ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

PetaPixel Podcast Debates Camera Brands and the Smartphone Generation

other · 2026-08-05

In the latest episode of The PetaPixel Podcast, hosts Chris, Jordan, and Jaron argue that camera manufacturers are misreading the so-called smartphone generation. They contend that while viewfinders are not a highly requested feature among users transitioning from smartphones, this is only because those users have never experienced them. The episode also covers a range of photography news: all Pentax DSLRs are now discontinued, though a future model is promised; Sigma celebrates its 65th anniversary; Fujifilm's Pal 2 camera is noted as being nothing like the original; Affinity's RAW photo processing receives a significant upgrade; 54 lens caps were removed from Yellowstone's thermal vents this year; Lumix introduces a new 20mm f/2.5 lens; Ilford releases limited-edition film; GoPro officially joins Micro Four Thirds; Camp Snap enters its Minox era; and Glass Imaging appears to have been acquired by OpenAI. The episode includes a review round-up, a segment on whether the hosts are out of touch or the camera brands are wrong, a what-have-you-been-up-to section, tech support, and a feel-good story of the week. Sponsors include Excire, which offers AI-powered photo management software with a one-time purchase and a 15% discount for PetaPixel viewers using code PETAPIXEL, and B&H Photo's Payboo Credit Card, which offers tax savings and financing options. The podcast is recorded using Riverside.

Key facts

  • The PetaPixel Podcast hosts believe camera brands misunderstand the smartphone generation.
  • Viewfinders are not highly requested by smartphone switchers because they have never used them.
  • All Pentax DSLRs are now discontinued, but a future model is coming.
  • Sigma turns 65.
  • Fujifilm's Pal 2 camera is nothing like the original.
  • Affinity's RAW photo processing has become more robust.
  • 54 lens caps were removed from Yellowstone's thermal vents this year.
  • Lumix has a new 20mm f/2.5 lens.
  • Ilford is releasing limited-edition film.
  • GoPro officially joined Micro Four Thirds.
  • Camp Snap has entered its Minox era.
  • Glass Imaging appears to have been acquired by OpenAI.
  • Excire offers a 15% discount with code PETAPIXEL.
  • B&H Photo's Payboo Credit Card offers tax savings and financing.

Entities

Artists

  • Chris
  • Jordan
  • Jaron
  • Rishi Sanyal
  • Chris Niccolls
  • Jaron Schneider
  • Gordon Laing
  • Sarah Teng

Institutions

  • PetaPixel
  • The PetaPixel Podcast
  • Pentax
  • Sigma
  • Fujifilm
  • Affinity
  • Lumix
  • Ilford
  • GoPro
  • Micro Four Thirds
  • Camp Snap
  • Minox
  • Glass Imaging
  • OpenAI
  • Excire
  • B&H Photo
  • Payboo Credit Card
  • Comenity Capital Bank
  • Riverside
  • YouTube
  • SpeakPipe
  • Ricoh
  • Miller Tripods
  • OM System
  • Capture One
  • Moment Store
  • KEH
  • FJ Westcott
  • Viltrox
  • Nikon
  • Sony
  • Tamron
  • Moment
  • Xtra
  • VSCO
  • DJI
  • Huawei
  • Canon
  • Olympus
  • Photokina

Locations

  • Yellowstone
  • China
  • United States

Sources