Photo News: Big Numbers and Small, Effective Changes

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That Canon is the undisputed market leader in camera production is not new, and we already reported on it six weeks ago. Now, according to the manufacturer, in October 2025, it produced its 170 millionth lens, an RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. This model was already launched in November 2024. The new figure is a milestone that the Japanese company proudly announces as a further expansion of its world record as the producer with the highest total number of interchangeable lenses.

A brief overview of the immense production increase over the last 30 years: 10 million lenses in 1995, 50 million in 2009, and 100 million in 2014 – as the first company worldwide.

Canon secured its long-term success through technical innovation and corresponding patents. Canon developed the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer technology (IS), and multi-layer Diffractive Optical Elements, and was the first company to use them in SLR cameras. In 2018, around five years after Sony, the mirrorless EOS R system with a larger RF mount diameter and shorter flange distance. Today, Canon's portfolio comprises 108 models with focal lengths ranging from 10 millimeters in ultra-wide-angle to 1200 millimeters in super-telephoto. Production takes place at five locations in Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

Leica M EV1 – Rangefinder Camera Without a Rangefinder

In contrast, Leica is breaking with decades of tradition: The M EV1 is the first M camera with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). According to the manufacturer, this was the wish of many customers who appreciate the M system but would prefer to avoid the challenging focusing with the rangefinder in everyday photography. The EVF is from the Leica Q3 and offers 5.76 million pixels, 0.76x magnification, and 100% field of view coverage. An eye sensor switches between the viewfinder and the rear monitor, as with other SLR cameras. The diopter correction can be adjusted from -4 to +2 dpt.

Unlike the rangefinder, the new electronic viewfinder offers the advantage that exposure, white balance, and depth of field can be better assessed before shooting. However, you no longer look directly at the subject but have to rely on the display's reproduction. Nevertheless, the latter has advantages, especially with lenses that were previously difficult to reconcile with a rangefinder due to the fixed image section, such as ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses. The minimum focusing distance was technically limited to 70 centimeters, which was completely useless for close-up shots of insects or flowers.

The Leica M EV1 now also supports photographers with the usual small aids such as focus peaking or a two-stage focus magnifier. The lever on the front of the camera, which is used for frame selection in rangefinder cameras, can now be assigned focus aids or digital zoom (1.3x and 1.8x). Further technical details can be found in our detailed report on the Leica M EV1. The new rangefinder-less M is not a bargain. At almost 8000 euros for the body, it remains in the luxury segment. Leica remains true to itself.

Fujifilm X-T30 III: Proven Concept with a Fresh Processor

Fujifilm unveiled the third generation of the X-T30 this week. It is an adaptation of its predecessor to the current market situation, not a direct successor model that should actually be an X-T40. The X-T30 III is, as before, aimed more at beginners or photographers looking for a lightweight camera for travel. The 26-megapixel APS-C sensor remains unchanged; the new feature is the X-Processor 5 image processor, which sister models like the X-T5 also use. Fujifilm promises twice as fast image processing, which is particularly noticeable in continuous shooting and high-resolution videos. Energy efficiency has been improved – the battery now lasts up to 425 shots according to CIPA standards.

Perhaps the most important new feature is the optimized subject recognition in autofocus. In addition to faces and eyes, it is now supposed to track animals, birds, cars, airplanes, and insects, and do so faster and more precisely than in the previous model. The housing and weight remain identical; the Fuji-typical film simulation dial is prominently displayed on the left shoulder. Videos are now also available in 6.2K at 30 frames per second.

Wide-Angle Zoom for Compact Dimensions

A new wide-angle zoom, the Fujinon XC13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS, complements the camera and clearly indicates its focus on beginners with a price of under 400 euros. It weighs 125 grams and measures 3.8 cm when retracted – the smallest and lightest zoom lens for the X-series. It covers 13 to 33 mm (equivalent to 20 to 50 mm on full-frame) and focuses from 20 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.25x. The optical image stabilizer compensates for up to four f-stops. The construction includes ten elements in nine groups, including four aspherical lenses and three ED glass elements.

Backups Urgently Required

It is known, but for current reasons, it is a reason to think about it again. Photographers who back up a lot of important image data on their hard drives should regularly consider backing it up on a second medium and in the cloud. If you are the lucky owner of older hard drives from the manufacturer Western Digital, all the more so. You can find out why in our recommendation for a Long Read for the Weekend.

(cbr)