Photography Weekly Brief: June 3–9, 2025
From major software launches on new platforms to significant industry price adjustments and crucial discussions on AI’s impact, here’s the most relevant photography industry news from the past week:
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Adobe Photoshop Launches on Android, Democratizing Advanced Editing
Adobe has launched a public beta of its flagship Photoshop image editing application for Android users, mirroring many core features from the iPhone version. Built for smartphones, it includes a layer-based workflow, masking, and powerful Firefly-powered generative AI tools like Generative Fill. All features are currently free during this beta phase, making professional-grade editing more accessible on mobile devices. This strategic move expands Adobe’s ecosystem, aiming to capture a wider mobile-first creative audience and potentially shift professional workflows towards smartphone-based editing. The app requires Android 11 or later and at least 6GB of RAM for optimal performance.
Published: June 3, 2025
Adobe Photoshop Is Now Available on Android | PetaPixel -
Ricoh Unveils Rugged 360-Degree Theta A1 for Extreme Professional Environments
Ricoh has introduced the RICOH360 THETA A1, a new 360-degree camera designed for demanding professional applications like construction site monitoring and industrial inspections. This robust camera boasts a waterproof, dustproof, and extreme temperature-resistant casing, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments. With a long-lasting battery and optimized video codec, the Theta A1 seamlessly integrates into Ricoh’s professional 360° camera lineup, complementing the Theta Z1 and Theta X models. It is compatible with the RICOH360 application for centralized content management, cloud storage, and AI-powered image optimization. This release highlights a growing market for specialized imaging solutions, creating new avenues for photographers in industrial and commercial sectors requiring visual data for efficiency and safety.
Published: June 3, 2025
Ricoh360 Theta A1 Is a Rugged 360-Degree Camera Built for Extreme Environments | PetaPixel -
Canon Enhances PTZ and Cinema EOS Cameras with Advanced Firmware Updates
Canon U.S.A. has released significant firmware updates for its professional Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) and Cinema EOS camera lineups, including models like the CR-N700, EOS C400, and EOS C80. These updates introduce advanced features such as multi-person tracking, improved live streaming with auto-reconnect for SRT and RTMP, and enhanced support for virtual productions via CV Protocol output to multiple devices. For Cinema EOS cameras, the updates also expand the number of look/LUT files that can be registered from 20 to 256 and add the ability to pause Digital IS during recording. These enhancements underscore the industry’s growing focus on live production, virtual sets, and automated multi-camera setups, blending traditional cinematography with broadcast and event production needs. This trend encourages professional videographers to expand their skills into live production and virtual environments.
Published: June 5, 2025
https://www.usa.canon.com/newsroom/2025/20250605-firmware -
BFI Report Warns of AI’s Threat to Screen Sector, Citing Copyright Concerns
A British Film Institute (BFI) report, “AI in the Screen Sector: Perspectives and Paths Forward,” warns that generative AI models have been trained on over 130,000 copyrighted film and TV scripts without permission or compensation. The report identifies copyright infringement as a primary concern, noting that AI can replicate storytelling and create new content at a fraction of the cost, potentially competing with original creators. It also raises alarms about AI’s potential to eliminate crucial entry-level roles in the film, TV, video game, and visual effects industries. While focused on film, these findings have significant implications for photographers regarding intellectual property, fair compensation, and the future of creative roles. This report underscores the urgent need for photographers to engage in discussions about AI ethics and advocate for robust copyright protections.
Published: June 9, 2025
AI Companies Used 130,000 Film and TV Scripts to Train Generative Models | PetaPixel
Tools & Tips
Apple iOS 26 Camera App Redesign & AirPods Remote Functionality
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 will feature a complete redesign of the iPhone’s native Camera application, aiming for a more intuitive “Liquid Glass” interface. Key improvements include a streamlined layout prioritizing photo and video modes, with other options accessible via swiping. iOS 26 also introduces a new “lens cleaning hint” and, significantly for photographers, the ability to use AirPods as a remote control for the camera. Users can press and hold the AirPods stem to capture photos or start/stop video recording, offering a convenient hands-free option for mobile photography. These enhancements reinforce the iPhone’s role as a powerful tool for both casual and professional photographers, especially for quick captures and behind-the-scenes content.
https://www.dpreview.com/news/0257586356/get-ready-the-iphone-s-camera-app-is-getting-a-complete-redesign
Fun Fact
Did you know the most viewed photograph in history is the default wallpaper for Windows XP, titled “Bliss”? Captured by photographer Charles O’Rear in 1996 using a medium format camera, this iconic image of rolling green hills and a blue sky was taken in Sonoma, California. Seen by billions, “Bliss” exemplifies how photography can achieve unparalleled global reach through unexpected digital platforms. Its ubiquitous distribution as a default digital interface element amplified its cultural resonance, demonstrating that an image’s impact can be exponentially amplified by its platform. This serves as a reminder that some of the most impactful photographs are embedded in our everyday digital experiences.
66 Fun Facts In Everything That Is Related To Photography
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Photography events or utilized new Photography tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.