This week, Canon released the RF 16-28mm STM compact zoom lens; FUJIFILM introduced the INSTAX WIDE EVO camera; Panasonic added three new 4K camcorders to its catalog; and Pelican rolled out new travel bag and storage ecosystems. On top of all that, NAMM 2025 started this week, so we saw tons of new music gear and technology from the biggest names in the industry.
Canon Adds a Compact RF Zoom
Boasting a compact, lightweight form factor, the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens is Canon’s smallest RF zoom yet. A constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures a smooth bokeh and consistent low-light performance. The centerpiece of the lens is its leadscrew-type STM motor for a fast and quiet autofocus with accurate subject tracking and built-in image stabilization.
Internally, the lens features four Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements and two aspherical elements to reduce chromatic aberrations while maintaining a compact design. The lens glass has Super Spectra Coating to prevent lens flare, ghosting, and ensure accurate color reproduction. A 9-blade diaphragm creates a dream-like bokeh desired by most shooters.
Automatic 5.5 stops of correction are engaged for cameras without IBIS and 8 stops are used for cameras with built-in stabilization. This makes for sharper images when used handheld. Video users will experience minimal focus breathing thanks to the STM motor. The overall construction of the lens evokes the quality of L-series lenses for balanced recording and durability characteristics. This means the lens is steeped in versatility for use in most shooting scenarios.
FUJIFILM Expands Instant Hybrid Digital and Analog Shooting
Adding to its ever-popular INSTAX line, FUJIFILM has released the WIDE EVO Hybrid Instant Film Camera. This camera is meant to further bridge the gap between the digital world and analog creation, allowing you to print images directly from the camera or store them on your phone using the INSTAX WIDE EVO app.
The camera itself features a 16MP sensor and a fixed 16mm f/2.4 lens which capture print-ready 318 DPI images. Wide-angle mode ensures everyone remains in view in your group selfie. Use the 10 lens effects, 10 film effects, and 6 film styles—as well as their adjustable settings—to achieve maximum creative control of your images. Onboard dials, buttons, and the lens wheel toggle and fine-tune the strength of your selected effects.
Bluetooth app connectivity works to share your captured images directly to your smartphone while also offering wireless control to take photos from a distance. The WIDE EVO makes fighting over who gets to keep the physical photo to put on their fridge an issue of the past.
Panasonic Unveils New Camcorders
In their newest grouping of camcorders, Panasonic brings 4K footage to prosumers in compact form factors. The HC-X1200, HC-X1600, and HC-X2100 all feature a 1/2.5” 8.29MP MOS sensor with 24x optical zoom, face-detection autofocus, mechanical ND filters, and hybrid optical image stabilization—making them idea for BTS or even primary camera shooting in documentary or content creation applications.
The base model, the HC-X1200, easily records up to UHD 4K60 or FHD up to 120p for slow-motion video capture and outputs video via HDMI. The built-in lens has a focal length range of 25 to 600mm and the 24x optical zoom can be stepped up to 32x in 4K or 48x in FHD with i.ZOOM enabled. Control face detection autofocus using the touchscreen LCD and toggle 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization with a special “Ball O.I.S System” for high-action capture.
The HC-X1600 builds on those features with the addition of an electronic viewfinder, built-in Wi-Fi for remote camera control and livestreaming, and an MOV recording format. Better frame your shots in direct sunlight, rig your camera in hard-to-reach spots, and record files with increased color sampling.
The pinnacle of the lineup is the HC-X2100 which boasts all the bells and whistles. All of the previously mentioned features are included, in addition to a 3G-SDI output and a detachable handle unit with dual XLR inputs and a built-in LED light. Even though the 3G-SDI port only supports 1080p video, it gives the camera better integration with live production equipment.
The pyramid-like nature of this release means you can choose the camcorder in the lineup that best suits your needs, depending on how many additional features you’re looking for.
Pelican Introduces Modular Travel and Storage Systems
No longer is Pelican confined to its recognizable hard case lineup. With the release of the ATX TRVL line and HYBRID TRVL AEGIS series, Pelican now offers modular travel and storage solutions in varying sizes and colors to build a configuration that works best for you.
One of the main components of this release is the ATX TRVL Hardside Check-In Suitcase, which Pelican bills as the evolution of their classic hard cases. Each suitcase is designed to be dust, crush, and waterproof with secure press-and-pull latches with built-in combo locks. The suitcase comes in 25” and 30” size variations, as well as black, charcoal, indigo blue, and sand colorways.
The HYBRID TRVL AEGIS series features bags and cases that can be fully customized with additional pouches. Choose between a Rolling Duffel, Travel Backpack, or Duffel Pack depending on your carrying preference. The duffel is available in 22”, 28”, and 32” sizes, while the backpack is available in 18L and 25L sizes. The hybrid duffel pack option comes in a single, 45L size. All of which can be purchased in the same colorways as the suitcase.
If the gear you’re carrying is limited to a point-and-shoot and some SD cards, or perhaps you want a portable travelling pouch for your next vacation, look no further than the Cross-Body Travel Sling Pack. The pack comes in small and large sizes and features a removeable divider to organize the interior.
In tandem with these new bags comes the ModPak system. The system is a series of smaller bags, cases, pouches, and sleeves designed to fit inside other larger products. They all feature external and internal molle channels and additional hook-and-loop panels for additional security. The ModPak line includes double- and single-sized AV Cases, three sizes of Packing Cubes, two sizes of Storage Pouches, and a Toiletry Bag. All of the items can be purchased in uniform colorways for a professional appearance across your travel gear.
NAMM 2025
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has been giving us new and exciting developments in the music space over this past week. Check out our dedicated NAMM 2025 page for all our coverage.
That’s all for this week! See you next time for more product releases and reviews.
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