Photography News

 

1. Be Early

Arrive at your chosen spot about half an hour before the sun's due to set as you'll need time to set your equipment up and to find your angle. You'll need your tripod as shutter speeds will be slow and working hand-held will only result in shake. If you have one, attach your remote release up, too, to stop your movement rocking the camera when you go to press the shutter button. Many cameras allow you to fire the shutter via a Smart Phone, eliminating the need for a remote release. You might want to fire off a few test shots to see if your composition works but do remember the light will change.
 

2. Get Ready

Make sure your focus is correct then turn off autofocus as it tends to struggle in darker conditions. Check your white balance and set your ISO to 100, although, if you want to quicken the shutter speed slightly, you can knock it up a couple of notches. Then, you just have to stand and wait for the sun to begin setting. You might want to pack a flask of something warm and make sure you have your coat with you for this bit!
 

3. The Sun's Setting

Once the sun has gone below the horizon don't think it's time to put your equipment away so you can head home, you need to keep taking photos, adjusting the exposure length as you do to capture as many different results as possible.

 

 

4. Watch Out For Bright Light Sources

If you have the moon in shot or other bright lights such as street lamps, and you use a longer shutter speed it can result in flare but this isn't always a bad thing as an overexposed street lamp, particularly on a damp evening, can look quite good.
 

5. Where Works?

Getting out above the city so you can shoot down on it. Capturing the city lights against the dark blue sky as they switch on works well but do get in among the city buildings too. At busy junctions, you'll be able to capture light trails as traffic flows by while a bridge will give you a nice leading line with lights dotted along either side of it. Have a look for shop signs that are lit up or if you're visiting one of our well known seaside towns, you'll have a long street of illuminations to capture.

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A favourite photograph deserves more than a quick upload. Here is how to choose a size, protect your composition and prepare a file that will work on the wall.

You have a photograph you keep returning to: a coastline after rain, a family moment, the view that made you stop walking. On a screen, choosing a favourite is easy. Ordering it at half a metre wide brings a different question: will it still look good?

The answer starts with the pixels in your file, but it also depends on sharpness, cropping and where the print will hang. Working through those choices gives you a more useful answer than the megapixel number on your camera.

 

Fine detail and the shape of a composition both matter when preparing a large print

 

Find the best version of your photograph

Begin with the original full-resolution file. A screenshot or a copy saved from a social feed may look perfectly respectable on a phone while containing far fewer pixels than the original. If the image lives in a cloud library, download the original rather than its preview.

Check its dimensions in your photo app or file information. A 6000 × 4000-pixel image contains 24 million pixels, or 24 megapixels. That tells you how much image data you have; it does not tell you whether the focus landed on the subject. Open the photograph and inspect the details you actually care about before deciding how large to go.

Save a working copy before editing. That gives you room to try a square crop or a different treatment without losing the version you started with. If someone else supplied the photograph, ask for their print-ready export.

 

Choose the crop before you calculate

A camera's rectangular image will not necessarily fit the frame shape you have chosen. Filling a square with a 6000 × 4000-pixel landscape, for example, leaves at most 4000 × 4000 pixels. You have 16 megapixels left, even though the camera captured 24.

 

A full-height square crop of a hypothetical 6000 × 4000-pixel image retains 4000 × 4000 pixels, or two-thirds of the original pixel count.

 

Set the intended aspect ratio first, then move the crop deliberately. Look for a clipped headland, a hand close to the edge or a horizon that needs straightening. Straightening can remove a little more of the image, too. Recheck the remaining dimensions once you are happy with the composition.

If the crop spoils the picture, choose a different print shape or explore a border. The photograph should still feel like the one you wanted to print.

 

Turn pixels into a print size

Pixels per inch, or PPI, describes how densely the image's pixels are distributed across the finished print. Divide the pixel width by the print width in inches, then check the height in the same way. Convert centimetres to inches by dividing by 2.54.

Using the uncropped 6000 × 4000-pixel file, a 20 × 13.3-inch print is approximately 300 PPI. At 30 × 20 inches, the same file is 200 PPI. Increasing the print size spreads the available detail over a larger surface.

 

The same hypothetical 6000 × 4000-pixel file produces about 300 PPI at 20 × 13.3 inches, or 200 PPI at 30 × 20 inches. This diagram compares dimensions, not simulated print quality.

 

For a calculation using your own dimensions, Framely's image resolution and print size guide includes a calculator and reference chart. Use the dimensions of the printed photograph itself, excluding any mat border or surrounding frame.

 

Think about where people will stand

Around 300 PPI is a useful starting point for detailed photographs examined closely. It is not a universal pass-or-fail threshold. A large print seen across a room may look pleasing at a lower density, while a small print held in the hand invites closer scrutiny.

Stand where you expect to enjoy the picture. A print above a sofa is usually seen differently from one in a narrow hallway. If you are unsure, ask the lab about a small test section printed at the same enlargement as the final piece. A miniature of the whole photograph will not reveal the same level of detail.

 

Check sharpness as well as the numbers

Changing a file's resolution label from 72 to 300 PPI, without resampling, adds no pixels. DPI refers to the printer's dots of ink and is a different measurement.

Inspect the file at 100% to spot blur, compression damage or heavy sharpening, then consider those flaws at the intended viewing distance. Upscaling can improve an enlargement's appearance, but extra pixels do not prove that fine detail is authentic. Compare the result with the original, especially around faces and lettering.

 

Choose a surface that suits the picture

Smooth photographic paper can suit images whose appeal lies in fine detail, such as architecture or a sharply focused portrait. Canvas adds a visible woven texture, which becomes part of how the image looks. Think about whether that texture complements your photograph and how closely it will be viewed.

 

Smooth paper and woven canvas give a print different surface characteristics.

 

Canvas cannot restore missing detail. Check the edge treatment as well: wrapping an image around a stretcher, mirroring its edges or using a plain edge can produce different results. Keep important subjects clear of any area that will leave the front face.

For readers in Australia, Framely’s canvas photo prints offer stretched canvas and optional floating frames. Compare the finish and edge options against your composition before settling on the size.

If colour is critical, ask whether your lab provides a suitable printer-and-paper profile for soft proofing. This previews how colours may translate to the chosen output. It is an estimate, so a physical proof remains useful for an important print. Avoid converting to an unfamiliar colour space simply because it sounds more professional.

 

Give the file one last check

• Keep the original and export a separate print copy.
• Follow the lab's instructions for file format and colour profile.
• Check the final crop, orientation and dimensions in the order preview.
• Inspect faces, lettering and edges for unwanted edits or sharpening.
• Ask for a file review or test print if the enlargement is uncertain.

The most satisfying print often comes from a modest adjustment: a little more room around the subject, a size that suits the file, or a surface that carries the mood of the photograph. Make those choices while the image is still on screen, and you can enjoy it on the wall with fewer surprises.

© GoPro

 

GoPro has rolled out a free firmware update for the MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO ILS that rebuilds how the cameras shoot stills. The shutter now responds the instant the button is pressed, and holding it down shoots continuous photos, with more than 100 at 12MP or more than 20 RAW files at 50MP. The MISSION Monitor app for iPhone and iPad also gains a histogram, waveform, RGB parade and false colour, along with wireless camera connectivity. GoPro Labs firmware adds anamorphic lens support for the MISSION 1 PRO ILS, covering squeeze ratios from 1.33x to 2.0x.

 

From GoPro:

 

GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) released a free update that enhances MISSION 1 Series cameras' photography capabilities. Photo shutter response has been dramatically improved to provide hair-trigger sensitivity for improved photo capture accuracy, and holding the shutter button down will capture continuous photos in rapid succession.

GoPro also updated its recently debuted MISSION Monitor app with four new professional exposure tools and wireless camera connectivity, and released a new version of GoPro Labs firmware that adds anamorphic lens support to MISSION 1 PRO ILS for film and television professionals.

Since launching earlier this year, the MISSION 1 Series has earned 12 top industry awards from 10 leading consumer technology, photography, and outdoor publications, including Best Overall Action Camera from WIRED, Best Action Camera in the Tom's Guide Awards, and editor's choice awards from PCMag, Tom's Guide, Gizmodo, and The Shortcut.

 

MISSION 1 Series Photography Update: High-Performance Shutter Response + Continuous Photo Capture

 

MISSION 1 Series cameras have received a ground-up rebuild of how they capture photos, transforming them into rapid-fire photography solutions:

• Rapid Photo: With the free firmware update, all MISSION 1 Series cameras will now feature zero-lag, ultra-responsive shutter button response that results in photos being captured the instant the shutter button is pressed.1
• Continuous Shutter: Press and hold the shutter button to capture photos continuously—more than 100 photos at 12MP or more than 20 RAW photos at 50MP.1
• Buffer Indicator: A new on-screen indicator signals when the camera is approaching its buffer limit.
• Updated Shutter Sound: A modernized shutter sound delivers clear, distinguishable audio confirmation for each photo as it's captured.

This new photography experience makes MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, and MISSION 1 PRO ILS a natural match for the Point-and-Shoot Grip. The grip's lightweight, rubberized metal frame turns the camera into a high-performance handheld point-and-shoot camera that's ideal for run-and-gun, on-the-go street and travel photography. Two cold shoe mounts accept accessories like Light Mod 2, making it a complete handheld setup for hikes, concerts, and road trips. The grip is available as a stand-alone accessory or as part of MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition.

"For photographers, by photographers. That's how we approached updating the MISSION 1 Series photo experience," said Jensen Granger, GoPro's Creative Director of Photography. "This update opens an exciting new chapter for photography on GoPro. Put a MISSION 1 Series camera in the Point-and-Shoot Grip and you have a seriously capable travel camera that's durable, mountable and can even shoot 8K video. It's the camera everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned photographers will want in their bag."

 

MISSION Monitor: New Exposure Tools + Wireless Connectivity

 

MISSION Monitor, the free iPhone® and iPad® live-preview app for MISSION 1 Series cameras,2 is being updated with four new professional monitoring tools that enhance exposure and color control, plus wireless connectivity and support for the aforementioned enhanced photography experience:

• Histogram: A real-time graph of every brightness level in the frame to confirm a balanced image, protect highlights, and avoid crushed shadows at a glance.
• Waveform: Maps brightness across the frame, showing exactly which parts of a shot are clipping or underexposed, not just whether something is off.
• RGB Parade: Displays the red, green, and blue channels side by side to confirm neutral tones are truly neutral and catch color casts before they become a problem in post-production. It's especially useful when shooting in GP-Log2, where a color cast is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
• False Color: Replaces the live image with a standardized color map that instantly shows which parts of the frame are clipping, which are underexposed, and whether skin tones are landing where they should.
• Wireless Connectivity: Connects to the camera wirelessly for cable-free live preview and image monitoring.
• New Photography Experience: Supports the all-new Rapid Photo and Continuous Shutter capture updates.

 

GoPro Labs: Anamorphic Lens Support for MISSION 1 PRO ILS

 

GoPro Labs, a public beta firmware program that enables GoPro camera capabilities beyond stock features and controls, now adds anamorphic lens support to MISSION 1 PRO ILS with the latest GoPro Labs firmware update. Paired with the camera's Micro Four Thirds™ mount, it brings anamorphic filmmaking to the world's smallest, most rugged compact cinema camera with interchangeable lenses.

Anamorphic lens support includes compatibility with GoPro's Emmy® Award-winning HyperSmooth video stabilization. GoPro Labs firmware also writes pixel aspect ratio metadata to the video file so desktop playback and editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve recognize the true shape of the image and correct it automatically.

Squeeze ratios of 1.33x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x are supported, with presets for fast switching between anamorphic and spherical lenses. An on-camera desqueeze preview for the rear screen is coming soon.

 

Availability

 

The all-new photography experience for MISSION 1 Series cameras is available now as a free firmware update via the GoPro Quik app or on GoPro.com.

The MISSION Monitor app update is free and available today on the Apple App Store® for devices running iOS 18 or later.

The updated GoPro Labs firmware supporting anamorphic lenses is available to download for free from GoPro Labs.

I'm at Apple's launch event at Columbia Square in Hollywood, and I just spent time hands-on with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display. I'm a huge display snob, and its tandem OLED screen is just stunning in person.

 

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At 19,262 places around the world where people walked outside and counted stars, the satellite that maps Earth at night recorded the ground below getting slightly darker. Across North America, upward radiance measured at those exact sites by the VIIRS Day/Night Band fell 0.80 percent a year. Over those same locations, artificial sky brightness was rising 10.4 percent a year.

 

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Apple's new MacBook Pro has a tandem OLED display that reaches 2,000 nits, holds a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and covers Adobe RGB as well as P3. For the first time on a Mac, you can also touch the screen. Apple calls it the PROLED XDR display, and it comes in 14-inch and 16-inch models with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, with preorders open today, October 28, and availability starting Friday, November 6.

 

[Read More]

Here are several easy tips so you can use your tripod like a pro. You'll get the most from your tripod this way, with lessons drawn from professional night photographers who use tripods in genuinely challenging conditions.

 

First… Get a Quality Tripod

Pros use quality tripods. They know better.

If you are bothering to set your camera up on a tripod, you clearly want sharp photos. You also want your tripod to not vibrate. You want stability. You want it to set up smoothly and easily.

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A four-ink EcoTank with dye-based color and a single matte black is about the last printer most people would pick for fine art prints. Its refillable tanks make ink cheap, though, so if the prints hold up, it becomes an inexpensive way to experiment with papers and profiles at home.

 

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If you've wanted to try infrared, you have two choices: screw a filter onto the camera you already own, or send a body off to be permanently converted. The two routes differ a lot in cost, commitment, and how much patience each shot demands.

 

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After summer ends and the chips, candy floss and plastic buckets have long left the seafront, the British seaside resort morphs into a place that's desolated and full of photographic potential. 

 

1. Gear Suggestions

A zoom lens will give you the flexibility of both wide and telephoto options in one lens which is good news for the photographer who doesn't want to be carrying too much kit on their seaside walk. Plus, you don't really want to be changing lenses when there's a strong breeze blowing sand and salt which could damage your equipment. A tripod will help you steady your camera while the strong coastal breeze blows around you.

  2. Be Prepared

A bonus with this time of year is that parking's a doddle and accommodation should be cheaper if you're planning a full weekend of photography. 

Don't forget to check the all-important weather forecast and make sure you note down what time the tide will be on its way back in. If you don't,  you could find yourself paddling through saltwater with your camera gear if you do head for the beach. 

 

3. Light And Feel

Low-angled light will give colourful beach huts more punch while a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds will add a bit of life to what can be drab looking shops and piers. 

If you find that Mother Nature has realised you're at the coast and as a result predictably turns the sky grey don't be too down-hearted as a storm brewing over the sea will always look good. To give the sky more detail fit an ND filter to your lens but if it's still too dull and flat, shoot the scene anyway and try converting it to mono when you're back in front of your computer. If all else fails, there's always the option to shoot some macro detail of nets, ropes and wet pebbles on the beach. Just remember to fill the frame to give your shots more impact. 

 

  4. Photograph People

The ice-cream seller may be long gone but you will get the odd resident, brave surfer and fishermen still walking around the empty seaside towns. Even though it's always polite to ask before you take your shot, sometimes candids, where you snap a couple of shots without them knowing you're doing so, do work better. Many people won't mind you taking their photograph if you ask politely enough though so don't be afraid to approach someone with your camera and a pleasant smile. Try getting in close if they have a strong face that will make a good character portrait then stand back to give the shot more context. This can work well with a lonely surfer stood on a damp, deserted beach or with a café owner clearing tables in an empty shop. 

5. Life's A Beach

The pier is a photographic opportunity not to be missed at this time of year as you won't have tourists walking into your shot and morning fog can be found circling the supports, making them an eerie photographic opportunity. Go wide, shooting from the beach if possible or shoot from the top, using the pier as a leading line into your image.

A concept that looks great in your head can fall apart the minute your subject steps onto the set, and the clock doesn't stop while you work out why. Knowing when to drop an idea and how to build a new one under pressure is one of the hardest parts of client work, especially when the client needs one specific thing from the images.

 

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Stanley Kubrick shot entire rooms in "Barry Lyndon" by candlelight in 1975, something that had never been done before in color. The way he did it comes down to a chain of decisions, most of them driven by hard numbers about how much light a film camera actually needs.

 

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As well as having practical uses, fisheye lenses can be a lot of fun. The distortion produced by this type of lens allows the user to take interesting, quirky shots of everyday objects, turning what can be quite simple shots into top creative captures. Plus, you don't have to own a fisheye lens for your DSLR to have a go at this technique as there are plenty of gadgets out there that will turn your Smart Phone images into fish-eye masterpieces. Here are 8 top examples of fisheye photography that you can take some inspiration from next time you're out with a really wide-angle lens. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© FUJIFILM

 

Fujifilm has revealed the Instax Mini Evo 2, a hybrid instant camera featuring a 4.5-inch LCD touchscreen, new Expanded View and Immersive Movie features, and 100 possible combinations of 10 lens effects and 10 film effects. It also supports smartphone image printing and remote shooting through the updated Instax Mini Evo app. The camera is expected to be available in the UK at the end of November 2026.

 

From Fujifilm:

 

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, today announced the launch of its instax mini Evo 2™ (hereafter Evo 2) hybrid instant camera, along with its enhanced instax mini Evo™ smartphone app.

“The instax mini Evo™ is one of our most-loved cameras. With Evo 2, we’ve built on what people love about the original – refining the design and adding new features that bring even more creative freedom to photo and video. It’s a fresh way to experiment, express yourself and turn everyday moments into something uniquely yours.” said Karina Thomsen, Marketing Director, European Consumer Imaging, FUJIFILM Europe.

Evo 2 includes new capabilities to enhance the image and content-making process. The new 4.5-inch LCD Touchscreen makes it simple for users to compose, adjust settings and preview their content. The new instax Expanded ViewTM feature gives users a wider field of view than the shooting area with an on-screen framing guide, showing more of the scene so users can compose with greater intention. The new instax Immersive MovieTM feature records the four seconds leading up to each photo, preserving the movement, atmosphere and emotion that unfolds before hitting record.

 

© FUJIFILM

 

Key Features Recap:

• New 4.5-inch LCD Touchscreen 
• New instax Expanded ViewTM camera feature gives users a wider field of view than the shooting area    
• New instax Immersive MovieTM   camera feature allows users to capture the four seconds leading up to each photo taken (microSD card, sold separately, is required to use this feature).   
• 10x lens effects and 10x film effects, for 100 ways for users to customise their content
• Analogue-inspired controls 
• Adjustable exposure, white balance and flash 
• Macro mode for close-ups 
• Crisp 600 dpi resolution, with the option of selecting instax-Rich ModeTM for vivid colour or instax-Natural ModeTM for a more classic aesthetic
• Built-in Selfie Mirror
• Smartphone image printing using the free, downloadable instax mini Evo™ app (app is required; smartphone not included) 
• Remote shooting capabilities – Control the instax mini Evo 2™ hybrid instant camera with the smartphone connected to the app 
• MicroSD Card slot (microSD card sold separately) 
• Prints 2” x 3” instax™ mini instant photos (instax™ mini instant film sold separately) 
• USB Type-C charging 
• Includes Shoulder Strap, USB Type-C Cable, Quick Start Guide and 1 Year Limited Warranty 

 

© FUJIFILM

 

Pricing and Availability

FUJIFILM instax mini Evo 2™ hybrid instant camera is expected to be available at the end of November 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of £229.99. The instax mini Evo™ smartphone app will be available for download on 24th November 2026.

 

The instax mini Evo 2™ hybrid instant camera will be available for pre-order from the following retailers:

• FUJIFILM House of Photography
• London Camera Exchange
• Jessops
• Amazon
• John Lewis

 

The instax mini Evo 2™ hybrid instant camera will be available for purchase from the following retailers:

• FUJIFILM House of Photography
• Argos
• Very
• Grattan
• JD Williams
• Maplin
• Boots
• London Camera Exchange
• Jessops
• Tekzone

 

For more information, please visit the official Fujifilm Instax website.

One of the most reproduced photographs of Earth ever made was shot upside down. When an Apollo 17 astronaut framed the fully lit planet through a Hasselblad on December 7, 1972, the South Pole sat at the top and Africa ran sideways, exactly as the crew saw it on the way to the Moon. The version fixed in your memory has been turned a half circle from the original frame.

 

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XTUCAM has officially released the S7 Pro Max in the UK, equipping outdoor enthusiasts and vloggers with a feature-packed 4K HDR action camera built around an upgraded 1/1.28-inch RYYB CMOS sensor. Designed to deliver clear shots in challenging light, the device pairs AI-driven image processing and 50MP still photo capabilities with dual screens, magnetic quick-release mounting, and Super EIS 5.0 stabilization. Available now at a discounted introductory price on Amazon UK and the official XTU website, the camera offers a budget-friendly option for capturing smooth action shots, travel footage, and social content on the go.

 

From XTUCAM:

 

 

New action camera combines 50MP photography, AI image processing and Super EIS 5.0 stabilisation with dual screens, magnetic quick-release mounting and flexible recording options

 

XTUCAM, a technology brand specialising in action cameras, video doorbells and trail cameras, today announced the UK availability of the XTU S7 Pro Max, an action camera designed for travel, riding and outdoor point-of-view (POV) recording. Combining a larger 1/1.28-inch RYYB CMOS sensor with AI image processing, 50MP photo capture and 4K HDR video at up to 50fps, the S7 Pro Max is built to capture outdoor adventures and everyday moments with detailed imaging and smooth footage. A 158-degree wide-angle lens, dual displays and magnetic quick-release mounting provide additional flexibility for filming on the move. UK customers can use code WJFZ8WN4 on both the official XTU website and Amazon UK to get the S7 Pro Max at a launch price of £99.99- 38% off (RRP £159.99) . It is also available in the US on the official XTU website for $189.99 (30% off applied at checkout).

At the heart of the S7 Pro Max is a 1/1.28-inch RYYB CMOS sensor paired with an AI image signal processor (ISP) and an F2.8 lens. The larger sensor is the main imaging distinction from the S7 Pro, supporting XTU's focus on capturing footage across changing lighting conditions, from shaded trails and sunset scenes to city streets. XTU states a 14-stop dynamic range, while HDR recording, Night Mode and X-LOG provide additional options for different shooting environments and post-production workflows. Native 50MP photo capture also allows users to record high-resolution stills alongside video.

 

 

For action-heavy environments, the S7 Pro Max features Super EIS 5.0 stabilisation, horizon stabilisation and 360-degree horizon correction to help keep footage smooth and level during mounted or handheld recording. Gyroscope data export supports compatibility with Gyroflow, giving users the option to fine-tune stabilisation in post-production. These features make the camera suitable for a range of activities, including cycling, riding, hiking and other outdoor pursuits where camera movement and changing shooting angles can present challenges.

Beyond imaging, the S7 Pro Max is designed to support flexible content creation. A 2.29-inch rear touchscreen provides access to camera controls and playback, while a 1.4-inch front display helps users frame themselves when recording vlogs or capturing footage on the move. Vertical shooting, voice control and pre-recording offer further flexibility for social content and spontaneous moments. For users looking to improve audio capture, the optional XTU MIC 1 Bluetooth microphone provides a compatible wireless audio option and is available separately.

 

 

The camera's magnetic quick-release mounting system allows it to be moved between compatible setups, making it easier to switch between different filming positions. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and the XTU GO app support wireless preview and file transfer, while USB transfer provides an additional way to move footage to a computer. A replaceable 1800mAh battery with PD fast charging supports extended outings, with XTU quoting up to approximately 200 minutes of recording at 1080p/30fps. Actual battery life varies depending on recording settings and operating conditions.

For underwater recording, the S7 Pro Max requires a dedicated waterproof housing, sold separately. The camera body itself is not waterproof, while the housing is rated by XTU for depths of up to 30 metres when correctly fitted.

UK customers can use code WJFZ8WN4 on both the official XTU website and Amazon UK to get the S7 Pro Max at a launch price of £99.99- 38% off (RRP £159.99) . It is also available in the US on the official XTU website for $189.99 (30% off applied at checkout).

More product information: XTU S7 Pro Max official product page.

 

Technical Specifications

 

Feature Specification Product name XTU S7 Pro Max Category 4K HDR action camera Sensor 1/1.28-inch RYYB CMOS Imaging processor AI ISP Photo resolution 50MP Video resolution Up to 4K at 50fps with HDR Imaging options HDR, Night Mode, X-LOG Dynamic range Up to 14 stops, manufacturer stated Lens 158-degree wide-angle lens, F2.8 aperture Stabilisation Super EIS 5.0, horizon stabilisation, 360-degree horizon correction and Gyroflow-compatible gyro-data export Displays 2.29-inch rear touchscreen; 1.4-inch front display Shooting features Vertical shooting, voice control and pre-recording Connectivity 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, XTU GO app and USB file transfer Battery Replaceable 1800mAh battery with PD fast charging Battery runtime Up to approximately 200 minutes at 1080p/30fps; varies by settings and conditions Mounting Magnetic quick-release mount Optional audio XTU MIC 1 Bluetooth microphone, sold separately Waterproofing Camera body is not waterproof; separate housing rated to 30 metres

 

 

About XTUCAM

XTUCAM is a technology brand focused on action cameras, video doorbells and trail cameras. The company is committed to providing advanced and reliable photography and surveillance equipment for users worldwide. Its mission is to make every moment worth cherishing and protecting through high-quality imaging products, with a vision to become a leading brand in the category. For more information, visit XTUCAM online.

The self-timer feature is something which is available on most camera models and it's a shutter delay that when activated, stops the shutter from firing and taking the picture when the shutter button or release is pressed for a designated amount of time. This delay is useful for a number of reasons which are listed below. 

 

1. Close-Up Work

The other advantage of having a timer is to save you having to use a cable release when the camera is mounted on a tripod or resting on a secure base. You set the timer and the delay means there's no hand contact that could potentially cause camera shake when the shutter is pressed. The 10-second delay is not really necessary for this, so that's where the shorter delays come in handy.

 

 

2. Self Portraits And Group Shots

The idea is you can take self-portraits without having to be seen stretched out as you fire the camera at arms' length. All you do is activate the timer, press the shutter release and move in front of the camera, strike a pose - all within the timer's limit - and then you'll be the focus of your photo.

It can also be used to ensure you're in a family or group shot. You can arrange a small or larger group of people and allow space for yourself, activate the timer and move into the shot. This saves you having to give the camera to the waiter or tourist to take the photo, preventing an embarrassment or even potential theft!

 

3. Low Light Photography 

As with close-up work, your camera's self-timer can be used to reduce the chances of camera shake spoiling your shots when working in low light. At this time of year, your self-timer will be useful in dark woodland where you may be photographing close-ups of fungi. Again, you won't need a really long delay, a couple of seconds will be fine. 

 

 

4. Check Your Focus

There are a few things to do to help improve your photos when using the self-timer. The first is ensuring accurate focus. If you're doing a self-portrait you won't be in the photo when you press the shutter and as a result, the picture could end up blurry as the camera could lock focus on the background. One way around this is to point the camera at something that is at the same distance that you will be when the photo is taken. Press the shutter release and recompose before running in front of the camera. In a group shot this is easy - make sure you either focus on a person to the side if you're going to be in the centre or focus on the centre person and join the group at the edge.

 

5. Check The Edges Of The Frame

The other thing to avoid is a table edge being in the frame when you are taking a group shot in a restaurant or bar and decide to use a nearby table as support. The camera, when set to wide-angle, may pick up an edge of the support. Move the camera so it's right at the edge of the table, making sure it's balanced well and cannot fall off!

Another problem you may be faced with when resting the camera on a flat surface is that the height may not be right when you look through the viewfinder and often the heads or feet of your group will be cut off. If this happens, try and angle the camera so all of your group is in the shot.

Apple's new M6 chip arrived on Tuesday in two Macs at once, the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the 24-inch iMac, with two more CPU cores and two more GPU cores than before. Both pick up Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and both open for preorder on Wednesday, October 28, ahead of a November 6 release.

 

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Pixelmator Pro is getting Generate Fill, which lets you circle part of a photo, type the change you want, and have the app rebuild that area to match the light, perspective, and texture around it. It arrives in November as part of a free update to Apple Creator Studio, alongside built-in MotionVFX effects in Final Cut Pro and new AI assistants in Logic Pro, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers.

 

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For my latest film, The Love Nest, I opted to shoot using the Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K LF. Here's a little of what went into the decision, as well as some of the results. 

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