Camera rumors 2018: the biggest and best camera rumors around

With the large CP+ imaging show in Japan in a few weeks and Photokina 2018 later this year, it’s almost impossible to avoid new camera rumors coming out of the woodwork every single day. But, with a finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends and rumors, and with a bit of our own tech knowledge, we’ll look at what the biggest names in the camera industry may be dreaming up.

We’ve culled through every single one of the latest camera rumors, from wild speculation to the most convincing leaks, and brought you the biggest and the best. With these rumors, we can start to piece together a rough picture of products that major camera companies might be aiming to release, and what thirsty photographers will be able to get their hands on in the near future.

Now, it’s time to really dive into all of the juiciest camera rumors from every major manufacturer, from Canon to Olympus.

Canon rumors: Canon had a pretty busy year last year, so what can we expect in 2018? Are we likely to see a update to the EOS 5D Mark IV in the shape of the EOS 5D X? How about at update to the EOS 7D Mark II? And will Canon introduce a full-frame mirrorless camera?

Nikon rumors: The Nikon D850 is already out, but could we also see an update to the underrated retro-inspired Df? The Nikon D750 could do with an update, too. And will the D5 get a midlife update?

Sony rumors: Sony's just announced the Alpha A7R III, so are we likely to see an update to the Alpha A7 II?

Fujifilm rumors: Fujifilm was extremely active last year, launching the GFX 50S, X-T20, X100F and X-E3. All the rumors now point to a X-H1 and XF10.

Olympus rumors: There are rumors we could maybe see a update to the brand's inimitable OM-D E-M5 Mark II.

Panasonic rumors: Last year we saw the launch of the Lumix GH5 and Lumix G9, and this year there are already rumors circulating that we'll see an even more video orientated camera in the shape of the Lumix GH5S.

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Canon EOS 5D X

Could Canon launch a rival to Nikon's D850 and Sony's Alpha A7R III

Predicted specs: Full-frame 50MP sensor | 8fps burst shooting | Improved 4K video capture

When it was launched back in 2016, Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV was our favourite DSLR. A well-rounded camera, it was (and still is) an incredibly versatile photographic tool. However, 2017 saw Nikon release the mighty 45.4MP D850 and Sony launch the 42.2MP Alpha A7R III.

Both cameras are similarly priced, but offer more pixels, while matching or bettering the performance of the EOS 5D Mark IV. Unless you're a die hard Canon user, the 5D Mark IV is hard to recommend over the other two.

Then consider that the 50MP Canon EOS 5DS was launched in 2015 and we reckon Canon might consolidate its two lines into a single, multi-purpose DSLR that offers a high pixel count and high performance to rival the D850 and Alpha A7R III.

We're speculating here, but this new DSLR could potentially be called the EOS 5D X and feature a new and improved 50MP full-frame sensor that was used in the EOS 5DS, now with a much broader and improved ISO range, while burst shooting could hit 8fps.

We reckon video might also get a hike in performance - the 1.64x crop when shooting 4K on the EOS 5D Mark IV is a bit of a turn off to many videographers. To aid shooting both stills and video, maybe we might also see the inclusion of a vari-angle touchscreen display.

Canon EOS 7D Mark III

One of the oldest EOS DSLRs available, could Canon's high-end enthusiast DSLR be about to get an update?

Predicted specs: Updated 20.2MP sensor or new 28MP chip | Dual DIGIC 7 image processors | 11fps+ burst shooting

Announced back in 2014, the EOS 7D Mark II is one of the oldest, if not the oldest DSLR in the EOS line-up and we think 2018 will be the year we see the arrival of the EOS 7D Mark III.

What can we expect to see then? It'll certainly get a new sensor, but whether Canon opts to stick with a 20MP resolution or increase this to 28MP (as CanonWatch.com is reporting), it's still unclear. It'll definitely get a broader ISO performance to rival the Nikon D500, while a better dynamic range at low ISO sensitivities would be welcome too.

The dual DIGIC 4 image processors in the Mark II are likely to be replaced by the latest DIGIC 7 image processor, seeing burst shooting speeds increase beyond 10fps - maybe somewhere between 11-12fps. The new image processor could also help out with AF tracking - something the existing model lags behind on compared to its newer rivals.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark III should also see the inclusion of touchscreen functionality on the rear vari-angle display to real take advantage of Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for Live View.

What about video? Canon's been reticent to include 4K capture on a string of new cameras with the exception of the EOS 5D Mark IV, but to compete with rivals, the EOS 7D Mark III really needs this feature to compete.

Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

Could Canon's overlooked 1-inch compact be about to get a refresh?

Predicted specs: Updated 1-inch sensor | DIGIC 7 image processor | Zoom range to stay the same

Canon's just updated its top-of-the-range PowerShot G1 X Mark III, and with recent updates to the G7 X Mark II and G9 X Mark II, that leaves the G5 X and G3 X as the oldest models in the range.

We reckon a new PowerShot G5 X Mark II will feature a modest tweak to the design, taking some of the design cues from the G1 X Mark III, while it should get an updated 20MP 1-inch sensor and the latest DIGIC 7 image processor.

Canon full-frame mirrorless camera

If the rumors are true, Canon is working on a full-frame mirrorless camera

Predicted specs: The sensor from the 1D X Mark II or 5D Mark IV | Existing lens mount

CanonRumors is reporting gossip that Canon is making a mirrorless full-frame camera, and the best thing is that it's probably going to use an existing lens mount, which is in all likelihood causing the engineers at Canon some major problems.

Nikon D760

A gentle upgrade over the ageing D750 would strengthen Nikon’s FX offerings

Predicted specs: Full-frame 36.3MP sensor | 4K video recording | Tilting touchscreen

Over the last three years or so, the D750 has become a renowned and inexpensive full-frame choice in Nikon’s stable, but it could really use an update to compete with a number of more recent full-frame arrivals.

With the arrival of the D850 with an impressive 45.4MP resolution, could we see the D760 make use of the 36.3MP sensor found in the outgoing D810 and replace the current 24MP chip?

The D750’s maximum 1/4,000 sec shutter speed is an understandable compromise to help it to be more reasonably priced, but a compromise regardless .A high shutter speed of 1/8,000sec might be on the cards then.

It wouldn’t be likely that such a camera would launch without 4K video recording, especially after the 4K-enabled D500, D850 and D5. It’s also likely that it will have a tilting display like the D750, but Nikon would probably at touchscreen control, too. Finally, don't forget Nikon will introduce it's SnapBridge connectivity as well.

Nikon D5S

Nikon's flagship DSLR could get a midlife tweak

Predicted specs: Full-frame 20MP sensor | New EXPEED image processor| 14fps burst shooting

Nikon launched the D5 back at CES in 2016, and with the company tending to launch a new flagship DSLR or 'S' update every two years to tie-in with an Olympic year (the PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are taking place in September), we could see a D5S break cover soon.

As it'll be an 'S' update, don't expect a raft of changes, instead it'll more likely be a few tweaks and refinements to an already great camera.

So what are we likely to see? The resolution should remain the same at 20MP, but a new EXPEED image processor could bring a number of improvements - we can't imagine Nikon would be able to extend the maximum ISO range of ISO3,280,000 found on the D5, but the improved processing power should see improved noise handling.

Burst shooting could also be boosted slightly - the D5 can shoot at 12fps with full AF and metering, so we could see a performance bump to 13 or 14fps.

We might also see some very subtle tweaks to the handling as well, but otherwise, don't expect a completely redesigned camera. That'll be the D6.

Nikon Df II

Perhaps Nikon will turn its retro-styled FX SLR into a retro-styled FX CSC?

Predicted specs: Mirrorless design | Class-leading electronic viewfinder | Nikon F-mount

Everyone got understandably excited about the DF when it was announced, but its high price and relatively low pixel count compared to the D810 made it more of a luxury item. The traditional controls also aren't quite as well implemented as on Fuji's X-T1, which was launched at about the same time.

It's feasible that the Df II will only fix the handling problems of the Df and have a higher resolution sensor – maybe even using the D5's 20MP sensor. Still, it's no secret that Nikon has lost some of its market share to Sony and its Alpha 7-series of full-frame retro-styled compact system cameras, and Nikon really needs to get back into competition.

Rumors have been floating around for a while that Nikon has a full-frame mirrorless camera coming soon, and the Df design has the potential to be an ideal starting point – albeit with a few major changes, like the removal of the mirror and the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder.

Sony Alpha A7 III

Rumors are growing that we could see an update to Sony's enthusiast full-frame mirrorless camera

Predicted specs: Full-frame 24MP sensor | Joystick AF control | Advanced AF system

Now we've seen the launch of Sony's new megapixel monster, the Alpha A7R III, could we now see an update to the Alpha A7 II?

We reckon it'll share the same updated body as the A7R III, which means it'll take on a number of handling refinements, including a dedicated AF joystick, AF-On button and touchscreen interface.

It could also mean that the new camera will benefit from some trickle-down technology from the Alpha A9, including the excellent full-frame 24MP sensor and BIONZ X image processor. That could mean a serious speed increase too - maybe not the 20fps burst shooting speed of the Alpha A9, but maybe easily above 10fps.

We'd be surprised if the Alpha A7 III gets the same awesome 693-point AF system as the A9, but again, we'd expect to see a big leap over the AF system in the A7 II - perhaps the same 399-point phase-detect AF system (with 425 contrast-detect points) system used by the A7R III.

Fujifilm X-H1

A Fujifilm mirrorless camera for both photographers and videographers

Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C format sensor | In-body image stabilization | 4K video recording at 30fps

The Fujifilm X-T2 is one of our favorite mirrorless cameras, but it looks like we might see a new model at the top of the X Series tree.

FujiAddict.com is reporting the imminent arrival of the X-H1, taking the fight to Panasonic's Lumix GH5.

Featuring a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, the X-H1 is rumored to shoot 4K video at up to 30fps, and 1080p Full HD footage up to 120fps. This is a little underwhelming compared to the video spec of the GH5, so we'd be surprized if this is the final figure.

The design should be quite a step-change from the X-T2 though, with rumors speculating it'll more closely resemble the GFX 50S. This means it'll get a more pronounced grip for improved stability when hand-holding, a small monochrome top-plate LCD and the exposure compensation dial on the X-T2 replaced by a small button as we've seen on the GFX 50S.

Fujifilm XF10

A new sensor and processing engine, plus an improved AF system look on the cards for Fujifilm's pocket premium compact camera

Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C format sensor | 28mm equivalent lens | Improved AF system

Fujifilm's flagship compact, the X100F, is our pick of the current crop of compact cameras, but what's next for Fujifilm's other compact, the X70?

Again, FujiAddict.com believes the updated model to be called the XF10 and we'd be incredibly surprised if it doesn't get a resolution upgrade, increasing the pixel count from 16 million to 24 million as we've seen with Fujifilm's other recent announcements.

We reckon Fujifilm will stick with the 28mm equivalent prime lens, but it might be tempted to up the ante a little by increasing the maximum aperture from f/2.8 to f/2 for even better low light performance and depth of field control, but it may 'just' use a new optical design or coatings to boost performance.

Or perhaps we'll see multiple versions - maybe one with a fast 50mm f/1.8 equivalent optic.

Fujifilm has been working hard on improving the autofocus systems in its cameras, and this seems likely to continue, so we can expect the XF10 to focus more quickly than the X70, with better low-light responses.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the odd one out in the OM-D range, so can we expect an update soon?

Predicted specs: 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor | Core features to remain the same | 4K video

We've seen updates in the shape of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M10 Mark III, which just leaves the OM-D E-M5 Mark II to get refreshed in the OM-D series.

We think that for this enthusiast mirrorless camera, Olympus will ditch the 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and replace it with the 20MP chip used by the OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

We'd expect to see 4K video capture and maybe the excellent 5-axis image stabilization get a tweak to deliver 6.5 stop compensation like the E-M1 Mark II. Focusing could also get a bump up to 121 points.

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200

Could we see our favorite travel zoom camera get a new lens design?

Predicted specs: 20.1MP 1-inch sensor | New lens with a 24mm wide-angle focal length | Improved electronic viewfinder

Panasonic's flagship travel zoom camera, the Lumix ZS100 (known as the TZ100 outside the US) is our favorite travel zoom compact camera, but it's been over two years since it was launched and it's in line for a replacement.

Rumors coming out of Japan suggest that we could see a Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 very soon, with the new camera sporting a new 24mm wide-angle lens (the ZS100 features a 25mm), though it's not clear what reach it will have at the long end. If it's a 10x zoom like the ZS100, that'll hit 240mm, but we could see something like 12x possibly.

Curiously the rumor suggests that the ZS200 will feature a maximum aperture of f/3.3, but this seems a bit of a retrograde step as the maximum aperture on the ZS100 is f/2.8.

We think that the electronic viewfinder (EVF) will also be improved - the EVF on the ZS100 is a touch on the small side, while the resolution could be better. We could also see a tilt-angle display - something that the ZS100 also lacks.

Panasonic Lumix GX9

Panasonic's enthusiast rangefinder-style mirrorless camera is ready for an update

Predicted specs: 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor | 5-axis image stabilization | Improved electronic viewfinder

The same Japanese rumor also points to a replacement to the ageing Lumix GX8. This camera was announced back in 2015 and is the oldest mirrorless camera in Panasonic's range.

Aimed at the enthusiast photographer, the new Lumix GX9 could borrow a number of features from the recently announced Lumix G9. This includes the latest 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, a 5-axis image stabilization system, 225-area AF system, as well as improved connectivity options and a much faster shooting rate.

posted by Campus94

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Tuesday, 6 February 2018