For those who don’t have the fund to get a digital SLR camera or not satisfied on 2010 offering, what will 2011 offer?
For me 2010 is just a beginning on something that really interesting in photography world. In 2011, we will see more exciting, more powerful, more responsive, higher quality stuff.
Let’s start with …
NIKON
Nikon has registered many patents relating to mirrorless camera concept, but I doubt Nikon is going for this route yet. Nikon is planning to get the best mirrorless system in the world, and it will take a while for Nikon engineers to figure out how they can be better other mirrorless camera system out there.
However, in digital SLR cameras, it will be very exciting for Nikon fans. Nikon D3100 and Nikon D7000 already set the new standard and give some clue on what will be the next big thing.
In 2011, I predict Nikon will release Nikon D4, Nikon D800, and Nikon D400. These three cameras are top of line DSLR that will use Nikon latest technologies.
Nikon D4, D800 and D400 will likely to have higher image resolution, at least 16 MP image sensor and still deliver great images in high ISO setting. In addition, all cameras will have 1080p video recording quality.
How about Nikon D5000 which is positioned between D3000-D90 I don’t think this camera will get an update. Its place is actually already replaced by Nikon D3100.
CANON
This year is also will excite Canon SLR users. It is a good time to upgrade their best selling full frame camera Canon 5D mk II and flagship 1Ds series.
For Canon 5D mk III, new auto focus is important, along with swivel LCD screen to make video recording much easier. For 1Ds series, I think Canon will raise the image resolution once again to best Nikon D3x (24 MP).
For those who hope Canon will release mirrorless camera concept, prepare to be disapointed because Canon does not have desire to do that yet.
SONY
Sony will release their new SLT (Single lens translucent) camera this year and also continue to push forward their mirrorless NEX system camera.
SLT camera is innovative because it is smaller than DSLR, but it can shoot very fast continuous shooting speed and its auto focusing system work very well in video mode.
But it also has many weaknesses such as slow general performance, no optical viewfinder and slow auto focus. This year will be the defining moment for Sony to improve their SLT system and show this system is better than traditional DSLR system.
If Sony fails to convince the crowd, SLT system will be a history.
SAMSUNG
Samsung will keep pushing on NX system. NX10, NX flagship camera will be updated, several new lenses will be introduced as well. The roadmap is already announced here.
FUJIFILM
Fujifilm awed the Photokina 2010 tradeshow with Fuji X100, a fixed camera with large sensor and classic analog camera like interface.
Many people shows interest in the camera, but I don’t think it will translate well in sales. It is because people are getting used to DSLR like control now, and more likely to get camera with modern DSLR control.
The second and maybe the most important reason is the fact that the camera has fixed lens, means that only a handful enthusiasts who loves the lens will likely to get one.
Competition is also very high, Fuji will battle Leica X1 in high-price fixed lens camera, and Fuji X100 will also face competition from mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras such as Panasonic GF2 and lens-module system camera, Ricoh GXR system.
Fourth, price will not help because Fuji X100 will be selling at at least $1000.
PANASONIC
We will expect Panasonic GF2 in March 2011, which will be as popular as its predecessor Panasonic GF1.
Then, GH2 will also be available. I think there will be no significant camera body introduced in 2011, but Panasonic will likely to release some lenses, especially that work well with video recording.
RICOH
This year will be very exciting for Ricoh GXR users. There will be two important modules in 2011 which are 24-70mm APS lens module and expansion unit (mount module).
Although many will hope that it will be f/2.8 lens, I doubt it, I think it will be variable aperture zoom lens, such as f/3.5-5.6.
We don’t know which lens mount will be used, but I think it will be micro four third system mount.
If Ricoh can price is wisely, it might be a hit because you can get the best of two worlds: Ricoh GXR great user interface and build quality plus the micro four thirds system lenses.
PENTAX
2011 will be a quiet year for Pentax because they have already released their flagship Pentax K5 and mid range K-r. However, Pentax has goal to get more new customers to beef up their fan base.
Therefore, Pentax will update their great value beginner camera, Pentax k-x and also release some new affordable lenses.
OLYMPUS
2011 is also an important year for Olympus. This year, Olympus already mentioned that they will not work on new four thirds lenses, therefore, the system is basically ended.
But Olympus also hinted that they will develop a special camera that will accomodate new micro four thirds lenses and also four thirds system lenses.
If this camera failed to deliver great performance, then, it will a disaster for Olympus because they will lose the original Olympus fans loyalty plus they will be out competed with aggresive electronic company such as Panasonic, Sony and Samsung.
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