Articles by Jon Stapley, Freelancer

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

Articles by: Jon Stapley

Black and white photo of the late David Hockney creating a 'joiner' photographic collage of the National Museum of Photography

This World Photography Day, I’m getting lost in the late David Hockney’s incredible Polaroid composites

By Jon Stapley Published 19 August 26

Hockney's cubism-inspired collages of dozens of Polaroid images are the perfect way to celebrate World Photography Day.

Three-way split image showing Poke Ball themed Polaroid Now camera, Pikachu-themed Polaroid Go camera and Sylveon themed Polaroid Go Camera

Gotta snap 'em all: Polaroid unveils limited edition Pokémon cameras and film, and I'm obsessed

By Jon Stapley Published 18 August 26

Polaroid marks 30 years of Pokémon with limited edition cameras and film — I'll take the Pikachu-styled Polaroid Go Gen 3, thank you very much

Three-way split image showing photographs of the Canon EOS R10, EOS R7 and EOS R8

Canon tipped to release three new EOS R mirrorless cameras before the end of 2026 — I know which one I’m most excited for

By Jon Stapley Published 25 July 26

And one of them might be the digital version of the AE-1 that everyone's been asking for!

A group of friends look at a camera outdoors during the day

‘When I'm peering down the lens… the rest of the world vanishes. It's just me and the photo’ — research shows the mental health benefits of a daily photography habit

By Jon Stapley Published 24 July 26

Research indicates that getting out with a camera can reduce anxiety and promote mindfulness, and the effect is all the greater if you do it regularly.

Photograph of the Valoi Easy35 V2 film scanner

I loved this portable DIY 35mm film scanner with built-in light, and it could save me a lot of money — but it’s not as simple as it sounds

By Jon Stapley Published 20 July 26

I have fallen in love with this scanner, but its equipment requirements mean it's not for everyone.

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 17 July 26

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 15 July 26

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 3 July 26

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

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 24 June 26

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 20 June 26

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 18 June 26

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 2 June 26

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 2 June 26

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 2 June 26

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 26 May 26

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 26 May 26

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 20 May 26

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 8 May 26

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 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 2 April 26

Recommended

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

How to choose a drawing tablet for photo editing

By Jon Stapley Published 9 June 24

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

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

By Jon Stapley Published 8 June 24

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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