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The Latest News:

Viltrox’s Newest Lightweight ‘Air’ Lens

Viltrox just dropped a new nifty fifty—the AF 50mm f/2 Air—for Sony FE and Nikon Z-mount cameras, and it’s all about being light, simple, and affordable. Weighing just 7.2 ounces (205 grams), this little guy is perfect for portraits, street shots, travel, or just everyday snapping. It’s also video-friendly, with silent autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and solid eye and face tracking.

On the optics side, Viltrox packed in some fancy glass—three ED lenses, four high-refractive elements, and an aspherical element—all coated to keep things sharp, clean, and full of smooth bokeh. It takes 58mm filters, has a waterproof front element, and comes with an upgraded hood to cut down glare.

There’s no AF/MF switch on the lens itself—you’ll have to flip that in the camera settings. It’s got a sturdy metal mountand a USB-C port for firmware updates. And the best part? It’s available for $200.

You can see full details on Viltrox’s website here

The Camera Market Is Shifting

A new report from BCN+R in Japan shows compact camera sales are climbing, while demand for interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) is slowing down. ILC sales have been dropping since last summer, and inflation plus new tariffs aren’t helping. Meanwhile, compact cameras have been selling like crazy, with double-digit growth since November.

Camera brands are now racing to catch up. Canon, Panasonic, and others are bringing compacts back, but ramping up production takes time. By the time more models hit shelves, will demand still be there?

Companies aren’t just reviving old compacts—they’re making new ones built for vloggers and hybrid shooters. Sony’s ZV-1 II and Canon’s PowerShot V1 are designed for content creators, while Nikon’s Coolpix P1100 packs a 24-3000mm zoom—something no phone can match.

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Photo Analysis

Welcome to a new addition to the magazine: the photo analysis, where I will analyse a photo and talk about the composition, lighting what’s positive, what’s negative etc. so that you can learn and better your own photography from it ;)

This week’s photo by: Juan Solis

You can find him on Instagram as: @juansolisphoto

Let’s Analyse this Image:

Composition

What works well:

• The symmetry here is just spot on. The bench, the "Baker Street" sign, and the man all line up so perfectly that it makes the image feel almost staged—but in the best possible way. It gives off this cinematic, noir vibe.

• The use of leading lines is subtle but effective. The bricks and that archway above the sign pull your eyes straight to the center, making sure the focus stays on the subject.

What could be better:

• The symmetry is fantastic, but the right side has that red pipe running down, which slightly disrupts the balance. Not a dealbreaker, but if it weren’t there, the image would feel even cleaner.

• Maybe experimenting with a slightly wider frame could add even more of that “lonely in the city” atmosphere—though the close crop does make it feel intimate and direct - which is the best part of the image

Lighting

What works well:

• That spotlight effect? Chef’s kiss. It makes the subject pop. The soft glow above the "Baker Street" sign adds to the drama, giving the shot a natural vignette.

• The mix of warm and cool tones is a very nice touch. The artificial yellowish light contrasts against the cold brick wall which makes the scene feel even more atmospheric.

• The shadows are perfect. They don’t just add contrast—they add mystery (and this shot it all about that). His face is half-obscured under the hat, which immediately makes you want to know more about him.

What could be better:

• The lighting is focused mostly on the upper half, making the bench and man’s legs fade into the darkness. A slight lift in the shadows could make the it stand out more without losing that noir feel.

Framing & Perspective

What works well:

• The framing is tight, with just enough context to set the mood but no unnecessary distractions. It’s a masterclass in using just enough visual information.

• The slight tilt of the newspaper adds a little dynamic movement—it’s a small thing, but it prevents the image from feeling too rigid.

• The bench, the signage, the indent of the wall all wok together creating a natural frame.

What could be better:

• The bench is a bit low in the frame, making the composition feel slightly top-heavy. If the camera had been just a little lower, it might have balanced things out better.

Storytelling

What works well:

• This image screams mystery. Who is this guy? Why is he alone? The hat, the jacket, the newspaper—it all feels deliberately vintage, like a character out of a 1950s crime novel.

• The shadows covering part of his face make him even more intriguing. He could be waiting for someone, hiding from someone, or just lost in thought—either way, it keeps you hooked.

• The setting itself is iconic. Baker Street is famously tied to Sherlock Holmes, and while this man isn’t Sherlock, the reference adds an extra layer of meaning. This shot is a masterclass in storytelling!

What could be better:

• The newspaper is great, but if it had a bold, dramatic headline, it could reinforce the narrative. Something like “Mysterious Disappearance Shocks London” would make the story even juicier. But I mean that’s in an optimal world hahahah.

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The Rest of this Issue is for Premium Subscribers

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