Articles by Sam Kieldsen

Sam has been writing about tech and digital culture for over 20 years, starting off in video games journalism before branching out into the wonderful worlds of consumer electronics, streaming entertainment and photography. Over the years he has written for Wired, Stuff, GQ, T3, Trusted Reviews and PC Zone, and now lives on the Kent coast in the UK – the ideal place for a camera reviewer to ply their trade.

Articles by: Sam Kieldsen

I spent two weeks shooting with the Fujifilm X-E5, and there are solid reasons for its painful price hike

By Sam Kieldsen published 18 July 25

Recommended

Fujifilm's latest X-series model blends the charm and compactness of the X100VI with the versatility of a mirrorless camera.

Insta360 X5 360 camera on a selfie stick

Insta360 drops a big firmware update and new accessories for its flagship 360 camera, making the best even better

By Sam Kieldsen published 15 July 25

Insta360 has added software improvements to exposure, low-light performance and battery life and released several new add-ons for its superb X5 360 camera.

I tested Insta360's first wireless mic and it's another solid entry-level choice – but it can't quite match the DJI Mic Mini

By Sam Kieldsen published 15 July 25

Despite its budget-friendly price, Insta360's Mic Air works like a charm with the company's X5 and Ace Pro 2 cameras.

Kodak's retro Super 8 camcorder is outrageously expensive, but I've found this super-cheap digital alternative

By Sam Kieldsen published 11 July 25

Heavily inspired by the original 8mm home movie cameras of the 1960s, Camp Snap’s digital camcorder finally has a release date.

I tested Akaso’s first 360 camera and it beats Insta360 and GoPro for value, just don’t take it underwater

By Sam Kieldsen published 7 July 25

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Akaso's capable 360 camera slots in at a price point where it currently faces little competition from the market's big beasts like GoPro and Insta360.

A TV showing a scene from the movie They Cloned Tyrone on Netflix

Netflix explains how it's quietly upgraded the image quality of your favorite movies and TV shows – and it's all about film grain

By Sam Kieldsen published 6 July 25

Netflix’s AV1 Film Grain Synthesis technology, which brings an evocative cinematic look to video content while improving streaming performance, is being rolled out worldwide.

DJI robot vacuum leak suggests the Roomba rival is getting closer – and could have an unusual design feature

By Sam Kieldsen published 30 June 25

An image posted on X apparently shows the purported DJI Romo cleaner inside its docking station, and the design is quite striking.

Don’t buy a 360 camera – the new DJI Osmo 360 just leaked again, and it’s expected to launch imminently

By Sam Kieldsen published 26 June 25

The DJI Osmo 360, rumored for an imminent launch, resembles a slightly shorter and wider Insta360 X5 in these four leaked images.

I used the PolarPro Quartzline ND filter set and it added a whole new facet to my landscape photography toolkit

By Sam Kieldsen published 25 June 25

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These brass-framed neutral density filters can slow down shutter speeds for video motion blur, wide-open aperture shooting and multi-second exposure times.

This fun point-and-shoot camera is like a cross between a Fujifilm X100VI and Camp Snap – and it now has a confirmed price tag

By Sam Kieldsen last updated 24 June 25

Quick backers to this retro-styled throwback camera will be able to obtain it for a special early bird price.

Forget DJI – Insta360’s new coin-sized wireless mic looks like a Mic Mini killer, here’s why

By Sam Kieldsen published 24 June 25

Insta360 has launched its first wireless microphone, a small and affordable model compatible with not only its own stable of action cameras but smartphones and more.

DJI Mini 5 Pro leaks give us our first glimpse of the beginner drone and a potential release date – here’s what we know

By Sam Kieldsen published 23 June 25

A new leaked photo provides hints towards at least one potential new feature for DJI’s next ultralight drone, and its official launch date could be very soon.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro in flight, Fujifilm GFX100RF compact camera in the hand, and the Insta360 X5 amdist mud spray

I've tested more than 25 cameras in the past year – here are my 5 favorites of 2025 so far

By Timothy Coleman published 19 June 25

We look back over the camera calendar for the first half of 2025, picking out our favorite models so far, plus a look ahead to what the rest of the year might bring.

Fujifilm X-E5 on a wooden bench, with the XF 23mm f/2.8 lens removed and propped up against the camera

“$1,700 for a camera that’s not weather sealed?” Fujifilm fans lambast the new X-E5, but I think it’s a decent deal – here’s why

By Sam Kieldsen published 19 June 25

In the US, the Fujifilm X-E5 retails for double its predecessor’s launch price, but features, specs and other factors all warrant consideration before condemning the cost.

Left to right: The Ricoh GR III on black background, the DJI Air 3S in flight at golden hour, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera in the hand with 50mm lens attached

Camera rumors for 2025: new gear we're expecting soon from DJI, Sony, Canon and more

By Timothy Coleman last updated 16 June 25

The most exciting and credible camera rumors for 2025, for leading brands, in one round up.

Two DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro cameras on a rock, front and back, with mountain backdrop

DJI rumors point to three major product launches next month, including a new 360 camera

By Sam Kieldsen published 12 June 25

A serial leaker claims that DJI’s next trio of creative products – two new cameras and a wireless microphone – will all be released in July 2025.

Fujifilm teaser suggests the rumored X-E5 is imminent – and it looks like an affordable X100VI alternative

By Sam Kieldsen published 5 June 25

Ahead of the June 12 Fujifilm X Summit, a new 15-second video shows off Fujifilm’s forthcoming rangefinder-style camera – albeit in silhouette.

DJI says it ‘welcomes’ imminent US drone ban review – here’s why

By Sam Kieldsen published 4 June 25

With the Trump administration threatening a total US sales ban on Chinese-made drones, DJI senses an opportunity to burnish its reputation and banish doubts over security.

Sigma unveils two new series of pro cine lenses for Sony, PL and L mount, with world's fastest aperture

By Sam Kieldsen published 4 June 25

The Aizu Prime Line features a maximum T1.3 aperture on all 12 lenses, while two upcoming full-frame AF Cine Line zooms will be Sigma’s first AF-compatible cine lenses.

The Ricoh GR IIIx camera on a wooden table

Ricoh shows off long-awaited GR IV compact camera, but it doesn't look like the major upgrade I wanted

By Sam Kieldsen published 2 June 25

A prototype of Ricoh’s highly anticipated point-and-shoot camera is currently available to view at the company’s Tokyo showroom

It’s official, Android users: Instagram is draining your battery, but there's now a fix

By Sam Kieldsen published 30 May 25

A new report puts our smartphone battery concerns in perspective and we have some tips to make it through the day.

Fujifilm X-E5 leaks suggest it could be this year’s X100VI – and we now have a likely launch date

By Sam Kieldsen published 30 May 25

Rumors claim that the compact mirrorless camera will be officially announced at Fujifilm's X Summit on June 12 – here's why it could be a big deal.

DJI Osmo 360 leak suggests Insta360 rival could land sooner than expected – and it may be joined by the tiny DJI Osmo Nano

By Sam Kieldsen published 29 May 25

DJI’s answer to the GoPro Max and Insta360 X5 is imminent, according to one report – and the Osmo Nano is also seemingly close. But question marks remain about US launches for both.

A Narwal Freo X Plus roboto vacuum next to a DJI Neo drone

DJI's first robot vacuum is edging closer to launch, according to new leak – and it could clean up in the premium robovac space

By Sam Kieldsen published 29 May 25

A new leaked image appears to show the 'DJI Romo' robot vacuum boxed and ready for shipping – here's what to expect from DJI's debut robovac.

Sony's new compact video camera is official – and it looks ideal for YouTubers and indie filmmakers

By Sam Kieldsen published 28 May 25

Sony's latest Cinema Line camera features a new tiltable 3.68-million dot EVF.

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