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Read the Latest Photography News and Updates in the Creative Industry in 3 minutes or less :)
The Latest News:
Sonyâs New a1 II is Here
cc: Sony
The Sony a1 II is finally here, catching up with the a7R V and a9 III by adding some much-needed modern features. It still has the same 50.1MP stacked sensor and image processor as the original, but now includes an AI chip to boost autofocus and improve JPEG quality.
One big upgrade? Stabilization. The new in-body system offers 8.5 stops, making it easier to shoot steady photos and videos. Autofocus is faster and smarter, with better eye tracking and a handy auto-detection mode, so you donât have to manually pick your subject.
It still shoots up to 30 fps, but now has a pre-capture mode, saving up to 30 shots before you fully press the shutterâgreat for action shots.
Borrowing from the a9 III, the grip feels better, the controls are improved, and the menu is more intuitive. The tilting screen is gone, replaced by a fully adjustable multi-angle LCD, and the upgraded EVF looks incredible with its 240Hz option.
Other features include dual CFexpress/SD card slots, a faster Ethernet port, and the same trusty battery. The price? $6,499âjust like the original a1 when it launched. Available mid-December, the a1 II is a solid upgrade for Sony fans.
Coca-Cola Used AI for their Classic Christmas Ad
cc: Coca Cola
Coca-Colaâs new Christmas ad is a remake of its 1995 classic, but instead of filming it, they used AI tools like Leonardo, Luma, and Kling. The ad, made by Secret Level, includes festive trucks, polar bears, and even humans based on real actors.
Critics arenât impressed. Many say it feels fake, with some accusing Coca-Cola of replacing artists with tech to save money. Animator Alex Hirsch joked the brand is âredâ because itâs running on the âblood of out-of-work artists.â
Coca-Cola says AI made production faster and more creative, not just cheaper. But fans of the original think the magic is gone. While the company insists it wonât use AI for everything, this ad has left a bad taste for many, especially creatives.
A new Social Media App?
Tired of the same old social platforms? Bluesky is quickly becoming the go-to alternative to X (formerly Twitter). Created in 2019 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, it started as an invite-only platform before opening to everyone in early 2024.
Whatâs driving the hype? Bluesky feels like a fresh start. With X making controversial changesâlike letting blocked users see your postsâand getting caught up in politics, millions are jumping ship. Blueskyâs user base has now passed 20 million, and itâs growing fast as people worldwide look for a more neutral, drama-free space. (however if it really is neutral and ââdrama freeââ we will have to see hahah)
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