It might 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 afterward. But having shot with both the K-3 monochrome and the Leica M10 Monochrome, I can vouch that there is definitely a better tonal range from a monochrome sensor compared to 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 essentially the same camera as the GR IV—same lens, same internals aside from the 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 marginally less shadow noise and slightly better high ISO performance compared to the color version. I especially like that there will be an optional built-in red filter for upping contrast.
The big downside is that the monochrome GR IV costs $2,200, a full $700 more than the color version. You can preorder one today, and the camera should ship around the middle of February. —Scott Gilbertson
Fender Rebrands PreSonus App
Big news for guitarists and fans of home recording: After having purchased 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 in addition to several native amplifier and effects pedal models that are now included in the re-skinned app, as well as a few other features that should keep longtime Studio One users (like yours truly) happy. I am very excited about the new timeline view at the top of the screen, for example, which makes it easier to track where I am in the context of the overall track when recording overdubs.
The name makes everything easier to understand for Fender users, who can use the Fender Studio app (akin 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 that owns its own top-tier recording software.
I have been testing a preview version of the software for several weeks and have been impressed with the update’s streamlined looks and added functionality, though admittedly, I am not the biggest power user out there. —Parker Hall
Omega’s New Speedmasters
After the much-admired white-dial Speedmaster Professional in 2024, Omega clearly feels that now is the time to give its most iconic wristwatch a new “reverse-panda” makeover. Instead of a classic “panda” design of white dial and black sub-dials, the aesthetic is switched (hence the name), and it’s just the sort of style tweak that makes collectors come running.
