It’s years now that companies are leaving their production from China to other countries like Vietnam and Thailand. Nikkei reports that now more than 90% of the camera production has been moved from China to Thailand factory:

• The Sony Group has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China.
• In response to the conflict between the United States and China, the transfer to the United States was carried out first, and the transfer to Japan and Europe was also completed by the end of 2022.
• The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.
• In 2022, Sony sold about 2.11 million cameras worldwide. Of these, 150,000 units are destined for China, with more than 90% being destined for Japan, the United States, and Europe. Most of the production has been transferred to Thailand.
• For camera lenses, the company plans to continue supplying products made in China outside of the country.

via Digicameinfo

The new Korin Anti-Theft bag launched on Kickstarter (Click here). No knife can cut this bag!

More new Kickstarter projects:

The new Spinn CP is now available on Kickstarter (Click here). It’s a different way to carry your camera and an update to their previous CP version. It now comes with two different base plates and a adjustable comfort strap made in five colours. From recycled raw materials.

The new Power Junkie 2 is now available on Kickstarter (Click here).

Sigma issued a new firmware update for six E-mount lenses (download here):

Updates for the 24mm F3.5 DG DN and 90mm F2.8 DG DN:
・Supported the AF assist function during movie shooting.
・We have optimized the focus distance displayed on the screen during manual focus.

Updates for the 35mm F1.2 DG DN, 45mm F2.8 DG DN and 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO
・Supported the AF assist function during movie shooting.

Updates for the 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
・Supported the AF assist function during movie shooting.

via Asobinet

Both the Video AI and Imagq Quality AI app got a $50 discount (Click here).

And til January 31 you save 20% on Skylum Luminar Neo and all extensions (Click here).

Reminder:

The new Spinn CP is now available on Kickstarter (Click here). It’s a different way to carry your camera and an update to their previous CP version. It now comes with two different base plates and a adjustable comfort strap made in five colours. From recycled raw materials.

We know from their latest financial reports that Tamron is doing extremely well. Merit goes to their very good E-mount lens lineup. And now Tamron Japan announced it will expand their production capabilities by building a new factory in Vietnam. Here are the key data:

• Socialist Republic of Vietnam Thang Long Industrial Park No.3
• Interchangeable lenses for interchangeable-lens cameras, automotive lenses, surveillance lenses, etc.
• Investment amount: Approximately 4 billion yen (planned)
• Start of construction: October 2023 (planned)
• Start of operation: January 2025 (planned)
• Scale: Land approximately 25,000 m2

Here are the rumored lenses that might be announced in 2023:

• 35mm F3.5 Di III OSD Pancake
• 45mm F1.4 Di III USD
• 90mm F1.8 Di III USD
• 150-400mm F2.8-5.6 Di III VC VXD

The new Power Junkie 2 is now available on Kickstarter (Click here)

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Reminder:

The new Spinn CP is now available on Kickstarter (Click here). It’s a different way to carry your camera and an update to their previous CP version. It now comes with two different base plates and a adjustable comfort strap made in five colours. From recycled raw materials.

The enow Gariz leather case for your Sony A7rV is now available for preorder at Amazon US&EU&CA&JP.