This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,075, Oct. 20, 2026. Today's theme is, "Beefed Up Photos App for macOS 27 Is Impressive." I'm Derrick Story.
There are important new features in Photos for macOS 27, and they aren't just eye candy. They are very useful and one in particular we've been waiting years for. Plus, we get new RAW profiles too. I've done some testing and will report my findings on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.
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Beefed Up Photos for macOS 27 Is Impressive
When I returned from Moab, one of the first work things I did was update my MacBook M4 Air to macOS 27. And the primary reason for doing that was the new features and profiles in Photos.
First of all, Photos can process the RAWs from both the new OM System PEN and the Panasonic LUMIX L10. This makes my life infinitely easier since those are the two cameras I'm carrying with me right now. There are other updates too, and you can review the entire compatibility list here.
Star Ratings
Next, we finally have Star Ratings! How many years have we been waiting for this? They're easy to apply via Option>Number, and we can sort via the ratings as well. So now we can use Star Ratings in conjunction with the Favorites Hearts to more easily organize our best shots.
Apple Intelligence-powered Editing Tools
The new Tools tab features an improved Clean Up, plus new Extend and Reframe tools.
- Clean Up: Features a quality boost with a fast mode for small blemishes and a high-quality mode for larger, more complex objects and background generation.
- Extend: Uses generative models to expand an image beyond its original borders (useful for straightening horizons or changing aspect ratios).
- Spatial Reframing: Builds a 3D view of a scene using on-device models, letting you pan, zoom, or rotate around a subject while generative models fill in any exposed gaps.
There are other bits and bobs as well, such as Captured by Me (a dedicated utility album that displays only photos taken directly on your current iPhone), Identity Documents (a new utility album that automatically sorts driver's licenses, passports, bills, and prescriptions), and Save Video Frame (easily extract and save any specific frame from a video as a full-resolution photo (retaining metadata) via the three-dot menu.) So you may want to explore these on your own.
The updated RAW profiles and new Star Ratings alone make Photos infinitely more useful for enthusiast photographers.The new Apple Intelligence Editing Tools are quite exciting. And bringing these all together results in an impressive update for the Photos app.
More Articles About the OM System PEN
Can You Shoot IR with the New OM System PEN? (Darn right you can).
If You Like Compact Cameras, You're Going to Love the New OM System PEN.
This Week in the News
Even Photographers Who Preordered the OM System PEN Might Wait Until Next Spring To Get It as featured on PetaIixel.com
The Godox A2 is a real flash for your phone as featured on DPReview.com
Micro Four Thirds issues an interesting warning about unlicensed companies as featured on DPReview.com
Virtual Camera Club News
Listener Reviews - I noticed that we haven't had a new review for a while on the Apple Podcasts app. If you listen to our show there, I would very much appreciate you posting a brief review. It helps potential listeners know that our show is alive and well
Ready to Buy New Gear? - I have affiliate tiles for B&H Photo and Amazon on every page of The Digital Story. If you're ready to pull the trigger on some new gear, would you be so kind to stop by TheDigitalStory.com first, click on the appropriate tile, then navigate to your desired camera, lens, or accessory? Remember, they also carry all brands or computers, hard drives, memory cards, and more. Thank you so much!
Workshops!
The 2026 TDS Photography Workshop Season. We are featuring webinars, online workshops, and in-person events focused on creating impactful images in the company of those who love photography as much as you. Our workshops are like no others, and we think you will throughly enjoy the camaraderie and the tips and techniques.
Stop by The Nimble Photographer Workshop Page and reserve your spot today.
Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.
Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.
If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.
The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
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