Grading Every Camera Maker: 2025 FINAL Review (Feat. Gordon Laing)

Godox Made a WEIRD Camera and Adobe Buys Topaz

Jul 1, 20261h 40mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, hosts Chris Nichols, Jaron Schneider, and Jordan Drake are joined by guest Matthew Grocutt to discuss the most significant stories in the industry. The conversation begins with the surprising news that Adobe is in the process of acquiring Topaz Labs. The hosts explore how this move aligns with Adobe’s strategy to integrate powerful AI-driven noise reduction and upscaling tools directly into its ecosystem, potentially consolidating its dominance in the creative software market. The discussion shifts to hardware, covering Samyang’s completion of its full-frame autofocus zoom lens trinity with the new 60-180mm f/2.8. The team notes the impressive portability of this lens compared to traditional professional telephoto zooms. They also dive into Leica’s latest announcements, specifically praising the character and performance of the new 50mm f/1.4 lens while noting its premium positioning. Finally, the group addresses the growing tension between tourism and photography safety at Big Sur’s iconic Bixby Bridge, where officials are implementing stricter parking restrictions to mitigate dangerous traffic congestion caused by crowds seeking the perfect photo.

VSCO's Fiasco, Sony's New Sensor, and Fujifilm's Fall Plans

Jun 24, 20261h 41mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, the hosts dive into a mix of industry news and technical discussions. The team begins by addressing the confusion surrounding VSCO’s latest product announcements, specifically the launch of VSCO One and Studio Pro. The hosts express frustration with the company’s complex and often contradictory branding, which has left many photographers uncertain about what is actually included in their various membership tiers. The conversation then shifts to the latest in sensor technology as the hosts examine Sony's new Lofic sensor. By utilizing a secondary receptacle to capture highlight information that is typically lost, this technology promises nearly seventeen stops of dynamic range. The hosts discuss the practical implications of this, debating whether such specs provide a genuine benefit to professional workflows or if they are primarily focused on helping casual users achieve better results without precise metering. Finally, the hosts look ahead to Fujifilm’s upcoming Fujikina event in New York City. While it remains unclear if any major product launches are planned, the team reflects on the importance of these community-focused events for photographers and creatives.

Insta360 and DJI Hate Each Other + Are Zeiss Lenses Actually Zeiss?

Jun 17, 20261h 31mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, the hosts return from a brief hiatus to tackle a backlog of industry news and share insights from their recent travels. A major focus of the discussion is the escalating corporate rivalry between Insta360 and DJI. The hosts analyze the legal battle currently unfolding, where both companies have filed patent infringement lawsuits against one another, effectively turning the North American market into a primary battleground for their competing products. They also touch upon the emergence of the brand Extra, which appears to be a distributor for DJI technology, adding another layer of complexity to the market landscape. Beyond the legal drama, the hosts examine a significant technical update from Apple regarding its raw image processing engine. While the update promises improved sharpness and low-light performance through machine learning, the hosts debate its practical impact on professional workflows compared to established software like Lightroom or Capture One. Finally, they offer a critical look at the business model of Bending Spoons, a company known for acquiring popular creative tools like Filmic Pro and Vimeo, discussing the concerns surrounding their aggressive acquisition and management strategies within the tech industry.

Capture One and Leica Are for Sale? Plus GoPro Is on 'The Brink'

Jun 4, 20261h 32mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, the hosts report from the KEH camera vault to discuss a mix of industry news, ranging from corporate struggles to new product launches. The conversation highlights the current financial instability at GoPro, noting that despite the launch of new hardware, the company faces significant market pressure and skepticism regarding its future. The discussion also turns to the potential sale of Capture One. The hosts analyze the difficulties faced by the software company under private equity ownership and the challenges of finding a suitable buyer in a market dominated by Adobe. Furthermore, the episode addresses the problematic launch of a YoloLiv lens marketed for the Micro Four Thirds system, which failed to function on most cameras despite carrying the official mount branding. This leads to a broader conversation about industry standards and the importance of accountability in photography gear. Finally, the team touches on the release of the Cam Snap 2 and Zeiss’s new anamorphic lens series, providing insight into the evolving needs of photographers and videographers in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive digital landscape.

The Ultimate 'First Camera Purchase' Accessory Tier List

May 27, 20261h 37mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, hosts Jordan Drake, Chris Nichols, and Jaron Schneider gather to discuss the essential accessories for new camera owners. Instead of a traditional gear review, the team creates a tiered list to help photographers navigate the endless upselling often encountered in camera stores. They evaluate which items are genuinely useful and which are disposable, offering practical advice for those just starting their photography journey. Beyond the accessory breakdown, the hosts reflect on their recent travels to Tokyo and the specific gear—including a custom camera strap—that sparked recent online debates. The conversation then shifts to industry news, specifically addressing the controversy surrounding a New York gallery that sold AI-generated, colorized versions of Ansel Adams’s public domain work. The hosts provide a thoughtful critique on the ethics of AI in art and the broader implications for the photography community. Finally, the team touches on Canon’s current product segmentation strategy, comparing it to other industry standards and discussing the difficult trade-offs users face when choosing between hybrid and cinema-focused camera bodies.

Sony's AI Debacle + Fujifilm's Yuji Igarashi on 'Focus on Glass' Results

May 22, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of The PetaPixel Photography Podcast, the hosts report from Tokyo, broadcasting directly from the Fujifilm offices to discuss a variety of industry updates. The conversation begins with a look back at the history of Fujifilm cameras, including personal anecdotes from the team, before transitioning into the week’s most pressing news. A significant portion of the episode covers the recent backlash against Sony regarding their smartphone marketing. The hosts analyze Sony’s latest Xperia campaign, which utilized AI-assisted photography, noting that the resulting images were widely criticized for being objectively worse and unnaturally altered compared to the originals. The team explores the implications of such features and why companies continue to push generative AI tools that often fail to resonate with users. Additionally, the hosts discuss the rumor regarding a potential acquisition of Nikon by the eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, weighing the financial realities of Nikon’s imaging division against market speculation. The episode also touches on Sony’s strategic shift toward a "Fab-light" business model, involving a new partnership with TSMC to develop next-generation image sensors. Finally, the team dives into the enduring popularity of older Fujifilm lenses and the creative allure of using vintage-style glass in modern photography.

The World's BIGGEST Photo Show and Galaxy Unpacked Are Both Next Week

Are Lenses ACTUALLY More Expensive Now?

Nikon is Suing Viltrox

Are Cameras ACTUALLY More expensive now?