New issue out now! Want to know which cameras, lenses and accessories really stand out in today’s crowded market? The new issue of Photography News reveals all, with the latest TIPA World Awards – judged by a global panel of experts, including PN – highlighting the very best kit available right now. We’re also launching our revamped Photographer of the Year 2026 competition, giving you the chance to showcase your work and be recognised. And our biggest-ever guide to the best photo editing software. Plus, we go hands-on with the Leica SL3 and its game-changing firmware update, test Sigma’s new fast 35mm prime, check out the latest DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and much more. Packed with inspiration, expert advice and must-know gear, the new issue is out now!
ISSUE 127 12 MAY-6 JUL 2026
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Icon revisited New book celebrates provocative pioneer Bob Carlos Clarke
Red dot redemption Hands-on with the Leica SL3 after a major free update transforms its performance
GoPro mirrorless Micro Four Thirds lens mount sees the action camera grow up
35mm special Sigma’s latest AF glass leads a resurgence in the classic prime
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Talent search Are you our Photographer of the Year? This year’s contest opens for entries
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World’s best photo kit Cut through the noise with award-winning gear that truly performs
Not all hardware and software deserves your money. In a world that’s full of unqualified influencers and spec- chasing YouTubers, knowing what gear works and makes a difference to your life has never been harder. But that’s where the TIPA World Awards stand head and shoulders above the rest. These awards are judged by an international panel of experienced
TIPA COVERAGE STARTS ON PAGE 4 TIPA winners are a guide to the tools delivering the goods, and a snapshot of where photography and content creation are heading. software, printing and workflow solutions, the TIPA World Awards reflect the entire imaging journey – from capture to output and everything else in between. So if you’re planning your next photo kit upgrade, the
magazine and website editors – including Photography News . They aren’t based on marketing claims or influencer hype but are shaped by real-world use, hands- on testing and detailed debate between experts that understand how photographers actually work, and how the latest kit delivers on the promise. From flagship cameras and cutting-edge lenses through to
Classy glass Brand-new optics from Zeiss, Samyang, Panasonic, Laowa and more!
READ MORE FROM PAGE 3
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PANASONIC PLANS Lumix sets the standard A new 40mm prime will soon be joined by further lenses
FROM THE EDITOR
Panasonic has reinforced its commitment to compact full-
People researching a kit purchase are often guided by social media influencers chasing likes or YouTubers poring over spec sheets in exhaustive tech deep dives. That’s why the 2026 TIPA World Awards provides solid recognition from a truly global panel. The Technical Image Press Association’s decision-making panel is made up of invitation-only representatives from world-leading photographic publications who have earned a reputation for trustworthy appraisal. As a TIPA member representing Photography News , I can say that these unique awards are the result of detailed debate between editors who have real-world experience of how these tools are used in their markets. That matters, because the imaging industry is no longer driven purely by headline innovation. The 2026 winners show fewer dramatic leaps but more intelligent refinement – all shaped around how people really shoot. What’s interesting is how broad the awards are. Cameras still matter, but so does lighting, audio, video, software, printing and services. It reflects how image making is not just about capture. The best products aren’t always the most revolutionary, but the most useful. Some innovations may seem small but can make a big difference – something we look at in our Bits and Pixels feature this issue. Like the hardware and software, the awards are
frame mirrorless cameras by launching an affordable Lumix S 40mm f/2 prime and revealing two other lenses on the roadmap. The first will be a fast, wide- angle prime designed to complement the Lumix S9 body, the other a large- aperture telephoto zoom. The brand already has 70-200mm lenses in f/2.8 and f/4 versions, plus 70- 300mm f/4.5-5.6 and 100-500mm f/5- 7.1 options. Currently, there are 18mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.8 wide primes. The L-Mount 40mm costs £349, has an overall length of 40.9mm and a weight of 144g, pairing perfectly with the compact body of the S9. The new optic has a dust- and splash-resistant design, focus breathing suppression and micro-step aperture control. Panasonic has also added a Black Titanium edition of the S9 to the range, costing £1299. It has a leather-textured body with titanium accents and, unlike the recent Titanium Gold edition, its run is not limited but widely available.
DYNAMIC DUO The Black Titanium Lumix S9 is a perfect match for the Lumix S 40mm f/2 standard lens
also evolving – not only celebrating innovation, but quietly documenting how photography itself is changing.
As the resurgence for compact cameras continues, Panasonic answers the call with the TZ300, which has a 1.0-type BSI CMOS sensor and a 15x Leica zoom lens covering the equivalent of 24-360mm. The 20.1-megapixel camera costs £869 and can focus as close as 3cm. It records 4K video and high-speed 120p video in HD. panasonic.com Leica lens for TZ300
Editor
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Adam Duckworth
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GoPro has taken its boldest step yet with the Mission 1 series – and it’s not the 8K video or 50-megapixel sensor that stands out most. It’s the fact that one of the cameras, the Mission 1 Pro ILS, is the brand’s first-ever model with an interchangeable lens mount. Built around a one-inch sensor, the ILS version pairs GoPro’s trademark stabilisation and rugged design with a Micro Four Thirds mount, opening the door to a vast range of possible lenses. It transforms GoPro from a fixed-lens action brand into something closer to a modular cinema system. But there is no AF and it’s not a waterproof action camera like traditional GoPros. The smaller sensor gives a roughly 3x crop, so wide-angle lenses such as the ultra- wide Laowa 7.5mm have an angle of view equivalent to roughly 20mm. Alongside the £599 ILS model sit two more familiar action cameras, the £529 Mission 1 and the £599 Mission 1 Pro, which both use the same sensor and processor but keep the traditional
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all-in-one design. Each one pushes performance further than ever, with up to 8K video at 60fps, 4K at 240fps and high-speed Full HD at 960fps, plus open gate recording for flexible reframing across multiple aspect ratios. GoPro is also launching accessories, including a dual-channel wireless audio system. The cameras already have 32- bit float internal audio. gopro.com
BIG TIME The GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS takes Micro Four Thirds lenses
As well as your local camera club, you can pick up Photography News in-store from: Cameraworld, Castle Cameras, Jessops, London Camera Exchange, Park Cameras, Wex Photo Video, Wilkinson Cameras
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TIPA OF THE HAT Trusted top tech honoured
Judged by global experts, the TIPA World Awards remain a trusted guide to the best imaging gear on the market today
out in an increasingly crowded and fast-moving market. As ever, the big names feature prominently. Brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Hasselblad, Ricoh, Leica and Fujifilm all secured major camera awards, underlining their continued influence at the top end of the market. Familiar leaders also dominated the lens categories. In other areas, however, the results reflected a broader industry shift – particularly towards workflow and output, with companies such as Cewe picking up an unprecedented three awards for printing services and software.
This year’s standout products across the imaging industry have been revealed by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). Its 2026 World Awards recognises excellence in cameras, lenses, software, lighting, storage and even smartphones. Covering 40 categories, what sets the TIPA World Awards apart is its judging process. Winners are decided by an international panel of editors and
experts from leading photography publications, including Photography News . This year’s General Assembly took place in Berlin, where extensive discussion and hands-on experience helped shape the final decisions. The result is a set of accolades that reflect real-world use, not just specifications. For readers, the TIPA World Awards remain a trusted guide to the products that genuinely stand
So, read on to see which kit won each category. Plus, we pick out our choice of winners and tell you why the judges singled them out for top spot.
Best APS-C Camera Fujifilm X-E5
Best Full-Frame Advanced Camera Nikon Z 5II
What the judges said: “This full-frame mirrorless camera is for photographers and hybrid creators seeking high image quality and advanced autofocus performance. “It features a 24.5-megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor and the Expeed 7 image processing engine, enabling faster AF, improved subject detection and better low-light performance. “The camera includes in-body image stabilisation, 4K video and continuous shooting speeds of up to 30 frames per second. It also supports more advanced
What the judges said: “This compact, interchangeable-lens, rangefinder-style camera is designed for photographers seeking portability without sacrificing image quality. “The X-E5 delivers high-resolution images, strong colour reproduction and advanced autofocus capabilities. Its retro- inspired design includes manual dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation – appealing to photographers who prefer tactile controls. It sports a 40.2-megapixel sensor and AI-powered AF – along with 6.2K video. Suitable for travel and street
work, the camera integrates modern imaging technology with the company’s well-known Film Simulation modes, producing distinctive photographic styles directly in camera.”
features such as deep-learning subject detection and 3D tracking autofocus. Overall, the Z 5II offers many flagship- level capabilities in a more affordable entry-level full-frame camera system.”
Best Full-Frame Expert Camera Sony Alpha 7 V
Best Advanced Compact Cinema Camera Nikon ZR
What the judges said: “The Sony Alpha 7 V marks a redefinition of mirrorless excellence and capabilities. It delivers class-leading autofocus driven by AI subject recognition, exceptional full-frame image quality as well as robust video performance all within a compact, weather-sealed body. “Photographers benefit from improved ergonomics, a high-resolution viewfinder and dependable stabilisation. Video production is enhanced by refined codecs and advanced colour science, plus thermal management for long shoots.
Best Speciality Lens Canon RF 7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM What the judges said: “Designed for Canon’s RF mount mirrorless system, this exciting lens provides an extremely wide fisheye perspective. Its focal length range captures an ultra-wide field of view that produces the distinctive curved distortion characteristic of fisheye optics. Its variable aperture of f/2.8–3.5 allows relatively strong low-light performance while maintaining optical control. As part of Canon’s L-series, the lens emphasises What the judges said: “The Nikon ZR sets high standards with its outstanding innovation, reliability and performance in pro video production. It represents a significant advancement in imaging technology, giving exceptional 6K video resolution, 15+ stops of dynamic range in video and versatility for content creators and filmmakers. Its thoughtful design, robust engineering and seamless integration of advanced features empower users to capture cinematic footage with precision and confidence. It features full
control over colour in post via its Red NE Raw format, built-in image stabilisation to 7.5 stops and accepts the wide range of Z lenses. It redefines creative possibilities, setting a new benchmark for video.”
With responsive handling, outstanding reliability and seamless hybrid capability, the Alpha 7 V empowers creators to work faster, smarter and with confidence in all genres.”
Best APS-C Compact Camera Ricoh GR IV
What the judges said: “Housed in a compact magnesium alloy body, the Ricoh GR IV delivers exceptional image quality in a truly pocketable form. Built around a high- performance APS-C sensor and sharp lens, it produces crisp detail, rich colour and impressive dynamic range. “Fast autofocus, responsive handling, eminent portability and refined ergonomics make this ideal for street, travel and everyday photography. Some other standout features include
high-quality optics, weather-resistant construction and professional durability. The inclusion of an STM autofocus system enables smooth and quiet focusing.”
five-axis image stabilisation, a built-in 2EV ND filter, a high maximum 1/16000 sec shutter speed as well as a variety of customised presets.”
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Best Hybrid Full-Frame Camera Canon EOS R6 Mark III
Best Rangefinder-Style Camera Leica M EV1
What the judges said: “Aimed at pros and advanced enthusiasts, the Mark III joins the new breed of hybrid cameras that offer both high-end still and video recording. This full-frame camera sports impressive recording features thanks to its 32.5-megapixel sensor that can handle up to 7K/60p open gate video and up to 40fps stills, along with up to 8.5 stops of image stabilisation – an added advantage in both low-light and fast- action imagery. Given its robust specs
What the judges said: “The Leica M EV1 marks a significant evolution in Leica’s historic M-System line-up. Unlike previous models, the EV1 replaces the traditional optical rangefinder with a built-in electronic viewfinder, providing photographers with real-time exposure and focus feedback. The camera features a 60.3-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, Leica’s Maestro III image processor and 64GB of internal storage. It retains compatibility with Leica M-Mount lenses while introducing modern tools such as focus assist and
and revised handling and design, the Mark III has high appeal to shooters working in a wide variety of scenarios.”
wireless connectivity through the Leica app. The EV1 blends classic Leica design with contemporary digital imaging capabilities, representing a milestone in the development of the M-System.”
Best Medium Format Camera Hasselblad X2D II 100C
Best Professional Fixed-Lens Camera Sony DSC-RX1R III
What the judges said: “Representing the next chapter in the evolution of medium format photography, the X2D II 100C combines extraordinary image quality with refined handling and modern performance. “Its large, high-resolution sensor delivers stunning detail, remarkable dynamic range and rich colour accuracy. Advanced in-body image stabilisation lets photographers capture handheld images with exceptional clarity, while the intuitive interface and beautifully crafted design make for seamless operation in the field. Fast internal storage and improved responsiveness further enhance the Best Full-Frame Telephoto Prime Lens Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports What the judges said: “Housed within a sturdy magnesium alloy body, this high-performance telephoto lens is aimed squarely at pro sports, portrait, nature and low-light photographers. Autofocus tracking is precise, rapid and near-silent, with an amazing 6.5 stops of image stabilisation in two OS modes. Addressing often less- than-favourable shooting conditions encountered in the field, it incorporates coatings that correct and suppress flare, ghosting and strong backlight. An added feature is an Arca-Swiss-compatible tripod socket that doubles as a carrying handle,
What the judges said: “This camera is the third version of Sony’s full-frame, fixed-lens compact RX1R. Designed for professional and enthusiast photographers, the camera emphasises portability while maintaining high image quality. “It features an impressive 61- megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and a Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens, with advanced autofocus that uses AI-based subject recognition, a Bionz XR image processor and 4K video recording Best Full-Frame Wide-Angle Zoom Lens Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 What the judges said: “This lightweight and fast ultra-wide zoom delivers exceptional sharpness edge to edge, even at f/2.8, and combines outstanding optical performance with robust, weather-sealed construction suited for demanding environments. “Impressive versatility lends itself to capturing a wide variety of subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions. That makes it an all-around choice for landscape, architecture, event and travel photography. Performance-wise, it delivers fast, reliable AF that ensures success in both still and video capture.”
shooting experience. Ideal for landscape, fashion and fine-art photography, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C provides the perfect balance of precision engineering, supreme reliability and uncompromising image quality.”
capability. It also supports a step-crop function to achieve 50 and 70mm focal length framing. “It is eminently suitable for travel, street and documentary photography.”
making for quick and easy transition from stationary to action capture.”
Best Professional Portable Flash Godox AD800 Pro
Best Photo Management Software Excire
What the judges said: “The battery-powered AD800 Pro
What the judges said: “This AI-powered photo management software helps photographers organise and search large image libraries more efficiently. It runs locally – no cloud required – and uses image recognition to automatically analyse photos and assign descriptive keywords based on visual content. This allows users to locate images by searching for subjects, colours, locations or even emotional expressions without manually tagging each file. Excire
encourages spontaneous and creative lighting in the studio and on location. Its 800W output is designed to overpower sunlight, which sets up a balancing act between very bright conditions and shadowy areas, opening doors to creative outdoor exposures. The unit features a dedicated freeze mode with an ultra-short flash duration, making action, fashion, dance and commercial photography more accessible than ever before.”
integrates with popular editing workflows and supports large photo archives used by professional photographers and visual media organisations.”
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Best Tripod Manfrotto One Photo
Best Professional Photo/ Video Monitor
BenQ Creative Pro PD2770U Monitor
What the judges said: “Aimed at photographers who require a reliable and flexible tripod for both studio and location work, the Manfrotto One Photo is designed to provide stability, flexibility and quick set-up. It incorporates rapid-extension legs, modular feet and a centre column that can be adjusted for precise shooting angles, letting users capture images from low, overhead or standard positions. The tripod’s Xtend mechanism allows all leg sections to be deployed simultaneously in a single action, making for rapid set-up and height adjustment.”
What the judges said: “This pro monitor from BenQ redefines professional display performance through exceptional precision and thoughtful design. The monitor delivers ultra high resolution, outstanding colour fidelity and advanced display technologies that support long hours of productive work. Its refined, industrial design maintains ergonomic flexibility and connectivity for evolving workflows. This monitor sets the standard for future high-performance professional monitors.”
Our pick of the rest
Best Content Creator Camera Canon Powershot V1 “The V1 is ideal for content creators, vloggers and even those who simply enjoy carrying a pocketable, capable camera on their journeys.”
Best Professional Cinema Camera Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55
Best Full-Frame Wide-Angle Prime Lens Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art “This fast, wide-angle, full- frame lens comes in with a 30% reduction in weight and 20% in length than previous versions”
Best Full-Frame Superzoom Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary “Exceptional versatility and practicality, giving an impressive range from ultra wide to telephoto in a compact, lightweight design.”
Best Full-Frame Standard Zoom Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II “Outstanding sharpness, edge- to-edge clarity and background separation across the zoom range.”
“Designed to deliver exceptional image quality for film production, and built around Fujifilm’s large format sensor.”
Best Full-Frame Travel Lens Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD “This handy, take-anywhere lens offers an exceptional blend of optical performance, portability and innovation.”
Best Full-Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM “This is particularly suitable for portrait, event and sports photography where flexibility and speed are essential.”
Best Macro Lens Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS “Recognised as redefining
Best Ultra Macro Lens Laowa Axon 1-5X & 5-10X Ultra Macro APO “These Axon FF lenses open up realms of close-up photography, empowering capture of intricate details and unique perspectives.”
Best Tilt-Shift Lens TTArtisan TS 17mm f/4.0 ASPH “This ultra-wide tilt-shift lens allows photographers to adjust
excellence in macro and portrait photography, this G Master gives extraordinary sharpness.”
perspective and control the plane of focus, helping them correct distortion.”
The rest of the winners
Best Professional Printing App Cewe Online Direct 2.0
Best Photo Service Cewe Calendar XXL
Best Photobook Design Software Fotobuch Software Designer 3 Best Printing Kiosk & AI Software Photo AiD Photo Kiosk & AI Photo Cards
Best AI Photo Editing Software Evoto AI Photo Editor
Best Expert Photo Editing Software Affinity by Canva
Best Large Format Printer Epson Surecolor P7300/P9300
Best Action Cam
Insta360 Go Ultra
Best Photo Lab Service Whitewall Shopify Lab Connection
Best Photo Book Cewe Photobook on Photographic Paper with Memento Pocket
Best AI B2B Software Viesus
Best Raw Processing Software DxO Photolab 9
Best AI Professional Workflow Software Aftershoot Instant AI Profiles
Best Photo Smartphone Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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The German brand won’t just focus on luxury goods and is working on a bespoke sensor for its next generation of cameras LEICA LATEST New Leica CEO to push innovation
production, while pushing forward with digital transformation. Leica has announced a collaboration with image sensor manufacturer Gpixel to develop bespoke sensors for future cameras. Currently, Leica utilises a Sony-made 60-megapixel sensor in many of its high-end cameras. To coincide with the change in leadership, Freefly has been revealed as a member of the L-Mount Alliance, making it the 11th imaging company to join since the announcement of the L-Mount standard in 2018. The alliance consists of founding members Leica, Sigma and Panasonic, as well as Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, DJI, Astrodesign, Sirui, Samyang, Blackmagic Design and Viltrox. This collaboration lets Freefly develop its high-speed video cameras with the L-Mount.
Leica has a new boss after appointing Andreas Voll as
its CEO, a move claimed to signal a focus on digital imaging technologies. He succeeds Matthias Harsch, who led Leica since 2017 and oversaw expansion beyond photography into high-end watches, home cinema and luxury leather goods. The new CEO brings great experience in premium technology and brand development. The key shift lies in Leica’s plans to expand digital and imaging solutions, alongside development of its premium optical and camera systems. Leica intends to deepen partnerships in mobile imaging and advanced optics, areas increasingly relevant to hybrid shooters and video workflows. Leica says it will maintain its focus on precision engineering and high-end
ALL ABOUT THAT BASSMAN The work of Lillian Bassman (left) and Brian Duffy (below) are going to be on show in the capital
Bassman heads London exhibits will complement Bassman’s images, alongside a selection of special prints from famed Leica photographers such as Bruce Davidson, Terry O’Neill and Henri Cartier-Bresson. At the same time, Leica Gallery London will show works from famed
Previously unseen Lillian Bassman works as well as vintage Brian Duffy portraits will go on show in London to celebrate 50 years of Leica Galleries. The exhibition is at Photo London’s Kensington Olympia home until 9 July, showing works from US photographer and painter Bassman, whose oversized fashion portraits were rediscovered by photography curator and art historian Martin Harrison. A small group of vintage lith prints by Deborah Turbeville shot in 1975
Irish photographer Brian Duffy, showcasing his vintage prints from as early as the sixties, with portraits of people such as Michael Caine, David Hockney and Grace Coddington. leica.com
VOLL STRENGTH Leica’s new boss will push imaging innovation, starting with an exciting sensor update
Harsch words on the phone
The news about the Leica boss comes as the brand reveals the Leitzphone, a premium smartphone, made by Chinese tech giant Xiaomi but commissioned by outgoing CEO Harsch. “It brings our imaging expertise, design principles and photographic intent into everyday moments, while staying true to the passion that has defined Leica for generations,” said Harsch. The £1700 Leitzphone is aimed to bring a more authentic photographic experience to mobile imaging. At its core is an advanced triple-camera system built around a Vario-APO-Summilux 14-
boost dynamic range by managing highlight detail directly at pixel level. This helps retain detail in high- contrast scenes, making it effective for landscapes, architecture and portraits. A 200-megapixel periscope telephoto module extends the system’s reach, offering 75-100mm optical zoom with stabilisation and autofocus. The custom user interface and camera app reflect the brand’s minimalist philosophy, with Leica Looks, bokeh simulations and a dedicated Essential Mode that recreates classic colour and monochrome styles inspired by cameras like the Leica M9.
100mm f/1.67-2.9 ASPH lens, delivering Leica’s emphasis on optical precision and image quality. The main camera has a large one-inch sensor with technology designed to
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AUDIO MATTERS Digital mics with analogue sound
Audio-Technica has launched two new on-camera shotgun microphones, the ATV-SG1 and ATV-SG1LE, which focus on analogue acoustic design and sound quality. The flagship £175 ATV-SG1 offers dual-channel recording with a -6dB safety track or simultaneous shotgun and wireless lav input, all recorded directly into a camera’s stereo input.
Both models feature a 100mm directional acoustic tube while built-in shock mounts reduce handling noise and RF shielding prevents interference. The SG1 has pro controls including a low-cut filter, gain dial and headphone monitoring, plus a rechargeable battery. The SG1LE is more basic and compact, costing £85. audio-technica.com
PC GONE MAD Hot shift from tilting Laowa Perspective correction and creative effects are made easier thanks to these two new, all-manual wide lenses
Shure way for pro sound on all smart devices and condenser microphones without requiring an external preamp. Where the version improves is
Content creators and podcasters can capture studio-quality dialogue with Shure’s new MVX2U Gen 2 Digital Audio Interface. This single-channel device has been designed to make professional XLR mics easier to use alongside phones, tablets and laptops. The travel-friendly interface lets users connect broadcast-quality mics directly to their recording device via USB-C. The £139 interface provides up to +60dB of clean gain and 48V phantom power, allowing it to drive dynamic
Laowa has unveiled an ultra- wide lens, the 17mm f/4 Zero-D
in its built-in digital signal processing. Features such as Auto Level Mode, a real-time denoiser and Shure’s Digital Popper Stopper help keep consistent dialogue levels while reducing plosives and background noise. Shure’s Motiv desktop and mobile apps offer full control and work across iOS, Android and computers. shure.com
Tilt-Shift, as a more capable big brother to the 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift we tested recently. Designed to give more precise control over perspective and focus, both offer a wide 104° field of view and are built around Laowa’s Zero-D (zero- distortion) design. This ensures straight lines remain true without needing digital correction, so these lenses are useful for architectural and real estate where geometric accuracy is critical. The tilt-shift version provides ±12mm shift and tilt control, while the shift-only model offers ±11mm shift, helping eliminate keystone distortion in camera and maintain full resolution without post-processing. An expanded image circle also allows use on larger sensors, with up to ±8mm shift on medium format. The tilt function enables precise focus plane control, from extending depth-of-field across a captured scene
GOOD POD Podcasters and content creators can up audio quality with Shure’s brand- new gizmo
to creating stylised miniature effects. A 360° rotation mechanism supports multi-shot stitching, while a 14-blade aperture delivers smoother bokeh and refined highlights. With a 25cm close focus distance, 86mm filter thread and Arca-Swiss mount support, the Laowa lenses are solidly built for pro use. The shift-only version is £1099 while tilt-shift is £1269. venuslens.net
LAOWA POWER These latest 17mm optics come in your choice of shift or tilt- shift versions
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SMOOTH FINISH Shots of models and actresses in latex, a hallmark of Bob Carlos Clarke’s style, feature in the new book
Limited-edition book commemorates the life and work of the legendary fine art and commercial photographer Remembering Carlos Clarke 20 years on TRIBUTE
To mark the 20th anniversary of the death of influential
from 2002 to 2005, the period after the publication of his book Shooting Sex , his last exhibition series Love Dolls Never Die and previously unpublished work including some hand-tinted and hand drawn pictures. Clarke remains a hugely popular figure, and is known as a pioneer of dark and moody monochrome images that celebrate underground, alternative culture in the UK. From shooting famous portraits of Keith Richards, Rachel Weisz and Marco Pierre White to taking LP covers for bands like The Damned, he was a fine art shooter who was commercially successful, then and now. His prints and books continue to sell. He sadly took his own life aged just 55 in 2006. Terence Pepper, former curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, described Clarke as ‘one of the great photographic image makers of the last few decades.’ Often referred to as Britain and Ireland’s answer to German-Australian photographer Helmut Newton, Clarke was born in Cork, Ireland and is best known for his carefully composed, highly constructed, often glamorous and provocative creative approach. His visual subjects – often women in rubber – sealed his reputation as a photographer of erotic black & white images. But his work also included
photographer Bob Carlos Clarke, his estate and The Little Black Gallery have launched a book called The Last Dolls that costs £70. The book has 60 pages, is limited to 300 printed copies and features images
SHARP SHOOTER Carlos Clarke’s work often had quite a dangerous edge to it
& Roll Hall of Fame Museum in the US, the National Media Museum for the National Photography Collection (UK), Crawford Art Gallery in Ireland and private collectors such as Elton John. Brandei Estes, senior curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery and former director, head of photographs at Sotheby’s, said: “When I first encountered the photographs of women by Bob Carlos Clarke, I was struck by a deep tension. The images were provocative and, sometimes, unsettling – but the women portrayed appeared powerful, composed and in full command of their agency. Yes, there are unmistakable elements of fetishism, but there is also an assertive, self-possessed femininity that resists objectification. These aren’t invitations to gaze, but rather declarations: ‘Look, but you cannot touch.’” According to his long-time agent Ghislain Pascal, Clarke selected models carefully, sparking deep collaborations. He was known for his professionalism – for respecting, compensating and communicating with his models. thelittleblackgallery.com
celebrity portraiture, photojournalism and advertising, often pushing at the boundaries of art and acceptability. He produced six books during his lifetime, all of which go for a premium now. A biography called Exposure: The Unusual Life and Violent Death of Bob Carlos Clarke written by Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Garfield was published by Ebury Press in 2009. Clarke’s works are highly collectible and have been variously acquired by the National Portrait Gallery, the Rock
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LIGHTING AMPLIFIED Say Halo to Amaran’s new range The specialist LED brand unveils budget COBs for photographers and content creators
Gutek colours in its cases CASE CLOSED
Designed primarily for studio environments – including though not limited to portraits, products, live streams, YouTube set-ups and podcasts – the Halo lights prioritise usability. Every model features simple dual-control knobs for brightness and colour temperature, enabling fast adjustments without having to waste time navigating complicated menus. Output levels range from 3270 lux at one metre for the Halo 60x to 32,500 lux at the same distance for the flagship 600x, delivering significantly more power than Amaran’s previous COB S series. Despite the added performance, these fixtures are still compact, so they remain easy to integrate into smaller creator production spaces. The lower-powered Halo 60x and 100x models can be powered via
USB-C PD, facilitating flexible set- ups using portable power sources. The higher-output 200, 300 and 600x models feature more integrated power supplies, simplifying installations with a single mains cable. All Halo fixtures support remote control via USB-C, and built-in NFC pairing also allows users to instantly add lights to the Amaran mobile app for wireless control. With an 85° beam angle, the Halo lights are designed to fill softboxes evenly and work with Amaran’s ever- growing ecosystem of modifiers. Pricing is expected to start at around £120 for the Halo 60x, rising to £166 for the 100x, £250 for the 200x, £302 for the 300x and reaching £459 for the flagship Halo 600x. amarancreators.com
RANGE FINDER The Halo
series starts at 63W and goes to 610W,
The new Atomos Ninja Raw is a five-inch HDR monitor-recorder made to bring high-end tools to a wider range of content creators. It is very similar to the Ninja TX and Ninja TX Go, but uses a conventional wired connection instead of wireless streaming or camera-to-cloud connectivity like the more expensive TX models. With its 1500-nit HDR touchscreen, the Ninja Raw records video directly from a camera’s sensor over HDMI in Apple ProRes and ProRes Raw, with up to 6K/30p recorded to CFexpress Type B media or external USB-C drives for fast, flexible workflows. It offers USB-C camera control over settings like ISO, shutter, aperture and white-balance on supported cameras. A full suite of monitoring tools is built in, including false colour, waveform, focus peaking and vectorscope. With dual USB-C ports, multiple power options and a rugged build, the Ninja Raw is designed for both studio and outdoor shooting, priced at £718. atomos.com Gutek has expanded its T-Series Protector Case line-up with vibrant Yellow and refined Azure Blue versions of the T-230 and T-300. The £132 T-230 and £192 T-300 cases blend light construction with durability. The colours join the existing Black and Olive Drab Green options. The cases have a flame-retardant V-2 rating. Their design, inspired by the strength of a tortoise shell, maximises internal volume while keeping overall weight low. While the T-230 offers a 23L interior, the wheeled T-300 provides a 30L interior capacity and remains carry-on compatible for most airlines. Both feature IP67-rated dust and water protection, along with press-pull latches, stainless steel lock holes and an automatic waterproof purge valve. Inside are customisable foam interiors. A range of optional accessories include divider kits, lid organisers and motion- sensor LED lighting. gutek.com Stripped-back Ninja will reach more creators
enough for very large modifiers
Amaran has expanded its LED range with the launch of
the Halo series, a family of bicolour COB fixtures designed to make studio lighting more accessible than ever. The five-light line-up ranges from the compact Halo 60x (63W) to the high-output Halo 600x (610W). The range includes the Halo 60, 100, 200, 300 and 600x. Each offers increasing levels of output while maintaining consistent colour quality and simple, intuitive controls.
Aputure boosts output and precision
Aputure’s Spotlight Mount II is an upgraded projector attachment made to deliver brighter output and sharper beams of light. Compatible with Pro Lock and Bowens mount lights up to 800W, the recently launched modifier relies on a redesigned optical system to improve brightness and beam uniformity. A fully rotating barrel enables precise alignment of cuts and projections.
The Spotlight Mount II supports four interchangeable lenses: 19, 26, 36 and a new ultra-wide 50° option. It also accepts gobos in both metal and glass. Designed to maintain a similar size and weight to its predecessor, the model comes supplied with a hard case and one lens, and additional lenses are available separately. No UK prices have been revealed yet. aputure.com
@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
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ISSUE 127
16 / NEWS
PREVIEW Snap the Dragon at fast-growing UK show
The Wales & West Photography Show is a must-go for all camera fans
the UK, combining inspiration and hands-on access to the latest kit. Whether you are an enthusiast picking up a brand-new camera or a seasoned professional, the ICC Wales venue offers a space to connect, learn and explore. That inclusive approach has driven rapid growth since 2022, with exhibitor numbers and visitor attendance climbing year on year. This year’s event will take place in an expanded space, packed with leading camera and video brands. It is an opportunity to get hands-on with the latest gear and speak directly
to experts. Education is a major focus. A schedule of free seminars will cover lighting, macro photography and filmmaking, while workshops both free and paid will offer deeper, more practical learning. Led by experienced educators, sessions are meant to hone real skills, whether you are refining technique or starting from scratch. There will also be a strong retail presence, with Camera Centre UK offering a wide range of new and used equipment, making it easy to transform
CYMRU AS YOU ARE The impressive ICC Wales venue will host demos, retailers and workshops
The Wales & West Photography Show returns from 18 to 20 June,
and it’s shaping up to be the biggest, most ambitious edition yet. What started as a regional gathering has grown into a key event for content creators and photographers across
inspiration into action. waleswestphoto.com
CROSSOVER HIT
FAST GLASS
One L of a wide zoom
Cash off the speediest prime
If you absolutely must own the fastest lens in the world, then there’s good news. The Experimental Optics 50mm f/0.75 is on sale for 20% off to celebrate ten years since its release. The lens now costs £2000, and is available in M39 and Leica M-Mount. It is best suited for use on mirrorless cameras with a helicoid adapter. The Berlin-based brand is also making an ultra-thin 35mm f/2.7 full-frame pancake lens in the same mounts. The price is yet to be revealed. See facebook.com/experimentaloptics for more information and to contact the company about making a purchase.
Samyang continues to develop momentum in the L-Mount Alliance with the launch of its AF 14-24mm f/2.8 FE. Developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, the lens combines German optical expertise with Samyang’s AF know-how. Despite its fast f/2.8 aperture, the £1050 lens remains compact at just 88mm long and 445g. A minimum focusing distance of 18cm allows for dramatic close-ups. A standout feature is the 77mm front filter thread – a rarity on ultra-wide zooms. lksamyang.com
RARE BREED The speedy, ultra-wide Samyang lens has a headline 77mm front filter thread
@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
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ISSUE 127
18 / NEWS
BITS AND PIXELS Small innovations with big impact
Forget more megapixels and faster frame rates. These are the smart upgrades that can actually change how you shoot
Not every important camera upgrade is a great revolution.
is a game changer for solo shooters, vloggers and remote set-ups, turning your smartphone into a powerful external monitor and controller. 3 Internal Raw video Most photographers are aware of the benefits of shooting Raw photos, at the expense of file size. Raw video brings all the same benefits but the file size issue and heat created is immense. Raw video used to require external recorders, but cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z 9 brought internal Raw mainstream. It delivers maximum flexibility in post-production, allowing exposure recovery and supporting high-end workflows without the extra gear. Just about every manufacturer apart from Sony now has it. And on the subject of video, 32-bit float audio is like Raw HDR for sound! 4 IBIS breakthrough One of the greatest innovations has been in-body image stabilisation, which allows you to go lower on the shutter speed than a non-stabilised camera. Panasonic and OM System led the way with their MFT cameras. The theory is: the smaller the sensor, the more effective it can be. But Hasselblad has just blown that theory out of the water with its latest medium format X2D 100C, offering up to seven stops of stabilisation on a 100-megapixel sensor. It makes medium format practical for real- world photography.
A lot of new tech may seem like a small improvement, but can make a real difference. We’re not talking about incremental upgrades like faster frame rates or even more resolution, but tech tweaks that move the needle which you may have missed. Here are ten relatively new improvements in cameras that make perfect sense. 1 Built-in storage The days of having to carry loads of fragile and easy-to-lose memory cards might be coming to an end as some cameras now feature internal storage. Many offer large internal recording options, such as 1TB on the latest Hasselblad medium format kit or the Sigma BF with 230GB. This simplifies workflows, improves reliability and avoids costly media, especially for high- bit-rate video formats. And you’ll never leave home without memory again. Of course, the best have a card slot too, so you can have an instant backup or simply choose to use it as the main memory. 2 Remote monitoring by phone Previously, if you wanted to view your camera screen remotely, it involved
5 Flash sync innovation To reap the benefits of full-power flash, you need to keep below your camera’s maximum flash sync speed – usually 1/250 sec or lower. That’s not good when using it outdoors in sunshine, and is why many cameras now offer HSS – high speed sync. However, this severely reduces the effective power of your flashes.
MEMORY MASTER Having a large internal memory is a great feature, and Sigma’s BF has 230GB
The Sony A1 pushed boundaries using magnetic technology to give true flash sync at 1/400 sec, enabling more creative lighting control. This is particularly valuable for sports, action and high-speed studio work. 6 Global shutter The Sony A9 III is the first full-frame mirrorless camera with a true global
complicated kit such as external monitors and, usually, long cables. Wireless camera control has changed all that. Most modern mirrorless cams allow full monitoring, focus control and exposure adjustment via apps. This WIN! A 512GB Samsung memory card
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If word play is up your street, you can win one of Samsung’s updated Pro Ultimate cards that let you shoot more, faster. It’s a fast U3, Class 10-rated card with read/write speeds up to 200 and 130MB/s to let you smoothly take and transfer photos and video. The cards have protection from water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, magnets, drops and wear out, plus they come with a ten- year limited warranty. Complete the word search comprising 20 things to do with camera technology, and you’ll
find one word in the list that’s not in the grid. Email us on puzzle@ photographynews.co.uk with that word in the subject box by 7 July and the card will be yours if your name is drawn at random from all the correct entries. Only entries from UK residents please. Well done to Dean Bostock from Basingstoke who was our winner from issue 125. The missing word from issue 126 was ‘panorama’.
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NEWS / 19
shutter. It eliminates rolling shutter distortion entirely, so there are no more skewed verticals. It also allows flash sync at any shutter speed – a true revelation. And there is no awful colour banding when shooting under fluorescent lights. This is a huge leap for sports, action and professional imaging where precision is critical. 7 Eye AF in medium format Autofocus in medium format used to lag behind, and since longer lenses and higher resolution meant focusing was even more critical, old-school contrast detect AF was a problem. Cameras like the Fujifilm GFX100 II and Hasselblad X2D 100C now use clever on-sensor phase detection and AI to include eye AF. This makes these high-resolution systems far more usable for portraits and moving subjects, bridging the gap with full-frame performance. 8 Open gate video Social media is all about vertical video, while longer-form content such as YouTube is based on the traditional widescreen shape. So, you have to decide what you’re shooting before you press record. Open gate recording changes that. By using the full sensor area, it offers maximum flexibility
for reframing during post-processing, and allows creators to shoot once and deliver multiple aspect ratios for social use, as well as more traditional cinema- style footage. 9 Stacked sensors Mirrorless cameras used to lag behind DSLRs when shooting fast action as the viewfinder was always slightly behind the action. This was a nightmare for panning, for example. Stacked sensors dramatically increase readout speed by separating processing layers. Cameras like the Sony A1 pioneered this to offer not only faster burst shooting, reduced rolling shutter and improved autofocus – but also give a view like a DSLR. It’s one of the biggest performance leaps in modern camera design. 10 Camera as computer If you want to back up your memory card to an external SSD in the field, you’ve always needed a laptop. Now you don’t, thanks to tech pioneered on the Panasonic Lumix S1 II. Plugging in an external SSD to its USB-C port enables direct transfer from the images and videos on your CFexpress cards to external SSDs. No laptop needed. It makes the camera a portable data hub, ideal for travel and location work.
TECH IT EASY Innovations to improve your life include internal Raw video (above), recording to USB-C (right) and incredible image
stabilisation (below right)
We’re not talking about incremental upgrades but tech tweaks that move the needle which you may have missed
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