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More Sony FX camera rumors (Sony FX4?)


Sony currently has two new registered products that have not yet been announced:

ILME-FX (modular cinema camera)

  • Fully manufactured in Shanghai (Sony Shanghai factory)
  • Positioned as a pure Cinema Line product with “Shanghai bloodline”
  • Modular camera body
  • More professional layout and button configuration inspired by the VENICE and BURANO cinema cameras
  • Registration numbers: WW679476, WW789166, WW308784
  • Uses NP-SA100 battery
  • Supports 30W PD fast charging

Second new camera:

  • E-mount model (name censored as “*****”)
  • Manufactured in Wuxi or Thailand
  • Registration number: WW721795
  • Uses a standard NP-FZ100 battery




Source: E8M_8888

The post More Sony FX camera rumors (Sony FX4?) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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This is the “rumored” Viltrox camera


I have been very skeptical about the previously reported Viltrox camera rumors and rightfully so – here are the first leaked pictures of the Viltrox 1839 Toy Camera:


This adorable little yellow plastic toy camera features a fixed lens, a simple viewfinder, and a retro-striped design with a prominent “1839” marking and a “Vision To Xplore” tagline. Clearly, this is not the interchangeable-lens mirrorless body that has been rumored for months with wild speculations, including possible Nikon Z-mount compatibility:

More strange rumors from China: Viltrox to release a mirrorless camera with Nikon Z-mount

No, Viltrox is not working on a digital camera

The post This is the “rumored” Viltrox camera appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Leica to announce a new SL3-P camera and two new SL lenses next week



Next week, on June 25th, Leica will announce a new SL3-P camera and two new SL lenses – here are the latest leaks and rumors:

Leica SL3-P camera

  • 44.3MP BSI CMOS sensor with dual-resolution technology (based on the Panasonic S1RII that was announced in February 2025 – see the coverage at PhotoRumors)
  • Fastest readout of any Leica sensor  (156% faster than the SL3-S)
  • 14 stops of dynamic range
  • ISO range: 50-200,000
  • 176MP multishot option
  • Improved AF with 819 AF points (better than the SL3-S)
  • 40fps
  • Video capabilities could be lower than those of other SL3 models
  • The new Leica SL3-P model will be positioned between the current Leica SL3 (60MP) and the Leica SL2-S (24MP)
  • The body and operating concept are very similar to the new Panasonic generation
  • Expected retail price around €5,850
  • Announcement: June 25th

Leica APO Macro Elmarit SL 100 f/2.8 lens

  • Made in Japan
  • 9 aperture blades
  • Minimum focusing distance: 30cm
  • Filter size: 67mm
  • Price: around €2,500

Leica Summilux SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH lens

  • Made in Germany
  • Very compact size
  • Weather sealing
  • Minimum focusing distance: 50cm
  • 11 aperture blases
  • Filter size: 67mm
  • Price: around €5,000

The two new SL lenses could be announced alongside the SL3-P, but they may not ship until later in 2026. Previous coverage can be found here:

New Leica SL announcements in next two weeks: SL3-P, Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4, and SL 100mm f/2.8 macro

The Leica LS3-P camera is rumored to be announced on June 25

What’s next for Leica? (May 2026 update)

Via LeicaRumors

The post Leica to announce a new SL3-P camera and two new SL lenses next week appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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7Artisans announced a new “Dream” line of entry-level 35mm/50mm/75mm T1.5 cinema lenses for E/Z/L/RF mount


7Artisans announced new “Dream” entry-level cinema lenses for E/Z/L/RF-mount (35mm/50mm/75mm T1.5) starting from $279:

Pre-orders:


Additional information on the new 7Artisans “Dream” cinema lenses:

  • Full-frame coverage
  • De-clicked aperture
  • 300° focus throw
  • E / Z / L / RF mounts
  • Lightweight build
  • True cine design
  • Minimized focus breathing
  • Soft artistic bokeh
  • Sharp resolution


Via NikonRumors

The post 7Artisans announced a new “Dream” line of entry-level 35mm/50mm/75mm T1.5 cinema lenses for E/Z/L/RF mount appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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New Brightin Star MF 14mm f/2.8 wide-angle full-frame lens announced (E/Z/L/RF)

 
Brightin Star officially announced the previously reported 14mm f/2.8 wide-angle full-frame manual-focus lens for E/Z/L/RF mount. Pre-orders are now open at:

  • US: BH Photo
  • Worldwide: Brightinstar store introductory price: $239.99, regular price: $279.99, introductory period: June 17 – June 27, use code RUMORS for a discount)


Additional information:

  • Expansive 116° View: Capture landscapes, architecture, interiors, and starry skies in one frame, distortion-free.
  • Edge-to-Edge Sharpness: 13 elements in 9 groups with 2 ASPH, 5 high-refractive, and 3 ED lenses for perfect clarity from center to edge.
  • Flare-Free Nano Coating: Multi-layer Star Nano IMC coating ensures natural colors, reduced ghosting, and pinpoint stars for night photography.
  • Supports 82mm square ND/CPL filters and doubles as a lens hood
  • 10-blade aperture creates beautiful 10-point star effects
  • 0.2m minimum focus distance
  • Sample photos:








Via NikonRumors

The post New Brightin Star MF 14mm f/2.8 wide-angle full-frame lens announced (E/Z/L/RF) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Ricoh GR camera models are getting a 6-11% price increase in Japan on July 1st


Ricoh Japan announced that all current GR camera models will be getting a 6-11% price increase in Japan on July 1st. No information was provided on potential price increases in other markets. Check the latest Ricoh GR availability and pricing at:

The full text of the Ricoh Japan notice can be found here.

The post Ricoh GR camera models are getting a 6-11% price increase in Japan on July 1st appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Meyer Optik Gorlitz is back with a new 42mm f/1.2 lens


After one and a half years of silence, Meyer Optik Gorlitz (based in Hamburg, Germany) is currently developing a new 42mm f/1.2 lens – here are the details:

  • 42mm f/1.2
  • 10 elements total, 2 asph elements, 2 floating elements
  • 15 red aperture blades (the red aperture blades have no influence on picture quality or color)
  • The lens will be available for Sony E, Canon RF, and Leica M Mount
  • Handmade in Hamburg, Germany
  • With rangefinder coupling.
  • Weight: 420g.
  • Diameter: 60mm
  • Length: 60mm (without hood)
  • Close focusing distance: 0.7m
  • The lens is currently in the market validation phase before final production release


Meyer Optik Gorlitz lenses are sold at B&H Photo.

Previous coverage of Meyer Optik Gorlitz lenses can be found here.

The official Meyer Optik Gorlitz website can be found here.

Via LeicaRumors

The post Meyer Optik Gorlitz is back with a new 42mm f/1.2 lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip pancake L-mount lens announced


The previously rumored Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 “Chip” pancake L-mount lens is now officially announced and currently in stock at:

  • Autofocus pancake lens designed for full-frame L-Mount cameras
  • Ultra-compact, ultra-light pancake lens in a popular 28mm focal length
  • Innovative built-in slide-lever lens cover makes carry-to-capture readiness almost instantaneous
  • 0.32m minimum focal length
  • Fixed F4.5 aperture with fast VCM autofocus
  • Backlit point light sources create a distinctive starburst visual effect


The post Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 Chip pancake L-mount lens announced appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Patent wars: GoPro, Insta360, and DJI – the latest updates

Lawsuits Status Notes
GoPro vs. Insta360 Closed Insta360 won at ITC (Feb 2026)
DJI vs. Insta360 Active Multiple lawsuits filed by DJI
Insta360 vs. DJI Active Multiple countersuits filed by Insta360

The action camera world has recently turned into a legal battlefield. At the moment, the major patent battles are:

  • GoPro vs. Insta360 (ITC + U.S. federal litigation)
  • DJI vs. Insta360 (Shenzhen patent ownership dispute)
  • DJI vs. Insta360 (Texas Luna/Osmo Pocket patent infringement lawsuits)
  • Insta360 vs. DJI (U.S. countersuits involving five patents)


Here are the latest updates on the major patent lawsuits involving GoPro, Insta360, and DJI:

GoPro vs. Insta360 (ITC Case)

GoPro filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (Investigation No. 337-TA-1400) accusing Insta360 of infringing multiple patents, including HyperSmooth stabilization technology and the iconic HERO camera design.

Final ruling (February 2026):

  • GoPro won on its design patent – the ITC issued a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease & Desist Order against certain older/legacy Insta360 Ace models.
  • GoPro lost on all five utility patents covering stabilization, horizon leveling, and distortion correction. These claims were ruled invalid, not infringed, or both.
  • Current Insta360 cameras (2025+) are unaffected. Insta360 called it a “complete victory” on the important technical patents.

Update on the GoPro vs. Insta360 lawsuit

DJI vs. Insta360 (China Lawsuit – March 2026)

DJI sued Insta360’s parent company, Arashi Vision, in the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court. The case involves six patents related to drone flight control, structural design, and image processing.

DJI claims these patents are “service inventions” that rightfully belong to DJI because they were developed by former DJI engineers who joined Insta360 within one year of leaving the company (under Chinese patent law).

Insta360 has strongly denied the claims, stating the innovations were created independently. The case is still ongoing with no major public updates since the initial filings.

DJI vs. Insta360 & Insta360 vs. DJI (U.S. Lawsuits – June 2026)

This is the newest and most active front.

DJI’s lawsuits (filed June 10–11, 2026): DJI filed two complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Insta360’s new Luna and Luna Ultra pocket gimbal cameras. The suits allege infringement of:

  • 2 design patents (overall look and layout)
  • 4 utility patents (gimbal control modes, subject tracking, and on-device display features)

DJI is seeking an injunction to block U.S. sales of the Luna series plus damages.

Insta360’s countersuits (filed June 12, 2026): Insta360 quickly responded with two countersuits asserting five of its own utility patents against DJI. The patents cover gimbal stabilization, directional control, and panoramic video stabilization. The accused products include DJI’s Osmo Pocket series, Ronin/RS gimbals, Osmo Mobile, and Osmo 360.

Insta360 founder JK Liu stated the company will “take decisive action to defend our intellectual property” while emphasizing that the Luna was developed independently since 2020.

DJI has filed a lawsuit against Insta360 over patent violations

The post Patent wars: GoPro, Insta360, and DJI – the latest updates appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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The latest discounts on photo editing software (DxO, Aftershoot, Luminar, ON1)


DxO started a new summer sale where you can get 20% off any DxO software with the discount code SummerRumors2026 (valid for new customers only). This offer is valid from June 15th to July 10th, 2026. See the latest DxO releases here.


Use coupon code RUMORS for a 15% discount at Aftershoot. See the details on their latest major release here.


Skylum has launched a new Luminar Summer Sale with discounts of up to 70%. The campaign runs June 5-28, 2026. See the previous Skylum releases here.


ON1 Photo RAW 2026.4 has been released with a new intro promo. See the latest ON1 releases here.


Travel Photography Cheat Sheets summer sale: up to 88% off until June 30th.

The post The latest discounts on photo editing software (DxO, Aftershoot, Luminar, ON1) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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New SG-Image AF 25mm f/1.8 lens for MFT to be announced next week



SG-Image will release a new AF 25mm f/1.8 lens for MFT on June 15th. This lens already exists for other mounts. Here are the details:

  • 7-element in 5-group optical design (including 3 high-refractive-index elements)
  • 9-blade aperture
  • Aperture range: f/1.8 – f/16
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.3 meters
  • 52mm filter size
  • Weight 145 grams
  • Dimensions: Φ67mm × 31mm
  • Available in black and silver

SG-Image lenses are also sold at eBayAliExpress, and Amazon Japan.

SG-image AF 25mm f/1.8 lens officially released (E/X)

New: SG-Image 25mm f/1.8 lens

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More strange rumors from China: Viltrox to release a mirrorless camera with Nikon Z-mount

Viltrox digital mirrorless camera with Nikon Z-mount

Viltrox digital mirrorless camera with Nikon Z-mount mockups

Fresh rumors circulating in Chinese‑language photography communities suggest that Viltrox may be preparing to enter the camera market with its own mirrorless model, and one of the strongest claims is that it could use the Nikon Z mount.


Viltrox recently joined the L-Mount Alliance, so if they come up with a new camera, L-mount will make much more sense.


Other speculations refer to a recent Viltrox patent filed in China that involves the Nikon Z-mount – could it be that Viltrox designed a mount similar to the Nikon Z-mount but different enough, so they do not get into legal trouble? Some Chinese commenters speculate that:

“If Nikon restricts Viltrox lenses, Viltrox may build its own camera body to avoid dependency.”


Nikon already has an ongoing lawsuit against Viltrox about licensing/royalties for Nikon’s underlying Z-mount technology (additional information). Viltrox has continued releasing Z-mount lenses even during the legal situation. If Nikon is currently litigating against Viltrox over Z-mount-related intellectual property, launching a Viltrox-branded Nikon Z camera would dramatically increase legal exposure.

Rumors about a Viltrox mirrorless camera are not new and have been debunked so far:

No, Viltrox is not working on a digital camera

Why a Nikon Z-mount camera from Viltrox is unlikely:

  • Legal barriers: Nikon is actively litigating Z-mount IP against Viltrox for lenses. A full camera body would require even deeper integration and licensing.
  • Technical/financial scale: Viltrox excels at lenses (strong in AF primes across mounts). Building a competitive mirrorless body (sensor, processor, IBIS, EVF, firmware, etc.) is a completely different and capital-intensive endeavor. No Chinese lens maker has successfully done this at scale recently without major partnerships or rebadging.
  • Business focus: Viltrox continues to aggressively expand its lens lineup (including Z-mount models) rather than pivoting to bodies.

My current estimate is that the “Viltrox Nikon Z camera” story is likely a rumor chain that started from the newly discovered Z-mount patent and then evolved into speculation on Chinese forums. These rumors remain unconfirmed, fragmentary, and not supported by any of my sources.

More Viltrox camera mockups:

The post More strange rumors from China: Viltrox to release a mirrorless camera with Nikon Z-mount appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Quick AI Background Removal with Aiarty Image Matting (43% off Lifetime License + Extra Coupon)

Removing backgrounds from images has always been one of the more time-consuming parts of photo editing. Fine hair, fur, feathers, and semi-transparent objects like glass or veils often require precise manual masking, which slows down the entire workflow.

Fortunately, recent advances in AI-powered image processing are making this task easier. One solution gaining attention among designers and photographers is Aiarty Image Matting, an AI-driven background removal tool designed to deliver precise cutouts while preserving intricate details.

Aiarty Image Matting: Precise Background Removal with AI

Aiarty Image Matting uses advanced AI algorithms to automatically detect subjects and separate them from backgrounds with minimal user input. You can batch export transparent cutouts, replace background color, or refine the matte to blend the subject with any new backgrounds.

Key advantages include:

  • 1-click detection with AI for one or multiple subjects.
  • Precise masking for transparent, fuzzy edges, or solid subjects.
  • Preserve transparency variations in tricky edges, hair, lace, glass, etc.
  • Quick auto masking and optional brush editing for refinements.
  • atch export transparent cutouts, mattes, or custom backgrounds.

For product listings, portraits, custom stickers, and creative composites, Aiarty Image Matting makes background removal faster and more precise. It is particularly useful for portrait, wildlife, and commercial photographers dealing with challenging subjects that contain fine edge details.

Anniversary Offer: 43% OFF Lifetime License + Extra Saving

Aiarty is currently celebrating its anniversary with 43% OFF Aiarty Image Matting Lifetime License. For photographers and designers looking to streamline their workflow, it’s a nice chance to enjoy these benefits:

  • Unlock full features and use on up to 3PCs/Macs.
  • Free updates to all versions for a lifetime.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

Besides, by entering the limited-time code “ANNIVERSARY” at checkout, you can also enjoy extra $5 OFF Aiarty Image Matting, or extra $10 OFF Bundle product purchase. The special offer ends June 21.

Below are some hands-on tests of this background remover and background replacement tool, from professional projects to family and hobbyist use cases.

Remove Backgrounds and Preserve Fine Hair, Fur, and Feathers

Traditional masking tools often require hours of manual tracing around complex edges, and they fail to preserve the natural edges in flowing hair or fuzzy fur.

AI models in Aiarty Image Matting are trained to recognize and preserve individual strands of hair, animal fur, and bird feathers, producing a clean result for both transparent output and blend in with new backgrounds.

Handle Transparent and Semi-Transparent Subjects

Glass, lace, veils, and transparent materials are notoriously difficult to mask accurately. Aiarty maintains gradual transparency values while separating the subject from the background, delivering realistic transitions.

This image background remover helps photographers maintain a professional look when working with product photography, event banners, and creative composites.

Separate Subjects from Complex Backgrounds

A complex environment often confuses traditional background remover tools, with background remnants sticking around a subject in cutouts.

To solve that, AI inference in Aiarty Image Matting helps distinguish subjects even when backgrounds contain complicated textures, branches, foliage, or overlapping elements.

Create Stickers for Journals and Creative Projects

For wildlife photographers, nature journal hobbyists, and school projects, Aiarty Image Matting makes it handy to create stickers in batches, which can be used in field journals, presentations, banners, infographics, posters, and other creative projects.

Flexible Auto Masking and Manual Refinement

Some background removal tools fall into one of two extremes: fully automatic tools that offer little control over the result, or manual masking features that require time-consuming tracing.

Aiarty Image Matting combines the strengths and flexibility of both approaches. With a single click, its AI models can auto-detect and isolate subjects, creating a high-quality mask as a strong starting point for most images.

For further refinement, it also provides editing tools to adjust masks, erase unwanted areas, or brush over to bring back details. The combination of the Mask alpha curve tool and erasing threshold is handy to handle challenging areas such as hair, fur, lace, and transparent objects.

Batch Processing for Large Projects

Editing and masking hundreds of images individually is inefficient. Aiarty supports batch processing, allowing designers and photographers to process large numbers of images automatically.

Whether handling event photography, wildlife shoots, or e-commerce catalogs, photographers can save editing time with precise masking and background removal.

Optionally, you can use the built-in 2X upscaling feature to enhance image quality, making the cutouts clear even at 4K and 8K displays.

Specialized AI Models for Different Scenarios and Subject Types

For clean cutouts and transparent PNGs, users might prefer a clear edge around the subjects. For background replacement, such as placing the person on a new canvas, a natural blend-in requires transparency transitions near the edges.

Instead of providing a one-size-fits-all tool, Aiarty Image Matting has 4 AI models optimized for different image types and masking scenarios.

Masking Model: AlphaStandard V2

It is designed for semi-transparent and translucent subjects such as wedding veils, glassware, water splashes, fine hair, and animal fur.

When you prefer to preserve natural transparency and smooth transitions, apply this model.

Masking Model: AlphaEdge V2

For those semi-transparent and translucent objects mentioned above, when you want to prioritize edge sharpness over soft transparency variations, then instead of using AlphaStandard, apply AlphaEdge.

Masking Model: EdgeClear V2

It is built for detailed solid objects such as vehicles, jewelry, sports equipment, and furniture. When you want to emphasize edge clarity while maintaining realistic detail, use this model for background removal and replacement.

Masking Model: SolidMat V2

It is trained for products and structured subjects with defined boundaries, including: buildings, consumer products, electronics, and commercial catalogs.

Besides the 4 AI models, Aiarty has an Alpha mask curve, brushes, and erasers, and more options to refine selection. With both auto masking and optional manual adjustment, it is versatile enough to tackle various subjects and scenarios, be it for semi-transparency variations, fuzzy edges, or solid subjects.

Final Thoughts

Background removal doesn’t have to be slow or tedious. With AI-powered subject isolation and optional manual refinement, Aiarty Image Matting offers photographers and designers a faster way to create clean cutouts while keeping full control over tricky edges.

For PhotoRumors readers, Aiarty Image Matting is currently available for $65 (43% off the regular price). The Lifetime License works on up to 3 Windows or Mac computers and includes free lifetime upgrades. Apply the code ANNIVERSARY at checkout to get an extra $5 off. The special offer ends June 21.

For those looking for a more creative toolkit, Aiarty also offers Anniversary bundles with image enhancement, upscaling, and video software – currently discounted up to 52%.

Learn more and grab the Anniversary offer here >

The post Quick AI Background Removal with Aiarty Image Matting (43% off Lifetime License + Extra Coupon) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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