Η ΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΟ
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an electronic chip that they describe as a "microwave brain." The simplified chip is analog rather than digital, yet can process ultrafast data and wireless communication signals simultaneously.
Category: Computers, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Neural Network, microwave, Computer, Cornell University
We expect new cars to be better than old cars, given how much engineering and legislative effort goes into improving them. So when you update your daily driver, a move that most of us experience as quite costly, it can be hard to accept that its user-friendliness has gone backwards in certain respects.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Road Safety, Vehicles
When I first got my hands on the HoverAir X1 Promax, I was impressed. Here was a drone that could literally fit in my pocket yet still crank out slick follow shots in crispy 8K. Now HoverAir has doubled down on its "self-flying camera" niche with something no one's done before: the world's first fully waterproof, water-native drone – the HoverAir Aqua.
Category: Drones, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: drones, Actioncam, Waterproof, DJI Innovations, Drone cinematography
The instant you see the all-new CrossWave, you realize it's not your average personal watercraft (PWC, i.e. jet ski), even though it's technically part of Yamaha's WaveRunner PWC lineup. It's really a new type of speedy, nimble watercraft meant to split the difference between the PWC as we've known it previously and a larger water jet-powered sport boat. Essentially a jet ski plopped in the middle of a big, 360-degree deck, the modular machine seamlessly blends full-throttle thrills into a versatile, long-range adventure platform pilots can use for fishing, exploring distant stretches of water, and ... whatever else they want.
Category: Boats and Watersports, Toys, Outdoors
Tags: PWC, Watercraft, Boat, Boats, Water Sports, Yamaha, Fishing, Outdoors and Camping
Although we've seen a number of multitools that take the form of a flat card, the Slidex still manages to put a new spin on the concept. It's a metal card that folds into a triangular column, packed with features such as a screwdriver and a knife.
Category: Knives & Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Multitools, Kickstarter, Titanium, Folding, Flatpack, EDC, Knife
Blurry photos are always disappointing.
Canon EOS Rebel T3 | Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II | F5.6 | 1/5 sec | ISO 2500
Photo: Mitchell Clark
We've all been there: you're excited about an image you took, only to pull it up on your camera or computer and realize it's blurry. If you're new to photography, though, you may not know the cause of that blur, making it hard to prevent such problems in the future. Your photo may be blurry for multiple reasons, with different solutions for each.
Before diving into the details, it's important to know that there are primarily two types of blur you'll encounter: blur from movement and blur from focus issues. Movement blur appears as streaks, trails or ghosted outlines with a clear sense of directionality. Blur related to focus, on the other hand, is a more even, uniform softness with no directionality.
Slow shutter speedsOne of the most common causes of blurry images is related to shutter speed and movement. Shutter speed (which you can learn more about here) determines how long your camera's shutter is open, allowing light to hit the sensor. Slow shutter speeds mean the shutter is open for a longer period, which can result in blur caused by either movement of the camera or of the subject. Moving the camera with a slower shutter speed will typically result in complete image blur, while motion blur related to subject movement only causes specific portions of an image to be blurry.
Camera movementIf your photo looks streaky all over, like this image, that's because your shutter speed was too slow to hand-hold the camera.
Canon EOS Rebel T3 | Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II | F5.6 | 1/20 sec | ISO 2500
Photo: Mitchell Clark
If your entire image is blurry, that's likely a result of camera movement while using a slow shutter speed. This type of blur is also called camera shake. Camera shake can be subtle with small streaks that are only noticeable when zoomed in, or dramatic, with everything in the image streaking together. The key is that it is blurry across the entire image, not select portions of it. That's because, as steady as you may try to hold your camera, your body will always have some movement, which will transfer to your camera, producing blur.
There isn't a hard and fast rule of what shutter speed is necessary to avoid blur, though the long-standing rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed that is at least the same as your focal length (or the full-frame equivalent focal length for crop sensor cameras). So, for example, if you're using a 50mm lens, you should use a shutter speed of at least 1/50 sec to keep your image sharp.
"The shutter speed that is necessary depends on your camera, lens and how steady your hands are."However, the shutter speed that is actually necessary depends on your camera, lens and how steady your hands are. Some modern cameras and lenses feature built-in stabilization that can help prevent camera shake at slightly slower shutter speeds. Turning on your stabilization settings while using slow shutter speeds can help you prevent camera shake.
However, stabilization can only do so much, and many cameras don't offer it. Blur may simply be unavoidable if you're trying to hand-hold your camera at a shutter speed that is too slow. In those situations, an easy way to prevent blur is to use a tripod (or another solid surface). The key is to use a sturdy tripod, as shutter shock (movement from the shutter), or mirror slap in the case of a DSLR, can cause vibrations that result in camera shake. Fimsy tripods can even introduce movement on their own. Using the self-timer on your camera is also useful so that the action of pressing the shutter button doesn't result in blur.
Subject movementIf only your subject is blurry, your shutter speed is too slow for their movement. In this case, the cat rolling around was too fast for the shutter speed, so he's completely blurred.
OM System OM-5 II | OM System 20mm F1.4 Pro | F5.6 | 1/2.5 sec | ISO 500
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Sometimes, only some elements in the frame, such as people, animals or cars, will be blurry, while the rest of the image is sharp. If that's the case, the blur is caused by a shutter speed that's too slow for the subject's movement. Slow shutter speeds, even if you're using a tripod, will blur any movement in the image, so moving subjects will end up blurry. Additionally, photographing fast-moving subjects will require especially fast shutter speeds to ensure they are clear and sharp.
There is no silver bullet shutter speed that will freeze (or purposefully blur) movement. Multiple factors are involved, including the speed and direction of the movement and how close it is to the camera. For example, a Formula 1 car will require a much different shutter speed than a child playing. If you notice that your subject is blurry and you are in a situation where you can retake the image, use a faster shutter speed to freeze that movement.
Focus issuesAnother very common type of blur isn't caused by shutter speed but by focus issues. This type of image issue is often referred to as 'out of focus' instead of blur, as it helps to differentiate between the two problems. Unlike motion blur, out-of-focus images are soft without blur in a defined direction. However, like shutter speed, multiple problems can arise to cause out-of-focus images that either impact the entire image or only select areas.
Completely missed focusThis image is completely out of focus, which is different than blur from motion.
Canon EOS Rebel T3 | Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II | F5.6 | 1/160 sec | ISO 160
Photo: Mitchell Clark
If your entire photo is soft-looking but not streaky (caused by motion blur), it's out of focus. This can happen because your camera (or lens) was set to manual focus and you didn't realize it, or because your camera was substantially off in finding a focus point.
To remedy this, double-check your autofocus settings. Ensure that autofocus is on (if you want it to be), and that you know which autofocus setting is appropriate for your situation. An entirely out-of-focus image could also be caused by being too close to your subject. Every lens has a minimum focus distance, or a limit to how close it can focus. If your lens won't autofocus correctly, try backing up to see if that helps.
Missed focus point or too shallow a depth of fieldI accidentally focused on the brick wall in this image, leaving the cityscape, my desired subject, out of focus.
Sigma BF | Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN Contemporary | F5.6 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 125
Photo: Abby Ferguson
If only a portion of your image is out of focus, such as the foreground or background, that's a result of either missing the focus point or using too shallow a depth of field. For example, if you're taking a portrait, and the person is out of focus but the background is sharp, that's caused by the focus point not being on top of your subject. To remedy that, you simply need to change where your camera is focusing by manually focusing or changing the placement of the focus point.
Sometimes, you may have the focus point in the right spot, but some of your subject is out of focus, and you may not want that. When that's the case, it's because your depth of field is too shallow. Depth of field – the amount that's in focus in a scene – is controlled by multiple factors, one of which is aperture (which you can learn more about here). If you want a deeper depth of field so that more of your subject is in focus, use a smaller aperture (larger aperture number). Just be sure to adjust your shutter speed to maintain a correct exposure.
Lens issuesA fogged-up lens will make your images very blurry.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
Finally, sometimes blurry photos are caused by lens issues. Some lenses don't provide sharpness all the way to the edge of the frame, so your images may have blurry-looking corners.
Another potential issue is that you may have a smudge, water spots or condensation on your lens, creating blurry areas in your images. It's smart to keep a microfiber lens cloth or other lens cleaning items on hand to keep your lens clean for sharp photos.
Parting thoughtsAs you now know, blurry photos can result from many issues. Unfortunately, blurry or out-of-focus images can't usually be fully corrected after the fact, so it's important to pay attention and address what's causing the blur while out photographing. Alternatively, some of the above items can be used intentionally to create creative, meaningful images. Blur doesn't always have to be a bad thing.
If you've noticed that you're hearing birdsong longer into your day than you used to, your observation fits with those made by researchers examining millions of hours of tweets and warbles. But just why are our feathered friends holding longer concerts?
Tags: Birds, Light, light-pollution, southern-illinois-university, oklahoma state university
This eye-catching tower offers a welcome change from surrounding glass and concrete high-rise buildings with its lush exterior. Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, it hosts hundreds of trees and tens of thousands of plants, making life more pleasant for those who live inside.
Category: Architecture, Technology
Tags: Building and Construction, Skyscrapers, sustainable design
Insta360 has announced the Go Ultra, its latest miniature action camera. The device keeps the Go lineup's modular design, consisting of a standalone, display-free camera that can be used with or without the Action Pod. It's aimed at being an even more flexible and approachable action camera for casual users. The camera gains quite a list of upgrades, including a larger sensor, increased still photo resolution, slightly wider lens, more flexible storage and more.
The Action Pod features a flip-up display, making the device more like a traditional action camera.The most noticeable change is the updated shape of the standalone camera. It ditches the pill-shaped design of its predecessor, the Go 3S, in favor of a square. Measuring 46 x 45.7 x 18.3mm (1.8 x 1.8 x 0.7"), the standalone camera is still noticeably smaller than a GoPro Hero 13 and GoPro's mini offering, the Hero. In the Action Pod, it's nearly identical in size to the GoPro Hero 13 camera.
Insta360 Go Ultra Insta360 Go 3S GoPro Hero13 GoPro Hero Sensor Type 1/1.28 (9.6 x 7.2mm) Type 1/2.3 (6.2 x 4.6mm) Type 1/2.3 (6.2 x 4.6mm) Type 1/2.8 (5.6 x 3.2mm) DimensionsStandalone camera: 46 x 45.7 x 18.3mm (1.8 x 1.8 x 0.7")
With Action Pod: 70.4x48.8x33.3mm (2.8x1.9x1.3")
Standalone camera: 5.6x54.4x24.8 mm (1.0x2.1x1.0")
With Action Pod: 63.5x47.6x29.5mm (2.5x1.9x1.2")
71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm ( 2.83 x 2.00 x 1.32") 56.6 x 47.7 x 29.4mm (2.23 x 1.88 x 1.16") WeightStandalone camera: 53g
With Action Pod: 108.5g
Standalone camera: 39.1g
With Action Pod: 96.3g
159g (5.6oz) 86g (3.03oz)Along with the slightly larger device size, Insta360 also increased the size of the sensor in the Go Ultra. It uses a Type 1/1.28 (9.6 x 7.2mm) sensor, which is larger than the GoPro Hero13, despite being in a much more compact body. An integrated AI chip supports the company's PureVideo feature, which uses AI algorithms to reduce noise and improve brightness in low-light conditions. Combined with the larger sensor, it should provide better image and video quality even in lower light. The camera also features a new ambient light sensor to reduce flickering and calibrate colors in real-time.
The standalone camera can be worn or mounted in a wide variety of ways.The Go Ultra can record up to 4K60p video or 1080p at 240fps for slow-motion captures. That's slightly higher than the GO 3S, which topped out at 4K30p and 1080p at 200fps. Still photo resolution sees a more substantial improvement, with the Go Ultra capable of up to 50MP photos. On paper, that's a significant increase from the 12MP max resolution in the Go 3S, but it remains to be seen how much it will matter in the real world.
Another significant change comes in the form of battery life. The new device's battery life is nearly double that of the previous model. Insta360 promises a run time of 70 minutes from the standalone camera and up to 200 minutes with the Action Pod. It also supports fast charging for up to 80% battery in only 12 minutes. Additionally, Insta360 opted to ditch the Go 3S's integrated storage in favor of a microSD slot compatible with cards up to 2TB.
The back of the standalone camera is magnetic.The standalone camera portion of the Go Ultra features a built-in magnetic base, allowing you to attach the camera to any metallic surface. It uses a Bluetooth connection to broadcast footage in real time to the Action Pod, so you can see what is being recorded remotely. It's also compatible with a vast number of accessories, as is the Action Pod for when you want longer battery life.
Image: Insta360As an action camera, it's made to be durable. The standalone camera offers an IPX8 rating and is waterproof down to 10m (33') without a case. The Action Pod, however, is now waterproof, so you'll need the dive case if you want to use the full setup underwater.
The Insta360 Go Ultra is available for purchase today. The standard bundle, which costs $450, includes the Go Ultra, Quick Release Safety Cord, Magnetic Easy Clip, Magnet Pendant, USB-C cable and a Lens Guard.
Press release:
Insta360 Unveils GO Ultra: The Pocket Camera for Capturing Life as You Live itInsta360 is proud to reveal GO Ultra, the latest evolution in the world of compact cameras. Still tiny, still hands-free, now with serious power for superior image quality.
"GO Ultra takes the camera advancements made with the Ace and X series cameras, and puts them into the type of compact, pocket camera our GO Series creators enjoy," said Insta360 Co-Founder and VP of Marketing, Max Richter, "opening up new creative opportunities without sacrificing portability."
The 1/1.28" sensor, which is 221% larger than its predecessor, and new 5nm AI chip deliver imaging previously impossible in the GO series. Ultra-smooth, ultra-crisp 4K60fps video is the new cinematic standard for pocket cameras, and creative limits are pushed even further by PureVideo, which uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to reduce visual noise and enhance brightness in low light.
At just 53g and the size of a smartwatch, the built-in magnetic base lets you mount the GO Ultra Standalone Camera anywhere, capturing angles other cameras can only dream of. With an upgraded Magnet Pendant and a vast array of new accessories, from the peel-and-use Sticky Tabs to the wholly original Toddler Titan Hat Clip, a new world of immersive shooting awaits.
Just as intuitive is the upgraded Insta360 app, with powerful AI tools to instantly turn your footage into shareable content. Transitions, effects, music, and more can be added with just a few taps. Cyclists can add their data—GPS, heart rate, speed—from Strava or a third-party device that syncs in real-time to their footage. The new AI Family Moments feature collates all your loved ones' magic moments into a virtual album to cherish forever.
GO Ultra’s blend of heavyweight power, lightweight portability, and ease of use makes it essential for vloggers with active lifestyles, families sharing milestones, or travelers searching for new horizons—people who live in the moment.
Insta360 GO Ultra launches worldwide on August 21, 2025, via store.insta360.com, Amazon, and select retailers, priced at US $449.99.
GO Hands-Free
Capture the moment as you live it with GO Ultra. Attach the Standalone Camera to the Magnet Pendant or Magnetic Easy Clip to record your POV totally hands-free. This is wearable tech that's sleek and simple to use.
The Standalone Camera's built-in magnetic base can be used on any metallic surface and combined with the Pivot Mount, Flexi Strap Mount, and more, opening a whole new range of creative third-person angles.
GO Ultra uses Bluetooth to broadcast in real time from the Standalone Camera to the Action Pod. Give it to your little ones to play with and see the world as they do on the 2.5" flip touchscreen.
GO Wherever You Want
GO Ultra is so compact, it can be put in a pocket, kept in a handbag, and added to hand luggage without tipping the scales. The Standalone Camera weighs just 53g and is as small as an Oreo.
But don't let the size fool you, GO Ultra is designed to be used anywhere. From your baby's birthday bash to getting strapped to the front of a BMX for a gnarly downhill, it can handle anything, even a raw dive down to 33ft (10m) underwater, thanks to its IPX8 waterproofing. Shoot up in the mountains, down in the city, and deep under the waves all in one day.
GO with Unbeatable Clarity
GO Ultra's huge 1/1.28" sensor vastly increases the amount of light captured by the lens, and the new ambient light sensor reduces flickering and calibrates colors in real-time for more authentic footage. The powerful 5nm AI chip reduces visual noise while still improving processing time for smooth 4K60fps shooting.
This doesn't only guarantee cinematic vaycay videos, the addition of Active HDR and PureVideo, modes for enhancing low-light performance, means your shooting doesn't have to stop when the sun sets. From the beachfront to the bonfire, GO Ultra captures it all.
GO All the Way
Your life doesn't stop—why should your camera? GO Ultra banishes battery life and storage woes with the latest in battery tech and customizable storage.
The Standalone Camera has a run time of 70 minutes on a single charge, and a whopping 200 minutes when combined with the Action Pod. When you finally do hit zero, the fast charging system can get GO Ultra back to 80% in only 12 minutes; essential for catching every step of a marathon or all the sights on a leisurely weekend away.
And unlike GO 3S, which has fixed internal storage, GO Ultra uses removable microSD cards. Not only does this instantly give you up to 2TB of storage space, but when the card gets full, you can pop it out and replace it with a new one in seconds. Say farewell to awkward file transfers.
Upload, Edit, and GO
You hit that PR, cut the cake, saw the sunset—now it's time to share it with the world. Using the free Insta360 app (available on iOS and Android), you can upload your clips in seconds and edit however you want with intuitive controls. Need it now? Use Auto Edit to automatically find your highlights and turn them into a masterpiece in moments.
Availability
Insta360 GO Ultra goes on sale August 21, 2025, at the Insta360 Store, Amazon, and select retailers worldwide. The Standard Bundle is priced at US $449.99 and includes GO Ultra (Standalone Camera and Action Pod) in either Midnight Black or Arctic White, a Quick Release Safety Cord, Magnetic Easy Clip, Magnet Pendant, USB-C cable, and a Lens Guard.
A startup dipped its toe into crowdfunding waters more than a decade ago, to fund a quirky compact MIDI guitar for tunes while you travel. The idea grew into S-type hybrids a few years back, and now Zivix is back with its "most accessible MIDI guitar yet."
Category: Music, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Guitar, MIDI, Kickstarter
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have mapped the most detailed genetic blueprint yet of frailty – the age-related decline in resilience that affects around 40% of people aged 65 and above, dramatically increasing the risk of hospitalization, disability and death. The findings offer new hope in the development of effective anti-aging therapies.
Category: Aging Well, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: University of Colorado, anti-aging, Biological age, Age-Related, Genetics, DNA
A team of researchers have developed a 3D-printed, biodegradable heart patch that seals holes in heart tissue and supports tissue regeneration, showing promise as a safer alternative to current surgical materials.
Category: Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
Tags: 3D bioprinting, Heart attack, Heart, ETH Zurich
Across cultures and continents, most people prefer to tackle life’s toughest choices alone, trusting their own gut or inner voice over the counsel of friends or the wisdom of the crowd, according to a new study.
Category: Society & Community, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: Society, Culture, Decision-making, University of Waterloo
Imagine your skin as a bustling city. Each cell is a hardworking citizen, repairing sun damage and keeping the peace. But lurking in the shadows is a virus long thought to be a harmless drifter: beta-HPV (human papillomavirus).
Category: Cancer, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Cancer, Skin Cancer, Virus, The Immune System
The Nikon Z5 II has been a great value since it launched, but can it stay that way?
Image: Nikon
Nikon has announced that it will carry out another "price adjustment" in the US, set to take effect on September 1st. This follows the company previously raising prices across its lineup on June 23rd in response to tariffs.
In a statement to DPReview, Nikon said:
"At Nikon, we remain committed to providing the highest quality imaging products and value to our customers. As we continue to navigate the impact of tariffs, a further price adjustment will take effect September 1, 2025. We are closely monitoring tariff developments and the evolving market conditions and are taking every possible step to minimize the impact on our community. We wish to thank our customers for their understanding. Customers with order inquiries should contact their authorized retailer for support."
The company has not said which of its products will be impacted, and what pricing will look like next month. However, its previous adjustment saw lens and camera body prices go up by an average of around 10%. We'll be sure to keep you updated on the pricing changes once they go into effect.
"We are closely monitoring tariff developments and the evolving market conditions"Nikon isn't the first company to make this kind of announcement. Earlier this week, Fujifilm announced that it, too, would be raising its US prices at the end of the month; its second time doing so in August. Canon has warned that it may need to do the same at some point, and GoPro told investors it was raising prices on its action cameras to help recoup some of its tariff costs, according to Digital Camera World.
The US's policies around tariffs have essentially been in flux since they were announced, likely making it hard for companies to plan their pricing. Currently, imports from China face a minimum 30% tax, but they were set to balloon to 145% earlier this month before a last-minute executive order moved the deadline to November. And while those tariffs have been on the table for a while, the administration has all but admitted that it's willing to change them in response to other countries' actions, whether or not they're related to trade with the US.
The Ricoh GR IV is a photographer's compact built around a 26MP APS-C sensor with a fixed 28mm F2.8 lens. It's the fourth entry in the GR series (though that was preceded by the long-running GR Digital series and film models prior to that), and includes elements from previous GR cameras that had been dropped by its predecessor.
Key Specs:The GR IV will be available from mid-September 2025 at an MSRP of $1499. This price represents a substantial increase from the GR III's $899 2018 launch price, though is less of a jump from the current market rate for the special editions of that camera, which go for around $1100 (when you can find them in stock).
Index:Buy now:
Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo What's New Updated sensorThe GR IV uses a 25.74MP backside-illuminated sensor, compared to the 24MP frontside-illuminated one found in the GR III. The bump in resolution will be essentially irrelevant, and we'll have to test it more to see if it provides any noticeable improvements in areas like noise performance, dynamic range or readout speed. It seems likely that it's the same sensor Sony uses for its a6700 and Pentax in the K-3 III, which would mean Ricoh is continuing its tradition of using tried-and-true imaging tech in the GR series.
In large sensors, the benefits of BSI tend to have more to do with getting even illumination at the corners of the sensor, rather than having much impact on overall noise.
Redesigned lensAlso getting an update is the 18.3mm (28mm equiv) F2.8 lens. Ricoh has refreshed the formula, adding another aspherical element, which it says should provide better detail and sharpness in the corners. More importantly, the lens barrel is thinner, which means it can extend faster, improving the camera's startup time by 0.2 seconds. This may not sound like much, but it's a 25% improvement.
The company also says it focused on making the lens suck in less dust when it retracts and extends. While it's still not making any claims about weather or dust resistance, it clearly saw users' complaints about their previous GR cameras getting dust on the sensor, as it's also added a new anti-fouling and anti-static coating to the UV/IR cut filter. That should make it easier for the sensor's cleaning routine to shake off any dust that makes it into the body.
New old control layout Left: GR IV. Right: GR IIIThe GR IV's control scheme reverses several changes made with the GR III, and so more closely resembles the layout of the original GR and GR II. Most notably, it replaces the rear-plate control dial with a multi-directional controller, and regains the "+ / –" rocker switch the III dropped.
It isn't just a complete remake of the GR II, though. The rear jog lever that's been on all of the GR cameras up to this point has been replaced with a clickable command dial. The company has also added a position for the Snap Distance Priority mode, introduced via a firmware update to the GR III, onto the camera's mode dial. It makes the camera's zone focusing system a little more approachable, letting you control your focus distance with one dial, and the depth of field with the other, with the camera setting your other exposure settings accordingly.
The Program auto mode has also received a substantial rework, adopting Pentax's Hyper Program mode in all but name. You can now use the dials to override it to either prioritize aperture or shutter speed, using the command dials, and can reset back to auto with a press of the mode dial's lock button.
Upgraded internals and batteryThe GR IV has a new image processor, which the company says can provide more sophisticated noise reduction and more accurate color reproduction in the out-of-camera JPEGs. It's also paired with new autofocus algorithms, which should improve its focusing speed and accuracy, especially in more difficult scenarios, according to Ricoh.
The sensor stabilization system has also been upgraded, moving from a three-axis design to a five-axis one, providing a bump from a 4EV rating of stabilization to 6EV.
Additionally, Ricoh has massively increased the amount of internal storage; while the GR III had around 2GB built-in, the GR IV has 53GB, which, for many users, may be enough to obviate a separate memory card. Which may be a relief, given that Ricoh has chosen to go with a Micro SD card slot, rather than a full-size one, this time around, to make way for other changes.
A flashy accessory The GF-2 is sold separately, but provides a reasonably-priced, compact option for those who miss the original GR's built-in flash.Alongside the GR IV, Ricoh is launching the GF-2, a sold-separately external flash designed to be compact and to fit the camera's design. It has a guide number of 3 at ISO 100, and has its own battery and charges via USB-C, so using it won't wear down the camera's battery. And while it's not a TTL flash, it is aware of the camera's exposure settings and focus distance, allowing for an automatic mode, though it can also be used manually.
Ricoh says that its customers are split on whether they care about the GR having an internal flash, but that they universally care about it being compact and pocketable. According to the company, the external flash lets the camera be as small as possible while making it so those who don't care about having it don't have to pay for its inclusion.
The flash doesn't power on with the camera, as you may not wish to use it every time, but it is clever enough to power down when you switch the camera off.
The GF-2 will cost $119.
How does it compare?Specs-wise, the GR IV is a mild update to the GR III, but there are enough differences to its core specs that we felt it was worth a direct comparison. We've also included Fujifilm's fixed-lens X100 VI; while its 35mm equiv. focal length will likely appeal to a different set of shooters, it's arguably the most famous of the photographer's fixed-lens cameras out there today. And while the RX100 VII's zoom lens and smaller sensor make for a very different shooting experience than the fixed lens APS-C cameras on this list, its size may make it attractive to the same photographers considering a GR.
Ricoh GR IV Ricoh GR III Fujifilm X100 VI RX100 VII MSRP $1499 $899 / £799 $1799 / £1599 / €1799 $1698 Sensor Size APS-C (367mm²) APS-C (367mm²) APS-C (367mm²) Type 1 (116mm²) Pixel Count 25.74MP 24MP 40.2MP 20.1MP Lens (equiv) 28mm F2.8 28mm F2.8 35mm F2 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 Stabilization IBIS, 6EV IBIS, 4EV IBIS, 6EV OIS Burst Rate 4fps 4fps6fps mech.
13fps elec.
While it's certainly not large, the X100 VI is substantially bulkier and heavier than the GR III/IV. However, there are reasons why: you get better battery life, a faster lens and a viewfinder experience that can be very engaging to shoot with. It's not the best option if you're looking for the most pocketable option, but it's still a portable and engaging fixed-lens camera, with features like a built-in flash and weather resistance that some fans of the Ricoh GR series have been asking for.
The RX100 VII is the oldest camera on this list, and that manifests in several ways; while its older autofocus system was once top-of-the-pack (and is still mostly competitive today), Sony's latest versions are even better. The menu system hasn't aged as gracefully, as it arguably wasn't very good to begin with, and the Micro USB port means that most people will have to carry a separate charger for it. However, its zoom lens and stacked sensor make it a more versatile pick for those looking for a camera that can also handle sports and action.
Body and HandlingThe GR IV retains the same utilitarian styling that the GR series has always been known for, though it is now slightly slimmer and shorter. The difference is subtle on the spec sheet, but is noticeable in the hand and the pocket.
The heart of the camera is its controls, which can be operated entirely with one hand. The two top-plate command dials are placed near where your thumb and forefinger naturally rest, giving you quick control over your exposure settings.
Pressing the rear dial brings up the 'ADJ' quick settings menu, which is entirely customizable. You can choose up to five categories of settings accessible from the menu, with 17 options such as color mode, drive mode, ISO settings, focus mode and so on. One dial switches between the categories, while the other lets you make your selection from them.
You can pare the Adjust menu down to contain just your essentials.By default, the menu will pop back up until you confirm your selection, though you can set the camera to do so with a half-press of the shutter. This customizability carries over to the rest of the camera, too, with over thirty settings for the function button and granular control over what a half-press of the shutter button does.
The menu system is also entirely navigable by touch if you prefer a more direct form of interaction. While it can be set to take a photo when you tap the screen, the menu doesn't live on the live view display, making it all too easy to accidentally toggle between touch-to-focus and touch-shutter modes.
In short, the GR IV gives you plenty of room to set it up in a way that suits your shooting style. It's extremely quick to operate once you have it dialed in, letting you change your most-accessed settings on the fly while staying in the moment, and making it easy to focus on the essentials of photography, rather than your camera.
DisplayThe 3.0" rear LCD's resolution is unchanged from the previous model, and while it's not particularly high-resolution, it's sufficient for composing and checking focus after the fact (as long as you punch in to 1:1). It now has an auto-brightness setting, which monitors the ambient light through the lens and makes adjustments accordingly. Even when shooting on very sunny days, we found it relatively visible given its fixed placement on the back of the camera.
While the camera doesn't have a viewfinder, it is still compatible with the add-on optical viewfinders released for the GR III. The company says it plans on releasing new models more suited to the new camera's reduced depth, but that the older models should still fit reasonably well.
Ports and connectivityThe GR IV has a USB-C port hidden under a flap, which you can use to charge the camera even while in use and to offload images from its internal memory and Micro SD card.
It also gains 5Ghz Wi-Fi in regions where the standard is allowed, making offloading images to your phone via the GR World app even faster.
BatteryThe GR IV uses a 6.9Wh DB-120 battery, which has around 40% greater capacity than the 4.9Wh DB-110 used by the GR III. The CIPA battery life rating receives a more modest bump; the GR IV is rated for 250 shots versus the GR III's 200, a 25% improvement. It's a physically larger battery, which is almost certainly why the GR IV has had to adopt a Micro SD slot.
CIPA ratings tend to be lower than what you'll actually get in real-world conditions, and are more useful as a common point of comparison between cameras than a literal number of shots that you can expect to get. With that said, it wasn't uncommon for the GR III to run out of power well before hitting 200 shots, so it's possible the GR IV will provide greater gains than its rating suggests. We'll be sure to check back in once we've spent more time with a production model.
Initial ImpressionsBy Mitchell Clark
There's a reason the GR series is so beloved by its devotees: they fill a niche that very few other cameras even aim for. That's more true than ever in 2025; point and shoots may be making a comeback, but none are as focused on pocketability and giving you direct control over the photographic process.
The GR IV carries on that legacy as the smallest APS-C camera on the market today, with controls optimized for one-handed use. It lets you put the settings you find most important right at your fingertips, making it easier to get shots of moments you may have otherwise missed with a less responsive camera, or one that was too big to bother carrying around.
While its spec sheet and design look very similar to those of its predecessor, those don't tell the whole story. It's clear that Ricoh put a lot of work into generally making the camera even better at its job, and that it also specifically focused on some of the biggest complaints people had with the GR III.
If you understand the GR IV's controls, you understand the GR IV.Perhaps the most exciting upgrade is the higher-capacity battery, though we'll have to see if it offers substantially longer life than the III's in our real-world testing. The + / – toggle, brought back from the original GR and GR II, is also a welcome addition, giving you yet another easy-to-reach control point. And while we'll have to see how the new lens performs, it's nice to hear that Ricoh specifically considered reducing dust ingestion when designing it.
Those changes may seem small, but there are a lot of small tweaks and refinements that add up to some big differences. The improved processing power for autofocus, faster start-up time, more usable Program mode, bigger internal storage and better stabilization probably wouldn't be huge news on their own, but together they make the IV feel that bit more modern and responsive when you're actually using it.
The story is familiar from that of the Sony RX1R IIIIf this all sounds familiar, it may be because it's a very similar story to Sony's recently released RX1R III, a large-sensor compact that also gained much-needed battery and autofocus upgrades. Like that camera, the GR IV has become more expensive (though what hasn't?), and the flash being brought back as an add-on accessory rather than an integrated component won't make that pill any easier to swallow. Unlike the Sony, though, it's still priced within reach of mere mortals.
Ultimately, we'll have to do more testing to see how big a difference the updated autofocus algorithms and new lens make. But it's nice to see Ricoh building on top of the solid foundation provided by the previous GR cameras, and listening to users to make sure it's keeping what worked and tweaking the things that need improvement.
Buy now:
Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoWe weren't able to use the photos we took with a prototype GR IV for a sample gallery, but stay tuned...
While power meters are very handy tools for tracking your cycling performance, mounting and calibrating the things can be a fiddly process. The CycleClick is designed to change that, by mounting on the chain of any bike – without any tools – in a claimed 30 seconds.
Tags: Power, Cycling, Kickstarter
Nobody likes having blood samples taken, which is why it's always good to hear about possible alternatives. One of the latest takes the form of a self-powered skin patch that painlessly gathers biomarker chemicals for up to 24 hours at a time.
Category: Medical Devices, Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
Tags: North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University, Microneedles, Skin, Biomarkers
Google has announced its latest lineup of Pixel phones, the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The four new devices feature some camera updates, upgraded Qi charging and, as should be expected, plenty of AI-related features.
Pixel 10 series camerasThe Pixel 10 Pro.
Image: Google
The most notable change to the Pixel lineup's cameras is the addition of a telephoto camera on the Pixel 10. The base model Pixel has traditionally only offered two cameras (wide and ultrawide), so this is a bump for that device. It also gives it an edge over the base iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones, which only feature two cameras.
However, to fit that third camera, Google made some substantial sacrifices. First, the main camera was downgraded. The Pixel 9 used a 50MP 72mm² main camera, but the 10 uses a 48MP 30.7mm² sensor. The main camera on the Pixel 10 is also the same as that used in the budget-focused Pixel 9a.
The ultrawide camera on the Pixel 10 also gets a significant downgrade. The Pixel 9 features a 50MP ultrawide camera with an F1.68 aperture and 24mm² sensor, but the Pixel 10 only offers a 13MP ultrawide camera with an F2.2 aperture and 16.1mm² sensor. The newly added telephoto camera also isn't anything spectacular with its 15.5mm² sensor.
Pixel 10 Pixel 10 Pro/ Pro XL Pixel 10 Pro Fold Wide (main) Sensor48MP
Type 1/2 (30.7mm²) Quad PD
50MP
Type 1/1.3 (72mm²) Octa PD
48MP
Type 1/2 (30.7mm²) Quad PD
Aperture F1.7 F1.68 F1.7 Field of view 82° 82° 82° Ultrawide Sensor13MP
Type 1/3.1 (16.1mm²) Quad PD
48MP
Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) Quad PD
10.5MP
Type 1/3.4 (13mm²) Dual PD
Aperture F2.2 F1.7 F2.2 Field of view 120° 123° 127° Telephoto Sensor10.8MP
Type 1/3.2 (15.5mm²) Dual PD
48MP
Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) Quad PD
10.8MP
Type 1/3.2 (15.5mm²) Dual PD
Aperture F3.1 F2.8 F3.1 Field of view 23° 22° 23° The camera specs for all four phones. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL share camera specs.The other Pixel models all keep the same specs as the previous generation. However, Google says it made improvements to color, focus, detail, noise, zoom, portrait mode and more across all devices, promising better image processing across the board.
Another noteworthy addition is compatibility with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Google says it is the first phone with C2PA Content Credentials built in, allowing for secure on-device metadata. It will record if AI is used at the time of image creation or during the editing process, and also specify if non-AI tools were used.
The Google Pixel 10.
Image: Google
On the video front, the Pro models are both capable of 8K 24/30p video or up to 60p at 4K. That isn't native 8K video, though. Instead, it's a result of Google's Video Boost mode, which uses cloud-based AI processing to upscale to 8K and improve lighting, color, dynamic range and stabilization while reducing noise and grain. Google does say, however, that it improved the optical stabilization on the main camera with the Pro models, so you should get smoother video even without AI. The Pixel 10 tops out at 4K 60p video and does not get the benefit of Video Boost.
Additionally, the Pro models offer "Pro Res Zoom" up to 100x (the Pixel 10 maxes out at 20x). Google says it relies on a combination of cropping and generative AI using the phone's Tensor G5 chip to refine details. Google also specified that it's best used on landscapes and landmarks, but special tuning is applied when people are in the frame to avoid any odd results. The Pro models also provide a High-Res and High-Res Portrait Mode for images up to 50MP.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.Unsurprisingly, there are many additional AI-related features for the cameras on all four devices. That includes the Camera Coach, which is powered by Gemini models built into the camera. The coach will help guide your framing and composition and suggest changes like getting your friend's attention. There's also a "Get Inspired" option that will suggest completely new shots and guide you through how to create them.
The Auto Best Take feature can automatically find and combine group photos to make sure everyone looks their best in one shot. That builds on the previously released 'Best Take' tool, which required some manual selection of which shots you wanted to combine. Google improved the Add Me feature for adding the photographer to group shots, promising better results with bigger groups. There's also a Guided Frame tool that describes what's on the screen to help blind and low vision individuals take photos more confidently.
Pixel 10 series hardware and buildThe Pixel 10 series sees an upgrade to the Tensor G5 processor, which Google says is the "biggest leap in performance yet." It also says that Tensor G5 benefits from a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) that is up to 60% more powerful for on-device AI-reliant tasks. Additionally, Google claims the CPU is, on average, 34% faster.
Pixel 10 Pixel 10 Pro Pixel 10 Pro XL Pixel 10 Pro Fold Display 6.3" Actua 6.3" Super Actua (LTPO) 6.8" Super Actua (LTPO)External: 6.4" Actua
Internal: 8" Super Actua Flex display
Brightness Up to 2000 nits (HDR) andExternal: Up to 2000 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak brightness)
Internal: Up to 1800 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak brightness)
Dimensions and weight152.8 x 72.0 x
8.6mm (6.0 x 2.9 x 0.3")
204g (7.2oz)
152.8 x 72.0 x
8.6mm (6.0 x 2.9 x 0.3")
207g (7.3oz)
162.8 x 76.6 x
8.5mm (6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3")
232g (8.2oz)
Folded: 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8mm (6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4")
Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2mm (6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2")
258g (9.1oz)
Memory and storage 12 GB RAMAll of the new devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with the exception of the interior display on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which uses Ultra Thin Glass. They also all offer an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, including the 10 Pro Fold, which is a first for a foldable phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an IP48 rating, but that's the closest to what the Pixel 10 Pro Fold provides. Additionally, all models include seven years of OS, security and feature updates.
All of the Pixel 10 lineup offers IP68 ratings.
Image: Google
Google says each device in the Pixel 10 series offers up to 30-plus hours of battery life. Additionally, in Extreme Battery Saver mode, Google promises up to 84 hours from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and 100 hours from the other phones in the lineup. They all support fast charging, though the Pro XL gives the most substantial boost on that front with a promised 70% in 30 minutes with support for 45W chargers. All of the new models are compatible with wireless charging and gain support for Qi2 (and Qi2.2 for the Pro XL), allowing for magnetic alignment similar to Apple's MagSafe. That's an upgrade from the previous generation's Qi1 support.
The other notable change is that Google upgraded the speakers in the Pro XL. It says the new speakers are the loudest and most powerful of any Pixel phone.
The Pixel 10 comes in more vibrant colors than the Pro models. From left to right: Indigo, Obsidian, Lemongrass and Frost.Less substantial, but still exciting, is that there are new color options. The Pixel 10 comes in Frost (pale blue), Indigo (blue), Lemongrass (yellow-green) and Obsidian (dark gray). Those hoping for a vibrant color on their Pro model may be let down. The three Pro models are all available in Porcelain (off-white), Obsidian, Moonstone (bluish-gray) and Jade (pale green).
AvailabilityThe Pixel 10 series phones will be available for pre-order on August 20. The Pixel 10 starts at $799, the Pixel 10 Pro starts at $999 and the Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1199.
Google announced its Pixel 10 series of phones today, and part of that announcement marked a big step for content authenticity. During the Pixel 10 launch, the tech giant also announced that it is introducing support for the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) Content Credentials on its phones.
Google says photos taken with any Pixel 10 series phone using the Pixel Camera app will have "secure metadata" attached to them that "documents the full journey of that photo from creation to edits." The Content Credentials will be applied to unedited, and "AI modified images" alike.
People can view that metadata in tools that support the C2PA standard, such as Google Photos, to get a cryptographically-signed breakdown of how the image was created and changed after it was taken. The process of verifying images is still in its early days, but it's a big step forward to have a consumer-grade device that attaches Content Credentials to every image it takes, for free.
"It's a big step forward to have a consumer-grade device that attaches Content Credentials to every image it takes, for free."For those unfamiliar, C2PA is a joint industry initiative founded in 2021 to tackle challenges related to digital misinformation. With the rise of advanced AI-created and edited imagery, it is becoming more difficult to understand the reliability and authenticity of images. C2PA aims to promote a standard that allows publishers, creators and consumers to verify the origin and history (including any edits) of digital content via secure metadata automatically attached to images at various stages.
Thus far, adoption has been trickling out to professional-grade cameras, though only for newsrooms. Some Leica models come with support for Content Credentials unlocked out of the box, but Nikon and Sony have only made their authenticity features available for news agencies. Most recently, Sony announced the PXW-Z300, which it said will be the first video camera to record C2PA content credentials. But again, it is meant for news organizations.
Content Credentials will be available on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.Another sticking point for the broader adoption of C2PA standards is that most of the cameras with content authenticity features built in require a separate upgrade license. Users will have to take extra steps to implement Content Credentials and, even more significantly, they will have to pay for it. For most general consumers, that's not going to happen.
C2PA on a phone is a substantial step for content authenticity, especially as mobile photography adopts an increasing number of AI-powered features, some of which are applied automatically when you take the photo. Phones also come with a litany of accessible, easy-to-use AI editing tools. Google was already adding a metadata flag if you used AI on your photos, but now it will add that information from when the image is created. That makes it easy to show that your photo doesn't use AI, with an auditable path back to when it was taken, which is just as important.
