Bokeh Face – The Digital Camera World Podcast

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We take an In Focus look at the cameras we want to bring back from the dead. Mike advocates for a full-frame mirrorless camera inspired by the legendary Canon AE-1, while Chris picks the Olympus PEN-F and throws a curveball in the form of the long-forgotten Samsung Galaxy Camera.

Then we Gear Up with the Nikon Z 70‑200mm f/2.8 VR S II, exploring the question: Why buy a Mark II lens? This prompts Chris to explain why old lenses could be throttling your camera’s resolution, while Mike discusses the new Nikon’s wealth of upgrades and muses whether or not they’re worthwhile.

Finally, in Trouble Shooting, we take a deep dive into the world of affordable waterproof cameras. What’s out there? How much should you expect to spend? And what do you need to worry about when getting your pride and joy wet?

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We take an In Focus look at medium-format mirrorless cameras, discussing whether or not they should be seen as the pinnacle of digital-imaging quality and something all photographers should aspire to own.

Then we Gear Up with Caira by Camera Intelligence, a camera (or half of one) with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and mount that attaches to a smartphone. The two combine to deliver dedicated camera imaging power with the intuitive functionality of a smart device. Oh, and it’s infused with Nano Banana AI. Controversial? Yes. Warranted? Let’s discuss…

Finally, in Trouble Shooting, we delve into the rather dry but incredibly useful world of custom buttons. What are they? How do you set them up? Are they worth the effort? And what are their use cases?

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We take an In Focus look at Yashica’s “chassied-up” FX-D 100, 300 and S300, fixed-lens compact cameras that look – to the untrained eye – like the sexy, old-fashioned SLR cameras of yesteryear, while touching upon the huge range of retro-style compact cameras available from other brands. But are they capable little cameras or little more than a gimmick? And who are they actually for?

Then we Gear Up with OM System’s brand-new OM-3 Astro, a dedicated astrophotography version of the retro-cool OM-3 with a modified Infrared Cut Filter. Following a discussion about previous astro cameras such as the Canon EOS 20D and Nikon D810A, James and Chris discuss why astro-centric cameras exist and why some photographers choose them over a still-capable standard offering.

Finally, in Trouble Shooting, the Bokeh Face boys tackle the best lenses for portrait photography, delving deeper than the tried-and-tested 85mm, by exploring a few strategic alternatives – and a few curveballs – along with examples of their use cases.

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We take an In Focus look at spatial photography – and virtual reality in particular. Where is the technology right now? Why is Canon leading the way in terms of specialized VR optics for mirrorless cameras? How does VR compare to augmented reality? And where is VR imaging headed in the near future? 

Then we Gear Up with OM System’s incredible range of Micro Four Thirds super-telephoto lenses that make it such a tantalizing prospect for wildlife photographers. We discuss whether or not a small MFT sensor is really that big of a deal when the payoff is a 2x crop factor that puts you closer to the action, and the dramatically reduced weight and size of the system’s bodies and lenses.

Finally, in Trouble Shooting, we reveal our top tips for street photography, including key compositional techniques, how to make the most of natural light, and why you might want to stop relying on that 35mm prime and consider mixing up your choice of focal lengths.

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We take an In Focus look at Meta's smart glasses from Ray-Ban and Oakley. Do these camera-powered AI specs deserve a place in your imaging arsenal? How good is the image quality? Do they look better than all those other, ugly smart glasses? Can anyone tell when they're filming, or are they set to be the latest gadget for pervs? 

Then we Gear Up with the Sony A7 V, the long-awaited fifth generation of Sony's mid-range mirrorless cameras… but this one is about as far removed from a mid-range camera as you can imagine. With pro-level specs and features, and an increasingly pro-level price, this camera is fantastic – but does it spell doom for mid-range bodies?

Finally, in Trouble Shooting, we discuss the pitfalls, pros and cons of buying second-hand camera gear. Is it as risky as people fear? What are the things to watch out for? Where is the best place to buy (or sell) used gear? We share some happy stories and horror stories of buying second-hand kit – is it buyer beware, or simply buyer be aware?

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

In Focus we look at virtual photography. Is it really photography to take photographs in a videogame? If you can change aperture, shutter speed, lens and exposure, is it technically the same? Does the argument change if you're a disabled photographer who can't use a physical camera any more? Can videogames simulate real photography? Mike and James have two very different views!

Next we Gear Up with the Nikon ZR, the first camera to be co-developed by Nikon and Red. Was everyone was wrong about this camera, from quirky decisions like the choice of a microSD memory card to the omission of open gate video? Does this actually offer a much better alternative to the Sony FX3 and Canon EOS C50? What does this mean for Z Cinema cameras going forward?

And in Trouble Shooting we navigate the minefield of photo editing software. Is Adobe really the best option? We discuss the alternatives, whether someone is completely new to editing or a seasoned pro looking to get out of the Adobe ecosystem. Mike also argues why Adobe's pricing actually isn't that bad, and explores the pros and cons of the "free" Affinity as well as the other options on the market.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰

0:00 Mike hates AI

1:45 Virtual Photographer of the Year

2:39 What is virtual photography / videogame photography

3:18 This game is a fantastic photography simulator

4:43 Mike’s take: this ISN'T photography

6:18 James' take: in all technical respects, just like physical photography

7:28 In some circumstances, real photos are produced

10:41 Pokémon Snap is the closest thing to wildlife photography

11:35 Virtual photography as an outlet for disabled photographers

15:29 Some would say composites, chroma key also not "real" photography

17:24 Question is photography art? Is virtual photography art?

20:41 Videogames are the only way to shoot historical street photography

22:11 Meet the Nikon ZR

22:24 Who is Red, and what is the "sunglasses Illuminati" controlling Nikon

25:35 The first official Z Cinema camera, distinct from Red cameras

26:28 Similarities to Z6 III, cheapest way to join Red ecosystem

30:35 Nikon ZR specs

32:53 Mike’s Misgivings

35:20 No open gate video – but no overheating

36:29 CFexpress and a… microSD card?

38:51 Offers an actual alternative to the Sony FX3 and Canon EOS C50

43:13 Which is the best photo editing software?

44:30 Luminar Neo

45:45 The world’s most useful editing slider?

49:05 If price and learning curve aren't a consideration

50:07 DxO

51:00 People will hate Mike for this: Adobe isn’t badly priced!

56:32 Affinity is now free – is it as good?

1:00:20 Recommendation for a total newcomer to editing

1:02:40 If you're sick of Adobe, can you really move away?

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Bokeh Face! In this episode:

We go In Focus on Kodak in 2026. How is it beating all the other camera companies, does it have better brand recognition than Canon and Nikon, will we get another mirrorless Kodak system and how come there are five companies making "Kodak" cameras?

Then we Gear Up with perhaps the nuttiest camera Fujifilm has ever made, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema. Are Eras the new Film Simulations for video, will we see them come to X and GFX cameras, how does Taylor Swift fit in, does a camcorder need to print photos / does an instant camera need to shoot video, and how does this camera compare to the Camp Snap CS-8?

And closing the show with Trouble Shooting, we discuss superzooms and travel lenses. Are these all-in-one optics really worth it, or does the convenience merit the compromise in terms of optical quality? How good can an 18-400mm lens really be? 

⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰

0:00 Kodak has made some terrible formats!

1:33 Kodak is back in a big way

2:05 In America, Kodak WAS photography – but then it disappeared

3:33 Not a Kodak history lesson, but… here's a Kodak history lesson

6:28 Kodak had 2025's best selling compact camera

9:33 Transition film to digital, cameras to phones, back to cheap cameras

11:54 Will Kodak make another mirrorless interchangeable lens system?

12:43 How much equity is in the name? Better recognition than Canon and Nikon?

14:26 Will the compact camera bubble burst?

17:24 Meet the Instax Mini Evo Cinema

18:35 This camera is a time machine

21:15 This is how the Eras Dial works – like a video version of Film Simulations

22:10 Forget image quality – this is the industry's smallest sensor

23:40 The perfect "pub camera"?

26:26 Instax Mini Evo Cinema Specs

29:05 X-Half didn’t find an audience, but this is already trending

34:24 All-in-one travel lenses; is convenience worth compromise?

35:09 What is a superzoom?

37:17 Focal length choice as a creative control

38:01 Seeing some great mirrorless options

39:41 Different compromises at the wide and telephoto end

40:45 Upside of third-party manufacturers (downside for Canon and Nikon mirrorless)

41:36 Size and weight benefits

42:43 Slower apertures are a disadvantage… but you don't want bokeh!

44:00 Actually don’t want subject separation! Prove you’ve been on holiday

44:27 One superzoom vs a bagful of primes

45:26 Not changing lenses = lower risk of mugging and sensor dust

48:30 Don’t be THAT guy spoiling everyone's vacation

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week's Bokeh Face podcast!

We take an In Focus look at the fact that DSLRs are apparently dead – so why are DSLR lens sales increasing? There are many reasons – one of them being the ways that Canon and Nikon are locking down their mirrorless mounts…

We Gear Up with the Canon EOS R6 Mark III, a pro-caliber camera that detonates the old definition of 6-series bodies. We compare it to the Sony A7 V and Nikon Z6 III, and ask whether the market for midrange cameras actually exists any more.

And in Trouble Shooting, we help the would-be hybrid shooters who ask us where to start with video. It's arguably harder to learn videography when you come from a photo background, so we give you a crash course in the basics!

⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰

0:00 What the heck is a partially stacked sensor?

1:09 DSLRs are dead… so why are DSLR lens sales on the rise?

3:09 (Actually, DSLRs are NOT dead)

4:27 Price check: trinity mirrorless glass vs trinity DSLR glass

6:39 Canon and Nikon's closed mirrorless mounts

7:58 By restricting mirrorless, Canon has prolonged the life of DSLR lenses

8:55 There are still significant lenses you can't buy for mirrorless

10:27 Sigma says (some) DSLR lens sales going up

15:15 Using DSLR lenses on mirrorless "upscales" their performance

18:48 Meet the Canon EOS R6 Mark III

19:30 Has flagship tech squeezed out midrange cameras? 

25:43 Canon won't like us saying this…

26:38 Canon EOS R6 Mark III vs Nikon Z6 III

31:01 Who has the best autofocus? 

34:16 Canon EOS R6 Mark III vs Sony A7 V

38:48 Where should you start with video

41:09 Just shoot in 1080p?

43:48 Framerates, PAL vs NTSC, 25p vs 30p

46:43 TLDR

48:46 Don’t shoot RAW (unlike photography)

50:07 Log and LUTs

54:30 Sound is more important than video

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Bokeh Face podcast!

In Focus this episode, James and Chris debate whether anyone truly needs an 8K camera. You don't need it today and it has a knock-on effect for your lenses, memory card, computer, storage, workflow… but is future-proofing your footage worth it?

Then in our Gear Up segment, we play with Leica's Q3 Monochrom – a $7,800 camera that only shoots in black-and-white and can't change lenses. And yet, it might just be the best camera that anyone has ever made for street photography…

And wrapping things up in our Trouble Shooting section, we discuss whether your memory card really matters. Can you just buy the cheap $10 one off Amazon, or should you invest in an expensive $200 card? Here's why there's more to memory cards than just the format.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰

0:00 Will people be rewatching this podcast in 30 years?

1:43 Do 8K cameras actually matter, or is it the megapixel race all over again?

2:33 Canon brought 8K to the masses

3:55 Like 100MP stills, 8K video might be most useful for cropping

4:40 Your camera might resolve 8K, but what about your lens?

5:27 8K future-proofs your footage…

8:15 … but there's consequences to your lens, memory card, SSD, cloud and computer

10:08 Panasonic was staunchly anti-8K until 2025

11:34 Heat dissipation is a problem

14:45 Investing in a camera today? Think 5, 10 years down the line

17:49 Meet the Leica Q3 Monochrom

18:46 Why would you buy a camera with a fixed lens that only shoots black-and-white?

20:18 Some unsurprising cons

22:40 Advantages of a black-and-white sensor

24:45 Shooting at high sensitivities (with ISO200,000 sample images)

26:36 Leica Q3 Monochrom specifications

29:11 Content Credentials

32:29 The growing trend for cameras that only shoot black-and-white

34:28 Does your memory card matter?

35:55 Should you buy that cheap card on Black Friday?

37:58 Pros and cons of high-capacity cards

39:19 SD cards just won’t go away – and for good reason

40:47 SD vs CFexpress demonstration

43:30 My camera’s got two different cards – does it matter which I use?

44:39 Overheating also applies to memory cards

50:53 Older cameras may not even support new card tech!

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Focus this episode, James and Mike ask whether retro cameras are style over substance. When did the retro trend start (clue: it's over a decade old!), which cameras (and brands) were ironically ahead of their time and what's the future of retro cameras?

We Gear Up by checking out Canon's Sony FX3 killer, the EOS C50 cinema camera. From open gate to 7K RAW, the C50 outclasses the FX3 in every way – but does it have what it takes to loosen Sony's stranglehold on content creation?

Lastly, in our Trouble Shooting section, we share our tips, tricks and horror stories of using a new camera – whether it's the first camera you've ever used, you're upgrading from DSLR to mirrorless or you're switching systems. Here's everything you need to know!

⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰

0:00 – Having a gut might cost you your award-winning shot!

2:07 – Why are retro cameras so popular

4:07 – Polaroids were the OG "retro cameras"

7:14 – Retro camera timeline

8:44 – Nikon Df: the "Fallout camera"

12:00 – Are Film Simulations as important as the cameras themselves?

13:00 – "Digital disposable cameras" like the Camp Snap

14:58– What's the future of retro cameras?

16:28 – Canon AE-1-inspired retro camera this year (Canon RE-1)?

18:42 – Meet the Canon EOS C50

20:30 – C50 specifications

22:18 – In-body image stabilization – a deal breaker?

27:09 – Split memory cards: pros and cons

27:35 – What is open gate video

32:37 – Canon EOS C50 vs Sony FX3

38:17 – Using a new camera

39:14 – JPEG or RAW?

42:59 – Learn to handle your camera in the dark

47:01 – Don’t do important shoots on a new camera!

47:49 – Should you Start in manual? Aperture? Program?

50:43 – Going from DSLR to mirrorless

54:25 – Camera straps: yay or nay?

56:29 – Use the viewfinder!

Get in touch with us at:

[email protected]

Watch the show in full at:

youtube.com/digitalcameraworld

Get all your camera news, how-tos, reviews and buying advice at:

digitalcameraworld.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.