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How Datacolor’s newest generation is transforming workflows for photographers, videographers and content creators worldwide

In today’s world of fast-moving visual content, colour accuracy has never been more critical. Whether you’re producing cinematic videos, building a professional photography portfolio or designing branded visuals for global audiences, what matters is simple: your images and videos must look exactly as you intended—on any device, every time.

With the newest generation of Datacolor SpyderPro, released in early November, creators now have access to tools that go far beyond traditional display calibration. SpyderPro doesn’t just correct your screen; it empowers an entire workflow. Supporting ultra-bright displays up to 12,000 nits—including OLED, QD-OLED, mini-LED and Apple Liquid Retina XDR panels—the system redefines what accurate, reliable colour management means for modern creatives.

But its real impact lies in three truly groundbreaking features:

3D LUT export, Device Preview™ Plus and Content Credentials (C2PA).

Each one solves a major challenge in today’s digital production landscape—and combined, they form a workflow ecosystem unlike anything Datacolor has offered before.

 

 

3D LUT Export – A Workflow Revolution

One of the most significant innovations in the updated SpyderPro is its ability to export 3D LUT files (.cube). SpyderPro is the first device in its class to offer 3D LUT (.cube) export, delivering highly accurate calibration for compatible video monitors. This makes it an ideal tool for professional video and cinema environments.

To experienced colourists and filmmakers, LUTs are indispensable: they bring consistency, accuracy and a high level of control to video workflows. Now, SpyderPro brings this capability directly to creators who need professional-grade calibration—without investing in expensive broadcast hardware.

3D LUT technology is widely used in the film industry for non-linear colour adjustments, such as warming skin tones or cooling shadows. Loading a 3D LUT onto a compatible video monitor (e.g., Atomos) has never been a challenge. The real issue—until now—was affordable calibration of these monitors.

With a 3D LUT, SpyderPro corrects colours across the full three-dimensional RGB colour space. Instead of adjusting colours independently along linear curves (as with 1D or 2D LUTs), a 3D LUT applies corrections that take into account all colour interactions at once. This results in:

• Exceptionally accurate, natural-looking colours
• Highly nuanced tonal transitions
• A true “what you see is what you get” preview on video monitors
• Reliable consistency across multiple screens and environments

The Challenge: Video monitors that are not permanently connected to a computer cannot rely on ICC profiles for colour management. To calibrate them, the monitor must be recognized by calibration software, measured, and then provided with colour correction values in the form of a 3D LUT.

The Solution with SpyderPro: Connect the monitor via HDMI to a computer running Spyder calibration software. The software detects the monitor and allows you to select it for calibration. After measurement, export the colour correction as a 3D LUT file to an SD card and insert it into the monitor. To do so, the monitor must support 3D LUTs and have a suitable interface (e.g., HDMI).

 

 

YouTube videos: 

Calibration of various Atomos video monitors with Datacolor SpyderPro / 3D LUT Export

Watch video

OLED TV calibration and application of colour correction via 3D LUT using a Blackmagic SDI/HDMI micro converter.

Watch video 

 

 

Device Preview™ Plus — A New Level of Colour Confidence

The new Device Preview Plus feature allows creators to simulate how their content will appear across devices and media — from smartphones and tablets to laptops, projectors or prints —directly on a calibrated display. 

It goes far beyond basic soft proofing, offering side-by-side comparisons, pixel sampling, gamut warnings, batch conversion and enhanced export options. Hence, profiles are neatly organized into three groups:

1. Display Profiles – To preview your image in AdobeRGB, ProPhoto RGB, Rec. 709 or others select the corresponding profile under Display.
2. Mobile Profiles – To preview your images on smartphones or tablets, check the Mobile section — it includes ICC profiles for many popular devices.
3. Printer Profiles – For a classic soft proof, go to Printer Profiles.

Images can be exported directly from the application with any chosen ICC profile applied.

 

 

Content Credentials (C2PA) – Safeguarding Creative Integrity

As AI-generated visuals surge and digital content spreads rapidly across platforms, creators face a serious question: How do you prove that your work is authentically yours?

Datacolor addresses this challenge with Content Credentials, an emerging industry standard (C2PA) designed to restore trust and transparency to digital media. SpyderPro can now embed tamper-resistant metadata into images and videos, documenting:

• Authorship
• Editing steps
• File provenance
• Time and date information
• Creative workflow details 

For photographers, Content Credentials add a new layer of professionalism. Every exported file carries a secure digital trail, supporting licensing, commercial production, portfolio authenticity and the protection of creative reputation. 

Content Credentials are more than metadata: they represent a future-proof investment in a media landscape where trust, authorship and authenticity matter more than ever.

More information on Datacolor’s new Spyder Pro.

The Ricoh GR series has a strange pull on people who care about having a real camera in their pocket instead of a phone, and the new GR IV pushes that idea further while charging a premium that competes with serious interchangeable-lens bodies. If you care about spontaneous street shots, low-key family moments, or just always having a compact on you, the tradeoffs in this body matter more than the usual spec sheet bragging rights to photographers.

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Win £1000 to spend with MPB

Win MPB Vouchers Worth up to £1,000 this Christmas

This festive season, MPB is giving creators the chance to upgrade their gear in a way that’s simple, secure, and sustainable. We’re sponsoring three special ePHOTOzine prize draws, with MPB vouchers worth up to £1,000 up for grabs. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden-hour light or a filmmaker capturing winter stories, this is your moment to unwrap something amazing.

The Prizes

• Day 1: A £1,000 MPB voucher to spend on the camera or lens you’ve been dreaming about
• Day 3: A £500 MPB voucher to help you step up your creative game
• Day 9: A £250 MPB voucher that’s perfect for adding the finishing touch to your setup

Used Gear, Done Better

At MPB, we believe used doesn’t mean second-best. It means smarter. We make buying, selling, and trading photo and video gear simple, secure, and sustainable. Every week, thousands of creators trade in their old gear and upgrade to something new-to-them.

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Find out how to sell your gear or start exploring our latest arrivals at mpb.com.

Creativity for Every Kind of Creator

Whether you’re a professional with a packed kit bag or just starting out, MPB is built for you. Our platform connects photographers and videographers across the world, creating a community that values creativity and sustainability in equal measure.

We’re passionate about helping people find the right tools the right way. Gear that inspires creativity, captures stories, and makes a difference. Because when your tools fit your vision, your ideas come to life.

Visit MPB

Today's Prize Join the Giveaway

Don’t miss your chance to win an MPB voucher worth up to £1,000 this Christmas. Enter the ePHOTOzine/MPB giveaway to start the new year with your dream setup.

Shop used. Shoot better. Win big with MPB.

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As a thanks to all of you who support the site by purchasing Plus Membership, you will receive 2 entries per draw.

Also, a huge thank you to all of our members, old and new, Plus and Free, for being part of our amazing community and to those clients who have supported us this year, through continuing tough economic circumstances. It's certainly been another challenging year, so thanks - we couldn't have made it through 2025 without you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s hoping 2026 will be healthy and happy all round. The ePHOTOzine Team.

[PRIZE_ENTRY]7001[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

Portrait work feels hard mostly because of people, not because of buttons and menus. If you keep focusing on camera settings while ignoring how clients feel in front of the lens, progress stalls even when you own great gear.

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The Dolomites have been captured in all their beauty in this superb shot titled “Dolomite View” by site member PaulHolloway.

The view is filled with amazing detail, from the crisp mountain peaks to the soft layers of light that give the scene shape and atmosphere. The natural tones and textures bring out the character of the landscape, while the sweeping view creates a calm, open feeling. It is the kind of image that makes you pause and take in the wide mountain world in front of you, almost as if you are standing there yourself. Simply put, it is an amazing view and a superb photograph that is worthy of POTW recognition.

Every Photo of the Week (POTW) winner will be rewarded with a Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card with SD adapter, providing top-tier storage for all your creative needs across multiple devices. But that's not all! In January 2026, we’ll crown our 2025 Photo of the Year winner, who will take home the ultimate prize of a Samsung Portable 1TB SSD T7 Shield, courtesy of Samsung. It’s time to shoot, submit, and showcase your best work for a chance to win these incredible rewards!

The temperatures are slowly dropping which means it's a good time to start thinking about cold weather photography.

Photo by David Clapp - www.davidclapp.co.uk

 

What To Wear

Layers are key as lots of thinner layers will trap more warmth than a single thick coat, plus you can always take a layer off if you get too warm! Always wear a waterproof outer layer and don't forget your scarf and a hat that covers your ears. Even though they can be a bit annoying, gloves are a must too and if you don't want to spend time removing them every-time you want to adjust your camera, invest in a fingerless pair, or a set that have a mitten part you can pull over your fingers when not using your camera. If your gloves are made of wool or fleece, do note that they do get very wet easily and this can lead to your hands becoming cold rather quickly. Wear boots that are waterproof, warm and most importantly have a good grip. Carry spare socks too as having wet feet, particularly when it's cold, isn't a fun experience.

 

Carry Food And Drink

If you're planning on heading out in the cold for a few hours, always take some food and drink with you. A small flask of something warm such as tea, coffee or soup can be warming on particularly cold days.

 

Always Tell People

Make sure someone knows where you are heading and when possible, take someone with you. If you are heading out on your own always write down where you'll be as people have a habit of forgetting things if you just tell them verbally.

Do double-check you have your mobile phone with you (and that it's charged) before leaving the house as telling people where you're going won't be much use if they can't get in touch with you.

 

Your Gear

Even though modern gear copes rather well in all temperatures do still take spare batteries as they can lose their charge quicker in cold weather. Do remember that aluminium tripods become very cold to the touch in winter, so you may want to fasten it to your rucksack rather than carrying it in your hands.

Even if you're going to a location you know well it's still a good idea to pack a map and compass (even if you do have a smartphone!) and a remote shutter release will come in handy when you find yourself shivering. If you don't have a remote release consider using your camera's self-timer so shake doesn't spoil your shot. Increasing your ISO will also help keep shutter speeds higher.

 

Do Your Research

Don't push yourself too hard if you're planning on going for a walk and do try and find out what the terrain will be like at your chosen location for example,  is it muddy? Do surfaces become slippery after a cold night? Etc.

As days are shorter, do take drive times as well as how long it will take you to walk there and back (if you are) to your chosen photography spot into consideration as you don't really want to be walking back to your car in the dark! If you are planning on shooting a sunset, a head torch will be more useful than a hand-held one as it'll mean your hands are still free.

Check the weather regularly for a few days before your shoot as well as while you're out as weather, particularly up in mountainous areas, can go from fine to terrible quite rapidly.

I am now the proud owner of a Nikon ZR. But as I’ve put it through some early paces, it’s led to some surprising questions.

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The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2025, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

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Pushing into serious wildlife and nature work means dealing with long focal lengths, unstable weather, and subjects that do not care about your comfort. Pairing a compact body with the right two-lens kit can be the difference between missing a fleeting bird and walking away with a sharp frame from a safe distance.

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The sensor in any modern camera shapes what you can do in low light, fast action, and uneven lighting. Here's a look at what you can expect from the new Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

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The Hasselblad X2D II 100C medium format mirrorless camera is built as a stills-only body for when you want an art tool rather than a hybrid spec sheet trophy. This review focuses on how it actually changes the way you shoot, from waist-level landscapes and cars to tracking subjects that don’t stand still.

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When you come home with a file where the sky is blown out and the shadows are empty, the real culprit is usually dynamic range. Understanding how much brightness your camera can actually record is what lets you keep a bird sitting in both sun and shade looking believable.

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Photo by David Pritchard

 

Gear:

• Wide angle lens – overall atmospheric shots of the market
• Zoom lens – shots of people and produce
• Camera that works well at higher ISOs – Christmas markets look particularly good in the evening so a camera which gets good results at the higher end of the ISO spectrum would be handy to have
• Tripod – If you can squeeze one into the crowds it will make your life a lot easier

Technique:

Festive markets are bursting with Christmas colours so make sure you take advantage of this. Late afternoon or early evening are the best times to visit as the dark sky against the festive lights create a magical atmosphere. Christmas wares on colourful displays look great so take the time to stand back and use a small aperture to get a stall's full collection of produce in. You may have to wait until almost closing time if you don't want people in your shot but shoppers, particularly if they're interacting with stall holders, can add to your picture. Just remember to be polite, ask if it's OK to photograph them and their stall and don't get in the way – it's a business after all so if they ask you to move on politely do so.

If there's room to get close to the gifts on offer look out for baubles and other decorations dangling from the stalls. They can make great macro shots, particularly if they're glittering against a background you've thrown deliberately out of focus. Adding a little flash can help quicken the shutter speed which can be a big help when working in low light.

As your market will probably be outdoors, watch your exposure as it can alter drastically between the walkways and under the stalls which can cause your shots to be underexposed. Keep an eye on your white balance too as street lights can look rather orange. You'll probably find it's best to bracket most of your shots, taking a shot above and below the correct exposure. Try standing back and shooting enough shots to stitch together as a panorama to show people the whole scene.

There's no doubt that the market will be bustling so there will be ample chance to capture some shots of people wrapped up in their winter gear, carrying plenty of shopping bags filled with Christmas gifts. Try using a slower shutter speed to blur their movement as they walk through your frame. If any lights are swaying or there are fairground rides these will also work well blurred into colourful lines of light.   

 

Bags used for travel should always offer a lot of flexibility in terms of use, and that’s even more true when photographers use them. Carrying camera gear must mean keeping it protected and, at the same time, efficient with space.

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Before the "Big Two" dominated professional photography, there was a "Big Five." Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, and Minolta all competed for market share in the film era, and among them, Minolta wasn't just a player. They were arguably the most innovative of the entire pack.

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Wedding photography looks crowded, stressful, and hard to break into, especially if you are trying to turn it into a full-time income. In this video, a seasoned pro argues that most of the pressure disappears once you treat weddings like a repeatable business and workflow instead of a one-off creative gamble.

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Canon is pushing its mid-tier hybrid line hard, and the EOS R6 Mark III is where that strategy becomes very real. If you shoot portraits, events, or weddings and want one body that can track eyes at high speed while still offering serious video options, this one sits in a very specific sweet spot.

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Tilt-shift lenses are one of the most direct ways to control perspective instead of fixing it later on a screen. If you ever point a camera at a building and hate how it seems to fall backward, this is the type of tool that changes how you work.

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