Rollei Analog may have something new coming for analog shooters, according to its first Instagram post in four years. The company shared "We are back" on its account this week, with hints that something is coming.

The Instagram account rollei_analog hadn't posted since October 14, 2021. This week, though, it shared a post with a Zebra and text saying "We are back" and "be prepared and stay tuned!" The caption of the post said it has "big plans, new projects and analog inspiration." It isn't clear if it's simply an announcement that the Instagram account will be active again, or if there will be new products coming.

A post shared by Rollei Analog Official (@rollei_analog)

Hans O. Mahn GmbH & Co. KG manages the Rollei Analog brand, which specializes in film, photo chemicals and photographic papers. It last shared news on its website in 2020, so even that platform has been quiet for a while. You can still buy Rollei-branded film; however, it's not produced in-house by Rollei and is repackaged from other major manufacturers.

Over the past year, we've also seen the Rollei name pop up on other products, including a mirrorless lens and the Rollei 35AF film camera. However, those products are the result of licensing deals, with other companies obtaining the rights to use the Rollei branding on their products. The lens looked as though it was likely a re-branded 7Artisans offering. The revival of the iconic Rollei 35 in an autofocus format was a project by Mint Camera, which licensed the Rollei name from Rollei GmbH & Co. KG.

Rollei Analog's cryptic post leaves a lot to the imagination, and the comments are peppered with requests. We'll just have to wait and see what it means by "big plans," though.

It's still a niche, but with projects like Wimberly Springs and Wolf Ranch, 3D-printed housing continues to grow in popularity in the USA. The latest example of this consists of two 3D-printed homes in Colorado that showcase the impressive speed and resilience of the burgeoning construction technology.

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Category: Architecture, Technology

Tags: Building and Construction, 3D Printing, House, Home

One of the most critical parts of photography is getting the right exposure. Unfortunately, mastering that process isn't always straightforward. Tricky lighting conditions like backlighting or high-contrast scenes can complicate things, whether you're using automatic or manual exposure settings. The key is to master metering modes, settings that tell your camera how to measure light in a scene.

Metering modes can be confusing, though, especially since each brand uses slightly different names. In this article, we'll break down the most common modes and provide examples of when you should use each.

Before exploring the different settings, it's important to know what metering modes are. Digital cameras are able to measure light within a scene. The camera uses that information to suggest how bright or dark your photo should be, helping you get an accurate exposure.

We'll have more on how to use that light meter later, but for now, what's key to understand is that you can adjust how your light meter reads the scene, allowing you to tell the camera what's most important in terms of exposure. For example, you may want it to evaluate the entire scene for a balanced exposure, or the center of the frame could be what matters most.

Changing the metering mode will affect how your camera determines a proper exposure. This is vital in automatic or priority modes, but it's also helpful if you're using manual mode. After all, if the meter reads the wrong part of the scene, you may end up with an image that is far too dark (underexposed) or bright (overexposed).

Evaluative metering is the default setting for most cameras. Canon and Sigma call this mode Evaluative, and it's labeled as Matrix on Nikon, Multi on Sony and Fujifilm and Digital ESP on OM System.

While each brand might have its own nuance, it's typically more than just a basic average of the entire scene on modern cameras. Broadly speaking, this mode divides the scene into zones and assesses the brightness of every zone. The camera may also factor in color and the location of the focus point. That information is all processed using an algorithm that suggests a balanced exposure for the entire setting.

Evaluative metering is the default because it works well in most situations. It is useful for landscapes, portraits, wildlife and many other everyday scenarios.

Center-weighted metering (also called Center-weighted Avg. on Canon and Center on Sony), as the name suggests, prioritizes the center of the frame. It doesn't completely disregard the edges of the frame, but the camera will make sure the center is correctly exposed, even if that means the edges will be a little too dark or bright.

Center-weighted metering is useful for any situation where you know the subject will be centered. Portraiture is a great example, as it typically involves the subject in the center of the frame.

Spot metering is the most precise metering option. This mode calculates exposure based on a small area of your selected focus point. Each system is different in the size of the area it references, with most using just 1-5% of the frame. In addition to Spot metering, Canon also offers what it calls 'Partial' metering, which is similar but uses a larger section that covers 6-10% of the frame.

This mode is ideal when your subject is on a very dark or bright background. Situations like backlit portraits, a dark subject against a snowy backdrop or the moon in the night sky are good candidates for Spot metering.

Highlight-weighted metering is less common, but is available on some Nikon models. Sony also offers a similar mode called Highlight. As the name suggests, it prioritizes highlights in the image to ensure bright areas aren't overexposed. It uses the same information as evaluative metering, but instead of balancing the exposure, it calculates what's necessary to retain highlight detail.

Highlight metering mode is useful in bright or high contrast situations where you want to pay particular attention to highlights. In such situations, you may be willing to underexpose the image to retain highlight detail with the intention of lightening the shadows when editing. Capturing a sunset, photographing in the snow or documenting someone on a stage with spotlights are good examples of when you may want to use this setting.

Metering modes aren't something you need to change for every image. Most situations will call for one mode the entire time, and the default mode is a safe option that works for a wide range of scenarios. However, if you notice that your images are consistently darker or lighter than they should be (or than you want), it's worth assessing whether the lighting conditions may call for a different metering mode than what you have set, and adjusting accordingly.

Scientists have identified a protein that acts as a kind of traffic controller for fat inside cells, revealing a mechanism that could help explain how the body regulates energy storage and why things go wrong in metabolic disease. The discovery provides a new avenue for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes

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Category: Obesity, Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind

Tags: University of New South Wales, Fat cells, Protein, Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, Organelle, Metabolic syndrome, metabolism

German manufacturer SkyWind has just become the first company to receive full certification for its compact wind turbine, the NG. The small but mighty wind spinners are easy to install atop home rooftops to supplement grid power with clean energy.

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Category: Energy, Technology

Tags: Wind Power, Wind turbine, Green+Energy, Wind-powered

Land Rover didn't always build luxurious, tech-laden Defenders. There was a time when the British carmaker purpose-designed these SUVs for African safaris. As a tribute to that history, Oshe Automotive has created a stunning retro-inspired custom Defender.

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Category: Automotive, Transport

Tags: Land Rover, defender, Off-road, Pickup, Truck, SUV, Custom

When someone collapses from a heart attack, chances of survival fall 10% with every passing minute without defibrillation. Now, scientists from one of the most advanced healthcare hubs on the planet have come up with a novel way to reach cardiac arrest events faster – using food delivery riders as first responders.

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Category: Heart Disease, Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind

Tags: National Taiwan University, Delivery drone, Emergencies, cardiac+arrest, Heart attack, Cardiovascular disease

For the last couple of years, French e-mobility company Cixi has been working on a three-wheeled vehicle called Vigoz that's based on its chainless pedaling system. A skeletal prototype has been tested to 100 km/h, and now the company has revealed the latest production design.

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Category: Urban Transport, Transport

Tags: Trike, Recumbent, Cars, Electric Vehicles, Pedal-powered, Tilting-Vehicle, Three-Wheeler

While there are now many clipless pedal systems to choose from, Shimano's SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) remains the standard. Now, thanks to a new SPD cleat, pedal engagement should be easier than ever before.

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

Tags: shimano, Pedaling, Cycling

The shingles vaccine is up to 97% effective in preventing the condition caused by the herpes zoster virus, which inflames nerves and causes painful rashes. Now, a new metastudy says it may also be a big help in boosting cardiovascular health.

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Category: Heart Disease, Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind

Tags: Cardiovascular disease, Heart Disease, Heart attack, Vaccines, Shingles, Stroke

The Nürburgring record for American cars was last well and truly set by Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X. Who did Chevy snatch the record from? Ford’s Mustang GTD. So it was only a matter of time before Ford came back for vengeance. But I don’t think many people would have put money on a Ford Transit.

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Category: Automotive, Transport

Tags: Ford, Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Racing, Racetrack, Nurburgring, Corvette, Ford Mustang, World's Fastest

Blackmagic Design has dramatically reduced prices for its Ursa Cine camera kits. The move is surprising, given that most products have seen increased prices in the past few years. It also follows a price increase of some Blackmagic cameras for US customers earlier this year.

In April, Blackmagic announced that it was increasing the prices of most products in the US because of tariffs. That included the Blackmagic Pyxis 12K and Ursa Cine 17K. In a statement to DPReview at the time, Blackmagic explained that "in general, it’s a bit in flux as developments are happening with the tariffs." However, the company also said it would be "moving production of some products to help lower costs for customers from what we had previously raised them to since the tariffs went into effect."

Blackmagic said that since it released the Ursa Cine line last year, it has been working to reduce the cost of production and pass the savings along to customers. It appears that some of Blackmagic's production adjustments are starting to have an impact, and the price cuts to the Ursa Cine line are substantial. The Ursa Cine 12K LF previously retailed for $14,995 and is now priced at $9,495. The Ursa Cine 12K LF with EVF dropped from $16,495 to $10,995. The higher-end 17K 65 with and without the EVF is $7,000 less than the previous price.

While the decreased prices are certainly a welcome change, Blackmagic specifies they exclude duties. As a result, prices in the US will be higher because of tariffs, though they will still be lower than the original prices of the Ursa Cine lineup.

Image taken with the Google Pixel 10.

Photo: Dale Baskin

When Google unveiled the Pixel 10 last week, it touted the 48MP main camera, and yet, it can only produce 12MP photos. The story is the same with last year's Pixel 9 and its 50MP main camera. This has led some users to complain that Google's spec sheets are misleading; why would Google advertise a resolution that Pixel owners can't actually use? However, there's likely more going on than meets the eye.

On paper, the specs of the Pixel lineup seem pretty straightforward. The Pixel 9 features a 50MP main camera, and the new Pixel 10 uses a 48MP one. Yet in reality, neither phone produces images near that size, with every shot capped at 12MP.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL also, by default, take 12MP images with their 50MP sensors. However, the Pro models give users the option to change the resolution and turn on a Hi-Res setting. With that turned on, the phone will output 50MP files, which is the promised resolution. Unfortunately, the standard Pixel doesn't offer such a setting, so there is no opportunity to change to the full resolution.

So why put a higher-resolution sensor in the phone only to output a quarter of the resolution? There may be a few factors. First, the phone uses a Quad Bayer sensor, which differs from a traditional Bayer sensor by having each color patch extend over four photodiodes instead of one.

While each photodiode has a microlens that allows it to be used as an individual pixel (with a heavy helping of interpolation), there are other ways to use the data from a quad Bayer sensor. One is to bin the four photosites behind each color patch, which will reduce read noise and give you a resulting image that's 1/4 of the sensor's full resolution. This method comes at the cost of some detail, but gives you a cleaner image, especially in low-light situations.

Image taken with the Google Pixel 10.

Photo: Dale Baskin

Another readout mode lets you retain more information in the highlights, again at the cost of outputting a file that's only a 1/4 of the resolution compared to if you used each photosite as a single pixel. In high contrast scenes, this allows for better HDR results.

Essentially, you can choose between having the maximum amount of detail captured, the minimum amount of noise or the maximum dynamic range. Or, rather, the phone manufacturer can; while the Pro models let you choose resolution over low-light performance, the standard model simply doesn't offer that option.

It's also important to note that there are other ways the phone may be using the extra pixels, even if they don't show up in the final output in the form of higher resolution. Smartphones rely heavily on computational enhancements to produce better image quality than their tiny sensors would otherwise allow. It's possible that, somewhere in Google's imaging pipeline, it may be using a 48MP readout from the sensor in addition to the other modes, even though the end result is a lower-resolution file.

The Pixel 9 and 10's spec sheets aren't incorrect; they use 50MP and 48MP sensors, respectively. But it's also understandable why some users feel misled when they can't actually get files that match those resolutions. The phones may be taking full advantage of the sensors in the background, just in a way most don't necessarily expect.

Of course, it likely doesn't help that Google only gives people who buy the Pro models the option to capture as much detail as possible with a full-res photo. That's especially true since other manufacturers, like Apple, don't divide their regular and Pro models along the same lines (though Apple's 48MP option is buried in the settings app).

It's an interesting situation because the spec sheets seem designed for people who assume that the more megapixels a sensor has, the better. But the same people will likely feel betrayed by the fact that they can't actually get that full resolution, even if their images will be better in most situations without it.

We reached out to Google for clarification on this difference between hardware specs and output. A representative for Google shared the following: "The Pixel 10 main/wide camera is a 48MP sensor. We include a clarifying footnote about resolution because even though the hardware is a 48MP sensor, Pixel Camera app configures the sensor in binning mode. At this time, the user cannot create a 48MP image from Pixel 10."

The footnote that Google is referring to states, "Reflects megapixels for camera sensor. Camera image resolution output may be less when using default settings." The use of "may" in that footnote is where Google is putting itself in a bind, since on the Pixel 10, it is always less, no matter what.

Wouldn't it be great if the plants in your home could do more than just sit there looking pretty? Researchers at South China Agricultural University in the city of Guangzhou have found a way to upgrade them into soft glowing night lights in a range of hues, with the use of nanoparticles.

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Category: Biology, Science

Tags: Plants, Nanoparticles, Light

Last week, Ricoh fully announced the GR IV, the latest iteration of its photographers' compact camera. Compared to its predecessor, it has a new sensor, new processing engine and a new lens, so there's plenty to consider when it comes to its performance.

We've gotten the chance to shoot with it in a variety of conditions to see how it performs. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below, and keep an eye out for more photos as we continue our review process.

See the sample gallery

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DJI has announced its latest wireless lavalier microphone, the DJI Mic 3. The new device combines the compactness of the Mic Mini, which was released less than a year ago, with the functionality and higher-end features of the Mic 2.

Like the Mic Mini, the Mic 3 is a discrete option. The transmitter portion weighs 16g (0.56oz), which is only slightly heavier than the Mic Mini and 12g (0.42oz) lighter than the Mic 2. It can be attached to subjects with the detachable, rotating clip or with an included magnet. It also shares the Mic Mini's transmission range in ideal conditions, promising to connect at distances of up to 400m (just under 1/4 mile). That's a substantial bump from the Mic 2's 250m (820') range.

The Mic 3 gains some firsts from DJI, including the first DJI mic to offer voice tone presets. Users can select between Regular, Rich and Bright, which will professionally tune voices by boosting low frequencies or enhancing high frequencies. DJI says it will be helpful for interviews with multiple people who have different vocal characteristics.

The new mic is also the first DJI mic with two Adaptive Gain Control modes: Automatic and Dynamic. Automatic mode can suppress sudden volume spikes and prevent clipping. This mode promises to be helpful for outdoor environments with dramatic volume, such as sporting events. Dynamic mode automatically adjusts gain in response to volume changes to maintain consistent loudness, which DJI says is ideal for studio settings.

Mic 3 provides Lossless Audio to deliver uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio directly to the receiver. It also offers two-level active noise canceling. DJI didn't specify if it carried over the Mic 2's 'Intelligent' noise cancellation, which doesn't require manual selection of a level.

It keeps the 32-bit float internal recording found on the Mic 2. However, it adds dual-file internal recording: one with the original track, and another with the algorithm-enhanced version. Unfortunately for some, the transmitter packs lack a 3.5mm jack, just as the original Mic Mini did. As a result, users won't be able to use traditional lav mics.

The system can work with up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once (though those have to be purchased separately), making it a worthwhile option for large group recordings. Additionally, the Mic 3 Receiver offers Quadraphonic mode, which supports independent output of four audio tracks, though only when paired with select Sony cameras or computer software.

In terms of battery life, DJI says the Mic 3 transmitter can last up to eight hours, while the receiver lasts up to 10 hours. The optional charging case provides 2.4 full charges.

DJI says a five-minute charge will provide two hours of battery life.
Image: DJI

The DJI Mic 3 will be on display at IFA in Berlin from September 5-9. It is available with two transmitters, one receiver and the charging case, or users can opt for a single transmitter and receiver with no charging case.

Unfortunately for US users, as has been the case with other DJI releases lately, the Mic 3 will not be available for sale in the US through DJI’s official channels. The base model retails for £169 / €199, while the kit with a charging case costs £259 / €309.

Press release:

Expanding the DJI OsmoAudio™ Ecosystem, DJI Mic 3 is compact, lightweight, and discreet – with premium audio and a smarter experience

Aug 28, 2025 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announced DJI Mic 3, an ultralight wireless microphone offering powerful performance and unmatched versatility. Building on previous generations of the DJI Mic series, Mic 3 supports up to four transmitters and eight receivers, making multi‑camera production and group recordings effortless. It is also the first in the series to feature an adaptive gain control that automatically prevents clipping or dynamically balances the volume, along with three voice tone presets and two-level noise cancelling. Another first is the dual-file 32-bit float internal recording with 32 GB of storage.

Lightweight, Versatile, and Ready to Go

The DJI Mic 3 Transmitter is compact and discreet, weighing just 16 grams. The microphone angle can be flexibly adjusted with the detachable, rotating clip, ensuring optimal audio capture no matter how it’s attached. It can be worn with either a magnetic or a clip-on attachment. The DJI Mic 3 windscreens can also be purchased in five different colors to easily match clothing or the environment.

Creators can easily bring Mic 3 along from location to location for multi-scene shooting while recharging on the go. The all-in-one charging case neatly holds two transmitters and one receiver. The transmitters can be stored without needing to remove the windscreen and magnetic clip. There is also space for the magnets and locking cables.

An Upleveled, Premium Audio Experience

Crafted to offer all content creators an unprecedented level of control and creativity, Mic 3 is equipped with intelligent features that enable dynamic, high-quality sound. It is the first DJI microphone to feature two Adaptive Gain Control modes. For outdoor environments with dramatic volume, such as sporting events, Automatic mode suppresses sudden volume spikes and prevents clipping. Meanwhile, Dynamic mode automatically adjusts gain in response to volume changes, ensuring consistent loudness - ideal for quiet indoor settings like studios.

Mic 3 is the first DJI microphone to offer three voice tone presets: Regular, Rich, and Bright. Ideal for interviews with multiple people with different vocal characteristics, this feature professionally tunes voices, boosting low frequencies to reduce muddiness or enhancing high frequencies to improve clarity.

Simultaneously, two-level active noise cancelling reduces background sounds such as air conditioning to deliver crisp and clear audio. With the windscreen attached, wind noise can be further reduced. Finally, the Lossless Audio feature enables the transmitter to deliver uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio directly to the receiver, capturing audio in stunning, high-fidelity detail.

Flexibility Made for Collaboration, Versatility and Reliability

With its capacity of up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once (additional transmitters and receivers are sold separately), you'll get crystal-clear audio on every device whether it’s a group interview or multi-camera shoots, making post-production a breeze. When set to Quadraphonic mode, the DJI Mic 3 Receiver—paired with select Sony cameras or computer software—supports independent output of four audio tracks. This enables precise track separation and flexible mixing, giving you greater creative freedom in post-production.

For complex, large environments such as trade shows or sporting events, Mic 3 features an impressive range of 400 meters and strong resistance to interference*, with automatic frequency hopping between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands ensuring rock-solid transmission*.

Offers Dual-File 32-bit Float Internal Recording and Timecode Support for Easier Post-production

Internal recording protects material from wireless interference or device issues, ensuring users never need to worry about lost audio. The Mic 3’s dual-file internal recording saves both the original track and the algorithm-enhanced version. This allows for creative flexibility and simplifies post-production processing. With two internal recording specifications - either 24-bit or 32-bit floating point - Mic 3 provides a dynamic range that adapts better to complex sound environments, able to capture every nuance of a voice from a whisper to a shout. The transmitter offers high-precision timecode functionality, embedding timecode data during internal recording. Within a 24 hour period, the timecode won’t deviate for more than one frame*, guaranteeing precise synchronization across multiple cameras and allowing effortless alignment of footage in post-production.

Powering All-Day Creation

A fully charged Mic 3 transmitter lasts up to eight hours*, and the receiver lasts up to 10 hours*. The charging case provides 2.4 full charges, achieving 28 hours of extended use. A five-minute quick-charge can power the DJI Mic 3 for two hours*, while just 50 minutes is needed for a full charge*. The Mic 3 also offers multiple power-saving features to prevent the need for recharging. For example, Auto Power-Savings puts the receiver and transmitter to sleep if not in use, while Auto Power-Off turns them off after a period of inactivity.

Simple, Straightforward Connection within DJI Ecosystem and Beyond

With a direct connection to the DJI OsmoAudio™ ecosystem, DJI Mic 3 pairs with Osmo 360, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, delivering premium audio while minimizing the amount of gear needed and simplifying a creator’s workflow. To connect with other devices, Mic 3 features a locking 3.5mm TRS output port, a 3.5mm TRRS monitoring port, and a USB-C port. It can also connect directly to smartphones via Bluetooth without a receiver.

For more information about DJI Mic 3 and its remarkable features, please visit:
https://www.dji.com/mic-3

* All data was measured using a production model in a controlled environment. For more information, visit: https://www.dji.com/mic-3

A new innovation is aiming to redefine earbuds – not just in function but in form. Meet The PIN, a pair of wireless buds handcrafted from real wood and packed with AI-powered features including real-time translation, virtual assistants and a sleep aid. These sustainable buds are also affordable, starting at US$134.

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Category: Consumer Tech, Technology

Tags: Kickstarter, Sustainable, sustainable design, Portable Audio, Design Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Noise-Canceling

The Escapada is a compact tiny house with a space-saving single-floor layout. Instead of a traditional bedroom, Australian designer Tiny Tect Tiny Houses maximizes flexibility with a Murphy style folding bed that allows the space to be adapted for different needs.

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Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors

Tags: Micro-House, Tiny Footprint, House, Home, Building and Construction

A remarkably intact skeleton of a giant meat-eating crocodile relative has been unearthed in South America, providing scientists with a vivid picture of its physiology and behavior when it roamed the land 70 million years ago, chasing down its prey – which included medium-sized dinosaurs.

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Category: Biology, Science

Tags: Dinosaurs, Reptile, History, Fossils, Paleontology, Animal science

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are using the 88-Inch Cyclotron to help steady the famous periodic table of elements one atom at a time where it's gone a bit wobbly at the heavy element end.

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Category: Science

Tags: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Chemistry