Photography News

© Paul Morgan

 

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of long-time ePHOTOzine member Paul Morgan, who died on 15 November 2025 after battling pancreatic cancer. Paul was a valued part of our community and will be remembered for his creativity, generosity, and love of photography.

In a tribute shared by his son, Leon Morgan:

Paul Conrad Morgan sadly passed away on the 15th November 2025, after battling Pancreatic cancer for much of this year.

Paul was born in London in 1964 before moving to Reading. He was creative and used photography to express this. He would always have a camera with him. He had a love of black and white photography and at one point had a makeshift darkroom set up in the bathroom, and a studio set up in the living room.

He loved the photography community here on ePHOTOzine and would often spend hours browsing users’ portfolios.

Paul would volunteer for the British Thyroid Foundation and received an award for his charity work from Nationwide.

He indulged in his hobby right up to his final days, and has passed it on to myself, his son.

Paul will be remembered fondly in all his photographs he took during his life.

Paul’s dedication to photography and his kindness toward others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His work continues to inspire, and his presence in the community will be greatly missed.

For those who wish to pay their respects, please visit his MuchLoved memorial page or explore his ePHOTOzine profile to see the photographs that defined his journey.

Our thoughts are with Paul’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.

Photo by Peter Bargh. Gear Suggestions:

• A macro lens is very useful but not essential
• Tripod – one where the centre column can be turned horizontal is useful so you can get right in over the surface you’re working on. You could also use a table top tripod.

  Technique:

Before you start you need to make sure your cutlery is clean and that your egg doesn’t have any imperfections.

You need to work where there’s plenty of light so position yourself near a window/ patio doors. Plain backgrounds, particularly reflective ones, work best. Still life tables that have a perspex base work well but try using a piece of white card or plastic tray if you don’t have one. If you have white plastic windowsills try setting your still life up on it but you may need to place a sheet of paper, netting or cloth on the glass to diffuse the light slightly.

When it comes to placement, experimentation is key as there are various ways to arrange your props for a successful shot. However, one that works particularly well is where you balance the egg inside two crossed over forks. Shooting this straight on produces perfectly good results but do try adjusting the angle of your setup or move your feet so you're shooting from a different position.

Make sure your camera focuses on the correct point so you don’t end up with a blurry egg, watch your white balance and if you have a problem with unwanted shadows creeping into your shot, try moving your set-up or any objects nearby that could be casting them.

You can keep your shot in colour or to give more focus to the shapes and structure of the shot, convert it to black & white and / or use a slight vignette to draw the eye to the middle of the photograph.

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

 

 

Quick Verdict

The Fujifilm X-E5 is a classic design, combining traditional controls and functions with the latest high quality 40MP sensor. This is all in a likeable rangefinder-style format that will appeal to traditional photographers as well as those who love modern technology. Handling is superb, the quality is sublime and this could well be an ideal travel companion.

 

Fujifilm have a long and impressive history of producing solid, reliable and versatile cameras and lenses of the highest quality. The new X-E5 continues this tradition, with a classic rangefinder-style layout, a compact form factor and all housed in a solid camera body packed with the latest technological advances. We couple this up with the recently reviewed Fujinon XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens, an impressive looking package. Let's see if it all lives up to expectations, both in the technical tests and in the field.

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Features

Starting with the machined Aluminium top plate, the first impression is of solid, precision manufacture. Finish is excellent. The style is one of conventional physical controls for the most used functions, rather than having to delve constantly into the menus. The film simulation modes are controlled by a small dial at the back of the top plate, the selection being shown in a small clear window. There are several commonly used settings from the dial, the option to save our own favourite and a setting that provides access to the full range in the menus. Moving along the top plate, we have the hotshoe, a generously sized shutter speed dial, on/off switch, unmarked button that is the Fn menu and an exposure compensation dial. Just in front of the on/off switch, at the top of the front of the top plate, are the dial for directly setting the ISO and a switch that selects a Surround View function. Toggle this switch to engage the digital teleconverter, either with the surrounding image area still visible (like a rangefinder camera would show) or as a magnified image. Pixel counts will be smaller as we “zoom” in. 

 

 

At the back of the top plate, we have buttons for Drive, Play, AE-L and the dial to make changes to a selected parameter. The useful Q menu has a well recessed button that has no tendency to be vulnerable to accidentally being engaged. The dial is also firmer in action than some Fujifilm models, so is more reliable in action.

The back panel has a joystick, rather small but effective, a menu/OK button and a Display/Back button. The 3” tilt touch sensitive LCD is bright and clear. There are 1.04M dots.

The viewfinder is a 0.39” OLED EVF with a more generous 2.36M dots. 

The weather-sealed body is solid, weighing in at 445g with battery and card. There is just one card slot. The built in 5 axis IBIS gives a 7 stop advantage at the centre of the field and 6 stops at the periphery. 

The 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor is capable of producing lovely image quality, along with impressively low noise levels. There are also various routes to connectivity. The physical interfaces are USB-C, HDMI Micro D, 3.5mm jack for mic/remote and the hotshoe. Connection is also possible via WiFi and Bluetooth. There is also a very useful Fujifilm X App.

 

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Key Features

•  X Mount APS-C format
•  Machined Aluminium top plate
•  Surround View function
•  40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
•  X-Processor 5
•  5 Axis IBIS, 7 stops centre, 6 stops periphery
•  Mechanical shutter 30secs to 1/4000sec
•  Electronic shutter 30 secs to 1/180000sec
•  AF sensitivity -4 EV Contrast detection, -7 EV Phase detection
•  AI-powered subject detection - animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones
•  Native ISO range 125-12,800, extendable to ISO 80-51,200
•  20 Film Simulation modes
•  Film Simulation Dial
•  1 SD card slot – UHS-I, UHS-II, SD, SDHC, SDXC
•  Video speed class V90
•  NP-W126S battery 310 frames/400 frames (economy mode)
•  3in LCD touch screen tilt type monitor 1.04M dots
•  0.39” OLED EVF, 2.36M dots
•  6.2K/30P internal recording in 4:2:2 10-bit quality
•  High speed video at 4K/60P and 1080/240p
•  WiFi, Bluetooth
•  Fujifilm X App
•  USB-C, HDMI Micro D, 3.5mm mic/remote jack, hotshoe
•  Body measures 124.9mm x 72.9mm x 39.1mm
•  445g with battery and SD card
•  Operating temperature 0C to +40C

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Handling

With plenty of physical dials and buttons operating the key features, this is a camera that will appeal to traditional photographers as much as those used to more menu driven designs. The instant access to shutter speeds, aperture (via the lens aperture ring with the provided pancake lens), ISO, exposure compensation and selected film simulation modes is quick and efficient. The bulk of the camera is sufficient to make handling much easier, rather than having awkward grips and the tendency to operate controls by accident. The X-E5 suffers from none of that.

Other adjustments can be accessed quickly using the Fn and Q menus, and these are selected by the joystick and then adjusted using the rear control wheel. As mentioned, this wheel is firm enough to ensure adjustments are reliably made every time.

The tilting rear screen is useful and seems sturdily made to withstand long term use. The camera body as a whole is solid but not overly heavy. Dimensions are small enough to contemplate it being carried, complete with pancake lens, in a large coat pocket. 

There is no obvious video switch, but this feature is activated as a setting in the drive menu. Once found and engaged, the actual shooting of impromptu videos of high quality is very easy. Sound quality is also good. Not primarily a video camera perhaps, but still very capable when needed.

 

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Fujifilm X-E5 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
 

Fujifilm X-T30 III Other sample images Previous Next

 

Lens Performance – The Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR pancake lens was supplied with the X-E5 and has recently been reviewed. A summary of the lens performance:

Central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 right the way through to f/11 and is still very good at f/16. The edges are very good from f/2.8 to f/11 and good at f/16. This is a great performance, and the images look sharp and crisp across the frame.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is minimal at the centre and still well under control at the edges. Colour fringing is not a problem in most images. Further correction could be made in the software in extreme instances, but it is doubtful that this would be required.

Distortion is just -0.20% barrel, straight lines remaining straight.

Bokeh is relaxed and easy on the eye.

Flare control is excellent, as is the norm with Fujifilm lenses. In very extreme lighting, it is just possible to see some slight artefacts, but we have to work at it to achieve such effects.

Vignetting is visible, particularly at wider apertures, but not obtrusive in general photography. In any event, a slight corner darkening can be a useful effect in many images, concentrating the eye towards the centre.

The pancake lens is a great companion for the X-E5, offering superb quality and making the combination ideal for travelling light.

 

Fujifilm X-T30 III ISO test images Previous Next

 

ISO Performance – Noise is virtually absent from ISO 80 right through to ISO 800. The very first whisper of noise and the very slightest reduction in edge sharpness occurs at ISO 1600, although at this point, quality is still high. At ISO 3200 and ISO 6400, noise is just starting to be more obvious and edge sharpness is reduced, but these values are still fully usable. ISO 6400 and ISO 12800 see a jump in noise levels, and the edges of the test target boxes are starting to show signs of becoming feathery rather than crisp. At ISO 25600, sharpness falls off and noise becomes quite obtrusive. At ISO 51200, noise levels are moderately high and edge sharpness is quite poor. However, the darkest test target boxes can still be differentiated from the background, so this is overall a solid performance.

 

Fujifilm X-T30 III White-balance test images Previous Next

 

White Balance – White balance pre-set options are auto white priority, auto, auto ambience priority, 3 custom settings, K colour temperature setting, daylight, shade, 3 fluorescent settings, incandescent and underwater. Most of the images shot for this review used the auto ambience setting, which gives good colour balance but does not destroy the subtleties of the ambient light. The shade setting is useful for dark woodlands and helps to record natural colours of fungi in particular. The missing one is, as mentioned previously with Fujifilm cameras, a cloudy setting, the digital equivalent of the 81A or cloudy filter. Almost all other marques include this, so it would be useful for those who like warm images. Otherwise, the presets offered work very well.

 

Fujifilm X-T30 III Digital filters Previous Next

 

Digital Filters – As with the recently reviewed X-T30 III, there are two avenues of approach to the 20 film simulations. The dial on the back of the top plate controls the readily accessible options. The selection made can be seen in the small window on the top plate. This enables direct access to a small selection of simulations, three custom selections plus an Acros setting that points to the Acros simulation but can be re-programmed to anything the user wishes. The C setting refers the user to the menus to select an option. The 20 choices are Provia/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, Astia/Soft, Classic Chrome, Reala Ace, Pro Neg. Hi, Pro Neg. Std, Classic Neg., Nostalgic Neg,. Eterna/Cinema, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Acros, Acros+Ye filter, Acros+R filter, Acros+G filter, Monochrome, Monochrome+Ye filter, Monochrome+R filter, Monochrome+G filter and Sepia.

The dual names such as Velvia/Vivid would be self explanatory to those who are familiar with the film types, but if not then the description gives an explanation. This versatility in choosing image styles makes good sense and gives a direct expectation to those who shoot or have shot film.

 

Video –  Although primarily a stills camera, the X-E5 has a sensible specification:

• 6.2K/30P internal recording in 4:2:2 10-bit quality
• High speed video at 4K/60P and 1080/240P
• Open Gate recording
• MOV (HEVC/H.265 or H.264)
• MP4 H.264

Shooting basic FHD video is pretty straightforward, and impromptu results are smooth, also with good quality sound. The tracking AF follows its subject effectively. The sound is clear. The stability of the video stabilisation also helps when the camera is unsupported, even when walking.

Video sample coming soon.

 

[SECTION]VERDICT[/SECTION]

 

 

Value For Money

The [AMUK]Fujifilm X-E5|Fujifilm+X-E5[/AMUK] body only is priced at £1249.00. Add the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens, and the cost becomes £1499.00

This is a similar price level to the [AMUK]Fujifilm X100VI|Fujifilm+X100VI[/AMUK] with its fixed 23mm f/2 lens, priced at £1599.00

These are cameras intended to appeal to those who want the compact rangefinder style, rather than the DSLR style of mirrorless cameras. Not only that, but also we have a very compact form factor that brings these into the realm of pocketable, providing we are talking about large coat pockets.

The only other direction, fixed lens again, might be the [AMUK]Leica Q|Leica+Q[/AMUK] cameras, but then we are looking at a very different pricing level.

Overall, the new Fujifilm X-E5 looks to be sound VFM.

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Verdict

There is much to like about the X-E5. The rangefinder style will appeal to many, but there is so much more about this camera. It is solid, full of features, the quality is superb and the handling vastly improved with its dial orientated approach. The pancake lens completes the concept of a travel compact camera, but of course, here we also have the ability to use other lenses available in Fuji X mount. This is where the camera instantly scores above the X100VI with its fixed lens. 

Whilst there are many similarly priced alternatives, they do not have the same thin profile and usually are supplied with small but protruding zoom lenses. This is a different direction from the slim profile of the X-E5.

If the form factor appeals, then the camera works extremely well and it can be Highly Recommended.

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Light and compact
• Image Stabilisation
• Weather resistance
• Film simulation options
• Subject detection options
• Competitive price
• Fantastic high quality lens range

 

Fujifilm X-E5 Cons

• Cold operation only down to 0C

 

[REVIEW_FOOTER]R_features=4.5|R_handling=4.5|R_performance=4.5|R_value=4.5|R_overall=4.5|A_level=4.5|A_text=Highly recommended – Compact and high quality with superior handling|E_id=8016[/REVIEW_FOOTER]

 

View the Fujifilm X-E5 camera specs in the equipment database.

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Beautiful seascape titled ‘Another Seascape’ by Archie2022 has won our POTW.

We loved the calm yet powerful mood this shot creates as the waves crash over the rocky cliffs in the foreground. The darker rocks add drama, while the layered coastline in the distance fades gently into the soft evening light. You can feel the strength of the sea and the peaceful atmosphere at the same time, making this coastal scene very special. The warm, natural light brings out the textures in the water, cliffs, and sky.

It’s a wonderful seascape that makes us wish we were standing there enjoying the view.

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!

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Win 1 of 10 Outdoor Photographer Subscriptions!

Win a Year’s Subscription to Outdoor Photographer – The Ultimate Christmas Treat for Photography Lovers!

This Christmas, we’re delighted to offer a truly inspirational prize for photographers of all levels: a 12-month subscription to Outdoor Photographer magazine for 10 lucky winners! Whether you’re a seasoned shooter, a nature enthusiast or someone who simply loves learning from the world’s best image-makers, this is a gift that will last long after the festive season has passed.

Outdoor Photographer is one of the world’s leading photography magazines, celebrated for its breathtaking imagery, expert advice and deep connection to the landscapes, wildlife and wild spaces that inspire so many of us. Each issue is packed with spectacular visuals, detailed techniques and thoughtful stories from the field, making it the perfect creative companion throughout the year.

A subscription brings readers into the heart of outdoor photography. Every edition explores the craft from multiple angles: from mastering natural light and refining composition to understanding changing seasons, weather patterns and the unique challenges of shooting in remote environments. Readers can discover new ways to elevate their skills, develop their artistic eye and build confidence in capturing the world more meaningfully.

Beyond technique, Outdoor Photographer showcases work from internationally recognised professionals as well as rising talents, offering a steady stream of motivation. The magazine’s features highlight stunning locations across the globe—towering mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, silent forests, desert expanses, frozen worlds and intimate wildlife encounters. It’s a visual journey that encourages readers to explore, experiment and reconnect with nature through their lens.

The subscription also includes thoughtful gear coverage, with practical reviews, field tests and equipment recommendations that help photographers make informed choices. Whether you’re considering a new camera body, comparing lenses or looking for accessories that will enhance your toolkit, the magazine delivers clear, experience-led insights from those who take equipment into real-world conditions.

What makes a prize like this special is its ability to spark creativity throughout the year. Each issue becomes a moment of inspiration—a reminder to get outside, slow down, observe more deeply and translate your experience into imagery that resonates. From capturing winter frost to spring wildlife, summer sunsets and autumn colours, Outdoor Photographer offers ongoing prompts and ideas that help photographers grow in every season.

This Christmas Advent giveaway celebrates the spirit of photography: curiosity, exploration, patience and the joy of seeing the world with fresh eyes. Gifting someone a year of Outdoor Photographer isn’t just handing over a magazine subscription—it’s giving them access to a community of passionate creatives, a source of expert learning and a beautifully curated monthly boost of motivation.

Visit Outdoor Photographer

Today's Prize Win 1 of 10 Outdoor Photographer Subscriptions!

We’re thrilled to include this in our festive lineup and can’t wait to share the magic of outdoor photography with our lucky winners. Good luck, and from all of us, have a wonderfully creative Christmas filled with inspiration, adventure and unforgettable images.

Visit Outdoor Photographer

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]7015[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

 

There's nothing quite like picking your way around the edges of a lake which is just beginning to freeze and photographing great abstract pictures of ice details. Similarly, icicles at the edges of streams and in waterfalls can lift otherwise ordinary shots into a whole new dimension.

On really cold mornings, lake edges start to freeze, providing abstract patterns with overlapping layers of ice just beginning to form. Pop a macro lens on your camera, fix it on the tripod and look closely for patterns in the ice. The edge of the ice can give great shapes, too. Look for leaves caught on or in the ice as well, or bubbles given off by underwater plant life that has frozen in the ice surface.

To see through some of the icy layers to the details below, a polarising filter can be useful to reduce reflection from the surface of the ice.

For a waterfall to freeze, it needs to get really cold, but where waterfalls, or tumbles over rocks, it creates turbulence and splashes up over surrounding rocks and vegetation. These areas freeze into crystal-like caps over rocks, icy stalagmites on grass or chandelier-like structures on large waterfalls. Even where water drips off the edges of peat bog into streams, in cold spells, these can form wonderful icicles which, after water levels drop slightly, hang magically above the surface of the water.

Where there is still moving water in the photo, try a range of shutter speeds to contrast the frozen ice with the flow of the water - or even the ripples in the stream. Use of a polarising filter will take reflections off the water to show it as darker, contrasting with the whiteness of the ice, although sometimes reflections in the water are just as important as the ice itself! A telephoto zoom may help you to crop close without risking a slip and fall into very cold water.

Remember, where there is a predominance of white tones, they are likely to confuse your camera meter, so be prepared to add about a stop exposure. Conversely, highlights on ice against a dark background may blow easily, so keep a close eye on your histograms.

Ice will hang about more in shaded areas, so watch your white balance to avoid your whites turning out with a blue cast.

Finally - watch your step, scrambling around icy edges of lakes, or near waterfalls in sub-zero temperatures can be very slippery underfoot, so be careful not to fall in, or worse, let your camera topple in either; but find some icy margins and create some exciting pictures.

Article by John Gravett of Lakeland Photographic Holidays.

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Win an Atomos StudioSonic Mic + Headphones Bundle!

StudioSonic Shotgun Microphone

The Atomos StudioSonic Shotgun Microphone is a professional-grade, dual-mode mic designed for filmmakers, journalists and creators. It offers both wireless 2.4 GHz operation and wired connections via locking USB-C or 3.5 mm jack, making it remarkably versatile. The 48 kHz/24-bit super-cardioid condenser captures focused, broadcast-quality dialogue while built-in 75 Hz and 150 Hz cut filters, a high-frequency boost and manual gain control let you banish unwanted noise. An OLED status screen displays levels and battery life. It delivers up to 8 hours wirelessly or 50 hours wired, with ultra-low latency (< 20 ms).

MSRP: £215 ex VAT / £258 inc VAT

StudioSonic Production Headphones

The Atomos StudioSonic Production Headphones are professional grade wired, over-ear headphones tailored for creators, filmmakers, and audio professionals. Equipped with 50 mm high-resolution drivers, they deliver a clean, uncoloured sound across a stunning 10 Hz–40 kHz frequency range — letting you hear every nuance. With 105 dB sensitivity and a modest ~38 Ω impedance, they drive easily without an external amp. The closed-back design offers passive isolation, while 180° swivel ear cups support one-ear monitoring. A detachable 2m coiled cable and dual 3.5 mm/6.3 mm plugs ensure compatibility and flexibility in any setup.

MSRP: £165 ex VAT / £198 inc VAT

Atomos Audio StudioSonic Range

Today's Prize Atomos StudioSonic Mic + Headphones Bundle!

Win an Atomos Audio Duo: StudioSonic Shotgun Mic + StudioSonic Production Headphones!

Atomos Audio StudioSonic Range

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]7014[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

Light painting is something you can try at any time of year but as Christmas day is just around the corner, we thought we'd try light painting our own Christmas decorations and shapes. Quite a bit of trial and error was involved but it was fun never the less!
 

Gear Suggestions:

• You need a camera with a long exposure mode - ideally one with a B (Bulb) setting that lets you shoot for longer shutter speeds.
• Remote release to lock the shutter open.
• Tripod – you need a sturdy tripod so you don’t get camera shake.
• Warm clothing – it’s cold out there!
• Torch – help you see the buttons on your camera.
• Light Source that can act as a 'paint brush'.

Set Up

Setup your tripod and camera, ensuring it's focused before you take your shots. If you want to make it look like you have decorations on your house, focus on a wall but we found it easier to focus on a person who was light painting directly towards the camera rather than make it look like a house was decorated. It’s up to you if you want your painter in the shot. If you do, make sure they stand still.

If the camera cannot focus in the dark use your torch to light the part of the house or person who is helping you decorate so your camera can adjust.

If you want your house wall, window etc. in the shot but it doesn’t show up well enough in your final frame take two exposures: one of the light you’re painting and one of the house and merge them together in post-production. Or, try adding a touch of flash just before the end of the light trail shot to illuminate the part of the wall you’re painting on. Cameras with built-in flash that have a rear curtain sync mode are ideal for this aspect, as the flash automatically fires at the end of the exposure.
 

Practice

Ask the person who is helping you to practice drawing their decoration, checking that the time they take doesn’t exceed your exposure time if you’re not using the B-setting. You also want to make sure the shape doesn’t go outside the frame. If this happens make your lens wider or just ask your assistant to draw smaller shapes. You could also move your set-up back if you have more room to play with.
 

First Shot

Get the camera ready to shoot. Make sure the shutter speed is at 30sec if you're not using the B-setting then hit the shutter button, telling your helper to start drawing at the same time you do this. Make sure they write in an even flow ensuring the shape/shapes are joined up.

You can use various light sources as your 'paint brush', however we found a bright torch the most useful tool. You can use coloured gels or even translucent sweet wrappers to change the colour of the light you are painting with. Alternatively, open up your images in Photoshop and adjust the Hue, ensuring 'colorize' is selected.
 

Check The Image

It may take a few tries to get the image you’re after (we ended up laughing at our results several times!). It can be hard to match the two ends of a shape together and to get it looking neat. If your Christmas lights are not bright enough ask your assistant to write slower or open up the aperture. If they’re shining too much or are too thick, ask them to write faster or close the aperture down. You could always try drawing a chalk outline to follow on the wall. Just make sure you don’t press on too hard to make it visible.

 

Now, photo editing is easier than ever with the help of modern AI tools. For someone with no prior experience, they can achieve polished photos at the touch of a button. The latest photo editor AI tools have altered the way many beginners and creators, as well as small businesses, build and design their content. Whether they need a photo repair or a complete photo editing, these tools can perform complicated edits with fast efficiency.

Here we’ll review the 5 best AI photo editors for quick and efficient smart editing for all types of users. Let's get to the point and find the best tool for you.

 

1. HitPaw FotorPea — Top Recommended AI Photo Editor 

HitPaw FotorPea is ranked the number one AI photo editor because of its combination of robust AI technology and streamlined interface. Anyone can use this tool with no prior experience; this tool is designed to assist any type of user. It is the only photo AI editor in the competition that can do a wider variety of functions with greater precision and provide results in less time.

 

 

Key AI Features 

• Sharpens images and improves clarity using intelligent AI upscaling.
• Create and edit images using Nano Banana Pro technology.
• Backgrounds are seamlessly removed for easy and clean custom replacements.
• Quickly and seamlessly removes unneeded objects from images without distortion.
• Portraits are enhanced in a realistic manner using proportional corrections.
• Light and colors are adjusted for a better natural look.
• Edits are shown in real time for immediate previews.
• Outputs are quickly generated using optimized processing powered by the GPU.

 

Exclusive AI Tools You Don’t Get in Others

• AI Face Restore: Restore old photos in a natural-looking way.
• AI Style Transfer: Get your photographs reimagined in the styles of famous artworks.
• High-quality photo AI editor filters: AI-crafted filters that are smooth and creative.
• Product Photo Cleanup: Excellent for store owners that require clean and polished product images.
• Viral Template Library: Pre-designed template collections to help your social media and ad campaigns go viral.

 

Best For

Users who want fast, clean, and high-quality photo edits without learning complex tools should use HitPaw FotorPea. It works well with beginners, creators, e-commerce sellers, brands, and anyone who needs sharp portraits, clear pictures of products, or quick cleaning of backgrounds and objects.

 

2. PIXLR — A Quick Online Photo Editor

PIXLR is an AI-powered, user-friendly, browser-based photo editing tool. It allows users to edit photos by enhancing the quality, creating visuals, and designing templates while also allowing you to remove the background of the image.

 

 

Key AI Features 

• Seamlessly erase backgrounds with AI.
• Remove any unwanted objects with AI.
• AI allows photos to be extended and refined.
• Make images crisp, larger, and clear.
• AI sharpens images, resulting in clear and detailed photos.

 

Best For

It is usually best for users that want to quickly edit photos without having to download software to their desktop. PIXLR is best for users who want to use the browser for photo editing without the need for advanced features with AI assistance.

 

3. Fotor — A Popular Photo Editor AI 

Fotor is made for users that want speedy edits. The online browser-based editor does quick and effective editing without the need for advanced editing skills. Fotor allows the user to enhance and edit photos and generate AI images all in a few clicks.

 

 

Key AI Features

• You can enhance photo quality automatically with just a click.
• Backgrounds can be removed instantly and cleanly.
• Unwanted objects can be erased without harming details.
• Creative images can be generated from text prompts.
• Photos can be expanded for wider scenes with AI.
• Portraits can be turned into avatars in a variety of styles.

 

Best For

For beginners and social media editors seeking a quick and easy photo editor, Fotor is your go-to online option. It’s a great option for editing photos subtly, applying AI effects and designing visuals without spending too much time.

 

4. EzRemove — Best for Background Editing Tasks

EzRemove is the fast online photo editor created to remove backgrounds with just a few clicks and add some AI magic by enhancing them. Just upload a photo, tell it what you want to see and choose a model. You’ll receive a perfect result in no time!

 

 

Key AI Features

• High-precision background removal to instantly isolate subjects.
• Quick background replacement to swap out the scene in seconds.
• Seamless object removal to clean up photos by deleting unwanted items or people.

 

Best For

This photo editor is perfect for users who want to make quick edits like background changes, removing unwanted people or objects, or simple changes made with the use of AI, without having to use professional editing software.

 

5. PicsArt — Creative AI Editing for Social Media

One of the most popular creative platforms, PicsArt has a full library of AI tools to make your edits completely on-trend. Perfect for people who don’t want to learn complicated photo editing software.

 

Key AI Features

• AI background removal for seamless scene replacement.
• AI image generation for instant visual creation.
• AI sharpens and enhances for faster improvements.
• AI replace and AI sketch for creative image overhauls.
• AI style transfer and unusual photo filters for special photo aesthetics.
• AI image extender for photos with added realistic whitespace.

 

Best For

PicsArt is geared towards social media creators and influencers, micro brands, and anyone needing to quickly create stylized, trending, and creative visual content for social media platforms and digital marketing. 

 

AI Photo Editor Feature Comparison

 

Feature / Tool HitPaw FotorPea Fotor PIXLR PicsArt EzRemove Core Focus Pro Restoration & Upscaling All-in-One Design & Edit Web-based Photoshop Creative & Social Editing Simple Removal AI Enhance Models Excellent (Nano Banana Pro Model) Strong (Mature AI Enlarger) Moderate (Basic Sharpen/Denoise) Strong (AI Enhance) None (Removal focus) Face Restoration High Precision (Best for blur/old photos) Supported (Has "Face Unblur") Supported (Has "Face Unblur") Good (Strong retouching) Not Supported BG / Object Removal Clean Edges Excellent (Magic Eraser is precise) Excellent (Magic Eraser is precise) Excellent Strong (Core feature) AI Image Generation Yes (High Quality) Yes (Very mature feature) Yes (Text-to-Image) Yes (Text-to-Image) No / Weak Batch Processing Yes (Local processing) Yes (Web Batch Editor) Yes (Has Batch Editor) Yes (Limited) Limited One-Click Auto Fix Yes Yes (1-Tap Enhance) Yes (Auto Fix) Yes No Processing Mode Local Software (GPU accelerated, fast) Cloud-Based (No hardware req., online) Cloud / Browser Mobile / Cloud Cloud Ease of Use Very Easy Easy Moderate Easy Very Easy

 

If your workflow is centered on creating posters, applying trendy filters, or general graphic design, tools like Fotor and PicsArt are excellent choices.

However, when you are tackling truly blurry, noise-ridden images, or a large volume of old photographs that demand serious restoration, HitPaw FotorPea emerges as the undisputed champion of this deep-dive comparison. It takes the most complex AI computations and simplifies them into a 'one-click' workflow, leveraging powerful local processing (GPU acceleration) for rendering speeds and output quality that web-based tools simply can't match. Crucially, its deep optimization for facial restoration and detailed upscaling makes it a far more reliable first choice than any generalist editor for the core task of photo revival and rescue.

 

FAQs

1. Can AI photo editors really improve image quality?

Yes, modern AI image editors can automatically make photos look clearer by restoring details and fixing lighting. They can also upscale images with low resolution, and fix any blurriness. Most of the work is done without manual interference.

 

2. Are AI photo editors beginner-friendly?

Yes, most AI tools allow for ease of editing. Users can simply upload an image, select an AI function or tool, and let the AI handle the rest of the steps. These characteristics of AI photo editors make such tools ideal for beginners as well as professional editors.

 

3. Which AI photo editor is best for background or object removal?

EzRemove, Fotor, and PicsArt do an adequate job, but fully-featured editors like HitPaw FotorPea tend to do a much better job with accuracy and cleanliness for both background and object removal tasks.

 

4. Do AI photo editors support advanced creative tasks like generating images?

Yes, editors like HitPaw, FotorPena, PIXLR, VisualGPT, and PicsArt all have support for text-to-image creation, various styles of AI-generated art, and a number of other tools for other creative tasks.

 

5. Are AI photo editors free to use?

Yes, some tools like HitPaw FotorPea offer free credits on first download and some tools offer basic features for free, but premium AI features may require a subscription.

 

Final Thoughts

AI photo editors have revolutionized the photo editing process. Rather than going through lengthy manual steps. Each tool on this list can help you with photo improvements, but HitPaw FotorPea definitely shines the most. It offers the best blend of AI features, speed, precision, and usability. Whether you are using photo editing software for the first time, are a creator, a business owner, or fall somewhere in between, HitPaw FotorPea offers the best usability. 

For a photo AI editor that's highly multifunctional, includes seamless enhancement, and offers creative editing, HitPaw FotorPea should be your first pick.