Compact Camera Rumors
By: James Wilder
Update: 11-13-2025
Quickly understand what advanced photography centric 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?
Stills photography is an art completely different from videography. Camera companies have been jamming video into everything. 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:
- Recently released compact cameras.
- Potential new cameras.
NOT included: video centric, retro, or content creation cameras.
Recent Compact Camera Releases
2025 Ricoh GR IV
2025 Fujifilm X-E5
2024 Fujifilm X100VI
2024 Leica D-Lux 8
Keep reading for Updates by Brand.
Updates by Brand
Ricoh Rumors
The Ricoh GR IV 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:
2025 Ricoh GR IV
2024 Ricoh GR III HDF
2024 Ricoh GR IIIx HDF
2019 Ricoh GR III (discontinued)
Watching for:
Nothing. The Ricoh GR IV is here.
Rumors:
1. After the Ricoh GR IV is released a monochrome version will be next.
Visit Ricoh USA
www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/
Fujifilm Rumors
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.
The Fujifilm X-E5 is less nostalgic and more pro focused. It only has an electronic viewfinder and is designed for multiple lenses. Fujifilm just released a compact 23mm (35mm equiv) light and flat lens specifically for this camera. I wish for a flat zoom like the Leica D-Lux 8.
Recent Releases:
2025 Fujifilm X-E5
2024 Fujifilm X100VI
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Links:
Visit Fujifilm
www.fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/
X-E5 Page
www.fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x-e5/
Sony Rumors
The Sony RX1R and A6400 are the closest offerings to an advanced, stills focused, compact cameras.
Recent Releases:
2025 Sony RX1R M3 (DSC-RX1RM3)
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Sony
electronics.sony.com/
Canon Rumors
The Canon PowerShot V1 was launched in 2025. It is clearly a video centric camera. It looks like it's cut from a 2x4 and it has a fan in it to cool the processor. But I include it because it might lead to a photo centric version of the PowerShot.
Dear Canon, quit calling this segment "point and shoot." Compact is the segment.
Rumors:
G1X Mark III Replacement - Canon is aiming to announce a new G series PowerShot before the end of 2025, and it will be a photography focused camera. The Canon G7X Mark III is still selling at B&H Photo, but usually on backorder. via Canon Rumors
Visit Canon
www.usa.canon.com/
Nikon Rumors
Currently Nikon has no product that qualifies as an advanced compact camera. The Nikon Z30 and Z50 are the closest offerings to an advanced, stills focused, light-weight camera.
Recent Releases:
Nothing compact.
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Nikon USA
www.nikonusa.com/
Leica Rumors
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 2024 and after nine months was still on backorder, so I cancelled it. As of late 2025 it seems to be back in stock in the US.
Watching for:
Leica D-Lux 9. The next logical release will be the D-Lux 9, but no solid rumors exist except from fans. Will the Leica CL or TL come back? And will the next Leitz smartphone be released to more countries beyond Japan? I doubt it.
Recent Camera Releases:
2024 Leica D-Lux 8
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Leica USA
www.leicacamerausa.com/
Lumix Rumors
What about Lumix? I'm still trying to figure out this brand.
Lumix LX100 III. Fans are wishing for it.
Rumors:
No rumors to report.
Visit Panasonic
shop.panasonic.com/
Alt Camera Rumors
Just for fun. Phones that are pushing compact every day camera tech.
Leica Leitz Phone 3
leica-camera.com/en-int/world-of-leica/leitz-phone-3
Xiaomi 15 Series
leica-camera.com/en-US/press/xiaomi-15-serie
Xiaomi 17 Ultra - The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to feature a massive new camera sensor that could redefine smartphone photography. The device is anticipated to be released in December 2025 in China, with a global launch expected in early 2026. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra aims to deliver cutting-edge technology and enhanced camera capabilities. Probably not available in the US.
Every Day Carry Compact Cameras
For more information on my criteria for Every Day Carry Compact Cameras and product information see Every Day Carry Cameras. (2026 update coming).
Why I believe Compact Cameras Are the Future.