It’s more than just pretty pictures. Instead, it’s a window into worlds most of us will never visit, a call to protect what we might otherwise take for granted, and sometimes, the very thing that inspires us to care about our planet.

The famous nature photographers we’ll explore today haven’t just captured incredible images; they’ve literally changed the world, one frame at a time. From the misty valleys of Yosemite to the frozen expanses of Antarctica, these artists have dedicated their lives to showing us nature’s beauty, fragility, and urgent need for protection.

Ansel Adams – The Grandfather of Nature Photography

Ansel Adams, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you know just one nature photographer, it’s probably Ansel Adams.

Born in 1902, this American legend basically invented what we think of when we imagine classic landscape photography. His black and white images of the American West—particularly Yosemite National Park—are so iconic that photographers still try to recreate his shots nearly a century later.

Adams developed the Zone System, a technique that allowed him to capture every shade from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites with stunning precision. His most famous works, like “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico” and “The Tetons and the Snake River,” aren’t just photographs—they’re cultural treasures.

But here’s what makes Adams truly special among famous nature photographers: he didn’t just take beautiful pictures. He was an environmental warrior who worked with the Sierra Club to help create Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. His images became powerful tools for conservation, proving that a photograph could do more than capture a moment—it could save an entire landscape.

Legacy: Adams proved that a photograph could do more than capture a moment—it could protect an entire landscape.

Galen Rowell – Master of Light and Adventure

Galen Rowell was the kind of photographer who made you wonder if he had a secret pact with the sun itself. This mountain climber-turned-photographer had an almost supernatural ability to be in exactly the right place when the light turned magical. Hear some of his thoughts on photography in the video above.

Born in 1940, Rowell started out as an adventurer first and picked up a camera to share his experiences in the great outdoors. What happened next changed adventure photography forever. He became famous for his images of alpenglow—that incredible moment when mountains glow pink and orange during sunrise or sunset—and for capturing dramatic landscapes that most people would never dare to reach.

Rowell wasn’t content to photograph from safe lookouts; he’d position himself on cliff edges and mountain peaks to get the shot. His dedication earned him the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography in 1984, cementing his place among the most influential famous nature photographers.

He published 18 books, including the legendary “Mountain Light,” which became required reading for anyone serious about outdoor photography. Tragically, Rowell and his wife died in a plane crash in 2002, but his images continue to inspire photographers to chase the light and seek out those breathtaking moments where earth meets sky.

Legacy: Rowell’s book “Mountain Light” remains required reading for outdoor photographers.

Art Wolfe – The Versatile Visionary

Art Wolfe is what happens when a fine arts education meets an insatiable appetite for travel and a deep love of nature.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Washington, Wolfe brings an artist’s eye to everything he photographs—and he photographs everything. Unlike many famous nature photographers who specialize in one particular area, Wolfe’s portfolio is wonderfully diverse. He captures sweeping landscapes, intimate wildlife portraits, native cultures, and even abstract natural patterns with equal skill. See his process in the video above.

Over his remarkable career, he’s published more than 60 books and documented life in over 100 countries. That’s not a typo—100 countries! His work has earned him membership in the elite “Explorers of Light” group at Canon and honorary membership in the Royal Photographic Society.

But what really sets Wolfe apart is his mission. He’s not just documenting beauty for beauty’s sake; he’s racing against time to preserve images of disappearing species, vanishing landscapes, and endangered cultures. As one wildlife conservation leader noted, Wolfe is “a prolific and sensitive recorder of a rapidly vanishing natural world.” His artistry combined with his conservation ethic makes him one of the most respected famous nature photographers working today.

Legacy: Wolfe proves that versatility doesn’t dilute vision—it strengthens it.

Frans Lanting – The Environmental Storyteller

Frans Lanting came to photography through an interesting path. Born in the Netherlands in 1951, he moved to the United States to study environmental planning at UC Santa Cruz. It was there, somewhere between learning about ecosystems and environmental protection, that he picked up a camera—and the world of nature photography was forever changed. Learn more about him in the video above by B&H Photo Video.

Lanting has spent over three decades creating what he calls “environmental storytelling”—photographs that don’t just show you an animal or landscape, but tell you the whole story of that ecosystem and why it matters. His style is characterized by intimate wildlife portraits that reveal the personality and individuality of his subjects, combined with grand landscapes that provide context.

His most ambitious project, LIFE, released in 2006, is a lyrical interpretation of the entire history of life on Earth, complete with orchestral music by Philip Glass. As a longtime contributor to National Geographic and winner of numerous awards, Lanting has earned his place among the famous nature photographers who’ve shaped how we see and understand our planet. His ability to combine scientific knowledge with emotional imagery has made him a powerful voice for conservation.

Legacy: Lanting’s combination of science and artistry has made him one of the most powerful voices in conservation photography.

Jim Brandenburg – The Minimalist’s Poet

Jim Brandenburg, who passed away in April 2025, was a photographer who understood that sometimes less is more. This Minnesota native became one of National Geographic’s most celebrated contributors, but it’s his personal projects that really show his genius.

His most famous work, “Chased by the Light” (which you can learn about in the video above shared by The Mirrorless Man), came from an incredible challenge he set for himself: take only one photograph per day for 90 consecutive days. Just one frame. One chance to get it right. The discipline required for that kind of photography is mind-boggling, and the results were stunning.

Brandenburg was particularly known for his images of Arctic wolves and the wilderness of his home state, Minnesota. His minimalist approach to composition and his ability to capture the essence of a scene with elegant simplicity set him apart from other famous nature photographers.

Four of his images were selected for inclusion in the “40 most important nature photographs of all time” by the International League of Conservation Photographers—a testament to his massive influence on the field. He won Wildlife Photographer of the Year, was named Magazine Photographer of the Year twice, and received the UN World Achievement Award for using nature photography to raise environmental awareness.

Beyond photography, he founded the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation to protect and restore his beloved prairies. His legacy reminds us that great photography isn’t about taking thousands of shots—it’s about taking the right one.

Legacy: He reminded us that great photography isn’t about how many shots you take—it’s about taking the right one.

Paul Nicklen – Ambassador of the Polar Regions

Some famous nature photographers specialize in a particular type of landscape or animal, but Paul Nicklen has claimed an entire climate zone as his domain. Hear his thoughts on photographing the natural world in the video above by Rolex.

This Canadian photographer and marine biologist grew up on Baffin Island with an Inuit family, giving him an intimate understanding of Arctic life that most photographers could never achieve. That unique upbringing shows in every frame he captures.

Nicklen specializes in underwater photography in some of the most hostile environments on Earth—the Arctic and Antarctic. His images of polar bears, penguins, leopard seals, and other cold-weather creatures are breathtaking, but they’re also urgent. Nicklen doesn’t just photograph the polar regions because they’re beautiful; he documents them because they’re disappearing.

His work focuses heavily on the impact of climate change on polar ecosystems, and his book “Polar Obsession” combines stunning imagery with powerful text that explains what’s at stake.

As a regular National Geographic contributor and award-winning photographer, Nicklen has used his platform to become one of the most effective conservation advocates among famous nature photographers. His ability to capture the grace and vulnerability of polar wildlife has helped millions of people understand why protecting these regions matters. When you see a Nicklen photograph of a polar bear swimming through increasingly ice-free waters, you’re not just seeing art—you’re seeing a call to action.

Legacy: Nicklen isn’t just recording beauty—he’s documenting loss and urging us to act.

Cristina Mittermeier – Pioneer of Conservation Photography

Cristina Mittermeier didn’t just become a famous nature photographer—she actually helped define what conservation photography means. This Mexican marine biologist and photojournalist is widely credited with coining the term “conservation photography” itself, establishing it as a distinct genre with its own ethics and mission. Learn more about her (and Paul Nicklen) in the video above by National Geographic.

Mittermeier co-founded Sea Legacy, an organization dedicated to using visual storytelling to protect the ocean, and every photograph she takes serves that mission. Her background as a marine biologist gives her work a scientific foundation that many famous nature photographers lack. She knows the ecosystems she’s documenting from the inside out, and that knowledge informs every creative decision she makes.

But what really makes Mittermeier special is her ability to combine that scientific understanding with imagery that hits you right in the heart. Her photographs don’t just inform—they make you feel something. They make you care.

Her work focuses on ocean health, marine conservation, and the relationship between coastal communities and the sea. As a role model for emerging photographers, especially women in a historically male-dominated field, Mittermeier has opened doors and changed conversations. She’s proven that famous nature photographers can be both artists and activists, scientists and storytellers, and that sometimes the best way to save the world is to show people what they stand to lose.

Legacy: By blending science and art, Mittermeier proves photography can be both data-driven and emotionally powerful.

Ami Vitale – Voice for Endangered Species

Ami Vitale is a triple threat: photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, and writer, all rolled into one conservation-focused force of nature. Her specialty is photographing endangered animals and the people working to save them, and her work has taken her from the African savanna to the mountains of China. Hear her speak about her work in the video above by the National Geographic Society.

Vitale is perhaps best known for her documentation of panda and white rhino reintroduction programs—showing not just the animals, but the incredible human effort required to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Her iconic photograph of a rhino named Kilifi with his caretaker at the Lewa Conservancy in Kenya won National Geographic’s Photo of the Decade award in 2020. That image perfectly captures what makes Vitale one of the most important famous nature photographers working today: it’s not just about the animal, it’s about the relationship between humans and wildlife, and the hope that exists when we choose to protect rather than destroy.

As a regular contributor to National Geographic, Vitale’s stories often focus on human-wildlife conflict and the complex challenges of conservation in the real world. Her work is heart-wrenching and hopeful in equal measure, showing both the dire threats facing endangered species and the dedicated people fighting to save them. She gives voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves, and in doing so, has inspired countless people to care about species they might never see in person.

Legacy: Vitale shows us that conservation is not just about wildlife—it’s about people and their choices.

David Muench – The Timeless Landscaper

Some famous nature photographers burn bright and fast, but David Muench has been creating stunning landscape images for so long that he’s become a living piece of photography history. Get his perspective on the Timeless Moment in the video above by ALIVE Photo.

This American landscape photographer has spent decades—working well into his 80s and 90s—capturing what he calls “the timeless moment” in nature. Muench has a particular gift for photographing rock formations and desert landscapes, especially in the American Southwest.

His large-format photography creates images with incredible detail and a sense of scale that smaller cameras simply can’t match. There’s something almost eternal about a Muench photograph—his images feel less like a specific moment in time and more like a glimpse of how these landscapes have looked for millions of years and will look for millions more. His work bridges the gap between the pioneering famous nature photographers like Ansel Adams and contemporary digital photographers, maintaining traditional compositional excellence while adapting to new technologies.

Muench has inspired multiple generations of landscape photographers, and his influence can be seen in countless calendars, books, and exhibitions. His near-far compositions—where foreground elements lead your eye into distant vistas—have become a standard technique that photographers still study and emulate today. In an era of heavily processed digital images, Muench’s work reminds us that sometimes the landscape itself is spectacular enough without manipulation.

Legacy: Muench reminds us that landscapes themselves are timeless stories worth telling.

Tom Mangelsen – Witness to Wildlife

For more than five decades, Tom Mangelsen has been photographing wildlife and landscapes with a dedication that borders on obsession—in the best possible way. His 1989 book “Images of Nature” is still considered by many photographers to be one of the finest wildlife photography books ever published, which is saying something given how many talented famous nature photographers have published books since then. See him at work in the video above.

What sets Mangelsen apart is his patience and his intimate knowledge of animal behavior. He doesn’t just show up and hope for the best; he studies his subjects, learns their patterns, returns again and again to the same locations, and waits for those authentic moments when wildlife reveals its true nature. His approach focuses on vast wild landscapes with animals in their natural context, never staged or baited.

Mangelsen has documented wildlife across North America and around the globe, creating a body of work that serves as both art and scientific record. His images capture everything from grizzly bears fishing for salmon to African elephants at watering holes, always with a sense of respect for the animal and its environment.

Among the most prolific famous nature photographers, Mangelsen has built one of the largest private photography archives in the world, with images from over 100 countries. His work reminds us that great wildlife photography requires not just technical skill, but also deep knowledge, endless patience, and genuine love for the natural world.

Legacy: Mangelsen demonstrates that respect and persistence are the keys to authentic wildlife imagery.

Eliot Porter – Color Photography Pioneer

In the 1930s, when Ansel Adams and his contemporaries were creating masterful black and white landscapes, Eliot Porter was asking a revolutionary question: what if we could show nature in color? At a time when color photography was considered gimmicky and inferior to black and white, Porter picked up Kodachrome film (released in 1935) and set out to prove that color could be just as artistic and meaningful. See some of his images in the video above.

Interestingly, Porter came to color photography through failure—a rejected book proposal for black and white bird photographs pushed him to try something different. That rejection turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened to nature photography. Porter became a master of color, creating images saturated with the true hues of nature—the blues of bird feathers, the greens of forests, the reds of autumn leaves.

His books “American Birds: 10 Photographs in Color” (1953) and “In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World” (1962) were groundbreaking publications that proved color photography deserved a place among the fine arts. Porter’s influence on famous nature photographers cannot be overstated—he essentially legitimized color as an artistic choice rather than a commercial compromise.

Today, when we see vibrant color images of nature, we’re looking at the legacy of Porter’s pioneering work. He showed us that nature doesn’t exist in black and white, and our photographs shouldn’t either.

Legacy: Every vibrant, full-color landscape we see today owes a debt to Porter’s bold vision.

Philip Hyde – The Quiet Conservationist

Philip Hyde might be the most important famous nature photographer you’ve never heard of.

While Ansel Adams grabbed headlines and Eliot Porter pushed artistic boundaries, Hyde was quietly saving wilderness—acre by acre, park by park, through the power of his photographs. As the primary conservation photographer for the Sierra Club, Hyde worked on what became known as the “battle books” in the Exhibit Format Series. These weren’t coffee table books for casual browsing; they were ammunition in the fight to protect America’s wild places. See some of his photographs in the video above.

Hyde’s photographs, along with those of Adams and Porter, were used in environmental campaigns to establish and expand numerous national parks, wilderness areas, and national seashores. Here’s the remarkable thing: historians believe that Hyde’s work was responsible for protecting more wilderness than any other photographer—even more than the famous Ansel Adams. His images were used in more Sierra Club campaigns and influenced more policy decisions than those of his more celebrated peers.

Hyde collaborated closely with David Brower, the legendary environmental activist, and together they waged photographic campaigns that saved places like the Grand Canyon from damming projects and protected countless forests from logging. Among famous nature photographers, Hyde is the unsung hero—the person who proved that a camera could be as powerful as any political lobby or legal brief. His legacy reminds us that the ultimate purpose of nature photography isn’t just to create beautiful art; it’s to preserve the beautiful places that inspire that art.

Legacy: Hyde showed that sometimes the quietest photographers make the loudest impact on conservation.

The Evolution of Nature Photography

The journey of nature photography from Ansel Adams to today’s famous nature photographers is a story of both technological revolution and unchanged mission.

In Adams’ time, photographers lugged huge view cameras and glass plates into the wilderness, spending hours setting up a single shot. The process was painstaking, but it taught discipline and intention.

Then came Eliot Porter with color film, opening up new possibilities for how nature could be represented. The shift from film to digital in the late 1990s and early 2000s changed everything again. Suddenly, famous nature photographers could take thousands of images in a single day, review them instantly, and push their cameras to capture scenes that would have been impossible in the film era.

Modern mirrorless cameras, drones, and underwater housings have enabled perspectives that earlier generations could only dream of. But perhaps the biggest change has been in purpose. While early famous nature photographers certainly cared about conservation, today’s photographers are explicitly activists. The rise of “conservation photography” as a distinct genre reflects an understanding that in the age of climate change, habitat destruction, and mass extinction, pretty pictures aren’t enough.

Today’s nature photographers document not just beauty, but also loss, resilience, and hope. Social media has also democratized nature photography in ways that help and complicate the mission. On one hand, platforms like Instagram have created a new generation of nature enthusiasts and amateur photographers. On the other hand, they’ve led to overcrowding at iconic locations and sometimes put pressure on photographers to prioritize “likes” over authenticity.

The Impact of Famous Nature Photographers on Conservation

It’s easy to look at a beautiful photograph and think it’s just decoration, but the famous nature photographers we’ve discussed have proven that images can change laws, save species, and protect entire ecosystems.

The impact starts with emotional connection. When you see Paul Nicklen’s photograph of a starving polar bear, you don’t just understand climate change intellectually—you feel it in your gut. When you see Ami Vitale’s image of a rhino with its caretaker, you understand that conservation is about relationships, dedication, and hope.

That emotional connection translates into action.

Historical examples abound: William Henry Jackson’s photographs helped create Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Ansel Adams’ images influenced the creation of Kings Canyon National Park. Philip Hyde’s work saved multiple wilderness areas from development. These weren’t just coincidences—these were deliberate campaigns where photographs served as the primary argument for protection.

The modern conservation photography movement, championed by famous nature photographers like Cristina Mittermeier and others through organizations like the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), has formalized this approach. Today’s nature photographers work directly with conservation organizations, scientists, and policymakers to ensure their images support specific conservation goals. Research has shown that people are more likely to support environmental policies when they can visualize what’s at stake, and that’s exactly what these photographs provide.

Famous nature photographers have also influenced consumer behavior and corporate policy. Images of plastic pollution in oceans, deforestation, and wildlife suffering from climate change have spurred both individual action and corporate responsibility initiatives. When you see documentary evidence of environmental destruction, it’s harder to look away or pretend the problem doesn’t exist.

Why the Work of These Famous Nature Photographers Still Matters

From Ansel Adams’ sweeping Yosemite vistas to Ami Vitale’s tender portraits of endangered animals, these famous nature photographers prove that a camera can be more than an artistic tool—it can be an instrument of change.

Their common threads? Patience, respect, and a mission beyond themselves.

And maybe the next generation includes you. Whether it’s with a smartphone, a DSLR, or a drone, every photograph has the potential to open eyes, stir hearts, and inspire action. Nature photography isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about creating momentum for change.

The post Famous Nature Photographers: Masters Who Changed How We See the World appeared first on Photography Talk.

But here we are again, with credible reports suggesting that the long-rumored Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro could finally be on the horizon…

As reported by Ars Technica, the most recent news comes from supply chain analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, who has a strong track record of getting Apple predictions right. His claim? Touch-enabled MacBook Pros with OLED displays are expected to hit mass production in late 2026.

For creative professionals, this is not just another spec bump. If true, the Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro could reshape the way photographers, videographers, and designers work. We’re talking OLED displays with unmatched color fidelity, the tactile convenience of touch input alongside traditional controls, and even whispers of a new low-cost MacBook aimed at students and casual users. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why this time feels different, and what it all could mean for the creative community.

Table of Contents

• The Great Touchscreen Mac Rumor Cycle
• Why Now? Apple’s Shift in Strategy
• What It Means for Creatives
• Lessons from Windows PCs and Microsoft Surface
• Timeline and the Low-Cost MacBook Rumor
• Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Apple’s Creative Tools
• FAQ

The Great Touchscreen Mac Rumor Cycle

The rumor of an Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro has popped up every few years, often fueled by reports from insiders like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman or supply chain analysts. What’s made the story persistent is that each time, the rumor has enough credibility not to be dismissed outright. And yet, Apple has repeatedly shut the door, with executives like Steve Jobs and later Craig Federighi saying touchscreens on laptops simply didn’t make ergonomic sense.

Still, this latest round feels different. Ming Chi-Kuo claims mass production of a touchscreen MacBook Pro could begin in late 2026, and his track record with Apple hardware gives the statement weight.

Add to that the broader shifts we’ve seen in Apple’s product lineup, and suddenly the idea doesn’t seem so far-fetched. If Apple has historically resisted, it’s because they weren’t ready to deliver a seamless experience—something the company prides itself on. The fact that these rumors are back with real detail suggests we may finally be at a turning point.

Why Now? Apple’s Shift in Strategy

The most compelling argument for why Apple might finally introduce a touchscreen MacBook Pro comes from the evolution of the iPad. Over the past several years, the iPad has steadily become more laptop-like, thanks to keyboard and trackpad accessories. The iPadOS 26 update in particular blurred the line even further, making the iPad feel like a laptop in many everyday scenarios.

By adding touch to Macs, Apple would simply be acknowledging what users already know: both input methods have value. For many, the convenience of a quick pinch-to-zoom or swipe complements the precision of a trackpad or mouse. Apple has already embraced this hybrid approach on the iPad, so flipping it the other way onto the Mac feels like a natural next step. It’s less about changing philosophy and more about expanding usability.

What It Means for Creatives

If you’re a photographer or videographer, the appeal of a touchscreen MacBook Pro is obvious. OLED technology alone promises richer blacks, better contrast, and color accuracy you can actually trust during editing. That’s huge for color grading or preparing prints. Add in the ability to make edits with your fingers—zooming into RAW images, brushing adjustments directly on-screen, or sketching quick notes—and the workflow starts to look transformative.

Of course, there are potential downsides. Touchscreens bring fingerprints and smudges, which can be distracting. Ergonomics are another concern, since reaching across the keyboard for long periods could cause fatigue. And then there’s the question of battery drain. But for quick edits, annotations, or creative bursts, the added flexibility of touch could outweigh the drawbacks. From my perspective, having used both iPads and Macs for nearly two decades, this feels like the kind of evolution that could merge the best of both worlds.

Lessons from Windows PCs and Microsoft Surface

Touchscreens on laptops aren’t new. Windows PCs have had them for over a decade, with the launch of Windows 8 in 2012 being a major catalyst. While that operating system’s radical design shift didn’t win over traditional users, it cemented the idea that touch-enabled PCs had a future. Microsoft doubled down with the Surface lineup, and to this day those devices offer a compelling blend of performance, design, and versatility.

Apple’s strategy has always been different. Rather than rushing to compete, Apple waits until the experience is refined enough to justify the shift. If the company is now preparing to introduce an Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro, it means the software, hardware, and user experience have reached a point where Apple is confident it can deliver something polished. That patience could be what sets Apple’s approach apart from competitors who stumbled early.

Timeline and the Low-Cost MacBook Rumor

So when can we actually expect these changes? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested as early as 2025, but Kuo now points to 2026 for the Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro. That means we still have a bit of waiting to do. But there’s another twist: Kuo also referenced a separate project—a low-cost MacBook expected to enter production in late 2025.

This rumored budget model could use an A-series iPhone processor to keep costs down, possibly sliding into the space once occupied by the M1 MacBook Air, which Apple still sells through retailers like Walmart. If true, it could represent a major shift in Apple’s entry-level laptop strategy. The big unknown is whether Apple would sell it directly, as it has done with lower-cost iPhones and iPads, or keep it exclusive to certain retailers. Either way, it would broaden the appeal of the Mac lineup at a time when affordability is becoming more important for students and first-time buyers.

Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Apple’s Creative Tools

Every major transition in Apple’s history has reshaped the creative landscape—from moving to Intel chips, to the leap into Apple Silicon, to the retirement of spinning hard drives. Each time, the Mac has become a more powerful, reliable partner for creative professionals. If the Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro becomes reality, it could mark one of the most significant leaps yet.

For photographers, it could mean editing with unprecedented confidence in color fidelity. For videographers, smoother HDR grading right on a laptop display. For digital artists, sketching and annotation without extra peripherals. Personally, I’ve worked across nearly every major Mac transition in the last twenty years, and this feels like it has the potential to change workflows in a way that rivals the jump to Apple Silicon.

The real question is: would you use a touchscreen on your MacBook Pro? Or do you think touch belongs solely on the iPad? As Apple continues to blur the lines between its devices, it seems we may soon have the chance to decide for ourselves.

FAQ

When will the Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro be released?

According to Ming Chi-Kuo, mass production is expected to begin in late 2026, so a release may follow shortly after.

Will the Apple touchscreen MacBook Pro use OLED displays?

Yes, reports suggest that the devices will shift from Mini LED to OLED panels, offering deeper blacks and more accurate color for creative work.

How would a touchscreen benefit creative professionals?

A touchscreen would allow intuitive gestures like pinch-to-zoom, direct brush adjustments, and quick annotations, complementing traditional trackpad and keyboard input.

Are there drawbacks to a touchscreen MacBook Pro?

Possible downsides include fingerprints on the screen, ergonomic strain from reaching forward, and slightly reduced battery life. These trade-offs will depend on usage.

What is the rumored low-cost MacBook?

Apple is rumored to be developing a budget MacBook using an A-series processor, expected to enter production in late 2025. It could replace the M1 MacBook Air still sold through retailers.

Will Apple continue to sell non-touchscreen MacBook Pros?

It’s likely Apple will keep offering traditional models, at least initially, to cater to professionals who prefer the classic input style.

Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!

Lead image is a 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with an M4 chip.

The post The Latest Apple Touchscreen MacBook Pro Rumors appeared first on Photography Talk.

It quickly became one of my go-to cameras for shooting overlanding videos, and for good reason—this camera packs a serious punch. In fact, if you’ve watched any of my videos on 4wdTalk.com from 2024, there’s a solid chance that 95% of these videos have footage that was shot using the Insta360 Ace Pro. That’s how much I’ve come to rely on it. You can watch my review of the Ace Pro below:

So, when I started hearing rumors about the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, I couldn’t help but get excited. Based on early leaks, this new version looks like it could be a rock star in the world of action cameras. That said, let’s dive into what we know so far and why this upgrade has the potential to be a serious contender in the action camera space.

Editor’s note: Since the Ace Pro 2 hasn’t been released, the images in this article are of my Ace Pro.

Table of Contents

• The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Could Have a Serious Sensor Upgrade
• The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Should Be Built to Last With Water and Shock Resistance
• Expect an Improved Temperature Range for Extreme Environments
• AI Processing and 8K Video are Expected on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2
• Will a Better Battery Life and a Thicker Build Be on the Docket?
• The Insta360 Ace Pro 3 Might Have a Friendly Price Tag
• My Take on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Could Have a Serious Sensor Upgrade

One of the primary rumors about the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is that it will feature a 50MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, a bump from the already impressive 48MP sensor in the original. Now, for those unfamiliar with sensor sizes, that might not seem like a huge leap, but let me tell you, every pixel counts, especially when you’re capturing action footage.

A larger, higher-resolution sensor allows for crisper, more detailed images, even when you’re pushing the limits with high-speed motion or extreme lighting conditions (which the original Insta360 Ace Pro excels at). This upgrade has me particularly excited because one of the best features of the Ace Pro was its ability to deliver stunning image quality under all conditions, whether I’m racing down a dusty trail or capturing a sunrise over a desolate desert.

This sensor bump, combined with the camera’s AI-enhanced processing capabilities (more on that later), means that we could see even better clarity in those quick-moving shots—perfect for anyone looking to capture fast-paced action. Or in most of my cases, challenging lighting situations that would be bothersome to most action cameras.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Should Be Built to Last With Water and Shock Resistance

Durability has always been a hallmark of Insta360 cameras, and the Ace Pro 2 is rumored to be no different…

If you’re anything like me, you need an action camera that can handle the harsh conditions encountered when you’re out looking for shots of epic landscapes. According to leaks, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 will maintain the 10-meter (33 feet) water resistance rating of its predecessor, making it perfect for capturing footage in rainstorms, through river crossings, or even underwater adventures.

Additionally, the camera is expected to have 1.5 meters (5 feet) of shock resistance, which means it can handle drops and impacts. I’ve tested a lot of cameras over the years, and having one that’s tough enough to withstand bumps, scrapes, and falls is crucial, for those occasional butter finger moments. I can’t tell you how many times my cameras have been knocked off a mount or dropped during a shoot, so this added toughness is a welcome feature.

Expect an Improved Temperature Range for Extreme Environments

For those of us who like to push the boundaries of where we take our gear, the Ace Pro 2’s rumored operating temperature range is exciting. It’s said to handle everything from -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C). Whether you’re braving sub-zero conditions in the mountains or enduring the Death Valley desert heat, this camera should be able to keep up.

Having tested the original Ace Pro in a range of temperatures during my trips to Big Bear and through the deserts of California, I know how critical it is for gear to perform reliably in extreme environments.

AI Processing and 8K Video are Expected on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Let’s talk about the real meat of the rumor mill: the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 could feature 8K video recording. Yes, you read that right—8K.

While the original model already offers 8K capabilities (with some challenges), the word on the street is that the new version will come with an upgraded AI processing chip. This will not only enhance image quality but also make editing those high-res videos smoother and faster.

From my experience with action cameras, AI processing can be a big deal, especially when it comes to tasks like stabilization and dynamic range adjustments. Insta360 has always been a leader in integrating AI into their cameras, and I fully expect this new chip to push the limits even further. For someone like me who shoots a lot of fast-moving content (like vehicles speeding down a trail or tricky off-road maneuvers), the combination of 8K resolution and advanced AI could make for some of the most stunning, smooth, and detailed footage I’ve ever captured.

Will a Better Battery Life and a Thicker Build Be on the Docket?

Battery life is always a concern when it comes to action cameras. It seems the Ace Pro 2 is set to be a little thicker than its predecessor, which could point to one key improvement: better battery life. If you’ve used action cameras before, you know how frustrating it can be when the battery runs out right in the middle of the action.

I’m hopeful that this added bulk means we’ll see a significant boost in how long the camera can run on a single charge. During long shoots, especially when you’re out in the wild without access to power, extended battery life can be a game-changer.

I’d love to see this camera running for hours without needing a recharge, which would allow me to capture full days of overlanding without interruptions. It’s funny; as I’m typing this out, I’m wondering if the added heft could be heat sinks to dissipate heat from the 8K side of things.  Well, I’ll still be optimistic that we may see a longer-performing battery!  

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Might Have a Friendly Price Tag

Finally, let’s talk about price…

According to some of the leaks I’ve discovered, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 might launch at a lower price than its predecessor—around $399.99 compared to the $449.99 of the original. If that’s true, it could make this camera even more of a no-brainer for anyone in the market for a high-quality action camera.

Lowering the price while adding new features is a bold move, but it makes sense. As competition heats up with the likes of the GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, Insta360 will need to offer both premium features and a competitive price point to capture market share.

My Take on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2

As someone who’s been using action cameras since the early days and has tested a huge variety of gear over the years, I have to say that the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has all the potential to be a standout in 2024. The improvements in sensor quality, durability, and AI processing, coupled with the possibility of a lower price point, make this a camera that I’m eager to get my hands on.

If you’re an enthusiast or professional photographer or videographer, or just someone who loves capturing epic footage, this could be the camera that elevates your content to the next level. Stay tuned, because once this camera drops, it’s going to be hard to beat!

In the meantime, keep your Insta360 Ace Pro charged and ready—you might just be surprised at what this new model can do!

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Learn More:

• These Beginner Tips Will Get You Better Photos With Your Action Camera
• Urban Photography 101

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