It’s official.
Photokina 2018 is upon us. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s the world’s
largest photographic and imaging trade fair. Once held biennially, Photokina
has now grown into annual event status, running from September 26th to 29th this year.
Typically, along with the
show, comes a whole heap of new product announcements and intriguing ‘coming
soon’ technology from our favourite imaging manufacturers.
Of course, some of
them like get a head start, revealing exciting things before the actual event. This year was no exception as a few big players
dropped some equally big news…
We’ve covered the Pre-Photokina announcements below and we’ll continue
to update this page with more news now that the show is officially underway, so
check back for more info!
September 25 – Panasonic Announces Full Frame Camera Development
Panasonic has
developed their first mirrorless cameras with full-frame image sensors; the
LUMIX S1R and LUMIX S1. These are the world’s first full-frame cameras to offer
4K 60p/50p video recording.
The LUMIX S1R has a
high-resolution 47-megapixel sensor, while the LUMIX S1 has a 24-megapixel
sensor. Both cameras will feature the amazing Dual I.S. image stabilisation
system, a double slot for XQD and SD memory cards, and a rugged tri-axial tilt screen.
Following the
announcement of their partnership with Leica and Sigma, Panasonic will also get
to work on line-up of LUMIX S series compatible lenses.
The cameras feature Leica
Camera's L-Mount, making it possible to mix-and-match any L-Mount compatible
lens from any of the three manufacturers.
Geared toward meeting
all levels of professional creativity, Panasonic is aiming to release the LUMIX
S1 and S1R in early 2019.
September 25 – Fujifilm Medium Format Cameras and More
Fujifilm launches the GFX 50R, a medium format rangefinder style camera,
adding to their impressive GFX line.
The GFX 50R’s 51.4-megapixel
sensor combined with a high-speed image processing engine and the high
resolution GF Lens line-up produces ultra-high image quality with
unmatched detail.
Its lightweight and
compact body makes GFX 50R an ideal tool for snapshots, documentary photographs
and portraits.
The GFX 50R will be
released in November 2018.
Sticking to their
medium format guns, Fujifilm also unveiled their GFX 100Megapixels concept
camera with, you guessed it, a mind boggling 100-megapixel sensor. Can’t wait
to see the images this absolute beast will create.
Not to be forgotten,
Fujifilm also launched the new Instax
SQUARE SQ20 hybrid instant camera.
As the name suggests, it will use square format film and offer on-the-spot photo printing just like the rest of the Instax line. A screen on the back makes it even easier to use, offering creative effects and a motion mode that lets you shoot 15 second videos, pick your favourite frame, and print.
As the name suggests, it will use square format film and offer on-the-spot photo printing just like the rest of the Instax line. A screen on the back makes it even easier to use, offering creative effects and a motion mode that lets you shoot 15 second videos, pick your favourite frame, and print.
September 25 - Sigma Unveils Five New Global Vision Lenses
Sigma announced five new Global Vision lenses, from wide-angle to hyper-telephoto, there’s something for every photographic style and need.
28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art –
for Canon, Nikon, and Sony E-Mount cameras
40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art – for Canon, Nikon, and Sony E-Mount cameras
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary – for MFT and Sony E-Mount cameras
70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports – for Canon and Nikon cameras
60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports – for Canon and Nikon cameras
40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art – for Canon, Nikon, and Sony E-Mount cameras
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary – for MFT and Sony E-Mount cameras
70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports – for Canon and Nikon cameras
60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports – for Canon and Nikon cameras
These new releases fit
right into their impressive, diverse lens range and some will be available as soon as
late October 2018.
September 20 – GoPro HERO7 Range Announced
Jumping right into the middle of all the action, GoPro announced a long-awaited update with three HERO7 models. There’s literally one for every kind
of adventure lover out there, from professional, to casual.
The HERO7 Black sits at the top of the range, with 4K @60p video
recording, while the HERO7 Silver shoots 4K @30p. The HERO7 White edition is the most budget-friendly of the
bunch, recording Full HD video at 60p.
All three cameras are
waterproof down to 10m without a housing and feature built-in image
stabilisation, amazing mobile app support, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and
vertical video support. Along with the impressive specs, these convenient
features make shooting and sharing your adventures an absolute breeze.
GoPro also created two
kits to get the HERO7 started. The Travel Kit and Adventure Kit, both of which contain a few essential
accessories and come in a customisable carry case that also fits your camera.
September 12 – Canon EOS R Camera and Lens Announcement
There were quite a few
announcements from Canon on this day, but most notably, they finally revealed the
Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera. With a 30.3-megapixel
CMOS sensor and the latest DIGIC 8 image processor, the EOS R features the impressive
Dual Pixel Auto Focus with an incredible 5655 manually selectable AF points.
Continuing the
tradition of high-quality video, the EOS R of course shoots 4K footage at 30p with
the ability to shoot Canon Log, providing 12 stops of dynamic range for
excellent detail retention. An extremely convenient vari-angle flip screen
makes it easy to check your framing and footage.
Along with the new body
mount came four matching RF-Mount lenses:
Canon users will be happy
to know the EOS R is compatible with existing EF and EF-S lenses. To achieve
this, Canon released three new adapters uniquely designed to meet individual user
needs.
Along with the brand
new addition to their already amazing camera and lens line-up, Canon also
unveiled a new addition to the EF-M lens range, a 32mm f/1.4 STM as well as updates to their epic telephoto
primes with the lighter weight EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses.
September 6 – Fujifilm X-T3 Announced
The much-anticipated Fujifilm X-T3 is announced, boasting an all new back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and high-speed X-Processor 4 image processing engine that’s 3 times faster than their previous offerings. According to Fujifilm, it also has the highest image quality and autofocus accuracy in the X Series with improved tracking of moving subjects and a blackout-free EVF in burst mode.
For the
professional videographers out there, Fujifilm aims to please, providing 4K
video recording at 60fps with 10-bit recording in camera for smooth video and
rich colour reproduction. And yes, it has dual memory card slots, too.
All of this is packed
neatly into a timeless looking body that works with Fujifilm’s impressive,
high-quality lens ecosystem.
August 23 – Nikon Z Series Cameras and Lenses Announced
Nikon announces two
full frame mirrorless cameras: The 24.5-megapixel Nikon Z6 and the higher resolution 47.5-megapixel Nikon Z7.
Both cameras record 4K video and feature Vibration Reduction Sensor Stabilisation, the same amazing high-res EVF, and rugged, weather sealed body. While the Nikon Z6 has 273 points of autofocus, the Nikon Z7 steps it up to 493 AF points.
Along with the two
formidable camera bodies came the announcement of three lenses for the
brand-new Z-Mount. 35mm f/1.8, a 50mm f/1.8, and a 24-70mm f/4 lens which will be offered
as a kit lens for the camera bodies. If that’s not enough glass for you, an FTZ
adapter is also available, making it possible to use Nikon F-mount lenses on
the Z series bodies.
A fourth lens, the 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, is in development and slated for release
sometime in 2019.
