Our Wish List for 2026 Our (not so) trusty crystal ball, soon to be obsoleted by 2025's most bubbly tech. Image: Dina Belenko Photography via Getty Images When we set out to make predictions for the year ahead this time last year, we discovered that our crystal ball wasn't working.
And unfortunately, despite several attempts to recalibrate it, we still haven't managed to get it working.
Instead, we decided to get with 2025's hottest trend* and train an AI model to do our predicting for us. After all, we figured, we have probably the most comprehensive camera database in the world that we can use as a dataset.
Turns out 2026 will still be hard to predict. Most of the major camera makers have updated their core lineups such that, with a few exceptions, it's not obvious which of the remaining models are going to receive updates and which have already been quietly abandoned.
Camera makers seem to be trying all sorts of novel ideas in an attempt to attract new audiences, and the more data we gave our AI model about 2025's cameras, the madder its suggestions became. So, like the rest of the content on DPReview, we're going to have to make do without the help of machine learning or large language models and rely on a group of camera enthusiasts making semi-informed guesses.
As always, this article does not include any information from manufacturers nor any speculation from rumor sites.
*By which we're referring to the cooling costs of all these AI tools that none of us asked for and which have definitely made the internet better.
Sony - What we expect to see
The cameras under the a6700 in Sony's APS-C lineup are looking very long in the tooth now, and it seems possible we could see an update to them. As for whether we'll get another camera like the a6100, which is aimed at as broad an audience as possible with an ultra-affordable price tag to match, though, it's hard to tell. It's possible that going after vloggers is more profitable than courting beginner photographers nowadays, so we wouldn't be shocked if we instead see a more entry-level APS-C ZV camera.
It also feels like we're about due for the a7R VI, though it'll be interesting to see which way Sony takes it. We could see arguments for either speeding up its current 61MP sensor with partially stacked readout tech, and gaining improved dynamic range performance in the process, or going even higher resolution. It's always possible that Sony could do both, but perhaps we ask for too much.
If we had to place bets, our money's on an FX3 II coming out before we see another a7S, perhaps with the tilting EVF and mechanical shutter like the recently announced FX2. Sony launched the FX3 shortly after the a7S III, which was probably a bit disappointing to early adopters who likely would've been better served by the more cinema-focused body. We'd like to think Sony wouldn't make that mistake twice.
Sony - What we'd like to see
You all knew this one was coming: we really wish Sony would make a new RX100. If we're really picky, we'd also ask that it have the 24-70mm equiv. F1. 8-2. 8 lens from the Mark V, and a sensor that didn't make it cost $1200 . . . wait, are you serious? Sheesh. Okay, make that $1700, as the current VII does. At this point, though, we'd just be happy to see a new compact from Sony that has any signs of modernity, like USB-C instead of microUSB, and tolerable menus.
Sigma - What we expect
We think the only thing that's easy to predict from Sigma is updated firmware for the BF, mainly because we were told it was a project that would continue to develop once it was out in the wild. Beyond that, I don't think it's possible to second-guess what the company might do next.
We'd love to see aperture or control rings and weather sealing added to refreshed versions of the DC DN primes, and their appearance on this year's 12mm F1. 4 DC and 17-40mm F1. 8 DC gives us some hope in that regard. Sadly, given the status updates that have been given, we aren't predicting that the promised full-frame Foveon camera will arrive in 2026, but we want to believe it's still possible, so we don't want to relegate it to the wishful-thinking list.
Sigma - What we'd like to see
In terms of a wishlist, we'd love to see the downsizing approach Sigma took with the 35mm F1. 2 II applied as broadly as possible (we're going to assume it's easier said than done). And, because Richard was involved in the discussions leading to this article, we're going to say yet again that we'd love to see a modern version of the 50-150mm II EX DC HSM: because 70-200mm equivalents for APS-C can be a brilliant thing if they're usefully smaller, lighter and less expensive than camera maker's 70-200mm F2. 8 lenses, and Sigma has a proven record of delivering on those fronts.
Fujifilm - What we expect
Surely it's time for a new X-Pro? Fujifilm has made clear that it intends to make one, so 2026 must surely be the year. As perhaps the most photo-focused camera in the lineup, it needn't necessarily wait for a fancy new sensor, though building a flagship model around a sensor or processor that then gets superseded too soon would risk taking the shine off the experience for owners.
Beyond that, the oldest cameras in Fujifilm's lineup are the X-H2 and X-H2S twins. Could a sensor with faster readout (a partially stacked variant of the 40MP chip, perhaps?) allow the two lines to converge again, offering a single hybrid model that excels at both stills and video, rather than forcing buyers to pick which is more important to them?
Fujifilm - What we'd like to see
2025 was a quiet year in terms of lens launches for Fujifilm, so we'd expect to see some action on that front. Both its X and GF lens ranges are looking complete enough that it's hard to point to any obvious gaps that still need filling, so we're into the realms of what we'd like to see replaced or upgraded.
An updated version of the 50-140mm F2. 8 with any excess of the downsizing pixie dust used on the 16-50mm F2. 8 II sprinkled in its direction would be nice. There are also a couple of primes that might benefit from a refresh and the application of the latest focus motor know-how, but everyone seems to have a different opinion about where this should start.
Leica - What we expect
The most confident prediction we can make is that we'll see a variety of special edition models from Leica this year. We haven't a clue which brands the German perfectionists will choose to gang up with (and wouldn't rule out having to go straight to Wikipedia to work out who they are, once announced), but there'll definitely be some.
We also think it might be time for an M12. We've seen just about every possible variation of the M11, including one that isn't even a rangefinder, so the time is surely getting close. If nothing else, the company's pioneering commitment to the Content Credentials concept suggests it's time for the principal M model to gain the requisite hardware. But, as with so many of our guesses predictions, it depends a lot on whether someone has anything better than the current 61MP sensor about to take to the stage. That is likely to be the catalyst for much of what does or doesn't happen in 2026.
Leica - What we'd like to see
Leica operates in such rarefied fields and such obscure niches, it's hard to even know what to wish for (other than the lottery win that should probably happen before any of us try to get too committed). Perhaps we'll see Leica become the next company to adopt a true HDR workflow, with a bright monitor and default use of an HDR delivery format. The company's creation of mono variants of some of its cameras suggests it's comfortable playing to specialized niches, but there's a difference between embracing a style of photography with a long and storied history, versus leaping into a technology that is inherently near-incompatible with prints.
Whatever else, we'd love a Q3 43 Mono.
Panasonic - What we expect to see
Given how well the S1II's sensor performs for video, it feels inevitable that Panasonic will release some sort of video camera based around it. That could take the form of a Nikon ZR or Sony ZV-E1 competitor, focused on vlogging and ease of use, or it could be something more akin to the Canon EOS C50 or Sony FX3, with a cinema-style body that has even more cooling and is covered in attachment points.
Beyond that, it's hard to predict what Panasonic might do next, given that it just updated pretty much all of its high-end, full frame cameras. It still seems a bit early to expect an update to the S5 series. . . if indeed the company plans on continuing that line at all, instead of replacing it with the S1IIE. Panasonic is another one where the only thing we really expect is the unexpected, be that a new camera or a feature-packed firmware update.
Panasonic - What we'd like to see
We said it last year, and we'll say it again: we'd love to see a new enthusiast compact from Panasonic, potentially as a continuation of the LX100 series. Though, like with Canon and Sony, it seems like companies have a lot of momentum in just letting the compact market ride.
Similarly, we'd also be excited if Panasonic were to come out with a new GM or GX camera; the market is sorely missing a truly compact Micro Four Thirds option that plays into the mount's greatest strength: its collection of solid, compact lenses. Is Panasonic invested enough in the system to do that? We're not sure, and the fact that they repurposed a full frame body for the G9 II gives us extra pause, but that doesn't keep us from hoping.
To be continued. . .
This article would be unbelievably long if we tried to cover every major brand here, so we've split it into two. The second part will be coming shortly, and we'll add a link here as soon as it's live.
. dpreview.com2026-1-1 17:00
