It's been a very colorful week in the world of camera news – literally, in the case of one of the biggest stories, as I found out that Taylor Swift's favorite camera filter is the same one I've been using for years.
In terms of "real" photography, a great documentary reminded us that digital cameras did not in fact kill Kodak. Elsewhere, however, an iconic photographer's patience was killed by young people looking at their phones, as Stephen Shore stormed out of a lecture he was giving.
Finally a longstanding camera rumor came true, as Leica launched a "new" camera, while Pentax added an amazing new feature to its flagship cameras – but should this $80 purchase really have been included with a firmware update?
These are the top five camera news stories of the week…
Taylor Swift uses this filter (and I do, too)
While doing a deep dive to identify the camera that Taylor Swift uses (spoiler alert, she's an Olympus gal), I also noticed something else about her photography: she uses the same in-camera filter that I do.
A quick catch-up, in case you missed my original story: Swift has been using Olympus cameras since at least 2015, when photos of her with a silver Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II appeared in the press and on her Instagram profile. As of the most recent paparazzi picture, she's using an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
Something that all Olympus camera have in common is their selection of in-camera Art Filters. Now, this is probably an article / rant in its own right, but despite the negging that these get, they are really no different from the Film Simulations on Fujifilm cameras…
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Full story: This is the camera filter that Taylor Swift uses – and I've been using it for years
No, digital cameras did NOT kill Kodak
It was Kodak's failure to adapt to the onset of digital camera technology that was largely responsible for killing the company, so the common misconception goes. But as this fascinating video from YouTube channel History in the Dark explains, in reality the Eastman Kodak Company, to give it its full title, was something of a pioneer of digital tech, and by 2005 the company had become the number one seller of digital cameras in the USA.
However, by concentrating on the consumer end of the market with point-and-shoot models like the Kodak Easy Share range, it was the arrival of smartphones, in particular the Apple iPhone, that had such a dramatic and detrimental effect on the company's fortunes.
"The fact was that selling digital cameras was a lot different than selling film cameras because they no longer had the film market to fall back on once people bought a digital camera," the video expands. "They really didn't need to buy anything else from the company – at least not nearly as often…"
Full story: "The fall of Kodak wasn't because of digital cameras" says History in the Dark
Leica launches a "new" Q series camera
If you loved the Leica Q3 but thought that its fabulous 28mm f/1.7 lens was just a little too wide for your tastes, then you're going to be thrilled with the latest news.
Leica has unveiled the latest addition to its popular Q-series, the Leica Q3 43, marking the third generation in the compact full-frame lineup. The new model introduces a 43mm fixed focal length, fulfilling a long-standing request from users and adding a fresh dimension to the family’s legacy.
Known for its top-tier design, craftsmanship, and exceptional image quality, the Q-series has gained a loyal following worldwide. With the new Leica Q3 43 enhances this experience by blending tradition with innovative features for photographers who value precision and versatility…
Full story: Leica Q3 43 full-frame compact camera brings new perspective with 43mm lens
Should this $80 camera feature be firmware?
Ricoh has just introduced Grad ND Simulator – a function that I called "the coolest camera feature I've ever seen" when OM System debuted it earlier this year – to its flagship Pentax cameras.
There's just one thing: it's being introduced as a "premium feature", which means you have to pay $79.95 to unlock it on the Pentax K-1 Mark II or K-3 Mark III (including the K-3 Mark III Monochrome).
As you might imagine, I have thoughts about both these points.
First of all, the technology itself is brilliant – albeit not quite as brilliant as it is on the OM System OM-1 Mark II that originated it. Essentially this is an in-camera, software-powered ND grad filter; instead of putting a physical filter on your lens, the camera does the work for you…
Full story: The coolest camera feature I've ever seen is coming to Pentax DSLRs… but you have to pay $80 for it
Icon photographer storms out of lecture due to phones
Have you ever been distracted by your phone when visiting something important? - well this week, renowned American photographer Stephen Shore abruptly left a lecture he was giving at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China after observing several audience members more focused on their mobile phones than his the presentation.
A video posted by Shanghai Daily’s digital platform, SHINE, captured the moment Shore ended the lecture just as a question was about to be asked. You can see the video below and Shore's walk-off around the 2-minute mark.
It can be seen that Shore is answering some questions from the audience before he begins to walk out of his own lecture stating: "Just before you ask that question – I’m gonna say something, and I apologize in advance because it’s gonna be rude," Shore said from the stage. "But it’s something [that’s been] on my mind as I experience the modern world…"
You might be interested in the best Olympus / OM System cameras, as well as the best Leica cameras and the best Pentax cameras.
