Photographers are getting tired of carrying around heavy full-frame cameras, if the latest numbers from Japan are any indication. The latest data from retail tracker BCN+R for trending mirrorless cameras in June 2026 is almost entirely made up of cameras known for smaller designs – and more affordable prices.

The monthly data also featured a camera that made the top ten for the first time, despite launching a year ago: The OM System OM-5 Mark II. The Micro Four Thirds mirrorless slid into 8th place in the monthly rankings.

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a compact mirrorless body built for the outdoors with IP53 weather-sealing. Part of the lure of the camera is also the stabilization system, which means fewer shots that need a tripod.

The OM-5 Mark II, however, is far from the only smaller-bodied mirrorless on the list. In fact, nine out of the top ten cameras have cropped sensors (APS-C or Micro Four Thirds) and only one is a full-frame model.

According to BCN+R, these were the top mirrorless cameras in Japan in June 2026:

1. Canon EOS R50
2. Sony ZV-E10 II
3. Canon EOS R10
4. Sony ZV-E10
5. Sony A6400
6. Sony A7 V
7. Fujifilm X-T30 III
8. OM System OM-5 Mark II
9. Fujifilm X-M5
10. Nikon Z50 II

That’s a list packed almost entirely with APS-C bodies – though it’s worth noting that the data from BCN+R often doesn’t match up directly with major Japanese camera stores like Map Camera. BCN+R only tracks around 40 percent of electronics sales in Japan, and much of the data comes from general tech stores rather than retailers geared specifically for serious photographers, which tend to lead more towards advanced models than BCN+R’s lists.

Regardless, the list is an interesting look at the latest mirrorless trends in Japan. Of course, crop sensor cameras also tend to be more affordable than their full frame counterparts, so beyond the smaller size, the format also tends to fit into more beginner budgets.

The Sony A7 V is the lone full-frame model on the list, a mirrorless camera that has topped charts across several sources and multiple regions since its launch. The A7 V mixes a full-frame sensor with blackout-free 30 fps shooting and smarter autofocus.

But, the Sony name dominates the list. Both of Sony’s APS-C video mirrorless models, the ZV-E10 and ZV-E10 II made the list, along with the more stills-focused crop sensor, the Sony A6400.

The Canon EOS R50 tops the list; however, a crop-sensor beginner camera with a low price point that has proved exceptionally popular, driving the R50 to numerous bestseller lists since launching in early 2023.

The Canon EOS R10 is still a crop-sensor camera, but is more advanced than the R50 with an autofocus system and burst speeds geared towards fast action.

Fujifilm similarly had two models make the top ten – and both fall on the more affordable end of the brand’s X-series. The X-T30 III is a budget model that still has Fujifilm’s retro looks and a viewfinder, where the X-M5 is Fujifilm’s cheapest, smallest current mirrorless body, but it lacks a viewfinder and is more geared towards vlogging.

Sliding into the tenth-place spot is the Nikon Z50 II, a popular ASP-C model that brings some of Nikon’s high-end speed and autofocus into a more affordable crop-sensor body.

The sales data from general retailers tends to lean more towards affordable beginner models than photo specialty stores. From Yodobashi in Japan, for example, the latest trends list is led by pricey models like the Hasselblad X2D II 100C; but cameras like the A7 V, X-M5, X-T30 II, Z50 II, R50, and ZV-E10 II make both lists.

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Sitting at my desk, a flash of movement outside my window caught my eye. When I looked up, my hands reflexively went for my wildlife photography gear. Right outside my cabin, a flock of cedar waxwings decided to feast on the moths, mayflies, and dragonflies right outside my window.

I’ve always loved cedar waxwings because their wings look impossibly smooth, almost plastic. But perhaps even more importantly for wildlife photography, the birds didn’t seem to mind at all at a human presence, darting right over my head to catch bugs in mid-air.

Birds are the great equalizer in wildlife photography. I can’t photograph a wild giraffe or monkey without a plane ticket. But, from the pigeons on a New York City apartment balcony to cardinals at a country bird feeder to puffins in the Arctic, birds are nearly everywhere.

Sometimes, I plan my wildlife photo hikes – which I often use as a much-needed mental health break – well in advance. I research the best spots and rearrange my schedule so that I can head out when wildlife tends to be the most active.

But other times, wildlife photography opportunities present themselves when I least expect. I’ve often longed for my wildlife gear when spotting a bird that I haven’t photographed before in a grocery store parking lot.

I can’t count the times that I wish I weren’t driving when I spotted wildlife, like the kestrel I saw scoop up a field mouse or the eagle that swooped right out of the fog towards me one morning, his wings feeling nearly as large as my windshield.

I consider myself only a hobbyist wildlife photographer (because when you turn both of your creative passions into a career, something needs to remain a sacred hobby). Thankfully, the cedar waxwings were enjoying the feast of bugs in my yard for more than an hour. That gave me the opportunity to watch, wait, and try for some action shots.

I wasn’t quite fast enough to get the birds swooping midair, but I managed to photograph a few wings poised in mid-flight, along with a few bugs clutched in beaks. A bald eagle even flew overhead while I was out photographing the cedar waxwings.

I walked back in the door, memory card bursting, and a smile plastered on my face – sometimes it’s the most unexpected photo shoots that bring the most joy.

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Despite newer flagship releases from Canon, Sony, and Nikon, one full-frame camera launched in 2023 continues to outperform far newer models in Japan's sales charts. Part of Sony's compact full-frame line, which debuted with the "world's smallest and lightest 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera", the Sony A7C II brings that same philosophy and performance to a newer generation. With built-in electronic viewfinder, in-body image stabilization and 33MP sensor, it has become one of the industry's biggest long-term success stories.

Major Japanese camera retailer Kitamura has now published its June sales rankings, with the camera once again taking the No.1 spot.

Launched nearly three years ago, the Sony A7C II has earned a reputation as a full-frame "sweet spot" camera, striking an impressive balance between performance, portability and price. Available for $2,098 / £1,799, it continues to prove that photographers don't always need the latest release to get the camera they want.

Kitamura's 10 best-selling cameras, June 2026

1. Sony A7C II
2. Canon EOS R10 + RF S 18-150mm IS STM Lens Kit
3. Fujifilm X-M5 + XC15-45mm Lens Kit
4. Sony A6700 High-Magnification Zoom Lens Kit
5. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit
6. Sony A7 V
7. Sony A7 IV Zoom Lens Kit
8. Sony ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit
9. OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II + 12-45mm f/4 PRO Lens Kit
10. Nikon Z30 Double Zoom Kit

Lightweight design marvel

The Sony A7C II features a 33MP full-frame Exmor R sensor, AI-powered subject-detection autofocus (AF), 7-stop in-body stabilization (IBIS), and 10-bit 4:2:2 4K 60p video recording, offering serious performance for both photographers and videographers.

Even with its compact form, the A7C II retains a built-in electronic viewfinder – known as a must-have feature for many photographers.

Weighing just 514 g (1 lb 2.2 oz), it delivers full-frame image quality in a remarkably compact body that's particularly well-suited to travel photographers and hybrid creators. Despite its small size (124 x 71.1 x 63.4 mm), Sony has retained a built-in electronic viewfinder – a feature that many photographers still consider essential.

While some compact and creator-focused mirrorless cameras now rely solely on the rear LCD, the A7C II offers an eye-level shooting experience without significantly increasing its size.

Nearly three years after its launch, the A7C II still delivers everything most photographers want or need.

While camera manufacturers release dozens of new models each year, sales data continues to show older, well-balanced cameras can outperform the latest tech when they strike the right mix of price, performance and usability.

If you're searching for a lightweight, compact travel camera to capture every moment of your adventures, check out these four deals from Wex at Amazon – each features or comes bundled with a versatile lens and lets you save up to £285.

The Sony A6700 with 18-135mm lens is now just £1,599 at Wex – you save £200 from the original price of £1,799.

The Fujifilm X-S20 with 15-45mm lens is now just £1,249 at Jessops – you save £100 from the original price of £1,349.

The OM System Tough TG-7 in black is now just £356 at Amazon – you save £143.99 off its £499.99 RRP.

The Pentax WG-8 in black is now just £310 at Amazon – you save £69.99 from the original price of £479.99.

Sony A6700

Most versatile

The Sony A6700 compact mirrorless camera packs serious power. It features a 26.1MP APS-C sensor, fast 11fps burst shooting, in-body image stabilization, and 4K60p video.

Whether you're snapping cityscapes or wildlife on safari, it's ready to deliver stunning photos and smooth video.

Sony improved the autofocus and button layout, making it easier to use on the go – even if the body is still pretty compact. You can pair it with a huge range of Sony E-mount lenses – or third-party options – to suit whatever trip you're on.

Read more: Sony A6700 review.

Fujifilm X-S20

Best hybrid

The Fujfilm X-S20 is ideal if you are creating both photos and videos. It's a compact, lightweight hybrid shooter that packs a lot, using the tried-and-true X-Trans IV sensor.

Paired with Fujifilm's famous film simulations, you give your shots that ready-to-share look straight out of the camera. The new X-Processor 5 steps up autofocus with smart subject recognition and tracking.

It offers 6K video with full sensor use, plus advanced codecs and color grading options. The fully articulating screen is perfect if you're a vlogger.

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review.

OM System Tough TG-7

Best waterproof

With the OM System Tough TG-7, you never have to worry about weather or terrain. It's built to be a companion on any adventure: waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.

Its 12MP sensor can actually capture more light where it's often dim. Plus, it shoots RAW and bursts up to 20fps – perfect for catching fast moments. The TG-7 has a 4x zoom (approx. 25-100mm in 35mm terms) with a standout macro mode that lets you snap amazing close-ups and 4K video.

It's simple, durable, and versatile – the perfect when you need a reliable camera that won't quit.

Read more: OM System Tough TG-7 review.

Pentax WG-8

Most budget-friendly

The Pentax WG-8 is built tough to survive water, dust, drops, freezing temps – you name it. It's perfect if you want a camera that's truly adventure-proof, without spending big.

With a 20MP sensor and 5x optical zoom (approx. 28-140mm in 35mm terms). It shoots decent photos and 4k video at 30fps.

It also shines in ultra-close-up shots, and it performs well underwater and in extreme conditions where other cameras might fail. It's a solid budget-friendly choice for anyone needing a tough, reliable camera for travel.

Read more: Pentax WG-8 review.

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I’m a sucker for retro cameras, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to wax lyrical about the OM System / Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, which is now being sold at a temptingly low price. Both the black and silver variants have been discounted, plummeting to the tantalizing sums of just £511.43 and £550.19, respectively, with the 14-42mm slimline zoom.

The E-M10 Mark IV is an ideal first interchangeable-lens camera or an everyday beater for the commute or day trips. It is a camera we have been recommending for years as a great choice for beginners, and it is once again at a great price. Plus, I’m sure you’ll agree, it looks absolutely gorgeous! Here’s what you’re getting for your hard-earned cash…

First up, it’s worth mentioning just how small this little camera really is. It’s built around a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which provides a 2x crop factor. As such, MFT systems tend to feature smaller camera bodies and lenses than their APS-C and full-frame counterparts. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is no exception; the body is 383g and the lens is 91g. To put that into perspective, combined it’s a lighter setup than the Fujifilm X100VI.

As you’d expect from a camera within this price range, you get 4K 30p video – but what I do love about the E-M10 Mark IV is its in-body image stabilization, compensating for up to 4.5 stops. The camera also features Live Guide and Scene Modes that will give beginners a helping hand.

Otherwise it’s fairly standard fare, but when you consider that you’re getting a great-looking, compact, capable stills camera and kit lens from a reputable brand, for just over £500 with lens, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an attractive prospect. I think it’s a fantastic first, everyday, street or travel camera and would gladly use one on my daily commute.

Want a memory card to go with your purchase? Here are the best Amazon Prime Day memory card deals.

The year is already more than half over – and yet 2026 has been an unusually slow year for camera launches – so slow, in fact, that three key camera brands have yet to introduce a major camera in 2026.

The first half of the year has brought cameras like the Sony A7R VI, the surprise Panasonic Lumix LX10, the video-focused Canon EOS R6 V, the black-and-white Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, and the Leica SL3-P.

But the first half of the year has been largely quiet for Nikon, Fujifilm, and OM System. Nikon has yet to introduce a camera body in 2026. Fujifilm has launched the time-traveling Instax Evo Cinema and Instax Mini 13, but no X series cameras. OM System has introduced specialty models of existing cameras for astrophotography and infrared, but no major overhauls yet in 2026.

Even the brands that have launched new cameras this year have been a bit sporadic, with the first three months of the year unusually quiet. Has the pace of camera development slowed with longer gaps between launches, or is something else going on?

Fujifilm is in the quiet before the storm

Fujifilm has been a key player in both the retro camera and compact camera trends lately, two factors that likely led to the camera giant posting record revenue in 2025. Fujifilm has been steadily picking up momentum – so what’s with the quiet first half of 2026?

Fujifilm is in that pause between one generation and the next. Fujifilm’s X series has largely all been upgraded to the fifth generation of X-Trans sensors, with the 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR across most models and the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HS across speed and budget-focused models.

There are some exceptions – notably the Fujifilm X-Pro3 still using a third-generation sensor despite the brand's confirmation that it hasn’t abandoned the series – but Fujifilm’s X series is largely caught up.

Fujifilm’s quiet few months are likely the quiet before the storm, before the sixth generation of X Trans sensors makes its first official appearance. And, in the meantime, the 40.2MP is no slouch.

Fujifilm tends to bring the new sensor to higher-end options like the X-H series and the single-digit X-T series first, so as a photographer with an older X-T4 still in my bag, I’m eager to see what’s next.

Nikon needs a high-end camera launch

Nikon has fewer mirrorless bodies in its lineup than Canon and Sony, so it’s not entirely unusual that the camera giant hasn’t yet blessed fans with a new camera in 2026. But, by this time last year, Nikon had introduced the Coolpix P1100 and the Z50 II, so 2026 feels off to an unusual start.

I think Nikon’s recent financial reports hint at what could be coming next for the company. Earlier this year, Nikon told investors that one of the reasons that profit is down is that the brand’s cheaper entry-level cameras, like the Z50 II and Z5 II, are selling so well.

The Z5 II was introduced in 2025, and the Z50 II at the end of 2024, so I think it’s time for Nikon to give some love to its higher-end models. I’m less confident in speculating what high-end cameras might be getting a refresh soon. The Z6 III was a 2024 launch, and the 2020 Z7 II is aging fast, but any successor would need to offer something substantially different than the highly regarded pro Z8. Z9 II rumors are also making the rounds.

Of course, I could be totally off base – the Z30 is getting up there in years, and more compact designs are trending. I’m also hoping that one of Nikon’s recent comments about “heritage-inspired design” means photographers will get more cameras like the Nikon Zf.

OM System has been quiet – but not unusually so

OM System often only has one or two major camera launches a year, so the quiet first half of 2026 isn’t unusual for the brand known for its Micro Four Thirds cameras. And, technically, the brand has launched cameras this year, but just specialized ones, including the OM-3 Astro and the OM-1 Mark II Infared.

The bigger question is what’s next for OM System. The brand's mirrorless line has been using 20MP resolution since 2016 (though in two different variants), but when I asked the company about it last year, Eiji Shirota, Head of Business at OM System, told me, “the development and evolution of a new image sensor is an ongoing effort.”

But, he also said that the company’s focus on smaller, rugged fast cameras has been working, with 60 percent of OM-5 users in North America completely new to the brand. Computational photography and a High Res Shot mode instead help the OM System to get more resolution out of its 20MP sensors.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV still carries the Olympus name nearly five years after the switch to OM System, but any upgrade would have to not eclipse the OM-5 Mark II. Other key OM System speculation? Fans have long been asking for the PEN series to return (though it's still alive and well in Japan), and with compact cameras trending, perhaps now is the time for a tiny PEN mirrorless.

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At the beginning of the year, I set the cat firmly among the pigeons when I claimed that I only recommend the ‘Big Three’ camera brands for serious wildlife photography: Canon, Nikon and Sony. As you can imagine, Micro Four Thirds camera (MFT) photographers were not happy.

So, Luke from OM System got in touch with me and offered to lend me some kit so I could put my money where my mouth was. Cue the arrival of the flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II and the mighty ‘Big White’ M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS and M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO. Lucky me!

Determined to put the kit through its paces, I headed off to wetland wildlife reserve WWT Slimbridge and the Hawk Conservancy Trust in a bid to photograph some of the most challenging wildlife subjects on Earth: birds. So, read on to find out why I hold my hand up and admit that I was so very, very wrong about MFT. Just don’t expect a puff piece – I’m not ready to give up my full-frame kit just yet…

Wildlife photography weight saving

MFT is renowned for the small size and light weight of its cameras and lenses. But in my review of the ‘Big White’ 150-400mm f/4.5, I called it a bit of an oxymoron. That’s because it’s a 12.4in long, 1,875g behemoth. Still, compare it to a full-frame 600mm f/4 lens and it’s a minnow. It’s also the largest MFT lens on the market, aimed squarely at sports and wildlife professionals.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS is just eight inches long and 1,102g, with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO measuring 6.3in and weighing 880g. To put that into perspective, every MFT lens on the market (even the ‘Big White’) is smaller and lighter than the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. And while the OM System OM-1 Mark II is very small and light for a flagship camera, it’s not so prominent that longer lenses feel unbalanced, which is a good thing in my book.

I’m no stranger to heavy kit. I’ve owned a Nikon D800, Nikon D850 and Nikon Z8, and as I get older and my back becomes more temperamental, the weight of my kit is something I’m becoming more and more aware of. Most camera gear seems manageable when you pluck it off the shelf in an air-conditioned store and wave it around for a few minutes. You’ve got to imagine yourself in blistering heat, trudging your way up a gravel track to get to that secluded hide. Or standing on a cliff-top, capturing pan after pan of soaring seabirds.

And indeed, while walking around with my OM System kit, I couldn’t quite believe that I was packing two super-telephoto and one telephoto lens, plus a flagship camera. My own personal Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is so long, a lot of camera bags are too small for me to pack it with a camera attached. No such problem here. For hide photography I do prefer to use some kind of support, be it a tripod, monopod, or beanbag, but the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS, especially, is an absolute joy to stroll around with.

Even the ‘Big White’ is easy to cart about. And doing so netted me my favorite image of this little project. I was leaving a hide, ‘Big White’ in hand, when a sparrowhawk landed in a tree, right in front of me (above). I couldn’t believe my luck! I simply raised the M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro, took full advantage of its huge 800mm effective focal length and squeezed off a burst. No cropping needed.

If you’re physically unable to lug around heavy kit, know that it will impact your enjoyment, or even become a wildlife photography barrier, you simply cannot put a price on MFT’s weight-saving properties. However, it comes with a bit of a caveat: image quality.

How good is MFT image quality?

At the epicentre of MFT’s weight-saving strategy is its 4/3 sensor, which measures 17.3 × 13mm, roughly half the dimensions of a full-frame sensor (36 × 24mm) and roughly ¼ of the surface area, while also being smaller than an APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6mm).

This results in what tends to be a combination of lower resolutions and smaller photosites resulting in more noticeable noise, which means MFT images tend not to hold up to extreme cropping as well as their APS-C and full-frame counterparts. The flip side is that 2x crop factor, which means you’re effectively doubling your lens’s given focal length. In practice, this is often a big advantage, but there's one situation where it's more of a hindrance. Let me explain…

So, the big plus point here is that you can fill the frame with your subject, while standing further back. This means you’re less likely to stress or scare wildlife, or better your chances when restricted to a hide. But, this advantage is curtailed somewhat because it leaves you far less room for cropping.

A lot of photographers will tell you to get it right in camera. It’s sound advice, but doesn’t always work out in practice. Wildlife and sports photographers, in particular, often rely upon cropping simply because they cannot get close enough to the subject. This levels the playing field somewhat when it comes to high-resolution full-frame cameras that can be cropped significantly.

If you’re shooting at 400mm on a full-frame camera, you can crop to the point that you can end up with a similar field of view as an MFT camera (800mm), but a 45.7MP or 60MP sensor will still leave you with less resolution than a 20.4MP MFT sensor. However, the margins are fine and the advantage with extensive cropping is that you get more control over your composition. If you’re capturing slower wildlife or wildlife portraits then I think getting it right in camera is definitely what you should be aiming for and in this context the extended reach of an MFT setup can work to your advantage.

But I spent a lot of time capturing birds in flight during the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s excellent flying displays and what I found out was that even though I could get much closer to the subjects using my OM System camera, I was missing more shots. The reason is simple, the larger the subject is in the frame, the less room you have for error.

When the subject is an erratic bird, you really do need to pull back slightly to give yourself some wiggle room and help prevent unintentionally cropped wing tips, beaks, etc. So, while MFT gives you the advantage when capturing portraits or slower subjects, a high-resolution full-frame camera wins for extreme action such as birds in flight.

OM System OM-1 Mark II: Suitable for wildlife?

I really enjoyed using the OM System OM-1 Mark II. After all, Digital Camera World’s resident MFT fanatic, James Artaius, awarded it five stars in his review. For starters, it’s a fantastic price. It’s an expensive camera, but you can find it for under $2,000 / £2,000, which is enthusiast-camera prices for flagship technology. What really surprised me, though, is the camera’s ergonomics.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the OM-1 Mark II is the most comfortable camera I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. The grip feels just right, your thumb naturally rests on the ISO button and your left hand is free to alter the AF mode or burst speed without ever moving your eye away from the viewfinder. I was using my Nikon Z8 on the day to compare and the OM-1’s AF isn’t as good as the Nikon’s, but you’re talking about a more expensive, larger and heavier camera.

Do I still recommend ONLY the ‘Big Three’ for wildlife photography?

I guess I’m recommending the ‘Big Four’ for wildlife photography now. ‘Big Five’ if you include Panasonic’s wildlife-worthy Lumix G9 II. I still stand by my original article in that if someone were looking for the very best wildlife photography setup money can buy, I’d lead them down the full-frame route. But if budget or your back is a concern or if you’re a hobbyist who really doesn’t need to be buying the cream of the pro-grade crop, then Micro Four Thirds is not only a solution, its unique advantages mean that it’s not even a sub-par option. It’s just a different option.

My feeling is that it really comes into its own when photographing almost any wildlife that isn’t birds in flight. The extended reach increases your chances of getting it right in camera, making it a fantastic system for wildlife reserve trips or safaris. However, I still think the ability to widen your framing and crop in post is the better choice when capturing birds in flight.

But that’s what’s great about the photography industry today; there really is a system for everyone. So don’t let me or anyone else tell you that Micro Four Thirds isn’t an ideal fit for wildlife photography. If it meets your budget and saves your back, it’s the system for you. Right then, Fujifilm photographers. Come at me!

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If you're interested in capturing better animal pics, here are my top 10 tips for wildlife photography from birds in flight to insect close-ups. Ethics are a huge part of wildlife photography: I’ve attended baited wildlife photography workshops – is it ever okay to bait or should you always patiently wait? Photographer chases owl around field and refuses to stop. This is why we need to talk more about wildlife photography ethics.

Looking for a waterproof camera that can survive your next hiking trip, ski holiday, or beach adventure? While retro compact cameras are having a moment, rugged compacts remain the better choice for photographers who need a camera that can handle drops, dust, and water.

Unlike fashionable point-and-shoot cameras, the Pentax WG-8 ($426.95 / £429) and OM System Tough TG-7 ($549.99 / £449) are designed for use where camera phones and conventional compacts struggle.

Waterproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof, they're built for demanding adventures. Better still, both offer optical zoom lenses, dedicated macro modes and 4K video, making them far more versatile than an action camera alone.

Pentax WG-8

A real Captain Scarlet of a compact camera

The Pentax WG-8 is built tough to survive water, dust, drops, freezing temps – you name it.

It's perfect if you want a camera that's truly adventure-proof, without spending big. With a 20MP sensor and 5x optical zoom (approx. 28-140mm in 35mm terms).

It shoots decent photos and 4k video at 30fps. It also shines in ultra-close-up shots, and it performs well underwater and in extreme conditions where other cameras might fail.

It's a solid budget-friendly choice for anyone needing a tough, reliable camera for travel.

OM System Tough TG-7

Indestructable camera, impressive results

The OM System Tough TG-7 is built to be a companion on any adventure. It's waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, so you never have to worry about weather or terrain.

Sure, its 12MP sensor is smaller than some other cameras, but that actually helps underwater photos by capturing more light where it's often dim. Plus, it shoots RAW and bursts up to 20fps – perfect for catching fast moments.

The TG-7 has a handy 4x zoom (approx. 25-100mm in 35mm terms) with a bright aperture and a standout macro mode that lets you snap amazing close-ups and 4K video.

It's simple, durable, and versatile – the perfect point-and-shoot to toss in your bag when you need a reliable camera that won't quit.

Discover more and browse the best travel cameras, best compact cameras and best point and shoot cameras

The OM System OM-5 Mark II with the 12-45 mm f/4 Pro lens has just dropped to its lowest-ever price of £1,150 - a saving of £349 on the full price.

What makes this deal so appealing is that you are not just getting the camera body, but also a pro-quality Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 kit lens.

The OM-5 Mark II is exactly the sort of camera that makes sense for photographers who want serious features without carrying a heavy kit bag. It is compact, lightweight, and built around the kind of go-anywhere shooting experience that OM System does so well, making it a brilliant option for travel, walking, family adventures, and everyday photography.

It also comes with the sort of clever computational tools that make OM System cameras stand out from the crowd. Features designed for handheld shooting, outdoor work, and creative photography mean you can do more in-camera, rather than relying on extra kit or spending hours fixing things later on a computer.

For anyone looking to move up from a phone or an older camera, this bundle is especially tempting. You get a weather-sealed, adventure-ready camera system with a lens that covers a huge focal range, all while keeping the setup small enough to actually want to carry with you every day.

The OM System Tough TG-7 is now going for only £355 on Amazon - a solid drop from its original £499.99, which means you’re saving £144.99 on the recommended retail price. That’s a deal that’s tough to beat for a rugged, adventure-ready compact.

• See all of today's Amazon camera deals

What makes the TG-7 especially appealing is how much durability and versatility you get for the money. It retains the core strengths of the Tough line - waterproofing (to 15 m), shock resistance (drops of up to 2.1 m), freezeproofing down to –10 °C, dust protection, and crush resistance to 100 kg - while packing modern updates too.

Beyond mere toughness, the TG-7 offers a 12 MP BSI-CMOS sensor, a bright f/2.0–4.9 4× zoom covering the 25–100mm (35mm equivalent) range, and sensor-shift image stabilisation (2.5 EV) to keep shots crisp in challenging circumstances. For enthusiasts of macro, the TG-7 shines: you can focus as close as 1 cm, with multiple macro imaging modes and even microscope features built in.

In real-world use, reviewers praise the TG-7’s robust build, reliable performance in harsh environments, and strong macro skills. Underwater shooters note the consistency and value of its imaging in dive conditions, and the enhancements over previous models (like updated USB-C port and vertical video auto-rotation) add practical benefit. That said, this camera isn’t perfect - the 12 MP sensor can’t match large-sensor rivals in dynamic range or low light, and you’ll want spare batteries for extended outdoor use.

At £355, this is one of the better value entries into rugged photography gear. You’re getting a genuinely capable, field-worthy compact built to take abuse - and with macro tricks, waterproofing, and a solid zoom - all without paying flagship prices. But deals like this won’t stick around: stock will shift or Amazon might revert the price at a moment’s notice. If the TG-7 suits your adventure style, now is a very good time to strike.

Until the recent revival in the fortunes of the humble, fixed-lens compact camera, or point-and-shoot camera, it’s fair to assume that, for most of us, this type of pocket camera had disappeared completely. 

By the 2010s, we were all using smartphone cameras, and so most low-resolution, standalone snapshots with their 3x or 4x optical zooms were banished to a drawer or listed on eBay. The manufacturers themselves also contributed to the demise of compact cameras. As demand decreased, they simply stopped manufacturing them.

Or did they?

Well, not entirely. While the vast majority vanished from retail, the compact cameras that survived offered something smartphones did not. 

I’m talking toughened, waterproof compacts that could be covered in mud, dirt and sand and simply rinsed clean without damage. Or accidentally elbowed off a table onto a stone floor and avoid shattering into several pieces, thereby allowing image capture to continue. 

To test durability, and because I was feeling cavalier, I once packed an early Kodak ‘tough’ series camera in airplane hold luggage. It arrived at my destination with lens glass shattered; but that was very much the exception rather than the rule.

Through the period post-2015 when digital compacts were mostly nowhere to be seen, OM System, formerly Olympus, and Ricoh/Pentax continued to market shockproof, freezeproof and water-proof cameras, as opposed to action cameras. All around them, bog standard compacts sunk without trace. 

Successful models offering the ability to shoot pictures and videos in conditions that would have been wholly unsuitable for most smartphones included OM System’s TG-7, and the rugged WG series from Ricoh/Pentax. Recent notable examples have included the flagship Pentax WG-8 and the entry-level WG-1000. Other models still selling at the time of writing include the Pentax WG-90 and near outwardly identical Ricoh WG-80.

Such cameras have consistently catered to a dedicated, niche subset of the compact camera market for sure, but they kept it going when others found the going too tough. There were toughened compacts released by the likes of Nikon (the Coolpix AW series) and Fujifilm (FinePix XP), for example, but these also got abandoned.

Obviously, the rugged cameras that stayed the course did so not just because they were alternatives to trashing our phones, but because of the different user experience. If, like me, you’ve been snorkelling or diving with a toughened compact and experimented with the various underwater-enhanced modes, you’ll know exactly what I mean. OK, so I’m not going to get mirrorless or pro DSLR-like quality, but for providing a visual memento, they’re perfectly fine.

And now, a mix of smartphone fatigue and social media has renewed and widened interest in cheap digital point and shoots at one end of the scale, and ‘slow photography’ options like the Pentax 17 film compact at the other. 

But, sitting in the middle, there was always consistently an alternative in the toughened, waterproof digital compact.

For much of the last few years, the Canon EOS R10 has been one of the best-selling mirrorless cameras in Japan, consistently holding top position as a go-to option for beginners entering photography.

Now, the latest sales data from Japanese retailer BCN reveals that a video-first camera – without a viewfinder – has overtaken the long-time bestseller. The new leader is the Sony ZV-E10 II, a compact mirrorless interchangeable lens camera designed primarily for video creators, vloggers, and hybrid shooters.

On paper, the Canon EOS R10 and Sony ZV-E10 II compete in the same APS-C mirrorless category. However, they represent two very different shooting philosophies.

BCN+R best-selling cameras (May 26)

1. Sony ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit | Black
2. Canon EOS R10 + RF-S 18-150 IS STM Lens Kit
3. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit | Black
4. Nikon Z50 + 16-50 VR Lens Kit
5. Nikon Z50 II Double Zoom Kit
6. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit | White
7. Sony A7 V
8. OM System Olympus Pen E-P7 EZ Double | Silver
9. Fujifilm X-T30 III + XC13-33mm Lens Kit | Silver
10. Sony ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit | Black

Sales data compiled by BCN+R, which aggregates nationwide sales figures from major electronic retailers and online platforms across Japan.

Canon EOS R10 vs. Sony ZV-E10 II

The Canon EOS R10 follows a more traditional camera design. It includes an electronic viewfinder, a deeper grip and handling that feels closer to DSLR-era photography.

The Sony ZV-E10 II, by contrast, is designed first and foremost for creators. It removes the viewfinder entirely, prioritising a compact body, lighter weight, and video-focused features.

While traditional photography tools still matter, a growing number of users appear to prioritize video creation, portability, and ease of use over classic still-first design.

Why no viewfinder can be better for video creators

The missing viewfinder – most photographers consider essential – plays a much smaller role in modern content creation workflows.

In video-first shooting, users are typically working at arm's length or with the camera mounted on a tripod or gimbal. As a result, flip-out screens, touch controls, selfie framing, and AF systems such as face and eye tracking become far more important than eye-level composition through a viewfinder.

Removing the viewfinder also has a practical design benefit. It allows manufacturers to reduce the overall size and weight of the camera body, contributing to the compact, lightweight form factor that many creator-focused cameras are designed around.

Whether the ZV-E10 II's rise is a sustained trend or a temporary spike remains to be seen – but its climb from fifth place last month to No.1 suggests a shift in buyer priorities.

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Fresh sales data from Japan suggest that one of photography's most unexpected trends is showing no signs of slowing down. While smartphone cameras continue to become more advanced – consumers are increasingly turning to compact cameras that come cheap.

According to the latest sales figures from Japanese retailer BCN, many of Japan's best-selling compact cameras are the most affordable ones on the market. The Kodak Pixpro FZ55, which once again tops the chart, costs $139.99 / £114. The Kodak Pixpro C1, which is in both second and third place, is even cheaper, available for $99.99 / £79.

Japan's best-selling compact cameras aren't premium models packed with advanced features – they're inexpensive point-and-shoot models that prioritize simplicity and ease of use and feature something smartphone cameras can't.

BCN+R compact camera ranking (May 26)

1. Kodak Pixpro FZ55 | Black
2. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Black
3. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Brown
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | Black
5. Canon IXY 650 M (aka Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Silver
6. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | Brown
7. Panasonic Lumix TZ99 / ZS99
8. Canon IXY 650 M (aka Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Black
9. OM System Tough TG-7 | Red
10. Kenko Tokina KC-AF 11 | Black

Sales data compiled by BCN+R, which aggregates nationwide sales figures from major electronic retailers and online platforms across Japan.

The rise of smartphone fatigue

The popularity of these compacts may also reflect a growing trend often referred to as "smartphone fatigue."

Smartphone cameras have never been more capable. Flagship devices now feature larger sensors, advanced computational photography and image processing developed in partnership with established camera brands like Leica and Hasselblad.

Yet, for some users, taking photos on a smartphone no longer feels like using a camera at all.

A dedicated compact camera – even a 'simple' one – offers a different experience no smartphone can give shooters. There's a physical shutter button, a separate device devoted entirely to photography, and a more intentional shooting process.

Many of the top-performing models feature simple interfaces, physical controls, and retro-inspired styling. Unlike enthusiast cameras, they require little photographic knowledge and can be picked up without knowledge of shutter speeds, aperture settings, or ISO settings.

For many buyers, that's the appeal.

In Japan, compact camera buyers are not chasing the latest technology; affordable, straightforward models win again – and this trend is not expected to change.

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The OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro is undoubtedly the ‘grail’ lens for any wildlife or sports photographer with a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera. And what better camera to test this monster "Big White" optic than the flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II?

These two MFT titans combine to create a truly formidable pro-grade package. The lens itself delivers an incredible 35mm equivalent zoom range of 300-800mm, extended to a whopping 375-1,000mm with the built-in 1.25x teleconverter. Add an external 2x teleconverter to the mix and you get 2,000mm!

And while it’s a huge lens for a system that’s known for its pint-sized optics, the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro still exceedingly small and light for a lens of its class.

This OM System classic is, without a doubt, targeted at the most serious MFT wildlife / sports enthusiasts and professionals on the planet. So, I decided to visit both WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre and the Hawk Conservancy Trust to put this top-tier optic through its paces, photographing birds in flight.

The question on my mind is whether its premium build and performance are enough to justify that premium price tag…

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Specifications

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Price

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO is not a cheap lens. It retails for $8,999.99 / £6,799 / AU$11,999, making it the most expensive optic in OM System’s lineup by some margin and the most expensive MFT lens on the market.

This is because it represents the pinnacle of OM System’s optical engineering and feature set. This may jar with some users because the MFT system is often framed as a more cost-effective alternative, especially when it comes to premium bodies and optics.

It’s difficult to compare the "Big White" to OM’s competitors because it offers an equivalent zoom range and speed that simply isn’t available in full-frame.

The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S retails for around half the price at $3,499.95 / £3,299 / $5,499, but it’s a prime lens and doesn’t have a built–in teleconverter.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, but is also a prime and has a faster maximum aperture. This lens retails for roughly twice the price of the M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 at $14,699.95 / £13,499.00 / $24,299.00.

It’s a similar story when it comes to both Sony and Canon, but perhaps the closest offering is the relatively recent Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports, which retails for $6,599 / £5,899 / AU$12,995, although it doesn’t have a built-in teleconverter.

Ultimately, though, the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro sits right within the mix of the world’s most premium lenses and, in that respect, it offers up a comparatively middling price point.

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Design & Handling

When I first picked up the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro, I was struck by two things: its weight and build.

The lens weighs 1,875g / 4.13lbs (without lens hood and cap) and measures 314.3 x 115.8mm, which is comparatively huge compared to other MFT lenses, but comparatively small next to range-topping full-frame lenses.

To put that into perspective, you’re getting a full-frame-equivalent focal length of 300-800mm (375-1,000mm with the teleconverter) in a package that you can actually handhold. The lens hood is big and solid, but a carbon-fiber build means it’s also surprisingly light.

That said, wildlife photography often requires an awful lot of waiting around – and holding a near 2kg lens for long periods of time will fatigue any photographer, so I’d still opt to bring a tripod, monopod or beanbag in reserve.

The good news is that the lens is light enough that you don’t have to pair it with a hulking tripod that weighs you down. My Manfrotto Befree Advanced travel tripod had no problem accommodating it.

When it comes to the lens’ build, it reminds me very much of a pro-grade DSLR optic. I’ve often thought that premium DSLR glass feels slightly more solid than most top-tier mirrorless offerings, so I mean that entirely as a compliment.

Its magnesium-alloy construction might be light, but it feels reassuringly solid in all aspects, from the barrel to on-board controls. I’m also a sucker for an internal zoom, which adds a premium feel to any lens.

I’ve personally never encountered a species that’s more bothered by a white lens than my presence, but some wildlife photographers like to cover white lenses in a camo skin, of which plenty are available specifically for the OM System 150-400mm f/4.5.

However, the white paint job doesn’t just look good; it serves a purpose as part of a three-layer heat-repellent coating.

As you’d expect from a Pro-line OM System lens, the 150-400mm f/4.5 has an extensive IP53 rating, meaning it’s splashproof and dustproof.

I carry a rain cover in my camera bag at all times and won’t trust any standard camera or lens in a consistent downpour, but I did use the 150-400mm f/4.5 on a day with frequent light showers and felt entirely confident that not only would it hold up but it could weather plenty more.

You’ll have to forgive me for waxing lyrical about a tripod collar and foot, but the designers have thought about almost everything in this instance. It’s a shame that the tripod collar isn’t removable to shed even more weight – although the foot can be removed – otherwise this is a near-perfect feature.

The foot is Arca-Swiss compatible for quick release/attachment, and I’m particularly impressed by the rubber lining on the inside surface. I can only assume this is so you can use it as a handle when carrying the lens around, without worrying about it slipping out of your hand in wet or sweaty conditions.

You’ll find two attachment points on the collar for a strap and, while you can rotate the collar to level your horizon at any angle, it also clicks securely into four different positions set at equidistant intervals at twelve, three, six and nine o’clock – each lining up perfectly with one of four custom buttons set further down the barrel.

These buttons are set before the focusing ring so you’re in no danger of inadvertently nudging it.

Both the focus and zoom rings are suitably smooth and the throw of the zoom is short, so you can quickly amend your framing.

The switch for the built-in 1.25x teleconverter is cleverly positioned on the right-hand side of the barrel, very close to the host camera’s grip. This enables you to toggle the converter on/off by extending a single finger while still clasping the grip.

With a little practice, you’ll start to do this instinctively, without pulling your eye away from the viewfinder. The switch also features a locking mechanism, which is a neat touch, although I found the switch itself to be robust enough that you’d have to be really unlucky to trigger it by accident.

And while it’s purely cosmetic, I really like the blue band that frames the lens’ front element. It’s a little touch that screams quality.

Unfortunately, the drawstring canvas bag that comes with the lens is a bit of a letdown, especially if you were anticipating the robust kind of cases that come with Sony, Canon and Nikon’s range-topping wildlife optics.

There’s minimal padding around the barrel, more padding around the base (but not enough) and although it was workable, I couldn’t completely close the bag with the OM-1 Mark II attached.

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Performance

Real-world testing presents difficulties when working with super-telephoto optics due to phenomena such as heat distortion and camera shake.

Camera shake is the bane of the super-telephoto photographer’s life, but the first thing I noticed about the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro is just how stable it is.

Despite that monster 35mm-equivalent 1,000mm potential, the Sync IS (optical image stabilization) achieved by the lens and OM-1 Mark II working in tandem delivered up to 8 stops of compensation – meaning I was rarely bothered by camera shake.

In a world where high-resolution sensors are causing photographers to double or even triple the reciprocal rule, it’s a joy to shoot with a long lens (and camera) that isn’t working against you. And of course, that constant f/4.5 aperture certainly helps in poorer lighting conditions.

I did notice some chromatic aberration, but this was easily mitigated via editing software corrections.

When it comes to overall image quality, the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro performs very well, but stops short of being exceptionally sharp. Even for a lens that debuted in 2021, I couldn’t help but feel slightly left wanting from what is ultimately a range-topping optic in a very high-end price range.

However, it’s also important to remember that the equivalent focal range made possible by an MFT sensor means you’re getting much closer to the subject than you would with a full-frame setup. This, in turn, reduces the amount of cropping required, meaning you’re less likely to hack away at the resolution of your images.

What impressed me was the quality of the built-in teleconverter, which really doesn’t impact image quality that much at all. Really, the only penalty is the narrower aperture; beyond that, the teleconverter feels a little like a cheat code in the best way possible. So much so that I could easily forget it was engaged.

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Sample Images

The following gallery of sample images was captured with the flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II at both the Hawk Conservancy Trust and WWT Slimbridge.

This meant that I was able to test the lens in a challenging real-world environment by photographing birds in flight, while also dealing with inclement weather.

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Lab Results

Our lab manager, Ben Andrews, runs a variety of tests in controlled conditions using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the lens’s zoom and aperture ranges (where available), which are then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software are used to plot lens resolution at the center of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths. The tests also measure distortion and color fringing (chromatic aberration).

Testing a super-telephoto Micro Four Thirds lens is always a challenge. The 2x crop factor means that you need to allow for double the distance between lens and test chart, compared to a full-frame lens.

Consequently, Ben was not able to test the 150-400mm at its full 400mm zoom. There simply isn’t enough space in the lab and, because lighting must be carefully controlled, outdoor testing is not an option. The best he could achieve was 367mm – and even this required a shooting distance of over 18 meters.

Sharpness:

Sharpness in the central region is good, although never particularly special. You do, however, get very good consistency throughout the focal range. Only at f/16 and narrower does center sharpness really dip. Corner sharpness is noticeably softer, though consistency across all focal lengths and apertures is excellent.

The lab also tested the optic’s sharpness at 150mm with the inbuilt 1.25x teleconverter enabled, resulting in a 187.5mm focal length (equivalent to 375mm). Teleconverters often noticeably reduce sharpness, but in this case, the reduction is minimal, and sharpness remains consistent with the results at other focal lengths.

Fringing and distortion:

There is some chromatic aberration, but it's not strong enough to be obvious in real-world shooting. And thanks largely to firmware-based distortion correction, which cannot be disabled, the lens appears to be almost distortion-free.

OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro: Verdict

The OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25X IS Pro is a bit of an oxymoron in that it’s a large, $9K / £6.8K / AU$12K optic for a system that’s built around the concept of portability and affordability. And yet, compared to full-frame range-topping super-telephoto optics, it’s significantly cheaper and lighter.

This isn’t the lens for your average MFT photographer; it’s a serious piece of equipment for a dedicated enthusiast or wildlife / sports professional.

When it comes to the design and build of the 150-400mm f/4.5, it’s about as good as it gets. It’s an absolute joy to operate and carry around, and it’s a rare example of a super-telephoto lens that I actually like to look at. It’s a bit of a beauty to say the least.

The price tag and top-tier status can draw unavoidable but unhelpful comparisons with full-frame glass, but it’s important to remember that these lenses tend to be twice the price and sit on sensors that are twice as big.

That said, I did expect slightly better image quality in both lab and real-world testing, although the quality of the teleconverter and image stabilization was extremely impressive.

Ultimately, the design and operation of this lens blew me away, the performance felt solid, if not quite exceptional. And yet, this lens undoubtedly complements Micro Four Thirds’ inherent advantages.

The monster zoom range and built-in teleconverter will get you closer to subjects than ever before. Its premium handling will increase your chances of capturing the moment you envision.

A small MFT sensor’s superior stability synced with this lens’ excellent optical image stabilization will enable you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without experiencing camera shake. And its rock-solid build and weather sealing mean it can accompany you on dusty safaris, in muddy forests and on damp hills.

Alternatives

Macro photographer Barry Webb specializes in photographing slime mold – tiny organisms that come in remarkable shapes, textures, and iridescent colors. His striking work has earned awards before, including recognition at the Close-up Photographer of the Year for an image of a 15mm tall ear-pick fungus.

Now, Webb has won the Botanical Britain category at the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 with his image featuring a slime mold species measuring just '1mm tall'. But creating the image was far from simple.

Webb used focus stacking to overcome the razor-thin depth of field that comes with extreme macro photography, capturing a total of 87 separate images at different focus points before merging them into a single final shot – all captured with a Micro Four Thirds camera that introduced two world-first features.

Botanical Britain | Winner

Image details
Title: Slime Moulds and a Water Droplet
Species: Slimemould (Lamproderma scintillans)
Location: South Buckinghamshire, England

Shot info
Gear: OM System OM-1 + M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro + 2x teleconverter
Exposure: 0.6sec, f/14, ISO 200

The story behind the still
Webb explains, "These 1mm-tall Lamproder mascintillans were found on a tiny fragment of wood, on a very wet woodchip pile.

"When the water droplet evaporated on the two fruiting bodies on the right, they dried out and reverted to their original blue colour.

"It is thought that the iridescent surface of these fruiting bodies may act as a water repellent in order to protect the spores within the sporocarp.

"A total of 87 shots were focus bracketed and then focus stacked to create the final image."

The BWPA competition

The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) is one of the UK's most respected nature photography competitions, celebrating the diversity and wonder of wildlife.

Photographers compete across adult and youth categories, with winning images published in a hardback book by Graffeg.

For more winning images and full results, visit the BWPA website and explore the incredible work of this year's photographers.

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The OM System Tough TG-7 underwater compact camera and its predecessors, such as the Olympus Tough TG-6, have built up a substantial ecosystem of accessories.

Some of these add increased damage protection, while others improve the cameras’ capability for particular types of photography (such as macro or underwater) or provide scope to be more creative.

In this article, I’m going to take a look at the most popular Tough accessories from OM System. I’ll give an outline of what they do and my opinion on how useful they are.

Probably the biggest-selling underwater housing for a camera ever made, the PT-059 increases the depth to which you can safely take your TG-7 from 15m to 45m (from 50ft to 150ft) – making it much more useful for scuba divers.

It's worth bearing in mind that, to maintain the waterproof rating of your Tough camera, OM System recommends getting the internal seals serviced every year – which isn’t cheap. So keeping it safe inside an underwater housing, even when using it in shallow water, makes sense.

The OM System PT-059 is also supported by a substantial range of third-party accessories, such as lighting trays and wide-angle wet lenses. As underwater housings go, it’s light, relatively low-cost, well-made and comfortable to use. That’s why they are the underwater housing I recommend most often to TG-7 users.

See my full OM System PT-059 review

If you’ve owned a conventional compact camera before getting a TG-7, something that you will notice early on is that there isn’t a lens cover that closes when you turn the camera off.

The surface of the lens is exposed, which isn’t ideal if you want to pop it in your pocket when not in use. You will find you get fingermarks on the lens and there is an greater risk of scratching the lens surface than with other cameras.

The LB-T01 deals with this by fitting onto the camera in place of the original removable lens ring. You then have a manually operated lens protector that opens and closes with a twist of its outer ring.

It won’t fit inside an underwater housing but, as TG accessories go, it’s bordering on a must-have.

Like the lens barrier, this adapter replaces the removable lens ring on any TG camera from the TG-1 to the TG-7.

Fitting the CLA-T01 opens up a big range of extra accessory options for increasing the capabilities of your Tough. The adapter has 40.5mm screw fitting to accept the TCon-T01 Teleconverter and the FCon-T01 or T02 Fisheye Converters.

You can also use it to fit filters such as protective UV filters, like the OM System PRF-D40.5 Pro, or third-party options with a 40.5mm thread such as circular polarizing and ND filters.

If that wasn’t enough, it will also accept a 40.5mm lens cap such as the ones made for the OM System 14-42mm kit lens – so you can keep the lens protected despite not being able to have a lens barrier fitted.

If you have the CLA-T01 adapter, then you can fit the TCon-T01 x1.7 teleconverter, which ups the TG’s 100mm maximum equivalent focal length to 170mm.

For wildlife and sports photography, it will give valuable extra reach, but bear in mind that increasing the focal length will make camera movement more likely to cause blur in your pictures.

While this lens can be used underwater, I don’t recommend it as it’s best to reduce the distance to a subject whenever possible to help keep images sharp and colorful.

This converter screws onto the CLA-T01 adapter and gives an exceptionally wide angle of view to your Tough. With the camera zoomed to its widest, you get the circular fisheye effect; zooming in removes that, but you will have some barrel distortion.

This lens can be used for underwater photography when on the camera without an underwater housing. It will give a narrower angle of view, because everything appears closer underwater.

You can also use this lens with an Ikelite underwater housing that can be fitted with a domed port to accommodate the lens. The dome port corrects for the effect of water, giving an angle of view the same as in air, but you are tied to shooting wide-angle pictures for a whole dive when using it – because the lens is within the airspace of the housing.

Like many accessories, this circular diffuser fits onto your TG using the fitting that the removable lens ring occupies. It carries the light from the built-in LED to give a close-up light source.

Without the Light Guide in place, you can use the LED as a focusing light when light levels are low and you are still able light subjects with the built-in flash. Adding the Light Guide means that you have to use the LED as the light source to achieve your exposure.

Where subject and camera movement aren’t an issue, that will be fine. But for most still macro photography, if you need even light from all directions, I’d go with a ring flash diffuser.

In my view, where the LG-1 would be useful is in shooting macro video. You can set the LED to be on constantly and then, with the TG-7 or TG-6, use Super Macro Focusing to get very close to your subject.

The LG-1 can be used underwater, but only when using the camera without a housing.

Similar to the LG-1 Light Guide in appearance, if you want to take macro images this is definitely the better option of the two. It will give you an even light at a short distance from the camera, with the movement-freezing benefit of flash.

While ring diffusers and flashes do have a tendency to reduce texture in images, the light is also softer and doesn’t produce as much glare from shiny surfaces (such as beetle carapaces) that I’ve found the bare built-in flash of the TG camera often does.

This is one of those accessories that some people will find absolutely essential – in particular people using the TG for scientific or medical photography – while a lot of the folk who bought the camera for its toughness when doing outdoor activities won’t need at all.

Like the LG-1 Light Guide, the diffuser can be used underwater when the camera isn’t in a housing. I would suggest you take care when using them, because they aren’t anywhere near as robust as the camera itself.

This silicone rubber cover for the TG-7 adds considerable extra protection. While the TG-7 has a drop-proof rating, hitting rocks or concrete from even a fairly short height is likely to put some scratches on it – and unless you are very lucky, it’s likely to end with a trip to the repair shop or an insurance claim.

This cover gives you access to the controls, including having gaps for the dials and zoom, but adds some extra padding to much of the camera.

It does make it bulkier, and you’ll have to remove it to fit some accessories.

This a wrist strap that is buoyant enough to keep your TG camera floating at the water surface. Obviously it’s attached safely to your wrist, you don’t need it to keep your camera floating.

However, if you should accidentally let your camera go or drop it in the water, the CHS-09 will stop it plummeting into the depths. It’s also a well-padded wrist lanyard that would be nice to wear when using your camera for snorkelling.

And for people doing other water activities like kayaking, or using the Tough in everyday situations where they don't want it attached to their wrist all the time, the float feature is helpful.

As someone who’s accumulated a multitude of cameras, lenses and other equipment, individual cases aren’t something I tend to go for. But if your TG is your one and only piece of camera kit, this case might be for you.

I’d suggest that it’s more suitable for storing and travelling, rather than for when you want it ready to use. The TGs are quite weighty little cameras and they do have an impressive ability to find their way to the bottom of a bag, where a hard drop can cause damage if the padding isn’t sufficient. I’m speaking from experience on that one.

This case would definitely prevent damage in transit but, as someone who can’t stand having things bouncing around on the outside of a backpack, I probably wouldn’t use the built-in carabiner to clip it on.

Likewise, having a substantial hard case attached to a belt or the waist strap of a rucksack probably isn’t going to be comfortable.

I’ll be honest, I was completely unaware of this accessory before I started writing this article! It’s a relatively new piece of kit released for the TG-7 that gives you a protective cover/holder that can be attached to a belt or backpack strap, combined with a carabiner attachment and a spiral cord.

The spiral cord means that you can take the camera out of the holder, but still have it attached to you to prevent it from being dropped.

I can see this being useful for those doing outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking and kayaking, where they want the camera easily accessible with one hand but dropping it would be a disaster.

See our guides to the best waterproof cameras and to the best underwater housings

The OM System PT-059 is an underwater housing produced for the OM System Tough TG-7 and older, but nearly identical, Olympus Tough TG-6 Tough compact waterproof cameras.

While both of these compact cameras have a waterproof rating, an underwater housing enables you to take them to greater depths when scuba or free diving. It also adds an extra layer of protection against water entering your camera, which occurs if seals on compartment doors are dirty or the internal seals fail due to age.

An underwater housing doesn’t just increase protection from water, though; it opens up the ability to add more accessories to your underwater photography setup, increasing its capability.

OM System PT-059: Price

The recommended retail price for the OM System PT-059 is $ 399 / £329 / AU$579 and it is found widely on sale at camera retailers and online stores, as well as from OM System direct – so there is no need to go to a specialist diving shop.

There are cheaper housings available for the TG-6 and TG-7 but, considering the build quality, layout and features, the PT-059 in my opinion is the best value option.

OM System PT-059: Specifications

OM System PT-059: Build & handling

The OM System PT-059 is the lightest underwater housing available for the TG-7, making it ideal for travel. I take mine with the camera in hand luggage when I fly.

That’s paid off on one trip where a bag containing some of my larger underwater camera equipment was delayed; I still had a camera and housing to shoot with for the first day diving while the bag caught up with me.

Despite being lightweight, the PT-059 is robust and hardwearing. I’ve taken mine on a lot of diving trips and so far it has functioned perfectly.

The low weight is achieved by the housing being predominantly made from polycarbonate plastic, which is strong enough to protect your camera down to 45m / 147ft. For most recreational divers this is enough depth – and certainly for me it is. As an underwater photographer, I seldom venture below 25m / 82ft.

Plastic housings can be less long-lived than metal ones. In particular, if sand gets into a button or dial and you don’t remove it, the surrounding plastic can be worn away – causing an irreparable leak.

The lens port is scratch-resistant coated glass and is recessed in a metal surround, so you have to be trying pretty hard to get it scratched.

The ports on plastic housings are more prone to fogging up than on metal ones, but the PT-059 has a recess for a silica gel pack to help prevent that.

A front grip for your right middle, ring and little finger, and a raised thumb rest on the rear make it easy to hold. All the controls can be operated while the camera is in the housing, and I find that I can adjust most of them with my thumb while I keep my index finger on the shutter release.

With the camera inside, the PT-059 is almost exactly neutrally buoyant. If you let go of it when it isn’t attached to you it will sink pretty slowly, so you’ll have a good chance of getting it back.

There’s an attachment fitting for a pair of fiber optic strobe cables, which neatly clips onto the diffuser for the camera flash.

An included wrist lanyard is what I use for securing the housing when I’m using it on its own or as part of a small underwater photography setup.

The included port cap is something of nuisance in the water, and I’d suggest taking it off completely when in use and not having it drifting around on the cord it comes supplied with.

OM System PT-059: Performance

For me, being able to use the built-in flash as a light source when the camera is in the housing is a major advantage that the PT-059 has over most other TG-7 housings.

You do have to be quite close to subjects to light them using the camera flash (I’d suggest getting within about 50cm or less), but for close-up and macro photography it does a reasonable job.

When starting out taking underwater pictures, it’s a wise move to get used to taking photos using the built-in flash or ambient light before adding the bulk and added task load of using an external strobe.

A cold shoe mount facilitates the attachment of a focusing light or action camera to the top of the housing. You could add an external strobe or video light to this mount on a short arm but, with the mount being screwed onto the body of the housing, I’m a little wary of putting too much weight and leverage on it in case it breaks off.

The housing base has a plate with three tripod-sized screw holes, enabling you to mount it on a tripod or a lighting tray with handles for attaching strobes or video lights.

With a single strobe attached to a tray with a left handle, the controls are easy to operate. But with a two-handle tray you may find operating the shutter release lever while holding the right handle is too much of a stretch.

You can hold the side of the housing with your hand between it and the right handle, but that can be uncomfortable. A third-party extension for the shutter release lever or trigger style attachment will enable you to take shots while holding the right handle.

A 52mm screw thread on the housing port makes it possible to attach wide-angle wet lenses by brands such as Inon, Aoi and Weefine. Inon and Nauticam also make specific quick-change bayonet mounts to fit the PT-059, so their bayonet-fitting wet lenses can be used.

Being able to quickly remove or fit a wide-angle lens while underwater enables you to switch between taking pictures of large marine creatures, like turtles and sharks, over to the tiniest of animals.

You do have to take some care when using the PT-059, though. While the waterproof nature of the camera provides extra protection, a severe leak of your housing at depth can still kill your camera.

A visual check of the O-ring for debris should be done before every use, and you should ensure that the O-ring that seals the door is kept suitably lubricated.

OM System PT-059: Verdict

The OM System PT-059 does an excellent job as an underwater housing, combining good build quality with a reasonable cost. It’s comfortable to use on its own and readily expandable with a large range of third-party accessories available from quality underwater photography brands such as Inon, Nauticam and Aoi.

It would take a really impressive housing at the same or lower price point to persuade me to stop recommending the PT-059 to my customers and students.

OM System PT-059: Alternatives

Check out our guide to the best underwater housings for other cameras and phones

Photography can get expensive fast – but getting a stylish camera companion (or your very first setup) doesn't have to be.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV stands out as DCW's best affordable retro camera, and it's also packed with beginner-friendly features.

Now, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV + 14‑42mm lens is just £599 at Amazon.

That means you're getting a compact, powerful camera in a sleek design and a versatile pancake zoom lens – while saving £280 off the £879 RRP price.

• The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV + 14‑42mm lens is also available in black for just £570 at Amazon

The best cheap retro & best features beginner camera
Beautifully designed and packed with modern features, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is ideal if you value creativity and classic styling.

Its 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, paired with 5-axis in-body stabilization, produces remarkably sharp results even when shooting challenging low-light situations handheld.

The tilting touchscreen and tactile dials encourage manual experimentation, and the high range of compatible lenses opens up endless photographic possibilities. It's a superb choice if you want a lightweight, versatile tool for everyday shooting.

As mentioned in the Olympus M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ review, it is "in our opinion, the best pancake lens ever." The zoom lens is a true must-have optic and covers 18-82mm focal range in full-frame terms – a travel and everyday essential for beginners, enthusiasts, and pros alike.

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Compact cameras are selling so well right now that finding one in stock is a challenge – but the newest list of bestsellers from Japan carries a common theme: Zoom.

Japanese retailer Yodobashi recently shared the list of bestselling compact cameras for the first half of April 2026. With a number of major camera brands headquartered in Japan, sales data from the region often hints at trends in the camera industry.

The latest list is topped by cameras that offer a zoom lens. Zoom has been traditionally much harder to find from smartphone cameras – though there are an increasing number of smartphones with big zoom ranges, like the Leica Lietzphone.

Vlogging cameras, budget options, and large sensors are also common themes in Japan’s current best-selling compact cameras.

Compact cameras with zoom are among the trendiest options

The list is topped by the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, a point-and-shoot that mixes a 40x optical zoom with a 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch sensor and a pocketable design. While the retailer delivered enough backorders for the camera to sit at the top of the listings, the compact is out of stock. The camera is similarly out of stock at Canon’s US and UK webstores, hinting at high demand.

The Panasonic TZ99 / ZS99, which sits in the fifth place spot on the best-seller list, is also heavy on zoom. The camera puts a 30x optical zoom into a pocketable camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor – and unlike Canon’s 40x compact zoom camera, it’s easy to find in stock.

Pairing a larger sensor with a zoom lens is a challenging balance, but it’s one that the Sony RX100 VII, which sits in eighth place, balances well. The camera is a 2019 launch, but the pocketable camera has an unusual mix of a larger one-inch sensor with a versatile 28-200mm equivalent optical zoom and 20 fps burst speeds. Another rare feature is that it still has a hidden pop-up viewfinder.

The OM System Tough TG-7 – one of the most recommended waterproof cameras – offers an entirely different feature that’s hard to find on smartphones: a waterproof and shockproof design. The camera also has a 4x optical zoom – and a fantastic macro mode. It sits in 6th place.

Vlogging cameras are selling well

The zoom theme continues – albeit to a lesser extent – with the second-place model on the list, the Sony ZV-1 II. The ZV-1 II’s zoom lens is a smaller 2.7x, 18-50mm equivalent range, but it’s paired with a larger one-inch sensor. The ZV line is geared towards vloggers with its 4K video features, though it can still snap still photos as well. Unlike the SX740, the ZV-1 II is easier to find in stock.

Canon’s more video-oriented PowerShot also makes the list, as the V1 slides into 7th place. Yodobashi notes that it’s the PowerShot V1’s first time back on the after dropping out of the top ten for two months. While geared more towards video, the PowerShot V1 balances a 1.4-type with a lens that still has a bit of zoom with a 16-50mm equivalent.

Budget cameras remain popular

Canon’s most affordable compact camera slides in third. The Canon IXY 650, which is called the PowerShot 360 HS A in the US, is the brand’s most affordable point-and-shoot. While it doesn’t have the zoom of the SX740 HS or the larger sensor of the G7 X Mark III, the more affordable PowerShot slides in with a 12x optical zoom and 20.2MP 1/2.3-inch sensor.

Budget cameras remain a popular option within the compact camera category – the Kodak PixPro C1 also slides into the top five. The affordable compact has a retro pocketable design, but the zoom is only digital, and image quality – and versatility – is limited.

Large sensor compacts are still in demand, but hard to find

Two Ricoh GR series cameras round out the list in the ninth and tenth place spots: The GR IV and the GR IV Monochrome. Both of the APS-C sensor compact cameras are out of stock at Yodobashi – suggesting that if availability weren’t so limited, those cameras perhaps could have appeared higher on the list.

The full list of best-selling compact cameras for the first half of April 2026 at Yodobashi includes:

1. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
2. Sony ZV-1 II
3. Canon IXY 650m / PowerShot 360 HS A
4. Kodak Pixpro C1
5. Panasonic Lumix TZ99 / TS99
6. OM System TOUGH TG-7
7. Canon PowerShot V1
8. Sony RX100 VII
9. Ricoh GR IV
10. Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

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It looks like OM System could be about to take a page out of Leica's playbook: a rumor is doing the rounds that an OM System OM-3 Monochrome is on the way.

In case this all sounds a bit strange to you, let me explain.

While most cameras have a monochrome mode (and, obviously, you can perform a conversion in post), the best cameras for black-and-white photography have a dedicated mono sensor – as in, a sensor that only shoots black-and-white.

A few years ago this was an incredibly niche idea. But since Leica kickstarted the idea in 2012, there have been over half a dozen black-and-white cameras – including some of today's hot sellers like the Leica Q3 Monochrom and Ricoh GR IV Monochrome.

Still, it's quite a boutique idea – so you won't see Canon, Nikon or Sony releasing such a camera, but that leaves the door wide open for OM System (which has already launched a niche model of the OM-3 in the form of the OM System OM-3 Astro).

If true, this would turn my favorite feature of my favorite camera into a dedicated product. After all, the OM-3 already has the best mono profile of any camera out there – at least, in my opinion. But see for yourself:

I can hear some of you asking, "If the OM-3 already has a great mono mode, why do we need a mono-only version of the camera?"

Well, obviously if you shoot color then you probably don't want one. But if, like me, the majority of what you shoot is black-and-white, there are some huge advantages for a monochrome sensor.

Mono sensors eschew the Bayer filter found on color sensors. This employs demosaicing and interpolation to produce color data – but does so at the expense of both resolution and clarity.

As such, a mono sensor produces images that are crisper, clearer and cleaner – the latter being having the most profound impact, as noise is reduced enormously even when shooting at higher ISO levels.

There are a couple of trade offs – the lack of color data means that there's less leeway to recover highlights, and mono sensors make it hard to implement phase detect AF – but I can live with this in return for flawless mono files.

While this is all far from official, 43 Rumors reports that an OM-3 Monochrome could be released this year. And if it is, I predict that it will be one of 2026's best-selling bodies.

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Psst – if you like the above OM-3 mono images, the same profile can be found in both the Olympus PEN-F and the Olympus PEN E-P7!

New tech isn’t the only thing that has the list of best-selling cameras looking quite different from just a few years ago – trends for compact cameras and retro designs seem to have played a massive role in which cameras are coming out on top. A major retailer in Japan has just shared a year’s worth of best-selling cameras, and the list makes it clear that camera trends go well beyond the spec sheet.

Map Camera, a large retailer based in Japan where several major camera companies are headquartered, recently shared the list of best-selling cameras from the last fiscal year, between April 2025 through March 2026. And while the list contains several names that I expected to see, I wouldn’t have predicted how heavily the list is dominated by compact retro designs, nor that a brand outside of the three biggest names would take nearly half the top ten spots.

According to Map Camera, the best-selling cameras between April 2025 and March 2026 are:

1. Fujifilm X-M5
2. Fujifilm X-E5
3. Nikon Z5II
4. Sony A7 V
5. Fujifilm X100VI
6. Fujifilm X Half
7. Sony A7C II
8. Ricoh GR IV
9. Ricoh GR IIIx
10. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
11. Fujifilm X-T5
12. Nikon Zf
13. Fujifilm X-T30 III
14. Nikon Z50 II
15. Canon EOS R6 Mark III
16. OM System OM-3
17. Nikon ZR
18. Sony A7 IV
19. Canon EOS R5 Mark II
20. Fujifilm GFX100RF

I’m a Fujifilm shooter myself, but I was still surprised to see that’s the brand listed most on the list. I would have predicted the impossible-to-find-in-stock X100VI would be on the list alongside its mirrorless equivalent, the X-E5.

But the X Half had some mixed reactions at launch – it’s more affordable and retro, but doesn’t have RAW. The medium format GFX100RF is an excellent camera, but the price of medium format tends to make the genre a rarity among best seller lists. Yet, both of those cameras have been selling well in Japan.

Fujifilm’s most affordable – and most compact – current model takes the number one spot with the X-M5. The X-M5 doesn’t have Fujifilm’s best specs at 26.1MP with no viewfinder, but it’s small, affordable, and stylish, three things that have undoubtedly led to strong sales.

The X-E5 has fewer compromises than the X-M5 but is still rather compact – and it’s really the closest mirrorless to the viral X100VI compact camera. The X-T5 is Fujifilm’s retro SLR-inspired camera, and it has the weather-sealing and dual card slots that the X-E5 lacks. The X-T30 III likely makes the list for one of the same reasons as the X-M5 – it’s a more affordable but still capable option.

Nikon is also holding its own on the list. I’m not surprised that the Nikon Z5 II is the brand’s best-seller in Japan. The camera offers a full-frame sensor at a more affordable price point, and the low-light autofocus rating beats even pricier cameras.

The Nikon Zf also makes the list – which I find unsurprising because it’s one of the few retro-styled mirrorless cameras that offer a full-frame sensor. The Z5 II’s little sister, the Z50 II, also makes the list, along with the video-focused Nikon ZR.

The Sony A7 V is another camera that I would have predicted would hit the list – it’s been dominating Japan’s monthly ratings since its launch in December. The camera was only available for a few months out of the time period tracked by Map Camera – I suspect it may jump up a few spaces on the 2026 annual list.

Sony’s smaller full-frame camera, the A7C II puts a full-frame sensor inside and the rising trend for smaller camera systems. The Sony A7 IV, a longstanding favorite, also makes the list.

The Ricoh GR IV and older but longer-lensed GR IIIx is another camera duo that I would have expected to see on the list – but perhaps not so high up. The cameras pack APS-C sensors into a tiny design, and, like the X100VI, they are difficult to find in stock.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Canon nearly missed the top ten entirely – unusual considering Canon has been the number one seller of interchangeable lens cameras for 23 years. I wouldn’t let the rankings worry Canon fans, though – Canon has been posting record camera sales lately, so Canons are still clearly a popular choice.

The Canon R6 Mark II was the best-selling Canon mirrorless for the retailer, and its replacement the R6 Mark III – whose recent launch means it didn’t have 12 months of sales like some other models – also ranks high on the list.

The R6 series’ big sister, the R5 Mark II, also slides onto the list at 19th place.

There's just one Micro Four Thirds camera on the list: The OM System OM-3, a capable camera that blends the retro and compact trends nicely.

Camera sales in Japan don’t always translate to other regions, but with many camera brands based in Japan, the region’s best-seller lists are ones that photographers tend to watch.

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Photographer Jacek Hensoldt's work focuses on "the little wonderful things that we usually don't notice." To capture the hidden complexity of the macro world, he uses a powerful technique that brings out extreme details in tiny subjects: focus stacking.

Hensoldt applied this technique to capture Parasite – an image that was selected as a Finalist in Close Up Photographer of the Year's 'Death & Decay' challenge.

The photo reveals extraordinary detail in a cluster of shield bug eggs parasited by the wasp Trissolcus semistriatus – with one adult already emerged and others developing inside the remaining eggs.

Finalist 'Parasite'

Shot info
Gear: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS + MC-20 2x teleconverter
Accessories: Godox V860III flash with diffuser
Exposure: 1/50sec, f/13, ISO 200
Post-processing: Focus stack of 32 shots merged in Helicon Focus

Hensoldt says, "This is a cluster of shield bug eggs parasitised by the wasp Trissolcus semistriatus. The females lay their eggs inside the host eggs, where the larvae feed on the contents – the death of one becoming the prerequisite for the life of another.

"Through the translucent eggshells, the tiny heads of the developing wasps are already visible; in some, you can even distinguish compound eyes and antennae. One adult has already emerged but seemed in no hurry to leave without its siblings, which allowed me to photograph the scene at a relaxed pace.

"The adult wasps are only 0.9–1.3mm long and completely harmless to humans. What fascinates me most is how symmetrically the eggs are arranged. The final image is a focus stack of 32 frames merged in Helicon Focus."

The CUPOTY competition

The main Close Up Photographer of the Year competition invites photographers from all levels and corners of the globe to showcase their finest close-up work, captured with any camera, camera phone, or even microscope.

Next to this annual competition, the CUPOTY runs themed challenges with a specific theme, like 'Death & Decay'. For more information and to discover more winning images, visit the CUPOTY website.

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Looking for competitions to enter? Here are 10 global photo contests now open for entries from April to July.

I was really excited when I heard that OM System had produced an Astro version of its OM-3 camera. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras modified for astrophotography have been released regularly by Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon and Olympus in the past ten years. But few of them stay on sale for long. Released as special editions, they disappear almost as soon as they appear - a bit like a twinkling star!

The OM System OM-3 Astro has particular interest as the OM-3 already has a few features that make it an appealing option for astrophotography, such as its Starry Star AF system. But the appeal of the special addition is the modified sensor that is optimized to see the red Hydrogen Alpha (Hα) part of the spectrum, which is crucial for the best photos of nebulae and dying stars.

Historically, this kind of narrowband imaging has not been for the faint-hearted. Previously, obtaining an astro camera meant you modified a camera's sensor (in a similar way to an infrared conversion), to reveal the hydrogen alpha emission. But this came at the expense of rendering your camera warranty void and even run the risk of ruining the camera. A dedicated, out-of-the-box astro camera avoids these worries - so it is great to see this new OM System option.

It is worth pointing out that even with the OM-3 Astro, you are still going to need a star tracker. A budget option that I have tested and recommend is the MoveShootMove Nomad. A star tracker aligned to the celestial pole and coupled with dark skies, will reveal this nebulosity as glowing regions of deep red, crimson light. Areas of emitting hydrogen alpha gas (656nm) are formed by energized ultraviolet radiation, creating ionization of surrounding gas clouds. Although not directly visible to the unaided eye, the OM-3 Astro's converted sensor reveals another layer to the universe behind the lens of an astro image.

The camera comes out the box with a modified Infrared Cut Filter. Custom presets are selected by using the presets: CL 1 & 2 for different visual effects. CL 1 preferable for Ha emission; CL 2 for starry nightscapes.

For the short time, DCW had the use of the OM-3 Astro camera, I was ongly able to test for a handful of nights with far from ideal conditions. With the waxing gibbous moon (and the unpredictably of the British weather). But once the moon had set, I had approximately 30-minutes to trial and error the camera to capture the galactic core over the dark skies of The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

With a $2,499/£1,899 price tag, this option is a more affordable option compared to astro-camera options that have been released before. It is important to note that it does not have a full frame sensor, using a Micro Four Thirds sensor which around a quarter of the size

The camera is weather-sealed. It is reassuring to know if imaging for prolonged periods of time, condensation will not affect image performance internally or within more rugged environments. A lens heater however, is highly recommended for unexpected environmental conditions that may result in condensation on the lens (such as the CooWoo Lens Heater or the one from MoveShootMove).

I recommend a good quality lens when using this camera – one with greater light gathering and glass – such as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lens – notot only to reduce coma and vignetting, but to result in an overall sharper image and greater light gathering in a short space of time. My tests, unfortunately, were made using the less-than-ideal M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8. Shooting wide has the benefit of capturing a greater coverage of sky for more dynamic, wide-angle/fisheye perspectives of the night sky. The camera can also be used with telephoto lenses for images of galaxies and nebulae to reveal the Hydrogen-Alpha emission.

Starry Sky AF (incorporated into the OM-3 Astro) applies a special algorithm to focus on stars, even for smaller, dimmer pinpoint sources of light. This is a great consideration for those who may be less familiar with astro focusing and processes in low-light environments. Although this AF option as good, my personal preference is to manually focus stars on the stars for greater manual control. But equally good to know the technology is there for ease.

The 3-inch rear LED monitor is optimized for low-light environments and makes focusing stars way easier. Boosting the signal in low-light environments is easier to focus on stars without affecting both optical and imaging performance, offering another option to obtain focus over manual focus or the use of a Bahnitov mask. The ergonomics of the LED monitor allow for an articulated screen to flip and swivel at various angles – this is ideal for astrophotography when composing images at more complicated angles to align terrestrial and celestial subject matters.

Built into the camera is a specialized “stacking-based shooting” mode. This feature enables utilisation, alignment and stacking of 12 images in-camera (without need for a star tracker at shorter exposure) to produce a rendered 50mp image output. This process increases Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) for a cleaner result with noise minimised. A great consideration for Astrophotographers developing their skillset, but also allows photographers to obtain their rushes for more manual control in post.

When taking images just shy of an hour, battery levels of the OM-3's BLX-1 rbattery emained at 95% allowing for good imaging time of a single charge. Over its life span, a single charge is typically rated to last 590 shots per charge whilst operating the LCD monitor. A final consideration is the incorporated USB-C connection port, which allows for an external power bank to be attached and operate for longer durations outdoors.

As an addition, the OI Share app (available for both iOS and Android) offers an option to take images wirelessly operating your smartphone using internal WiFi connection. This setup is ideal for a single shot and can be done for multiple images but requires constant activation of the camera shutter, which is not so ideal when imaging for greater periods of time. A remote shutter release cable therefore is highly advised to take greater control if utilising longer exposures or shooting for prolonged periods of time.

I hope to be able to borrow a OM System OM-3 Astro again in the near future for a longer test in better conditions. But my initial thoughts that this is a great option for getting avid photographers immersed in the world of narrowband imaging, with the sensor modification already applied out of the box. It is a stylish retro-designed mirrorless camera too - and is very well priced compared to other astro cameras. The OM-3 Astro costs around $900 more than the normal OM-3 in the US, and £200 more in the UK.

Photographer Pete Burford earned a Finalist spot in Close Up Photographer of the Year's 'Death & Decay' challenge with his image Bee Meal. The image is a visual feast for the viewer – and another for the flower crab spider (Thomisus onustus) as it feeds on a bee.

Near the beach in Crete, Burford discovered flowers inhabited by the spiders. He explains, "They can change color to match their surroundings, and bees were visiting the flowers for nectar, giving the spiders the perfect opportunity to ambush any that ventured too close."

Burford is an award-winning macro photographer and OM System ambassador, relying on a "secret weapon" for wildlife and macro work – a MFT camera that rivals full-frame sensors for ISO noise and surpasses them in dynamic range – paired with DCW's favorite macro lens for MFT systems.

Finalist 'Bee Meal'

Shot info
Gear: OM System OM-D E-M1 II + Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Accessories: Godox V350 flash with Cygnustech diffuser, background card
Exposure: 1/200sec, f/5.6, ISO 200
Post-processing: Focus stack processed in Photoshop, Topaz DeNoise for cleanup

"When I found this particular spider feeding on a bee, I wanted to capture the moment from the bee's point of view as most crab spider predation shots focus on the spider, not the prey.

"Because both spider and bee were hanging downward, I flipped out my LCD screen and positioned the camera directly underneath, shooting upward to frame the bee head-on.

"The Cretan sunlight was so intense it blew out the background completely, so I used a card behind the flower to control the backdrop. Focus stacking was challenging in the sea breeze, and I had to time each burst carefully between gusts."

The CUPOTY competition

The main Close Up Photographer of the Year competition invites photographers from all levels and corners of the globe to showcase their finest close-up work, captured with any camera, camera phone, or even microscope.

Next to this annual competition, the CUPOTY runs themed challenges with a specific theme, like 'Death & Decay'. For more information and to discover more winning images, visit the CUPOTY website.

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Unsurprisingly, cheap and cheerful compact cameras continue to rule Japan's market for another month, as the latest sales figures from BCN+R reveal – and two Kodak Pixpro models have held their ground at the top for months.

The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 and Kodak Pixpro C1 are almost always constantly high up the best-seller charts.

What both cameras have in common is incredible affordability: the FZ55 retails for only $139.99 / £119 / AU$197, while the C1 is even cheaper at $99 / £79.99 / AU$140. But beyond their price tag, these two compacts are actually quite different, making the choice more about style, use, and what kind of shooting experience you want.

BCN+R compact camera ranking (Mar 26)

1. Kodak Pixpro FZ55 | Black
2. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Black
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | Black
4. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | Black
5. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Brown
6. OM System Tough TG-7 | Black
7. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | Brown
8. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | Silver
9. Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ ZS99 | Black
10. Canon IXY 650 M (aka Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Silver

Sales data compiled by BCN+R, which aggregates nationwide sales figures from major electronic retailers and online platforms across Japan.

5x zoom vs. retro compact camera charm

Both compact cameras are highly affordable – but their differences are quickly visible to the naked eye, and in real-world use.

The FZ55 follows a more traditional point-and-shoot design, echoing early digital compacts, while the C1 leans into retro styling and a more lifestyle-oriented appeal.

Specs-wise, the FZ55 uses a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor while the C1 drops to a smaller 13MP 1/3-inch chip. While neither sensor is large by modern standards, the FZ55's slightly bigger sensor allows for capturing more light, resulting in better low-light performance and improved dynamic range.

One of the key dividers is the lens – the FZ55 offers a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent), whereas the C1 has a fixed wide-angle lens that relies on a 4x digital zoom , limiting detail and compositional flexibility.

The FZ55 is a proven user-friendly device since its launch in 2022 – something for travel, casual shooting, or learning basic compositions. The C1, which appeared last year, on the other hand, targets a younger, more social-first crowd – its flip screen makes operational and technical control just incredibly easy.

March's top 10

The BCN+R best-selling compact camera chart has remained relatively stable. Models like OM System's Tough T-7 or Canon's PowerShot SX740 HS Lite version are familiar faces.

The most notable shift comes from the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, with the Black version climbing from 7th to 3rd place, while the Brown variant makes an even bigger jump from 14th to 7th in March rankings.

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Sometimes, cameras can see better than the human eye – and OM System has just launched one such camera in Japan. The OM System OM-1 Mark II IR is an infrared camera system designed for testing and research.

The new IR camera is based on the OM-1 Mark II that consumers can buy off the shelf, but is built to use swappable magnetic filters that allow the camera to see infrared light, then switch back to traditional visible light photography.

The IR version of the camera has so far only been announced in Japan, and is designed for corporate customers and businesses needing IR cameras for inspections and testing. That means it’s not an IR camera to take otherworldly, artistic photos.

While the new IR camera doesn’t look like something the average photographer can go out and buy, the use of a magnetic detachable filter is interesting. IR filters are easy to find from photography gear stores, and are available both in the type that twists onto a lens and clip-on filters that sit over the sensor itself.

OM System Japan notes that using an existing mirrorless system allows companies to access IR photography at a lower cost.

The specs on the IR camera look nearly identical to the original OM-1 Mark II. The dust-proof and splashproof body makes sense for a camera made to go to construction sites for inspections. The high-resolution mode that merges photos from the native 20MP sensor into 80MP photos is also still intact in the specialty IR version.

While the OM System OM-1 Mark II IR doesn’t appear to be available to photographers, it’s interesting to see the tech behind the cameras used for things like researching the unseen brushstrokes on paintings, conducting inspections, and even forensic photography.

The OM-1 Mark II isn’t the first camera that the company has offered in an infrared variant either. Under the Olympus brand, the company has also previously offered IR versions of the OM-D E-M1X and the E-M1 Mark III.

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Looking for a rugged, waterproof, and adventure-ready camera for your next hike, five, ski, or biking excursion? Two great budget outdoor cameras are now available at a discount from Jessops and Amazon.

The Pentax WG-8 in black is now just £399 at Jessops – you save £80 off its original £479 price.

The OM System Tough TG-7 in black is now just £381.15 at Amazon – you save £118.84 off its £499.99 RRP.

• The Pentax WG-8 is also available in green for £399 at Jessops. Price match: £399 at Amazon, £399 at Very

• The OM System Tough TG-7 is also available in red for £374.25 at Amazon

Pentax WG-8: A real Captain Scarlet of a compact camera
The Pentax WG-8 is built tough to survive water, dust, drops, freezing temps – you name it. It's perfect if you want a camera that's truly adventure-proof, without spending big. With a 20MP sensor and 5x optical zoom (approx. 28-140mm in 35mm terms).

It shoots decent photos and 4k video at 30fps. It also shines in ultra-close-up shots, and it performs well underwater and in extreme conditions where other cameras might fail. It's a solid budget-friendly choice for anyone needing a tough, reliable camera for travel.
Read more: Pentax WG-8 review.

OM System Tough TG-7: Indestructable camera, impressive results
The OM System Tough TG-7 is built to be a companion on any adventure. It's waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, so you never have to worry about weather or terrain. Sure, its 12MP sensor is smaller than some other cameras, but that actually helps underwater photos by capturing more light where it's often dim. Plus, it shoots RAW and bursts up to 20fps – perfect for catching fast moments.

The TG-7 has a handy 4x zoom (approx. 25-100mm in 35mm terms) with a bright aperture and a standout macro mode that lets you snap amazing close-ups and 4K video. It's simple, durable, and versatile – the perfect point and shoot to toss in your bag when you need a reliable camera that won't quit.
Read more: OM System Tough TG-7 review.

Discover more and browse the best travel cameras, best compact cameras and best point and shoot cameras

In what could be the biggest change to OM System structure since the company split from Olympus in 2021, the photography brand is now majority owned by its own CEO, Shigemi Sugimoto. The move effectively shifts majority ownership from a holdings corporation, OJ Holdings, Ltd., to a leader who has spent more than 30 years with Olympus and led the split to OM System.

Corporate speak aside, that means the former head of the imaging division at Olympus is now the majority owner of OM System. The move could lead to faster tech development and is likely a vote of confidence in OM System’s future.

Shifting ownership from a holdings company to the CEO is potentially a good sign for future camera development. OM System says that the change should allow the company to make faster decisions and further strengthen tech development.

“This change in shareholder structure will transition our company to a system where the current management team holds management control under their own responsibility, establishing a management foundation that enables faster and more flexible decision-making, and further strengthening our promotion of technology development investments and business growth strategies from a medium- to long-term perspective,” the company wrote in the announcement.

Previously, after OM System split off from Olympus in 2021, Olympus owned 5 percent of the new company, and Japan Industrial Partners’ OJ Holdings, Ltd. owned 95 percent. Japan Industrial Partners is known for restructuring Japanese manufacturing, with past restructures including Toshiba, Vaio, and OM System.

Switching ownership from an equity firm to an individual who has had a hand in Olympus for multiple years is likely a good sign for photographers. Sugimoto, who has spent more than 35 years with Olympus-OM System, has led the company as OM System shifted focus towards durable, weather-sealed cameras built for the outdoors.

Ownership from an executive is also often considered a vote of confidence in the company’s future, as that means the CEO’s own personal wealth is now even more tied to the success of the company.

But, OM Digital Solutions Co., Ltd. is a privately owned company – unlike Olympus – so unlike publicly traded companies, there's not a lot of publicly shared financial data to indicate how well OM System is doing since the split.

As an OM System fan, I’m hoping the change allows OM System to move forward with new tech at a faster pace, but in a way that honors the company’s Olympus roots.

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It's been ten years since the launch of the now-legendary Olympus PEN-F. I'm not the first person to wax lyrical about this camera over the past decade, nor will I be the last. (Though in 2015, the year before the camera was released, I was lucky enough to test one of only two production samples in the world.)

If you've been paying any attention to the camera community or the second-hand market, you'll know just how coveted the PEN-F has become. Search for it on YouTube and you'll see videos being made about it to this day, by a new generation of photographers. Search for it on MPB or KEH and you'll see its price appreciate like a classic car.

Aging like a fine wine, it's arguably the only mirrorless camera to have achieved this kind of Leica-like upmarket collectability. Heck, it might be the only non-Leica digital camera period to hold the distinction.

Curiously, though, the PEN-F was considered a failure during its lifetime. Released as a premium product, with a premium price tag (famously milled from a single block of aluminum, without a single visible screw or join), paying homage to the iconic Pen-F film camera from the Sixties, it was a calculated move by Olympus to market a prestige product.

Unfortunately, despite its undeniable appeal, it did not achieve its sales targets – leaving Olympus to retire the camera, along with its ambitions to be considered a premium brand.

We all know what happened next. Striving to find its identity, Olympus eventually sold off its camera business; under new ownership, the rechristened OM System now styles itself as an outdoor imaging brand targeting hikers, birders and adventurers – but not prestige buyers.

As such, we haven't seen a new PEN camera since 2021 – the year that Olympus finalized the sale of the camera division.

The outdoor rebrand has brought some success to OM System, particularly in Japan. But there's only one camera in its inherited catalog for which people have spent a decade begging for an update. Only one camera that has consistently gone up in value on the used market. Only one camera that everyone who sees it goes "Wow!" and agrees was ahead of its time.

Essentially, everything that has made the Fujifilm X100 cameras explosively popular is true of the Olympus PEN-F. Jaw-dropping vintage design, build quality without compromise, compact body with exquisite handling, built-in film simulations… and the PEN-F has a huge advantage over the X100 in that it's an interchangeable lens camera.

The success of Fujifilm's compact sets out a blueprint for success so obvious that even Stevie Wonder can see that OM System would make money hand over fist – and regain much of its luster lost during the pre- and post-sale years – if it only resurrected its prestige product.

So, will we ever actually see a successor to the Olympus PEN-F?

Recently, OM System teased users once again with the promise of a new PEN camera. "We can't give a specific date, but we have plans to launch a new PEN series under the OM System brand," said company execs. But they've been saying that since 2021, and clearly we're all still waiting.

Realistically, I think a "new series" is more likely to feature a successor to the Olympus PEN E-P7 – which actually is a brilliant "baby PEN-F" in its own right, though it's a much more junior product.

The truth is that the OM System OM-3 is probably the closest we're ever going to see to a PEN-F successor; the body design is different, but it features many of the same characteristics that made the PEN-F so beloved (which is why it has been embraced so passionately by everyone who has used it).

If we were ever to see a true PEN-F Mark II, there would be compromises. For starters, the signature "single block of aluminum" means that dissipating heat is a major pain point.

Not a huge issue, with the FullHD video of the original camera, but guaranteed to cause problems with things like 4K video. There's also the fact that the original camera wasn't weather-sealed – something else that would require a redesign.

As OM told me when I asked them last year, these considerations alone would likely result in a larger body with a far less sleek finish – and ultimately, that wouldn't be a PEN-F.

So why, after ten long and seemingly futile years, do we keep holding out hope for a new PEN-F like a photographic version of the Snyder Cut? Quite simply, because that's just how good this camera is. And as they say, all good things…

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If there’s an Olympus (now OM System) camera that I see photographers longing for, it’s the compact and retro PEN series. But an OM System executive just dropped a major hint that the company plans to launch a new PEN camera under the OM System name.

Spanish photo publication Photolari interviewed two OM System executives at the CP+ show – Senior Vice President Tazuhiro Togashi and Director of Product Planning Hiroki Koyama – and recently shared the full transcript. Among the topics discussed is the highly requested PEN series – and the interview seems to confirm that an OM System PEN is in the works.

During the interview, the executives indicated that OM System does have the licensing rights for the Olympus PEN series and plans to launch a new PEN camera (translated by Google): “We can't give a specific date, but we have plans to launch a new PEN series under the OM System brand.”

The popular PEN series still exists as the Olympus PEN E-P7, but the E-P7 is only available in select markets in Asia and Europe. The E-P7 was one of the first launches after the transition from Olympus to OM System. But despite the camera approaching its fifth birthday, it still pops up on best-seller lists in Japan.

The Photolari interview echoes what OM System executives told me last summer when I met with several OM System reps at the BILD Expo. At the time, OM System told me, “The PEN series remains as an important part of our portfolio, and we are actively exploring the possibility of a PEN model.”

While we’ve known for some time that OM System hasn’t forgotten about the PEN, “we have plans to launch” sounds like a much stronger confirmation than “actively exploring the possibility.”

OM System couldn’t share specifics before an official launch, including a date, so it’s possible fans of the series may still have a long wait ahead for a new PEN. Of course, plans don’t always translate into official launches either, and like the E-P7, it's possible the camera could be limited to only certain regions.

Launching an updated PEN makes sense in today’s market. Both retro cameras and compact cameras are trending. The PEN is a mirrorless camera, not a compact camera, but the bodies are known for their small size. Twist a pancake lens on the front, and the PEN E-P7 would feel a lot like a compact camera.

Perhaps a better question is what changes photographers may expect to see in a PEN series revival. OM System has said before that it is exploring a new sensor, but the company has stuck with a 20MP Micro Four Thirds since 2016, and says that the resolution allows for the high-speed performance and computational photography that the brand is focused on.

While it’s unclear when a new PEN series camera would arrive or what specs the camera would carry, it seems clear that the series is popular enough that OM System seems keen on continuing the lineup.

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New camera launches often vie for the top spots on bestseller lists – but sometimes the most popular cameras are longstanding models. Case in point? At one Japanese camera retailer known for both new and used camera sales, the 2023 Sony A7C II has beaten out even the new and highly popular Sony A7 V.

Japanese camera retailer Kitamura has shared its list of best-selling mirrorless cameras for February 2026, and it’s a list that’s topped with a mix of cameras that are older – and more affordable – than similar rankings lists for other retailers in the region, like Map Camera and Yodobashi.

Topping the list is the Sony A7C II, a summer 2023 release that has remained quite popular even as the camera ages, including slotting in at number three in Map Camera rankings and number two in Yodobashi’s recent lists.

The A7C II isn’t known for hard-to-find tech, but rather for its ability to pack a 33MP full-frame sensor into a more compact rangefinder-inspired body. The camera’s mix of size and capabilities has proven to be a popular mix – and a price lower than the A7 V probably doesn’t hurt either.

The Sony A7 V, which has led other Japanese lists since its launch, doesn’t show up until the fifth place spot at Kitamura, serving as a reminder that which camera is trending may vary quite a bit from retailer to retailer, even from the same region. Kitamura has a 7-story camera store in Tokoyo, but the retailer is also known for its selection of used cameras, which could be why the best seller list is made up of more older and more affordable cameras than other retailers in Japan.

Cameras from Sony make up half the top ten list, with the vlogging-oriented Sony ZV-E10 II kit taking second place, the Sony A6700 zoom lens kit taking fourth, the Sony A7 V in fifth, and the Sony A7 IV zoom kit in ninth place.

Nikon’s affordable crop sensor Z50 II slides in third with a double zoom kit, and the Z30 on the list at number six is also a two-lens kit. The brand’s most affordable current model full-frame body, the Z5 II, comes in eighth place.

The only Canon on the list is the affordable Canon EOS R10 in the kit paired with an 18-150mm lens.

In tenth place is the Olympus PEN E-P7, a camera that’s only available in select Asian and European markets. The E-P7 is the only remaining current model in the popular PEN series, popular for its mix of a compact body and retro style.

The list of trending cameras at Kitamura serves as a reminder that sales from one retailer only offer a hint at what’s popular – and there may be quite a bit of variety between retailers. But, since brands rarely share detailed sales specifics, those trending lists are an interesting indication of what’s popular in photography gear.

The top ten mirrorless cameras at Kitamura, February 2026

1. Sony A7C II
2. Sony ZV-E10 II
3. Nikon Z50 II
4. Sony A6700
5. Sony A7 V
6. Nikon Z30
7. Canon EOS R10
8. Nikon Z5 II
9. Sony A7 IV
10. Olympus PEN E-P7

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You know a camera is good when friends who use it go out and buy one. But you know a camera is really good when the director of a rival camera company wants one – and even admits that it's better than the one that his company makes!

That's the case with the OM System Tough TG-7, which is my favorite compact camera right now. And it's a camera that's so good, it literally sells itself just by letting people use it!

(If you want to pick up one of your own, it's currently discounted by $118 in the US and is also its lowest ever price in the UK, as part of the Amazon Spring Sale.)

Most recently, one of my best friends set off to spend six months in Thailand. She's a photographer who wanted to document her adventure but didn't want to risk her DSLR in obscene humidity, sandy beaches or river networks, or risk it falling out of her backpack or off her scooter.

The TG-7 is perfect, being waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof – and having a built-in GPS, to easily catalog where she was during her trip (along with a Field Sensor System that can even record the temperatures so people know she's not exaggerating the heat!).

Sure, the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor isn't going to give you the same fidelity as those found in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but the quality is really quite good. And the 12MP resolution enables the sensor, which is also back-illuminated, to perform very well in low light – and underwater!

And the 24-100mm equivalent lens gives you a very versatile zoom range, but the best thing about it is that it has an integrated macro mode – enabling you to get incredible close-up shots without the need to screw on any accessories.

And of course, the real kicker for me was when I was having dinner with the director of a competing camera company. He was absolutely fascinated by the camera, and asked me all kinds of questions about it, and promptly set off to buy one – admitting that it's better than the ones made by his company!

If you're looking for the perfect travel camera to take on vacations and day trips this year, or you just want a great compact camera that fits in your pocket and takes pretty pictures and 4K video, I really don't think you can go wrong with the Tough TG-7. Especially given its ruggedness that means you can take it absolutely anywhere!

🇺🇸 USA: Save $118

🇬🇧 UK: Lowest price ever

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Breaking records yet again, young wildlife photographer Jamie Smart – also known as the "Eagle Eyed Girl" – has added another prestigious accolade to her growing list of achievements.

The talent from Llandrindod Wells, Wales, has been named the Under-11 Category Winner at the British Wildlife Photography Awards for her detailed macro photograph, Cutting Edge, which captures a leaf-cutter bee peeking from a clay bee hotel.

Despite her young age, Jamie has already built an impressive reputation. She was previously the youngest-ever category winner of the BIAZA Photography Awards, Category Winner at the WPOTY – where three of her images ranked among the Top 100 in the world – Young Overall Winner of the TPOTY, and last year, she received the Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year title...

She is also the youngest patron of Cuan Wildlife Rescue. Through her photography, Jamie is raising awareness of the urgent need to protect wildlife and natural habitats, highlighting the importance of safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Winner 11 and Under category

Cutting Edge by Jamie Smart
Leaf-cutter bee (Megachilidae), Powys, Wales

Tech info
Gear: OM System OM-1 Mark II + M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro lens
Accessories: Speed flash, Cygnustech diffuser
Exposure settings: 1/125sec, f/11, ISO 200

Jamie explains, "I adore bees and have spent a lot of time this year studying them and finding out about what I can do to help the wild bees around our garden thrive. I designed and made a bee hotel using clay and have watched it flourish.

"One day, as I was walking past it, I spotted this leaf-cutter bee poking her head out of one of the clay holes and thought it would make a lovely photo, so I ran back inside to grab my camera and hoped that she would still be there when I returned – luckily, she was!

"Using my macro set up – the OM1 Mark II with a speed flash and Cygnustech diffuser – I managed to capture this image of her looking at me from inside the clay hole.

"It was quite tricky to get the light to penetrate into the hole, as she had gone a little deeper inside by the time I had returned and I didn’t want to disturb her too much by going too close, so I cropped in and adjusted the highlights and shadows in the editing phase to create this image."

The BWPA competition

The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) is one of the UK's most respected nature photography competitions, celebrating the diversity and wonder of wildlife.

Photographers compete across adult and youth categories, with winning images published in a hardback book by Graffeg.

For more winning images and full results, visit the BWPA website and explore the incredible work of this year's photographers.

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The OM System OM-3 has just become a far more tempting proposition for photographers in the UK, thanks to a generous £300 cashback offer from Wex.

That brings the price down to just £1,399 from its usual £1,699 - a substantial saving on one of the most stylish and capable mirrorless cameras currently on the market.

While £1,399 is still a serious investment, this is the sort of discount that makes photographers pause and take notice. Cashback deals on newer cameras from OM System don’t always come around, and when they do, they rarely shave off quite this much from the price. If the OM-3 has been sitting on your wish list, this might be the moment to act.

The OM-3 blends retro-inspired design with modern imaging power, creating a camera that feels both nostalgic and thoroughly contemporary. It takes cues from classic film-era bodies while packing the sort of advanced digital technology that today’s photographers expect, including powerful image stabilization, fast autofocus, and excellent computational photography features.

One of the real strengths of the OM System ecosystem is its compact Micro Four Thirds format. The camera itself is small, light, and weather-sealed, making it an outstanding choice for travel, street photography, or outdoor adventures where carrying heavy gear simply isn’t practical. Pair it with one of OM System’s compact lenses and you’ve got a highly capable setup that can go almost anywhere.

Performance-wise, the OM-3 punches well above its weight. The sensor delivers impressive detail and color, while OM System’s class-leading stabilization helps photographers shoot handheld in situations where many other cameras would struggle. Add in features like high-speed burst shooting and computational modes, and you have a camera that’s as creative as it is capable.

With £300 cashback now available through Wex, the OM System OM-3 drops to one of its most attractive prices yet. Deals like this don’t always stick around for long, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to pick up this beautifully designed mirrorless camera, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Have you ever wondered how your camera's in-body image stabilization (IBIS) actually keeps your sensor still? Then you should definitely watch this short video!

I saw dozens of cool things at the CP+ 2026 show in Japan, but perhaps the coolest was this camera exhibit by OM System. To demonstrate how sensor-shift stabilization actually works, the company had a special rig of its flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II with an exposed sensor and IBIS system.

As you can see in the video below, as I introduce movement to the camera body, the stabilization system moves the sensor in the opposite direction to compensate:

IBIS systems from all brands work in the same way, so this is what's going on inside your camera whether you use Canon, Nikon, Sony or any other mirrorless camera with sensor-shift stabilization. (In fact, some Pentax DSLRs actually possess IBIS as well!)

Earlier IBIS units topped out at three axes, but modern systems boast five-axis stabilization like the one depicted here – which compensates for pitch, roll and yaw, along with horizontal and vertical movement.

Once upon a time, crop sensor systems like Micro Four Thirds and APS-C were able to achieve superior real-world stability thanks to the fact that the sensors were physically smaller (and, thus, easier to stabilize than larger sensors).

Today, however, cameras like the OM-1 Mark II and Canon EOS R5 Mark II can achieve up to 8.5 stops of shake compensation, while the Hasselblad X2D II 100C delivers an astonishing 10 stops despite having a huge medium format image sensor.

Some in-body image stabilization systems can actually work in tandem with the optical stabilization systems in lenses, amplifying the native compensation offered by the camera or lens alone.

And some cameras still offer stabilization even though they don't have an IBIS system. This is known as electronic stabilization, and is achieved by cropping into the image and using that "dead" area to reframe and digitally compensate for motion (similar to tools like Warp Stabilize in video editing software).

So there you have it. The next time you're shooting handheld, you know exactly how your camera is cleverly keeping your images nice and stable!

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The Canon EOS R10, first released in 2022, has once again climbed to the top of Japan's camera sales rankings – beating newer and far more expensive cameras, including Sony's latest full-frame camera release.

Despite the strong launch of the Sony A7 V, Canon's enthusiast APS-C camera continues to dominate the charts. And this isn't a one-off result – the EOS R10 has now maintained a recurring presence at the top of Japan's rankings for months.

For a camera that's now four years old, that's an extraordinary run.

BCN+R best-selling cameras (Feb 26)

1. Canon EOS R10 RF-S 18-150 IS STM Lens Kit
2. Sony ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit | Black
3. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit | Black
4. Sony ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit | Black
5. Sony A7 V
6. Sony ZV-E10 II Power Zoom lens Kit | Black
7. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit | White
8. Sony ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit | White
9. Nikon Z50 II Double Zoom Kit
10. OM Olympus PEN E-P7 14-42mm EZ Lens | Silver

Sales data compiled by BCN+R, which aggregates nationwide sales figures from major electronic retailers and online platforms across Japan. Aggregation period: February 1st to February 28th, 2026.

The EOS R10 keeps beating them all

Even the Sony A7 V, one of the most talked-about mirrorless cameras of the past year, couldn't dethrone the EOS R10 in the latest rankings.

While the A7 V briefly topped retailer-specific charts earlier in its launch cycle, the broader BCN+R data paints a different picture of Japan's overall market.

The EOS R10's success comes down to one key factor: value. The APS-C camera delivers surprisingly powerful performance for its price.

It features 16fps (frames per second) mechanical burst shooting, up to 23fps electronic shooting, Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, 4K 60p video recording, and a compact, lightweight design.

In our review, we described the camera as offering performance that punches far above its class, delivering professional-level AF and speed in an affordable APS-C body.

Creator-first cameras dominate the Top 10

Another clear trend in the latest sales chart is the dominance of creator-focused cameras.

Nearly half of the Top 10 consist of Sony's ZV-E10 and ZV-E10 II, appearing in multiple kit variations and color options.

These cameras are designed primarily for content creators and vloggers, offering features such as Product Showcase Mode, Cinematic Vlog setting, and simplified video controls.

Still, photography-focused models like the Canon EOS R50 continue to hold strong positions.

Will the No.1 position change in March?

Given the EOS R10's repeated No.1 finishes throughout 2025 and early 2026, it may take more than a single flagship launch to knock it off the top spot.

However, upcoming seasonal promotions and camera deals could shift the rankings in the upcoming months...

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Japan's latest compact camera sales data is in, and one thing hasn't changed: the US$139.99 point-and-shoot champion is still on top.

According to BCN Ranking's figures for February 1-28, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55, once again secures first place in Japan's nationwide compact camera sales, having led the ranking for months – after being crowned the most popular camera of 2025 (by MapCamera), beating pro mirrorless cameras... right behind the always-popular Kodak Pixpro C1.

But while Kodak maintains familiar dominance with its Pixpro line, February's list brings an interesting twist: the rugged OM System Tough T-G7 is back in the top 10 ranking – and in two color variants.

BCN+R compact camera ranking (Feb 26)

1. Kodak Pixpro FZ55 | Black
2. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Black
3. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Brown
4. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite | Black
5. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite | Silver
6. OM System Tough TG-7 | Black
7. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo | Black
8. Canon IXY 650 M (aka Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Silver
9. OM System Tough TG-7 | Red
10. Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ ZS99 | Black

The Pixpro effect: Why these two compacts win

At $139.99 / £114 / AU$250, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 hits a sweet spot many brands no longer target. While manufacturers have shifted focus to premium compacts and mirrorless systems, the FZ55 doubles down on straightforward operation, pocketable design, no complex menus or learning curve, and an affordable price.

For many buyers in Japan, that formula clearly works. The continued No.1 ranking suggests volume sales driven by accessibility, not advanced specs.

And it's not just the FZ55. The Pixpro C1 (available for only $99.99 / £79 / AU$200), once again takes both second and third place in different colorways, reinforcing Kodak's grip on the ultra-budget segment.

The comeback story: Tough TG-7 returns

February's most interesting shift isn't at the top – it's further down the charts. The OM System Tough TG-7 re-enters the top 10 in both Black (no.6) and Red (No.9), climbing from 15th and 19th place last month – that's a significant jump.

Launched in October 2023, the TG-7 remains one of the most rugged compacts on the market, offering waterproof, freeze-proof, and crush-proof construction, advanced macro capabilities, and outdoor-focused shooting modes.

Its return points to renewed interest in durable, adventure-ready compacts – a very different buyer profile from the FZ55's casual everyday audience.

With the Tough TG-7 back in the game, March's ranking could get more interesting....

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If you are looking for lightweight, retro-styled mirrorless camera than the OM System range is a great place to start. We have just spied that the recently-launched OM-5 Mark II has just dropped to its lowest price ever - just £805 at Wex, when you take up the £250 cashback offer from OM Systems that is currently running until April 6.

What has always set the OM System OM-5 II apart is its size-to-performance ratio. It’s genuinely compact and lightweight, yet still feels properly built, with weather sealing that encourages you to take it out in less-than-perfect conditions. For travel, hiking, or everyday carry photography, that combination is hard to beat, and even more attractive when the price drops this far.

The Micro Four Thirds sensor might not grab headlines, but in real-world use it delivers consistently sharp images, excellent color, and impressive in-body image stabilization. Handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds is where this camera really shines, letting you work with natural light long after others would be reaching for a tripod.

OM System’s computational features are another strong selling point. Handheld high-res modes, live ND, and focus stacking tools give you creative flexibility straight out of the camera, without adding complexity to your workflow. These are features you actually end up using, rather than ticking boxes on a spec sheet.

his second-generation model brings meaningful refinements over the original OM System OM-5 (see our OM-5 vs OM-5 II comparison), including the addition of USB-C with power delivery, faster file transfer, and an improved menu system lifted from the OM-1 Mark II.

A newly added Computational Photography (CP) button puts instant access to creative features like Live ND, High-Res Shot, HDR, and multiple exposure modes right at your fingertips—ideal for anyone who wants to work fast without digging through menus.

For video shooters, the OM-5 is a solid hybrid option. It’s not chasing cinema-level specs, but it offers reliable performance, strong stabilization, and a form factor that’s ideal for handheld work or lightweight rigs. As a do-it-all camera for creators who shoot both stills and video, it feels well-balanced.

Check out our guide to the best lenses for the OM System OM-5 & OM-5 II

The OM System Tough TG-7 is my go-to compact camera for beach vacations and macro shots – but the company has just re-imagined the camera for the lab. The OM System TG-7 Industry takes the waterproof compact camera and tweaks it for research and industrial applications, including compatibility with microscopes.

The OM System TG-7 Industry keeps much of the same list of specifications as the original. But the Industry variant is designed to be used and adapted to microscopes. The updated version is also made for using large screens to monitor the images.

A NY-TGV adapter is included, while an Ultra-C mount is available to purchase separately. Those accessories allow the compact camera to be used to photograph what’s underneath a microscope.

I find the possibility of using the TG-7 with a microscope intriguing, because one of my favorite features on the standard edition is its macro modes. I’ve used them to take close-ups of everything from bugs to individual snowflakes, and the compact camera can get quite close.

The Industry version also puts a microscope adapter mode right on the mode dial, along with adding a focus stacking mode to the dial. The camera also has a new construction mode that helps take clearer photos in dusty environments, which makes a bit of sense considering the compact camera is dust and waterproof.

But otherwise, much of the camera’s specs remain the same as the original TG-7 – it’s still a 12MP compact with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, 20 fps burst speeds, and 4K video.

Another feature that’s not the same? The price. The TG-7 Industry retails for $1,699 in the US. That’s a steep increase from the standard version of the compact camera, which lists for $649. OM System hasn’t yet shared if the camera will be available internationally, but that converts to around £1,243 / AU$2,402 / CA$2,3001.

The Industry version is expected out by the end of March and is available to pre-order at B&H in the US.

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OM System cameras have a rare ability to autofocus on the night sky and create composite light trails in camera – but the brand’s latest camera takes astrophotography up a notch. The OM-3 Astro is a new custom camera from the Micro Four Thirds maker that’s geared specifically to photograph the stars, including an IR-sensitive sensor and a 50MP high-res mode that keeps the stars aligned.

The key difference between the OM-3 and the OM-3 Astro is that the new star-studded camera uses an infrared cut filter in front of the sensor. This allows the camera to capture the vibrant reds visible in nebulae.

To a traditional camera, the red nebulae is a faint pink. That’s because the light that gives these nebulae the vibrant red color is Hα rays, and traditional camera sensors block Hα light. By re-outfitting the camera sensor, the OM-3 Astro can capture the vivid reds in the night sky.

While the modified sensor is the biggest change on the Astro version of the OM-3, the camera also supports body-mounted filters. At launch, two filters will be available: a light pollution suppression filter, which helps fight the effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, and a soft filter, which helps spread the light of the strongest stars, making them appear larger.

The in-camera capabilities OM System is known for will play a role here, too. The Handhald High Res shot mode found among several OM bodies has been re-imagined for astrophotography.

The rotation of the Earth typically prevents the High Res mode from working on the stars – the images need to be stacked, and the position of the stars changes slightly between shots. With the OM-3 Astro, the tech typically used to reduce handheld shakes is used to make sure the stars are aligned – literally – between the shots, enabling the High Res mode for the night sky.

The OM-3 Astro will also place night sky modes onto the camera’s three custom spots on the mode dial. C1 is a stacking mode for astrophotography, C2 is for starry landscapes, and C3 is for using the camera’s stabilization for a handheld starry landscape.

The OM-3 Astro keeps the astro features of the original OM-3 as well, including live composites for creating star trails, starry sky autofocus, and a night vision mode for the screen and viewfinder.

The remainder of the camera’s specifications remain the same – including the native 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, the IP53-certified weather-sealing, and the 7.5 EV rated stabilization system.

The OM-3 Astro isn’t the brand’s first attempt at making a camera just for astro – the company also re-imagined the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III for astrophotography.

The move to launch a dedicated astrophotography camera makes some sense. One of the genres that I love shooting with OM System is astrophotography. The Starry Sky AF is a rare feature that uses auto focus on the sky (Pentax has one as well, but it’s a paid firmware update). Live Composite is also a great tool for creating star trails without Photoshop.

The OM System OM-3 Astro is a made-to-order camera, so expect a bit more wait time for an order. The camera is expected to retail for $2,499 / £1,899 / CA$2,999. The body mount filters are sold separately, with the light pollution filter for $339 / £259 / CA$399 and the soft filter for $229 / £179 / CA$279.

The OM-3 Astro is expected to begin shipping at the end of February. Pre-orders are open from OM System's website as well as a handful of retailers, including B&H in the US and Wex in the UK.

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If you’ve been eyeing up a genuinely go-anywhere camera, the OM System Tough TG-7 has just dropped to £352, down from its recommended retail price £499.99, and that’s a seriously tempting saving for a camera built to survive almost anything you can throw at it.

This is one of those rare deals where the price finally matches just how much abuse the camera is designed to take.

The TG-7 is unapologetically rugged, built to be waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof straight out of the box. You can take it snorkeling, hiking, skiing, kayaking, or simply chuck it in a bag without worrying about babying it. Few compact cameras can claim that level of durability without the need for additional housing or accessories.

Despite its tough exterior, the TG-7 isn’t just about survival. It features a bright f/2.0 lens, a 12MP sensor optimized for low-light shooting, and OM System’s excellent color science. It’s particularly strong for close-up work too, with impressive macro capabilities that make it ideal for nature, wildlife details, and travel storytelling.

This camera also leans into outdoor-focused features that genuinely make a difference in the field. Built-in GPS, compass, temperature sensor, and field sensor data recording turn it into a proper adventure tool rather than just a camera that happens to be tough. Add in RAW shooting and 4K video, and it’s far more capable than its compact size suggests.

At £352, the TG-7 undercuts most action cameras while offering far more traditional photographic control and flexibility. Unlike many action cams, it works just as well for stills as it does for video, and you’re not locked into ultra-wide perspectives or heavy reliance on apps to get usable results.

If you want a camera you can take absolutely anywhere without a second thought, this price drop makes the OM System Tough TG-7 a standout deal. It’s a proper adventure companion that thrives in places where phones and delicate compacts simply give up — and at this price, it’s one of the easiest recommendations in the rugged camera space right now.

Japan's first compact camera sales rankings of 2026 are in – and the market has flipped – again.

After dominating the charts at the end of 2025, Kodak's affordable $99.99 / £79.99 / AU$198, retro-inspired Pixpro C1 compact camera has completely disappeared from Yodobashi's top 10, making way for a familiar face at the top: Sony's ZV-1 II.

According to Yodobashi Camera's best-selling compact digital camera ranking for the first half of January 2026, Sony's creator-focused compact has claimed the number one spot – its first chart-topping appearance in over two years!

Yodobashi's 10 best-selling compacts (1st half Jan)

1. Sony ZV-1 II Shooting Grip Kit Black | White
2. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite Silver | Black
3. Ricoh GR IIIx
4. Sony ZV-1 II Black | White
5. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
6. OM System Tough TG-7 Red | Black
7. Ricoh GR III
8. Nikon Coolpix P950
9. Sony RX100 VII
10. Kenko KC-ZM08

Sales data collected between January 1-15, 2026, from Yodobashi.com and 24 Yodobashi Camera stores nationwide.

Sony's ZV-1 II is number one in Japan

The Sony ZV-1 II Shooting Grip Kit takes first place in Yodobashi's ranking, marking a major comeback after briefly dropping out of the charts late last year.

Originally released in 2023, the ZV-1 II remains one of the most popular compact cameras for vloggers, content creators, and hybrid shooters, thanks to its fast lens, reliable autofocus (AF), and creator-first feature set. Sony also tops No.4 with the ZV-1 II body-only model.

Canon, Ricoh and OM System hold steady

Canon's aging zoom compacts refuse to die
Canon places two cameras in the top 10, led by the PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite in second place. Originally launched in 2018 and refreshed with the Lite edition in 2024, the pocket-sized compact remains hugely popular thanks to its 40x optical zoom (24-960mm).

Canon also charts with the PowerShot SX70 HS at No.5, a DSLR-styled bridge camera with a massive 65x zoom. While far from cutting-edge, its long reach and physical controls keep it relevant.

Ricoh's cult APS-C compacts thrive on backorders
Ricoh secured third and seventh place with the GR IIIx and GR III, despite both models being currently out of stock at Yodobashi.com – so, the strong demand remains for Ricoh's minimalist, photographer-first APS-C compacts, even at luxury price points.

OM System's go-to rugged compact reappears
The OM System Tough TG-7 returns to the charts at No.6, making its first appearance in two months. While largely unchanged from the TG-6, it remains the go-to rugged compact, offering waterproofing, shot resistance, RAW shooting, and 4K video in a near-indestructible body.

Comeback: Nikon's superzoom and Sony's premium compact
The Nikon Coolpix P950 lands in eighth place, reappearing after more than nine months away, thanks to its colossal 83x optical zoom. Image quality may lag behind newer rivals, but for sheer reach in a relatively portable body, it continues to attract an audience.

Meanwhile, Sony's RX100 VII returns at No.9, marking its first appearance in nine months. Despite its high price and cramped ergonomics, its speed, AF performance, and 4K video keep it relevant.

Kenko's budget selfie compact debut
The Kenko KC-ZM08 makes its first-ever appearance in Yodobashi's rankings, offering something rarely seen in compact cameras: a rear-facing secondary camera.

Designed to function like a smartphone, the KC-ZM08 allows you to switch cameras at the push of a button, making selfies and casual social shooting far easier. With ¥24,940 (approx. / $160 / £117 / AU$230), it's one of the most affordable models in the top ten.

Insights from Yodobashi's top 10 compact cameras

While ultra-budget compacts drove short-term volume in January, brand trust, practical features and sustained demand continue to steer Japan's buyers back toward established and long favored models.

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Japan's camera market moves fast, and last month was no exception. Now, a mirrorless full-frame camera released for retail shipping on December 18th led new charts for the entire month, and it had done so before – a blockbuster start that no other camera model could match, ultimately becoming the No. 1 best-selling camera in Japan.

While our previous report covered how this camera took Yodobashi Camera's charts by storm and topped the sales figures for the second half of December, this news is about the best-selling cameras at Map Camera for the entire month of December – highlighting that this new camera didn't just dominate the market for two weeks, but the entire month.

According to Map Camera, it outsold all four Fujifilm models ranked from second to fifth combined (!), making it clear that this launch wasn't just a strong start; it was a bit of a record-breaking one.

The camera in question features a combination of cutting-edge image processing, AI-powered AF (autofocus), and blackout-free continuous shooting, and promises to perform great for both enthusiasts and professionals.

For a model that marks the first new A7 release in four years, the overwhelming demand and rapid sales speak volumes about Sony's reputation and the market's appetite for its latest technology... Drumroll... It's the Sony A7 V.

Map Camera's top 10 best-selling cameras (Dec 25)

1. Sony A7 V
2. Fujifilm X-T30 III
3. Fujifilm X-M5
4. Fujifilm X-E5
5. Fujifilm X-T5
6. OM System OM-3
7. Nikon Z5 II
8. Ricoh GR IV
9. Sony A7C II
10. Ricoh GR IIIx

Fujifilm's strong showing

While Sony's launch stole the spotlight, Fujifilm dominated the top 10 best-selling cameras of Japan in December. The X-T30 III, X-M5, X-E5, and X-T5 filled the second through fifth positions on Map Camera's list, showing that the brand's compact, entry-level, and mid-range mirrorless cameras remain highly popular.

The X-T30 III, in particular, benefited from the new XC13-33mm lens kit released in mid-December, boosting sales and appealing to new users entering the Fujifilm ecosystem. Meanwhile, the X-M5 and X-E5 continued to attract fans seeking affordability and versatility, especially for casual video shooting and lightweight travel setups.

Other notable rankings

The rest of the top 10 featured familiar names. The OM System OM-3 returned to sixth place thanks to lens kit bundles and a price cut that made it nearly ¥10,000 (approx. $63 / £47 / AU$94) cheaper than the body alone.

Nikon's Z5 II claimed seventh, maintaining solid mid-tier popularity. Sony's A7C II slipped to ninth, likely impacted by the A7 V's meteoric rise, while Ricoh's GR IV and GR IIIx rounded out the list.

Surprisingly, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III, which had debuted at number one in a previous ranking, did not make the top 10 this time, reflecting the camera's slower uptake compared to its predecessor.

Japan's market never stands still

December's Map Camera data highlights how quickly new releases can reshape the market. The A7 V's ability to dominate both the second half and the full month of December, when being released on the 18th of December, is a clear sign that anticipation, cutting-edge technology, and precise launch timing are key to success in Japan's competitive camera landscape.

With supply now backordered but all pre-orders fulfilled, it remains to be seen whether Sony can maintain this momentum into January 2026, or if Fujifilm or other rivals will challenge the top spot.

And for photographers looking to secure this full-frame mirrorless powerhouse, now is still a good time to act, but some retailers like Wex Photo already list the Sony A7 C as "awaiting stock" in the UK, while B&H Photo highlights the camera as a "Top Seller" in the US.

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The Olympus E-M10 Mark IV is the last camera to carry the Olympus name following the transition to OM System back in 2021 – and OM System Japan has just given it the axe. While Japanese retailers are discontinuing the fan favorite budget camera, the company told Digital Camera World that the camera has only been discontinued in Japan and that it will remain available in the US.

While the E-M10 Mark IV hasn’t gotten the axe outside of Japan, the budget mirrorless will turn six years old in 2026. With the new OM-5 Mark II carrying several similar specifications, doubts are swirling about the series’ future – but I think discontinuing the budget line would be a mistake.

When I interviewed OM System executives last year, the company seemed to expect to continue the E-M10 line as well. While the company couldn’t speak to future launches, the E-M10 Mark IV’s success suggests that the camera's lineage will continue.

“The E-M10 series is a very popular model, even though it's a bit older now, but for this price class, it's still one of the best selling cameras, and we think one of the best looking ones as well,” Sandro Rymann, OM System head of business for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia) and Americas, said in an interview back in July. “However, of course, we consider this also an important part of our lineup, right? So, yes, we will continue to develop in this direction as well.”

While it’s been a few months since I spoke to Rymann on the future of the E-M10 series, that interview was just a few weeks after the launch of the OM-5 Mark II, the next step up price-wise in the brand’s lineup.

The OM-5 Mark II has a number of similar features, but the OM-5 Mark II is faster and weather-sealed, sitting at a higher price point.

One of the reasons that I think the E-M10 Mark IV remains popular so far from the original launch is that it makes an affordable alternative to a compact camera. The Micro Four Thirds camera is fairly compact for a mirrorless – or at least for a mirrorless that still has a viewfinder and some semblance of a grip – and the kit lens is also fairly compact.

But I think the biggest reason the E-M10 has done so well is the price. The camera with a lens retails for under $900 / £900, but the camera’s age often means sale prices push the kit well under that mark.

Compact cameras are popular – and that’s driving up the price. Smaller mirrorless cameras like the E-M10 may not fit in a pocket, but in several cases can be a more affordable buy than some advanced compact cameras.

While the price is one of the reasons the camera has sold so well, it’s also a reason not to update the camera – the camera’s age lends well to a lower price, which is going to keep sales coming.

The other question is how the company could add updates without eclipsing the OM-5 Mark II. I would expect any E-M10 Mark IV successor to be called the OM-10 instead (like the best-selling Olympus OM-10 35mm film SLR from the 1980s) in keeping with the new OM System nomenclature.

But if the affordable model gets weather sealing and a faster burst, then there will be few reasons to pay for the OM-5 Mark II. I suspect if an OM-10 is on the horizon, it would follow in the likes of the changes between the OM-5 and OM-5 Mark II, which is a smaller update with changes like a better grip, computational photography button, and USB-C charging.

Whatever the future holds, the popular E-M10 Mark IV is safely still on retail shelves, at least for now.

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Almost everyone who loves photography also loves retro cameras. In fact, even non-photographers appreciate their aesthetic appeal – as evidenced by the insatiable appetite for the Fujifilm X100 series.

On the latest episode of our podcast, Bokeh Face, my colleague Mike and I talked about the virtues of retro cameras, covering everything from their vinyl-like collectible appeal to what the future looks like for this subgenre of camera.

But while some photographers are under the impression that retro cameras are a Fujifilm thing, and a recent thing at that, when you look at the timeline of the trend you realize that it was far from alone in starting the craze – a craze that has actually been going on for well over a decade!

I invite you to check out our conversation below for more detailed discussion (the link will jump you straight to this part of our conversation), but here's a quick rundown of the retro mirrorless camera timeline… (This isn't a list of every retro body, but the key first models that kicked retro product lines.)

2012 – Fujifilm X-Pro1
The original X100 had already launched in 2011, but that was a compact camera (and as such was actually part of the Finepix line, to begin with) and many manufacturers made retro-looking compacts. But January saw the first ever retro mirrorless camera, in rangefinder style, with a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans sensor and 49-point contrast-based AF system.

2012 – Olympus OM-D E-M5
The following month, Olympus dropped the groundbreaking E-M5 – arguably the camera that proved mirrorless could be a high-level, even professional tool. Packing a 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system and weather sealing, this camera cemented Olympus as a pioneer of post-DSLR photography.

2013 – Nikon Df
I know it's a DSLR, not mirrorless, but that actually speaks to the story of the Df – a retro camera that was, ironically, ahead of its time. Nikon embraced the throwback aesthetic but applied it to bulky DSLR technology (taking the full-frame 16.2MP sensor from 2012's flagship D4), resulting in what Mike called a "Fallout camera" that looks almost like a parody camera from the future.

2014 – Fujifilm X-T1
It took Fujifilm a couple of years to release an SLR-inspired body to complement the rangefinder camera design of the X-Pro – and it upped the ante with its newer 16.3MP X-Trans II sensor and the introduction of phase-detect autofocus (making it a rival to Olympus' next OM-D camera, the decidedly non-retro E-M1).

2016 – Olympus PEN-F
Where Fujifilm started with a retro rangefinder before bringing out an SLR-style camera, Olympus did it the opposite. The E-M5 spawned a successor, as well as a retro sibling in the form of the E-M10, but arguably the company's magnum opus was the mighty PEN-F – milled from a single block of aluminum, built around a 20.3MP sensor and introducing Oly's first film simulations.

2020 – Hasselblad 907X
We had mirrorless cameras inspired by rangefinders and mirrorless cameras inspired by SLRs, so Hasselblad said "Hold my schnapps" and gave us a mirrorless camera inspired by modular medium format systems. Technically the world's thinnest mirrorless camera, the 907X enables you to mount a 50MP or 100MP digital back to the best Hasselblad XCD lenses.

2021 – Nikon Zfc
After getting its fingers burned in 2013, Nikon did retro right this time with the Zfc – taking the guts and the 20.9MP APS-C sensor of the Nikon Z50 and putting them inside a slick (albeit plasticky) throwback body. It would perfect the formula in 2023 with the full-frame Nikon Zf, marrying the 24.5MP DNA of the Z6 series with a proper metal body.

2025 – OM System OM-3
As beloved as the PEN-F was, it didn't sell enough to be considered a success. But after Olympus sold its camera division in 2021, the reborn OM System brand gave us the most faithful Oly tribute camera ever. The OM-3 put all the flagship firepower of the OM System OM-1 Mark II in a breakthrough body that did as much for the company's image as it did for photographers' image quality.

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Point-and-shoot cameras are known for their simplicity and compact size. But the compact camera format often also hides a capability that many casual users don’t realize they have in their pockets: macro photography.

A point-and-shoot camera isn’t going to capture macro photographs on the same level as pro mirrorless cameras. That’s because interchangeable lens cameras have larger sensors, which, in general, increases image quality.

But, while compact cameras may not perform on the same level as interchangeable lens options, some point-and-shoots are actually fantastic at getting in close to subjects. Ironically, it’s because point-and-shoots have smaller sensors that some are actually quite good at taking macro photos.

Smaller digital sensors have what’s called crop factor. This photography term means that the image is cropped in further compared to a full-frame camera.

But what happens when you crop an image? The image feels closer, or more zoomed in, than an uncropped image.

That same concept also applies when you crop the sensor, which is like cropping the image before you take it rather than after. If you take a 50mm lens on a full frame camera and a 50mm lens on a smaller sensor Micro Four Thirds camera and take the same image from the same position, the image Micro Four Thirds camera will look twice as close. That’s because of crop factor.

But along with changing the effective focal length, crop factor also increases the apparent magnification of a lens. That means that the smaller sensor on a point-and-shoot camera often means that tiny little camera can actually get quite close to macro photography subjects.

Now, not every point-and-shoot takes good macro photos, but the smaller sensor on a basic compact camera can often – though not always – translate into close macro modes. Just how close a point-and-shoot can get for macro subjects will depend both on the size of that sensor and the lens the camera uses.

If you have a point-and-shoot camera, I highly recommend looking to see if it has a macro mode – this mode is often designated with a symbol that looks like a tulip, or sometimes, a microscope. And if you’re shopping for a point-and-shoot camera, I recommend looking for one that has a good macro mode.

My point-and-shoot of choice for its mix of affordability and durability is the OM System Tough TG-7. I’ll leave my mirrorless camera behind and grab the TG-7 when I need to go underwater or don’t want to carry a heavy camera system. But I’ll also grab it for things like photographing individual snowflakes and bugs, because it has a Microscope Mode that allows you to get as close as 1cm away from tiny subjects. It also has focus stacking to keep the subject sharper, without using Photoshop.

No, a point-and-shoot camera isn’t going to get the same pro results as a mirrorless camera with a good macro lens. A mirrorless with a good macro lens will be able to gather more light, and most will have a higher resolution than the TG-7 for even better details.

But because of that smaller sensor, many point-and-shoot cameras can get surprisingly close. Macro photography with a point-and-shoot can be a lot of fun – not to mention more affordable.

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The smartphone’s devastation to the point-and-shoot camera industry was predicable – but the sudden return of the compact camera was not. After falling by the wayside for several years, the point-and-shoot camera is on the rise, increasing in both sales and viral social media fame.

I have to admit, as a photographer with a bag full of mirrorless gear, I didn’t really “get” the point-and-shoot camera trend at first. But then, I took a waterproof compact camera on a family trip – and I realized that the trend isn’t about tech at all, but just the opposite.

Earlier this year, I took a trip with my extended family – and it had been quite awhile since I’d had a true vacation. I didn’t want to spend my much-needed break with my face in my phone, so I vowed to limit social media and ignore my inbox.

I still snapped a few photos with my iPhone, yes, but what I didn’t expect was that a point-and-shoot camera would get more use than my mirrorless. I brought along the OM System Tough TG-7.

I didn’t pack it because the TG-7 was a compact camera, I packed it because it is a waterproof camera. (The reason that I even own a waterproof compact camera is that they also make fantastic cameras for kids, and I bought one for my oldest.) I was determined to spend a good chunk of my trip on the beach, on a boat, and by the pool.

Somewhere between taking a video of dolphins from a kayak and snapping photos of my children’s first time seeing the ocean, I fell in love with a point-and-shoot camera. Not because it was waterproof. Not because it was small. But because using a point-and-shoot camera felt like unplugging.

I have to admit it – sometimes I open my phone to take a quick photo and before I put it down, I end up checking my email or scrolling through Instagram. Yes, part of the point-and-shoot trend is from the size. And yes, part of the success of high-end options like the Fujifilm X100VI is because of larger sensors that are far better quality than a smartphone.

But I think the point-and-shoot trend is more about what a compact camera is not rather than what it is. It is not a web browser, it is not an inbox, it is not a social media rabbit hole. Using a point-and-shoot camera felt more like staying in the moment than snapping photos with my iPhone.

The modern world is noisy. Using a point-and-shoot felt like unplugging. Yes, some of the point-and-shoot camera trend is because compact cameras have an advantage over smartphones (or at least, the best compact cameras do). But for me, reaching for a point-and-shoot was about using simple tech in a high-tech world.

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Sometimes the best shots happen when your subject takes matters out of your hands. One photographer discovered this truth first-hand while photographing a fishing spider at the water's edge in Kollur, Karnataka, in the south-west of India.

Kashyap Naresh Raval had set up his Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with one thing in mind, but the spider had other ideas. "I was planning to just shoot a portrait," he explains, "but during the setup, the spider dashed away into water, then got back the fish! Had I known this was going to happen, I might still have failed to get the action shot."

Acting on instinct, though, Raval managed to capture this spontaneous moment with a mirror-perfect reflection in the still water. And his photo would go on to earn runner-up honors in the Animal Behaviour category at the Nature in Focus Photography Competition 2025, which received nearly 16,000 submissions from over 1,250 photographers across more than 38 countries.

Technical approach

Raval relied on relatively modest but well-chosen gear for the shot: an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III paired with a Godox TT350O flash for lighting. The setup choice reveals a thoughtful approach to the challenges of field macro work.

The E-M5 Mark III, which launched in 2019 after a long-awaited upgrade from its predecessor, has become a favorite among nature photographers. While on paper, its Micro Four Thirds sensor might seem a disadvantage compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras, the real-world benefits for macro work are substantial.

The 20.4MP Live MOS sensor delivers vibrant, detailed images, and crucially for close-up work, the in-body stabilization system offers up to 5.5 stops of shake compensation; or up to 6.5 stops when paired with one of Olympus's stabilized lenses. And in macro photography, where the slightest camera movement can blur critical details, the importance of stabilization cannot be overstated.

Furthermore, the E-M5 Mark III weighs just 414g body-only, making it ideal for extended field sessions and working at awkward angles near water. Its weather-sealed construction (dust, splash, and freeze-proof) provided essential protection in the humid riverside environment where fishing spiders hunt.

Raval's choice of the compact Godox TT350O flash reflects another crucial consideration in macro work. Natural light, while beautiful, isn't always reliable or controllable, especially when working near water where reflections can create harsh contrasts and confused exposures. A small, portable flash gives the photographer control over lighting while remaining unobtrusive enough not to disturb skittish subjects.

The reflection visible in the final image highlights how Raval positioned the flash carefully to illuminate the spider and its catch without creating harsh shadows or overexposing the water's surface. This was a real, delicate balancing act that requires both technical knowledge and artistic sensitivity.

The composition, meanwhile, shows a sophisticated understanding of visual storytelling. The spider is positioned at the water's edge, creating a natural dividing line that the reflection enhances. The fish's iridescent scales catch light beautifully, drawing the eye while the spider's predatory posture anchors the frame. The textured stone and subtle background elements provide context without distraction.

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In 1972, Olympus’ chief designer Yoshihisa Maitani – by then famous for his Olympus Pen series – created the Olympus OM-1 with his team. It was the smallest 35mm SLR to reach the market since the 1958 Zunow.

Arriving up to a decade later than most of the established SLR brands, the OM-1 succeeded because of its incredibly compact size, light weight, robust engineering, superb lenses and excellent metering.

A distinctive feature is the shutter-speed dial built around the lens mount (similar to the shutter speed selector in the Nikkormat FT of 1965), which allowed for more compact construction. This may sound odd, but it was very easy and intuitive to use.

And, it boasted what is possibly the best viewfinder in any 35mm SLR camera of the era. This combination made it a runaway success.

At first, it was called the M-1 (in honor of its designer, Maitani) but the name was soon changed after Leica complained that the name was too close to its "M" series. Early examples, with the M-1 markings, are now highly prized by camera collectors.

In 1975 your scribe took an OM-1 with the Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 and Olympus’ first zoom lens, the 75-150mm f/4, to the USSR with great success. The latter had internal zooming, so when you changed focal length, the lens did not extend.

While not as sharp as modern, top-quality zooms, it was much better than average for the time – and made for an excellent, lightweight, travel kit.

Also in 1975, Olympus followed with an improved OM-2 – the first camera capable of actually measuring the exposure directly off the film, during the exposure!

To develop the TTL direct-metering system, Olympus collected film from virtually every maker worldwide and measured the reflection ratios for each roll. It discovered that, while film is made in many colors, the reflectivity varied by only 0.1EV, which meant that measuring the light off the film was indeed possible.

These results were also used to determine the density of a computer-generated pattern printed on the shutter curtain. In this way, the camera could provide an initial metering value to the user and then adjust it, as necessary, if the light changed during the exposure!

To accomplish this trick, the camera had two rearward-facing silicon photodiodes in the mirror box to meter light reflecting off the film. Its circuitry could detect when enough light was exposed and either close the shutter or even automatically quench a "dedicated" electronic flash.

In 1983, the OM-3 and OM-4 cameras appeared. Both featured shutter speeds to 1/2000sec but, while the OM3 boasted a fully mechanical shutter and mirror lockup for special lenses or uses, the OM-4 offered a battery-dependent electro-mechanical shutter and aperture priority exposure modes.

The OM series of professional-grade cameras (the OM 1, 2, 3 and 4 in various versions) and their consumer versions (all with double-digit model numbers, such as the OM-10 and OM-20) were made for 30 years. By the time the last ones were rolling off the assembly line in the early 2000s, over 1.2 million OM series cameras had been made.

When, in 2021, Olympus sold off its camera division, the new owner (OM Digital Solutions) offered the OM System OM-1 – a mirrorless digital camera named in honor of the original OM-1. It was to be the last camera to carry the Olympus branding, with all later models bearing the OM System brand.

While the Olympus name is gone, the new firm acquired the factory, the engineers and the history. The soul of Olympus lives on.

Find out more about photography's past in David Young's book, A Brief History of Photography.

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Japan's best-selling compact cameras for the first half of November are in, and the Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ SZ99 has reclaimed the top spot after a two-and-a-half-month absence.

Rising from fourth place in the previous ranking, this pocket-sized point-and-shoot features a massive 30x optical zoom, something even the best camera phones simply can't achieve.

The Ricoh GR IIIx takes second, a pocketable APS-C camera with a 40mm f/2,8 lens, optical teleconverter, and built-in ND filter. Compact but full-featured, it's ideal for street and travel photography, offering stabilization, fast Af, and ultimate control.

Canon made its presence with the PowerShot SX749 HS / Lite in third place and the IXY 650 m / PowerShot Elph 260 HS A in fourth. The first packs a 24-960mm zoom and features 4K video, but lacks a touchscreen and RAW capture. The latter is a budget-friendly compact, featuring a 20.2M sensor, microSD slot, and updated Wi-Fi.

Sony is in fifth and sixth with the ZV-1 II and RX1R III. The ZV-1 II is a vlogging-focused compact with an 18mm lens and a shorter zoom than the original. The RX1R III is Sony's 61MP full-frame marvel in a tiny body – a luxury compact camera for serious photographers.

Other notable re-entries: The OM System Tough TG-7 (seventh) is virtually indestructible – waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, with GPS and field sensor for adventure photography.

At ninth is the Fujfilm X Half – a digital half-frame with film-inspired modes and dials, prioritizing fun over specs. followed by the Leica D-Lux 8 (tenth). This premium compact features a 17MP sensor, iconic design, and a handy aspect ratio switch, delivering strong stills, tough, weaker video.

Yodobashi's top 10 best-selling compact cameras (2nd half 11/2025)

1. Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ ZS99 Black | White
2. Ricoh GR IIIx
3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite Silver | Black
4. Canon IXY 650 m/ Powershot Elph 260 HS A Black | Silver
5. Sony ZV-1 II Black | White
6. Sony RX1R III
7. OM System Tough TG-7 Red | Black
8. Nikon Coolpix P1100
9. Fujifilm X Half Silver | Charcoal Silver | Black
10. Leica D-Lux 8

This ranking of "Compact Digital Cameras" for the first half of November was compiled based on sales figures from the shopping site "Yodobashi.com" and 24 Yodobashi Camera stores nationwide.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ99/ ZS99

The TZ99/ ZS99is a travel-friendly, pocketable camera with a 24-720mm equivalent zoom range. Its small, retractable lens, flip-over rear screen, and USB-C connectivity make it ideal for holidays, mini-breaks, and casual street photography.

With a price tag of $697.99 (launch price was $499.99!) / £549 / AU$1,099, the compact camera delivers a unique combination of convenience and reach, though its small 1/2.3-inch sensor and lack of viewfinder mean image quality can be variable under challenging light.

For comparison, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / Lite is another highly travel-friendly compact, featuring a slightly larger 40x optical zoom and the same 1/2.3-inch sensor, but lacks of touchscreen and costs a similar $549.99 / £479.99 / AU$679.

For anyone looking for extra telephoto reach beyond what a mobile phone can capture, both modes provide strong value. Though the TZ99's flip-over screen and USB-C connectivity give it a slight edge for casual photographers on the move.

The TZ99's renaissance underscores the continuing demand for compact cameras that combine portability and powerful zoom capabilities. It offers the reach and versatility of superzoom without the bulk of mirrorless or DSLR kits.

While image quality under low light is limited by its smaller sensor, the TZ99's convenience and epic zoom range make it a compelling alternative to a smartphone.

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