This Is One of the Stupidest Cameras Ever Made and I Love It

Andy Day — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:03:01 -0400

If you dream of owning a Hasselblad XPan, you might want to consider this much more affordable alternative. Or, given how stupid it is, maybe not.

[Read More]

Would You Pay $2,000 to Learn How to Exploit Human Misery?

Andy Day — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:50:39 -0400

Using images out of context is one thing. Using images that are clearly exploitative as part of your marketing is something else.

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Sam Altman Has No Idea What a Photograph Is and That Should Make You Angry

Andy Day — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:05:12 -0400

Last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that photos and AI-generated imagery will converge. Given that his intellect receives so much acclaim, it’s alarming that he has no understanding of photography and its function within society, not to mention the far-reaching implications.

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Hands on With the Controversial New Sony RX1R III

Andy Day — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:03:01 -0400

A lot of noise has surrounded the launch of Sony’s new compact camera, but what’s it like to actually use?

You won’t find many hands-on videos of photographers using the new Sony RX1R III because Sony decided not to give the new camera to influencers ahead of its launch. However, the physical stores have obviously received some units, and B&H Photo Video Pro Audio has taken the RX1R III for a stroll around New York to find out how it feels.

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Why Did Sony Hide the RX1R III From Influencers?

Andy Day — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:03:01 -0400

Typically, when a product is launched by one of the big manufacturers, a slew of YouTubers receive units a couple of weeks beforehand so that there are reviews ready to start generating presale orders. For Sony’s brand-new RX1R III, that didn’t happen. Why?

In this spicy video, photographer and YouTuber Jared Polin doesn’t pull any punches when making his criticisms of Sony’s new “flagship full frame premium compact camera with a fixed lens,” leveling a barrage at both the camera and Sony’s decisions in bringing it to market.

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Here’s What the Sony RX1R III Should Have Included

Andy Day — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:03:01 -0400

In among all of the brouhaha surrounding the launch of the new Sony RX1R III—the insanely expensive accessories, the recycled parts, and, of course, the $5,100 pricetag—there’s not been much talk about what features fans wanted to see that are markedly absent.

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The RX1R III Is Outrageous, Overpriced, and Exactly What We Need

Andy Day — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:02:59 -0400

Six months ago, I predicted that Sony would release a new RX1R, guessing many of the specs, including the price. What I should also have predicted is the backlash that Sony would receive for releasing a camera that is so ludicrously expensive. Here’s why pricing this insane camera at five grand was exactly the right thing to do and why we should be happy about it.

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Is This the Best Camera for Street Photography?

Andy Day — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:03:01 -0400

Inconspicuous, intuitive, and with great image quality — can you combine all of that into one perfect camera for capturing life on the street? This photographer says yes.

Launched in 2021, the Ricoh GR IIIx is a favorite among street photographers around the world, building on a series of compact Ricoh cameras designed specifically with them in mind. In this video, Roman Fox takes you through what finally made him fall in love with the camera, replacing his Fujifilm as his default choice for when he’s in the city.

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The Best Camera Bag I’ve Ever Owned? Fstoppers Reviews the Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10l

Andy Day — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:03:01 -0400

In recent years, my photography has leaned further and further toward minimalism. This beautifully functional sling bag is the perfect match, as proven by a recent vacation to America’s West Coast.

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The Sony a1 Is Incredible—but There’s a Catch

Andy Day — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:03:01 -0400

After four years and over 100,000 photos, photographer and YouTuber Manny Ortiz still considers the Sony A1 a powerhouse. But in a recent video, he reveals a surprising discovery—one that could change how you think about using this flagship camera, especially with certain types of lenses.

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A Work of Art or a Marketing Gimmick? This Camera Is Definitely Divisive

Andy Day — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:03:01 -0400

When Sigma unveiled their latest creation, one YouTuber asked, “Who the hell wants that?” and turned down the offer of a unit for review. Curiosity got the better of them, however, and it’s made for an interesting video.

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Is This Tiny Camera a Retro Gimmick or a Genius Throwback?

Andy Day — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:03:01 -0400

At first glance, it seems like a novelty—a quirky, retro-inspired device that leans heavily into nostalgia, maybe a little too heavily. But dig a little deeper, and you might find that this strange little camera actually has something compelling to offer.

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Wildlife Photography Is Easier Than You Think—If You Know These Tricks

Andy Day — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:03:01 -0400

Want to take better wildlife photos without spending a load of cash? This photographer shares a series of smart, surprisingly simple tips that can dramatically improve your images—and your experience in the field. And yes, they’re all completely free.

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Is This the Best Value Lens That Money Can Buy?

Andy Day — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:03:01 -0400

In a world where high-end portrait glass usually means a serious investment, this lens is turning heads—and not just because of the cost.

In his latest video, photographer Manny Ortiz discusses the newly announced Viltrox 85mm f/1.4, a lens that stunned him with its $600 price point. Having relied on the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for years, Ortiz was skeptical. After all, the Sigma retails for over twice the price. And yet, in an extensive comparison, the Viltrox matched—and in some ways outperformed—his long-time favorite.

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Is This a Good Reason to Ditch Sony and Move to Hasselblad?

Andy Day — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:03:36 -0400

What would make a professional photographer walk away from one of the best autofocus systems on the market? In a world where most shooters obsess over specs, this photographer’s big switch is driven by something far more personal.

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Did Fujifilm Steal My Idea for Their New Camera?

Andy Day — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:03:01 -0400

Five years ago, I humorously "leaked": a rumor that Canon was about to release the RiP, a camera with a vertical sensor designed for Instagram influencers. Sadly, the RiP never came to market, but the concept may have inspired Fujifilm’s intriguing new camera.

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Is This the Camera of the Future?

Andy Day — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:34:43 -0400

I’ve long complained about the usability and connectivity of cameras, and while the big manufacturers seem happy to keep punishing us with shoddy interfaces and annoying memory cards, an upstart has shown us a vision of the future.

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Just How Impractical Is Sigma’s Bizarre New Camera?

Andy Day — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:03:01 -0400

Sigma took the photo world by surprise a few weeks ago at the CP+ trade show in Japan by unveiling its latest creation: a minimalist camera that barely has any dials or buttons. Given the bold design, just how well does it cope with everyday use?

Cinematographer and DOP Becca Farsace blasted through a thousand day-to-day photos to figure out the usability of the brand-new Sigma BF, the camera world's equivalent of a concept car.

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These Manufacturers Are Putting Canon, Nikon, and Sony to Shame

Andy Day — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 17:03:01 -0400

Designing something beautiful is one thing. Designing something that is also beautifully functional is a rarity. Why has it been left to the minnows to show the big boys how it’s done?

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This Fatal Flaw Killed Leica’s Most Important Camera

Andy Day — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:03:01 -0500

In September 2009, Leica launched the M9. Despite the aesthetics and precision that fans love about the German manufacturer, the design contained a fatal flaw that has since slowly killed many of these cameras, rendering them useless and potentially beyond repair.

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Choosing Your First Film Camera? Just Buy This One

Andy Day — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:03:01 -0500

Venturing into the world of film can be daunting, and choosing a camera to get you started can be a challenge. Here’s a recommendation that might save you some time.

Choosing your first analog camera is no easy task, especially if you’re on a budget. Film isn’t cheap, and when combined with the cost of developing and scanning your negatives, you don’t necessarily want to drop a load of cash upfront.

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Is This Tiny Camera a Hint of What the Future Holds?

Andy Day — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:03:01 -0500

Sales of compact cameras were demolished by smartphones but we might be witnessing something of a renaissance. Is this another short-lived fad, or is 2025 the year that Canon, Nikon, and Sony embrace the point-and-shoot?

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Is Sony Going to Surprise Us With the RX1R III?

Andy Day — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:03:01 -0500

Every year, die-hard fans of the RX1R II ask if Sony will answer their prayers and release the Mark III. Is it finally going to happen?

Released in November 2015, the RX1R II remains unlike anything else on the market. It has a 42-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor, a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, and a leaf shutter, and it fits inside a jacket pocket. Arguably, its closest rival is the Leica Q3, which should give you some idea of how niche a product this is, as does the $3,300 price tag.

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Why Every Photographer Should Consider a Half-Frame Camera

Andy Day — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:03:01 -0500

Half-frame cameras are seeing a burst in popularity. Here are six compelling reasons to add one to your arsenal.

The number of vintage options combined with new offerings from the likes of Lomography and Pentax means that now is an excellent time to venture into the world of half-frame cameras. Whether you are a film aficionado or taking your first tentative steps into the world of silver halide, here are three reasons to get started.

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I’ll Bet Good Money That You’ve Never Seen This Camera Before

Andy Day — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:03:01 -0500

There are a ton of obscure cameras out there, but typically, there’s at least some documentation buried in a weird corner of the internet. Unfortunately, obscurity does not guarantee performance, as this photographer finds out.

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Which Budget Color Film Is Best?

Andy Day — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:03:01 -0500

With film prices ever increasing, budget-conscious photographers are always on the hunt for the best results at the lowest price. Of the cheapest mainstream offerings, which one delivers the best performance?

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Adobe’s New AI-Generated Video Is So Bad It Shouldn’t Be Charging Money

Andy Day — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:03:01 -0500

Adobe has just launched some AI video features as part of Firefly and, despite being beta and producing some terrifying results, Adobe is charging money for it.

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Why Won’t Sony, Nikon or Canon Make This Camera?

Andy Day — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:03:01 -0500

Given that finding a Fuji X100VI is ultra rare and the Leica Q3 is reserved only for those with very deep pockets, surely there’s a gap in the market. None of the big three manufacturers seems interested, but why not?

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Why It’s Ok to Love Something, Discover It’s AI, and Then Hate It

Andy Day — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 12:03:01 -0500

Is it okay to love something and then hate it once you find out that it was generated by AI? Absolutely.

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Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad: Which One Is Best?

Andy Day — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:03:01 -0500

There aren’t many photographers who own all three cameras, so this isn’t a side-by-side comparison you’ll see too often. Forget the megapixels for a moment and find out which of these three heavyweight cameras gives the most pleasing results.

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There Are Two Big Problems With the Leica M11

Andy Day — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:03:02 -0500

For many photographers, owning a Leica is a dream, and perhaps the most desired model right now is the M11. However, this camera comes with some notable issues, as this video finds out.

Formerly of The Verge, cinematographer and DOP Becca Farsace is no stranger to testing some of the best cameras on the market, so she’s in a good position to offer her thoughts on what constitutes a dream camera for many photographers, the M11. However, when you drop the best part of ten grand on a camera, you don’t expect it to arrive and suddenly find it freezing up.

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Is This the Closest Digital Can Come to Feeling Like Film?

Andy Day — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:03:01 -0500

Is there a way to replicate the feel of film but with the cost and convenience of digital?

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The Perfect Christmas Gift? Choosing Your First Half-Frame Camera

Andy Day — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:03:01 -0500

A half-frame film camera could be the perfect Christmas gift. Make the right choice with this handy guide.

Designed to let you get twice as many shots (and sometimes more) from a roll of 35mm film, half-frame cameras are an ideal option for anyone interested in dipping a toe into the world of film photography, or film aficionados who want something fun and accessible.

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And the Prize for the Worst Product Name of the Year Goes To...

Andy Day — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 07:03:01 -0500

Each year, camera and lens manufacturers battle it out to see who can come up with the worst name for a product. This year, one company stepped forward to take the prize by a country mile.

There’s been no shortage of ridiculous naming conventions established by camera companies over the years, many boxing themselves into corners due to a lack of foresight and a tin ear when it comes to marketing — probably a symptom of middle-aged men in suits trying to make stuff sound cool.

[Read More]

How I Broke My Favorite Lens and Then Fixed It Again All by Myself

Andy Day — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:03:01 -0400

The focusing ring on my favorite lens had been stiff for a while and finally, it failed completely. I decided to take the lens apart and see if I could fix it myself. Of course, it wasn’t that easy.

[Read More]

Recent articles from Andy Day on Fstoppers.com

This Is One of the Stupidest Cameras Ever Made and I Love It

Would You Pay $2,000 to Learn How to Exploit Human Misery?

Sam Altman Has No Idea What a Photograph Is and That Should Make You Angry

Hands on With the Controversial New Sony RX1R III

Why Did Sony Hide the RX1R III From Influencers?

Here’s What the Sony RX1R III Should Have Included

The RX1R III Is Outrageous, Overpriced, and Exactly What We Need

Is This the Best Camera for Street Photography?

The Best Camera Bag I’ve Ever Owned? Fstoppers Reviews the Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10l

The Sony a1 Is Incredible—but There’s a Catch

A Work of Art or a Marketing Gimmick? This Camera Is Definitely Divisive

Is This Tiny Camera a Retro Gimmick or a Genius Throwback?

Wildlife Photography Is Easier Than You Think—If You Know These Tricks

Is This the Best Value Lens That Money Can Buy?

Is This a Good Reason to Ditch Sony and Move to Hasselblad?

Did Fujifilm Steal My Idea for Their New Camera?

Is This the Camera of the Future?

Just How Impractical Is Sigma’s Bizarre New Camera?

These Manufacturers Are Putting Canon, Nikon, and Sony to Shame

This Fatal Flaw Killed Leica’s Most Important Camera

Choosing Your First Film Camera? Just Buy This One

Is This Tiny Camera a Hint of What the Future Holds?

Is Sony Going to Surprise Us With the RX1R III?

Why Every Photographer Should Consider a Half-Frame Camera

I’ll Bet Good Money That You’ve Never Seen This Camera Before

Which Budget Color Film Is Best?

Adobe’s New AI-Generated Video Is So Bad It Shouldn’t Be Charging Money

Why Won’t Sony, Nikon or Canon Make This Camera?

Why It’s Ok to Love Something, Discover It’s AI, and Then Hate It

Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad: Which One Is Best?

There Are Two Big Problems With the Leica M11

Is This the Closest Digital Can Come to Feeling Like Film?

The Perfect Christmas Gift? Choosing Your First Half-Frame Camera

And the Prize for the Worst Product Name of the Year Goes To...

How I Broke My Favorite Lens and Then Fixed It Again All by Myself