Open Camera

Congress has opened an investigation into Flock, the license plate surveillance company, while an Illinois law restricting immigration-related surveillance may be rendered moot. The probe examines how the company's camera network data is used, with concerns that plate reader systems could support federal immigration enforcement despite state-level restrictions. Details of the inquiry's scope and potential implications for state privacy laws remain limited.

A photographer is opening up a Sony FE 24–105 mm F4 G lens after grit got into the zoom mechanism and jammed it, sharing the repair attempt with the tag 'Uh-oh, I'm going in!'. The post is drawing attention from photography and DIY communities, who follow such self-repair stories closely given the cost of professional servicing.

An Android user says no free and open-source camera app meets their needs, so they stick with Google's Pixel Camera. Open Camera is described as outdated and still built on the older camera2 API, LibreCamera is rarely updated, and Fossify feels generic. The complaint highlights a wider gap in the open-source Android ecosystem, where proprietary camera apps still lead on image quality and API support.

Apple has released an update to its Final Cut Camera app adding support for the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture. The change lets users control the phone's adjustable lens opening directly from the app, taking advantage of the new camera hardware for more flexible depth-of-field and exposure control. Coverage of the update has been noted by tech outlets including Engadget.

Formula 1 has released onboard footage of the best race starts from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, showing drivers' launches from the grid from cockpit cameras. Fans of the sport typically enjoy such clips for the view of wheel-to-wheel jostling into the tight first corners of the Baku street circuit.