Jon Stapley

Freelancer

Writer, photographer and editor Jon Stapley is an expert in all things cameras and digital art.

Articles by: Jon Stapley

Photograph of the Kodak EC35 film camera

Kodak's new point-and-shoot 35mm film camera comes in 7 vibrant colors, costs just $35, and brings back one of my favorite pieces of camera design

By Jon Stapley Published

Reminiscent of the classic Olympus Mju, the new 35mm film camera costs just $35.

Photograph of a young woman holding the Lomography Half-frame Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera

Lomography just created a super affordable, idiot-proof film camera that doubles your number of photos — and it comes pre-loaded with a roll and the instructions are literally printed on the body

By Jon Stapley Published

This is possibly the most idiot-proof camera ever made, with instructions literally printed on the body.

Triptych of three images from the iPhone Photography Awards 2026, including a black cat, an erupting volcano, and a parrot perched on a watermelon

A stunning low light capture of a volcanic eruption in Guatemala sweeps the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards — and it was taken on an iPhone 15 Pro

By Jon Stapley Published

Turns out you don't need the latest tech to win prestigious prizes.

Photograph of the Godox C100 palm-sized transparent window camera

Godox's $29 camera also works as a light meter — as a film photographer, I'm buying

By Jon Stapley Published

I love the idea of a pocketable light meter that's also a camera, and at this price... I'm tempted.

Split image with a Polaroid I-2 camera on the left and an Instax Wide Evo camera on the right

Polaroid vs Instax: I’m an instant camera addict and I’m team Polaroid all the way — here’s why

By Jon Stapley Published

Here's why I will always pick Polaroid instant film over Fujifilm Instax, despite the cost.

Photograph of man's hand holding Polaroid Go Gen 3 camera in white

The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is a palm-sized instant camera that produces lovely little prints — in the right conditions

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

The Polaroid Go Gen 3 is a minor refresh with a new lens and flash — even better for instant-film selfies,

Photograph of man's hand holding Camp Snap 2 digital camera, in yellow colorway

I tested the Camp Snap 2, and the follow-up to the viral screen-free compact camera is slimmer, quicker and more creative, and still deliciously cheap

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

With faster shooting and new filters, the Camp Snap 2 is basically the first camera again, but better. It'll sell like gangbusters.

Photograph of Camp Snap 2 small digital compact camera in white

Camp Snap returns with another ultra-cheap screen-free compact camera — and this is the new feature I’m most excited about

By Jon Stapley Published

Camp Snap's latest screen-free digital compact doesn't tinker with a winning formula, but adds a few upgrades I like the sound of.

Young man happily holding a Polaroid Go Gen 3 tiny instant camera to his eye, with the sea and a sunset visible in the background

Polaroid just launched the ‘world’s smallest instant camera’ — and this pocketable hit of 1980s nostalgia only has one big drawback

By Jon Stapley Published

Right place, right time — I think current trends for cute cameras and screen-free experiences are good news for the new Polaroid Go Gen 3.

Photograph of Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1

I'm a travel photographer, and I'm already dreaming of my next trip with Peak Design's clever new 2-in-1 backpack and camera bag

By Jon Stapley Published

Peak Design's four new camera bags got funded on Kickstarter to the tune of $2.4 million — but there's one I'm especially excited about

Ben Biggs holding his custom 'Blackbird' drone

Custom drone makers hit 453mph to (unofficially) break the record for fastest drone on earth — and hand-made sawtooth carbon fiber propellors made all the difference

By Jon Stapley Published

Carbon fiber propeller blades have powered a custom drone to break a world speed record – but it hasn't been officially recognised.

Photograph of Camp Snap CS-Pro digital compact camera

Camp Snap’s upgraded screen-free retro compact camera hits the right notes, and I love how affordable it is

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

The 'Pro' upgrade to the Camp Snap loses the shutter lag, ups the resolution, and adds a dial for retro-style filters.

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Photograph of RewindPix digital compact camera

I'm an analog photography nut, and this cheap compact is as close as a digital camera has come to capturing the feel of shooting film

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

Offering a treasure-trove of app-based film looks, the RewindPix is a heck of a lot of fun for retro-loving photographers.

A YouTube teaser for a Sony camera with the slogan Ready for the next R

Sony and Canon are unveiling new cameras on the same day next week — and I know which one I’m more excited about

By Jon Stapley Published

Sony has shared a teaser on it YouTube channel of a new 'R' camera – releasing the same week as a mysterious new Canon camera.

Photograph of Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 mini instant printer

I tested Polaroid’s kitschy square-format printer — it’s an addictive way to print and frame your smartphone snaps

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

An instant printer and frame for phone photos, the Polaroid Hi-Print 3x3 is a charming way to get more from your camera roll.

Photograph of a man's hand holding the Lomography Lomo MC-A analog compact camera, front facing

I’ve been testing film cameras for years, and the Lomography Lomo MC-A easily just became my favorite

By Jon Stapley Published

Recommended

A solid metal build, capable autofocus and manual settings control make this premium compact the new film camera to beat.

digital artist working on a computer

How to choose a drawing tablet for photo editing

By Jon Stapley Published

Looking to edit photos using a drawing tablet? We offer tips on how to choose the right tablet for photo editing.

Graphics designer

Pen tablet vs. pen display vs. tablet – what is the best drawing tablet for digital creatives?

By Jon Stapley Published

Trying to choose a drawing tablet for digital art, photo editing or other creative pursuits? We compare the different types to help you choose.

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