Biggest Guns Still Missing from Pre-Photokina Announcements
by Wesley Fink on September 5, 2008 12:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Other DSLR Announcements
Photokina will certainly bring other new DSLR announcements and the shows generally have at least a few surprises. Other cameras that might appear are a rumored Pentax full-frame DSLR based on a new Samsung sensor. The rumor mill has been very thin on details such as name or specifications and many believe this might be a more likely event for PMA in January.
There is also tremendous speculation about whether Nikon will introduce the expected D3x at Photokina. Some expect Nikon to also introduce a 24.6MP sensor version of the D3 based on the new Sony full-frame sensor or some customized variation of that sensor. It is certainly possible, but it appears more likely at Photokina. The Sony A700 and Nikon D300 were certainly both introduced with the new Sony 12.3MP APS-C sensor at about the same time.
It also seems likely that if the Canon 5D replacement also features HD video we may see a few more surprise DSLRs either announced at Photokina or at least shown as a prototype of a future model with HD video recording. The video feature looks too interesting for others to ignore, despite the fact that it will also likely bring electronic mirrors and viewfinders to DSLRs that are famous for their optics more than their electronics.
We initially thought the video feature might become a differentiator between crop sensors and the full-frame DSLR that would likely take over pro space. Now with the rumor that the 5D replacement may feature video that idea is squelched. If video starts appearing in full-frame DSLRs as rumored, get ready for a deluge as the market trips over itself to get out new models with HD video capabilities.
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Visual - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
Forgive me for not being too excited about the "big guns" that are outside of my price range, and expertise really.I am hoping there will be a successor to the PowerShot S5 instead.
Wesley Fink - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
We appreciate your comment, but the issue with the S5 IS and G0 is the same that manufacturers are now facing with almost any high-end point-and-shoot camera. For the suggested S5/G9 price range of $349 to $499 you can also buy a Sony A200 with a decent 18-70mm kit lens or a tiny Olympus E-420 with a 14-42mm kit lens.Both are real interchangeable lens SLRs with sensors that are huge compared to the S5 - which means much better low-light shooting and higher quality pictures. The Sony has built-in Image Stabilization and the E-420 has Live View that will be familiar to those who use P&S cameras.
Just $100 more and you will find the tiny Canon XS kit and Nikon D60 kit - both with image stabilized kit lens - and the Olympus E-520 which adds Image Stabilization to the small E-420.
The industry is having a difficult time building upper end Point-and-Shoot cameras that make economic sense today. It is likely that the Olympus Micro four-thirds just announced will bring new point and shoots with larger sensors and capabilities more like current DSLRs with a familiar P&S form factor.
We expect to see new Micro 4/3 models at Photokina. Other manufacturers will be watching to see if it catches on with consumers. If it does you will see more large sensor (and better image quality) P&S models from everyone.
jnmfox - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
I had a Canon S3, I partly bought it to help my wife get used to the idea of having a little bigger camera for when we eventually upgrade to an SLR. To my dismay she hated how big it was and that is couldn’t fit in her purse/diaper bag. So when it broke a few months ago one of the requirements was it had to be small enough to fit in her purse. We ended up with a Panasonic TZ5. I like the larger LCD, long zoom, and 720p video and she likes it can fit in her purse. She is the one with the kids all day so it was important we got something she was happy with. So while I agree that SLRs are defiantly where things are going and the biggest innovations are happening but I also believe P&S have their place (it would be great if they got a modified SLR sensor like you mentioned).I still plan to upgrade to an SLR but it will have to wait till I find one with the features that I want for the price I want…and when I stop spending money on computer parts and home theater equipment.
strikeback03 - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
The 4/3 sensors, while the smallest of the dSLR sensors, is still almost 8x the area of the sensor used in the TZ5. Barring a revolution in lens construction, there is no way to make a superzoom camera around a dSLR-class sensor pocketable.I carry a Canon SD800IS everywhere with me. Though it is hacked to record in RAW if needed, I don't try to do things with it I would do with one of my SLR bodies. It is useful because it fits in a carpenter pocket so I can carry it anywhere. And you must have a tiny diaper bag if an S3IS won't fit.
Wesley Fink - Monday, September 8, 2008 - link
The micro 4/3 does away with the mirror box and significantly reduces the lens to film plane distance to 50% of the current 4/3 distance. You will likely be surprised at how small the micro 4/3 can be when the cameras start appearing at Photokina later this month.It is our uderstanding that current 4/3 lenses CAN be mounted on micro 4/3 but that an adapter with a spacer block is needed for mounting. THere will also be smaller Micro 4/3 lenses introduced.
For more info on Micro 4/3 at http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2008b/nr0808...">http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2008b/nr0808... which also has links to a micro 4/3 Features and Benefits page.
strikeback03 - Tuesday, September 9, 2008 - link
I'm basically expecting 1/2 to 1/3 scale rangefinders. So sure they'll be small and high quality, but I'm doubting they can get an 11x zoom and a body small enough to match the TZ5. The P&S cameras don't have a mirror box to deal with either, and the sensor is far smaller so the glass can be as well.Does Olympus have any tricks up their sleeve to get an optical viewfinder in these? Or will they be stuck with EVF/onscreen?
jnmfox - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
Just lots and lots of stuff...don't ask me I can never find anything in it.Noya - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
I have the S4, and while it's a decent camera...it's performance is no where near a D-SLR. I took a couple photography classes back in the day (99-01) and had a 35mm film Canon Rebel SLR and even it took better pictures than the S4 (and any non D-SLR digital camera, I would guess).soydios - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
last page: Nikon D3X, not D2xchiew - Friday, September 5, 2008 - link
yes, d3x, not d2x