The 4 wildest camera innovations of CES 2026 – from smart bird feeders to a new kind of action cam | Daily Reports Online
TechRadar will be extensively covering this year’s CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our main CES page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.
And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!
CES 2026 is well underway, having opened to the public on January 6, and the world’s biggest tech show has debuted some wild new camera gear which has caught my eye.
I’ve rounded up those three intriguing new cameras and accessories below and more, and will add to this list should there be any further announcements during the show that are worth digging into.
Birdbuddy 2 Mini – a bird feeder camera that can see and hear birds
- Birdbuddy’s smallest and most affordable bird feeder camera
- It’s like the ‘Shazam for birds’, able to identify birds by their song
Where the two smart bird feeder cameras differ is in design – the new 2 Mini is smaller and lacks an extended perch, while it’s powered by a (rechargeable) internal battery only. The larger Birdbuddy 2 has built-in solar panels for continuous power. Despite its simpler design, the 2 Mini could even be the better option for tight spaces, apartments and balconies, thanks to its smaller housing, plus it costs around 35% less (unless you fork out for the optional solar panel).
The Birdbuddy 2 Mini costs $129 (compared to $199 for the Birdbuddy 2), and pre-orders are expected to open mid-2026 at Birdbuddy and shipped later on this year. UK / Australia pricing is TBC.
Dreame Leaptic Cube – a tiny, modular 8K action camera
- Robovac makers Dreame branch out into action cameras with the Leaptic Cube
- It’s a ‘8K AI tiny’ modular action cam like the DJI Osmo Nano
Robovac makers Dreame had a surprise up its sleeve for CES – it debuted the Leaptic Cube, it’s first ever action camera. I’ve not tested the Leaptic Cube yet, but its design bears a striking resemblance to the DJI Osmo Nano – a tiny modular action cam that can magnetically attach to a pod with a screen.
And Dreame looks to up the ante over DJI and indeed Insta360, with 8K video recording in 10-bit, 50MP stills and a 1/1.3inch sensor. It says the Leaptic Cube has gyro AI stabilization – a feature usually reserved for bulkier action cams – 200 mins run time, pre-recording, wireless control from the pod and gesture control.
There’s also AI editing skills which should speed up producing dynamic videos. It all sounds very promising, and refreshing to see a new player in a space dominated by DJI and Insta360. We’ll be reviewing the Leaptic Cube soon.
The best action camera
Hohem iSteady MT3 series – our favorite gimbal maker’s most advanced model yet
- Hohem’s latest camera gimbal with increased payload and advanced subject detection skills
- It comes with a 1.4-inch touchscreen module for remote control
The new MT3 series of gimbals is a heftier proposition than those for mobile, being designed for larger cameras, and it supercedes the existing MT2 series with improved torque, higher payloads, and refined AI subject detection skills.
DJI might enjoy a lion’s share of the camera gimbal market, but Hohem seemingly deserves a slice of that pie with what looks like a formidable camera gimbal. We’ve already received a sample of the MT3 Pro advanced kit to test and will share our review soon.
SmallRig’s logo-free mic
- SmallRig unveils a tiny, discreet, logo-free wireless mic
- The kit is powerful and super affordable
OK, so discreet design is hardly innovative, but it is completely welcome when we’re talking wireless mics. Take a look at my best wireless mics guide and you’ll find plenty of tiny options like SmallRig’s new S70 Wireless Microphone, but none like it where logos can easily be completely hidden. That’s how you wear the S70 tie clip mics – with the 8.8mm tiny clip front-facing, and the SmallRig logo hidden.
On the technical front, SmallRig says its new S70 wireless mic is tuned by a Grammy Award Winner, delivering 24-bit in 360 degree clarity, with 3-level noise reduction and clipping protection, backed up with 40 hour battery life. The kit pictured above which comprises two transmitters (mics) and two receivers only costs $90 (around £66 / AU$134), too, with a bonus mobile receiver included for free at launch. That’s what I like to hear!
TechRadar will be extensively covering this year’s CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 live news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.
You can also ask us a question about the show in our CES 2026 live Q&A and we’ll do our best to answer it.
And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!
