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Forgotten bikemaker comes back with parallel-twin neoclassic café racer

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Jawa is one of the most storied names in motorcycle history, with roots stretching back nearly a century. Founded in 1929 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Jawa’s first model was the 500 OHV, which did wonders in establishing the brand’s reputation for solid engineering and distinctive design.

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Category: Motorcycles, Transport

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Tiny house trades portability for generous outdoor living space

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Though most tiny houses we see are designed with nomadic living in mind, the Forest is intended for a more settled lifestyle. The home is semi-permanently installed on some rural land and expands its limited interior living space with a large deck outside that includes a porch area and a rooftop terrace.

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Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors

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Apple's latest MacBook Pros are more powerful than ever

Digital Photography Review news -

The latest MacBook Pros are familiar on the outside, but have some interesting changes on the inside.
Image: Apple

This week, Apple announced its latest generation of MacBook Pros, which also marks the debut of its high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The company says the new processors are up to 30% faster in "pro workflows" than its previous CPUs, which is good, since the laptops' starting prices are a bit higher than their predecessors'.

Part of that uplift likely comes from the M5 Pro and Max simply having more CPU cores. The Pro starts with 15, upgradable to 18, while all Max models have 18. These represent an addition of three and four cores, respectively.

It's not just a matter of adding more slightly upgraded cores, though. Previous generations of M chips, and the standard M5 that's been around for a while, have had a mix of what Apple calls Power and Efficiency cores. The M5 Pro and M5 Max follow a similar paradigm, but rather than using the same types of cores as the standard M5, as previous Pro and Max chips did, they use the M5's performance cores for their less intensive processing and introduce "all-new performance cores." In other words, the M5's most powerful cores are the M5 Pro and Max's weakest ones.

Performance > Super > Efficiency

The company has rebranded those as "Super" cores across its lineup; the M5 has a mix of Super cores and Efficiency cores, while the M5 Pro and Max have Performance cores and Super cores. The new branding is a little hard to keep track of*, especially since it's not necessarily clear how the previous-gen "Performance"-branded cores compare to the apparently new and improved Performance cores. However, in the current M5 generation, it boils down to: Performance > Super > Efficiency.

M4 Pro M5 Pro M4 Max M5 Max M5 12 cores
8 Performance
4 Efficiency
GPU
16 core 15 cores
10 performance
5 Super
GPU
16 core 14 cores
10 Performance
4 Efficiency
GPU
32 core 18 cores
12 Performance
6 Super
GPU
32 / 40 core 10 cores
4 Super
6 Efficiency
GPU
10 core 14 cores
10 Performance
4 Efficiency
GPU
20 core 18 cores
12 Performance
6 Super
GPU
20 core 16 cores
12 Performance
4 efficiency
GPU
40 core

While GPU core counts have remained largely the same, the company says they have a "next-generation architecture," higher memory bandwidth, and higher performance in AI tasks (in fact, the press release mentions "AI" around 25 times). The company also promises that its latest GPUs have greater performance in compute and ray-tracing.

For those interested in the intricacies of chip design, Apple says the M5 Pro and Max feature a new "Fusion Architecture" that combines two 3nm-class dies. It's reminiscent of the chiplet design that's served AMD's Ryzen series so well, and it could make it possible for Apple to more easily offer a bit more freedom when it comes to configuring your mix of CPU and GPU cores in the future.
Image: Apple

Beyond the new processors, the laptops are relatively similar to their predecessors, with the same displays, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC card slot, and dedicated coprocessors for encoding and decoding codecs like H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW. However, there are some other small upgrades: the 2026 MacBook Pros have Apple's N1 wireless chip, providing an upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 from the Wi-Fi 6E found in the previous generation. The chip also includes Bluetooth 6, updated from Bluetooth 5.3.

Apple has also tweaked the default storage and memory configurations. The M5 Pro laptops all now start with 1TB of storage (the 16" version used to start with 512GB), and the M5 Max ones start with 2TB. The company also promises that the computers' SSDs will run up to two times faster than those of their predecessors.

The M5 Pro laptops can also now be optioned with 64GB of memory, up from 48GB, though doing so will cost a pretty penny; you have to spend $200 to get the higher-end Pro chip, then add on $600 to upgrade from the base 24GB of memory (though, given what's happening with the rest of the industry, those prices seem less egregious than they once did).

You certainly don't need a Pro or a Max chip to edit photos... but it doesn't hurt.
Image: Apple

For most photographers, the standard M5 MacBook Pro will be plenty powerful, as will the cheaper M5 MacBook Air (though it misses out on the SD card reader and HDR-capable screen). But those doing heavy edits on high-resolution files, or who want to configure their machines with ludicrous amounts of memory or storage, will appreciate these higher-end options. The extra horsepower may also be useful to anyone who edits video; the standard M5 is no slouch, but the extra CPU cores, GPU power and SSD speed will make the process that much smoother.

The M5 Pro MacBook Pros start at $2199 for the 14" model, and $2699 for the 16" one: a $200 premium over the starting prices of their corresponding M4 models. Upgrading to the Max chip will add $1400 to the price. Preorders open on March 4th, and the laptops will be available starting on the 11th.

* As is tradition. I'm sure there are even folks at Apple who have a hard time keeping the relationships between Studio, Ultra, Pro, and Max products straight.

Apple’s new monitor looks like a great (but spendy) option for HDR photo editing

Digital Photography Review news -

Image: Apple

Apple announced the Studio Display XDR, a new pro-level entry in its display lineup aimed at photographers and video editors, thanks to its HDR and wider color gamut support. In addition to the new display, the tech giant unveiled an updated version of its standard Studio Display.

The Studio Display XDR effectively replaces Apple’s 32‑inch 6K Pro Display XDR in the lineup. It uses a 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display, with added mini-LED backlighting. It features 2304 local dimming zones and an impressive 1000 nits of SDR brightness and 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, making it well‑suited for HDR workflows. It also offers a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

The Studio Display XDR is meant for creative professionals.
Image: Apple

The monitor supports P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts with over 80 percent coverage of Rec. 2020, making it ideal for those who need highly accurate colors. Additionally, it offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a continuously variable refresh rate between 47Hz to 120Hz, making it smoother for video playback than the outgoing Pro Display XDR.

In terms of connectivity, the Studio Display XDR can function as a Thunderbolt hub, offering one port with 140W of charging power, enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. It also includes a second port for connecting high-speed accessories or daisy-chaining other displays and two additional USB-C ports. The display features a 12MP Center Stage camera with Apple's Desk View support, a three‑mic array and a six‑speaker system.

Apple also updated its standard Studio Display, though it's more of an iterative update rather than a redesign. Like the previous generation, it is a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness and support for P3 wide color. However, it now offers Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, allowing users to connect high-speed accessories or daisy-chain displays. It maxes out at up to 96W charging, which is enough to fast‑charge a 14‑inch MacBook Pro.

The Studio Display XDR is still pricey, but at least it comes with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand this time.
Image: Apple

All of the advanced features on the Studio Display XDR come at a steep price; the monitor starts at $3299, or $3599 with anti-reflective nano-texture glass. The good news is that it now includes a tilt- and height-adjustable stand, unlike the Pro Display XDR. The Studio Display keeps the same $1599 price as the previous generation. Preorders for both the Studio Display XDR and Studio Display begin tomorrow, March 4.

Press release:

Apple unveils new Studio Display and all-new Studio Display XDR

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced a new family of displays engineered to pair beautifully with Mac and meet the needs of everyone, from everyday users to the world’s top pros. The new Studio Display features a 12MP Center Stage camera, now with improved image quality and support for Desk View; a studio-quality three-microphone array; and an immersive six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. It also now includes powerful Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, providing more downstream connectivity for high-speed accessories or daisy-chaining displays. The all-new Studio Display XDR takes the pro display experience to the next level. Its 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display features an advanced mini-LED backlight with over 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1000 nits of SDR brightness, and 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, in addition to a wider color gamut, so content jumps off the screen with breathtaking contrast, vibrancy, and accuracy. With its 120Hz refresh rate, Studio Display XDR is even more responsive to content in motion, and Adaptive Sync dynamically adjusts frame rates for content like video playback or graphically intense games. Studio Display XDR offers the same advanced camera and audio system as Studio Display, as well as Thunderbolt 5 connectivity to simplify pro workflow setups. The new Studio Display with a tilt-adjustable stand starts at $1,599, and Studio Display XDR with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand starts at $3,299. Both are available in standard or nano-texture glass options, and can be pre-ordered starting tomorrow, March 4, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 11.

“Apple has led the industry in delivering the world’s most advanced displays for pros to do their life’s best work, and today we do that once again with the introduction of the new Studio Display family,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Studio Display gets even better with a new 12MP Center Stage camera and powerful Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. And the Studio Display XDR is a huge leap forward for XDR technology, with a mini-LED backlight, 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, advanced color accuracy, and a 120Hz refresh rate, transforming workflows like filmmaking, design and print, and 3D animation. It’s by far the world’s best pro display.”

Studio Display — the Perfect Companion to Mac

The new Studio Display pairs excellent visual quality with compelling features that deliver a great experience when connected to a Mac across a range of professional workflows — from photo and video editing to coding, music production, and everyday tasks. The stunning 27-inch 5K Retina display boasts over 14 million pixels, 600 nits of brightness, and P3 wide color for rich, true-to-life imagery. Studio Display includes a 12MP Center Stage camera, now with Desk View; a studio-quality three-microphone array; and an incredible six-speaker sound system with four force-cancelling woofers that deliver 30 percent deeper bass than the previous generation, plus two high-performance tweeters for immersive audio. Studio Display also brings Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with two ports, so users can daisy-chain up to four Studio Display models for a combined nearly 60 million pixels, or connect high-speed accessories.1 In addition, two USB-C ports can be used for peripherals and charging. With the included Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable, users get a convenient all-in-one connection that offers up to 96W of charging power — enough to fast-charge a 14-inch MacBook Pro.2 Studio Display is available with standard glass or optional nano-texture glass for challenging lighting conditions. It comes with a tilt-adjustable stand, or can be configured with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand or a VESA mount adapter for custom desk setups.

Studio Display XDR — the World’s Best Pro Display

The all-new Studio Display XDR delivers the most advanced display technology and a robust set of features for pro users who need the ultimate front-of-screen performance. With 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 and Adobe RGB wide color gamuts, a 120Hz refresh rate, Adaptive Sync, new DICOM medical imaging presets, a powerful combination of camera and audio, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, Studio Display XDR is designed for workflows like HDR video editing, 3D rendering, and diagnostic radiology.2

Advanced XDR Display Technology

Studio Display XDR features a stunning 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display with 5120-by-2880 resolution, offering exceptional detail and clarity. The mini-LED backlight utilizes 2,304 local dimming zones that enable extreme contrast. Studio Display XDR also delivers up to an outstanding 1000 nits of SDR brightness, 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. This wide dynamic range — from the brightest brights to the deepest blacks — makes HDR content pop off the screen while virtually eliminating distracting halo and blooming effects.

Enhanced Color Accuracy

Ideal for print and design professionals, Studio Display XDR adds Adobe RGB color gamut support, in addition to P3 wide color, making it an even better reference display. This results in more than 80 percent Rec. 2020 coverage for HDR video editing and color grading. Both P3 and Adobe RGB are accessible from the same default preset, streamlining pro workflows that frequently switch between color spaces.

Smooth 120Hz Refresh Rate and Adaptive Sync

Studio Display XDR features a 120Hz refresh rate, enabling smooth, ultra-responsive motion. Adaptive Sync supports a continuously variable refresh rate between 47Hz to 120Hz, making gaming more fluid with faster frame delivery and lower display latency.

Innovative DICOM Medical Imaging

Today, Apple introduces new DICOM medical imaging presets and the Medical Imaging Calibrator to enable use in diagnostic radiology, allowing radiologists to view diagnostic images directly on Studio Display XDR.2 Many medical professionals already use Mac for their office or home setups, and Studio Display XDR offers a versatile alternative to single-purpose medical imaging displays, with seamless display mode switching. The Medical Imaging Calibrator on macOS is pending FDA clearance and is expected to be available soon in the U.S. For decades, healthcare professionals and developers have taken advantage of Apple’s innovative products and frameworks to help achieve better patient outcomes, broaden research opportunities, and improve efficiency across healthcare systems. Apple continues to innovate and collaborate with the healthcare community on solutions to ultimately improve care for their patients.

Powerful Combination of Camera, Audio, and Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity

Studio Display XDR features a 12MP Center Stage camera that keeps users centered in the frame as they move. Video calls become more engaging with Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk — great for demonstrating a creative project. It also includes a studio-quality three-microphone array with directional beamforming and an immersive six-speaker sound system with support for Spatial Audio.

Studio Display XDR also features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, with a second port for connecting downstream high-speed accessories or daisy-chaining other displays. And with two additional USB-C ports for even more connectivity, it can act as a Thunderbolt hub, keeping a workspace free of clutter while offering up to 140W of charging power through the included Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable — enough to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro.3

Versatile Stand and Accessories

Studio Display XDR includes a tilt- and height-adjustable stand to meet the needs of a variety of workspaces. With a height range of 105mm, the stand features a sophisticated counterbalancing arm that makes the display feel weightless, and as users adjust it, the display stays precisely in place. An optional VESA mount adapter is available for those who prefer to use VESA-compatible stands, mounts, and arms for a customized desk setup.
Studio Display Family and the Environment

Studio Display and Studio Display XDR were built with the environment in mind, and bring Apple even closer to reaching its ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. Both are made with recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the stand and 80 percent recycled glass in the standard glass option. Studio Display and Studio Display XDR are designed to be durable, repairable, and also offer industry-leading software support, while meeting Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and was designed to collapse so it can be easily recycled.4

Pricing and Availability

  • Customers can pre-order the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR starting tomorrow, March 4, at apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 35 countries and regions, including the U.S. They will begin arriving to customers, and will be in select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, March 11.
  • Studio Display starts at $1,599 (U.S.) and $1,499 (U.S.) for education. Studio Display XDR replaces Pro Display XDR and starts at $3,299 (U.S.) and $3,199 (U.S.) for education.
  • Additional technical specifications, including nano-texture glass and a choice of stand options, are available at apple.com/store.
  • Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad ($199 U.S.), Magic Trackpad ($149 U.S.), and Magic Mouse (starting at $79 U.S.) in black or white color options are available at apple.com/store.

1 Users can daisy-chain up to four Studio Display models with a MacBook Pro with M5 Max.

2 The Medical Imaging Calibrator is pending FDA review and is expected to be available soon. The medical imaging presets should not be used for diagnostic purposes unless the display has been calibrated using the Medical Imaging Calibrator on macOS and paired with a compatible DICOM viewer. The presets are available on Studio Display XDR and are intended for use by medical professionals. Not intended for use in mammography.

3 Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary.

4 Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations.

Honor and Arri announce partnership set to debut with the upcoming Robot Phone

Digital Photography Review news -

Image: Honor

Honor and Arri have announced a "strategic technical collaboration" to bring Arri's image science and workflow features to Honor phones. The two companies unveiled the partnership at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, promising that the results will be showcased in the smartphone maker's upcoming Robot Phone.

The collaboration between the smartphone maker and high-end cinema camera manufacturer aims to bring pro-level video features to smartphones. The companies explained that they will combine Honor's mobile imaging capabilities with Arri's cinematic image quality, making high-end video creation more accessible.

Image: Honor

They didn't provide many details about the upcoming phone or how Arri-specific features will be integrated into it, beyond saying it will use Arri's "image science foundation." In theory, it may be similar to how Leica and Hasselblad have collaborated with phone companies to enable their color profiles on phones, though there could be other workflow features as well.

"The challenge is not to replicate cinema hardware, but to translate the underlying principles into compact, real-time mobile architectures," says Dr. Benedikt von Lindeiner, Vice President at Arri and responsible for the technical collaboration with Honor. "Our goal is to bring a true cinematic aesthetic to smartphone imaging – natural color, gentle highlight roll-off and a sense of depth that feels authentic to how stories are meant to be seen."

Honor first showed off the Robot Phone in October of last year with a CGI teaser. The video showed a concept smartphone with a gimbal-mounted camera that extends above the phone, resembling a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with a phone in place of the handgrip. At the time, the company said it would share more at MWC. This collaboration announcement mentions the Robot Phone again, but doesn't include any new details. Honor did say, however, that the phone will be coming later this year, so it may be closer to reality than we originally thought.

Press release:

HONOR and ARRI announce strategic technical collaboration to bring ARRI Image Science into next-generation consumer devices
  • ARRI and HONOR extend cinematic image science and production workflows into consumer devices
  • A bridge from the world of high‑end filmmaking to the next generation of creators
  • ARRI technology will debut in HONOR’s upcoming ROBOT PHONE

[Barcelona, Spain – March 01, 2026] Leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR has entered into a strategic technical collaboration with ARRI, the world-renowned designer and manufacturer of professional camera technology for cinematic storytelling. This landmark partnership marks a significant step in extending established cinematic standards into the rapidly evolving world of mobile imaging.

By uniting HONOR’s advanced mobile imaging capabilities with ARRI’s centurylong heritage in defining cinematic image quality, the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to unlock new creative possibilities and extend cinematic standards for visual expression from the world of high-end filmmaking to the next generation of content creators.

"HONOR is pioneering a new era of mobile imaging, where technology exists to inspire creativity and storytelling," says James Li, CEO of HONOR. "ARRI has defined the visual language of cinema for generations. Through this collaboration, we are bringing those cinematic standards and professional workflows into mobile imaging, enabling creators to craft stories with greater authenticity and emotional depth."

A Century of Cinematic Excellence as Foundation for Mobile Content Creators

For more than a century, ARRI has helped shape how cinematic stories are told — from the early days of film to today’s most advanced digital camera systems. A commitment that’s been recognized with 20 Scientific and Technical Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

"Today, consumer smartphones have already become a serious tool in professional filmmaking, being used on blockbusters across the globe. That’s why we believe it is time to bring these worlds even closer together. For the first time ever, core elements of ARRI Image Science are being integrated directly into a consumer device," says David Bermbach, Managing Director at ARRI.

Translating ARRI Image Science into Mobile Technology

In cinema, image science is not a filter or an effect — it is the foundation of how an image is created. It determines how colors feel natural, how highlights and shadows are rendered, and how images consistently behave from capture to final screen. Drawing on ARRI’s Image Science foundation, the collaboration applies core cinematic imaging principles to HONOR’s mobile imaging architecture.

"Smartphones operate under fundamentally different constraints: smaller sensors, highly integrated SoCs, different optical stacks, and different bandwidth limits. The challenge is not to replicate cinema hardware, but to translate the underlying principles into compact, real-time mobile architectures," says Dr. Benedikt von Lindeiner, Vice President at ARRI and responsible for the technical collaboration with HONOR. "Our goal is to bring a true cinematic aesthetic to smartphone imaging — natural color, gentle highlight roll-off, and a sense of depth that feels authentic to how stories are meant to be seen. Creators should be able to move seamlessly from mobile capture into professional post-production workflows."

The first results of this collaboration will debut in the upcoming HONOR ROBOT PHONE later this year.

Reviews can't be objective, and you wouldn't want them to be

Digital Photography Review news -

Reviewing the a7 V reminded me of the challenges, and the importance, of including subjective assessment in reviews.

Photo: Mitchell Clark

Reviews are, by most definitions, subjective: ultimately they always have a some degree of opinion. An informed opinion, subject to careful consideration of any inherent biases and critically assessed by other editors, we'd like to think, but still, ultimately, subjective.

This is especially true of camera reviews. A camera isn't a simple device that can be summarized by conducting objective performance tests in an analytical report. For a start, the comfort and usability of a camera are important factors, that can't be objectively assessed. All the more so because a camera is a device that can be used for self-expression. Enjoyment is absolutely critical.

All of this was at the front of my mind as I wrapped up our recent review of the Sony a7 V, and as I, as lead reviewer on this camera, start to build my case for arguing its position in our various Buying Guides. It's a really difficult task, because although the a7 V is an extremely capable camera, but one that competes against some of the most all-round capable cameras we've ever seen, battling it out in arguably the most competitive part of the market. There are a few differences in objective spec and performance, but they won't be significant enough for most people to help them make a choice.

The Sony a7 V: so good. And yet...

The a7 V was a particularly challenging camera to review in that regard. It's supremely capable and is an obvious choice for existing Sony users. It'll be a huge step up for anyone using an a7, a7 II, a7 III or a7C, and will be a better camera for some a7 IV users, especially if they shoot video. But for someone without a brand commitment, it's more difficult.

The first thing you have to do is check your own biases.

The easiest thing to do would be to look at how many lenses are available for the Sony E-mount, stop the count and brush any awkward concerns about usability or ergonomics under the carpet. But I feel that would be both simplistic and dishonest. Because, by the end of my review, I found myself thinking that I enjoyed using the Canon EOS R6 III more.

I have an annoying habit of admonishing my colleagues for using the term 'intuitive.' Almost no aspect of camera operation is intuitive: it's learned. And if you're thinking that it's intuitive, it might just be that it's something you learned so long ago that you've forgotten doing so. And that's where familiarity bias can creep in.

Photo: Richard Butler

This puts me in perhaps the most uncomfortable position that you encounter, in reviewing: having to work out how much or how little your personal experiences and opinion count, and how much weight to give them. I spent a lot of time asking myself why I was impressed with the camera more than I was enjoying it. Could I point to why I found the interface of the camera rather more awkward than its rivals'?

How objective can you be?

The first thing you have to do is check your own biases. Do I dislike this interface because I haven't taken the time to learn it? Do I prefer a different way of working purely based on familiarity? I don't believe so: I've used Sony cameras just as much as any other brand, and have no more connection to, say, Canon's cameras than to Sony's.

I kept asking myself those questions, the whole time I was using the camera, to make sure I was being fair. And I kept looking to see if I could put my finger on why I found the interface so distancing.

The color-coded sections in Nikon's setup menu makes it easy to learn and navigate, but plenty of the rest of the menu structure is struggling under the weight of the feature set and level of customization.

Composite image: Richard Butler

In the end, I'm not sure I found it. I can point to plenty of details I don't like: the strangely phrased and oddly truncated menu names (are Sony's menus still subject to the same character limits as MS DOS?), the superfluous control panel built awkwardly into the new menus, the clumsy handling of features with interacting settings. But I can't be sure that it's the sum total of these annoyances that left me feeling disconnected from what the camera was doing.

But, all the while I'm quizzing myself on this, I'm also very aware that lots of people don't find this a problem. Or simply don't mind. As I've written in just about every Sony review I've ever written: with a bit of customization, you rarely have to use the main menus. Equally, there'll be plenty of people whose primary experience of digital photography may be with Sony cameras: they won't find any of this a problem, because that's just how cameras work, from their perspective. And it's a completely valid perspective.

The interactive settings panel, shoehorned into Sony's latest menu system manages to be both too easy to inadvertently navigate away from, while simultaneously always feeling like it's in the way. I'm not sure a prompt to contemplate the nature of paradox is what I'm looking for in a user interface, but I have to assume it's possible that someone finds it useful.

Composite image: Mitchell Clark / Richard Butler

Beyond the user interface, I also found the grip somewhat uncomfortable. Much of the time you tend to support a camera's weight by cradling the lens in your left hand, but I found that myself having to release the camera, relax and stretch my fingers, at regular intervals. Again, this risks being specific to my hand size or shape, or the way I try to grip the camera, but my colleague Mitchell seems to have had the same experience.

Conversely, I don't remember having the experience I've seen some people report, where the proximity of the mount to the hand grip means your knuckles can grate against some of the more stout E-mount lenses. Did I only avoid this through lens choice? Or, again, is this just another personal factor that didn't particularly make apply to me?

How do you proceed?

Is the Canon EOS R6 III's grip objectively better (for everyone) than the Sony a7 V's? It's impossible for me to know. But would it help anyone if I pretended there was no difference in my experience with each?

Photo: Mitchell Clark

So what's the correct way to report these issues? I've seen some Sony users insist that they shouldn't be mentioned at all, because they may be personal, rather than universal. But it would be dishonest to omit a factor that might put me off buying a camera, if there's a chance someone might go and spend their money, based on what I wrote (or didn't write).

Instead I did what this job requires: I reported my concerns but was careful to present them proportionately and in context. I made clear which concerns and criticisms I felt would apply to everyone and which wouldn't. And I endeavored to stress that part of the reason the menus have become so overwhelmed, and potentially overwhelming, is that the camera does so many things and offers such a high degree of customization.

Subjective factors like usability aren't trivial complaints, they're fundamental

These are the questions we'll be wrestling with this, as a team, as we look to update our Buying Guides. Because, even on reviews with only my name at the top, we try to represent more than just a single perspective or opinion, in our coverage. But our decision will still factor-in the subjective, because cameras aren't simple devices where you can test a couple of metrics and report which one is objectively "best." And we'd be failing you if we treated them as such.

I saw the subjective concerns about the a7 V dismissed as "all they've got to complain about." And this is a position I don't need to be so introspective about: it's utterly wrongheaded. It's true that the a7 V is a really good camera (hence the Gold award) but at a time where some of the most significant things setting dedicated cameras apart from phones are the experience of controlling the photo and the enjoyment of photography, subjective factors like usability aren't trivial complaints, they're fundamental.

Peak Design's new collection features ultra-portable packs and a converting travel bag

Digital Photography Review news -

When combined, the Travel Backpack 2-in-1 provides 42L of storage.

Photo: Peak Design

Peak Design has announced the launch of a new travel bag collection designed to meet the needs of various types of travelers. The lineup consists of a modular, two-in-one backpack, a duffel bag, a 20L backpack and a small crossbody bag.

The largest and most interesting of the new offerings is the Travel Backpack 2-in-1. This bag aims to solve the dilemma of deciding which backpack to bring on trips if you need extra space for packing but want a small bag at your destination. It consists of a 35L main pack and a 15L daypack that zip together (with the daypack on the front), providing 42L of storage when combined. It also comes with the company's detachable Travel Hip Belt. Both are made from a weatherproof 330D nylon canvas shell and offer hidden AirTag pockets, mesh water bottle pockets on both sides and luggage pass-throughs.

The Travel Backpack 2-in-1 includes a daypack (on the left) and a main pack (on the right) that can be zipped together.

Photo: Peak Design

The main pack portion features a stowable sternum strap and removable hip belt, and the backpack's straps can be unclipped and put away if you need to check the bag. There are also magnets on the shoulder straps to keep them flat against the back panel when you don't want to unclip them. It is compatible with Peak Design's Camera Cubes, up to the large size, and offers padded laptop and tablet sleeves. The 15L daypack is slim and lightweight, making it easier to get around once you arrive at your destination. It also offers a padded laptop sleeve, but it's important to note that it isn't meant for the Camera Cubes, and most sizes won't fit inside the daypack.

The Travel Weekender 25L

Photo: Peak Design

The Travel Weekender 25L is an ideal size for short trips, providing upright access, an extra-wide clamshell opening for easier packing and a vertical luggage pass-through. The bag features an organization pocket on the outside for essentials. On the inside are two zippered pockets and seven stretch panel pockets to keep things organized. It also uses a folding bottom design that allows it to collapse flat for easy storage or to compress when shoved under an airplane seat. The duffel bag fits up to one Large PD Packing Cube, two Smedium Packing Cubes or one Smedium Camera Cube, along with a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Like the Travel Backpack, it is weatherproof and will keep your stuff dry.

The Travel Backpack 20L

Photo: Peak Design

The Travel Backpack 20L is designed for everyday use or travel. It's international carry-on approved, so you won't have to worry about needing to check it if you're hopping airlines around the world. Like the other bags, it features a vertical luggage pass-through and a padded laptop sleeve. It also offers an expandable main compartment for when you need a bit more space, a soft-lined top pocket for quick-grab essentials, a zipper-hidden water bottle pocket and magnetic shoulder strap keepers. There are also external straps to attach a tripod to the bottom of the bag. It fits up to a Smedium Camera Cube, two Smedium Packing Cubes or one Large Packing Cube when the bag isn't expanded.

The Travel Crossbody 3L

Photo: Peak Design

Lastly, the smallest of the bunch is the Travel Crossbody 3L, which is meant for carrying essentials and small items. Peak Design says it builds on its Tech Pouch and features the company's origami-style interior pockets, an extra-wide clamshell opening, a hidden stash pocket with a magnetic closure and a discreet pocket for an AirTag. It can fit devices up to an iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung S, along with smaller tablets like the iPad Mini and Kindle. The XXS Ultralight Packing Cube also fits inside, and, like the other bags, it's weatherproof to protect your stuff.

As with many other Peak Design launches, the Travel Backpack 2-in-1, Travel Weekender 25L, Travel Backpack 20L, and Travel Crossbody 3L will first be sold through Kickstarter, beginning today. The bags will retail for $400, $200, $2000 and $100, respectively, but Kickstarter backers will get a $21 discount on the crossbody, $41 on the backpack and weekender, and $81 on the 2-in-1. The full launch is coming sometime at the end of May, though Peak Design hasn't provided a specific date.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Buy on Kickstarter

Two days left to save 71% on this hit carry-on that's raised $1.2M from fans

Gizmag news -

As someone who has spent the last year bouncing between five countries and lugging suitcases on and off of countless trains, trams, high-speed rail carriages, buses and flights, I now actually understand why good suitcases are more than aesthetics. They make travel life so much easier.

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Category: Lifestyle

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Australia launches 3D-printed, Mach 8 hypersonic missile from US soil

Gizmag news -

On February 27, 2026, Australia's Hypersonix Launch Systems made a historic launch of its next-generation DART AE hypersonic aircraft from Wallops Island, Virginia. Taking off aboard Rocket Lab's HASTE launch vehicle, the DART AE reached a top speed of Mach 8 as the climax of the Cassowary Vex mission.

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Category: Aircraft, Transport

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Radical expander caravan breaks loose in ultimate family camper size

Gizmag news -

Berg Offroad shook up the camper scene a couple years ago when it introduced the CX6, a caravan that packs into a neat 17.5-foot-long (5.4-m) squaredrop before expanding in every direction to create a huge base camp for up to six people. The company followed up with a two-/three-person floor plan built into that same towable footprint, and now it's launched what strikes us as its most universal trailer of all: a three-/four-person CX4 sized to sleep the family in complete comfort way out in the uniquely wild bushvelds of South Africa and greater environs.

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Category: Camping Trailers, Adventure Vehicles, Outdoors

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Apple's new budget iPhone has some key upgrades, but the same main weakness

Digital Photography Review news -

The iPhone 17e now has MagSafe, double the base storage and tougher glass. But its single camera and slow display remain unchanged.
Image: Apple

Apple has announced the iPhone 17e, updating the lowest-end new model in its lineup. While it has several key updates, including a newer chip and double the base storage, Apple hasn't made any updates to the cameras, which were one of the original 16e's biggest weaknesses.

Like its predecessor, the 17e has a single 48MP Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) rear camera with a 26mm equiv. F1.6 lens, which also has a "2x" mode that crops in on the center quarter of the sensor. Apple has, however, updated its branding, now referring to it as a "Fusion camera system" rather than a "2-in-1 camera system."

The iPhone 17e's camera has no higher aspirations than to be "good enough."
Image: Apple

The 12MP selfie camera has also been untouched; the 17e doesn't get the larger 18MP square model found on the standard iPhone 17, which lets you take horizontal and vertical crops no matter which orientation you're holding the phone at. The 17 also includes a 48MP, Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) ultra-wide camera, which offers the ever-popular "0.5x" mode, and its main camera uses a much larger Type 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) sensor.

Related: Which iPhone is best for photography?

Also unchanged is the display. While the iPhone 17 prompted many "finally!"s by switching to a 120Hz model, the 17e's 6.1" OLED screen is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate (and still has a large notch taken out of the top to house the FaceID camera and sensors). It is, however, now protected by Apple's second-gen "Ceramic Shield" glass, which testing has shown to be quite a bit more scratch resistant than the first-gen one found on the 16e. It can reach 1200 nits which, while not as impressive as the brightness that some flagship phones are capable of, is still typically plenty for all but the harshest sunlight.

As for what else Apple has changed, the 17e's processor and cellular modem are a generation newer than its predecessor's, though Apple isn't making any strong claims about the A19's performance or efficiency compared to the A18; both "e" models are rated for up to 26 hours video playback. However, the company does say the Apple-designed C1X modem is "up to 2x faster" than the C1 used by the 16e.

Lots of people complained when the 16e launched without MagSafe, and for good reason: it's wonderfully convenient, and there are a lot of accessories available for it now that it's been around for a few years.
Image: Apple

Perhaps most importantly, though, is that Apple has upgraded the 16e's standard Qi wireless charging. The 17e now has the company's "MagSafe" tech. While some will appreciate that the guaranteed alignment means it can charge twice as fast (up to 15W vs. 7.5), most are likely to be more excited about gaining access to the wide accessory ecosystem surrounding it, making it easy to attach the phone to tripods, stands, and basically anything else. The 17e also has double the base storage as its predecessor, with the standard model coming with 256GB. It does, however, still max out at 512GB.

When the 16e launched last year, replacing the almost decade-old "SE" line, it was an open question as to whether we could expect Apple to update it every year, as it does with its main phones. With the SE, that wasn't the case; the company only made three models between 2016 and 2022. With this news, it appears we have an answer: yes, Apple will continue to add its latest chips, and some new features, to its more budget-oriented lineup.

Other budget competitors don't make you give up a high refresh-rate display or secondary camera

While the changes it's made to the 17e are important quality-of-life upgrades, I think the phone still sits in a somewhat uncomfortable place. The standard iPhone 17 has been lauded as one of the best all-round options available, and for many people it'll be worth paying the $200 more to get its faster, larger screen and better camera system. Likewise, many other budget competitors like the Pixel 10a don't make you give up a high refresh-rate display or secondary camera option. However, if you really don't care about any of that, and prefer your phones to be Apple-flavored, it's nice that you have the option to save some money, and that you'll be getting a phone with fewer compromises than you would've before.

The phone has the same $599 starting MSRP as its predecessor, and is available in black, white and, now, "soft pink." It will be available for pre-order on March 4th, and is set to launch on March 11th.

Which iPhone is best for photography? Breaking down Apple's current lineup

Digital Photography Review news -

Image: Apple

With Apple's latest iPhone 17 series, the company's lineup has more options than before, from the iPhone Air to the iPhone 17 Pro Max (and we can't forget the budget iPhone 17e). While there are many things that set these phones apart, we're going to look at how the phones are for photography, and how they compare to each other.

How do Apple's new iPhones compare?

There are more subtle differences that we'll cover, but the biggest differences between cameras for the Air (left), iPhone 17 (middle) and iPhone 17 Pro (right) are obvious just from looking at them.
Image: Apple

Comparing the cameras on the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max is relatively simple; for most people, the main differences will be in the number of cameras each phone has. The Air has a single wide-angle camera, and the same model is found on the iPhone 17, though paired with an ultra-wide camera. The 17 Pro adds an additional telephoto camera, providing the most range and flexibility.

There are several shared components between the phones. The 17 and Air's main cameras, for example, are the same, as are the wide-angle camera on the 17 and 17 Pro. And for photography, they have the same set of features, including the Camera Control button, customizable Photographic Styles that give you more control over how your photos look and a portrait mode with adjustable computer-generated bokeh.

The iPhone 17 Pro's main camera is much larger than the one on the standard 17 and Air

Despite the commonalities, there are still benefits to going Pro. Besides the addition of a 100mm equiv. telephoto camera, the main camera also uses a much larger Type 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) sensor, compared to the Type 1/1.56 (48mm²) sensor used on the standard 17 and Air.

The additional area means it will gather more light, so it won't have to dip into the long exposure low-light mode as often, and can provide better image quality and more real bokeh in ideal lighting conditions. The Pros' main cameras also have a slightly wider focal length at 24mm, rather than 26mm.

iPhone Air iPhone 17 iPhone 17 Pro Main (wide) Sensor resolution / size 48MP
Type 1/1.56 (48mm²) 48MP
Type 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) Focal length (equiv.) 26mm 24mm Aperture F1.6 F1.78 Ultra-wide Sensor resolution / size — 48MP
Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) Focal length (equiv.) 13mm Aperture F2.2 Telephoto Sensor resolution / size — 48MP
Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) Focal length (equiv.) 100mm Aperture F2.8

Finally, there's the Air, which only has a single 26mm wide-angle camera. Apple includes a "2x" mode that crops in on the 12MP in the center of the sensor to provide a bit of additional reach, but if you like to shoot subjects that are far away, or like the look that ultra-wide images provide, you may want to consider other options. However, if you only use the main camera, you're not giving anything up versus the standard 17.

What about the selfie camera? Image: Apple

For this generation, Apple introduced a brand new selfie camera which, thankfully, is included on all of its new phones. The new design is larger (though it's not clear by how much), higher-resolution and square. While it doesn't seem like the phone uses the whole sensor at once, it allows you to switch between portrait and landscape selfies without having to physically rotate your phone.

Is the Pro Max better than the Pro?

For photography, no; the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have the same camera setup. This hasn't always been the case; the iPhone 15 Pro Max's telephoto camera had further reach than the one on the smaller model. However, this time around, you don't have to give up any photography features to get the more pocketable phone (unless you truly feel you need the 2TB storage option that's only available on the Max).

If you're interested in the Pro line, be sure to check out our deep-dive article that covers all the changes to its cameras and video features compared to the previous generation.

iPhone 17 versus iPhone 17e The iPhone 17 (left) has more than just an extra camera compared to the 17e (right).
Image: Apple

If you look at Apple's spec sheet, it'd be easy to think that the budget-oriented iPhone 17e's single camera is the same one used by the standard iPhone 17; the company calls them both "48MP Fusion Main" cameras, after all. However, the one on the 17e is substantially smaller, coming in at 23.5mm² (which you might recognize as the same size used by the more expensive phones' secondary and tertiary cameras).

The smaller sensor again means that the phone will have to work harder to capture clear photos in low light, and that images from it taken in ideal lighting conditions won't be as good as ones from the newer phones. That's especially true given that it's only optically stabilized, rather than having additional sensor stabilization like the mainline iPhones.

A few other limitations compared to the 17s and Air: the 17e doesn't have the next-generation portrait mode that lets you adjust what the main focus of the image is and what's blurred out, nor does it have the more customizable Photographic Styles. It also lacks the Camera Control button and uses the old selfie camera, meaning you'll have to turn your phone to get landscape portraits.

What about the iPhone 16? Last year's iPhone 16 has the same main camera as the new iPhone 17, but ultra-wide shooters beware...
Image: Tucker Bowe

As usual, Apple has stopped selling the previous-generation Pro phones, but is still selling the standard iPhone 16 for around $100 less than its launch price. Its main camera will be the same as the standard 17's, but its ultra-wide camera is a smaller (23.5mm²) 12MP model versus the 48MP one used by the current-gen. Like the 16e, it uses the older selfie camera.

What else should I consider?

There's a lot of things to consider when you're buying a phone beyond its photographic capabilities. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a massive battery and a giant screen, both of which could be handy on days when you're taking a ton of photos. The Pro phones also have a litany of video features, such as the ability to record ProRes Raw and Log footage.

Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is substantially thinner than the other options, which could be nice if you prefer a phone that doesn't take up a ton of pocket space. And, of course, there are countless Android options with their own sets of strengths and weaknesses. But you should now at least understand how the cameras on Apple's current-generation phones stack up to one another.

Ingenious invention turns wheelchair users into Steadicam operators

Gizmag news -

If Caerus, the son of Zeus and the Greek god of opportunity zips by, one is supposed to seize the single lock of hair on his head to capture the golden fortune it symbolizes. That can be declared of Christopher Lynch, an awarding-winning Irish filmmaker based in London, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta. Founder of Caerus Technology, Lynch has developed what is claimed to be the world’s first wheelchair-mounted Steadicam system.

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Category: Good Thinking, Technology

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What's it like to be on the CP+ 2026 show floor? Go inside with DPReview

Digital Photography Review news -

For the past several days, our team has been reporting live from CP+ 2026, the camera industry's premier trade show and consumer expo in Yokohama, Japan.

Now that the event has wrapped up, we wanted to share what it's like to experience the show floor in person. From the latest camera gear to the colorful kitsch, this video takes you on a whirlwind tour of CP+ 2026 in just a little over two minutes.

Long-tail cargo ebike has everything families need to go car-free

Gizmag news -

Xtracyle has had 25 years to refine long-tail cargo bikes, and with the Swoop ASM (Automatic Smile Machine), it feels like it has nailed family ebikes for households looking to leave the car at home for the majority of daily trips into town. When purchasing a family ebike, the biggest concerns are rideability and hauling space. The Swoop ASM offers a smooth, comfortable, and natural riding experience while allowing you to move heavy loads. It even includes all the accessories needed to make it a valuable addition to the family.

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

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