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The Latest News:

A New Photography Focused PowerShot

Canon is gearing up to bring back the PowerShot “G” series, with a new photography-focused compact camera expected before the end of 2025. After the PowerShot V1 leaned heavily into video features (and left out things like a flash, EVF, and a more traditional compact camera form factor) it sounds like Canon is pivoting a bit. The next model is said to target photographers more directly, though it will still include standard video features, likely just the basics most people expect these days.

So far, there are no confirmed specs, just whispers that more info is coming soon. But fans of the G-series, which has included everything from the zoom-heavy G3 X to the pocketable G7 X, are already hoping for a blend of both styles. An EVF, a built-in flash, and a solid zoom range would go a long way in setting this model apart from the V1 and making it feel more like a true successor to the classic PowerShots. It’s not clear yet if this will be a one-off release or the start of a full G-series revival.

Pricing is still a mystery, but hopefully it’ll come in under the PowerShot V1’s $999 price tag. That said, a sub-$500 PowerShot seems unlikely in today’s market, especially with Canon positioning this as a higher-end compact for still shooters.

Synology’s Pricey SSD Line

Synology has officially launched its own line of SSDs targeted at photographers and creatives who rely on NAS systems for their work, and the prices are raising some eyebrows. A 1.6TB NVMe SSD, for example, will set you back $535, even though similar drives from other brands cost closer to $100. While this premium pricing might have been easier to swallow in the past, it now comes with a catch: Synology’s newest NAS models, starting with the 25 Plus series, require these branded drives for full functionality.

The company claims this shift is all about reliability and stability. According to Synology, using only its officially validated drives reduces the risk of failures and compatibility issues, and ensures you get access to every feature in its software. Older NAS units and the budget-friendly J and Value series can still use third-party drives, but it’s hard not to wonder if that might change down the road too. For creatives who depend on fast, stable storage, especially those working with large files and demanding workflows, these limitations could start to feel pretty restrictive.

What makes this even more frustrating is that Synology’s flagship SSD still uses PCIe 3.0 instead of the faster 4.0 or 5.0 standards, and it tops out at a fairly modest 1.6TB. For higher capacities, users can turn to Synology’s own hard drives, which at least are ‘‘more reasonably priced’’, $300 for a 16TB 3.5” HDD, for example. In the end, Synology’s bet seems to be that creatives will pay extra for peace of mind and seamless performance.

You can see full details on Synology’s website here

Weekly Photo Technique Exploration

Welcome to a new section of the magazine where every week we will explore a new photography technique from across various photography genres.

This week’s technique: Clamshell Lighting

What Is Clamshell Lighting?

Clamshell lighting is a two-light setup where one light is placed above the subject and the other below, both aimed toward the face. The top light does most of the work, while the bottom light (or reflector) fills in the shadows and evens everything out.

The result? Soft, glowing skin, minimal shadows, and a nice sparkle in the eyes (called catchlights).

Why Use It?

• It’s very flattering for skin and facial features

• Great for beauty, fashion, editorial, or headshots

• Softens wrinkles and minimises texture, especially useful in close-up portraits

• You can do it with studio gear or natural light plus a reflector

Basically, if you want your subject to look polished, elegant, and well-lit without going over the top, clamshell lighting is the move.

What You’ll Need

• One main light (softbox, ring light, or even a large window)

• One fill light or a white reflector

• A stand or tripod for the bottom light/reflector

• Optional: a backdrop if you’re going full studio style

How to Set It Up

1. Position the Main Light (Key Light)
   Place your softbox, ring light, or window about 30–45 degrees above the subject’s eye level and directly in front of them, angled slightly down toward their face.

2. Add the Fill Light or Reflector Below
   Put a second light (or white/silver reflector) just below the subject’s chin, angled up. This bounces light into the shadows under the nose, eyes, and chin.
   If you’re using a reflector, a simple V-flat or a pop-up reflector on a stand works great.

3. Position the Subject Facing Forward
   You want the person looking straight into the space between the two light sources. This gives the iconic glow and balanced catchlights in both eyes.

4. Fine-Tune Your Distance
   If the fill light is too close, it can flatten things out too much. If it’s too far, you’ll get harsh shadows. Tweak until you get a nice soft balance, usually a few feet between subject and lights is a good starting point.

Natural Light Version (No Studio Gear)

If you don’t have studio lights, no worries:

• Use a large window as your main light (north-facing ones are great)

• Place a white foam board or reflector just below the person’s face to bounce light back up

• That’s it. Super simple, and it still works great.

When Not to Use It

Clamshell lighting is great, but it’s not for every situation. If you’re going for drama or texture, this probably isn’t your setup. It flattens things out and makes everything soft and pretty, which is great when that’s the goal, but not if you want grit or depth.

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The Rest of this Issue is for Premium Subscribers

The Premium Version of this Magazine is now on a ‘‘Pay What you Want’’ model. Meaning you get to decide the price.