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Christian von Koenigsegg is a man possessed by forces that demand he create faster and more beastly machines till his last breath. His company's latest masterpiece is a sight to behold on the outside, and a feat of engineering to marvel at under the hood.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Koenigsegg, Hypercar
For the first time, a lab-grown brain-computer system has demonstrated that human neurons living and evolving in an artificial system respond to medication by learning, in real time, in a game-like environment. Subjected to anti-seizure drugs, Cortical Labs' disease-modeled neurons didn't just show altered brain activity, but spontaneous information-processing behavior. It's a huge step forward for the company's synthetic biological intelligence (SBI) technology and how we are able to research neurological conditions and develop new, effective treatments.
Category: Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Drug development, Neuroscience, Neurological, Neural Network, Biocomputers, Biotechnology, Epilepsy
We already knew Eurobike 2025 was going to be packed with the smallest, lightest electric bike motors the world has ever seen. What we didn't expect, though, was for manufacturers to start outdoing brand-new products they previewed just weeks ago. TQ, for example, debuted what it calls the smallest, lightest, quietest ebike drive in its class in early June. Now, the German e-drive innovator undercuts itself with an even smaller, lighter motor weighing less than 2.6 lb. It's the all-new HPR40, and it's specially designed to match the light, lithe lines of road and gravel bikes.
Tags: ebikes, Electric Motors, Canyon Bicycles, eurobike-2025
Venus Optics has announced the Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D FF, an updated, mirrorless version of one of its popular ultra-wide-angle lenses. The new model is slimmed down (hence, the Lite in the name), introduces autofocus capabilities for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts and brings additional upgrades over the original 12mm F2.8 Zero-D.
The 12mm F2.8 Zero-D lens's claim to fame was that it was one of the widest non-fisheye lenses for full-frame cameras. Like the original model, the Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D offers an ultra-wide 122° view with a rectilinear optical design, which Laowa says results in "virtually zero distortion." The optical design includes 16 elements in 9 groups, with 4 extra-low dispersion elements and 2 aspherical elements. It can focus as close as 14cm (5.5"), making it possible to capture close details.
Image: Christopher Frost / LaowaLaowa says that the new model offers improved image quality, with better sharpness all the way to the edges and "excellent control of chromatic aberration." It is also more compact and lightweight than its predecessor, coming in at just 377g (13.3oz) for the E mount version. For comparison, the original model weighed 609g (1.3lbs). The lens sees the addition of a filter thread, using 72mm filters, whereas the old model required a filter holder system.
The autofocus version (left) and manual focus version (right) feature slightly different body designs.The 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D is available for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and L mounts. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions offer autofocus, while the RF and L mount models are manual focus only. The autofocus versions offer an MF/AF switch but no aperture ring, while the manual focus models feature an aperture ring.
Making things more complicated are the two aperture blade configurations. You can choose between a 5-blade or 14-blade aperture. Laowa says the 5-blade creates a 10-point sunstar effect when you stop down the aperture. If you want the 14-blade aperture, though, you'll need to opt for the manual focus lens no matter what mount you have. The autofocus versions are only available with the 5-blade aperture.
The new Laowa 12mm F2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is available for purchase for $699.
Image: Bastian Kratzke / LaowaBuy now:
Buy at B&H PhotoPress release:
The Legend Returns for Mirrorless Systems: The Legend Returns for Mirrorless Systems: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FFAnhui, China – June 26, 2025 – Laowa announces the launch of the new Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF for mirrorless systems. The original 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D was one of Laowa’s bestsellers, known as the widest non-fisheye lens available on the market at the time. Now, in the mirrorless era, the new Lite version is optimized specifically for mirrorless systems, featuring 122° ultra wide angle of view with a more compact and lightweight design. It also supports autofocus on Sony E and Nikon Z cameras.
Equipped with a fast f/2.8 aperture and maintaining Laowa’s signature “Zero-D” (zero distortion) optical design, this lens delivers natural-looking results. A built-in ⌀72mm front filter thread further enhances its portability. This lens is a versatile choice for landscape, architecture, astrophotography, aerial shots, vlogging, and more.
Key Features:
Ultra-wide 12mm with f/2.8 Large Aperture
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF offers an ultra-wide 122° angle of view paired with a fast f/2.8 aperture, making it an excellent choice for landscape photography—especially in low-light conditions such as sunrise, sunset, or starry nights. The wide perspective helps capture vast, expansive scenes with dramatic scale and depth, while the f/2.8 aperture allows more light to enter, enabling faster shutter speeds and better performance in dim environments. This also offers creative flexibility for foreground emphasis and environmental storytelling. Whether you’re exploring rugged mountains, shooting seascapes, or capturing the night sky, this lens is built to handle it all with ease and clarity.
“Zero-Distortion”
While most 12mm full-frame lenses on the market are fisheye, Laowa continues to break boundaries with a rectilinear design. Building on the legacy of the original 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D, this new Lite version inherits its acclaimed optical performance. Thanks to Laowa’s advanced optical engineering, distortion is kept to a minimum, ensuring straight lines stay true, even at the edges of the frame. This makes it a powerful tool for architecture, cityscapes, interiors, and any scene where accuracy and perspective matter.
Compact & Lightweight
Designed with portability in mind, this lens is both lightweight and compact, weighing just around 377g ( 0.83 lb). It’s an ideal companion for creators on the move, whether you're shooting handheld, flying with a drone, or mounting it on a gimbal. Its minimal weight makes it perfect for street photography or travel scenarios where mobility matters and heavy gear is a hassle.
Close Focusing Distance of 14cm
With a close focusing distance of just 14cm (5.5 inches), this 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF lens lets you capture stunning details up close, opening up exciting possibilities for wide-angle macro photography.
Excellent Image Quality
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is engineered with exceptional optics, resulting in outstanding image sharpness and excellent control of chromatic aberration (CA). Compared to the original 12mm f/2.8 version, it shows significant improvement in sharpness, even at the corners.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
As the second autofocus lens in Law's lineup, the 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D delivers fast, precise focus tracking for both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. It combines the convenience of reliable autofocus with the exceptional optical quality Laowa is known for, ensuring you never miss a moment.
*RF and L mount are fully manual.
Built-in Filter Thread
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF comes equipped with a built-in ⌀72mm filter thread, providing photographers with the flexibility to easily attach a wide range of filters and adding greater convenience to your shooting setup.
Stunning 10-point Sunstar
This lens is available in both 5- and 16-blade versions. The 5-blade version creates a distinctive 10-point sunstar effect when you stop down the aperture, adding a striking visual element to your photos.
Pricing & Availability
The new Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is currently available via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers.
The US price for Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF is USD699 for all mounts for both AF and MF versions. Pricing varies in different countries.
Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length12 mmLens mountCanon RF, Canon RF-S, L-Mount, Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF2.8Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades5OpticsElements16Groups9Special elements / coatingsXLD, aspherical elementsFocusMinimum focus0.14 m (5.51″)Maximum magnification0.21×AutofocusNoDistance scaleYesPhysicalWeight377 g (0.83 lb)Diameter77 mm (3.03″)Length77 mm (3.01″)ColourBlackFilter thread72 mmTripod collarNoSony has announced a new feature for its Camera Authenticity Solution, expanding options for newsrooms looking to address the challenge of authenticating digital images. The beta release of Camera Verify allows for the creation of dedicated URLs for authenticity information so that third parties can view the information directly.
The new Camera Verify Beta feature allows news organizations to issue external URLs for images with embedded digital signatures. That means that third parties, such as readers, partners and other media, can view verification directly through reliable URLs issued by Sony's verification site. Organizations also have the option to select which authenticity items they want to share during content publication and distribution.
The Camera Verify feature is based on Sony's digital signature system, which it has been developing for the past few years. When created with compatible cameras, images can be embedded with C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information at the time of capture. That feature was previously only available to select organizations, though.
Now, the Digital Signature Upgrade License is available for purchase through the Camera Authenticity Solution website, meaning more professionals will be able to use it. It's only compatible with the Sony a1 II (Ver. 2.00 or later), a1 (Ver. 3.00 or later), a9 III (Ver. 3.00 or later), a7S III (Ver. 4.00 or later) and a7 IV (Ver. 5.00 or later), though. Sony says that the Image Validation Site, where authenticity information can be viewed, will initially only be available for select news organizations, and availability varies by region.
Sony also added that it plans to add support for video content "after fall 2025." Given that generative AI videos are becoming better and easier to produce, this is an important additional step for content authenticity.
Press release:
Sony Electronics Launches "Camera Verify" Feature for Its Camera Authenticity Solution for News OrganizationsThe beta feature enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL
June 26, 2025
SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 – Today, Sony Electronics announced the beta release of Camera Verify, a new feature of its Camera Authenticity Solution*1 that enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL. This has been developed to help news organizations address the growing challenge of verifying the authenticity of digital images in the age of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
As AI-generated and manipulated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for trusted, verifiable imagery has never been greater, especially for media professionals. Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution is designed to meet this need by embedding C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)*2 digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information directly into the image at the moment of capture.
This solution records C2PA digital signatures and Sony's proprietary 3D depth information in the camera at the moment of capture, allowing the image's authenticity information to be verified on the Image Validation Site*3. With the newly added "Camera Verify" Beta, news organizations can issue external sharing URLs for images with embedded digital signatures, allowing third parties to view verification results through reliable URLs directly issued by the verification site*4. With this feature, the organizations can select specific authenticity items to share during the content publication and distribution process, enabling faster dissemination of credible, verifiable content.
In addition, the Digital Signature Upgrade License—which allows for embedding digital signatures directly into images captured with supported Sony cameras—is now available for purchase via the Camera Authenticity Solution website*3, expanding accessibility to more professionals*5.
Sony plans to expand support for video content after fall 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting trusted digital media. Together with activities on the C2PA steering committee, Sony aims to further contribute to improving content reliability in the media field.
Notes:
*1 https://www.sony.net/cas/
*2 A standards organization that develops open standards and technical specifications for the origin and authenticity of digital content.
*3 The Image Validation Site (paid service) provided by Sony will initially be offered to select news organizations. Service availability varies by region/countries. For more information on Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution, visit: https://www.sony.net/cas/
*4 Verification cannot be performed by third parties.
*5 Compatible camera models for this digital signature license are Alpha 1 II (Ver.2.00 or later), Alpha 1 (Ver.3.00 or later), Alpha 9 III (Ver.3.00 or later), Alpha 7S III (Ver.4.00 or later), and Alpha 7 IV (Ver.5.00 or later) (as of June 26, 2025).
Work recently completed on another extraordinary luxury getaway in Saudi Arabia, as the country continues its transformation into a tourism hotspot. Named Shebara Resort, the development features a collection of pod-like villas that shimmer above the Red Sea.
Category: Architecture, Technology
Tags: Building and Construction, Saudi Arabia, Luxury, Resort, Solar Powered
One hundred years ago today, Leica unveiled the Leica I – the first mass-produced 35mm camera. Leica has been hosting celebrations and releasing special editions all year, but today has announced a range of special edition cameras to mark the official 100th anniversary. Those include the M11-D, M11, D-Lux 8 and Sofort 2, along with a photobook commemorating 100 years of Leica.
Leica says that the M11-D included in the Centenary Set pays "homage to the original 1925 model in terms of both design and materials." The rangefinder uses the same internal components as the standard M11, including a 60-megapixel sensor, though the exterior is quite different. Most notably, it lacks a rear display. Leica also omitted the eyelets for a strap and the red Leica logo, in keeping with the original Leica I.
The anniversary edition of the M11-D does away with the rear display.
Image: Leica
The special edition of the M11-D features a solid brass top and base plate with a high-gloss black finish, mirroring the original model. The body uses a genuine leather covering. There are nickel-colored anodized controls made from aluminum with the same cross knurling as the Leica I. The conical collar around the shutter release and semi-circular shutter button also make reference to early Leica cameras. Finally, the camera features the "100" logo on the hot shoe cover and a white "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" engraving on the conical collar.
The M11-D special edition also adds another milestone for Leica: one of the editions is Leica's millionth Leica M-camera. That camera will be engraved with the serial number #6000000, and will be displayed alongside the Leica I #126 from 1925 at Leitz Park’s Leica Welt.
The Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 F3.5 references back to the original fixed lens on the Leica I.
Image: Leica
The M11-D Centenary Set also includes two special lenses: the Leica Summilux-M 50 F1.4 ASPH. and the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 F3.5. The Leitz Anastigmat 50 F3.5 was the original fixed lens found on the Leica I in 1925. Now, Leica has reimagined it, equipping it with an M mount. It keeps key characteristics of the original, though, including a retractable design. The modern lens is made from aluminum, though it features a nickel-colored finish.
The anniversary set also comes with the Leica Summilux-M 50 F1.4 ASPH. lens.
Image: Leica
Leica says the Summilux-M 50 F1.4 ASPH. lens balances "timeless design with cutting-edge optical performance." It offers a vintage-inspired design, including cross knurling on the aperture ring and a nickel-colored surface.
The M11-D Centenary Set comes with a glossy black case and other accessories.
Image: Leica
The M11-D Centenary Set also comes with special accessories. These include a glossy wooden box for storage and an SD card case. It also comes with a leather case and a leather carrying strap.
While the M11-D is the most dramatic of the special editions, Leica also announced three other anniversary editions. The D-Lux 8 also pays homage to the Leica I with nickel-colored accents and black leatherette covering with a texture similar to Leica M cameras. It features the conical collar around the shutter release button and cross knurling on the top controls. The Sofort 2 instant camera anniversary edition includes a nickel-colored lens cap and a glossy black finish with the "100" logo on the camera's top plate.
Leica also released special editions of the D-Lux 8 and Sofort 2 cameras.
Images: Leica
Leica has been releasing special edition M11 cameras throughout the year, each engraved with the name of the city where the celebration takes place, for a total of six cities. Today marks the release of the "Wetzlar Germany" edition, with "Wetzlar" engraved on the top plate. Only 100 are available, and they can only be purchased in Leica stores in Germany for €9500.
Finally, alongside the cameras, Leica has unveiled the 100 Leica Stories Book. It features 100 stories of personal moments, iconic photographs, technical achievements and behind-the-scenes looks.
The Leica M11-D 100 Years of Leica set won't be available until spring 2026 in select Leica stores. The other anniversary editions are available as of today. The Leica D-Lux 8 edition is priced at €1850 ($2166), while the Sofort 2 edition costs €495 ($580). The book is available in Germany as of today, and internationally on July 14 for €70 ($82).
Press release:
Leica is celebrating 100 years of the Leica I with exclusive special editions and marking another significant milestone in the company’s history by producing the millionth M-Camera.Wetzlar, 26 June 2025. Exactly a century ago, Leica unveiled the Leica I at the Leipzig Spring Fair, thereby changing the world of photography forever. By introducing the first mass-produced 35 mm camera in 1925, the company established new benchmarks and profoundly influenced the way people documented their surroundings through photography. To commemorate the centenary of this technological milestone, Leica Camera AG is introducing a collection of exclusive special editions under the title “100 YEARS OF LEICA”.
These include the D-Lux 8, the SOFORT 2, 10x40 binoculars from the Trinovid series and a truly unique M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA set featuring two lenses. A very special distinction is being conferred upon the M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA set: one of the 100 M11-D Anniversary Edition models is more than a homage to the Leica I – as the millionth Leica M-Camera ever manufactured, it marks another significant milestone in the company’s history. This camera, designated with the serial number 6000000, stands as a testament to a hundred years of precision, innovation and craftsmanship. To properly honour this historic achievement, the M11-D #6000000 will be displayed alongside the first series-produced Leica camera, the Leica I #126 from 1925, at the Leitz Park’s Leica Welt.
The M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA Showcased in a Special Set
The Leica M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA impressively bridges past and present with dramatic impact, accompanied in a special set by two lenses that are both extraordinarily unique and historically significant: the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. and the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f/3.5 – a modern interpretation of Leica’s first camera lens from 1925, the Leitz Anastigmat 50 mm f/3.5. This M11-D anniversary edition honours the Leica I, paying homage to the original 1925 model in terms of both design and materials. Its top and base plates are crafted from solid brass and feature a high-gloss black finish. The eyelets for a carrying strap have been omitted, along with the red Leica logo, in keeping with the design of the Leica I. The nickel-coloured anodised controls – including the shutter release, on/off switch and exposure time setting wheel – are made from aluminium and incorporate the Leica I’s classic cross knurling. The conical collar encircling the shutter release, the semi-circular shutter release button and the genuine leather covering with its notably textured finish – reminiscent of early Leica cameras – all incorporate authentic design elements from the original model. Additional refined details, including the “100” logo on the hot shoe cover and the white “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar” engraving on the conical collar, complete the design of the M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA limited edition. The true proof of the camera’s limited edition status lies in the engraving on the accessory shoe. This follows the same style as the original Leica I serial numbers: no. 001 to no. 100, whereby the camera
bearing no. 000 holds the distinct honour of being designated serial number 6000000. The lenses accompanying the set bear the same edition number.
M11-D Centenary Set: the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50 f/3.5
When Leica unveiled the Leica I in 1925, it was equipped with the Leitz Anastigmat 50 mm f/3.5 lens, which was permanently affixed and lacked the interchangeability of the later M39 screw-mount lenses. This initial pairing of the Leica I and the Leitz Anastigmat was manufactured approximately 150 times before the Elmax lens succeeded the original lens. A hundred years after its brief yet significant appearance, the Leitz Anastigmat 50 mm f/3.5 is making a return, reimagined for modern times while preserving its historical essence. The contemporary iteration of this lens, now equipped with an M mount, preserves key characteristics of the original, including its retractable construction, ensuring optimal compactness just as it did a century ago. A distinctive aspect of this lens is its exterior, crafted from aluminium for the first time, allowing for an anodised nickel-coloured finish that echoes its origins from a century ago.
M11-D Centenary Set: the Leica Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH.
With the Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH., the second lens in the set, Leica has seamlessly united heritage and innovation, balancing timeless design with cutting-edge optical performance. Delivering remarkable lens speed, outstanding image quality even with a wide aperture and an exceptionally soft bokeh, this M-Lens fully harnesses the capabilities of modern camera sensors, with a minimum focus distance of just 45 cm. Design elements like the classic cross knurling on the aperture adjustment ring, a nickel-coloured lens surface on aluminium base material and a grip milled from aluminium set the anniversary edition apart from the current series model.
M11-D Centenary Set: the Accessories
The anniversary set is further enhanced with carefully curated accessories, including a specially designed protector featuring a securely attached carrying strap, reminiscent of Leitz’s earliest leather accessories. Accompanying this is an SD card case. All these accessories are crafted from exquisite cognac-coloured leather. A strikingly elegant, glossy black wooden box, produced in Germany,completes the ensemble, underscoring this centenary set’s exclusivity and special sophistication.
The D-Lux 8 100 YEARS OF LEICA
Alongside the Leica M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA, three additional anniversary editions will be unveiled on 26 June 2025. One of these, the Leica D-Lux 8 100 YEARS OF LEICA, pays homage to the Leica I with its distinctive design language and nickel-coloured accents. It also features black leatherette covering, textured similarly to Leica M-Cameras, and incorporates a conical collar around the shutter release button as well as cross knurling on the camera’s top control elements. The compact camera’s minimalist aesthetic has also been refined by omitting the thumb rest, the model name engraving on the top plate and the signature red Leica logo. The “100” logo embellishes the hot shoe cover, serving as an additional stylish design accent.
The SOFORT 2 100 YEARS OF LEICA
The SOFORT 2 hybrid instant camera also features a distinctive anniversary design, incorporating exclusively elegant details. Available solely in black, the Leica SOFORT 2 100 YEARS OF LEICA showcases sophisticated details to celebrate the centenary, including a nickel-coloured lens cap, a sleek glossy black frame for the photo output and the distinguished “100” logo adorning the camera’s top plate.
The Trinovid 10x40 100 YEARS OF LEICA
The legendary Trinovid 10x40 binoculars are being reissued as a special edition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, with only 100 units available for purchase. With hand-polished black-anodised housing, premium and resilient leatherette covering, and nickel-coloured accents with cross knurling, it integrates harmoniously into the “100 YEARS OF LEICA” design concept. In place of the traditional red Leica logo, the “100” logo takes pride of place on the front of the lens barrel. A matching binocular bag and carrying strap round off this special set.
100 Leica Stories Book
The centenary of the Leica I is also being celebrated in literary form with the book 100 Leica Stories. Through 100 compelling stories, this book chronicles personal moments, iconic photographs, groundbreaking technical achievements and behind-the-scenes perspectives that weave together acentury of Leica’s history. This commemorative book showcases the Leica I’s enduring legacy and cult status – not only as a technical masterpiece, but also as witness to a whole century of history.
The Leica M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA set, including the Anastigmat-M 50 f/3.5 and Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. lenses, will be available exclusively in select Leica Stores from spring 2026. The other anniversary editions can be purchased worldwide from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers starting on 26 June 2025:
Available in German and English from Leica Stores worldwide, the Leica Online Store, the LFI Online Store and authorised dealers. Sales will begin in Germany on 26 June 2025 and internationally on 14 July 2025:
Summary: The anniversary event taking place in Wetzlar on 26 June 2025 will be a landmark celebration featuring four prominent product launches that pay homage to the Leica I. These significant special editions – the M11-D, D-Lux 8, SOFORT 2 and Trinovid 10x40 – will be unveiled as a tribute to this ground-breaking camera. Another highlight marking a major milestone in the company’s history will be the presentation of the millionth M-Camera, the M11-D 100 YEARS OF LEICA, alongside the historic Leica I #126, an iconic model whose introduction in 1925 shaped both photography and Leica’s enduring legacy. The anniversary book 100 Leica Stories tells the story of this trailblazing camera.
100 Years of Leica: Leica – Witness to a Century
Leica Camera AG is celebrating 100 years of the Leica I in 2025. It was presented to the public for the first time at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925 and, as the first series-produced 35 mm camera, exceeded all expectations. Because with its compact and handy format, it opened up a whole new range of new photographic applications. All around the globe, under the motto “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century”, Leica Camera AG will be celebrating this camera, which revolutionised the world of photography. At international events held by the Leica national organisations in metropolises such as Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, cultural attractions and outstanding special edition products will be presented throughout the year. The anniversary week, taking place in Wetzlar, the company's headquarters, in June, marks the high point of the celebrations. On top of that, visitors can look forward to top-class exhibitions in the worldwide network of Leica Galleries with works by outstanding photographers.
A new organelle has been found by scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA). The super-small specialized structure has a role recycling material inside our cells, and its discovery could lead to improved treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Tags: Organelle, Cells, Cellular machinery, University of Virginia, Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, Genetics
Insta360 has announced its latest smartphone gimbal, the Flow 2. It shares many features with the Flow 2 Pro, which was released in January this year, yet comes at a more budget-friendly price. The company says the Flow 2 is a "more affordable, creator-friendly evolution" of the Flow smartphone gimbal.
Like Insta360's other smartphone gimbals, the Flow 2 functions as a tripod, selfie stick and gimbal with multi-person subject tracking. The subject tracking features are powered by Insta360's Deep Track 4.0, which "brings sweeping updates to subject identification (even when obstructed by obstacles)."
The Standard Bundle of the Flow 2 only supports tracking in the Insta360 app, and its Active Zoom Tracking only works with compatible iPhones. If you want tracking in any third-party app and full compatibility, even if you don't have an iPhone, you'll need to opt for the slightly more expensive Tracker Bundle. The accessory included in the Tracker Bundle enables tracking in apps like TikTok, Instagram, Zoom and more. It also adds a built-in spotlight, which the Standard bundle lacks.
The Flow 2 is a three-in-one device, with the ability to serve as a selfie stick, tripod and gimbal.
Image: Insta360
The gimbal supports NFC pairing, allowing users to skip the Bluetooth pairing process. Android users get an additional Quick Launch setting in the Insta360 app that automatically opens the phone's native camera app when they unfold the gimbal. It promises 10 hours of battery life, which is down slightly from the original Flow's 12 hours. As with the Flow 2 Pro, you can control the device with an Apple Watch or a second smartphone, unlocking remote use.
The Flow 2 is relatively lightweight and compact, weighing approximately 348g (12.3oz). The magnetic phone clamp adds another 25g (0.9oz). When folded, it's only 97.9x178.4x36.7mm (3.6x7x1.4"), making it easy to pack when traveling.
Image: Insta360Within the Insta360 app is the company's "golden ratio composition tech" that can suggest shots for you. It will automatically perform barrel rolls, dolly zooms or 360°panoramas with a tap, making it easier for beginners to get more advanced-looking videos.
The Insta360 Flow 2 is available now for $110 for the Standard Bundle, while the AI Tracker Bundle costs $130.
The Mic Air is a tiny wireless mic that works with Insta360's lineup without any accessories, or with other devices with the option transmitter and receiver.
Image: Insta360
Insta360 also recently launched its first-ever mic, rounding out its options for content creators. The Insta360 Mic Air is a tiny device that works wirelessly without additional adapters when paired with Insta360's X5 and Ace Pro 2 (more models coming soon) and Flow series gimbals. It can work with non-Insta360 devices, but you'll need a transmitter and receiver for those.
The Insta36 Mic Air is available for only $49, making it a very affordable audio solution for those sticking to Insta360 products. The bundle with the transmitter and receiver costs $69, which is still significantly more affordable than the DJI Mic Mini, and slightly less expensive than the similar-looking SmallRig S 60 mic.
Buy now: Buy at Amazon Buy at Insta360Press release:
Insta360 Unveils Flow 2: Affordable, All-in-One Smartphone Gimbal for Effortless Content CreationWe’re excited to officially launch Insta360 Flow 2!
A more affordable, creator-friendly evolution of the gimbal we’ve spent years refining. It’s built for anyone with a story to tell, be that playing with kids, group vlogs, video calls, or just a quiet solo trip.
With built-in 3-axis stabilization, NFC One-Tap Shooting, a sturdy selfie stick and tripod, Deep Track 4.0, Multi Person Tracking and Active Zoom Tracking, all with a 10-hour battery, Flow 2 keeps the best of what creators love, now at a price that makes it more accessible than ever.
“With Flow 2, we're taking everything we’ve learned from developing the Flow series, and making it easier for more people to create,” shares JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “It's designed to make smartphone shooting that much better, packed full of features, while remaining portable and accessible.”
A True All-in-One Companion
Folding up to fit snugly in your bag or pocket, Flow 2 comes complete with a built-in selfie stick, a sturdy metal tripod, and a 10-hour battery that can even charge your phone while you shoot.
Flow 2 features NFC One-Tap Shooting* for supported phones, letting you skip the Bluetooth pairing process and jump straight into the Insta360 app’s shooting page. Just tap your phone and you’re in!
For Android users, there's also an optional Quick Launch setting in the Insta360 app that automatically opens your native phone camera when you unfold the gimbal, too.
Smarter Tracking, Smoother Shots
At the heart of Flow 2 is our smartest tracking tech yet: Deep Track 4.0.
The latest rendition of our AI tracking brings sweeping updates to subject identification (even when obstructed by obstacles), and better support for tracking full groups. This works incredibly well if you're vlogging with friends, or filming a group dance or performance, ensuring nobody is left out of shot!
There's also the handy Pro Framing Grid, using Insta360's golden ratio tech to allow for 9 unique angles (simply tap the screen, Flow 2 will accomodate your subject), to ensure you get perfect framing for your environment.
Even better, you can control your Flow 2 remotely via Apple Watch or a second smartphone. It’s perfect for those moments when the whole family wants to be in the shot. No more awkwardly asking strangers for help!
As Max Richter, Co-founder and VP of Marketing, puts it: “Flow 2 is an exciting addition to our gimbal lineup. Its accessible pricing combined with plenty of exciting features really positions it as an everyday gimbal far ahead of the competition."
Vlog-Ready with the New Insta360 Mic Air
We’ve made vlogging easier with tools like the new Insta360 Mic Air for hands-free audio, letting you capture clearer voiceovers or commentary whether you're walking, cooking, or unboxing.
Combined with the new Teleprompter feature via the Insta360 app, you'll have perfect live cooking demos, product showcases, and more! Simply load your script and it’ll scroll while you record with your phone’s camera.
Flow 2 also includes the AI Tracker, which enables subject tracking in third-party apps that don’t natively support it, especially helpful for Android users, offering powerful tracking capabilities across more platforms. Better yet, it includes a built-in spotlight for natural shots even at night!
Once you're done filming, the AI Editing Suite can auto-trim and polish your footage for you as well!
Flow 2 vs. Flow 2 Pro: What’s the Difference?
Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro share most of the same smart shooting features, but Flow 2 Pro adds some hardware and design upgrades for creators who want even more:
Feature Flow 2 Flow 2 Pro Deep Track 4.0 Yes Yes Pro Framing Grid Yes Yes NFC One-Tap Pairing Yes Yes AI Tracker (for 3rd-party apps) Yes Yes Built-in Spotlight Yes Yes Insta360 Mic Air Support Yes Yes Teleprompter Mode Yes Yes Selfie Mirror No Yes Tracking Ring Light No Yes Transparent Motor Design No Yes Apple DockKit Native Tracking No Yes 360 Infinite Pan Tracking No (limited tracking) Yes Free Tilt Mode No YesIf you want the most advanced mobile gimbal out there, Flow 2 Pro is for you. If you want the best value in the game, Flow 2 hits that sweet spot.
Built for Real Life
We designed Flow 2 with a clear goal: pack in the powerful tools creators love, drop the friction, and make the price more accessible. From the first tap to the final edit, it’s designed to be smooth, powerful, and accessible.
For those looking for the most flexibility in how they approach smartphone filming, or require advanced shots like 360 Infinite Pan Tracking or tilt shots, Flow 2 Pro is not going anywhere, and may be your ideal pick for smarter shots on mobile.
Flow 2 is available now, starting from $109.99 for the Standard Bundle, or $129.99 for the AI Tracker Bundle. Both bundles are available via the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and global retailers.
*NFC pairing is supported on select phone models. Further compatibility details available at insta360.com.
Laser light sources for projectors have their pros and cons. The same is true for LED. The MP1 Max from Dangbei teams them up for the promise of "stunning color accuracy, and enhanced viewing comfort."
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
If you've been hankering to thumb-type on a physical keyboard on your phone again, Unihertz wants to sort you out. Its upcoming Titan 2 phone looks like it's modeled on beloved BlackBerry handsets, while packing Android 15 and up-to-date hardware to make it easy to live with.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Phone, BlackBerry
A clinical trial has shown that Ozempic improves blood glucose levels and weight loss in overweight type 1 diabetics who use an automated insulin delivery system. It’s hoped that this will lead to the approval of Ozempic as an adjunct therapy for this population of diabetics.
Category: Diabetes, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Type 1 diabetes, Semaglutide, Automated insulin delivery (AID), clinical trials, Indiana University
Mercedes’ AMG brand has unveiled a concept car that is a VIN-ready rocket ship of an EV. Three axial-flux motors combine for 1,340 horsepower (985.5 kW) for a top speed of 220 mph (354 km/h).
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Concept Cars
One of the tiniest campers out there still able to sleep a couple inside its hard-walled body, the Super Shorty 7 (SS-7) from Oklahoma's Badac Adventure Company is a tough trailer that's ready to tour the world behind virtually any tow vehicle. It includes a rugged all-terrain squaredrop build that can be kept cheap, simple and ultralight or upgraded into a more feature-forward micro-abode with electricity and loads of cargo-carrying capability.
Category: Camping Trailers, Adventure Vehicles, Outdoors
Tags: teardrop trailers, Caravan, Off-road, Trailer, trailers, RV, Outdoors and Camping, Camping
A new drug from California-based pharma company Amgen, which has concluded a phase II trial, shows promise as a powerful treatment for obesity. With just a once-monthly shot of 'MariTide,' participants in the study lost as much as 16% of their body weight over the course of a year.
Category: Obesity, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Obesity, Weight Loss, Weight, GLP-1 receptor agonists
Oslo-based Rever & Drage Architects has recently completed a whimsical yet practical tiny retreat that hovers over its garden setting in Asker, Norway. Dubbed the Folly at Fair Hill, the 30-sqm (322-sq-ft) dwelling is inspired by the European concept of the folly, an often playful or artistic building without a clear purpose. It blends artistic expression with the natural landscape.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Architects, Norway, Tiny Footprint, Cabins
We've already seen antibacterial surfaces that kill microbes on contact, but scientists in the UK have recently gone a different and potentially more effective route. They've created maze-like surface patterns that keep bacteria from sticking around to establish problematic biofilm colonies.
Category: Medical Devices, Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
Water-based exercise not only improved muscle strength in people with chronic low back pain, but it also improved quality of life, according to a new study. Aquatic therapy could be a viable alternative for those who fear moving or exercising due to pain.
Category: Chronic Pain, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Low back pain, Exercise, Muscle, Anxiety, Concordia University
Product Photos: Richard Butler
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is a 100-megapixel medium format digital camera with a fixed 28mm equivalent F4 lens.
Key featuresThe GFX100RF has a recommended price of $4899. It comes in either black or black and silver, and includes a braided strap, filter ring, filter and a color-matched square lens hood.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Index:The GFX100RF occupies a new space in Fujifilm's lineup and comes with a new design. It's essentially the long-rumored 'medium format X100,' in that it takes the formula of classic styling, direct controls and a wideangle prime lens permanently mounted on the front.
Don't take the rangefinder implications of the letters 'RF' too seriously though: this is essentially the world's most ambitious compact camera, lacking not just a rangefinder but also the X100/X-Pro hybrid viewfinder that gives the appearance of a classic rangefinder camera. Instead, the RF's EVF is a relatively standard 5.76M dot affair located in the top left corner of the back of the camera.
While the body is nowhere near as large as the interchangeable lens GFX cameras, it still has a lot of presence. You'll never forget that you have it on you and would be hard-pressed to fit it into a pocket. That's especially true when it's fitted with the included square lens hood, which adds style points but has to be mounted on the adapter ring, adding a substantial amount of depth, substituting flair for flare.
Like the X100VI, the GFX100RF can be weather-sealed with an adapter ring and filter, though this too makes it bulkier. The hood can still be fitted to the adapter ring when the filter is installed.
The fixed lensFujifilm says it went with a 28mm equivalent lens to make the camera as compact as possible while also letting users shoot with (to a point) lower shutter speeds without the aid of IBIS or optical stabilization. That ability, which largely depends on how still your hands and subject are, will come in handy given the lens's relatively slow F4 (F3.2 equiv) aperture.
The lens has a minimum focus distance of 20cm (7.9") and can accept 49mm filters when fitted with its adapter ring. Its being fixed also allows for the provision of a leaf shutter, letting the GF to sync with flashes up to 1/2000 (technically, it can sync all the way up to 1/4000, but you risk cutting off some of the flashes' burst using such a brief exposure).
Aspect ratio dialLooking at the back of the camera, the first thing that sticks out is the large dial above the screen. Its sole purpose is to let you apply various crops to your image, changing your JPEG's aspect ratio – and reducing how much of the sensor's area and resolution you're using.
There are nine options to choose from, and the camera gives you a few ways to preview your chosen aspect ratio. It can use black borders, a bounding box or raise the opacity of the portions of the image that will be cut off.
Amusingly, the label for the XPan-emulating 65:24 aspect ratio is a bit too wide for the window; you can see the labels for neighboring aspect ratios peeking through.There's also a "C" setting that lets you control the aspect ratio via one of the camera's command dials or the menus. If you decide you're unhappy with the crop after the fact, you can use the in-camera Raw reprocessing feature to change the aspect ratio, assuming you've been shooting in Raw + JPEG, as the camera maintains the full sensor Raw file and saves the intended crop as metadata.
Crop zoom 28mm equiv. 35mm equiv. 50mm equiv. 63mm equiv. GFX100RF | F9 | ISO 80 | 1/125In addition to its choice of aspect ratio crops, the GFX100RF has a crop mode that punches in to give the impression of using a longer lens. You physically control the crop using a toggle switch situated under the power switch and front control dial.
As always, cropping reduces the area of the sensor being used, meaning a reduction in resolution and of total light capture. This has a consequent reduction in tonal quality if viewed at the same scale as full-sensor images. The table below indicates the equivalent focal length that each of the crops gives, both with reference to the camera's 44 x 33mm sensor, which is how the camera reports the 'focal lengths' of the crops, and in terms of their full-frame equivalents for reference.
In 44x33 terms In 'full-frame' terms Effective focal length Crop Equivalent focal lengthAs you can see, hitting the lever once essentially turns the camera into a "full-frame" camera with a 35mm F4 equiv lens, before dropping down to nearer APS-C and Four Thirds image quality.
As with the aspect ratio crops, the zoom is only applied to the JPEG, leaving your Raw untouched. You also have the same preview options, as well as the ability to have your chosen crop fill the screen, but doing so won't give you any context to what's outside of your frame.
You can remove the crop using the in-camera Raw reprocessing feature, though you can't select a different crop in-camera: it's the crop you shot the image with or the full sensor, only.
How it comparesThe fixed-lens camera market is small but has several strong competitors, especially if you're willing to spend this much money on one. Leica's Q3, with its high-resolution full-frame sensor and 28mm focal length, is the most obvious point of comparison, but Fujifilm's X100VI is also a potential competitor for those who prefer the 35mm field of view or want a substantially smaller, less expensive option.
We've also included the Hasselblad X2D, which has a similar sensor but with an interchangeable lens mount. The Fujifilm GFX 100 S II is perhaps a more direct competitor in both specs and price, but the Hasselblad's size and use of leaf shutter lenses prompted us to include it instead.
Fujifilm GFX100RF Leica Q3 Fujifilm X100VI Hasselblad X2D MSRP $4899 $6295 $1599 $8,199 Sensor 102MP medium format (Bayer) 60MP full-frame (Bayer) 40MP APS-C3" tilting
3" tilting 3.6" tilting Storage formats 2x UHS-II SD,The GFX100RF's sensor may appear to be in a class above many of its fixed-lens peers, and in good light, we'd expect its larger sensor to give it a proportionate image quality advantage.
But it's worth considering raw light-gathering ability if low-light shooting is a big concern for you. Wide-open, the Q3's much faster lens gives it a 1.7EV potential advantage despite its smaller sensor, and there are lenses substantially faster than F4 available for the X2D (though they do come at significant expense). Even the APS-C-equipped X100VI* can gather a bit more light per-whole-image than the GFX can in its 35mm crop mode.
While the difference in focal length is a deal-breaker for some photographers, those who like 35mm equiv may find that Fujifilm's smaller offering provides a more engaging shooting experience thanks to its standout hybrid viewfinder – the GFX100RF, meanwhile, has a good but otherwise standard EVF. It's also the only camera in this lineup without any form of stabilization, which further reduces its capability as light level drops, even if you take into account the reduced risk of shake from its leaf shutter.
*It's impossible to mention the X100VI without acknowledging that, over a year after its announcement, it's still extremely hard to get. Persistent stock issues mean you'll have to be patient or willing to pay a reseller a substantial premium over MSRP if you want one.
Body and HandlingThe GFX100RF is relatively wide and boxy, though a small grip helps make it easier to hold. While it's undoubtedly large for a fixed-lens camera, it's not particularly heavy, making it easy to tote around all day.
From the top, the family resemblance to the X100VI is obvious. Though that top plate sits on an appreciably larger camera.The GFX100RF is brimming with controls. There are two programmable command dials: a knurled barrel on the front and a conventional dial in the back, with the rear one being clickable to cycle through functions. There's also a dedicated exposure compensation dial and autofocus mode control.
Shutter speed and ISO control share a dial, with the latter requiring you to pull up on the bezel before rotating. The lens has an aperture ring, which includes an automatic setting and two opposed nubs that make it easy to turn.
On the left of this shot, top-to-bottom are the camera's power switch, the barrel-style front command dial and the 'digital teleconverter' toggle at the bottom. To the right is the front plate lever (designed to look like the self-time control on a film camera). This can be flicked in either direction to access two functions or held (for just a bit too long) in either direction to access two more.Also fixed in function are the zoom toggle on the front and the aspect ratio dial; neither can be reconfigured. The lever on the front plate, however, is entirely customizable, and you can assign up to four functions to it, as it can differentiate between a flick and a pull and hold. The latter action takes around three seconds to activate. It also has a customizable button in the center.
The Q button, which by default brings up a customizable, on-screen control panel, is on the edge of the grip, which makes it difficult to press without adjusting your hand. This sort of placement makes a bit of sense on smaller cameras where there's nowhere else to put it, but it's baffling on a camera with so much room on the back. Also hard to hit while using the camera is the small, unlabeled button on the top plate right above the exposure compensation dial, which can be customized. As with many of Fujifilm's cameras, you can also have up to four settings that are controllable by swiping up, down, left or right on the touchscreen.
You can also use the touchscreen to position the autofocus point, though the camera has a dedicated joystick for that purpose.
The dual UHS-II SD card slots live on the right-hand side of the camera, while a door on the left opens up to reveal headphone and microphone sockets, the USB-C port, and a micro-HDMI port.
Display and EVFThe GFX100RF has a two-way tilting screen, which can help when you're trying to compose shots at waist level or above your head. The lack of side-to-side tilting does limit your options somewhat, though this was likely another concession to making the camera as compact as possible.
It's easy to wish that Fujifilm had gone with the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder found on the X-100 and X-Pro series; it would enhance the rangefinder aesthetic and could make using the camera more engaging. One of the senior planners for GFX told us Fujifilm went with a 5.76M dot, 0.84x equiv. EVF instead because the more complicated hybrid viewfinder couldn't provide as much magnification and didn't really work when using the digital teleconverter feature – depending on how far you punch in, you'd be composing through some very small guidelines.
The EVF we did get is large, bright and easy to compose through. It's hard to complain about the experience it provides.
BatteryThe GFX100RF uses the 16Wh NP-W235 battery, the same that powers cameras like the GFX 100 II or X-T5. It's rated to get 820 shots in its normal mode, which is a frankly stunning performance. We consider ratings – which rarely reflect the number of shots most people get but rather act as a standard benchmark to measure cameras against each other – of around 400 shots or more to be sufficient for a heavy weekend of shooting, and the GFX100RF almost doubles that figure.
Image QualityOur test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors and detail types you'll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes to see the effect of different lighting conditions.
Image ComparisonThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.We'll get into the nerdy details in a second, but a top-level summary is that the GFX100RF has superb image quality that's downright incredible once you consider its size and weight. We've long been impressed with what this sensor can do, and Fujifilm's work on getting great JPEGs out of it is paying dividends now that it's in a camera aimed at more casual and spontaneous styles of photography.
Unsurprisingly, the GFX100RF's Raws capture noticeably more detail than the 61MP full-frame sensor used in the Q3, Leica's high-end large sensor compact, and substantially more than the Fujifilm X100VI's 40MP APS-C sensor. The camera's JPEG engine does a good job of preserving those details.
The lens can't match the $2700 dedicated Macro lens we used for the GFX100 but the JPEG processing does its best to make up for the difference.
Those trends continue in low-light, and looking at high-ISO Raws noise performance follows sensor size. The JPEG engine does a decent job of not blurring away details when applying noise reduction.
Dynamic RangeThe GFX100RF has excellent dynamic range performance at its base ISO of 80; it adds very little read noise to the image, meaning there's little difference in images shot at the same exposure but different ISOs, and then brightened to match each other in post. Its files also provide plenty of room to raise shadows, which will help if you want to shoot at a lower exposure to protect highlights.
The PDAF banding we saw in our original DR tests for the GFX 100 doesn't appear in our tests for the GFX100RF: there are reports it was also fixed on the GFX 100 via software update.
Lens PerformanceOur studio test scene isn't designed to test lenses, but it can still tell us something about some aspects of performance. The 28mm equiv lens on the GFX100RF has to be shot quite close-up, but it's still around 30x the focal length away from the chart, so it should be a reasonable representation of real-world performance. Our tests are shot at F5.6 to maintain a reasonable depth-of-field and across-frame-consistency, but the F4/F5.6 comparisons we've shot show little difference in corner performance (it's vignetting, rather than sharpness differences, that has more of an impact).
With all of that said, the lens performs well under these conditions. It's quite sharp in the center. It performs reasonably well out to the corners, where there's some light falloff visible in the Raws (which the JPEG engine does a good job of correcting). While the original GFX100, paired with Fujifilm's 120mm F4 macro, renders our scene more uniformly and sharply, that lens alone weighs more than an entire GFX100RF.
At F5.6, chromatic aberration also seems well-controlled compared to the X100VI's lens.
In our out-of-studio testing, we didn't find the lens to be a limiting factor to our image quality. While we certainly shot images that we felt could have been sharper given the conditions, it's the lack of stabilization that kept the sensor from living up to its full potential, not the lens.
Autofocus GFX100RF | 1/125 sec | F4 | ISO 3200The GFX100RF uses the same autofocus system found in the rest of Fujifilm's X-Processor 5 cameras, complete with AI-derived detection for a variety of subjects: humans/eyes, animals, birds, cars, planes, bikes/motorcycles and trains.
You can use the touchscreen or the joystick to select a focus point, which can be anywhere from a pinpoint to a wide area. It also lets you store up to three zones with customizable widths and heights. When you're in AF-C mode, you get a medium-sized point that attempts to track your selected target as it or the camera moves. It also supports tap-to-track via the touchscreen.
The camera is usually good at respecting your chosen focus point, even when there's a subject it recognizes in the frame. However, we found that, on some occasions, it was more liable than other Fujifilm cameras to jump to a subject that was relatively far away from the selected focus point, which could force you to disengage subject detection for certain compositions.
Like the rest of Fujifilm's cameras in this generation, the GFX100RF's human subject detection mode is separate from the rest of its subject detection modes, where most other camera systems have humans listed as a subject. That means if you want to set a custom button to activate subject detection, you have to decide whether you want it to be for faces or one of the other modes, or devote two buttons to it.
Autofocus PerformanceWe found the autofocusing system to be generally reliable for the type of shooting the GFX100RF is suited for: street scenes, landscapes (both natural and urban), portraits and the like. While the lens isn't sluggish to focus, we also wouldn't try to use it to shoot a subject moving quickly through the focal plane.
As with Fujifilm's other cameras with its fifth-gen processor, the GFX100RF's tracking isn't as sticky as that of other brands; it can occasionally lose subjects or fail to lock on to them, especially if they're moving quickly. In most situations, though, it worked well enough for track-and-recompose shooting.
In UseDespite its large-for-a-compact size, the GFX100RF isn't much of a burden to carry along. It's not like a Ricoh GR or Fujifilm X100 – a nearly pocketable camera that you'd take with you every day just in case you ran into something photogenic – but it's not so bulky that you'd hesitate to grab it if you're headed off to do something interesting.
While the front control dial is aesthetically pleasing, we did find it could be a bit hard to use, despite its aggressive knurling. Unlike traditional control dials, it's flush with the grip, which can make it a little difficult to find and to use smoothly. And if you miss it, there's a good chance you'll accidentally flick the fixed-purpose "digital teleconverter" toggle instead.
Whether you'll find that toggle useful mostly depends on how much you value image quality versus convenience. It's unavoidable that every time you punch in, you're throwing away more and more of the light-gathering ability and resolution that justify the camera's size and price – that's especially true if you use it in conjunction with the aspect ratio dial.
Aspect ratio 28mm equiv. 35mm equiv. 50mm equiv. 63mm equiv. 4:3 102MP3:2
90MP65:24
50MPHowever, it's also unarguably convenient, and if you're in good light, even the cropped images will be spectacular. I took the camera on vacation with me as my main tool for documenting the trip and used the in-camera crop with abandon (with the knowledge that the camera was still saving the full image as a Raw). I found it was a very natural way to shoot, and I was happy with the image quality of the crops, though I rarely went past the second 50mm equiv. step, which uses an approximately APS-C-sized region of the sensor.
If you pixel-peep there's a fair amount of noise in this image, but I still find it perfectly acceptable at reasonable sizes and viewing distances.
GFX100RF | 1/80 sec | F5 | ISO 6400 | 50mm equiv. crop
There is an argument to be made that using the camera in this manner is wasting its potential. However, you could also say that you're using it for something other than pure image quality; the full capabilities of the sensor are there for when you want them or need them, but you can also use the massive resolution and light-gathering ability to add a bit of flexibility to a fixed-lens camera, in a way that doesn't work as well with a smaller sensor. Which side of that debate you land on will likely be a good indicator of whether you should even consider a GFX100RF.
The aspect ratio dial is also a similar story, in that you'll probably already have a good idea whether it's something you'd be interested in using or not. Playing around with aspect ratios isn't a creative muscle that I've personally built up, and I found myself struggling to find compositions that I thought would look better in, say, 16:9 or 1:1... or, at least, so much better that it was worth using less of the sensor for.
That's not for a lack of effort on Fujifilm's part, though. The experience has clearly been thought through, with the Raws letting you see the chosen crop in post-processing software, while still giving you access to the whole sensor's output, and the different preview modes for both forms of cropping giving you flexibility with how much information you want about what's outside your chosen frame. For those who do appreciate different aspect ratios, it's hard to imagine the GFX100RF's experience leaving them wanting.
Conclusion What we like What we don'tIt may be tempting to see the GFX100RF as a super-sized and super-powered X100VI: a take-everywhere camera that's engaging to use and signals to others that you're someone who's Into Photography. And while it handily achieves that last point (even before you see the massive film format-emulating aspect ratio dial), it doesn't quite live up to the versatility of Fujifilm's smaller cameras.
Every camera has trade-offs, even pricey, premium ones aimed at buyers who expect a lot. The GFX100RF is no different, but it's in the odd position of having two identities: an image quality monster with a massive sensor, and a walkaround, everyday camera that aims to be as compact as possible. Fujifilm has clearly put in a lot of work to balance those competing personas, but with each concession, it narrowed the envelope within which the camera can perform at its best.
To be clear, in good light, the camera produces high-resolution images with incredible detail and tonal quality, the likes of which you simply couldn't get without a much larger kit. But in lower-light scenes, the lack of optical or in-body stabilization and the 28mm equiv. F4 lens make it harder to get the most out of the camera. And when you need to shoot at an odd angle, you may find yourself cursing the screen that only tilts up and down. Ironically, the decisions that make it so compelling to carry with you everywhere you go also make it less well-suited for the situations you may find yourself in when you get there.
Would an X-T5-style three-way tilting screen really have made the camera noticeably larger?But while image quality may be the GFX100RF's raison d'être, it's also not designed to be a purely practical tool, the way many professional and prosumer cameras are. It's built to be played with, for you to take it everywhere and mess around with how you see the world through its viewfinder via the digital teleconverter and aspect ratio dial. Why else would those features get top billing with large, non-customizable, non-customizable controls?
Ultimately, whether the camera is for you or not will depend on how obsessive you are about image quality and how much you appreciate the things that make the GFX100RF special. Those concerned with maximum image quality in any situation and corner-to-corner sharpness above all may want to look elsewhere, but if you're willing to budge a bit on that, there's a lot to recommend it... provided, of course, that you can afford the asking price and appreciate the field(s) of view its fixed lens provides.
The limitations make it hard to award it a gold, but its combination of image quality, compactness and user experience comfortably earns it a silver.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Compared to its peersIn terms of direct competiton, the GFX100RF pretty much stands alone; there aren't any other fixed-lens, medium format digital cameras out there. However, there are other large-sensor enthusiast compact cameras out there (albiet with sensors that aren't quite as large).
The Leica Q3 is the most directly comparable, with its high-resolution full-frame sensor and in-camera cropping feature (not to mention two choices of lens with the Q3 43). It has a substantially faster lens that more than makes up for the sensor's lower light-gathering ability, optical stabilization and a brand name that, for some, will make every time they use it feel special. The GFX100RF doesn't offer the back-to-fundamentals user interface that the Leica Q3 wowed us with; when it comes to menus and controls, the GFX100RF is like pretty much any other Fujifilm camera in that it offers a lot of options spread out through pages and pages of settings. The Leica is substantially pricier, coming in at around $1400 more.
If you're looking for maximum portability from a compact, Fujifilm's X100VI will be a much better fit. In return for dropping down to a much smaller sensor, you get in-body stabilization and a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder that offers a very engaging shooting experience – assuming you can find one, or are willing to pay scalpers' markups.
Sample GalleryPlease 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 galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. Pre-production Sample Gallery Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.Startup Valerion ended last year by claiming the crown for the most-funded projector campaign so far on Kickstarter with a bunch of affordable premium streaming projectors. We've been bathing in ultra-sharp 4K goodness recently as we tried out the VisionMaster Pro 2 model.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Reviews, Projectors, Laser, 4K UHD, Google TV
