CIPA reports an impressive spike in fixed-lens camera sales

CIPA has released fresh global camera shipment statistics from Japanese manufacturers, and the market is clearly rebounding. Interchangeable‑lens camera volumes are tracking close to last year’s levels, while fixed‑lens compact cameras are surging, driven by renewed interest in travel, street photography, and everyday carry point‑and‑shoots.

The mirrorless segment continues to perform well—just look at how the Sony A7 V is the best‑selling mirrorless camera at B&H Photo—all positive signs for ongoing mirrorless camera sales and market momentum.

Pocketable, large‑sensor compacts and street‑photography favorites are fueling the fixed‑lens boom. Models like the Ricoh GR IV are in high demand as more photographers want a lightweight travel camera with fast autofocus, great image quality, and simple point‑and‑shoot usability.

Sony risks missing out on the compact surge:

Sony’s mirrorless lineup is thriving, but the company is missing the current premium compact trend. In my view, Sony should have already launched two fixed‑lens cameras to capitalize on demand:

  1. A true Sony RX100 VII successor
  2. A new Sony RX APS‑C compact camera

Sony can’t rely on a $5,000 Sony RX1R III alone to drive volume. The market wants modern, affordable premium compacts—ideally with upgraded sensors, improved autofocus, and strong video features for travel, street, and vlogging.

 

BCNranking from December: Sony A7V was the best selling Full Frame camera in Japan

Sony A7V at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys. Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR. Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

According to the BCN Ranking for December, the Sony A7V ranked as the best-selling full-frame camera in Japan, leading retail sales for the month:

  1. Canon EOS R10 RF-S18-150 IS STM Lens Kit
  2. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit Black
  3. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit Black
  4. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit Black
  5. Nikon Z 30 Double Zoom Kit
  6. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit White
  7. Sony α7 IV Body
  8. Nikon Z50II Double Zoom Kit
  9. FUJIFILM X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit Silver
  10. Panasonic LUMIX G100D W Kit
  11. Sony A6700 High Magnification Zoom Lens Kit
  12. Canon EOS R50 RF-S 18-45 IS STM Lens Kit
  13. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit Black
  14. Nikon Z fc 16-50 VR Lens Kit Silver
  15. Canon EOS R50 RF-S 18-45 IS STM Lens Kit White
  16. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 Double Zoom Lens Kit Black
  17. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit White
  18. Nikon Z5II
  19. FUJIFILM X-T30 III XC13-33mm Lens Kit Silver
  20. Sony A6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit Black

Here are the best selling compact fixed lens cameras (with no Sony entry):

  1. Fujifilm instax mini Evo Black
  2. KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 Black
  3. KODAK PIXPRO C1 Black
  4. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Silver
  5. Fujifilm instax mini Evo Brown
  6. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Black
  7. KODAK PIXPRO C1 Brown
  8. Agatsuma Anpanman Kids Camera
  9. Canon IXY 650 m Silver
  10. KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2
  11. OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Red
  12. Digital Camera Black KC-AF11 BK
  13. LUMIX TZ99 Black DC-TZ99-K
  14. PIXPRO FZ45 Black
  15. OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Black
  16. instax mini Evo GENTLE ROSE
  17. IXY 650 m Black
  18. movio MAF500MGN Mint Green Digital Camera with Autofocus and 4X Digital Zoom
  19. instax mini LiPlay MISTY WHITE
  20. movio MAF100 digital camera with autofocus function

 

The BIG question: Can the Sony A1II stacked sensor get an update with Dual Gain Output to gain 1 stop dynamic range?

The Sony A7V uses a Dual Gain Output (DGO) when using the mechanical shutter at base and low ISO settings.

One of our readers asked me if the Sony A1 and A1II cameras, equipped with stacked sensors, could implement this feature via a future firmware update.

I’m not an engineer, so I have no idea if this is actually possible. I imagine you would also need the right processor. But if Sony found a way to add almost 1 stop of dynamic range to its flagship models, it would certainly be extremely welcome news.

What do you think… will it ever happen?

–

Sony A7V:
In USA at at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Henrys.
In EU at  Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Foto Köster, WexUK, Clifton, Park UK, Fnac FR.
In Australia at: Camera Pro, Sony Australia.

 

These were the best selling cameras and lenses at Mapcamera: A weird Kodak camera is on top!

Mapcamera shared the info about the best selling gear in 2025

Best selling camera of 2025:

  1. Kodak PIXPRO FZ55
  2. Fujifilm X-M5
  3. Nikon Z5II
  4. Fujifilm X-E5
  5. Fujifilm X Half
  6. Fujifilm X100VI
  7. Ricoh GR IV
  8. Ricoh GR IIIx
  9. Sony α7C II
  10. Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Best selling lenses of 2025

  1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–70mm F2.8 S II
  2. Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM
  3. Sony FE 24–70mm F2.8 GM II
  4. Sony FE 70–200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
  5. Canon – RF100–400mm F5.6–8 IS USM
  6. SIGMA – Contemporary 20–200mm F3.5–6.3 DG (Sony E mount)
  7. Nikon – NIKKOR Z 50mm F1.8 S
  8. TAMRON – 25–200mm F2.8–5.6 Di III VXD G2 (Model A075S, Sony E mount)
  9. Nikon – NIKKOR Z 26mm F2.8

The Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 was the best-selling camera of the year! It is a $120 camera manufactured by a Chinese company that obtained a license to use the Kodak brand name. At Mapcamera Fuji’s sold hot while only the Sony α7C II made it into the top 10.

Sony Tidbits…


5 Reasons I use Sony A9III Cameras for Weddings

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
SmallRig Announces Transformers-Branded Products and Prizes (Explora).
How to Prepare for an International Trip as a Creator (42West).
Viltrox AF 85mm f/2.0 EVO Field Review (Photographylive).
Modern Cameras Are Too Good For Fun? –Is Photography More Fun With Old Cameras? (Matti Sulanto)
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 review (SonyAlphaBlog).
Can One Lens Do It All? Tamron 25–200 G2 Review (Bobby Tonelli).
Sony FX3, FX2, FX30: Which is Right for You? (42West)
How to Plan Every Detail of a Short Film (Explora).

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Chinese lens brand about to announce a new 50mm f/1.2 FF lens

Weibo Image

According to rumors on Weibo a chinese brand is set to announce a new 50mm f/1.2 Full Frame lens this month. It’s said the lens is “heavy” but that it also offers impressive image quality, usable at full aperture, and exhibits a unique character at F1.2-F1.4. 

Very likely this lens is the Viltrox 50mm f/1.2 FE teased a year ago? If indeed its a Full Frame autofocus lens it will compete direct with:

I guess the new lens will be priced at $1000 just like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 FE.