Focus Shift | July 2025

Focus Shift - July 2025

As summer unfolds, the world of imaging continues to move at full pace. July brings a diverse line-up of launches, from highly anticipated firmware updates to new lenses and accessories that fine-tune creative control. Whether you’re a filmmaker chasing immersive angles, a photographer seeking speed and clarity, or a hybrid shooter eager to elevate your kit, this month delivers something genuinely exciting. Let’s take a closer look at the standouts making waves across the industry.

DJI Osmo 360
DJI's entrance into the 360-degree world arrives with power, clarity and unmistakable ease-of-use. The Osmo 360 is a compact but professional-grade spherical camera that records in stunning 8K at 50 frames per second. Thanks to dual back-illuminated 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors with 2.4μm-equivalent pixels, it handles dynamic range and low-light with impressive fidelity. It also offers 4K at 100 or 120fps for slow-motion workflows, and 12-bit RAW for immersive post-production control.

A 120-megapixel spherical stills mode and full 10-bit D-Log M colour support further elevate the quality. DJI has packaged all this into a design weighing under 200 grams, yet tough enough for outdoor use. Stabilisation is handled digitally with RockSteady HorizonSteady, removing the need for a gimbal, while the DJI Mimo app makes editing and sharing almost immediate. Whether you’re creating immersive VR tours or unique action footage, the Osmo 360 sets a new bar for portable 360 capture.

Sony RX1R III
Sony's RX1R III continues the tradition of delivering full-frame image quality in a body no larger than most compact cameras. At the heart of the RX1R III is a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, borrowed from the A7R V, paired with a fixed Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, one of the sharpest optics ever built into a compact. This combination produces detailed, high-contrast images with beautiful bokeh and edge-to-edge sharpness.

The camera has an electronic viewfinder with high resolution and a refresh rate that makes manual focusing effortless. Autofocus has been significantly upgraded, offering real-time tracking and Eye AF for both humans and animals. Video specs have also been enhanced, with 4K 60p internal recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 and S-Log3 profiles for serious grading. USB-C connectivity and improved ergonomics bring the RX1R III in line with Sony’s latest mirrorless bodies, making it a dream tool for travel, street or documentary photographers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Canon Firmware Update
Canon’s sweeping July firmware update is one of its most ambitious to date, including a broad range of EOS R series and Cinema EOS bodies. The list features the EOS R1, R3, R5 Mark II, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R50 V, plus the V10 and V1 PowerShot vlog cameras. On the cinema side, the C400, C70, C80 and R5 C are all updated.

Headlining the changes are major autofocus refinements, particularly in motion tracking and face detection, making these cameras faster and more intelligent when dealing with unpredictable subjects. For the R1 and R5 Mark II, there’s a new 'net detection' feature tailored to sports photographers shooting through barriers. Flash photography sees key enhancements like exposure simulation in EVF and more consistent metering, ideal for studio and location work. There’s also added support for Content Credentials to verify image authenticity, a useful step toward digital trust. FTP and Wi-Fi controls are now password-protected, and compatibility has been extended to 8TB CFexpress cards. This update modernises Canon’s current line-up considerably, giving users faster, smarter and safer tools across both photo and video workflows.

Nikon Z8 Firmware 3.0
Nikon’s Z8 receives a major upgrade in firmware version 3.0, transforming this already powerful camera into an even more capable hybrid tool. The Z8’s 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor remain unchanged, but autofocus now includes subject detection for insects, planes and trains, plus smarter tracking across complex scenes. There’s also an enhanced 3D tracking mode that improves results during erratic movement, ideal for sports and wildlife photography.

Videographers benefit from waveform display, shutter angle readout, and a red frame indicator during recording, bringing cinema-grade monitoring tools to the mirrorless platform. Other refinements include Pixel Shift shooting for ultra-high resolution stills, flexible colour picture controls for in-camera grading and improved focus limiter settings. Nikon’s voice memo feature has been extended to support external microphones, which will please field shooters. The update demonstrates Nikon’s ongoing commitment to refining the Z8 through software, keeping it at the top of its class without requiring new hardware.

Harman Phoenix II Film
Made in the UK and full of character, Harman’s Phoenix II colour film offers photographers a distinctly analogue experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. It’s a 35mm daylight-balanced film with vivid colours, slightly punchy contrast and a grain profile that adds texture without overpowering detail. This new formulation improves on the original Phoenix release with better colour accuracy and greater latitude in mixed lighting. Its speed rating (expected around ISO 200) makes it versatile for daylight, golden hour or even flash photography, while the strong red and blue rendering gives skin tones a warm but natural look.

Phoenix II encourages a slower, more deliberate approach to photography, one where metering, composition and subject choice take precedence over speed. For street shooters, portrait lovers and film newcomers alike, it provides a tactile, joyful reminder of photography’s expressive roots. Processed in standard C-41 chemistry, it's easy to develop and scan at home or in labs worldwide.

Tamron 16–30mm for Sony FE & Nikon Z Mounts
Tamron’s new 16–30mm f/2.8 Di III lens is a wide-angle zoom built for creative flexibility, now available in both Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts. Covering ultra-wide to moderate wide perspectives, it’s ideal for interiors, landscapes, cityscapes or handheld video. The fast f/2.8 constant aperture ensures consistent brightness and shallow depth of field when needed, while advanced coatings and low-dispersion glass elements deliver excellent clarity with minimal flare. Autofocus is driven by a VXD linear motor, providing swift, near-silent performance that’s ideal for both stills and video.

Build quality is solid yet lightweight, with moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dust and water. A minimum focusing distance of around 15cm at the wide end adds macro-style versatility, allowing for striking close-ups with exaggerated perspective. For creators seeking reliable ultra-wide performance without the bulk or high price of flagship glass, the Tamron 16–30mm hits a very sweet spot.

Atomos Ninja TX
The Atomos Ninja TX combines the monitoring clarity of the Ninja line with powerful new tools for sound syncing and external audio capture. At its core, the TX offers 8K30 ProRes and DNx recording with accurate waveform tools and HDR support on a responsive 5-inch touchscreen. But what sets this model apart is its audio-first design. It includes timecode synchronisation, wireless audio interfaces and seamless compatibility with lav mics and shotgun mics alike. This makes it a perfect tool for interview setups, field documentary shoots or any production that requires tightly locked audio with video.

The Ninja TX also supports remote monitoring and control via the Atomos app, expanding creative workflows without adding unnecessary gear. Rugged, compact and incredibly versatile, the Ninja TX is an all-in-one solution for video shooters who take sound just as seriously as image.

Samyang AF 16mm & 85mm Prima Lenses for Sony FE Mount
Samyang’s Prima series steps up in both optical performance and mechanical refinement, and the new 16mm and 85mm AF lenses for Sony FE mount prove the point. The 16mm f/2.8 is ideal for architecture, interiors and dramatic landscapes, offering superb edge sharpness and minimal distortion even wide open. It’s compact, lightweight and balances beautifully on Sony’s full-frame Alpha bodies.

Meanwhile, the 85mm f/1.4 is tailored for portraiture, delivering silky bokeh and outstanding subject separation. Autofocus is quick and silent on both lenses, using linear stepping motors optimised for Sony’s real-time AF systems. Build quality has taken a leap, with weather sealing and metal barrels that feel solid in the hand. Samyang has also incorporated a custom switch on both lenses that allows users to assign different functions, such as aperture control or manual focus clutch. For photographers looking for sharp, fast primes without the price tag of G Master glass, these lenses offer exceptional value.

Canon EL-1 V2 Flash
The Canon EL-1 V2 refines the company’s flagship flashgun with improved thermal performance, more stable wireless triggering and faster cycling. Aimed at professional event and portrait photographers, it retains the high-capacity lithium-ion battery system that allows hundreds of full-power pops per charge, and a consistent output that’s remarkably accurate shot-to-shot.

The flash supports a wide range of settings via a clear rear LCD and intuitive control layout, with full support for Canon’s E-TTL II metering system. Built-in radio triggering allows it to act as master or slave in multi-light setups, and the robust build makes it weather-resistant for outdoor use. New firmware optimisations improve overheat recovery and reduce wireless dropouts in busy RF environments. Combined with its high guide number and fast recycle time, around 0.9 seconds at full power, the EL-1 V2 is a top-tier tool for demanding professionals who need speed, consistency and control in their lighting.

Canon RS-80E3 Remote
A small but essential tool in many photographers’ kits, the Canon RS-80E3 is a wired remote release that enables shake-free exposures and precision timing. Compatible with Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras featuring the E3 socket, it’s designed with simplicity in mind but offers real value for long-exposure work, time-lapses or any situation where even a small vibration would soften your shot.

The tactile shutter button includes a lock for bulb exposures, making it ideal for night photography, astrophotography or fireworks. It’s lightweight and compact enough to live in your bag full-time, yet robust enough to handle outdoor shoots without fail. Unlike wireless remotes, it doesn’t rely on line of sight or batteries, so it’s dependable in all conditions. Whether you're shooting macro on a tripod or light trails from a city bridge, the RS-80E3 offers a degree of control that turns good technique into consistently sharp results.

Sony ECM-778 Microphone
The Sony ECM-778 is a compact professional microphone tailored to creators who need discreet, directional audio with clarity. Its small footprint makes it ideal for mounting directly on mirrorless cameras without adding bulk, yet it performs well in demanding environments where ambient sound can be unpredictable. The super cardioid polar pattern ensures the microphone focuses tightly on a subject, rejecting surrounding noise without the need for post-processing.

This makes it suitable for interviews, street recording and vlogging, especially in outdoor or busy environments. With a frequency range optimised for voice and a natural sound character, it captures speech with minimal colouration. Sony’s engineering has also kept handling noise to a minimum, while power is supplied via plug-in power from most camera mic inputs, eliminating the need for batteries. Whether you're building a lightweight run-and-gun rig or simply upgrading your camera’s internal mic, the ECM-778 adds genuine production value without complicating your setup.

July has been far from quiet in the imaging world. From boundary-pushing 360 capture and compact full-frame elegance to firmware that extends the life and capability of your existing gear, this month reminds us just how quickly technology is moving, and how it continues to empower creativity at every level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious enthusiast, now is the time to explore what’s new and start thinking differently about the tools you use.