Japan's most popular compact cameras are years old but outsell newer releases – and start at just US$99 / £79 with retro style

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We all know that compact cameras are enjoying a resurgence. And in one of the world's most competitive and fast-moving markets, the trendiest models were released years ago – and high-resolution compacts such as the 102MP Fujifilm GFX100RF are nowhere to be found.

The latest BCN+R rankings for April, which track retail across Japan's major electronic stores, show that best-selling compacts are not necessarily the newest – or the most advanced.

Sitting at the top of the chart is a three-year-old model, followed by a camera that costs as little as $99 / £79. These little point-and-shoots don't feature high specs, but their appeal lies in something different.

BCN+R compact camera ranking (Apr 26)

1. Kodak Pixpro FZ55 | Black
2. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Black
3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Lite | Black
4. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Lite | Silver
5. Kodak Pixpro C1 | Brown
6. Instax Mini Evo | Black
7. Canon Ixy 650 M (Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Silver
8. Canon Ixy 650 M (Elph 360 HS A / Ixus 285 HS A) | Black
9. Kodak Pixpro WPZ2
10. Instax Mini Evo | Brown

Sales data compiled by BCN+R, which aggregates nationwide sales figures from major electronic retailers and online platforms across Japan.

Popularity despite camera age

Looking at the top ten best-selling compacts, it's clear that most are not genuinely new releases.

The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 arrived in 2017, the Pixpro C1 is the newest model, having entered the market in 2025, while the Canon PowerShot SX740 launched in 2024 but is essentially a refreshed version of the 2018 model. Similarly, the Canon Ixy 650 M is also a renewed version of the 2016 model.

Japan's best-selling compact cameras are nearly four years old on average. While that may not seem particularly old for a camera, it's a striking figure in a market known for rapid product cycles.

What makes these 'older' releases so popular?

In the compact camera segment, Japanese buyers seem not to chase the latest technology but to prioritize familiarity, simplicity and value.

Even among newer entries, such as Kodak's budget-friendly models and Fujifilm's instant-style hybrid cameras, the focus remains firmly on accessibility rather than cutting-edge innovation.

Affordability plays a major role, with the Pixpro C1 starting at $99.99 / £79 and higher options such as the PowerShot SX740 HS Lite costing $549.99 / £499.99 – even so these cameras remain far from entering the four-figure price bracket.

Ease of use is another key factor, with point-and-shoot designs remaining highly attractive in an era where smartphone fatigue is growing.

There is also a strong element of nostalgia and retro appeal, with compacts increasingly seen as fun, lifestyle-oriented devices rather than professional tools.

And finally, familiarity matters. Established models have proven themselves over time and continue to sell steadily, even without major updates.

For many buyers, simplicity and affordability still win out over specification sheets – and that's unlikely to change in the near future.

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