Regardless of feeling like a comparatively quiet 12 months for main digicam manufacturers, 2024 served up some actual treats. Highlights included the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, which we awarded digicam product of the 12 months due to its speedy 45MP stacked full-frame sensor and revolutionary in-camera enhancing, reminiscent of its 400% upscale perform that would finish the megapixel race for good.
We additionally liked testing the Fujifilm X100VI in Japan. This expensive premium compact digicam nonetheless attracted big pre-order numbers and continues to be on backorder one of the best a part of a 12 months later. It truly is a delight to shoot with.
DJI as soon as once more had a busy 12 months with new drones, motion cameras, vlogging cameras and equipment. It consequently scooped TechRadar’s digicam model of the 12 months – that is two years in a row. Different honorable mentions go to Nikon for its better-than-expected five-star Z6 III and Insta360 for doubling down on dominance within the pocketable video digicam house, particularly with its X4 360-degree digicam.
In addition to {hardware}, different digicam headlines included Nikon buying RED Digital Cameras to immediately turn out to be a giant participant within the cinema business, a transfer meaning thrilling prospects for its skilled mirrorless cameras going ahead. Might we see fruit as early as 2025? AI continues to dominate tech headlines, however its implementation into digicam {hardware} stays restrained. And the standard point-and-shoot digital digicam has loved a comeback, significantly with younger audiences – for which we will thank TikTok.
So how does this previous 12 months set us up for 2025? As you’d count on, there are many rumors already circulating about what’s to come back over the following 12 months, and we will make some educated predictions too. Right here, in reverse order, are the 12 most fun cameras we’re anticipating to see in 2025.
The 12 most fun cameras of 2025
12. Nikon Z5 II
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 3/5
Nikon has a stable and cheap mirrorless digicam lineup now, due to a string of current releases. We would not count on a Z8 or Z9 successor any time quickly, and because the Z6 III was Nikon’s greatest launch in 2024, a brand new mannequin in that sequence is unlikely for 2025. For full-frame Nikon cameras then, that leaves us with the dated Z5 and the Z7 II with potential successors. Nonetheless, many followers suppose the Z8 has put to mattress the necessity for a Z7 III and suppose that line is lifeless, which leaves the Z5 II because the almost definitely candidate for 2025.
We rank the unique Nikon Z5 as top-of-the-line low-cost full-frame mirrorless cameras – it repeatedly drops to round $1,000 / £800 within the gross sales – however the entry-level mannequin is nearly 5 years outdated now and due an replace. Cementing that perception, The New Digital camera speculates a mark II model might arrive as quickly as Q1 of 2025, for as little as $1,200 / £1,000. It will have to be that value or decrease given the older Z6 II, which is from the pricier sequence up, has dropped to the $1,500 / £1,350 mark.
We expect a Z5 II will look quite a bit just like the just lately launched APS-C format Nikon Z50 II, however with a 24MP full-frame sensor. If it is priced aggressively, as Nikon tends to do, it might make our greatest newbie mirrorless digicam shopping for information. Nikon’s acquisition of RED Digital Cameras additionally leaves us questioning if we’ll see any direct fruit in its cameras, probably by way of firmware updates or a extra cinema-focused mannequin, very similar to the Sony FX30 or Canon EOS C80. Now that may shake issues up a bit.
11. GoPro Max 2
- Probability ranking: 3/5
- Pleasure ranking: 3/5
It’s three years on the spin for the Max 2 in our most fun cameras for the approaching 12 months checklist, however GoPro assures us that 2025 actually, actually is the 12 months that its a lot anticipated 360-degree digicam will hit the cabinets.
All we all know is that it’s been 5 years for the reason that authentic, and in that point, Insta360 has strengthened its grip on this market, culminating in 2024’s X4 – a five-star-rated 8K 360-degree digicam that may double up as an motion digicam and extra.
If GoPro was to launch the Max 2, can it even compete with Insta360? We’re unsure. It’ll actually should make significant enhancements over the authentic Max to take action, and in that case, we could possibly be in for a deal with as a result of a Max 2 will have to be GoPro’s first 8K digicam.
For 360-degree digicam followers, it’s an in any other case Insta360 house, which means we will solely hope that the market chief sees the necessity to outdo itself within the absence of any actual competitors – rivals from the minnows Kandao and Ricoh are much less compelling packages total. Come on GoPro, don’t allow us to down.
As unsure because the Max 2 has turn out to be, we will often depend on GoPro to launch a brand new model of its flagship motion digicam. Count on a GoPro Hero 14 Black to materialize in September 2025.
10. DJI Flip
- Probability ranking: 5/5
- Pleasure ranking: 3/5
DJI not often sits nonetheless, however the drone large appeared busier than ever as 2024 drew to an in depth. Maybe it’s the looming US ban for its drones, however a spate of rumors suggests we’ll see any or all the following quickly; a DJI Mini 5 Professional, which can possible turn out to be one of the best sub-250g drone; a DJI Mavic 4 Professional, changing one of the best triple-camera drone; and an all-new DJI Flip.
The Flip can be a curious addition to DJI’s vary of drones if the rumors are true. It appears to be like like a pocketable, sub-250g HoverAir X1 Professional-style folding drone, with its propellors encased in guards, and that includes a number of the Mini 4 Professional tech. That makes it an intriguing mixture of the DJI Neo and DJI Mini 4 Professional, although it is not fully clear who it is for.
Propellor guards are usually utilized in newbie and selfie drones, enabling flight near individuals and indoors. Simply how the rumored Flip will straddle DJI’s selfie and common drones stays to be seen, however we might not have to attend lengthy to search out out if the rumors of a Q1 launch show appropriate.
9. Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
- Probability ranking: 5/5
- Pleasure ranking: 3/5
It hasn’t been launched but, however there’s not quite a bit that we do not know concerning the Galaxy S25 Extremely, Samsung‘s upcoming flagship telephone that may carry the torch from its predecessor as one of many greatest digicam telephones.
Rumors counsel the most recent flagship will drop round January 22 and will price greater than the S24 Extremely, which began at $1,199.99 / £1,249 / AU$1,949 for a 256GB storage and 8GB RAM model. This could make it an expensive handset. As for its digicam, we have learn leaks suggesting that three of its 4 rear cameras would be the identical, whereas the vast digicam might get a giant improve.
To recap, the S24 Extremely boasts a 200MP primary digicam with 24mm f/1.7 lens and 1/1.3-inch sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide digicam with 13mm f/2.2 lens and 1/2.55-inch sensor, a 50MP ‘periscope’ digicam with 5x optical zoom – that is a 111mm f/3.4 lens and 1/2.52-inch sensor, and eventually a 10MP telephoto digicam with 3x optical zoom (a 67mm f/2.4 lens with 1/3.52-inch).
Essentially the most credible rumors counsel that the one change shall be to the ultra-wide digicam, seeing a soar in decision to 50MP. That enchancment would make the S25 Extremely’s wide-angle expertise rival the iPhone 16 Professional / Professional Max. Apart from that, and in distinction to the remainder of the telephone’s specs, there’s not quite a bit we all know concerning the S25 Extremely’s cameras. We cannot have too lengthy to attend to search out out, although.
8. Panasonic Lumix S1H II
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 4/5
Going off current historical past, we will count on a few new Panasonic cameras in 2025, in spite of everything, 2024 introduced us the excellent Lumix GH7 and the Lumix S9, whereas the earlier 12 months we have been handled to the Lumix G9 II and Lumix S5 II. What we did not see in these earlier two years was a high-end full-frame digicam, and that is precisely what rumors are pointing in direction of, particularly a Lumix S1H successor.
Phrase has it {that a} Lumix S1H II shall be launched within the first quarter of 2025, giving filmmakers loads of causes to get excited, particularly if Panasonic implements a lot of its current tech in an S1H-style professional physique. In addition to probably gaining the part detect autofocus debuted within the S5 II, plus presumably the potential for in-camera 32-bit float audio just like the Lumix GH7, some thrilling specs are being touted.
The New Digital camera thinks the S1H II will function a comparatively low-resolution 22.5MP full-frame sensor optimized for video content material, with 6K open gate video and a triple native ISO – we noticed that function for the primary time within the Canon EOS C400 / EOS C80. There is also a DR enhance with as much as 17-stops dynamic vary utilizing an Arri Log C4 profile, plus ProRes RAW / RAW HQ inside recording. If these options show true, a would-be Lumix S1H II will boast one of the best video picture high quality of any Lumix mirrorless digicam, supported by twin followers for limitless report instances. This could possibly be the digicam that units the bar for video creatives at its value level.
7. iPhone 17 Professional / Professional Max
- Probability ranking: 5/5
- Pleasure ranking: 4/5
We’re a methods off an iPhone 17 / 17 Professional / 17 Professional Max launch if Apple‘s dependable September calendar is something to go by, however that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from whirring into motion already.
Chief amongst these iPhone 17 rumors is that the 5x optical zoom telephoto digicam within the 17 Professional and Professional Max will see a bump in decision from 12MP to 48MP. Likewise, the entrance digicam will soar up from 12MP, however to 24MP. These each look like wise predictions and would make for a stable improve, however there’s additionally a shocking rumor.
One supply claims that iPhone 17 fashions would be the first iPhones with a mechanical aperture, a function from correct cameras designed to alter how a lot gentle enters the digicam and impacts the depth of subject. Most telephones use computational trickery to blur backgrounds in your portraits, however a mechanical aperture is the true deal.
That rumor would tally with the iPhone 16’s stand-out Digital camera Management button (do not name it a button). Pair the management’s tactile response for digicam changes with a lens whose aperture can mechanically be modified, and that may make fairly the mixture for fanatic photographers who’re used to those controls on their massive cameras. Someway we already really feel extra excited by the digicam upgrades within the subsequent spherical of iPhones than Samsungs.
6. Ricoh GR IV
- Probability ranking: 3/5
- Pleasure ranking: 4/5
We anticipated the Ricoh GR IV in final 12 months’s shortlist however, sadly, the rumors turned out to be false. All that materialized was a distinct segment model of the present mannequin – the GR III HDF / GR IIIx HDF – that was an identical apart from a spotlight diffusion filter. Nonetheless, rumors are ramping up for a fourth-gen mannequin and this mannequin could have loads of pictures fans excited.
The Ricoh GR sequence has been round for years, boasting stand-out picture high quality due to a big APS-C sensor and sharp fastened lens, all packed into a very pocketable compact physique. It is certainly one of our favourite premium compact cameras and the GR IIIx persuaded this author to splash out on it as an alternative of the most recent iPhone. Nonetheless, for all it delivers, the GR III sequence is way from excellent and may be simply improved. We have written concerning the 5 upgrades we might prefer to see within the GR IV, together with a built-in flash and higher autofocus.
There are few GR IV rumored specs to go off, however we’re hoping it proves to be a correct improve slightly than a refined mannequin – in spite of everything, the unique GR III is round 5 years outdated now. The Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx is likely one of the few high-quality fashions remaining within the sub $1,000 / £1,000 value mark, we simply hope {that a} correctly improved GR IV is simply across the nook. It might tempt a couple of away from the like of the Fujifilm X100VI.
5. Fujifilm X-E5
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 4/5
The Fujifilm X-E4 was launched in February 2021, but it was 2024 that proved to be its bumper 12 months. That is as a result of pairing it with Fujifilm‘s XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens creates a viable various to the trending Fujifilm X100-series of premium compacts – the most recent two fashions of which proved significantly onerous to purchase after going viral on TikTok. When consumers could not get the X100V or X100VI, they turned to the X-E4 as an alternative and it was offered out all through elements of 2023 and far of 2024. You may be happy to listen to that rumors counsel a successor, the X-E5, is en route.
Fujifilm Rumors says we will count on the X-E5 round July 2025. As for its specs, there’s not a lot phrase but, so we’ve to make educated guesses. We count on the potential X-E5 to take a seat above the new X-M5 and inherit a lot of its options from 2024’s X-T50. Meaning a compact physique that is extra rugged than the X-M5’s, along with Fujifilm’s higher-resolution 40MP APS-C sensor and X-Trans Processor 5 engine. There’s the argument that the X-E4 already does the job of a would-be X-E5 as an on a regular basis light-weight digicam to doc life, but it surely appears as if Fujifilm thinks there’s life within the X-E sequence but. Pricing shall be key; we hope it will not surpass the $1,100 / £1,000 mark.
4. Canon EOS R6 Mark III
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 4/5
It is ‘undoubtedly’ coming in Q1 of 2025 say outstanding Canon leakers, and whereas we do not know if that timeline is correct, the sentiment is assurance that Canon is following up its widespread EOS R6 Mark II with a third-generation mannequin, presumably known as the EOS R6 Mark III. Cameras aren’t often introduced at expos anymore, however the EOS R6 Mark III could possibly be unveiled at or round CP+ in Japan, which is going down from February 27 to March 2.
The primary rumors a few potential EOS R6 Mark III’s specs counsel it’s going to be a modest replace of the EOS R6 Mark II, with a greater EVF and a very new OLED touchscreen for Canon. With dual-axis flip-out and rotate actions, just like the display within the Sony A9 III, you can manipulate it to any angle for straightforward viewing at excessive and low angles whether or not capturing in portrait or panorama format.
It will most likely have comparable picture specs, with a full-frame 24MP sensor and in-body picture stabilization rated as much as 8.5 stops, albeit probably with a DIGIC Accelerator processor akin to the EOS R5 Mark II, which might up burst capturing efficiency. It may additionally have the identical autofocus system because the pricier EOS R5 II, which has some fairly refined topic and sport precedence modes, in addition to the in-camera neural community noise discount and upscale picture enhancing that majorly impressed us.
There is also improved 6K video and sluggish movement 4K 120fps recording, plus Canon’s Cinema RAW Mild codec. If these rumors are all on the cash, the sum of these elements is a properly refined all-rounder that may go toe-to-toe with the Nikon Z6 III.
3. Fujifilm GFX100 RF
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 5/5
2025 could possibly be the 12 months that Fujifilm goes massive, with two utterly new medium-format cameras. One is already confirmed: the GFX Eterna, slated for 2025, shall be Fujifilm’s first-ever devoted cinema digicam. It should make the most of the identical 102MP sensor because the flagship GFX100 II, however with a devoted design for filmmaking.
Apparently, there’s one other GFX digicam within the works, the Fujifilm GFX100 RF. We’re actually enthusiastic about this one as a result of, if rumors are true, will probably be a medium-format mannequin with a hard and fast 35mm (efficient) lens, just like the favored X100VI. What actually grabbed our consideration is its rumored dimension, mentioned to be just like the X100VI / X-Professional 3 (sadly no rumors of a successor for the latter). That is tremendous spectacular given how a lot larger the sensor is than the APS-C one utilized in Fujifilm X-series cameras.
There are too many gaps within the rumored specs to attract any conclusions. Nonetheless, additional particulars counsel {that a} GFX100 RF would even be Fujifilm’s most reasonably priced within the format, so it should possible use the 102MP sensor discovered within the GFX100S II however is unlikely to function in-body picture stabilization. The prospect of a premium compact digicam with a medium-format sensor is large although, and it is a rumor we’re holding our eye on.
2. A Pentax SLR movie digicam
- Probability ranking: 2/5
- Pleasure ranking: 5/5
In 2024, Pentax delivered its first digicam for the Pentax Movie Undertaking, merely named the Pentax 17. It was a surprisingly easy-to-use and charming half-frame movie digicam that finally gained us over and was certainly one of 2024’s highlights. In response to Pentax, which is a reasonably open e book about what’s to come back, the following movie digicam we will count on is a correct SLR.
The chance that one other Pentax movie digicam shall be delivered is fairly excessive; it is simply that we do not count on the second digicam on this venture to come back any time quickly. Pentax’s Movie Undertaking was introduced in 2022, and the primary digicam got here two years later. It will be a significant shock if Pentax’s new SLR movie digicam is delivered in 2025, though, in fact, we hope to be confirmed mistaken.
Within the venture’s early days, Pentax Product Planner Takeo Suzuki mentioned, “First, we’ll develop a compact movie digicam. Then, whereas reviewing a variety of applied sciences, we’ll transfer on to develop a high-end compact mannequin, an SLR mannequin, and eventually (and hopefully), a totally mechanical SLR digicam”. That reasonably priced compact movie digicam with a stable guarantee was certainly the brand new Pentax 17. What is going to come subsequent we do not know. however the totally mechanical SLR could possibly be very thrilling for severe photographers.
1. Sony A7 V
- Probability ranking: 4/5
- Pleasure ranking: 5/5
Regardless of the current A1 II flagship, Sony‘s digicam division has had certainly one of its quietest years in reminiscence. We’re anticipating 2025 to be quite a bit busier, and that would start with the rumored Sony A7 V. The complete-frame mirrorless digicam was our favourite all-rounder for years however was bettered by the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and, extra just lately, the even-better Nikon Z6 III. It is about time for Sony to battle again with an replace of the A7 IV – and we’re anticipating good issues ought to an improved successor come to be.
A method Sony can construct on the A7 IV is just by borrowing current tech from newer fashions, such because the A7R V, ZV-E1, and A1 II, then rounding them up into an A7 V. We would hope for higher dealing with. The identical physique because the A1 II / A9 III may be out of the query however the A7R V design, which features a four-axis touchscreen, is distinctly attainable for this value level.
We are able to additionally count on Sony’s AI chipset for improved topic monitoring autofocus, and a number of the AI-smarts of the ZV-E1, together with auto framing for video. The A7 IV’s video specs look just a little dated now, so we expect the primary enhancements will come there. In any other case, the A7 IV already boasts a 33MP sensor, which beats Canon and Nikon’s newer rivals for pictures, so there’s probably much less that must be carried out for photographers.
One other risk for 2025 is a brand new A7R VI with a high-resolution 100MP sensor that is by no means been seen earlier than in a shopper full-frame digicam. The A7R V already boasts rival-beating element due to its 61MP sensor, and Sony might double down on its benefit. If we have been betting individuals, we might put our chips all in on Sony having a stellar 12 months.