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White canes are fine for helping blind users make their way down streets and hallways, but they certainly can't tell those users what objects, signs or scenes are in front of them. That's exactly what the Seekr is designed to do, however, using a heapin' helping of AI.
Category: Wearables, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Blind, Assistive Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
What has two heads and seven handy features? No, it's not some multi-talented sideshow oddity, it's the Y-IN multitool. It's available in CNC-machined titanium or stainless steel construction, and is currently on Kickstarter.
Tags: Multitools, Titanium, Kickstarter
Panasonic has bumped up the brightness for a new series of short-throw projectors. Billed as the company's most powerful fixed, short-throw LCD laser projectors to date, one model puts out 7,000 lumens and the other manages 6,200 lumens.
Category: Technology
Tags: Panasonic, Business, Museum, Projectors, Laser
A few weeks ago, The Natural History Museum, London, announced the winners of its 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards for 2024. Now, it needs your help to select the winner of its 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award.
The 25 finalists for the People's Choice Award were selected from 59,228 entries from 117 countries and territories. Members of the public can cast their vote for the award until January 29, and the winning image, along with four runners-up, will be announced in February. Here, we present the 25 finalists for this year's award.
If you're a wildlife photographer and want to enter your own images in the 2025 competition, you can find information on the competition's website. However, act quickly: you have until December 5th to submit your images.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.
Wolf PackWolf Pack by Arvind Ramamurthy, India
Members of an Indian wolf pack pause briefly as they play in fields in Bhigwan, India.
Indian wolves were once found all across India. Now, their number has dwindled to as few as 3,000. Living so close to humans poses many risks. Farming has fragmented their rolling grassland habitat, and feeding on cattle carcasses puts them at risk of disease. But Indian wolves are hardy animals. With better grassland management and protection, they could make a strong comeback. Arvind was photographing this pack playing in the grassy fields. One of them came and sat down at the edge of the agricultural crop, and one by one, four others joined it. They paused for a few seconds before they ran off again, playing and chasing one another.
Copyright Arvind Ramamurthy / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Icy ReposeIcy Repose by Sue Flood, UK
A dramatic blue-grey sky highlights the soft greys of a Weddell seal as it rests on an ice floe.
Sue watched this Weddell seal from aboard a rigid inflatable boat in Neko Harbour of the Antarctic Peninsula. So as not to disturb its peaceful slumber, Sue used a long lens to record this serene portrait. Weddell seals’ large bodies are covered in a thick layer of blubber. This keeps them warm above and below the icy waters of the Southern Ocean.
Copyright Sue Flood / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
A Good ScratchA Good Scratch by Mark Williams, UK/Canada
A beluga whale rubs its underside on a shallow river bottom to exfoliate its skin.
Mark took this image in a remote inlet along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic. Hundreds of beluga whales come here to socialize and exfoliate in the shallow water. The passage is also a safe haven, away from the predatory orcas. Belugas are extremely sociable mammals. They live, hunt and migrate together in pods that can range from quite small into the hundreds. Nicknamed ‘the canaries of the sea’, they produce a series of chirps, clicks, whistles and squeals that Mark found otherworldly.
Copyright Mark Williams / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Scanning the RealmScanning the Realm by Aaron Baggenstos, USA
A puma stands on a windswept outcrop in the rugged mountain terrain of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
It is a symbol of hope. A successful conservation movement led to the creation of the national park and a rise in ecotourism in the region. This has also helped to reduce conflict between pumas and local gauchos (sheep farmers). The gauchos view pumas more positively because they’re attracting tourists, which is good for income. The introduction of sheepdogs has also helped. The dogs confront any approaching pumas and stop them attacking the sheep. In turn, the pumas hunt their natural prey, and the gauchos are less likely to shoot them. The change has been gradual but has gained momentum over the past 20 to 30 years. There is hope that humans and pumas can live alongside one another.
Copyright Aaron Baggenstos / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Aspen ShadowsAspen Shadows by Devon Pradhuman, USA
Four grey wolves cross a minimalist landscape of naked aspens and snow in Yellowstone National Park, USA.
It was early spring in the Lamar Valley, and this pack was in search of its next meal. Watching from a distance, Devon saw them heading towards this patch of aspens and thought it would make a compelling image. The wolves walked right past these trees and then continued to follow the tree line, eventually disappearing over the hillside.
Copyright Devon Pradhuman / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Evening SongEvening Song by Christian Brinkmann, Germany
A singing Eurasian songbird is silhouetted against a backdrop of colorful fairground lights in Münster, Germany.
During a popular fair in Münster called the Send, an interesting atmosphere arose behind the castle. The evening mood was gentle, and Christian had singing birds on one side and party music on the other. In front of the fairground lights, this Eurasian blackbird posed for its song. Although blackbirds are a common sight, Christian likes to photograph them in distinctive ways. Here, the silhouette of the bird set against a colorful backdrop gives the image an artistic flair.
Copyright Christian Brinkmann / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Sneak AttackSneak Attack by Erlend Haarberg, Norway
A polar bear cub attempts an underwater surprise attack on a northern fulmar.
In the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, a walrus carcass had attracted a female polar bear and her two cubs. But one of the cubs was more interested in playing in the water than eating. The cub was having fun diving under the water and resurfacing, playing with the seaweed and kelp. The northern fulmar resting on the surface of the water awakened the cub’s desire to hunt. Erlend watched as it attempted several underwater surprise attacks on the bird, only to fail each time. Play hunting like this is essential learning for a young bear. Eventually, it will have to survive in the Arctic without its mother.
Copyright Erlend Haarberg / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Slap ShotSlap Shot by Savannah Rose, USA
A beaver cocks its tail before slapping it down on the water to alert its family to a newcomer.
Savannah enjoys photographing North American beavers in this pond in Jackson, Wyoming, USA. As she approached the shoreline, a beaver cruised cautiously by after emerging from its lodge. It cocked its tail up and brought it down with a resounding crack. Savannah had been trying to document this dramatic beaver behavior for years. Beavers use tail smacks to alert their family group to a newcomer. Despite the theatrics, beavers usually relax quickly after discovering the newcomer doesn’t pose a threat.
Copyright Savannah Rose / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
TogethernessTogetherness by Ivan Ivanek, Czech Republic
A striking pair of red-shanked douc langurs are seen mating in the forests of the Sơn Trà peninsula in Vietnam.
Known for their bright red ‘stockings’, these primates are found only in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The species is critically endangered because of habitat loss, hunting and the illegal pet trade. After days observing the area, looking for evidence of the monkeys, Ivan managed to find a small group. Late one evening, he saw these two mating. Compared to other species of monkey he’d seen mating, it was an unexpectedly gradual and graceful affair!
Copyright Ivan Ivanek / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Concert in the ForestConcert in the Forest by Vincent Premel, France
A Surinam golden-eyed tree frog puffs out its cheeks as it prepares to call for a mate.
The first rains come in French Guiana after a long dry spell. They’re a release for all wildlife, but especially for amphibians. When it rains, the ponds fill with water. Dozens of species descend from the canopy or come out of the ground. They’re here to lay their eggs in the water, in an event called ‘explosive breeding’. The density of individuals is hard to imagine. It made for a special night for Vincent, who is both a herpetologist and a photographer. The call of the Surinam golden-eyed tree frog is so powerful it can be heard hundreds of meters away.
Copyright Vincent Premel / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Snuffling SengiSnuffling Sengi by Piotr Naskrecki, Poland
A rarely seen four-toed sengi forages for food among the leaf litter in Mozambique.
Sengis mainly eat insects and look for their prey at dusk and dawn. They rely on a combination of good vision and excellent sense of smell to find food. Piotr watched this sengi over several weeks in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. It followed the same network of trails every day, looking for beetles and other tasty morsels among the leaf litter. Sengis are extremely shy and skittish, so Piotr set up a remote camera to photograph the little creature sniffing for food.
Copyright Piotr Naskrecki / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
WhiteoutWhiteout by Michel d’Oultremont, Belgium
A stoat sits up and observes its territory as it blends perfectly into a snowy landscape in Belgium.
Michel had been looking for stoats in the snow for many years. The magic of snowfall fascinates Michel every winter. He wanted to take a photograph that showed how the stoats blend in with the whiteness of the landscape. He’d seen a few in Switzerland but never in his native Belgium. Then, finally, his dream came true. He lay in the snow with a white camouflage net covering all but his lens. This curious stoat came out of its snowy hole and sat up from time to time, observing its territory just before setting off to hunt.
Copyright Michel d’Oultremont / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Earth and SkyEarth and Sky by Francisco Negroni, Chile
A double lenticular cloud is illuminated at nightfall by the lava emitted from the Villarrica volcano, Chile.
Villarica is in the town of Pucón in the south of Chile. It’s one of the country’s most active volcanoes, and last erupted in 2015. Francisco takes regular trips to Villarrica to monitor its activity. On this visit, he stayed nearby for 10 nights. He says every trip is “quite an adventure – never knowing what the volcano might surprise you with”. Some nights are calm, others furious, as in this photograph, where the brightness of the crater illuminates the night sky.
Copyright Francisco Negroni / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Fallen from the SkyFallen from the Sky by Carlo D’Aurizio, Italy
A collage of dead butterflies and moths trapped by the surface tension of the water floats in a stream in Italy.
It was a summer morning in the San Bartolomeo Valley in the Majella National Park, Italy. Carlo had visited this small stream many times. He expected to see the graceful flight of butterflies and dragonflies along it. He never thought he would find such a still life, a sad collage of dead insects calmly floating in the water. It hadn’t been particularly hot, and there hadn’t been any storms in the previous days. To this day, Carlo has no explanation of why the insects died.
Copyright Carlo D’Aurizio/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year
SpikedSpiked by David Northall, UK
A bloodied yet determined honey badger returns to finish off a Cape porcupine, which earlier had tried to defend itself.
Found throughout Botswana, honey badgers are famously ferocious. They often chase animals many times their own size. This honey badger got an unpleasant surprise when it attacked the normally nocturnal Cape porcupine. The badger grabbed the porcupine’s right leg. In defense, the porcupine repeatedly backed into its attacker, piercing it with many quills. During a lull in the attack, the porcupine managed to shuffle away, its leg badly damaged. After a short retreat, the bloodied badger returned. It finished off the porcupine under a bush close to the original attack, then dragged it into its underground den.
Copyright David Northall / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
UnsoldUnsold by Jose Fragozo, Portugal
A young cheetah cub hisses while waiting to be sold in Ethiopia.
Captured from her home plains in the Somali Region, she was transported for several days on the back of a camel to the northern coast of Somaliland. Illegal wildlife trafficking is a problem in the Somali Region. Farmers catch and sell cheetah cubs to traffickers, claiming that the cheetahs attack their livestock. Sometimes, the farmers and traffickers cannot sell the cubs immediately. The bigger the cheetahs get, the harder it is to find buyers. Some end up being killed and their parts sold, their bones shipped to Yemen and then to other Asian markets. They are then sold as tiger bones and used to make Chinese bone wine. After hissing at the camera, the cub started chirping, calling out for its mother.
Copyright Jose Fragozo / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Annoying NeighborAnnoying Neighbour by Bence Máté, Hungary
A European roller defends its territory from a bemused-looking little owl in Kiskunság National Park, Hungary.
The little owl and the European roller are very different birds, but their nests and feeding requirements are similar. This means they sometimes breed near each other. The male roller makes a sport of annoying other birds that stray into its breeding area during the short mating season. It makes a surprise ambush, flying at full speed behind them. To catch such a fleeting scene, Bence spent 27 days watching from a hide. The little owl seemed nonplussed by the spectacle.
Copyright Bence Máté/ Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Curious ConnectionCurious Connection by Nora Milligan, USA
A chimpanzee pauses and looks down as its family moves across the forest floor of Loango National Park, Gabon.
On a trek through the forest, Nora’s guide signaled for the group to stop near the bank of a swamp. They heard the call of a chimp first, then the leaves around them started to rustle and a group of chimpanzees appeared. This family is called the Rekambo group. A group of researchers from the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project is studying them. Nora couldn’t believe her luck when they started to climb the nearby trees. As she peered through her viewfinder, a large male paused and looked down at them. The chimp craned its neck forward and its eyes seemed to widen, as if to get a better look.
Copyright Nora Milligan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Meeting in the MarshMeeting in the Marsh by Michael Forsberg, USA
A disguised biologist approaches an endangered whooping crane in Louisiana, USA.
Michael has been chronicling the lives of endangered whooping cranes since early 2019. The biologist acted with cat-like quickness to check the bird’s health and change a transmitter that was no longer working. The transmitter helps biologists track these non-migratory birds and learn more about them. This experimental population was reintroduced in Bayou Country in 2011. In the 1940s there were roughly 20 whooping cranes in the region. Since then, numbers have climbed to over 800.
Copyright Michael Forsberg / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Brave GeckoThe Brave Gecko by Willie Burger van Schalkwyk, South Africa
A giant ground gecko stands fast against a pale chanting goshawk in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa.
One hunting strategy of the southern pale chanting goshawk is to walk or run on the ground in pursuit of prey. Willie watched as the little lizard put up a brave fight against its large attacker. Unfortunately, there was no hope of survival, but Willie was impressed by the gecko’s bravery.
Copyright Willie Burger van Schalkwyk / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Forest DreamsForest of Dreams by Samuel Bloch, France
A northern giant petrel sits on its nest at the edge of a rātā tree forest on Enderby Island, New Zealand.
Northern giant petrels are large seabirds. They’re used to flying above the waves for weeks without encountering land. Samuel was surprised to find this one in such a woody environment. Like many other seabirds, it breeds on islands where there are fewer predators. Samuel took this image from a distance and left quickly to avoid disturbing the bird.
Copyright Samuel Bloch / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Edge of NightEdge of Night by Jess Findlay, Canada
A ghostly barn owl exits the hayloft window of a derelict barn to hunt fields outside Vancouver, Canada.
Combining high-speed and long-exposure photography in a single exposure required a technical setup. First, Jess quietly watched the owl for several nights to understand its habits and plan the shot. He then set up an invisible beam that would trigger a flash when the owl flew out of the barn. Simultaneously, a slow shutter speed gathered ambient light cast on the clouds and barn to complete the scene. On the tenth night, all the moving parts came together as the owl left to begin his hunt.
Copyright Jess Findlay / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
No AccessNo Access by Ian Wood, UK
An ambling Eurasian badger appears to glance up at badger graffiti on a quiet road in St Leonards-on-Sea, England, UK.
Residents had been leaving food scraps on the pavement for foxes. But Ian noticed that badgers from a nearby sett were also coming to forage. After seeing a badger walking along the pavement by this wall late one night, he decided to photograph it. He set up a small hide on the edge of the road to take his picture. Only the light from a lamppost illuminated the creature as it ambled along, seemingly glancing up at the badger graffiti just in front of it.
Copyright Ian Wood / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Drifting DinnerDrifting Dinner by Noam Kortler, Israel
A decorator crab perches on top of a sea squirt to comb the water for drifting plankton.
Noam took this photograph during a night dive off Komodo Island, Indonesia. The sea squirt provided the crab with the perfect stage to feed on drifting plankton. The crab had camouflaged and armed itself with tiny hydroids known as Tubularia. These can sting other animals and so helped protect the crab from predators. Noam watched the crab gracefully search for food, illuminated by the camera flash as if in a spotlight center stage.
Copyright Noam Kortler / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The ArrivalThe Arrival by Brad Leue, Australia
Floodwaters that have traveled for months surge towards an enormous salt lake in South Australia.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest inland lake and one of the world’s largest salt lakes. Photographing from a helicopter in strong winds was quite a challenge for Brad. As well as the floodwaters, a dust storm was blowing and rain was falling on the horizon. Floodwaters had traveled more than 1,000 kilometers (1,600 miles). They’d surged steadily from Queensland towards South Australia. Timing was imperative to photograph this once-in-a-decade natural event. Brad’s image shows the water channeling steadily down Warburton Groove. This is the final stretch before entering the mighty lake. On their journey, the waters bring new life to this remarkable desert system and its rare and threatened wildlife.
Copyright Brad Leue / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Swedish startup Heart Aerospace is gearing up for the first experimental flight of the X1 early next year, an electric demonstrator aircraft that's the same size as its upcoming 30-seater commercial plane.
Tags: Electric Aircraft, Hybrid Air, Plane, Flight Simulation, Prototype
Injecting a natural hormone directly into the gut reduces the cognitive impairment that accompanies a stroke in the long term, according to a new study. The findings add to evidence that a healthy gut means a healthy brain and pave the way for a treatment that reduces the chronic after-effects of stroke.
Category: Stroke, Brain Health, Body & Mind
Tags: Cognitive functioning, Gut health, Stroke, Texas A&M Universty
Canada's Rover Tiny Homes, the firm behind the Cypress, recently completed another non-towable model that offers a similarly spacious living experience. Named the Silvertip, it provides the kind of home comforts that you'd usually associate more with an apartment than a tiny house, including a large bedroom, a bathtub, and a dishwasher.
Category: Tiny Houses, Lifestyle
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, Micro-House, House, Home
Well known for its competitively priced room-dominating TVs, Chinese consumer tech multinational TCL is now offering a more flexible way to watch big-screen visuals with the launch of its first mobile projector. The all-in-one A1 puts 1080p Google TV wherever you need it to be.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
It's 2019 and bottlenose dolphin #1022, born in Scottish waters in 2007, is suddenly spotted completely alone, hundreds of miles from his home before ending up in Denmark, some 500 miles (800 km) away across the North Sea.
Tags: Dolphin, Animal science, Lonely Planet
Three-wheeled cars are already a pretty unique bunch, but the Dragonfly Three Wheeler stands out even amongst them. It features a novel drivetrain layout which is claimed to boost traction and stability, amongst other selling points.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Three-Wheeler, Prototype
Updated Nov 27, 2024
It's sad to say, but the golden age of compact cameras is pretty much over, thanks to the rise of smartphone cameras that are, in many cases, good enough for most people. Manufacturers seem to realize this, too; we last updated this list in 2023, and since then, there haven't really been any new additions to it. The ones that remain can also be difficult to find in stock, even when the companies that make them say they're still a part of their lineups.
However, that doesn't mean the category is completely dead. Even today, there are several types of compact cameras, and some have capabilities that pretty much no phone can match. This list calls out the few that are still available and looks at what they're good for – because there are still cases where a compact camera is a great option.
Our recommendations: Enthusiast compactsThe final niche in which it's difficult for a smarphone to compete is for enthusiast photography. No matter how good smartphone image quality gets, it's difficult for a phone to provide the feeling of connection to the process of taking photos that an enthusiast compact with lots of direct controls can offer.
We've picked three cameras with large sensors that deliver good image quality, zoom lenses and direct controls. Both Sony models have built-in electronic viewfinders, for shooting when it's bright outside, again giving a more pleasant experience than trying to use a smartphone.
Best enthusiast compact: Canon PowerShot G7X III20MP Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens | 4K/30p video capture
Photo: Dan BracagliaBuy now:
$749 kit at B&H Photo $749 at Adorama $749 at Amazon What we like:The Canon PowerShot G7X III is an enthusiast compact built around a 20MP Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor with a bright 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 zoom.
The large sensor, and zoom that covers a really useful range help set it apart from a smartphone but it's really the clicking control dial around the lens and the dedicated exposure compensation dial that help you feel you're in the driving seat of the photo-taking process that makes us enjoy it so much.
This is one of the cameras that's frequently out of stock, but in November 2024 Canon assured us that it's still in production and that the company is "working to meet the consumer demand of the PowerShot G7 X Mark III."
"If you're after a pocketable high-quality compact, the Canon G7 X Mark III is well worth a look" Though it's jacket-pocketable, the G7 X Mark III has a decent-sized grip and feels secure in the hand. The 'clicky' control rings around the lens and on the rear of the camera give good control over aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and the exposure compensation dial on the top plate is a nice touch. The touchscreen interface on its tilting 3" LCD is polished and responsive. Overall, we're impressed by the upgrades on this model. The Mark III brings improved video and continuous shooting performance while maintaining excellent controls and a competitive price point. If you do a lot of wide-angle shooting, there are options with better lenses, but if you're after a pocketable high-quality compact, the Canon G7 X Mark III is well worth a look.Read our Canon Powershot G7X III review
See the Canon Powershot G7X III studio scene
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Also worth consideringThe Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA is also worth a look, offering a short, bright 24-70mm equivalent zoom. This is a little shorter than the one on the Canon but we've found it to be more consistently sharp, on the units we've tested. It has a pop-up viewfinder, adding to the appeal but also to the price. The Sony's autofocus is faster and more dependable than the Canon's but we prefer the handling of the Canon, thanks to its exposure compensation dial and clicking front control wheel.
Best do-it-all compact: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII20MP Type 1 Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-200mm equiv. F2.8-4.5 lens | Hybrid AF system
Photo: Dan BracagliaBuy now:
$1298 at B&H $1298 at Adorama $1298 at Amazon What we like:The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII is built around a 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor and a long, flexible 24-200mm equivalent lens. It's not as bright at the long end as the zooms on the Mark VA or the Canon G7X III but it provides a lot more reach, still in a compact package.
The RX100 VII is the most capable pocketable camera ever made The RX100 VII has a limited number of direct controls, but offers extensive customization for making the most of them. A touchscreen can be used for choosing a focus point or initiating AF tracking in video. The camera also includes the single-press pop-up viewfinder we liked so much on its predecessor. The RX100 VII is easily the most-capable compact camera on the market thanks to its great image and video quality, fast shooting, versatile lens and a highly-capable, easy-to-use AF system, though all of that comes with a high price tag.Read our Sony RX100 VII review
See the Sony DSC-RX100 VII studio scene
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Waterproof camerasWaterproof cameras are another specialty that smartphones can't necessarily displace. Many flagship phones are waterproof to a decent degree but you shouldn't try to submerge them to any appreciable depth. Waterproof cameras also tend to be pretty rugged, designed to withstand a lot more mistreatment than a phone will withstand, meaning you can carry them with you at all times, without ever having to worry about it. Great for bikers, climbers and custodians of small, inquisitive but not necessarily careful children.
Best waterproof camera: OM System Tough TG-725-100mm equiv. F2.0-4.9 lens | 12MP Type 1/2.3 sensor | Waterproof to 15m (50ft)
Buy now:
$550 at B&H $550 at Adorama $532 at Amazon What we like:The OM System Tough TG-7 is a rugged, waterproof compact with a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens. It is fully waterproof down to a depth of 15m (50 ft).
The OM System isn't the only rugged waterproof still on the market, nor the cheapest, but it has several major factors in its favor. The first is that it lets you shoot Raw images, which gives you the ability to correct the white balance, which even the best cameras tend to get wrong when shooting underwater. Another factor is that there is a range of accessories for the TG-7, including a light guide that directs light from the built-in flash into a circle around the lens, letting you illuminate close-up objects.
"The TG-7 is relatively expensive but packs in a host of useful features that help it stand out"Beyond this there are a few details that different users may find handy: it has an unusually wide-angle lens with a bright maximum aperture, helping the performance underwater and in low light. It also has a built-in GPS, compass and pressure sensor that lets you log your adventures. These all add up to a camera that's worth the added expense, we feel.
Read our hands-on with the OM System TG-7 article
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Long zoom camerasPerhaps the greatest weakness of smartphones is their lack of zoom capabilities. Many of the best phones have a camera with a slightly longer focal length and then try to crop into their images and use AI algorithms to try to approximate the fine detail to give the impression of zooming, but this has its limits.
Dedicated cameras aren't constrained by the need to slip into your pocket, which can afford them the space to have an optical zoom lens to gain you more reach than your smartphone can deliver. There can be a trade-off: the small sensors required to put lots of zoom in a relatively small camera will be outshone by the computational cleverness that modern smartphones will bring to bear on their images. But superzoom cameras can gain you the kind of reach that no current smartphone can get near.
Best long-zoom camera: Panasonic FZ1000 II20MP Type 1 BSI-CMOS sensor | 25-400mm equiv. F2.8-4 lens | 4K/30p video capture
Photo: Dan BracagliaBuy now:
Buy at B&H Photo What we like:The FZ1000 II predates Panasonic's switch to phase-detect autofocus, so it tends to hunt for focus. However, it can shoot at burst rates up to 7fps, and its 25-400mm equiv F2.8-4 lens gives you plenty of reach while still offering a fair amount of light-gathering ability.
The FZ1000 II has a comfortable grip and twin control dials, but its all-plastic construction doesn't live up to its price. It's extensively customizable, with an array of physical and on-screen buttons. The OLED EVF is very good. Its versatile lens, snappy autofocus speeds, large EVF and 4K video capabilities should make it one of the better cameras in its class. The FZ1000's image quality is good for its class. The camera doesn't capture as much detail as we'd like and, if you're up to it, shooting Raw and post-processing will get the most out of the camera. The FZ1000 II captures 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p, though there is a substantial crop which narrows your field of view (this is not an issue at 1080). The autofocus system tends to 'hunt' for focus on occasion. The camera has a good set of video controls and a mic input socket. The FZ1000 was a solid camera and the improvements on its successor make it even better. While not best-in-class, its versatile lens, good image and video quality and reasonable price make the FZ1000 II well worth considering.Read our Panasonic FZ1000 II review
See the Panasonic FZ1000 II studio scene
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. The retired champIn its day, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV offered better performance and autofocus than the Panasonic, though at a substantially higher cost. In 2024, however, it's no longer available at retail, and the FZ1000 II is. If you manage to find an RX10 IV somewhere and are interested in a long-zoom compact, it's still worth snapping up – it's possible it'll be the best of its kind that was ever made.
Best ultra-zoom camera: Nikon Coolpix P100016MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor | 24-3000mm equiv. F2.8-8 lens | 4K video capture
Photo: Barney BrittonBuy now:
$997 at B&H $997 at Adorama What we like:The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a small sensor camera with a vast zoom lens. The Type 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55mm) sensor will be out-performed by a good smartphone's clever merging of multiple images but the Nikon's gargantuan 24-3000mm equiv lens is its selling point.
The small sensor means image quality isn't the camera's strength, but its frankly ludicrous zoom reach means it can photograph distant subjects in a way no other device (smartphone or dedicated camera) can.
The P1000 is a large camera that weighs a substantial 1.4kg (3.2lbs). We found it can be difficult to compose a photo at 3000mm equiv since the stabilization can't fully correct hand movement. A 'snapback' function quickly zooms out so you can locate your subject. The P1000's fully articulating LCD, is not touch-enabled. Connectivity to smartphones works well. "When it comes to zoom power, there's no camera that comes close to Nikon's Coolpix P1000" The P1000's image quality depends greatly on the focal length. Photos are generally on par with other small-sensored cameras, with pleasant colors and a bit too much noise reduction. It offers Raw, though, so you can choose your noise/detail balance and modestly brighten shadows. Heat haze, coupled with the lens's slow maximum aperture limit image quality at the longest focal lengths. The P1000 has very good video quality for a camera with point-and-shoot roots. It can capture 4K video at 30p (with no crop) as well as 1080/60p and time-lapse/super-lapse clips. There's a manual exposure mode, a zoom microphone and a socket for addition an external mic. Electronic Vibration Reduction is available at 1080p and below. When it comes to zoom power, nothing comes close to Nikon's Coolpix P1000. Whether it's taking a portrait from 2 blocks away or getting up close and personal with a bird in the distance, this lens can do it. That said, while other cameras can't match that lens, many will offer better image and video quality for the same money, especially those with larger sensors.Read our Nikon Coolpix P1000 review
See the Nikon Coolpix P1000 studio scene
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Vlogging camerasSmartphones are great for vlogging, but a dedicated vlogging camera can shoot better quality video, have more sophisticated microphones (and provide options for connecting better mics), and can autofocus very reliably, dependably delivering YouTube-ready footage.
Best vlogging camera: Sony ZV-1 Mark II20MP Stacked CMOS sensor | 24fps burst shooting | 4K/30p, 1080/120p video
Photo: Shaminder DulaiBuy now:
$898 at B&H $898 at Adorama $898 at Amazon What we like:The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is one of three ZV-1 models and is by far the best. Its wide-angle 18-50mm equivalent F2.8-4.0 lens is ideally suited to self-shot video. Its excellent autofocus includes options such as 'Product Showcase' that focuses on the presenter, unless an object is held up to the camera.
A vlogging beast for smartphone users wanting to upgrade to a dedicated device for more control over exposures, file workflow, sound and optical zoom without a large learning curve. The ZV-1 Mark II is primarily touchscreen-controlled to allow control while vlogging or shooting selfies. It's lightweight and easy to hold but has limited control points if you want to take more manual control. The ZV-1 Mark II is a big improvement on the original thanks to a more selfie-video-friendly zoom range. Video footage and autofocus are both very good. It is a camera that thrives in auto modes, making it best suited for users seeking a simple-to-use camera.See the Sony ZV-1 Mark II studio scene
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Please open this article's permalink in a browser to view this content. Why you should trust usThis buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.
When it comes to monitoring the health of crops, aerial images captured by aircraft flying high overhead are only going to tell you so much. That's where an experimental new spectral sensor comes in, as it's mounted directly on the underside of individual plants' leaves.
Category: Science
Tags: Tohoku University, Plants, Agriculture, Crops
Black Friday has gone from being a single-day event to a series of sales spanning over a week. And while there are hundreds of discounted items out there, not all of them are worth your while. We've dug through them to find products that are actually a deal – the items that we know are good, and that are cheaper than their usual prices.
If the deal is only available for a very narrow window of time, we'll be sure to note that.
Shortcuts: Camera Deals NikonDeals will be available starting 11/28
Gold Award WinnersNikon Z9 - $5,000, $500 off
The Nikon Z9 is Nikon's first truly 'professional' full-frame interchangeable lens camera. Built around a 47MP stacked-CMOS sensor (without a mechanical shutter), the Z9 is a fast and capable all-rounder, built for use in the most demanding environments by both stills photographers and videographers. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at AdoramaNikon Z6III - $2,200, $300 off
Photo: Richard Butler The Nikon Z6III is Nikon's third-generation full-frame enthusiast mirrorless camera, with a 'partially stacked' 25MP CMOS sensor. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at Adorama Canon Gold award winnersEOS R5 - $2,799, $600 off
Photo: Dan Bracaglia The Canon EOS R5 is a versatile and capable full-frame mirrorless camera that can shoot 45 megapixel stills at up to 20 frames per second and capture 8K video.Buy now:
Buy w/ 24-105mm f/4 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoEOS R6 II - $1,999, $500 off
Photo: Dale Baskin The EOS R6 Mark II is Canon's second-generation full-frame enthusiast mirrorless camera, and is based around a stabilized 24MP Dual Pixel CMOS sensor. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at Adorama Silver Award winnersEOS R8 - $1,199, $300 off
Photo: Brendan Nystedt The Canon EOS R8 is a surprisingly capable compact full-frame mirrorless camera that has the features and image quality of Canon's EOS R6 II at a much lower price. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at AdoramaEOS R7 - $1,299, $200 off
The Canon EOS R7 is a 32MP, image-stabilized APS-C mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiast photographers and videographers.Buy now:
Buy w/ RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoEOS RP - $899, $100 off
The EOS RP is an affordable entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera that combines a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel autofocus with the easy-to-use interface of its EOS-M and Rebel cameras. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at AdoramaEOS R10 - $879, $100 off
Photo: Shaminder Dulai The Canon EOS R10 is a 24MP mid-level APS-C mirrorless camera for stills and video shooting.Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoEOS R50 - $579, $100 off
Photo: Richard Butler The Canon EOS R50 is a compact mirrorless camera aimed at photographers who may want to move up from a smartphone but want to do so at an entry-level price point. It’s built around a 24MP APS-C sensor and uses Canon’s ‘RF’ lens mount. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at Adorama Other salesEOS R3 - $4,499, $500 off
The Canon EOS R3 is the company's first sports shooting mirrorless camera, based around a 24MP stacked CMOS sensor. That sensor allows for 30fps bursts with autofocus, oversampled 4K/60p video and incredible autofocus capabilities. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at Adorama Sony Gold award winners Sony a1 - $5,500, $1,000 off Photo: Dan Bracaglia The Sony a1 is a 50MP pro-grade full-frame camera that combines high resolution with high speed, and is equally at home shooting detailed landscapes, fast-action sports or pro-level 8K video. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at AdoramaSony a7R V - $3,400, $500 off
Photo: Richard Butler The Sony a7R V is the company's fifth-generation high-res full-frame mirrorless camera, built around a stabilized 61MP sensor.Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoSony a7 IV - $2,100, $400 off
Photo: Richard Butler The a7 IV is an enthusiast-level 33MP full-frame mirrorless camera with strong video and stills features. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at AdoramaSony a7S III - $3,200, $300 off
The Sony a7S III is the most video-focused of the a7 series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. It uses a 4K-optimized, image stabilized 12MP BSI CMOS sensor. Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon Buy at Adorama Panasonic Silver Award winnersLumix S5II - $1,700, $300 off
Photo: Richard Butler The Panasonic S5 II is an enthusiast-level camera with impressive feature sets for both stills and video, It's built around a 24MP CMOS sensor and uses the L-mount shared with Leica and Sigma. $1,697 at B&H $1,697 at AmazonLumix G9II - $1,600, $300 off
Photo: Brendan NystedtThe Lumix G9 II is the company's high-end Micro Four Thirds camera, featuring a 25MP sensor and phase detection autofocus.
$1,597 at Amazon $1,597 at Adorama Fujifilm Photo: Richard ButlerOutside of its Instax cameras, Fujifilm currently has only one camera on sale: the Gold Award-winning X-T5, which costs $1,600, $100 off its original price. You can read the full review here.
Buy now:
$1599 at Amazon.com OM SystemOM-1 Mark II - $1,899, $500 off
Photo: Shaminder Dulai $1,899 at B&H $1,899 at Amazon $1,899 at AdoramaOM-5 with 12-45mm F4 Pro lens - $1,099, $300 off
Photo: Brendan Nystedt The OM System OM-5 is a compact 20MP image-stabilized Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. $999 at B&H $1,099 at Amazon w/12-45mm F4 $999 at Adorama Lens Deals Nikon Image: NikonNIKKOR Z 70-200mm F2.8 - $500 off (after 11/28)
B&H Adorama AmazonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm F2.8 - $400 off
$2,000 at B&H $2,000 at AdoramaNIKKOR Z 35mm F1.8 - $250 off (after 11/28)
B&H AmazonNIKKOR Z 50mm F1.8 - $200 off (after 11/28)
B&H AmazonNIKKOR Z MC 105mm F2.8 - $200 off
$847 at B&H $847 at Amazon Canon Image: CanonRF 70-200mm F2.8 - $300 off
$2,500 at B&H $2,500 at AmazonRF 15-35mm F2.8 - $300 off
$2,100 at B&H $2,100 at AmazonRF 28-70mm F2 - $300 off
$2,624 at Amazon $2,800 at B&HRF 100mm F2.8 - $200 off
$999 at B&H $999 at Amazon SonyDo note: the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F2.8 that are on sale are the first-generation ones, which are a fair bit heavier than the second-generation ones.
Image: Sony
24-105mm F4 - $200 off
$1,100 at B&H $1,100 at Amazon24-70mm F2.8 - $200 off
$1,500 at B&H $1,500 at Amazon70-200mm F2.8 - $200 off
$1,800 at B&H $1,800 at Amazon24-70mm F4 - $200 off
$700 at B&H $700 at Amazon Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Image: Panasonic42.5mm F1.2 - $400 off
$1,079 at Amazon $1,200 at B&H35-100mm F2.8 - $300 off
$850 at B&H $850 at Amazon100-400mm F4-6.3 - $300 off
$1,300 at B&H $1,300 at Amazon10-25mm F1.7 - $300 off
$1,500 at B&H $1,500 at Amazon25-50mm F1.7 - $300 off
$1,500 at B&H $1,500 at Amazon50-200mm F2.8-4 - $300 off
$1,400 at B&H $1,400 at Amazon Full Frame Image: Panasonic16-35mm F4 - $400 off
$1,047 at Amazon $1,100 at B&H70-200mm F4 - $400 off
$1,100 at B&H{BuyButton: linkHref="https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Full-Frame-Stabilizer-Freeze-Resistant-Mirrorless/dp/B07N844X8Q/", linkTitle="$1,100 at Amazon}
70-200mm F2.8 - $400 off
$1,900 at B&H{BuyButton: linkHref="https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Full-Frame-Stabilizer-Freeze-Resistant-Mirrorless/dp/B07ZZQ3DCC", linkTitle="$1,900 at Amazon}
24-70mm F2.8 - $300 off
$1,700 at B&H $1,700 at Amazon Fujifilm Image: FujifilmXF 16-50mm F2.8-4.8 R LM WR - $200 off
$500 at B&H $500 at Amazon Sigma Image: Sigma150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS - $200 off | L-mount, E-mount
$1,299 at B&H $1,299 at Adorama500mm F5.6 DG DN OS - $200 off | L-mount, E-mount
Buy at B&H Buy at Amazon14mm F1.8 DG HSM - $200 off | E-mount
$1,249 at Amazon $1,299 at B&H Tamron Image: Tamron150-500mm f/5-6.7 - $200 off | E-mount, X-mount
$Buy at B&H Buy at Adorama35-150mm F2-2.8 - $200 off | E-mount, Z-mount
Buy at Amazon $1,800 at B&H28-75mm F2.8 - $200 off | E-mount
$700 at B&H $700 at Amazon Accessory Deals DPReview merchOkay, we'll level with you – our newly-released 25th anniversary merch isn't on sale. But if you're looking for a gift for photography nerds in your life, definitely head over to our pop-up shop and see if any of our shirts, mugs, or hats would fit the bill. They're only available for a limited time, so grab them while they're here.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. Products from our 25th Anniversary Pop-up Shop.Visit the DPReview Pop-up Shop
MacBook ProsApple doesn't generally run sales on its laptops, which are well-liked by photographers and other creatives. However, that doesn't stop retailers like Best Buy, B&H, Costco, or Amazon from knocking $200-300 off the price for Black Friday, even for the latest M4-equipped models. The ones with older chips are no slouches either, just make sure you're not getting one of the entry-level ones with a vastly insufficient 8GB of memory.
Peak DesignYou can get Peak Design's normally $600 carbon fiber travel tripod for $480.
Photo: Dan Bracaglia
Peak Design makes camera straps, tripods, and camera-focused packs, some of which are popular around the DPReview office. Most of them are currently 20% off, which can be a fair chunk off the price if you're looking at a higher-end item like its carbon fiber travel tripod or camera-ready Everyday Backpack.
NiSi FiltersIf you're looking for lens filters, NiSi is having a 20% off sale on most of its offerings. That can add up to some rather substantial savings if you're looking to stock up on different sizes or strengths of ND or black mist filters, or if you're shopping for a pricier piece of glass like a variable ND filter.
Software Deals DXODXO has put its photo-focused apps on sale. Its full Raw editing suite, PhotoLab 8, is available for $180 ($50 off its normal price) for first-time buyers, or $90 as an upgrade. Its plugin pack, film emulation pack, geometry correction software, and Raw processing software, are also on sale.
Davinci Resolve Image: BlackmagicDavinci Resolve Studio, the upgrade to the free Davinci Resolve video editing software, is also on sale for Black Friday; you can pick it up for $235, $60 off its usual price.
B&H Topaz LabsTopaz Labs is well known for its AI-powered noise reduction and upscaling software. You can get it for 50% off from the company's website. It's also running a deal where you can bundle all its programs – Photo AI 3, Video AI 5, and Gigapixel 8 – together for $399.
Find a deal we missed? Leave it in the comments!
A Chinese mobile tech company known for its rugged devices has launched what's claimed to be the world's first 5G rugged tablet that also packs a built-in DLP projector. The Tank Pad also features an 800-lumen light to brighten up camping adventures.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Projectors, Pico projector, Tablet, Rugged
Upending long-held beliefs that testosterone levels regulate sexual desire, a new study has found that while the hormone plays a key role in reproductive success, elevated concentrations appear more intrinsically tied to 'courtship' – particularly in single men.
Tags: University of California Santa Barbara, University of California, Hormone, Sex, Reproduction
Tamron has announced that it's launching its first lens for Canon's RF mount, the 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD, next month. The APS-C lens has been available on Sony's E-mount and Fujifilm's X mount for a while, and Tamron announced it'd be coming in April of this year, but now it'll actually be available to buy.
The 11-20mm F2.8 has a moisture-resistant build, and an optical formula consisting of 12 elements in 10 groups. It has two glass molded aspherical elements, one XLD element and two LD elements. It also has Tamron's second-generation anti-reflective coating, as well as a fluorine coating for oil and water resistance on the front element.
When attached to a Canon APS-C body, it should make for a relatively small kit. It weighs 340g (12 oz) and is 84mm (3.3") long. It accepts 67mm filters.
Given Canon APS-C cameras' 1.6x crop compared to full-frame, this lens will be roughly equivalent to 18-32mm.
When it launches on December 12th, it'll be the third zoom lens available for RF mount not made by Canon itself, alongside the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 and 18-50mm F2.8. It rounds out a selection of lenses for the system that was quite sparse just a year ago, owing to how tightly Canon has controled the license for its mount.
The Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD will cost $659.
Press Release:
TAMRON Announces the Launch of Its First CANON RF mount LensThe compact, lightweight, fast-aperture F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)
Commack, NY, November 26, 2024 – Tamron announces the launch of TAMRON’s first CANON RF mount lens, 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A1 RXD (Model B060), an ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras at $659 USD / $899 CAD on December 12, 2024.
The 11-20mm F2.8 is a fast-aperture zoom lens covering a focal length range from ultra wide-angle 11mm to 20mm2, with a maximum aperture of F2.8 across its full range of focal lengths. With a surprisingly compact and lightweight design for a fast ultra wide-angle zoom lens, the lens feels well balanced when attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body, making it ideal for daily use.
Despite its small, lightweight design, the lens delivers high-level imaging power with its uncompromising optical design. Wide macro shooting is possible at 11mm with an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, and its stunning close-range shooting performance enables creative use of perspective at the wide end.
The lens also incorporates an AF drive system with an RXD (Rapid-eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit that is remarkably quiet. The lens accurately captures not only still images but also video. It is highly practical, with Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, and other features designed for outdoor shooting, letting users easily enjoy the high image quality of this ultra wide-angle fast -aperture F2.8 lens under a range of conditions.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS1. Fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens
The 11-20mm F2.8 (full-frame equivalent of 17.6-32mm) allows for the capture of landscapes and architecture with the dynamic perspective unique to ultra wide-angle lenses. It is also well-suited for indoor group portraits and real estate photography by leveraging its wide-angle focal lengths. At the telephoto end, it supports everyday snapshots with its natural field of view close to one’s view, all while delivering soft and beautiful bokeh with its F2.8 aperture.
2. Compact and lightweight
Designed with APS-C mirrorless cameras in mind, the 11-20mm F2.8 provides a compact and lightweight form, measuring just 3.3” (84.2mm) in length and weighing 12 oz. (340g), allowing you to shoot without worrying about weight. When used with a compatible APS-C mirrorless camera body, you’ll enjoy handheld shooting of still images and find it comfortable to shoot video even when using a compact tripod or gimbal.
3. AF/MF Switch and TAMRON Lens Utility Compatibility
The CANON RF mount includes an AF/MF switch. Additionally, the lens features a Connector Port for users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware via TAMRON Lens Utility™ software.
4. Outstanding optical performance
The optical construction uses 12 elements in 10 groups including two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements to maintain high resolution across the entire image area. It also incorporates one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to effectively suppress aberrations, ensuring clear image quality. Additionally, the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating minimizes ghosting and flare, faithfully rendering details even in backlit conditions.
5. MOD of 5.9” (0.15m) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4
With an MOD of 5.9” (0.15m) at 11mm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, the 11-20mm F2.8 surpasses traditional ultra wide-angle zoom lenses in its close-up capabilities. This allows for wide-angle macro photography and creative shallow depth of field effects, enhancing subject prominence against blurred backgrounds.
6. High performance autofocus system for both still and video use
Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary RXD motor unit, the autofocus system delivers high-speed and high-precision focusing. It accurately captures moving subjects and is suitable for both still photography and video. Its quiet RXD stepping motor is ideal for capturing moments where noise may be a concern, or silence is required.
7. High convenience and protective features
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under license from Canon Inc.
1: Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
2: The full-frame equivalent of 17.6-32mm.
Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD specifications Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length11–20 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountCanon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF2.8Minimum apertureF16Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades7OpticsElements12Groups10Special elements / coatings2 aspherical + 1 XLD + 2 LD elements, BBAR-G2 coatingFocusMinimum focus0.15 m (5.91″)Maximum magnification0.25×AutofocusYesMotor typeStepper motorFull time manualNoFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoFocus distance limiterNoPhysicalWeight335 g (0.74 lb)Diameter73 mm (2.87″)Length86 mm (3.39″)SealingYesColourBlackFilter thread67 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarNoDJI has announced the Mic Mini, a wireless lavalier microphone kit. The 'Mini' part of the name refers to the omnidirectional microphones themselves, which weigh only 10g and are small enough that they shouldn't be a huge distraction when clipped to someone's shirt or collar.
In addition to the built-in clip, you can use a magnet to mount the microphone transmitter pack to your talent, though that will add a slight bit of weight. The included windscreens will also make the microphone more noticeable but will cut down on wind noise.
The microphone / transmitter pack is really quite small.
Image: DJI
DJI says the microphones have two levels of built-in noise cancelation. The first is meant for "quiet indoor settings" with constant noises like AC or fans. The second level is more aggressive and is meant for noisier outdoor environments. It also has an automatic limiting feature to prevent clipping if there's a sudden loud noise, and you can control microphone gain via a five-step knob on the receiver pack.
According to the company, the microphones can connect to the receiver at a distance of up to 400m (just under 1/4 mile), though that's obviously assuming ideal conditions. The microphone's battery should last up to 11.5 hours on a charge, with the receiver lasting up to 10.5 hours, though popping each in the charging case for five minutes can net you up to an extra hour of use. DJI says the battery in the charging case can fully charge the system around 3.6 times.
There are quite a few options for getting audio out of the system. The receiver has a 3.5mm output jack that you can use to connect to a camera with the included TRS cable. The microphone pack can also directly connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and cameras that support DJI's OsmoAudio system, such as the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3, without going through the receiver. If you pair the microphone to your phone, you can also use it to record an audio track that'll automatically be synced with the footage from DJI's Neo drone.
The Mic Mini comes in several configurations. You can get two microphones, a receiver, a USB-C phone adapter, and a charging case to hold it all for $170, or a single transmitter and receiver for $89. If you opt for that option, you can add on to it later – the microphones are available a la carte for $59, and the charging case is $49.
The charging case charges each component and stores the phone adapter.
Image: DJI
There are also versions of the kits that come with a Lightning adapter for older iPhones, which cost $19 more than their USB-C counterparts. If you get a bundle without the charging case, they come with a charging dock powered by USB-C for the microphone transmitter packs.
There are a few downsides to the Mic Mini versus DJI's higher-end Mic 2 system. It doesn't support 32-bit float recording, which can pretty much entirely eliminate clipping, and the Mini mic packs don't support external lavalier mics or internal recording. The trade-off, of course, is that they're less than half the weight of the ones for the Mic 2 and are substantially less noticeable when clipped to someone's shirt.
There are other differences as well. The Mic 2 has 'Intelligent' noise cancelation that doesn't require you to pick which level you need manually, and its transmitter lets you change settings without having to be connected to an app. However, the larger system, which costs $219, has substantially less range and shorter battery life. Those trade-offs likely won't be deal breakers if you need the extra capabilities, but they're worth keeping in mind.
The Mic Mini is available today from DJI and other retailers.
$169 at B&H $169 at Amazon $169 at DJIPress Release:
DJI Expands OsmoAudio™ Offerings with DJI Mic Mini, the New Mini Wireless MicrophoneWeighing just 10g, DJI Mic Mini delivers powerful performance in an ultra-light body, allowing content creators to carry less and capture more
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announced DJI Mic Mini. This ultralight, compact, wireless microphone offers powerful performance for content creators. DJI’s latest microphone offering, DJI Mic Mini is a fantastic starter microphone, boasting an ultra-long battery life and a notably stable transmission of high-quality audio with entry-level pricing.
“DJI Mic Mini packs unbelievable sound into an incredibly compact, extremely light package, bringing the high quality audio expected from DJI in a mini microphone at a modest price of $169,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “Content creators can count on capturing remarkably dynamic, crystal-clear sound, no matter the environment, and will enjoy the wearability and utility of DJI Mic Mini. DJI continues to serve the wide audience of creators with the highest level of innovative tools, from providing filmmakers with Emmy-winning Inspire drone technology and the Ronin cinematography ecosystem to today’s launch, bringing premium audio capture to all levels of content creators.”
Light, Portable, and Easy-to-Use with Efficient Operation and Production Features
Weighing only 10g1 - less than half the weight of DJI Mic 2 - DJI Mic Mini is discreet and comfortable, with multiple ways to wear that won’t weigh down collars or stretch-thin T-shirts, ensuring a clean on-camera appearance. Wearers can clip it on a shirt, attach it to clothing with magnets, or wear it on a lanyard.
Quality features are packed into DJI Mic Mini to help content creators make the richest, most detailed sound possible, keeping in mind post-production needs as well. With two-level noise canceling technology1, content creators need not worry about recording in loud environments such as crowded halls or outdoor events. The basic is perfect for quiet indoor settings, reducing fan, air conditioning, and reverb noises while preserving vocal clarity, while the strong level cuts ambient noise and focuses on vocals in noisy settings. DJI Mic Mini’s windscreens also significantly lower wind noise, providing clean sound capture in outdoor venues.
Automatic limiting lowers the volume if the audio input is too high, efficiently preventing clipping that causes distortion1. Creators can also adjust the gain quickly using the dial on the receiver, cycling through five level options to control the input of the captured sound.
The innovative design of the all-in-one charging case conveniently keeps all items together, neatly storing two transmitters, one receiver, mobile phone adapters, and windscreens—making DJI Mic Mini super portable and easy to carry or store.
Capture Detail-Rich, Reliable Audio
Despite its miniature form factor, DJI Mic Mini doesn’t skimp on sound quality1. It features omnidirectional audio recording. The receiver can pair with two transmitters at once, making it possible to record from multiple sources without sacrificing detail. This ensures that the audio captured maintains a consistently high quality.
With dual channel recording (Mono and Stereo), creators can separate the audio from the two transmitters, or combine it into a single track, providing creative flexibility and control. The DJI Mimo App offers a safety track, recording at a volume six dB lower than the main track, providing a fail-safe for audio issues like clipping and distortion and ensuring the audio captured is usable, even if the live performance had fluctuating volumes.
Audio can be transmitted up to 400 meters1, and with DJI Mic Mini's powerful anti-interference capabilities, the recording remains stable and high quality even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street or crowded event.
For the content creator on the road capturing longer-form content like podcasts or livestreams, a fully charged DJI Mic Mini case provides 48 hours1 of extended use and can provide one hour of use after a quick five-minute charge. The receiver and transmitter are fully charged in approximately 100 and 90 minutes1, respectively, avoiding any lengthy delays between recording sessions.
Also, the transmitter will automatically enter sleep mode when it doesn't detect a signal from the receiver, saving power and alleviating creators of the need to keep powering the mic on and off. Finally, the DJI Mimo app can be used to set an automatic power off after a designated period of time, preventing a drained battery and allowing creators to preserve more power for their creativity.
Premium Wireless Recording Thanks to OsmoAudio™ and Direct Connections with DJI Products and Smartphones
DJI’s OsmoAudio™ ecosystem ensures premium sound capture, and the DJI Mic Mini transmitter can connect directly with the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, simplifying the creator workflow.
DJI Mic Mini also conveniently connects directly to smartphones via Bluetooth, no receiver required, so anyone with a smartphone can capture audio recordings with third-party filming apps1.
Creators can connect the DJI Fly app to the DJI Neo drone and DJI Mic Mini via Bluetooth to record audio and overlay it with their aerial footage. The app allows creators to eliminate propeller noise, merge audio tracks with footage, and ensure excellent sound even when shooting low-altitude vlogs.
Use of DJI Mic Mini is extremely versatile, with multi-device compatibility for creators using cameras, smartphones, computers, or tablets to record content1. When connected to a camera via the Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), it supports synchronized power on/off with the camera. When connected to a smartphone, it allows for external playback without unplugging and can be charged by the smartphone. When the receiver connects to a smartphone and then to a power source via the USB-C port, both devices can be simultaneously charged during use.
Price and Availability
DJI Mic Mini is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
The DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) retails for $169, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, two DJI Mic Mini Transmitters (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Charging Case, DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic Mini USB-C Charging Cable, four DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, two DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnets, and a DJI Mic Mini Carrying Pouch.
The DJI Mic Mini (1 TX + 1 RX) retails for $89, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), two DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, a DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Mini Compact Carrying Pouch, a DJI Mic Mini Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter Charging Dock.
The DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black) and DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Arctic White) can also be purchased separately at $59 each. The DJI Mic Mini Charging Case retails at $49.
1. All data was measured using a production model in a controlled environment. For more information, please refer to our official website.
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