Awesome Cameras

DJI makes some of the best aerial photography equipment in the business. The newly-released DJI Flip is like no other drone because of the way it folds. It packs up small enough to toss in your backpack while providing full-coverage propeller guards. It weighs less than 249 g, shoots 4K/60 fps HDR video, 48MP still, and offers AI-based subject tracking.

This night vision scope is designed to produce sharper and more color-accurate images compared to its competition. It packs a 52 MP Sony Starvis 2 night vision sensor that can shoot true 4K footage and can output an infrared beam up to 1200 meters (~3937 feet) to capture distant objects. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you control and stream video with your smartphone.

Normally, cameras can’t see what’s behind an obstacle. That didn’t stop engineering Shane Wighton from creating a solution. The Stuff Made Here worked tirelessly to make a device and software that captures images with a spinning photo sensor and mirrors. Adjusting the position of its components makes its field of view completely adjustable.

The newest member of Leica’s Q series has the same 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor as its predecessor, paired with a new APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 lens. Its focal length is about the same as that of the human eye, making it perfect for portraits and street photography. Meanwhile, the lens’ apochromatic design also means incredibly accurate colors.

Zung Hoang’s LEGO ZH1 is a fully functioning 35mm film camera. The ZH1’s components are all standard, available LEGO pieces, including the magnifying glass lens. It captures soft, dreamy photos in daylight conditions. It achieved the 10,000-supporter milestone in LEGO Ideas, so it might become an official set. Lens expert Mathieu Stern tested a prototype.

Technology has gotten to the point where you can buy a full HD camera that fits on your keychain. Filmmaker Isaac Carlton picked up one of these tiny cameras from Amazon to see if he could shoot an entire short film using it. This fun behind-the-scenes video explains how he created the film, but if you want to cut to the case, here’s the 3-minute movie.

Almost everyone carries a device capable of shooting instant photos in their pocket these days. Vox delves into the history of snapshot photography and the significant contributions made by Kodak, which brought us the earliest compact cameras and democratized photography. Sadly, the beloved company fumbled the ball during the transition to digital.

The latest GoPro HERO Black is all about creative options. It supports a new series of interchangeable lenses, including anamorphic, ultra-wide, macro, and more. It also has a more powerful battery, a fast-grip mount for tripod threads, and a magnetic-locking charge option. It supports up to 5.3K resolution, 400 fps slow-mo, HLG HDR, and has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

Ever wondered how they shoot those super smooth videos that circle around a fast-moving car? This clip from the crew at motionstate shows how technology and talent come together to work cinematic magic. Director Corey Koniniec is running the show from behind the controls of a Nodofilm remote camera rig in their Porsche Cayenne Turbo arm car.

The latest in Fujifilm’s instant camera lineup shoots 2.4″ x 3.9″ prints on 3.4 x 4.3″ sheets of film. The chunky sage green camera has a retractable 95mm f/14 lens, two range focus zones, and automatically adjusts its exposure and shutter. It’s also got a self-timer, a built-in flash, and an optical viewfinder. Be sure to grab plenty of film cartridges, too.

The PaintCam EVE is a robotic security camera that not only spots intruders and alerts you to their presence, but it can also shoot them with paintballs, UV marking ink, or tear gas pellets – though the latter might not be legal depending on where you live. The higher-end models can automatically detect animals and familiar faces so as not to target them.

The Insta360 X4 dual-lens action camera can take 360° videos at up to 8K at 30fps. Combine this with all of its user-friendly features, such as the selfie stick remover, image stabilization, and HDR mode, and you get a truly versatile outdoor shooter. It can also act as a 4K camera that can capture angles you simply cannot take on single lens cameras.

Beaverlab’s digital telephoto camera has a 400mm lens and can shoot distant objects at 36x optical/200x digital magnification. Its 48mp sensor can capture craters on the moon and animals in motion. It works with a smartphone app for monitoring and tweaking your shots. It can also capture 4K video and HDR. There’s also a 40mm version for closer subjects.

Switzerland’s I’m Back teamed up with Yashica to create “the smallest mirrorless camera ever invented.” The ultra-compact digital camera fits in the palm of your hand and offers interchangeable lenses. It packs a 1/2.33 inch Sony IMX117 12-megapixel sensor that can also shoot 4K video, a flip-out 2-inch display, an HDMI output, and a flash hot shoe.

Leica’s follow-up to its SL2 camera is smaller, lighter, and has a much larger hand grip, making it more comfortable for extended use. The SL3 also has a new, hand-built full metal housing rated IP54 for water and dust resistance. The 60MP hybrid autofocus shooter also debuts Leica’s clearer and more intuitive touchscreen user interface.

The engraved markings on camera control knobs often have painted details to highlight functions. Camera repair technician Ryan Jones of RJ Repairs shows how he restores these details on a vintage Leica by applying Testors enamel model paint using a dental pick and then removing the excess using a Q-tip. It’s so satisfying to see the crisp shapes after cleanup.