Camera World Shaken by Price Hikes, 100MP Launches, and Leaks Galore in Late August 2025

• Tariffs Spark Price Hikes: Fujifilm and Nikon both enacted U.S. price increases at the end of August, with Fujifilm’s second hike of the summer effective Aug 30 and Nikon’s on Sept 1 imaging-resource.com petapixel.com. Industry analysts warn that “nearly all the major camera makers” are being forced to raise prices due to new 15% import tariffs imaging-resource.com.
• Hasselblad’s 100MP Stunner: Hasselblad unveiled the X2D II 100C medium-format mirrorless, a 100 MP flagship boasting the world’s first end-to-end HDR imaging pipeline and finally adding continuous autofocus (AF-C) – a long-awaited feature for Hasselblad shooters redsharknews.com redsharknews.com. Remarkably, the X2D II launches at $7,399, about $800 less than its predecessor despite the tariff era petapixel.com. It debuted alongside a 35–100mm f/2.8–4 zoom lens covering the range of seven primes in one lens redsharknews.com redsharknews.com.
• New Cameras & Shipping Updates: Fujifilm’s retro-styled X-E5 began shipping globally, blending classic rangefinder looks with a new 40.2 MP X-Trans 5 HR sensor and even a dedicated Film Simulation dial – a first for Fuji’s X-series diyphotography.net. Priced around $1,699 body-only diyphotography.net, the X-E5 includes 7-stop IBIS and 6.2K video, though it omits weather sealing. (Ricoh also quietly confirmed development of a GR IV compact camera, with sample images emerging ahead of its launch.)
• Flagship Lens Releases: Nikon surprised Z-mount users by announcing a Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II fast zoom – an updated, internally-zooming workhorse lens with dual linear AF motors and an 11-blade aperture for creamy bokeh lens-rumors.com. At $2,797, it’s the first Mark II lens in Nikon’s Z lineup and was immediately available for pre-order. Sigma expanded its Fujifilm X-mount offerings with a 12mm f/1.4 DC DN ultra-wide prime, bringing a 18mm-equivalent field of view and bright aperture for APS-C shooters diyphotography.net. Third-party makers continue to innovate: China’s AstrHori launched a wild 6mm f/2.8 circular fisheye for full-frame Nikon Z, priced at just $299 nikonrumors.com for creative 180° views.
• Video & Cine Gear Updates: Rumors swirled that Sony is gearing up a massive cinema camera reveal at September’s IBC show – possibly a new Sony FX8 with a 12K full-frame sensor and 120 fps RAW output nofilmschool.com nofilmschool.com. (Internet buzz also hints at a companion pro video model codenamed “Z380” for broadcast use dvxuser.com.) Meanwhile, Blackmagic Design dramatically slashed prices on its high-end URSA cameras: the URSA Mini Pro 12K LF fell from $14,995 to $9,495, and the EVF bundle dropped from $16,495 to $10,995 – over $5,000 off in each case dpreview.com. These steep cuts fueled speculation of new Blackmagic camera launches on the horizon. (Industry chatter also points to Canon developing an APS-C Cinema EOS camera to challenge Sony’s FX30, though no official word yet.)
• Leica & Fujifilm Rumor Mill: In rangefinder news, Leica is rumored to debut a new M11-V model featuring a hybrid electronic/optical viewfinder – without killing its classic rangefinder line leicarumors.com. Leica insiders clarify that a true successor “Leica M12” digital rangefinder is also in the works for 2026 as a purely optical design leicarumors.com. For Fujifilm fans, reliable sources outlined what’s next: a video-focused GFX “Eterna” medium-format camera, a midrange X-T30 III, a pancake XF 23mm lens, and a new GF 32–90mm f/3.5 zoom are all on Fujifilm’s roadmap photorumors.com. In the lens world, third-party maker Viltrox is set to officially join the L-Mount Alliance on Sept 1, sparking talk of a new 35–50mm f/1.4 autofocus lens coming for Leica/Panasonic/Sigma users photorumors.com.
• Firmware & Software Updates: Nikon rolled out a major firmware v2.00 update for the Z6III, adding a dedicated bird-detection AF mode and, notably, support for C2PA Content Credentials (cryptographic metadata to prove an image’s authenticity) – making Nikon one of the first camera makers to embrace this feature redsharknews.com. Fujifilm pushed firmware 1.10 for the X-E5, enhancing wireless connection security (requiring users to switch to the new Fuji XApp) and even adding direct support for the latest Instax Square Link printers fujiaddict.com fujiaddict.com. On the software side, DxO released Nik Collection 8 updates on Aug 30, introducing practical new features to its popular Silver Efex and Color Efex film-emulation plugins diyphotography.net – good news for photographers seeking fresh creative tools.

Tariffs Drive Up Camera Prices (Again)

American camera buyers were hit with déjà vu at the end of August, as multiple brands announced price hikes tied to import tariffs. Fujifilm confirmed that effective August 30 it raised U.S. prices across “all products” for the second time in a month, citing “volatile market conditions” and the new baseline 15% import tariff imaging-resource.com. In a statement, Fujifilm said it had “made the business decision to further adjust prices to accommodate for these global changes” imaging-resource.com. This follow-up increase comes on the heels of Fuji’s roughly 10–15% uptick on many models at the start of August dpreview.com dpreview.com. According to DPReview, popular Fuji cameras like the X-T5 jumped from $1,899 to $1,999 (+5%) and the 102 MP GFX100S II rose from $5,499 to $5,699 (+3.6%) as the new prices took effect dpreview.com dpreview.com. Some high-demand items such as the X100VI remained steady after an earlier 12.5% hike, presumably since they had already been marked up at the start of the month dpreview.com dpreview.com.

Nikon is following a similar path. The company alerted customers that on September 1 it will implement its second U.S. price increase of the summer, after an initial across-the-board ~10% rise in June petapixel.com. Nikon’s statement emphasized it is “taking every possible step to minimize the impact” of tariffs on customers, but acknowledged another adjustment was needed on 9/1/25 due to the trade agreement raising tariffs from 10% to 15% petapixel.com petapixel.com. In fact, Nikon has been running hefty summer rebates on many models (e.g. $300 off a Z8) which expire August 31; once those deals end, certain cameras could effectively cost hundreds more overnight when the new tariffs kick in petapixel.com.

Industry observers note that all the major manufacturers – Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sigma, etc. – are grappling with these U.S. tariffs. “President Trump’s tariffs appear to be terrible for camera companies, and by extension, consumers,” wrote Imaging Resource, noting that “nearly all” camera makers have been forced to announce price increases in recent months imaging-resource.com. Canon and Sony haven’t publicly detailed their increases or timing, but Canon told investors it is considering moves like shifting more production back to Japan and automating factories to blunt the tariff impact imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com. Fujifilm is already doing exactly that – relocating assembly of at least four popular X-series cameras (like the X-T5 and X100VI) from China to Japan to avoid the higher China-to-US import duties imaging-resource.com.

For photographers, the bottom line is a hit to the wallet. U.S. MSRPs on everything from high-end bodies to compact primes are rising. Imaging Resource compiled examples: Fujifilm’s flagship GFX100 II medium format jumped $800 (now $8,299), Sony’s RX100 VII premium compact went up $400 (to $1,699), and even Canon’s not-yet-released EOS R1 is expected to debut $500 higher than initially planned imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com. It’s an unprecedented situation to see synchronized price hikes like this. Analysts say companies are trying to give customers a heads-up (Fujifilm’s Aug 30 adjustment was announced two weeks early petapixel.com, and Nikon’s Sept 1 hike was warned a month in advance petapixel.com) so that serious buyers can snag gear at pre-tariff prices. However, come September, American photographers will be paying a premium for new gear. As DPReview dryly observed, “it’s now more expensive for Americans to get [Fujifilm’s] cameras… though Fujifilm is far from the only camera company” raising prices in the US dpreview.com.

On a positive note, one company bucked the trend: Hasselblad lowered the cost of its newest flagship by slimming profit margins. In the words of PetaPixel’s Jeremy Gray, “in the age of terrible tariffs, the new X2D II 100C costs $800 less than its predecessor did at launch in 2022” petapixel.com. We’ll dive into that camera next – and many more developments – proving that innovation hasn’t slowed down even as prices climb.

Hasselblad Unveils a 100MP Medium-Format Powerhouse

Despite the pricing challenges above, late August brought major product news as well. On August 26, storied Swedish brand Hasselblad launched the X2D II 100C, its second-generation mirrorless medium format camera that immediately grabbed headlines. The X2D II carries a 100 megapixel 43.8×32.9 mm CMOS sensor like its predecessor, but this time Hasselblad pulled out all the stops to address previous shortcomings. Crucially, the X2D II finally offers continuous autofocus (AF-C) with subject tracking – a feature Hasselblad users have been requesting for years redsharknews.com. The new AF system uses 425 phase-detect points aided by deep-learning algorithms and even a built-in LiDAR module for precise focusing, according to Hasselblad newsshooter.com newsshooter.com. In practical terms, it means the X2D II can continuously track moving subjects (humans, animals, etc.) in a way the first-gen X system cameras could not – a huge upgrade for wedding, fashion, and wildlife shooters who love Hasselblad’s image quality but needed better autofocus.

The other headline feature is what Hasselblad calls the world’s first “end-to-end HDR” in a medium format camera redsharknews.com. The X2D II’s imaging pipeline can capture and internally process true 16-bit HDR images. When activated, the camera merges exposures and outputs 10-bit HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files that retain extreme dynamic range redsharknews.com redsharknews.com. The rear screen – now a brighter 3.6-inch OLED with 1,400-nit peak – can even display these high dynamic range images for instant review in the field redsharknews.com redsharknews.com. Essentially, Hasselblad is leveraging that huge 100MP sensor (with 15.3 stops of dynamic range) to deliver HDR stills with richer highlight and shadow detail than we’ve seen before in-camera redsharknews.com redsharknews.com. It’s a niche but forward-looking feature for landscape and architectural photographers who often blend exposures manually.

Beyond AF-C and HDR, the X2D II brings a laundry list of refinements: 5-axis in-body stabilization rated to an astonishing 10 stops – enabling multi-second handheld exposures redsharknews.com. A new ultra-low native ISO 50 (the previous base was 64) for maximum dynamic range redsharknews.com. Internal 1 TB SSD storage carried over from the X2D 100C, plus a CFexpress Type B slot for overflow or backup newsshooter.com newsshooter.com. A much-needed ergonomics tweak: a 5-way focus joystick on the back, finally allowing easy point selection without using the touch LCD petapixel.com petapixel.com. The body design got subtly slimmer and lighter (down 7.5%) with a new graphite gray finish and grippier texture newsshooter.com newsshooter.com. Hasselblad basically “smoothed nearly every rough edge” of the original X2D petapixel.com – addressing complaints about handling, EVF blackout, and autofocus lag while preserving the stellar image quality and premium feel. As reviewer Jeremy Gray put it, “the legendary Swedish photo company has finally delivered a camera that lives up to the X1D’s initial promise.” petapixel.com

Perhaps the biggest surprise? Hasselblad did not increase the price over the first-gen model – they actually reduced it. The X2D II 100C hit the market at $7,399 (USD) or €7,200 in Europe redsharknews.com. That’s roughly $800 cheaper than the original X2D 100C’s $8,199 launch price in 2022 petapixel.com. Given today’s climate of rising costs, this move was unexpected and has been applauded by the medium-format community. It suggests Hasselblad is aggressively trying to grow its user base (perhaps mindful of competition from the 100MP Fujifilm GFX100 series). Included with the X2D II announcement was a new Hasselblad XCD 35–100mm f/2.8–4.0 “E” zoom lens redsharknews.com. This lens offers a 3× zoom range (roughly 28–76mm full-frame equivalent) covering wide to portrait focal lengths, essentially “combining the range of seven Hasselblad prime lenses into one,” according to the company redsharknews.com. At $4,599, the 35–100mm isn’t cheap, but it features the fastest autofocus stepping motor of any XCD lens to date, which pairs perfectly with the X2D II’s improved AF-C tracking redsharknews.com redsharknews.com. With three aspherical elements and five ED elements, Hasselblad claims it delivers corner-to-corner sharpness and “authentic color” rendering to match the 100MP sensor redsharknews.com.

All told, Hasselblad’s X2D II launch is a bright spot for the high-end camera market. It shows that meaningful innovation continues – we’re seeing AI-assisted autofocus and computational HDR trickle up into medium-format territory – and that at least one manufacturer is eating some costs to keep flagship gear attainable. The first X2D was a bit of a diamond in the rough; the X2D II 100C now appears to be a polished gem of a camera, ready to compete for those who demand the ultimate in image quality. As RedShark News noted, the addition of continuous AF alone makes the X2D II “a big draw” because it finally lets Hasselblad shooters reliably track moving subjects – “long-awaited to say the least” redsharknews.com. The fact that all these improvements came without a price bump is the cherry on top. In a year where cameras across the board are costing more, Hasselblad bucked the trend – and that certainly turned heads.

(In other new camera news: Fujifilm’s X-E5, a 40 MP rangefinder-style mirrorless, started shipping by the end of August after being announced earlier in the month. It combines classic Fuji styling with modern internals like the X-Processor 5 and 7-stop IBIS. A unique addition is its dedicated Film Simulation shortcut dial, letting users quickly switch between Fuji’s beloved film looks or custom “recipes” on the fly diyphotography.net diyphotography.net. The X-E5 targets street photographers and vloggers, offering up to 6.2K video in a compact body (though unlike Fuji’s higher-end bodies, it lacks weather-sealing and has only a single SD card slot) diyphotography.net diyphotography.net. Priced around $1,699 (or $1,899 with a kit lens), the X-E5 fills an important mid-tier niche in Fujifilm’s lineup and has been eagerly awaited by fans of the X-E series.)

New Lenses Galore: Nikon’s Pro Zoom, Sigma’s Ultra-Wide & More

Late August also saw a flurry of lens announcements and releases to accompany the new cameras. On August 25, Nikon officially introduced the Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S II, a second-generation update to its workhorse pro zoom lens-rumors.com. The original Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 (launched in 2018) was already highly regarded, but Nikon has further refined it. The new S II version features an internal zoom mechanism – meaning the lens does not change physical length while zooming lens-rumors.com. This internal zoom design improves balance (great for video rigs or gimbals) and weather sealing, since there’s no tromboning barrel extending. Nikon also upgraded the autofocus system: the S II uses voice coil motors (VCMs) for fast, silent focusing lens-rumors.com. Real-world, that means even snappier focus acquisition and smoother focus transitions for video, compared to the first version. The aperture diaphragm is now 11 blades, up from 9, which should yield slightly rounder bokeh highlights and creamier background blur lens-rumors.com. Despite the enhancements, the lens remains relatively light and compact for a 24–70/2.8. It’s slated to ship at $2,796.95 (essentially $2,797) and is already available for pre-order lens-rumors.com. With Canon and Sony both on second-generation 24–70/2.8 models as well, Nikon’s timing keeps it competitive – and many Z-mount pros will welcome the incremental improvements in this everyday zoom range.

Sigma also made news by expanding its lens lineup for Fujifilm X-mount. In late August, Sigma announced a 12mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens tailored for Fujifilm’s APS-C mirrorless cameras diyphotography.net diyphotography.net. This ultra-wide prime (18mm full-frame equivalent) gives Fuji X shooters a new option for landscapes, architecture, and night sky photography. At f/1.4, it’s exceptionally bright for a 12mm, allowing low-light shooting and creative shallow depth of field even on a wide-angle. Sigma’s Contemporary series prioritizes a balance of image quality and compact size, so we expect the 12mm f/1.4 to be fairly portable. The lens was immediately listed for pre-order at around $479 (pricing gleaned from dealers), making it an affordable complement to Fujifilm’s own XF 8mm f/3.5 or 14mm f/2.8 offerings. With this release, Sigma now has multiple fast primes for X-mount (having earlier launched lenses like the 16mm f/1.4 and 30mm f/1.4 for Fuji). Fujifilm users have craved more third-party AF lenses, and Sigma is clearly answering the call. Sigma’s CEO Kazuto Yamaki has indicated strong demand in the Fujifilm community, so this 12mm was not a surprise – but it’s certainly a welcome addition for those who need an ultra-wide view with stellar optics.

Third-party Chinese lens makers continue to push boundaries as well. One eye-popping debut came from AstrHori, which released an incredibly quirky 6mm f/2.8 circular fisheye lens for full-frame Nikon Z-mount nikonrumors.com. Yes, 6mm – this lens sees behind itself! It produces a 180-degree circular image (a round fisheye frame) capturing an extremely distorted ultra-wide perspective. Such lenses are niche (often used for VR, scientific imaging, or creative special effects), but AstrHori’s pricing got attention: at $299 USD, it’s by far the most affordable way to get this kind of ultra-ultra-wide imagery on a Nikon Z camera nikonrumors.com. Reviews note the build is fully manual focus with a simple optical formula, but for hobbyists or experimenters, it opens up fun possibilities without breaking the bank. AstrHori, along with brands like 7Artisans, TTArtisan, and Laowa, are part of a wave of China-based manufacturers rapidly iterating unique lenses that the major brands aren’t offering. For instance, Venus Optics Laowa (also Chinese) is known for its exotic designs – and just this week new details leaked about an upcoming Laowa 200mm f/2.0 for Nikon Z, a super-telephoto prime that would target sports and astrophotographers nikonrumors.com. While not yet officially announced, Laowa’s 200mm f/2 “C-Dreamer” is rumored to have autofocus and would be a groundbreaking third-party option in the Nikon Z system.

The L-Mount Alliance (the Leica/Panasonic/Sigma ecosystem) is also attracting more lens support. It was reported that Viltrox, a Chinese manufacturer known for solid yet affordable autofocus primes, will join the L-Mount Alliance on September 1 photorumors.com. This is big news for Leica SL, Panasonic S, and Sigma fp users, as Viltrox could quickly bring over its APS-C and full-frame mirrorless lenses to L-mount. In fact, PhotoRumors revealed that an AF 35–50mm f/1.4 lens is rumored from Viltrox – though it’s unclear if that is a single zoom or (more likely) a pair of fast primes (35mm and 50mm) in development photorumors.com. Either way, Viltrox joining means the L-mount will soon enjoy more third-party lens choices at budget-friendly prices, much as Viltrox has done for Fuji X and Sony E users. We’ll be watching for official word as September begins.

In summary, late August’s lens launches underscore how vibrant the lens market is: Nikon refining its top-tier zoom for pros, Sigma catering to Fujifilm enthusiasts with glass they’ve long requested, and upstarts like AstrHori and Viltrox delivering out-of-the-box options that add diversity to photographers’ kits. Whether you shoot on a $6,000 body or a $600 body, there’s likely a new lens announced this month that caught your attention.

Video & Cinema Updates: Rumors and Price Cuts in Pro Camera Land

Moving to the video and cine camera realm, the end of August teases some major developments on the horizon – and saw some aggressive moves by manufacturers.

First, the rumor mill is buzzing about Sony. Multiple industry rumor sites (e.g. Sony Alpha Rumors and Canon Rumors) suggest Sony is preparing to launch a high-end Cinema Line camera at the upcoming IBC 2025 trade show (Amsterdam, Sep 12–15) nofilmschool.com. Whispers point to a next-generation model possibly named Sony FX8, which would slot above the FX6/FX9 in Sony’s lineup. The purported specs are jaw-dropping: a full-frame 12K sensor (achieved via a 3:2 96 MP sensor, downsampling to 12K 16:9) capable of 8K internal and up to 12K external RAW recording via SDI nofilmschool.com. The camera is expected to focus on broadcast and high-end production needs, potentially offering 120 fps at 4K/8K and other cutting-edge features. If true, this would leapfrog even RED and ARRI in resolution, signaling Sony’s push into the ultra-high-end digital cinema space. Additionally, forums like DVXuser report chatter about a Sony “Z380” camera to debut at IBC – likely an updated 4K ENG-style camcorder or studio camera for live production dvxuser.com. Sony tends to unveil broadcast gear at IBC, so a new shoulder-mount 4K or 8K system camera (the “Z380”) alongside the FX8 cinema camera would make sense. None of this is confirmed by Sony, but the credibility of the leaks (coming from known rumor outlets and even subtle hints on Sony’s pro website) has videographers on high alert. If Sony indeed launches a 12K-capable FX8 in mid-September, it would be one of the biggest cinema camera announcements of the year – and we only have to wait a couple more weeks to find out.

On the Canon side, rumors are more under the radar but still intriguing. Canon is said to be developing an APS-C sensor Cinema EOS camera, essentially a Super35 video camera that would compete directly with Sony’s FX30 and FX3 (which have APS-C/Super35 and full-frame sensors, respectively) canonwatch.com. Canon hasn’t released an APS-C cinema camera before – their Cinema EOS line (C70, C300, etc.) are all Super35 or larger, but typically at higher price points. An entry-level cinema camera with an RF mount, using perhaps the 24MP sensor from the R7, could fill a gap for Canon in the ~$3,000 range where Sony’s FX30 has found a following. Some speculate this could even be a “Canon C50” or similar. If true, it shows Canon responding to the trend of smaller, more affordable cine cams for independent creators. No timeline is given in the leaks, but some expect an announcement later in 2025 if Canon aims to counter Sony’s momentum in that segment.

Meanwhile, Blackmagic Design made a bold move this week – not by announcing a new camera, but by drastically cutting prices on its current flagship cinema cameras. In an Aug 28 press release, Blackmagic revealed “dramatic price cuts” on its URSA Mini Pro 12K line dpreview.com. The 12K URSA, launched in late 2020 at $9,995 body-only (and $14,995 in a full kit), had already seen one price drop, but this new cut is unprecedented. The top URSA Mini Pro 12K LF (Large Format) model dropped from $14,995 to $9,495 – a $5,500 reduction dpreview.com. The URSA 12K LF with viewfinder bundle went from $16,495 to $10,995 dpreview.com. And Blackmagic didn’t stop there: the higher-end URSA 12K OLPF (Optimized for VFX) kit reportedly fell by $7,000 from its previous price dpreview.com. These are huge discounts for cameras that are barely a year old (the URSA 12K “LF” with the full-frame sensor was introduced in 2024).

Such steep cuts strongly suggest Blackmagic is clearing inventory, likely ahead of launching new models. In fact, Blackmagic’s CEO Grant Petty has hinted at big announcements at the company’s upcoming September livestream (which coincides with IBC). The price drops make the URSA 12K the cheapest it’s ever been – for $9.5K, it’s arguably a bargain for a 12K RAW-shooting camera with a Super35 sensor (Blackmagic’s 12K isn’t full-frame except the LF version, but it still produces 80 MP frames and 60 fps at 12K). The massive resolution oversampling yields gorgeous 8K or 4K footage with very high detail and color fidelity. By lowering the price, Blackmagic might entice some last buyers, but it also sets up expectations that a new generation URSA (perhaps an 8K full-frame model or a more light-sensitive 12K Mark II) could be imminent.

Beyond cameras, for video accessories, there were some smaller updates: e.g., RØDE released a firmware adding NDI video-over-IP and auto-switching to its RØDECaster Video mixer (useful for multi-cam podcast setups) redsharknews.com. And Panasonic’s pro video division i-PRO announced an August firmware for its PTZ cameras enhancing security features dev-partner-en.i-pro.com. But the headline is really the major transitions we’re seeing: Sony aiming for 12K cinema, Canon eyeing new form factors, and Blackmagic potentially shifting from raw resolution wars to something new – all while aggressively pricing out their remaining stock.

Keep an eye on mid-September (IBC show) for confirmation of the Sony and perhaps Canon news – the stage is set for a showdown in cinema cameras, with resolution and dynamic range pushing ever higher. And if you had your eye on a Blackmagic URSA, now might be the best time ever to grab one, as it’s unlikely those prices will go back up (the current models may be discontinued once new ones arrive).

Rumor Roundup: Leica’s Hybrid M, Fujifilm’s Future and More

The rumor mills usually rev up as we head into Q4 product launch season, and indeed August ended with some juicy leaks and previews of what might be coming next from several major players.

Leica aficionados received clarification on an ongoing mystery: the much-teased “Leica M with EVF.” For months, speculation swirled that Leica would introduce a variant of its M series rangefinders that incorporates an electronic viewfinder (EVF) – essentially blending the classic M heritage with modern mirrorless tech. On Aug 30, LeicaRumors reported that this camera will likely be called the Leica M11-V (the “V” perhaps for Visier, German for viewfinder) and is expected to be officially announced in October leicarumors.com. Crucially, Leica insiders stress that the M11-V is not replacing the traditional M rangefinder line leicarumors.com. In fact, a true successor to the M11 – presumably an eventual Leica M12 – is still planned as a “classical digital rangefinder” with an optical finder and is rumored for 2026 leicarumors.com. In other words, Leica will split the family: the M11-V will cater to those who want an M camera with a built-in EVF and perhaps other modern touches (it’s rumored to have a hybrid OVF/EVF similar to Fuji’s X-Pro series photorumors.com), while the M12 down the line will carry the pure rangefinder tradition forward. Adding credence, a Leica trademark for “M12” was spotted as active in the U.S., though Leica may ultimately name that camera differently leicarumors.com. For now, rangefinder fans can look forward to the M11-V unveiling soon, likely sporting the same 60MP sensor as the M11 but with an integrated high-res EVF and possibly tweaks for better live view shooting. It’s an exciting development bridging old-school and new – and a strategic move as Leica courts a younger generation used to EVFs, without alienating the die-hards who love their optical finders.

On the Fujifilm front, we got a mini roadmap of upcoming products thanks to reliable Fuji insiders. According to PhotoRumors (aggregating Fuji “Addict” sources), Fujifilm’s next announcements could include: a video-centric GFX camera, a X-T30 III, a new XF pancake prime, and a GF zoom lens photorumors.com. Let’s unpack that. The mention of a “Fujifilm GFX Eterna video camera” is fascinating – it suggests Fuji might make a version of its medium-format GFX100 series specifically optimized for filmmaking. Code-named after Fuji’s Eterna cinema film simulation, this could indicate a GFX100-style body with enhanced video specs or even a different form factor (perhaps a modular cinema camera using the 102MP medium format sensor). Given the GFX100II already shoots great 4K video (albeit with some crop), a dedicated GFX cine camera could push into 8K or higher frame rates on that huge sensor, targeting niche cinematographers who crave that “medium format look” in motion.

Next, an X-T30 III: the X-T30 II was a subtle refresh back in 2021, so a Mark III coming in late 2025 makes sense. It would likely adopt the X-Trans 5 HR 40MP sensor from the X-T5 into the compact X-T30 body, giving Fuji a powerful midrange mirrorless to sit under the X-T5. The X-T30 III rumor suggests Fuji hasn’t abandoned the mid-tier X-T0 line despite introducing the new X-S20 recently – there’s still demand for that small, rangefinder-style camera with high-end guts.

The XF 23mm pancake lens mentioned is presumably a 23mm f/2.8 R WR – which, interestingly, Fujifilm actually announced in June 2025 lens-rumors.com. Indeed, the XF 23mm f/2.8 WR was released as a tiny 35mm-equivalent prime, and began shipping in August for ~$449. So this item on the rumor list was more of a “just launched” product than future – nonetheless, it shows Fuji is rounding out its lineup of compact weather-resistant primes (the new 23mm f/2.8 joins the 27mm f/2.8 pancake in keeping the X-system very portable).

Lastly, the GF 32–90mm f/3.5 lens sounds like an upcoming standard zoom for the GFX medium format, likely aimed to slot between the existing GF 32–64mm f/4 and GF 45–100mm f/4. A 32–90mm f/3.5 could potentially replace both with a single do-it-all zoom (roughly 25–71mm full-frame equivalent) and a slightly faster aperture. Fuji has been expanding its GF lens lineup for the 102MP bodies, and an f/3.5 constant aperture standard zoom would appeal to event and wedding shooters using GFX. No dates on this, but expect more at Fuji’s X Summit or Photokina-style events.

In third-party news, as mentioned earlier, Viltrox joining the L-Mount Alliance is confirmed for September 1. We anticipate Viltrox will bring over some of its popular autofocus primes (like the 24mm f/1.8, 35mm f/1.8, etc.) to L-mount quickly. The rumored 35–50mm f/1.4 is a bit of a mystery – some rumors say it could be two separate primes (a 35 and a 50) both at f/1.4, which are focal lengths Viltrox already makes for other mounts photorumors.com. Alternatively, it might hint Viltrox is developing a unique fast zoom – but an f/1.4 zoom would be extremely large and unlikely, so the prime interpretation makes more sense. Regardless, L-mount users are about to see an influx of affordable glass.

One more boutique rumor: Pentax (Ricoh) hasn’t been in the mirrorless conversation, but a quirky teaser got some attention – a re-launch of a classic analog 35mm SLR. The company has been hinting at developing a new film camera, and on Aug 30 a social media post showed a Pentax film advance lever, sparking hopes that a Pentax LXII or Spotmatic redux might be coming. While film isn’t this roundup’s focus, it’s a reminder that not all photography news is digital – the nostalgia wave is strong, and even major brands are considering retro releases.

In sum, the rumor roundup spans Leica, Fujifilm, Canon, Sony, Pentax and more – indicating a busy fall season ahead. Leica rangefinder fans will have choices to make between EVF vs OVF Ms; Fujifilm users can look forward to new cameras and lenses across formats; and virtually every segment from cinema cameras to film cameras has something percolating. Stay tuned as these rumors solidify into real announcements in the coming weeks.

Firmware and Software: Feature Updates Keep Cameras Fresh

Wrapping up our end-of-August coverage, several important firmware updates and software releases dropped, ensuring that existing cameras and tools gained new capabilities even as new hardware stole the spotlight.

Nikon Z6 III Firmware 2.00: Nikon delivered the first major firmware upgrade for its Z6 III full-frame mirrorless, and it’s a big one. The v2.00 update (released Aug 27) adds “Bird Auto AF” – a dedicated subject-detection autofocus mode for birds, which will track a bird’s eye or head similarly to how human Eye AF works redsharknews.com. This is a boon to wildlife photographers, essentially bringing the Z8/Z9’s animal detection algorithms into the more affordable Z6 III. But perhaps even more noteworthy, Firmware 2.00 makes the Z6 III one of the very first cameras to support the new C2PA “Content Credentials” standard redsharknews.com. C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) is a metadata system backed by Adobe, Nikon, and others to cryptographically sign images at capture, embedding information about who took it and whether it’s been edited redsharknews.com. With this update, the Z6 III can attach tamper-evident content credentials to photos, which is a big step forward for combatting image misuse and deepfakes. As authenticity becomes a hot topic, we expect more camera makers to follow Nikon’s lead on C2PA. Beyond those headline items, the firmware also reportedly improves AF tracking in video mode and fixes some bugs. It’s great to see Nikon continue trickling down features via firmware – owners essentially got a more capable camera overnight, free of charge.

Fujifilm X-E5 Firmware 1.10: Fujifilm pushed out a firmware update for its brand-new X-E5 (which, as mentioned, just started shipping). This v1.10 firmware is mostly about wireless connectivity improvements. Fuji notes that after the update, users must switch from the legacy Camera Remote app to the newer FUJIFILM XApp on mobile, and that the camera will no longer pair with devices running older iOS/Android versions fujiaddict.com. Essentially, Fujifilm beefed up the wireless security and Bluetooth pairing protocols on the X-E5 fujiaddict.com. The menu option for “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION” is removed entirely, and the process for smartphone pairing changes – presumably to a more secure, QR-code-based method as with Fuji’s latest XApp on iOS13+ fujiaddict.com fujiaddict.com. This is part of a broader effort by Fujifilm to modernize and secure their camera-to-phone connections (which have historically been finicky). Along with the connectivity tweaks, firmware 1.10 also adds support to directly connect the X-E5 to Fuji’s newest Instax Square Link printers for instant prints fujiaddict.com. You can now beam photos straight to the Square Link from the camera, which is a fun feature for those who want physical mini-prints. Fujifilm has been on a kick linking their digital cameras with the Instax ecosystem, bridging analog and digital – it’s nice to see even the mid-range models getting this functionality via updates.

Canon Firmware & Software: While Canon didn’t issue any major camera firmware at month’s end, they did announce forthcoming updates for their Cinema EOS line and PTZ cameras. A Canon USA press note indicated that firmware for the EOS C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II is coming to add CXP (Content Transfer) support – aligning with the same content authenticity initiative Nikon embraced – and that their CR-N series PTZ cameras will get auto-tracking and SRT protocol support by end of summer dev-partner-en.i-pro.com usa.canon.com. These are specialized updates, but noteworthy in that Canon is also moving toward secure metadata and IP-based production features.

Software – DxO Nik Collection 8: On August 30, DxO released an update to its popular Nik Collection suite of creative photo plugins. Nik Collection 8 brings “practical upgrades” to two of its flagship film emulation tools: Silver Efex Pro (for black & white conversions) and Color Efex Pro (for color grading and filters) diyphotography.net. Photographers have long loved Nik plugins for their analog film looks and powerful control points. In this update, DxO focused on usability improvements: for instance, Silver Efex Pro gets new one-click presets and better control over grain patterns, while Color Efex Pro adds more intuitive filter stacking and some new film stock presets based on user feedback (exact details require a deep dive into the release notes). This is the second major update since DxO acquired Nik from Google, and it’s clear they are committed to keeping these plugins current. The Nik Collection 8 update is free for existing Nik 5 owners, or available as part of DxO’s suite for new users. For those who love to give their digital images a classic film or stylized look, these enhancements will be welcome.

Adobe & Others: Although not falling exactly on Aug 30–31, it’s worth mentioning: Adobe has been beta-testing a new Photoshop AI feature (“Project Stardust”) rumored for a MAX conference reveal, and Capture One released version 16.2 earlier in August with performance boosts for tethering. We anticipate more software news in September, but the late August period was relatively quiet on the Adobe front as they gear up for big announcements in the fall.

In summary, the recent firmware and software updates show how camera makers and software developers are adding value to existing products. Nikon gave Z6 III owners not just a nice bird AF but also a forward-looking authenticity feature. Fujifilm smoothed out the user experience for X-E5 wireless shooting and kept it compatible with their instant print ecosystem. And on the software side, the tools we use to edit and stylize photos continue to evolve – sometimes in small but meaningful ways, like Nik’s film simulations getting even closer to the real thing. It’s a reminder that buying into a camera system isn’t just a one-time transaction; the gear can improve over time with these updates. As we move into September, expect even more firmware (for example, rumors say Nikon Z9 might get a v4.0 firmware soon, and Sony often pushes updates alongside new model releases). We’ll keep you posted as the software side of photography keeps pace with the hardware innovations.

Sources:

• Jeremy Gray, PetaPixel – Fujifilm Price Increase Announcement & Tariff Impact petapixel.com imaging-resource.com; Nikon Tariff Statement petapixel.com petapixel.com; Hasselblad X2D II Review Commentary petapixel.com petapixel.com.
• DPReview News – Fujifilm Aug 30 Price Changes (Mitchell Clark) dpreview.com dpreview.com; Tariff Watch Analysis (T. Sullivan) imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com; Blackmagic URSA Price Cuts dpreview.com; Nikon Z6III Firmware Update redsharknews.com.
• PhotoRumors / NikonRumors – Leica M11-V & M12 Rumors leicarumors.com; Fujifilm “What’s Next” Leak photorumors.com; Viltrox L-Mount & 35-50mm f/1.4 Rumor photorumors.com; AstrHori 6mm Fisheye Announcement nikonrumors.com.
• DIY Photography – Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Announcement lens-rumors.com; Sigma 12mm f/1.4 for X-Mount diyphotography.net; Nik Collection 8 Update diyphotography.net.
• NoFilmSchool / RedShark – Sony FX8 12K Camera Rumors (IBC 2025) nofilmschool.com nofilmschool.com; Hasselblad X2D II Launch Specs redsharknews.com redsharknews.com; Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm Lens redsharknews.com; Hasselblad X2D II Pricing redsharknews.com.
• LeicaRumors – Leica EVF M Camera Details leicarumors.com leicarumors.com.
• FujiAddict – Fujifilm X-E5 Firmware 1.10 Notes fujiaddict.com fujiaddict.com.
• CanonWatch – Canon APS-C Cinema EOS Rumor canonwatch.com.
• Imaging Resource – Industry Tariff Reactions & Price Examples imaging-resource.com imaging-resource.com.
• Newsshooter (M. Allard) – Hasselblad X2D II Feature Breakdown newsshooter.com newsshooter.com.
• RedShark News – Tech & Film Gear Roundup (Aug 27 2025) redsharknews.com.
• B&H Explora – Where to Buy Hasselblad X2D II (pricing) reddit.com.