It may seem strange to buy a camera that can only shoot black-and-white when you can take the output of a color sensor and convert it to black-and-white later. But having shot with both a K-3 monochrome and a Leica M10 monochrome, I can guarantee that there is definitely better tonal range from a monochrome sensor than converting in post. If you’re a dedicated black-and-white shooter, it’s worth considering. I really like the idea of a pocketable monochrome camera that doesn’t have a Leica price attached to it.
The GR IV Monochrome is basically the same camera as the GR IV – same internals apart from the same lens, sensor. Inside the GR IV is a 26-megapixel sensor with no color filter array. Based on my experience with other monochrome sensors, you can expect slightly less shadow noise and slightly better high ISO performance than the color version. I especially like that it will have an optional built-in red filter to increase contrast.
The big downside is that the monochrome GR IV costs $2,200, a full $700 more than the color version. You can place a preorder today, and the camera should ship in mid-February. —Scott Gilbertson
Fender rebrands PreSonus app
courtesy of fender
Big news for guitarists and fans of home recording: after purchasing PreSonus in 2021, Fender has decided to rebrand the music production software previously known as PreSonus Studio One as Fender Studio Pro.
The move comes with the addition of several native amplifier and effects pedal models that are now included in the re-skinned app, as well as some other features that will keep longtime Studio One users (like yours truly) happy. For example, I’m very excited about the new timeline view at the top of the screen, which makes it easier to keep track of where I am in the context of the overall track while recording an overdub.
The name makes everything easy to understand for fender users, who can use the fender studio app (similar to garageband) on their tablets and mobile devices, then easily export it to fender studio pro for more in-depth recording. This makes Fender the only major instrument manufacturer to have its own top-tier recording software.
I’ve been testing a preview version of the software for several weeks and have been impressed by the streamlined look and added functionality of the update, although I admit I’m not the biggest power user out there. —Parker Hall
Omega’s new Speedmasters
courtesy of omega
Following the highly acclaimed white-dial Speedmaster Professional in 2024, Omega clearly feels it is time to give its most iconic wristwatch a new “reverse-panda” makeover. Instead of the classic “panda” design of white dial and black sub-dials, the aesthetics have been changed (hence the name), and it’s just the kind of style tweak that sends collectors running.
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