You can join and ask whatever you want to all those MFT nerds ;)

As you know BCN collected the real sale data of nearly half the Japanese Store. And they now shared the BCN Awards with detailed market share for each category of electronics. Here are the market share data with the 2023 market share in parentheses.

Digital Cameras (Mirrorless)

1. Sony 35.8% (34%)
2. Canon 26% (28.3%)
3. Nikon 14.5% (Unknown, took over the third spot from OM Digital which had 12.5% in 2023)

After many years on the podium, OM Digital had to give up its third place in favor of Nikon. Let’s hope cameras like the OM-3 and maybe new PEN models can turn the tide?

More rankings:

Digital Cameras (fixed lens)

1. Canon 23.4% (22.6%)
2. Kodak 21.2% (20.7%)
3. Fujifilm 15.8% (18.1%)

Digital Cameras (SLR)

1. Canon 69.4% (77.1%)
2. Nikon 20.9% (17.1%)
3. Ricoh 9.7% (5.8%)

Lenses

1. Tamron 17.5% (15.4%)
2. Sigma 16.8% (17%)
3. Sony 15% (15.2%)

Digital Video Cameras

1. DJI 48.1% (wasn’t ranked in top three last year and took the world by storm)
2. Panasonic 23.8% (36.4%)
3. Sony 23.4% (38.7%)

Action Cameras

1. GoPro 34.3% (53.7%)
2. DJI 32.1% (15.9%)
3. Insta360 26.9% (18.1%)

For a limited time you save $30 on the new version of the well known Topaz Photo AI software (Click here).

You can download the latest firmware here:
GH7/G9II: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html

Panasonic has announced a series of new firmware updates for its full-frame mirrorless LUMIX S5II and S5IIX, as well as its Micro Four Thirds mirrorless GH7 and G9II cameras, aimed at improving the shooting experience and enhancing functionality.

Aligned with LUMIX’s ongoing commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on January 23, 2025.

LUMIX GH7 Firmware Version 1.3

• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter control, image transfer directly from the camera, and a wireless live streaming feature for enhanced functionality.
• A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, allowing for the simultaneous display of up to three frame markers. The size and position of each frame marker can be adjusted, adding versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions. This further enhances the unrivaled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
• MP4(Lite) compatibility has been added, enabling video recording in Open Gate mode with reduced data consumption without compromising resolution. This new smartphone-optimized format makes it easier to quickly share content on social media.
• Operational stability has been improved.

LUMIX G9II Firmware Version 2.3

• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter control, and the transfer of images selected on the camera, enhancing its functionality.
• The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been further improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
• A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, allowing for the simultaneous display of up to three frame markers. The size and position of each frame marker can be adjusted, adding versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions. This further enhances the unrivaled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
• The Crop Zoom feature has been introduced, enabling the extraction of the central part of an image and enhancing the zoom effect without degrading image quality. This feature also allows prime lenses to be used as if they have a longer focal length, enhancing the versatility of existing lenses in different shooting scenarios.
• MP4(Lite) compatibility has been added, enabling video recording in Open Gate mode with reduced data consumption without compromising resolution. This new smartphone-optimized format makes it easier to quickly share content on social media.
• Operational stability has been improved.

Pelican dropped a ton of new products you can get now at BHphoto and Adorama. A helpful introduction text can be read at Explora.