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A person wearing a helmet holds a camera with a large lens, aiming to take a photo. The background features a bright yellow and red dot pattern, giving the image a pop art effect.

Photography’s Truth Is Under Attack and Giving Up Is Not an Option

As generative AI technology proliferates, making it easier for people to manipulate real photos or create convincing fake ones from scratch, photography's ability to depict reality has come under increasing attack. A recent Washington Post opinion is among the most notable assaults on the institution of photography yet, garnering strong rebuttals from veteran photographers.

Leica 35mm Noctilux-M f/1.2 ASPH Review: A Long Time Coming

A Leica camera with a 35mm lens is placed on a black grid-patterned surface. The PetaPixel logo and the word "Reviews" appear in blue and white boxes in the bottom left corner.

Ultra-fast 35mm lenses are not a new thing. Leica users have had access to the excellent Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton across multiple versions for many years. The Noctilux title isn't new either. Leica has multiple insanely fast 50mm lenses, going down to as bright as f/0.95, on the market.

A vintage computer setup with a beige tower, two CRT monitors, a keyboard, and classic video game boxes like StarCraft and Half-Life, sitting on a wooden desk near a window with sunlight streaming in.

Maingear’s New PC Came Out of a Time Machine

Maingear, maker of performance PCs, has released a new limited-edition PC that is sure to tickle the nostalgia muscle of gamers and creatives who got their computing feet wet in the 1990s. The new Retro98 tower looks like it was transported to 2026 through a time machine, but the inside is undeniably modern.

A Leica camera lens, specifically a Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH, rests on a wooden surface with soft, blurred background lighting.

Leica’s First 35mm Noctilux-M Lens Features Brand-New Optical Tech

Since 1966, the Leica "Noctilux" name has reflected the legendary company's best optical achievements. There have been many beloved, classic Noctilux lenses over the past 60 years, but until now, not a single one has been a 35mm prime, one of the most traditional focal lengths of all. With the new Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH., this void has finally been filled.

Travel Photographer of the Year Inspires Wanderlust

On the left, a person in a tall, pointed hooded robe walks at night. On the right, a large cat pounces on a deer-like animal in a mountainous landscape.

The winning images from the 2025 Travel Photographer of the Year awards (TPOTY) have been revealed. Athanasios Maloukos' atmospheric photos of the Sema ceremony in Turkey and the Holy Week in Zamora, Spain, impressed the judges enough to see him crowned overall winner.

A hand holds a Rollei VAF 24mm F1.8 camera lens on the left; on the right, a Rollei VAF 35mm F1.8 STM lens stands upright on a white background.

Rollei Launches 24mm and 35mm f/1.8 Primes for E and Z Mount Cameras

Rollei has expanded its VAF autofocus lens series with the introduction of two new full-frame prime lenses, the AF 24mm f/1.8 and the AF 35mm f/1.8. Designed for mirrorless cameras, both lenses are available in Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts and join the previously released VAF 85mm f/1.8, further broadening the lineup with wide-angle and standard focal length options aimed at photographers and hybrid creators.

A man with gray hair and beard looks confused while holding a Nikon camera body in one hand and a camera lens in the other against a blue pixelated background.

Nikon is Suing Viltrox | The PetaPixel Podcast

Last week, we found out that the Z-mount might not be quite as open as we previously thought because Nikon is suing Viltrox. While right now it could be as simple as seeking royalties for using the mount, it could also just as easily end up being a similar situation to Canon, who runs a closed mount.

Photographing the Birds of Costa Rica with Chris Niccolls

Two men holding large cameras with telephoto lenses stand outdoors in front of lush green trees. Large text reads "Photographing Birds in Costa Rica" across the image.

After 15 years reviewing cameras, Chris Niccolls knows gear. The PetaPixel YouTube host has tested every major system and built a reputation for making technical knowledge accessible. But knowledge and skill are different things. When Niccolls recently traveled to Costa Rica with fellow PetaPixel host Jordan Drake to learn bird photography from experts Ben Knoot and Ken Martinez, he found himself in the role of learning again, chasing shots he couldn’t guarantee and loving every moment of uncertainty.

Capturing Ecology Photo Contest 2025 Winners Show the Wonders of Nature

A collage of three wildlife photos: a veterinary team treats a sedated chimpanzee, birds flock around a watchful lion, and a close-up of a crocodile's eyes with several butterflies resting on its head.

The British Ecological Society has announced the winners of its annual Capturing Ecology photography competition, showcasing the best images captured by international ecologists and photographers. Among the winning shots are an American crocodile staring down the lens, a flying frog, and a chimpanzee rescue mission.

Glyph Atom EX40 SSD Review: Excellent Performance

A hand holds a rugged black Glyph external hard drive. Part of a laptop keyboard is visible in the background. Overlay text reads "PetaPixel Reviews.

Earlier this year, memory brand Glyph debuted its new Atom EX SSDs with a specific focus on serving content creators. With Sandisk still refusing to publicly acknowledge the problems with its compact SSDs, I was pretty happy to see another brand step up and create something for photographers and filmmakers.

These 10 Up-and-Comers Are Vying to Be ‘Youth Photographer of the Year’

A collage of three photos: a horse standing in clear water, a group of monkeys grooming each other, and soccer players leaping for the ball in front of a goal during a match.

Alongside the shortlisted Student photographers, the Sony World Photography Awards also announced the 10 Youth photographers who are vying to be named Youth Photographer of the Year in the Sony World Photography Awards 2026. These 10 photographers are all 19 years old and younger, and each demonstrates artistic talent far beyond their years.

Wildlife Magazine Forced to Contend With AI Image Submissions

A large brown bear stands over a fallen elk, resting one paw on the elk’s antlers. The scene takes place in a grassy, wooded area, suggesting a natural wildlife setting.

In a world where AI can imitate high-quality photography, nature magazine editors must be more vigilant than ever before -- as is the case for one publication that came close to putting an AI-generated picture on its front cover.

Two children partially hidden behind dense green leaves, with only parts of their faces and clothing visible. The background appears to be an outdoor, leafy environment.

Leica’s New LOBA Women Grant Supports More Female Photographers

Leica is folding its women-oriented photography grant in with the company's flagship competition, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA). Alongside the usual Main and Newcomer LOBA categories, the annual competition will now include the new LOBA Women Grant, which is open to photographers worldwide.