News from Weibo – Jan 23 13:40

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Canon has released firmware version 2.0.7 for the RF24-105mm f/4L IS, adding several practical features. It now supports full-time electronic manual focus, applicable in both single and servo autofocus modes. Additionally, the focus ring can be configured as a control ring; for instance, if set to control the aperture, it enables completely silent aperture adjustments during video recording. 

BCN Award 2026 announced: Sony keeps top spot but Canon is now very close!

The Japanese organization BCN recorded about half of the actual sales figures on the Japanese market. And in 2025, Sony managed to maintain its leading position despite declining market share. Canon is now close behind!

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.

 

Canon ranked seventh in U.S. patent ranking, now in the top 10 for 42 years running

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, securing intellectual property is paramount. Canon has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, and the latest U.S. patent rankings are a testament to this dedication. In 2025, Canon secured the seventh position in the number of patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This achievement marks an impressive 42 consecutive years within the world’s top 10, a feat unmatched by any other company.

Key Highlights from 2025

  • Ranked 7th Overall: Canon obtained 2,623 patents in 2025, solidifying its place among the top innovators.
  • 42 Consecutive Years in Top 10: This remarkable streak showcases Canon’s sustained focus on research and development.

A Strategic Approach to Patents

Canon emphasizes the importance of obtaining patents not only in Japan but also internationally, adapting its patent filing strategy to align with regional business strategies, technological advancements, and product trends. The United States, with its high concentration of tech companies and substantial market, remains a crucial region for Canon’s business expansion and technology alliances.

Canon’s Consistent Performance

Canon’s continued presence in the top 10 for over four decades underscores its long-term commitment to innovation and intellectual property. While the 2025 results are impressive, it’s worth noting their performance in previous years. For example, in 2024, Canon ranked ninth in the U.S. patent rankings and had been the top Japanese company for 20 years running. In 2023, Canon held the fifth position and was the top Japanese company for the 19th consecutive year.

The Bigger Picture

Canon strategically uses its intellectual property portfolio to boost its corporate value. Besides protecting intellectual property rights related to its core business, Canon dedicates significant resources to obtaining intellectual property rights that anticipate future developments in areas like AI, IoT, international technical standards and environmental concerns, helping to create new technologies.

Canon’s consistent ranking among the top U.S. patent recipients highlights the company’s enduring dedication to innovation and its strategic approach to intellectual property. As technology continues to evolve, Canon’s commitment to research and development positions it as a key player in shaping the future.

Top 15 companies by number of US patents obtained in 2025*

Rank Patent holder Number of patents
1 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd 7,054
2 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co TSMC Ltd 4,194
3 Qualcomm Inc 3,749
4 Huawei Technologies Co Ltd 3,052
5 Samsung Display Co Ltd 2,859
6 Apple Inc 2,722
7 Canon Inc 2,623
8 Toyota Motor Corp 2,406
9 Dell Products LP 2,301
10 LG Electronics Inc 2,284
11 International Business Machines Corp 2,193
12 Intel Corp 2,054
13 BOE Technology Group Co Ltd 1,957
14 Google LLC 1,782
15 Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC 1,755

Source: Canon

Top 10 Best-Selling Cameras and Lenses at Yodobashi

The large Japanese store Yodobashi shared the best seller list of the second half of December:

Best selling cameras:

  1. Sony α7 V Body
  2. Fujifilm X-T30 III XC13-33mm Lens Kit
  3. Sony α7C II Zoom Lens Kit
  4. Canon EOS R5 Mark II Body
  5. Sony α7C II Body
  6. Canon EOS R6 Mark III Body
  7. Nikon Z5II Body
  8. Hasselblad X2D II 100C Body
  9. Fujifilm X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit
  10. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit

Best selling lenses:

  1. Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
  2. Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
  3. Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG | Contemporary (E-mount)
  4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
  5. Tamron 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 (E-mount)
  6. Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
  7. Hasselblad XCD 2.8-4/35-100E
  8. Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM
  9. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
  10. Leica APO-Summicron-M f/2/35mm ASPH.

Canon files patent application for the optical systems of “14mm F1.4”, “20mm F1.8 IS”, “20mm F1.4”, and “24mm F1.4”

 

Canon appears to be exploring several ultra-fast full-frame primes, according to a newly surfaced patent spotted by Asobinet. The filing outlines four distinct optical formulas: –

Example 1

  • Focal length: 14.42
  • F-number: 1.46
  • Half angle of view: 52.34
  • Image height: 18.68
  • Total length: 118.50
  • Back focus: 14.00

Example 2 (this lens has been announced and is available at BHphoto)

  • Focal length: 20.60
  • F-number: 1.46
  • Half angle of view: 42.54
  • Image height: 18.90
  • Total length: 117.50
  • Back focus: 18.44

Example 3

  • Focal length: 20.60
  • F-number: 1.85
  • Half angle of view: 42.64
  • Image height: 18.97
  • Total length: 98.50
  • Back focus: 17.25

Example 4

  • Focal length: 24.00
  • F-number: 1.50
  • Half angle of view: 38.29
  • Image height: 18.95
  • Total length: 113.00
  • Back focus: 12.50

Each scheme focuses by shifting a relatively large optical group, which points to compatibility with VCM-style drive systems. Canon’s current VCM prime lineup doesn’t include anything wider than 20 mm, so a 14 mm f/1.4 based on Design A could be a logical future addition. By contrast, the rumored non-L 20 mm f/1.8 IS likely relies on a different optical approach; given the substantial moving focus group here, lenses derived from this patent would probably land at a higher price tier.

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