As a media producer and Star Wars enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share this year’s ultimate guide to Star Wars Day celebrations. Coming fresh off the heels of the groundbreaking Star Wars Celebration Japan, 2025’s May the 4th festivities are shaping up to be truly spectacular.

Breaking News from Japan: Last month’s Japan Celebration was a landmark event that set the tone for this year’s May the 4th celebrations. From the breathtaking Shogun Vader that dominated social media to the jaw-dropping announcement of Ryan Gosling joining the Star Wars universe in “Starfighter,” the convention proved that the Force is stronger than ever in 2025.

Local Phoenix Celebrations For our Phoenix community, several exciting events are happening:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is joining the celebration with Star Wars-themed displays as part of its modernization project
• Local fan groups are organizing meetups and costume contests
• Special screenings at local theaters
• Family-friendly events across the Valley

Visit AZ Family: https://www.azfamily.com/2025/05/02/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-with-these-phoenix-area-events/

Entertainment Updates

• “The Mandalorian and Grogu” Season 2 footage revealed at Japan Celebration had fans cheering
• “Andor” Season 2’s emotional final panel showcased what’s coming on April 22
• The newly announced Darth Maul animated series promises to explore the iconic villain’s untold stories

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/starwarscelebration

Community Engagement As someone who’s produced over 1,000 videos focusing on community storytelling, I can’t emphasize enough how Star Wars brings people together. This year’s celebration is particularly special as it bridges cultures, from the East to the West, just as we at STM Daily News strive to connect communities through our storytelling.

Ways to Join the Celebration

• Host a watch party featuring the original trilogy
• Share your Star Wars memories on social media using #MayThe4th2025
• Create themed content for your social channels
• Join online communities to discuss the latest reveals from Japan

Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the Force, May 4th, 2025, offers something for everyone. As we continue to see the franchise evolve and grow, it’s remarkable how Star Wars remains a powerful force in bringing communities together through storytelling.

Remember: The Force will be with you… always.

Related links:

https://www.azfamily.com/2025/05/02/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-with-these-phoenix-area-events

https://www.starwarscelebration.com

https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/2025-phoenix-star-wars-day-where-to-celebrate-may-the-4th-21666596

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/events/2025/04/30/star-wars-day-2025-things-to-do/83255994007

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

And let your entertainment journey begin!

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Anamorphic Lens Mod for HERO13 Black Delivers Dramatic, Hollywood-like Video for Creators and Filmmakers in a Tremendously Affordable Package

SAN MATEO, Calif., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GoPro (NASDAQ: GPRO) is now shipping the Anamorphic Lens Mod for its new camera, HERO13 Black. Anamorphic Lens Mod delivers expanded performance for creators and filmmakers looking to achieve cinematic and artistic video from HERO13 Black. With a Hollywood-ready 21:9 aspect ratio and ultra-wide field of view complemented by lessened distortion, the Anamorphic Lens Mod is perfect for professional cinematographers, photographers, and creators looking to achieve sought-after Anamorphic perspectives and lens flares in a package that costs a fraction of similar professional systems. Starting today, Anamorphic Lens Mod for HERO13 Black is shipping on GoPro.com for $129.99 MSRP and is available at retailers internationally. Anamorphic Lens Mod is quickly becoming a go-to lens for creators and filmmakers looking to achieve cinematic results in a small and affordable camera system. “Anamorphic Lens Mod and HERO13 Black have expanded what I can create with my GoPro,” says GoPro Creator and commercial filmmaker, Chris Rogers. “With the addition of the Anamorphic Lens Mod to my GoPro camera kit, I can capture incredibly dramatic and cinematic perspectives in a durable, and portable package that’s stands alongside professional setups that cost tenfold more.” Anamorphic Lens Mod is compatible with HERO13 Black’s Auto Detect feature, which intelligently senses Anamorphic Lens Mod and switches the camera into the corresponding mode. In-camera “de-squeezing” delivers video immediately available for review and allows for streamlined post-production editing. The Lens Mod is waterproof and tough enough to withstand the elements – helping you get the shots you need. Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129.99) joins three other Lens Mod accessories that complete the HB-Series Lens Collection.

• Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99.99): Transforms HERO13 Black into the ultimate POV camera by capturing more in every shot with a 177° field of view and new 1:1 aspect ratio.
• Macro Lens Mod ($129.99): Expands the creative possibilities of HERO13 Black with variable focus on objects up to 4x closer than the standard GoPro Lens.
• ND Filter 4-Pack ($69.99): Delivers smart, cinematic motion blur in photos and videos with ND4 / ND8 / ND16 / ND32 for pros and novices alike.

Also available this week, the new HB-Series Lens Collection includes the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Macro Lens Mod, Anamorphic Lens Mod, and ND Filter 4-Pack – all together in one convenient, protective case for $349.99. Later in Q2, customers will also be able to purchase the HERO13 Black + HB-Series Lens Collection as a single bundle for $699.99 to leverage the full power of the HERO13 Black and HB-Series Lens Collection – also packaged together in a protective case. HERO13 Black, Anamorphic Lens Mod, Ultra Wide Lens Mod, Macro Lens Mod, and ND Filter 4-Pack are all now available individually on GoPro.com. About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)
GoPro helps the world capture and share itself in immersive and exciting ways. GoPro has been recognized as an employer of choice by both Outside Magazine and U.S. News & World Report for being among the best places to work. Open roles can be found on our careers page. For more information, visit GoPro.com. Connect with GoPro on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, YouTube, and GoPro’s blog, The Current. GoPro customers can submit their photos and videos to GoPro Awards for an opportunity to be featured on GoPro’s social channels and receive gear and cash awards. Members of the press can access official logos and imagery on our press portal. GoPro, HERO and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SOURCE GoPro, Inc.

Amplify any Aesthetic & Unleash Your Full Creative Potential with the Most Feature-Packed Camera in its Class

MELVILLE, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nikon announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark. The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.¹ The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one third² the time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise. The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colors. “The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for in order to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.” Reliably Fast Focus and Performance The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits or action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.

• 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
• The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
• Fast continuous shooting speeds³ with a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
• Pre-Release Capture⁴ function when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.

Embrace Low Light Like Never Before There’s no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light. Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.

• Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EV⁵ delivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
• A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
• The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop⁶ increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
• Focus-point VR⁷ tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
• Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Color Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
• Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode. Perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.

Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information. Additionally, the rear 3.2″ Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot. The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance. Feel the Color with Picture Controls The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user. Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting. Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:

• Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
• Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW⁸, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
• N-Log⁹ tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
• Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
• Hi-Res Zoom¹⁰ uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
• Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
• Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
• The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.

Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II

• Dual SD card slots
• Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
• Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
• Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting¹¹ to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software).

Adobe Creative Cloud Promotion For a limited time, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get 1 year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage. For more information and terms of this promotion, please visit www.nikonusa.com. Price and Availability The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1699.95* for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95* SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95* SRP. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com About Nikon  Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.
Connect with Nikon on Facebook , X , YouTube , Instagram , Threads , and TikTok. Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. 1. Based on Nikon research as of April 3rd, 2025.
2. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. The measurement values are based on the following testing conditions: Subject brightness of 10 EV; in photo mode using aperture-priority auto (A), single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at 70-mm focal length with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
3. Max framerate of 14 fps in mechanical shutter mode is JPEG only. C15 and C30 are JPEG only, electronic shutter modes. Rolling shutter distortion may occur depending on the type of subject and shooting conditions.
4. Available only with JPEG recording.
5. In photo mode using single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at ISO 100 equivalent and a temperature of 20°C/68°F with an f/1.2 lens.
6. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll compensation performance when using the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (telephoto end, NORMAL)
7. Only in photo mode with NIKKOR Z lenses not equipped with VR. Does not function when multiple focus points are displayed.
8. When a frame size and rate of [[FX] 4032×2268 30p], [[FX] 4032×2268 25p], [[FX] 4032×2268 24p], [[DX] 3984×2240 30p], [[DX] 3984×2240 25p], or [[DX] 3984×2240 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. Picture quality is equivalent to that of a video quality setting of [Normal]. Use of Video Speed Class 90 (V90) SD memory cards is recommended.
9. When [H.265 10-bit (MOV)] or [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu.
10. Hi-Res Zoom is available when all the following conditions are met:- [FX] is selected for [Image area] > [Choose image area] in the video recording menu, [H.265 10-bit (MOV)], [H.265 8-bit (MOV)], or [H.264 8-bit (MP4)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu, and – a frame size and rate of [1920×1080; 30p], [1920×1080; 25p], or [1920×1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu.
11. Both the subject and the camera must be still. RAW images shot with the pixel shift shooting feature must be combined using NX Studio.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. SOURCE Nikon Inc.