There’s a lot going on in the market right now, and with CES, Photokina, and CP+ 2017 behind us, it only seems natural to anxiously wonder what camera manufacturers have in store this year.
There are some highly anticipated cameras that everyone wants to hear about, and the internet is flooded with all kinds of rumors. Some of them are realistic while others fall into the too-good-to-be-true category.
We did some research with the purpose of finding out what photographers expect to see this year from industry gossip, expert opinions, and regular forum talk. We put it all together in an attempt to figure out what everyone’s waiting for and what is most likely to come out this year.
The good news is there’s a lot going on, and unlike previous years, we have a lot to look forward to. Exactly how many of the predictions will come true and how accurate these predictions are, no one can tell. But the anticipation is one of the great parts about the technical side of photography.
Let’s have a look at the major players in the market, how they’re doing right now, and what everyone hopes they’ll put out this year.
Canon
No doubt, one of the most anticipated DSLRs is a replacement for the Canon 6D, and it’s most likely going to be called the 6D Mk II. The 6D is still a very popular camera that has successfully bridged the gap between amateur DSLRs and pro models.
It was designed to be an affordable full frame solution for enthusiasts and a good backup choice for pros, and it’s safe to say it has lived up to the expectations flawlessly. But it’s a four-year-old camera, and more importantly, it can’t really compete with its in-class rival, the Nikon D750.
It’s simply no match in terms of specifications, and an update would be much appreciated by Canon photographers.
Sure, many photographers upgraded to the 5D Mk III, but for a lot of them, it was like buying a supercar for grocery shopping.
While the 6D is a great camera for most amateurs and enthusiasts, the 11-point AF point system (ancient by today’s standards), the ISO performance that leaves a lot to be desired, at least compared to the competition, and the overall mediocre speed should be enough reasons for it to retire.
So what’s expected of a possible sibling?
A higher ISO range for starters and the rumored extended sensitivity is ISO 102,400. A 61-point AF system would also be preferred in the new model, and it would most likely be the one used on the 5D MKIII. An upgrade in shooting speed is also predicted, and the 6D MK II should be able to burst 6fps.
Full Frame Mirrorless
The rumor has it that Canon is working on a full-frame mirrorless camera. It is perhaps the fastest growing segment of the market, and both Canon and Nikon have failed to introduce successful models according to many photographers.
This new project many are talking about will use the sensor from the acclaimed 1D X MK II and the 5D MK IV.
Obviously, this would be a carefully targeted blow at Sony’s A7 lineup that has caused significant damage in the DSLR market. It remains to be seen whether Canon will indeed take this leap, whether it will work with “traditional” full frame lenses, or if it will be a system of its own.
The 800D
This is one of the most predictable moves on Canon’s side, especially with the advent of the Nikon D5600.
The 750D (T6i) is approximately two years old, and although it is still a very capable camera in the right hands, it has been outclassed by both DSLR systems and many mirrorless cameras.
So what are users hoping for from a possible 800D replacement?
A faster AF system for viewfinder and Live view shooting, and definitely 4k video too.
Nikon
Nikon users are expecting some important upgrades as well.
The D800 and the later D810 were certainly landmarks in the high-resolution market, and for a brief moment, they completely dominated it.
But then Sony introduced the A7R II and Canon raised the bar with the 5Ds.
The D820 or D850
There is room for speculating here. First of all, it’s hard to tell if the new camera will be called the D820 or D850. But leaving the name aside, what Nikon pros are really looking for is an increase in resolution.
Some say Nikon has been talking to Samsung about new full frame technology, and if this is the case, we’re looking at a major surprise. Most of Nikon’s sensors have been so far produced by Sony, so this would be the dawn of a new era for Nikon altogether.
An improvement in the AF department is also possible, and the chances are that this new professional camera will inherit the D5’s 173-point AF system, which can only be a good thing. Again, 4k video should be a mandatory improvement.
The D760
But what about a younger sibling for the D750?
Keep in mind that many have called this camera the most versatile Nikon DSLR ever made. Nevertheless, it was designed to be an affordable full frame for enthusiasts and a backup for pros, and it’s over two years old. Unofficial sources call the introduction of the D760 imminent, but what will it bring to the table?
It will most likely use a higher resolution chip, and 36 megapixels is the most circulated number. The maximum 1/4000sec shutter speed is limiting for a lot of D750 users, and it would be nice for Nikon to up the speed to 1/8000sec. Again, 4k video should be a no brainer.
The Df II
When it comes to its niche segment, the good-looking, high-performance, retro-styled cameras like the Nikon Df have been around for quite some time. A great low light performer and an easy-to-operate professional camera with a sexy body, the Df is loved by many, but in all honesty, it has lost a lot of market share to Sony and Fuji cameras competing for the same niche.
The rumored Df II doesn’t necessarily have to be a DSLR, and given the fact that mirrorless cameras are seeing more love than ever, it’s quite possible to see the optical viewfinder being replaced with a high-performance digital finder. The megapixel count will most definitely increase from 16 to at least 20 megapixels.
Sony
At this time, the A7R II is Sony’s mirrorless flagship. With outstanding image quality, a 42-megapixel resolution, and an electronic viewfinder that beats most optical units, it has been a real success.
But in this family, things tend to move quite fast. The new successor is rumored to be called the A9 for some reason, and like all its predecessors, it wants to take the world by storm.
The A7R II quickly made a name for itself in the filmmaking industry with unprecedented low light performance, brought huge resolution, and has incredible versatility, so what should we expect from the newcomer?
How about a resolution upwards of 80 megapixels to start with?
Yes, Sony wants a fist fight with the medium format segment, and it wants to get dirty. There’s also gossip about an unlimited RAW buffer and dual XQD card slots.
Fuji
Fuji has been one of the busiest companies in the market and their evolution over the past decades has been spectacular, to say the least.
Once a shy competitor in the DSLR market (anyone remember the S5 Pro?), Fuji managed to not only earn massive respect but also to have a cult following for their cameras.
Few companies have been so innovative and have set as many trends as Fuji has in recent years. Retro styled cameras, brilliant colors, and excellent operation are just a few of the ingredients. Fans were somewhat disappointed by Fuji completely abandoning the DSLR segment, but this is a company that said, "ok, let’s forget that we’ll give you something better.”
Enter the GFX 50s, a mirrorless medium format system that really means business.
While this is still news that’s making waves, rumor has it that there will be upgrades in the X line, and one of them is going to be called the X70. The predicted specifications include a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, a 28mm equivalent lens, and improvements in the AF department.
It would also be nice to see an increase in maximum aperture, from f/2.8 to f/2.
There’s also talk about a younger sibling ready to replace the X-E2S. The rumored X-E3 will also have a 24-megapixel sensor, 4k video recording, and a touchscreen.
Panasonic
Panasonic spared us the misery a while ago and have officially announced the GH, which is available for preorder. Given the fact that the GH4 was an industry gamechanger, it’s no surprise the company’s flagship successor has been one of the most awaited cameras of recent years.
Other significant rumors about future company products have yet to be revealed, but like always, we will keep you up-to-date.
All these rumors are very exciting, and at this point, it’s clear that many of these predictions will become a reality. However, it remains uncertain how many of these rumors are just the product of wishful thinking.
If you have any used gear to sell or want to pick up a used piece of equipment at a great price, check out MPB. With a wide selection of cameras and related gear, the chances are that you can find what you're looking for and save a bunch of money at the same time.
In the meantime, let us know what you think about these rumored cameras below!