As previously reported, today the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented a rule adding foreign-made drones and critical components to its “Covered List” due to national security concerns. This effectively prevents the import and sale of new DJI drone models (and those from other foreign manufacturers like Autel) that require new FCC authorization. However, the rule is forward-looking and does not ban or ground existing drones: all previously FCC-authorized DJI drone models remain fully legal to own, fly, buy (from existing stock), sell, and use in the United States.
There are no recalls, remote disables, or restrictions on operating drones you already own or purchase from current inventory. Retailers can continue selling stock of previously approved models until it’s depleted.
Future unreleased or newly designed DJI models (or major new components) will not receive FCC approval for U.S. sale unless explicitly exempted by agencies such as the Department of Defense or Homeland Security.
In a recent interview with Nikkei, Canon’s Chief Financial Officer stated that the company is considering outsourcing the production of lower-end (entry-level) product models to external partners. Cameras and printers could be among the products affected. This is part of a broader review of manufacturing and sales structures aimed at improving efficiency and profitability. The ultimate goal is to raise the company’s Return on Equity (ROE) to 12%. This represents a notable shift from Canon’s traditional emphasis on in-house production in Japan. As of late 2025, it’s still in the consideration phase, with no specific partners, timelines, or affected models announced.
Further reports, primarily stemming from a January 2025 Nikkei Asia interview with Canon Chairman and CEO Fujio Mitarai, provide more context and confirm this strategic shift:
Scope of Outsourcing – Canon is considering a “fabless” model (design in-house, manufacturing outsourced) specifically for lower-end digital cameras (e.g., compact/point-and-shoot models) and printers produced in Asia. This includes potentially outsourcing assembly processes to third-party manufacturers in other Asian countries.
Reasons:
Become more “asset-light” by avoiding fixed costs of maintaining own factories.
Better respond to fluctuating demand (e.g., recent rebound in compact camera popularity driven by social media trends and younger users).
Reduce geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions.
Cut overall costs amid declining demand for traditional office equipment and entry-level cameras, impacted by smartphones.
Background – Canon closed its Zhuhai, China factory in 2022, which produced compact cameras, limiting its ability to ramp up production for the recent compact camera surge quickly. Outsourcing would allow flexibility without reopening or building new facilities.
What Remains In-House – High-end/flagship products, key components, design, development, and core technologies will stay in Japan (using Japanese factories as “mother factories”). Lenses and advanced sensors are unlikely to be outsourced.
Potential Impact – This could enable Canon to increase production/sales of compact cameras (e.g., PowerShot series) and possibly introduce new affordable models. It aligns with industry trends where competitors already outsource more extensively.
Financial Tie-In – The strategy supports broader goals of improving profitability and ROE, building on the CFO’s comments.
The United States is just days away from a DJI drone ban, driven by a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Section 1709 mandates that the US National Security Agency conduct a formal risk assessment of DJI (and Autel Robotics) by December 23, 2025. Despite DJI’s repeated requests for the audit, including formal letters to multiple agencies since early 2025, no agency has initiated or completed the review. If the deadline passes without action, DJI will automatically be added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” effectively blocking FCC authorization for new DJI products and halting their import and sale in the U.S.
⇒ This could be your last chance to get a DJI drone in the US: check Amazon and B&H Photo for their current availability and pricing.
Existing DJI drones already in the U.S. will remain legal to own, fly, and use, with no immediate grounding. However, future access to new models, official parts, repairs, and firmware updates could become limited or unavailable.
This outcome stems from national security concerns over DJI’s Chinese origins, including fears of data transmission risks or ties to the Chinese government, allegations DJI has long denied, pointing to independent audits showing no backdoors and features like offline data modes. DJI dominates over 70% of the U.S. drone market, powering critical operations for public safety agencies (over 80% of law enforcement drone programs), farmers, filmmakers, and hobbyists. Critics warn that an automatic ban, driven by legislative inaction rather than evidence, could disrupt these users without affordable American alternatives ready to fill the gap.
Viltrox is rumored to release new lenses for Canon RF mount. I contacted Viltrox directly, and they responded that they recently officially launched new 1.33x anamorphic lenses for Canon RF-mount with an authorized approval. However, licensing for other RF-mount lenses has not yet been officially approved, but they are still working on it. Stay tuned for updates.
If you missed Black Friday, Topaz Labs just started a new Holiday Sale that includes Topaz Studio, Studio Pro, and all single apps (valid from December 16th to January 7th). Here are the details:
Topaz Labs will also announce a major Realism Update tomorrow. Multiple apps are getting a realism boost, enhancing fine details and lighting, and giving photos, videos, and AI-generated content a more realistic look. Astra, Bloom, Topaz Video, Topaz Photo, and Topaz Gigapixel will all receive new models, features, and updates. Here’s what’s new in the Topaz Realism Update:
First review of the new Artra Camera One photography-inspired watch created by Artra Designs (the same company that makes the Artra lenses) has already been published on YouTube:
Artra Designs’ “Camera One” collection is a series of limited-edition mechanical watches rendered in premium materials with hand-finished movements visible through sapphire casebacks that pay homage to the golden age of photography, drawing inspiration from iconic cameras and lenses dating back to 1878. Each timepiece features dials and details crafted to resemble camera apertures, shutter blades, depth-of-field scales, and film advance mechanisms. The new Camera One limited edition watch comes in five different configurations (two of them are sold out already):
Inspired by the timeless art of photography, the Artra Designs Camera One shatters conventional watchmaking boundaries with two pioneering patents (ZL202530168106.1) (ZL202520671885.1), weaving the soul of film photography into every facet of its design.
At its heart, the dial reimagines a camera’s aperture structure—turn the crown at the upper left, and the aperture blades dance open and closed, unveiling a translucent “film” beneath. As you admire this mechanical rhythm, it’s as if you’ve stepped back into the romantic golden age of film, where every frame was a deliberate, heartfelt act of creation.
The watch crystal, meanwhile, transcends its role as a mere protector, doubling as a camera lens. Through its clear transparency, it doesn’t just guard time—it captures it, freezing moments of wear into lasting memories. Even the crown rotating ring is reborn as a zoom ring; with each turn, you’re not just adjusting a watch component, but mastering the very rhythm of light and shadow, just as a photographer does when fine-tuning their lens to craft the perfect shot.
From aperture to lens to zoom, the C1 is more than a watch—it’s a wearable love letter to photography, a piece that lets you carry the romance of film in every second that ticks by.
A Tribute to the Legend of 135 Film Format
In 1925, Leica pioneered a groundbreaking idea by rotating the Super 35 film frame 90 degrees, laying the foundation for the 135 film format. Later, Kodak popularized photography among the masses by launching the Kodak Retina camera that adopted this 135 standard. A legendary chapter in imaging history was thus written. Taking time as our medium, we have integrated this legacy into watch design to create the “Light & Shadow Scale” Camera-Themed Watch, allowing the passion for imaging to flow through time.
When viewed head-on, the internal “film” of the watch is arranged vertically, replicating the classic composition of traditional film frames. Every time you raise your wrist, it is a look back at the original aspiration of imaging. When the watch is rotated 90 degrees, the depth-of-field scale on the side emerges clearly, and the outline of the watch instantly aligns with the shape of a camera, like a “mini camera” that can command time, rekindling the love for photography.
The depth of field scale on the left and the rotor on the back, featuring the iconic image of “Horse in Motion,” the first moving image ever taken by Muybridge in 1878, pay tribute to the history of photography in every detail. More than just a timekeeping tool, it embodies the art of photography on the wrist—encapsulating the inspiration and essence of photography within its compact dial. Every glance at the time feels like a touch of photographic art, embarking on a journey of photographic exploration on the wrist.
The bottom of the watch is equipped with an ISO and shutter speed display, identical to that of Leica cameras, fully replicating the core elements of a camera. Every design detail pays tribute to the legend of the 135 film format, presenting a wrist accessory that combines passion and quality for those who cherish both imaging and time.
“Sunny 16” principle
The bezel is designed based on the classic “Sunny 16” principle. The luminous pearls indicating the F-number correspond to ISO and shutter speed. This universal principle in photography allows photographers using film to align the luminous pearls with the aperture value at different film speeds, and quickly match the ISO indicated below the inner bezel to the appropriate shutter speed. This allows for simple metering, integrating photographic parameters into the time-reading process and seamlessly integrating timing with the professional logic of photography.
Camera One
Here, each piece embodies craftsmanship inspired by vintage cameras dating back to 1878, holds stories that resonate with legendary figures, and carries the original vision of “freezing the beauty of flow with time.” Every model is an exclusive limited edition—from design details to craft quality, all stand up to the careful appreciation of light, shadow and the passage of time.
The Godox AD300ProII redefines portable power for outdoor creators. Packing 300 Ws into a compact 1.2 kg body, it offers fast recycling, approximately 350 full-power flashes per charge, and full wireless TTL/manual support across major camera systems—making it a reliable, ready-to-go option for on-location shoots.
Performance Upgrade
With 300 Ws of output, a rapid 0.01–1.5 s recycle time at full power, and roughly 350 flashes per charge at maximum output, the AD300ProII delivers sustained performance for extended location shoots. That means fewer interruptions, fewer battery swaps, and more usable frames during long assignments—minimal downtime and more decisive shots.
Lightweight & Portable
Weighing just 1.2 kg with a compact footprint, the AD300ProII is easy to carry and quick to rig — It packs neatly in a camera backpack, making it ideal for on-location portraits, editorial shoots, and run-and-gun commercial work.
Visual 16 Color Groups
The group indicator light displays 16 distinct colors, letting you identify and manage flash groups at a glance—even from a distance. Visual grouping speeds multi-light setup and reduces mis-triggering during fast on-location shoots.
Clear & Intuitive Controls
A bright color screen, a smooth metal control dial and a streamlined button layout place common functions within immediate reach. The tactile dial and clear on-screen menus accelerate setup and adjustments so you can stay focused on composition.
Versatile Triggering Options
X3Pro/X3 one-tap sync links AD300ProII instantly—no group or channel setup required. This capability is enabled by the built-in Godox 2.4 GHz Wireless X system. The AD300ProII is also compatible with other X-series transmitters (XPro Series, X2T, X1) for broader control. For wired or alternate workflows, a 3.5 mm sync port is provided, and the USB-C port supports the optional FR433 433 MHz receiver.
Precise Power Control
A 10-stop range from 1/512 to 1/1 with ±0.1-stop increments gives you very fine control over output. That precision is useful when balancing several lights or setting delicate fill: feather under harsh midday sun or go full power to cut through twilight. Small micro-adjustments let you refine exposure fast, reducing test flashes and wasted light.
12 W Bi-Color Modeling Lamp
A 12 W bi-color modeling lamp provides adjustable continuous light for accurate previews and practical on-set illumination. Brightness and color temperature can be dialed to match ambient conditions, helping you preview the final look without firing test flashes.
Comprehensive Pro Modes
The AD300ProII equips photographers with a full set of pro features—Freeze Mode, Color-Stable Mode, HSS and Multi—so you can work confidently across mixed-lighting, fast-action and multi-strobe setups.
Wide Accessory Compatibility
The AD300ProII features the native Godox mount and accepts Godox’s ecosystem of modifiers. Fit the optional S3 bracket to use Bowens-mount accessories. For still broader compatibility, the optional AD-AB adapter accepts mount adapters for Broncolor, Profoto, Elinchrom—opening access to an even wider range of light-shaping tools.
This month, DxO Labs released 1,846 new DxO camera and lens modules for the latest releases like the DJI Mini 5 Pro, Fujifilm X-T30 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, OM System M.Zuiko ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO, Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f/5-7.1, and Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4.
PhotoRumors readers can use the exclusive discount coupon code RUMORS for 12% offsitewide (stackable with price-drop items, but not multi-item discounts) – the code works only for purchases made on the official SmallRig website:
A quick update to my previous post: the second lens from 7Artisans will be a new 6mm f/2 diagonal fisheye manual-focus APS-C lens with a 220° field of view. The new lens will be available for E/X/Z/MFT/R mount.
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