2025 Mid-Year Camera Industry Review with Gordon Laing
The 2025 Mid-Year Camera Grading
In this special episode of the PetaPixel podcast, host Jaren Schneider, Chris Nichols, and Jordan Drake are joined by camera expert Gordon Laing (@cameralabs) to conduct a biannual “grading” of the major camera manufacturers. The discussion dives deep into the industry's performance, focusing on new product releases, firmware updates, and lens developments.
Key Takeaways:
• Fujifilm is highlighted for its diverse approach, releasing five new cameras across five different formats, earning top marks for variety and innovation despite some ongoing complaints about autofocus.
• Nikon has impressed the panel with aggressive cinema-oriented moves, including the Z5 II launch and RED integration, though the third-party lens restrictions remain a point of contention.
• Panasonic is lauded for its ultra-dependable camera bodies and excellent firmware support, yet they are criticized for producing inherently "uninspiring" or utilitarian hardware designs.
• Canon and Sony receive mixed reviews. Canon is recognized for its vlogging-centric releases but criticized for a lack of professional-grade innovation, while Sony is described as having a remarkably "quiet" year to date.
• OM System and Leica round out the conversation, with discussions centering on the challenge of maintaining brand identity in an increasingly competitive market.
"It’s just another solution. And it’s fun. And I think it’s easy in a world of specs and performance to forget that photography can be fun."
Other Highlights
• Gordon Laing's New Channel: Beyond cameras, Gordon discusses his passion for high-end coffee and the launch of his new channel, Gordon Gets Coffee.
• Film Photography: The group discusses the current state of film, addressing rumors about discontinued stocks and discussing new emulsion releases from Leica.
• Equipment News: A detailed breakdown of new lens releases, including Tamron's new trifecta zooms and recent firmware issues on the Nikon Z8.