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Sharp’s new Aquos R6 smartphone puts a 22MP 1-inch sensor behind a Leica-branded Summicron lens

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Sharp’s new Aquos R6 smartphone puts a 22MP 1-inch sensor behind a Leica-branded Summicron lens

Sharp isn’t exactly known for its mobile devices, but its new Aquos R6 smartphone (translated) makes quite the statement with its 20MP 1-inch rear camera and 240Hz display.

The device, which appears to be limited to the Japanese market for the foreseeable future, was developed alongside Leica, proof of which is seen in the Leica branding around the F1.9 Summicron lens in front of the rear camera. It’s unknown at this time what manufacturer produces the 20MP 1-inch sensor, but Sony has been working on 1-inch sensors recently, so it’s possible it’s powering the massive camera inside the Aquos R6.

Moving onto the display, Sharp is using a variable-framerate ‘Pro IGZO OLED’ 6.6”display (2,730 x 1,260 pixels) that Sharp claims can achieve a max 2,000-nits of brightness. Inside, the phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 5G chipset (2.8GHz + 1.8GHz Octa-Core) with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal flash storage (with the option to add an additional 1TB via the microSD card slot).

Other featured include a 12.6MP F2.3 front-facing camera, a 5,000mAh non-removable battery, IPX5 / IPX8 / IP6X ratings for dust and water resistance, and an in-screen fingerprint reader. The device uses a USB-C port to charge and transfer data and for those who don’t want to rely on only wireless headphones, Sharp included a 3.5 audio port.

Below are a collection of sample photographs Sharp claims were captured with the Aquos R6’s camera:

If you want a more immersive experience, Sharp has also created a virtual gallery you can tour to see the imaging capabilities of the Aquos R6’s rear camera.

The device, which will ship with Andriod 11 installed, is set to launch in Japan in June in black and white color options. There’s no information yet on when, if at all, this device will become available outside the Japan region.

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CIPA's January 2025 data shows compacts are more popular than ever

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CIPA's January 2025 data shows compacts are more popular than ever


Photo: Richard Butler

The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.

CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.

cipa-total-shipment-dsc-januar-2025
A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras.

Graph: CIPA

Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.

The growth in value isn’t entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn’t scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.

While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).

While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn’t much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.



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CIPA's January 2025 data shows compacts' continued resurgence

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CIPA's January 2025 data shows compacts are more popular than ever


Photo: Richard Butler

The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.

CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.

cipa-total-shipment-dsc-januar-2025
A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras.

Graph: CIPA

Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.

The growth in value isn’t entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn’t scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.

While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).

While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn’t much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.



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Insta360 and Leica announce an extension of their partnership

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Insta360 and Leica announce an extension of their partnership


Image: Insta360

Insta360 and Leica Camera AG first teamed up in January 2020 with the Insta360 One R action camera. More recently, they collaborated on the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. That cooperation isn’t over, as the two companies have announced an extension of their partnership, bringing continued collaboration to Insta360’s action cameras.

The Ace Pro 2 featured a Leica Summarit lens and Leica color profiles, so it seems likely that we will see more Leica optics and colors in future Insta360 products. The announcement reveals that “exciting developments are already on the horizon,” suggesting that a new product is already in the works. It goes on to say that there will be “more cutting-edge imaging solutions across new product lines in the near future.”

“Insta360 and Leica share a vision of creating the most advanced imaging tools possible,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing at Insta360. “With this renewed partnership, we are excited to continue our journey together, empowering creators to capture like nothing else out there.”

The Insta360 Ace 2 Pro has been very well regarded with impressive quality, so if that’s a sign of what this partnership can yield, then exciting things could indeed be on the way. The two companies didn’t provide any additional details about what product lines may involve Leica’s input, so for now, we will have to wait.

Insta360 and Leica Camera AG extend Partnership: Advancing the Action Cam Industry

Insta360, a leader in 360° and action cameras, is proud to announce an extension of its partnership with Leica Camera AG, the legendary brand renowned for over a century of excellence in imaging. This continued collaboration aims to bring elite performance to Insta360’s range of AI-powered action cameras and more.

Leica’s heritage in crafting high-quality lenses and pioneering advancements in optical engineering aligns seamlessly with Insta360’s mission to redefine what’s possible in action and 360° imaging. Together, the two brands have delivered industry-leading innovations, with the latest offering, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, proving to be a smash hit among users worldwide.

With this partnership evolving, exciting developments are already on the horizon. While we can’t share specifics just yet, creators can expect more cutting-edge imaging solutions across new product lines in the near future. This extension sets the stage for further innovation, reinforcing both brands’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in action and 360° imaging.

A Partnership Rooted in Innovation

“Insta360 and Leica share a vision of creating the most advanced imaging tools possible,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing at Insta360. “With this renewed partnership, we are excited to continue our journey together, empowering creators to capture like nothing else out there.”

As the action camera market continues to demand ever-better image quality, this partnership ensures that Insta360 continues to lead in imaging excellence.

“For over a century, Leica has stood at the forefront of optical innovation, and our partnership with Insta360 allows us to continue this legacy in the dynamic world of action cameras.

Together, we strive to push the boundaries of imaging excellence, offering creators tools that inspire their creative journeys,” said Marius Eschweiler, Vice President Business Unit Mobile, at Leica Camera AG.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 – The Latest Evolution of Insta360 and Leica’s Collaboration

The latest product of this partnership is the recently launched Insta360 Ace Pro 2, a flagship AI-powered action camera designed for professionals and enthusiasts seeking the highest image quality.

Built with a Leica SUMMARIT lens and unique Leica color profiles, the latest addition to Insta360’s wide-angle camera lineup sets a new standard in action photography and videography.

With industry-leading low-light performance, superior dynamic range, and refined image processing, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is engineered to capture life’s most thrilling moments with the precision and quality expected from Leica optics.

Creators can rely on Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s enhanced stabilization and AI-powered features to ensure smooth and professional-looking footage every time.

Looking Ahead

The renewal of this partnership signals an exciting future for creators and action camera enthusiasts alike. With Leica’s legacy in optics and Insta360’s expertise in imaging technology, the next generation of cameras will continue to set new benchmarks in performance and creativity.

Shop the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 here, and be sure to explore Leica’s latest offerings via their official website.



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