While 2025 has been dripping with camera rumors, the current rumors are less about when the new models are coming and more that they might not – or how much more expensive they might be.
Right now, the camera rumors I'm hearing are that companies might be suspending launches, or even delaying or canceling orders for recently announced products until the tariff situation is clear.
Canon has confirmed that US prices will rise, and it has just launched a new lens everywhere except North America. Meanwhile Blackmagic has revealed some US price hikes, while Fujifilm has suspended US orders for a number of cameras. Honestly, these aren't the kinds of camera rumors I usually report on!
Of course, there's still plenty of exciting developments going on – and every company is working feverishly on newer and more innovative models. But any of the timelines I've heard or written about in the following pages are a lot less certain, given the current economic climate…
Canon rumors 2024
Canon is always the subject of more camera rumors than any other manufacturer, in large part because it has been the most prolific photographic patenter for 41 consecutive years. And these patents are often the first clues we get as to what is coming in the next wave of cameras.
We've seen Canon rumors turning into actual products like a chain of dominos, from last year's Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II to the long-reported Canon EOS C400 and EOS C80, and this year with the Canon PowerShot V1 and EOS R50 V.
So, with two new pro cameras, two new cinema cameras, a new compact camera and a new content creation camera, what can we expect from Canon in 2025?
Canon EOS R7 Mark II
I've heard a lot of rumors about the Canon EOS R7 Mark II, but they all have one thing in common: they paint it as a seriously powerful camera.
Most recently there has been talk that the R7 Mark II will effectively be a "baby R5", possessing a 40MP sensor capable of 8K video – matching Fujifilm's firepower, and keeping pace with the Fujifilm X-H2.
(The APS-C battleground has always been fierce between the two brands; when the resolution ceiling was 24MP, Canon was first to crash through it with a 32MP sensor on the EOS 90D and M6 Mark II. Then Fujifilm smashed it again with the X-H2.)
Most interesting is the chatter that the R7 Mark II will also increase in size, purportedly being physically compatible with the cooling grip of the R5 Mark II – and obviously losing the advantage of having a smaller footprint.
Prior to all the baby R5 talk, there was already talk of the R7 Mark II having a stacked sensor – which would jibe well with the 40MP / 8K talk. But it may even be possible that the camera could see the debut of Canon's triple-layer stacked sensor.
Whatever is going on with this camera, it sure looks exciting!
Another Canon EOS RV camera (R7 V?)
Following the launch of the Canon EOS R50 V – a sister version of the original EOS R50, but geared towards video – it's being whispered that Canon is working on further models in the "RV" line, including another model that's coming this year.
It has long been rumored that Canon would be shaking up its APS-C line of cameras, with the expectation that there would be a new video segment (as you can see below, in the rumor about the Canon EOS RC). I've also heard rumors forever that the successor to the EOS R7 would be very disruptive.
So, if Canon wants a new RV body… and it already has an entry-level model in the R50 V… then developing a sister RV model to the flagship R7 would seem like a logical step. Could we be getting an Canon EOS R7 V later this year?
Canon PowerShot V3
With the PowerShot V1 (above) having launched in Asia, there are already rumblings about the next member of the V-series family.
Where the V1 is clearly Canon's vlogging and videography-oriented compact camera, it sounds like the Canon PowerShot V3 will be the model aimed at photographers.
From what I hear, the camera will have the same 1.4-inch sensor as the V1, but will ditch the 16-50mm content creator zoom range in favor of a 20x zoom range that might top out at around 500mm – perfect for stills shooters.
If it retains the V1's 30fps burst shooting, I think this could be a serious seller in 2025 and beyond.
Canon RE-1
After months upon months of whispers, I've finally heard something a bit more concrete about Canon's much-rumored retro EOS R camera, which I've been referring to as the Canon RE-1 – based on the fact that everything points to it being a mirrorless update of the iconic Canon AE-1 film camera.
In fact, the latest rumblings are that we might see it announced this year ahead of a launch in 2026 – which would mark the 50th anniversary of the AE-1.
It seems that Canon is taking the same tack as the Big N did with the Nikon Zf; rather than the RE-1 being a high-spec technological marvel, Canon seems to be basing it off a mid-range camera like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, with a 24MP sensor and a focus on photographic rather than video features.
Obviously Canon is playing a bit of catch-up, with Nikon, Fujifilm and OM System already making some of the best retro cameras. I'm really hoping that Canon goes the extra mile and does something like sign a deal with Kodak for its own exclusive film simulations – and of course, I really want to see some vintage-style lenses to go with a vintage-style camera!
Canon EOS R6 Mark III
After reports that it might materialize at the end of 2024, I'm now under the impression that the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is coming early this year.
Despite apparently being in the hands of testers and ambassadors since last year, surprisingly little info has leaked. But it's believed to have a 24MP stacked sensor (perhaps the exact same one trickled down from the EOS R3) with a 5.69 million-dot viewfinder (inherited from the EOS R5), with 4K 120p / FullHD 240p video (with audio) and improved stabilization and autofocus. It is also said to ape the dual CFexpress B / SD card setup of the R3 and R5 series.
Crucially, however, it will not possess any of the in-camera AI upscaling or denoising of the EOS R1 or EOS R5 Mark II – nor the new Digic Accelerator-powered autofocus systems (such as Dual Pixel Intelligent AF or Action Priority mode).
That said, recent chatter suggests that it will have a mysterious new button or dial on the top – the last time I heard about something like this, it was the Film Simulation dial on the Fujifilm X-T50… though I wouldn't count on Canon doing the same!
Canon gimbal camera
Going back around four years, Canon designed a gimbal camera featuring an interchangeable lens mount (which was widely believed to be EF-M, but on closer inspection I think it might have been RF or RF-S).
Fast-forward to today and Canon has resurrected its plans, and designed a camera that is strikingly similar to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – but now featuring a fixed zoom lens instead of an interchangeable one.
This looks to be a small sensor system, and it's probably a fair guess that we're looking at the kind of 1-inch sensor featured in the Canon PowerShot V10 and G7X Mark III. If Canon can actually get the product to market this time, it could be hugely popular.
Canon 3D VR Camera
I had a chance to talk to Canon about its prototype 360° / 180° 3D VR Camera. It's clear Canon is really doubling down on virtual reality, having introduced the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens a couple of years ago and with a pair of APS-C 3D / VR stereoscopic lenses on the way as well.
This new camera, which physically looks like a mashup of the Dual FIsheye and the Canon PowerShot V10, combines all the tech in one: 360° / 180° 3D VR 8K capture, along with VR live streaming.
While this wasn't something Canon said to me, I've heard that the camera has a target price of under $1,000 (about £820 / AU$1,590). This is definitely something to keep an eye (or even a Dual Fisheye) on…
Canon Powershot V10 Mark II, V100
Rumors of a Canon vlogging camera swirled for years until the Canon PowerShot V10 finally dropped. And with vlogging cameras being the hottest thing in the industry right now, it looks like Canon is following Sony's lead and producing a whole range of dedicated vlogging devices. We've just had the flagship PowerShot V1 drop, but I've heard that two more models might be on the way:
Canon PowerShot V10 Mark II
Improved autofocus, FullHD video up to 120p, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories (compared to the slightly haphazard region-by-region products available for the current V10) are said to be coming to the Mark II.
Canon PowerShot V100
Following the naming convention of the mirrorless EOS R line, the V100 (like the Canon EOS R100) will be the entry-level model of the PowerShot vlogging family.
Canon Posture Fit
Back in 2021 Canon introduced us to Posture Fit: a concept camera that looks like a Pixar character and sits on your desk, where it keeps an eye on how you're sitting using a wide-angle lens and skeletal mapping. When it spots you starting to slouch, it flashes and wobbles and beeps on your desk to tell you to straighten up – and it'll even remind you to get up and move around, if you've been sitting too long.
After falling off the radar ever since, recently a patent was filed in Japan describing a Posture Fit that could monitor multiple subjects in its field of view – not just the person sat at the desk in front of it. Again, it's not a photographic camera (so it can't be used for spying or surveillance) but it's a very clever lifestyle device that anyone who sits in front of a computer will surely benefit from.
Canon EOS R3 Mark II
The R3 sits in a strange position in Canon's lineup, now that the R1 is here. Once the placeholder product until an official flagship was announced, some feel that it's a lame duck given that the actual flagship outclasses it in every way.
However, many of the innovations of the R3 made their way into the R1 (and indeed the R5 Mark II). Does the R3, then, become the technology launchpad of the EOS R family? The camera that debuts the latest tech, before it is further refined for the tentpole products?
I can certainly see sense in that. The Canon EOS R3 Mark II could, for example, be where the company debuts its first global shutter sensor – testing the waters with the sensor tech (which, it should be remembered, does come with a number of compromises) before doubling down on it in the R1 Mark II. Indeed, there are rumors that Canon is ready to launch a camera with a global shutter sensor.
At the same time, though, it could equally be that there is no further need for the R3. With the original camera now being three years old, the next few months are going to be very interesting…
More camera rumors: Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors
Nikon rumors 2025
The Nikon rumors have, of late, all come to fruition – which only gives further credence to the old "where there's smoke, there's fire" adage.
Already this year we've had the Nikon Z5 II, the Nikon Z50 II and, more significantly, the first "Yellow Red" or "Red Zed" Nikon / Red cameras featuring the Z mount.
So, with the Z lineup now comprising everything from entry-level to professional to prestige retro cameras (along with the Nikon Z fc Heralbony collabs, which might be the grooviest cameras the company has ever made), what are the latest Nikon rumors as 2025 gets underway?
Nikon Z video body
The latest word is that Nikon is leveraging its Red ownership to take on Sony's enormously popular FX series of cameras.
This new video-centric camera will apparently be a different proposition to the Z-mount versions of the Red cinema cameras, but will be a distinctly Nikon-branded body that's somewhere between a Z6 III and a Sony FX3.
The creator market is an incredibly fertile one at the moment, and it will be interesting to see if Nikon can mirror Red's success with top-tier filmmaking cameras.
Nikon Z9 II
The pandemic, along with the consequent supply chain collapse, knocked the Olympic cycle of flagship cameras out of whack. Traditionally, the big three manufacturers would sync the launch of their flagships with the Summer Olympic Games – but that's largely gone out of the window, and the Nikon Z9 II will apparently arrive in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
From what I've heard, you should expect evolution rather than revolution – much as was the case with the incremental advancements of the Sony A1 II over the original Sony A1. So you can expect largely the same core tech in the Z9 II, including the same sensor as the Nikon Z9.
What could be the biggest development will be on the video side, as Nikon is reportedly set to double down on the Z9's outstanding video specs by incorporating technology from Red (maker of some of the best cinema cameras, which Nikon bought in 2024).
Oh, and you can ignore those very plausible-looking presentation slides that were "leaked" at the beginning of April. They were, as you may have guessed, an April Fool (which originated in China, for anyone curious!).
Nikon Z7 III
There has been so much noise about the Nikon Z7 III that it's difficult to separate genuine information from wishful thinking. The launch of the Z6 III has forced rumors about the new Z7 to kick into overdrive, with some whispers insisting that the camera isn't coming any time soon and others insisting that it's imminent – and even positing specifications.
Having heard all the rumors, here's what I think: the original Z7 launched in 2018 and the Z7 II arrived in 2020 – and each saw the simultaneous launch of the Z6 and Z6 II respectively. Whatever we make of the fact that the Z6 III has broken this synchronous cycle, it has still been four years since the Z7 II – so it is due an update sooner than later.
Expect a traditional resolution of 45.7MP, but perhaps a partially stacked sensor a la the Z6 III. It is likely that 8K will remain the domain of the Z8 and Z9, so we're probably still looking at 4K video (or 6K at best), but the bump in image stabilization seen in other bodies is sure to appear here – so you can look forward to 8 stops of compensation.
I'm hearing conflicting stories about whether or not the sensor will be stacked – and, further, whether it will be fully or partially stacked, like the Z6 III. Again, I wonder if Nikon will shore up the product line delineation – with the Z6 III being video-focused, and the Z8 and Z9 being speed-focused – meaning that the Z7 III won't actually need a stacked sensor at all, and can focus more on being a stills and resolution specialist…
Nikon Zf II
I've heard some scuttlebutt about a Nikon Zf II, but honestly it feels like wishful thinking more than anything.
To me, the whole point of the Nikon Zf is that it's a premium, special camera series – so the notion of iterating it into spin-offs with incremental improvements can only devalue that specialness.
Still, if the rumblings of an upgraded version with a 33MP sensor are true, that would certainly be interesting – though, truthfully, I think Nikon would be far better served producing some complementary retro lenses for the Zf and Zf c, rather than making new versions of cameras without enough lenses to go with them.
More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors
Fujifilm rumors 2025
The Fujifilm rumors are as reliable as a Japanese train at this point, with plenty of water cooler talk proving to be prescient.
As was extensively rumored, the Fujifilm GFX100RF launched as the most audacious "compact" camera on the market (though it is sadly among three cameras that Fujifilm has suspended from shipping to the US, amid the tariff turbulence), and at the other end of the spectrum was the Instax Mini 41.
With rumors that Fujifilm will unleash even more cameras this year, what else is on the way from the creative powerhouse?
Fujifilm Half Size camera
Fujifilm has dropped a teaser for its next camera, asking us to solve a riddle: "Half the Size, Twice the Story".
The first thing that comes to mind for me is a half-frame camera, joining the analog trend that was popularized by the likes of the Kodak Ektar H35 and more recently the Pentax 17 half-frame film cameras.
However, it was only last year that Fujifilm seemed to snub its nose at 35mm cameras – questioning whether the film camera boom really exists, and saying it's not "on the agenda" to make a film camera of its own. So perhaps we're not looking at half-frame film, but a new compact sensor size.
Either way, expect film or film simulations to be part of the picture – as you can see from the image above, while little else is revealed by the teaser, the Provia logo is very much taking pride of place.
Given that Fujifilm has suspended US shipments for a number of new cameras, though, I wonder how plans might change given the current geopolitical situation.
Fujifilm GFX Eterna
In November we had the big reveal of the Fujifilm GFX Eterna filmmaking camera – and note that Fujifilm is very much stressing filmmaking rather than calling this a cinema camera, apparently keen to market the device to as broad a range of consumers as possible.
The announcement itself was scant on specifics, though the company that the Eterna uses the same sensor and processor as the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. While there will almost certainly be some cinema- filmmaking-specific fine-tuning, the core technology will likely be exactly the same; what's different here is the form factor.
In a sense, this is basically the same as how the Sony A7S III tech was put in a video-friendly frame and upcycled into the Sony FX3. So the Eterna will have all the ports and connectivity and riggability and filmmaking-friendly menus and controls, but will essentially be a GFX 100 II modified for filmmaking.
No Fujifilm film camera?
Despite film cameras experiencing a renaissance so great that many of the iconic brands – from Pentax to Rollei to Kodak – are all back in the game, Fujifilm has no plans to launch a new film camera of its own.
"For now, I don't think a new film camera is on the agenda," Franck Bernard, director of Fujifilm France's photo division, told Phototrend. He went on to suggest that the current boom may not quite be what everyone thinks.
"I would, however, qualify the idea of a 'return to film'. As a film manufacturer, we have access to market data and know whether this is really a large-scale phenomenon. It is true that there is a real craze for film, particularly among young people, who are looking to understand and learn.
"However, we also see its limits. We know exactly what we are offering: disposable cameras, films… There is indeed a return to film, but its importance should be put into perspective."
Fujifilm in the UK left the door slightly more open, telling Amateur Photographer "to never say never…" but added the same asterisk: "However, any business needs to analyze the prospects for a long-term opportunity over a short-term fad."
So, there you have it: a company that used to make film cameras, and still makes film, will probably not be making a new film camera.
No more entry level cameras (X-Txxx and X-Ex)?
There is conflicting chatter on the future of Fujifilm's entry-level cameras – mainly because there is conflicting ideology within the industry as a whole on the future of entry-level cameras. While Canon still makes affordable cameras for beginners, Nikon and the rest of the big players have seemingly abandoned this sector.
So what, then, of successors to the Fujifilm X-T200 and Fujifilm X-E4? It depends who you listen to.
Japanese execs told DP Review that "We haven’t lost focus on any of our existing range, so we’re always thinking about what will be next for us," when asked about the X-E series. However, a French exec told Phototrend that, "If we have decided to stop entry-level products such as X-T200 or X-E4, it is because it is not promising as a market."
Reading between the lines, it does feel as if these lines' days may be numbered. (It has long been rumored that these two camera lines had been outsourced to manufacturer Xacti, and weren't produced by Fujifilm anyway.)
That said, the company has just resurrected the entry-level Fujifilm X-M5 after 11 years – so perhaps attitudes are shifting. Or Fujifilm is just looking to capitalize on the current trend for compact-sized cameras…
Fujifilm X-Pro4
With no sign of the Fujifilm X-Pro4 on the horizon, and rumors that the manufacturer has stopped production of the Fujifilm X-Pro3, could this be the end of the line for the beloved rangefinder series?
Fujifilm wanted the X-Pro3 to be a camera that made you “rely more on your instincts” so, in a bold move, it removed the standard rear screen for a 'hidden' one that you had to flip out. Needless to say, not everyone loved this change. And although there has been no official announcement from Fujifilm, the X-Pro3 has been listed as discontinued by a number of retailers. And with the X-T5 and X-H2 being such phenomenal cameras, is there still demand for the quirky X-Pro line?
It's always been a prestige camera for the brand, given its position as the first interchangeable lens member of the X Series family. So the daddy of the X Series is highly symbolic – and I don't think we've seen the last of it, even if it becomes an even more niche product.
More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors
Sony rumors 2025
The Sony rumors are flying thick and fast. Even though the launch of the Sony A9 III and now Sony A1 II have squashed some of the most recent chatter, it has ignited all new rumors in other departments!
There's also a lot of movement in the world of vlogging cameras, too, which is increasingly becoming the noisiest area of the industry. And with the company doubling down on this category, the Sony rumors are super strong when it comes to content creation.
Along with a certain product that's expected imminently…
Sony A7 V
Little is known about the successor to 2021's Sony A7 IV, other than it missed its planned Q4 2024 release and apparently will also miss its Q1 2025 window. However, we know that Sony has recently registered a new body with certification authorities – which is widely believed to be the A7 V.
I've also heard a lot of unsubstantiated talk that we're getting a resolution bump that would rival the 45MP of the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z8 – but, crucially, wouldn't be enough tocross the streams with the 50MP Sony A1 or 61MP Sony A7R V. It's been suggested recently that the camera will use Sony's new 44MP sensor, and there is persistent chatter that big addition will be AI-driven features.
Personally I can't see the A7 V jumping into 50MP territory, as that's not what the A7 series is all about. I think it's much more important for Sony to address the core functionality of the camera – such as improving the meager 10fps burst speed to bring it more in line with competitors, and hopefully getting rid of the crop in 4K 60p.
A slew of AI features – perhaps similar in tone to the upscaling we saw in the Canon EOS R1 and R5 Mark II and – would certainly be much more interesting to me than a resolution bump. And with AI being all the rage right now, Sony could do worse than market an "AI camera".
Sony A7S IV
The Sony A7S III was launched back in October 2020, meaning that the video-centric Alpha camera is long overdue a refresh (though arguably it's already had at least three, in the guide of the Sony FX3, Sony FX6 and Sony ZV-E1, all of which have the same sensor and all but the latter have much the same features).
Good thing, then, that the long-awaited successor is currently rumored to release in 2024 – apparently later in the year, which would seem to sync nicely with the October launch of its predecessor.
Some extremely salt-worthy rumors have been whispered, including the omission of 8K (which would be unusual for Sony's video flagship) and the debut of a new dual-layer sensor. While there were initially some suggestions of a global shutter sensor, I've heard it suggested recently that the A7S IV could actually feature the same new partially stacked image sensor seen in the Nikon Z6 III.
This clever 24.5MP sensor is capable of internal full-frame 6K 60p RAW, full-frame 1080p 240p and APS-C 4K 120p. This would seem to make more sense than the previously rumored 40MP sensor, since keeping the resolution low would keep the low light and dynamic range performance high.
Sony FX3 II (instead of an A7S IV?)
It's long been rumored that another FX camera is on the way, and the current chat is that it's going to be the FX3 II. However, what's really interesting is the suggestion that we might actually get an FX3 II instead of an A7S IV rather than in addition to it.
Whether both cameras make it to market or not, it's very plausible that they share the same architecture – given that the FX3 and FX6 were in many ways rebodied A7S IIIs. Whether Sony decides to keep the A7S series alive or merge it with the content-come-cinema halfway house of the FX3 line will be very interesting.
Rumors from China suggest that the camera will have a 12MP global shutter sensor, which seems more than a little outlandish to me. When it comes to camera rumors, Chinese whispers are about as reliable as the stereotype – but given that Sony has thrown its weight behind global shutter tech, it's not out of the question.
Personally, the rumor that the A7S IV would feature the new partially stacked sensor seen in the Nikon Z6 III would make just as much sense for the new FX camera – and is where I would personally put my money.
Sony A6200
Originally expected to arrive in the summer, the Sony A6200 is said to possess the same excellent 26MP image sensor as the Sony A6700 – which has also been used in the ZV-E10 II.
My question is, does Sony – or the consumer, for that matter – really want or need both cameras, especially with the ZV camera as a third option?
New Sony RX1
If you've been waiting for an affordable alternative to the Leica Q3, you might be in luck. Sony Rumors has speculated that we could see Sony resurrect its full-frame compact camera line, with a new RX1 – which would be the first since 2016's RX1R II.
Compact cameras have been seeing a resurgence of late, thanks to the likes of the Q3 and Fujifilm X100VI, so it would be interesting to see what Sony brings to the party.
More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors
Olympus / OM System rumors 2025
Technically "Olympus rumors" are "OM System rumors", but old habits die hard! Even though we've had years to get used to the new name, and the last ever camera to bear the Olympus logo (the OM System OM-1) has now been replaced (by the OM System OM-1 Mark II), it's a habit to break.
After a quiet 2024, OM Digital CEO Shigemi Sugimoto penned an open letter to start the year and teased the OM System OM-3 that launched this month – the long-awaited spiritual successor to the Olympus PEN-F and a camera that was universally praised/
So what does the look like, then? Well, I understand that what's old is going to be new again…
OM System Trip 35
I've no idea where this rumor started, but it certainly jibes with the wishlists of people I've spoken to at OM over the years. Following the cult-like popularity of the digital Olympus PEN-F, Oly employees often said that they hoped the beloved Olympus Trip 35 would follow suit.
Well, mention of a mirrorless revival in the form of an OM Trip 35 has recently hit the web. And this certainly makes a lot of sense, given the rampant popularity of compact cameras recently, as the original Trip was one of the most popular compacts ever made.
If OM were to release a modern version, with an equivalent of the fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens (which would be a 20mm lens, assuming that OM sticks to its Micro Four Thirds pedigree), this could be one of the biggest cameras of the year.
OM System OM-10
The OM System OM-10 seemed to be the next most obvious camera to be announced. After the transmogrification of the OM-D EM-1 and E-M5 to the OM System OM-1 and OM-5, it felt like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV was next in line to be reborn.
Except, it hasn't happened. And perhaps it never will. The E-M5 was the original OM-D, and a truly pioneering mirrorless camera, when it launched in 2012. It was followed by the first E-M1 in 2013 as a professional model, then the OG E-M10 in 2014 as the entry-level member of the family.
As the generations progressed, however, the product line became increasingly incestuous, with the different models leapfrogging each other in terms of the features they offered – leading to a slightly muddy product lineup where the E-M10 felt like the odd man out.
It feels like there may not be a demand for an OM-10 in the current market, with a much cleaner delineation now existing between the OM-1 as the flagship and the OM-5 as the enthusiast model.
Of course, now that everybody knows Taylor Swift uses an E-M10, perhaps that's reason enough to launch an OM-10!
OM System PEN
Speaking of things that haven't happened yet, despite widespread expectation (and confirmation) that they would, we come to the PEN line of cameras. Under the Olympus regime, there were two tiers of interchangeable mirrorless cameras: the OM-D series of SLR-styled performance cameras (with an EVF), and the PEN series of rangefinder-style, fashion-first cameras (typically without an EVF).
While the OM-D series (now the OM range) was aimed at a core photography crowd, the PEN cameras were geared towards creators, street shooters and entry-level users… with the exception of the powerhouse Olympus PEN-F, which was a prestige camera and has become a cult classic. PEN cameras were (and, in fact, remain) blockbuster sellers in Japan, but never found much success in the US. Indeed, the most recent camera – the brilliant Olympus PEN E-P7 – wasn't even released in the States.
In any case, OM Digital Solutions confirmed that the PEN line would continue after it purchased the camera business from Olympus – but that was years ago, now, and we haven't seen a peep of a new PEN.
"In Japan and Asia we continue to sell PEN E-P7," OM executive Kazuhiro Togashi told DP Review. "The E-P7 is small, with compact bright lenses, making it highly advantageous for travel photography. Therefore, we’ll reinforce such products in our lineup in the future." Which gives a glimmer of hope that we might get a new PEN.
However, given OM System's overt rebranding as an outdoor and adventure camera company, a new PEN doesn't seem to make sense. OM is courting landscape and wildlife shooters, not street photographers or the influencer crowd – despite PEN cameras being such an obvious alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI.
Togashi did note that "our definition of outdoor use extends beyond just the adventurous; it encompasses outdoor activities in everyday life as well," adding that "we’d like to try to expand the scope of people enjoying cameras for travels or for everyday use to capture scenery."
OM System OM-1X
Rumors arose late last year that OM Digital was working on a new powerhouse camera for 2024, but I don't think that was in reference to the OM-1 Mark II. When it comes to powerhouses, though, the only other camera that fits the bill would be an OM System OM-1X. And, sure enough, I've just heard fresh rumors that a new "X" is indeed on the way.
This would be the spiritual successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, which was the company's co-flagship camera for a time (sitting alongside the E-M1 Mark II). It had a much chunkier body, with a pro-DSLR form factor body and integrated vertical grip, as well as twin processors to power the then-new features like Deep Learning AF and software-driven ND filters.
It never felt like the original E-M1X found an audience, as obviously a double decker DSLR-sized camera goes against the principles of Micro Four Thirds. But, as an all-guns-blazing option for pros who use big lenses, long battery life and as much firepower as possible, it does make sense.
I just hope it comes with a new sensor and ideally more megapixels (as Panasonic managed with the G9 II)…
More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors
Panasonic rumors 2025
The Panasonic rumors are still swirling, with the manufacturer having plenty to whisper about when it comes to both full-frame mirrorless cameras and Micro Four Thirds cameras.
It's been super busy of late, launching the Lumix S9 compact full-frame camera and the Lumix GH7 flagship MFT video camera – not to mention the Panasonic Lumix G97, confirming its commitment to the smaller sensor format. And it even dropped a revamped Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 before Christmas, feeding the current compact camera craze.
So, what can we expect this year from the first manufacturer to make a mirrorless camera certified by Netflix? Here are the latest Panasonic rumors…
Panasonic Lumix S1H II
There have been persistent whispers about a successor to the Panasonic Lumix S1H, the company's full-frame video specialist, but I think it's really more speculation than anything. I've heard all sorts of things about 50MP sensors and built-in ND filters, but it feels a bit like wishful thinking.
We do, at least, have an official response from Panasonic about the Lumix S1H II, courtesy of business development and product planning executive, Matt Frazer:
"I'm sure at some point there'll be a replacement for the S1H. We have to kind of do things in a sequence; the S1 series was the next most logical cameras to be replaced, and so starting with the S1R made the most sense because the sensor was ready for it."
Panasonic Lumix G100 II
While the Panasonic G100D launched late last year, it's a very minor update with a new EVF and USB-C port. However, it's been reported that a full Panasonic G100 II is on the way.
It will apparently possess phase detect autofocus – something that was sorely, sorely missing on the original, which was marketed as a vlogging camera but often struggled to keep vloggers in focus. It will also feature the same 25.1MP image sensor as the Panasonic Lumix G9 II and boast 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video, but keep the same single memory card setup.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II & S1 IIX
The flagship Panasonic Lumix S1 has been discontinued, and it's also five years old, which means that a successor is almost certainly on the way. And some wild specs have surfaced suggesting that we might actually get two successors, following the template set by the hugely successful S5 II and S5 IIX.
We could be looking at a 34MP stacked CMOS sensor in a smaller, weather-sealed, magnesium-constructed body with an active cooling system and built-in ND filters, and video that offers both 6K and 4K uncropped at 120fps.
Panasonic Lumix S5R
Recently there has been mention of an entirely new camera: the Panasonic S5R. This is an interesting one, as it would mark a divergence from manufacturer's previous product segmentation: the flagship Panasonic S1 (recently discontinued), the resolution-focused Panasonic S1R, the video-focused Panasonic S1H and the enthusiast-level Panasonic S5.
Of course, when the Panasonic S5 II became the company's first camera to feature phase detect autofocus, it threw the wider product line into disarray – to the point where the S5 series may not be the primary point of interest.
Indeed, the Panasonic S5 IIX is so video-savvy that many question the need for the S1H II. And now, with chatter of a resolution-oriented S5R, it feels as if the market is demanding the S5 as its champion and leading Panasonic in a different direction.
Panasonic Lumix S1X
If you think the S5R rumor seems like a stretch, then you're going to love the reports of a Panasonic S1X. It feels super sketchy to us; at least there is some merit to the thought process of Panasonic expanding the newly successful S5 product line, but to introduce another new one? Not impossible, just implausible.
Much like the whispered specs, as shared by L-Rumors, which include the likes of a 49MP BSI sensor, 8.5K 48p video, 60fps bursts, 17 stops of dynamic range and omnidirectional phase detect autofocus. More salt, please, waiter…
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Hasselblad rumors 2025
While Hasselblad has given ground to Fujifilm in recent years, it still makes some of the best medium format cameras in the world – such as the stellar Hasselblad X2D 100C, which might be the best pure stills camera you can buy.
And it continues to bring to market more traditional form factors such as the Hasselblad 907X – keeping not just the technology, but the spirit of medium format photography alive.
So what are the latest Hasselblad rumors doing the rounds?
Hasselblad X2D II 100C
Hasselblad's mirrorless release cycle sees a new mainline X camera released every three years – and this is that third year. Sure enough, the company has registered a new model – the HB722 – with certification bodies such as the FCC. So it certainly looks like we're getting a new member of the family in 2025.
For reference, the Hasselblad X1D 50C launched in 2016, followed by the X1D II 50C in 2019 and the X2D 100C in 2022. So, if history is anything to go by, this newly registered model will be the Hasselblad X2D II 100C – and may see similar refinements in areas like autofocus and operational speed as its predecessors.
One thing I would be astonished to see, though, is the return of video – a feature that was present in the original X1D, but was never implemented in successive models.
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Leica rumors 2025
Last year was a busy one for the Red Dot specialist, between the launch of the Leica SL3 (the latest model in its mirrorless system), the Leica Q3 43 (a sister model to the Leica Q3) and even a "new" (well, its newest upcycle of the Panasonic LX100 II) compact camera, the Leica D-Lux 8.
And the company hit the ground running this year with the launch of the Leica SL3-S, the first new camera of 2025, along with commemorative cameras to celebrate its 100th birthday (along with 100th anniversary teddy bears and other collectibles). But what does it have in store next?
Leica M11-P Safari
With the M11 entering the last phase of its lifespan, it looks like there's still one last special edition on the way: the Leica M11-P Safari, expected to launch in early May.
The company has released multiple Safari editions of its cameras over the years, such as the Leica M6 TTL in 2000, the M8.2 in 2008, and the M-P (Typ 240) in 2015 – with the most recent being 2019's Leica M10-P, pictured above.
No doubt the specs of the camera will be the same as the base Leica M11, which was the manufacturer's first camera to feature Content Credentials support to combat digital fakery.
However, you can probably expect the familiar olive green finish – and most likely a color-matched Summicron-M 50mm f/2 along with a snazzy leather strap and case.
The M10-P Safari was limited to 1,500 units worldwide, and I'd expect a similarly exclusive production run this time round.
Leica M12
Another year, another M camera – but could this finally be the year that the M series goes all-electronic – and gets in-body image stabilization (IBIS), to boot? Leica has previously lamented that the M bodies are too small to implement IBIS, but later noted that omitting the mechanical shutter would free up the necessary space.
We've been hearing noise forever that an electronic viewfinder might be on the way to M cameras, too, so perhaps the Leica M12 could be the launchpad for a sweeping suite of changes.
There are also rumors that the M12 will be some 3mm smaller than the Leica M11, and that the screen could be almost an inch bigger – with chatter that this could be done to replace some or all of the physical buttons, as was the case with cameras like the Leica TL2.
According to FCC certification documents, the camera (or at least, a camera) was set to be announced on May 16. That obviously hasn't happened, though – and Leica's next camera is believed to be among those delayed by mysterious external circumstances.
Leica S4
Leica has discontinued its medium format DSLR, the Leica S3. It has long been dropping Easter eggs and teasers about going mirrorless for its next medium format camera, though, and a company exec recently all but spelled it out.
"For the moment, we are stopping S3, but I think there will be plans for a future S4," Cyril Thomas, CEO of Leica France, told Phototrend.
"When will it happen? It's not tomorrow, it's not in the near future. I don't think we will see this in 2024, I don't know about 2025, but I know that Leica has plans in terms of mirrorless cameras in the medium format."
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Ricoh & Pentax rumors 2025
Being one of the most intriguing camera brands in the business, there are plenty of Ricoh rumors to digest – particularly as it also makes Pentax cameras. This is a manufacturer that truly marches to the beat of its own drum.
It remains absolutely adamant that it won't be going mirrorless with its Pentax brand (after briefly flirting with a mirrorless system years ago) and instead will concentrate on making the best DSLRs – a category that is very much an open goal, with Canon and Nikon both ceasing development of new products.
It's also focusing on the best compact camera sector, with the various flavors of its Ricoh GR III and Pentax waterproof compacts.
Its most exciting plans, however, revolve around the renaissance of analog photography. Some of the best film cameras in history have born the Pentax name, and the first new entry in 21 years – the Pentax 17 half-frame camera – seeks to start that tradition all over again.
So what exactly is the company up to? Here are the latest Ricoh and Pentax rumors…
More Pentax film cameras?
Now that the Pentax 17 is officially here, we can turn our attention to the other film cameras that Pentax has in development – though it has been frustratingly coy about giving us proper details.
In December 2022, it made the very nebulous announcement of its Film Camera Project – but the details were so woolly that consumers were left to speculate on what exactly that meant. Since then, Pentax continued to be elusive when it comes to details – until a European executive gave an interview stating that two affordable compact cameras would come in 2024, followed by a pair of traditional SLRs.
However, it appears he spoke out of turn – perhaps spilling the beans before Pentax Japan's notoriously secretive Film Camera Project team were ready to reveal details. This prompted an official statement disputing, specifically, the two compact cameras – but not, explicitly, the two SLRs:
"We found information on several websites regarding our film camera development. This included two compact film cameras for spring 2024 as mentioned by a colleague working for Ricoh Imaging Europe. This is not our official remark, nor is it based on any fixed information. We are indeed challenging the development of a compact film camera; however, we have not yet decided whether or when we will launch such a product."
While this seemed like a standard bit of PR damage control at the start of the year, to spin the fact that potential development plans had leaked, it looks like the company really hasn't decided what's next – if anything.
A European Pentax executive recently noted that "it is still too early to say if the product will be a long-term success or if it will have a successor," after initially strong sales of the Pentax 17 hit a slump over the summer that is yet to recover.
Pentax 645 film camera
One of the more tantalizing possibilities for the Pentax Film Project is the prospect of a medium format film camera.
Pentax used to make some of the best medium format cameras, such as the Pentax 645Z – but that camera came out a decade ago. The company's general manager was recently asked about a new 645 camera, and said that there were no current plans.
However, he was asked in a follow-up question about a medium format camera in digital or film form. This propted the exec to note that they identified a big demand for medium format when researching possible film cameras.
So, it's a long shot, but a film-based 645 may not be out of the realm of possibility!
Pentax K-3 Mark IV
File this one under "maybe" for now. However, recent rumblings are that Pentax is ready to drop an "interesting" new DSLR this year. Quite what that means, I haven't been able to find out. However, the Pentax K-3 Mark III was an interesting camera itself in that it felt a lot like a hybrid between DSLR handling and mirrorless innovation. Could that "interesting" DNA be what's being whispered about?
Here's something else that's interesting: Pentax just officially discontinued the K-3 Mark III. Unlike the K-1 Mark II, which is widely expected to be replaced but is still listed as a current product.
So, you know, signs certainly point to a gap that could be neatly filled with a very interesting Mark IV of this great little camera…
Pentax K-1 Mark III
After Pentax confirmed that the Mark III is in development, telling customers to "rest assured it is currently in progress and please be patient for further news," it's now being reported that the camera is going into production in October in Vietnam – and I've even heard some specs.
We can apparently expect the Pentax K-1 Mark III to boast a 61MP back-side illuminated sensor with in-body image stabilization, GPS, Astrotracer and the latest version (14) of the company's SAFOX autofocus system.
The camera will boast dual CFexpress card slots, supporting "very fast fps" and "4K (and higher) video". We're also said to be getting a new smartphone app, complete with live view for remote shooting and monitoring.
Ricoh GR IV
The designer for the Ricoh GR series, Inaba Toshiya, recently teased an announcement for a new product – though stopped short of revealing anything too insightful. Given that the GR II was launched in 2015, and the GR III in 2019, smart money says that a GR IV is imminent.
"The GR is a camera that has been well honed as a snap shooter, so it will not go against that concept," said Inaba. "For example, it will not be an all-mighty camera that can do anything. But it will be a camera that specializes in snap shooters, and that will never change."
Of course, we might have been psyched out by the recently released Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx HDF models…
Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
After opting not to release a monochrome edition of the GR III (ostensibly so as not to cannibalize sales of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome, if you believe the gossip), I'm now hearing talk that a Ricoh GR IV Monochrome edition may follow the launch of the base model later in 2025.
There has long been demand among GR users for a black-and-white camera, but despite five different variants this never happened with the GR III.
While I still suspect that we'll be getting a rinse and repeat of those, since they're so cost-effective to produce (a GR IVx, GR IV HDF and so on), putting an entirely different sensor in the package is a much bigger proposition… but one that looks like yet another license to print money.
More Ricoh GR III "filter editions"
In case you missed it, Ricoh launched two "new" versions of the GR: the GR III and GR IIIx HDF. These are identical to the base cameras but, instead of the built-in ND filters, these models have a Highlight Diffusion Filter instead – and both sold out within moments of going on sale.
Now, Ricoh is no stranger to special models – whether it's the multitudes of rainbow-colored Pentax cameras or the endless GR III Diary / Urban / Street / Ing editions, it's not afraid to do a glorified recycle of a popular product.
And it looks like the popularity of these new filter-based models has given Ricoh another bright idea on how to get new money for old rope. "We will consider the possibilities and development of new filters that can contribute to the culture and history of cameras and photography," says the manufacturer on its website, suggesting that more filter-based models might be on the way.
Could we be getting GR IIIs with soft focus filters, pro mist filters, starlight filters? The mind boggles…
Ricoh GR III Monochrome
Given Ricoh's penchant for releasing special editions, after the blockbuster launch of the K-3 Mark III Monochrome, chatter soon started that a black-and-white version of the GR III could be in store.
It's a reasonable assumption, particularly given how many versions of the GR III Ricoh has launched – such as the Ricoh GR IIIx and Ricoh GR III Diary Edition. While the latest word from Japan is that there are no plans for such a camera, it would be such an easy win – given that Ricoh doesn't even have to make a new body, just change the sensor – that we really wouldn't be surprised to see it appear.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Astro
The company announced plans back at the start of 2022 for an astrophotography-focused Pentax K-3 Mark III. Much as the Monochrome edition was a dedicated black-and-white camera, so the Astro version will be specifically for shooting stars.
This model supposedly has a Hα (hydrogen-alpha) sensitivity of x10, so it's likely that nebula will photograph well using this proposed camera. A hydrogen-alpha filter is commonly used among other filters in astrophotography kits to assist in photographing deep sky objects in what's called true-color or broadband. It's been over a year now – does Pentax still plan to challenge the best cameras for astrophotography?
Pentax K-3 Mark III Gunmetal
Announced in January 2022, this seems to be a purely cosmetic makeover of the K-3 Mark III – as was the case with the darker-than-Darth Vader Pentax K-3 Mark III Jet Black.
The Gunmetal variant looks pretty much the same as the Prestige Edition of the original Pentax K-3, released back in 2014, and appears to come with the same Gunmetal grip and 20-40mm lens.
We've heard no updates but – since the cosmetic Jet Black launched in 2022, followed by the new-sensor Monochrome in 2023 – we can see this new cosmetic design materializing in 2024.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Shutter Stroke Change
We really weren't kidding when we said that Ricoh has a penchant for special editions. All we know about this one, announced in 2022, is that it's designed for faster shooting with a shallower shutter stroke.
With it being designed for speed, it might also make sense to up the 12fps maximum burst speed. This could be a big ask for Ricoh's R&D team, especially since Nikon once claimed that 12fps was as fast as DSLR shutters could fire. However, since the Nikon D6 can hit 14fps and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III hits 16fps, it would be nice for the only DSLR maker left in town to catch up with the ghosts of its rivals.
Pentax K-3 Mark III MF
The final K-3 Mark III variant that Ricoh announced was the MF, which stands for Manual Focus. Again, Ricoh really loves a special edition body – especially since it requires relatively little in the way of additional R&D, since it's using the same camera design with slightly different tech and tweaks inside.
We'll admit, an exclusively manual focus camera in (we assume at the earliest) 2024 is a pretty hard sell. But Pentax fans are the hardest of the hardcore DSLR users, and the nichest of the niche photography aficionados – if anyone can make it work, it's Ricoh.
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GoPro rumors 2025
While I'm hearing more GoPro rumors than I can remember in recent memory, many of them are more to do with the company's very public struggles.
However, while GoPro's CEO has declined his salary for the rest of the year following a cull of 15% of the workforce, the company is committed to its planned launches – which will hopefully help dig it out of its $80 million hole.
Here are the GoPro rumors that have been whispered around the water cooler lately…
GoPro Max2
After an excruciating six-year wait, we will finally get a new GoPro Max this year – and by that I'm talking about an actual second-generation version, not the upcycled GoPro Max 360.
However, while that light refresh of the original model came with a comfortingly lower price, we could be looking at an excruciating $599 price tag for the GoPro Max2. So far there's been no whisper of specs, but CEO Nicholas Woodman is understandably very excited about it – and confirmed that it's coming in 2025.
"We’re excited about the progress we’ve made on what we believe are innovative capabilities that will redefine the 360 camera market and position Max2 as the world’s most impressive 360 camera," said Woodman.
"Innovation can be hard, and we’re proud of our engineers who’ve stayed committed to making Max2 into something truly special – we cannot wait to launch it later this year."
GoPro Hero14
Like iPhones, new Heros come along like clockwork – so the fact that a GoPro Hero14 is on the way should come as no surprise.
While, again, not much is known about the Hero14, we do at least know a bit more than we do about the Max2 – namely that it will feature the next generation of the company's system on chip, GP3. This is GoPro's proprietary tech, responsible for improved image processing and overall performance.
However, "new image processor" isn't the sexiest thing to sell to prospective customers (and usually manifest as "10% faster" kind of bullet points) so the Hero14 will have to do more than that to win over an increasingly disillusioned audience.
GoPro tech helmet
GoPro has acquired Australian tech-enabled helmet manufacturer Forcite. However, while Forcite specializes in motorcycle helmets, GoPro intends to expand into other helmet markets – and also plans to partner with other manufacturers.
"In addition to our plan to develop our own GoPro-branded line of helmets, we are excited to partner with other leading helmet brands to help tech-enable their own helmet lines," said GoPro founder Nicholas Woodman. "We have great respect for established brands, and we look forward to working with them to help drive the industry forward, together."
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