There's a New Best Entry Level Camera

The latest from the Phoblographer for June 17th, 2025.

Author

Chris Gampat
June 17, 2025

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Here’s the latest:

Adobe Updated Lightroom Again: Generative Remove Gets a Revamp

By Chris Gampat

June 17, 2025

As a journalist, I've been seeing an insanely fascinating thing with Lightroom. Users have been consistently asking for fewer updates and fewer generative AI features. Today, Adobe isn't doing that. The update to Lightroom is being described to us as "broad availability of Quick Actions and Generative Remove (that) empower fast, high-quality editing regardless of skill level." This comes after the price raises.

The OM System OM5 II Could Be the Best Entry Level Camera Yet

By Chris Gampat

June 17, 2025

When OM System pulled me into a meeting to show off the new OM System OM5 II (properly known as the OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II), I didn’t really know what to expect. Ever since the variant of the camera two generations ago, I felt a bit betrayed. It truly felt like they were disrespecting the otherwise incredible 5-series of cameras. I mean, the EM5 was perhaps one of the single best cameras that they’ve ever made. Fueled by that anxiety, I watched their intro video and caught a very quick glimpse of what I thought was a brand-new color scheme on a camera. My mind immediately thought, “Oh, that’s their silver variant, but the way it was color corrected made it look tan. That would be cool if they’ve got a tan variant.” Want to know what’s crazy? They actually did it. And they kept the crazy weather resistance that they’re known for in an insanely small camera body, too.

Will the Leica 0-Series Fetch $15 Million at the June Auction?

By Nilofer Khan

June 17, 2025

Leica is one of the few companies where tradition is at the center of their product portfolio. From launching the first 35mm rangefinder camera to being the first to include content credentials in their higher-end devices, Leica has achieved this and much more. As the company celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, it is auctioning some of its most iconic cameras at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction. Held twice a year, in June and November, Leitz Photographica Auction is the world's biggest event for vintage cameras around the world. Let's see which cameras are the highlight in 2025.

Why is Everyone Selling Their Fujifilm GFX100RF?

By Nilofer Khan

June 16, 2025

What appears to be the latest development is that owners of the Fujifilm GFX100RF no longer seem interested in this popular camera. On June 14, our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Gampat, received an image showcasing multiple GFX100RF cameras being sold online. Finding the whole situation a bit odd, we decided to dig further and see whether this is happening across the board or just on a few select sites. The results, for us, were quite fascinating.

The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE Aims to be the King of Portrait Lenses

By Alberto Lima

June 16, 2025

When a pitch comes in claiming to be the new king of portraits, you are going to get my attention, especially when it comes from a manufacturer that has been absolutely dominating in a space where much higher-priced options seem to reign supreme. I hope the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro FE will bring that level of quality and affordability to Sony FE mount cameras.

Viltrox 85mm f1.4 FE Review: You Don’t Need the G Master

By Chris Gampat

June 16, 2025

You know, most disappointed that I've been by a lens in the past few years has probably been by the Sony 85mm f1.4 II G Master. The original wasn't good enough to make me want to upgrade from the 85mm f1.8 FE. And the second version showed barely any difference at all except in the bokeh. But today, Viltrox is announcing the brand new Viltrox 85mm f1.4 FE. This lens, in so many different ways, is exactly what the G Master should've been. And if you're looking for some really gorgeous image quality, this is the lens to consider.

Harlowe and Mark Mann Make the Light Peter Hurley Never Made

By Chris Gampat

June 16, 2025

Today, Harlowe is introducing a limited edition lighting set done in collaboration with photographer Mark Mann. Immediately, when you look at it, the light elicits some very fascinating thoughts. It reminds me a lot of the lighting that Peter Hurley used to do, but adds even more roundness to it. It also looks a whole lot like a ring light, but it's far more complex than that. If you're a headshot photographer, this might be the kit you want to get.

New to Photography? We’ve Got a Guide Just For You

By Chris Gampat

June 16, 2025

If you're brand new to photography, we've got great news for you. We've put together a special guide that will teach you a few excellent tips about how to navigate your new hobby. And best of all, it's totally free. Details on how to get it are below.

Rollei Launches Its First-Ever Mirrorless Lens for Nikon and Sony

By Nilofer Khan

June 16, 2025

German brand Rollei, previously known as Rolleiflex, is one of the most prominent manufacturers in the analog world. Founded in 1920, the company's twin-lens reflex camera has been quite a sensation among film users. However, over the years, the company has changed names and owners, and with Rollei GmbH & Co. KG being finally adopted in 2015. While they have licensed the name Rollei to Mint, who creates 35mm film cameras, they are largely into creating tripods, lights, and, quite recently, lenses. With the announcement of its first mirrorless lenses for Nikon and Sony, Rollei is trying to be a part of the mirrorless digital world. But will it work? Let's take a peek.