Gear News of the Week: Kia Shows EV2, Fujifilm Launches New Instax Cameras

It may seem strange to buy a camera that can only shoot black and white when you can take the color sensor’s output and convert it to black and white afterwards. But after shooting with both the K-3 Monochrome and the Leica M10 Monochrome, I can confirm that there is definitely a better color gamut from a monochrome sensor compared to post conversion. If you’re a 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 tag attached to it.

The monochrome GR IV is essentially the same camera as the GR IV – same lens and same internals except for the sensor. Inside the GR IV is a 26-megapixel sensor without a set of color filters. Based on my experience with other monochrome sensors, you can expect marginally less shadow noise and slightly better high ISO performance compared to the color version. I particularly like that there will be an optional built-in red filter to increase contrast.

The big downside is that the monochrome GR IV costs $2,200, which is $700 more than the color version. You can pre-order one today, and the camera is scheduled to ship around mid-February. —Scott Gilbertson

Fender is renaming the PreSonus app

Courtesy of Fender

Big news for guitarists and home recording fans: After purchasing PreSonus in 2021, Fender has decided to rename the music production software formerly known as PreSonus Studio One as Fender Studio Pro.

The move comes in addition to many of the original speaker models and effects pedals that are now included in the redesigned app, as well as some other features that should keep long-time Studio One users (like yours truly) happy. I’m very excited about the new timeline display at the top of the screen, for example, which makes it easier to keep track of where I am in the context of the overall trajectory when overscoring.

The name makes everything easier 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. It also makes Fender the only major instrument manufacturer to have its own top-tier recording program.

I’ve been testing a preview version of the program for several weeks and have been impressed with the update’s streamlined look and added functionality, even though I’m not the biggest power user out there. —Parker Hall

New Omega Speedmasters

Courtesy of Omega

Following the much-acclaimed white dial Speedmaster Professional in 2024, Omega clearly feels it’s time to give its most iconic wristwatch a new ‘reverse panda’ makeover. Instead of the classic “panda” design of the white dial and black sub-dials, the aesthetic has been swapped (hence the name), and it’s just the kind of style tweak that gets collectors running.