Cameras review

CP+ 2024 Recap: Compact Camera Resurgence, Lens Miniaturization, and Industry Rebound

A Busy Return to Yokohama

The CP+ expo in Yokohama has long been a barometer for the health of the camera industry, but this year’s event signaled something distinct: momentum. For DPReview editors Dale Baskin, Abby, and Mitchell, walking the show floor was less about spotting isolated product announcements and more about observing a palpable shift in energy. The aisles were crowded, lines to enter the convention center stretched for blocks, and the sheer density of activity suggested that the industry is moving past its prolonged period of stagnation. While there were no major camera body releases dominating the headlines this year, the floor was alive with new lenses, accessories, and conversations about where the market is heading. The consensus among executives from major brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm was one of cautious optimism. They described a "modest but reliable rebound," driven not by legacy enthusiasts upgrading DSLRs to mirrorless systems, but by a completely new demographic picking up cameras for the first time.

The Compact Camera Renaissance

Perhaps the most striking trend emerging from executive interviews and sales data was the unexpected resurgence of compact cameras. For years, the market had been dominated by interchangeable-lens systems, with compacts largely relegated to niche status or replaced entirely by smartphones. However, CP+ revealed that fixed-lens compact cameras are seeing significant growth in both volume and average unit price. This shift is largely attributed to Gen Z and even younger cohorts entering the hobby. Unlike previous generations of photographers who might have started with bulky DSLRs, these new buyers are often purchasing their first dedicated camera as a deliberate alternative to smartphone photography. They aren't necessarily seeking technical superiority or maximum image quality—capabilities they already get from their phones—but rather a tangible, intentional experience.

Experience Over Specs

The criteria for buying a compact camera have fundamentally changed. The modern buyer is looking for an interface that encourages creativity and mindfulness, offering a break from the computational photography algorithms prevalent in mobile devices. While major brands like Canon (with models like the G7 X series) and Fujifilm continue to innovate, the market has also seen a surge in affordable options from lesser-known manufacturers. These "scamas" or budget compacts often lack the brand prestige of legacy names but succeed by offering the physical experience that enthusiasts crave at an accessible price point. It is important to note that official industry data often only captures sales from major Japanese manufacturers, potentially underestimating the total market size which includes numerous third-party brands selling through channels like Amazon and Costco. Nevertheless, the demand for a dedicated, pocketable device remains strong.

Lens Miniaturization: Smaller, Lighter, Sharper

If compact cameras are growing in popularity, lenses are shrinking in physical footprint. A consistent theme across every major manufacturer booth was the ability to produce faster, wider-aperture lenses that are significantly smaller and lighter than their predecessors. This isn't just about convenience; it’s a result of manufacturing advancements that have democratized high-end optical engineering.

Manufacturing Breakthroughs

Executives pointed to several factors enabling this trend:

Molded Aspherical Elements: The availability of less expensive, highly precise molded aspherical glass allows designers to correct aberrations without adding bulk.
Precision Manufacturing: Improved molding and assembly techniques mean lenses can be built tighter with fewer elements while maintaining optical performance.
Simulation Tools: Advanced computer simulation now allows engineers to test hundreds of lens formulations virtually before physical prototyping, speeding up development and optimizing weight distribution.

This was evident on the floor. Nikon showcased its new 70-200mm f/2.8 S II, which is approximately 33% lighter than its predecessor due to reduced glass content. Sigma announced updates to its APS-C lineup, including a refreshed 16mm lens that adds weather sealing and a control ring while remaining compact enough for travel bodies like the Canon EOS R7. Third-party manufacturers are also leading this charge. Viltrox displayed lenses with extreme apertures in tiny form factors, utilizing single spherical elements to achieve performance previously reserved for heavy glass. Tamron’s new 35-100mm f/2.8 prototype was notably small, extending only slightly when zoomed, proving that high-speed zooms no longer require massive barrels.

The Explosion of Third-Party Accessories

While the major camera bodies remained quiet, the third-party accessory sector exploded in size and diversity. The floor space dedicated to independent lens makers, tripods, bags, and video gear was overwhelming, with many booths housing multiple brands under single distributor umbrellas. This democratization of manufacturing means that small companies can now produce competitive products at aggressive price points. From Atomos releasing a 6K RAW recorder for around $600 to countless new tripod manufacturers offering high-quality support systems, the barrier to entry has lowered significantly. This competition benefits consumers by driving innovation and keeping prices in check across categories like memory cards, straps, and video monitors.

Notable Lens Announcements

Sigma: Completed its APS-C prime trilogy with an updated 16mm f/2.8 DC DN, adding weather sealing and a control ring.
Nikon: Revealed the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S II, focusing on weight reduction without sacrificing speed.
Sigma (Full Frame): Announced an upcoming 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens and a smaller version of its popular 35mm f/1.4.
Tamron: Showcased prototypes including the compact 35-100mm f/2.8, signaling a shift toward portable high-aperture zooms.

The Human Element: Tokyo’s Used Camera Culture

Beyond the trade show floor, the editors explored Tokyo’s legendary used camera districts in Shinjuku and Akihabara. These stores are tiny, packed to the brim with gear ranging from pristine vintage rangefinders to obscure mechanical cameras. The experience highlights a deep cultural appreciation for photography that persists alongside digital advancements. Abby Baskin found herself navigating narrow aisles filled with decades of photographic history, eventually purchasing a Canon P rangefinder—a dream camera for her husband—after spotting it in the final store they visited. Mitchell also succumbed to the allure, picking up an Olympus 35SP fixed-lens rangefinder purely out of curiosity and aesthetic appreciation. These visits underscore that photography remains a tactile hobby. Despite the digital focus of CP+, there is still immense passion for mechanical precision, film processing, and the physical act of taking a picture. The excitement in these shops when recognizing DPReview staff was genuine, reflecting a community that values both innovation and heritage.

Computational Photography and AI: A Divided Path

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computational photography remained a complex topic at CP+. While smartphone makers integrate generative AI deeply into their capture workflows, camera manufacturers are more cautious. Most major brands emphasized using AI to enhance the core photographic experience—improving autofocus accuracy, reducing noise, or stabilizing images—rather than replacing reality with generated content. However, niche players like Camera Intelligence (makers of the Kyra phone attachment) are exploring generative editing directly in-camera, allowing users to alter clothing colors or add jewelry via Google’s Nano Banana model. This represents a minority but growing perspective: that post-capture manipulation is becoming part of the creative process itself. For traditionalists, this raises questions about authenticity; for others, it offers new tools for expression without needing desktop software.

Final Thoughts

CP+ 2024 did not deliver a revolution in camera bodies, but it confirmed a stabilization and growth in the broader ecosystem. The industry is no longer just fighting to retain old enthusiasts; it is successfully attracting new ones through compact formats and accessible pricing. Lens technology continues to advance rapidly, making high-quality optics more portable than ever before. The surge in third-party accessories demonstrates that innovation is happening everywhere, not just at the major brands. As long as manufacturers continue to prioritize user experience—whether through physical controls on a compact camera or lightweight glass for mirrorless systems—the market has a strong foundation for continued growth. The key takeaway from Yokohama is that photography is evolving into a more personal, deliberate practice, driven by those who want to step away from the screen and engage with the world directly.

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CP+ 2024 Market Trends Report

DPReview’s coverage of CP+ highlights that while camera sales are rebounding, they remain a modest recovery compared to pre-2010 levels. The growth is primarily fueled by compact cameras and new users rather than high-end interchangeable lens systems. Executives noted that the market is stabilizing after years of decline, with confidence returning among manufacturers to invest in new products.

New Lens Announcements at CP+

Major lens updates included Sigma’s completion of its APS-C prime lineup and Nikon’s weight-reduced 70-200mm f/2.8 S II. Third-party manufacturers like Viltrox and Tamron showcased prototypes emphasizing compactness, with Tamron revealing a small form-factor 35-100mm f/2.8 zoom that challenges traditional size expectations for high-aperture lenses.

The Rise of Compact Cameras in 2024

Industry data indicates a significant increase in compact camera sales, driven by Gen Z and younger demographics seeking an alternative to smartphone photography. These buyers prioritize the tactile experience and deliberate nature of using a dedicated camera over technical specifications alone, leading to higher average unit prices despite fewer model choices from major brands.