Feed aggregator

This compact Hoto laser measuring tool is perfect for your construction projects, framing and other daily measuring necessities -- and it's now $10 off.

The Seagulls and the Tricky Tress are eyeing a place in the semifinals in this all-Premier League clash.

Injury-hit Bayern return to Bundesliga title race action at the Allianz Arena.

Create memories on photo paper quickly and efficiently thanks to these Kodak photo gear discounts.

Mobapad N1 HD: one-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Mobapad N1 HD is a Nintendo Switch controller aimed towards more serious gamers, thanks to its versatile functionality and premium features.

It doesn’t look particularly spectacular, and it even lacks RGB lighting, a common feature on many third-party controllers. It does, however, look a little more distinct in its pink and purple colorway.

On close inspection, you can tell the N1 HD is built to a high standard, rivaling some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. The materials feel premium and the construction is solid, yet it’s also very light in the hand and comfortable to hold – although those with larger hands might find it a bit too small.

The buttons and sticks also feel great, offering a pleasing amount of dampening and smoothness for the most part. The N1 HD also comes with a USB cable for charging and wired play, although it’s quite short and isn’t braided, restricting its practicality.

The mobile app for the N1 HD includes various customization options, some of which are pretty detailed, such as custom curve profiles for the analog sticks. Certain adjustments can also be made using the settings and other buttons on the controller itself.

To game with, the N1 HD lives up to its promises. The Hall effect sticks are as smooth as you could want, and the buttons are satisfying and super responsive, especially the D-pad – no matter which of the two included hats you have attached. It’s a shame, however, that the triggers lack analog control when used with a PC or mobile.

Although I found it easy to connect to the Switch and PC, switching between them on the fly isn’t really viable, since repairing is required, although fortunately, this is an easy process. Connecting to Android is relatively simple too, although beware that you will need to connect to "Mobapad N1" rather than "Mobapad N1 HD" in the list of Bluetooth devices your phone finds.

The N1 HD is expensive, but so too are the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the 8BitDo Ultimate, two of the best Switch controllers out there. Like those pads, it’s a hugely capable controller and although it lacks analog triggers and seamless device switching, the N1 HD is worth your consideration all the same.

Mobapad N1 HD review: Price and availability

• $74 (about £60 / AU$119)
• Available now worldwide
• Similarly priced to key rivals

The Mobapad N1 HD costs $74 (about £60 / AU$119) and is available now in three colorways: black, white, and pink with purple accents. Mobapad only lists USD prices on its website, but it does ship worldwide. It comes with two D-pad hats, a USB cable for charging and wired play, and a dongle for wireless PC connectivity.

If we judge it by its original price (we have seen it on sale at a considerable discount), it’s close to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, although this controller lacks official support for other platforms, as well as extra buttons on the front and rear.

The N1 HD also costs about the same as the 8BitDo Ultimate, our pick as the best Nintendo Switch controller right now. This too has Hall effect sticks and multi-platform support, but unlike the N1 HD, the Ultimate comes with its own charging dock. However, it doesn’t have NFC support, so it can’t be used with Amiibo accessories.

Mobapad N1 HD review: specs

(Image credit: Future) Mobapad N1 HD review: design and features

• Solid yet lightweight build
• Might be too small for some
• Detailed mobile app

The N1 HD boasts a similar design to the best Xbox controllers: it even has the same distinctive D-pad design, although this is removable and can be swapped with a more traditional four-pronged unit included in the box. Due to these similarities, It looks rather unoriginal in its black and white colorways, but the pink and purple variant does help to set it apart somewhat.

However, the upside of this familiar form is the ergonomic benefit: it sits well in the hand, and the lightness makes it even more comfortable. It’s a little smaller than an Xbox Wireless Controller, though, which may be a problem for those with larger hands. And if you're a fan of the best PS5 controllers, then it might not be for you either. Despite its unsubstantial weight, it feels well constructed, with durable, premium-feeling plastics. The textured grips are a welcome touch too.

The USB-C port is easy to use thanks to its placement, although it isn’t recessed, which may be a cause for concern, but I didn’t find it prone to disconnecting while gaming. The included cable is a standard charging cable, without the braiding or length those included with many other controllers have, which does limit its practical usage.

The N1 HD has liquid silicone buttons, which Mobapad claims are more comfortable and more durable, while also improving consistency. Under the thumb, they certainly feel pleasant, but the dampening isn’t the best I’ve experienced, and the button caps aren’t the tightest, with some wobble to them. The shoulder buttons, however, feel better in both these aspects, but the triggers are a little too short for my liking.

The analog sticks are a highlight, with treaded edges to help improve grip, which they certainly do. I did find them to be a tad small, though, but those with smaller thumbs shouldn’t have a problem.

There are also two extra back buttons for customizable programming. While these are also quite small, they did suit my grip style, as my middle fingers naturally landed flush onto them.

Aside from the usual Switch buttons, you’ll also find a setting button, which can be used in conjunction with other inputs to perform various functions, from altering vibration intensity and toggling turbo modes to programming macros. These are complex for input-based functions; some controllers don’t even offer this level of customization in their software tools.

Speaking of which, the Mobapad mobile app offers even more tweaking potential, including the ability to remap buttons and set trigger modes on a per-button basis, with hold and loop options to choose from.

You can also change the dead zones and curve profiles of the analog sticks, with the latter adjusted via two points on a graph, freely draggable to create your own style, which is very involved. It’s a shame, however, that you can’t even view the battery level of the N1 HD in this app, which seems like a basic piece of information to omit.

Other features of the N1 HD include the ability to switch between Xinput, Dinput (for older games), Switch Pro input modes, and NFC support for Amiibo hardware. Currently, it’s not compatible with Mobapad’s PC software, but support is expected after March.

(Image credit: Future) Mobapad N1 HD review: performance

• Great buttons and sticks
• No analog triggers
• Device switching clunky

The N1 HD performs well. The face buttons are satisfying to use, with a good deal of accuracy and responsiveness. The D-pad has these qualities in even more abundance, with an even shorter actuation, making it great for rapid taps. It’s also easy to roll for quick consecutive inputs with either the circular or four-pronged hat installed. It is, however, very clicky, feeling more like a mouse button than a controller button, which may deter some gamers, but I found it satisfying to use.

Even more damped are the shoulder buttons, which have a softer feel but still provide a responsive input. However, since the N1 HD is a Switch controller first and foremost, the triggers lack analog capability, even when used with a PC. This is a shame when playing certain games, such as those involving driving or racing, since they lack the precise control these titles benefit from.

The analog sticks utilize Hall effect technology, which purportedly offers greater precision as well as preventing stick drift. I certainly found them precise and incredibly smooth to move in all directions, providing just the right amount of resistance to impart some useful feedback without being onerous. The N1 HD also supports motion controls, and again I found these accurate, tracking superbly.

In my experience, the rear M buttons were also easy to use, although they were less consistent in their responsiveness; their small size and short travel meant that they were hard to hit in the optimal place every time.

Connecting the N1 HD to your platform of choice is also very easy. During my test, it connected instantly to my Switch, as well as to my desktop when using the included USB dongle, making it just as amenable to the platform as some of the best PC controllers. However, hot-switching between wasn’t an option, as the N1 HD required re-pairing to each device, which is a shame for those who switch between the two regularly.

At first, I was unsuccessful in connecting the N1 HD to my Google Pixel 7a, although this was remedied when I realised that I needed to connect to "Mobapad N1" rather than "Mobapad N1 HD" in the list of found Bluetooth devices. Once paired, using the N1 HD with my phone was as easy and responsive as with other platforms.

I wasn’t able to test the battery life of the N1 HD to exhaustion, and considering the lack of battery information – none in the mobile app and only an LED indication on low battery – I couldn’t gauge how much I had left. I can say, though, that it lasted for several days of use without showing a low battery warning.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Mobapad N1 HD? Buy it if...

You want an Xbox-style controller
The Xbox design is a popular one for good reason: it offers just about the best ergonomics around, and the N1 HD is all the better for following its lead.

You want multi-platform support
Although the N1 HD is primarily a Switch controller, it also works with PC and mobile devices, both wired and wirelessly.

Don't buy it if...

You have large hands
Despite its high levels of comfort, the overall form of the N1 HD is quite small, as are the sticks, triggers, and rear M buttons.

You want analog triggers
Despite being compatible with platforms other than the Switch, the N1 HD doesn’t have analog triggers, which won’t be ideal for certain games.

Also consider...

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
As one of the console’s official controllers, the Switch Pro Controller is unsurprisingly one of the best, offering more features and functionality than the stock Joy Con controllers. We found it comfortable to hold and were taken by its excellent D-pad. And although its original price is relatively high, it can often be found at a discount. Read our Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review.

8BitDo Ultimate
The 8BitDo Ultimate is our number pick as the best Switch controller, thanks to its great price, performance, feature set, and comfort levels. It also comes with its own charging dock, which is very convenient. However, unlike the N1 HD, there’s no NFC for Amiibo support, but this is about the only drawback. Read our 8BitDo Ultimate review.

How I tested the Mobapad N1 HD

• Tested for several days
• Used on Switch and PC
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the N1 HD for several days, during which time I used it on Switch and PC, both wired and wirelessly. I tried to use it on two Android phones but failed to connect with either.

I played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which provides a thorough test for any controller, given the demands it places on all manner of inputs, from the face buttons to the analog sticks and motion controls. On PC, I played Art of Rally to test the triggers and sticks, and Tekken 8, which is great for testing button responsiveness. On my Android phone I played Alien: Isolation and Asphalt Legends Unite.

I have been gaming for over 25 years, and during that time I have experienced a large number of controllers across a myriad of platforms. I play on consoles, including the Switch, as well as PC, both of which I use controllers with.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed January-February 2025

"I don't know how to process this," the 19-year-old from Clovis, Calif., said after becoming the first American women's figure skating world champion in nearly two decades.

(Image credit: Charles Krupa)

Buy Now, Pay Later is convenient. But that doesn't make it smart.

Charlie Javice, whose startup claimed to be revolutionizing the way college students apply for financial aid, was convicted of defrauding the banking giant by exaggerating her customer base tenfold.

(Image credit: John Minchillo)

For people with gambling disorder, the proliferation of gambling opportunities makes it difficult to fight their addiction. Investment in treatment lags behind other addiction disorders.

(Image credit: Grant Halverson)

Upgrade your setup for your next cookout with these top gas grill options, tested by our CNET experts.

Weekend Edition '/>

NPR's Scott Simon celebrates Weekend Edition's Executive Producer, Sarah Lucy Oliver, who is retiring.

(Image credit: Lauren Zillinger/NPR)

Even wireless internet providers have to contend with outages after a storm. Here's how your internet provider races to get you back online.

Save money on your home internet by avoiding these common pricing traps from your internet provider.

London rivals battle it out at Craven Cottage for a place in the semifinals.

Sharp Osaka: Two-minute review

If you’re the person that loves to have tech to match your personal aesthetic, the Sharp Osaka isn’t really the one for you. What it is, though, is a great value solution for anyone who simply wants to listen to the radio from seemingly any location.

Smaller than my desk calendar, the Sharp Osaka is easily grabbed with one small hand and slips into my coat pocket well enough, too.

As with all DAB radios, the only bulky part is its extendable aerial arm which you can easily hide away when not in use. The Sharp Osaka's battery life comes in at about 15 hours which isn’t above average for such radios but will serve you well for most of your active day. Charging via USB-C means you’re unlikely to need to pack an extra cable any time you go away, too.

Costing £70 – that's about $90 in the US or AU$143 in Australia, where available – when first released in September 2024, the Sharp Osaka is already discounted at time of writing, bringing it down to an even more affordable £50 ($65 in the US and AU$102). That’s a good price for a DAB radio of this standard and it also doubles up as a basic Bluetooth speaker.

Its controls are more intuitive than its convoluted manual suggests, leading you to mostly enjoying the Sharp Osaka without much hassle. One of the best DAB radios? Maybe not, but still a simple solution to your radio listening needs.

Sharp Osaka review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Released September 2024
• Cost £70 / €90 (currently only available in the UK and Europe)

The Sharp Osaka DAB radio was released in the UK and Europe in September 2024. It costs £70 / €90 depending on your region (unfortunately, it's not available in the US or Australia as it stands) so it’s affordable for a DAB radio.

We’ve already spotted some discounts emerging in the UK with the price more around the £50 mark.

That makes it one of the more affordable portable DAB radios around. It’s much cheaper than the stylish but premium Roberts Revival Petite 2 and also the ageing Sony XDR-P1 DAB radio. It’s slightly more expensive than the Groov-e Boston but that’s far from the right size for putting in your pocket.

Sharp Osaka review: Specs Sharp Osaka review: Features

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• DAB and FM radio, plus Bluetooth speaker
• 12-hour battery life
• 3.5mm headphone jack

The Sharp Osaka DAB radio has all the features you could need without offering up much in the way of surprises. At first glance, it looks like it’s only a DAB radio but it uses a technology it calls BestTune which combines FM, DAB, and DAB+ into a single station list to help you find the best option based on signal strength. I really liked this as it saved me switching between different modes while still gaining the best signal.

In all, the Sharp Osaka has a 120-station memory spread equally across BestTune, DAB and FM and, honestly, you probably won’t have to overthink this either. I simply turned it on and it figured things out for itself, quickly allowing me to find the station I wanted to listen to.

A tap of the source button also takes you to the Bluetooth side of things. Bluetooth 5.3 is in charge here so you won’t need to fret about any drop-out issues when pairing with your phone or tablet. I certainly didn’t have any issues switching between the two.

Sharp's website in various regions differs between 15 and 12 hours of promised battery life, however I found the latter to be the rough sweet spot during use. As is often the way, volume can affect a lot here. The USB-C cable is perfect because on my travels I didn’t have to worry about packing an extra cable to recharge it.

On the side and next to the USB port is a 3.5mm headphone jack if you want to connect the Sharp Osaka DAB radio to the best wired headphones for some added privacy.

Other neat extras include an alarm function and a SlideShow tool which displays images from the radio station where available. In reality, I never found a station that offered this but I’m continuing my search in my own time as it sounds fun.

Features score: 4 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Mono speaker
• A little tinny
• Loud volume but some distortion

The Sharp Osaka is impressively loud, especially given its relative size. Though 10 is the average volume you’re likely to use, it goes all the way to a Spinal Tap-trouncing 30. It travels far, too. I cranked it up then walked a few rooms away and could still hear it.

That comes at a price with the audio quality not the best and offering some distortion but it’s fine for casual listening. I checked out Absolute 90s and found suitably old and nostalgic while listening to Blur’s Tender and The Rhythm of the Night by Corona. The latter lacks some excitement with the Sharp Osaka lacking crispness and spark, but the former translated reasonably well, never once leaving me waiting for that feeling to come.

This is the radio you’ll listen to while doing other things rather than indulging in your audiophile urges.

Sound quality: 3 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Design

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Functional, lightweight design
• Simple-to-use buttons...
• ... but not especially tactile

The Sharp Osaka gets right to the point with its design – it isn’t spectacular looking but nor will it confuse you. On the front left sits the mono speaker, with its controls and screen to the right. The 2-inch color display is simple but clear, other than when looking at it in bright light conditions.

Controls are also similarly easy to figure out although there’s no tactile quality to it which will be an issue for anyone with sight issues. That’s not uncommon with many popular DAB radios but it does mean my search for a more accessible DAB radio will have to continue.

When listening to the radio, you’ll need to pull out the antenna which is quite tightly clicked in at other times. On the side are ports for charging and headphones. There’s also a neat little key lock button which means no one can accidentally tap a button by mistake.

The Sharp Osaka is only available in a black/gray mix but it looks reasonably sleek.

Design score: 3 / 5

Sharp Osaka review: Value

(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)

• Inexpensive
• Ideal for a quick fix
• Cheaper than most

The Sharp Osaka was pretty cheap compared to the competition even before it went on sale (which seems to be commonplace now). Its primary competition for portability is something like the aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2 but it’s far cheaper than that. A closer rival could be the Pure Woodland but that’s less portable.

It might not be as adorable as that Roberts but the Sharp Osaka is far more affordable, which makes it tempting.

Value score: 5 / 5

Should you buy the Sharp Osaka? Buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
The Sharp Osaka brings all the DAB radio essentials at a very affordable price.

You want something truly portable
The battery life could be a little better but in exchange, you get a truly lightweight and portable device for putting in your pocket.

You want simplicity
Combining FM and DAB options together saves you from paying too much attention. I’m a fan of this simplicity laziness.

Don't buy it if... 

You want great audio
With a mono speaker, the Sharp Osaka was never going to be class-leading but it can get a little tinny with music compared with talk.

You want great battery life
The Sharp Osaka’s battery life is about average for the price. There are trade-offs for its size and if you’re away from power for a while, this could be an issue.

You don’t need a radio
Potentially an obvious one, but if you need a Bluetooth speaker more than a radio, there are better choices around.

Sharp Osaka review: Also consider

Roberts Revival Petite 2

My favorite DAB radio in recent times, the Roberts is very portable and looks gorgeous, but it all comes at a higher price.

Read our full Roberts Revival Petite 2 review here

Sony XDR-P1

The Sony is harder to find these days but it certainly rivals the Sharp Osaka for size. If you want the big-name brand, this is the closest rival.

Read our full Sony XDR-P1 review here

How I tested the Sharp Osaka

• Used the Sharp Osaka over two weeks
• Listened to DAB radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
• Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment

The Sharp Osaka followed me around the house and the garden. I mostly used it in my home office but I also moved it to the kitchen while I cleaned and the living room while relaxing. On the rare days of good weather, it followed me outdoors for a little bit.

I used it exclusively via the rechargeable battery as it saved me finding a USB port to connect it to. I mostly listened to the radio but once in a while, I listened to some podcasts through my phone. This was typically via Spotify.

Otherwise, there was a lot of Absolute 90s, ranting at LBC, and relaxing with BBC Radio 5 Live.

• Read TechRadar's review guarantee
• First reviewed in March 2025

Whether you’re just starting out or have been running for years, these products can help you have your best run yet.

We spoke to Jeffrey Goldberg about the Signal group chat, author John Green played a game of Wild Card and a columnist explains why critics were so angry about Meghan Markle's new show.

Netflix will launch the third and final season on June 27.

I've been reviewing cameras for almost ten years and I've never seen anything like the the Fujifilm X100VI. The premium compact camera landed just over a year ago and immediately sold out everywhere, resulting in extraordinary six-month waiting lists. It only recently came back into stock at retailers, before again doing a Houdini-style vanishing act.

The X100VI backstory is already well known. It was one of those rare tech moments when the cultural zeitgeist – suddenly obsessed with film and compact cameras – shone its spotlight on something that seemingly had elements of both. The fuse was lit with the X100V's viral TikTok moment in 2022, before the big explosion with its successor last year.

I'm now less interested in whether or not the X100VI deserves its hype (either way, it's a brilliant little camera) and more in the impact it's had on the used prices of premium compact cameras. When I was TechRadar's Cameras Editor a few years ago, the return of that genre seemed about as likely as an Oasis reunion – but here we are in the strange world of 2025.

To see how the Fujifilm X100VI has affected the used prices of the best compact cameras and small mirrorless alternatives since it landed in February 2024, I asked MPB for some data to help. MPB uses a dynamic pricing engine to work out its second-hand valuations – if you're in the market for a premium compact camera in 2025, the results below make for fascinating (and hopefully, helpful) reading.

Later on, I'll reveal what I'm buying instead of an X100VI and what our current Cameras Editor Tim Coleman recommends doing. But first, here's what's happened to the second-hand prices of its main rivals in the US and UK...

US: The X-Pro 2 takes the baton

In the US, it hasn't just been Fujifilm's X100 series that's seen a spike in demand over the past year – the appetite for cameras that are small, powerful and echo classic film cameras has spilled over to the company's X-Pro and X-E series, too.

For example, the Fujifilm X-Pro 2, which has just turned nine years old, has seen its second-hand price rise by around 15% since October 2023. That isn't something you see with smartphones, laptops or smartwatches that are nearly a decade old.

Considering the X-Pro line is like an X100 with interchangeable lenses, this isn't too surprising – but the extent to which the X-Pro 2 has outpaced and closed the gap on the newer X-Pro 3 (from 2021) certainly is. This is likely down to some reported issues with the longevity of the X-Pro 3's screen.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 (above) has seen its second-hand prices sky-rocket in the US and UK since the X100V and X100VI achieved their new cult following. (Image credit: Future)

What about outside of Fujifilm cameras? While there's undoubtedly some seasonality to the summer bump in the middle of the chart above, MPB told us this was also down to a perfect storm of market shortages, the renewed popularity of compacts, and a rise in the prices of new cameras. This means most premium compact cameras – retro or not – have enjoyed something of an Indian summer.

Eight out of the ten cameras that MPB gave us the pricing history for are more expensive today than they were in late 2023. The X100 series' closest rivals, Ricoh's GR series, have followed in its slipstream – with the GR III, GR IIIx (which has a 40mm equivalent focal length, rather than 28mm) and GR II all fetching higher second-hand prices now than 18 months ago.

A slightly more surprising case is the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, which I think is an excellent camera but is now approaching seven years old. It's now 18% pricier than in October 2023, according to MPB's data. No wonder rumors persist that Panasonic could be one day launch a full-frame version.

The final lesson of this data? Maybe don't buy a second-hand compact camera during the summer months – if this year follows the same path as above (which it may not), now is a good time to get ahead of the seasonal price rises.

UK: Ricoh GR II and Sony RX1R Mark II on the rise

In the UK, the biggest second-hand price rises among X100VI rivals have been the Ricoh GR II (now around 13% pricier than in October 2023) and Sony RX1R Mark II, which isn't in the graph above as its high price would break the scale.

You could buy Sony's fixed lens full-frame compact (which launched back in 2015) in 'excellent' condition on MPB for £1,899 in 2023, but high demand means it'll now set you back £2,219 (a 17% rise).

That's not too far off its original £2,600 asking price, which explains how revered its 35mm f/2 lens and 42.4MP sensor are – and also how popular premium compact cameras have become.

The Sony RX1R II (above), which turns ten years old this year, has seen its used prices rise in the US and UK in the past year, but it also stretches the definition of 'compact'

Like in the US, the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 (but not the newer X-Pro 3) has also seen its second-hand price rise since the X100VI landed. It's now around 17% more expensive to buy used than in late 2023, unlike the X-Pro 3 which has had reported screen issues and saw its price drop slightly during the same period.

Interestingly, there wasn't the same summertime rise in used prices during mid-2024 as there was in the US, which suggests that other factors like low stock have been a factor. Also, only five out of the 10 cameras above are pricier now than at the start of the period in the UK, which means the X100VI effect hasn't been quite as pronounced there.

Still, the relatively stable nature of premium compact prices – particularly as the average age of the cameras above is well over six years old – shows that it's a very popular space, even as the best camera phones continue to take impressive strides that were once expected to make compacts obsolete.

What I'd buy instead

Buying a premium compact camera is a more personal decision than buying a bigger camera. Unlike larger workhorses, they're designed to be characterful companions that are all about pure fun – like a two-seater sports car that you tear around country lanes. This also means your mileage may vary.

As much as I love the Fujifilm X100 series – I made the Fujifilm X100V our number one compact camera back in 2022, despite reservations about calling it 'compact' – I find its fixed, 23mm lens too much of a restrictive stumbling block, despite its handy crop modes. That also rules me out of the Fujifilm X70, another premium compact that's now more expensive to buy used than when it launched in 2016.

Because I prefer longer focal lengths, I've considered the Ricoh GR IIIx and its 40mm lens. But the lack of a viewfinder puts me off. Which brings me to small mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, like the Fujifilm X-E and X-T series.

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

These are no longer 'compact' cameras, but they're small enough for a large jacket pocket and to become part of my daily carry. With a Fujifilm X-E5 rumored for this year (which makes the X-E4 a bit less appealing), my choice would be the Fujifilm X-T50. You can buy one new for $1,399 / £1,299 or on $1,249 / £1,019 on MPB, although I've recently seen its new prices drop below £1,000 in the UK.

The X-T50 is effectively a mini version of my X-T5 and, for me, would be the ideal travel camera given I already own small primes like the 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/2. It's also roughly the same size and weight as the X100VI, albeit a fair bit deeper with a lens attached. Still, that's a small price I'm willing to pay for interchangeable lenses.

The Ricoh GR IIIx (above) is still a great option for those who want a truly pocketable alternative to the X100VI with a 40mm lens, but rumors of a GR IV model for 2025 persist. (Image credit: Future)

But that's by no means the best option for everyone. TechRadar's Cameras Editor Tim Coleman has a different plan: "Years back I bought a Ricoh GR IIIx instead of the Fujifilm X100VI's predecessor (or the latest iPhone), because it offered the best image quality from a camera that easily slips into a trouser pocket. Size mattered most of all, because I wanted a camera with me all the time to build a habit of taking pictures" he told me.

"Despite also being a premium compact, an X100 camera was simply too big for my purposes – I didn't want a camera that I had to build into my routine. That said, I used the GR IIIx and X100VI side-by-side last year, and I wish my camera had some of the X100VI's skills – its autofocus is poor by comparison, nor does it have a flash, a viewfinder or a tilt touchscreen.

"I'm still happy that I opted for the GR IIIx, I just wish it was more refined like the X100VI. If I was buying again today, I'd have my fingers crossed for an improved Ricoh in the same mould – a potential GR IV that addresses my snag list".

What's next? The premium compact camera rumors for 2025

The other big impact of the Fujifilm X100VI is that it's seemingly awakened other camera giants to the popularity of retro compact cameras – according to the rumor mill, at least.

A camera's development cycle is usually around two years, so it isn't surprising that the X100VI remains unique (outside of the stunning, but painfully expensive, Leica Q3). But there's a chance it could get more competition in 2025.

One of the most likely sources is OM System, which was formerly Olympus. It recently launched the rather lovely OM System OM-3 and has seemingly been dropping hints that a new version of the classic Olympus Pen-F is in the works. That really would be an X100VI rival – but given it's been rumored for years, I'm not holding my breath.

A successor to the Olympus Pen-F (above) would definitely be a strong X100VI rival, but it's been rumored for so long it's reached mythical status.

Another camera to file in the same category is the Ricoh GR IV. While the demand for a successor to the five-year-old Ricoh GR III is certainly there, the rumors have gone worryingly quiet. Those who want a truly pocketable camera with a big sensor, plus modern autofocus, will be hoping the speculation picks up soon.

Recently, we've been hearing whispers from the likes of Canon Rumors that a Canon EOS RE-1 – a retro-styled model based on the Canon AE-1, which has long been regarded as one of the best film cameras – is coming in either late 2025 or early 2026. But it's more likely to be a pricey, full-frame camera like the Nikon Zf rather than a direct Fujifilm X100VI rival.

Even more up in the air is the possibility of a Sony RX1R III. The usually reliable Sony Alpha Rumors said in early 2025 that it still had "no definitive confirmation that a new full frame fixed lens camera will be announced in 2025", merely that the camera isn't impossible because Sony execs have said the RX line isn't yet complete. Right now, there are no concrete reasons to expect it, which is a shame.

• Check out the latest Camera rumors for 2025: the new gear we're expecting soon from DJI, Sony, Canon and more

A successor to the Fujifilm X-E4 (above) looks increasingly likely this year, even if it wouldn't be a direct alternative to the X100VI due to its interchangeable lenses. (Image credit: Fujifilm)

All of which means that the most likely source of an X100VI alternative this year is Fujifilm itself. Sadly, it seems a Fujifilm X-Pro 4 is still a little way off, but a more likely arrival from our list of the most exciting cameras of 2025 is the Fujifilm X-E5.

That camera has been rumored for mid-2025 alongside a mysterious half-frame model. The X-E series have interchangeable lenses and aren't as premium as the X100 series, so are a slightly different beast – but an X-E5 could represent a more affordable alternative for some.

Then there's the rumored Fujifilm GFX100RF, which appears to be a super-powered X100VI with a 100MP medium format sensor and a price tag to match (most likely higher than the $3,999 / £3,499 / AU$6,499 asking price of the GFX50S when it landed in 2022).

In short, there's still nothing quite like the Fujifilm X100VI – and that's likely to remain the case for much of 2025. That means we can expect the used prices of rivals like the cameras above to remain high. But at least some competition, in the form of new premium compacts and small mirrorless cameras, is now on the horizon, and that's good news for this unlikely cameras renaissance.

You might also like

• Where to buy the Fujifilm X100VI: current delivery estimates and the best retailers
• The Fujifilm X100VI is my first ever camera – here are five things it's taught me about photography that my smartphone can't
• My favorite camera of 2023 wasn't a Sony or Canon, it was this pricey compact

Recently, green card and visa holders have been facing tougher scrutiny at airports. Immigration attorneys give tips on how reduce the chances of running into problems while traveling.

(Image credit: Joseph Prezioso)