Compact Cameras

Why You Need a Silly Camera

Image of a camera with its sensor exposed against a black background.
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As a product journalist, I have access to a wide range of gear for hobbyists, pros, and the general public. Lately, I’m seeing more and more pitches from companies touting “professional” features in cameras that target an audience that will never need them. Many consumer cameras available today allow you to shoot 8K “open-gate” video, offer continuous burst rates of 120 fps, and some even claim to autofocus in near-total darkness. None of these features has made someone a better photographer – you’ll need a silly, simple camera for that.

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A New Luxury Compact Camera: the Sony RX1R III Announcement

Sony RX1R III on a black background. Courtesy of Sony Electronics.
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This week, Sony did what seems impossible these days; it announced a camera that no one had any clue was in the works: the Sony RX1R III. High-end compact cameras have really become all the rage among deep-pocketed photographers, both pros and hobbyists alike, and it makes sense that Sony would bring back a camera model that has been sitting in a corner, ignored like a stepchild. But is this truly a revival of Sony’s full-frame compact or a scramble to regain market relevance?

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