Image: Apple

Apple has announced its new suite of MacBook Pros, which now come equipped with the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The company is also making its 'nano-texture' matte display option available for the first time in its laptop lineup.

Apple says the new laptops also come with an upgraded webcam that supports Center Stage, a feature which crops in on the subject, keeping them in the middle of the frame even if they're moving around.

The display can also now go up to 1,000 nits in SDR mode; previously, you could only attain that brightness while looking at HDR content. That should make it easier to see the monitor, even in harsh lighting conditions. If you consistently work outside or in front of a window, it may also be worth considering the $150 'nano-texture' display option, which Apple says will "reduce glare and reflections in bright spaces."

As with the previous generation, there's one computer that stands a little apart from the others: the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the regular M4. It starts at $1,599 and includes a 10-core CPU and GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. While it has most of the features of the other models, it misses out on Thunderbolt 5, which promises up to 120Gbps transfers, instead getting stuck with the previous-generation 40Gbps interface. However, it now has a third Thunderbolt port on the right side of the computer; the previous model only had two, both on the left side.

The M4 Pro was announced yesterday alongside the refreshed Mac Mini, but the M4 Max is new to the lineup. CPU-wise, it starts at the same level as the top-end M4 Pro with 14 cores, but you can add two more. The GPU is also much more powerful; it starts at 32 cores and goes up to 40. This also allows it to support up to four external displays, while the M4 and M4 Pro models can only handle two.

The M4 Pro and Max models are available with both 14- and 16-inch displays; the base M4 is only available in the 14-inch chassis.

M4 M4 Pro M4 Max Screen size 14" 14" / 16" 14" / 16" CPU 10 core (4 performance, 6 efficiency) 12 core (8 performance, 4 efficiency) / 14 core (10 performance, 4 efficiency) 14 core (10 performance, 4 efficiency) / 16 core (12 performance, 4 efficiency) GPU 10 core 16 core / 20 core 32 core / 40 core Memory 16GB base, up to 32GB 24GB base, up to 48GB 36GB base, up to 128GB Storage 512GB, up to 2TB 512GB, up to 4TB 1TB, up to 8TB Connectivity Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 5 Thunderbolt 5

One minor disappointment that won't surprise anyone who's been following the iMac and Mac Mini announcements: the new MacBook Pros are still using Wi-Fi 6E instead of the newer Wi-Fi 7. It's an easier flaw to overlook on desktop computers that mostly come equipped with Ethernet ports, but on a mobile-first computer, it's a bit of a strange decision. Otherwise, the MacBook Pros have very similar connectivity to their predecessors: three Thunderbolt ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI port, an SD card reader and MagSafe power adapter.

The new MacBook Pros are available for pre-order today and will ship on November 8th.

Image: Apple

Apple has announced that the M2 and M3 MacBook Air will now come standard with 16GB of RAM, fixing a major flaw on otherwise great computers.

The laptops previously came with a restrictive 8GB of memory, forcing people to decide whether they wanted a computer that could struggle when multitasking or to pay the exorbitant $200 upgrade fee to jump to 16GB. Now, that's no longer a consideration; the MacBook Air now just comes with double the RAM for the same starting price: $999 for the M2 model and $1099 for the M3-equipped version.

If this news has made you consider getting one – they are quite capable laptops for their price and can handle a fair amount of photo editing – you should be a bit cautious. 8GB models will likely still be floating around at various retailers for a while. At the time of writing, Best Buy is currently selling a 13-inch M3 MacBook Air with a lower amount of RAM for $1,099, the same price as the 16GB model now costs from Apple.

It would be an understatement to say that there are currently a lot of bit-driver-equipped multitools on Kickstarter. A new one sets itself apart from the pack, however, in that it sports a total of six features including storage space for four bits.

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Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle

Tags: Multitools, Titanium, Wrench, Kickstarter

As someone who constantly battles with their overly distracting phone, I'm glad to see more minimalist handsets on the scene that are designed to be used as little as possible – like the upcoming Mudita Kompakt.

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Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology

Tags: Smartphones, Gadgets, Minimalist, Kickstarter, Crowdfunding, E-Ink

Most of us are familiar with the vest-clad beagle that hunts for illegal fruits and plants in the travelers' luggage at airports. Now, a species of giant pouched rat has been trained to fulfill a similar role in finding illegal wildlife products.

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Category: Science

Tags: Illegal, Shipping, shipping containers, Duke University, Wildlife, Conservation

In a conversation with XPRIZE Founder Peter Diamandis, Musk laid out what he sees coming from the rising force of AI, while laying out a timeframe for SpaceX's first unmanned and manned Mars missions, and lots more.

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Category: AI & Humanoids, Technology

Tags: Elon Musk, Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), LLM (Large Language Model), Artificial Intelligence

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Nikon

Nikon has said it is developing a Nikkor Z 28-135mm F4 PZ power zoom long standard lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The power zoom design will make it particularly suited to video work, with the company highlighting documentary work by small or solo video teams as a possible target audience. The company has provided a single rendering of the lens, showing a short but substantial lens with a removable tripod foot, that's unusual for a lens of this range and aperture, but making it easy to mount directly to sticks or a monopod.

No details of price, availability or expected development date have been provided.

Comparing the rendering to other Nikkor lenses, we estimate the lens will be in the region of 173mm long and 105mm wide. The image shows the lens as taking a 95mm filter, though a matte box is likely to be just as common as the use of filters when used for video.

Press release:

Nikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a standard zoom lens for the Nikon Z mount system

A Lens with Power Zoom for Video Creators

MELVILLE, NY (October 30, 2024) Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the ongoing development of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted.

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a standard zoom lens with power zoom that covers the focal range from 28mm to 135mm. It is designed to provide ease of use and superior optical performance for video recording, supporting efficient recording for documentaries and location work by a solo videographer or small crew.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users' needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

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Canon has announced the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, a telephoto zoom lens aimed at professional photographers and videographers, and designed to work with both EOS and Cinema EOS cameras.

The lens features a non-extending, internal zoom design, with the big news for many users being that it works with Canon's 1.4x and 2x RF-mount teleconverters, enabling focal lengths up to 400mm. It will be available in two colors.

Canon's original 70-200mm F2.8 lens for RF-mount, the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, featured a collapsible design for compact size but didn't include teleconverter compatibility. A Canon representative told us the new lens should appeal to people who haven’t upgraded from their EF lenses because the original RF version didn't meet their needs. We're told both will remain in the lineup.

Optically, the lens features 18 elements in 15 groups, including two Super UD, one UD, and three aspherical elements. It also includes Canon's Air Sphere coating to control ghosting and flare and has a fluorine-coated front element and an 82mm filter thread.

Buy now:

$2999 at Adorama$2999 at B&H Photo$2999 at Canon Image: Canon

A focusing lens group and a floating focus lens are each driven by Nano USM motors. This design helps give the lens a minimum focus distance of 0.49m (1.61ft) at 70mm, but its maximum magnification of 0.3x occurs at 200mm.

Optical image stabilization is rated up to 5.5 stops at the center of the image and up to 7.5 stops at the center (7.0 stops at the corners) when used on a camera with in-body image stabilization.

The new lens has the same 89mm (3.5") diameter as the collapsible RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, but at 199mm (7.8") in length, it's a full 53mm longer. A more apt size comparison is Canon's EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS III USM, the last such lens it made for EF mount, which shares the same dimensions. However, at 1115 g (2.5 lbs), the new lens is about 25% lighter than the EF version.

Canon's telephoto zooms have historically sported a white paint job, but the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available in both black and white variations, including a matching lens hood, reflecting the differing preferences of video and stills shooters.

Image: Canon

In response to one of the most frequent requests it received from owners of its existing 70-200mm lenses, Canon redesigned the zoom ring to operate more quickly, making it possible to "go from 70 to 200mm with the flick of the wrist."

In a nod to hybrid shooters, the lens uses the exact same housing and internal mechanics as the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, making it easy for video users to switch between the two lenses on a rig without adjustment. It includes weather-sealed electrical contacts and mounting points for Canon's PZ-E2 power zoom adapter, and a clickless aperture ring (compatible with the EOS R5 II and EOS R1) to allow for stepless iris control when shooting video.

Canon claims the lens exhibits minimal focus breathing, though a representative told us it will exhibit the best performance on a camera body that includes breathing corrections.

Price and availability

The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is expected to be available in November at a suggested retail price of $2999. That's $200 more than the existing, retractable RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, which retails for $2799 and will remain in Canon's lineup.

Press release:

Expanding the Range of Expression: Canon Announces Three New L Series Hybrid Lenses

MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the launch of three new RF L series hybrid lenses: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM, RF50mm F1.4 L VCM and RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z. Designed for professional visual storytellers who need to switch between photography and video, these three lenses continue Canon’s steadfast commitment to meeting the demands of high-level photo and video content creators.

RF24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF50mm F1.4 L VCM

If you are on a quest for impressive, dramatic content, RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses would be excellent additions to your gear bag. For those who are professional photo/video users, journalists or in-house production creators, these two lenses are designed for hybrid use and optimized for those switching from photo and video needs quickly. They feature an optical design that utilizes the RF mount to achieve high quality across the entire image area. Quiet, fast and precise AF are thanks to Canon’s latest actuator and focusing system and the unified exterior helps with easier gimbal adjustments for more efficient shooting. The expressive power of a f/1.4 aperture in combination with a wider field of view than what the human eye can capture, makes perspective more prominent and brings images vividly to life. Additional features include:

• Compact, with a length of 3.9 inches, and lightweight: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM is 18.1 ounces and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM is 20.4 ounces
• With a combination of VCM and Nano USM actuators, stable video composition with little breathing
• Customizable with an iris ring for controlling aperture during shooting, lens function button and customizable control and focus rings

RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z

A telephoto lens that is versatile across the spectrum – including sports, fashion and news reporting – the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z is an RF L series lens that takes into consideration functions end-users value most. Taking the same exterior case design and internal mechanics of the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens balances well as a companion on gimbals and rigs. Compatible with extenders, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z produces high-quality images with its large f/2.8 zoom aperture and has minimal focus breathing, ideal for content creators. Its iris ring enables fine-tuned video recording and its compatibility with power zoom adapters makes it a strong addition for video production needs. Additional features include:

• Close up shooting with a maximum magnification of 0.3x
• Image stabilization equal up to 5.5 stops in the center on the lens alone, or up to 7.5 stops in the center, up to 7.0 stops in the corners in coordinate control within-body IS
• Dust and drip resistant construction as well as light weight at approximately 1,100 grams

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses are expected to be available in December at estimated retail price of $1,499.00* and $1,399.00,* respectively.

Canon RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens is expected to be available in November at estimated
retail price of $2,999.00*

* Specifications, pricing, and availability subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by dealers and may vary.

RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z specifications Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length70–200 mmImage stabilizationYesCIPA Image stabilization rating5.5 stop(s)Lens mountCanon RFApertureMaximum apertureF2.8Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements18Groups15Special elements / coatings2 Super UD, 1 UD, 3 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coatingFocusMinimum focus0.49 m (19.29″)Maximum magnification0.3×AutofocusYesMotor typeNano ultrasonicFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoFocus distance limiterYesPhysicalWeight1115 g (2.46 lb)Diameter89 mm (3.48″)Length199 mm (7.83″)SealingYesColourAvailable in black or whiteZoom methodRotary (internal)Power zoomNoFilter thread82 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarYes

Buy now:

$2999 at Adorama$2999 at B&H Photo$2999 at Canon

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RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM.

Image: Canon

Canon has announced two prime lenses: the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM. Both lenses are part of its new 'hybrid' series of lenses designed to work with both EOS and Cinema EOS cameras.

According to Canon, the new lenses are aimed at users who need to switch between photo and video frequently or quickly, including professional shooters, journalists and in-house production creators.

Both lenses are intended to match Canon's previously announced RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM. All three lenses share the same design and have a unified exterior with the same dimensions, at 77mm (3.0") in diameter and 99mm (3.9") long. They're also very close in weight, ranging from 515g (1.1 lbs.) for the 24mm lens to 580g (1.3 lbs.) for the 50mm lens. The 35mm lens sits in the middle at 555g (1.2 lbs.)

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Canon

RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM.

Image: Canon

In principle, the matched size, control layout, and similar weights should make it much easier for video shooters to use the lenses on a video rig or gimbal without requiring adjustments with each lens change.

Other common lens features include an iris ring for controlling aperture while shooting (compatible with the EOS R5 II and EOS R1), customizable control and focus rings, a lens function button, and a 67mm filter thread.

Optically, the 24mm F1.4 comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, including two UD and one aspherical element. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.24m (9.4") and a maximum magnification of 0.17x. Canon says it should be a good lens for astrophotography, delivering sharp corners and stars without distortion.

The 50mm F1.4's design is made up from 14 elements in 11 groups, including one UD and two aspherical lenses. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.4m (15.7") and a maximum magnification of 0.15x.

Buy now:

Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at Canon

RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM mounted on the EOS R5 II.

Image: Canon

Both lenses include Canon's Air Sphere Coating, Super Spectra Coating and a fluorine-coated front element. The wide-angle 24mm F1.4 also includes Canon's Sub Wavelength Coating for controlling internal reflections from light approaching with a high angle of incidence.

Canon claims both lenses will deliver fast, quiet and precise autofocus thanks to a combination of VCM and Nano USM motors. Their independently-driven twin focus group designs also allow the lens to achieve minimal focus breathing for video work.

Price and availability

The RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM are expected to be available in December. The RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM has a suggested retail price of $1499, and the RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM has a suggested retail price of $1399.

For additional information, please see Canon's press release.

RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM specifications  Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCMCanon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCMPrincipal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length24 mm50 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountCanon RFApertureMaximum apertureF1.4Minimum apertureF16Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements1514Groups11Special elements / coatings2 UD, 1 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coating1 UD, 2 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coatingFocusMinimum focus0.24 m (9.45″)0.40 m (15.75″)Maximum magnification0.17×0.15×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight515 g (1.14 lb)580 g (1.28 lb)Diameter77 mm (3.01″)Length99 mm (3.91″)Filter thread67 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarNo

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Canon

Canon has announced the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual, the latest addition to its EOS VR System, designed for social media content creators and enthusiast videographers. It says the lens offers an affordable way to start exploring the world of VR and spatial content creation.

Canon told us previously that it expects a lot of growth in the VR space and that it's seeing demand from creators for VR, 3D and spatial creation tools, and Apple teased the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual during its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote in June.

With a 7.8mm focal length and a 63º angle of view, Canon says the lens will capture photos and video using a square aspect ratio. Its stereoscopic lenses use a straight optical path that's much less complex than those found in its more expensive RF-S 3.9mm F3.5mm STM and RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lenses.

Buy now:

$449 at Adorama$449 at B&H Photo$449 at Canon

The interpupillary distance between the two lenses is 11.6mm, and the strongest spatial effects will occur with objects between about 15 and 50cm (6–20") from the lens, so Canon says placing objects in the foreground will enhance the spatial effect. Where necessary, the focus/control ring can be used for fine left/right focus adjustments, and users can swap between the right and left views on the rear screen to confirm focus, though Canon suggests this isn't something that needs to be done regularly.

The RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual mounted on the EOS R7.

Image: Canon

After capturing video, users can use the EOS VR plug-in for Adobe Premiere to convert footage to 3D 180º VR or the EOS VR Utility software (subscription required) to convert footage into 3D 180º VR, 3D Theater, or spatial video for consumption on a device like the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest 3.

Canon says the lens was designed for simplicity and operates similarly to a standard 2D camera lens and that the $449 price reflects its intention to make it a cost-effective option for creators wanting to experiment with 3D or spatial content.

The RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual is compatible with the EOS R7 running firmware 1.60.

Price and availability

The RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual is expected to be available in November for a suggested retail price of $449.

Press release:

Canon Introduces the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens: Expanding Capabilities for VR and 3D Content Creators.

MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for social media content creators and enthusiast videographers. Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 and the latest addition to the growing EOS VR System lineup, this innovative lens offers a practical and affordable way to explore storytelling in the expanding world of VR and 3D content creation.

Previewed at Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024 keynote, this lens has been crafted for those looking to explore new visual formats, particularly with the rising interest in spatial video content. The 7.8mm focal length and 60-degree angle of view provide an immersive field of vision, for capturing detailed 3D content, allowing creators to deliver captivating and lifelike visual experiences.

Making VR and 3D content creation accessible to a wider audience, Canon has designed the RF- S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens with a focus on simplicity. Even with its advanced features, the lens operates much like a traditional 2D RF-mount lens, with a straightforward workflow that empowers even newcomers to VR and spatial production to achieve impressive results. After capturing video with this interchangeable lens, users can leverage the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® Pro to convert footage to 3D 180° VR, or the EOS VR Utility software (separately available with a paid subscription) to convert the footage into 3D 180° VR, 3D Theater, and spatial video ready to be experienced on devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, offering a seamless transition from camera to immersive viewing.

Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 camera body, the high-speed autofocus and high-resolution image sensor, coupled with Canon’s renowned color science, effortlessly captures detailed VR content and Spatial videos whether you’re shooting in controlled environments or on the go.

“With the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, Canon is not only providing a new visual tool but also enhancing the way creators communicate using emerging VR, spatial and 3D technologies,” said Hiroto Kato, vice president, Imaging Products & Solutions at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This lens allows users to capture immersive content, bridging the gap between traditional content creation and the latest in VR and Spatial imagery. It’s an exciting step forward in making high-quality 3D content more approachable for everyone.”

As the demand for VR content continues to climb, the need for user-friendly 3D imaging equipment becomes increasingly important. The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is designed to meet this demand, working seamlessly with devices from Apple Vision Pro to Meta Quest 3, lowering the barriers to creating 3D images, making immersive content more accessible for anyone, from casual hobbyists to dedicated enthusiasts.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $449.99*. For additional information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.

* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual specifications Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format sizeAPS-C / DXFocal length7.8 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountCanon RFApertureMaximum apertureF4Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades7OpticsElements9Groups7Special elements / coatings2 UD lens elementsFocusMinimum focus0.15 m (5.91″)Maximum magnification0.07×AutofocusYesMotor typeStepper motorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight131 g (0.29 lb)Diameter69 mm (2.72″)Length42 mm (1.63″)Filter thread58 mmHood suppliedNoTripod collarNo

Buy now:

$449 at Adorama$449 at B&H Photo$449 at Canon

Trakka has long been building some of Australia's most rugged, agile off-grid adventure campers, from its original Volkswagen T2s, to its pop-top Toyota Land Cruisers, to a modern lineup of nomadic workspaces, modular camper kits, and Outback-ready exploration machines. Now it's kicking off what might just be its most luxurious lineup yet. It starts with the 2025 Torino, a 599-cm (236-in) Fiat Ducato that's ready to take off-grid living to new heights with a 48-V electrical system that makes possible premium features like a washing machine, big screen smart TV, and slide-out wood-fire BBQ grill.

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Category: Automotive, Transport

Tags: Campervan, Trakka Campers, Off-grid, RV, Outdoors and Camping, Camping, Modular

Imagine an 8K-shooting camera drone that fits in a pocket, costs less than $700, and can be used with or without a remote. That's the HoverAIR X1 ProMax, and while the drone itself is great, one of its optional peripherals is still a work in progress.

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Category: Drones, Consumer Tech, Technology

Tags: Reviews, Camera drone

Head- and tail lights definitely help make bicycles visible from the front and back, but what about from the sides? The handlebar-plug-replacing SideLights are designed to address that shortcoming, plus they serve as headlights, tail lights and turn indicators.

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

Tags: bike lights, Cycling, Road Safety, Kickstarter

Pedal-assist bikes can be a great way to ride farther and explore more, but many are much heavier than regular bikes. That's not the case with the upcoming Endorphin from Desiknio, which rides as a stealthy lightweight ebike that's "built for comfort and endurance."

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

Tags: ebikes, Pedal-assisted, Mahle

Image: Apple

Apple has announced a new Mac Mini, which introduces a new design for the desktop computer featuring two front-facing 10Gbps USB-C ports and a high-impedance headphone jack. Also new is the M4 Pro, a more powerful version of Apple's latest chip, though you can also get the Mac Mini with a regular M4 as well.

Apple says the new case for the Mac Mini is just 12.7cm wide, 12.7cm deep, and 5 cm tall (5" x 5" x 2"). The previous M2 model was 19.70 cm x 19.70 cm x 3.58 cm (7.75" x 7.75" x 1.41").

Another big change from the previous model is the lack of USB-A ports. On the back are three Thunderbolt ports – which generation depends on your choice of chip – an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port, which is Gigabit by default but can be optioned to support 10Gbps. The computer also supports Wi-Fi 6E – not Wi-Fi 7 – and Bluetooth 5.3.

So long USB-A, hello Thunderbolt 5 (on some models).

Image: Apple

Back to the ports on the rear: The ones on the regular M4 Mac Mini are the standard 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports that have been on Apple's computers for a while now. However, if you get the M4 Pro model, you'll also get the first Mac with Thunderbolt 5, which can support data transfers at up to 120Gbps.

The M4 Pro, which is only available on the highest-end Mac Mini, starts with 8 'performance' CPU cores, 4 'efficiency' CPU cores and a 16-core GPU; there's also a model with two more performance cores and four more GPU cores. It also has over double the memory bandwidth of the regular M4 and can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM versus the 32GB that the regular M4 appears to top out at.

Both the M4 and M4 Pro variants support up to three displays, though the latter can support up to three 6K displays at 60Hz; the M4 can only manage two 6K/60Hz displays, and the third one will have to be 5K or lower.

The one disappointment for photographers is that the redesign doesn't add an SD card reader like the Mac Studio has. There will almost certainly be custom-made third-party docks that add one – and USB-A ports – but it would've been nice to see one included.

M4 Mac Mini M4 Pro Mac Mini CPU Cores

• 10 (4 performance, 6 efficiency)

• 12 (8 performance, 4 efficiency)
• 14 (10 performance, 4 efficiency)

GPU Cores 10 16 / 20 w/ 14-core CPU Connectivity

• 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports
• 2x USB-C 10GBps ports
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• HDMI (8K/60Hz or 4K 240Hz)
• Ethernet

• 3x Thunderbolt 5 ports
• 2x USB-C 10GBps ports
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• HDMI (8K/60Hz or 4K 240Hz)
• Ethernet

Displays

Three displays: 2x 6K/60Hz, 5K 60Hz

Two displays: 5K 60Hz, 8K 60Hz

Three displays: 3x 6K/60Hz

Two displays: 6K/60Hz, 8K 60Hz

RAM 16GB base, up to 32GB 24GB base, up to 64GB Storage Base: 256GB, up to 2TB Base: 512GB, up to 8TB

The Mac Mini starts at $599, with the entry-level model sporting a 10-core CPU and GPU M4, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The M4 Pro model is much pricier at $1,399, though it starts with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. If you're budgeting for the computer, though, do keep in mind that it doesn't include a keyboard, mouse, or monitor. You can pre-order the Mini today, and it will be available on November 8th.

Apple's also touting the new Mac Mini as its first 'Carbon Neutral' Mac, a feat it says it's achieved by making it out of 50% recycled materials, manufacturing it with 100% renewable energy, and prioritizing shipping via ocean instead of air. The company has stated that its goal is to be completely carbon-neutral by 2030.

The computer is the second Mac Apple's announced this week, after the M4 iMac. In the Mac Mini announcement video, the company says it will make its third announcement tomorrow, the 30th.

Image: Peak Design / Carryology

Well-known camera accessory brand Peak Design has teamed up with gear review publication Carryology to release special editions of several of its popular photography accessories. The brands' 'Essentials Collab' contains special editions of Peak Design's Capture Clip, Mobile Tripod and Cuff, as well as its Slide, Slide Lites and Leash straps.

The Capture Clip is the standout product in the collaboration. Normally it comes in black or silver, and is meant to give you an easy anchor point for your camera that can be mounted onto a backpack strap or belt. The Carryology version, however, includes a hexagonal print pattern on the back and is the same bright orange that features on several other Carryology Essentials products – though you'd be forgiven for initially mistaking it with the Cinnabar orange that Sony uses for its Alpha branding.

Buy Now:

Capture Clip: $85 at Peak Design

While the orange accents on the Carryology-branded straps and Cuff are decidedly more subtle, they actually have a functional difference compared to the standard Peak Design versions. According to the press release, they "incorporate Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene" threads to add durability and cut resistance.

The regular Slide strap is purely made of tubular nylon webbing, whereas the Carryology version also includes UHMWP. Image: Peak Design/Carryology

UHMWP—often sold under the brand name Dyneema—is a material well-known in the outdoor gear world, with its strength-to-weight ratio often being a big selling point. According to Peak Design, its inclusion in the straps could make it more difficult for someone to cut them in an attempt to steal your camera off your body. However, that does raise the question of whether you want an accessory that will frustrate criminals who are standing very close to you with a blade.

Putting that aside, using UHMWP should help make the strap more durable and could help give you a bit more confidence if you often use your camera around sharp objects such as rocks or industrial equipment. The orange hardware also definitely stands out compared to the black, grey, and silver levers that typically come on Peak Design's straps.

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Slide: $80 at Peak Design Leash: $55 at Peak Design Cuff: $40 at Peak Design

The final product in the lineup is the Mobile Tripod, which is designed to work with Peak Design's 'Everyday' phone cases or other MagSafe-compatible cases. Like the Capture Clip, it also has a hexagon-like print, though there's far less orange in the design.

The Mobile Tripod is a foldable stand that stores away on the back of your phone. Image: Peak Design / Carryology

Peak Design says the Carryology editions will sell for 10-15% more than the versions without the cobranding, and will be available today on Peak Design's site.