Here is the first leaked picture of the upcoming Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 full-frame autofocus lens:

Viltrox 35mm 1.2 FE spotted at my local camera shop
byu/jaredsilloph inSonyAlpha

The lens has been rumored for a while - I think it will be part of the new LAB series from Viltrox (just like the new Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens):

2024 Viltrox lens roadmap updated

All Viltrox lenses are now 15% off:

• Amazon
• B&H Photo

International readers can get 8% off at the Viltrox online store with coupon code NIKONRUMORS:

The post Here is the first leaked picture of the rumored Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

A new Nikon Z50II camera announcement is rumored for tonight. Here is what to expect:

• Updated body design
• Expeed 7
• Flippy screen like the Z6 III
• USB-C
• Will use the same Nikon EN-EL25 battery
• Same 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor as the Z50 (not confirmed yet, hopefully my info is wrong and they will introduce a new sensor – Fuji for example, is already using a 40MP sensor in their latest X100VI camera)
• No battery grip will be available for the Z50 II
• Compatible with the new Nikon Imaging Cloud

Getting closer to a new Nikon camera announcement

Nikon Italy has scheduled a “Nikon Digital Event – Discover the News” for tonight

Getting close to a new Nikon product announcement

Via NikonRumors

The post New Nikon Z50II camera announcement expected/rumored for tonight appeared first on Photo Rumors.

New Nikon USA rebates now include the Zf and Z50 cameras

Viltrox lenses for Nikon Z-mount are now 15% off

Nikon Italy has scheduled a “Nikon Digital Event – Discover the News” for tonight

Ricoh Japan: partial resumption of orders for some GR models

The 2024 Tamarkin Rare Camera Auction will take place this Saturday

The post What else is new? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Is the compact camera dead?

BCN Retail published the article "Is the compact camera dead?" Here is the recap from digicame-info:

• Casio has left the compact camera market, Nikon has stopped development, and Sony and Fujifilm have significantly scaled back their lineups. Some may fear that the category itself will disappear as it is pushed aside by smartphones. The bottom line is that it is not dead at all. Compact cameras still account for more than 60% of camera sales. Although their sales value composition ratio is small, ranging from the upper 20% to lower 30%, a certain level of sales continues.
• The average price is also rising, just like with interchangeable lens cameras. In particular, the increase in the proportion of relatively high-priced models over 50,000 yen stands out. As of September 2021, this was only 6.8% of the total number of units sold, but this September it had risen to 33.2%. This is thought to be largely due to the impact of inflation, but at the same time, it is also highly likely that there are an increasing number of users who want better products even if they are a little more expensive.
• Year-on-year sales of interchangeable lens cameras fell significantly in both unit volume and value. Although the decline narrowed in October, sales remain below the previous year's level. Compact cameras are also showing a slowdown, with unit sales declining slightly in September and October. However, sales value remained above the previous year, with October sales value increasing by double digits to 115.3%. With prices of mirrorless cameras rising, it could be said that even relatively high-priced compact cameras are now looking cheap.
• The compact camera market structure has changed significantly in the past few years. Canon is by far the top five in terms of sales volume in September, with a large share of 31.1%, backed by the PowerShot and IXY series. Meanwhile, Fujifilm, in second place, took a 13.4% share, largely due to the huge sales of its instax mini Evo. Kodak and Kenko Tokina, in third and fourth place, moved into the "vacant lot" left by major manufacturers. They are the main players who have expanded their market share by leveraging their good cost performance, and have greatly changed the market. And Ricoh Imaging, with its GR series, has made it into the top five with a modest single-digit share. The GR brand, which has been around since the film era, still has many die-hard fans.

The market price of old compact digital cameras has increased 20-fold in one year

The Japanese website Dime published the article "The market price has increased by about 20 times in one year! The noisy charm of old compact digital cameras that Gen Z is addicted to". Here is the recap from digicame-info:

• Among young people in their teens and twenties who belong to Generation Z, old models from the heyday of compact digital cameras in the 2000s and 2010s (= old compact digital cameras) are suddenly gaining popularity. What is the reason for this attraction to Generation Z? Yuta Mimura, manager of the used camera specialty store "2nd BASE", analyzes as follows.
• "Many people perceive the characteristics of the image, such as the tendency for it to have blown out highlights and noise, as being film-like, and the lo-fi feel is probably what makes it so popular."
• "The vast majority of compact digital camera users want to try film, but the running costs of film and developing are a hurdle. Old compact digital cameras make it easy to take low-fi photos at low cost. What's more, their Y2K designs from the 2000s are also boosting their popularity."
• "Sales (of old compact digital cameras) were not that high at first, but from around spring of last year sales started to pick up, and by summer our inventory couldn't keep up."
• It is unclear how long the boom will last, but its momentum does not seem to be slowing down, with cameras that were selling for 1,000 or 2,000 yen two or three years ago now selling for around 20,000 yen.

Related posts:

Kodak dominates the best-selling compact digital cameras in Japan

The compact camera conundrum

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 dominates the Japanese small camera market

2023 global camera market share for mirrorless, DSLR, and compact cameras

The future of compact cameras

The post Is the compact camera dead? The market price of old compact digital cameras has increased 20-fold in one year. appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Sony Airpeak S1 drone and all related products/services are now discontinued. Sony has not announced any replacements or plans to continue the product line, which is precisely what GoPro did with their Karma drones a few years ago. I think it is safe to assume that Sony killed their drone program.

Sony announces a $9,000 Airpeak S1 drone

A quick reminder that the latest DJI Air 3S drone is currently blocked by US customs:

Many DJI Air 3S drone orders are stuck in US customs

Confirmed: the new DJI Air 3S drone is currently blocked by US customs

Here is the full text of the press release from Sony Japan:

The post Sony Airpeak S1 drone and all related products/services are now discontinued appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Venus Optics officially announced the previously reported Laowa APS-C 12-24mm f/5.6 - the world’s first zoom + shift lens (for E/L/R/X/Z/EF-M). The price of the lens is $699 and you can order it here.

Additional informiton:

12-24mm Zoom Range with Constant Aperture

The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens offers a versatile zoom range of 12mm to 24mm, providing an expansive angle of view from 102.5° to 63.9°. This allows photographers to capture a wide variety of scenes. With a constant aperture of f/5.6, the lens ensures consistent exposure throughout the entire zoom range, offering great flexibility while maintaining high image quality.

Precise  ±7mm Shift Amount

The remarkable ±7mm shift capability set this lens apart. All shift lenses currently available in the market are primes, which makes this lens the WORLD’s first wide-angle zoom shift lens. This feature enables photographers to achieve precise perspective control and effortlessly minimize distortion.

Exceptional Distortion Control

The lens showcases excellent distortion control, allowing users to capture accurate and true-to-life images. This makes it an excellent choice for architectural and interior photography, where precise image quality is crucial.

15cm closest focusing distance

The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens also has an exceptionally short focusing distance. Capable of focusing as close as 5.9 inches (15 cm) from the sensor. This lens offers photographers plenty of opportunities for creative experimentation.

77mm filter thread

The Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift lens offers the convenience of a 77mm filter thread, which can be used when the lens hood is attached.

Specifications

Venus Optics Laowa CF 12-24mm f/5.6 announced in China: the world’s first zoom + shift lens

The post Venus Optics announced the Laowa APS-C 12-24mm f/5.6 – the world’s first zoom + shift lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The previously reported Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/5 FFⅡ Cookie ultra-wide angle pancake lens for M/E/RF/Z/L mount is now officially announced. Pre-orders will be open soon at B&H Photo and Laowa’s website.

Additional information on the new lens:

Coming soon: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/5 FFII Cookie lens

Additional information on the Leica M-mount version of the lens:

New: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/5 FFⅡ Cookie ultra-wide angle pancake lens for Leica M-mount

The post Officially announced: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/5 FFⅡ Cookie ultra-wide angle lens (M/E/RF/Z/L) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Hasselblad will announce a new XCD 3,4/75P lens on November 7th (previously reported here - I am not sure if the rumored 150mm will be announed in addition to the 75mm).

Hasselblad currently has 13 XCD medium format lenses.

Hasselblad Expert Setup Guide now updated for the latest XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E lens

IDSworks announced new modular base plate and L-bracket for Hasselblad X2D cameras

The post New Hasselblad XCD 3,4/75P lens to be announced on 11/7 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

→ New Profoto D30 monolight announced.

→ New KEKS KM02 Light-meter 2024 released.

     
→ SanDisk announced new 2TB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I memory cards.

→ SmallRig announced a new carbon fiber tripod kit FT-S303 4643.

→ New: Seagull M 35mm f/1.7 lens for Leica M-mount (buy here).

→ Venus Optics to release a new Laowa “cookie”/pancake lens for Leica M-mount next week.

Matt Irwin visits the new Nikon Museum in Tokyo (video)

Nikon released new ARCREST II protection filters

New: Gura Gear Kiboko City Insert for Leica cameras

New KEKS products: rapid-winder for Leica M2/M3 cameras, new light meter and flash

Fujifilm X-M5 Owners Manual Now Available

Instax Lomo’ Instant Wide Glass

Sony ZV-1 II and ZV-1F Firmware 2.00 Updates Released

Canon 50-250mm f/4.5-5.6 APS-C Patent

The post What else is new? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here are some new pictures of the upcoming Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro lens:

The new version will have an improved optical design and improved color balance.

The lens is expected to be announced later in November.

Meike lenses are sold at Adorama, Amazon, B&H Photo, and Meike's website.

The next Meike Pro series autofocus full-frame lens will be released in November: 85mm f/1.8

The post New picture of the upcoming Meike 85mm f/1.8 Pro series lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new Brightin Star 50mm f/0.95 APS-C manual focus lens for E/Z/RF/XF/EF-M/MFT has glow-in-the-dark focusing and aperture scales (the lens will soon be listed for sale on Amazon and Brightin Star website):

Update - please note that this is a different lens than the already existing Brightin Star 50mm f/1.4 (f/0.95 vs. f/1.4). The old Brightin Star 50mm f/1.4 doesn't have fluorescent markings:

Brightin Star AF 50mm f/1.4 APS-C autofocus lens officially announced (E/Z/X)

The post The new Brightin Star 50mm f/0.95 lens has glow-in-the-dark focusing and aperture scales appeared first on Photo Rumors.

SC-Image has several new lenses (SG-Image lenses are sold on Ali Express and Amazon JP):

SG-Image 18mm f/6.3 lens cap  (AliExpress):

• Ultra-compact and lightweight body lens cap with a built-in lens cap.
• For Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and MFT

SG-Image AF 55mm f/1.8 STM full-frame lens (Ali Express and Amazon JP):
 

• Price: 39,000 yen
• Focus mode: AF
• Lens construction: 10 elements in 8 groups (including 5 high-refractive lenses)
• Aperture blades: 9
• Aperture range: f/1.8 to f/16
• Minimum shooting distance: 0.5m
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 69×78mm
• Weight: 365g

SG-Image 50mm f/1.8 "Phantom" lens with interchangeable bokeh patterns/aperture plates (Amazon JP):

• Focal length: 50mm (35mm format equivalent)
• Focus mode: MF (Manual focus)
• Lens construction: 7 elements in 5 groups (including 3 high-refractive lenses)
• Aperture plates: 4 (variable shape aperture)
• Supported image size: Full size
• Aperture range: F1.8
• Minimum shooting distance: 0.5m
• Filter diameter: 58mm
• Size: Φ69mm x 48mm (excluding mount)
• Accessories: Lens cap, rear cap
• Weight: Approx. 310g

Update on the upcoming SG-Image lenses

The post New SG-Image lenses: 18mm f/6.3, 55mm f/1.8, and 50mm f/1.8 with with interchangeable bokeh patterns/aperture plates appeared first on Photo Rumors.

FujiAddict spotted a new Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 XF lens (Fujifilm X-mount) that will be officially announced soon. Here are the details (check also the official Viltrox website):

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens will also be available in white (see previous coverage of that lens):

The post New Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 XF lens coming soon (also new Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 “white edition”) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here are some rumors on the two upcoming Fujifilm cameras for 2025 that were teased during the last X Summit:

• The larger one on the left under the white cloth (white like the GFX boxes) should be a GFX camera, possibly the fixed-lens GFX camera rumored to be coming in the first half of 2025.
• The smaller one on the right under the black cloth (black like the X-series boxes) should be an X camera, possibly the so-called "half-frame" camera with a 1-inch portrait-oriented sensor (thanks Mistral75)

“But wait, there’s one more thing”: Fujifilm is teasing two new cameras for next year

The post About the two upcoming Fuji cameras teased for 2025 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here is some additional information on the upcoming 10mm f/2.8 II full-frame lens from 7Artisans (E/Z/R/L mount):

The rumored 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 II full-frame fisheye lens with fluorescent scale (E/Z/R/L) will be announced on October 31

7Artisans to announce a new 10mm f/2.8 II full-frame fisheye lens (E/Z/R/L)

The post Additional information on the upcoming 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 II lens (E/Z/R/L) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Sony Japan announced a new Alpha "special event" for November 20-21:

"We will be holding a fan event to express our gratitude to all of you who regularly use the α. This is a special event where you can get your hands on a mirrorless α and experience it for yourself. We will also be holding special events that will make you love α even more, including a special talk show and a special photography experience booth, in addition to a public display of masterpieces by professionals."

The list of rumored/expected Sony products that will be officially announced at that event can be found here:

Sony is rumored to announce several new products next month

Possible November Announcements: Sony A1 II, Sony a7V, Sony RX1RIII, and Sony 24-70mm f/2

Source: Sony Japan

The post Sony Alpha “special event” announced for November 20-21 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

New Nikon camera N2326 registered in Asia

Nikon announced the development of the already leaked Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens for the Nikon Z-mount

Sony also has a 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens that costs $2,500

New EasyCover camera cases for the Nikon Z6III released

Nikon Z-GR1 and Zfc-GR1 extension grips for Zf/Zfc cameras and metal hot shoe covers now available in the US

New collaboration: Aether x Leica bring you a limited edition “reporter jacket”

Project B23 “The Barnack Reimagined” (3D printed Barnack camera)

New Pentax K-3 III/Monochrom firmware update version 2.20 released

Tokina ATX-M 85mm f/1.8 FE Discontinued

Canon RF 70-150mm f/1.8 Patent Found

The post What else is new? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

   


Here are the Halloween deals on photo gear:

• Alphagvrd camera & lens skins: use code halloween24
• Skylum Luminar Neo: up to 81% Off
• Luminar NEO Autumn Bundle: 10% off with coupon code HALLOWEEN24
• Ulanzi: save up to 15%/150$ off
• Heipi: free accessory with orders over $40 & $40 off for orders over $399
• Meike: up to $1,200 off
• AstrHori: up to 25% off
• 7Artisans: up to 30% off
• Brightinstar
• Insta360: use code INRPWDO

The post Here are the Halloween deals on photo gear appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo 90th anniversary limited edition hybrid instant camera is now in stock at B&H Photo and Amazon. Additional information on the limited edition can be found here:

"The mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera incorporating digital technology, and supporting the card-size mini format film released in 2021. It comes with ten lens effects including Soft Focus and Light Leak as well as ten film effects including Monochrome and Retro. These two types of effects can be combined freely to create 100 different shooting effects so that users can express their emotions through instax prints. The camera body sports a premium and classical look and is characterized by analog-like operability using the lens dial, film dial and print lever, designed with attention to detail such as operation noise. In June 2023, Fujifilm added Brown as a new color to Black."

Fujifilm announced new Instax Mini Link 3 and Instax Mini EVO Limited Edition cameras

Via FujiAddict

The post The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo 90th anniversary limited edition hybrid instant camera is now in stock appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens for Sony E-mount is now available for pre-order at B&H Photo for $899 (additional information). For comparison, here are the prices of other 135mm lenses:

• Nikon Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena: $2,496.95
• Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM: $2,099 (now $200 off)
• Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: $2,098
• Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8: $799

The lens will be listed soon on the official Viltrox website. The Z-mount version will be released later.

Additional information on the new lens:

• Full-Frame | f/1.8 to f/16
• Fast Medium-Length Prime
• VCM Focusing Mechanism
• Autofocus Design
• Multilayer Nano Coating
• Dust and Moisture-Proof Design
• Technical specifications:

Viltrox lenses are sold at Adorama, Amazon, B&H, and the Viltrox online store, where you can get 8% off with coupon code NIKONRUMORS.

The post The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens for Sony E-mount is now available for pre-order at B&H Photo appeared first on Photo Rumors.