The Biggest Lie About Camera Gear Revealed

The latest from the Phoblographer for January 9th, 2026.

Author

Chris Gampat
January 09, 2026

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Here’s the latest:

Nikon Z 600mm f6.3 Review: A Top-Notch, Affordable Super Telephoto

By Feroz Khan

January 9, 2026

When you hear "600mm", your brain immediately expects a lens that you'd have to haul on your back to events, helping substitute your bicep curls routine at the gym for a few hours of photography using it. So I have to admit that the first thing that really surprised me about the Nikon Z 600mm f6.3 VR S lens was how portable and friendly it was to handhold. When it comes to such telephoto, I often don't expect too much in terms of image quality, especially when they're silently touted as more affordable options to faster prime lenses. This time, though, Nikon proved me wrong - the 600mm f6.3 VR S is quite the performer, no matter what scenario you throw at it.

Chinese Lenses Aren’t Cheap. We’re Just Used to Overpaying

By Chris Gampat

January 9, 2026

When I first started shooting photographs and getting into camera gear, the way of the world is that you often bought a camera and first-party lenses. The third-party stuff just wasn't all that good in terms of performance overall. Then the third-party Japanese lenses started to become better a bit over a decade ago. The Korean products got better right after that. And after the pandemic, the Chinese lenses all become very top-tier. It made me put a whole lot of things into perspective. But most of all, I've realized just how much we're all overpaying for lenses from the big Japanese companies.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Kodak Charmera

By Chris Gampat

January 8, 2026

The following is a 100% true human-made account that is being retold to the best of my flawed human ability. And it has to do with my purchase of the Kodak Charmera from Freestyle Photographic. Like every other millennial that's getting older and looking at what the younger generations are doing, I have looked at the Kodak Charmera with envy. And after seeing so many people express joy over using it on Reddit, I decided to put on my big boy emo skinny jeans and make the purchase. Several weeks later during my vacation, it came in. And the following is a true account that may shock some photographers.

The Two Best Mid-Range Cameras From Nikon

By Nilofer Khan

January 8, 2026

Nikon cameras are renowned for their exceptional features, which appeal to many serious enthusiasts. It can range from better colors to a perfect hybrid camera; Nikon creates systems that work across genres. However, there have been instances where some costs over $2000, which can be a challenge for young photographers. If you are someone who wants to buy a camera that gives you the best of both worlds, then these two options are for you.

How to Shoot Color Like Saul Leiter

By Nilofer Khan

January 8, 2026

When it comes to color photography, there are only a handful of people who have managed to stand out. Saul Leiter is one such pioneer who changed the meaning of color photography in the 20th century. Long before colors were taken seriously in art photography, Leiter was capturing muted tones, layered reflection, and snow on the streets of Manhattan. In fact, his dreamlike and poetic images continue to inspire people to this day. If you are someone who wants to make your photos look like his, here is a guide to help you.

The Rise of the American Camera Brand

By Chris Gampat

January 8, 2026

In the past year or so, we've seen a few point and shoot cameras come to the market. Leica has been making some very exceptional ones. But most of these new, super affordable point and shoot cameras aren't coming from Japan -- where most of the industry's cameras come from at least in concept and design. Rather, they're instead all mostly being made in China and designed in America. Every single time I pick one up, I'm elated that they exist and that a few financially courageous folks are taking it upon themselves to fill a market with cameras that folks want. But then I always wonder why the Japanese won't make these.

The 3 Fujifilm 16MP Cameras That Nail the Analog Look

By Nilofer Khan

January 8, 2026

Fujifilm has created cameras that offer the best of both worlds: a nice vintage design paired with a modern heart. This has been one of the reasons why many photographers who want film-like image quality in the digital age opt for their models. If you're looking to purchase a new camera, these offerings can be of help. Despite the years that passed, they continue to offer some exciting image quality.

There Will Always Be A Better Photograph

By Chris Gampat

January 8, 2026

I'm pretty sure that Diane Arbus said it best: leave your lens cap off. She believed that you should leave your camera on at all times because you never know when you're going to miss a great photograph. And I think that if you're reading this article, then you can probably relate to the feeling of missing the shot. But you should never lose faith in yourself, and know that you should forgive yourself because forgiveness is understanding that you can't change the past.

The Sony a7s Lineup is Most Likely Dead

By Chris Gampat

January 7, 2026

For most of Sony's mirrorless camera history, the Sony a7s series has been about videographers and high ISO output more than anything else. In 2020, I was a part of the review this site did of the Sony a7s III and even back then, I could tell that Sony really didn't know what to do with it. It was essentially the same camera as its predecessor. With Sony's entire lineup of video-related E-mount cameras, I strongly believe that the Sony a7s lineup will need a major revision before we ever see a new body come.