The Phoblographer

Word on the street is that an 8K capable sensor could be available for OM Digital Solutions, Panasonic, and others soon.

It’s no secret that both Olympus (now OM Digital Solutions) and Panasonic have desperately needed a new sensor. For the past six years, the same old 20 Megapixel sensor has been slapped into their cameras. Because of this, the Micro Four Thirds platform has been at a standstill. Meanwhile, other platforms such as APS-C have moved on in leaps and bounds. This lack of progression has forced photographers to look elsewhere. However, this could change as a new sensor that’s 8K capable could be making its debut soon. Is it too little too late for the platform? Will it be enough to make photographers reconsider the M4/3 platform? Let’s talk about this after the break.

Over at 4/3 Rumors, you’ll find a post that talks about a new Micro Four Thirds Sensor From Sony. The new Sensor will apparently be able to record in 8K. This means the sensor will be at least 32 megapixels. Noise about this sensor has been around since late last year. However, the informant who went to 4/3 Rumors has now apparently confirmed that it is coming. Is this going to be enough to entice more photographers and videographers to the platform? Will 32+ megapixels be too much to cram into such small sensors? Let’s discuss.

Why Would You Pick M4/3 Over APS-C or Full-Frame?

One of the biggest selling points of the Micro Four Thirds system is it’s weight advantage. This won’t change any time soon. Yes, Full-Frame Mirrorless cameras are getting smaller (see the Panasonic S5). However, the lenses are just as big as they always have been. Having a smaller overall package to carry around that’s half the Full-Frame weight is a huge selling point. Adding in a better sensor to the mix should make Micro Four Thirds much more desirable.

Can Current Lenses Even Resolve That Many Megapixels?

I would have no doubts at all about this. M.Zuiko lenses and Pana/Leica lenses are some of the sharpest I have ever used (and trust me, I’ve used a lot). I have always thought these lenses would resolve a lot more detail with a more powerful sensor. If stories about the 32+ megapixel sensor are true, you wouldn’t have to worry about this.

Will Noise Be Out of Control?

We all know that, due to the small sensor size (physical size) of M4/3 sensors, low light performance is not the best. It’s not bad, but it does struggle when compared to other platforms. Cramming more megapixels into the same space should, in theory, mean more noise. Why? Well, because the photosites themselves will be that much smaller. Each pixel will be able to gather less light, and less light means more noise. However, you have to remember that the current 20 Megapixel sensors in Micro Four Thirds cameras are regular CMOS sensors. New BSI (Back Side Illuminated) sensors can control noise at higher ISO’s much more efficiently. So, you might find that noise levels might remain about the same as they are now. However, you’d have the extra benefits of increased dynamic range and detail in your images.

Too Little Too Late?

Has the Micro Four Thirds ship already sailed? Unfortunately for some, I would say yes. Many photographers who used the platform have moved on to either APS-C cameras or Full-Frame options. However, many I have spoken with lament the extra size and weight of other platforms. It’s possible that a big leap forward like this could entice many to give the platform another chance. In fact, it could even scoop up many first time users too. You cannot deny that the Micro Four Thirds platform has the best IBIS of any system. Unique AI features have also found their way into cameras of late as well.

Panasonic has recommitted itself to the platform. OM Digital Solutions plans on focusing on video and high-end cameras for photography too. A 32 Megapixel sensor lines up with those visions perfectly. Imagine a Panasonic G10, a GH6, and GH6S with a 32 Megapixel sensor. The G10...

In Pro Camera Reviews, we recently looked closer at the Canon EOS EOS R5, Sony a1, and the Fujifilm GFX 100s.

There are three cameras competing to be king of the market right now. Those are from Sony, Canon and Fujifilm. The Canon EOS R5 is at a more affordable price point. The Sony a1 is pulling out all the stops. And the Fujifilm GFX 100S is bringing medium format to the masses. They’re all very good, and we discussed them in our recent episode of Pro Camera Reviews.

In This Episode:

Canon EOS R5, Sony a1, or Fujifilm GFX 100s: Which One?

Canon R5, Sony a1 or Fujifilm GFX 100s: Which One?: Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm are at the top of the innovation game right now. And we’re going to break down their three top cameras. We’ll weigh them by lens systems, autofocus, build quality, ease of use, image quality, and talk about their innovations. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on which camera to buy. Yes, they’re all expensive. But let’s be honest, photography is an expensive hobby and profession!

On the Next Episode

Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di VC Review: Tamron has created what’s arguably one of the most innovative lenses this year. APS-C cameras and lenses need to try much harder to keep our attention. But so much of it is the same out there. This lens, however, is not. We’ve been testing it on the Sony a6600 for a while. and overall, we’re very impressed. It’s more than good enough for professional work. But the best thing about it is the image quality. In fact, it made us very nostalgic. If you’re an old-school Sony lover, you’ll like this! We’re excited to talk to you about this lens.

Why Smartphones Have Rightfully Claimed Such A Large Chunk of The Camera Market: We’ve all seen the headlines that lament smartphones and their impact on the camera market. Just this week, Canon said that they expect camera sales to be only 8.2% of the sales from 2010 when 121.5 million cameras were shipped. There seems to be a lot of crying going on about this but not a lot of innovation that could bring the masses back to dedicated cameras and lenses. Just this week, a new company has announced some exciting new lens technology for smartphones. A single element lens that’s as good as muli element lenses when it comes to controlling CA, increasing sharpness, and contrast. Honestly, this level of innovation is why smartphones are in the position they’re in. Join us as we talk about this and why camera manufacturers should be scared.

About Pro Camera Reviews

Pro Camera Reviews happens every Sunday. Sign up to join us! Please Register here.

Pro Camera Reviews is a web show by the Reviews Team of The Phoblographer. Join them as they candidly discuss the products they’re actively reviewing and the gear they’ve just reviewed. Open Q and A from the audience towards the end of the show. Every Sunday at 7pm EST.

Please register here.

If you’re looking for a fun time while staying safe, we strongly recommend that you tune in for Pro Camera Reviews. It’s a weekly show where the staff tackles a couple of issues in the Photo World. They mostly pertain to cameras and lenses, but sometimes things get a bit more serious. This is partly because we still feel that we need to be educators and leaders in this space. Additionally, we also need to be responsible. Episodes are done on Zoom and are recorded. They’re Live Streamed to our Facebook Page, then shared on Flipboard TV and YouTube. We recommend that you subscribe to us on Youtube to keep up.

We have some pretty good guesses at what we think these newly registered Sony cameras might be.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Sony just upped the camera ante in 2021. The brand new Sony a1 looks to be a beast of a camera. Just when we thought that there couldn’t be more to come from Sony, we learn this. Apparently, Sony has five more new cameras, including two high-end offerings, coming in 2021. One of these offerings should be fairly obvious. Still, the other four remain a mystery. What could they be? Let’s talk about this after the break.

A posting over at Sony Alpha Rumors shows that five (yes, five) new cameras have just been registered in Asia by Sony. The listings themselves are rather cryptic. However, a translation will show that two cameras feature the 5GHz band. This means they are probably high-end cameras, while the other three show 2.4GHz. As noted in the article, once registered, the cameras are usually announced within 2-3 months. We have a fairly good idea of what the two high-end cameras might be. Let’s break down what we think will be coming soon.

Another a7r and a New a9

But, the Sony a7r IV only came out in late 2019, you cry! Well, don’t be surprised to see the a7r V come your way soon. Sony is no stranger to releasing new models quickly. For a while, Sony was introducing a new model in the a7 line every year. The original a7 launched in 2013, and the a7 ii followed in 2014. Sony now needs to create a gap between the a1 and the a7r IV in terms of megapixels. If Sony wants to keep their a7r (resolution) line alive, it needs to be beefed up. I would not be surprised to see an a7r V with a 70+ megapixel sensor. All new bells and whistles (new menus, new processor, articulating screen) will also be present. My guess is that it will hit with a price of $5,498, and sit directly beneath the new flagship a1.

Don’t be shocked if we see a new a9 as well. The a9 II is a great camera. It’s still one of the best I’ve used for sports and wildlife. Still, an a9 III with a stacked sensor that eliminates rolling shutter would be perfect. I wouldn’t expect much more in terms of resolution: perhaps a small bump to 32 Megapixels. This again will create a nice gap between it and the upcoming a1. The lower resolution sensor will also allow them to price it at $4,998. It makes sense, too, as this is an Olympics year.

The Most Expensive Sony A7 Yet

So, we all know that we are due a new camera in the a7 line. If we don’t see the a7 IV this year, I’ll eat my socks. Yes, the a7 IV will not be (and should not be) considered high end. It’s not. No matter how good these cameras have been for the masses. Sony has always called the a7 line their entry-level cameras. My prediction is that it will come with a BSI (non-stacked) 32 Megapixel sensor, a pretty low-resolution EVF (3.76 million dots) and low-resolution LCD. However, the screen will likely fully articulate. I predict it will pack dual UHS-II card slots, or one CFexpress A and one UHS-II slot. It will take on the new BIONZ processor and, therefore, the new autofocus system Sony now uses. I also believe this camera will be their most expensive entry-level option to date. $2,498 is my guess.

A New Curved Sensor RX Camera and the First Sony a7000

Let’s face it. The a6xxx series is a bit long in the tooth now. The design has not aged well, and the sensor needs a big upgrade. I predict we’ll see a brand new line to replace the a6xxx series. The a7xxx series will likely feature an all-new design with a better grip. In fact, better ergonomics overall should be expected. Gone will be the tired 24 Megapixel sensor. It will be replaced with a 32 Megapixel APS-C variant. IBIS will be reserved for the better spec’d a7000 series cameras. Still, we’re hoping all models will now at least be weather sealed. If the a7500 launches first, with IBIS, expect to pay roughly $1,498. An a7000 could be priced at $898 and the a7300 at roughly $1,198.

Perhaps 2021 will b...

OM Digital Solutions and Panasonic need to crack markets in Europe and the US with their M4/3 cameras.

We have always known that M4/3 cameras from Olympus (now OM Digital Solutions) and Panasonic have been hot sellers in their homeland. But, we didn’t know the M4/3 mount was popular enough to take the top spot on the most popular mount charts for 2020. This will come as a huge boon to OM Digital Solutions. It will also give JIP, the investment firm that purchased Olympus, a huge boost of confidence in their acquisition. This is all fine and dandy, but OM Digital Solutions and Panasonic still need to find a way to crack western photography markets. Let’s talk about this after the break.

A press statement from OM Digital solutions gives both themselves and Panasonic a large pat on the back for a job well done. In 2020, M4/3 cameras accounted for a 21.7% share of the Japanese camera market. This is actually rather impressive, as Sony and Canon seemed dominant, according to previous CIPA reports. Still, this news should come as no surprise, really. Japanese consumers have always tended to like small, compact cameras (something where Micro Four Thirds cameras excel). This is all well and good, but there’s still so much work to be done. OM Digital Solutions, and even Panasonic, need to become bigger players outside of the Japanese market when it comes to Micro Four Thirds.

M4/3 Could Be So Much More

Just how can both OM Digital Solutions and Panasonic bring success from Japan to the west? Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? For whatever reason, the vast majority of photographers think M4/3 cameras simply can’t cut it. This is a real shame. I use Olympus branded cameras (OM-D E-M1 III) in my professional life, and have zero issues with them. I love the images I produce with the cameras and lenses. My clients never have any issues with the images I produce either. I know professional photographers who use Panasonic M4/3 cameras who have no complaints. The stigma around the system is unwarranted, but YouTubers and others have claimed the system isn’t worth investing in.

However, It’s Time for Some Upgrades

One thing both OM Digital Solutions and Panasonic need to do is use some new technology. At this point, the sensors in the Olympus E-M1 III, the E-M5 III, the Panasonic G9, GH5, and GH5s are older than dirt. That’s not to say they’re bad; they’re not. Still, the lack of advancement with regard to sensors is hurting the platform, especially when so many photographers are tech heads these days. Six years is far too long to go without introducing a new sensor. Other upgrades to the cameras (especially pro-level models), like higher resolution EVF’s, are necessary as well. Going back to using the E-M1 III after using some of the newer models from Canon and Sony is jarring. Overall, it’s the perceived lack of progress that’s hampering the platform outside of Japan.

When the likes of Sony, Canon, heck, even Nikon show that steps are being made forward every other week, it’s disconcerting to see Olympus and Panasonic M4/3 cameras standing still. The messaging around marketing needs to be improved too. The Micro Four Thirds platform has been going after a very niche segment of the market. Panasonic and OM Digital Solutions need to give the platform a much broader appeal.

There Needs to Be Diversification

Yes, M4/3 cameras are great for birding, wildlife, and sports. However, they are great for so many more genres: I know from personal experience. Market the cameras in a way that appeals to all photographers. Show them what the cameras can do. I love using Micro Four Thirds cameras for portraiture, yet portrait photography is never mentioned in any marketing. They are fantastic for street and event photography too. I think to win over the American market, you need to show that Micro Four Thirds cameras can do it all, just like Canon, Sony, and Co. show that their cameras are great all-rounders. We all want...

The Panasonic GX10 is apparently in the works and will go head to head with other Rangefinder-style cameras.

We’re suckers for Rangefinders. In fact, a lot of photographers love the look and feel of these cameras. They remind us of days gone by, and honestly, they’re a nice break from the normal, often quite boring DSLR-style cameras on the market. Panasonic has made a few Rangefinder-style cameras in the past. However, it’s been a while since we’ve been excited about one. This could be about to change, though. Panasonic has been making noise about a GX10. Could Panasonic beat OM Digital Solutions to market with a new Micro Four Thirds Rangefinder camera? Let’s talk about this after the break.

A post on 4/3 Rumors shared details from Panasonic China. The official Panasonic account on the Chinese social media platform Weibo recently posted a message stating a GX10 was definitely coming. This is incredibly exciting news, especially for fans of Rangefinder-style cameras. Honestly, the Olympus Pen F still holds the crown for the best Rangefinder-styled Micro Four Thirds camera. The Panasonic GX8 was a very close second, though. Panasonic missed the mark with the GX9 in terms of ergonomics, so we’re really hoping they learned from that. Unfortunately, no other information about the Panasonic GX10 was given, but it’s great to know it’s indeed coming.

Could Panasonic Beat OM Digital Solutions in the Rangefinder-Style Cameras Race?

There’s no doubt that the Rangefinder-style space in the camera market is an incredibly competitive one. Panasonic and Olympus (now OM Digital Solutions) have gone head to head over the years. The Olympus Pen F become an instant classic, and it reached greater heights than offerings from Panasonic. Now, though, Panasonic could beat their Micro Four Thirds partner in the rangefinder-style race. We’ve been asking Olympus for quite some time for a new, weather-sealed Pen F II, but all is incredibly quiet on that front. Perhaps Panasonic spilling the tea on the GX10 will help kick OM Digital Solutions into gear. Whatever happens, we know that a new M4/3 rangefinder-style camera will go down incredibly well, as long as it is done right.

What We Want To See In the GX10

Panasonic could make a huge statement with the GX10. Ergonomics plays a big part in the experience of using Rangefinder-style cameras. The last time we felt at one with a Panasonic camera in this category was with the GX8. If we could have ergonomics similar to it, that would be great. The new Panasonic GX10 also needs to have fantastic weather sealing. These smaller cameras designed to be used on the streets often have this omitted, and that makes no sense to us. Panasonic, weather seal it. Give it an IP rating, and street photographers will flock to it.

It goes without saying that in 2021, any new Micro Four Thirds camera simply must have a new sensor. If you want more photographers to take the platform seriously, this has to happen. If you omit the AA filter like you did in the GX9, that will be well received too. Give the GX10 IBIS, a solid, fast, AI-infused autofocus system, a high resolution, tiltable EVF, and a two-way tilting screen at a minimum. Dual card slots, Wi-Fi 6, 4k60p for video lovers, and price it to sell. $999 to $1,199 would be ideal! It will be a hit.

Are you excited about this news coming from Panasonic China? What would you want to see in the Panasonic GX10? Let us know in the comment section below.

The camera market is struggling, and Canon isn’t beating around the bush when it talks about future camera sales.

Another day and another nail has been hammered into the coffin of the camera market. Again, Canon has come out and said that the market has a future of doom and gloom due to decreasing camera sales. In fact, they reckon it’s so bad that you think the market is in free fall; you haven’t seen anything yet. Is there any hope of saving the camera industry? After the break, we’ll take a look at what Canon is predicting, and we’ll don our superhero capes and spout off ideas that could help turn things around.

A recent post on Light Stalking brings to focus some comments made by Canon’s General Manager of the Image Communication Business Division, Takeshi Tokura. During a recent interview, Takeshi Tokura says that Canon predicts that digital cameras’ future sales will fall to just 8.2% of the sales in 2010. In 2010, 121.5 million camera units were sold. Now, Canon is predicting that less than 10 million units will be sold annually. That’s a staggering difference.

It’s clear to see just what an impact smartphones have truly had on the market. So, what’s Canon’s plan to help overcome new obstacles? They say that they will cut development and eliminate product lines. Basically, they will hyperfocus on their moneymakers and the products that offer more than just the point and shoot experience you get from a smartphone. They are also going to increase their focus on functions and services. So, what do we think will help get the camera market back on track? Read on below to find out.

Manufacturers Need to Streamline Their Offerings

Canon would do well to cut down on the number of cameras they offer. Every camera manufacturer would do well to offer less. Let’s face it, the camera market is a mess. There are so many camera models on the market that are virtually identical that it creates confusion for no reason. Designing, developing, and manufacturing these models must be a massive financial drain on these companies.

Let’s look at Canon real quick. They have their DSLR Rebel line, and their 5D, 6D, and 7D lines still available. All of those models have multiple variations. There’s the Rebel T7, T7i, T8i. You have the 5D IV, the 5DS, the 5DSR. You can still buy the Canon 6D and the 6D II. Then there are cameras like the 77D, 80D, and 90D. There are 11 camera models right there just in DSLRs. We haven’t even mentioned their new Mirrorless RF mount cameras, their EF-M mount cameras, or their point and shoots. What a mess.

Other manufacturers are the same. Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony. These companies all have multiple cameras that are essentially identical apart from small variations in body design. It’s time to simplify. These manufacturers need one point and shoot, one fixed lens camera, one entry-level APS-C, one pro-grade APS-C, one entry-level full-frame camera, one full-featured Full-Frame camera, and one pro-oriented camera (think 1DX III). These are seven well-defined models that cater to different markets. That’s much better than having a catalog of cameras that are pushing 20 or 30 models.

Focus on the High-End Only

Now, this is something that Canon has said they might do going forward. Cameras in phones are honestly good enough for most people these days. The only people who need ILC cameras are hobbyists and those who work in the profession. It’s plausible that companies like Canon could ditch all entry-level options and focus only on their pro-grade cameras. Perhaps we need to move to a marketing model where there’s just one feature-packed APS-C camera, one well-rounded fixed lens camera, a pro-grade Full-Frame option, and of course, a pro-body camera. This would streamline things even more. They wouldn’t necessarily have to raise the prices of these options above where they are now. However, focusing on just these lines will stop them from hemorrhaging money on lines that simply do not sell ...

If you love the disposable camera, then this new app could be for you.

If you’ve laid your hands on a disposable camera, then you’ll know they’re a lot of fun. There was a time when they would be high on the list of vacation accessories, as families and friends wanted a physical pictorial record of the time they shared together. Of course, with the rise of digital, film cameras got pushed to the side. A resurgence did see classic analog cameras make their way back to the mainstream, but the once loved disposable camera wasn’t among that crowd until now, as a company aims to pour new light on a once much-loved travel accessory.

Indisposable Brings the Disposable Camera

Indisposable is a new company founded by Kyle Rothwell. The concept is simple: make photos with a disposable camera, send them to Indisposable, and the company will upload your images to an app that you keep on your smartphone. It’s a new approach to an old school concept.

On the topic of his concept, Rothwell wrote:

“We were instantly hooked [to the disposable camera] and this hobby continued for us until the pandemic began. But we noticed that a lot of labs only did prints or gave you images on CDs. We wanted to take the simplicity a step further and have the images be sent right to your phone.”

Personally speaking, I don’t care how a person makes their photos. It can be on film, digital, wet plate; as long as the photos are good, that’s all that matters. But I do care about experiences. And no matter what digital does, it can never compare to the experience of using a disposable camera.

It’s the beauty of the unknown that makes the use of a disposable camera so charming. Are the photos going to come out okay? Did I hit the shutter at the right time? The feeling of anticipation that comes from this experience provides users with great feelings (and a little bit of anxiety). Beyond that, the disposable camera promotes delayed gratification. We’re so here and now in 2021 that we’re losing our ability to wait for something patiently.

We want the photos now. We want to upload them now. And we want feedback now. All this immediacy isn’t good for the mind, and a disposable camera helps fight against these toxic expectations we’ve become accustomed to.

The Best Part Is Missing

I understand why Indisposable has decided to offer the images digitally. It goes with society’s current state, where people store photos on their smartphones and have them ready to upload to social media. But for me, the best part of the disposable camera experience is the photographs.

In my opinion, getting a physical image is way more rewarding than having to look at it on a tiny screen. A physical photo brings the scene to life; it’s the soul of the film photography body. And it releases the endorphins that come with holding something in your hands. If you offer me a film camera without the photos, I’m not sure you’d have my interest. But then again, I’m closer to 40 than I am to 20, so maybe I’m too stuck in my ways.

If, however, I’m a late teen or in my twenties, I’m all over this app. It allows me to feel retro, have fun with a product from the past, and still have the digital experience I’m used to. And at the very least, being the age I am now, if I get to see more people using film, pushing their boundaries, and having fun, then as a lover of photography, that makes me very happy indeed.

There’s something magical about creating black and white images, and these cameras will help you do those images justice.

There are plenty of Mirrorless cameras on the market that can produce beautiful color pictures. However, there aren’t many that can create jaw-dropping blacks and white images. The good news is that the few cameras that do black and white images in-camera come with price tags that make them available for every budget. So, whether you’ve got under $1,000 to spend or closer to $6,000, there’s a camera for you. After the break, we’ll take a closer look at five Mirrorless cameras that will help you create simply stunning black and white images.

Olympus Pen F

In our review, we said:

“The color JPEG output is very good, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the black and white output. Having a film look like Ilford Delta 400 is pretty much my dream. Then you can add the according amounts of grain. These are the most film-like JPEGs I believe I’ve ever seen.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $999

Fujifilm X Pro 3

In our review, we said:

“With Fujifilm’s organic-looking film simulations, you’re not going to complain about the film grain. When it comes to looking at the images digitally, you’ve got no serious reason to buy any sort of presets that are film rendering. Of course, the options from Capture One and a few others are still very worth it. To that end, I think any photographer making images at ISO 3200 and above should simply embrace the look of film grain. Again, this is why I love this camera. Instead of going with the trend of needing to have clinically clean images, the Fujifilm X Pro 3 slaps that idea in the face.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $1,799.95

Leica Q2 Monochrom

In our review, we said:

“That’s where I recommend embracing this camera for what it truly is. I rarely ever shot with this camera below ISO 400. In fact, I spent most of my time between ISO 3,200 and 100,000. Why? Well, it’s a black and white sensor. Who cares? I have the kind of liberation where I don’t need to worry too badly about sensor noise. Any issues I had were easily fixed in Capture One Pro 20.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $5,995

Pro Tip: Shooting in black and white isn’t quite as easy as setting your camera into that mode and pressing the shutter. Shooting without color will make you see the world differently. You need to train your eye to see shadows and highlights, and you need to learn how to embrace noise and grain. Fortunately, this guide will help bring you up to speed. Sit down, read it, and you’ll be creating beautiful black and white images in no time.

Sony a7c

In our review, we said:

“We finally have a small, rangefinder-style camera with a full-frame sensor. There is also a bit of a grip that I don’t mind. It has autofocus, and it pairs well with equally small lenses.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $1,798

Fujifilm X-T200

In our review, we said:

“Pick a film simulation, set your exposure, and off you go. It’s fun, it’s liberating, and the images straight from the camera will amaze you every time. The highlight control, the detail in shadows, noise control, and the contrast are all on point. The X-T200 is a JPEG marvel.

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $699

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Hey folks,

We’re looking to fill a few positions here at The Phoblographer in the coming year. We’re looking to expand our reviews team, our news team, and our arts teams. 2021 is looking very bright for us. We’re looking for folks here in America and abroad, and we’d love to have you aboard. Head on past the jump to see the positions and details.

Photo Editor (International and American Applications Accepted)

The Phoblographer is looking to fill a brand new position: the Photo Editor. This applicant will work with the team and various folks throughout the photography space to create articles the audience loves. This applicant will not only understand the artistic side of photography but also be well versed in the tech side. We also think that critiques are important.

Requirements

Must be proficient with WordPress. We use the new Gutenberg interface. This is an absolute must-have requirement and we cannot work with someone who hasn’t used the platform before.

Strong command of the English language; the American dialect and spelling is a plus. However, we have a pretty large international audience, and mixing in the British flavor every now and again is alright.

Previous related blog writing experience. Includes skills for interviewing, communications, formatting, transcribing, etc.

Knowledge of copyright laws as they pertain to using images, etc.

Must have artistic photography knowledge and be able to demonstrate it. Ideally, the work you do will be captivating enough to rake in loads of pageviews and do justice that we’ve done to photographers for years. Think you can do this?

Familiarity with various Google Suite apps and Trello will put you ahead quite a bit.

The proposed output is two pieces a week. Usually, these are interviews and require formatting. This is a freelance job. No one on staff needs to work more than 8 to 12 hours a week. Mental health is very important to us. This used to be a mainstay on the Phoblographer, and at one point artist interviews used to be our biggest source of traffic. We’re looking to bring even more artistic magic back to the photography world. Specifically, we’re looking to remind people that photography is an art.

Must be able to meet weekly deadlines. We are flexible and accommodating within reason. The site has a pretty high emphasis on working together and helping each other out.

Must work well with a team and be able to take guidance (sometimes constructive criticism) well. Both the Editor in Chief and the Copy Editor provide help where needed.

The Phoblographer champions its ethics and has since day one. We refuse to work with Unsplash and believe that creators should be compensated ethically. And we’re also looking for someone with high moral and ethical standards.

You’ll have a trial period of three months.

Monetary payments done through PayPal, QuickPay, Venmo, Bank Transfer, or check. The Phoblographer is well known for fair and honest compensation amongst the photography blogging world.

We have a very serious non-compete policy pertaining to certain other sites.

Your location does not matter; our current staffers are in Asia, Europe, and America.

How to Apply

Skip the resume and send an awesome cover letter to [email protected] citing all the best stuff you’ve done, talking about the qualifications you meet, along with three writing samples demonstrating that you can do the type of work we’re looking for. Links to your website, portfolio, and writing samples should be included.

Be sure to make the subject line say your name and the position you’re going for. For example: Chris Gampat: News/Culture Writer Position.

After your application is received, it will be reviewed by me. Good luck to all applicants!

Reviews Writers (Hiring Only Within the US with No Exceptions)

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If you need something that can take on mother nature and won’t break the bank, you should check out these weather-sealed cameras.

Weather sealing is something that only used to be found on the flagship models of cameras. Oh, how times have changed. You can now find cameras in all price brackets that aren’t afraid to get a little wet and are sealed well against dust and dirt. If your work requires you to sometimes be out in the elements, you need a camera that won’t quit on you in the heat of the moment. If you also need to watch your wallet, don’t worry; you still have options. After the break, we’ll share four weather-sealed cameras that cost less than $1,000 each.

Olympus OMD E-M1 Mk II

In our review, we said:

“In case you have doubts as to how well the Olympus OMD E-M1 Mk II was weather sealed, consider the fact that Alberto took it to Iceland for a while. It snowed. In fact, it hailed. It was pretty insane, but it worked out well, and the camera continued to function. Then consider that we ran it under a faucet. What I didn’t tell a lot of folks is that I did this twice. The first time I filmed the video, I realized it was out of focus. So, I ran it under the faucet for probably 10 minutes total. The camera survived and continues to function. If that isn’t durable, I’m not sure what is.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $999

Sony a6400

In our review, we said:

“While we’re not exactly advocating that you go shoot with it in the middle of a monsoon, the A6400 didn’t exhibit any issues during our time with the camera testing it in a variety of less than ideal scenarios such as arctic level wind chills, moderate rainfall, and even getting quite wet underneath a man-made waterfall at the Bronx Zoo.

Buy now: $898

Pro Tip: These weather-sealed cameras are bound to become dirty, especially if you use them out in the elements as intended. This means your camera will get dirty quickly. Keep an affordable camera cleaning kit with you at all times. This way, you can clean the body easily. Every couple of weeks, give your camera a deeper clean. Doing this will ensure your weather-sealed cameras will work for years to come. This camera cleaning kit is affordable and has everything you need.

Nikon Z50

In our review, we said:

“The Nikon Z50 is also weather sealed. It’s not as weather-sealed as the Nikon Z6 and Z7, mainly because of the pop-up flash, but as long as you use weather-sealed lenses with the z50, you can play in the rain, the snow, the wind, at the beach, at the lake, or anywhere else where there might be a higher risk of exposure to water, dust, and debris. Just be sensible, don’t overdo it, and the Z50 will be fine. Overall, the Nikon Z50 is a tough little camera and will survive most things thrown at it.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $856.95

Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III

In our review, we said:

“Olympus has always excelled at weather sealing their camera bodies, and the OM-D E-M5 Mark III is no different. We shot with the EM5 Mark III under a variety of inclement conditions, including heavy rain, dust storms, and even freezing temps, and didn’t encounter any adverse issues with the camera.”

Buy now: $999