New OM-5II reviews: “Best Entry Level Camera Yet?”

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OM-5II preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK. An official press introduction can be read at Explora.

ThePhoBlographer writes that this is the Best Entry Level Camera Yet:

Truly, I want to say that this is the best entry-level camera simply because I can’t imagine the audience getting really serious about the RAW image output and the IP-durability rating. But at the same time, the price rivals that of the Canon R8. I called that one an annoyingly good camera, and my biggest beef with it is that it’s not weather resistant.
Where the Canon EOS R8 is for people who probably spend a lot of time inside or in sunny weather, the OM System OM5 II is for the photographer who wants to spend time outdoors no matter what the condition is.

Keith Wee writes:

The OM-5 Mark II camera is an easy to work with and robust mirrorless camera that hits true to its designated purpose and target user, the one who seeks a truly compact camera which one can trust to perform (and survive) a more adventurous trip with functions carried down from its predecessor and more powerful siblings that the more experienced user will appreciate.
While it is true that it lacks certain functionalities the OM-1 II and OM-3 have, this has also allowed OM systems to price the camera in a more reasonable way (at USD1199, which is 40% cheaper than OM-3’s SRP of USD1999).
Given how much prices have only risen exponentially for photography gear in these two to three years, the OM-5 II is an entry-level camera worth one’s consideration.

And here is Emilie Talpins take:

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BildExpo special: Save big on Nextorage Type B and SD cards

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The Bild expo special are now live on this page (Click here). You also save an extra 5-15% with the Paypoo card on this page (Click here).

Some deal mentions:

Until June 22 Save up to $210 on memory cards on B&H online store (Click here).

Type B cards:

  • Up to $210 off on Type cards at BHphoto.

SD cards:

  • $65 off on the 256GB V90 SD card at BHphoto.
  • $32 off on the 128GB V90 SD card at BHphoto.
  • 410 off on the 64GB V90 SD card at BHphoto.

Type A card reader:

  • $10 off on the new CFexpress Type A card reader at BHphoto.

Portable storage:

  • $150 off on the 4TB portable SSD at BHphoto.
  • $20 off on the 2TB portable SSD at BHphoto.
  • $20 off on the 1TB portable SSD at BHphoto.
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8X Image Upscaling, Smart Face Restoration & De-noise – Aiarty Image Enhancer (Giveaway)

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8X Image Upscaling, Smart Face Restoration & De-noise – Aiarty Image Enhancer (Giveaway)

Whether you’re a photographer, content creator, or just someone who wants better-looking photos, Aiarty Image Enhancer makes it super easy to improve your images—no need for complicated settings or steep learning curves. Just fast, reliable results. Even with an awesome camera, not every shot turns out perfect. A little blur, high ISO noise, or tricky low-light conditions can still affect the final image. That’s where Aiarty Image Enhancer comes in—it helps revive those less-than-perfect photos.
With the latest update, Aiarty brings some seriously cool features like smarter AI Face Restoration, faster rendering, support for HEIC output, and up to 8X image upscaling—perfect for restoring old photos, fixing blurry shots, or cleaning up low-res or AI-generated images for print, sharing, or post-production.

Limited-Time Giveaway and Deal
For a limited time, click “License Giveaway” to claim a free license of Aiarty Image Enhancer—no credit card needed.
Want full access with no limits? Grab the Lifetime License at a special discount. It covers use on up to 3 computers with a one-time payment (no subscriptions), includes unlimited free updates, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See the special offer details >

Restore Blurry Faces with AI
The AI Face Restoration feature in Aiarty is a game-changer for anyone working with older portraits, selfies, or group shots. It automatically detects and enhances faces, bringing back missing details like skin texture and facial features—even in blurry or compressed photos.

Test 1: Vintage Family Photo

Test 2: Blurry Group Shot

You can choose between two restoration modes: Gradient Overlay for a soft, natural look, and Routine Overlay for a more noticeable correction. Whether you need a subtle touch or more noticeable improvements, Aiarty has you covered.
Test 3: Intensive Enhancement with Routine Overlay Mode

Fix Grainy, Noisy Images with a Click
If you’ve ever dealt with noisy portraits, high ISO images, or night shots, you know how frustrating grainy photos can be. Aiarty Image Enhancer makes quick work of that. It eliminates luminance and color noise, leaving you with clear, detailed, and more professional-looking images.

Upscale to 4K, 8K, or Even 32K
Whether you’re printing large or cropping in deep, resolution is key. Aiarty can upscale your images up to 8X, getting you crisp, sharp details at 4K, 8K, 16K, or even 32K resolutions. You won’t get the usual softness or pixelation that comes with basic upscaling tools. And thanks to faster rendering, the process is smoother than ever—no matter the file size.

Powerful AI Models for Every Image
Aiarty Image Enhancer also comes with a range of AI models to help you get the best result depending on your image:

  • More Detail GAN v3 Model: Adds amazing clarity and sharpness, especially useful for textures like skin, fur, or feathers.
  • AIGC Smooth v3 Model: Perfect for improving AI-generated content, whether it’s digital art, line art, or images with smooth surfaces.
  • Real Photo Model: Focuses on real photographs, enhancing details and improving image quality without overdoing it.
  • Smooth Diff v2: Smoothens and brightens images for a clearer, more natural look.

Easy to Use, Big Results
Aiarty Image Enhancer isn’t about endless sliders or filters. It’s designed to do all the hard work behind the scenes, so you can focus on what matters—your photos. Whether you need sharper images or want to clean up a specific problem, Aiarty gets it done in just a few clicks.
Learn more about Aiarty Image Enhancer >

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Just announced: Peak Design Pro Tripods on Kickstarter

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Peak Design announce the new Pro Tripod on Kickstarter (Click here).

Press text:

Based on the groundbreaking architecture of Peak Design’s original award-winning Travel Tripod, Pro Tripod is scaled-up to offer significantly greater stiffness and deployment height. It also offers pro features like fluid panning, video support, and fully CNC-machined aluminum hardware, as well as meticulously engineered refinements to every single lever, knob, and touchpoint.

Pro Tripod will be available in 3 size variants (Lite / Pro / Tall) to meet a broad range of shooting needs and preferences. Combined with the Travel Tripod, Peak Design now has a full tripod line, with a compelling premium solution for everyone in the hobbyist, prosumer, and professional .

Product Overview

  • Pro Tripod
    Professional-grade tripod with the stability and features pros need, but still portable enough to carry anywhere.
  • Pro Tall Tripod
    Variant of Pro Tripod with elongated legs for a taller deploy height. For users who prefer taller deployment, either because they are taller, or because they want maximum stability with heavier rigs by not deploying the center column. Longer packed length than Pro Tripod and slightly heavier.
  • Pro Lite Tripod
    Same head as Pro Tripod, but with the legs, hub, and center column scaled down for greater portability. For users willing to sacrifice a little stability for a little more packability. Packs down skinnier and slightly shorter than Pro Tripod, weighs slightly less. Still significantly stronger, stiffer, larger, and heavier than Travel Tripod.
  • Tilt Mod*
    Instantly convert your Pro Tripod ball head into a fluid pan/tilt head for capturing ultra-smooth pro-quality video. Capture photo and video in a single shoot without lugging extra gear or interrupting your workflow
  • Pro Leveling Base*
    Combine the portability and stability of our carbon fiber Pro Tripod legs with the functionality of your own dedicated pro video head, gimbal, geared head, 3-way head, and more. Quickly level it on uneven terrain without the need to adjust your legs.
  • Pro Spike Feet Pro Lite Spike Feet
    Set of 3 stainless steel spike feet. Pro set fits Pro & Pro Tall models, Pro Lite fits only Pro Lite model. Achieve superior stability and grip when shooting with Pro Tripod or Pro Tall Tripod on slippery or loose terrain.

Pro Tripod Features/Upgrades vs. Travel Tripod

  • Massive stability upgrade. All pro, still no bulk.
    Scaled-up and precision-tuned to handle heavy pro rigs in the most demanding environments, Pro Tripod features stronger legs, an all-CNC-machined hub, and a flanged center column for maximum stability and weight capacity (40lb). Yet it still fits in your backpack.
  • Totally overhauled & refined Pro Ball Head with fluid panning.
    Integrated fluid panning. An upgraded cinch ring for more stability than ever. Added safety toggle for total security. 15-degrees of adjustment even when the center column is fully stowed. Use the new Tilt Mod accessory to instantly convert to a full fluid pan/tilt video head.
  • Faster, more secure camera connection.
    The redesigned Arca-compatible camera quick-lock grips your camera faster, tighter, and more effortlessly.
  • Revamped leg cams for even faster setup and pack-down + easier maintenance.
    A hallmark feature of the Travel Tripod, the aluminum leg locking cams have been reengineered for smoother, faster, and stronger operation. Plus they’re significantly easier to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
  • New ergonomic angle adjusters.
    New CNC-machined leg angle adjusters have smooth and satisfying push-button operation and lie flush when packed down.
  • Fully integrated hex tool + mobile mount.
    Includes our iconic collapsible phone mount, plus a new folding hex multitool, both designed to stow inside the center column.
  • Upgraded protective carry sleeve.
    The redesigned carry sleeve features a weatherproof shell, padded construction, and an integrated adjustable carry strap.
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