The PetaPixel Podcast PetaPixel

We would like to thank our podcast sponsor, OM SYSTEM. Recently, PetaPixel followed OM SYSTEM Ambassadors Tiffany Taxis and Arthur Lefo as they photographed the incredible winter wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. The photographers had brought the recently released OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, the company’s latest telephoto zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO


Watch the film on PetaPixel's YouTube Channel, make sure to read Lefo’s 9 Tips for Photographing Wildlife in Winter, and don't forget to also visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to learn more about the OM-1 Mark II and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens.


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Thank you to Storyblocks for sponsoring this week's main story segment! Download unlimited stock media at one set price with Storyblocks at storyblocks.com/petapixel.


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This week, Jordan and I discuss some new developments surrounding Nikon's acquisition of RED as well as some of the top news that came out of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) tradeshow in Las Vegas. That includes some hands-on impressions and testing of Insta360's new camera.


We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.


We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.


In This Episode



00:00 - Intro... and where's Chris?
08:32 - Nikon's purchase of RED gets clearer
08:48 - Nikon is 'considering' cine glass while RED will continue to use RF
11:31 - When else has a lens/camera maker supported competitors' lenses or mounts?
14:29 - Expect a new camera using tech from both Nikon and RED 'in a few years'
16:02 - Nikon started the process to buy RED two years ago
17:40 - It looks like two-thirds of the X100VI Limited Edition camera orders in the U.S. were suspect
20:41 - Ok, SmallRig's new tripod collab with Potato Jet actually looks sick
23:12 - Blackmagic's big week (lightning round)
28:44 - So, is the Insta360 X4 8K any good?
44:42 - The sounds of Shure's new MV7+ podcasting mic
47:06 - What have/will you been/be up to?
52:35 - Tech support
1:06:12 - Never read the comments

We want to once again thank our podcast sponsor, OM SYSTEM, who are bringing you an unbeatable deal today! For outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, size and weight of camera gear often plays a big role. The OM SYSTEM OM-5 not only offers cutting-edge technology and unrivaled performance, but also ensures you have room in your bag for other essentials needed for your adventure. Adventure enthusiasts and photography fans alike can now pair the OM-5 with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II lens for just $1,299.99 after a rebate. That’s a steal considering the quality and performance you’ll experience with this fully weather-sealed camera and lens combination.


Don’t miss out on capturing your adventures with OM SYSTEM. Head to your nearest authorized retailer or visit explore.omsystem.com/petapixel to take advantage of this amazing offer before it ends on April 28, 2024.


Almost every camera manufacturer makes its own photo editing software, but we aren't super enthused to use any of them -- especially if camera features are locked behind them.


As long as there is no real reason to ever download it and fire it up, it's actually not a big deal if a camera company's software doesn't work great. Photographers are using third-party software like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One a majority of the time and it probably isn't unusual for them to never feel the need to download first-party software.


That was until companies started locking features behind these programs. For example, Canon Dual Pixel RAW requires the use of Digital Photo Professional and Sony requires photographers fire up Imaging Edge if they want to use Pixel Shift Multi-Shot. Neither of these programs are intuitive to use and, perhaps worse, they are frustratingly slow and prone to crashing.


So, looking at the state of photography in 2024, Chris, Jordan, and Jaron asked themselves this: how is it acceptable that all these programs are just varying degrees of bad? The three dig into it while driving from San Jose to San Francisco in the first-ever PetaPixel Carcast!


We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.


We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

Today’s episode is brought to you by OM SYSTEM, delivering cutting-edge technology for photographers everywhere.


 
Now for all you birding enthusiasts out there, OM SYSTEM has something special in store just for you: discounts on multiple pro-level zoom lenses that will allow you to push the boundaries of your photography adventure. You'll want to check out the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II, and M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS, all of which can be had for a discount and are perfect for bird and wildlife photography.


 
Head over to OM SYSTEM's website or visit your nearest authorized retailer to take advantage of these incredible deals before they take flight. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take your bird photography to new heights with amazing glass from OM SYSTEM.


 
This week, Chris, Jordan, and Jaron are joined by filmmaker Levi Holwell to discuss documentary filmmaking and all of the details that go into a successful production. But before that, the four talk about the biggest camera ever made, Nikon's huge new camera robot, and how despite getting a new firmware update last week, Sony didn't give filmmakers everything they were looking for.


 
We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.


 
We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/petapixel


 
Watch Levi’s film (just create a free account). Also, make sure to check out the story Jordan references regarding the Photojournalist in North Korea.


 
In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro
10:02 - The biggest digital camera ever made is complete
16:16 - A photographer flew his drone into North Korea
18:57 - Filmmakers want Sony to let them use custom LUTs on the a7S III
23:16 - Nikon's new cinema robot is bigger and better
27:27 - Talking documentary filmmaking with Levi Holwell
54:55 - What have you been up to?
1:00:18 - Tech support
1:17:58 - Never read the comments

This week's podcast is once again brought to you by OM SYSTEM! In the world of photography, versatility and quality are paramount. OM SYSTEM stands at the forefront of this revolution offering a series of high-performance pro-grade lenses, all featuring a constant F4.0 aperture and weather-sealing, designed to meet the needs of the discerning photographer. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, OM SYSTEM lenses are about pushing boundaries, exploring further, and capturing life as you see it. They’re built for those who demand excellence and versatility from their gear.




Spring savings are now in bloom. Now through April 28th, OM SYSTEM is offering an instant rebate of up to $200 off these lenses. A big thank you to OM SYSTEM for sponsoring this episode. For more information, visit your local authorized retailer or explore.omsystem.com/petapixel.




This week, Chris, Jordan, and Jaron break down which four Sony Alpha cameras received new features via firmware update and, among those, which didn't get through that process without a few bumps in the road. Ricoh also announced a new GR III and it appears as though it will do anything to not release a GR IV. Tamron also brought its 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 Lens to Nikon Z this week, which has its own interesting ramifications, and the team then talks about photo printing and why you should do it.




We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.




We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.




In This Episode

00:00 - Intro
08:55 - Photography You Can Touch?
11:49 - Four Sony Alpha Cameras Get Huge Firmware Updates and C2PA Tools
19:14 - Tamron Brings Its Affordable, Excellent 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 Lens to Nikon Z
22:55 - Chris is jealous of Jaron's hair
24:55 - Ricoh’s New GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF Cameras Feature a Dreamy Filter
29:49 - Sony's Mark Weir has retired
33:29 - Print your photos. If not for you, then for those who love you
48:59 - What have you been up to?
53:55 - Tech support
1:13:00 - The Rode Mic
1:14:59 - Never read the comments

This week's podcast is proudly sponsored by OM SYSTEM. Right now, they’ve got deals that’ll have you upgrading your camera gear. For example, the shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and crushproof Tough TG-7 is a camera that’s as rugged as your adventures that is available now for $50 off: $499.99.
 
That is not all though! Nearly all M.Zuiko Pro lenses are an incredible $200 off. And for those looking for versatility without compromising on quality, most non-pro M.Zuiko lenses are now up to $400 off. And as if that wasn’t enough, here’s something to get excited about: Order the brand new OM-1 Mark II and receive a free BLX-1 battery (with the purchase of an OM-1 Mark II body or kit. The OM-1 Mark II body only is  $2,399.99 while the kit, which includes the OM-1 Mark II with 12-40mm PRO II lens, is $2,999.99 U.S.The savings don’t stop there! Bundle your OM-1 Mark II with qualifying lenses and save an additional $300, plus receive that free battery!

Time is ticking. Don’t miss out on these incredible deals—remember, they’re only available until March 31st. Head over to explore.omsystem.com/petapixel or visit your local authorized OM SYSTEM retailer to take advantage of these unbeatable savings today!

The team dissects the week's biggest news including the reveal of Sony's 247-megapixel medium format sensor. Leica also admitted that selling L-mount cameras is harder than selling its M- or Q-series bodies. Also, Canva acquired Serif Affinity to become a player in the professional editing space.

Finally, Fujifilm made its Limited Edition X100VI available to purchase in the United States last week and that was a whole ordeal with twists, turns, and an uncertain ending.

The team is also joined by Matt Lloyd, ASC, CSC, who is a director of photography and a cinematographer, and you may know his work from Ava Duvernay's Origin, Marvel's Spider Man: Far From Home, Power Rangers, Fargo, and Insecure. He's also from Calgary, Alberta, where Chris and Jordan call home.

Lloyd shares his experiences shooting a wide variety of subjects (music videos, television, and feature-length films) with both film and digital and explains what it's like working in Hollywood and the types of equipment he chooses for the different projects.

We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.

We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Intro, where we talk about first dates
07:25 - Sony has a new 247-megapixel medium format sensor
09:33 - Leica admits selling L-mount cameras is harder than M or Q series: https://petapixel.com/2024/03/22/leica-selling-l-mount-cameras-is-tougher-than-selling-a-q-or-an-m/
13:36 - Canva acquires Affinity
17:23 - Fujifilm X100VI limited edition sale nearly crashes Fuji's site and sells out in minutes. Fuji will cancel "suspicious" purchases and raffle them.
22:16 - Matt Lloyd talks abou making feature-length movies, TV, and music videos
1:06:51 - What have you been up to?
1:08:05 - Logitech Mevo Core initial impressions
1:11:21 - Tech support
1:24:00 - Never read the comments

When a listener asked Chris, Jordan, and Jaron to share how their careers (all the highs and lows) have gone over the years, the team decided it was worthy of a main story segment to itself.

Speaking of creative journeys, OM SYSTEM has announced their last call for entries in their contest and community-based project Tell Your Story which is aimed at promoting and showcasing the capabilities of the OM SYSTEM OM-5 camera. Renowned for its class-leading performance and weather-sealed design capable of handling any environment, the OM-5 offers remarkable computational features such as Live ND and Starry Sky AF.

Building upon the success of last year's initiative, Tell Your Story II strives to identify and empower emerging talents to advocate for OM SYSTEM products within their social communities. Through March 25th, 2024, photography enthusiasts of every skill level are invited to participate in Tell Your Story II. The project will be showcased on Instagram, on the @omsystem.generation channel. Candidates selected for Tell Your Story II will receive support from OM SYSTEM, including the OM-5 camera, lenses, and mentorship  by esteemed OM SYSTEM Ambassadors, including Brooke Bartleson and Peter Baumgarten, to bring their projects to life.

Details about the program and how to participate can be found at explore.omsystem.com/petapixel.

Did you know that Chris Niccolls was very disinterested in photography for most of his young life? Did you know that Jordan Drake used the money from a canceled trip to Europe to buy a video camera, forever changing the course of his career? Did you know Jaron got his start working at a photographic lighting company? Humble beginnings all, and the three share what sparked them to continue in the photography and video space, how teaching is important to them, and how that despite the lows (of which there are many), the highs still get them excited about every day.

Burnout is real, but the trio explain how they either avoided it or worked through it to be where they are today.

We use Riverside to record The PetaPixel Podcast in our online recording studio.

We hope you enjoy the podcast and we look forward to hearing what you think. If you like what you hear, please support us by subscribing, liking, commenting, and reviewing! Every week, the trio go over comments on YouTube and here on PetaPixel, but if you’d like to send a message for them to hear, you can do so through SpeakPipe.

For those curious about our Audacity compressor settings:

Threshold: -16 dB
Noise floor: -40 dB
Ratio: 3:1
Attack time: 0.10 secs
Release Time: 1.0 secs
Check both "make-up gain for 0 dB after compressing" and "compress based on peaks."


In This Episode

00:00 - Intro, where Jordan asks what our first jobs were
10:24 - Leica Will Deliver a Mirrorless Medium Format Hybrid Camera ‘Within 2 Years’
16:23 - The Hydrus Underwater Drone Wants to Be the DJI of the Sea
21:39 - Logitech joins Micro Four Thirds with the Mevo Core
26:27 - The $230 Full-Frame 50mm f/1.8 is 7Artisans’ First Autofocus Lens
30:09 - Chris, Jordan, and Jaron talk about their professional photo and video journeys
1:06:18 - What have you been up to?
1:10:23 - Tech support
1:23:23 - Never read the comments