When Threads launched earlier this year, the app was available in the US and more than 100 other countries. But those in the European Union were left out of the fun. However, in a short and sweet post on Threads, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta’s social media platform is now available to EU users.

Along with the launch, Meta allows users in the EU to browse Threads without signing in to a profile, a departure from how users elsewhere, including those in the United States, can use the service. However, users who want to post or interact with content will need an Instagram account, as The Verge reports.

Meta’s Threads initially launched in July 2023. Meta designed the app as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter) and, therefore, geared it towards text. However, photographers quickly jumped on board. The frustrating “insta-crop” is not a factor on Threads, making it an ideal alternative for sharing photos.

Unfortunately, EU residents haven’t been able to take advantage of the new social media platform until now. In fact, after the launch, Meta had to block EU-based users from accessing the app via a VPN, according to TechCrunch. Many blame the delay of access on the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which the bloc designed to curtail Big Tech’s alleged abuses and firm grip on the market. Indeed, companies such as Meta were listed as “gatekeepers” under the DMA and have until March 2024 to comply with the new requirements.

Other speculation posits that Threads’ close integration with Instagram (they do have the same parent company, after all) will cause issues with the EU regulators. When Threads launched, users signed up using existing Instagram accounts and could instantly connect with all of the Instagram accounts they already followed. This led to quick adoption but could go against the DMA’s rules against self-preferencing.

Since Threads launched, the connection between it and Instagram has loosened. In November, users were finally able to delete a Threads account without simultaneously deleting their Instagram account. However, users still need an Instagram account to post on Threads.

Despite the incredibly rapid growth (it was the fastest-growing app ever), Threads has struggled to retain users. The launch to the EU’s 448 million citizens will surely bring a new surge, though whether the app has done enough to keep people around remains to be seen.

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.

Taking some sexy photos at home to send your partner as a surprise is a fun way to spice things up, and the pictures can even make a romantic gift. But more importantly, perhaps, are all the reasons you might take the pictures for yourself: to celebrate exactly how your body looks right now, or to see yourself in a new, more confident light. Boudoir photos capture your body like art (because it is!), and just the process of taking the pictures can be empowering. So, here’s how to take sexy selfies at home and capture beautiful, boudoir-style images, according to professional photographers.

1. Research some poses.

Realistically, most people don’t pose for the camera, like, ever, beyond just smiling and holding still. So, before you get dressed up (or down), get an idea of how you want to pose in your photos.

“Looking up ideas is Square One,” says Sperber, who recommends browsing Pinterest for inspiration. “Then, you practice. Get in front of the mirror and just try it without taking any photos. You’ll start to get an idea of what’s comfortable not only for your body, but also for your personality, which is really important in your photos. You can also find photographers on TikTok that have series on posing for sexy photos, usually geared towards people that are using their phones.”

2. Pick the time and place with lighting in mind

Where you’re taking your photos, and when, will determine what the best lighting will be,” says Stephanie Sperber, a professional photographer in Jacksonville, Florida. “If you’re taking some cute poolside or beach bikini pics, being closer to dusk or sunset will be best. If you’re indoors and it’s day time, use natural window light.” Snapping pics at night? Do not turn on that overhead ceiling fan light. Instead use a reading lamp and play use it to cast bright light different directions and play with the shadows, Sperber says.

“Using a lamp that is at eye-level or just a few feet higher is a much better option than turning on any overhead lights, which can cast dark shadows under your eyes and is much less flattering,” says Holly Douglas, owner of Holly Douglas & Co., a boudoir photography studio in Nashville. “Position the lamp a little off to one side, as opposed to directly in front of you, to give your lighting more dimension and prevent your photos from looking flat.”

3. Play with the position and intensity of the light.

A good rule of thumb: diffused natural light is always going to be the most flattering. “Posing near a window that either receives indirect light or has white sheers that can diffuse the light is ideal,” says Douglas.

If you want your face and body visible in the photos, position yourself with the window off to the side or directly in front of you, Douglas says. You can also try snapping some sexy silhouettes by posing with the camera in front of you and the window behind you.

“No matter where you are, be mindful of the direction from which the light is coming. You generally don’t want to light yourself from below. If your face is in the shot, the light should be at or above eye level. Play with the harshness and softness of the light too. Sheer curtains help soften light if you want something more even and flattering to your complexion,” Sperber says.

4. Set a vibe.

Getting yourself in a relaxed, romantic headspace will make posing and taking your own photos feel less awkward.

“Always set a vibe,” Sperber says. “Sometimes that’s just a playlist that sets your mood. If you’re taking your own photos at home, lighting some candles or incense can also be nice. And give yourself grace for feeling weird, if you do. It’s not easy for a lot of people to be vulnerable like this, but it’s so worth it to get there.”

“If you want to look sultry and sexy in your photos, it’s important to feel sultry and sexy as you’re taking them,” Douglas adds. “As soon as clients enter our studio, they smell the beautiful essential oils in the air from our diffuser. We also always have some kind of sexy or chill music playing while they’re in hair and makeup and during their photoshoots. We also like to light some candles throughout the studio. Not only do they look great in photos, but who doesn’t feel romantic in candlelight?”

5. Let your personality shine through in your outfit.

Lingerie feels like the obvious wardrobe choice for taking steamy pics — it’s designed to accentuate your curves and make your body look bangin’. It can fun to buy a special set just for pictures too. But if lingerie is not your thing, there are so many other options for what to wear. Sperber and Douglas recommend:

• Sheer kimonos (which can look extra cool if you’re backlit or taking silhouette photos)
• A big, chunky sweater with long socks and undies
• A football jersey and panties
• Your partner’s favorite shirt, jacket, hat, or other item, with very little else
• Draping yourself in a bedsheet or blanket

6. If you’re snapping pics on your phone, use the back camera.

It’s tempting to snap selfies with your front cam so you can see what the photo will look like, but this is folly, these photogs agree. Start by propping your phone up on a tripod (or, more realistically, a DIY one, like leaning it against a stack of books or a heavy candle).

“The back camera on your phone is going to take photos of higher quality, meaning sharpness, focus, and tones. The challenge with that is that you can’t see what you’re photographing until you run back over and check,” Sperber says. “There are mirrors you can buy that attach to your phone that let you see things live as you take photos. But I wouldn’t blame anyone for just skipping all of that and using the front selfie camera. You can still place it on a tripod to get some distance and have your hands free for posing. As far as actually taking the photo, timers exist on all phones, but there are also Bluetooth remotes that are helpful to keep you from running back and forth.”

Most people look their best when photographed at eye level or just slightly higher, Douglas points out, so keep that in mind when finding a place to position your phone. Booty shots, though, look good from a low angle (wink wink).

7. Take some pics with Portrait Mode.

“If you use the iPhone’s Portrait setting, it will look a little more professional than the regular iPhone camera setting,” says Douglas. “You definitely do not want to use the 0.5x camera setting though, as that is the wide-angle lens and it’s the most unflattering for portraits of any kind.”

8. Turn up the heat with these subtle movements.

Whatever poses you strike in your photos, Douglas recommends doing the following if you want the final shot to have serious sex appeal:

• Point your toes.
• Arch your back.
• Relax your jaw and part your lips slightly.
• Don’t be afraid to mess up your hair. (“Messy hair pics are hot!” she says.)

9. Know when to hire a pro.

Like most things, you can absolutely DIY a little sexy photoshoot for yourself, but there are advantages to hiring an expert. It can be important to have someone experienced taking your photos if you’re not sure how you’ll feel about your body in them.

“When someone decides to try taking her own spicy selfies, she doesn’t always consider how she’s going to feel about herself if the photos she takes turn out to be rather unflattering. A professional boudoir photographer, on the other hand, understands that the experience of creating sexy photos can actually have a huge impact on a woman’s overall self-confidence and body image,” Douglas says. “We are literal experts at knowing the best lighting, poses, and angles to create beautiful, flattering photos for every woman we photograph, regardless of her age, shape, or size.”

10. Enjoy yourself.

Whether you show them to someone special or keep them for yourself, commemorating what your body looks like right now is a fun way to celebrate it.

“Just make sure to have fun with your photos and be proud of yourself for doing this. It’s creative and powerful,” Sperber says. “And remember that you are beautiful. Every single person on the planet has at least one thing about their body they don’t love, and others rarely even see those flaws, or they don’t care about them because they’re part of the whole lovely package.”

Sources:

Stephanie Sperber, a professional photographer in Jacksonville, Florida

Holly Douglas, owner of Holly Douglas & Co., a boudoir photography studio in Nashville

Antonia Mufarech

Reporter

In March 2010, photographer Martin Bond decided to snap a portrait of his hometown every day. Titled A Cambridge Diary, the project captured subjects such as tango dancers, swans, commuters and even King Charles.

Bond tells the Guardian’s Donna Ferguson he wanted to showcase scenes in Cambridge, England, that tourists don’t usually see, while simultaneously rekindling the love locals feel for the city.

“The power of capturing everyday moments reminds us that we’re human. There’s a connectedness that we sometimes take for granted or are not aware of,” he adds. “All I’m really doing is just tuning in to those little personal moments and interactions that happen thousands of times over, in every street, because they chime with me, and I think they will chime with others.”

Now, 5,000 photos and 13 years later, Bond has decided to conclude the project.

The final image, which he shared on social media last Wednesday, features a full moon resting symmetrically between the turrets of an illuminated King’s College Chapel.

“I knew the moment I pressed the shutter that I wanted it to be the last photograph of my daily pictures, not just because this frame is undoubtedly the most recognizable view in Cambridge, but because, for me, the full moon symbolizes a moment of release and completion and a time to sit in the fullness of life and feel grateful for my blessings,” Bond wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The full moon is also associated with madness, of which I must have had a portion to have stuck with this for so long!”

In the post, he thanked those who have followed his journey, as well as those who have appeared in his pictures—including bikers, gardeners, rabbits, squirrels and the Dalai Lama. He added that he will continue sharing photos, although not daily.

“[Five thousand] seems to be a nice, round figure, and I did kind of want to relieve the pressure of doing it every day,” the photographer tells BBC News’ Lewis Adams, adding that he will “miss it tremendously,” as the project feeds him “psychologically and emotionally.”

Originally shared through a Facebook page, the diary currently has over 100,000 followers across several platforms, including Instagram and X. Bond tells Cait Findlay of Cambridgeshire Live that he originally planned to end the diary after ten years, but he decided to continue when the pandemic began. “Everywhere I go, I keep seeing potential for a photograph,” he says. “It’s a low level of vigilance that you carry with you all the time.”

Although A Cambridge Diary has come to an end, Bond continues to create. This fall, the photographer released his first book, Town and Gown, which showcases a curated selection of 365 images captured during the initial seven years documented in his diary. The 224 full-color pages display scenes from everyday life and celebrate the multifaceted city.

According to the Guardian, Bond eventually intends to review approximately 25,000 photos taken since 2010, which he will use to compile two additional collections.

After building such a large portfolio, he is struck by how many meanings can be assigned to a single image. As he writes on his website, “The best thing about street photography … is that it is possible for the final viewer of a picture to see more than the original photographer—proof, if any were needed, that there is more going on in any moment than a single person can understand.”

A striking close-up image of a turkey has won the top prize in the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023 for a Welsh snapper.

The stunning photo was entered by eight-year-old Jamie Smart, who is the youngest ever winner of the charity’s photography awards which have been running for over 30 years.

The winners of the award, which are open to youngsters aged 18 and under, were announced today 14 December at a ceremony the Tower of London hosted by TV presenter and RSPCA president Chris Packham.

Jamie, from Llandrindod Wells,  secured the highest award out of more than 6,000 entries to the competition this year.

The judges were impressed by the level of detail illuminated on the turkey, called Frederick, the contrast of colours and the dark and brooding background.

Thought provoking

The image which was entered under the ‘Pet Personalities’ category also caught the judges’ attention as an unusual and thought-provoking image which encourages people to think about turkeys differently.

Jamie, who has her own website Eagle Eyed Girl where she posts David Attenborough-style wildlife videos and photography, said: “I’d definitely like to be a wildlife photographer and presenter when I’m older. I really want to spread awareness and make a difference. I want to inspire people of all ages to get as many people as possible to help and conserve all these beautiful creatures.

“I’m amazed and proud of myself to have won and proud of my winning image. The shot of Frederick, our turkey, was taken through the bars of his pen and it looked like he was in prison which was quite appropriate due to the bird flu situation at the time.

“I wanted to show the beauty of his feathers with their iridescent shine, which he loves to display during spring and summer. People don’t often get to see the amazing plumage of turkeys. When the restrictions were lifted, he was able to be let out again in our wooded area.”

Curious George

Jamie also won the ‘Pet Portraits’ category with her image of Curious George – a horse she spotted on some moorland, in the ‘Small World’ category she was commended for her caterpillar image, a swan tilting its head into the water also secured her a commended position in the ‘Under 12’ category along with an image of a pheasant sitting on top of a farm gate – which was her personal favourite.

She also won the ‘portfolio’ category with ‘A Year In a Life of the Turkey’ which as well as featuring the winning image showcased striking close-ups of the turkey’s eyes and feathers.

All entries are judged entirely anonymously which makes Jamie’s success this year even more amazing.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel of experts in wildlife photography, including wildlife photographer, TV presenter and RSPCA president Chris Packham; wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs.

Heartening

Chris Packham said: “Seeing children and young people express their connection to the natural world through these photographs is always so heartening to see, and this year I was blown away by how many superb photographs we received for the competition.

“Jamie’s turkey photo really stood out for me, it’s a fantastic image and not just because I could imagine it as an album cover for a punk band!

“Jamie is clearly a very talented young photographer with an exciting future ahead of her and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

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MOORHEAD — Professional photos aren’t just created from a handheld camera anymore.

Wendy Gerlach, of Moorhead, proves how it is possible. She recently created a business called

Behind The Lens Phone-tography

, where she solely takes and edits pictures on her cellphone. She believes that a photo from a cellphone can be just as good as a photo from a professional camera.

She likes to say it’s all about who’s behind the screen taking the picture.

Gerlach started by taking pictures as a hobby. She would take a nice image, edit it on her camera app, and then post it to social media.

She also sold greeting cards of her images. What made the greeting extra special was that it was an actual photo that customers could frame. Gerlach chose to do that because a lot of her customers just liked the image as a whole, and wanted to hang it up in their home. The cards are available at

Minn-Dak Market in West Acres Shopping Center

.

After a while, Gerlach realized her work was more than just a hobby and she wanted to make it an official business for herself.

“I did it as a hobby forever, I just love photography,” Gerlach said. ” I would just shoot pictures of what I saw was cool, and then I’d just share them on social media.”

Not only does Gerlach take the pictures on her cellphone, but she also edits them there as well. She simply uses the camera app editing tools that come free with a phone.

“I edit everything in my phone, I don’t use Photoshop, I don’t use Lightroom, it’s all the settings in my phone,” Gerlach said.

Gerlach feels that a camera and a phone can take an equally fantastic photo. It doesn’t matter how expensive the equipment is, it solely depends on the skill of the person taking the photo.

“You can have a $7,000 camera, and a $7,000 lens and take a really crappy picture”

The big question Gerlach gets is “what kind of phone are you using to take these beautiful photos?”

She is currently using a Samsung, but she has used iPhones before.

You can find some of her photos on display at Essentia Health Cardiac Rehab Center and the Essentia Health Cardiac Clinic.

Phone photography isn’t Gerlach’s full-time job, she also works for Lemongrass Spa in Fargo.

Because her business has blown up, she decided to start offering a “Phone-tography” class. She offers it at the Daily Dose in Fargo. Gerlach describes some of what will be taught in her classes.

“We’ll talk about that in my photography class on framing a photo, positioning yourself, how to get something to look better, we want the picture to tell a story a little more,” Gerlach said.

Behind The Lens Phone-tography is a business created based on a hobby and Wendy is grateful to have started it, but she’s received a little backlash from some people aligned with traditional photography.

“Some of the people in the photography community were like “You’re not a real photographer,” Gerlach said.

But it’s not stopping Wendy. She had a dream, went forward with it, and created a very successful business, one click of the shutter (phone) button at a time.

“It’s been an amazing dream,” she said.

Gerlach can be reached at her

website, WendyGerlach.com

or on

Facebook

at “Behind the Lens Phone-tography.”

Hannah Vig is a Minnesota State University Moorhead student and Forum intern.

Esteban Cardenas has announced that he is leaving WWE NXT as a photographer after spending four years snapping shots for the gold brand.

Taking to Twitter, Cardenas shared that this week’s NXT was his final episode of the show, and was grateful for his time with WWE.

Tonight is my final taping

This 2019-2023 run is something will never be topped

NXT will forever be home

Let’s Go out strong #wwenxt pic.twitter.com/pXzPeAusHY

— Esteban Cardenas (@ECBITW) December 13, 2023

This week’s episode of WWE NXT saw the start of the 2023 Men’s Breakout Tournament and Carmelo Hayes was attacked backstage by a mystery assailant.

You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Mirrorless cameras are lightweight and easy on the shoulder, making them the low-maintenance buddies of photography gear. One perk is the absence of that clunky mirror you find in traditional cameras. Without it, the best mirrorless cameras can focus faster and capture moments in the blink of an eye. They boast an autofocus system that never misses a beat, whether you’re snapping a quick pic or chasing the perfect shot.

Unlike DSLRs with their bulky reflex mirrors, mirrorless cameras employ an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to display the scene directly from the sensor. This eliminates the mirror box, resulting in a lighter, more compact body that’s easier to carry and handle. But the benefits go beyond portability.

Benefits of Going Mirrorless: 

• Unparalleled Image Quality: Mirrorless cameras boast high-resolution sensors and advanced image processing engines, delivering stunningly sharp, detailed images with exceptional low-light performance.
• Faster Focusing: Most mirrorless cameras feature phase-detect autofocus systems on the sensor, offering blazing-fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Live View Revolution: The EVF allows you to see the final image in real-time, adjusting settings and composing your shot with ease. No more peeking through the optical viewfinder!
• Silent Operation: Say goodbye to the DSLR’s clunky mirror slap! Mirrorless cameras operate near silently, making them ideal for capturing quiet moments or discreet street photography.
• Video Powerhouse: Many mirrorless cameras excel in video recording, offering features like high frame rates, smooth autofocus, and cinematic image profiles.
• Compact Convenience: Ditch the bulky DSLR bag! Mirrorless cameras offer a more travel-friendly experience, letting you capture stunning images without weighing yourself down.

With so many cameras available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Sensor Size: Full-frame sensors offer the best image quality, but crop sensors are smaller and more affordable.
• Resolution: Higher megapixel count means more detail, but consider file size and processing power.
• Autofocus: Prioritize fast and accurate autofocus if you shoot action or low-light photography.
• Video Features: If video is important, consider features like 4K recording, frame rates, and codecs.
• Budget: Mirrorless cameras come at various price points, so set a realistic budget before exploring options.

The best mirrorless cameras are ideal for shooting smooth, cinematic footage. Their ability to handle high-quality video with ease means you can capture the action at your friend’s wedding dance or your cat’s acrobatics like a professional. It’s a win-win for both photographers and videographers looking to lighten their load without compromising on quality. We want that for you, which is why StudyFinds has crafted this list of the best mirrorless cameras most recommended by experts. Did we miss your favorite? Leave a comment to let us know!

The List: Best Mirrorless Cameras, According to Tech Experts

1. Canon EOS R7

At the top of our list is an impressive model by Canon. “The Canon EOS R7 is like one of the camera giant’s full-frame EOS R cameras, only with a smaller APS-C sensor. For the price, it’s impressively powerful, particularly if you’re fan of shooting wildlife or sports scenes. That’s because it boasts 15fps burst speeds (or 30fps if you switch to the electronic shutter). Our tests found that the EOS R7 can indeed hit these speeds, though you don’t get the deep buffers found on full-frame siblings like the EOS R6, so it can’t sustain those speeds for quite as long. Beyond rattling off frames of speeding animals, the EOS R7 offers comfortable handling, Canon’s latest subject-tracking autofocus system and dual UHS-II card slots, making it a camera that will also tempt pro EOS R series fans as a second body. The only downside? Canon has so far only made two native lenses for the EOS R7’s APS-C sensor. More should be en route, though, and you can always mount existing RF lenses or adapt older EF lenses from Canon’s DSLRs while you wait,” says Tech Radar.

Mirrorless cameras are your best bet for capturing spontaneous shots effortlessly. “The EOS R7 has a 30 FPS burst, 4K 60p filming, in-body image stabilization, and a great autofocus system. It also has one of my favorite features, a pre-release burst mode that allows you to record photos up to 1/2 second before you’ve fully pressed the shutter button. This is great for unpredictable wildlife photography. One potential issue is that the buffer is not as big as that of the Fuji X-H2S. The Canon EOS R7 gives you 93 shots at 30 FPS and 187 shots at 15 FPS (assuming that you’re using lossless compressed CRAW). These figures are not low, but not best-in-class either. Even so, the EOS R7 would be one of my first choices for sports and wildlife photography on a budget today,” writes Photography Life.

Their compact design makes them ideal for on-the-go photographers and filmmakers. “The R7 is the mirrorless replacement for three of the most popular DSLRs that Canon ever made: the EOS 90D, EOS 7D and EOS 80D. However, more than just doing the same thing but without a mirror, Canon has turned these speed-focused wildlife specialists into an all-purpose performer that can handle anything you throw at it. Of course, the Canon EOS R7 still retains its pedigree when it comes to wildlife, sports and action. Its blistering 30fps maximum shooting speed is on par with the flagship Canon EOS R3, and the 1.6x crop factor means that the effective focal length of your lenses is extended. My creaky old EF 75-300mm lens becomes a whopping 120-480mm on this camera! It also boasts the same bleeding-edge autofocus system found in the flagship camera, which I called a cheat code for wildlife photography,” shares Digital Camera World.

2. Nikon Z9

Second on our list is the Nikon Z9. “The autofocus is rapid, even in low light, giving you the best opportunity to capture fleeting moments at special occasions such as weddings or sporting events. Not to mention, it’s just as capable of shooting video as it is at stills. It also has an incredibly impressive burst speed, capable of shooting up to 120FPS! Although, the trade-off here is that 30, 60 and 120FPS are JPEG only, with RAW images topping out at 20FPS (which is still really good!),” says Space.

You would think that it would cost less when there’s a part missing, but it doesn’t! “The Nikon Z9 is a workhorse no matter what subject you throw at it. This camera is Nikon’s best wildlife photography camera and Nikon’s best landscape photography camera. It has a 45-megapixel sensor, yet shoots 20 FPS bursts with a practically unlimited buffer (1000+ shots),” writes Photography Life.

Professional filmmakers often choose mirrorless cameras to deliver smooth, high-quality footage. “Some say that Nikon was late to the party with its pro mirrorless camera. The moment I used it, though, I knew that Nikon hadn’t been tardy: it had been canny. This is the most top-to-bottom capable mirrorless camera on the market right now.  The 8K is as good as anything I’ve experienced from the Sony or Canon, particularly its market-first 8K 60p. I was skeptical when I saw that Nikon had ditched the mechanical shutter but, with a blinding 120fps continuous shooting and a max shutter speed of 1/32,000, the Z9 simply stands in a league of its own. (Yes, admittedly those 120 frames are only 11MB JPEGs, but it’s still hugely impressive).The autofocus is a few steps behind Canon’s, and even Sony’s, but the deep learning-powered system is still truly incredible whether you’re shooting people, animals, planes, trains or automobiles. The stabilization is rock-solid, it’s as rugged as they come… the only thing I don’t like is Nikon’s counter-intuitive mounting and ring directions,” shares Digital Camera World.

3. Fujifilm X-T5

Third on our list is Fujifilm X-T5. “The X-T5 may not be an astrophotography specialist, but we think it does offer some useful tools for nighttime photography. Its interval timer can take several images at intervals of your choice, from one second to a full 24 hours, ideal for time-lapses, star trails and celestial events. Additionally, it features subject detection modes, including tracking for animals, birds, and vehicles,” says Space.

Science enthusiasts praise this brand without hesitation. “The Fujifilm X-T5 is a truly fantastic camera. In fact, one of our editors calls it one of the most enjoyable cameras he’s ever used. It offers lots of tactile controls, including an ISO dial and physical switch for shutter drive modes. These keep you from digging into menus nearly as often as other cameras. The body feels like a small SLR, including a physical dial for shutter speed, which makes the camera feel like an analog one.  Fujifilm built the camera around a high-resolution 40.2-megapixel sensor that does a great job of grabbing lots of detail from a scene. It comes with Fujifilm’s excellent film simulation modes, which could save you time when it comes to throwing it up on a monitor and editing. And the autofocus is responsive and accurate. While the camera is primarily for still shooters, there are plenty of impressive features for video creators. For example, it can shoot up to 6.2K 30p video or oversampled 4K footage. And it offers plenty of video capture formats, including F-LOG2 and Apple ProRes Raw,” writes Pop Sci.

The Fujifilm isn’t for the novice photographer; you have to be dedicated to recognize it’s quality. “The Fujifilm X-T5 is the best choice to bring your photography to a higher level. The sensor puts out surprisingly clean, detailed, color-accurate images even when you shoot in especially dim lighting. And Fujifilm’s film simulations evoke nostalgic memories through clever application of color and tones, if you opt to use them The camera is rugged and weather sealed, has dedicated dials for all of your most-used settings, sports a large electronic viewfinder that gives you a great view of what you’ll get, and captures beautiful 4K video. Plus, its tilting screen and built-in image stabilization make shooting in challenging situations even more manageable than with our top pick,” shares NY Times.

4. Panasonic Lumix S5 II review

Fourth on our list of the best mirrorless cameras is Panasonic. “The Lumix S5 Mark II is arguably the best value new full-frame camera around at the time of making this review, packing a wealth of features while comfortably undercutting key rivals on price. The long-awaited inclusion of phase-detect autofocus transforms both photo and video, eliminating the distracting pulsing which haunted earlier Lumix cameras. While the core features and specs are roughly similar to its rivals, drilling-down reveals unique benefits to each: Canon’s R6 II enjoyed the best subject detection in my tests, allows uncropped 4k up to 60p, in-camera focus stacking, multiple exposures, a bulb timer, pre-capture mode, 1080 180p slow motion, and the fastest mechanical burst speed of 12fps. Sony’s A7 IV has the highest resolution on a single frame, support for a faster memory card and access to a wealth of lenses including Tamron’s which aren’t yet available for L or RF mount. Meanwhile the S5 II boasts a high-res pixel shift mode, focus bracketing with a mechanical shutter that allows flash, open-gate 6k video, waveform and vector displays, anamorphic modes, real-time LUT previews, and potentially longer recording times under hotter conditions thanks to a built-in fan,” says Camera Labs.

Mirrorless cameras consistently deliver exceptional results, making them the tool of choice for the pros. “One area where Panasonic had been lagging behind the best mirrorless cameras from Nikon, Canon, and Sony was autofocus performance (at least in Panasonic’s full-frame cameras). The Panasonic S5 II fixes this by introducing the company’s phase-detect AF. Although the S5 II has a 24-megapixel sensor, don’t let that fool you if you’re a landscape photographer. Like some of the Sony and Fuji cameras on this list, the Panasonic S5 II has a high-resolution pixel-shift mode that quadruples a photo’s resolution to 96 megapixels! This only works if the subject is staying still, but I found that it produces fairly natural results in previous Panasonic mirrorless cameras, like the Panasonic S1R (see our review).  The Panasonic S5 II also has some very good video features, capturing up to 6K video internally,” shares Photography Life.

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Coming in at number five is Olympus. “In the realm of micro four thirds, the OM System OM-1 is an amazing camera for sports photography and wildlife photography. It also has some of the most modern features of any camera on this list. Not only does it have a stacked 20MP sensor, it has an insane 120fps burst capability and advanced subject recognition modes for almost every situation. If you don’t want to carry around a massive full-frame camera, and you want access to some very compact, yet high-quality lenses, the OM-1 is worth considering. The downside, of course, is the smaller sensor size. Obviously Micro Four Thirds has a dedicated audience of photographers, and for something like wildlife or macro photography, it’s may not be a hinderance at all. But bigger sensors allow you to shoot in low-light conditions more easily, and they give you more flexibility in your depth of field,” says Photography Life.

Consistent autofocus performance holds up even in challenging lighting situations. “Olympus has packed a lot into this stylish little pocketable camera. We have replaced the Mark III of this model in this guide with the Mark IV due to several worthwhile enhancements, including a better sensor, quicker focusing and generally a more refined and capable package. Olympus made much of its improved autofocus for the MK IV version of the camera, and we can safely say it delivers. The camera’s autofocus ability is up there with the best in its class and didn’t ever fail to lock on to motion at a reasonable distance. With 15FPS in burst mode, it also delivered when it came to capturing the right moments — particularly with regard to street photography and wildlife,” writes Space.

Quick burst shooting capabilities make them ideal for capturing fast-paced action. “I liked the E-M10 so much that I bought my partner one for her birthday. If that’s not putting my money where my mouth is, I don’t know what is! In addition to being one of the prettiest cameras on this list, the E-M10 Mark IV is also the smallest – making it perfect for travel and street photography, and an ideal holiday camera. And just because it’s the most affordable, doesn’t mean it skimps on features. With a guided user interface, it’s an exceptional camera for beginner and intermediate photographers eager to unlock new skills. It boasts super-sturdy in-body image stabilization, along with 4K video and a responsive touchscreen that flips down 180° – ideal for selfies and walkabout vlogging,”  shares Digital Camera World.

6. Sony Alpha 1

From another big name in the world of photography, “The Sony A1 is everything that Sony says it is. It’s a technological triumph, a camera that really can do everything. Previously, cameras might offer speed, resolution, or video capability, but the A1 offers all three – and even beats dedicated sports and video cameras at their own game. It has a lot in common with the Nikon Z8 and Z9; a high-resolution sensor (50MP), 8K video (up to 30p), blistering burst speeds (30fps)… but one thing it doesn’t have in common is the price. And that remains a major obstacle, as does its appeal being limited to shooters who need everything it does, not just one or two of those things, in order to justify the price…Still, for sheer firepower on all fronts, the A1 can’t be beat. In fact, it’s so powerful that Sony practically killed two of its other cameras by making this one! The Sony A9 II is a terrific sports camera that’s eclipsed by the A1, while the Sony A7S III’s excellent 4K video pales against the A1’s 8K capture. If you want it all, and can afford it, this camera is pretty much future-proof,” says Digital Camera World.

Expert reviewers are torn when making a choice between the Sony A1 and other brands, yet, the Sony still ranks among the best. “The Sony A1 has extraordinary specifications, basically on par with the Nikon Z9. It can shoot 50 megapixel images at 30 frames per second, which is out of this world. It has an amazing autofocus system, too, making for great sports and action photography – alongside the obvious landscape photography applications. Between the Sony A1 and the Nikon Z9, it was very hard to pick which one deserved to be ranked higher. A lot of it comes down to whether you prefer the large form factor of a camera with a built-in grip like the Z9, or the portability of the Sony A1,”  writes  Photography Life.

These cameras offer flexibility with a variety of lenses for different shooting needs. “The Sony A1 is one of the best cameras on the market, but as we mentioned in our hands-on Sony A1 review, it has a hefty price tag, to say the least, and is most likely only accessible to professional photographers or those with a very big budget. With a massive 50.1MP stills resolution, 8K 30p video, a class-leading electronic viewfinder and in-body image stabilization of 5.5 stops, you’ll be able to capture every star in the sky. Not to mention, this menu system is one of the best and easiest to navigate that we’ve seen from Sony, who are notorious for having confusing menus — it seems they’ve listened to their customers. The impressive specs are ideal for astro work — the camera’s extended ISO range of up to 102,400 can help to produce some amazing astrophotography, and its 15 stops of dynamic range ensure that even the tiniest celestial specks can be captured. It also handles noise very well thanks to its stacked CMOS sensor,” shares Space.

7. Canon EOS R5

Last but not least on our list is the Canon. “The Canon EOS R5 has a 45 megapixel sensor and can shoot a whopping 20 FPS. It has an excellent autofocus system, and like the three cameras above, it can also shoot 8K video. Canon found a way to push a ton of data through the EOS R5’s imaging pipeline, and it makes this camera excellent for both action photography and landscapes. As you would expect, all this comes at a high price,” says Photography Life.

With no optical viewfinder, photographers can enjoy real-time digital previews for accurate composition. “The EOS R5 is Canon’s best overall camera for stills photography, out-performing and out-featuring pretty much every model its released to date. Pro sports and wildlife specialists may find reasons to prefer the 1Dx III – such as its larger battery, optical viewfinder being preferable in some situations and the bullet-proof build – but for everyone else, the R5 is hard to beat,” shares Pop Sci.

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