The photo industry moves fast—and so do we. Think of this as your highlight reel of key updates, product launches, and standout stories from June through early July—from new cameras and lenses to groundbreaking tripod innovations, fresh film stock, portable lighting, wireless audio solutions, and more. Whether you’re eyeing your next gear upgrade or want to stay in the loop, this photo industry recap will highlight what’s making waves this month.
CAMERAS
Outdoor Photographers Rejoice for OM System’s OM-5 Mark II
The June 17 release of OM System’s OM-5 Mark II hit the sweet spot for outdoor photographers, adventurers, and anyone who values portability, pro-level features, and an affordable price $1,199.99 (camera body only). Weighing just 418g, this compact mirrorless camera packs serious power, starting with a 20MP LiveMOS sensor and 121-point autofocus for crisp, fast shooting. A dedicated computational photography button unlocks creative tools like a 50MP/70MP high-res shot mode and 30fps burst shooting (or 10fps with continuous AF).
For video creators, it captures 4K30p with OMLog400 and includes two new color profiles for even more post-production flexibility. It also features USB-C charging, improved grip, IP53-rated weather-sealing, and a handy night vision mode for low-light shooting.
Landscape photographer Austin James Jackson recently took the OM-5 Mark II for a spin in Yellowstone National Park, sharing his thoughts on Adorama’s Blog and YouTube channel. “The camera exceeded expectations and was small and compact, yet it didn’t compromise on image quality or ease of use,” he wrote. “In fact, it did some of the tedious in-field techniques used in landscape photography in-camera. I personally shot everything from landscapes, wildlife, portraits, nightscapes, and video, and found the OM-5 Mark II to be the jack of all trades. If you’re looking for the perfect compact travel camera that will make capturing amazing images easier than ever before, this might be the camera for you.” Read Austin’s full review on the Adorama blog here. Watch his video recap here.
Fujifilm’s X-E5 New Mirrorless: Compact and Mighty
Announced on June 12 and slated for release later this summer, the Fujifilm X-E5 blends the brand’s top-tier image quality and in-body stabilization with a tactile, old-school design that feels a lot like a more versatile, interchangeable-lens version of the X100VI. It’s stylish, portable, and packed with modern features like AI-powered autofocus and strong video capabilities, all while keeping that classic film-camera vibe. It’s also the first in the X series to feature a top plate made from machined aluminum.
Built for photographers who want pro-level performance without the bulk, it delivers gorgeous 40.2MP stills with incredible detail—even in low light—making it a solid choice for night shoots or large prints. With its compact build and intuitive touchscreen, it’s perfect for travel. Since it’s compatible with Fujifilm’s X Mount lenses, you’ve got tons of creative flexibility. Plus, it captures sharp 6.2K video, making it just as great for content creation as it is for photography.
Of course, seeing is believing, so check out New Jersey-based portrait and event photographer Omar Gonzalez’s YouTube video and still photos gallery on the Adorama blog here. To purchase the X-E5 on the Adorama site, click here.
Combo Heaven: The Hasselblad X2D 100C + XCD 3, 4/75P Kit
Who doesn’t love a perfect pairing? Think wine and cheese, summer and road trips—or in this case, the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the new XCD 75mm f/3.4 P lens. Released mid-June, this combo kit is tailored for portrait pros and delivers on both performance and portability.
Hasselblad basically took its high-res X2D 100C—with that stunning 100MP medium format BSI CMOS sensor, 15 stops of dynamic range, 16-bit color depth, and built-in 5-axis stabilization—and matched it with a new lightweight lens that’s built for serious portrait work. The 75mm f/3.4 P gives you a 59mm equivalent field of view and weighs just 398g. That’s almost half the weight of similar lenses and barely over 70mm long—super compact without cutting corners.
Don’t let the small size fool you. One aspherical and three ED elements mean crisp detail edge to edge, plus creamy bokeh that makes portraits pop. Autofocus is quick and whisper-quiet thanks to a linear stepper motor, and with a built-in leaf shutter syncing up to 1/2000s, it’s ideal for working with off-camera flash in bright conditions. For more information and pricing on the Adorama site, click here.
Holding out for the rumored X2D II? Word on the street is the original late-June launch has quietly slid to October 2025 while firmware updates are being finalized. Stay tuned.
Camera Lust: Leica’s M11-D Centenary Set
Leica’s 100th Anniversary celebration of the Leica 1 continues! Announced at the end of June, the company is releasing a limited-edition Centenary Set to mark the occasion for the M11-D. This 60MP camera ditches the screen for a pure, distraction-free shooting experience. Additionally, it features solid brass top and bottom plates with a glossy black finish. The controls are nickel-colored anodized aluminum, and the design skips the signature red Leica dot and strap lugs—echoing the minimalist look of the original Leica 1. This set includes two lenses: the Leitz Anastigmat-M 50mm f/3.5, a modern nod to the fixed lens on the original Leica, and the contemporary Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Also included is a custom leather protector in rich cognac, complete with a strap and SD card holder. Only 100 individually numbered sets will be made, available exclusively at select Leica Stores starting in Spring 2026. Click here for more information.
LENSES
Mirrorless Marvel: Laowa’s 12mm F/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF Lens
On June 26, Laowa brought back its 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF lens, a popular full-frame, ultra-wide-angle lens designed this time for mirrorless cameras. This updated version of Laowa’s 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens offers a lighter and more compact form factor and the added benefit of autofocus (available on the Nikon Z and Sony E mounts).
One of the bigger draws of the updated “Lite” version is how much lighter it is than the original. Plus, it’s easier to travel with but still delivers that same sharp, ultra-wide, distortion-free look. The f/2.8 aperture makes it a solid pick for low light and night shooting, too—great when you need fast glass that won’t weigh you down or break the bank at $699 for both autofocus and manual focus (for Canon RF and L Mount). Click here for more information.
Thypoch Unveils the Simera 21mm f/1.4: A Fast, Wide Manual Lens for M-Mount
Thypoch recently dropped the Simera 21mm f/1.4, and it’s a seriously exciting wide-angle prime for Leica M-mount shooters. It’s fast, sharp, and built for that cinematic look, with a close focus distance of just 0.23m and beautiful, smooth bokeh thanks to a 14-blade aperture. The all-manual lens has a satisfying, tactile feel. It has a click/de-click aperture ring and a little resistance bump around 0.7m to help with rangefinder focusing. It’s built like a tank but still compact enough to bring everywhere.
Optically, it’s no slouch. The lens packs 13 elements (including aspherical and ED glass) for edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion. Available in black or silver, it’s native to M-mount but easily adaptable to mirrorless systems. Some reviewers noted a bit of vignetting, but that’s fixable in post—and honestly, it kind of adds to the vibe. If you’re after a fast, wide manual lens with real character, the Simera 21mm f/1.4 is one to check out.
The Sigma 17-40mm F/1.8 DC ART Lens
Sigma just gave APS-C shooters something to get excited about: the 17-50mm f/1.8 DC DN ART Lens is the long-awaited follow-up to the cult-favorite 18-35mm f/1.8. That lens built a serious fan base for its sharpness, speed, and overall versatility—and now Sigma’s taken everything people loved about it and made it mirrorless-native, lighter, and even more flexible.
What’s exciting here is the versatility. At 17mm, you’ve got room for wide shots, street scenes, and travel. At 40mm, you’re stepping into portrait territory with creamy bokeh and crisp detail. Because it’s part of Sigma’s Art line, the optics are seriously sharp edge to edge, even wide open. This one’s built from the ground up for mirrorless, with a high-speed stepping motor for snappy, quiet autofocus—great for video and stills. It’s also compact enough for gimbal use, bright enough for low-light work, and sharp enough for high-res video.
Check out Adorama senior content producer Fernando Martinez’s hands-on review of the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC DN Art Lens here. For pricing options, head over to adorama.com. For specific mounts, select the corresponding link: Sigma 17-40mm f1.8 ART DC for Sony E, for Canon, for Fujifilm X, for L-Mounts.
DZOFILM’s Arles Lustre Cinema Prime Channels Old Hollywood Film Feel
DZOFILM’s Arles Lustre series, a fast prime lens lineup for large-format sensors that reimagines classic cinematic style, has an inherent soft glow inspired by the golden halation seen in vintage film. DZOFILM collaborated with over 20 cinematographers and photographers across art films, period dramas, and fashion campaigns. After more than 50 rounds of precise refinements, they landed on what’s now known as their “Lustre Look.”
With a wide T1.6 aperture and full-frame Vista Vision coverage, these lenses deliver soft flares, creamy bokeh, and slightly lowered contrast for an instant cinematic feel. An amber coating and dual aspherical elements help produce dreamy highlights and warm halation with minimal distortion, even at wider focal lengths.
Spanning 10 focal lengths from 14mm to 180mm, the Lustre series offers a rich, nostalgic visual edge with modern precision. For more information, click here.
Leica’s Compact Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH Zoom
Looking for a zoom lens that can keep up with everything? Wide-open landscapes to street scenes and spontaneous portraits? All that without weighing you down? The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH might just be your go-to. It’s the most compact standard zoom in the SL-System lineup, with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range and a fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus system that’s built for both stills and video.
Weighing in at just 572 grams and measuring 102mm in length, this lens is impressively travel-friendly without compromising image quality. Inside, aspherical elements keep things sharp from edge to edge, even wide open. And thanks to its dust- and splash-resistant metal housing, it’s ready for unpredictable weather and rougher shooting conditions.
With L-Mount compatibility, it’s a versatile pick for hybrid creators or anyone who wants one lens that can do a little bit of everything—beautifully. Click here for more information.
FILM
Kono Color 200 Negative Film
Germany-based Kono Manufaktur has dropped a new color negative film, Kono Color 200. You can grab it as a standard 36-exposure roll in a reused cartridge, or as a 30.5-meter bulk roll if you’re into loading your own.
Keep in mind, this isn’t a rebranded stock—Color 200 is built on a brand-new formula developed in partnership with a pro lab in Germany, then spooled and packaged by Kono using its own custom-designed machines. The company, which has been doing what it does best since 2014, says the release of this 35mm, ISO 200 C-41 film is all about celebrating analog creativity. Kono sold some of the first repurposed motion picture film with early releases like Rotwild and Kolorit 400T. In 2015, it started producing its own emulsions with unique names, including Sunstroke, Moonstruck, and Galaxy. Over the years, they’ve expanded into both 35mm and 120 formats, creating everything from traditional film stocks to “effect” films such as Liebe, Luft, and UFO.
Kono Color 200 marks the company’s 45th release—a milestone they’re calling a global first—and they’re already onto teasing another new analog project in the pipeline. For more information and pricing, click here.
Stability Systems: Tripods (and Tripod Bags)
Manfrotto ONE: The One Tripod That Does It All
Unveiled in June and estimated to release this month, Manfrotto’s new ONE tripod lives up to its name. The all-in-one system is designed to handle everything from still photography to video and even lighting setups. No need to carry multiple tripods or stands ever again. The modular center column lets you level your shots easily or go flat for overheads, and it slides smoothly when you need to adjust. You can even remove the column completely to shoot from ground level. And with Manfrotto’s patented XTEND tech, all three legs extend at once, so you’re able to shoot in seconds. Whether you’re framing a static shot or shooting on the move. Setups are quick and seamless—no fuss, no muss!
Available in both aluminum and carbon fiber builds, the tripod reaches a maximum height of 67.1″ and comes with pre-set leg angles, a carry handle, and modular feet options.
The real star of the show is the XCHANGE system, which lets you swap out heads, sliders, and accessories in seconds. Switching over from photo to video? Done. Need it as a lighting stand? Easy. It’s incredibly versatile but still lightweight and travel-friendly—yet sturdy enough to support up to 20kg of camera or lighting gear. Manfrotto ONE
Manfrotto’s XCHANGE: A New Stability System for Hybrid Creators
As mentioned above, Manfrotto introduced the XCHANGE quick release system back in June when it launched the ONE Tripod series. The XCHANGE plate is designed to let you easily swap between cameras, tripod heads, or any other gear mounted with it, essentially transforming your tripod into a multi-purpose tool.
The 60mm top plate uses a standard 3/8”-16 screw and simply drops and twists into the base to lock in place. The base itself also has a 3/8”-16 thread, works with a range of support setups, and can handle up to 44 pounds—all in a sleek, low-profile design. Even better, you can buy the base and plate as a set or pick them up individually.
For more information about Manfrotto’s XCHANGE system, including a 500X Fluid Head that features a Fluid Drag System (FDS) for pan and tilt. As well as a Counterbalance System (CBS) for stability, and a quick-release plate for easy camera mounting, click here.
Manfrotto Pro Light Tripod Bags
If your tripod is an essential part of your kit—whether you’re shooting on the job or just sharpening your skills—Manfrotto’s new Pro Light tripod bags are built to keep it safe, protected, and easy to carry. Designed for everything from studio sessions to rugged outdoor shoots, these bags hit a sweet spot between smart, functional design and tough, travel-ready durability.
Thoughtful details include extra padding around the tripod head for shock absorption, smooth-gliding YKK zippers for fast access, and a padded shoulder strap that’s removable (and comfier on larger sizes). There are options for how you carry it, too, thanks to dual side and top handles. The abrasion-resistant base helps it stack or slide into place without a fuss.
Inside, there’s a zippered pocket for small items, a hidden spot for a tracking tag, and even a name tag holder on the outside for easy ID. An adjustable interior strap keeps your tripod locked down in transit. The whole lineup is designed to stack neatly. When you’re ready to pack up and move on, so is your gear. Manfrotto Pro Light Tripod Bags
PORTABLE FLASH
Flashpoint’s iT30Pro TTL Portable iFlash
The Flashpoint iT30Pro TTL Portable iFlash, designed for photographers who want pro-level lighting without the bulk, weighs in at just 120g and 65 x 46 x 47mm. It’s perfect for on-the-go shooting and packs a serious punch, full of the features you’d expect from a much larger unit—TTL and manual modes, high-speed sync, global shutter support, and wireless control all wrapped in a palm-sized design that slips easily into your bag or pocket.
It plays well with Sony’s global shutter cameras, syncing up to 1/80000s, and still manages a speedy 1.5-second recycle time at full power. It has a built-in touchscreen, USB-C charging, and 560 full-power pops per charge. Additionally, it sports a solid wireless range. This flash is built to keep up with fast-moving creatives who need reliable performance in any setting. From the studio to the street, or wherever the shoot takes you. Check it out at Adorama here.
SOFTWARE
Adobe Releases New Features for Lightroom Classic
Adobe recently rolled out a bunch of updates for Lightroom and Photoshop, including improvements to tools like Remove Reflections and Enhance. But one of the most exciting changes—especially for Fujifilm shooters—is that Lightroom Classic now supports native tethered capture for Fuji cameras.
Until now, only Canon, Nikon, and Sony users could shoot tethered directly in Lightroom Classic. Fuji users had to rely on clunky plug-ins that didn’t always work smoothly. With the new Lightroom Classic 14.4 update, that’s finally changed. Native tethering is now built in, making life a lot easier for Fujifilm creatives.
The update supports a wide range of Fuji bodies—from the X-T1 all the way through to the X-T5, plus X-H and X-Pro models, X-S10, and GFX medium format cameras. Adobe also expanded support for Canon, adding the EOS R1, R5 Mark II, and R50 V to the mix. Learn more here.
Other updates released in June include a People feature within the Distraction Removal tool that automatically detects and removes distracting or extra people from your images, as well as a Reflections Removal feature and Performance Improvements to aid in interactive editing tasks. Read more here.
WIRELESS AUDIO
Hollyland Lark A1 Wireless Mic
The Hollyland Lark A1wireless mic makes it easy to capture crystal-clear audio straight from your smartphone. With a simple plug-and-play setup, it delivers impressive 48kHz/24-bit sound quality that picks up every detail. Yes, even the subtleties that often get lost in the mix. It’s built-in 3-level noise cancellation helps cut through background distractions. This way, your voice stays front and center, whether you’re filming on a busy street or in a crowded room.
Fine-tune your sound with adjustable EQ, reverb, and six levels of gain control. The auto-limit function keeps your audio levels in check to prevent distortion. Additionally, the compact design is magnetic for easy placement, with a dual transmitter system that swaps out seamlessly in the charging case. You can easily get up to 54 hours of uninterrupted use. It even maintains a stable connection up to 200 meters away. Purchase the Hollyland Lark A1 on the Adorama blog here.
