- The Phoblographer
- Posts
- Why Modern Photography Sucks
Why Modern Photography Sucks
The latest from the Phoblographer for January 12th, 2026.
Chris Gampat
January 12, 2026
In partnership with
Subscribe to get the Phoblographer Banner-Ad Free for $25/year.
Stay One Scoop Ahead of the New Year
The new year is the perfect time to build healthy habits that actually stick. AG1 helps you stay one scoop ahead of the new year by supporting energy, gut health, and filling common nutrient gaps, all with a simple daily routine.
Instead of chasing resolutions that are hard to maintain, AG1 makes health easier. Just one scoop each morning supports digestive regularity, immune defense, and energy levels, making it one of the most effortless habits to keep all year long. A fresh year brings fresh momentum, and small daily habits can make a meaningful difference.
Start your mornings with AG1, the daily health drink with 75+ ingredients, including 5 probiotic strains, designed to replace a multivitamin, probiotics, and more, all in one scoop.
For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription! Only while supplies last. Get started today.
Here’s the latest:
Pixless Camera Mk 1 Turns Fewer Pixels into True Works of Art
By Alberto Lima
January 12, 2026
When was the last time you thought to yourself, “What if my next camera had fewer pixels?” Sure, it sounds silly on its face but that’s exactly what the Pixless Camera mk 1 by Andreini Imaging offers and then takes it to the extreme – the max resolution of this camera is a whopping 256x128! If you’re obsessed with ultra-high megapixel counts, 4k, 8k and beyond, skip this article. For everyone else, the Pixless Camera mk 1 might be one of the more interesting cameras in 2026.
It’s Time for Pentax to Do Something Weird Again
By Chris Gampat
January 12, 2026
Do you remember the Pentax MX1? It was a brass point-and-shoot camera that was beloved by many. It returned in popularity two years ago, and in many ways, it represents a time when cameras were just so much different. Truly, I wish that Pentax would make it again -- but without a digital screen, the way so many point-and-shoot cameras are being made today. Seriously, the Japanese camera market feels very monotonous, boring, and not at all exciting. At times, it feels like the designers and product managers have brain rot because all they're doing is consuming content on social media and Youtube.
The Only Two Top-of-the-Line Sony Cameras
By Nilofer Khan
January 12, 2026
Sony is one of the few companies to pivot from DSLR to mirrorless camera way before any of the big companies chose to see the trend. In many ways, this worked in their favour, making Sony the only one to offer exceptional lenses and superb autofocus that was ahead of its time. If you're looking to buy a new camera that meets the needs of professionals, then here are the two options you should consider.
Why Modern Photography Sucks, and We’re So Obsessed With the Past
By Chris Gampat
January 12, 2026
I ran into a quote that I absolutely feel deep down into my soul: the fetishization of realism kills art. This is the ideal that so many Japanese lens manufacturers have embraced. When this is combined with the fact that photographers are copying other visual media all the time and only making images to please algorithms, we truly begin to see why modern photography sucks so much. And more importantly, it shows us why we're so obsessed with the past and how creativity has been massacred.
The Best Third-Party Lenses for the Sony A7 V
By Nilofer Khan
January 11, 2026
With the Sony A7V launching last year, many photographers are eager to upgrade their cameras with this device. However, a new camera also often means a new lens that can keep up with modern technology. If you are someone who wants to invest in a lens but doesn't want to break the bank, then take a look at these two third-party offerings that can be of help.
CIPA November Numbers Show Compact Cameras as 2025’s Biggest Winner
By Nilofer Khan
January 11, 2026
Cameras and lenses have been showing an interesting trend. In more recent years, the industry has pivoted to mirrorless cameras, with full frame being at the center of attention. However, according to the latest report from the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the November 2025 results highlight the rise of smaller sensors, particularly in compact cameras. Here is a look at where the industry stands today.
What Robert Adams Teaches Us About Seeing Honestly
By Nilofer Khan
January 11, 2026
When discussing photography, several names often come to mind, particularly in the theoretical realm. Susan Sontag, John Berger, Roland Barthes, and more are some theorists whose works resonate with us. However, while we discuss those who make us rethink the medium, one name that often gets overlooked is Robert Adams. A landscape photographer and writer, his books continue to shape the minds of young people in the media. He is a look at what young photographers can learn from the stalwarts today.
What Cameras Will Sony Launch in 2026?
By Nilofer Khan
January 10, 2026
Sony has created exceptional cameras over the years. However, in 2025, the company only introduced two photo-centric cameras, the A7 V and the A1 II. This left the community wanting more, with many wondering when they will see updated models of the RX100 series or the A7C series. With the new year just kicking off, there is hope that Sony will launch the following cameras as part of its upgrades.
The Only Perfect Mid-Range Cameras From Sony
By Nilofer Khan
January 10, 2026
Sony cameras are exceptional in many ways. The company has introduced devices that offer a range of features for professional photographers, including a global shutter and an AI chip. However, sometimes, many young photographers have fewer options that cost less than $2200. If you're looking to purchase a camera with plenty of options, these two offerings will be of help. Have a look.