For just US$600, you can finally say goodbye to the tedious hassle of snapping pictures of your excrement every day in the bathroom – Kohler's new camera will automatically do it for you.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Gut health, Toilet, Cameras
The M EV1 is, perhaps, the exception that proves the rule, in the sense that by not conforming the existing pattern it helps clarify that pattern that otherwise exists.
Photo: Richard Butler
The very nature of hubris is, perhaps, that you can't recognize it in the moment.
When the Leica M11 was launched, I mused that the increased versatility and precision offered by its live view system might risk making the optical viewfinder and rangefinder design look irrelevant. Having now used a camera shorn of those features, I appreciate their value more than ever.
But there was another, unexpected, prompt for self-reflection when it came to working out how to describe the M-EV1. Namely: is it a Mirrorless camera?
What is a Mirrorless camera?It's generally been our position that rangefinder cameras aren't Mirrorless. Somewhat facetiously, I've sometimes pointed out that the rangefinder optics themselves typically contain a mirror, but, more seriously, the point is that rangefinders existed for many decades before we ever had need to describe a camera as Mirrorless. And, given the way they are primarily used is radically different (manual focus via an optical viewfinder, rather than via a liveview feed from the sensor), it seemed unnecessary to retroactively include them in the class of cameras we were trying to give a name to.
The M EV1 throws a spanner in the works, though (or perhaps removes one). In every respect it operates like a Mirrorless camera being used in manual focus mode, so surely it's Mirrorless, in both the small and big 'M' senses. And, if it is, then, by extension, all Leica Ms are.
"When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean" - Lewis Carroll's Humpty DumptyAnd yet, that's not really how these things work. Mirrorless is an especially awkward example, in that it's become a noun but its origin is descriptive. But most people will recognize that it doesn't apply to literally any camera without a mirror, because that would include all compacts, smartphones and most cameras ever made. At which point we could probably just say 'camera.'
Having helped propose, promote and popularize the term 'mirrorless' in the first place, we're aware of it being an imperfect choice, but it's the one that's stuck. So while I look forward to the accusations of Humpty-Dumptyism, I think it's fair to say enough people recognize what's meant by it, and hence that it's legitimate to use it to mean what we intend, rather than what the word itself seems to imply.
Why do you call it full-frame?This isn't the only instance of what sounds like an adjective being taken up as a noun in a way that shouldn't be taken too literally. The term full-frame came about because there was a period during which early DSLR users were pairing film-era lenses on cameras with sensors smaller than "35mm" film. Full-frame was a reference to the size of sensor that mimicked the dimensions of that film, using the full imaging circle for which those lenses were designed.
Yes, the German name for the "35mm" format translates as "small picture." Award yourself 10 DPR points for trivia knowledge. Then deduct 20 if you think it's a useful contribution to a discussion about digital photography.
Photo: Carey Rose
We only adopted the term because it avoids using milimeters to refer both to focal length and as a descriptor of a format, often in the same sentence. Somewhat ironically, the term "35mm" sensor itself also sounds adjectival, but in reality no part of a "35mm" sensor measures 35mm.
Again, there's little sense arguing over what the words might appear to mean: the majority of people using the term and hearing the term agree what it means. And that's the way language works. It doesn't matter if logically all systems are full-frame, because that's almost certainly not the meaning that's someone's attempting to convey, and it's not the meaning most people would take from it.
What constitutes medium format?Apparently, there's still room to argue, even when the terminology doesn't appear to describe something specific. For example, the use of 'medium format' to describe formats larger than 35mm.
It's a definition that was already in widespread use, but that some photographers seem determined now to retroactively restrict it solely to formats used in the film era. This ignores the facts that the economies of scaling semiconductors are radically different (and are unlikely to ever make film-mimicking medium and large formats affordable), and that digital significantly outperforms film, so you don't need the same expanses of sensor to achieve excellent tonal quality and resolution.
Full-frame only directly mimics a film format because there were so many people with significant numbers of then-modern film lenses to prompt its continuation.
Photo: Phil Askey
In my opinion, it's senseless to bind a new technology to the specifics of a dead one and insist on the creation of a new term, when 'medium format' serves perfectly well. Especially given that, as we've seen, the resultant neologisms such as full-frame and Mirrorless might prove even more objectionable.
Does it actually matter?So what of the M EV1? Is it a Mirrorless camera? Sort of. Probably. Why not? You could see it as the exception that proves the rule, or recognize that it's a question to which the answer doesn't matter.
Rangefinders sell in such small numbers that it really doesn't matter whether the person speaking is including them, when they say Mirrorless, or whether the person hearing them assumes they are or aren't. Either way both probably know, from context, what was meant, so the distinction becomes irrelevant.
It's not just photographers who have this problem. The name for modern pedals that cyclists clip their shoes into? 'Clipless.'
Photo: Richard Butler
The remaining ambiguity will leave room in the margins for someone to say "but what about the M EV1?" or "medium format only refers to 645 and larger."
But that brings us back to the issue of self-reflection. It's worth asking yourself: do you really believe the language is unclear, or that anyone's being misled? Or do you just want to beat someone over the head with a piece of arcane, esoteric knowledge that you happen to have acquired?
As private companies race to make spaceflight routine, Earth’s upper atmosphere has become an unintended testing ground. Each launch is a triumph of human ingenuity, but behind that brilliance lies a quieter equation. One where exhaust and propellant residues react with ozone, thinning the layer that shields life below. It’s a problem scientists are just beginning to quantify, and one that’s rising as fast as the rockets themselves.
Category: Environment, Science
Tags: Ozone, Rocket, Sustainability, Atmosphere
Earlier this week, Fujifilm released the X-T30 III, its latest entry-level, SLR-shaped mirrorless camera. It is a subtle update over its predecessor, adding a film simulation dial, more film simulations, updated video specs, a new processor and updated autofocus. The company also released a new kit lens, the XC 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS. It offers a wider perspective than most kit lenses and will be familiar to those used to the ultrawide lens on their smartphones.
Editors Dale Baskin, Richard Butler, Mitchell Clark and Abby Ferguson sat down to talk about the new camera and lens. You listen to our discussion in the video above.
If you're looking for more information on the X-T30 III, check out our first look video and initial review. You can learn more about the lens in our separate article covering the announcement.
Remember that movie Singles from the ’90s? The one with espresso angst, flannel obsessions, and a killer soundtrack featuring the likes of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and The Smashing Pumpkins?
Category: Transport
Tags: Sustainable, Sustainability, Trains, Carbon Zero, Environment
A humble kitchen spice could pack a powerful antiviral punch. Researchers have found that compounds in cardamom seeds can trigger the body’s virus-detecting systems, potentially paving the way for natural cold and flu treatments.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Natural compounds, Traditional medicine, Virus, Influenza, Shinshu University
Norton Motorcycles is as iconic a British brand as one can get. Its acquisition by TVS Motor Company, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, in April 2020 was seen as a turning page in Norton’s story. But what about the company that bought it?
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: TVS Motor, Norton Motorcycle, India, Eicma
“Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal…” said Polaris Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen following the announcement that Polaris had sold a major portion of its stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, a multi-strategy private equity firm based in Los Angeles.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: Indian Motorcycles, Polaris, Harley Davidson
Pickleball’s boom has brought an unexpected side effect: a surge in serious eye injuries. A new study has revealed a sharp rise in pickleball-related eye trauma, promoting calls for protective eyewear standards.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Sport, Eye injury, Vision, Injuries, Rutgers University
The Thermal Master P3 has quietly emerged as one of the most promising compact heat-seeking cameras of 2025, managing to pack professional-level performance into a thumb-sized device. And there's a reason for the praise.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Thermal Imaging, Electronic, Heating, Smart Camera, Camera Phone, Reviews
Boox has launched an updated version of its 10.3-inch color e-note, adding "seamless connectivity" with a folio keyboard, upgrading the pen stylus and bumping up to Android 15. There's also a pocket-friendly color ePaper device with 5G connectivity.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
For over a quarter of a century, DPReview's forums have been home to some of the most insightful discussions about digital cameras and photography anywhere online. They serve not only as a living conversation but also as an invaluable historical archive for photographers around the world.
To ensure we can continue supporting this community for years to come, we'll soon be making some important updates to our forums.
What's happeningSince their inception, DPReview's forums have run on a proprietary, custom-built platform. While that system has served us well, it has become increasingly complex and expensive to maintain. To keep the forums vibrant and accessible, we're migrating to a modern software platform built for today's web.
This update will deliver significant performance improvements and introduce new features, including a mobile-responsive design, enhanced photo galleries, and an all-new direct messaging system that supports group conversations. We've even prepared a short video to give you a preview of what the updated forums will look like.
Our Community Manager, Mathew Anderson, created this 5-minute video to give you a preview of what the updated forums will look like. When it beginsWe plan to begin the migration on October 31. During this transition, the forums will enter read-only mode for approximately five days. You'll still be able to browse and search existing discussions, but posting and uploading new content will be temporarily paused while we move all data to the new system.
We've worked hard to ensure no content is lost. When you log back in, all your discussions, posting history, photo albums, private messages, and other data will still be there – you'll simply be joining the same community in a more modern home.
Get more infoWe know there will be a lot of questions. To help, we've created a detailed forum thread that provides additional background on this update and what to expect, along with a comprehensive FAQ addressing many common questions. If something isn't covered, please post your questions in that thread and we'll do our best to provide answers.
DPReview's forums are a cornerstone of the online photography community. Updating to a modern platform ensures we can continue to support and nurture that community well into the future.
To all of you who have participated over the years – the experts, the beginners, and even the trolls – thank you for being part of DPReview. We look forward to many more discussions, debates, and shared discoveries in the years ahead.
Thank you for your continued support,
The entire DPReview Team
Read our detailed forum post about this update and what to expect
After examining 13 million hours of light exposure data, researchers found that experiencing bright light during the dark hours can significantly increase the risk of heart failure and heart attack. The effect was most notable in younger adults.
Category: Sleep, Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Circadian Rhythms, Light, light-pollution, Flinders University, Sleep, Cardiovascular disease, Heart Disease, Heart attack
The Nikon ZR uses the same sensor as the Z6III but becomes Nikon's first camera to be co-branded 'Red'
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Nikon's video division, Red, has put out a statement giving a few more clues about the distinction between the R3D NE Raw codec that makes it debut in the Nikon ZR, and the existing N-Raw system.
Red appears to confirm that R3D NE ('Nikon Expeed') uses the same TicoRaw compression system as N-Raw, which helps explain why N-Raw files could be opened in software that supported R3D NE, by simply changing the filename extension. However, it says the differences go deeper.
What we already knewWe already knew that the R3D codec locks the camera to one of its sensor's two base steps (ie: one of the two effective gain steps within the pixel) with no additional analogue gain added when you change ISO. By contrast, N-Raw works the same way as most cameras do in stills mode: applying increasing gain as you raise the ISO.
This means N-Raw sacrifices a stop of highlight information each time you raise ISO by a stop, in return for some improvement in shadow noise, but means that you can't mimic other ISO settings after the fact. The R3D method retains these highlights irrespective of ISO setting at the point of shooting, meaning you can apply different tone curves to adjust "ISO" as part of post processing.*
What has been discoveredVideo testing site CineD has conducted some tests on the ZR and found some interesting details. The first is that the R3D codec appears to decode its Raw data such that it doesn't expand to use the full range of a 10-bit working space. This is presumably to allow its use with LUTs and alongside cameras that capture a wider dynamic range (either now, or in the future), which would make use of the higher data values. This is comparable to what Panasonic does with its V-Log / V-Log L system. This is not the standard workflow for N-Raw.
In addition to various flavors of Raw capture, the Nikon ZR is the first consumer camera we've come across that can natively capture super-wide dynamic range '32-bit float' audio.Interestingly, CineD also says that it found R3D NE clips a stop earlier than the ZR's ProRes Raw or N-Raw modes, with Nikon responding that there is a "difference of highlight clipping points between N-Log and R3D NE." CineD points out that the Red processing includes a highlight recovery algorithm that recovers detail (but not necessarily color) information around clipping, which is worth being aware of.
Combine all this information and read between the lines of Red's statement and it appears to suggest that R3D NE uses the same basic codec as N-Raw but with a different gain strategy and a different assumed workflow (via Red's Log3G10/RWG gamma and gamut), that requires it to be exposed differently to get optimal results.
So how does it perform?CineD also found the camera's rolling shutter was a match for the 9.44ms we measured from the Nikon Z6III and that its dynamic range was okay, rather than great, which is again consistent with what we were expecting, given the Z6III's performance.
Sadly, Nikon USA says it will not have any testable cameras available for review until mid November, so we're not yet in a position to check or further investigate any of these findings further.
R3D NE and the Expansion of REDCODE RAW SummaryREDCODE RAW, also known as R3D, is RED’s proprietary RAW video codec that has been shaped and honed with every generation of RED’s cameras. R3D is not just made of up compressed RAW video, but carries with it advanced sensor characterizations, robust metadata, RED’s color science, and unique RAW controls that guarantee precise and consistent results throughout the entire imaging pipeline, from sensor to screen.
Detailed ExplanationREDCODE RAW was the first widely adopted RAW cinema workflow codec, which has constantly been evolving over the years with each generation of RED camera. Its foundation starts with RED’s color and sensitivity characterization of the sensor, and ends in the debayering, decompression, and image processing through the RED managed software development kit that all major post-tools have implemented. This standardization, from sensor to screen, allows RED to guarantee precise and cinematic results throughout the entire image pipeline.
Like all REDCODE RAW formats, R3D NE utilizes the latest in RED’s IPP2 pipeline, from decompression and debayering algorithms, to the advanced RAW image processing such as Chroma Noise Reduction. R3D NE has been optimized to use the existing RAW compression capabilities found in Nikon’s EXPEED ASIC, which is what the NE in R3D NE stands for – Nikon EXPEED.
Inside the Nikon ZR itself, sensor data is processed into a RED industry adopted Log3G10/RWG image, allowing for on-set monitoring with the same 3D LUT’s that would be used in any RED workflow. In addition, sensor gains and colorimetry have been tuned to not only provide exposure and color matching with RED’s ecosystem, but to leverage the same ISO behavior the rest of the R3D ecosystem uses, allowing users to balance their dynamic range shot-by-shot if needed.
In early 2025, RED had introduced the ability to process N-RAW through the latter part of this process, and .NEV became part of the RED workflow. Some tools that already had native .NEV maintained their existing workflow and kept direct decode of N-RAW footage. These applications, such as DaVinci Resolve, have now updated to RED’s latest software update, could however be forced into sending these .NEV’s through the RED software by renaming them to .R3D. These files technically remain N-RAW, and are still indicated as such in the software, as they do not include any of the in-camera characterization, metadata, and workflow that makes REDCODE RAW what it is. Importantly, these renamed files will not be the same as an R3D NE file shot with the same camera – the color, exposure, and latitude will all differ.
REDCODE RAW is an ecosystem, providing consistency from set to screen across generations of cameras. The Nikon ZR, and more specifically R3D NE, is just the latest step in bringing the RED workflow to filmmakers everywhere.
*Technically, ISO is an sRGB JPEG-based standard, so it's best not to take it too literally when being used as a post-processing parameter in Raw video software. (See also the 'exposure' slider in a lot of photographic Raw software, which changes image lightness but cannot change exposure)
Nobody likes to see the view being spoiled by power lines, but they're often a necessary part of modern infrastructure. Perhaps if they could be turned from an eyesore into a focal point, even the staunchest opponents could accept them. Such is the thinking behind this creative project that transforms power line pylons into giant animal sculptures.
Category: Architecture, Technology
SilverBridges, a company co-founded by Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges, recently unveiled the first prototype of the WideluxX panoramic film camera. The team showed off the WideluxX Prototype 0001 in a video released at the International Association of Panoramic Photographers' annual convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The SilverBridges team, which consists of Jeff Bridges and his wife, Susan Bridges, Silvergrain Classics author Charys Schuler, and the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Marwan El Mozayen, also shared news of the prototype on Silvergrain Classics and its Instagram account. "Holding a one-of-a-kind camera prototype in your hand is always going to be exciting," wrote Schuler at Silvergrain Classics about the prototype. "But when some of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it are your own, it feels nothing short of extraordinary."
Photo: SilverBridges GmbHBridges first announced the project to redevelop the Widelux film camera roughly a year ago, and the WideluxX Prototype 0001 marks an exciting step. On his website, Bridges says that most of the images he creates use a Widelux camera, and over the years, he's captured some incredible behind-the-scenes photographs with the camera. The actor has been very vocal about his love for the camera and his desire to bring it back.
The original Widelux, a fully mechanical panoramic film camera, was originally developed in Japan in 1958. Instead of a traditional shutter, the camera uses a swinging lens that rotates horizontally behind a narrow slit to expose the film plane. Unfortunately, a major fire at the factory in 2005 severely disrupted operations. Because of that fire and other factors, production of the Widelux ended in 2000. Today, original Widelux cameras are highly sought-after collector items and go for anywhere from $1200 to $2300, depending on the model.
"We’re keeping it old school; it’s a film camera handmade in Germany, built to last generations.""20 years ago, the Widelux factory burned down, so we decided that rather than letting our favorite camera die, we’d bring her back to life," Jeff and Susan Bridges say. "We’re keeping it old school; it’s a film camera handmade in Germany, built to last generations." The team also explained that original Widelux models are temperamental and promised that the new manufacturing would offer greater reliability and consistency standards. The company also says it plans to provide dedicated service and maintenance.
Photo: SilverBridges GmbHThe WideluxX is based on the Widelux F8 model. Unfortunately, there are no original mechanical drawings of the camera available, so the team had to reverse engineer the camera and recreate each part. Japan Camera Hunter spoke to Schuler and El Mozayen about the project and shared that everything is being created from scratch, since there are no spare parts to work with.
"There will be many small improvements, but its DNA is still the [Panon Widelux] F8," says Schuler. "We see ourselves as a bridge between the history and the future of analog photography—it’s about the art and craft of camera manufacturing, and about giving a new generation of film photographers the tools to create with."
The prototype video isn't yet widely available, but according to Schuler, it will soon be uploaded to the WideluxX website. Interested users can sign up for updates via the newsletter at WideluxX.com.
3D-printed bike saddles in general are known to be comfier than their regular counterparts, but they should become even more so if they're made to order. That's the thinking behind the Personomic saddle, which is printed to fit the butt of each individual cyclist.
Tags: 3D Printing, Cycling, Comfort, University of Stuttgart
One of the first events to signal the collapse of Napoleon's reign was his crushing defeat after an invasion of Russia in 1812. Researchers have long thought that the disease typhus played a role, but modern DNA analysis paints a different picture.
Tags: Napoleon, Archeology, DNA, Infections, Disease, Microbes, Université de Paris Cite
Godzilla is in the building. And the building is Fender Flagship Tokyo, the US brand’s temple to the guitar that opened in 2023 in the heart of Harajuku, and is on track to welcome its millionth visitor early next year.
Category: Music, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Guitar, Fender, Fender Stratocaster, Japan, Monster
While all brands tend to put quite a few letters in lens names, Fujifilm is among the worst offenders (though still not as bad as Tamron). Its Fujinon lenses tend to read a bit like alphabet soup, with letters coming before and after the focal length and aperture information. While they are straightforward once you know what they mean, it can be headache-inducing to decipher at first. In this article, we'll break down the different acronyms found in Fujifilm lens names so you can feel like a pro when shopping for or discussing Fujifilm's lenses.
Lens mount and series: XF, XC, MKX and GF Image: FujifilmThe first part of Fujifilm lens names, falling right before the focal length, tells us what mount or series the lens is part of. Fujifilm has four different designators for this category: XF, XC, MKX and GF.
The XF designation means the lens is part of the company's X Series and uses the X mount. That means the lens is compatible with any X mount camera. XC lenses are also X mount offerings, though these are part of Fujifilm's compact lineup of lenses. They are more affordable and more lightweight than XF lenses and typically lack an aperture ring. MKX lenses are also part of the X mount, though these are the company's cinema lenses meant for video applications.
Finally, outside of the X mount are Fujifilm's GF lenses. These are G mount lenses that are compatible with the medium-format GFX cameras.
Lens featuresAfter the focal length and aperture information, you'll find letters and acronyms that tell you what lens features are part of the lens. Fujifilm lenses may include a combination of up to five different terms in the lens name. If you don't see one or any of these, that means that the lens lacks that feature.
Build features: R and WR The XF23mmF2.8 R WR lens features an aperture ring (R) and weather resistance (WR).When applicable, the first letter used is R. The R in Fujifilm lens names means the lens offers a designated aperture dial so that you don't have to use buttons, dials or menus on the camera body to set aperture.
Some of the Fujifilm lenses feature WR in the name, which stands for Weather Resistant. That means the lens is sealed against dust and moisture to help protect it against the elements. WR typically comes at the end of Fujifilm lens names, so you can quickly see if the lens offers weather sealing.
Focus, stabilization and zoom features: LM, OIS and PZ The GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens is a power zoom lens for the GFX system.The other lens features that make it into Fujifilm lens names relate to focus. LM stands for linear motor. This means that the lens uses a linear-style motor to drive autofocus, which is very fast and relatively quiet.
OIS is Fujifilm's designation for Optical Image Stabilization. Lenses with OIS in the name offer built-in image stabilization that uses gyroscopic sensors and motors to counteract lens movement and reduce blur caused by camera shake. These lenses can help you get sharp images even when working with slower shutter speeds.
PZ stands for Power Zoom. It isn't a Fujifilm-specific term, and it means that the lens offers an electronic zoom mechanism instead of a zoom ring. Power zoom lenses make achieving smooth and consistent zoom easier, making them ideal for video applications.
Specialty features: Macro, T/S and APD The GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro lens is both a macro and tilt shift lens (T/S).Fujifilm may also include some terms for specialty lenses on its lenses. Macro is the easier to decipher, since it's spelled out for us. Lenses with Macro in the name are Macro lenses, meaning they can focus closer than regular lenses and enable detailed close-up photography.
At the time of writing, the T/S designation is only used for two lenses, both of which are in the medium-format G mount lineup. T/S stands for tilt-shift, which means that the lens allows you to adjust the focal plane (tilt) and perspective (shift). Tilt-shift lenses are commonly used for architectural photography.
The APD designation tells us that the lens features a built-in apodization filter. This filter aims to produce smoother bokeh and enhance subject separation, which is ideal for portraiture.
Additional Fujifilm lens terms: Super EBC, Nano-GI and TC The XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II features Fujifilm's Super EBC coating, as you can see printed on the lens.Like other companies, Fujifilm also has some specialty terms that aren't in the lens name, but are referenced in lens descriptions. That includes general terms for optical design, such as aspherical lens, but also a few proprietary terms.
Super EBC, which stands for Super Electron Beam Coating, is Fujifilm's proprietary multi-layer lens coating. It's meant to minimize flare and ghosting to improve image quality. Similarly, Nano-GI is a lens coating for the refractive index of the lens that promises to increase clarity.
Lastly, TC is a designation for teleconverters, which are lens accessories and not lenses. These can be attached between the lens and camera and allow you to increase focal length to provide additional magnification without purchasing a longer lens.
