and unorganised; finding a specific image becomes a frustrating search. Whether you’re a professional or an avid hobbyist, the challenge grows with every click of the shutter. Excire Foto is a standalone AI-powered programme designed specifically to streamline photo organisation. The software integrates nicely with a variety of photo editors – and for Adobe Lightroom Classic users, it’s also available as a plug-in, Excire Search. By leveraging advanced machine learning, the software intelligently analyses, tags and automatically sorts images. The result is a faster, more efficient workflow, so you can focus on creativity, not chaos.
Here are five ways Excire Foto and Excire Search make organising your photo collection so effortless: 1. A I keywords that actually work Photographers often skip manual tagging of images, but it’s dearly missed when looking for that one perfect shot. Excire’s built-in AI
SMOOTH AND SIMPLE Streamlined workflows allow more time for shoots
excire.com
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Competitions
Prize-winning inspiration
There’s nothing like beautiful photos for inspiring you to go out and shoot – they don’t get better than this
THIS ISSUE, OUR prize-winning inspiration comes from two well- established competitions that attract some of the greatest talent from the UK, Europe and around the world. On the following pages, you’ll find everything from architecture and fine art to wildlife and portrait. Lose yourself in the stunning images, then get out and lose yourself in your own.
WORDS BY PETE TOWNSHEND
Sony World Photography Awards 2025
THE SONY WORLD Photography Awards is one of the most prestigious photo competitions in the world. This year it attracted over 419,000 entries from more than 200 nations. The winners of its open competition have now been announced, with a fantastic selection of works. Olivier Unia’s heart-stopping scene of a rider falling from his horse was the overall winner. They were presented with $5000 and Sony imaging gear at a gala event in London on 16 April. Other notable winners were Xuecheng Liu’s aerial perspective of New York’s Times Square, which won in the architecture category, and Ng Guang Ze’s long exposure of a haunting body of water, which won the open landscape category. Jonell Francisco won in the creative category for an elegant collage-style portrait influenced by Renaissance art, while Estebane Rezkallah’s poignant image of scavenging polar bears took the crown in the natural world and wildlife category. All of the successful images will be on display as part of a travelling competition which is currently undertaking an international tour.
HAVE A GO › 2026 comp open Late 2025 › 2026 entry cost Free › 2026 deadline Early 2026 › Website worldphoto.org
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Competitions
London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year 2025
THE 2025 COMPETITION from the well-known British retailer has now finished, with a host of fantastic winners to speak of. London-based photographer Capri McPherson-Noel took the overall prize for her vibrant image Sunkissed Boy. It was picked from more than 10,000 entries across 14 categories that spanned a broad range of genres. The competition culminated in a ceremony at The Photography and Video Show in London on 9 March, where McPherson-Noel was presented with a £3000 LCE voucher. Each of the 14 category winners were presented with a £500 voucher. John Seager’s excellently composed image Platform No 1, which won the street category, is a personal favourite, along with Colin Vanner’s Backlit Cuckoo, which triumphed in the birds category. Other notable winners included a dreamy landscape called Close to Heaven by Edyta Rice, Dawid Glawdzin’s incredible astro shot Cosmic Gates, plus the people’s choice, a wintry cityscape by Andrew Scott called Steep Hill Lincoln. PN
HAVE A GO › 2026 comp open Autumn 2025 › 2026 entry cost Free › 2026 deadline Early 2026 › Website poty.lcegroup.co.uk
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Fujifilm
Pro Neg Hi
Astia
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Show your true colours: Film Simulations with Fujifilm
FUJIFILM X-Photographer Luke Davis talks inspiration, motivation and Film Simulations
WANDERING THE WORLD Davis creates lots of images while travelling with friends, and Film Simulations are a useful tool for editing on the go
The best of both? Fujifilm has a rich analogue heritage – it’s been creating film since 1934. This expertise has been used to create 20 different Film Simulation modes, available on X Series and GFX System cameras. The profiles are based on a variety of classic film stocks, with users able to switch settings at the press of a button. For Luke, film photography remains an enjoyable pastime, but the expense involved makes it one he indulges in less frequently. “If I’m travelling with friends – who are usually photographers themselves – we take it as a bit of a challenge to work with 35mm film. It’s something I want to do more of – but the rising cost of film does get in the way. For me, and especially using Fujifilm, it’s hard to justify
they can almost just shut their eyes and imagine they’re there. That’s the primary thing I strive for in my photos, regardless of subject.” Analogue inspiration Luke traces the beginnings of his visual style to photographers who inspired him to pursue the craft. “I didn’t learn photography in a really traditional way,” he notes. “It was predominantly by browsing on Instagram and learning through YouTube. A lot of the photographers I followed specialised in travel and landscapes, but it was when this faded film look was really popular. “Having an analogue edge to your photos and embracing softer, grainier textures – I thought it lent itself to this specific atmosphere, of looking back into a memory.
the point where I could probably pick up a camera from over 20 years ago and still replicate the same style – there are such definite advantages in today’s technology. “For my bread and butter, I photograph a lot of commercial work,” notes Luke. “I primarily use the FUJIFILM X-T5, and having a camera that’s so technologically capable is really handy. There are moments where I do need super- high resolution or clinical sharpness. But I have all the Film Simulations to use when I want to create more personal work. “Fujifilm gives me that perfect balance of being able to exercise an analogue look – which I love – while not feeling limited in any way. If I need better resolution, if I need autofocus, I’ve still got it on tap.”
“I TRY NOT to niche myself too heavily into certain genres. I definitely gravitate towards travel and landscape, but I try to cover everything within those – wildlife, portraiture, things like that,” begins Luke Davis. A photographer based in Dorset, Luke’s love for the great outdoors has seen him travel the world with a camera in hand – although his focus is less on creating in a specific genre and more on achieving a consistent, overarching style. “What I’m always chasing is this sense of atmosphere and warmth in my photos,” he explains. “It might sound strange, but I don’t want people to feel like they’re looking at a digital photo. I want them to feel immersed – to build up this version of what they’re looking at, where
“That’s where my style comes from: chasing the almost dreamlike feeling that those kinds of photos gave me back in the day.” While digital cameras have never been more powerful, Luke suggests that enjoyment of photography is often more nuanced than simply pursuing a perfect likeness. “It’s easy to get a bit disillusioned by all the latest, bleeding-edge tech and having everything perfect and pristine. Just like ten or 15 years ago when vinyl had its comeback – there’s a sense of warmth to the sound that you couldn’t get from streaming MP3s – people are now starting to embrace a more tactile, analogue style of photography again. “I’m on the fence about it though, in a way. Although my work leans into that more imperfect world – to
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