If you’ve never heard of Photokina, it’s actually a massive photo show held every two years in Cologne, Germany and the sheer scale of the event needs to be seen to be believed. The show is changing slightly to move to an annual event from next year, but it’s also traditionally the place where photography brands like to launch their biggest products.
Which new products will be launched at Photokina. Image by Photokina/Oliver Wachenfeld
So with this year’s Photokina event opening to the public on September 26, now’s a great time to round up all the rumors on what could be unveiled in the hallowed halls of the Cologne venue.
GoPro - After a turbulent time that included the brand shelving its drone-manufacturing business, GoPro looks to be on the up again. Product images of what’s believed to be the Hero7 Black have already leaked on photo rumour websites, accompanied by rumoured specifications. It’s thought the new GoPro will feature an all-new processor chip and could offer improved stabilisation.
Could the new GoPro take action cameras to the next level?
Fuji - According to the rumour mill, Photokina could be a busy event for Fuji with suggestions that there could be two major cameras about to be launched. In fact, rumours suggest the covers could be pulled off the X-T3 - a replacement for the popular X-T2. Less clear is the likelihood of another GFX-based medium format camera, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Canon - So this could be the big one that photographers and journalists are waiting for at Photokina. Canon has launched big cameras at the event in the past, including the 5D MkIII and 1DX, so with Nikon set to release its full-frame mirrorless offerings on August 23, you can be sure Canon won’t be far behind. Apart from the big mirrorless announcement, it looks like the rest of Canon’s Photokina launches will centre around new lens offerings, with a new 400mm f/2. 8 prime tipped to be unveiled.
Will Canon's full-frame mirrorless build on the success of cameras like the M5?
Ricoh - Ricoh’s amazing GRII - a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor premium compact camera - enjoys cult status thanks to its bright f/2. 8 fixed lens and excellent image quality. This camera has been out for a fair few years now, so rumours suggest Ricoh may choose Photokina to pull the covers off the GRII’s replacement.
A replacement for the GRII will go down well with Ricoh fans.
Olympus/Panasonic - As 2018 is the tenth anniversary of the Micro Four-Thirds system jointly developed by Olympus and Panasonic, the brands may decide to mark the milestone with either a new (or special edition) camera. At present, there’s no clear rumours on what this may be though.
To find out more about visiting the Photokina show in September, click here.
Photokina opens to the public on September 26/ Image by Photokina/Harald Fleissner
. digitalrev.com2018-8-17 03:00