The PetaPixel Photography Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Two New Film Cameras and the Z6 III in One Day?! (Feat. Ted Forbes) Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

This summer, get ready to capture images with a deal you won’t want to miss! Purchase the OM SYSTEM E-M10 Mark IV camera body and receive a complimentary M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R lens—a combined value of $999.98, now available for just $699.99. That’s a savings of $299.99!
The E-M10 Mark IV’s compact design and advanced features make it an ideal companion for any photography adventure. Capture the summer moments that matter most with the OM SYSTEM E-M10 Mark IV. Visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or your nearest authorized OM SYSTEM retailer before June 30th to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
Big thanks to German startup Neurapix for also sponsoring this podcast episode. Neurapix is transforming image editing by giving you a plugin fully integrated with Lightroom that adjusts slider values for each RAW file individually.
With just 20 images, you can create your Smart Preset and edit up to 1,000 photos per minute! PetaPixel listeners get 2,000 free edits. You can get the deal here: https://link.neurapix.com/PetaPixel
The Art of Photography's Ted Forbes joins Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider to talk Pentax 17, Instax Wide 400, and the Nikon Z6 III which all launched on the same day. In a week of firsts, the four provide their thoughts on each of these new cameras and what that means for the photo industry at large.
Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode

00:00 - Intro, say hi to Ted Forbes!
07:54 - Two new film cameras announced in the same day?
09:34 - Fujifilm's first new Instax Wide camera in 10 years
12:44 - Nikon self-service repair program
19:04 - Adobe will use "Generative Credits" to regulate Photoshop and Lightroom AI tasks
25:58 - Adobe sued by the US DOJ
36:21 - Differing opinions on the Pentax 17 and Nikon Z6 III
1:02:43 - Watch Ted's Z6 III hands-on
1:03:11 - What have you been up to?
1:07:32 - Tech support
1:08:11 - Will AI upscaling make larger sensors obsolete?
1:12:34 - For someone without a camera, should I buy new or used?
1:14:00 - For printing photos, should I be editing on an LCD or an OLED?
1:18:28 - We talk about upgrading cameras, but when should I upgrade my lenses?
1:23:01 - Are autofocus adapters good enough for telephoto lenses?
1:31:30 - Never read the comments

Adobe, What Are You DOING?! Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Today, OM SYSTEM is bringing you a deal that you simply cannot beat. For those who love the great outdoors and are passionate about photography, the weight and size of your camera gear can be a real game-changer. Enter the OM SYSTEM OM-5 -- not only does it boast cutting-edge tech and unmatched performance, but it also leaves ample space in your bag for all your adventure essentials.
For a limited time, OM SYSTEM is running an exclusive June promotion. Now through June 30th, when you purchase the OM-5 camera and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II lens together, you'll receive $550 in savings off the regular price! You can now own this duo for just $1,299.99.
Don’t let this offer slip away. Head to your nearest authorized retailer or swing by explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to grab this fantastic deal before it’s gone. But hurry: the offer ends on June 30, 2024.
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Check out PetaPixel Merch: store.petapixel.com/
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Adobe is having a hard time getting out of its own way. Last week, the company pushed an update to its terms of service that was widely viewed as an over-reach. The company plans to change them again, but is it too late? The PetaPixel Podcast team discusses.
Also in this episode, Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider go over Apple's new AI tools, Canon and Blackmagic Design's new immersive video capture systems made specifically for the Apple Vision Pro, and the team also breaks down Fujifilm's full camera line to see if it really needs to be as robust as it is.
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode:

00:00 -Intro
10:00 - Canon dropped two dual-optic lenses. First is this one.
11:17 - It's Apple Certified, too
12:12 - The other one is an APS-C lens
07:00 - Blackmagic made a stereoscopic video camera that shoots 8kp90 per eye
24:43 - Apple Intelligence in photo editing
28:20 - The Adobe Block
28:49 - Adobe's updated terms of use update enrage photographers
29:36 - Adobe says it isn't spying on users
29:52 - Adobe will adjust the ToS
42:55 - Nikon Z6 III is coming next week
44:08 - Fujifilm makes a lot of cameras now, do we need them all?
1:03:04 - What have you been up to?
1:08:27 - Tech support
1:08:36 - How can I take better indoor sports photos?
1:15:24 - What is your favorite way to take a break from editing without losing your groove?
1:18:51 - Three major questions about lenses and how they resolve.
1:28:09 - Never read the comments (but we always do)

Why Would You Buy a $2,000 Micro Four Thirds Camera in 2024? Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Today’s podcast is brought to you by OM SYSTEM and their award-winning TOUGH TG-7—a camera built to withstand the most extreme conditions. The TOUGH TG-7 is built like a tank. It’s waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring underwater wonders, or simply documenting everyday moments, this camera rises to the occasion.
Just in time for Father’s Day and graduation gifts, save $50 on your purchase of a OM SYSTEM TOUGH TG-7 (normally $549.99 (US), now $499.99 (US) take advantage of this special offer, visit your local OM SYSTEM authorized retailer, or head to explore.omsystem.com/petapixel. Don’t miss out on your chance to capture the extraordinary with the OM SYSTEM TOUGH TG-7.
Yesterday, Panasonic announced the GH7, a video-packed powerhouse of a camera that looks to be almost perfect. The only compromise? The Micro Four Thirds sensor. So we knew there would be a lot of folks asking: why would you spend $2,000 for the GH7 when the S5IIX exists? Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider discuss.
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro, and the new subscriber stretch goal challenge
08:20 - Wait, PetaPixel merch?
11:22 - DJI seems very worried it's about to get banned in the U.S.
19:05 - Adobe removes AI image in the "style of Ansel Adams" after the late photographer's estate blasted them on social media
23:07 - Less than half of all Japanese households own a digital camera
28:29 - Kodak cameras with 10-year-old tech are selling like crazy
33:16 - Have Sigma zooms reached the quality benchmark of Sigma primes?
42:14 - Why Would You Buy a $2,000 Micro Four Thirds Camera in 2024?
58:06 - What have you been up to?
1:03:38 - Tech support
1:03:51 - Why doesn't a 24-85mm f/1.2 exist?
1:06:24 - What tech came out that you thought was meh but was actually great, and vice versa?
1:13:45 - Why do we call it "post processing"?
1:17:10 - Why is no one else making a camera like the GR III?
1:18:45 - Why is my camera seemingly ignoring my shutter speed limit threshold?
1:21:57 - Will L-mount be getting any compact lenses?
1:24:54 - Will Sony (or someone else) ever make lenses like Canon's unusual fast zooms?

Are YouTuber Camera Press Trips Ethical? May 29, 2024

Show notes

If you’re passionate about photography and considering an upgrade, or if you’ve been eyeing the OM-1 Mark II, don’t miss this fantastic offer from OM SYSTEM. It’s the perfect time to exchange your old equipment for the cutting-edge technology and outstanding image quality of OM SYSTEM. During OM SYSTEM’s Trade-in, Trade-up event throughout May and June, you’ll enjoy significant savings.
Make the most of this opportunity to upgrade your gear with new, high-performance, portable, and weather-sealed OM SYSTEM equipment. These offers are only valid until the end of June, so act fast! Visit your nearest authorized OM SYSTEM retailer or check out explore.omsystem.com/petapixel for more information on how to upgrade your gear today!
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Professional quality prints are the perfect way to elevate your photography and, if you have your own photo business, a great way to boost sales. With Bay Photo as your partner lab, you can easily order and quickly deliver stunning photo products to your clients.
PetaPixel viewers can save 25% Off Any One Wall Display Order with promo code PETAPIXEL25. This includes Metal Prints, Acrylic Prints, Framed Prints, Epic Prints, Canvas Wraps and so much more. Go to bayphoto.com/petapixel to create your next high-impact display today!
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This week on The PetaPixel Podcast, Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake give their insight into camera press trips and whether or not they believe they allow for ethical evaluation of equipment. They also talk about medium format and how viable it is in 2024 for wildlife and bird photography.

In This Episode

00:00 - Intro
08:07 - The Leica D-Lux 8 looks familiar
16:39 - YouTube reviews and press trips: are they ethical?
45:40 - Is wildlife photography on medium format a real thing now?
1:04:10 - What have you been up to?
1:09:53 - Tech support
1:10:00 - Is there any advantage to shooting uncompressed RAW?
1:11:16 - How does Jordan process audio for YouTube?
1:13:42 - Are there any tricks to making a video using footage from multiple camera brands?
1:16:30 - Will we ever see a leaf shutter lens in the L-mount to mitigate rolling shutter effects?
1:23:05 - Never read the comments

The Canon R1 is FINALLY Coming (and the S9, Too) May 23, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to OM SYSTEM for sponsoring the PetaPixel Podcast! Save on the OM SYSTEM lenses that made PetaPixel’s The Best Lenses for Micro Four Thirds Cameras in 2024 list. Right now, you can get the incredible OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II for just $799, $200 off its retail price. Or how about the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 Pro, which is just $699 right now, also $200 off its retail price.
However, the savings don’t stop there. Right now, you can save up to $400 on EVERY M.Zuiko lens! Visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to learn more about these savings, as well as OM SYSTEM’s Trade-in, Trade-up event throughout May and June.
Because of Fujifilm's massive launch last week (and Sigma dropped a new 24-70mm f/2.8, too), the PetaPixel Podcast team had to record early and release later than usual, but that also meant a lot happened that they didn't get to talk about. That changes this week, because there was a ton to go over including Canon finally annoucning the development of the EOS R1, a camera that has been in development for at least three years. But that didn't go as smoothly as Canon perhaps would have preferred, as Adorama published fake specifications for the camera on their website and was then forced to make a public apology.
Beyond that, Adobe announced that Firefly generative AI tools were coming to Lightroom and Ricoh's new GRIII HDF is so popular that Japan had to resort to selling it by lottery.
This week, Panasonic announced the S9 and Chris and Jordan have some thoughts on it and also share how they think L-mount is doing now in mid 2024.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro
05:26 - What is your favorite OM System lens?
09:20 - Canon is finally going to release the R1
10:24 - Subtle differences between the R1 and R3 body design
12:01 - Fake specs "leaked"
14:45 - Adorama apologizes for posting fake specs
18:41 - ASMP calls out Adobe for "shocking dismissal of photography"
22:43 - Meanwhile, Adobe adds Firefly AI to Lightroom
26:58 - Capture One's new "Studio" offering is wildly expensive
28:30 - Ricoh's new GR III HDF is so outrageously popular it's being sold by lottery
34:01 - So, about that Lumix S9... and how is L-mount doing in 2024?
50:22 - What have you been up to?
54:23 - Tech support
54:49 - How much of an issue is overheating on the Insta360 X4?
58:11 - What are the best lenses for the SL3 and GFX100S II when it comes to landscapes and sports photography?
1:01:40 - Is there a notable difference between adapted old Nikon glass and new Fujifilm X glass?
1:03:30 - Can you clarify how both megapixels and lens quality impact sharpness and crop-ability?
1:06:24 - Log is confusing, can you explain how to properly expose for it?
1:11:00 - Help managing the limitations of JPEG but the storage strain of RAW
1:13:02 - Never read the comments

Fujifilm Had a MASSIVE Week! May 17, 2024

Show notes

During OM SYSTEM’s Trade-in, Trade-up event throughout May and June, you’ll enjoy significant savings! You’ll receive the value of your trade-in, plus additional rebates and offers on select products, increasing your savings even more. Plus, you’ll receive a trade-up bonus towards the purchase of select OM SYSTEM products, making this an ideal opportunity to upgrade.
Visit your nearest authorized OM SYSTEM retailer or check out explore.omsystem.com/petapixel for more information on how to upgrade your gear today!
Professional quality prints are the perfect way to elevate your photography and, if you have your own photo business, a great way to boost sales. With Bay Photo as your partner lab, you can easily order and quickly deliver stunning photo products to your clients.
PetaPixel viewers can save 25% Off Any One Wall Display Order with promo code PETAPIXEL25. This includes MetalPrints, Acrylic Prints, Framed Prints, Epic Prints, Canvas Wraps and so much more. Go to bayphoto.com/petapixel to create your next high-impact display today!
Fujifilm held another Fujikina event, this time in Australia, to announce four new products: the X-T50, the GFX100S II, XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens, and the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR. Two of these announcements, the lenses, were expected: Fujifilm is one of the few companies that publishes lens roadmaps well ahead of official product announcements. But the two cameras were less so, especially considering the GFX 100 II was announced so recently, seeing the GFX100S II may have come as somewhat of a surprise. The X-T50 is also a bit unexpected and it brings a new dial to the party that is just for film simulations.
There is a lot to discuss, and that's not even touching on the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art II, which was also announced this week. It's a packed episode that you won't want to miss!

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro (first food you'll grab in Japan)
06:27 - Nikon bought RED for just $85M
09:23 - Contextualizing that value
11:12 - Fujifilm's profits are soaring
15:06 - Sigma's new 24-70mm f/2.8 is REALLY good
19:33 - Fujifilm's MASSIVE week! Everything Fuji announced and what excites us!
21:44 - X-T50
25:05 - GFX 100S II
28:58 - XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
35:05 - GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
40:43 - Fujifilm makes a lot of cameras now
47:06 - What have you been up to?
51:03 - Tech support, and a disclaimer
52:46 - How close would a full frame with a 1.4x teleconverter be to an APS-C camera at the same shutter speed and f-stop?
55:14 - What is a good Sony lens to get started with videography?
57:24 - What is your favorite camera menu system?
1:02:04 - What is your favorite obscure camera feature?
1:05:46 - Is the photo and video industry toxic?
1:11:38 - Never read the comments

Apple is a Camera Company Now (Again) May 08, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to OM System for sponsoring the PetaPixel Podcast! Right now, OM SYSTEM is offering one of their best spring deals yet. You can get the sleek and versatile E-M10 Mark IV camera body, and guess what? They’re throwing in a free M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R lens. That’s right, free! Visit OM SYSTEM’s website at explore.omsystem.com/petapixel and check out the E-M10 Mark IV bundle!
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Before yesterday, the QuickTake 100 was the last time Apple built the hardware and complete, full-fledged software for an image capture device. Even though the iPhone has been equipped with a camera from the beginning, Apple has relied on third-party developers to make its camera hardware actually useable for anything other than quick snaps. The company dabbled in camera development but shied away from jumping all the way into the pool.
But with Final Cut Camera, Apple signaled very loudly that it is shifting its perspective: it's now making the software required to take full advantage of its capture hardware. There really is no other definition of a camera company than that.
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro (what was your first photo and video editing software?)
09:13 - What is going on with the Canon EOS R1?
19:31 - Insta360 is in the midst of a crisis.
27:21 - It gets worse: GoPro says Insta360 infringed on its patents
30:21 - Apple's new iPad Air
30:56 - iPad Pro
44:43 - Apple is finally a camera company now (again)
56:40 - What have you been up to?
1:01:03 - Tech Supportapalooza
1:30:16 - Ben Horne

PetaPixel VacationCast: Canon FINALLY Opens the RF Mount! May 01, 2024

Show notes

If you love photography and are looking for your next opportunity to upgrade your gear, or if you’ve been waiting to purchase the new OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, you won’t want to miss this special offer from OM SYSTEM!

Bring any qualified interchangeable lens camera to a dealer location for evaluation. You’ll receive the value of your traded gear, plus additional offers, and rebates on select products, boosting your savings even further. PLUS, you’ll earn a Trade-up bonus towards the purchase of select OM SYSTEM products, making it the perfect time to upgrade. But don’t wait, these offers are only available until the end of June!

Visit your nearest authorized OM SYSTEM retailer or visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel for more details on how to upgrade your gear today!

News doesn't take a break, so this week, Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake join me from the comfort of their hotel room on the coast of Vancouver Island. The biggest story? Canon's RF mount is finally open to third-party developers, but there is a catch. That said, there might be a good reason for Canon to make this choice, as its sales aren't doing great.

The trio also discusses Sigma and Nikon and Canon's response to the situation at RED Cinema. Finally, it can be hard for solo creators to work with larger teams when they're given the opportunity, so the three present their tips for making the most of those types of opportunities.

We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.

We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro
08:16 - Canon finally opens the RF mount... but just a crack
12:47 - So why isn't Sigma on Nikon Z mount?
16:19 - Camera sales boomed last year, but not for Canon
18:50 - Canon is surprisingly upbeat about Nikon's RED acquisition
22:04 - Should we ditch the term "mirrorless" and just use DSLR?
28:15 - Our tips for solo creators when they have to work with bigger teams
43:15 - Insta360 is asking creators to not disclose sponsorships?
46:24 - What have you been up to?
48:21 - Tech support
1:11:49 - Never read the comments

Image credits: Featured photo licensed via Depositphotos.

So, Is the Insta360 X4 8K Actually Any Good? Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

We would like to thank our podcast sponsor, OM SYSTEM. Recently, PetaPixel followed OM SYSTEM Ambassadors Tiffany Taxis and Arthur Lefo as they photographed the incredible winter wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. The photographers had brought the recently released OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, the company’s latest telephoto zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO Watch the film on PetaPixel's YouTube Channel, make sure to read Lefo’s 9 Tips for Photographing Wildlife in Winter, and don't forget to also visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to learn more about the OM-1 Mark II and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens. -- Thank you to Storyblocks for sponsoring this week's main story segment! Download unlimited stock media at one set price with Storyblocks at storyblocks.com/petapixel. -- This week, Jordan and I discuss some new developments surrounding Nikon's acquisition of RED as well as some of the top news that came out of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) tradeshow in Las Vegas. That includes some hands-on impressions and testing of Insta360's new camera. We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio. We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode

00:00 - Intro... and where's Chris?
08:32 - Nikon's purchase of RED gets clearer
08:48 - Nikon is 'considering' cine glass while RED will continue to use RF
11:31 - When else has a lens/camera maker supported competitors' lenses or mounts?
14:29 - Expect a new camera using tech from both Nikon and RED 'in a few years'
16:02 - Nikon started the process to buy RED two years ago
17:40 - It looks like two-thirds of the X100VI Limited Edition camera orders in the U.S. were suspect
20:41 - Ok, SmallRig's new tripod collab with Potato Jet actually looks sick
23:12 - Blackmagic's big week (lightning round)
28:44 - So, is the Insta360 X4 8K any good?
44:42 - The sounds of Shure's new MV7+ podcasting mic
47:06 - What have/will you been/be up to?
52:35 - Tech support
1:06:12 - Never read the comments

Ranking Every Camera Maker's Software (They're All Bad) Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

We want to once again thank our podcast sponsor, OM SYSTEM, who are bringing you an unbeatable deal today! For outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, size and weight of camera gear often plays a big role. The OM SYSTEM OM-5 not only offers cutting-edge technology and unrivaled performance, but also ensures you have room in your bag for other essentials needed for your adventure. Adventure enthusiasts and photography fans alike can now pair the OM-5 with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II lens for just $1,299.99 after a rebate. That’s a steal considering the quality and performance you’ll experience with this fully weather-sealed camera and lens combination.
Don’t miss out on capturing your adventures with OM SYSTEM. Head to your nearest authorized retailer or visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to take advantage of this amazing offer before it ends on April 28, 2024.
Almost every camera manufacturer makes its own photo editing software, but we aren't super enthused to use any of them -- especially if camera features are locked behind them.
As long as there is no real reason to ever download it and fire it up, it's actually not a big deal if a camera company's software doesn't work great. Photographers are using third-party software like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One a majority of the time and it probably isn't unusual for them to never feel the need to download first-party software.
That was until companies started locking features behind these programs. For example, Canon Dual Pixel RAW requires the use of Digital Photo Professional and Sony requires photographers fire up Imaging Edge if they want to use Pixel Shift Multi-Shot. Neither of these programs are intuitive to use and, perhaps worse, they are frustratingly slow and prone to crashing.
So, looking at the state of photography in 2024, Chris, Jordan, and Jaron asked themselves this: how is it acceptable that all these programs are just varying degrees of bad? The three dig into it while driving from San Jose to San Francisco in the first-ever PetaPixel Carcast!
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.