Just before the end of 2025, we publish our first LensVid Talk episode from our new studio, looking back at Q4 of the year with a huge number of cameras and lenses from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Red, Panasonic, DJI, and much more.
This video was recorded in mid December 2025
New studio
After several months of hard work, our new studio is almost ready. We will post a tour of the new studio and some of its features at a later date, as we still have a few things to finish. Although we moved to the new studio in late September 2025, the renovation was far from complete, and we have many more weeks before we gradually start to get back to work.
This also influenced our review schedule, which had to be delayed significantly but should gradually return to normal in 2026.
Ifootage A400 round base light stand review
We recently received the largest member of the round base stands from iFootage – the A400. The company has two smaller units – the A200 and A300 and the larger A400 has a 40cm round base, a 5.4kg weight, and a folded length of 77cm that can extend up to over 2m and carry 10kg.
The advantage of this round base stand is that it takes up way less floor space compared to conventional stands. We have been using the smaller versions for years in the studio, and they are super helpful. We will publish a review of the A400 in early 2026, but we can already say that it is a very capable uni,t although it does have one flaw and that is that the center pole is thicker and therefore not compatible with the hole found in round weights (we have been using those with the A200 and A300 to make them more stable).
You can find more info on the A400 on the iFootage site. A pair of A400s sells for under $210.
Brinno BCC5000 time-lapse camera review
During IBC, we had a chance to meet a company from Taiwan called Brinno. The company focuses on time-lapse cameras and has a new product called BCC5000, which is a compact yet rugged time-lapse camera that can shoot for months and months (it comes with an outdoor enclosure that can hold 3 extra batteries, but even on its own, it can shoot for several days,s depending on your settings).
The product was designed to record long construction works, but it has the potential to do so much more in other fields as well, making it a very unique tool.
We have been playing around with this little marvel for some time now as we were building our new studio, creating quite a few time lapses, and have plans for quite a few others. We plan a review for later in 2026 as we are waiting for the company to release the app for the camera (currently, you can control it directly, although it lacks a screen, so composing your shot is difficult; it does have a fairly wide-angle fixed lens, mind you).
The camera does support a web interface, but it has some limitations and drawbacks, and we feel that an app can do a much better job, so we shall wait with our review until it is released. The camera does have an option to be powered by a solar panel, and the company is working on some interesting wireless solutions as well.
A full kit of the Brinno BCC5000 (with the camera, batteries, arm, and housing) sells for $2200.
Official Brinno BCC5000 video
Sony A7 V
In early December 2025, Sony introduced the fifth iteration of its A7 camera – the Sony a7 V -a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera featuring a 33MP partially stacked BSI-CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR2 engine, which together enable blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with a full 14-bit readout.
Key hardware updates include a 3.2-inch multi-angle tilt and a fully articulating touchscreen with 2.09M dots, an in-body image stabilization system rated at 7.5EV, and dual card slots (one CFexpress Type A/UHS-II and one UHS-II SD).
For video, it offers 4K/60p recording oversampled from 7K in full-frame mode, as well as 4K/120p with a 1.5x crop. Advanced AI-driven features enhance the system with “Real-time Recognition AF” for diverse subjects, auto-framing, and a framing stabilizer, while the body provides improved thermal management, longer battery life, and high-speed Wi-Fi 6E connectivity as well as up to 30fps (in electronic shutter mode) and pre-capture in stills mode.
The A7 V sells for $2900.
Official Sony A7 V video
Canon R6 III and 45mm f/1.2
Even before the introduction of the A7 Vby Sony, Canon introduced its general-purpose pro body – the Canon EOS R6 Mark III an enthusiast-class hybrid camera featuring a new 32.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor and an in-body image stabilization system rated up to 8.5EV.
The new camera offers high-speed performance with burst rates up to 40 fps using the electronic shutter. The video capabilities are significantly upgraded, supporting internal 7K/60p Canon Cinema RAW Light recording, oversampled 4K/60p, and 4K/120p, along with a “3:2 Open Gate” mode at up to 7K/30p for flexible post-production cropping.
Advanced features include improved subject tracking with Register People Priority, a 3.0-inch 1.62M-dot fully articulating touchscreen, and dual card slots (CFexpress Type B and SD). It also has a pre-capture option for both stills and video.
The Canon R6 III sells for $2800
Official Canon R6 III video
Canon also introduced an inexpensive ultra-fast lens in the form of the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM – a compact, full-frame prime lens featuring an ultra-fast f/1.2 maximum aperture and a 9-blade circular diaphragm for shallow depth-of-field control. It utilizes a 9-element in 7-group optical design that includes one plastic-molded (PMo) aspherical element and Super Spectra Coating to manage flare and ghosting. The lens is equipped with a gear-type STM autofocus motor, a dedicated AF/MF toggle switch, a large manual focus ring, and a customizable, clicked control ring for adjusting settings like aperture or ISO. Weighing approximately 346g (12.2 oz) and measuring 3.0 by 3.1 inches, it features a 67mm filter thread, a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m (1.48 ft), and a metal mount, though it does not include weather sealing or built-in optical image stabilization.
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM sells for $470 (note that we mentioned the wrong price in the video).
Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM Lens video
RED V-RAPTOR XE
The RED V-RAPTOR XE is a streamlined digital cinema camera based on the DSMC3 platform, featuring a 35.4MP full-frame VV global shutter sensor with a claimed 17+ stops of dynamic range. Available in Nikon Z or Canon RF mounts, the camera captures 8K 17:9 video at up to 60 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and 2K at 240 fps, with internal recording to a single CFexpress Type B card at data rates up to 800 MB/s. It supports REDCODE RAW HQ, ProRes 4444 XQ, and simultaneous ProRes proxy recording, while incorporating an 8ms shutter scan time and an advanced phase-detection autofocus system with face detection. The 1.81kg (4 lb) body includes dual 12G-SDI ports, a USB-C port for data transfer up to 250 MB/s, and a right-side assistant’s interface with a 2.4-inch LCD for menu navigation.
The RED V-RAPTOR XE starts at just under $15K (again, the pricing in our video was wrong).
Official Red V-Raptor XE video
Fujifilm XT 30 III
One of Fujifilm’s most popular entry-level mirrorless cameras recently got an update. The Fujifilm X-T30 III is a compact, retro-styled mirrorless camera featuring a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 back-illuminated sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 engine. This hardware combination enables improved power efficiency, extending battery life to approximately 425 shots per charge in economy mode. The camera introduces a dedicated Film Simulation dial on the top plate, providing quick access to 20 simulation modes—including REALA ACE and NOSTALGIC Neg.— with three customizable positions for user recipes.
Performance updates include AI-driven subject detection autofocus for tracking animals, vehicles, and insects, as well as enhanced video capabilities supporting internal 6.2K/30p (3:2 open gate), 4K/60p, and a 9:16 Short Movie mode for vertical content. Weighing 378g, the body maintains a classic SLR-style design with a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, a 1.62M-dot tilting touchscreen, and a built-in pop-up flash, retailing body-only for $1000.
Official Fujifilm XT30 III video
Hasselblad X2D II 100C
The new Hasselblad X2D II 100C is a flagship medium format mirrorless camera featuring an enhanced 100MP BSI CMOS sensor and an upgraded 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system providing up to 10 stops of shake reduction. The camera introduces a hybrid autofocus system that integrates Phase Detection (PDAF) with 425 zones, Contrast Detection, and, for the first time in a consumer camera, LiDAR for fast and accurate focusing, now supporting continuous autofocus (AF-C) with AI-driven subject recognition for humans, vehicles, and animals. Hardware refinements include a new 5D physical joystick for focus point selection, eight customizable buttons, and a 3.6-inch tilting OLED touchscreen with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits for true HDR image review. Storage is handled via a built-in 1TB SSD and a CFexpress Type B card slot, while connectivity is managed through high-speed USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 and Wi-Fi 6. The body, which is approximately 7.5% lighter than its predecessor at 840g, supports a native base ISO of 50 and offers 16-bit color depth with 15.3 stops of dynamic range, delivering end-to-end HDR 3 processing directly in-camera.
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C sells for $7400.
Hasselblad X2D II 100C video
DJI OSMO Action 6
The DJI Osmo Action 6 is a high-performance action camera featuring a 1/1.1-inch square image sensor and a world-first adjustable aperture ranging from f/2.0 to f/4.0. It captures 4K video at up to 120 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, and offers a specialized slow-motion mode of 1080p at 960 fps. The device introduces swappable lenses, including an FOV Boost Lens and a Macro Lens that reduces focusing distance to 11cm, while its square sensor allows for flexible landscape or portrait re-framing without loss of low-light quality. Additional hardware includes a 2.5-inch rear touchscreen, a 1.46-inch front display, three microphones, 50GB of built-in storage, and a waterproof rating of up to 20m (65ft) without a case. Weighing 149g, the camera utilizes the same 1950mAh batteries
The Osmo 360 is available for approximately $380.
DJI Osmo Action 6 official video
Insta Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is a high-performance action camera featuring a 2.5-inch flip-up touchscreen and a Leica-engineered lens system. It supports 8K video at up to 30 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps, and 1080p at 240 fps, along with a specialized “PureVideo” mode for enhanced low-light performance. Hardware highlights include a removable lens guard, a dedicated wind muff for improved audio at speed, and a magnetic quick-release mounting system. The camera utilizes a 1,800 mAh battery providing approximately 115 minutes of runtime at 4K/25fps (or 56 minutes at 8K/25fps) and supports fast charging to 80% in 39 minutes. Additional features include a “FreeFrame” mode for post-capture cropping (9:16, 16:9, etc.), internal horizon leveling, and a dash-cam loop recording mode, all housed in a 148g body that is waterproof down to 12m without a case.
The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sells for $330 (discount price at the moment).
Insta Ace Pro 2 video
GoPro MAX2
The new GoPro MAX 2 is a rugged, 360-degree action camera featuring 8K video capture at 30 fps and 4K video at 90 fps, along with 29MP spherical stills. It utilizes a back-to-back lens arrangement for improved stitching and introduces twist-off, user-replaceable lens covers for field repairability. The camera supports 10-bit recording, high bitrate options, and features a built-in touchscreen, GPS, voice control, and a multi-microphone array. Integrated with the GoPro Quik app, it offers AI-driven subject tracking, intuitive re-framing tools (such as tilt-to-point), and a dedicated “Single Lens” mode capable of 4K/60p video. Weighing 195g and housed in a durable matte black plastic body, the MAX 2 includes a folding-flap magnetic mounting system with a central 1/4″-20 screw hole for invisible selfie sticks.
The GoPro MAX 2 sells for $400.
GoPro MX2 video
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS
After years where the only advanced tele-macro lens by Sony was the 90mm macro, the company released a new lens. The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS is a professional G Master series lens featuring a 1.4x maximum magnification (compared to 1X of the 90mm) and full compatibility with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, allowing for up to 2.8x magnification.
The optical design includes an 11-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh and a dedicated physical aperture ring with a de-click switch for video applications. Performance is driven by dual XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors for fast, quiet autofocus, supported by a built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) system designed for close-up focus work and a focus range limiter switch. Built for durability, the lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant construction, a fluorine coating on the front element, and two customizable focus hold buttons. Despite its macro capabilities, the lens maintains a relatively portable form factor with a 72mm filter thread and weighs approximately 650g,
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS sells for $1500.
Official Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS
Tamron 25-200mm F2.8-5.6 G2
In IBC 2025, we saw the Sigma 20-200mm, and around the same tim,e Tamron came up with its own version of an ultra wide-to-long telephoto in the form of the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 – a versatile full-frame superzoom lens for mirrorless cameras, offering an 8x zoom range with an improved wider focal length of 25mm. It features an upgraded VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) focus motor for faster, smoother, and quieter autofocus, along with a refined G2 design that includes a sleek sculpted body and a weather-sealed USB-C port for firmware updates and customization via the Tamron Lens Utility. Hardware additions include a new customizable Fn button and extensive weather sealing with 12 seal points plus a fluorine-coated front element. The lens supports a high 0.50x maximum magnification at the 25mm end with a minimum focusing distance of just 16cm. Weighing 575g and utilizing a standard 67mm filter thread, it maintains a relatively compact form factor (121.5mm retracted) while delivering sharp optical performance and natural color rendering.
The lens sells for $900.
TAMRON 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2
Panasonic LUMIX S Series 100-500mm F5-F7.1
The Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f/5-7.1 O.I.S. is the first ultra-telephoto zoom for the L-mount system, offering a broad 100-500mm focal range with a variable maximum aperture of f/5 to f/7.1. It features a newly designed Dual I.S. 2 system providing up to 7.0 stops of stabilization and utilizes a dual phase linear motor for fast, silent autofocus with suppressed focus breathing. Hardware innovations include a “tight-smooth” ring for adjustable zoom torque, a customizable focus ring, and a zoom limit switch that can be configured in-camera (e.g., to 150-500mm). The lens is fully weather-sealed, freeze-proof to -10°C, and includes an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount. Optically, it consists of 19 elements in 12 groups (including 2 UED, 2 ED, and 2 UHR elements) and features an 11-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh. Weighing approximately 1,285g (impressively light for this focal range) with an 82mm filter thread, it is compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
The lens sells for around $2100.
Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S.
SIRUI Astra 1.33x FF T1.8
Sirui has a new lens line (we stopped counting how many they got a long time ago). The Sirui Astra series is the world’s first line of full-frame 1.33x anamorphic cinema lenses to combine autofocus with a constant, fast T1.8 aperture, offering 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm focal lengths. Designed for run-and-gun filmmakers, the lenses deliver a classic 2.39:1 cinematic aspect ratio when desqueezed and are available with either blue or neutral flare options. To simplify production workflows, all three primes share identical dimensions, gear positions, a 72mm outer diameter, and a 67mm filter thread, with weights ranging between 600g and 700g. Featuring a weather-sealed design and a 44mm image circle, the Astra line is compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount systems, launching at a retail price of $850 (for the 75mm).
SIRUI Astra 1.33x Full-Frame Autofocus Lens video
7Artisans INFINTE 65mm T2.9 2x Macro
A unique lens recently announced by 7Artisans is the INFINTE 65mm T2.9 2x Macro – a manual focus full-frame cine lens available for Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mounts, offering a significant 2x magnification ratio for extreme close-up work. Its optical design consists of 14 elements in 12 groups—including ED, HRI, and aspherical elements—to ensure sharpness and control aberrations, while a 9-blade aperture provides smooth out-of-focus areas across its T2.9 to T22 range. Built for professional video workflows, the lens features industry-standard 0.8 MOD gears, a long 330° focus throw for precise adjustments, and a 43.2mm image circle. The physical build includes a 90mm front diameter, an 82mm filter thread, and a minimum focusing distance of 6.7 inches, all contained in a metal body weighing approximately 858g (1.9 lbs). It is positioned as an affordable macro solution with a retail price of $500.
7Artisans 65mm T2.9 2X Macro Cine Lens video
Leitz HEKTOR Cinema Anamorphic Lens Series
The Leitz HEKTOR series is a boutique line of six character-driven full-frame prime lenses (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 73mm, and 100mm) designed for mirrorless systems with user-interchangeable E, L, RF, and Z mounts.
Leitz is a separate branch of the Leica “family”, focusing on Cine lenses. The HEKTOR line Prioritize “soul and emotion” over clinical sharpness; the lenses feature a constant T2.1 aperture and a vintage-inspired optical design that delivers a lower-resolution center, natural focus fall-off, and a gentle Petzval-style swirly bokeh. All focal lengths share a uniform 80mm front diameter and matched gear positions for seamless lens swaps, while most models (excluding the 18mm) include a 77mm screw-in filter thread and a replaceable “sacrificial” front flat element for protection. Hand-built in Wetzlar, Germany, the lenses feature a distinctive silver anodized finish as an homage to 1930s Leica aesthetics and offer 120° of focus rotation with dual imperial and metric markings.
Each Hektor lens sells for around $7400.
B&H Leitz Hektor video
James Matthews – new MAC support for Sony cameras
British videographer and YouTuber James Matthews published another video about Sony’s multi-camera M&C app that now also supports Macs beyond iOS and adds several new features, including snapshot,t allowing users to get a snapshot from a video (great for thumbnail but also to keep info on the specific camera/lens and settings used for a scene.
We are still upset that Sony is leaving behind Android and PC users for this important piece of software, released about 2 years ago for the first time.
You can check out Matthews’ video and demo here.
Sony A7 IV firmware 6 issues
It happened again. Sony announced a new firmware update (this time ver 6 for the A7 IV) and had to pull it down a few days later after users started reporting issues. We will repeat what we mentioned many times in the past (not just about Sony), don’t install firmware updates when they are announced – wait a few weeks, check forums and groups to see if users do not report issues, and only then upgrade – don’t be a gunny pig.
As of the time of writing its not clear if Sony was able to fix the issue with the A7 IV firmware (see here).
You can check out all of the LensVid Talk videos here. If you want us to cover any specific topics or products in our upcoming LensVid talks, please let us know in the comments or on our YT or Facebook pages.
Iddo Genuth 
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