Insta360, which holds 73% of the global 360-degree camera market, is expanding into smart glasses and mirrorless cameras. The company aims to bridge the gap between smartphone photography and professional imaging, avoiding direct competition with AI-focused rivals like Meta.
Panasonic has announced the Lumix S 20mm f/2.5 lens, a 142-gram ultra-wide prime priced at $499, alongside firmware version 2.1 for the Lumix S9. The update expands the Lens Fn button functionality and introduces MP4 (Lite) recording for 4K60 and 1080p120 video. These updates, along with new versions of the Lumix Lab and Flow apps, are scheduled for release on October 13, 2026.
Canon has officially launched the EOS R8 Mark II, a redesigned full-frame mirrorless camera that introduces in-body image stabilization to its entry-level lineup. Priced at $1,899 for the body, the camera features a 24.2-megapixel sensor, a retro-inspired angular design, and 40fps electronic shutter speeds. It is set to ship in late October 2026, positioning itself as a lighter and more affordable alternative to the higher-end EOS R6 Mark III.
The OM System PEN is hailed as the finest PEN yet and a spiritual successor to the PEN-F, delivering IPX1 weather sealing, in‑body stabilization, a built‑in EVF, 30fps Pro Capture, Live ND and 80MP High‑Res Shot in a compact retro body for $999 / £849. It refines the PEN‑F in image quality, autofocus and handling, adds a dedicated memory‑card door and a modernized power switch, and prioritizes stills over video (8‑bit 4K/30p and 1080p/120p). While not a video camera, its performance makes it hard to beat for photographers, offering better value than the Panasonic Lumix L10 and serving as the best everyday carry for enthusiasts; availability is late Sep/early Oct, with a kit‑lens bundle for $1,099 / £999.
Sony’s A7 V has shot to the top of Japan’s camera charts (per Getnavi.jp) and is the best-selling model at US retailer B&H, while TechRadar has it as No. 1 in its Best Camera and Best Mirrorless Camera buying guides. The 33MP full-frame, stacked sensor delivers strong dynamic range, up to 30fps stills, top autofocus, and class-leading battery life, with a price around $2,899 / £2,799 / AU$4,699. It’s a feature-rich option that may be complex for beginners and lacks open-gate 6K/8K video for some users.
Japan’s December camera-sales data show Sony’s newly released A7 V at the top, instantly outranking rivals and reshuffling the chart behind it with Fuji’s X-T30 III kit in second; Sony A7C II kits and Canon EOS R5 II/R6 III remain strong, while the Hasselblad X2D II 100C sits at #8, illustrating a launch-driven market where new models can overtake established best-sellers.
Nikon has announced the release of the lightweight NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile focal range, close-up capabilities, and features like quiet autofocus and dust resistance, making it ideal for various photography situations and portable shooting.
Camera sales in 2025 are expected to be the best in over five years, driven by a surge in compact camera popularity which is nearly matching the decline of DSLRs. Meanwhile, mirrorless cameras continue to dominate the market, with overall shipments increasing compared to the previous year, although traditional DSLR shipments have significantly decreased.
The article reviews the top mirrorless cameras of 2025, highlighting the Nikon Z5 II for its value, the Fujifilm X-T30 III for beginners, the Canon EOS R50 V for vlogging, and the Hasselblad X2D II 100C for professional medium format photography, emphasizing their features, improvements, and suitability for different users.
The Nikon ZR, also known as Nikon RED Z Cinema, has rapidly climbed Amazon's best-selling mirrorless cameras list, reaching #44 shortly after launch, surpassing established models like Sony FX2 and FX3, driven by its collaboration with RED, positive early reviews, and strong social media buzz, signaling a significant shift in the professional filmmaking gear market.
Tamron is launching its versatile 18-300mm all-in-one zoom lens for Canon RF and Nikon Z APS-C mirrorless cameras on September 26, priced at $629 in the US and $849 in Canada, offering a wide zoom range, autofocus, image stabilization, and weather resistance, similar to previous versions for other mounts.
Despite the growing popularity of mirrorless cameras, DSLRs remain a strong choice for photographers, offering durability, value, and a vast selection of lenses. This Black Friday, several enticing DSLR deals highlight their continued relevance and appeal, especially for those who prefer a traditional shooting experience.
The Nikon Z50 II, while not a direct successor to the highly regarded Nikon D500, evokes similar qualities that appeal to sports and wildlife photographers. The D500, a powerful DX DSLR, remains a benchmark for Nikon's F-mount cameras, and the Z50 II channels some of its strengths, making it a compelling option in the APS-C mirrorless market.
Canon has launched the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, a versatile prime lens for its mirrorless cameras, ideal for both photography and video. This new lens, designed for hybrid shooters, features a smooth aperture ring for video, a powerful voice coil motor for quick and silent autofocus, and improved balance and image stabilization. Priced at $1,499, it offers a modern update to the classic Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM II, with enhanced sharpness, reduced focus breathing, and minimal vignetting and barrel distortion when corrections are applied.
Nikon's new Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens is a groundbreaking full-frame superzoom lens that offers a 14.2 times zoom in a lightweight package, making it a versatile all-in-one lens for Nikon Z photographers. The lens delivers acceptable image quality with minimal flare and ghosting, but its slower aperture range may not be suitable for serious wildlife photography in low light conditions. Despite this, the lens offers excellent sharpness and a convenient 400mm reach, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts and casual shooters.