Toy Cameras, Camera Trends, and Photography Gear

Childhood toys and photography prints

The hosts open by recalling treasured childhood toys, then connect that nostalgia to the episode’s discussion of toy cameras. Before the news, they talk about Petapixel’s print shop with Whitewall: contributors’ photographs are available in selected print formats, and Petapixel members can get a discount. They discuss the appeal of seeing photographs as physical prints and how the artists chose the papers, sizes, and frames.

Camera market and formats

Sales, prices, and smaller sensors

The hosts discuss reports of declining digital-camera shipments after several years of growth. They suggest that tighter budgets, people keeping existing or used gear, and the limited supply of compact cameras may all play a part. They also discuss anticipated Canon price increases and the costs of camera equipment.

The conversation turns to OM System and Micro Four Thirds. The hosts consider whether affordable, compact cameras and smaller sensors may appeal to photographers who value portability and enjoyment over maximum resolution or full-frame performance. They compare Micro Four Thirds with Fujifilm’s APS-C and medium-format systems, and discuss the usefulness of rugged bodies, noise reduction, and cameras for everyday memories as well as creative control.

“I want to have fun. I want to get photos that I’m happy with. I want to play with them.” — Chris Nichols

Nikon’s 120-300mm f/2.8 lens

The hosts discuss Nikon’s announced 120-300mm f/2.8 TCVR lens, priced at $14,000. They explain that its constant f/2.8 aperture, built-in 1.4× teleconverter, optical correction, and relatively reduced size help explain the cost. They have not reviewed it because the version available to them was pre-production, and they hope to test a production model in a suitable shooting context.

Touchscreen Macs and iPad software

The discussion moves to Apple’s announced touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and whether the iPad should offer a more capable operating system. Chris says the iPad Pro’s hardware is powerful, but its software limits tasks such as handling large groups of images. The hosts discuss Apple’s reasons for keeping its laptop and tablet products distinct, and Chris describes using a touchscreen Asus laptop for podcasting and other work.

Ricoh GR spaces

The hosts discuss a planned Ricoh GR space in New York City and explain how these spaces can serve as photography galleries, community venues, event locations, and places to try or buy cameras and accessories. They mention existing spaces in several cities and discuss the appeal of the GR’s street-photography focus.

Smartphone sensors and the camera experience

The hosts discuss a new Sony 50-megapixel smartphone sensor, including its reported dynamic range and dual-conversion-gain HDR. They distinguish that approach from Sony’s Lofic technology, which they describe as capturing light that would otherwise overflow in brighter areas. The conversation also considers the difference between phones producing good images and offering a satisfying, creative photography experience, including the role of manual controls and the convenience of keeping memories on a phone.

Affordable lenses and a rare Leica prototype

The hosts discuss Sarray’s announced $149 prime lenses, including 20mm and 40mm options, and note their manual-focus and control features. They then describe a rare Leica prototype lens found through a Goodwill auction listing. Its price rose from $3,000 when first reported to $20,000, and it was identified as another surviving example of a lens previously known from a single specimen.

Toy cameras: fun, quality, and e-waste

The hosts debate whether inexpensive toy cameras are worthwhile. Chris argues that many rely on appealing marketing but are poorly made, limited, difficult to use, or likely to become electronic waste when their batteries fail. Sarah agrees that the idea can be fun but says there are now too many similar products. They discuss the Charmera, Camp Snap, Godox C100, NBD cameras, and other examples, including broken or unclear viewfinders and a warm battery. They contrast these with options they consider better built or more reusable, including Instax hybrid cameras and cameras with removable batteries. They suggest that lasting usefulness, durability, and features that bring people back to the camera matter more than a marketing hook.

“The idea, the marketing is so powerful, but the concept is trash.” — Chris Nichols

What the hosts have been doing

Sarah talks about photographing Halloween in New York and the New York City Marathon, and explains the routes to entering the race. Chris describes his daughter’s Halloween costume, work on a bathroom renovation, and preparing food and supplies for emergencies. Jaron talks about photographing fall color in a Japanese garden and shares how an iPhone image drew more attention than a previous photograph made with a larger camera.

The conversation also turns to oyaki, a stuffed pastry Sarah bought at a Japanese grocery store after visiting Nagano. The hosts discuss its fillings, how it is stored and reheated, and their experiences with soba.

Listener questions: camera software, creative work, and lenses

Canon software and career advice

Listener Stefano argues that Canon could make better use of existing camera hardware through software, using eye-control calibration on the R3 as an example. The hosts discuss camera makers’ software limitations and speculate that users may eventually create their own modifications. Listener Craig asks for advice after being laid off from marketing and communications work. The hosts recommend networking, building a portfolio, and considering short-form video and social-media work for businesses. They also discuss whether freelancers should specialize or remain generalists, with Sarah suggesting that a broader range of work can help early in a career before someone narrows their focus.

Half-macro lenses

Listener Tammy asks why unusually fast, close-focusing half-macro primes are uncommon and what lenses the hosts wish existed. Chris and Jaron discuss the versatility of macro lenses for everyday, portrait, and detail photography. They suggest that conventional focal lengths and familiar fast-aperture specifications may be easier to market than less common options, even when slower lenses can be compact and useful.

Canon gashapon cameras

The final story is about Canon camera miniatures joining the gashapon range, following similar products from other camera brands. The hosts name several models represented, including the 4SB, 7S, F1, 5D, R1, and G7X. They say the miniatures are expected to arrive in Japanese gashapon machines at the end of February and like that some include keychain loops.