Is Fujifilm's New X Half Camera a Joke?

Plus, more camera news you missed.

View in Browser May 25, 2025 This week's highlights include our review of one of the quirkiest digital cameras ever to cross our desk: Fujifilm's X half.  We also published photo galleries using Panasonic's latest S1 lineup while still finding time to offer advice on setting your camera for bird photography.  As always, thanks for being part of the DPReview community! — Ben Highlights Fujifilm's new camera is silly and fun, but is it just a joke? The X half is a JPEG-only compact camera that commits hard to mimicking a half-frame film camera. Does this make it charming and fun or completely ridiculous? Panasonic S1II vs S1IIE vs S1RII: comparing the latest Lumix lineup Panasonic's second-generation S1 lineup may be a bit complicated, so we're breaking down the differences. Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8 sample gallery Get a feel for how Panasonic's new mid-range normal zoom performs. Panasonic S1IIE sample gallery: a familiar sensor in an upgraded body The S1IIE has a lot of tech we've seen before, but that's not necessarily a complaint. How to set up your camera for beautiful bird photography Photographing birds can be a tricky endeavor. Here are some recommended camera settings to help get you started. It's time to vote for your favorite photos from our May editor's challenge It's time to pick your favorite community-submitted photos of human-powered travel. Probe lenses and focus stacking: the secrets to incredible photos taken inside instruments Photographer Charles Brooks embarked upon a quest to photograph the inside of musical instruments, creating images that look like monumental buildings. News Updates 2025 Milky Way photo contest features its first winning image taken from space The winners of the 8th edition of the Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, with winning images taken above and across our planet. Nikon will raise prices in June because of US tariffs Nikon has broken its silence on the impact of the US tariffs, announcing that a price increase is coming. Accessory roundup: Sony's latest grip, a tiny flash and more This week was a busy one for accessories, with new options across the spectrum. Ricoh developing new GR IV, with camera due later this year Ricoh has said it's developing a GR IV and that the camera will arrive in late 2025. Design samples will be on show in Japan and China at the end of this month. From harvest to celebration: World Food Photography Awards winners announced The winners of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi have been announced, showcasing unique takes on food photography across the world.   Further Reading   • Legendary photographer Sebastião Salgado dies at 81 - BBC   • How American Photography Came Into Its Own - The New Yorker   • SynthID Detector — a new portal to help identify AI-generated content - Blog.Google.com • Apple Plans Glasses for 2026 as Part of AI Push, Nixes Watch With Camera - Bloomberg   DPReview 276 5th Avenue, Suite 704 - 3126 New York, NY 10001 You received this email because you subscribed to the Digital Photography Review weekly newsletter. To update your preferences, click here. To unsubscribe, click here. Alternatively, log into dpreview and visit your user profile settings, uncheck the Newsletter Subscription checkbox, then click on Save changes. Click here to forward to a friend. If you're new to this newsletter, you can subscribe here.  Preferences |  Advertise | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information 2025 DPReview. All Rights Reserved.

Putting Panasonic's New Hybrid-Focused Cameras to the Test

Plus, all the other camera news you missed this week

View in Browser May 18, 2025 Panasonic ruled the spotlight this week with our initial reviews of the S1IIE and S1II, and their corresponding sample galleries went live.  Ahead of summer travel plans, we also wanted to set the record straight on the best strategies for packing camera gear in your checked luggage and carry-on.  And it was a big news week for Leica and DJI, too.  As always, thanks for being a DPReader and member of our community.  — Ben Highlights Inspiringly simple: Sigma BF review Sigma's BF takes a fresh look at how a camera should work and what it needs to include. And while it's perhaps a little too pared-back in some regards, the overall result is rather enjoyable. Panasonic S1IIE review-in-progress: are the essentials still enough? The S1IIE is a mid-range 24MP full-frame camera focused on hybrid shooters. How does Panasonic's S1II fast hybrid mirrorless stack up? Review-in-progress Panasonic's Lumix DC-S1II brings a partially stacked CMOS sensor to the body of the S1RII, adding speed to an already feature-packed mix. Panasonic S1IIE sample gallery: a familiar sensor in an upgraded body The S1IIE has a lot of tech we've seen before, but that's not necessarily a complaint. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1II sample gallery How does Panasonic's 'partially stacked' sensor camera perform? How to protect your camera in your checked luggage While it isn't ideal to check your camera gear, sometimes it's unavoidable. Here's how to keep it safe. How to protect your camera gear in your carry-on bag Flying with your camera and lenses in your carry-on is the best way to travel with gear, but you'll still need to pack carefully to keep everything safe. It's time to vote for your favorite photos from our May editor's challenge It's time to pick your favorite community-submitted photos of human-powered travel. News Updates Panasonic says the S1RII will get its promised features... eventually The update, coming sometime this year, will also get it caught up with the newer S1II and S1IIE. Panasonic unveils new fast standard zoom for its Lumix cameras Panasonic has announced the Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8 alongside two new full-frame cameras. DJI's Mavic 4 Pro drone features a 100MP main camera and improved gimbal DJI announced its Mavic 4 Pro drone, which features a newly developed 100MP Hasselblad primary camera and a 360º gimbal. It will not be for sale in the US. Temporary tariff reprieve struck between the US and China for 90 days The United States and China have agreed to suspend most tariffs for 90 days. Here's where things stand. Leica lowers its US tariff-adjusted prices to be less astronomical Sky-high US tariffs hit the D-Lux 8 and Lux grip hard, but Leica is adjusting prices thanks to the changing rates. Mammut teams up with Leica for 2025 photo contest and gear hunt Outdoor gear brand Mammut and Leica have teamed up for a 2025 Photo Contest and, for the first time, a worldwide gear hunt.   Further Reading   • Volvo EX90's Lidar Module Fries Smartphone Camera in Viral Video - Car and Driver • 'Fun, crazy and ludicrous' images of Cannes before camera phones - CNN   • 'It was the people's art': exhibition explores mysteries of early American photography - The Guardian  • Columbia Journalism Review warns of fake AI images—by getting them to sing -Ad Age   Leica launches new "Artist Looks" with Greg Williams for its LUX iPhone app Today, Leica unveiled a new initiative for its LUX iPhone app, "Artist Looks," with celebrity photographer Greg Williams. DJI restricted US sales for its Mavic 4 Pro drone, but some retailers didn't get the memo DJI announced its Mavic 4 Pro drone yesterday. Despite DJI saying it wouldn't be available in the US, some retailers have it listed for sale. Christopher Nolan's next movie will be a first for Imax film The Odyssey is being shot entirely on Imax film. Fujifilm teases "X-Half" camera ahead of May 22 launch Fujifilm released a second teaser trailer on its YouTube channel, signaling a May 22 announcement for its latest camera. B&H Photo's BILD Expo is next month, here's what to check out if you're attending B&H's Bild Expo, a free two-day event for photographers and content creators, is coming to New York City next month. Here's what you should check out if you're going. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge prioritizes slim design over cameras The super slim Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a lot going for it, but it makes some compromises to get there. DPReview 276 5th Avenue, Suite 704 - 3126 New York, NY 10001 You received this email because you subscribed to the Digital Photography Review weekly newsletter. To update your preferences, click here. To unsubscribe, click here. Alternatively, log into dpreview and visit your user profile settings, uncheck the Newsletter Subscription checkbox, then click on Save changes. Click here to forward to a friend. If you're new to this newsletter, you can subscribe here.  Preferences |  Advertise | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information 2025 DPReview. All Rights Reserved.