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DJI has filed a lawsuit against Insta360 over patent violations



DJI has filed a lawsuit against Insta360 over patent violations. Here is what we know so far:

  • DJI initiated the lawsuit: DJI filed a patent ownership dispute lawsuit against Insta360 at the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court in Guangdong Province, China.
  • Date and timing: The case became public today (March 23, 2026), just days before DJI’s planned launch of its first Avata 360-degree drone, which enters a market segment pioneered by Insta360.
  • Patents involved: The dispute centers on six patents related to key drone technologies, including flight control, structural design, and image processing/imaging.
  • DJI’s main allegations: DJI claims these patents cover inventions created by DJI employees within one year of their departure from the company. The inventions are allegedly tied to the employees’ prior duties at DJI, qualifying as “service inventions” under Chinese law (meaning DJI asserts ownership rights).
  • Former employees link: Reports indicate several former core DJI R&D staff are involved, with some patents showing questionable inventor details (e.g., names hidden in Chinese filings but revealed internationally as ex-DJI engineers).
  • Court status: The Shenzhen court has officially accepted the case, marking DJI’s first domestic lawsuit of this type focused on patent ownership disputes.
  • Insta360’s response: Insta360’s securities department stated it is conducting an internal review and verification with its legal team. If the patents are deemed significant, the company will issue a formal announcement.

The latest DJI rumors

Insta360 responds to GoPro’s patent infringement allegations

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Canon EOS R7 Mark II APS-C mirrorless camera rumored specifications


Here is a recap of the latest Canon EOS R7 Mark II APS-C mirrorless camera’s rumored specifications:

  • Sensor: 39MP BSI (backside-illuminated) stacked CMOS APS-C sensor (some earlier rumors mentioned ~40MP).
  • Sensor readout/performance: Very fast readout speed, close to (or potentially faster than) the EOS R5 Mark II, enabling minimal rolling shutter and high-speed capabilities.
  • Processor: Likely includes DIGIC Accelerator (possibly required for full performance, similar to higher-end models like the EOS R1).
  • Burst shooting: Up to 40 fps with electronic shutter (with pre-capture support rumored in some reports).
  • Autofocus: Significantly improved system, described as potentially “the best autofocus of any APS-C camera” (likely enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF with advanced subject detection/tracking).
  • Card slots: Dual card slots – CFexpress Type B + SD.
  • Battery: LP-E6P (newer battery type for better performance/endurance).
  • Body/ergonomics: Larger/more robust body, ergonomics closer to the EOS R6 Mark III (or R6 series), addressing some criticisms of the original R7’s layout.
  • Other features: Higher-resolution EVF expected (original R7 is 2.36M-dot); improved IBIS (possibly higher stops, e.g., 8+); no specific video details confirmed in the latest round-ups (earlier rumors speculated 8K capabilities or major video upgrades, but current focus is on stills/sensor).
  • Pricing: Expected to be “much higher” than the original R7 (which launched at $1,499 body-only).
  • Announcement timing: Expected late May or early June 2026 (with real units reportedly already in circulation for testing).

Canon EOS R7 Mark II camera expected to be announced before June 2026


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New Chinese brand Vistilen is planning to release new AF lenses for Canon RF mount

The new Chinese brand Vistilen is planning to release several new AF lenses for Canon RF mount:

  • Vistilen 33mm f/1.4 APS-C
  • Vistilen 55mm f/1.4 APS-C
  • Vistilen 35mm f/2 full-frame
  • Vistilen 50mm f/1.8 full-frame
  • Vistilen 55mm f/1.8 full-frame
  • Vistilen 85mm f/1.8 full-frame
  • Vistilen 85mm f/1.4 full-frame

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Viltrox announced a new retro compact folding Z2 flash for $37 (N/C/S/F)



Viltrox announced a new retro compact folding Z2 flash for Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Fujifilm cameras, priced at $37:

Additional information:

  • Foldable Design for Higher Flash Position and Portability
  • TTL Mode for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Canon
  • 5-Step Manual Power Control from 1/1 to 1/16
  • Up to 700 Flashes per Charge
  • Quick-Mount Hot Shoe
  • Compact Shoe-Mounted On-Camera Flash
  • 2 Second Recycling Time
  • Guide Number: 6′
  • Manual and Auto Mode
  • Local Buttons & Indicator on Trigger
  • Built-In 420mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • USB-C Charging Interface
  • Includes Diffuser
  • Additional pictures:

Press release:

Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL: Radical On-Camera Flash Redefines Portable Lighting

A flash so compact that it is barely there, but still effortlessly creates boldly lit scenes

Shenzhen, China, March 18th, 2026 – Viltrox, the leading innovator in high-performance photographic equipment, has launched the Vintage Z2 TTL, an ultra-compact on-camera flash designed to bridge the gap between minimalist portable aesthetics and professional lighting performance. With the slogan, ‘Barely There. Boldly Lit’, the Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL is engineered for photographers who demand high-quality illumination without the inconvenient bulk and weight of traditional flash units.

Radical portability: Unbelievably compact

The Vintage Z2 TTL challenges the conventions of external camera lighting by being significantly smaller than traditional flashes. Weighing merely 52g, it is pocket-sized, minimizing load on the camera body and hot shoe.

This lightweight flash can remain in position without user fatigue, making it an ideal companion for minimal mirrorless setups and fast-paced creativity. The flash folds down, while still attached, for streamlined mobility and storage. Whether folded or extended, the Z2 maintains smooth visual continuity with the camera, appearing as a natural extension of the camera body.

Intuitive TTL performance or manual precision

Despite its diminutive size and weight, the Vintage Z2 is a functional powerhouse. Instant response TTL Mode uses real-time metering to automatically adjust flash output for naturally balanced exposures. For creators needing more deliberate control, Manual mode provides five levels of precise power adjustment from 1/1 to 1/16, enabling consistent results in controlled environments.

A dedicated one-touch switch switches between these modes, allowing photographers to transition from the speed of automation to the precision of manual control instantly. A clear button layout and intuitive mode indicator lights ensure confident operation, even in low-light conditions.

Professional capability in a compact frame

The Vintage Z2 TTL keeps pace with fast-moving assignments, delivering up to 700 full-power flashes on a single charge of its 420mAh battery. Two second recycle time ensures the flash is ready for rapid consecutive shots. Elevated light placement creates natural, dimensional lighting – avoiding the flat imaging of low-mounted flashes.

Technical specifications are impressive, with a color temperature of 6500±200K and a guide number of GN: 6. Flash duration ranges from 1/16500s to 1/50000s, fast enough to freeze motion effectively.

Seamless compatibility and power management

Dedicated hot shoe versions of the Vintage Z2 for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Canon systems, ensure optimized TTL flash performance across all major platforms. For other cameras with a standard hot shoe, the Z2 remains fully functional in Manual mode. The integrated rechargeable battery is charged via USB Type-C, reaching full charge in about 70 minutes. To preserve power, the Z2’s intelligent Sleep Mode activates after 15 minutes of inactivity, requiring only a simple restart to resume operation.

Availability and design

The Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL On-Camera Flash is available for two mounting systems. The Sony version measures 66.7×38.5×33.4 mm, while the Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm versions measure 64.6×38.5×33.4 mm.

The quick-mount hot shoe allows instant attachment and firm locking, making it the most efficient lighting tool for the modern, mobile photographer who will not compromise performance for portability.

Expanding Viltrox’s flash lineup

By combining radical lightweight engineering with clean, contemporary design, the Vintage Z2 TTL strengthens Viltrox’s growing flash portfolio. Following Viltrox’s Vintage Z1 – celebrated for its retro-inspired aesthetics and compact everyday usability – and the Spark Z3, with its old cyberpunk-inspired design and integrated TTL functionality, the Z2 represents the next step in this evolution. It pushes portability and minimalist aesthetics even further, while retaining intelligent TTL performance.

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Panasonic Europe reports record Lumix full-frame market share for 2025


Panasonic Europe reports record Lumix full-frame market share for 2025:

  • Panasonic Europe Lumix total FF market share for 2025: 10%
  • Panasonic Europe Lumix total FF kit market share for 2025: 17%

Panasonic Lumix has achieved a record 10% market share in Europe’s full-frame camera market as of early 2026, according to data the company presented at a recent European event. This marks a significant rise from just 3% in 2020, highlighting strong growth in the segment driven by its video-focused hybrid cameras and the L-mount alliance. Notably, Panasonic’s share climbs to 17% when considering only full-frame cameras sold as kits (with lenses), up from 7% in 2020. Global or other regional figures remain limited in public reports, with overall camera market shares for Panasonic (including Micro Four Thirds) hovering around 3-4% in some 2024-2025 shipment data.

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Songdian confirms a new MFT camera and lens are under development


After joining the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group, the Chinese company Songdian announced two new cameras, but neither of them is Micro Four Thirds.


At a recent Digital Imaging Industry Forum in China, Songdian confirmed that a new MFT camera and lens are under development:

Q: When will the earliest m43 camera be released?
A: It’s purely uncertain, so it’s hard to say.

Q: Will you make lenses?
A: I believe so!

Here are the details on the two new Songdian cameras:



Songdian VE228 camera: This camera features a 1-inch 50MP sensor, a 3.6-inch screen, a fixed f/1.8 lens, PDAF phase-detection autofocus, EIS+5-axis gyroscope image stabilization, a 3.6-inch 1024×608 resolution AMOLED touchscreen, and 4K 60fps video recording.


Songdian DC226 Pro camera: features an upgraded 1/1.4-inch 48MP CMOS sensor paired with an F/2.0 aperture fixed-focus lens.

Songdian already sells several different camera models in China:

Shenzhen Sonida Digital Technology joins the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group under the brand “Songdian”

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Sony announced the expansion of its Camera Authenticity Solution, which now supports video in addition to still images


Sony announced the expansion of its Camera Authenticity Solution, which now supports video in addition to still images (previously reported here). The update adds video compatibility to Camera Verify (beta) and the Image Verification Pre-check SDK, helping news organizations and visual journalists verify the provenance and authenticity of captured content.

Highlights of the announcement:

  • Camera Verify (beta) now supports video – allowing newsrooms to validate both still images and video through a dedicated verification URL.
  • C2PA-compliant verification – confirms content was captured by a camera using secure digital signatures aligned with the C2PA standard.
  • Integrated workflow support – the Image Verification Pre-check SDK enables organizations to check for camera signatures directly within their own systems.
  • Supported cameras – includes Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7 IV, FX3, FX30, and PXW-Z300, with additional compatibility planned.

Sony is the first camera company to introduce video content authenticity solution

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DxO PhotoLab version 9.6 released


DxO released new versions of PhotoLab 9.6. DxO PhotoLab is an advanced RAW photo editor covering the full workflow – from demosaicing and noise reduction to local adjustment, optical corrections, color management, and print soft proofing.

Get 15% off DxO products with code RUMORS by purchasing from this link

Additional resources:

Additional information:

New DxO PhotoLab 9.6 delivers remarkable image quality with DeepPRIME XD3, expanded control over AI Masks, and unprecedented DNG compression

The latest update extends DeepPRIME XD3 — now for both Bayer and X-Trans sensors — adds diffusion to its acclaimed AI Masks, and introduces High-Fidelity Compression to create DNG files up to four times smaller.

Paris (France): DxO, the imaging science pioneer and developer of the world’s most advanced RAW photo editing software, today announces the release of DxO PhotoLab 9.6, a major update focused on pushing image quality and workflow efficiency even further. Version 9.6 brings three headline innovations: the arrival of DeepPRIME XD3 for Bayer sensors, enhanced creative control with diffusion for AI Masks, and High-Fidelity Compression for DNG export — dramatically reducing file sizes without compromising RAW
quality.

“PhotoLab 9.6 is all about removing limits,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, VP of Product Strategy at DxO. “Whether it’s extracting more detail from the most demanding RAW files, refining selections with greater subtlety, or dramatically reducing storage requirements, this update gives photographers new levels of freedom — without sacrificing image quality.”

DeepPRIME XD3 for all sensors
Previously exclusive to X-Trans cameras, DeepPRIME XD3 now extends its groundbreaking denoising and demosaicing technology to Bayer sensor cameras, marking a major leap forward in RAW image quality.

An evolution of DxO’s renowned DeepPRIME technology, DeepPRIME XD3 is designed specifically for the most demanding files captured under challenging conditions. It produces cleaner, sharper images than ever before, extracting phenomenal detail while maintaining natural textures and accurate color reproduction. From high-ISO night scenes to finely detailed landscapes, DeepPRIME XD3 establishes a new benchmark for what’s possible in RAW conversion.

Paired with DxO’s exclusive DxO Modules, which deliver the most precise camera and lens corrections on the market, DeepPRIME XD3 offers the ultimate image quality pipeline. For photographers shooting at exceptionally high ISO values, it represents the current market leader in noise reduction, detail extraction, and color fidelity.

AI Masks gain diffusion for smoother, more natural selections
DxO PhotoLab’s acclaimed AI Masks — already celebrated for their speed, accuracy, and flexibility — become even more powerful in version 9.6 with the addition of diffusion controls. This new option allows photographers to soften mask edges and smoothly feather selections, making transitions more natural and adjustments more refined. Whether working on portraits, landscapes, or complex scenes with subtle tonal changes, diffusion provides greater creative control while preserving the intuitive workflow that has made AI Masks a standout feature of DxO PhotoLab.

High-Fidelity Compression: RAW-quality DNGs up to four times smaller
DxO PhotoLab 9.6 also introduces High-Fidelity Compression for DNG export, delivering RAW-quality files that can be up to four times smaller than standard uncompressed DNGs. This breakthrough technology means photographers no longer have to choose between image quality and storage efficiency. DxO outputs Linear DNG files, meaning images are fully demosaiced while retaining full dynamic range and editing flexibility. Intelligent compression now dramatically reduces file sizes without affecting image quality. Large-scale processing, archiving, and long-term storage become faster, lighter, and more efficient — without compromising a professional RAW workflow.

Price and availability
DxO PhotoLab 9.6 is available today from the DxO website for macOS and Windows machines:

  • New license $239.99 / 239.99 € / £219.99
    Upgrade from DxO PhotoLab 7 or 8 $119.99 / 119.99 € / £109.99

DxO PureRAW 6 launched

DxO released new lens modules for the Sony A7 V camera and the latest lenses from Sigma, Viltrox, and Samyang

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New GoPro teasers for their upcoming camera with GP3 custom imaging processor


After GoPro recently unveiled a new GP3 custom imaging processor for their next-gen models, the company has also released new photos and video teasers demonstrating the capabilities of their upcoming camera:

GoPro reported significant financial losses for 2025, with full-year revenue dropping to $652 million (down about 19% from the prior year) and a GAAP net loss of $93 million (or $0.59 per share)—a big improvement over the previous year’s $432 million loss thanks to cost cuts. In Q4, revenue was roughly $202 million (flat year-over-year but missing expectations), with a GAAP net loss of $9.1 million and non-GAAP loss of $3 million. The company is optimistic about recovery through a new AI-enabled GP3 processor in upcoming cameras starting Q2 2026, while subscription revenue held steady at $106 million for the year.

Additional information on the GP3:

GoPro Unveils GP3: Next-Gen AI Imaging Processor Delivering 2X Power and Breakthrough Low-Light Performance

Today we announced the upcoming launch of GP3, our most powerful custom imaging processor to date. Exclusive to GoPro, GP3 is a 5-nanometer System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that delivers more than 2X the pixel processing power and superior AI-driven image quality and low-light performance over its predecessor, GP2. GP3’s power efficiency and thermal performance are expected to significantly outperform the competition, resulting in industry-leading runtimes in the most demanding environmental conditions. These advancements position GP3 to usher in a new era of professional-level image quality, low-light performance, resolution and frame rates for small form-factor camera markets, including action cameras, 360 cameras, vlogging cameras, and ultra-premium, compact cinema-grade cameras.

Accompanying images captured on GoPro’s next‑generation camera system powered by GP3 showcase the breakthrough image quality and low-light performance enabled by this new technology.

At the heart of GoPro’s innovative GP3 processor is a specialized AI Neural Processor Unit (NPU) that enables next-generation video pixel processing and market-leading low-light image performance. GP3 also features dedicated cores for scene recognition and subject detection, allowing GoPro cameras to understand their environment in real-time and adjust camera settings automatically. And with its 5-nanometer architecture and exceedingly efficient power-profile, GP3 is expected to enable market-leading resolutions and frame rates with runtimes and thermal performance that significantly outperform the competition.

“We expect our new, exclusive GP3 processor to lead in every performance area—image quality, resolution, frame rates, low-light performance and power and thermal efficiency,” said Pablo Lema, GoPro’s Senior Vice President of Product Management. “Launching in our new products in Q2, GP3 provides a scalable, proprietary foundation we can leverage to power GoPro cameras across existing and future product categories. Our markets demand the very best performance, and we believe this sets the stage for GP3 to serve as a growth catalyst for GoPro.”

“GP3’s bleeding-edge, cinema-grade performance will enable GoPro to enter the ultra-premium end of the imaging market this year, serving the needs of a new, higher-end market segment that can grow GoPro’s business and brand,” said Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “We’re excited for GP3 to empower GoPro as both an innovator and disrupter as we look to grow our business through market-leading technology and performance.”

GP3 will debut in new GoPro cameras in Q2 2026.

GoPro unveiled a new GP3 custom imaging processor for their upcoming cameras

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What’s new on Kickstarter?


Here is what’s new on Kickstarter:


Rewindpix non-disposable digital “Film” camera (a retro screen-free digital camera with a large viewfinder, a winder, and infinite customizable filters): $272,325 pledged of $15,000 goal by 2,053 backers with 55 days to go.


New Peak Design travel bags: $1,759,820 pledged of $100,000 goal by 5,427 backers with 16 days to go.


NEO N2 & N1L camera bags: $31,843 pledged of $5,000 goal by 291 backers with 7 days to go.


Shargeek 300 – the next-gen power beast: $594,469 pledged of $10,000 goal by 2,838
backers with 9 days to go.


Late pledges available: CamCast – turn your camera into a smart, connected system.


Coming soon: another I’m Back Roll APS-C digital module for film cameras.


Now available: Spinn Design wrappers (use code SPINN-RUMORS for a discount).


LIGAR film and digital camera: $25,979 pledged of $4,978 goal by 169 backers with 5 days to go.


Yashica pocket camcorder (115° Ultra-Wide Lens | 270° Flip Screen | 4K Recording | User-Friendly Interface | 0.5m to ∞ Focus | Instant Sync & Share): $54,809 pledged of $4,995 goal by 255 backers with 25 days to go.

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Fujifilm announced a new Instax Mini 13 instant film camera

Fujifilm announced a new Instax Mini 13 instant film camera and new accessories in different colors (price: $93, pre-order here):


Key features of the new Instax Mini 13:

  • Accepts INSTAX MINI Instant Film
  • FUJINON 60mm Lens with Selfie Mirror
  • Automatic Exposure and Automatic Flash
  • Dedicated Selfie/Close-Up Shooting Mode
  • Optical Viewfinder
  • Two AA Batteries
  • Press release
    Related videos:

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Upcoming Panasonic Lumix TZ300 compact camera leaked online


Panasonic will announce a new Lumix TZ300 compact camera on March 24th (see leaked picture above). Here are the details:

  • 20 MP 1″ sensor
  • Leica DC Vario-Elmar 24-360mm equivalent f/3.3-6.4 lens (15x optical zoom)
  • Macro mode (3cm)
  • Improved video recording geared toward vloggers, potentially including better stabilization, 4K support, and user-friendly features like a flip-out screen
  • USB-C charging
  • Replacement for the TZ200 model from 2018

Panasonic registered two new cameras overseas

New Lumix TZ-300 leaked
by
u/Radeon26 in
Lumix

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