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Some May Consider This Controversial
The latest from the Phoblographer for January 19th, 2026.
Chris Gampat
January 19, 2026
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Here’s the latest:
How an American Idiot Threatens the Entire Camera Industry
By Chris Gampat
January 19, 2026
I know that there's a select, small, and vocal minority of people who email me to complain about how I mix politics into photography and our hobby/industry. And the title of this article is my attempt to awaken you with the waters of reality as I pour it onto your face. Everyone in Europe is scared right now -- if not from Putin, it's from Trump. What many folks are really not realizing, however, is that Trump is about to hurt Leica. After that, he's probably going to hurt all the other camera manufacturers.
Is Nikon About to Crack Down on Viltrox Z-Mount Lenses?
By Nilofer Khan
January 19, 2026
In an unlikely turn of events, the Chinese social media has revealed that Nikon has filed a lawsuit against Viltrox in China. While the company has not made a public statement yet, court records on Chinese litigation sites reveal a legal proceeding that could lead to a block on Viltrox lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. So, what has caused this row and what could it mean for photographers? Here's a look.
About That Sony Hot Shoe Problem
By Chris Gampat
January 19, 2026
I've owned and shot with Sony cameras since the Sony NEX 6 was launched. And currently, I still own the original Sony a7 and the Sony a7r III. Why haven't I upgraded? Well, many sources online still cite the Sony a7r III's sensor to be the best. And beyond autofocus performance and a slight megapixel bump in the Sony a1 II, not a lot has improved or changed that can't be done to my current camera. For example, I've gotten around the sensor shield issue with a Kolari Vision clip-in filter. I still wish that the camera was better weather sealed like the newer models, but I love the fact that the battery life lasts longer than others. Still, the biggest problem is the hot shoe.
Can Manual Focus Prevent Brain Rot?
By Chris Gampat
January 19, 2026
Brain rot is something that way too many people are suffering from. Photographers are spending so much time scrolling social media and rotting away their brains. Additionally, folks are using AI so much more that they're losing the ability to do cognitive thinking. On top of that, many are suffering from things like aphantasia. The solution is to not only spend less time looking at screens and working with them. But there's also something to be said for making a hobby stimulate your brain.. And to really stimulate your brain, we recommend manual focusing over autofocusing your camera.
What a Photographer Should Look For in a Computer if You’re Losing Your Vision
By Chris Gampat
January 19, 2026
This article is written by a legally blind photographer. That means that even with corrective lenses, I can't see 20/60 -- and that also means that I'm no longer allowed to drive. How then, do I do photography? Well, autofocus is a wonderful thing. But there are tons of workarounds that you can do to get exactly what you're looking for. And one of the most important things to think about is how your computer will handle images and how your eyes will be able to work along with it. Trust me, I've been at a point in my life where my face was a few inches away from the screen. Think of this more as a "What should I look for in a computer?" instead of my recommending what the best computers are.
How to ACTUALLY be a Good Portrait Photographer
By Chris Gampat
January 18, 2026
Fact: humans have forgotten how to talk to one another. This happens especially if you're a younger and newer photographer that doesn't understand that people are inherently nice to one another in most cases. That's important to think about when it comes to photographing others. Better yet, there's the idea of mutual communication and working together. If you've ever had any sort of partnership or relationship, you can think about it kind of like that. But in this case, the nature of the relationship is different. Instead, it has to do with teaming up to make someone look their best.
Camera Gear Got Expensive. But This Helps
By Chris Gampat
January 18, 2026
Hey pros! Listen up! Our photography insurance program is designed to be there when photographers really need it! We’re giving you more than the competition can in different ways! Here’s a little-known fact: the warranty of your camera or lens doesn’t necessarily cover what happens to it in case of dust, inclement weather, etc. That’s …
Sony’s a1 II Might Be Too Good for You to Notice This Update
By Alberto Lima
January 18, 2026
Recently, Sony updated the a1 II to firmware version 4.0, introducing several new features, including Automatic Subject Recognition and expanded camera capabilities. The latest update focuses on improving the camera’s autofocusing capabilities and adds two new Creative Look options. Depending on how you’re using the camera, some of these updated features may not be utilized in your day-to-day workflow; however, overall, Sony’s flagship camera continues to sit at the top of the mirrorless camera lineup. Here’s what’s new in version 4.0.
The Anti-Smartphone Camera That Turns Everyday Moments Into Film-Like Memories
By Nilofer Khan
January 17, 2026
Smartphone cameras are important for many young creators who can't afford basic models. However, with the vintage trend making a comeback, many photographers are looking at older cameras to get away from the usual digital images. To help those who want film-like images at a cost-effective price, Paper Shoot has introduced a new camera in exciting colors. Have a look.