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How Sony Can Make Their Best Birding Camera
The latest from the Phoblographer for November 14th, 2025.
Chris Gampat
November 14, 2025
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Here’s the latest:
The Best APS-C Cameras to Buy Under $500 Today
By Nilofer Khan
November 14, 2025
As cameras are getting expensive, there are fewer options for photographers to choose from. If you are young and want to purchase your first camera without breaking the bank, we have a few small sensor offerings. APS-C cameras may seem less attractive to some, but they are ideal options if you want a device that is better than your phone and is not too complicated to use. Have a look.
The Best Full Frame Cameras Designed for Portrait Photographers
By Nilofer Khan
November 14, 2025
Portrait photography has been one of the prominent genres in the medium. Making one's portrait is as much about one's vision of that person as it is about the gear. In the film era, one could obtain the best photographs in studios, but with the proliferation of smartphones, the understanding of portraits shifted, with more candid poses replacing formal settings. If you are someone who is looking to get the best of both worlds, here is a look at a few models that can be of help.
How a Tamagotchi Became 2025’s Coolest Camera of the Year
By Nilofer Khan
November 14, 2025
In recent years, cameras and lenses have reached new technological heights. Each year, we see innovation that breaks barriers, making photography easier than ever. However, with the proliferation of smartphones in the world of cameras, many cameras also seem a bit irrelevant to young users. This is where DIY creations come into fill the gap between the chasm of small, unique cameras that offer more character than clarity. An example of this is a Tamagotchi camera, which is stealing hearts on the internet.
Nikon Z8 Firmware 3.0 – So Many Great Updates
By Feroz Khan
November 14, 2025
Something I've seen Nikon doing ever since the launch of their Z9 camera a few years ago is a steady release of firmware for their cameras. What's even nicer is that sometimes these firmware updates introduce features that Nikon typically used to release only via newer camera models, at least in their DSLR lineup. The Nikon Z8 firmware 3.0 update brings a plethora of features that will bring smiles to the faces of every photographer who owns this camera.
Horika App Highlighting the Fun in Imperfections
By Alberto Lima
November 13, 2025
Many photo apps today make users one of two promises: to create kitschy images that are popular on social media sites or to create filtered images that claim to be film-like, but instead just look like muddy cellphone photos. The Horika App goes a bit further than a half-baked promise of “film-like” photos and instead tries to recreate the whimsy and feeling of shooting with a Holga or Diana F, except on your phone. After trying out the free version of the app for a month, how well does Horika capture the magic of analog?
The Best Canon Cameras and Lenses of the Last Two Years
By Nilofer Khan
November 13, 2025
Canon cameras and lenses have consistently improved with each iteration. The company's full-frame and APS-C cameras are pretty great, with models such as the R5, the R7, and the R3 proving what makes them so spectacular. If you are someone who is looking to purchase a new camera or lens that is not too old, then here are some options that will be of use to you. Have a look.
The Return of One of the Greatest Surreal Photographers of Our Time
By Chris Gampat
November 13, 2025
Take a Picture, It Will Last Longer by Brooke DiDonato is more than just a photo book. It's an experience equivalent to receiving a Leica camera and realizing that the product was packaged to provide a similar experience to receiving a gift. Trust me, I'd know. I've unwrapped plenty of Leica cameras -- and Brooke's book is the closest experience I've ever had to owning a Leica camera in my life, and for a far more affordable price point. During the unwrapping process, I tell myself that it's the only photo book that I'll ever keep the box for. And after that, I need to take a break. At nearly 39 years old, I've realized through therapy that it's because I've got kid-like excitement popping up, and that society has told me for years to just suppress it. My office has a signed Mark Seliger book, rare Todd Hido prints, and a Banksy, amongst many others. But nothing has given me this much excitement. In a world where I review many cameras, this book feels even more special than that.
How Sony Can Make Their Best Birding Camera
By Chris Gampat
November 13, 2025
I'm a fairly active part of bird groups here in NYC. And one of the coolest things that we do is not just use binoculars to spot birds, but use cameras to get great photos of them too. But would you believe that the most common camera that I see is the Sony RX10 series? Sure, I see some DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. However, those are often big and heavy. And instead, lots of folks prefer the smaller, lightweight, and weather resistant options like the RX10. So why doesn't Sony bring it back?
Meike Announces Their 85mm f1.8 Mark II Lens
By Feroz Khan
November 13, 2025
Every photographer loves a good 85mm lens. This focal length flatters and gives portraits a depth that no smartphone camera can match. The new Meike 85mm f1.8 SE Mark II, priced at $229.99, aims to fix some of those issues. It’s lighter than it appears and feels slightly more refined in the hand. Meike claims …