Brutally ranking the most VIRAL cameras of 2026

This is her list:

đŸš« Tier: Abomination / Pure Cash Grab (Avoid)

  • Canon PowerShot SX740 HS / ELPH 360 HS: Ranked as absolute cash grabs/abominations. They offer no RAW support, no manual settings, use small 1/2.3″ sensors, and rely on outdated tech re-released at inflated prices.
  • Panasonic Lumix TZ99: Marked as a cash grab. A 10-year-old rebadged sensor design with a minor USB-C update and a removed viewfinder.
  • Sony ZV-1 Mark II: “In the bin / Not worth the hype.” Criticized for its lack of optical stabilization, plastic build, lack of mechanical shutter, and high price tag.

⚖ Tier: Fun / Conditional Value

  • Camp Snap (and Camp Snap Pro): Has limitations (JPEG only, bad shutter sound, no screen), but ranked as acceptable for its cheap price, simplicity, and fun factor.
  • DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Highly capable, but users should opt for the newer Pocket 4 instead if available at the same price point.

⭐ Tier: Worth the Hype (Recommended)

  • Fujifilm X100VI: Worth the hype for build quality, film recipes, and manual control, provided it is purchased at MSRP (ÂŁ1,600) rather than inflated reseller prices.
  • Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III & G5 X Mark II: Solid 1-inch sensor compact options. The G5 X Mark II is highlighted as the superior choice for photographers due to its pop-up electronic viewfinder.
  • Canon PowerShot V1: Highly recommended and “worth more hype than it gets.” Outperforms the Sony ZV-1 II with a wider lens, optical stabilization, better mic, and lower price.
  • Kodak Charmer: Worth the hype for being a fun, cheap, adorable mystery-box camera with a strong community around it.

David Imel Says Hasselblad Tried to Force Talking Points Into His X2D II Review

In a recent interview, David Imel described being approached to review the Hasselblad X2D II. The opportunity came with a significant condition:

  • they gave him a list of specific points he had to mention in order to receive the camera
  • The company even told him he could include a few minor negative points just to make the review “seem more authentic”

Because of that he declined to review the camera under those terms. Something of a rarity in the youtube “influencer” world.

This comes as a warning to all you potential camera buyers. Most of the “reviews” you find on YouTube are not 100% honest. And it’s a pity because I truly believe the Hasselblad X2D II is a great camera! It has the most intuitive menu, many unique innovations, and features that some Japanese companies still do not offer (like the internal 1TB storage). Hasselblad absolutely doesn’t need this kind of aggressive and manipulative marketing! I hope their managers receive this feedback and give up their unethical partnership terms.

Let’s continue…

David notes that strict talking-point demands usually come from certain brands, such as DJI, Hasselblad, and Insta360. Traditional camera manufacturers, such as Sony, Canon, and Fujifilm, generally do not force reviewers to say specific things. But even those brands still exert pressure indirectly. Reviewers who post critical or negative reviews often get temporarily blacklisted or passed over for early access to future product launches.

Many YouTubers face financial pressure to accept expensive camera gear—the X2D II is valued at $12,000–$13,000—or brand deals to sustain their income, creating a slippery slope where their independence is compromised.

We need a change!

We need to pressure both the companies and the so-called “reviewers” to be honest with us. Because now we know that most of the X2D II reviews we find on YouTube cannot be trusted. Why haven’t those “reviewers” mentioned Hasselblad’s strict conditions before?

 

New August BCNranking: Kodak compact cameras still rule the top!

BCNranking published the Japanese market data for August. Here are the best selling cameras:

System Cameras

  1. EOS R10 RF-S18-150 IS STM Lens Kit
  2. VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit Black
  3. EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit, Black
  4. EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit White
  5. α7 V body
  6. VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit Black
  7. OLYMPUS PEN E-P7 EZ Double Zoom Kit Silver
  8. Canon EOS R50 V RF-S14-30 IS STM PZ Lens Kit, Black
  9. Canon EOS R50 RF-S18-45 IS STM Lens Kit (Black)
  10. α6700 High-Magnification Zoom Lens Kit

Fixed Lens Cameras

  1. KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 Black
  2. KODAK PIXPRO C1 Black
  3. KODAK PIXPRO C1 Brown
  4. IXY 650 m Silver
  5. OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Black
  6. OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Red
  7. IXY 650 m Black
  8. LUMIX TZ99 Black
  9. instax mini Evo Brown
  10. PowerShot SX740 HS Black

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“RAMageddon” Hits Consumer Electronics—Could It Delay New Camera Launches?

As reported on FT:

The AI investment rush has driven up the cost of memory chips and other components. “Literally everything” in the consumer electronics category is affected by the shortages, said MS Hwang, research director at the market research firm Counterpoint. 

DRam prices have increased fivefold over the past year and as a consequence manufacturers and retailers are raising prices by up to 20 per cent.

These shortages are expected to last through to 2027.

The consequences for camera manufacturers are clear: either they must raise their prices significantly or delay the launch of new products. Fujifilm, for example, delayed the launch of the X-T6 for exactly that reason. I suspect that other companies, will also have to postpone some of their camera launches. I don’t think raising camera prices is a viable option for them.

I fear that the next 12 months will be quite a mess for all camera manufacturers.

 

Just announced: New OM PEN with 20MP sensor!

Preorders:
OM PEN at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, FotoKöster, FotoLeistenscheider, Clifton, WexUK, ParkUK, OM Europe store.

It took OM five years to realize that it needed to release a successor to the PEN series, which is particularly popular in Asia. The new camera is essentially an E-P7 with a built-in EVF and weather sealing, plus OM-5II tech inside.

What do you think—will this be enough?