• NX-20 at $1100
• NX-210 at $900
• NX-1000 (probably) under $700

All three of them share a 20 MP APS-C sensor, a high sensitivity climbing up to ISO 12800, 1080p/30fps HD video capture, 8fps continuous shooting, a nice 3″ LCD display and a WiFi interface to cooperate with your Android phone.

The NX1000 is most noticeable for its choice of colors (white, black or pink).
The NX210 is still a point’n-shoot in format, while the NX20 tries to hide under a near SLR or bridge camera guise.

1. colorful cameras
2. retro-styled cameras that try not to look old

Two recent examples: A white Nikon V1 and a retro-styled Samsung NX-200 RS (with only a metalized plastic top to distance itself from the usual all-black livery).

They did not reach very far, though. There still some before we can draw on the surface of the camera like with our mobile phones…

While waiting for this dream future, we still have to be patient until we see the next camera from Olympus which (according to PhotoRumors) could well look a lot like an Olympus OM SLR camera from old times.

Funny, but until there is some clarification of the financial status of the Olympus mother company, I will sit and look from some distance, with a tender smile on my face.

Samsung tells us the story of how they proceed to launch the future lenses (particularly for the products of the hybrid NX family). Presented as several videos from their web site.

Videos are in English.

On this occasion, Samsung took some time to produce an illustration picture which gives us an idea of what could be the next generation of the NX range at Samsung. Obviously, they intend to give this modern range of cameras a retro look.

Bizarre, but why not? We’ll see if it works.

Some will also ask if the next Samsung NX-20 and Samsung NX-200 are present on this photo.

• Samsung 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 ED OIS
• Samsung 16mm f/2.4
• Samsung 60mm f/2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA
• Samsung 85mm f/1.4 ED SSA
• Samsung 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 OIS

The new Samsung NX-11 is not a revolution but simply the natural evolution of the previous Samsung NX-10 that its creator wished able to bring the best off the i-Function (introduced with the Samsung NX-100), a feature allowing to use the the ring and i-Function button of the most recent Samsung lenses (circled of a nice blue marking) to control directly many functions that the competition can only control from the coded wheels of the SLR body.

Add to it the increased bulge of a more marked grip (more ergonomic), an automatic panorama function (you only have to pan around the landscape to automatically build a panoramic picture of it, like on some other photo cameras).

From launch, the NX-11 camera is presented with a new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, but also with a 20mm f/2.8 pancake and a 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens.

Press Release

CES, Las Vegas – December 28, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the NX11 – the latest addition to the highly successful NX family of cameras. The NX11 is an upgraded model based on the NX10, compatible with the new i-Function lens, introduced for the NX100. The NX11 will come complete with an 18-55mm i-Function lens, as well as two new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver colour lens. The launch reinforces the company’s commitment to leading innovation in the compact system camera market.

The i-Function lens puts the perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers by providing an exceptionally easy way of controlling the camera. A typical camera user wraps their hand around the lens when holding the camera, the new i-Function system allows photographers to naturally use their left hand to change settings through a button built into the i-Function lens, without the need to take the camera off the target. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO quickly and easily by simply using the i-Function button and ring on the lens, meaning easier and quicker configuration while shooting.

The NX11 also has a focus on usability, with a change in the grip design to make shooting easier and more comfortable for users. Additionally, it has a lenspriority mode dial, to simplify searching for the best mode for each lens. The camera makes taking great landscape scenes or pictures of large groups simple by featuring a panorama mode, which allows the user to take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. As with the NX10, the NX11 uses the best in class APS-C sensor for better image quality. The APS-C sensor is larger than Micro 4/3 and the larger sensor delivers high quality images, easily.

Steve Mitchell, General Manager, Samsung UK Digital Imaging, said: “Today’s launch is important for Samsung in reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and for showing our innovation in the compact system camera market. The NX11, while offering the best features of the NX10, has an upgraded design and the additional i-Function capability with more lenses. The launch of our next offering in the NX range also demonstrates our commitment to our customers, by producing user driven innovation in the form of easy-to-use functions and upgraded customisation.”

Alongside the built-in flash and built-in electronic VGA (640×480) viewfinder, the NX11 has a 3.0” AMOLED LCD screen. The AMOLED screen reduces the glare from sunlight so the consumer can see their images under any lighting conditions, including sunlight. The user can also get a more vivid, clearer image through enhanced colour reproduction. The NX11 also provides high quality video with 720p HD recording, and its large APS-C sensor allows the videos to be recorded with shallow depth of field, providing effects that are shown in motion picture movies.

This is not perfect (it does not take into account any of the ergonomics of the camera, for example), but for a photographer in love with great image quality, the conclusion will be quickly drawn as you can see below:

The Sony NEX-5 is clearly ahead except in terms of color depth (which is particularly sensitive for smooth areas and soft fading colors that are more important in portraiture than in action sports photography).

• Sony NEX-5: 69 points
• Samsung NX 100: 62 points
• Panasonic DMC GF1: 53 points

This time, the video ad leaks the Samsung NX-100 in white suit.

At the same time, you will find two new lenses for it (and the other NX from Samsung):

• 20-50 mm f/3,5-5,6 zoom lens (not stabilized) (equivalent to a 31-77 mm in 35mm sensor size), for 249€
• 20 mm f/2,8 pancake lens, for 349€

Noteworthy: The new iFn button (for i-Function) allows to use the ring on the 20-50 mm zoom to control some menus. It will be necessary to wait until real-life tests to decide whether this is a great idea or a mindless trick.

• Alpha 33 (a pellix camera with a 14 MP sensor)
• Alpha 55 (a pellix camera with a 16.7 MP sensor, 10 fps, ISO 100-25600, 15-point AF, EVF – all to be confirmed)
• Alpha 560 (with 14MP sensor, 5 fps, ISO 100-12800, 15-point AF, swivel display – near certain feature set)
• Alpha 580 (same as A560, with 16MP sensor)

Note: Pellix is the name usually applied to describe a camera where there is no mobile mirror, but a pellix semi-transparent mirror which is providing a simultaneous and continuous AF while bringing light to the photo/video sensor. For more information about it, see the Wikipedia articles in both English and German. The presence of Pellix should also allow to keep a LiveView operation during the photo/video capture (probably in association with an Electronic View Finder or EVF).

Images of the A55 and A33

Images from DChome

A33/A55 size

What is now certain is that the Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 will be very small indeed. They are smaller than the smallest existing Alpha cameras (the Alpha 290). They are nearly as small as the NEX-5 camera.

Thanks to SonyAlphaRumors, you can see a marketing-based and meaningful size comparison:

As was reported here about a month ago, Canon does not believe that it is necessary to leave the traditional APS-C DSLR format factor to compete with the EVIL cameras. Sony seems to have understood this too. But they decided to provide both the (still?) smaller ones (NEX series) and continuously shrinking ones (Alpha series). It will be interesting to see how this works in the end.

At least, Canon appears right and we can expect to see similar comparisons appearing with Canon bodies of the near future.

Compatible lenses for NEX

Additionally, some companies are rumored to be interested in providing a real competition in terms of lenses for the NEX camera range (Sony will no longer be alone). If Zeiss and Leica are actually present there in a few weeks, it will mean that this NEX camera series will certainly be a huge success, if only because of the large advertisement effort supported by several companies at the same time. However, it is nearly impossible to sort out the good information and the false rumors in what is said from all sides.

photo credit: nhuhoai

• Samsung NX line would receive 3 new lenses according to Korean DDaily: Pancake 20mm, 20-50mm zoom and Macro 60mm lens.
• Canon could come with 3 lenses of its own: Possibly including an EF 16-50 f/4L H-IS.
• Panasonic already announced a 3D lens for the micro-4/3 (Lumix G-series). It should be visible in September and available in December.
• Samyang (the new company you should consider for compatible lenses) is readying a 35mm f/1.4 with manual focus, for the Samsung NX line. 8mm (fisheye) and 85mm have been rumored too.
• Nikon is said to be preparing at least three lenses: Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G N, Nikkor 24-120 f/4 ED VR N, Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR DX. They could possibly add a 18-200mm f/5.6 or a 28-300mm f/5.6.
• Sony has already said that we will see a 500mm f/4 G (big grey tele-lens for rich pro photographers) and a wide-angle lens Zeiss Distagon T* 24 mm f/2 ZA SSM, but the rumour has that it will not be the only lenses for the Alpha series. Sony could also present one or two lenses for the NEX line, on top of the 18-200mm already promised for mid-September 2010.

Of course, those could be announced a little before the Photokina show (brands try to steal the wind from the other by moving ahead of time).

2010
15mm f/2.3 Super-Angulon
21mm f/2 Super-Angulon
35mm f/1.4 Xenon
55mm f/1.4 Xenon

2011
90mm f/1.8 Tele-Xenar
70mm f/2.8 Claron (Macro)

Here’s how Samsung gets Schneider Kreuznach to make lenses for ’em:

SAMSUNG: “We’re making a play, like every other man and his giant-electronics-corporation dog, for the digital camera market. Unfortunately, we have zero credibility in the camera industry, and, well, that’s where you come in…”

SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH: “NEIN! Ve are a respected European opticz company, with many years of fine tradition und expertise in the field…”

Samsung drops, with a surprisingly loud thud, a briefcase on the conference table. It pops open, revealing row upon row of shiny Euro notes, neatly bundled in 10000-Euro lots.

SK: “…and as such vill not be villing to zell our name for use on some cheap, mass-produced cameras! Our lens are a ground by magic elves, und coated vith ze finest, purest dragon’s urine…”

Samsung reaches into its pocket, and pulls out a handful of diamonds, water clear, each the size of a human testicle, and tumbles them onto the briefcase.

SK: “Our lenses are hand-assembled by virgins! The lens barrels are polished on zeir thighs!”

Samsung whistles, and a team of sunglass-wearing security guards with earpieces screwed into their ears, wielding submachine guns, enter the room. They briefly check the corners, the faces of those at the conference table, then nod and mutter into their lapels. Seconds later, a powered trolley laden with gold bullion enters the room, and is placed at the head of the table.

SK: “EACH LENS IS HAND-TESTED BY ZE POPE!”

Samsung pulls a share certificate from his pocket. Laying it next to the briefcase, it reads: “COCA-COLA: 250,000 Shares”.

SK: “I look forward to working vith you, Samsung. Here’s the TIFF file of our logo. Stick it vhere you vant. Guten tag!”

Thanks to lithos for his cooperation. As he wrote me: “Really, I hope the satire puts to rest some of the rumour.”

To be released during the first half of 2010:
18-55mm F3.5-5.6, Non OIS

To be released during the second half of 2010:
20-50mm F3.5-5.6
20mm F2.8
18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OIS
60mm F2.8

• Nikon has been telling the world that they intended to have a great year 2010. It seems that they will bring a new DSLR (it could be the Nikon D700x, Nikon D700s, or Nikon D800 according to the rumor mill). It would be confirmed according to the banner visible on LetsGoDigital. But this is apparently a fake built from press material from the older Nikon D3 (via NR).
• Yesterday’s press conference did not bring a single SLR though (Coolpix S8000, Coolpix S6000, Coolpix S4000, Coolpix S3000, Coolpix P100, Coolpix L110, Coolpix L22, Coolpix L21, nothing less!)
• Plenty of people expect to see the Canon EOS 60D arriving now, but it’s still uncertain. NL/DPR predicts a set of features: CMOS 18MPs, 6.3fps, HD 24 and 36fps, Digic IV.
• According to CR, Canon is preparing a new Rebel/EOS camera whose name should be Rebel T2i (the European name could be 550D or EOS 600D), with video, fixed LCD of improved resolution.
• At last, Canon would present the very pro Canon EOS 1Ds Mk IV
• Samsung should extend its new NX line, possibly with some lenses (waiting a little more for a new NX camera body).
• Olympus and Fuji should bring only P&S cameras.
• The Sony rumour line is totally silent, which could be indicator that either they are efficient at keeping a lid on the new Alpha 750 or there is nothing in preparation.

So, let’s wait a little more.

They open a new Korean web site at http://www.samsungimaging.co.kr/ which is -for now- dedicated to the NX-10 but which will certainly be the spearhead of the 2010-2011 marketing efforts around the new NX series. It should support Samsung’s strike to become a major actor of the mid-range SLR cameras (what could not be achieved even in the partnership with Pentax).

But they also announce us relatively bad news: The NX10 will not be available on camera shop shelves before March 2010 (in the US and in Europe). We will all have to be patient waiting to the opportunity to get access to this camera which intend to shake up too-well-established categories of the SLR market.

Finally, it arrived. The forecasts were right. To open the Las Vegas CES show, Samsung just presented its new photo camera, the Samsung NX-10. It’s a mirror-less interchangeable lens camera that will use the new Samsung NX lens mount (three lenses available at launch: 30mm f/2, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS, 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED OIS; Future adaptor for Pentax K mount lenses).

A very small body (not the smallest in its category since some 4/3 do a little better) with an APS-C 14.6 mega-pixel photo sensor, thanks to an Electronic View Finder (EVF) which allowed to completely remove the mirror cage.

Samsung also decided to add a a superb autofocus to the NX-10 with a 16-area AF which should be very quick and very well-endowed (dynamic tracking of subjects, face recognition).

Moreover, the list of features looks a little like a technology feast with a high-contrast 3″ AMOLED LCD screen supposed to offer the best possible viewing under the sun, with a VGA-resolution Electronic Viewfinder which will need to be tested.

Faithful to its consumer target, the Samsung NX-10 also brings video capture in 720p HD format, compressed to H.264 (the HD digital video standard of this year).

The lacking features:

• Wireless transmission
• Weather-sealed body
• Fast burst modes

Anyway, the exact possibilities will have to be checked, but it looks good indeed.

Press Release

Las Vegas, NV, January 4th, 2009: Samsung Digital Imaging Company Inc., today announced the Samsung NX10 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas – an innovative digital camera that provides users with an interchangeable lens system and optimum image quality in a sleek, compact body. Delivering creativity without compromise, users can now be as creative as they want on the move, without having to compromise perfect images.

The NX10 incorporates a fast and decisive auto focus (AF), 14.6 MP APS-C size CMOS sensor and unique, large 3.0” AMOLED screen, allowing users to easily view their images, even in bright sunlight. Users can also record in HD movie to create the full story. Available in two colors, Noble Black and Titan Silver, the Samsung NX10 is small, light and ergonomically designed to ensure maximum portability for everyday use.

The Samsung NX10 ensures users never miss a moment, with one of the fastest AF in its class on the market. The company’s latest innovation, the new DRIMe II Pro engine and advanced AF algorithm, also provide ultra fast AF speed with the higher precision of contrast AF.

The Samsung NX10 has the heart of a DSLR embedded inside the compact frame of a digital camera, successfully integrating the APS-C size CMOS sensor with a mirrorless interchangeable lens, for a sleek, lightweight camera that users can easily take with them everywhere they go.

Consumers are not just limited to taking shots but can also tell their own stories in video format with HD movie recording (H.264 codec).

Samsung continues to extend the usage of AMOLED screens across many products, using a large 3.0” AMOLED screen in Samsung NX10. AMOLED provides easier viewing even in bright sunshine and at acute viewing angles, meaning users no longer need to shield their screen with their hand. The category leading screen also provides 10,000 times faster response rate than conventional LCDs, has a far lower power consumption and higher contrast ratio – 10,000:1 vs. 500:1.

“The new Samsung NX10 marks the start of the next generation of cameras,” said Mr. S J Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “We know from our detailed research over several years that what consumers want from their cameras is evolving, which we’ve reflected in the development of the Samsung NX10. With specialist equipment open to everyone and no longer restricted solely to the professional, more and more people want to capture something creative and tell a story through their camera – but they also want something compact that they can carry round with them all day. The large sensor and the ultra fast auto focus give consumers the quality they demand as well as the compactness they want in one exceptional package.”

Mr. Park continued: “Samsung has always been quick to implement cutting edge technology and no more so when it comes to quality of images. For the first time in the market, Samsung has successfully integrated an APS-C size sensor into a compact body by eliminating the mirror box, meaning that our users can now be as creative as they want to be on the move without having to compromise on image quality.”

The Samsung NX10 also contains a range of intelligent features to put professional quality images within reach of the amateur photographer. The Samsung NX10 includes in-depth manual controls and also a Smart Auto function which automatically detects the surrounding environment of the shot and selects the right shoot mode. Its Smart Range feature also enables the user to vividly express both bright areas and dark areas in the same frame, and the Supersonic Dust Reduction system keeps those dust particles clear of the image sensor that can often impair an image. It even senses when the user brings the camera close to their face to look through the viewfinder, and puts the AMOLED screen on standby to conserve power.

It seems true, indeed. Just see the number of posts about it on K-Rumors. If I wanted to sum it up, I would say the following.

Since months already, it is clear that Samsung and Pentax are no longer living a love affair. The Korean company parted and now thinks a lot about being independent and thinks it is able to live happily ever after -at least when it comes about entry-level SLR photo cameras which still are the beating heart of this industry.

Leaks abounded in the recent weeks to confirm the arrival of such a camera at Samsung and many people think that it will be named Samsung NX-10 as shown on a leaked technical declaration to an official Korean legal body. The features are not detailed but it is now possible to list a lot of them without great risk of error:

• The NX-10 is a Single Lens Reflex (maybe not reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses
• Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage (1x magnification): 1080p/260Hz (920,000 pixels)
• 14.6 MP APS-C photo sensor with image stabilization
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200 (ext. ISO 50-6400)
• Shutter: 30s-1/6000s, in 4.5 fps in burst mode
• 7 fps bursts (30 consecutive pictures) made without lifting the mirror
• Video capture: Full HD 1080p/30i/s with stereo sound
• Autofocus: 16 areas, face detection and movement tracking (considerably more powerful than the entry-level competition)
• AMOLED-type LCD screen for a better readability
• Built-in flash 12GN at ISO 100
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB 2.0, Video/Audio out
• Wireless transmission: BlueTooth, WiFi
• SD/SDHC memory cards
• Body: At least, partly weather-sealed
• Weight: 369g

Samsung would take the same opportunity to finally present lenses of its own design.

And the announcement would be ready either tomorrow or on the 10th of January!

Sources: K-Rumors, yonhapnews.co.kr, etc.

We don’t know much (Samsung would be giving details in August, but launching real products only at the end of the year), but there should be a few notable features:

• No in-body image stabilization
• New lenses (maybe 3 of them)
• Possibly a structure intermediate bewteen a Point-n-Shoot and an SLR camera (who said EVF? Electronic View Finder?)

Let’s wait…

The answer could come from Samsung, forever-partner of Pentax for digital SLR photo cameras. The network of informers in direct contact with Samsung keeps repeating that Samsung is ready to launch a new SLR camera, probably to be named GX-30, as soon as next 7th of July. Of course, this is soft music to the ears of Samsung lovers (I have to admit that they are more numerous in Asia than in Europe, by far), but it’s also source of wonderment in the Pentax lovers ranks. They immediately rushed to the near-obvious conclusion that the Pentax K30D is around the corner (since, usually, Samsung launches its copy of the Pentax design a few days or a few weeks after the Pentax original).

So, a Pentax K30D before the end of June? Then, a Samsung GX-30 right after that?

It’s not so sure. Pentax and Samsung could well be on the verge of splitting their strategies and going on different roads. Instead of sharing all of their SLR camera designs, the two brands could start diverging in 2009 and 2010. That would give a Samsung GX-30 which would not be a Pentax K30D…

According to Canon Rumours, there could be some concentration moves around the camera manufacturers. Up to this, it’s just in line with what I’ve been telling about some brands whose CEOs have heart burns from the intense current competition.

But they also give us names and combinations to think about.

• Panasonic could buy the photo division of Leica. Assuredly weirder than certain.
• Panasonic could buy Olympus. Here comes credibility. And it would be industrially much more tenable.
• Samsung could buy Hoya, the owner of Pentax. If Pentax is suffering financial pains, Samsung is nearly certain to come and help. But why buy Hoya? This would be bizarre.

Who will be the first to bring this innovation? And I really think it is inevitable that it will come soon on our reflex cameras. Even if only because it reduces the number of needed buttons and it brings a certain flavor of technical progress that should appeal to most of the camera enthusiasts buying SLR cameras (just think about the unrelenting success of video modes which should -as a matter of fact- only be considered as anecdotal on a photo camera).

I think that it’s possible to list the best candidates for this:

• Low- to mid-range camera at Sony, like a Sony Alpha 400
• Entry-level camera at Nikon, like a Nikon D65
• Lowest price cameras at Samsung and Pentax, Pentax K3000, Samsung GX-3000 (and maybe even a mid-range option for these brands are striving to distinguish themselves technically from the market leaders)
• A complement to Panasonic DMC-G1 under the name of DMC-G2 or DMC-G3

This is all mere observation of technolody presence among the compact models (such point-and-shoot cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77, the Nikon S60 Coolpix, the Samsung NV34HD or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580). And there is more reality to these remarks than to most predictions about the launch of presumed major products at the next PMA fair in Las Vegas.

This article that collects elements of an interview of Young-Bae Kim, Samsung’s Director of DSLR business, brings us informations all the more important that we remember that (and this is confirmed again) Samsung and Pentax work tightly together on the development of digital SLR cameras. Nothing is told in precise words and terms, but some important conclusions can be drawn.

If the name of the future successor of the Pentax K20D or Samsung GX-20 is not confirmed yet, everything leads us to think that it will stay as Pentax K30D and Samsung GX-30 and we will keep these names for the time being. Nevertheless, contrary to the hopes of many a pentaxian, Mr Kim is very clear on th fact that the sensor will stay in the APS-C form factor. No Full Frame for the Pentax K30D.

However, he insists on the fact that this new camera will be a significant milestone in the trend of the Pentax/Samsung SLR cameras. More specifically, size will be the matter of news. Look where I’m headed: A completely digital new viewfinder would reduce the size and weight a lot: no mirror cage, no pentaprism. But, why should they appply this to a camera in the high-medium range? Probably, because Pentax and Samsung nwo need to stand up in the competition (where they can’t really enter up to now) between Canon, Nikon and Sony.

Furthermore, I think that despite what Mr Kim says, the video mode -even with its limitations- will be introduced in such a camera. Digital viewfinders already include the video capability; So, why not go a step further. 2009 being the year when video-capable SLR cameras seriously hit the shelves and Samsung already having the technology included in some of its digital compact PnS cameras, I think that they will have no choice here. The marketing pressure will be very high on the engineers in charge of the design of the Samsung GX-30 / Pentax K30D.

Consequently, my prediction for the features of the Pentax K30D (or Samsung GX-30) goes along the following lines:

• CMOS APS-C sensor of 15 to 17 MP (Samsung origin)
• Sensitivity: 100-6400 ISO
• Video mode 720p (maybe 1080p)
• Electronics fully digital viewfinder (100% coverage)
• 3″ LCD rear display
• All-weather body

That being said, I would forecast some heavy workload for the designers at Samsung to develop a Full Frame sensor anyway. But no announcement before the 4th quarter of 2009. Mayeb this will give us the nice names of Pentax K3D and Samsung GX-3 ?

Latest news from the PMA

The PMA fair which will happen in Las Vegas between the 3rd and the 5th of March 2009 will bring us many news and a few surprises. All the signs are there, as confirmed by my informers. There is only a few weeks to be patient, but expect most important news to be revealed a few days before the opening.

If you want to go through the various brands with me, we will see what is coming.

Canon

The red brand will have few impressive news. This is a pity because it would be necessary to replace the Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi but it is probably still too early for that. Anyway, we should receive the first informations and an announcement that it will get video mode (the Nikon D90 is already working against it) and could bring the improvements needed for a serious use of video by all.

Canon will probably limit itself to pro products for the high-end only: An extension of the Canon EOS 1D range with a new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and most importantly a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV. This will not touch any of us except the real pros (with their budget), but the mere presence of Sony Alpha 900 and Nikon D3x unbalanced the aging Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

Nikon

The yellow brand had a sumptuous 2008 year with no less than the launch of the Nikon D90, the Nikon D700 and the Nikon D3x who are sharing the market from low-end to high-end. This full-barrel shot stunned the competition and is starting to collect market shares from immobile Canon.

But it would not suffice for Nikon. The Nikon D40 and the Nikon D60 need to be renewed for the customers with the smallest wallet (or suffering from our recession times)… because the Nikon D90 already aged them with its brining of video capability. Very certainly, Nikon will bring this mode to entry-level SLR cameras, may be with with very small improvement steps and in order to wait for more profound changes in the second half of 2009.

But in parallel to these army-level moves around SLR cameras, Nikon is preparing to launch a new range of super-tele-lenses. And it will be a loud bang: very wide apertures, fixed focal length from 200mm to 400mm (maybe even more); Enough to redefine the high-end of tele lenses. Unfortunately, this will be out of reach for most of us.

Sony

Here, information is scarce and this is usual with Sony. Some expected (!) to hear announcements during the CES fair this month. They failed to hear anything…

But, there are three SLR cameras to be replaced at Sony: Alpha 300, Alpha 350 and Alpha 700. They will be all replaced before Summer, this is certain now. PMA 2009 should see at least two of these announced.

Things are more uncertain for the Alpha 200. Even older, but its market positioning may not ask for an early replacement.

Furthermore, I was about to forget the arrival of some new lenses. At the strict minimum people should be able to see the already announced 70-400 f/5.6 G SSM super-zoom.

Pentax / Samsung

The association of Pentax and Samsung will soon produce new fruits. Everybody speaks about the Pentax K30D (either in full frame or APS-H version), some would like to see a K3D (full frame with a VERY high-resolution), but there does not seem to be any real informations for the PMA itself.

The only certain thing is the arrival of three (I said 3) new SLR cameras this year. They will be weather-sealed, which goes well with the good fame of the current Pentax cameras like the K20D. this was confirmed by Hoya (owner of Pentax). But what will be in them? All is depending on the ambition of Samsung (designer of the sensors) and the market understanding of Pentax (designer of the SLR cameras). Personally, I think (no actual information here) that Pentax and Samsung will be revealing the direction of their work IF they have a Full Frame sensor in the works. But nothing will be precise if they keep APS-H sensors (intermediate size between common APS-C and Full Frame). A lot of work is in progress and it is still a bit early to show finished cameras.

Olympus

Olympus must run behind the speeding train of Micro-Four-Thirds format that has been pushed by Panasonic. PMA-09 would be the place to announce a first camera of this kind at Olympus. But there probably not be anything more.

I am afraid this brand is on a sliding slope if it let itself go. At the latest this Summer, they need a complete overall of their SLR range with Micro-Four-Thirds (the Four-Thirds format itself seems to have no impetus left now).

Panasonic

Here is the big question mark: Will Panasonic present a complement to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1? the camera to bring Micro-Four-Thirds at a reasonable price level (the G1 is clearly priced at the wrong height). Without any precise information, I would think that this complement will arrive at PMA 2009.

A feature list can be extracted from the various elements currently available even if it is difficult to split between dreams and under-development reality.

• CMOS 21 MP Full Frame sensor (under development at Samsung)
• Sensitivity: 100-3200 ISO or more
• Improved Autofocus (faster)
• Continuous shooting at 3.5 fps (6.5 fps in reduced resolution)

A few important-to-mention contradictory comments:

1. An interview of Mr Kitazawa (leader of development of Pentax K-m) suggests that instead of going Full Frame, Pentax would try to reach the 20+MP mark with an APS-C sensor, trying a technology breakthrough in image quality. But I don’t see why such an advantage would be more than temporary (if it can be done).
2. In November 2008, there were a lot of talks about the use of a sensor in APS-H format (1.3x) with only 14MP resolution, but it’s source is uncertain and it was too precise to be exact for a product arriving only in mid-2009. Note that such an APS-H format has only been seen before on the Canon 1D series.

Canon logo:

Sony logo:

Pentax logo:

Samsung logo:

It is often difficult to group lens reviews in order to compare/evaluate a little more than their mere physical characteristics (focal length, aperture/diaphragm, or even number of individual lenses). But how would you evaluate/review optical quality? When I see the really impressive differences between two lenses, I would be prepared to judge from their price, but a cheap wide-angle lens is not always worse than a slightly more expensive one (well… if the price difference is really large, it’s not only an accident and quality explains a lot).

So, where should we go?

I collected the addresses of some web sites appearing quite able to provide this kind of quality reviews/comparisons/evaluations/tests (I try to be systematic, with your help, while telling what I believe are the strengths or the weaknesses of each one).

From here, I invite you to an orgy of lens reviews, lens tests, lens comparisons, lens evaluations. And remember to shoot some photos, too. It’s not only the lens which does the photo. Some are shot by telephones, if the photographer is an artist.