PSHKA Weekly Newsletter (Edition: August 10–16, 2025)
New Equipment Releases
Canon Firmware Updates Released for EOS R1 and R5 Mark II
Canon released firmware updates for its flagship EOS R1 and R5 Mark II cameras. The updates focused on improving security and functionality. Key improvements included enabling firmware updates over the internet and enhancing image stabilization control for certain lenses.
Sony Rumors Point to New High-Resolution Sensors
Reports from a "100% correct" source indicate that Sony will soon announce two new full-frame sensors. While details are light, the rumors suggest the new sensors will feature 16-bit recording capabilities and could be a significant step forward for both still and video production, with a strong possibility of pushing the envelope in 8K recording.
Hasselblad Teases New Medium-Format Release
Hasselblad's teasers for August 26th suggest a successor to the X2D 100C, possibly to be named the X2D II, along with a new XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens. This move is sure to impact the competitive landscape for Fujifilm's GFX line.
Technological Advances
Adobe Photoshop Unveils New AI-Powered Features
The new "Generative Upscale" tool allows photographers to increase the resolution of their images while the AI engine intelligently invents new, realistic details. This is especially useful for photographers needing to crop heavily or prepare images for large prints.
Another notable addition is the "Harmonize" beta feature. This tool automatically adjusts the lighting, color, and shadows of a subject to seamlessly match its background, dramatically simplifying the compositing process and saving hours of manual work. These new features highlight Adobe's commitment to using AI to streamline workflows and offer photographers unprecedented creative control.
AIStorm & Tower Semiconductor: A Breakthrough in "AI-in-Imager" Chips
AIStorm and Tower Semiconductor introduced the "Cheetah HS." This is a revolutionary "AI-in-Imager" chip that can process images and perform AI functions directly on the sensor itself. The chip enables an incredible capture rate of up to 260,000 frames per second.
The key innovation is the charge-domain architecture, which allows for extremely high-speed, low-power vision systems. While the initial applications are aimed at industrial uses like robotics and surveillance, this technology has significant implications for consumer photography. It hints at a future where cameras can analyze scenes, track subjects, and make intelligent decisions in real-time with minimal power consumption, potentially revolutionizing everything from sports photography to the capabilities of compact cameras.
Samsung: Advancements in Sensor Technology and Metaoptics
Samsung made news with a presentation detailing its research into "pixel deep sub-micron and metaoptics trends." The company showcased its ongoing efforts to shrink and improve the efficiency of pixels in image sensors. This research is vital for the continued improvement of image quality in smartphones and other compact devices.
The company also discussed "metaoptics," which involves using nano-structured surfaces to control light at a micro level. This could lead to thinner, more efficient lenses and entirely new ways of capturing and manipulating light before it even hits the sensor. The presentation reinforces Samsung's position at the forefront of sensor technology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in imaging.
NovoViz: A New Era for Specialized Vision
Swiss startup NovoViz announced its "NV04ASC-HW Asynchronous photon-driven camera." This specialized camera is a significant development in the world of scientific and high-speed imaging. It combines the benefits of a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) camera, which has incredible low-light sensitivity, with the data efficiency of an event camera.
Instead of capturing traditional frames, the camera streams "events," or changes in a scene, with nanosecond resolution. This makes it ideal for applications that require extreme sensitivity and high frame rates but with a reduced data output. This technology has profound implications for scientific research, specialized surveillance, and any application where capturing rapid, low-light events is critical.
Photographic Art
The Australian National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025
The photography world's attention was drawn to Australia as the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 announced its winners and opened its exhibition. This year’s selections highlighted the power of portraiture to tell complex stories and give voice to marginalized communities.
The winning photograph, "Untitled #01 (from the series Code Black/Riot)" by Hoda Afshar, was praised for its immense power. The artist collaborated with young First Nations people, allowing them to frame their own identities and comment on a system that disproportionately targets them. The work is a powerful example of photography's role in social commentary and empowering subjects.
Another notable winner, Sherry Quiambao, received the First Time Finalist Award for her portrait, "Mother dreams on a stone." The judges commended the image for its powerful representation of motherhood through a mix of the ordinary and the mythic.
The exhibition, which will be on display until October 12, 2025, before touring nationally, serves as a masterclass in diverse photographic approaches to portraiture, from intimate self-portraits to powerful social statements.
The Photographers' Gallery
The Photographers' Gallery in London announced its upcoming exhibitions for the rest of 2025, providing a glimpse into the diverse artistic directions of contemporary photography. A major retrospective on Dennis Morris, titled "Music + Life," was a key highlight. The exhibition will feature not only his renowned music photography but also rare, never-before-seen images from his archives, exploring race and cultural identity.
Another exciting project announced was a new four-part commission by Felicity Hammond, which explores the relationship between geological mining and data mining through image-making and machine learning. This showcases how artists are using new technologies to interrogate complex societal issues. The gallery also highlighted the work of Saïdou Dicko and Paul Cupido, whose works draw on heritage and nature for inspiration, demonstrating the continued importance of traditional photographic themes.
International Center of Photography (ICP)
The ICP published a perspective highlighting its ongoing presence at Les Rencontres d'Arles, a major photography festival in France that ran from July 7 to September 28, 2025. Their participation underscores the institution's role in connecting with the global photographic community and promoting visual literacy. The ICP is hosting an upcoming guest exhibition by the acclaimed landscape photographer Michael Kenna, titled "Japan / A Love Story," which spans 40 years of Kenna's work, showcasing his unique approach to capturing a deep reverence for land and tradition. The exhibition, presented by Nikkei and the Financial Times, is scheduled from August 27 to September 28, 2025, though it was first publicized on the ICP website in mid-July 2025.
