Photo: Richard Butler

The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.

CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.

A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras.

Graph: CIPA

Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.

The growth in value isn't entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn't scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.

While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).

While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn't much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.

Photo: Richard Butler

The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.

CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.

A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras.

Graph: CIPA

Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.

The growth in value isn't entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn't scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.

While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).

While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn't much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.

Image: Insta360

Insta360 and Leica Camera AG first teamed up in January 2020 with the Insta360 One R action camera. More recently, they collaborated on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. That cooperation isn't over, as the two companies have announced an extension of their partnership, bringing continued collaboration to Insta360's action cameras.

The Ace Pro 2 featured a Leica Summarit lens and Leica color profiles, so it seems likely that we will see more Leica optics and colors in future Insta360 products. The announcement reveals that "exciting developments are already on the horizon," suggesting that a new product is already in the works. It goes on to say that there will be "more cutting-edge imaging solutions across new product lines in the near future."

“Insta360 and Leica share a vision of creating the most advanced imaging tools possible,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing at Insta360. “With this renewed partnership, we are excited to continue our journey together, empowering creators to capture like nothing else out there.”

The Insta360 Ace 2 Pro has been very well regarded with impressive quality, so if that's a sign of what this partnership can yield, then exciting things could indeed be on the way. The two companies didn't provide any additional details about what product lines may involve Leica's input, so for now, we will have to wait.

Insta360 and Leica Camera AG extend Partnership: Advancing the Action Cam Industry

Insta360, a leader in 360° and action cameras, is proud to announce an extension of its partnership with Leica Camera AG, the legendary brand renowned for over a century of excellence in imaging. This continued collaboration aims to bring elite performance to Insta360's range of AI-powered action cameras and more.

Leica's heritage in crafting high-quality lenses and pioneering advancements in optical engineering aligns seamlessly with Insta360’s mission to redefine what’s possible in action and 360° imaging. Together, the two brands have delivered industry-leading innovations, with the latest offering, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, proving to be a smash hit among users worldwide.

With this partnership evolving, exciting developments are already on the horizon. While we can’t share specifics just yet, creators can expect more cutting-edge imaging solutions across new product lines in the near future. This extension sets the stage for further innovation, reinforcing both brands’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in action and 360° imaging.

A Partnership Rooted in Innovation

“Insta360 and Leica share a vision of creating the most advanced imaging tools possible,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing at Insta360. “With this renewed partnership, we are excited to continue our journey together, empowering creators to capture like nothing else out there.”

As the action camera market continues to demand ever-better image quality, this partnership ensures that Insta360 continues to lead in imaging excellence.

"For over a century, Leica has stood at the forefront of optical innovation, and our partnership with Insta360 allows us to continue this legacy in the dynamic world of action cameras.

Together, we strive to push the boundaries of imaging excellence, offering creators tools that inspire their creative journeys," said Marius Eschweiler, Vice President Business Unit Mobile, at Leica Camera AG.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 – The Latest Evolution of Insta360 and Leica’s Collaboration

The latest product of this partnership is the recently launched Insta360 Ace Pro 2, a flagship AI-powered action camera designed for professionals and enthusiasts seeking the highest image quality.

Built with a Leica SUMMARIT lens and unique Leica color profiles, the latest addition to Insta360's wide-angle camera lineup sets a new standard in action photography and videography.

With industry-leading low-light performance, superior dynamic range, and refined image processing, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is engineered to capture life’s most thrilling moments with the precision and quality expected from Leica optics.

Creators can rely on Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s enhanced stabilization and AI-powered features to ensure smooth and professional-looking footage every time.

Looking Ahead

The renewal of this partnership signals an exciting future for creators and action camera enthusiasts alike. With Leica’s legacy in optics and Insta360’s expertise in imaging technology, the next generation of cameras will continue to set new benchmarks in performance and creativity.

Shop the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 here, and be sure to explore Leica's latest offerings via their official website.

A couple of weeks ago, DPReview attended the 2025 CP+ Expo in Yokohama, Japan, the annual camera industry trade show sponsored by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). CP+ is an opportunity for us to meet with senior executives from across the camera industry, but it's also a chance to gauge the market's health more indirectly.

After going through years of contraction, the past few years have generally been a period of stabilization for the camera industry. We're not returning to the heady days of DSLRs and compact models flying off the shelves in the tens of millions, but industry executives have consistently told us that the market has reached a point of equilibrium and is even growing a bit.

However, despite the positive outlook from industry leaders, it's hard to ignore that, for the past couple of years, the CP+ Expo lacked a certain energy that we used to see at camera trade shows. In 2025, however, we saw several signs that CP+, and possibly the industry, are regaining some of that past mojo.

The crowds were bigger

It's no secret that camera trade shows have been hit hard over the past few years, with stalwarts like Photokina and PMA falling by the wayside and becoming historical footnotes. Trade shows, in general, have been flagging as companies discover new ways of connecting with customers, and the camera industry is not immune to that.

"We saw several signs that CP+, and possibly the industry, are regaining some of that past mojo."

CP+ was hit particularly hard by the global pandemic in 2020, which resulted in a three-year hiatus before an in-person expo returned in 2023. And, while there was clearly excitement among attendees and manufacturers to be back in action, one couldn't help but notice that the crowds felt smaller and the energy levels lower. It didn't portend an exciting future.

What a difference a year makes: in 2025, CP+ felt busy and vibrant again. There were lines outside the expo hall snaking back and forth well before the doors opened, packed with consumers eager to see the latest gear. The expo hall was crowded, the booths were busy, and even the aisles were filled with excitement and energy that have been largely absent since the pandemic.

The attendees are changing

CP+ attendees listen to a speaker in the Sigma booth. It seemed like there were more women at CP+ than in the past.

Frame from video: Dale Baskin

Yes, the crowds are getting bigger again. But what may be even more important is who we saw in attendance.

Typically, we would expect to see traditional camera enthusiasts at CP+, the type of person who has a collection of cameras and lenses at home, and we saw plenty of attendees with current models slung around their necks. To be sure, there were plenty of these people at the expo, and that's a good thing for the industry.

What jumped out, however, was the number of young people we saw in attendance, and it was common to see them in sections of booths specifically targeting 'creators.' You found them in other places, too; at least anecdotally, the industry's efforts to connect with this up-and-coming customer base may be paying dividends.

Additionally, it seemed like there were more women in attendance this year. I don't have any hard data to back this up, so you'll have to trust my observations, but it's certainly a good sign if the industry is more effectively connecting with women photographers.

Companies are timing product launches around CP+

DPReview was the first publication to get our hands on the new Canon V1, a compact camera announced to coincide with CP+ 2025.

Photo: Dale Baskin

The CP+ Expo hasn't historically been an anchor event camera companies use to announce new products. It wasn't uncommon for a few products to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, and companies occasionally used CP+ for big announcements, but it was the exception rather than the rule.

Suddenly, CP+ is a hot place for announcements.

Panasonic announced its new Lumix S1RII high-resolution flagship camera, Canon had its just-announced Powershot V1 compact model on display, and Sony revealed its new 16mm F1.8 G and 400-800mm F6.3-8 G lenses. Even Zeiss got in on the action, announcing new Otus 50mm F1.4 ML and 85mm F1.4 ML lenses.

On top of that, Sigma announced its new BF camera, along with new 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS and 300-600mm F4 DG OS lenses, at its own event in Tokyo earlier in the week, clearly designed to coincide with CP+, and the expo was the first opportunity for customers to get their hands on the products.

And this doesn't even include all the new lenses revealed by the up-and-coming Chinese lens manufacturers. Speaking of which...

Chinese lens companies have arrived in force

Chinese lens companies unveiled numerous new lenses at CP+ 2025, some designed to go head-to-head with the camera manufacturers' own lens options.

Photos: Richard Butler

Over the past few years, Chinese lens companies have transformed the camera market, becoming competitive manufacturers capable of producing sophisticated autofocus lenses with impressive optics.

This isn't the first year these companies have been at CP+. However, in 2025, they collectively made their presence felt like never before, unveiling no less than ten lenses between them, including several that ought to get the attention of first-party manufacturers.

Viltrox jumped in with its AF 35mm F1.2 LAB FE and AF 85mm F1.4 PRO FE lenses for Sony E-mount, along with a full-frame compatible AF 50mm F2.0 Air and APS-C AF 25mm F1.7 Air, both available for multiple mounts. Laowa joined the party with full-frame 8-15mm F2.8 Fisheye and 15mm F4.5 0.5x wide-angle macro lenses, and even a 35mm F2.8 Tilt Shift lens for Fujifilm GFX.

"Chinese lens companies unveiled numerous new lenses at CP+ 2025, some designed to go head-to-head with the camera manufacturers' own lens options."

Not to be left out, 7Artisans showed off full frame 24mm F1.8 and 35mm F2.8 lenses in multiple mounts and APS-C 25mm F1.8, 35mm F1.8 and 50mm F1.8 primes, also available in multiple mounts. Even Samyang got in on the fun, unveiling its AF 14-24mm F2.8 zoom for E-mount, co-branded with Schneider Kreuznach.

If this trend continues, CP+ could become a very exciting venue for new lenses.

What does it mean?

It's one thing for camera industry executives to tell us the industry is headed in a positive direction. It's another to walk the aisles of an expo hall teeming with excited consumers who telegraph that message in the real world. Seeing younger generations out in force and excited about using cameras is particularly exciting.

It's also been a long time since we've seen this many big industry announcements centered on a single event. However, if the industry can coalesce around CP+, it presents an opportunity for manufacturers to generate industry-wide excitement about new products at a level we haven't seen since the days of Photokina, and that would undoubtedly be a positive thing for the industry as a whole.

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: 7Artisans

Nearly a year after its initial launch, 7Artisans has announced that its AF 27mm F2.8 lens is coming to Fujifilm X-mount, joining the existing Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount iterations. The XF version will offer the same features and design as the existing model, albeit with very slight size differences to accommodate the different mounts.

The 27mm focal length provides a roughly 41mm equivalent field of view. It is quite compact and lightweight, measuring 42mm (1.7") long. 7Artisans didn't provide a weight for the X-mount version, but the E-mount model weighs only 144g (5.1oz) and the X-mount likely isn't much different.

The lens supports autofocus with a stepper motor and internal focus design. The optical design comprises six elements in five groups, though it doesn't use any aspherical, ED or other special glass. It also only features six aperture blades. Like the the Z-mount model, the X-mount lens accepts 39mm filters. There is also a USB port for firmware updates.

The 7Artisans AF 27mm F2.8 XF lens is available for purchase today at a recommended price of $129.

Buy now: $129 at 7Artisans $129 at Amazon

Sony World Photography Awards 2025 category winners

The World Photography Organisation has announced the category winners and shortlisted photographers for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025 Open competition. The Open competition of the World Photography Awards is in its 18th year and aims to celebrate photographers' ability to "distill a singular moment and to evoke a broader narrative." Entrants submitted their strongest images from 2024 across 10 categories, including landscape, portraiture, street photography, wildlife and more.

This year, the free-to-enter competition received over 419,000 submissions from 200 countries and territories. All of the shortlisted photographs can be seen at worldphoto.org.

In addition to the category winners, the Open Photographer of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on April 16. Select winning and shortlisted images will be displayed in the World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 5 and then travel to other locations.

Architecture

Photographer: Xuecheng Liu

Image title: Center of the Cosmos

Selected for the photograph Center of the Cosmos, which shows New York’s iconic Times Square from above, using a very wide angle to highlight the expanse of the city.

Copyright: © Xuecheng Liu, China Mainland, Winner, Open Competition, Architecture, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Creative

Photographer: Jonell Francisco, Philippines, Winner, Open Competition, Creative, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Image title: Kem the Unstoppable

Selected for Kem the Unstoppable, an elegantly photographed collage portrait, alluding to Renaissance traditions of portraiture.

Copyright: © Jonell Francisco, Philippines, Winner, Open Competition, Creative, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Landscape

Photographer: Ng Guang Ze

Image title: None

Selected for his mesmerising black-and-white shot of a stream meandering through grasslands into a lake in the distance, taken in Wenhai, Lijiang.

Copyright: © Ng Guang Ze, Singapore, Winner, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Lifestyle

Photographer: Hajime Hirano

Image title: None

Selected for his meticulously composed image of a street vendor selling electronic parts in Akihabara, once Japan's largest electronics town following a period of rapid economic growth in the late 1950s.

Copyright: © Hajime Hirano, Japan, Winner, Open Competition, Lifestyle, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Motion

Photographer: Olivier Unia

Image title: Tbourida La Chute

Selected for Tbourida La Chute, in which the photographer captures the danger and excitement of the moment a rider is thrown from their mount during a 'tbourida,' a traditional Moroccan equestrian performance.

Copyright: © Olivier Unia, France, Winner, Open Competition, Motion, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Natural World & Wildlife

Photographer: Estebane Rezkallah

Image title: The Whale Raft

Selected for The Whale Raft, depicting a group of polar bears feasting on the carcass of a whale in east Greenland.

Copyright: © Estebane Rezkallah, France, Winner, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Object

Photographer: Sussi Charlotte Alminde

Image title: Octopuses in the Sky

Selected for Octopuses in the Sky, showcasing elaborate handmade kites at the Fanø International Kite Fliers Meeting, one of the world’s largest kite flying events.

Copyright: © Sussi Charlotte Alminde, Denmark, Winner, Open Competition, Object, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Portraiture

Photographer: Yeintze Boutamba

Image title: Encounter

Selected for Encounter, a tender portrait of two people shot in the intimacy of a bedroom. The photographer wanted to immortalise this moment for the sitters.

Copyright: © Yeintze Boutamba, Gabon, Winner, Open Competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Street Photography

Photographer: Khairizal Maris

Image title: Celebrating Football Club Victories

Selected for Celebrating Football Club Victories, which pictures the elation of fans celebrating a win by their local football club by lighting flares in Bandung, West Java.

Copyright: © Khairizal Maris, Indonesia, Winner, Open Competition, Street Photography, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Travel

Photographer: Matjaž Šimic, Slovenia

Image title: Ask a Shaman

Selected for Ask a Shaman, depicting a group of shamans in La Paz, Bolivia, where they play a major role in Native Bolivian traditional culture, shot against the brightly painted local architecture.

Copyright: © Matjaž Šimic, Slovenia, Winner, Open Competition, Travel, Sony World Photography Awards 2025

Leica Women Foto Project winners

Photos: Priya Suresh Kambli, Jennifer Osborne, Koral Carballo and Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Leica paid homage to International Women's Day on Saturday by announcing the winners of the Leica Women Foto Project. Now in its sixth year, the project aims to "spotlight the way we diversify our communities through visual stories and emphasize female empowerment by its creators." This year's call for work centered on "Unity Through Diversity," seeking photo essays emphasizing the importance of connection as expressed through a feminine perspective.

The award is open to images created using any camera make or model and not limited to Leica-captured imagery. A panel of 12 judges, which included award-winning photojournalists, curators and editors, selected this year's four awardees. The winners each received a Leica SL3 camera, a Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens and a $10,000 USD cash prize.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Priya Suresh Kambli’s work is deeply personal and rooted in the context of the migrant experience. Inspired by an exhibition of vernacular hand-painted Indian studio portraits from The Alkazi Foundation, she began intervening with her family archive to explore themes of identity, memory, and belonging. Over the course of her twenty-year practice, Priya has revisited, reimagined, and recontextualized family portraits and heirlooms, building an archive that connects her to both her ancestral roots and her adopted land. Through her work, she reflects on absence and loss, navigating family dynamics to document their lives with a thoughtful and composed narrative.

About Priya Suresh Kambli: Priya Suresh Kambli received her BFA at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and an MFA from the University of Houston. She is a Professor of Art at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Kambli has always strived to explore and understand the resulting fragmentation of family, identity, and culture. Her artwork has been exhibited, published, collected and reviewed in the national and international photographic community.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: At age 18, I moved from India to the United States. Before I emigrated, my sister and I split our photographic inheritance along with other family heirlooms arbitrarily and irreparably in half - one part to remain in India with her and the other to be displaced with me, here in America. For the past two decades this accidental archive of family photographs and artifacts has been my main source material in creating bodies of work which explore the issues of gender, identity, representation, migrant narratives, and the renegotiation of power via the medium of photography.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: In my work I re-photograph and re-contextualize my inherited family photographs, documents and objects carried by me to America, to my home in the Midwest. In my images, my archive constrains what can be said of the past. It is full of gaps, fragmented long before it was split in two by my sister and me. One of the people sealed within is my father, the original archivist and documentarian. He was the author of the majority of the images in the archive. And the other significant presence is of my mother. My father the photographer is physically absent, while I and other members of my family are fixed within the archive. His photographs are documents – ostensibly of some happy occasion, or milestone in our lives.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: These mundane family photographs are complicated by my mother’s mark making. She cut holes in certain photographs to completely obliterate her own face while not harming the image of my sister and myself beside her and then slid them back into the family album. I am interested in both narratives – my father’s carefully composed efforts to document our lives and my mother’s violent but precise excisions. This set of fives images selected from my submission to the 2025 Leica Women Foto Project Award showcase these family dynamics. These family narratives form the foundation on which my artistic work rests, guiding its form as well as its vocabulary.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: This work stems from my own migration, and it grapples with the challenges of cross-cultural understanding, and from my growing sense that my practice – born from private and personal motivations – constitutes an increasingly urgent political and public action. In this work I seek and offer solidarity. The proposed work continues to examine the link between public and private and will provide a lens through which my artmaking becomes a kind of performance or ritual activity; revisiting the past in ways that bear witness to, re-enact, and communicate with past and future selves.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: My contribution to the field extends beyond the personal narrative, bringing attention to the experiences of migrants and women of color: lives that are rich, nuanced, and worthy of notice. The impact of this work lies in its simple existence; bodies of work resulting from processes of play - grounded in the concrete reality of the things I had carried with me and the place where I strive to make a home.

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Priya Suresh Kambli: Archive as Companion

Credit: Priya Suresh Kambli / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Koral Carballo’s photographic essays blend photography and oral history to explore the search for identity among Afro-descendant and mestizo communities in Veracruz, Mexico. Through powerful imagery, she uncovers the roots of complex family trauma, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to the past. Her project Blood Summons (or La Sangre Llama), a popular Mexican saying referring to the call to search for one's ancestors, represents both her personal journey and a broader exploration of historical injustices. With this work, Carballo calls for reparation, aiming to foster connection rather than division, and inviting viewers to engage with these stories and their own histories.

About Koral Carballo: Koral Carballo is a photojournalist, documentary photographer, and visual artist based in Mexico. She studied journalism at the Universidad Popular Aútonoma del Estado de Puebla, and the Contemporary Photography Seminar by the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CaSA) and the Centro de la Imagen. Carballo has exhibited her work in Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, The United States, and Uruguay. She collaborates with Ruda Colectiva, a Latino-American women photographers collective, and is an Artist from the National System in Mexico.

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: “Telling this story is a door to the past that opens to understand the emotional wounds of the present. My mother has been a crucial figure for the beginning of this project and an ally in the process of starting to create.”

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "Mom slapped me several times. She kept questioning me as to why I wanted to marry a black man." Mom

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "I don't know what we are carrying. But I saw it in therapy. I saw someone they were beating . He was asking me to release him." Bro.

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "Black rain. In December when the sugar cane harvest season begins, the black rain begins in Veracruz since colonial times. The burning of the cane fields is an important step for the production season. There are still 18 sugar mills in Veracruz where Afro-descendants and mestizos (people of mixed race) still work."

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "My sister's melancholy."

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Koral Carballo: Blood Summons

Credit: Koral Carballo / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Anna Neubauer’s ongoing documentary project, Ashes from Stone, is a powerful photo essay that portrays individuals who defy societal norms of beauty, strength, and identity. Through striking portraits, Neubauer showcases people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in empowered settings, amplifying marginalized voices and encouraging audiences to rethink traditional views of femininity and strength. The project challenges stereotypes, redefines beauty, and embraces narratives around family, relationships, and motherhood. Each photograph is accompanied by a personal narrative, deepening the connection with and humanizing the subjects, fostering empathy, and promoting a greater understanding of diversity.

About Anna Neubauer: Anna Neubauer is an Austrian photographer based in London, United Kingdom. She began her journey capturing what truly matters to her: stories of self-love, acceptance, and resilience. In 2021, Anna was named Adobe Rising Star of Photography. She has worked with clients like Barbie, Condé Nast, Leica, Canon, Yoto, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adobe, Harper's Bazaar and 500px/Getty Images, and her work has been featured in international publications.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: Hannah was born with Hay-Wells syndrome, a kind of ectodermal dysplasia, a very rare genetic disorder that can cause abnormalities affecting a person's skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Along with other health problems, people with this condition may also be more prone to specific skin or eye conditions. Growing up, Hannah was often burdened with feelings of isolation and despair because society's beauty standards and misconceptions about physical differences often lead to bullying. Since the media frequently ignores or misrepresents people with unusual conditions, Hannah now aims to educate others; she fights for her rights and strives to end societal ableism. I have been photographing Hannah the past years, documenting her journey of self-acceptance and advocacy in order to challenge beauty standards, preconceived notions about disability, and foster empathy and understanding about rare genetic disorders. This image in my series not only shows her uniquely beautiful appearance but also her courage and resilience.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: When I met Hannah, I met a confident woman and a proud disability advocate who speaks openly about living with Hay-Wells syndrome. I have always loved listening to stories, but for me, there is something particularly beautiful about Hannah’s. Through her advocacy and quiet moments like this, she continues to challenge norms, encouraging others to see beyond appearances and understand the resilience and humanity of those with rare conditions. I want to show the part of her journey where self-acceptance meets the pressures of a society that often doesn’t understand visible differences. Outside, Hannah wears her wig and sunglasses as a way to blend in and feel comfortable, but here, within the walls of her family home, she allows herself to be seen as she truly is. This image in my series, Hannah standing in the quiet light of her bedroom corridor, reveals a mix of strength and vulnerability. Her wig gives her comfort in a world still learning to embrace diversity.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: Crystal is a passionate actress and advocate for facial diversity and representation in the acting industry. I photographed her in her living room just as the UK started to ease Covid-19 restrictions. For Crystal, the pandemic brought an unexpected reprieve. The masks that shielded others from a virus also shielded her from relentless stares. For a while, she found relief in the anonymity, moving through public spaces without the weight of constant scrutiny or unsolicited judgment. In a world that often doesn’t know how to look beyond the surface, the anonymity felt like breathing room—both liberating and fragile.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: Az and Izzy were dating for a year when I photographed them. The beach isn’t just a place they visit—it’s their sanctuary, where the world fades away, and they can simply exist in each other’s presence. Here, with the salty breeze in their hair and the rhythmic hum of the waves, they find a rare kind of freedom—one where love feels effortless and unguarded. Documenting this intimate moment felt like stepping into something sacred. The way they look at each other, the unspoken understanding between them, the laughter that comes so easily—it all radiates warmth and authenticity. Their connection isn’t just seen; it’s felt. A quiet, beautiful force that reminds us of the kind of love that makes us feel truly at home.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: Maya is a passionate actress, dancer and model whose energy is as captivating as her talent. When we first met at a photoshoot in 2021, she was a performing arts student at Chickenshed Youth Theatre in London, radiating the kind of determination that makes dreams feel within reach. Since then, she has worked with major brands like Nike, EE and CBBC. Maya’s success not only speaks to her incredible talent but to her relentless spirit and dedication. This image in my series shows Maya in one of her favourite dresses, a piece that feels like an extension of her—a symbol of self-expression, confidence and her deep love for performing. For me, there’s something magical about photographing her, the way she moves so effortlessly, how she transforms in front of the lens yet always remains true to herself. Over the years, our friendship has grown into something truly beautiful, and every time I photograph her, it feels like a celebration of that bond.

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Anna Neubauer: Ashes from Stone

Credit: Anna Neubauer / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Jennifer Osborne’s captivating photo series takes viewers deep into the heart of the Fairy Creek protests, where activists came together to protect the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island. Osborne began documenting life within the protest blockades a week before enforcement began, capturing the raw, unfiltered moments of those first days. She continued to document the protests for the first three months of enforcement, witnessing firsthand the courage and commitment of the activists. From diverse backgrounds, these individuals camped in tents and vehicles, fighting tirelessly to preserve the land. Through powerful imagery, Osborne highlights their unwavering solidarity and determination, showing how every moment spent defending the forests was a battle not only for the land but for future generations. This series, which documents the now-dismantled blockades and the trees they fought so hard to protect, underscores the profound significance of their environmental struggle.

About Jennifer Osborne: Jen Osborne is a Canadian photographer who has published and exhibited photographs and videos internationally. Osborne was shortlisted for a Sony World Photography Award in 2024 for her wildland fire coverage in Alberta, Canada. And she received a grant from Carleton University in 2021 to complete a video documentary about Canada’s horse meat industry. It has since toured to more than ten film festivals around the world.

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "May 17, 2021. Outside Port Renfrew, in a forest cut block. A woman leans on a tree that was cut fairly recently before this photo was taken. She found it along with a group of conservationists who explored the area after a round of logging happened in the region."

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "May 2021. Near Port Renfrew, Canada. An activist is chained to a bus in the middle of a road over a bridge, to prevent loggers from accessing old-growth forests. Other members of the blockade set off flares, so that their internal film crew could post a social media update for the public on their activities there. A team of blockade members had united to place this vehicle in the middle of the road."

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "May 23, 2021. Near Port Renfrew, Canada. A group of blockaders unify their bodies to protect a patch of old-growth forest called "EDEN GROVE". They linked arms to prevent a hostile individual from entering their blockade. The situation escalated and the visitor yelled and tried to push a few activists to get through their linked arms."

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "May 24, 2021. Near Port Renfrew, Canada. Two forest defenders stand in a cut block patch during police arrests of activists protecting "Waterfall Camp" and a neighboring cut block area."

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

The story behind the pictures: "May 24, 2021. Near Port Renfrew, Canada. A woman appeared at a cut block to show her unity with land defenders who blocked roads to prevent loggers from entering old-growth forest areas, during their arrests."

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

Jennifer Osborne: The Fairy Creek

Credit: Jennifer Osborne / Leica Women Foto Project Award 2025

While visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, located 109km west of Key West, Florida, I looked down from the top of Fort Jefferson and saw this group of snorkelers just off Garden Key. Moments after this photo was taken, one of the snorkelers had the bad luck of being stung by a Portuguese man o' war.

Photo: Dale Baskin

The theme for our March Editors' challenge is 'Water'.

Show us the essence of water in its many forms, from the roaring power of the ocean to a gentle rain, reflections on a lake, smooth waterfalls, frozen ice, or even fine art. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow and show us your best photos that revolve around water. Our favorites will be featured on the DPReview homepage later this month.

This challenge is open to photos taken at any time.

Photos can be submitted between Sunday, March 16, and Saturday, March 22 (GMT).

Important: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. Viewers want to know the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!

Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration as soon as the challenge opens.

Visit the challenge page to see all the rules

Images: Vanguard, Apple, Elinchrom

CP+ may have ended last week, but that apparently hasn't stopped the flood of accessory news. Today, we'll look at a few lights, bags, computers and more, but first, let's see what's on sale.

Second-gen Goodness Photo: Richard Butler

Canon's Stacked sensor flagship, the EOS R5 II, is currently on sale for $300 off MSRP. We reviewed it late last year, and came away very impressed – it's a camera that excels at nearly everything.

Buy now:

$3999 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Photo: Richard Butler

Panasonic's S5II isn't quite as performant, but it's still quite a good camera. It's also substantially cheaper than the EOS R5 II, especially given the current sale that gets you $500 off.

Buy now:

$1497 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Let there be lights Image: Godox

Godox's latest light for videographers and photographers is the Litemons C30. It's a tiny LED panel weighing 248g that packs an internal battery capable of putting out 30W of light for up to 45 minutes. A USB-C port lets you recharge the battery or run the light for an extended period of time.

There are two versions of the light – a bicolor model, which costs $59, and an RGB model that will run you $89.

Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H Image: Elinchrom

If you need something a little more powerful, there's the recently released Elinchrom LED 100 C, a continuous RGB light with an integrated 72Wh battery that provides up to 40 minutes of power in the field. It comes with a diffusion dome and an adapter for Profoto light modifiers and can be charged via USB-C.

$599 at Amazon $599 at B&H On the level Image: Vanguard

Ball-head tripods are great if you want to easily level your tripod without messing around with leg length, but what if you already have a tripod that you like? Vanguard's LVL accessory might be for you. It's designed to sit between your sticks and your tripod's head, adding a bit of height and letting you level your tripod head in a matter of seconds.

Vanguard makes several sizes, so it should be compatible with a wide range of tripods. The smallest, the LVL 42, has a 42mm base and can support up to 20kg (44lb), while the LVL 75 can support up to 40kg (88lb) – just make sure the rest of your tripod can handle that much weight too.

In the bag Image: Wandrd

If you want to carry around some camera gear without using a massive backpack, Wandrd's Stratus Photo 18L may be the bag for you. It's relatively small and has built-in organization for your camera gear, as well as access hatches on both the right and left-hand side. It's made of weather-resistant materials and has load-adjustment straps and a chest strap, which should let you carry it comfortably even if you've got it filled with gear.

Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H New affordable iPads Image: Apple

People don't always think of the iPad as a photographic tool, but nowadays Apple's tablets have a lot of processing power and can run many of the apps photographers use on their desktops. The company's entry-level models – the iPad Air and the plainly-named iPad – have just gotten updates that make them better than ever. The Air gets the laptop-class M3 chip, as well as a new, optional keyboard with a bigger trackpad, function row and aluminum design. The M3 iPad Air starts at $599, and the new keyboard costs $269.

The cheaper iPad, meanwhile, gets the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. While it's not as powerful as the M-class chips and doesn't support Apple's suite of AI features, it should still be plenty for light photo editing and organization. Its base storage has also been doubled from 64GB to 128GB. It starts at $349, which is what its predecessor sold for ever since Apple cut the price by $100 in 2024.

That wasn't all Apple announced this week, though...

Get caught up

Some accessory news is so big that it gets its own article during the week, but we'd feel remiss not also mentioning those products here.

Image: Apple

As an example, Apple's new computers. The company announced updates to its entry-level MacBook Air and top-of-the-line Mac Studio this week, adding its latest processors. The MacBook Air has enough processing power to handle the typical Photoshop and Lightroom tasks that most photographers need, all while being hyper-portable, while the Mac Studio can handle the highest-end photo and video editing tasks.

Image: Peak Design

Also announced this week: Peak Design's Roller Pro, the company's first piece of roller luggage. It's a bit of a hybrid between a hardshell case and a softshell one, with plenty of padding and a front sleeve that can hold a laptop and other everyday carry items. You can read our full coverage of it here.

It's currently being sold via Kickstarter for a discount over its $599 MSRP, but the usual disclaimer applies: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Pledge on KickStarter

Read last week's roundup

There's something magical about the experience of shooting with Polaroid film, no matter how many times you see it roll out of a camera and wait for it to develop. It's clear it's a complicated process even without understanding the ins-and-outs of how it's produced. But, in a recent video, Polaroid has pulled back the curtain, revealing just how complex Polaroid film is.

The video provides a behind-the-scenes look, walking you through the Polaroid factory in Enschede, Netherlands, the only place where Polaroid film is made. It shows the entire process from start to finish, including the mixing of the developer, the cutting of the negative sheets in complete darkness with night vision goggles, how the cassettes are made and more, all the way to quality control and boxing up the finished product.

While the video touches on some of it, it doesn't go into all the details of how interesting the history of the factory is. The factory doors closed in 2008, but a small group managed to save the company, bringing it back, albeit in a much smaller form. For some time, it produced film under the name The Impossible Project. In 2017 the company rebranded as Polaroid Originals, and then in 2020, it was able to rebrand as Polaroid once again. You can watch a full documentary on the story on YouTube as well.

"I mean, this is an ancient technology that nobody uses anymore. So it's not like we can just say hey, let's replace it and put a whole new brains in it."

It's fascinating to see that the factory still uses the same process and machinery as it did in the 1970s. "There's a lot of frustration. You've got to have patience. We've got a machine here from the seventies," explains an employee named Andrew in the video."It stops, starts, stops, starts. I mean, this is an ancient technology that nobody uses anymore. So it's not like we can just say hey, let's replace it and put a whole new brains in it. We've got to try and make do with what we've got, which means refurbishing parts, which means having people learn how this works and specialize in it."

The video also touches on the formula of the film. Anyone familiar with the early Impossible Project days will remember how rough around the edges that film was. I purchased many packs for my beloved SX-70, most of which didn't turn out. While the current film is significantly better than it used to be, it still isn't quite where Polaroid film was quality-wise. Andrew says in the video that they know the quality isn't as good as the original Polaroids, but he explains that the original formula wasn't very environmentally friendly and they are trying to address that.

Whether you shoot Polaroid or not, it is interesting to see the complex process behind something that played such a significant role in the history of photography.

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Richard Butler

Sony has released a firmware update that brings its Content Authenticity Solution to the a7 IV. The company announced a similar update for the a1 II, a1 and a9 III in January. However, this is the first time the tool to authenticate images will be available on something other than high-end, professional-grade cameras.

Software Ver. 5.00 for the Sony a7 IV adds support for the "Write Digital Signature" function for still images. This function allows photographers to add an electronic signature to their images to prove that they were taken with that camera. Authenticity tools such as this are becoming increasingly important with the growing prevalence of generative AI-created imagery and, as a result, the spread of fake images.

Of course, as with the update for the three pro-grade cameras in January, there are some caveats involved. The Digital Signature function requires a paid license and is only available for certain media outlets, not the general public. Unfortunately, Sony still hasn't provided any additional information on if or when it will be available for general consumers. On the firmware update page, Sony simply says that the "timing for the provision of paid licenses to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined."

Even though the current usability is limited, Sony rolling this out to consumer models is a step in the right direction. The Content Authenticity information page also says that "more camera models will be supported in due course," so it sounds like we should see additional cameras with the tool at some point. If Sony makes the feature more widely available beyond media outlets, the Digital Signature feature will already be on cameras and ready for use.

If you want to be prepared, or happen to work for one of the select media outlets, the Sony a7 IV firmware update Ver. 5.00 is now available for download.

Fujifilm took to some of its social media channels to announce that its next X Summit will take place in just two weeks. The March 20 event will be hosted in Prague, supposedly at 10 am GMT (5am ET), according to some posts. "The wait is almost over. Mark your calendars for March 20 and get ready to witness something extraordinary. Stay tuned for more updates," teased the Fujifilm X India YouTube channel.

A screenshot from the YouTube video announcing the X Summit and teasing a new camera.

Image: Fujifilm

Fujifilm is clearly aiming to build excitement, and the announcement video included a very brief flash of a camera at the end. The camera is shrouded in shadow, so it doesn't reveal much. A closer examination of a screenshot reveals a compact-looking lens with text that says "Fujinon Aspherical Lens" on the front. That's really all that's visible, though it does seem like the camera may be larger than standard compacts like the X100VI.

The company's post certainly leaves more questions than answers about the upcoming camera announcement. Luckily, though, two weeks isn't terribly long to wait.

Rendering: Nubia

We live in a time when camera brands (well, at least one) are stripping down controls while smartphone brands are ramping up physical camera controls. Indeed, the quest to bring a camera-like shooting experience to smartphones is going strong, as we've seen on full display at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. Brands like Xiaomi and RealMe have even gone so far as adding lens mounts to prototype smartphones.

On the less dramatic side are features like Apple's iPhone Camera Control button, which provides quick access to the camera and various settings like zoom. You can also find grips from the likes of Belkin, ShiftCam and even Leica that add shutter buttons and a more camera-like form factor. Now, a lesser-known smartphone brand is getting into the mix with an innovation on the camera itself.

Nubia, which also sells phones under the name Redmagic, opted for a simple control ring on its new Focus 2 Ultra smartphone. According to Notebook Check, the distinctive rotating ring allows users to control zoom or select filters. Such a feature should feel more natural and familiar for zooming in or out, especially for those who use dedicated cameras. Plus, you don't have to remember if you double press, long press, or tap your head three times to get to certain settings. A control ring also means there's no fiddling with getting your finger placed just right to zoom in or out, as is necessary on Apple's Camera Control Button.

Adding to the camera-like experience, the Focus 2 Ultra has a dedicated button that acts as a shutter release when you have the camera app open.

The camera system itself on the Nubia Focus 2 Ultra doesn't seem like anything to write home about; the company says the main shooter uses a Type 1/1.55 (8.3 x 6.2mm) sensor with 2μm pixels and an F1.47 lens, but doesn't provide further details about it or the phone's other cameras. However, it's exciting to see how phone makers are experimenting with physical camera controls on their devices. Especially as phone camera technology improves, it certainly would be nice to have more tactile controls when I leave my dedicated cameras behind.

The company hasn't announced exactly when the Focus 2 Ultra will be available, but Notebook Check reports it'll cost around 300 Euros.

Images: Apple

Apple has updated its ultra-portable laptop, the MacBook Air, as well as its ultra-powerful desktop, the Mac Studio. The former gets the company's latest chip, a price cut and comes in a fun new color, while the latter is being billed as "the most powerful Mac ever."

The M4 MacBook Air Image: Apple

On the outside, the MacBook Air is much the same as its predecessor, though it's now available with a "sky blue" finish. On the inside, it features the company's latest M4 chip, which has been available for a while now in computers like the Mac Mini, iMac and entry-level MacBook Pro. Based on those machines, the M4 Air should be a bit more powerful and efficient than its predecessor.

The biggest upgrade, though, is to external display support. The M3 MacBook Air could only run one display alongside its built-in screen. You'd have to close the laptop's lid if you wanted to use a second external display. With the new model, that limitation is gone: it can drive two 6K external monitors and its internal display.

Multi-monitor support has historically been the Apple Silicon MacBook Air's biggest weakness, but that's clearly no longer the case.

Image: Apple

Apple has also upgraded the webcam and says the new model has "improved video quality." In a rare move, it's done all this while lowering the computer's base price. The M4 Air's predecessor started at $1,099 for a model with 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage – now, you can get those same specs for $999.

There are caveats: the entry-level 13" M3 Air had a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, while the cheapest 13" M4 model has a 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. It's not a change that most people looking at this class of computer will notice, and jumping to the $1199 model will get you those cores back, but it does make it clear where Apple's saving that $100. The base 15" model gets the same price cut, starting at $1199 instead of $1299, but instead of taking a hit to the GPU, it takes a hit to storage; instead of starting at 512GB like its predecessor, it starts at 256GB. That cut will likely be more noticeable to the average consumer, as 256GB can be pretty limiting, especially if you've got a lot of documents or photos.

The M4 MacBook Air is available to pre-order now and will be available starting March 12th.

Buy at Apple The new Mac Studio

Apple says the M4 Max Mac Studio is "1.6x faster image processing in Adobe Photoshop" than the M1 Max version.

Image: Apple

Apple has also updated the Mac Studio, its desktop aimed at creative professionals with its powerful internals and integrated UHS-II SD card reader. It's been a moment since the computer has been updated – the previous version came out in the summer of 2023 and was powered by Apple's M2 chips.

The base-spec Studio now comes with the M4 Max, which has 14 CPU cores and 32 GPU cores. That chip is the same found in the top-tier MacBook Pros released last year. However, the computer also introduces the M3 Ultra. As its name implies, it's built around Apple's last-gen architecture, but it makes up for that by essentially being two Max-class chips fused together. The entry-level M3 Max has a 28-core CPU and a 60-core GPU but can be optioned to add 4 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores.

The Mac Studio offers more I/O than any of Apple's laptops.

Image: Apple

The M3 Ultra also supports ThunderBolt 5, a spec previously only available on M4-powered machines, which allows for data transfers at up to 120 Gbps. The Ultra-equipped studio has a whopping six ThunderBolt ports, two more than the Max model, which has four ThunderBolt ports and two USB-C ones.

Beyond the new silicon, the new Studio has a few improvements over the previous generation. It can now drive eight 6K displays or four 8K displays; the M2-powered Studio topped out at six and three, respectively. The M3 Ultra version is also available with much more storage and RAM; you can get it with a 16TB SSD and up to 512GB of memory, which Apple says is "the most unified memory ever in a personal computer." The maxed-out M2 Ultra only supported an 8TB SSD and 192GB of memory.

Given that this is more or less Apple's flagship desktop – sorry, Mac Pro – it's not surprising that it costs a pretty penny. The M4 Max version starts at $1999 and comes with 36GB of memory and a 512GB SSD. The M3 Ultra Studio starts at $3999 and has 96GB of memory and a 1TB SSD. Like with all Apple machines, costs start to add up if you want to upgrade – the 512GB memory option costs an additional $4000, and bumping up to that 16TB SSD will run you a cool $4600. Both models are available to pre-order now, and will be available starting March 12th.

Buy at Apple

Phone manufacturers are continuously trying to find ways to make the cameras in their devices bigger and better, allowing them to serve as a true replacement for dedicated cameras. To this end, Xiaomi recently announced the "Modular Optical System" concept phone, which features a lens module with a built-in Four Thirds sensor that attaches magnetically to the phone's back. RealMe, a fellow Chinese smartphone brand, said, "Hold my lens," and upped the ante, releasing a concept phone with an M-mount.

While Xiaomi's approach uses a sensor built into a lens that attaches magnetically, RealMe opted for a bare sensor built into the back of the phone and an existing lens mount. RealMe says the concept features a customized Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8 mm) Sony sensor, which is covered by glass to protect it. Granted, no matter how tough that glass is, it is vulnerable to scratches and cracks, which would then impact image quality.

The phone's M-mount allows users to take advantage of existing full-frame lenses rather than buying a proprietary lens system. The prototype is on display at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona. RealMe is reportedly providing lenses to try out the system, though the current concept isn't able to power autofocus motors and lacks electrical contacts to provide EXIF data. Given those limitations, it makes sense that the company chose the manual focus-only M-mount.

The mount itself is rather large, even before attaching a lens.

Image: RealMe

The concept phone features also two traditional phone cameras, both of which use Type 1 sensors. It's still not all that common to get one sensors that large in a phone, let alone three, so it's possible the phone could be a standout shooter even without an external lens attached.

The concept of a phone with an interchangeable lens mount isn't new – Xiaomi did something very similar a few years ago – and the end product can be quite unwieldy. That is especially true with larger lenses, which would get incredibly front-heavy when attached to a slim, lightweight phone. It's hard to imagine the ergonomics would be anything you'd want to experience for very long. After all, you would have to essentially only hold the lens, not the phone itself. Plus, the required lens mount is bulky before attaching a lens, so it isn't exactly a compact system. However, despite all its potential flaws, it is nice to see companies working to push the boundaries. Who knows where it could take us, after all.

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Richard Butler

Last week, Panasonic announced the S1RII, the second-generation version of its high-resolution camera. While the original model was mainly focused on stills, the S1RII is being billed as a hybrid camera with the ability to shoot 8K video.

The video chops are possible because Panasonic is using a new 44MP sensor, which has a slightly lower resolution than the 47MP model found in the S1R. Thankfully, we got the chance to shoot some initial samples with while in Japan to cover CP+, and we've put together a sample gallery. It also includes a few examples of the camera's handheld multi-shot mode, which produces 177MP images.

We'll be shooting a lot more with the S1RII in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

See the Sample Gallery

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

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Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo

Ricoh GR Photo Festival winning images

The 2024 Ricoh GR Photo Festival winners have been announced, with images celebrating ordinary life worldwide. The contest began in 2022 and is structured slightly differently from most contests. Instead of judges ranking images in order of excellence, the GR Photo Festival has professional photographers from around the world select three images that stand out to them. No prizes or award money are involved, and no titles are given out.

This year, the contest theme was daily life. "It is in your ordinary day-to-day life that you find precious moments," the festival explains. Any images that were taken with a GR series camera were eligible. You can learn more and see all of the selected images at the Ricoh GR Photo Festival website.

Selected by judge Reggie Ballesteros

Photographer: 树·先生

Location: China

Camera: GR III

Judge: Reggie Ballesteros

Judge's comment: This reminds me of a fleeting moment between a child and their parent. The composition and lighting make it a compelling frame with multiple frames within a frame, yet the identities of the subject are in shadow which makes it relatable and universal.

Selected by judge Reggie Ballesteros

Photographer: 刘旻尚

Location: China

Camera: GR IIIx

Judge: Reggie Ballesteros

Judge's comment: Using a cell phone in public is such an everyday occurrence. This photo captures that and make it beautiful and abstract - a man on his phone amidst this minimal scene with a pop of color. The man is also so close yet so far from the person next to him who seems to be exhausted and napping.

Selected by judge Reggie Ballesteros

Photographer: 张裕烽

Location: China

Camera: GR III

Judge: Reggie Ballesteros

Judge's comment: Walking is such a common occurrence and activity that we forget it's beauty and universality to the human experience. The lighting isolates the legs and obscures the identity of the walker. This image is bold and abstract turning this activity into an artful sight.

Selected by judge Jeremy Cheung

Photographer: 潘宇轩

Location: China

Camera: GR IIIx

Judge: Jeremy Cheung

Judge's comment: This photo beautifully depicts the everyday life of workmen. The unified emerald colours of their uniforms match perfectly with the muted soil as well as the hazy background skyline. The whole scene portrays a routine hardship life under a collecive culture. The gestures and actions of the nine workmen are also very well timed to complete a poetic yet candid snapshot.

Selected by judge Jeremy Cheung

Photographer: Adam Taufiq Suharto

Location: Malaysia

Camera: GR III

Judge: Jeremy Cheung

Judge's comment: This photo uses a elevation angle to tell an everyday story inside a school or community centre. Actions are packed within the well-spotted 'circle' frame, with each of the members focussing on their own tasks or living in their own world. The process of 'word making' gives the viewer a sense of fun guess, with the passing of 'M' is cleverly placed in the centre of the image. Complication is masterfully tackled with all elements balanced and structured. The colour tones are very truthful and aesthetically pleasing too.

Selected by judge Jeremy Cheung

Photographer: Cristobal A. Padilla Moreno

Location: Chile

Camera: GR III

Judge: Jeremy Cheung

Judge's comment: The split lighitng temperature of the two sections in the photo gives an illusion of two different worlds. The phtoographer also brillantly chose to stand on a spot where the diverging perspectives of the two corridors were captured beautifully. The scenes shown on both sides are exceptionally detailed and inviting to more discovery. For me, it is like reading 2 different photos but in a single photo. It is a joy to feel how this night scene vividly delivers.

Selected by judge Oliver Jiang

Photographer: 快门师傅 徐威

Location: China

Camera: GR III

Judge: Oliver Jiang

Judge's comment: The image is masterfully layered with different elements, I can see the state of the people in the sunset, from near to far. The big dog takes up an important part of the picture, and I think it will lick the camera at any time. Without its “intrusion”, this will be a very ordinary work.

There must be humid air, warm sunshine, and laughter at the scene. It’s a comfortable evening, especially in such a big busy city in China as shown in the picture, and I believe such a comfortable time is worth cherishing. I don’t know if the photographer was one of the participants of this waterside “leisure party”, but I am grateful to him and through his photo, I feel that I am involved in this wonderful afternoon.

Selected by judge Oliver Jiang

Photographer: 略商

Location: China

Camera: GR III

Judge: Oliver Jiang

Judge's comment: This photo gave me a deep composition impression from the beginning. Many days after the first screening, I asked myself which photos I still remember, this photo appeared in my mind at first. I seldom simply summarize the principles of composition, but there is no doubt that this is a simple and clean black-and-white work, and I like this unique black-and-white expression of GR. I used to wonder what this thin young man was looking at and thinking, but it suddenly dawned on me that this is exactly what the photographer wanted me to do. Hehehe, well I fell for the trap. An unintentional yet interesting piece.

Selected by judge Rikard Landberg

Photographer: nicole sánchez

Location: Portugal

Camera: GR III

Judge: Rikard Landberg

Judge's comment: There are multiple layers in this image that make me pause and reflect, evoking a sense of mystery. The individual in the shadows seems to escape time, almost like a spirit from another dimension. The city in the background, bustling with motion and life, contrasts sharply with the calm solitude in the foreground. The corridor feels like a metaphor for the soul's journey, a path leading away from the familiar and into the unknown. The black-and-white tones enhance the drama, turning the image into more than just a moment, it becomes a story without words.

Selected by judge Rikard Landberg

Photographer: Eric Lopez

Location: Spain

Camera: GR III

Judge: Rikard Landberg

Judge's comment: CHAOS! But chaos in a good way. There’s so much happening in this image that it almost makes your eyes wander in circles. I think the composition is excellent, with a touch of humor that I truly appreciate. It raises countless questions that let the imagination run wild. Bath time often means kids struggling with soap in their eyes, and they hate it. But what if this foam bomb is their way of turning the tables? With goggles on, the kid becomes a fearless shark in the water, while the adults are left squinting and wiping soap from their faces.The hand in the bottom right corner seems to be trying to stop it all. But is it too late? The white foam acts as a canvas that enhances the scene. Well done!

Selected by judge Rikard Landberg

Photographer: Shiho Ichimura

Location: Japan

Camera: GR10

Judge: Rikard Landberg

Judge's comment: This is an image I find myself returning to again and again. It has something that truly makes me pause for a moment and brings a smile to my face, a metaphor for this year's theme. Just like everyday life can be quite predictable, you might think you know what's hiding under all those layers of newspaper. Or do you? Sure, the shapes and patterns look very familiar. But can we ever be completely certain? Perhaps this wrapped package holds a surprise, something unexpected that breaks the monotony of our all-too-familiar daily life. In the end, it’s a reminder that even in the most predictable moments, there’s always room for the unexpected to reshape our perspective. I really like this one.

Selected by judge Annalaura Pretaroli

Photographer: Jay Melliza

Location: Philippines

Camera: GR III

Judge: Annalaura Pretaroli

Judge's comment: This picture captures a beautiful balance of light and shadow.
The left side of the image is darker, gradually revealing more light on the right: I find it pleasing to the eye. Some leaves might be burning in the background? Or is it just thick mist? The fog does the trick and beautifully enhances the warm sunlight filtering through the branches, adding depth and intrigue to the scene. The viewer wanders in search of details that could explain this beautiful, almost magical, rural scene. The two people in the image blend seamlessly into the composition, allowing the true star -light- to shine!

Selected by judge Hamish Ta-mé

Photographer: Cezar Niculescu

Location: Romania

Camera: GR III

Judge: Hamish Ta-mé

Judge's comment: An intriguing moment in an ordinary day. Like a still from a moody art film, the image takes a mundane stage and populates it with actors, each with their own concerns and lives unfolding. We're presented with multiple leading frames, each with it's own focal point from near mid and distance. This is an exquisite masterclass in observation, anticipation, composition, technical capture, remarkable technology, mood and postproduction.

Selected by judge Michael Young

Photographer: Penphan Tarczaly

Location: Thailand

Camera: GR III

Judge: Michael Young

Judge's comment: This image captures the everyday life of commuting to or from work in an urban setting. The composition, with the vertical panels dividing the frame, creates a sense of order and routine. The figures lined up behind the panels, though blurred, suggest a sense of anonymity and the collective experience of daily routines.

I like the interplay of light and shadow it adds another layer of meaning. The bright light filtering through the panels creates a stark contrast with the darker areas. I like how each individual person stands partially hidden, and obscured, emphasizing anonymity.

The frames within frames, with each panel act as a visual barrier and offer a glimpse into a private moment within a public space. The use of perspective, with the figures seemingly receding into the distance, creates a sense of depth.

Through its careful composition, use of light and shadow, and framing, the photograph invites viewers to contemplate the themes of anonymity, routine, and the juxtaposition of public and private life in the urban landscape. It's a poignant reminder of the ordinary moments that make up the fabric of our daily existence.

Selected by judge Qianqian Zhang

Photographer: 马可风

Location: China

Camera: GR IIIx

Judge: Qianqian Zhang

Judge's comment: The classical beauty of simplicity requires a longer gaze, keep staring a little longer. A good creator can send everything he feels in the present to the future through visual language. Photos speak of the past, but how do people travel between the past and the future?

The fishing net, the boy, and the sea in front of you are surprisingly quiet. Where are they taking you to? Please keep watching, as if you are staring at your deceased self. Time will surrender to the moment when you bend down. The boy is still a boy, but he will say "Forever like the sea will dry and the rocks will fall apart."

People have been salvaging all their lives, salvaging gold, salvaging fish and shrimp, salvaging themselves. What are you salvaging at the moment? Condense "restraint" and "as you wish" with the simplest simple composition, so the viewer can stop for long. There are still many secrets hidden in the picture, waiting for you to discover.

Selected by judge Qianqian Zhang

Photographer: Nicholas Sansone

Location: United States

Camera: GR III

Judge: Qianqian Zhang

Judge's comment: How to praise this moment? Flowers, hugs, and kisses can’t explain the power of life, especially the pain and joy of life. In ancient times people celebrated the birth of a child with fire shouting ceremonies. At this moment, the camera is transmitting and framing all emotions.

How to portray the appearance of loved ones? Printing technologies with ink or oil paint have already reproduced countless faces. The photographer is “portraying” it truly without any interference. The wife waves towards the role of a mother, and the child is at ease. Can you portray such a scene every other year? Because this is painting "home", you will reap the fruit of "love" in 10 years.

How do we "portray" our family in the long and complicated days? Please be brave enough to pick up the camera to record the pain and joy of life in those moments of life and death, just like the warrior in the photo, who loves his family in front of you.

Image: Polaroid

Polaroid has announced new versions of its instant cameras, the Now and Now+. The third-generation models bring only incremental changes to the table, though Polaroid promises an improvement to overall image quality and performance in bright light.

The most significant update on the Now and Now+ Gen 3 instant cameras is an updated ranging sensor. The ranging sensor drives the camera's two-lens autofocus system, which is effectively two fixed focus zones that the camera can swap between. To do this, the camera sends out infrared lights, measuring how long they take to come back to judge the distance. The camera can then determine which lens is appropriate given that distance. Polaroid says it updated the ranging sensor, allowing the cameras to pick the correct lens more often.

Photo: Polaroid

Polaroid also updated the placement of the light meter on its latest cameras. The light meter used to be under the viewfinder, but on the Gen 3 models, it has moved to under the lens. Polaroid says this will provide more accurate readings and, thus, more accurate exposures since it's measuring closer to where light is actually entering the camera. The new placement also sits under anything placed over the lens, making the camera filter compatible.

Beyond the slightly improved functionality, Polaroid has completely refreshed the colors of both the Now and Now+, doing away with the existing colors. The Now is now available in Coral, Arctic Blue, Purple, Yellow, Pebble White, and Black, while the Now+ comes in solid Arctic Blue, Coral, Black, and White.

Image: Polaroid

As with previous models, the Now+ remains the connected model, offering app connectivity for more creative control. As Polaroid says, the plus is in the name "because it “adds” to the experience." The Now Gen 3, meanwhile, is a more traditional instant camera with no extra controls beyond the point-and-shoot nature of the camera. Both cameras are rechargeable via USB-C and use full-sized Polaroid i-Type film.

The new cameras are available for purchase starting today on the Polaroid website and select retailers. The more basic Now Gen 3 is $120, while the connected Now+ Gen 3 is $140.

Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 at Polaroid Polaroid Now Gen 3 at Polaroid

Press release:

Introducing Polaroid Now & Now+ Generation 3: Sharper shots, better in bright light

The latest improvements of Polaroid’s iconic instant camera range

Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant Camera

The Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant camera is the classic analog instant camera, optimized for sharper pictures in more lighting conditions. Featuring a better light meter position, improved ranging sensor, upgraded two-lens autofocus system, built-in tripod mount, filter compatibility and even self-timer and double-exposure modes. All in a classic Polaroid look made with 40% recycled materials.

Available in six new colors, rechargeable with USB-C and compatible with Polaroid i-Type Film to capture real life in iconic, full-sized Polaroid pictures.

• Optimized exposures to take sharper pictures in bright lighting. Thanks to ranging sensor, flash and autofocus upgrades, the Gen 3 Now camera takes cleared pictures = even on super sunny days.
• Shoots original full-size Polaroid film. Capture modern life in the original Polaroid aesthetic. And see every detail of each beautifully imperfect picture on our iconic full-sized i-Type.
• Iconic Polaroid Design. The classic Polaroid look that generations have come to know and love, now made from more future-friendly materials.
• Two-lens autofocus = twice the clarity. The Generation 3 Polaroid Now’s twin-lens autofocusing system chooses which lens is right for the shot. Capturing the moment is as simple as clicking the big red shutter button.

Price: $119.99 / €129.99 / £119.99

Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant camera is unlocking new creative possibilities by being paired with the Polaroid app. Access aperture priority, remote controls, double-exposure, self-timer, manual mode and more. This connectivity, combined with an optimized two-lens autofocus system that takes sharper pictures in bright lighting, results in a classic-look camera packed with modern tech.

Available in four new colors, made with 40% recycled materials and compatible with iconic, full-sized Polaroid i-Type Film.

• Optimized exposures to take sharper pictures in bright lighting. Thanks to ranging sensor, flash and autofocus upgrades, the Gen 3 Now+ takes clearer pictures – even on super sunny days.
• App connected for extra creative firepower. Manual controls, aperture priority, remote controls, double exposures, and more are all unlocked when linking the Now+ with the Polaroid app.
• Iconic Polaroid Design. Manual controls, aperture priority, remote controls, double exposures, and more are all unlocked when linking the Now+ with the Polaroid app.
• Shoots original full-size Polaroid film. Capture modern life in the original Polaroid aesthetic. And see every detail of each beautifully imperfect picture on our iconic full-sized i-Type.
• Two-lens autofocus = twice the clarity. The Generation 3 Polaroid Now+’s twin-lens autofocusing system chooses which lens is right for the shot. Capturing the moment is as simple as clicking the big red shutter button.

Price: $139.99 / €149.99 / £149.99

Available from March 4th on Polaroid.com and select retailers worldwide.

The current-gen 35mm F1.2 Art.

Photo: Barney Britton

Apparently, announcing two new lenses, an entirely new camera, and a refresh of an entire lens lineup wasn't enough for Sigma – the company has reportedly said it's working on an update to its full-frame 35mm F1.2 Art lens, which was initially released in 2019.

According to a translated Mynavi article, the production update was announced by Sigma president Kazuto Yamaki at the CP+ trade show held in Japan last week. The article says the update will make the lens more compact, lighter and sharper. At the moment, the company has not announced the news through traditional channels such as its news or Instagram pages.

It wouldn't be the first time Sigma had made such an update to one of its lenses: last year, it released the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art, which was 10% lighter than its predecessor. At 1090g (2.40lb), the current 35mm F1.2 isn't particularly lightweight, but it also isn't notably heavier than similar lenses from other brands, such as the 1060g (2.34lb) Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S from Nikon.

Mynavi reports that there's currently no information on the lens' release date, pricing or what mounts it will be available for. However, it is exciting to hear that Sigma is working on improving one of its already good primes.

Image: Peak Design

After weeks of teasing, Peak Design has fully announced a long-awaited addition to its lineup: a roller bag. It has everything the company's fans have come to expect: a meticulous design, carbon fiber and room for a ton of camera gear.

While it's called the Roller Pro, the 60mm custom-designed wheels are perhaps the least interesting thing about it. There are four of them, making it easy to maneuver the bag in a crowded airport, and the company says they're replaceable in case they break.

The real star of the show, though, is the handle. It's made of two solid pieces of carbon fiber, which Peak Design says allows it to be stiffer than traditional telescoping handles while only taking up a third of the space in the case. It also promises that the design won't get jammed when you're trying to put it back into the bag. You can set the handle to extend to either 90cm (35") or 100cm (39"), and the part that you actually touch is characteristically premium, made out of machined aluminum.

That low-profile design, combined with the bag's expandable capacity, means it can hold up to 39L while still qualifying as a carry-on, even for international flights. Empty, it weighs around 4kg (8.8lb).

On the outside, the bag is a hybrid between a soft shell and a hard shell. The back half is rigid polycarbonate, but the front half is softer, with a built-in padded laptop slot and pockets for items like glasses, keys and notebooks. It comes in three colors: black, "eclipse" red and "sage" green.

Image: Peak Design

The company says the entire bag is weatherproof, and there are gear loops on the outside to let you easily attach items like a tripod or rolled up blanket.

Unlike some of Peak Design's backpacks, the Roller Pro doesn't come with built-in camera storage by default. However, the company's existing camera cubes are compatible with it, and it's also releasing a new "X-Large" cube that perfectly fits the roller bag and can contain a 400mm prime lens. Like the rest of the Peak Design cubes, it has handles on every side, so if you suddenly have to check your roller, you can grab your camera gear out of it and carry it onto the plane with you.

The XL cube is designed to nestle perfectly into the Roller Pro.

Image: Peak Design

Peak Design says that pairing the two products together will give you a bag that it's easy to work directly out of. Instead of opening like a traditional bag, which folds out like a book to take up roughly double the space, the Roller Pro has what Peak Design calls a "drawbridge" design. That lets you open the top, and have it stay open, giving the bag an "L" shape. That means you can flip it open and get immediate access to your camera gear, and you can leave it open if you'll need to be in and out frequently.

As with many of Peak Design's products, the Roller Pro distinguishes itself with the details. There's an organization panel on the top lid for smaller items, which can be rolled up and stowed if you don't need it, and a cord system to keep everything in place after it's packed. There are handles on each side of the bag, so you can grab it no matter what orientation it is on the luggage belt, and there are secretive pockets for an AirTag and your passport. The interior is made out of an "auto-inspired" felt, and all the zippers can be secured with a single lock.

Bonus feature: the back has rubber feet that keep it from sliding around when its open, and that can help dampen shocks.

Image: Peak Design

As you can probably guess, none of this comes cheap. Peak Design will start selling the bag at retail in August at an MSRP of $599. The XL camera cube will cost $139. As with many of its other products, though, Peak Design will be running a Kickstarter campaign for the Roller Pro from March 4th through April 17th, where you'll be able to get it at a discount, though exact pricing wasn't available pre-release.

The company says it'll ship bags to Kickstarter backers in June, though now is a good time to mention that pledging to a crowdfunding campaign isn't the same thing as ordering a product via an online store. Peak Design has established a solid record of using such campaigns to launch new products, with 13 successful campaigns, but there is always some level of risk involved with Kickstarter.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Press release:

Peak Design’s Roller Pro Is The Future Of Luggage Design

New carry-on features and innovations that manufacturers said were impossible

San Francisco, CA (March 4, 2025) – Peak Design is making its roller luggage debut with its most anticipated product release yet: the Roller Pro Carry-On. This new travel essential combines soft-sided style, hard-sided durability, and adaptive features to support any adventure, whether it’s for business, creative pursuits or just for fun. It’s made for the modern traveler, whose needs are multifaceted but always grounded in function, form and accessibility.

Having grown tired of the multitude of cookie-cutter roller bags on the market—made predominantly with off-the-shelf parts and having little-to-no newly discernible features—Peak Design designed Roller Pro from the ground up with entirely-custom parts and assemblies. This enabled the brand to address shortcomings such as poorly-built handles, wasted space, unwieldy clamshell access, and the ‘same-old’ boring aesthetics.

Roller Pro’s defining feature is Peak Design’s SlimDrive™ – a patented, low-profile carbon fiber handle, engineered for maximal strength in a minimal volume. Standard roller handles are made from off-the-shelf telescoping aluminum tubes, which create large ridges at the bottom of traditional roller bags and create wasted space around them. Roller Pro’s handle is made from single-stage flat carbon fiber tubes, making it significantly stiffer while taking up just a third of the volume, which both maximizes packing space and provides a superior handling experience. Coupled with custom-engineered 60mm wheels—nestled within the bag’s corners to optimize interior storage—the Roller Pro glides smoothly across a range of surfaces with just a flick of the finger.

Roller Pro also boasts a unique hybrid construction – a lightweight polycarbonate shell covered with Peak Design’s signature VersaShell™ fabric – that provides hard-sided protection with soft-sided features, all in a clean, classic aesthetic. A front EDC pocket has protected storage for passports, chargers, headphones, and a laptop/tablet. Unlike traditional clamshell-style rollers, Roller Pro features an innovative ‘Drawbridge’ opening system with a compact footprint, offering travelers a unique solution for packing in confined spaces like airplane aisles, busy event spaces or cramped hotel rooms. Additionally, the bag’s expandable capacity, from 34L to 39L, accommodates those returning home with more than they left.

Busy travelers will rejoice in Roller Pro’s nifty packing features and thoughtful details. An interior organization panel holds small items or acts as dedicated dirty clothes storage, and can be stowed to create a single large volume that reveals a hidden AirTag pocket. A proprietary Cord Hook™ Internal Retention System keeps contents secure, yet instantly retracts when not in use. Outside, 360-degree grab handles enable quick snagging from a conveyor belt or overhead compartment, and Cord Hook™ Gear Loops offer external carry of jackets, umbrellas, or even a tripod.

Not forgetting its roots, Peak Design is releasing a brand new X-Large sized Camera Cube that fills the Roller Pro’s entire volume and holds a 400mm prime lens. With the X-Large Camera Cube, or any smaller size available, the bag becomes a mobile creative workstation for photographers on location or in the studio. Camera Cubes also disappear as quickly as they install, eliminating the need for photographers to own a dedicated camera roller.

True to Peak Design’s commitment to sustainability, the Roller Pro’s fabric shell is 100% recycled and Bluesign-approved, and the entire product is PFAS-free and Climate Label Certified. Backed by Peak Design’s lifetime guarantee, the Roller Pro is built to last, representing a long-term investment in high-quality travel gear. Roller Pro is international carry-on approved and clocks in at 21.8 x 14 x 9” and 8.8lbs.

“Inside almost every roller bag on the market, you’ll find a floppy fabric liner, and under that liner you’ll find two big honkin’ tubes,” said Peak Design Founder & CEO Peter Dering. “A plastic clamshell with big, fat tubes: that’s the easy way to make a roller. We chose the hard way. When we told our factory we wanted to redesign things from the ground up, they told us we were crazy. But, we pushed them and found a better way. The result is a product that is wildly more effective and delightful. Roller Pro has real innovation in it, and I suspect many of its features will become future industry standards.”

From March 4 - April 17, 2025, the Peak Design Roller Pro and newly released XL Camera Cube will be available to pre-order on Kickstarter (peakdesign.com/ks), offering customers an exclusive chance to purchase at a discounted price (MSRP $139.95 - $599.95, depending on the item) in three colorways: Black, Eclipse and Sage. Products are expected to ship to Kickstarter backers in June 2025, with a full release on peakdesign.com, Amazon and global retailers by August 2025. Dates and prices are susceptible to change prior to launch.