Compact Camera Rumors

By: James Wilder

The latest in advanced compact cameras.

Compact camera rumors focuses on the future state of modern compact cameras for stills photography.

The goal
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 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 (lightest) cameras.
• Potential new cameras.
• Rumors if any.

NOT included are: video centric, retro, or content creation cameras.

Recent Camera Releases

2025 Ricoh GR IV
2025 Fujifilm X-E5
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 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.

*Both rumors from mirrorlessrumors.com
*Pentaxrumors.com says they are false, so they probably are false.

Visit Ricoh USA
us.ricoh-imaging.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:
2025 Fujifilm X-E5
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.

Recent Releases:
2025 Sony 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.

Rumors:
Canon PowerShot V3 maybe in 2025?

Visit Canon
www.usa.canon.com/

Nikon

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:
2022 Nikon Z30
2019 Nikon Z50

Rumors:
No rumors to report.

Visit Nikon USA
www.nikonusa.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 2024 and after nine months was still on backorder, so I cancelled it.

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/

Lumix

What about Lumix? I'm still trying to figure out this brand.

Visit Panasonic
shop.panasonic.com/