Photography News

Stay up-to-date with the latest news within the photography industry. Here we feature new photography gear announcements, creative conferences, and other interesting headlines related to the world of photography and filmmaking.

This Years Coolest Gift, The DJI Spark Drone, is $100 Off Today Only

If you're thinking about buying someone a drone for Christmas, don't buy a $150 no-name toy that is going to break after a few minutes. Instead, buy the DJI Spark, a drone that is made to last by the company that leads the industry. Today only, B&H has the Spark for 20% off.

Buy The DJI Mavic For $699 Today Only

Cyber Monday is upon us and we will be sharing some of the best deals on photo/video equipment as we run across them. Today only, you can buy a refurbished DJI Mavic for $699.

MZed Filmmaking Courses Cyber Monday Deals

With a plethora of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals flooding the market last week and over the weekend (including all Fstopper tutorials on sale), one that you may have missed is the deal MZed is currently offering, available through Tuesday. MZed is a terrific filmmaking education resource with a number of premier courses worth checking out.

Alien Skin Software Black Friday Deals

Alien Skin Software announced the beginning of their fall sale. Customers can enjoy savings of 20 percent or more on all products in its store today through November 27.

Get The 'Photographer's Toolkit' For Free: Black Friday Deals 2017

Where do you think most photographers struggle: being a creative or running their business? Making awesome imagery or establishing a pricing strategy? For many, it's the latter and that just sucks. For these reasons, PRO EDU has curated six photography management and workflow tools to create the “Photographer's Toolkit.” The toolkit is free from November 23–26 with the purchase of any PRO tutorial over $1. Included are essential software services from brands we trust with a total value over $1,200. You won't find this deal anywhere else.

Art Rangers: A New Way to Support the Preservation of National Parks

The national parks system in the United States has provided enjoyment of the outdoors for millions upon millions of people since August 25, 1916 when the National Parks Service was founded. For over 100 years now we have had access to some of the most incredible hikes and views to be found on the planet. As is similar to any well used item, the parks often fall into disrepair and need to be maintained and upgraded with continued use. The Art Rangers has stepped up to help the National Park Foundation in generating funds to help with the costs of maintenance for the parks.

The Right to a Fair Internet for Photographers Is About to Be Gone

On December 14 the Federal Communications Commission will almost certainly be voting in favor of doing away with net neutrality. If you’re not familiar with net neutrality, check out this article we wrote earlier this year on the topic. It is the idea of a free and open Internet. As it stands right now, users are able to access the Internet freely, with no speed or data caps regardless of the websites they visit. If the plan the FCC is proposing passes (and it probably will in a three versus two vote), the Internet as we know it may well be on its way out.

Polaroid Feature-length Documentary: 'Instant Dreams'

"Instant Dreams" is a feature-length film about Polaroid that explores the magic of this defunct format, the pioneer of instant imagery, and documents the search for the lost chemical formula. Premiering at the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam a few days ago, the film discusses what it meant to produce imagery that is physical, unique, and, as one of the subjects puts it, "an artifact of time."

Star Eater Saga: The Sony a7R III Strikes Back

Despite an early report from photographer Drew Geraci last week, it seems that the Sony a7R III may still be affected by the so called “Star Eater” effect. What is really going on?

B&H Launches Massive Black Friday Sale on Apple Products With Savings up to $1,100

With Black Friday only a couple days away B&H has added another sale to their already impressive list of savings by putting a wide variety of their Apple products on sale. With savings up to $1,100, there are amazing deals to be had for any fan of Apple hardware. Whether you are in the market for a new iPad or want to buy a whole new desktop rig this is certainly a sale to keep an eye on.

Leica Expands Camera Lineup With Vintage CL

Leica Camera AG today announced an expansion to its APS-C camera lineup with the classic-looking CL mirrorless camera. The CL is the second Leica camera manufactured in Germany and, while the CL and TL2 models are technologically similar, the CL eschews the TL2’s sleek, high-tech form factor for a more traditional Leica design. The black version of the CL will hit stores at the end of November.

Facebook Messenger Now Supports 4K Images

Facebook Messenger was initially forced on us as a separate app to mild resistance. Eventually, the dichotomy of the platform was accepted and now Messenger is one of the most used communication applications there is.

Black Friday Deals Have Arrived on Cameras, Lenses, and Printers at B&H with Savings up to $1,400

It seems that each year Black Friday arrives earlier and earlier, this year B&H photo is getting started almost a week early with some big savings to kickstart the holiday season. With deals on cameras, lenses, computers, printers, and more with savings up to $1,400, there is certainly something to scratch any gear itch that you may have. Get your Christmas shopping started early for that special someone in your life.

Marketing on Facebook Just Got Smarter

According to a news update by Facebook, there are more than 1.2 billion people who are connected via Facebook to a small business in another country. In an age where digital products and online services are easier to create and sell, it naturally makes sense to open up target markets across borders. Last year Facebook introduced cross-border solutions in order to help business connect to the ever increasing mobile market through the social media platform. Facebook just recently updated the marketing options available for businesses who use the platform to market to customers online. There are four new market targeting options, within the Facebook Business module that allow you to connect with new customers who live in areas that would previously have been more difficult to identify.

The Crazy Canon Photo Printer Deal Is Back

The Canon Pro-100 printer is on sale and it's so cheap it's worth buying even if you don't need a photo printer. The $455 package only costs $79.

Sony Releases Imaging Edge: Software to Support Sophisticated Creative Work

Sony just released their new software suite, Imaging Edge, which is the combination of three applications. The three different programs come bundled together in a single installer which is available for both Windows and Apple computers which you can download here. The software set features several functions and controls that aren't exactly new to the world of photography but are designed in a way to help streamline workflows for photographers. In addition, just as was outlined in Sony's original announcement, Imaging Edge is designed to maximize the capabilities of the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting technology.

Hasselblad Launches 'Rent a Hasselblad'

Hasselblad have been a bit of an obsession of mine since I first saw the 500C/M. It's such a beauty and I will one day make the leap and buy one. However, the new Hasselblads are a financial commitment tantamount to a high end vehicle or a house deposit. It's a shame for me as the Hasselblad H5D Multishot is perfect for the commercial work I do, but not quite worth being homeless for. Hasselblad are stepping in to the rental arena to offer direct rentals at less eye-watering financial outlays.

In the Market for a New Computer? Save up to $650 at Massive Laptop Sale by B&H

The Christmas season is nearly upon us and it is probably time to start thinking about that perfect little Christmas gift for yourself! Until the end of November 19th B&H photo is having a huge sale on a wide variety of laptops to fit almost any need. Savings range from $20 all the way to $650 with laptops aimed at virtually any budget level.

The Sharp 8k Camcorder: The Future of Broadcast?

Sharp made a new camera—well, not a camera per se. It’s a camcorder. But that doesn’t really sum up what it is. Sharp made an 8k camcorder that’s decidedly not for cinematographers. Also, it’s $77,000. In short: I have many questions about all of this.

The Sony a7R III Has No Star Eater Effect

In August 2016, Sony made a firmware modification to the a7R II and a7S II cameras. Among the changes was a new algorithm designed to reduce noise during long exposure photography. Unfortunately, the new noise reduction approach was a bit too aggressive and the astrophotographer community quickly realized that the new filtering method was removing minor stars during exposure longer than 3.2 seconds. They named this issue the “star-eater” effect and many specialists called Sony for a change. Photographer and time-lapse expert Drew Geraci is happy to report that the problem has been fixed in the new Sony a7R III.

NASA Launches Ten Unmodified Nikon D5 Cameras to Resupply ISS

Back in August, NASA purchased 53 unmodified Nikon D5 bodies. Over the weekend, ten of those went on the OA-8 International Space Station (ISS) resupply mission. The ten new bodies will join the current D4 cameras that are currently used for both photographing Earth and checking solar panels and other external systems on the ISS.

Photo of Burning Baby Elephant Wins Wildlife Photo Contest

"Hell Is Here" is the title of Biplab Hazra's photograph of a burning elephant calf that got him this year's Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Award from Sanctuaryasia.com, which describes itself as India's leading nature and wildlife conservation portal.

The Reflex Uses Novel Ideas to Breathe New Life Into the Film SLR

Reflex is a new brand aiming to give 35mm film photographers a new camera option instead of going with a dated SLR design (the 13-year-old Nikon F6) or buying in the used market. But it’s not just a rehash of the classic film SLR design. Users can change film using a special “I-Back” system, and even change out the lens mount quickly and easily.

Snap Inc. Looking to Start Paying Top Creators

Snap Inc. is still alive and well but they begin to look at new ways to revive its social presence with Snapchat. Snapchat has been getting some bad press for months in the wake of Facebook and Instagram essentially stealing their entire platform and adapting it to their own social networks just over a year ago. Though Snapchat still continues to grow, every so slightly, each quarter with monthly active users they are no match for Facebook and Instagram Stories. Their answer, to begin paying top contributors to the app like YouTube has done with their biggest creators.

Photography-Focused Panasonic G9 Officially Announced

Panasonic have just announced the Panasonic Lumix G9, a high-end Micro Four Thirds camera that is photography focused. Similar in size and spec to the video feature rich GH5, Panasonic describe the G9 as their ultimate stills offering.

White House Photographer Pete Souza Releases New Book from Obama Era

When I photograph events, I do my best to become a “fly on the wall.” I try to stay out of the way, to be unobtrusive, to not affect what’s happening around me and just document what I see. To be a photographer in the White House and be a fly on those walls — surrounded by high stress, classified this and that, diplomats, dignitaries, tragedies, and achievements, while being charged with capturing all of it, 24/7/365 — would obviously be a job that would take all you’ve got. And to do it for not one, but two presidents? That’s nuts. But there’s one guy who did it. His name is Pete Souza.

Photo Editor Pixelmator Pro Will Be Released on November 29, Cost $59

First announced back in September, Pixelmator Pro is an upcoming photo editing app for Mac that introduces an improved workflow and utilizes macOS High Sierra’s Core ML (machine learning) framework and Metal 2. Today in a new blog post, the release date and pricing has been revealed.

Great Rebates on Cameras and Lenses to Help You Get a Jump on Christmas Shopping

Every year as we panic a week before Christmas trying to find the best gifts for our most cherished loved ones we vow to start a smidgen earlier the following year so that things aren't quite so hectic in December. Here is your chance to get a jump on that shopping right now. Nikon, Canon, and Olympus have added some amazing rebates to help get your shopping started for that special photographer in your life. With up to $800 in savings, these end-of-year deals might just be the perfect time to buy a present or two for yourself as well.

New Lenses Announced for the Hasselblad X1D

Hasselblad has announced five new lenses for the X1D. This is fantastic news because ever since the X1D was released, its biggest problem was its lens line up. If you've been considering buying the X1D, now may be the perfect time.

GoPro Returns to Profitability, Will Launch New Camera Form Factor in 2018

GoPro announced its first profitable quarter of the past in two years. After a series of commercial failures and employee layoffs, the action camera manufacturer might be on the path to recovery thanks to the newly launched HERO6. "GoPro has turned a corner, restoring growth and profitability to our business," said CEO Nicholas Woodman. In a call to investors, he also revealed that his company will launch a new camera next year.

New Instagram Tool That Suggests What Hashtags to Use Based on Your Photo

Whether you like it or not, Instagram has become a big part of our life. And not just for seeing what our friends are up to, but also networking and showcasing our work as photographers, models, and other industry people. Using hashtags can help your photo come across new eyes as they search the countless numbers of photos on the social media platform, but which ones should you use?

BBC’s 'Blue Planet' Is Back and It’s Better Than Ever

The first episode of "Blue Planet II" was aired in the U.K. this week to critical acclaim, showcasing some of the most remarkable camerawork ever seen on the seas, and even giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the huge efforts undergone in capturing this international TV event.

Panasonic GH5 Firmware Update: Video Galore

When the Panasonic GH5 came out, it was intended to be targeted towards video people. This camera tops out the GH4 by far with its in-body stabilization and variety of frame rates and recording options. However, when the GH5 first came out, it seemed that it still needed a bit of work. Now with the V2.0 firmware upgrade, these problems seem to be solved and this camera has been beefed up pretty good when it comes to video.

Meet Rylo, a Powerful New 360-Degree Camera to Capture That Perfect Cinematic Look

Video is so hot right now. If you are a videographer, you are doing very well with the number of opportunities at your disposal on the freelance and commercial front. If you are a photographer, you have an entire world of chances to jump into the scene quickly, cheaply, and with access to high-quality equipment across the board. What about 360-degree video though? That is where Rylo comes in, a 360-degree camera that claims ultra-smooth cinematic footage for the everyday creative.

Major Deal on MacBook Pro Laptops: $700 Off

The first sales of the holidays are starting to trickle in and with them comes an exclusive deal for MacBook Pro laptops. Apple is setting out to discount select MacBook Pro model signature laptops up to $700 off with their Apple Care campaign. Not only do you get instant savings on a new laptop, Apple Care is also being offered at 15 percent off.

Nikon D850 Still Backordered for Months

First shipped on September 8, 2017, the successor to the popular Nikon D810 is still potentially months away from hitting some customers' hands. For those who waited until the official launch of the camera, finding a D850 body before the holidays could prove to be challenging from some of the larger retailers.

Future of XQD Cards: Lexar Still Producing, Hoodman May Start, CFexpress Is the Future

A lot of information came out of NikonRumors regarding the current status and future of the XQD format, which is so far only used by Nikon's high-end DSLRs since the D4. Lexar's XQD cards recently showed as discontinued on numerous online stores, leaving Sony to be the sole manufacturer of the fast (but expensive and sometimes unavailable) cards. Now, the future looks much brighter for XQD with Lexar announcing they will still distribute and fill stock of their own XQD cards and rumors of Hoodman's entry into the market. There's even news of developments with CFexpress, which will replace XQD in the future.

Nikon Closes China Camera Factory, Cites Smartphones as Cause

In news that's mostly unsurprising, Nikon has announced that they will discontinue operations of Nikon Imaging (China), a manufacturing subsidiary of their imaging business, citing the rise of smartphones and the consequential fall of compact cameras as the main reason.

Don't Miss These PhotoPlus Expo Specials From B&H

The Fstoppers crew is currently at PhotoPlus Expo in New York City having the time of our lives. While we're there, B&H has announced a ton of great deals just for the event, so if you're looking for a new camera, lens, lights, computer, or accessories, now is the time to check out what's available.

GoPro Open Sources the CineForm Codec

As a key player in the transition from SD to HD, the CineForm codec has enjoyed a long history as one of the codecs continually on the cutting edge of video compression. GoPro has decided that moving forward it will be officially open sourcing the CineForm codec in order to better allow developers access to what it feels is the codex that will usher 360-degree video into the future. With the arrival of GoPro's new Fusion camera in November, the open sourcing of the CineForm codec appears to be a great step towards expanding interest in GoPro's new platform.

New Hope for Nik Collection, DxO Acquires from Google

For the past few years, the popular Nik Collection has had an interesting journey starting back in 2012 when Google originally acquired the photo editing plugin. Over the course, the collection has gone through a price drop and ultimately landed as a free download which made several photographers happy. Who doesn't like free stuff, and for free it was a pretty solid collection of plugins.

Sony Announces the a7R III: Solid Improvements Built Around the Previous Generation's 42.4-Megapixel Sensor

The cat is finally out of the bag: Sony is giving us a look at their new a7R III this week during the Photo Plus Expo. The just-announced mirrorless camera mixes the best of the a7R II with some of the technology first seen in the a9, plus a little bit of all-new treats that landscape, architectural, and still-life photographers will want to take note of.

InMotion: Automated Digital Slider for Your Smartphone

As our phones get better with taking videos, it makes sense why there's an explosion of filmmakers hitting the industry and more and more YouTubers starting off in their new journeys into creating film every day. Hundreds of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and it's only getting bigger. With more people using their phones, GoPros, and mirrorless cameras, the need for gear to make smoother, more professional looking gear has increased. Enter InMotion digital slider.

Terry Richardson Banned From Leading Magazines

Sexual harassment and abuse are real within the industry; there's no denying that. By now, I am sure you have heard about the Hollywood news and all the allegations against Producer Harvey Weinstein coming out, spanning over decades where he used his power and influence on models and actresses to get away with sexual misconduct. Weinstein isn’t the only one in the industry facing these accusations, and it seems like more allegations are coming out, including ones against Terry Richardson.