Panasonic announced a new "Titanium Gold" finish for the Lumix S9 camera - for now available only in Japan (Google translation):
"A special titanium gold, arrived at through repeated trial and error
Conventional metallic paints were created by mixing metal particles into the paint, but there were limitations in reproducing the depth and texture of real metal. The S9's titanium gold paint is based on a thorough commitment to texture and uses a three-layer paint that is completely different from conventional metallic paints. First, the first layer, which serves as the base, is painted with piano black paint. This brings out the shine of the next layer. The second layer is then finished to a mirror finish. This process allows for a high level of brightness without any graininess.The third layer is then painted with a color clear paint to express the color and texture of titanium gold. This process achieves a deep metallic luster and a rich expression that changes delicately."
The Canon EOS R50 V is a small mirrorless camera designed for vloggers and consumers looking to take video. It's built around the same 24MP APS-C sensor found in the more stills-oriented EOS R50.
Key Features
24MP Dual Pixel AF CMOS sensor
Full-width 4K up to 30p, derived from 6K
4K 60P w/ 1.56x crop
Front-facing tally lamp
Dual record buttons and zoom toggle
Canon Log-3 profile, HDR PQ and HLG options
Extra 1/4-20" tripod thread for vertical shooting
The EOS R50 V is available for $649 body-only, and in a kit with the RF-S 14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ power zoom lens for $849.
Despite the camera's name associating it with the EOS R50, the two cameras actually have very different designs. The EOS R50 V lacks a viewfinder and built-in flash, has an almost entirely redesigned control scheme and features a headphone port, which its sibling lacked. It also adds a tally light on the front to make it obvious when you're recording, a front-facing record button, a zoom toggle switch and an additional tripod thread on the right side of the camera, which lets you easily mount it for vertical shooting.
The front grip is also substantially less pronounced than that of the standard EOS R50. While this makes it less comfortable to hold in the traditional way, depending on your hand size it may be quite a bit more comfortable to hold the camera facing yourself for when you're vlogging or taking selfies.
The mode dial also gets a redesign, with stills shooting relegated to a single space. The rest is taken up by video modes.
Stills
For taking photos; exposure mode is selected using the touchscreen
S&F
Slow and Fast: for recording slow-motion video in-camera and timelapses
Video
Standard video mode with configurable settings
Video C1
First custom video mode you can use to save specific settings (e.g., 60fps 4K with V-Log color and human subject detection AF)
Video C2
Second custom video mode
Video C3
Third custom video mode
Scn
Scene mode: pick from 'smooth skin movie,' 'movie for close-up demos,' and 'movie IS mode' scenes
Video A+
'Fully Automatic Recording' - adjusts camera settings based on scene conditions
Somewhat oddly, the close-up demo mode, which over-rides the camera's face detection autofocus when you hold an object up close to the camera, can't be accessed in the rest of the video modes. That also means you can't use it with your chosen exposure mode; you're stuck with letting the camera automatically pick the settings, which you can only influence by using exposure compensation.
More video capabilities
Unlike the regular EOS R50, the V can shoot 4K video at 60p, though doing so incurs a 1.56x crop. It also features Canon's C-Log 3 color profile, which lets you capture low-contrast footage designed to be color-graded later. It also includes a 'false color' exposure assistance mode and a Log / HDR view assist mode that shows you what your footage will look like after grading, though you can't use both assist modes at the same time.
The EOS R50 V has an upgraded menu system that lets you choose your codec and bitrate independently.
Canon has also upgraded the video menu system to the one found on its higher-end cameras like the EOS R5 II, allowing more granular control over codecs and bitrates than the EOS R50 provides. One annoyance is that it doesn't automatically match your frame rate to your chosen mode; if you switch to the 4K Crop resolution, it won't automatically select the 60p framerate. Instead, you get a message saying, "These items cannot be combined," which you have to push past to choose the correct framerate or resolution. This also happens when you're switching back to the non-crop mode; the camera makes you select both the frame rate and crop mode, even though one of the crop modes only has a single frame rate option.
Like most cameras, the EOS R50 V risks overheating if you record for extended periods. You can raise the temperature threshold at which it cuts out, if you're not planning on holding it. Canon says it'll cut out after around 55min of 4K capture at room temperature, with no limit if you set the threshold to 'high.'
The slow and fast mode, which lets you record higher framerates that are saved as slow-motion videos at lower framerates, is also new for the EOS R50 V. There's also a new "Cinema View" mode that bakes black bars onto your footage for a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and a product demo mode that tunes the autofocus system to focus on objects being held up to show the camera, rather than on the person holding the product.
Vlogging UI
The on-screen user interface has been redesigned to give you access to all your vital video settings without having to go into the menu, which is useful when you have the camera mounted to a tripod facing you. Tapping the "Q" button on the screen or using the hardware Q button brings up a scrolling menu that lets you change things like your shooting mode, autofocus area, autofocus subject detection, resolution and framerate, digital stabilization settings, color mode and more.
For some operations, the camera will bring you into its more traditional menu system, though the relevant sections have clearly been optimized for touchscreen operation. However, unlike the Q menu and live view info display, they don't rotate when you're using the camera in portrait orientation, which can make them a bit awkward to use depending on how you have the camera mounted.
A video-focused kit lens
Alongside the EOS R50 V, Canon introduced the RF-S 14-30mm (22-48mm equiv.) F4-6.3 IS STM PZ powerzoom lens. Its zoom range is well-suited for vlogging, letting you get wide enough that it's easy to film yourself even if you're using a mode with digital crop – though things will start to get tight if you combine the 60p mode with the most aggressive digital image stabilization. However, the lens's optical stabilization means you're less likely to have to do that, and its power zoom lets you get smooth pushes in or pulls out.
How it compares
The market for entry-level cameras with no viewfinder, a boxy design, and vlogging-focused features is relatively robust; most brands have a camera they market toward creators, though some have a much more extensive list of video features than others.
Aside from its rolling shutter rates, the EOS R50 V compares relatively well to the competition when it comes to shooting video. It also has many of the vlogging-specific features that are also available on the Sony and Fujifilm, though it doesn't have an easy background defocus setting to tell the camera whether to prioritize a wide open or stopped-down aperture.
For shooting stills with flash it benefits compared to the Sony by having a partially mechanical shutter, but suffers compared to the Fujifilm by having a Canon multi-function shoe, rather than a standard hotshoe (though you can buy an adapter).
Body and handling
The EOS R50 V doesn't feel appreciably smaller than the regular EOS R50, though the lack of a viewfinder hump and minimal grip give it a boxier design that should play well with handheld gimbals.
The top plate shutter button is styled as a record button and has a toggle switch to control focal length for power zoom lenses or the digital zoom function available when recording in FHD. You can also use it to change which top-level section you're in when navigating the camera's menu.
The default button assignments make a lot of sense for run-and-gun videos.
Behind that is the camera's only top-plate control dial. If you want to control a second parameter, you'll have to use the small, rear plate dial which can be a bit fiddly given how sensitive it is, and the fact that it also acts as a multi-directional controller, so you can accidentally activate another function if you press down too hard in one area.
The camera has two other programmable buttons on the back, alongside a menu, playback, and info button, and a programmable button on the top plate, as well as a "Lock" button that deactivates the camera's control dials. That's especially handy, since it's really easy to bump them while you're vlogging, potentially ruining a shot. By default, the "Color" button lets you access the menu to control the standard color mode, as well as the 14 color filters Canon includes to let you add various looks to your footage and the more advanced response modes such as C-Log or HLG.
Screen
The camera is mainly made to be controlled using the 3" articulating touchscreen, which lets you adjust your settings and shooting parameters and navigate through the menus. Like most cameras' displays, it can be challenging to see in direct sunlight, especially if you're trying to judge exposure.
Ports and slots
The EOS R50 V has a particularly quick 10Gbps USB-C port, which should be handy if you want to offload footage without taking off your tripod plate to get at the SD card. It also supports UVC/UAC streaming to a computer, letting you use it as a 4K webcam*.
It also has a headphone jack so you can monitor audio and a mic port so you can attach an external microphone. Also included is an ever-fragile micro HDMI port, which you can use to output video to a monitor or to a streaming box if your setup doesn't support USB.
* You'll be limited to 1080p if you want your camera to also draw power over USB instead of relying on its battery.
Battery
The battery and card slot are both under a door on the bottom of the camera.
The EOS R50 V uses the same 7.5 Wh LP-E17 battery that can be found in many of the company's other small ILCs, such as the original EOS R50. The company says it's good for 390 shots based on the CIPA rating. As always, the main use of the rating is as a common reference point among cameras, as the literal number of shots you get will depend on many factors.
Canon hasn't publically published CIPA video test results for the EOS R50 V. However, the camera's manual says you can expect around 70 minutes of 4K 30p recording on a charge, and about double that if you're shooting in 1080p. Those numbers are for single autofocus.
Video
Video Quality
Image Comparison
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The EOS R50 V's standard 4K footage is derrived from 6K capture and provides a good level of detail for most vlogging uses. The 4K 60p setting uses a smaller region of the sensor and has less detail than the >30p modes, but still provides a very usable image if your audience is mainly people watching videos on the web.
Recording Options
The EOS R50 V has four different recording formats, which can be used with any framerate and resolution.
Color Depth
Bit Depth
H.256
4:2:2
10
4:2:0
H.264
4:2:2
10
4:2:0
8
While the camera has a screen for selecting your compression type, the only option is Long GOP.
Autofocus
The EOS R50 V offers several autofocus area options, ranging from spot to whole area autofocus. You move the point using the touchscreen, and in whole area autofocus you can use tap-to-focus to track a specific area. You can also use the four-way controller to select your focus point, provided you configure a button to engage AF point selection mode.
It can recognize three types of subjects: people, animals (including birds) and vehicles. There's also an "auto" mode that will track any recognized subjects in those categories. The subject recognition can be used with any of the autofocus area options, and the camera does a good job of honoring your selected area, rather than trying to jump to a subject not under your focus point the moment it recognizes one.
Autofocus settings, like most of the rest of the camera's settings, are separate between video and stills modes.
We found that the autofocus tracking was reliable at keeping whatever we were shooting in focus, especially when using subject recognition mode. There are also several options to tune it if the initial settings don't work for your needs: you can make the focus speed faster if you want it to quickly jump between points or slower if you want longer focus pulls, and you can also adjust how willing the camera is to refocus to a different distance or subject.
We also found that it was relatively tenacious, even when tracking a non-recognized subject. We could tap an object on the screen and be relatively sure it would keep it in focus as we moved the camera around, provided the movements weren't too extreme and that the subject mostly stayed in the frame. It also didn't tend to lose subjects after zooming in or out and was quick to refocus after zooming.
Rolling Shutter
There's no way to sugar-coat it: the EOS R50 V's rolling shutter performance is quite poor. If you pan the camera even at a moderate speed or point it at something moving relatively quickly, you'll get jello-like skewing, which can be quite distracting depending on what you're shooting.
Video Mode
Readout Rate
UHD 4K Crop 60p
15.7ms
UHD 4K 24p
31.9ms
1080p 24p
12.3ms
The problem is far less pronounced in the 60p 4K crop mode due to the fact that it's sampling a smaller portion of the sensor, which takes less time. This leads to good rolling shutter performance, which is also the case in the 1080p modes.
Electronic image stabilization
Unsurprisingly, given its price, the EOS R50 V doesn't have a stabilized sensor, which means you'll have to rely on optical stabilization, a gimbal and/or electronic image stabilization to reduce shake when shooting handheld. The EOS R50 V has two electronic stabilization modes: normal and "Enhanced." Both crop in on the image, with the latter adding more crop than the standard mode. Both also work in the 4K Crop mode required for shooting in 60p, but you will end up with a substantially tighter image.
Stabilization mode
UHD frame rate
Total Crop
Normal
24p
1.11x
60p
1.71x
Enhanced
24p
1.41x
60p
2.23x
We found the electronic stabilization can work well for static shots or shots with slow movements, but isn't a great fit for walking and talking shots, especially if you pan the camera. It has a noticeable grab-and-release effect that can make your footage look stuttery, and while it does take out the most intense shakes, you can wind up with video that looks a little wobbly instead of steady.
Conclusion
What we like
What we don't
Great image/video quality
Reliable autofocus
Stable of useful video assistance tools
Well-considered ergonomics
Good value
Decent battery life
Great choice of kit lens
Poor rolling shutter performance
Big crop for 4K60p
Digital stabilization isn't the best
Some features can be hard to find
Doesn't have every vlogging feature its competitors include
No included wind sock for otherwise decent built-in microphone
Given the EOS R50 V's heavy focus on vlogging, we've filmed the bulk of our conclusions as a vlog, which should help provide an idea of what kind of results the camera can produce.
Outside of vlogging, it's worth touching on the photo-taking experience with this camera. Put simply, stills aren't what this camera is designed for. From a technical perspective, it's quite capable; it has pretty much every photo feature the EOS R50 does (including a mechanical second curtain shutter), and its image quality is solid. You can check out the studio scene here.
The experience of taking photos with it, however, just isn't all that fun. It could've actually been an improvement on the EOS R50 by having two control dials instead of one – we're no fans of rear control dials, but they're better than nothing – but the top plate dial being at the back of the camera instead of the front means that you'll have to manage both dials with your thumb. That minimizes the speed benefits that you typically get from having a second command dial.
That, along with the missing EVF, means that the EOS R50 V is best suited to taking occasional photos rather than being a really good stills camera that also excels at video. While you can absolutely use it to capture some great photos, people who split their time more evenly between stills and video will want to consider a less vlogging-focused model.
While the rolling shutter performance, crop in 4K60p and few UI quirks make it hard to recommend this camera to absolutely anyone interested in video, it's undoubtedly still worth considering if you're looking to get into vlogging or videography, especially if budget is a concern. The value the EOS R50 V provides with its image quality, autofocus system and feature set is what earns it a silver award.
Scoring is relative only to the other cameras in the same category. Click here to learn about what these numbers mean.
Canon EOS R50 V
Category: Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR
Build quality
Ergonomics & handling
Features
Metering & focus accuracy
Image quality (raw)
Image quality (jpeg)
Low light / high ISO performance
Viewfinder / screen rating
Optics
Performance
Movie / video mode
Connectivity
Value
PoorExcellent
Conclusion
The EOS R50 V is a solid video camera, but is let down by its heavy crop to achieve 4K 60p and slow rolling shutter.
Good for
Vloggers shooting indoors
Videographers shooting static or slow-moving subjects
Filmmakers on a shoestring budget
Not so good for
Vloggers shooting action
Videographers that make heavy use of 4K 60p
People not interested in video
84%
Overall score
Compared to its peers
The Fujifilm X-M5 offers a complete experience for both stills and video shooters than the EOS R50 V thanks to its two top-plate control dials and especially robust lens ecosystem. Its open-gate recording mode can also provide a bit more flexibility over framing in post and still has better rolling performance than the EOS R50 V despite its taller aspect ratio. However, Fujifilm's autofocus tracking performance won't be as good for unrecognized subjects.
Compared to the EOS R50 V, the Sony ZV-E10 II's much faster sensor means it'll have far less rolling shutter, and will be able to shoot in 4K60p with far less crop, making it better for fast moving subjects or shooting styles. Ergonomically, the side-mounted SD card slot means you'll never have to take off your tripod plate to get at your footage, though, like the rest of the competition, it lacks the Canon's vertical tripod mounting thread. But while the EOS R50 V's battery life is sufficient, the ZV-E10 II's massive battery will let you record for substantially longer.
The Nikon Z30 struggles to keep up with the newer cameras on this list. It can't shoot 4K60p at all, which means you'll have to drop down to 1080p if you want to shoot in slow motion, and it also doesn't support 10-bit color or Log, meaning you'll be more limited in post when it comes to color grading. The lack of a headphone jack will also make it harder to tell if your audio is turning out correctly.
Sample Gallery
Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Sample gallery
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Starlight Mini now available locally (with high-performance Windows / NVIDIA machines)
Runs 3x cheaper in the cloud compared to the original Starlight model
Excellent for low-res videos, heavy blur, compression artifacts, and fast motion (animation, fast-moving objects)
Ideal for turning low-quality clips into sharp 4K footage
More on Starlight Mini:
While Starlight launched as the first-ever local video upscaling diffusion model, Starlight Mini is the first to do it locally. Local processing, meaning no pay-per-render and no cloud credits needed. Local is available for high-performance Windows machines with NVIDIA GPUs for now, but all Video AI users can access it through cloud rendering, at 3X cheaper than Starlight.
Topaz Labs is offering a limited-time discount from May 14 – June 4:
Save $50 on New Video AI Purchases: Regular Price: $299 → $249
Save $30 on Video AI 7 Upgrades" Regular Price: $179 → $149
Highlights include the new Auto Crop feature for instant composition fixes, Pixel Shift support for ultra-high-res editing, and full JPG-XL compatibility for smaller files with stunning quality. ON1 Photo RAW continues to evolve as the best alternative to Lightroom, offering pro-level results without the subscription. This free update also brings major upgrades to ON1 Photo RAW for Mobile, including the intuitive new Super Select AI Tool, redesigned Curves filter, and a more streamlined masking interface. Whether you’re working from your desktop or editing on the go, version 2025.2 gives you even more flexibility and precision across every device.
Additional details:
Highlights in ON1 Photo RAW 2025.2
Auto Crop
The new Auto Crop feature quickly crops and levels your photo to your chosen aspect ratio—automatically preserving your subject and maintaining a strong composition. Whether you’re editing one image or batch processing a session, this tool gets your work done faster. See it in action here.
Pixel Shift Support for Sony and Panasonic
ON1 Photo RAW now supports pixel shift images created with Sony and Panasonic software, so you can view and edit ultra-high-resolution composite files.
JPG-XL Format Support
We’ve added full support for the cutting-edge JPG-XL file format. This next-generation JPEG offers smaller file sizes, 16-bit color, transparency, and even lossless compression, bringing powerful flexibility to your workflow.
Better DNG Compatibility
We’ve improved support for DNG files, including compatibility with the latest compression formats such as JPG-XL, ensuring smoother editing across modern camera platforms.
Updated Camera & Lens Support
As always, we’ve expanded our compatibility with the latest cameras and lenses to ensure ON1 keeps up with your gear. New camera models now supported include:
OM System OM-3
Fuji GFX-100RF
GoPro HERO 13 Black
Panasonic Lumix S5D and DC-S1RII
Canon EOS R50 V
Nikon Coolpix P1100
Sigma BF
We’ve also added lens correction profiles for dozens of popular and legacy lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Leica, Olympus, Minolta, and more. You’ll find improved accuracy and better results right out of the gate.
What’s New in ON1 Photo RAW for Mobile
Super Select AI Comes to Mobile
Editing on your phone or tablet just got a major upgrade. The Super Select AI Tool lets you tap directly on areas of your photo to make adjustments—no masking, no brushing, no guesswork. Want to darken a sky, boost greens, or blur the background? Just tap, choose an adjustment, and you’re done. It’s fast, natural, and a completely new way to interact with your photos.
Updated Curves Filter
The Curves filter has been updated to make it larger and easier to manipulate. It now appears as an overlay on top of the photo so you have more space to work while maintaining a large preview.
Masking Toolbar
The Masking Toolbar can now be rolled up or rolled down. This hides the tools to maximize your preview until you are ready to mask.
How to Get the Updates
If you already own ON1 Photo RAW 2025, this update is completely free. Just launch the app, and it will automatically check for updates. Follow the on-screen prompts to install version 2025.2.
The mobile update has been submitted to the app stores and should be available soon, pending approval in your region.
For customers in North America, Adobe is renaming Creative Cloud All Apps to Creative Cloud Pro. Creative Cloud Pro includes all the apps, services, and benefits you depend on in your current Creative Cloud subscription, along with new tools and creative capabilities. Creative Cloud Pro incorporates creative AI tools and capabilities along with the additional benefit of unlimited generative AI content creation. It will be available beginning June 17.
These plans will also include new benefits such as:
Unlimited access to standard image and vector generation features including Generative Fill in Photoshop.
Additional generative credits for premium video and audio generation features including Image to video, Translate video, and Translate audio in Adobe Firefly and Generative Extend in Premiere Pro.
Ability to create multiple boards in Firefly Boards (beta), the new concepting and mood-boarding tool in Adobe Firefly.
The choice to use non-Adobe generative AI models directly in Adobe Firefly, like OpenAI GPT image generation, Google Imagen and Veo, and Flux.
The additional services and benefits make Creative Cloud Pro our best value offering across Creative Cloud, and the plan’s price is increasing to reflect this new value. The Creative Cloud Pro plan for students and teachers will continue to have a significant discount for eligible customers compared to the individual plan, while including the same new benefits.
To give our customers more choice and flexibility, we're introducing a new plan for existing individual customers, Creative Cloud Standard. This plan will continue to include the 20+ desktop apps, services, and benefits you enjoy now, but with limited access to generative AI features, reduced generative credits, and no premium access to web and mobile apps.
At this time, only existing customers can switch to Creative Cloud Standard. You can do this through your Adobe account or by contacting Adobe customer support using the chat icon at the bottom of this page. Creative Cloud Standard will not be available with the student and teacher discount.
Price effective at renewal on or after June 17, 2025
Why is the price of my Creative Cloud All Apps plan going up?
· Adobe is committed to continually adding more benefits to Creative Cloud plans. The Creative Cloud Pro plan (formerly Creative Cloud All Apps) price is increasing to reflect the significant value we've added to the plan.
When will these changes go into effect?
· The name changes to Creative Cloud All Apps plans will go into effect on June 17, 2025 for customers in North America.
· The price changes will happen on a rolling basis tied to a subscriber’s renewal date on or after June 17, 2025.
· The new benefits have already been added to the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for North American customers as of May 15, 2025.
Which plans are included in the pricing and branding changes?
· Creative Cloud All Apps
· Creative Cloud All Apps for students and teachers
· Creative Cloud All Apps for teams
· Creative Cloud for teams All Apps Pro Edition
There is a new Mandler 35mm f/2 lens for Leica M-mount from China that is a replica and a complete reproduction of the optical formula of the original Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 seven-element lens. The name "Mandler" is a tribute to Walter Mandler, who designed many legendary Leica lenses. The details on the new lens can be found here:
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OOC diptych: Classic Neg (L), Provia (R) Photo: Richard Butler
Last week, Fujifilm announced the X half, a compact camera with a vertical 3:4 Type-1 sensor and a 32mm equiv F2.8 lens. We were able to spend some time shooting with it to see how it performs and what kinds of images it produces.
The sample includes several of the in-camera diptychs the camera makes if you pull the film advance lever while using it in its standard photo mode. You can also see a few examples of the new filters, such as light-leak and expired film.
Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Sample gallery
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Photo: JulyProkopiv / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Travel season is here for many. Whether you're looking to start a travel blog or simply want to document your trips, you may be trying to figure out what gear you'll need. While dedicated cameras have advantages for vlogging and video creation, smartphones are much more convenient. After all, you'll likely have it on you at all times anyway, and it takes up much less room in a bag.
While phones are highly capable these days, picking up some accessories can help you get the most out of your device when recording video. There is also plenty of overlap with what smartphone accessories are best for travel photography, such as lenses, power banks and lens cloths, so be sure to give that a look, too.
Bluetooth mic
Photo: DJI
Bluetooth microphones are an excellent accessory for anyone shooting video. They are often more critical than fancy cameras, since viewers will forgive bad image quality but not bad sound. There are now many options for compact Bluetooth mics that play well with phones, including from DJI, Rode, Sennheiser and Hollyland. These come in the form of shotgun mics, lavalier mics and more. Be sure to check compatibility with your device before purchasing, though, as not all will work across iPhone or Android systems.
Gimbal
Image: Insta360
Shaky video is also a big turnoff for many viewers. While your phone has some level of stabilization to smooth out video while you're moving, it's generally somewhat limited, especially if you want to use higher recording quality options. Gimbals will give you much better stabilization while also making it easier to hold your camera. Plus, many gimbals double as a tripod or stand, making them even more worthwhile, especially if you want to record hands-free at times. DJI, Insta360 and Hohem are brands worth considering.
SSD
Photo: Samsung
Videos consume a lot of storage space on your phone very quickly, especially if you use the highest quality settings. You'll want to invest in an SSD to keep your phone from filling up. Some phones and apps will even allow you to record directly to an SSD, so you don't need to remember to transfer files. Brands like Samsung, PNY, Lexar, Seagate and Planck all offer reliable yet tiny SSDs that work well with phones.
Add-on filters
Photo: Moment
Whether using your phone's built-in lenses or detachable smartphone lenses, having the option to use filters will open more filming opportunities and give you more creative control. Two popular choices are neutral density (ND) filters and polarizers. ND filters reduce the amount of light entering your camera, allowing you to blur movement or backgrounds even in bright conditions. Polarizers help cut down on glare on shiny or reflective surfaces. Sandmarc, Moment, Beastgrip, PolarPro and SmallRig all make quality filters and filter mounts.
Cage
Photo: Beastgrip
Phone filmmaking cages offer multiple benefits. First, they typically provide grips off to the side of your phone, making it easier to hold while filming while ensuring no fingers get in front of the camera. Second, larger ones often provide attachment points for accessories such as filters, mics, SSDs, lights and more. That way, you don't have to fumble with holding all your accessories together. As you might expect by now, Moment, Beastgrip, PolarPro and SmallRig are brands worth looking at for cages and grips.
LED light
Photo: Lume Cube
Finally, a compact light may be useful to keep on hand, especially if you plan on filming in conditions other than bright ones. Some function as ring lights that clip directly onto your phone, like Westcott's offering. Others, from brands like Lume Cube, Joby and Sandmarc, will require a cage or mount. All options are easy to use with a phone and are tiny, so they won't take up much room in your bag.
Human-Powered Travel: May Editor's Challenge Winners
In this month's Editor's photo challenge, we asked you to share your photos fearing human-powered travel. Our community biked, skated, trekked and kayaked to submit some amazing photos of people moving under their own power.
Photographer's description: My telephoto lens isolates a cyclist on a path in the park below. The surrounding world falls away and leaves only her, suspended in motion. The aggregate in the asphalt glitters like a constellation, and makes it seem as if she is pedaling across the stars. She is both part of the earth and, at the same time, above it.
Photographer's description: 1994. Karakorum Highway, traveling along a stretch of the ancient Silk Road from Islamabad (Pakistan) to Kashgar (China). In this photo taken in Tashkurgan (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) we have an example of "human-powered transport" typical of those areas in those days...the young boy and the two women were laboriously carrying drinking water from the well to their homes. They still took the time to say hello and give us a smile.
Equipment: Minolta 505 si DINAX + Minolta AF Apo zoom 100-300
Photographer's description: Captured during a weekly hike with Laramie's "Seniors on the GO," this un-posed photograph offers a view of the Laramie Plains from the slopes of Sheep Mountain, west of the city. From this vantage point at approximately 8000 feet, the plains unfold, featuring scattered lakes, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, and roaming herds of pronghorn antelope.
Photographer's description: It's already spring in Alaska and time to go on one more "winter adventure" with friends before the frozen river melts. It is a very surreal experience to fat tire bike on a frozen river to the face of a glacier, with gigantic icebergs surrounding ice. There is just nothing like it.
Photographer's description: Former doctor- all the fancy cars and houses to go with it. Started losing sight- sold everything, got a studio apartment near the beach and a pair of rollerblades and skates slowly (more glides on one leg) along the boardwalk every day. He can no longer recognize faces so everybody is a friend- greeted with a smile and a wave. San Diego legend.
Photographer's description: Taken during the San Francisco Grand Prix cycling race, that was held from 2001 through 2005. This shot was scanned from a 35mm slide, so I do not have digital EXIF info, but my guess is that it is from Sept 2003 or Sept 2004. I’m not a cycling aficionado, but I was living close to the race course so I enjoyed watching and taking photos of the event. Scanned from a 35mm slide, either Velvia or Ektachrome E100VS.
Photographer's description: Rickshaws are commonly believed to have been invented in Japan in the 1860s, at the beginning of a rapid period of technical advancement. In the 19th century, rickshaw pulling became an inexpensive, popular mode of transportation across Asia. A pulled rickshaw (or ricksha, 力車, りきしゃ) is a mode of human-powered transport by which a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two people.
Photographer's description: Italy’s Antonio di Manno, Singapore’s Joshua Toh, the Philippines’ Jivee Tolentino, the United States’ Harvey Lewis and Jon Noll, and Belgium’s Ivo Steyaert and Matthias Pelgrims run together at sunrise on day four of the 2023 Backyard Ultra World Championship in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. A Backyard Ultra is a last-person-standing race where runners must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains. Harvey Lewis (center) ultimately prevailed, completing 450 miles over the course of 108 hours.
Photographer's description: Built this jump with my friend over a week, turned out a little larger than we had imagined. The day we tried hitting it was a little muddy, so getting up to speed was a challenge. After a few run ups, he pulled the trigger. Neither of us were expecting to get that much height of the lip!
Photographer's description: After an afternoon of hard surfing in the chilly waters on Cape Town's West Coast, you could take a bus home .... but what fun would that be?
Photographer's description: Several children were practicing in an improvised skateboarding course next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, when I entered the museum. As I came out, about two hours later, this boy was still working hard, trying to perfect his skills.
Photographer's description: I used to bike every day to work when I lived in Vancouver rain or shine. Going downtown always involves crossing a bridge and I love the mood that morning fogs created transforming the entire cityscape in a fun and mysterious journey. What was mundane became interesting and object in motion seemed to project an aura with the glow of lights appearing from the fog and disappearing back into it.
Photographer's description: Australia, Parramatta city early morning Wednesday trek into work while Jacob gets his morning workout on a brisk cold winter day. Three times a week every week Jacob makes the trip into the city via Parramatta Park.
Photographer's description: Kayakers making their way down the rugged west coast of Mallorca. The dark wave-like form is shadow cast by the cliffs from which I was shooting.
Photographer's description: I had skied six of the seven continents before heading to Morocco in February 2023 to complete the set so to speak. We had great conditions with more snow than normal and bluebird days making this a truly unforgettable trip. On this day we were at Tarkeddit Pass and went up to just over 11,000'.
Photographer's description: It's a popular bicycle path that people take for leisure or to commute to work and school. Took this picture of a mom rounding a curve with kids in the back seat.
Photographer's description: A kayaker faces up to the ultimate challenge - riding the Grade 5 rapids at the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. These are some of the most intense rapids known to Man.
Photographer's description: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind": the two Bikers in their "spacy" Vehicles meet in the middle of nowhere, and I found that the Scene has something of the famous Film directed by Steven Spielberg.
Photographer's description: A competitor looking a bit confused among a sea of bikes at the end of a GealForce adventure race in the west of Ireland. The competitors have to propel themselves around a 50km course using bikes kayaks and their legs.
We're hard at work on our next Editor's challenge, but until then, consider checking out some of the other community challenges on the site. REHS is hosting a "Texture" challenge that starts taking submissions today, and you can submit photos to DRLex's "Fortnight 52: My Best Non-bird Photo Shot after 2025-05-12" challenge starting Monday.
A flip-out built-in diffuser for soft, flattering light
Wireless sync with other lights and triggers via integrated 2.4 GHz system
High-speed sync up to 1/8000 s, perfect for freezing motion or blending flash with ambient light
Additional information:
TTL Auto-Exposure
The iT30 Pro’s TTL mode meters light through your lens in real time and instantly calculates the optimal flash output—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shooting for years, you’ll get perfectly exposed images every time. Enjoy consistently balanced results in any lighting scenario and focus on your creativity, not your settings.
Travel Light, Shoot Big
Roughly one quarter the size of a traditional speedlight and weighing only 120 g, the iT30 Pro slips into any bag—ideal for on-location work.
Full-Color Touchscreen
The iT30 Pro features a responsive touchscreen that lets you swipe through settings and adjust power with just a tap—perfect for on-the-fly tweaks. Prefer tactile feedback? The traditional rotary dial lets you fine-tune flash output exactly the way you like.
Wireless Master & Receiver
The iT30 Pro features a built-in Godox 2.4GHz X system and supports both Master and Receiver modes. Pair it with the X3 trigger or any other Godox 2.4GHz wireless flash to create flexible, limitless multi-light setups with ease.
Advanced Features, Pro Control
Supports 1/8000 s high-speed sync, front/rear-curtain sync, multi mode, and flash exposure compensation.
*The “S” version adds global-shutter flash sync up to 1/80000 s on Sony cameras.
Built-In Diffuser
With a quick flick of the lever, the iT30 Pro’s built-in diffuser drops into place to deliver wider coverage and beautifully soft, even lighting—flattering every skin tone without the need for extra modifiers.
Quick Mount, Quick Release
Redesigned quick-release foot lets you lock or remove the flash in a single press—speeding up your workflow on every shoot.
Shoot All Day Without Power Worries
With a 1.5-second recycle time and up to 560 full-power flashes per charge, you can shoot from dawn till dusk without pause.
"In April, Nikon won the monthly top share for the first time in terms of sales volume of full-frame mirrorless cameras. In this category, Sony has always been at the top. Since the release of the "α7" in November 2013, Nikon has only been dethroned four times in the 150 months since its first release."
Nextorage Corporation (CEO: Katsuyuki Honda, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) announces that its CFexpress Type A memory card, the “NX-A2PRO Series,” has become the world’s first to receive VPG800 certification from the CompactFlash® Association.
VPG800 is a standard defined in the Video Performance Guarantee Profile 5.0 by the CompactFlash Association on February 27, 2025. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 800 MB/s. Nextorage’s NX-A2PRO Series officially became the world’s first to receive VPG800 certification on April 30, 2025. Additionally, it is also compatible with VPG400 specified in Video Performance Guarantee Profile 4.0, ensuring compatibility with current CFexpress Type A memory card compatible devices.
It's the weekend, so we're checking in to share some accessories announced this past week. It was a surprisingly busy week for accessories and camera equipment, with a long list of releases from brands like Polaroid, OWC, Laowa and more. First, though, the deals.
Deals of the week
Photo: Nikon
Nikon's Z6III is an extremely well-rounded camera, ideal for a wide range of photographic genres, including sports, studio, wildlife and everything in between. It's also got solid video chops. Right now, you can grab the Z6III for $400 off the regular price.
If the Z6III isn't quite in your budget, the Nikon Z7II is a slightly more affordable option. Despite that, it is still plenty versatile and offers excellent image quality. It's less expensive than its peers when full-priced, but right now it is $500 off.
Sony announced the Wireless Shooting Grip/Tripod (GP-VPT3) and the Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-VP2). Both devices work with Sony’s Alpha and vlog camera systems via Bluetooth connectivity. The grip is designed to make it easier to hold your camera, and can support cameras up to 1.5kg (3.3lbs). It can be used handheld or as a small tripod, and offers control over key camera operations like zoom and focus.
The detachable remote commander features a Movie button, Zoom/Focus button, and C1 (Custom) button, making it easier to control your camera with one hand from a distance. It offers a range of up to 10m (32.8').
Both will be available for purchase in June but are up for pre-order now. The grip, which comes with the remote, will cost $160. You will also be able to purchase the remote separately for $90.
Polaroid and MoMA teamed up again to release a MoMA-themed Polaroid Now Generation 3 instant film camera along with limited edition film. The camera is the same as existing Now Gen 3 models, though with a bright blue body featuring a bold MoMA typeface on the front. It comes with three vibrantly colored wrist straps as well. You can purchase the collab version from the Polaroid or MoMA websites for $130.
The limited-edition color film includes four frames with the MoMA logo and four frames with quotes from artists in MoMA’s collection. It works with Polaroid I-2, Polaroid Flip, Polaroid Now, Polaroid Now+, Polaroid Lab, OneStep 2 and OneStep+ cameras. The film can be bought separately for $22.
Laowa announced a new offering for dramatic macro shots. The Laowa 15mm F4.5 Wide Angle Macro lens offers 0.5x magnification, with the ability to focus as close as 12.9cm (5"). It features 16 elements in 11 groups, which includes 2 aspherical elements, 3 HR elements and 3 ED elements. It's a manual focus lens, but allows for auto aperture and Exif data on Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF mount cameras. The lens is also compatible on Nikon F, Canon RF and L mount cameras, though without auto aperture capabilities. It's available to purchase through Laowa's website or for pre-order through B&H for $400.
Godox announced the iT30 Pro, its tiniest TTL flash yet. The pocket-sized device, which weighs just 120g (4.2oz), can work as a flash sender, receiver or trigger thanks to Godox’s 2.4GHz X system. Despite its diminutive size, the flash packs a punch. It offers a guide number of 49.2 feet at ISO 100. Its power is adjustable from 1/1 to 1/128 and has flash compensation from -3 to +3 EV. It features a full-color 2.8-inch touchscreen, rotary dial and built-in diffuser. The flash is available in versions compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus and Panasonic cameras. It's available for pre-order for $75.
If you're tired of dealing with a slew of dongles and docks, this offering from OWC may be just what you need. The new Thunderbolt 5 Dock provides 11 ports through a single cable input, which OWC says is the highest bandwidth available. The front of the dock offers a Thunderbolt 5 port, a USB 3.2 port, a headphone jack, an SD card slot and a microSD card slot. On the back is the power input, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 ports (one 10Gb/s and one 5Gb/s), and three Thunderbolt 5 ports. One of those rear Thunderbolt 5 ports can deliver 140W of power to keep your laptop charged. You can pre-order now for $330.
Smartphone creatives have a new tool available courtesy of Sandmarc. Its Star Filter creates multi-point flares from direct light sources. The filter is adjustable, giving users more control over the final look. It can be attached to iPhones using Sandmarc's attachment system, or used as a clip-on attachment. You can pre-order the filter now for $80; shipping will begin mid-June.
Connexion
Type A memory card, the “NX-A2PRO Series,” has become the world’s first to receive VPG800 certification from the CompactFlash® Association.
