📸 The Magazine For Photographers - Bite Size
Read the Latest Photography News and Updates in the Creative Industry in 2 minutes or less ;)
In partnership with
Important note: All photography articles are NOT sponsored
The Latest News:
Panasonic’s New Lumix S 40mm f/2 Lens
credits: Panasonic
Panasonic has announced the Lumix S 40mm f/2, a compact full-frame prime that looks like it is designed to sit somewhere between a standard and a wide-angle lens. At 40mm, it offers a slightly wider field of view than a typical 50mm, which tends to give a more natural perspective without feeling too tight. The lens is also pretty small, coming in at 144 grams and 40.9mm in length.
From a technical standpoint, the lens uses a 7-element, 6-group optical design, including three aspherical elements, which are typically there to help control distortion and keep the lens compact. The aperture ranges from f/2 to f/22, with a 7-blade diaphragm, and interestingly, there is no dedicated lens hood mount. Panasonic says flare and ghosting are controlled well enough through coatings and optical design that a hood is not really necessary. The lens is also dust and splash resistant and rated to operate down to -10°C, which is pretty standard for this class.
Despite the size, Panasonic has still included a few physical controls, like an AF/MF switch and a focus button, and the focus ring can be customised. On the video side, the lens is designed to minimise focus breathing and uses micro-step aperture control for smoother exposure changes. Panasonic also updated its roadmap alongside the announcement, mentioning a future wide-angle prime in the 18–24mm range and a large-aperture telephoto zoom somewhere between 50mm and 200mm. The Lumix S 40mm f/2 will be available in L-mount for $399.99 and is expected to start shipping in early June 2026. It will come in both silver and black.
DxO’s New Nik Collection 9
credits: DxO
DxO’s new Nik Collection 9 is here. It is the latest version of the company’s long-running suite of photo editing plugins, and this update focuses on AI-assisted masking and more flexible editing controls. The collection still works both as a standalone app and as a plugin for software like Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, but the main thing this time is improving how you handle local adjustments rather than changing the overall workflow.
The biggest additions are the two new AI-based masking tools. One is a depth mask, which analyses the scene and lets you apply edits based on distance from the camera, so you can adjust foreground, midground, and background separately without doing everything manually. The other is an object selection mask, which works more like modern subject selection tools, letting you isolate parts of a photo by hovering over them or drawing a box around them. Both include edge feathering and support multiple masks at once, and everything runs locally on your device. These tools build on Nik’s existing U Point system, which has been a core part of how it handles selective edits for a long time.
There are also a few new other extras. A colour grading panel now gives you separate control over shadows, midtones, and highlights, along with shortcuts to adjust them together. Three new filters have been added as well, including Halation for a film-style glow, Chromatic Shift for colour channel effects, and Glass, which overlays textured patterns. Another change is the addition of blending modes, with 18 options available across filters, which affects how edits stack and interact. Nik Collection 9 is available as a one-time purchase for $179.99, with upgrade pricing for existing users.
Download My IG Hashtag Guide For Photographers
Download My Instagram Hashtag Guide For Photographers - learn everything there is to know about hashtags on Instagram and how to use them to grow your photography account! Inside the guide, you will also find 20+ pre-optimised hashtag packs for different photography categories.
Something You Have To Check Out
The Matcha That Ruined All Other Matcha
As winter softens into spring, many of us crave energy that feels clean and steady. Not the jittery spike-and-crash kind.
That’s why I keep coming back to Sun Goddess Matcha by Pique. It’s easily the best matcha I’ve tasted.
In a market full of dull, bitter powders, this ceremonial-grade matcha stands apart for both flavor and purity. Crafted by Japanese tea masters and shaded 35% longer, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants and L-theanine to support calm focus and balanced energy.
The result is vibrant, smooth matcha that carries you through brighter mornings and fuller days. No spikes. No crashes. Just sustained energy that works with your body.
If you’re ready for a better morning ritual, try Sun Goddess Matcha here. 🌿🍵
Photographer Spotlight
Discover amazing photographers
This time in the Spotlight: Yoru
You can find him on Instagram as: @yoru_photo_2
A few photos of his:
Also want your photos featured in the magazine? Become a member here!
*advertisement (please check it out to support the magazine, it only takes a second and truly helps a lot)
Explore Peru with purpose
See Peru through the eyes of the women who call it home on Intrepid’s new Women’s Expedition. Travel with an expert female leader and a small group of like-minded women - trek the Andes, take part in a traditional textile workshop and join a female shaman’s spiritual practice on this immersive 8-day adventure.
The Rest of this Issue is for Premium Subscribers
