Need a new camera? You were already spoiled for choice, but that decision has just become even harder. A swathe of new cameras, lenses and accessories are currently on show at the world’s largest photography show. Here are all the new toys that were unveiled at Photokina in Cologne over the past few days.
Canon
For big-time photography and video fans, the news from Photokina was all about the 7D Mark II — Canon’s newest crop-sensor digital SLR, and a big improvement on the now 5-year-old 7D. The Mark II is based around a new 20.2-megapixel sensor, films in 1080p 60p, and has a new 65-point autofocus system. According to Canon, “the EOS 7D Mark II will be available in retail stores across Australia from mid-November. Prices will be set at dealers’ discretion.”
There’s a new G-series compact, too. The Canon PowerShot G7 X has a 1-inch 20.2-megapixel and 24-100mm (equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 fixed zoom. Alongside the G7X, Canon also announced the 65x optical zoom-toting, 16.8-megapixel PowerShot SX60 HS compact. Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion when both go on sale in October.
Three new lenses were announced alongside the cameras, too — an EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM crop prime, an EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM mid-range full-frame zoom, and a whopping EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM telephoto full-frame prime. No pricing or release date info for these yet, unfortunately.
Samsung
Samsung’s NX1 has a pixel-packed 28-megapixel sensor in its DSLR-mimicking compact mirrorless body. It looks great, and should be a significant upgrade from the NX30 of earlier this year. Alongside the NX1, Samsung displayed a 50-150mm f/2.8 ED OIS constant aperture mid-telephoto zoom for its NX camera line-up, another premium lens in its S series range.
There unfortunately isn’t any local pricing or availability confirmed just yet, but a Samsung spokesperson had this to share with us: “Samsung Electronics Australia can confirm that the Samsung NX1 camera and 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens will be launching in Australia. We will confirm local pricing and availability for each product closer to the on-sale date.”
Nikon
Nikon’s D750 is a full-frame DSLR that sits between the existing D610 and D810. It’s especially interesting because it’s the only pro-level DSLR that has a tilting LCD screen, which should be a godsend for videographers working off a tripod setup. 1080p 60p and 24p video recording is included, as you’d expect, but so far we haven’t heard official pricing or release info for the D750 in Australia.
Retailers around Australia are pegging the D750 price at around the $2500 point.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm announced the x100t slightly ahead of Photokina, as well as a few new Instax instant film cameras. The x100t doesn’t have any thrilling new lens or sensor advancements, but does improve the viewfinder with a new range-guessing mode. Available in Australia from late November, the x100t doesn’t yet have an official price tag down under.
By the way, the fantastic X-T1 now has a graphite silver colour option, and the Japanese lens maker also has a 50-140mm f/2.8 OS telephoto zoom to add to its X-Series interchangeable lens lineup.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s GM5 is the smallest Micro Four Thirds camera, and the smallest mirrorless camera, ever to be released. It mimics the GM1 from which it draws most of its technology, but also adds a new 1.1 million dot electronic viewfinder. The GM5 will cost $1099 with a kit 12-32mm lens and $1399 for a twin lens kit including the new 35-100mm telephoto zoom, on sale in Australia in November.
There’s a new premium compact Panasonic camera, too — the LX100. 12.8 megapixels and a fixed 24-75mm (equivalent) f/1.7-2.8 zoom lens is pretty standard LX-series fare, and like its predecessors the LX100 will likely take beautiful photos for its size and remain one of the best compact cameras you can buy. It’ll cost $1199 when it’s out in Australia in November.
Sony
The big announcement from Photokina is a new wide-angle constant aperture zoom lens for Sony’s full-frame a7 range of cameras, the Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1635Z). The big deal is the combination of constant aperture and integrated optical image stabilisation, as well as through-the-lens weatherproofing and dust resistance. It’ll be out in mid-November in Australia for a $1599 RRP.
In terms of newly announced accessories, the HVL-F32M Flash is a compact but powerful unit, and has a built-in diffuser for wide-angle use. It’ll be out in Australia in December for $299.
The XLR-K2M XLR Adaptor Kit is made for the Multi Interface shoe of Sony’s a7 and other high-end cameras and camcorders, and includes the ECM-XM1 shotgun mic. It’ll be available in Australia in October for $899.
The RMT-VP1K Remote Commander and IR Receiver Kit is a wireless remote control and intervalometer, also controlling power zoom and recording start/stop for videographers. It’ll only cost $69 when it’s released in Australia in December.
Have you noticed any other announcements from Photokina? Let us know in the comments.