Xlaserlab has launched the new E3 UV engraver on Kickstarter (Click here). And it’s selling hot!

This compact, industrial-grade ultrafast UV laser engraver isn’t just for makers and tinkerers—it’s a precision powerhouse that can engrave on virtually any surface, including glass, wood, metal, acrylic, leather, and even stone. For photographers, that opens up some exciting possibilities:

• Custom prints on wood, leather, or metal — a tactile, premium alternative to paper
• Personalized branding on photo albums, boxes, or USB drives
• Etched signature logos on camera gear, packaging, or promotional gifts
• One-of-a-kind client keepsakes, like engraved portraits or wedding dates on slate or acrylic

Thanks to its ultrafast femtosecond laser technology, the XLaserlab E3 produces incredibly sharp, detailed engravings without burning, melting, or damaging delicate materials. It supports vector and raster files, has ultra-high 8000 DPI precision, and runs quietly from a sleek desktop enclosure.

For photographers who want to stand out — whether in portraiture, wedding, fine art, or commercial work — this tool offers a new way to bring physical storytelling to life.

The E3 is currently live on Kickstarter with early-bird pricing. It’s worth checking out if you’re ready to take your creative output beyond the image itself.

Director of Photography Joe Bressler shares how he shot an Emmy-winning commercial for Katz’s Delicatessen using minimal gear and a small crew. Despite a tight budget and shooting in a live restaurant, he captured a cinematic ad using only his Sony FX3 and Sony 24–70mm GM lens, along with budget-friendly lights like the Zhiyun Molis G300, Amaran 100x, Amaran F21c, and Amaran 300c. His takeaway? Great storytelling and strong characters matter more than expensive gear.

The leaked image of the new Sony A7V shows a 33MP resolution. Unclear if ti’s the same A7IV sensor or a new partially (or fully) stacked version

A new source told me this. Now, while he has not track record yet of sharing reliable rumors he told me he had a direct chat with someone testing the Sony A7V. And this is what he told me:

Sony has taken customer feedback seriously and developed the a7 V from the ground up. It’s intended to reaffirm Sony’s leadership in this category. The upgrade over the previous generation a7 IV is described as very significant, and both customers and retail partners are being advised that — if their need isn’t urgent — waiting for the new model will be worthwhile. Hints made about the camera’s performance strongly suggest a notable increase in speed. A launch is expected before the end of the Japanese fiscal year.

Based on this, here’s what seems safe to expect:

• The 33MP figure is likely accurate, but the sensor will be stacked. A 40MP sensor would push it too close to the a1.
• Autofocus will benefit from recent machine learning developments, along with improvements to IBIS and overall system responsiveness.
• Speed will be increased over the previous generation, but not drastically. I wouldn’t expect more than 15 fps in RAW. A more modest buffer is likely, to limit burst duration and help separate it from the a9 III/a1 lines. As performance increases, there may be trade-offs: lower bitrate, limited or absent blackout-free EVF, or reduced EVF resolution.
• Expect slightly reduced video capabilities compared to the a1.
• The rumored body change is uncertain. While possible, I don’t see a strong reason to withhold a new body design from the mid-range, particularly if it’s already well received. It’s not strictly a premium feature of the a9 III/a1 series — functional segmentation will come through performance, not chassis.
• Release is expected before the end of the year.
• Pricing will likely be in line with the a7 IV’s original launch, or slightly above.

A few additional notes:

• A long-standing rumor suggests that the a7 V was mostly completed some time ago, but its release was delayed — partly to avoid interfering with other launches, and partly because Sony believed they could continue selling the a7 IV for a while longer. Since the a7 IV remained a capable and well-performing body, this delay may also explain why the new model could launch in the existing body format.
• Rumors about an “a1 IIa” revision are almost certainly incorrect. The a1 II faced unexpectedly high demand and logistical issues that caused backorders. However, those issues were resolved earlier this month, and the camera is now widely available. Recent shipments show no design or feature changes. There’s no credible information suggesting a revised variant.
• On the other hand, the a9 III tells a different story. Despite the initial hype around its global shutter, sales haven’t met expectations. This seems to be due to the camera’s more niche appeal. While users within that niche appear satisfied, little positive feedback has made its way back to retail channels. Concerns around low-light performance are discouraging potential buyers, and many opt for the a1 II instead. In short, the a9 III is not selling particularly well.
  (The same appears true of the Canon R1 — it too is underperforming.)

My take:

As I’ve said many times before, I’ll stay skeptical until we see solid evidence. That said, it would make perfect sense for Sony to introduce a new sensor — especially with the Canon R6 III launching on November 6. It’s expected to feature the fast new 34MP sensor from the C50, capable of impressive video specs like 7K RAW, open gate recording, and 40fps with the electronic shutter.