Sony FX5 Delay, Analog Film Comeback, and Back-Button Focus Debate

Podcast Overview

Welcome to another episode of the Petapixel podcast. In this episode, the team dives into the latest photo and video industry news, cultural happenings, and a special conversation about portable gimbal cameras with returning guest Becca Farsachi.

Industry News & Updates

Sony FX5 Delayed

• Sony Japan has officially confirmed a delay on the highly anticipated Sony FX5 due to production reasons.
• There is currently no official release date, though dealers are tentatively estimating a one-month delay.
• The delay is suspected to be linked to recent earthquake damages at Sony's main sensor plant in Kumamoto and potential quality control checks.

Kodak's Profitable Growth

• Eastman Kodak continues its positive financial streak, experiencing continuous improvements and strong fiscal quarters.
• Ektachrome remains extremely popular, leading to supply shortages in North America.
• Kodak is pulling ahead of competitors in Japan's analog film usage surveys.

Insta360's Upcoming Mirrorless Camera

• The CEO of Insta360 teased an upcoming mirrorless camera featuring a shape "you've never even considered."
• Speculation surrounds whether it will feature interchangeable lenses or an innovative form factor similar to their popular gimbal cameras.

Cultural Happenings & Debates

Back-Button Focus: Stupid or Essential?

"I'm just gonna say it, back button focus is stupid. It's honestly a thing of the past and I would not recommend using it." — Jared Polin

• The hosts debate a recent video by Jared Polin claiming back-button focus is obsolete given modern AI subject detection.
• Chris and Jordan defend the technique, noting that muscle memory and specialized shooting scenarios still make back-button focusing a valuable tool for many photographers.

AI Filmmaking Controversies

• Discussion centers around recent comments comparing AI filmmaking to the introduction of the Canon 5D Mark II.
• The team expresses concerns over copyright, stolen creativity, and the negative impact of AI generation tools on working professionals in the industry.

Gimbal Battle: Insta360 vs. DJI

• Becca Farsachi joins the show to discuss the current battle between pocket gimbals.
• The conversation weighs the technical advantages of the DJI against the superior usability and removable remote screen of the Insta360 Luna.

Tech Support & Listener Q&A

• OLED Screens: Answering why camera manufacturers still rely heavily on LCDs instead of OLEDs for rear displays due to cost and mass production.
• GPS Tagging: Discussing why modern mirrorless cameras omit built-in GPS modules, pushing users toward unreliable smartphone companion apps.