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Someone just spent $236,000,000 on a painting. Here’s why it matters for your wallet.
Late last year, a Klimt sold for the highest price ever paid for modern art at auction.
An outlier sure, but it wasn't a fluke. U.S. auction sales grew 23.1% in 2025. The $1-5mm segment even grew 40.8% YoY.
Meanwhile, Apollo’s chief economist Torsten Slok said to expect ‘zero in return in the S&P 500 over the coming decade.’
Each environment is unique, but after dot-com, post war and contemporary art grew about 24% annually for a decade. After 2008, about 11% for 12 years.
It’s also had near-zero correlation with the S&P 500 since ‘95.*
Now, Masterworks lets you invest in shares of artworks featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso.
$1.3 billion invested across over 500 artworks.
28 sales to date.
Net annualized returns on sold works held 12 months+ like 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8%.
Shares can sell quickly, but my subscribers can skip the waitlist:
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
Here’s the latest:
The Legendary Kodak Sensor in the M9 Had a Problem No One Talks About
by Chris Gampat
June 26, 2026
I've often been one of the journalists who speaks about the colors and the way that the images from the Leica M9 always felt. But I've also been one of the very few going beyond that to discuss how the Leica S2 also was in the same boat. That camera was basically a medium format Leica M9 -- and how can you beat that? Well, in 2026 I've been reindexing my archives of images that I've made over the past 20 years. With that, I've been able to find and catalog the images I made in 2012 with the Leica S2. And I've found a problem that no one else seems to know how to talk about -- and it's not the ISO noise.
The 6 Best Travel Cameras of the Past 10 Years
by Nilofer Khan
June 26, 2026
Travel photography is a lovely genre that allows photographers to capture the beauty of the world. If you are someone who is keen on exploring the far and wide end of the world, then here are some options that you will adore. Have a look.
Leica Introduces Its Most Serious Camera and Lenses Of the Year
by Nilofer Khan
June 25, 2026
Leica's cameras and lenses have set a premium mark on the market. A favorite of many seasoned photographers, Leica's portfolio ranges from manual cameras to hybrid devices that are continuously winning hearts. An example is the SL system, introduced in 2015, which not only creates stunning photos, but has a robust build. Today, the company is expanding this lineup with a new camera and two lenses. Here's what to expect.
Leica SL3P Review: One of the Fastest Cameras on the Market
by Chris Gampat
June 25, 2026
During my short review period with the Leica SL3P, I remember putting it in the hands of a few folks. Both a Nikon user and a user of Fujifilm and LUMIX commented at how fast the camera is. It's fascinating though; I just always felt like the Leica SL3 series of cameras were fast to begin with. But in a meeting with Leica's reps, I was told that the Leica SL3P is faster than even the Leica SL3s. This mid-tier option shares the same body and design as the other cameras. But brings with it a mid-range full-frame sensor somewhere in the 40MP range. Plus, it's got a whole lot more speed benefits too.
Schneider Kreuznach × LK Samyang Telephoto Lens is What Sony Photographers Have been Waiting For
by Nilofer Khan
June 25, 2026
South Korean company, LK Samyang, has worked with German lens maker, Schneider Kreuznach, to introduce new optics. The first of its kind was the 14-24mm f2.8FE, which allowed one to use front filters on an ultra-wide lens. After its success, the company is now expanding its portfolio with the highly anticipated zoom lens. Here is a look.
New Member Benefit: 20% off Prints Made at MPIX
by Chris Gampat
June 25, 2026
I'm super hyped to announce a brand new membership benefit for the Phoblographer's membership program. If you're a photographer who wants to make prints and understands the importance of authenticity, then you'll want to check this out. Right now, when you inquire with us, you can get 20% off prints made at MPIX on a single order.
The Best Compact Cameras of the Last 5 Years
by Nilofer Khan
June 25, 2026
When it comes to choosing a camera that can do it all, compact cameras often take center stage. They are often small, easy to carry, have good image quality and are ideal for everyday use. If you are someone looking to get a device of this nature, here are some options that you will adore.
