Every photographer has waited for the arrival of the new camera. It will be so much better than any other photographic tool of the past 150 years. It is poised to reach ‘Peak Photography’. We look forward to using it, but what’s it like? We’ve listed a few things to look for, and will continue to write about the new camera until it’s available. We’ll also look at how well it matches its competitors.
Leica’s 2023 camera
The future of Leica cameras is not based on APS-C sensors. While the company has a few APS-C cameras under development, their development has been delayed due to a lack of funds. Stefan Daniel, a Leica spokesperson, said that the company’s production plans are to focus on full-frame sensors for the M, SL and Q line. In essence, these cameras are rebadged Panasonics with a Leica brand name.
Rumors have been swirling about the 2023 camera, but it hasn’t been confirmed. We’ve only heard rumors, but we can’t rule out the fact that Leica will introduce a new camera in 2023. In fact, it’s possible that Leica is testing a prototype. The company did show a video at its recent M11 launch event, revealing three spots in its camera roadmap. The video starts at 2:17, when Mark Shipard, the head designer at Leica, is walking through the company’s Munich Design Center. In the background, you can see several blank plaques, indicating that the company might release a new camera in 2023.
The 2023 camera will be available with a Summicron M 50 f/2 ASPH lens, and will be priced at around $20,000. It will be available for purchase in a limited edition of 250 units, and is expected to retail for over $180,000. The production run is expected to be limited to 250 units, with further evaluation possible in the future. It comes in a special presentation box made from solid titanium.
Fujifilm’s X-H2S
The X-H2S from Fujifilm incorporates the most popular design features from the acclaimed X-H1 model. Among these are a grip with large buttons and an LCD display on the top panel. The camera is also highly robust and features a stand-alone video recording button. It also has a 1.6-million-dot vari-angle LCD monitor.
The X-H2S has five-axis in-body image stabilisation, a newly developed sensor processor, and sensing control. It also delivers 7.0-stop shutter speed compensation. The camera also builds on the video capabilities of the X-H1, giving users higher resolution, wider range of frame rates, higher bit depth, and less rolling shutter. It also supports Apple ProRes 422 video.
Compared to the X-H1 and X-T1, the newest X-H2S will be the priciest APS-C camera. The X-H2S will also launch with a $399 vertical grip and a $199 cooling fan. Moreover, there will be a second version of the camera that costs $999. With the X-H2S, Fujifilm is planning to release more models in the future.
Other specifications include the use of a flat F-Log2 profile with fourteen stops of dynamic range, a new heat-dissipating structure, and three Apple ProRes codecs. Furthermore, it is equipped with a gyro sensor and a battery to shoot hybrid videos. Its top speed is 15 fps. A new version of this camera is expected in September.
Panasonic’s GH5 II
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II camera will receive an update on November 29. The update will enhance the camera’s performance and usability. You can download the update through the LUMIX Global Customer Support website. One new feature is the ability to shoot videos in 4K, which will come in handy if you’re shooting events indoors. Multiple cameras can also be controlled using the new LUMIX Tether PC software, and the focus ring control has been improved to 1080deg.
The Panasonic GH5 II also comes with wireless video live streaming and internal battery charging. As the GH5 was a great camera for people just starting out in video production, the GH5 II offers similar benefits. Those interested in shooting in 4K will find the GH5 II to be an excellent choice. However, if you’re more interested in shooting in high resolution, you can also consider the GH6. The GH6 is expected to be released later this year. Besides the new sensor, the camera will also support 4K/60p video recording and live streaming.
The video spec on the GH5 II is extensive, and the new GFX has some video tools developed specifically for the GH series. The GH5 II has a red frame around the screen while recording, and it supports a wider range of aspect ratio guides. A new video mode, Cinelike D2, helps shoot log-style video with less hassle. This mode offers slightly brighter colors and improved skin tones.
Canon’s EOS R7
The Canon EOS R7 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera that is set to replace the 90D and 7D. The camera’s newly developed 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor features a 1.6x crop factor and in-body image stabilization. The camera’s DIGIC X processor allows it to shoot at a maximum speed of 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and 30 fps in electronic shutter mode.
The R7 will be available later this year for $1,500 body only, and for $1,900 with a new lens. PetaPixel’s review of the Canon EOS R7 can be found here. The R7 is the mirrorless successor of the Rebel and M50 Mark II, and while Canon did not explicitly say that it will replace the M-series, the R10 is expected to be another option for the same price range. The body is light and compact, weighing less than a pound with a battery and memory card, so users should not be worried about carrying it around.
In addition to being capable of shooting 4K footage at 24 to 60 frames per second, the R7 is capable of recording 10-bit Full HD video. Additionally, the camera offers 4K Fine mode, which oversamples seven times the amount of data. While the Sony R7 does not support raw video, it does offer 4K Fine mode. The camera’s video quality is a huge improvement over the R7.
Sony’s CineAlta line
After announcing the HDC-F950 full-frame and anamorphic camera at the Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, Sony has also announced the launch of HDCAM SR. The HDC-F950 will capture approximately 50 percent more data than current cameras. The company says the new technology was derived from feedback from leading filmmakers. A portable deck for acquisition and a VTR for post-production will also be manufactured by Sony.
On Monday, Sony teased a new high-end cinema camera. The current flagship CineAlta model, the Sony VENICE, launched in 2017, and has since received a firmware update, version 6.0. The camera can shoot up to 6K, so Sony is expected to introduce an 8K large-format cinema camera at some point. It’s unclear how many people will purchase the new camera, but it could have a large-screen display, an in-built GPS system, and a 3D touchscreen.
The VENICE 2 8K has interchangeable sensor blocks for a smooth transition from 4K to 8K. It draws about 76W and uses 60W. It’s compatible with most of the CineAlta accessories. Sony has also renamed the FX6 and FX3 to Cinema Line, indicating they’ll release a new camera in 2022.
Fujifilm’s GFX 100R
The Fujifilm GFX 100 is a powerful medium format camera with a 102-megapixel sensor, and it’s equipped with in-body image stabilization to take advantage of the limitations of 4K video technology. The new body design is incredibly lightweight, with 95 points of weather resistance. This camera is a great choice for photographers who need a camera that can capture 4K projects and still give you great control in post-production.
The GFX 100R’s camera is a great value, but its grips aren’t the most comfortable. The camera’s 3.2-inch LCD is small and hard to use. Likewise, the controls are small, and there’s no exposure compensation dial. Fortunately, there’s a nubbin in the back to control the camera’s brightness. But if you’re a sports enthusiast, this camera won’t be for you.
This camera will also come with a much larger lens range. It has a 102-megapixel sensor, but that’s not as large as those used in medium format cameras. The lenses are also much less expensive than those for medium-format cameras. The GFX 100R camera is expected to be available in 2022, and it’s already priced at around $550. Ultimately, the Fujifilm GFX 100R camera is a fantastic value and will be an excellent addition to any camera collection.
The GFX 100R is already compatible with ProRes RAW, and its new firmware will add BRAW capability to both the GFX 100S and GFX 100R. The GFX 100S has already been updated to support ProRes RAW, but BRAW recording is expected to mimic the quality of the ProRes RAW format. It’s unclear whether this new format will become an option for the camera.