Digital imaging predictions for CP+ 2012
It's that time of the year again, where the annual Camera and Photo Imaging Show (CP+) is slated to take place in Yokohama, Japan, from February 9 to 12. Like any other major trade shows, camera and lens makers would be there to showcase the latest in digital imaging products and technology. We've rounded up some of digital imaging predictions of our own to give you a rough idea of what to expect during the show.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 weather-sealed ILC
A collage of the leaked Olympus OM-D E-M5. (Credit: 43 Rumors)
As you already know by now, Olympus' much-leaked weather-sealed interchangeable lens camera (ILC), the OM-D E-M5, is rumored to be released on February 8. We think Olympus would likely showcase the new camera during the show.
We hear the E-M5 could come with an inbuilt 1.44 million pixel resolution electronic viewfinder with a pentaprism-like design. It could also incorporate a new image stabilization function to prevent camera shake and be equipped with better autofocus capabilities.
It seems that ILC makers are beginning to have a preference for by designing their premium models with retro designs--The Fujifilm FinePix X-Pro1 (unveiled during CES 2012) and the Sony Alpha NEX-7 are fine examples.
Full-frame, 36-megapixel Nikon D800
The Nikon D800? (Credit: Nikon Rumors)
There's been much speculation on the Nikon D700's supposed successor, the Nikon D800. Although details are scant, popular rumor site, Nikon Rumors, claim that the new midrange, full-frame dSLR would sport a 36-megapixel sensor coupled with an Expeed 3 image processor. Featuring a 100 percent-coverage viewfinder, the new camera could also feature improved autofocus performance with face recognition and 51 AF points for better accuracy.
Apart from dual memory card slots, the camera might come with an ISO range of 100 to 6,400 (Expandable: ISO 50 to 25,600) and have an LCD screen larger than three inches. If it all pans out, Nikon fans could be looking forward to the D800 come February 8, according to press invites sent out to the media about a new product launch.
Faster primes and constant-aperture zoom lenses for ILCs
As ILC makers are pushing out more camera bodies, we should expect a more comprehensive range of new lenses. Forget slow kit zooms--we think there might be a possibility of fast primes featuring (F1.4 to F2) being unveiled. Although bright prime lenses give users an edge in terms of sharper images in low-light conditions and defocused backgrounds, some of them can be quite costly. But fret not, with popular third-party lens manufacturers Kenko Tokina and Tamron joining the Micro Four Thirds consortium, we think shutterbugs may soon be able to enjoy a variety of focal lengths and perhaps even in constant-aperture zoom lens of reasonable quality at affordable prices.
Canon finally reveals its prototype mirrorless camera
Could Canon's new ILC be modeled afer its popular Powershot G-series cameras? (Credit: Canon)
Being the last major camera maker that has yet to join the ILC bandwagon, we're sure many are wondering what's up Canon's sleeves. Waiting for the dust to settle perhaps? So for our last prediction, let us boldly assume that the Japanese camera maker could be set to launch its latest ILC come this year's CP+. A little bird did tell us that its new ILC may just be modeled after their popular PowerShot G series-cameras. So folks, keep your eyes peeled.
CNET Asia will be making our way to the show floors to check out what the camera industry has in store for you guys. Stay tuned for our CP+ coverage coming to you next week.
About the author
Fueled by his passion for all things photography, Shawn decided that a writer's position reviewing cameras is the perfect job.
He now does reviews, how-to guides, and scours far and wide to cover anything camera-related under the sun. When he's not behind the desk, the former freelance photographer enjoys wandering about documenting his life with his beloved medium format film cameras.
The RMIT business graduate ventures to work every day with camera in one hand, and laptop in another, taking over the Internet one review at a time.
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