The PetaPixel Photography Podcast

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What Are the Best Entry-Level Cameras Right Now? Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by OM SYSTEM, and their Black Friday pricing is here! There are incredible savings on OM SYSTEM gear that you won’t want to miss. OM SYSTEM has nearly every lens on sale, right now, with discounts up to $700 off! It’s the ideal opportunity to expand your kit, upgrade to the lenses you’ve had your eye on, or purchase a holiday gift for a loved one.
Whether you’re looking for a new camera or the right lens for your next adventure, check out OM SYSTEM’s Black Friday deals. Head over to explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to see all the savings. Offers end December 8.
Tamron’s high-quality all-in-one zoom lenses offer photographers the flexibility to capture every moment, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist. Their 18-300mm and 28-200mm lenses cover everything from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups — all in one compact, lightweight lens. Perfect for travel, street photography, or family portraits, these lenses offer sharp image quality, fast autofocus, and a weather-resistant design.
Tamron’s Holiday Savings are happening now! You can save up to $100 on these incredible lenses, but hurry, this offer ends January 5, 2025. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your gear or give the gift of a Tamron All-in-One zoom lens to the photographer in your life. Visit tamronamericas.co/all-in-one for more information.
With the recent announcements of the Fujifilm X-M5 and the Nikon Z50 II, the entry-level segment got a sudden burst of new interest. With that in mind, Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake share their thoughts on the best entry-level cameras you can get right now.
Support Chris and Jordan directly with a PetaPixel Membership!
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 (daily updates from Portland's Japanese Garden)
13:22 - Apple is acquiring Pixelmator
19:31 - Apple's week of Mac updates: New Macbook Pro, new Mac mini, and new iMacs
25:17 - Nikon 28-135mm f/4 Power Zoom is its first full-frame cine-first lens
30:13 - Canon adds 24mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4 primes
32:46 - Canon's new 70-200mm f/2.8 is designed for hybrid photo/video, comes in black or white, and costs $3,000
35:36 - Panasonic updates it camcorder line for the first time in six years
38:16 - Nikon announced the Z50 II: https://petapixel.com/2024/11/06/nikons-z50-ii-camera-adds-fuji-like-styles-and-robust-video-features/
41:18 - What are the best entry-level cameras right now?
58:09 - What have you been up to?
1:00:18 - Jordan's Movember is live:
1:04:18 - An update on the iPhone 16 Pro's durability vs Chris's dad wallet
1:05:14 - In the Nikon Museum Tour video, it's not Jordan's fault the sensor is dirty
1:06:30 - Never read the comments
1:16:25 - Tech support
1:35:48 - Feel Good Story of the Week

Retired Sony Exec on How Cameras (and Photographers) Have Changed Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Whether you’re looking for the sharpness and low-light capability of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, the versatility of the 12-100mm F4 IS PRO, or the compact convenience of the 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II, OM SYSTEM has the best travel lenses for every adventure.
If you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, OM SYSTEM has something for everyone and every budget. For more information and to learn about local promotions, visit your local authorized retailer or explore.omsystem.com/petapixel today!
Try the new CleanMyMac for free for 7 days!
This week on The PetaPixel Podcast, the team is joined by retired Sony Imaging executive Mark Weir who reflects on the evolution of cameras over the last two decades and, perhaps more importantly, how photographers have changed in that time, too.
In this episode, he talks about how Sony Japan fielded input from its users, looks back at how Sony chose to leave the mirror behind, the choice to make E-mount an open standard, and where he thinks the industry is going next.
Support Chris and Jordan directly with a PetaPixel Membership!
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; Support Chris and Jordan with a PetaPixel Membership
12:13 - Check out our special bonus audio-only episode of the PetaPixel Podcast featuring Apple
16:20 - Google Photos will show when an image is edited with the company's generative AI
18:52 - Tamron doesn't appear interested in making primes anymore
21:05 - Lomography announced a new Lomo'Instant Wide Glass
22:47 - Leica is celebrating 70 years of the M in a very Leica way
24:08 - DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 is really popular
27:00 - Jordan, how do you feel about H&Y's new RevoRing Mark II?
30:31 - Retired Sony exec Mark Weir on how cameras (and photographers) changed in the last 20 years
1:13:55 - What have you been up to?
1:17:08 - Jordan's Movember
1:21:30 - Tech Support
1:46:08 - Feel good story of the week: CPS is now free for students!

The Future of Photography According to Apple, Maker of the World's Most Popular Camera Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

This is a special bonus episode of the PetaPixel Podcast where Jaron Schneider, editor-in-chief of PetaPixel, talks with Della Huff, a member of the product marketing team at Apple who oversees all things camera and photos and who you would very likely recognize from many of Apple's recent keynote events as well as Billy Sorrentino, a member of the Apple Design team who has a hand in almost everything the company does and who oversees the user experiences across the company's platforms. The two discuss immersive, spatial content and how Apple, the makers of the most popular camera in the world, views the next era of photography. They answer a lot of questions about spatial photos, the Vision Pro, and generally about immersive content as well as how Apple sees the future of photography and the preservation of memories.

How to Travel as a Photographer and Not Hate Yourself Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

From October 24th to November 3rd, OM Digital Solutions is hosting the third annual OM SYSTEM week, a global event, inspiring photographers to push their creative limits. This year's theme, "Creativity. It’s in our nature," invites you to explore the outdoors with OM SYSTEM cameras. Throughout OM SYSTEM Week, you can score amazing deals, with up to $500 off select OM SYSTEM cameras and lenses. Plus, registered users will receive even more exclusive offers!
Don’t miss out on OM SYSTEM’s creativity-themed photo contest! Running from October 24th, 2024, to January 3rd, 2025, you’ll have the chance to showcase your best outdoor photos and compete to win an incredible trip to Japan with OM SYSTEM Ambassador Lisa Michele Burns.
For more details, visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel
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Experience unmatched versatility of Tamron all-in-one zoom lenses including the new Tamron 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens for Sony E-mount. This all-in-one zoom covers a wide focal range, from expansive landscapes at 28mm to distant subjects at 300mm. With its fast and quiet VXD autofocus system, you’ll capture sharp images effortlessly. The built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) minimizes camera shake for smooth handheld shooting, even in varying light conditions. Compact and lightweight, this lens is ideal for travel and outdoor adventures, empowering photographers to capture stunning scenery with flexibility and ease. Shop Tamron lenses at tamron-americas.com.
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This week, Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider are in Tokyo, Japan and it got them thinking: photographers who travel internationally can often struggle with not knowing exactly what to bring, which results in them bringing too much. The trio share their tips to keep that keeps their packs light but doesn't make them feel like they are disadvantaged with their gear.
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.
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In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro
05:45 - Excuse me, what was going on with the tape and the filter on the 500mm?
08:24 - DJI announced a new Air 3S
12:04 - There isn't going to be a DJI-branded mirrorless camera.
14:22 - DJI says import issues are why the Air 3S isn't available from retailers
16:27 - Insta360 has a new action camera
19:19 - Adobe Lightroom got a nice update
24:28 - How to travel as a photographer and not hate yourself
47:37 - Never read the comments
55:26 - Tech support
1:24:17 - Feel good story of the week: Jordan does Japan his own way.

The Owner of The Camera Store on Industry, Film, and More Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

The next Supermoon is just around the corner (October 17th), and it’s expected to be the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2024. If you want to capture it in all its glory, you need the right gear. OM SYSTEM’s Micro Four Thirds cameras and M.Zuiko Digital lenses are perfect for the job. Why? The 2x crop factor doubles your equivalent focal length—so, a 300mm lens becomes a 600mm! That means more zoom without the heavy, bulky gear.
So, if you’re gearing up for the Supermoon, OM SYSTEM has you covered. Check out their full line of cameras and lenses at explore.omsystem.com/petapixel, or visit your local authorized OM SYSTEM retailer.
When you've been in the camera industry for nearly 40 years and operated The Camera Store since the late 1990s, you see a lot. Peter Jeuene has done just that and also is the man who gave Chris and Jordan the opportunity to get on camera and become the experts you know today. Peter shares his thoughts on the state of the industry, how film's resurgence has affected his business, how he manages to compete with U.S. retailers and camera brands on the sales front, and even shares some stories from when Chris and Jordan used to work in his store.
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
07:34 - Big Fujifilm Drop: X-M5, 500mm f/5.6, and a new 16-55mm f/2.8
13:46 - The 70mm film reel for "The Brutalist" is split into 26 canisters and weighs 300 pounds
15:23 - "Submerged" is a new feature film that can only be watched on Vision Pro
22:08 - Miss the aurora? Just make AI images, Meta says
26:54 - Nikon news: Z6 III getting C2PA, NX Mobile Air gets Frame.io integration, and EssilorLuxottica buys 5.1% of the company
32:57 - Canon is dropping three new lenses on October 30
37:29 - Talkin' shop with the owner of The Camera Store
1:14:21 - What have you been up to?
1:18:14 - New versions of Fixed lens cameras that viewers want to see
1:22:12 - Tech support

Our Dream Fixed-Lens Cameras Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

If you’re serious about capturing far-away shots with incredible sharpness, the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is for you. It offers an expansive zoom range, giving you the flexibility to get closer to wildlife, landscapes, and even celestial bodies like the moon, without compromising image quality. With its lightning-fast autofocus, you’ll always capture every split-second detail. The M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm is designed to keep up with the fast-paced action of wildlife and nature photography, delivering accuracy and high performance.
Right now, you can purchase the M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS for $700 off (regularly $2,699.99, now just $1,999.99). Don’t wait—head to explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or visit an authorized retailer near you to take advantage of this special offer!
This week, Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider are joined by Tom Calton to talk about compact, fixed lens cameras and what 12 different manufacturers could do to appeal to the sudden surge in demand for high-quality options. Most, if not all, have some history in the space that could be leveraged to create some truly exceptional offerings in 2024 and 2025.
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 (what was your first fixed-lens camera)
08:24 - Panasonic's new lens and Lumix S9 firmware
15:13 - Nikon's new patent describes a "selective" global shutter
19:42 - Fujifilm is updating autofocus performance on multiple cameras
23:44 - The Paper Shoot and Cappy Camera situation is quite a mess
27:19 - Happy Birthday Chris Niccolls!
30:30 - Our dream fixed-lens cameras from every manufacturer
31:10 - Fujifilm
21:13 - OM System
33:44 - Hasselblad
36:17 - Leica
38:19 - Pentax
40:17 - Canon
42:50 - Sony
45:16 - Nikon
47:10 - Kodak
48:36 - Voigtlander
50:24 - Panasonic
52:39 - Sigma
56:21 - What have you been up to? (make sure to check out Tom's YouTube)
1:02:36 - Tech Support
1:20:00 - Optimization settings for Lightroom: https://petapixel.com/optimize-lightroom-classic/
1:29:46 - Feel good story of the week

JPEG XL: What It Is And Why You Should Care Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

OM SYSTEM Ambassador and macro photographer Ben Salb has mastered the art of capturing the smallest details of insects and spiders, tiny creatures that often go unnoticed around us. Now through November 3, the OM-1 Mark II is $1,999.99, $400 off the regular retail price, and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 PRO Macro Lens is $1,199.99 ($300 off regular retail price). Visit your local authorized OM SYSTEM retailer or explore.omsystem/petapixel today!
To read more about Ben Salb and his work, check out his detailed guide to macro photography.
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This week on The PetaPixel Podcast Jon Sneyers, the Senior Image Researcher at Cloudinary, Editor of the JPEG XL standard, and contributor to the reference implementation of the format explains what it is and why it's important.
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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! Send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.
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In This Episode

00:00 - Intro (favorite aliens, squids, and more)
10:08 - A new Tamron 90mm for Nikon Z and Sony E
12:46 - Canon Listened, will update R5 II to capture 24p video with older batteries
16:17 - Phase One has a new XC with a new 40mm, can be purchased without the digital back
18:01 - ProGrade digital finally released its first portable SSD and it's very good
21:00 - Yes, you can buy the cable by itself
21:13 - Live your Death Stranding dreams with the Lancer300
26:08 - JPEG XL explained by Senior Image Researcher and JPEG XL reference standard editor Jon Sneyers
1:01:42 - What have you been up to? (how good is Chris's light metering with his eyes?)
1:08:44 - Tech support

Talkin' Backpacks w/ Peak Design's Founder Peter Dering Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Back in the Fall of 2008—several years before Instagram filters became a trend—Olympus introduced in-camera Art Filters in their DSLR cameras, specifically designed for the creative photographer. These filters helped transform basic images into works of art that deliver emotional impact, long before it became mainstream.
Curious to explore art filters for yourself or looking for the perfect gift? Purchase the E-M10 Mark IV body today and get a complimentary M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R lens—all for just $699.99, now through September 29th! If you're eyeing something weather-sealed, save up to $300 on an OM-5 kit. Visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or head to your local authorized retailer!
Peak Design is one of the most recognizable names in the photography industry and probably the most well-known accessory brand in the space. From the Capture Clip, to straps, to bags, tripods, and more, the company recently set its sights on the outdoor and adventure market after years in development.
Peak Design's founder and CEO Peter Dering joins Chris Niccolls, Jordan Drake, and Jaron Schneider for a discussion about the company's history, product strategy, and -- of course -- the new Outdoor series of backpacks.
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 (generational trauma?)
9:25 - Jeff Bridges is bringing back the Widelux
14:95 - Ilford is celebrating 145 years with limited edition retro packaging
17:56 - Canon made nearly half the digital cameras sold in 2023, but... Sony claims it has sold the most full-frame mirrorless cameras
23:54 - Google is adding C2PA content authenticity to Search and Ads
26:17 - Talking outdoor backpacks with Peak Design's Peter Dering
1:08:58 - What have you been up to?
1:12:39 - Tech support
1:30:37 - Feel good story of the week

Not All Megapixels Are Equal (and Nikon RED LUTs Review) Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Today we’re excited to highlight a lens that’s truly a game-changer for wildlife and nature photographers: the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS. If you’re passionate about capturing distant subjects with incredible clarity, this lens will be your new best friend.
The M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS is also built to withstand the elements, with a weather-sealed construction that ensures durability in challenging conditions. So if you’re in the field experiencing challenging weather conditions, this lens is up for the challenge.
So check out the M.Zuiko ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS. Now through September 29 th , it’s $400 off (normally $2,699.99—now just $2,299.99). Visit https://explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or your local authorized retailer now!
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It's been a busy week! Apple launched a new iPhone which started a lot of conversation about "fake" megapixels, Sigma finally showed its autofocus cine lens, Canon announced a new affordable zoom, and Nikon released RED LUTs for its Nikon Log profile -- and that's just the tip of the iceberg!
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: our first smartphones, a birthday, and a neat lens
10:17 - Leica announced the M11-D
13:43 - Chris made Jaron spend a lot of money
17:46 - Nikon's New Heralbony Zfc collab is gorgeous, but not available in the U.S.
20:02 - Here is Sigma's first AF-equipped cine lens
23:07 - Canon announced the 28-70mm f/2.8
25:23 - Gordon Laing's hands-on with the Canon 28-70mm
26:15 - Is the DJI Osmo Action Good?
30:30 - Jordan's review of the new RED LUTs for Nikon N-Log
39:56 - Let's talk about the megapixel situation on iPhone
48:01 - The iPhone 16 Pro doesn't charge faster than the iPhone 15 Pro... most of the time
52:12 - A bit more on the iPhone 16 Pro's Photo Styles
57:09 - What have you been up to? (Chris has a beef)
1:07:23 - Tech support
1:29:15 - What do you think is happening in this photo?
1:32:47 - The feel good story of the week

What We REALLY Thought of Apple's iPhone 16 Launch Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Thanks to OM SYSTEM for sponsoring today’s podcast. Right now, OM SYSTEM is offering up to $300 off select telephoto lenses, plus free filters and accessories. For a limited time, with your purchase of the M.ZuikoDigital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS, 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO, or 300mm f/4 PRO lenses, you'll receive a free protection filter to shield your lenses from scratches.
The filter features ZERO Coating on both sides of the glass and a satin, glare-reducing black alumite aluminum frame that helps minimize flares and ghosts with its anti-reflection properties. Plus, enjoy a $300 rebate on the OM-1 Mark II body, a $100 rebate on the OM-5 body, and many more rebates and free accessory offers through September 29th!
Visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or stop by your nearest authorized OM SYSTEM retailer to take advantage of these deals today!
Chris explained what was new and noteworthy about the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in his first impressions video published on Monday, but that wasn't all there was to discuss. Jordan adds his two cents about the video enhancements and the three of us also couldn't help but notice that Apple put significantly less emphasis on AI tools and features at this event than either Samsung or Google did this year.
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.