The Phoblographer

The Film That Got Too Much Hype As I wrote this review two years after the release of Harman Phoenix, I can't help but really want to lean into my honesty. Even when I interviewed photographers about what this film is, they seemed kind of lukewarm about it. Harman released the first original color film in several years. That's a wonderful thing. But just because they did it, doesn't mean that it was something they excelled on in every single way. In fact, that's really how I feel about the film. I appreciate that it exists and that it looks like a slide film that had color tinting to it. But I think that there are much better films on the market.

The Film That Got Too Much Hype

As I wrote this review two years after the release of Harman Phoenix, I can't help but really want to lean into my honesty. Even when I interviewed photographers about what this film is, they seemed kind of lukewarm about it. Harman released the first original color…

The New Sony RX1R Mk III is Finally Here This is a developing story. Today, Sony has announced the new Sony RX1R Mk III. It features a 35mm lens, a 61MP full-frame sensor, and is coming in at a price that's cheaper than the Leica Q3. A while ago, I said that it might be too late for this camera. But without even touching it, I'm very excited to know that it's here. We've talked about the camera for a while now, and we're still analyzing everything. The full press release is below.

The New Sony RX1R Mk III is Finally Here

This is a developing story. Today, Sony has announced the new Sony RX1R Mk III. It features a 35mm lens, a 61MP full-frame sensor, and is coming in at a price that's cheaper than the Leica Q3. A while ago, I said that it might be too late for this camera.…

Can This Lens Filter Save Photographers from Generative AI? The other day, I had a conversation with a friend who told me all about how AI has been causing havoc in her life. Essentially, it acted like an untrained intern who doesn't know any better but is given an absurd amount of responsibility. So the AI started to do things that my friend didn't want to do. Make no mistake, AI is scaring everyone these days -- especially as so many are giving up their humanity in the smallest of ways. But today, PolarPro is introducing something that I'm probably going to call my favorite lens filter of 2025. It's called the PolarPro Warp filter. By far, one of the coolest filters I’ve ever tested. It even feels really well built in every single way.

Can This Lens Filter Save Photographers from Generative AI?

The other day, I had a conversation with a friend who told me all about how AI has been causing havoc in her life. Essentially, it acted like an untrained intern who doesn't know any better but is given an absurd amount of responsibility.…

PolarPro’s New Filter is Perfect for In-Camera Effects Filters are one of the important accessories for many photographers. It not only brings out the best in one's vision but also helps them to get unique images, different from the sterile quality one sees in today's lenses. For this reason, we created a list of the best filters to use on Sigma lenses, the best lens filters for portraits, and the best camera lens filters for photographers who hate boring photos. PolarPro has recently launched a new filter that gives you abstract images, so let's have a look whether it is great enough to be added to our list.

PolarPro’s New Filter is Perfect for In-Camera Effects

Filters are one of the important accessories for many photographers. It not only brings out the best in one's vision but also helps them to get unique images, different from the sterile quality one sees in today's lenses. For this reason, we…

Ricoh Introduces a Revamped App. But Will Photographers Care? Ricoh Imaging has given photographers one of the best gifts: the GR series. A small, compact, yet powerful camera, the device has been one of the go-to tools for street photographers. It now seems the company is trying to make it far easier to seamlessly share one's work with the world with the launch of a new app for GR users: GR World. What does it do, and how does it benefit you? Let's find out.

Ricoh Introduces a Revamped App. But Will Photographers Care?

Ricoh Imaging has given photographers one of the best gifts: the GR series. A small, compact, yet powerful camera, the device has been one of the go-to tools for street photographers. It now seems the company is trying to make it far…

I Hacked the Best Softbox for Speedlights A little over a decade ago, I reviewed the Roundflash Beauty Dish. This product has stayed in my gear kit for a very long time. However, in the past few years, I stopped using speedlights and instead just carry around my Profoto B10. However, at times I want a small softbox and so I'd use an ExpoImaging Rogue Flashbender. However, I finally decided to find a way to make my best softbox work for my Profoto B10.

I Hacked the Best Softbox for Speedlights

A little over a decade ago, I reviewed the Roundflash Beauty Dish. This product has stayed in my gear kit for a very long time. However, in the past few years, I stopped using speedlights and instead just carry around my Profoto B10. However, at times I…

Why Canon’s 2025 RF Lens Roadmap Just Got a Lot More Interesting Canon's EF lens lineup has been nothing short of innovative. The company has created some spectacular master pieces such as Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM, EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM, and EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM. With the company's move to mirrorless, we really have not seen too many new lenses, but there is always the promise of Canon launching something different every year. It has now come to our attention that the manufacturer is working on a new zoom lens, which could showcase Canon's commitment to its loyal customers.

Why Canon’s 2025 RF Lens Roadmap Just Got a Lot More Interesting

Canon's EF lens lineup has been nothing short of innovative. The company has created some spectacular master pieces such as Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM, EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM, and EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM. With the company's…

The Rise of China in the Photography World Tariffs aren't the only reason why China has been doing so well in the photography world as of late. You see, if you ask many more traditional photographers, the Chinese are simply copying what the Japanese have done. But if you go back even further, the Japanese copied Germany and America. In the end, they're all the same because they're simply just going after money. But Japanese manufacturers tend to make many products in China and then raise the prices. In China, however, similar quality products are made by China-based manufacturers and the prices are kept down. So why can't Japan keep their prices down too?

The Rise of China in the Photography World

Tariffs aren't the only reason why China has been doing so well in the photography world as of late. You see, if you ask many more traditional photographers, the Chinese are simply copying what the Japanese have done. But if you go back even further, the…

These Portrait Photography Presets are Simple to Use Portrait photographers will have a blast with our presets made from the ground up for your favorite camera brands. Our presets are designed to make editing a minimal task so you can get back to shooting! We're in love with Retro Digital. Luckily, that's when we founded the website closer to two decades ago. So we dove into our image archives, looked at how the Adobe Gurus were telling us how to edit, and adapted those methods to create our Retro Digital Lightroom Presets and Capture One Styles. These are in addition to the popular Photojournalism presets that we released a while back.

These Portrait Photography Presets are Simple to Use

Portrait photographers will have a blast with our presets made from the ground up for your favorite camera brands. Our presets are designed to make editing a minimal task so you can get back to shooting! We're in love with Retro Digital.…

These are the Best Lenses for Night Photography You'd probably think that any lens with a fast aperture is great for night photography, right? Well, you're not wrong. Some lenses are objectively better than others if you don't plan on bringing a tripod with you. And most people who own cameras don't ever plan on bringing a tripod of some sort with them. Instead, they opt to do everything handheld to keep things light. Most importantly, they're often going to reach for a small prime lens. Lucky for us, even telephoto lenses can be small these days. But wide-angle lenses are the absolute best for night photography.

These are the Best Lenses for Night Photography

You'd probably think that any lens with a fast aperture is great for night photography, right? Well, you're not wrong. Some lenses are objectively better than others if you don't plan on bringing a tripod with you. And most people who own cameras…

Is Sigma Developing a New Lens for Bird Photography? Sigma has had a great year. The company launched its BF camera, which stirred a controversy, as well as their new lenses, which seem to showcase the brand's new approach. The company has also filed a patent for new lenses, designed for travel and wildlife photographers, and it seems the company's focus will not shift anytime soon. Why? Because a new patent reveals that another telephoto lens, which will excite bird photographers. What could it be? Let's find out.

Is Sigma Developing a New Lens for Bird Photography?

Sigma has had a great year. The company launched its BF camera, which stirred a controversy, as well as their new lenses, which seem to showcase the brand's new approach. The company has also filed a patent for new lenses, designed for travel…

Fotodiox Pro Fusion Smart AF Adapter: Use Sony Lenses on Nikon Z cameras This article isn't going to get into the question of why someone owning a Nikon Z camera would want to use a Sony E-mount lens. Nor is it going to discuss which of the two brands has better autofocus modes or lens performance. We know there are photographers out there who would have made the switch from Sony to Nikon Z in the last few years. I personally know one such professional myself. But such a switch often comes at a considerable cost when you factor in the prices of new lenses. Then there's always the attachment we have to some lenses that have helped us get memorable pictures. The Fotodiox Pro Fusion Smart AF Adapter aims to help you fix the conundrum of not having to sell out all your old Sony lenses when you make the move to Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Fotodiox Pro Fusion Smart AF Adapter: Use Sony Lenses on Nikon Z cameras

This article isn't going to get into the question of why someone owning a Nikon Z camera would want to use a Sony E-mount lens. Nor is it going to discuss which of the two brands has better autofocus modes or lens…

The 4 Best Travel Photography Cameras to Purchase in 2025 Travel photography allows one to see the vast vistas up close, savoring every new moment that comes one's way. However, the first rule of traveling is to journey with light weight, which also means you need a gear that is easy to pocket. Sure, some do rely on phones for this reason, but there are many who prefer a smaller set-up, one that you can easily slip in and out of your bag. If you are looking for something like that, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few travel photography cameras that come with a fixed lens and have an interchangeable setup.

The 4 Best Travel Photography Cameras to Purchase in 2025

Travel photography allows one to see the vast vistas up close, savoring every new moment that comes one's way. However, the first rule of traveling is to journey with light weight, which also means you need a gear that is easy to pocket.…

Has Your Camera Had Problems? You Might Need This Professional photographers: this is what you need. Our photography insurance program is designed to be there when photographers really need it! We're giving you more than the competition can in different ways! Here's a little-known fact: the warranty of your camera or lens doesn't necessarily cover what happens to it in case of dust, inclement weather, etc. That's why we created the…

Has Your Camera Had Problems? You Might Need This

Professional photographers: this is what you need. Our photography insurance program is designed to be there when photographers really need it! We're giving you more than the competition can in different ways! Here's a little-known fact: the…

Has Sigma Developed a New 35mm Lens? Every year or two, it is necessary for lens manufacturers to refresh their popular lineup to meet the resolution and speed criteria of the cameras. Sometimes, the update also helps to make a popular lens more compact, while improving its image quality. Other times, the update fixes major issues with design or glass elements. It now appears that Sigma is achieving the same with the introduction of a successor to its popular lens. Reports and an image say this one will be very handy.

Has Sigma Developed a New 35mm Lens?

Every year or two, it is necessary for lens manufacturers to refresh their popular lineup to meet the resolution and speed criteria of the cameras. Sometimes, the update also helps to make a popular lens more compact, while improving its image quality. Other…

Tamron’s New Patent Hints at Sigma-Rivaling Superzooms Tamron is one of the few third-party lens makers that have a positive response in the market. There are many photographers from varied genres who prefer using their lenses over others, thanks to the company's pricing and the performance of the lenses. To ensure that Tamron's portfolio continues to grow, the company is now developing a few ultra-telephoto lenses, which can be a boon for photographers who wish to use one lens for their entire setup. Here's a look at what we know.

Tamron’s New Patent Hints at Sigma-Rivaling Superzooms

Tamron is one of the few third-party lens makers that have a positive response in the market. There are many photographers from varied genres who prefer using their lenses over others, thanks to the company's pricing and the performance of the…

4 of the Best Pancake Lenses For Street Photography Many photographers prefer a smaller set-up. That's because it allows them to travel light, be inconspicuous, as well as you don't compromise on quality. In fact, for many street and documentary photographers, pancake lenses are perfect for a point-and-shoot set-up, which can make shooting quite an exciting experience. To help those who want to continue to keep their setup smaller, here is a selection of a few pancake lenses that we have grown to love.

4 of the Best Pancake Lenses For Street Photography

Many photographers prefer a smaller set-up. That's because it allows them to travel light, be inconspicuous, as well as you don't compromise on quality. In fact, for many street and documentary photographers, pancake lenses are perfect for a…

A Tip For Better Images With a Digicam When I was in college, my photojournalism professor always taught me to shoot without using a flash. Honestly, I never questioned him on it, and instead, I just did it. It wasn't until years later where I was testing cameras and thought to use the flash instead because I liked the look. Specifically when I was reviewing the Olympus XZ1 back in 2011, I realized how wonderful images in the daylight can look when you use a flash. Digicams like that are available at fairly affordable prices now. And better yet, they can still make more aesthetically pleasing images than your phone can.

A Tip For Better Images With a Digicam

When I was in college, my photojournalism professor always taught me to shoot without using a flash. Honestly, I never questioned him on it, and instead, I just did it. It wasn't until years later where I was testing cameras and thought to use the flash…

Our Members Get a Discount on Capture One Read this website and want to help? In 2025, we're trying to get to a minimum of 2,000 subscribers! Capture One is discounted for members! The New Phoblographer membership is now based on our website. Yes, we moved away from the app. It was a bittersweet move -- but what we're offering you now is even better. Don't worry -- if you had a membership, we won't be leaving you behind.

Our Members Get a Discount on Capture One

Read this website and want to help? In 2025, we're trying to get to a minimum of 2,000 subscribers! Capture One is discounted for members! The New Phoblographer membership is now based on our website. Yes, we moved away from the app. It was a bittersweet…

A New Canon PowerShot G Series Camera Could Come Soon At the beginning of this year, Canon revived the PowerShot series, which they had last updated in 2023 with a monocular-style camera, the PowerShot Zoom. The new additions have been designed to help bring compact camera users back to nostalgic days with modern tech. The Canon PowerShot V1 did get a positive response, and it now appears, the company is reportedly planning to launch another camera in the PowerShot series, which will excite photographers.

A New Canon PowerShot G Series Camera Could Come Soon

At the beginning of this year, Canon revived the PowerShot series, which they had last updated in 2023 with a monocular-style camera, the PowerShot Zoom. The new additions have been designed to help bring compact camera users back to nostalgic…

Sales Show Compact Cameras Are Back With a Bang The camera industry has seen different trends over the years. The return of analogue techniques, compact cameras, and disposable devices is an example of this. Right now, there is already a battle between compacts, mirrorless, and DLSRs, with the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) revealing the results for May 2025. If you have been someone who likes to see where the trends are going, then let's dive into where the photo market is going.

Sales Show Compact Cameras Are Back With a Bang

The camera industry has seen different trends over the years. The return of analogue techniques, compact cameras, and disposable devices is an example of this. Right now, there is already a battle between compacts, mirrorless, and DLSRs, with the…

How APS-C Cameras Are Beating Full Frame: BCN+R Rankings The camera market has been showcasing a rising trend, with mirrorless and compact camera markets showcasing distinct results. If you want to know how it all is going, then you must look at BCN+R's list of top-selling cameras, with giants such as Canon and Sony battling out for the major spot. So, which camera and manufacturer won June's best-selling camera crown? Let's have a look.

How APS-C Cameras Are Beating Full Frame: BCN+R Rankings

The camera market has been showcasing a rising trend, with mirrorless and compact camera markets showcasing distinct results. If you want to know how it all is going, then you must look at BCN+R's list of top-selling cameras, with giants…

The 4 Most Unexpected Cameras Trending This Week We have been looking at Google Trends for some time now, and we have noticed how every week, there are certain cameras, including compact cameras, that often blow up some searches in the United States. So, today, we look at a few cameras, which over the past week of writing this article, have been searched for by American citizens. Some names you may have heard or seen before, while some cameras come from an era gone by. Either way, these cameras continue to pique our interest.

The 4 Most Unexpected Cameras Trending This Week

We have been looking at Google Trends for some time now, and we have noticed how every week, there are certain cameras, including compact cameras, that often blow up some searches in the United States. So, today, we look at a few cameras, which over…

Top 5 Ways to Use Natural Light for Jaw-Dropping Portraits Portrait photography is quite exciting. It allows you to not only photograph the likeness of a person but also showcase their personality in one way or another. The genre is also one of the first few ones that many people start their practice with, some gradually moving to pursue it full time. If you are someone who is looking to get a better understanding of portrait photography, here are a few tips that can help you get the best shot every time.

Top 5 Ways to Use Natural Light for Jaw-Dropping Portraits

Portrait photography is quite exciting. It allows you to not only photograph the likeness of a person but also showcase their personality in one way or another. The genre is also one of the first few ones that many people start their…

This Sony Compact Camera is Competing with Leica in Many Ways Compact cameras are now important for many photographers. They are easy to carry, a lot more fun to use, and you can shoot a variety of subjects. While Leica has been one of the few camera companies whose compact cameras double in value with time, it now appears that Sony is also on that path. Sure, there are some camera models from yesteryears that continue to shine bright even today, Sony's device was certainly something we did not see coming. Here is a look at the story.

This Sony Compact Camera is Competing with Leica in Many Ways

Compact cameras are now important for many photographers. They are easy to carry, a lot more fun to use, and you can shoot a variety of subjects. While Leica has been one of the few camera companies whose compact cameras double in value…

Sigma’s New Wide Angle Patent Will Excite Low Light Photographers Sigma has always created large, heavy lenses. In fact, we have even dissected why that has been the case. Yet, the company has been working on new patents, which include an "industry first" lens as well as new telephoto zooms for wildlife photographers. It now seems Sigma is shifting its focus to ultra-wide-angle primes, with new patents showcasing some promising research from the company. So, who can benefit from this? Let's find out.

Sigma’s New Wide Angle Patent Will Excite Low Light Photographers

Sigma has always created large, heavy lenses. In fact, we have even dissected why that has been the case. Yet, the company has been working on new patents, which include an "industry first" lens as well as new telephoto zooms for…

Leica Reveals Finalists for the 45th Oskar Barnack Award Leica is one of the companies that have nurtured not just the technical aspects of photography but also its artistic side. An example of this is the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which recognizes the exceptional storytellers around the world. The company has finally announced the finalists of the 45th edition, whose powerful series will leave an impact on the viewers. The 12 finalists are both established photographers and newcomers, who have been chosen for their immense talent and keen eye. Here is a look at them.

Leica Reveals Finalists for the 45th Oskar Barnack Award

Leica is one of the companies that have nurtured not just the technical aspects of photography but also its artistic side. An example of this is the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which recognizes the exceptional storytellers around the…

Sony a7 IV Review Update: The Secret $25 Yearly Charge It’s been some time since we last took a serious look at the Sony a7IV, Sony’s “basic” camera. The camera has undergone some changes that some photographers may find particularly interesting. From new shooting modes to improved subject detection and workflow updates, it’s about time to give the Sony a7IV another look.

Sony a7 IV Review Update: The Secret $25 Yearly Charge

It’s been some time since we last took a serious look at the Sony a7IV, Sony’s “basic” camera. The camera has undergone some changes that some photographers may find particularly interesting. From new shooting modes to improved subject…

Top 4 Full-Frame Cameras for Wedding Photographers Wedding photography is a high-stakes genre. Someone is trusting you with documenting their most important day, and you, as a photographer, have to get the best shots by hook or crook. This is why you need a reliable full-frame camera, with a high-speed autofocus, a great lens collection, and a reliable battery. So, here are a few options that you can use as your main camera for challenging wedding photography assignments. These devices will never let you down.

Top 4 Full-Frame Cameras for Wedding Photographers

Wedding photography is a high-stakes genre. Someone is trusting you with documenting their most important day, and you, as a photographer, have to get the best shots by hook or crook. This is why you need a reliable full-frame camera, with a…

The Photo Tools Shaping a Generation of Young Men

Throughout the lives of most adults reading this article, we've known capitalism to primarily target women and the hard-earned money they've made. To do that, they often make women feel awful about themselves so that they can sell solutions. But in…