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Used compact camera prices quadruple in Japan as CCD models make a comeback

Par : PR admin
3 juin 2026 à 17:05


A recent report from Pinzuba News highlights how the resurgence of compact digital cameras in Japan is driving a massive price increase in the used market for vintage models from the 2000s and early 2010s. According to the article, demand for older compact digital cameras has exploded, leading to prices roughly quadrupling in the second-hand market.

Key Data from KOMEHYO (Major Used Goods Retailer)

  • Sales volume of “old compact digital cameras” has increased approximately 5 times compared to 5-6 years ago.
  • The average selling price has risen to about 3.5 times higher
  • Models that sold for 5,000-10,000 yen five or six years ago are now fetching 20,000–40,000 yen.

Quote from KOMEHYO Expert

Yasuhiro Hara, Camera Sales Floor Manager at KOMEHYO’s Nagoya main store, commented on the surge:

“Demand for old compact cameras has grown significantly compared to 5 or 6 years ago. At our store, sales volume has increased about 5 times, and the average price range has surged to about 3.5 times.”

He went on to explain the unique appeal these older models hold:

“Many compact cameras sold in the 2000s were equipped with CCD sensors. These provide warmer colors than the CMOS sensors in current cameras and smartphones, especially producing a film-like quality in still photos. These ‘old compact cameras’ have qualities that current cameras don’t have.”

Why the Comeback? CCD Sensors and Nostalgic Appeal

The boom is driven by a growing appreciation for the distinctive characteristics of CCD-equipped compact cameras. Unlike modern CMOS sensors (dominant in today’s smartphones and new cameras, which prioritize video performance and efficiency), older CCD sensors deliver warmer color rendition and a nostalgic, film-emulating look in still photography.

While new compact camera (lens-integrated) shipments in Japan are projected to increase about 30% year-over-year to roughly 2.4 million units in 2025, this remains a small fraction of the 2008 peak of 11 million units (and up from the 2023 low of 1.7 million). Limited new supply plus the irreplaceable charm of vintage CCD models has created strong demand in the used market.

This latest development continues the trend I reported on in November 2024, when prices for many old compact digital cameras had already jumped dramatically (up to 20 times in some cases):

The best-selling compact cameras

Compact cameras continue to be popular on the 2025 Map Camera best-selling list

Compact fixed-lens cameras are becoming more popular, while interchangeable-lens cameras are starting to lose their popularity

Is the compact camera dead? The market price of old compact digital cameras has increased 20-fold in one year.

Canon released full-year financial reports, confirms upcoming compact camera(s)

Confirmed: Panasonic to introduce new fixed-lens camera(s)

 

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Source: Pinzuba News via Yahoo Japan, digicame-info

The post Used compact camera prices quadruple in Japan as CCD models make a comeback appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The 2026 Camera Grand Prix 2026 awards are out

Par : PR admin
16 mai 2026 à 23:54


Here is the list of the main 2026 Camera Grand Prix (Camera GP) awards, organized by Japan’s Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC) –  they include products released in the Japanese market from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. A committee of 57 members (including media, experts, and TIPA representatives) selected the winners:

Grand Prix Awards

Readers’ Awards (voted by general users)

 

Editors’ Choice Awards (Journalists Club Award)

 

The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome camera won the 2026 Camera GP Editors’ Choice Technology Award

The post The 2026 Camera Grand Prix 2026 awards are out appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May

Par : PR admin
1 mai 2026 à 23:53



The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May. Additional information on the upcoming lens can be found here (check also the official website for updates):

Additional information on the upcoming 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 full frame lens (E/Z/L)

Here are some sample photos taken with the 135mm lens:


“The 7Artisans 135mm F1.8 AF is a large-aperture prime lens compatible with full-frame sensors. Planned mounts include Sony E, Nikon Z, and L, making it compatible with mirrorless cameras of all these systems. The combination of a 135mm focal length and an F1.8 aperture maximizes the subject’s focus with a shallow depth of field and a compression effect that accentuates the subject. It’s ideal for portraits and other scenes where you want to highlight the subject. The minimum focusing distance of 0.68m, relatively short for a 135mm lens, allows for close-up shots. The aperture ring allows for intuitive aperture control. The AF/MF switch allows for smooth focus control depending on the shooting situation. Furthermore, the camera’s function button can be assigned to various functions, allowing for customization to suit your shooting style. This lens combines the expressive power of a large-aperture prime lens with a practical operation system.”

My guess is that this lens is based on the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 lens ($899):

Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for Nikon Z-mount now available

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens for Sony E-mount is now available for pre-order

Here is an updated list of photo gear promo codes you can use during this holiday shopping season

Additional pictures of the 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens:

The post The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May appeared first on Photo Rumors.

What’s new on Kickstarter?

Par : PR admin
30 avril 2026 à 22:27


Here are the latest photography-related Kickstarter crowdfunding projects:


New: Viperpod full-size tripod that doesn’t rely on the ground: $45,076 raised of $10,000 goal with 133 backers and 32 days to go.


NEWProWrapp Impact+ gear wrapper with max shock resistance: $34,926 raised of $6,416 goal by 329 backers with 14 days to go.


New: Reeflex 300–600mm telephoto lens for smartphones: $448,731 raised of $11,665 goal by 1,332 backers with 26 days to go.


“I’m Back Roll” digital back sensor for film cameras: $894,481 raised of $6,416 goal with 329 backers and 14 days to go. Additional information on this project can be found here and here.


Rewindpix non-disposable digital “Film” camera: $890,941 raised of $15,000 goal from 6,377 backers with 10 days to go.


CamCast turns your camera into a smart, connected system (late pledge available)


Yashica pocket camcorder (late pledge available)

Via NikonRumors

The post What’s new on Kickstarter? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here are the 2026 TIPA photo and imaging awards

Par : PR admin
18 avril 2026 à 04:21




TIPA announced the 2026 photo and imaging gear awards – here are the winners:

Cameras

Lenses

Accessories

Additional information:

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 TIPA World Awards, recognizing the best photo and imaging products of the year. These internationally respected awards honor outstanding achievements in imaging technology, product design, and user experience across professional, enthusiast, and consumer markets.

The winners were selected during the annual General Assembly of TIPA members, which took place this year in Berlin (Germany). Editors and representatives from TIPA’s global network of print and online publications, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, along with a delegate from the Japan Camera Journal Press Club, voted across 40 product categories. These categories cover a comprehensive range of imaging solutions, including cameras, lenses, software, accessories, monitors, and output systems.

The 2026 selections reflect an industry characterized by focused innovation and continuous refinement. Manufacturers are advancing their product lines through more powerful imaging pipelines, enhanced hybrid capabilities, and workflow-oriented solutions that address the evolving needs of today’s content creators. Significant progress has also been made in sensor technology, image processing, and autofocus performance. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on design, portability, and overall user experience, appealing to a new generation of image-makers who value both functionality and lifestyle integration.

In addition to product excellence, the TIPA World Awards highlight key developments across the broader imaging ecosystem. These include advancements in media storage, optical engineering, and lighting technologies, underscoring the depth and diversity of the industry.

The Photographers’ Choice Awards will once again invite the public to participate in the selection process. Readers of TIPA member publications and online platforms will be able to vote for their preferred products in categories such as cameras, lenses, accessories, services, and technology and design. Starting May 1, voting will take place on www.tipa.com, and the results will be revealed during the official TIPA World Awards Ceremony at Imaging World, Nuernberg (Germany).

Thomas Gerwers, Chairman of TIPA, commented: “The TIPA World Awards reflect not only excellence in imaging tools, but also the dynamics and direction of an evolving market. The 2026 winners demonstrate how innovation, user-focused design, and technological performance continue to shape the future of imaging. We extend our sincere congratulations to all award recipients.”

The post Here are the 2026 TIPA photo and imaging awards appeared first on Photo Rumors.

“I’m back” is back with a new “I’m Back Roll” APS-C digital back sensor for film cameras

Par : PR admin
13 avril 2026 à 14:07





“I’m back” is back with a new I’m Back Roll” digital camera back for film cameras with a 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor – listed on Kickstarter right now with over $525k+ raised by 900+ backers.

“I’m Back Roll” product fact sheet:

  • Product Name: I’m Back Roll APS-C
  • Concept: Digital conversion system for analog cameras
  • Sensor: Sony APS-C (16–21 megapixels)
  • Storage: 256GB internal SSD
  • Image Formats: RAW and JPEG
  • Design Philosophy: All-Inside Design, No external screen, No external cables
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth synchronization + Wi-Fi image transfer
  • How it works:
    • Insert the system into the camera’s film compartment
    • The sensor sits in the film gate
    • The roll module occupies the film chamber
    • Shoot normally using the camera’s mechanical shutter
    • Images are stored internally and transferred later

How it works:

  • I’m Back Roll APS-C sits exactly where the film normally goes.
  • Inside the roll, there is a 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor.
  • To capture an image, you first need to advance the camera, moving the film lever and arming the shutter mechanism.
  • Then, using our remote control, you click, synchronize and trigger the photo, just like in the old days.
  • This way it preserves the rhythm and experience of shooting film – including missing a shot now and then – while recording everything digitally.
  • This version works with all 35mm film cameras.
  • For the first time, it will also be possible to use the system with underwater cameras such as Nikonos and other similar models.
  • The reason is simple: everything is contained inside the body of the device. There are no external parts required.
  • In our previous models, I’m Back 35 and I’m Back Film, an external module was necessary. With this new version, the entire system is integrated internally, which makes compatibility much broader.
  • Another important improvement is the new, larger sensor. This version uses an APS-C sensor, providing better image quality and a larger capture area.


Other photography-related projects currently available on Kickstarter:

The post “I’m back” is back with a new “I’m Back Roll” APS-C digital back sensor for film cameras appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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