Dpreview had a chat with Ricoh/Pentax managers at the CP+ show. Here are a couple of interesting statements:

Ricoh GR success:

“The total number of compact cameras has largely decreased over the years, but for unique products, which can attract the creative people, especially from the younger generation, I believe the market trend is to increase. Thanks to increased demand for the GR series, there’s a slight shortage of supply on a worldwide basis. So we have to put our resources into making sure supply catches up with that demand. That’s the first priority as a brand, we believe.”

About the future Ricoh GR4:

We have conducted a lot of research in many countries. A lot of research tells us many users request built-in flash and that they are using small flashes, including 3rd party products, because we dropped the flash feature between GR II and GR III. So we know that a lot of people want flash, if it can be packed into the very small size of the GR III. These things are in conflict, though. Because people want improvements in all three areas, plus flash. If we want to make the image quality better, the body might become bigger, or if we use a more powerful processor to improve the speed and responsiveness, that would require a bigger battery, but the battery endurance should also be longer. 

About a possible monochrome GR camera:

The K-3 Mark III Monochrome got a nice reaction from users. To be frank, more than our expectations. Our research says a lot of GR users are waiting for the release of a monochrome compact camera. Of course that dedicated number is smaller than for other products. But at the moment there’s only Leica, which is extremely expensive. If we released such a camera, I think we can appeal to them.

It really sounds like a monochrome GR camera could be coming soon!

One more hint:

Ricoh GR Ambassador Samuel Lintaro hinted that in 2026 Ricoh will have a much bigger booth….maybe GR4 coming in early 2026?

According to the highly reliable source How2Fly Nikon will announce the new Z5II in April. Rumor has it the new camera specs will be based on the Nikon ZF.

Fujifilm just posted this teaser image for the launch fo a new camera on March 20. Of course we know this is going to be the GFX100RF medium format fixed lens camera as Fujirumors has already leaked the images and specs :)

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Phototrend had a chat with a bunch of Canon managers. And there are two info about future products:

About a possible future vintage camera:

We really focus on the ergonomics of the grip, the positioning of the dials, the buttons and other elements. So if we were to do that with the design of the AE-1, would it really achieve the kind of ergonomics and usability that we need in a Canon camera? That’s the big question.
I hear you, and there is indeed a lot of demand for vintage-looking cases, and that’s not something we’re ignoring. We’re listening. But those technological challenges, as well as the commercial viability challenges, are things we’ll also have to carefully consider before we can move forward with a vintage design.

About future APS-C products:

APS-C is a very important aspect of our business, so we are putting a lot of effort into it. I can’t disclose any new product plans. We understand your expectations. Stay tuned—we are committed to meeting them, without disappointment.

Here is a leaked image showing the new crop lever of the GFX100RF. I also made a rough size comparison with the Fujifilm X-PRO3 and the Leica Q3 camera. The medium format fixed lens camera will be announced on 20 March.

Escura’s “InstantSnap” is basically a giant viewfinder with a small camera on it. It is scheduled to be released in May, and is expected to cost around 7,000 yen.

via DC.watch