Brightin Star is teasing its new 60mm F2.8 macro lens. Known specs:

• 2x magnification
• stepper aperture adjustment
• E, EF-M, MFT, RF-S, X and Z mount coming

What you see here is a truly unique lens! Thanks to its unique REFLEX design, it is the most compact 150 mm lens I have ever seen. It also supports full autofocus…which, in my opinion, is also a world first? Correct me if I am wrong.

Here are the know specs:

Kase 150mm f/5.6

• Full Frame
• Autofocus
• 67mm filter size
• AF/MF switch
• Z-mount, E-mount

Of course we all know that REFLEX lenses have inherently a slightly worse optical performance that lenses with a “regular” design. But int this case you might be willing to accept the compromise because no other lens gives you that reach in such a small size. Kase made a bunch of regular E/Z-mount lenses and also some Reflex lenses you can find on those pages at Amazon and BHphoto.

SG-image announced the pricing and shipment time for the new 35mm f/2.2 Full Frame Autofocus lens:

• Black: 699 yuan (around $100)
• Silver: 749 yuan (around $110)
• Weight: 163 g
• Z-mount officially on sale January 31 (lenses released earlier this year all use the classic engraved exterior)

Getting such a small, fast Full Frame lens for $100 is quite impressive. Let’s hope Image Quality is good enough too!

New Product Release | ≈90g, as light as a feather. See you on January 27th! Lighter, smaller, and more compact, perfect for full-frame cameras!

The Japanese organization BCN recorded about half of the actual sales figures on the Japanese market. Summary via DClife:

Digital mirrorless camera

1. Sony: 29.9% *3rd consecutive year, 6th time
2. Canon: 27.4%
3. Nikon … 15.1%

Sony and Canon are engaged in a fierce battle for market share in the mirrorless camera market. They have an even sales volume share, with Nikon trailing behind. Incidentally, Nikon has been in third place for two consecutive years. Since it’s based on sales volume, it seems that manufacturers with a lineup of cameras that sell in large quantities are strong. It seems that manufacturers who prioritize brand power, limit production numbers, and operate a scarcity business are not ranked highly.

Digital camera SLR

1. Canon: 44.3% *18th consecutive year, 20th time
2. Nikon… 38%
3. Ricoh Imaging (PENTAX) … 17.7%

Although the mainstream camera market is shifting from digital SLR to mirrorless cameras, Canon remains strong in the digital SLR market. This marks the 20th time that Canon has won the award, and the 18th year in a row.

Digital camera with integrated lens (compact)

1. Kodak: 24% *First time winner
2. Fujifilm: 13.9%
3. Kenko Tokina… 13.3%

Kodak has finally won its first award. Kodak offers a wide range of affordable compact digital cameras. In terms of value, Fujifilm is probably at the top, thanks to the success of the X100 series and the Instax (hybrid instant camera).

digital video camera

1. DJI: 64.7% *2nd consecutive year, 2nd time
2. Panasonic: 18.9%
3. Sony: 11.1%

DJI has won the award for the second year in a row, with an overwhelming market share of 64.7%. The driving force behind this win seems to be the Osmo Pocket series, and personally I think the Osmo Pocket series should be included in the action camera category. What do you think?

Action camera

1. DJI: 40.1% *First time winner
2. Arashi Vision … 37.9%
3. GoPro … 18.9%

DJI’s first win in the Action Camera category shows its momentum. GoPro has finally dropped out, dropping to third place. Chinese manufacturers like DJI and Insta360 are aggressively launching new products and improving specs, overshadowing GoPro. GoPro’s market share fell from 34.3% to 18.9%.

Interchangeable lenses

1. Tamron… 23% *2nd consecutive year, 2nd time
2. Sigma: 17.8%
3. Sony: 13.1%

Tamron won the interchangeable lens category for the second year in a row. Sigma’s supply system has been a bit unstable in recent years. Tamron lenses have a wide range of relatively inexpensive lenses, and they are also a third-party lens manufacturer whose high-magnification zoom lenses have long been popular. Sony ranked third among original lens manufacturers.

Nikon has taken legal action against Viltrox in China. While the reasons behind the lawsuit remain unclear for now, the case is expected to go to trial in March.

UPDATE:

According to information from multiple sources, the Nikon litigation regarding the patent issue primarily targets the Viltrox teleconverterZ-mount adapter.

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via Asobinet

Aiarty Image Enhancer has received practical updates for photographers and editors working with large files, older images, or challenging lighting. The latest version includes TIFF/DNG export, more controlled color restoration, and a new AI Eraser for object removal (Beta).

Rather than trying to replace full photo editors, Aiarty Image Enhancer works as an offline utility you can use alongside your existing workflow—for quick cleanup, restoring old photos, refining high-resolution images, improving overall clarity, or preparing files for print.

Upgrade & Availability: Existing users can upgrade for free. For those who prefer to own it outright, a lifetime license is available, currently 49% off, plus an extra $5 off with coupon NYSPECIAL at checkout (valid until Jan. 31). It covers up to three devices and includes all future updates. Learn more here.

What’s New in Aiarty Image Enhancer

1. TIFF & DNG Export for Flexible Workflows
You can now export enhanced images as TIFF or DNG, which is ideal for higher bit depth, better dynamic range, and smoother handoff to post-processing tools. Aiarty lets you set DPI based on output:

• 72–96 DPI – Web use, social media, digital publishing
• 150–300 DPI – Standard prints (magazines, posters, brochures)
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This makes it easier to prepare files for print or heavy editing, instead of relying solely on JPEG exports.

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Alongside quick color enhancement tools, Aiarty now allows you to dial results back toward the original color profile using a slider. This helps keep restored or enhanced images looking natural—especially useful for old photos or faded scans.

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It works well for:

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As a beta feature, it performs best on simpler, consistent backgrounds, and Aiarty plans ongoing updates to handle more complex edits. This makes quick cleanup easier without replacing your main editing workflow.

Where Aiarty Image Enhancer Fits In
Aiarty Image Enhancer isn’t trying to replace full photo editors or RAW processors. Instead, it works well as a support tool for common tasks:

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• Removing minor distractions without manual masking

Because it runs offline, it can be useful in environments where internet access or subscription software is not ideal.

Licensing & Last-Minute Holiday Deal

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• The offer is valid until January 31
• The lifetime license covers up to three devices and includes future updates.

Final Thoughts
Aiarty Image Enhancer focuses on making everyday image enhancement faster and more straightforward. From restoring old photos and improving low-light shots to preparing files for print, it’s a practical addition to an existing workflow rather than a replacement for full-featured editors.

For photographers who prefer owning their software outright and working offline, it may be a useful tool to have on hand. Learn more about Aiarty Image Enhancer.