Compact Cameras Are Back: Fujifilm Leads a Surprising Revival

Compact Cameras Are Making a Comeback! — According to Kakaku Magazine, the long-shrinking market for compact digital cameras is showing surprising signs of revival.

The report highlights the rising popularity of Fuji’s bold compact, the Fujifilm X100VI, a premium APS-C camera celebrated for its retro design, fixed 23mm f/2 lens, and cutting-edge features. Despite smartphones dominating casual photography, dedicated enthusiasts and new creators are turning back to premium compacts for their unique blend of portability and image quality.

Why Compact Cameras Still Matter:

  • Portability & Style: Premium compacts are small enough to carry daily, yet powerful enough to deliver professional results.
  • Dedicated Optics: Fixed-lens compacts like the X100VI and Ricoh GR III series offer optics that smartphones simply can’t replicate.
  • Rising Demand: Data from Kakaku shows renewed interest in the compact category after years of decline.
  • Brand Strategy: Fujifilm’s decision to invest in high-end compacts is paying off, sparking a wave of renewed consumer enthusiasm.

The article also notes that while major camera makers pulled away from compact cameras over the past decade, niche models with strong brand identity and advanced specs are carving out a profitable market segment. For photographers who value discretion, design, and direct tactile controls, compacts are more attractive than ever.

Popular compact Models — Buy Here:

Fujifilm X100VI at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Fujifilm X100V at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Fujifilm X-E4 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Ricoh GR III at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Ricoh GR IIIx at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Panasonic LX100 II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Sony RX100 VII at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Foto Erhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch,

Coming in November: Canon R6IIII and R7II and 300-600mm?

In November both Sony and Canon are rumored to announce their new hot gear. Here is what’s rumored to come from Canon:

Rumored Canon Cameras

  • Canon EOS R6 III
    • 34 MP full-frame sensor (likely shared with the Canon C50)
    • Target announcement window: mid-November
  • Canon EOS R7 II (APS-C)
    • 32 MP APS-C sensor
    • No mechanical shutter
    • 40 fps electronic shutter
    • 0.9× equivalent OLED EVF with higher resolution than the current 2.36M-dot unit in EOS R7
    • Active cooling
    • Body design similar to R5 II

Rumored Canon Lenses

  • RF 300–600mm f/4–5.6 L IS
    • Reportedly in final testing
    • Marketing materials said to be in progress
  • RF 20–50mm f/4 PZ — appeared on Canon survey form
  • RF 45mm f/1.2 STM — appeared on Canon survey form

Note: All information above is based on rumors and may change upon official announcements.

via CanonRumors

First Images of the Upcoming Sony A7V

A source just shared thew first two leaked images of the new Sony A7V. From the image on top we learn:

From the image below it appears the camera has a 33MP sensor:

Hopefully not the same old A7IV 33MP sensor….we really would need a new one!

Influencers are flying to Japan….for the Canon R6III announcement?

Several major influencers are currently flying to Japan, signaling a big product launch. Recent chatter suggests Panasonic will unveil the 100–500mm lens, while Canon is rumored to announce the EOS R6 III. Most signs point to the Japan event being Canon’s big reveal.

P.S.: Unlike this is for the Sony A7V as Sony does usually introduce new cameras in NYC for the US influencers.