Latest news with #LeicaD-Lux8
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nikon will raise prices in June because of US tariffs
Nikon has revealed that it will increase its prices in the US due to the recent tariffs. The company has thus far been silent on the matter but released a brief statement on its site announcing the change. Nikon didn't provide specifics on what the price increase would look like, simply stating that "Due to the recent tariffs, a necessary price adjustment for products will take effect on June 23, 2025." Nikon's statement went on to say that it will be monitoring tariff developments and may further change pricing "as necessary to reflect the evolving market conditions." While the United States and China agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs on May 12, the situation is still uncertain. It isn't surprising that Nikon is leaving room for more changes. Nikon is just the latest in a long list of brands announcing similar increases due to the US tariffs. Earlier this month, Sigma said its prices would increase by an unspecified amount on June 2 for US orders. Leica also announced substantial price increases in the US earlier this month. Those prices, which include a 20% increase on the Leica D-Lux 8 and Leica Lux Grip, are already in place. Sony hasn't made any official announcements, but some of the prices of its cameras and lenses have gone up on sites like B&H, as PetaPixel reported. On April 28, Canon released its Q1 financial results, which included a statement that it will be increasing prices on June 1. Canon assumed those pricing increases would be local to the US, but added, "if the tariff issue were to trigger a global recession, our assumptions will change." Blackmagic was one of the first to increase prices in the US because of the tariffs. Like Nikon and Sigma, it didn't specify the amount of the increase. Some brands have announced changes in production plans or availability instead of pricing increases. Tamron said it's shifting where its lenses are made because of the tariff situation. Fujifilm announced last month that it is pausing pre-orders of its X100VI, GFX100RF and X-M5 (Black) models. Of course, all things tariff-related are in flux. What happens after the 90-day "pause" is unclear, making it hard for companies to plan appropriately. The pricing increases from these brands could change substantially depending on what happens in the coming days and months.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- The Hindu
Are film cameras making a comeback?
If your device to capture the world before you was a compact digital camera, red eyes in your photos likely made a recurring appearance. If you went with an instant camera, you could pay a premium and wait a few minutes in order to expose a grainy photo. If you chose a regular 35mm film camera, you could shoot the photo and see how it turned out days later. Little wonder that smartphones dealt a near death blow to many older cameras as AI-powered erasers, blur correction, dedicated night modes, and grain removal made it possible to pull high-quality photos out of both entry-level phones and premium devices. Smartphones also provided the automated storage and backup options lacking in older cameras, cancelled out the heavy environmental cost of developing physical photos, did away with the need to constantly recharge or replace Lithium-ion batteries, and solved the weight and breakability problems of older cameras. But, is the line dividing digital and analogue photography blurring? Young film photography fans are blending the two for an altogether new experience. The Polaroid market is expected to nearly double in 2031 to $5.72 billion, from $2.93 billion in 2024, driven largely by the influencer economy, according to the Verified Market Research company. With features like soft focus, old-fashioned grain, mild colours, and beautifully diffused light, the cameras of yore document snapshots from the past in a dreamier way. Some consumers are also switching to traditional digital cameras to capture the beauty of their surroundings in a more organic way, sans generative AI. Others want to really sink into the shooting experience, rather than snapping images on a phone that can also interrupt you with calls and spam notifications. But these come at a cost. Consider this for a moment: Fujifilm's hybrid instant cameras range from ₹15,999 to ₹37,499 in price. Then, there is the luxury digital camera segment. Leica, dubbed the 'Rolls-Royce' of film cameras, offers the compact Leica D-Lux 8 digital camera at a price of ₹1,65,000. For a slightly more affordable buy, the Leica SOFORT 2 hybrid instant film camera retails at ₹39,990. However, film rolls can cost thousands of rupees in India with a limited number of shots. By contrast, an entry-level smartphone that shoots perfectly usable photos costs less than ₹10,000. Camera-makers look to the future While nostalgia triggers buyer behaviour, camera makers are more keen to promote their new offerings, rather than older models. Leica and Polaroid did not respond to requests for comment for this story. While Tokyo-based camera maker Canon declined to comment about demand for its older cameras, another camera maker, based out of the same city, offered a unique insight into what drives the younger generation to buy a new camera. Young photographers are interested in modern cameras with an old-world design. In other words, film cameras may not be making a comeback, but its form-factor endures. 'We [Nikon India] have seen a significant rise in interest among younger generations who are gravitating toward cameras that blend nostalgia with modern technology,' said Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director at Nikon India. 'The dominant trend is toward mirrorless cameras that offer a retro aesthetic with high performance.' Mr. Kumar pointed out that in the early 2000s, buyers used both compact digital cameras and DSLR cameras, such as the Nikon COOLPIX series as well as the Nikon D90 DSLR series. Meanwhile, the Nikon Df (Retro DSLR) helped bridge the gap between traditional film cameras and the digital era, according to him. On the use of advanced technologies, including AI, Mr. Kumar noted that: 'We will be incorporating AI technology into our product not only to capture the high quality videos and excellent still images but also to improve the user's workflow in ease.' Beyond the form-factor Today's shutterbugs need to think of their social media strategy before buying their cameras. Many desire a camera that snaps top-quality images and shoots clear video footage that can be easily edited, uploaded, and shared in large batches. Then, there are the budget-conscious photographers. For them, app storefronts offer virtual filters or film camera simulators that let device owners shoot from their own phones with added effects such as light leaks, graininess, or discolouration to mimic the 35mm film aesthetic. Some of these apps have been downloaded over 10 million times, unlocking retro-style images without burning a hole in buyers' pockets. Virtual Polaroid frames and instant photo printers also let users turn a smartphone photo into passable film shots that can be shared both online and offline. Photography — whether through traditional film cameras, hybrid instant cameras, mirrorless digital cameras with film camera-inspired designs, fully mechanical toy cameras, or even 35mm film apps — continues to find innovative ways to thrive.
