On the shores of the Andaman islands, a mysterious creature creates beautiful patterns in the sand. Who is it and why does it do so? This is a short film I made about the peculiar Sand bubbler crab. It was shot over a month on Havelock island using mainly Sony A6500 and a Canon 6D.
Please visit me on Instagram for more works: instagram.com/space_invaders_macro
Photography, editing and writing: Lior Kestenberg
Narrator: Michael Alan
○ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOR LICENSING INFORMATION CONTACT ME AT lioron.k@gmail.com
The Pocket 4P marks a big moment in DJI’s hugely popular series of compact vlogging cameras, being the first model with two lenses, even if Insta360 stole its thunder with the Luna Ultra, which it released in June.
I’ve already reviewed the single-lens Pocket 4, and it’s a brilliant handheld 4K camera. The ‘P’ version is largely identical but for its dual-lens array and a ‘refined’ 1-inch sensor that's equipped with LOFIC tech, plus a new D-Log 2 color profile.
For the most part, you can discover all you need to know about the Pocket 4P's design and performance in my Pocket 4 review. In this write-up, I'll focus on the new features of the bulkier model, and the real difference they make.
And I can say this right now: now that I’ve tried the Pocket 4P, it’ll be hard for me to return to single-lens models like the Pocket 4. That additional 3x telephoto lens unleashes a wide variety of shooting options to complement the highly capable ultra-wide main camera. On-the-go sequences with DJI's superb subject tracking in play, for example, can be particularly dynamic. It really is like having two cameras in one tiny device.
Two lenses means twice the camera (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
That being said, there is an inevitable design compromise: twin lenses make for a bulkier camera unit, with inexplicably no protective housing currently available, and a top-heavy design. If you already own a Pocket, and are wondering if the new Pocket 4P is worth it, or if it’s worth jumping ship from DJI to the Insta360 Luna Ultra, check out my Pocket 4 vs Luna Ultra article.
For me, the first-generation Luna Ultra is a compelling alternative with its 8K video and detachable module, but I can also tell that the Pocket 4P is a fourth-generation product — it feels more polished overall. It has neat accessories of its own, too, such as the magnetic fill light and remote module. As such, DJI's dual-lens Pocket 4P is now my top compact vlogging-camera pick.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: price and release date
Announced on May 14 2026 at Cannes Film Festival, available from July 30
Available in black or white versions, priced from £529 / AU$959. No US availability at launch
Variety of bundles available, including a Vlog Combo kit for £605 / AU$1,099
With twin sensors / lenses, the Pocket 4P's mark-up over the single-lens Pocket 4 is justified. The 'P' version is excellent value. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Despite essentially having no competition in markets such as drones and, previously, gimbal vlogging cameras, DJI has always priced its products competitively. It usually undercuts rivals where actual alternatives exist, too, such as GoPro and Insta360 action cameras.
Insta360 outright said it wasn’t going to compete on price, but rather on features when speaking about its Luna Ultra, and that has turned out to be the case. Where the Luna Ultra starts at $770 / £650 / AU$1,230, the Pocket 4P comes in at £529 / AU$959 — though it's not available in the US at launch. Meanwhile, the single-lens Pocket 4 costs from £429 / AU$749.
Considering that the Pocket 4P has the extra camera with its own sensor, that price increase over the Pocket 4 feels completely justified, and in my book the Pocket 4P is excellent value, especially when you consider the quality of the 4K video footage it's able to produce.
The Pocket 4P is available in Black or White versions, and there are bundles available. The Vlog Combo, for example, includes the DJI Mic 2 Mini wireless mic, remote controller, fill light, tripod stand and tripod grip, and costs £605 / AU$1,099 — that's the bundle I'd go for.
4K and 1080p up to 60fps, plus slow motion up to 240fps
Photo:
Up to 9.4MP in RAW & JPEG, up to 37MP in SuperPhoto mode
Storage:
107GB internal, microSD card slot
Battery:
1,545mAh, up to 3.5 hours Full HD record time
Charger type:
USB-C / optional fast PD charger
Weight:
8.1oz / 230g
Dimensions:
159.5 x 63.3 x 33.5mm (L x W x H)
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: Design
Dual 20mm f/2.0 and 60mm f/1.8 lenses
Otherwise the same design as the Pocket 4, with rotating screen and gimbal-mounted camera
USB-C charging and 107GB of internal storage in addition to micro SD
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Save for the bulkier dual-camera system and a total weight of 8.1oz / 230g, the Pocket 4P’s design is identical to the Pocket 4; it’s extremely compact, features a 2-inch touchscreen which rotates 90 degrees between vertical and horizontal formats, and a customizable five-button array, with a joystick that controls gimbal movement or zoom.
The extra two buttons, revealed when the screen is rotated to horizontal, help speed up access to various settings. For example, the C button can be assigned for direct access to two custom profiles — handy if you regularly switch between, say, color settings such as D-Log and shooting modes such as slow motion.
It certainly pays dividends to spend time customizing the camera to suit how you use it, so that you’re not fussing with settings when you're out and about.
For me, the single-lens Pocket 4 feels perfectly balanced, and it’s notably smaller than Insta360’s Luna cameras. The 4P, however, somewhat sacrifices that advantage on the alter of dual-camera versatility — it’s a little top-heavy, and I found it more comfortable to use with a tripod grip and mini tripod attached. The Luna Ultra feels more balanced because its handle is bulkier (see the Pocket 4 / 4P / Luna Ultra comparison photos, below).
Gimbal movement still feels smooth, and the shots steady and smooth, despite the extra weight of the cameras.
At launch there's no hard-shell protective case for the Pocket 4P, as there is for the Pocket 3, nor a slimline gimbal protector, like you get with the Pocket 4. This means the bulkier camera module remains somewhat unprotected, which is something DJI needs to be rectify ASAP.
There are also no dedicated ND filter kits from DJI at launch, though I fully expect that situation to change very soon through third parties (it might even have done so by the time you read this).
As with the Pocket 4, there’s the fill-light accessory, which attaches magnetically to the gimbal’s arm and is powered by the camera, and which lets you choose between three brightness levels and three color temperatures.
The light won’t make much of a difference to your images in bright daylight, but in low light and for indoors, it’s game changing for vlogging. I found the warm setting at the medium brightness level was a sweet spot for the times I wanted to use the light.
The Pocket 4P turned off, where its lenses sit out horizontallyTim ColemanAnd turned on, the lenses sit verticallyTim ColemanThe main 1-inch ultra-wide 20mm f/2.0 camera (bottom), and the new 3x telephoto f/1.8 camera (top)Tim ColemanThe screen rotates 90-degrees between vertical and horizontal formats. When shooting vertically, two control buttons are hidden by the screenTim ColemanBut they are revealed in horiztonal formatTim ColemanNote the top gimbal arm is magnetic and accepts a fill light accessory, which is powered by the camera and has three brightness settings, and three color temperature settingsTim Coleman
Then there’s the tiny remote control, borrowed from the Osmo Mobile 8P. This easily connects to the Pocket 4P over Bluetooth, and can be used to remotely view and control the camera. It’s a neat answer to Insta360’s modular controller in its Luna cameras, though the DJI module doesn’t feature a built-in mic, as Insta360’s does.
For occasions when you're taking hands-free shots with the Pocket 4P rested on a surface or support, the remote controller is super-handy. The controls are slightly stripped back versus the camera’s control layout, but the key controls, such as touch subject-tracking, record, and gimbal movement / zoom are there.
Design score: 4.5/5
DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Performance
Improved subject tracking
107GB of built-in memory added
Higher-capacity battery extends record times
A major feature in Pocket cameras is subject-tracking autofocus. You really don’t want to be messing around moving the gimbal manually with the joystick, which can be fiddly and jerky. Thankfully, subject tracking, the latest version of which DJI calls ‘ActiveTrack 7.0’, is super-reliable — you double-tap on the subject, and the camera does the rest. For me, it performs slightly better than Insta360 Luna’s tracking, even if it does at times feel like its ‘keeping up’ with fast-moving subjects rather than keeping them central.
Battery life is solid, though you will notice it drop quicker with certain modes, such as 4K 60fps video recording, hyperlapse, and slow-motion 240fps. The camera also gets pretty warm pretty quickly when using these modes, though I’ve not had it overheat and shut down during my testing.
Future / Tim ColemanTim Coleman
With compact vlogging cameras such as the Pocket series, the battery is non-removable, so you are relying on that USB-C rechargeable internal unit. I found myself conscious of having to charge the camera on heavy use days — that’s life with a Pocket. There is, however, an optional battery grip available to extend shot life.
In addition to a microSD card slot, DJI includes a generous 107GB of built-in storage. That’s enough for a lot of 4K clips, even when utilizing the maximum 200Mbps bit rate.
Recording internally, you'll need to transfer files either over Wi-Fi or wired USB-C. Thankfully, there’s next-gen Wi-Fi 6 and USB 3.1 support on board, delivering fast transfer speeds and making for an efficient workflow on the move.
As with other Pockets, the 4P can get a little warm when you're using its more power-hungry features, such as 4K 60fps and hyperlapse. I've not had any overheating issues to the point where the camera shuts down, but I was aware of the camera warming up while holding it.
Performance score: 5/5
DJI Osmo Pocket 4: Image and video quality
1-inch sensor ultra-wide camera, and a new 3x telephoto, up to 12x zoom
D-Log2 profile with up 17EV dynamic range
Low-light further boosts the improved 14 stops dynamic range
There is one minor difference between the Pocket 4P and Pocket 4’s ultra-wide 20mm f/2.0 camera: the ‘refined’ 1-inch sensor, which unleashes a new log color profile, D-Log 2.
DJI says the refined sensor features LOFIC tech — which in simple terms is like super HDR, only it works in real time, which differs to HDR. I first came across the term LOFIC when reviewing the Oppo Find X9 Ultra phone.
The fruit of LOFIC and D-Log 2 is an expanded 17 stops of dynamic range, while the regular Log profile has around 14 stops. D-Log 2 is only available with the ultra-wide camera because it’s linked to the sensor tech, whereas the new 3x telephoto camera uses a separate 1/1.28-inch sensor.
D-Log 2 also isn’t available in every shooting mode, such as Slow Motion 240fps, although like the Pocket 4, that 10x slo-mo is available in 4K, or up to 200fps when using the 3x telephoto camera.
I’ve shot the same clips in D-Log 2, D-Log and ‘Normal’ color profiles (all 10-bit) to make quality comparisons, especially regarding dynamic range, and to see how easy it is to grade the footage for a consistent look. I’ve also shot using some of the built-in color profiles, such as ‘NC film’ and ‘Movie’.
The level of detail that the Pocket 4P is able to hold, especially in D-Log 2, is majorly impressive, especially for such a small and affordable camera. For me, outright 4K image quality is where DJI has the edge over Insta360, and most leading smartphones.
Is D-Log2 enough reason to upgrade from the Pocket 4? Not for me, but there is a more compelling reason: the second camera. The 60mm f/1.8 telephoto optic is essentially a 3x portrait lens, with a pleasant shallow depth of field for upper-body vlogging and shooting closeup details. It’s limited to D-Log or Normal color profiles, but the overall quality is really, really nice, and the footage gives a totally different perspective to the ultra-wide camera's.
Where that 3x lens really shines is when it’s coupled with some of the Pocket 4P’s major features, such as active tracking. With the tighter perspective, creative camera movements tracking a subject on the move can look particularly dynamic, especially where there are other objects in the foreground.
The zoom capabilities are further extended — where the Pocket 4 was limited to a 2x lossless zoom and 4x digital zoom, the Pocket 4P again has the 2x lossless zoom with the ultra-wide lens, plus 6x lossless with the telephoto lens and up to a 12x digital zoom.
The quality of that 12x zoom is okay at a pinch, but if quality is your main concern, I wouldn’t go beyond the 6x setting.
I don’t like the way the heavier dual-camera setup impacts how the camera feels in the hand, but it’s a game-changing feature for this type of camera, and for me it now feels impossible to return to the single-lens format.
The Luna Ultra goes one step further for resolution, with 8K video recording. Personally, I’m happy with a camera that is limited to 4K recording, but whose quality at this resolution, especially regarding dynamic range and color, is more pleasing on the eye. That's the Pocket 4P.
Image and video quality score: 5/5
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: testing scorecard
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Pricier than the Pocket 4 but cheaper than the Luna Ultra. You're getting a lot of camera for your money
5/5
Design
The dual lenses are a success, but in otherwise keeping the same body design, the Pocket 4P feels top-heavy
4.5/5
Performance
Industry-leading image stabilization and subject tracking, decent battery life and generous internal storage
5/5
Image and video quality
Yes it's 'only' 4K, but the Pocket 4P can shoot gorgeous footage up to that resolution, especially with the second lens
5/5
Should I buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P?
Buy it if...
You want more from your Pocket The dual lenses are a revelation, broadening the kind of shots you can make versus the single-lens models that are restricted to an ultra-wide field of view.
You want the most polished and feature-rich compact vlogging camera Sure, the Luna Ultra comes with innovative features, but the Pocket 4P has its own unique tricks, and overall it feels like the more polished camera.
Don't buy it if...
You don't need the second lens Many people have happily been vlogging with a single-lens Pocket camera for years. If you only need that ultra-wide angle, it's wiser to stick with the Pocket 3 or opt for the Pocket 4 instead — they're physically smaller, and cost less.
You want the smallest possible Pocket The dual-camera setup wins for versatility, but it does result in a bulkier, top-heavy design when compared to the regular Pocket 4.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: also consider
DJI Osmo Pocket 4
Don't need the second lens? You'll save a packet by opting for the Pocket 4 instead, which otherwise has essentially the same features, and get a more streamlined camera, with a neat gimbal protector to boot.
Love the sound of dual lenses in a compact vlogging camera? The Luna Ultra is a compelling and strikingly similar alternative, but with 8K video recording and a neat detachable module which comprises the screen, key control and built-in mic. The Luna Ultra arguably wins on innovation, but the Pocket 4P wins by being more polished. The Luna Ultra is pricier than the 4P, too.
DJI loaned me the Pocket 4P Vlog Combo kit for a couple of months ahead of the July 30 release
I shot plenty of 4K footage with the various color profiles, and used the various accessories
I compared it to the single-lens Pocket 4 and dual-lens Insta360 Luna Ultra
I used the DJI Pocket 4P for almost two months ahead of my review embargo, during which time I regularly shot 4K video using the 20mm and 60mm lenses, the various frame rates up to 240fps, and the range of color profiles, including the new D-Log2. I tried the various shooting modes too, such as hyperlapse, and took photos in the regular and SuperPhoto modes.
In the Vlog Combo kit was a DJI Mini 2 Mini, remote module and fill light, and I tested both those accessories. I generally recorded onto the camera's internal memory, transferred files through USB-C and checked transfer times, ran the camera battery down, and checked recharge times using the supplied USB-C cable.
During my review period I also had the Pocket 4, enabling me to assess the key differences between the single- and dual-lens models. I also had the rival Insta360 Luna Ultra, again allowing me to make direct comparisons.
The Mission 1 Pro is as rugged as you’d expect any GoPro action camera to be, with a highly water-resistant design — even without an additional casing — and a shock-resistant body that can survive tumble after tumble, but with 8K recording quality it enables you to capture footage with a real cinematic feel.
Thanks to impressive subject tracking and GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization tech, the Mission 1 Pro can capture the action smoothly whether you’re wearing it yourself, or following your subject along a trail or down a piste.
Plus, thanks to the new larger 1-inch sensor, low-light video quality is better than ever for a GoPro — letting you take advantage of the roughly two hours of 4K 60p recording time available to you on a single charge even as the sun starts to set.
(Image credit: Future)
Meanwhile, HLG HDR format and GP-Log2 support, control over ISO, EV, white balance and shutter speed, and the freedom to record in 8K/30p open gate — the full height and width of the versatile 4:3 aspect ratio sensor — will give you more artistic and post-processing options that make this action camera feel more like a professional piece of kit.
The downside of all this is that the Mission 1 Pro doesn’t come cheap. It’ll set you back $699 / £599.99 / AU$1,099.95 if you aren’t already a GoPro member, while members can take advantage of a healthy discount, with prices starting at $599 / £509.99 / AU$949.95. This sure is pricey even for one of the best action cameras when DJI rivals cost substantially less, but if you’re going to take full advantage of its cinematic capabilities, it’s certainly one to consider.
The only real disappointment is that its photography capabilities left me wanting. With its optional point-and-shoot camera-style grip I had hoped that the GoPro Mission 1 Pro might perform well as a stills snapper, but it did struggle at times. Hopefully, the ILS model with its Micro Four Thirds lens mount will deliver a more all-round performance when it debuts later this year.
The grip does at least help make the Mission 1 Pro much easier to handle when shooting video, and it feels like a useful upgrade for anyone who plans to use this GoPro as their new vacation camera, and take advantage of its improved video and audio quality, and durable design.
GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Price and release date
$699 / £599.99 / AU$1,099.95 (non-member price)
$599 / £509.99 / AU$949.95 (member price)
Other models in the series are the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro ILS
The GoPro Mission 1 Pro is available to buy now for $699 / £599.99 / AU$1,099.95 (non-member price, or $599 / £509.99 / AU$949.95 for members), while the more basic Mission 1 will cost you $599 / £529 /AU$949.95 (non-member price, or $499 / £439.99 / AU$799.95). The Mission 1 Pro ILS costs the same as the Pro, but it won’t launch until later in 2026.
Other bundles include one with a point-and-shoot camera-style grip, which I had for my review. This bundle feels quite pricey at $779.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,229.95, seemingly with no member discount at the time of writing.
The Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 share a lot of the same features and hardware, but the Pro version unlocks 8K 60fps footage and 8K Open Gate 4:3 filming for greater editing flexibility. You’ll also unlock slow-mo 4K video at 240fps, and 1080p up to 960fps for more extreme slow-mo shots.
(Image credit: Future)
Meanwhile the ILS model is interesting as it takes away some features — such as built-in autofocus and the ultra-wide lens of the regular Pro — to give you more control, with manual focus control and a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, enabling you to attach a wide variety of lenses for different cinematic effects. If you’re more of a cinematographer than a casual user, the ILS model could be what you’re after.
That said, even the base-model Mission 1 is a fair bit pricier than the GoPro Hero 13 Black — our current pick for the best overall action camera. If you care about low-light shots the Mission 1 could be worth the price premium, but for a lot of people who are just looking to capture fun clips of their action sports escapades even the basic model may be overkill.
Value score: 3/5
GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Specs
Type:
Action camera
Sensor:
50MP 1-inch type CMOS
Displays:
Front: 1.4-inch LCD
Rear: 2.59-inch OLED touchscreen
Memory:
None; supports V30 and Class A2 rated microSD cards
Video:
8K up to 30fps (no crop) / 8K/60p (cropped)
ISO range:
Video: 25-6400
Photo: 100-3200
Burst shooting
60fps
Processor:
GP3 SoC
Connectivity:
BlueTooth, USB-C, 5GHz Wi-Fi 6
Dimensions:
80.1 x 52.1 x 44.3mm (including buttons and lens without hood)
Weight:
207g
GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Design
The ideal action camera is one that can handle just about anything you throw at it, and the GoPro Mission 1 Pro GoPro is a camera that’s designed to be pushed to its limits.
If you’re a fan of underwater video, the Mission 1 Pro boasts a design that’s waterproof to 66ft / 20m without the need for a housing — plus the hydrophobic lens cover should help keep water splashes and droplets from obstructing your view massively when you’re using the camera above the waves.
It’s also rated to work in temperatures between -20C and 45C, with its power and shoot buttons designed to make them easier to press while wearing the kind of thick gloves that are necessary in frigid climates.
(Image credit: Future)
The Mission 1 Pro’s shock-resistant body can also survive tumbles and drops, giving it an almost indestructible feel. While I never pushed the Mission 1 Pro too far, I never felt like I needed to be careful with it.
Moving on from the action-focused aspects, the 2.59-inch OLED rear touchscreen display offers enough real estate for you to easily manage and track your settings while also leaving plenty of room to clearly see your compositions.
Meanwhile, the 1.4-inch front LCD is a good size for vloggers to track what is/isn’t in frame as they talk to camera, with a convenient and concise readout of your shot settings letting you know that you haven’t, for example, accidentally swiped to a different mode while turning the camera 180 degrees.
Included in the box are a lens hood to help reduce glare — just note that it can fall off easily, so keep an eye on it, or be prepared to pick up replacements — a 2150mAh Enduro 2 battery, an adhesive mount, mounting buckle and a thumb screw.
You’ll need to provide your own microSD card, as there’s no internal storage. The Mission 1 Pro relies on V30 and Class A2-rated microSDs for the best performance; A1 cards will work, but will encode more slowly.
You can pick up a series of attachments for this camera, including ND filters; however, the bigger sensor size of this camera means the Hero 13 Black’s suite of lens attachments can’t be used here, and sadly there aren’t, as yet, equivalent accessories for the Mission Pro 1.
Other GoPro attachments, such as harnesses or helmet/bike mounts, should be compatible, as the Mission 1 Pro relies on the same bracket as models that came before.
(Image credit: Future)
Lastly I’ll mention the point-and-shoot camera-style grip attachment, which was supplied to me for testing alongside the Mission 1 Pro and can be purchased separately ($99.99 / £89.99 / AU$154.95) or as part of a bundle. The grip is incredibly simple, yet effective at transforming the Mission 1 into something that feels more like a regular point-and-shoot compact.
When it comes to capturing quick videos, such as clips at the beach or at a festival, the grip makes it easy to hold the camera without the risk that your hand will get in the way of the lens, although as mentioned, the Mission 1 Pro doesn’t perform as well as a stills camera — more on that below.
Design score: 5/5
GoPro Mission 1 Pro: Performance
To make video capture easier than ever the Mission 1 Pro features a slew of preset capture modes that adjust settings based on your needs, with modes for Vlogging, SportPOV, TimeLapse, Open Gate, SlowMo, Low Light, Dive and plenty more.
You can tweak the settings for each mode to fine-tune your image quality needs, and also manage modes by hiding ones you never use, or adding custom settings that are your go-tos.
For most scenarios, I found the 4K open gate option to be the most versatile. The image quality is solid, and you have the option to reframe the footage to 16:9 or 9:16 later based on your needs — plus it’s less of a drain on the battery than shooting in 8K.
Vlog-style recording is made easy thanks to the front screen, and automatic subject tracking that centers you in the frame — ideal for casual vloggers who constantly find they steadily drift out of shot unless they pay close attention to the camera they’re holding.
The audio quality is decent too, picking up voices and essential sounds, but cutting out wind noise.
Slow mo is also a lot of fun, though as you’ll see in my example video above, raw untuned footage at resolutions lower than 4K can start to look grainier than is ideal — upscaling and/or sharpening the image with editing software is essential to get things to look better.
The larger sensor also helps in low-light conditions, especially with the new Low Light shooting mode. Unsurprisingly, in proper darkness the camera still struggles, but with some illumination remaining the camera performs well in this mode.
(Image credit: Future)
Where I’m less convinced of the Mission 1 Pro’s abilities is when it comes to stills photography, which is a massive shame considering you have the option to add the point-and-shoot grip.
Whenever I tried to take photos I found myself fighting against its lack of autofocus — or even manual focus — and the less-than-ideal zoom quality. The camera has a fixed focus with a minimum focus distance around 60cm — which counts out close-up photography — and an optimal focal distance of about 1.5m. This also means it isn’t focused to infinity, so landscapes will appear a little soft in your shots, especially since the larger sensor has a shallower depth of field than previous GoPros.
In addition, as soon as you zoom in you’ll find the image quality drops a fair amount, although this is to be expected from the digital zoom this camera uses.
The overall quality isn’t terrible, though, and the point-and-shoot grip does offer some useful versatility for video recording beyond the more traditional action camera use-cases.
Performance score:4.5/5
FutureFutureFutureFuture
Testing Scorecard
Attribute
Notes
Score
Design
With its rugged build and larger display you couldn’t realistically want more from the design of the Mission 1 Pro. My only gripe would be that longtime GoPro fans may be frustrated that they can’t, for now at least, bring all of their lens attachments over to this new camera.
5/5
Performance
The Mission 1 Pro delivers some great-looking video with great audio even without external accessories, and even in low light. I’m skeptical of the camera’s photography credentials, though.
4.5/5
Value
The GoPro Mission 1 boasts a slew of pro-level enhancements, although these do come with a higher price tag.
3/5
Should I buy the GoPro Mission 1 Pro?
Buy it if…
You want a professional-quality action camera With 8K recording and a full suite of settings that you can adjust, the Mission 1 Pro delivers as professional-grade camera more so than its predecessors.
You don’t want to think too much Like its predecessors, the Mission 1 Pro boasts a selection of preset recording modes that you can fine-tune to suit your video needs. If you want good shots without putting in a lot of thought and effort, the Mission 1 Pro will still help you capture great shots.
You want a small camera that’ll last With a hardy exterior that can survive high heat, freezing cold, and excursions deep below the water, and roughly two-hour battery life when shooting 4K/30p, the GoPro Mission 1 Pro will be ready when you need it.
Don’t buy it if…
You want to capture high-quality stills As an action camera the Mission 1 Pro is great, but as a stills camera I found it wanting, even if there is a dedicated point-and-shoot grip accessory.
You’re on a budget The GoPro Mission 1 Pro is a lot pricier than other action cameras out there, and if you’re a more casual and budget-conscious user the upgrades might not be worth the outlay.View Deal
You want lens options The Mission 1 Pro doesn’t support the lenses GoPro has previously offered with its action cameras like the Hero 13 Black. For lens variety you’ll want to check out the Mission 1 Pro ILS model when that launches later this year.View Deal
Also consider
GoPro Hero 13 Black A more budget-friendly option, and, even years after launch, still a solid action camera performer, the GoPro Hero 13 Black doesn’t boast the 8K quality of the Mission 1. However if you’re after something smaller and lighter for more casual use it’s an excellent alternative.
DJI Osmo Action 6 If you’re already part of the DJI ecosystem, want tools like wireless Hi-Res audio recording when using a DJI Mic 3, or are just after some frankly excellent battery life, decent waterproofing, and a generous 47GB of built-in storage, this DJI camera could be for you. Just note that its video is capped at 4K resolution.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 If 8K is a must, the best alternative for you is the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. Admittedly it isn’t as capable as the GoPro Mission 1 (the 8K quality doesn’t support the best image stabilization) and overheating is an issue, but the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a superb all-rounder.
I spent just over a month with the Mission 1 Pro, taking it out on excursions to snap photos and videos to test its capabilities not just as an action camera, but as a point-and-shoot video capture tool — with that latter case aided by the point-and-shoot grip.
If you’re planning to use the GoPro Mission 1 Pro as your vacation camera — aided by its durable design and waterproofness — the grip is super helpful at helping to keep you hands out of frame, and as a pure action camera the GoPro fits the same mounts and accessories as previous models like the Hero 13 Black (save for the lens attachments).
Inspired by shows like Hunted and Jet Lag The Game, a lot of my testing focused on running and vlogging with the action camera to capture my fitness progress and to record personal cuts of games of hide-and-seek across London — passing the camera between my friends so they could record their stints too. They found the GoPro super easy to use, with the smoothing tech and subject tracking ensuring thaty vlogs and action shots look great without requiring constant focus on what the camera is doing — you just press go and it’ll come with you.
If you follow my camera coverage at TechRadar, you'll need no introduction to Viltrox, a Chinese lens manufacturer who's rapidly becoming a major player by delivering high-quality and particularly affordable optics.
Viltrox's most recent efforts are the 75mm f/1.8 and 90mm f/2.2: a twin-like pair of lightweight primes for APS-C cameras from its mid-range 'EVO' series, available in Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X-mount versions.
Viltrox offered to send me a lens to test, and I strategically asked for the Fujifilm X-mount version of the 90mm f/2.2, because it was the only option with a proprietary alternative for me to pit it against: Fujifilm's XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR. A 'character rich' XF 90mm f/2 APD was also listed in a public poll earlier this year among lenses that Fujifilm would love to make — but we don't know if it will be made.
Could the Viltrox 90mm do the unthinkable — beat Fujifilm's legendary portraiture lens? I called in the Fujifilm lens, and tested the pair using a Fujifilm X-T5, and much of my test focuses on how viable an alternative the Viltrox lens is.
The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR lens (left), alongside the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO lens attached to a Fujifilm X-T5 camera (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
For context, a fast aperture 90mm lens for APS-C has a 135mm equivalent focal length in full-frame terms, meaning it's a mid-telephoto focal length, delivering a highly compressed background and dreamy bokeh — the hallmarks of high-end portraits. At this focal length, you'll need the freedom of moving a decent distance away from your subject, so it's not necessarily one for tight studio spaces.
I shot self portraits controlling the camera remotely from my phone using the Fujifilm X app, and various closeups with low-lying sunlight involved, plus a range of other shots just with the Viltrox lens. Overall, I've come away majorly impressed, especially when you consider just how small, lightweight and affordable the Viltrox 90mm f/2.2 is.
The bulkier Fujifilm lens wins for the dreamiest bokeh and will be worth the extra outlay for portrait specialists. If I had the choice, I'd probably still go for this lens. However, for most people, the Viltrox is a stellar alternative, and furthermore the only one of its kind for Sony and Nikon crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, and I highly recommend it for both — after all, Nikon especially has so few options for its crop-sensor cameras such as the Z50 II.
Once again, Viltrox has delivered an excellent value autofocus prime lens.
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO: Price and availability
Costs $369 / £359 / Australia price TBC
Available in Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z-mount versions
The Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO is available in Sony E, Fujifilm X and Nikon Z-mount versions, and I tested the Fujifilm version, not least of which because Fujifilm has its own legendary 90mm lens and I was keen to see how the two compared. Sony and Nikon have no such lens for APS-C — and the closest alternative would be a full-frame optic.
Viltrox's EVO lenses are almost always way more affordable when compared to the closest proprietary alternatives. Costing $369 / £359, that's certainly the case with the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO, when you consider how the Fujifilm 90mm lens costs between 2-3x the price. It's the small, light, and affordable choice.
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO: specs
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO specs
Type:
Mid-telephoto prime
Mount:
Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z
Sensor:
APS-C
Focal length:
90mm (135mm effective)
Max aperture:
f/2.2
Minimum focus:
0.74m
Max reproduction
0.14x
Filter size:
58mm
Dimensions:
2.7 x 3.0in / 69 x 76mm
Weight:
11.3oz / 320g (bare lens without hood)
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO: Design
Just 11.3oz / 320g — lightweight and compact for a lens of this type
Modest 0.74m minimum focus distance — not one for closeup photography
Very well-made, with rubber sealed mount
The lens comes with a lens hood, and Viltrox has improved on the fiddly design of previous efforts. This one attaches easily. Tim ColemanA really decent balance with the X-T5Tim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman
As an APS-C lens, the 90mm focal length is equivalent to 135mm in full-frame terms, which is a classic portraiture lens. I've tested my fair share of full-frame 135mm lenses, including Viltrox's own 135mm F1.8 LAB and indeed Fujifilm's own 90mm f/2 for APS-C, and the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO is the smallest and lightest of the lot by some margin.
I've shared some comparison photos below alongside the Fujifilm 90mm f/2 to illustrate the difference — at 11.3oz / 320g, the Viltrox lens is not far off being half the weight. When paired with an X-T5, I thought both lenses balanced well, but with a rangefinder-style camera such as the X-E5, the Viltrox would win for balance.
Don't let its size and price fool you, though — the Viltrox 90mm is very well made, with an all metal body, rubber-sealed lens mount, while both control rings handle beautifully: the focus ring is smooth and light, the knurled aperture ring precise. No doubt it would be a bigger and heavier lens if it had a larger maximum f/2 aperture like the Fujifilm.
The lens takes 58mm threaded filtersTim ColemanThe Fujifilm version has no external controls, whereas the Sony and Nikon versions have three buttons/ switchesTim ColemanThis means the X-mount version has a clicked aperture ring onlyTim ColemanThe rear mount has a rubber seal to keep out dust / water ingressTim Coleman
The metal barrel of some of the previous Viltrox lenses that I've tested has scratched easily. I didn't thrash the 90mm lens around particularly, so it remains mint. I'll update this review if I discover it also scratches easily.
Curiously, the X-mount version of the Viltrox 90mm f/2.2 EVO has no buttons or switches, whereas the Nikon Z and Sony E-mount versions (which I didn't ask to test) have three; an AF/MF switch, customizable function button and a click switch for the aperture ring.
Omitting the click switch especially is an oddity given that Fujifilm cameras also shoot video — Fujifilm X users here are stuck with a clicked aperture ring. As a result, despite being excellent value, it feels like Fujifilm users are shortchanged. That being said, however, the Fujifilm 90mm f/2 lens also has zero buttons or switches.
The Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO lens (left) held alongside the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 lens (right)Tim ColemanTim Coleman
The STM stepping motor makes light work of the 10 lens elements in 8 groups, for snappy and quiet autofocus. Of course autofocus performance accuracy and speed are affected by which camera system and autofocus mode is in use, but I never felt like the lens was slowing down the X-T5 camera's autofocus.
Minimum focus is 0.74m, which delivers a maximum 0.14x magnification. Put simply, this is not a lens for closeup photography, though neither is the 75mm f/1.8 EVO which has a 0.12x magnification, nor most 135mm lenses I've used.
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO: Performance
Optically very sharp
Smooth bokeh, but with cats-eye shaping. Minor chromatic aberration and vignetting
Snappy and quiet autofocus
I've included a range of photos taken with the Viltrox and Fujifilm 90mm lenses below, matching the lens settings where possible (though the Fujifilm lens has an extra photo at f/2), and you can read on for my analysis of the images.
Viltrox
Viltrox at f/2.2Tim ColemanViltrox at f/2.8Tim ColemanViltrox at f/4Tim ColemanViltrox at f/2.2Tim ColemanViltrox at f/2.8Tim ColemanViltrox at f/4Tim Coleman
Fujifilm
Fujifilm at f/2Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/2.2Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/2.8Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/4Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/2Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/2.2Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/2.8Tim ColemanFujifilm at f/4Tim Coleman
Viltrox's lens portfolio is split into various series, being topped by the LAB series of full-frame lenses, which is followed by its Pro series, and then below that the Evo series. Evo lenses are mid-range; small, lightweight, excellent value, with one or two concessions.
For me, all of the Evo lenses I've tested are an easy recommendation for enthusiast photographers, including the AF 90mm F2.2. Optically its sharp. Not the sharpest lens I've ever seen, but in a similar league as the pricier Fujifilm 90mm nonetheless.
Where sharp detail is top concern, stopping the aperture down to f/4 yields better results than wide open at f/2.2. You'll see a reduction in vignetting and chromatic aberration by doing so, too. Those lens distortions are only minor at f/2.2, but they are present.
The main topic for a wide aperture 135mm equivalent lens is bokeh — the quality of out of focus areas — and I have good news, with two caveats.
Viltrox
The Viltrox lens, see the bokeh cats eye shapingTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman
Fujifilm
Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR lens — bokeh is smooth and roundTim ColemanTim ColemanHere I've dropped the aperture down to match the Viltrox's maximum f/2.2. Tim Coleman
Bokeh is deliciously smooth. You can see the smooth edges in the dappled light in my self portraits and the series of photos of a fern (above). This is the most important attribute of bokeh, and the Viltrox 90mm nails it.
Bokeh is clearly cats-eye shaped, mind you, not fully round like you might find in the very best portrait lenses, such as the Nikon Plena. Personally, I don't mind cats-eye shaping in bokeh at all, while you might think it's ugly — it's subjective. What's not subjective, is bokeh smoothness, and like I say, the Viltrox lens scores highly.
The other caveat is the maximum f/2.2 aperture, which is slightly smaller than the f/2 of the Fujifilm lens I was comparing the Viltrox lens with. While this minor difference doesn't particularly affect depth of field, I did find the Fujifilm lens' bokeh to be even bigger and rounder at f/2 compared to the Viltrox lens at f/2.2.
If bokeh is a top concern, money is no object and you don't mind a larger lens, then the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 is the better pick (see comparisons, above).
I've included a general sample gallery and included notes with further comments on the lens quality.
Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO sample images
I love the compression effect you get with a 135mm lens. It's possibly my favorite focal length for portraiture but also landscape photographyTim ColemanWith the aperture set to f/2.2, Tim ColemanThis unedited RAW image was shot at f/2.2. Note the dark corners and then scroll to the next image. Tim ColemanThe same scene at f/5.6. See how vignetting is gone, so the corners are brighter. Detail is also slightly sharperTim ColemanI moved to the other side of the pub sign to shoot towards bright light. The edges of the pub sign bracket and the out of focus house show minor chromatic aberration.Tim ColemanVignetting in this image worked to my advantage because it kept the detail in the sky rather than it being overblownTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman
Should you buy the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO?
Buy it if...
You want an affordable mid-telephoto prime for portraiture At just 40% of the price of the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 lens, which also has an equivalent 135mm focal length, the Viltrox is much more affordable, while there is no such lens for Sony and Nikon cameras.
You'd like a compact mid-telephoto prime The Viltrox lens is particularly compact when you consider that it's a 135mm f/2.2 effective lens, especially when you see it in action alongside the bulkier Fujifilm offering.
Don't buy it if...
You want the absolute dreamiest bokeh Given its small size and low(er) price, there had to be a compromise somewhere, and for me it's bokeh — which has a tendency for cats-eye shaping — and that maximum f/2.2 aperture, which is ever so slightly smaller than the Fujifilm's f/2.
You'd like external controls Besides its clicked aperture ring and focus ring, there are no external controls in the Fujifilm version. Only with the Sony and Nikon versions do you get an MF/AF switch, function button, and click control for the aperture ring for smooth video transitions.
How I tested the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Viltrox sent me the X-mount version of the AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO lens
I paired it with a Fujifilm X-T5 camera
Fujifilm loaned me the XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR lens at my request, to make comparisons
Viltrox sent me the X-mount version of the AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO lens and I paired it with a Fujifilm X-T5 camera. It's also available for Sony E and Nikon Z-mount cameras.
I tested the lens over the course of two weeks, alongside the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR lens, which Fujifilm loaned to me at my request, and I have shot like-for-like images with both lenses to make comparisons.
As with all of my lens reviews, I have put the Viltrox 90mm through a number of real world tests, including a series of the same image at the various aperture settings, and situations where strong light could induce lens distortions such as flare and chromatic aberration.
I always shoot in both RAW & JPEG format, and turn off in-camera lens corrections, checking the unprocessed RAW files. I also use each lens for the situations that it is designed for, in this case portraiture and for isolating subjects.
Just when you thought bridge cameras had been sunsetted, Sony returns after a nine-year gap with the new RX10 V — and it’s a genuine upgrade of the Cyber-shot RX10 IV, which was already the best camera of its kind.
We get the same winning combination of a 1-inch stacked 20MP sensor and 24-600mm F2.4-4 lens, but the mark V model has been enhanced with Sony's latest Bionz XR processor and AI chip, enabling improved burst shooting speed, 4K video features, and, most importantly, better autofocus performance.
Sony has also implemented multiple design tweaks to the control layout and ergonomics, and as a result the RX10 V looks much more like an Alpha camera than the RX10 IV, which feels more Cyber-shot compact, did. For a more detailed breakdown of the differences, check out my RX10 V vs Cyber-shot RX10 IV article.
There are additional exposure dials, an AF joystick has been added (thank you, Sony!), as has a USB-C terminal, and the higher-resolution viewfinder is larger, more pronounced, and easier to see.
Throw in a bigger and comfier grip, which hosts the larger NP-FZ100 battery for a 50% boost in shot life, and the RX10 V is all round a slicker camera than the discontinued RX10 IV.
The A7R VI is slightly bigger than its predecessor, with a larger grip housing a new, larger battery (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
It's not all good news, mind you, depending on which way you look at it — the weather-resistant body misses out on a built-in flash and top LCD, both of which were present in the older model.
And some of the old drawbacks remain, such as the relatively sluggish zoom of the lens, which is 'just' a 25x optical zoom. I like that range, but other lesser-quality bridge cameras zoom further, such as the Nikon Coolpix P1100.
A significant sticking point is price — the RX10 V had to cost more than its nine-year-old predecessor, which was already pricier than any other bridge camera available. It's a big price to pay for this type of camera, even if you are getting a lot of camera for your money.
All that said, I've thoroughly enjoyed my lengthy review period with the Sony RX10 V, during which I've shot everything from travel to bird and macro photography, with the camera handling those and other subjects with aplomb.
It's a neatly packaged camera, especially when you consider you're getting a 600m f/4 lens when fully zoomed in. The RX10 V is a dream all-in-one camera, especially for enthusiast wildlife photographers with deep pockets.
Sony RX10 V: price and release date
Announced on July 9 2026
It costs $2,300 / £2,200 / AU$3,499
However, the A7R VI is still pretty small (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Sony's premium RX10 bridge camera series was always pricey compared to lesser-quality alternatives, and the latest version, the RX10 V, is even pricier. I'm not surprised: the RX10 IV launched for $1,800 / £1,500 / AU$2,000 almost nine years ago, and we should expect an inflation-based price bump at least. Still, $2,300 / £2,200 / AU$3,499 for a camera of this kind is a fair whack of anyone's money, let alone the enthusiast wildlife photographers that this camera is practically perfect for.
So what else could you get for similar money? If you already own a Sony mirrorless camera, the 400-800mm super-telephoto zoom lens is worth a look, especially if wildlife and bird photography are key reasons why you're considering the RX10 V. Or, if its zoom range alone that you want, and you're less concerned about outright image quality, the Nikon CoolPix with its monster 125x zoom is another option, and it costs almost half the price.
All things considered, though, I think the RX10 V is reasonable value for money, considering what you get.
Price score: 4/5
Sony RX10 V specs
Sony RX10 V Specs:
Type:
Compact camera ('bridge')
Sensor:
20.1MP 1-inch stacked BSI CMOS
LCD:
3-inch tilt-touchscreen, 1.62m dots
Memory:
1x SDXC UHS-II
Video:
4K up to 60fps (no crop) / 4K 120p (cropped)
ISO range:
ISO 100-12,800
Burst shooting
30fps (electronic), 10fps (mechanical)
Viewfinder:
3.68m-dot EVF, 0.5-inch
Processor:
Bionz XR 2
Connectivity:
4k 30p live streaming, USB-C, 5GHz Wi-Fi
Dimensions:
136.4 x 94.5 x 151.3mm
Weight:
2.45lbs / 1.11kg
Sony RX10 V: Design
Same 24-600mm F2.4-4 optically stabilized zoom lens as the RX10 IV
Larger and more pronounced EVF with higher resolution and refresh rate
Improved ergonomics and joystick added, but flash and top LCD removed
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
People buy a bridge camera primarily to get a superzoom lens, and the RX10 V has the exact same 24-600mm F2.4-4 lens as the RX10 IV — that’s a 25x optical zoom, with macro focusing up to a 0.49x magnification. Put simply, you’re covered for everything from landscapes and bird photography to close-ups of insects.
While the RX10 V is the same form factor as the RX10 IV, it has had a fairly major brush-up, and it feels a much better camera for it.
For one, the grip is comfier. It's a new shape with better ergonomics, and that's able to fit a physically larger battery than the previous model could, with a 50% boost in shot life.
If you're familiar with the RX10 IV, the top plate of this camera will take some getting used to; there are additional exposure control dials (one of which can be locked off) making quick changes to settings easier, while the shooting mode dial has been shifted to the right-hand side where a top LCD used to be. Personally I preferred the old setup.
A similar 3-inch tilt touchscreen to before, but with added feature such as vertical displayTim ColemanExtra control dials added, and the new shooting mode dial shifted to the right where a top LCD used to beTim ColemanA new shape gripTim ColemanThe camera's protective doors for its ports are slickerTim ColemanThe viewfinder is physically more pronounced and the display larger than in the RX10 IVTim Coleman
Another major change is that the built-in flash has been removed, though a hotshoe remains for use with accessories such as an external flash.
Also, the viewfinder is more pronounced, which makes it easier to look into, helped by the fact that it's a larger 0.5-inch unit with more-detailed 3.68m-dot display, whereas the RX10 IV has a 2.36m-dot 0.39-inch unit. Put simply, the viewfinder is a major upgrade.
On the camera's back side, an AF joystick has been added (Sony calls it a 'Multi selector'), which is a control I love to have for the likes of manual AF-point selection. For wildlife photography, I used it a lot, and can't imagine how I would have coped so easily in such a scenario with the older camera.
The zoom lens' position when the camera is turned offTim ColemanHere the camera is on, and the lens is set to its wide 24mm selectedTim ColemanAnd here's the camera's profile when the lens is zoomed all the way to the 600mm settingTim Coleman
Spin to the side, and the camera's ports are now neatly tucked away under rigid protective doors, with headphone and mic ports, plus a USB-C terminal has been added. The fact that the RX10 IV doesn't have a USB-C terminal is likely a reason it was discontinued, as per the EU's common charger regulations.
The tilt touchscreen is again a 3-inch type. It gets a small boost in resolution, and while that in itself isn't much of upgrade, its improved touch functions, and the fact that you can switch to a vertical format, are.
It’s possible to customize some of the buttons, including a speed-boost function during burst shooting — you can temporarily increase a medium speed, say of 10fps, to the maximum 30fps when the action begins. It’s a neat feature inherited from Sony's pro cameras, which minimizes how many photos you shoot, but the button placement is awkward for this feature — I would have liked a custom button on the front of the camera instead. A tally lamp has been added for video recording.
Here I've used the widest 24mm lens settingTim ColemanAnd from the same position, this is how tight the 600mm setting gets to distant subjects, in this case the London EyeTim Coleman
Design score: 4.5/5
Sony RX10 V: Performance
Sony's latest Bionz XR processor with AI chipset
Burst shooting upped to 30fps, with Sony's most up to date autofocus system that includes a wide range of subject detection modes
Now uses Sony's NP-FZ100 battery, delivering a 50% boost in shot life
Power and speed are where the major improvements are at. The RX10 V uses the same Bionz XR processor as the Sony A7 V mirrorless camera, with a combined AI chipset. The result is improved burst-shooting speeds and autofocus performance, and what Sony says is better color accuracy.
Burst-shooting speeds are boosted from the RX10 IV's 24fps to 30fps, when using the electronic shutter — which, in a camera like this with a stacked sensor, I have no problem doing. I'd hardly call this improvement in speed a reason to upgrade, though, especially since the mechanical shutter's maximum 10fps speed is enough for most scenarios.
When I was photographing action, such as for my child's sports day, or at my local nature reserve doing bird photography, I generally kept the camera to its 10fps setting, with one of the custom buttons set to a 30fps speed boost for when the action got really interesting.
This has allowed me to minimize the number of photos I've taken, while the way the camera groups burst sequences in playback makes files easier to navigate.
Something that makes the RX10 V feel like a snappier camera than the RX10 IV is that there is no viewfinder blackout, even for the 30fps setting, which is supported by continuous autofocus with Sony’s latest subject-detection autofocus.
It was a challenge tracking this bird in flight, but with bird-detection autofocus active and the speed boost in play, I came away with some keepersTim ColemanNot all my photos from the sequence were sharp, but this one is also on the money. I'm not convinced I would've got as good results with the older RX10 IVTim Coleman
Compared to the RX10 IV, the RX10 V is able to detect a wider range of specific subjects with real-time recognition, including dedicated modes for birds, cats, and more.
I generally made sure I selected the specific subject when I knew that was my focus, such as with bird photography, and have been seriously impressed by how sticky autofocus is. Even when birds were small in the frame, the RX10 V was regularly able to pick them up with the camera's autofocus area set to wide.
I had more issues when photographing my child's sports day, given that there were so many faces in a lot of the photos. For such scenarios, a quick jig of the autofocus area to a small area can help to avoid the camera focusing on people in the background instead of the subject.
Tim ColemanTim Coleman
I've mentioned it already, but like most of its recent mirrorless cameras the RX10 V also uses Sony’s popular NP-FZ100 battery, which is a longer-lasting unit than the NP-FZ50 in the RX10 IV.
Sony quotes shot life as up to 630 shots compared to 400 for the RX10 IV, which is a huge performance boost. Add on-the-go UBS-C charging, and the RX10 V is a better camera for heavy photography days.
For me, all the above performance improvements are key for a camera that people typically buy as an entry point for wildlife photography.
Performance score: 5/5
Sony RX10 V: Image and video quality
Same 20.1MP 1-inch sensor and 24-600mm lens as used by the RX10 IV
New processor boosts color and autofocus accuracy
4K video frame rates upped to 60fps (no crop) / 120fps (with crop)
Detail is nice and sharp in this street photo shot with a moderate wide 38mm focal length Tim ColemanI dialled in negative exposure compensation using one of the exposure dials here to keep the golden colorTim ColemanIn this daylight scene, I stopped the aperture down to f/7.1, and detail is really crispTim ColemanThis is how close you get to the moon with the 600mm focal length. I could crop down further if I wished. That said, detail in the JPEG, shot at ISO 1000, is a little muddyTim ColemanThe zoom range helped me frame the person down this long alleyway. A camera like the X100VI couldn't have got this shotTim ColemanThe wide 24mm settingTim ColemanAnd zoomed in to 600mmTim Coleman24mmTim Coleman70mmTim Coleman135mmTim Coleman600mmTim Coleman
Considering the versatility of the 25x optical zoom lens, image quality is impressively sharp, while the bright aperture helps with low-light quality, and is easily able to blur backgrounds when using the telephoto settings.
That being said, there are no major image-quality improvements over the nine-year-old RX10 IV; we're still getting 20.1MP photos in RAW & JPEG, and 4K video recording.
It's largely the indirect factors that positively improve image quality: better autofocus performance and subject recognition, enabling an increased hit ratio of sharp photos, and images with greater color accuracy based on detected subjects.
Some macro photos. At 600mm, the maximum magnification is 0.49xTim ColemanScroll to the next photo to see how far away I was in getting this photoTim ColemanYep, the dragonfly is in there, I promise you!Tim ColemanIn low light, detail can get muddy — this end of day photo was shot at ISO 5000 and I'm not sure it would pass for a big printTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman
Other more direct improvements include a boost in 4K video frame rates: the RX10 IV was limited to 30fps, whereas the RX10 V goes up to 60fps with no crop, or 120fps with a crop. Like before, we still get a 240fps, but only in Full HD format.
And then there are the new color profiles to choose from, including Sony's popular S-Cinetone and S-Log3 for video, and the ability to import up to 16 custom LUTs profiles.
There are a bunch of extra features that make the RX10 V a better camera for video than the RX10 IV; a tally lamp, enhanced audio workflows, and it's also now possible to record an in-camera time-lapse sequence.
A few of my bird photos, all the original files, no editing or cropping. The camera had no problem detecting the subjects in all the following photosTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman
If you already own a mirrorless camera, you're probably wondering if the RX10 V's quality is sufficient to replace a supertelephoto lens for photographing distant subjects. I was curious to find out, so I took the same photos of birds with the Sony A7R V professional mirrorless camera and Sony's longest telephoto lens, the 400-800mm, which is a similar price to the RX10 V.
You can see the direct comparisons between the RX10 V and Sony A7R camera with 400-800mm lens in my separate write-up. But to summarize here — yes, the RX10 V's detail is impressively sharp for a camera of this kind, but there is a reasonably obvious gulf in outright clarity from the larger and pricier Sony mirrorless setup.
Image and video quality score: 4.5/5
Sony RX10 V: testing scorecard
Sony RX10 V
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
It's a lot to pay for a bridge camera, but you are getting a lot of camera
4/5
Design
Excellent design tweaks improve handling, but built-in flash and top LCD are goine
4.5/5
Performance
Sony's latest processor, autofocus and bigger battery deliver where it matters most
5/5
Image and video quality
Nine years after the RX10 IV, and we still have the same 20.1MP sensor and 24-600mm lens. Best-in-class image quality, but a mirrorless camera with telephoto zoom will be even better
4.5/5
Should I buy the Sony RX10 V?
Buy it if...
You want an all-in-one camera, but you're a regular wildlife photographer Yes, the 24-600mm f/2.4-4 lens is super bright and versatile, but it's the telephoto settings that entice people to bridge cameras, and the RX10 V is the best of its kind.
You want a lightweight setup for wildlife photography Bridge cameras are hardly small, but when you consider its size against a mirrorless camera with a lens that reaches up to 600mm, the RX10 V is positively tiny and lightweight.
Don't buy it if...
You own a working RX10 IV and are happy with it If your several years-old RX10 IV is still doing the business, there are plenty of ways it matches the RX10 V, given it has the same sensor and superzoom lens.
You can stretch to a lens for your mirrorless camera instead I would primarily use the RX10 V for wildlife photography, for which a Sony mirrorless camera with a lens like the Sony 400-800mm is a higher-quality setup, even if it is heavier and bulkier.
Sony RX10 V: also consider
Nikon Coolpix P1100
For outright zoom versatility, Nikon's Coolpix P1100 wins with its ridiculous 125x optical zoom — that's a 25-3000mm focal length range! It's also less than half the price of the RX10 V. However, this camera is much bulkier, and its sensor is tiny compared to the RX10 V's — and it shows in its lower-quality images.
A left-field alternative, but if you already own a Sony mirrorless camera you'll get sharper bird photos by using the 400-800mm lens with it. Yes it's a much bigger setup, but if you're a serious enthusiast you'll want to use this lens more, and it's a similar price to the RX10 V.
Sony loaned me the RX10 V for the three weeks prior to its announcement
I took it travelling and on regular trips to my local nature reserve
I've used all the major camera and lens settings, plus made direct comparisons with Sony mirrorless gear
I made the most of my lengthy review period to properly test the RX10 V. I took it travelling where it was used in bright sunlight and hot weather, to my child's sports day, to my garden for macro photography, plus I regularly visited a nearby nature reserve which is a very popular spot for birding.
Across the various scenarios, I tested the different lens settings — the entire zoom and aperture range. I shot 20MP stills and 4K video clips, pushed the 30fps Drive Mode to its limits, tested the camera's close focusing capabilities, and shot until the battery drained.
And because I feel most people are interested in the RX10 V for wildlife photography, especially bird photography, I tested the various subject detection autofocus modes and pitted the premium bridge camera against Sony's longest lens, the 400-800mm F6.3-8, to see how it fared.
DJI's dominance of the consumer drone market is so total that you have to wonder whether any rival can land a meaningful blow. The Ruko U11Mini 4K is the latest contender to step into the ring, and on paper it looks like a credible one: a sub-250g folding quadcopter with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, 4K video, and an optional touchscreen controller that's clearly modeled on DJI's own RC series.
Unfortunately, the closer I looked, the more the U11Mini 4K's limitations revealed themselves, and the gulf between Ruko and DJI's similarly-priced beginner drones remains huge.
In the air, the U11Mini 4K is a mixed bag. Flight is reasonably stable in calm conditions, but it's easily pushed around by wind, and during one flight I experienced an alarming voltage drop that triggered an unscheduled emergency landing. The touchscreen RC3 controller is a solid piece of hardware, and a smart way to sidestep the usual phone-pairing headaches, but its joysticks lack the precision of DJI's equivalents, making smooth, cinematic camera moves a struggle.
There's no obstacle avoidance whatsoever, and the automated flight modes feel half-baked: Point of Interest mode, for instance, simply circles wherever the drone happens to be, rather than the subject you actually want to showcase.
On paper, the Ruko U11Mini 4K looks like a solid DJI Mini 4K competitor, but a few minutes of flying it sadly convinced me otherwise. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The camera quality is similarly inconsistent. 4K video in good light is detailed and perfectly watchable, if a little flat and lacking in dynamic range, but stills are a different story; the U11Mini 4K's exposure metering routinely blows out highlights, and there's no way to fix this reliably even when dialing back the EV.
Storage is another sore point: the drone does have a small but usable amount of internal storage, but with no USB port on the aircraft itself, getting your footage off it is a major chore, and I'd recommend sticking exclusively to a microSD card instead. One that you'll have to supply yourself, as none are included in the box.
All of this would be more forgivable if the U11Mini 4K were a budget bargain, but at around £300 (rising to £499 for the bundle I tested, with its two batteries, hard case and that RC3 controller), it's pitched at almost exactly the same price as the DJI Lito 1 — a drone that beats it comprehensively on image quality, obstacle sensing and battery life. The U11Mini 4K isn't a complete disaster, but nobody should pick one over DJI's equivalent.
The Ruko U11Mini 4K is available now, sold directly through Ruko's website and via Amazon in the US, UK and Australia.
Pricing varies considerably depending on region and bundle. In the UK, the base package costs around £300, rising to £499 for the bundle I tested, which includes two batteries, a hard case, and the touchscreen RC3 controller in place of the standard smartphone-based remote.
US pricing follows a similar pattern, though at the time of writing Ruko's online store had both bundles discounted. The two-battery, hard case, RC3 controller bundle was priced at $424.99 (down from $599.99), while a separate three-battery bundle with a hard case and smartphone controller (rather than the RC3) was available for just $339.99 (down from $509.99) — making it the cheaper option overall despite the extra battery.
In Australia, Amazon lists a single-battery, smartphone controller bundle for AU$549.99, with a three-battery, hard case and smartphone controller bundle priced at AU$699.99.
The carry case is a well-designed accessory that'll keep the drone, controller and a couple of extra batteries snug and safe. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
In the UK and Australia, its direct rival is the recently launched DJI Lito 1. This costs £299 in the UK, while in Australia it's priced at AU$539 for the basic bundle (one battery and the RC-N3 smartphone controller) or AU$779 for the Fly More Combo (three batteries, RC-N3 controller, charging hub and shoulder bag). I'd say it's a much better value prospect than the Ruko, and shoppers should definitely consider it if they're hunting for a good entry-level model.
US buyers don't have that option, however, since due to the current DJI ban the Lito 1 isn't sold in America. That leaves older models like the DJI Mini 4K as the more relevant comparison stateside — and despite its age, it's still a better drone than the U11Mini 4K.
Price score: 2.5/5
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Specs
Ruko U11Mini 4K specs
Ruko U11Mini 4K
Camera:
48MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
Video:
4K 30fps
Flight modes:
Smooth, Normal, Sport
Storage:
Internal memory + microSD card slot (up to 256GB supported)
Battery:
2,200mAh / up to 32 minutes flight time
Charger type:
USB-C / Battery Charging Hub
Weight:
249g / 8.8oz (approx.)
Dimensions:
141 x 86.9 x 57.9mm / 5.55 x 3.42 x 2.28in (folded)
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Design and build quality
Folding design, weighing under 249g
Optional touchscreen RC3 controller
microSD slot supports cards up to 256GB
The U11Mini 4K follows the same folding quadcopter template as most sub-250g drones on the market right now, including DJI's own Mini and Lito series.
It's made from hard plastic, and folds down to a genuinely pocketable size (if we're talking coat rather than trousers, mind you). At under 249g, it sits just inside a weight threshold that exempts it from the strictest drone registration requirements in the UK, US and elsewhere.
Round the back, you'll find a microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 256GB. There's also internal storage built into the drone itself, but accessing it is far more trouble than it's worth.
That's because, bafflingly, there's no USB port anywhere on the drone. The only way to get photos and video off the internal storage is via the controller, transferring wirelessly to an app like Google Photos — a process that, in my testing, also downgraded my 4K footage to 720p in the process. So I'd strongly recommend buying a microSD card (none is included in the box) and ignoring the internal storage altogether.
When folded, the U11Mini 4K would fit in a large coat pocket.Future | Sam KieldsenThe RC3 controller is well built, but does suffer from some janky software issues.Future | Sam KieldsenThe batteries are recharged directly via their on-board USB-C port.Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen
A clip-on cover is supplied to protect the camera and gimbal during transport, which is a sensible inclusion — if a little fiddly to fit and remove. Depending on the bundle you buy, you may also get a nicely sturdy hard-sided storage case, which comes with internal spaces for the controller, drone and up to two additional flight batteries.
The RC3 controller from the bundle I reviewed is pretty impressive, at least at first glance. Its built-in touchscreen is clearly inspired by DJI's RC series, and it's a decent effort: solid in the hand, with a bright, crisp display. But it came with its own set of connectivity issues, refusing to play nicely with my home Wi-Fi network and preventing me from downloading the latest firmware updates. I was able to connect it to my iPhone's hotspot, so the Wi-Fi antennas evidently do work in some circumstances, but the fact they wouldn't hook up to a network that works fine with every other drone I've reviewed recently suggests there's a deeper issue here.
Design score: 3/5
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Features and flight performance
32-minute quoted battery life; around 20 minutes in real-world testing
No obstacle avoidance
Automated flight modes feel underbaked
Ruko quotes a battery life of 32 minutes for the U11Mini 4K. In my testing, which happened mostly in fairly breezy coastal conditions, I got closer to 20 minutes before the low battery warnings kicked in.
That discrepancy might be partly down to the wind, which the U11Mini 4K isn't great at handling. Despite Ruko's claimed Level 5 wind resistance (a tolerance of 19-24mph), I watched the drone get visibly knocked around by some standard coastal gusts. You can see the resulting unevenness in the horizon line on some of my footage.
One flight also threw up a worrying issue. A few seconds after take-off, with the battery indicator initially showing around 75%, a low voltage warning flashed up, the battery indicator dropped instantly to around 10%, and I immediately effected a panicked return to home (not wanting the drone to drop straight into the sea). When I checked the battery afterwards, it was still showing roughly 75% charge. Whatever caused that mid-air voltage drop, it's not a reassuring thing to experience while flying.
With no obstacle avoidance tech, you'll need to steer well clear of trees, bushes and lampposts. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Flight itself is reasonably stable and responsive in calm conditions, but the RC3 controller's joysticks let the side down. There's a wide dead zone before inputs register, which makes smooth, considered camera moves all but impossible, and as far as I can tell there's no way to adjust stick sensitivity to compensate. With a DJI drone, the slightest stick pressure produces an immediate and proportional response; here, you're fighting the controller as much as the wind.
Obstacle avoidance is non-existent, so pilots will need to take a lot of care when flying. There's no forward, downward or omnidirectional sensing of any kind, which is a significant omission next to the DJI Lito 1's full suite of vision sensors.
The automated flight modes are similarly disappointing. Point of Interest mode, for instance, should really let you tap a subject on the touchscreen and have the drone circle it automatically; instead, it just flies in a circle around wherever it happens to be at the time, regardless of whether there's anything interesting in front of it. There's also a tracking mode that follows your phone, though I wasn't able to test this myself, since I was flying with the RC3 controller rather than a paired smartphone.
Flight performance score: 3/5
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Image and video quality
1/2-inch CMOS sensor, 4K video at 30fps
Stills are overexposed and oversharpened
No flat/log color profile available
The U11Mini 4K's camera is built around a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and f/1.8 lens, which on paper is perfectly respectable for a drone at this price. There's no fundamental reason a sensor of this size can't produce good aerial photos and video, but in practice, the U11Mini 4K struggles to get the most out of it.
Stills are the weaker of the two. Exposure metering is unreliable, and the camera has a strong tendency to massively overexpose, particularly in bright conditions. Even dialing back the EV compensation for photos didn't fix this consistently; I was left with whites that were blown out and stripped of any detail far too often. Zoom into the shots even slightly and they're aggressively oversharpened and algorithmically upscaled in a jarring way, too.
Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen
Video fares slightly better, for reasons I couldn't quite pin down. At its top quality setting — 4K at 30fps — footage is detailed and rich in good lighting, even if it lacks dynamic range and punch compared to the best in this class. Bright areas can still blow out, while shadows tend to lack detail and look slightly underexposed, but overall it's a far more usable result than the stills.
One thing that might have helped close that gap is a log color profile, but sadly there's nothing of the kind available. A log format may have given me more room to fix the exposure issues in post-production grading, but here what you capture in-camera is largely what you're stuck with, unfortunately.
Image and video quality score: 3/5
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Testing scorecard
Ruko U11Mini 4K
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Competitive on paper but matched or undercut by the superior DJI Lito 1.
2.5/5
Design
Decent folding build and solid touchscreen controller, but let down by the lack of a USB port.
3/5
Features and flight
Reasonably stable flying, but imprecise controls, no obstacle avoidance, and half-baked automated modes.
3/5
Image and video quality
OK 4K video, but routinely overexposes and there's no log profile to compensate.
3/5
Should I buy the Ruko U11Mini 4K
Buy it if...
You're a US buyer priced out of newer DJI options With the Lito 1 unavailable in the US, the U11Mini 4K gives budget-conscious American buyers another option to weigh against older DJI models like the Mini 4K.
You want the cheapest possible 4K drone with a screen controller If budget is your only real consideration and you can live with its flaws, the U11Mini 4K undercuts some screen-controller rivals on price.
You only ever shoot video, never stills Video output is decent in good light, even if the photo side of things lets the side down badly.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You can stretch to a DJI Lito 1 At the same or lower price, the Lito 1 beats the U11Mini 4K in nearly every meaningful respect.
You want precise, cinematic camera control The RC3 controller's dead zones make smooth, considered camera movement a real struggle.View Deal
You fly somewhere with lots of hazards There's no obstacle avoidance of any kind, a significant safety gap next to rivals like the Lito 1.
Ruko U11Mini 4K: also consider
DJI Lito 1
At the same UK and Australian price as the U11Mini 4K, the Lito 1 is simply a better drone in almost every way, with superior image quality, full obstacle avoidance and longer battery life. The only thing it can't match is the U11Mini 4K's RC3 touchscreen controller, which DJI doesn't bundle with the Lito 1 currently.
Smaller, cheaper and a blast to fly, the tiny, whoop-style Neo 2 doesn't need a controller at all, tracking and filming you autonomously straight out of the box. Its video quality is on par with the Lito 1's, and therefore a clear step up over the U11Mini 4K's, even though it's a much more affordable drone.
I tested all available flight modes and control methods
I captured stills and video in a range of lighting and weather conditions
I assessed battery life, wind resistance and file transfer in real-world use
I flew the U11Mini 4K over several sessions, in a mix of calm and breezy UK coastal conditions, to get a feel for how it handled real-world flying rather than just ideal, sheltered conditions. I tested manual flight extensively, paying close attention to stick precision and responsiveness, and also tried out the drone's automated modes to assess how well they lived up to their billing.
On the camera side, I shot both stills and 4K video in a variety of lighting conditions, later reviewing the footage and photos on a larger screen to properly judge exposure, detail and dynamic range. The footage you see embedded above was edited in DaVinci Resolve, but not color corrected. Photos were tweaked slightly in Adobe Lightroom.
I also tested battery life under real-world conditions rather than relying on Ruko's quoted 32-minute figure, and ran through the process of transferring footage off the drone via both the microSD card and the internal storage, to evaluate how easy (or otherwise) that process is for a typical buyer.
The Leica SL3-P is not a camera for everyone, and it knows it. There's no red dot logo on the front — that easy-to-spot symbol of prestige has been deliberately omitted in favor of a clean, all-black anonymity. Only the word 'LEICA' in white block capitals above the lens mount gives the game away. This is a camera built for photographers who'd rather be invisible than show off, and that philosophy runs all the way through it, with minimal controls, a stripped-back UI, and a design language that says a lot through everything it leaves out.
The SL3-P is built around the same full-frame sensor as the Panasonic Lumix S1R II. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Getting to grips with it takes some patience if you're arriving from a more conventional mirrorless system. With only four labelled buttons on the body, a lot of control is handed off to the touchscreen, which is polished and logically organized once you learn its rhythms. The rear LCD tilts but doesn't swivel, which is an unusual limitation for a camera at this price — and with a serious L-mount lens fitted, the combined weight is considerable. But pick it up, hold it to your eye, and look through that large, crisp EVF, and something clicks. This is a camera that feels like it was made to be used, not admired.
Image quality is exceptional — unsurprising given the 44.7MP BSI sensor, which is of the same type used by the superb Panasonic Lumix S1R II — and battery life is impressive. The autofocus is competent and handles moving subjects well enough, though it won't trouble Sony or Canon on raw speed. At around £5,150 (US pricing TBC), it's an expensive proposition. But as a pure expression of what a modern Leica should be, the SL3-P makes a very strong case for itself.
Leica SL3-P: Price and availability
Priced at $6,690 / £5,150 body-only
Also available in three zoom lens kits
It's unlikely to come as a shock to you that the Leica SL3-P is a very expensive camera. Its launch price, for the body only, is $6,690 / £5,150 (Australia pricing is still TBC at the time of writing).
Leica is also releasing the camera in three kit bundles, each of which includes at least one Vario zoom lens. The SL3-P with a Leica 28-70mm lens is $7,790 / £6,100; with a Leica 24-70mm it's $8,390 / £6,480; and with both the 24-70mm and a 70-200mm it's $10,995 / £8,560.
Leica SL3-P: specs
Leica SL3-P specs
Type:
Mirrorless camera
Mount:
L Mount
Sensor:
44.9MP (effective) BSI full-frame CMOS
Autofocus:
Hybrid AF: 315 contrast / 819 phase detection points; Human and Animal subject detection
Continuous shooting:
Up to 40fps (electronic shutter)
Video:
Up to 8K Open Gate; ProRes to 5.8K; 4K at 120fps; L-Log, 12-bit RAW, 4:2:2 10-bit
Viewfinder:
5.76M-dot LCD EVF, 0.76x magnification
Screen:
3.2-inch tilt-only touchscreen, 2,332,800 dots
Storage:
SD/SDHC/SDXC + CFexpress Type B
Connectivity:
USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2), HDMI 2.1 Type A, 3.5mm mic/headphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Weather sealing:
IP54
Dimensions:
151.45 x 80.32 x 38.09mm
Weight:
Approx. 768g (body only, without battery)
Leica SL3-P: design
All-black, badge-free design with minimalist controls
Premium full-metal construction with IP54 weather sealing
Large, comfortable EVF with twist-barrel diopter adjustment
The absence of Leica's red dot is the first thing you notice, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. The SL3-P is clad entirely in black, with only 'LEICA' in white block capitals on the EVF housing to identify it. Four buttons across the whole body are labelled (one of which is the power button). It's a stealthy, understated thing — clearly designed for people who want to use a Leica but aren't fussed about being seen with one.
The German-made full-metal body felt exactly as solid and premium as I'd expect from the brand, and comes with IP54 weather sealing for extra outdoors reassurance. There's a large grip covered with a textured material that provides a secure hold even when conditions aren't ideal, and the supplied neck strap is thick and well-padded, which I appreciated given how much weight a serious L-mount lens adds to the equation.
Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen
With so few physical controls, much of the camera's operation is routed through the touchscreen. The UI is stylish and well organized, with photo and video modes color coded distinctly in red and yellow respectively. And while the layout takes some adjusting too if you're used to a more button-heavy system, the logic is coherent, and settings are never difficult to locate. Touch-to-focus on the screen works exactly as expected, and custom button assignments help flatten the learning curve further.
The EVF is large, crisp and comfortable thanks to its 5.76-million dot resolution and 0.76x magnification, and as a glasses wearer I really liked the satisfying diopter mechanism that simply requires twisting the EVF barrel rather than hunting for a small dial.
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
The top-plate display is a genuinely useful feature, giving you a quick rundown of current settings without you having to lift the camera to your eye. The rear LCD, however, only tilts: up to 90 degrees upward and around 45 downward. That covers most tripod and arm's-length scenarios, but there's no forward-facing position for self-shooting, and no side-to-side articulation, which feels like an unusual limitation at this price.
On a practical note, I will say that the SL3-P is not a lightweight system, especially when teamed with some high-quality glass. The Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 lens I used with it added over a kilogram to the body, and while the grip is secure and comfortable, a long day of handheld shooting (covering a child's birthday party, in my case) does become fatiguing. That's less a criticism — after all, there are plenty of heavy cameras around — and more of a warning about how and when it can be used.
Leica SL3-P: Performance
Exceptional image quality from a 44.7MP BSI full-frame sensor
Competent hybrid autofocus with broad subject detection, including birds
Impressive battery life and extensive video options including 8K and ProRes
Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen
The SL3-P shares its 44.7MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor with the Panasonic Lumix S1R II — a camera I've tested and rate very highly — and the image quality is, predictably, exceptional.
Raw files processed in Lightroom offer tremendous latitude, with smooth tonal gradation, wide dynamic range and excellent high-ISO performance. JPEGs are very good straight from camera too, and five film-look presets — three color, two monochrome — add some welcome creative options. The high-contrast black-and-white preset is particularly striking, and feels authentically Leica in character.
Video capabilities are more extensive than the camera's photographer-first positioning might suggest: 8K Open Gate, ProRes to 5.8K, 4K at 120fps, L-Log, 12-bit RAW and 4:2:2 10-bit are all available. It's a serious toolkit, even if the handling feels more naturally attuned to stills.
Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam Kieldsen
The hybrid autofocus combines 315 contrast AF points with 819 phase detection points, with human, animal (including birds) and car detection. Tracking held up well in practice; testing on an active cat, the camera maintained focus through erratic movement without significant trouble.
Outright acquisition speed with the Summilux 50mm f/1.4 in AF-C is where it falls short of class leaders; it's capable rather than decisive, and anyone shooting fast action should look elsewhere. For portrait, street or documentary work, though, it certainly gets the job done.
Five-axis IBIS rated at up to five stops works quietly and effectively, and battery life is a genuine highlight. After a full charge I shot well over 100 frames across a lengthy session, and the indicator remained full. That seems in line with Leica's claimed 383 shots per CIPA standard cycle.
Should you buy the Leica SL3-P?
Buy it if...
You value craft and image quality above speed The build, finish and sensor are among the best in class. For considered, unhurried shooting, this is a very rewarding camera to use.
You want a discreet full-frame system The badge-free design and understated profile make the SL3-P ideal for work where a conspicuous camera would be a liability.
Don't buy it if...
You need fast and precise autofocus Sony, Canon and Nikon all offer more decisive AF systems at comparable or lower prices. The SL3-P's AF is capable rather than class-leading .
Solo video is central to your work The tilt-only screen and stills-focused handling mean this isn't the best choice for self-shooting video creators.
How I tested the Leica SL3-P
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)
Leica loaned me a sample for over a week, along with a 50mm prime lens
I used it indoors and outdoors for several days, shooting photos and video
All sample photos were shot in raw and processed in Adobe Lightroom
Leica loaned me a review sample of the SL3-P camera to test out in real-world use, a few weeks ahead of the official release.
I reviewed the Leica SL3-P over the course of a week, using it exclusively with the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. prime lens. My shooting covered a wide range of scenarios: street photography and candids outdoors, landscape work, and indoor shooting in both natural daytime light and normal interior lighting at night — the latter without flash or studio lighting assistance of any kind.
All sample images were captured in raw format and processed in Adobe Lightroom.
The features of the Fujifilm X-H1 and my opinion about it.
In this space, the link for the mentioned Nepal video will be, when it becomes public.
Note by Camaras.net: A fantastic overview of this new camera, by somebody who has extensively used it (in the field), and is an excellent photographer and videographer. Big thanks to Palle, for doing this video for the benefit of all parties interested.
Awesome follow up video with examples, Thanks Palle!!
8 High Quality Cinematic LUTs That I Created and use all the time
Compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Davinci Resolve, FCPX*
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TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that entries for the Nikon Photo Contest 2014-2015 will be accepted between September 15 and December 15, 2014.
Nikon Photo Contest (NPC) is one of the world’s most prestigious international photo contests. Held since 1969, the goal behind the contest is to provide an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and to enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike. The name of the contest was changed to “Nikon Photo Contest” the last time it was held (34th time), and with 99,339 entries—the largest number of entries in the history of the contest—from 153 countries and regions around the world judged by a globally diverse panel of 17 judges, Nikon Photo Contest is a truly international contest.