Compact Camera Rumors
By: j.wilder
The latest in advanced compact cameras.
This 2025 advanced compact camera rumors report focuses on the future state of modern compact cameras for stills photography.
What is the goal of this report?
To consolidate all advanced compact camera information in a one page report in order to quickly understand what compact cameras are available today and planned for the future in order to be informed and make better camera buying decisions.
Why focus on advanced compact cameras?
I strongly believe that enthusiast and professional photographers want advanced, compact, every day carry cameras. This market segment is evolving, and I believe that compact cameras are evolving slowly towards the future. Compact cameras are the future.
Why focus on photography cameras?
Stills photography is an art, completely different from videography. Camera companies have been chasing money and jamming video into everything. This confuses consumers because there is too much video terminology and specs. The consumer is confused about what a camera is. So I ignore any camera that leans more to video (flip out screens, vlogging, etc).
Photography is photography, not videography.
Included in this compact camera rumors report are:
- Significant camera companies.
- Recently released compact cameras.
- Potential new cameras.
- Latest rumors if any.
NOT included are: video centric, retro, or content creation cameras.
All Rumors
This is a quick list of compact camera rumors for all brands.
1. Fujifilm may release the X-E5 sometime in 2025 (via fujirumors).
Recent Camera Releases
2024 Fujifilm X-M5 (Video centric)
2024 Fujifilm X100VI
2024 Leica D-Lux 8
2024 Ricoh GR III HDF
2024 Ricoh GR IIIx HDF
Keep reading for Updates by Brand.
Ricoh
The Ricoh GR3 is still the king of street photography, snapshot photography, and every day carry photography because it is small, lightweight, has a large APS-C sensor, and a great lens. It is the only truly pocketable advanced compact camera on the market in 2025.
Recent Camera Releases:
2024 Ricoh GR III HDF
2024 Ricoh GR IIIx HDF
Watching for:
Ricoh GR IV.
Rumors:
1. Ricoh GR IV coming first quarter 2025.
2. After the Ricoh GR IV is released a monochrome version will be next.
*Both rumors from mirrorlessrumors.com
*Pentaxrumors.com says they are false, so they probably are false.
Visit Ricoh USA
us.ricoh-imaging.com/
Leica
Leica released the D-Lux 8 in 2024. This is a significant release for Leica as I believe it is part of a Leica Growth Strategy. Leica made the D-Lux 8 with a menu system and button layout that matches the larger Leica Q3. I believe this signifies that they truly understand the advanced compact camera segment. Compact cameras should have a similar design as the more advanced cameras in the lineup. This makes it easier to move between cameras.
I purchased a D-Lux 8 from Adorama in October and it is still on backorder. Sadly, Adorama lists the D-Lux 8 as not available until Jan 2025. Even then, who knows how long it will take to fulfill all the backorders, or even if they have enough cameras. Leica, Fujifilm, and Ricoh are not keeping up with demand, and haven't been for over a year.
Leica recently bought Fjorden, the maker of the Fjorden grip for iPhone. The design of the grip was inspired by Bauhaus philosophy. My point is Leica seems to understand portable cameras are important, even if it's an iPhone.
Watching for:
Will the Leica CL or TL come back? And will the next Leitz 4 smartphone be released to more countries beyond Japan?
Recent Camera Releases:
2024 Leica D-Lux 8
2024 Leica Q3 43
Rumors:
Leica Rumors lists an old rumor (2023) about a Leica Q-E (E for Entry level/lower cost) but I see no substance behind the rumor except to click on the link and show more ads.
Visit Leica USA
www.leicacamerausa.com/
Fujifilm
Fujifilm has found great success with their X100 series camera. The current version is the X100VI. While the X100IV is not pocketable, it is intended as a very portable and powerful every day camera for the enjoyment of photography.
Fujifilm released the X-M5 in October 2024 as an affordable video-centric hybrid camera.
Recent Releases:
2024 Fujifilm X-M5 (Video centric)
2024 Fujifilm X100VI
Rumors:
1. Fujifilm may release the X-E5 sometime in 2025 (via fujirumors).
Visit Fujifilm
www.fujifilm.com/
Sony
The Sony RX1R and A6400 are the closest offerings to an advanced, stills focused, compact cameras.
Watching for:
Will Sony revive the full-frame RX1R M3 (DSC-RX1RM3)?
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Sony
electronics.sony.com/
Canon
Canon does not have an advanced compact camera in its current lineup.
No rumors to report.
Visit Canon
www.usa.canon.com/
Nikon
Currently Nikon has no product that qualifies as an advanced compact camera. The Nikon Z50 is the closest offering to an advanced, stills focused, light-weight camera. Released October 10, 2019.
Interesting news item:
EssilorLuxottica SA has bought a 5.1% stake in Nikon, causing a boost in the imaging giant's shares.
www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/ray-ban-buys-nikon-s...
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Nikon USA
www.nikonusa.com/
Lumix
What about Lumix? I'm still trying to figure out this brand.
A chat with Sean from LUMIX USA and Lumix Live to talk about his role within the company, starting up Lumix Live, the marketing that goes into this industry, and whats next for Lumix.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=p9w8BdgeJSo
Visit Panasonic
shop.panasonic.com/
More
See Compact Camera News for my curated compact camera news.
See Leica Growth Strategy for my thoughts on Leica.