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June 4, 2019

Camera rumors 2019: the biggest and best camera rumors around

By Tech Online Things

We’re almost halfway through 2019 and we’ve seen some great cameras and lenses already – but we’re sure there’s plenty more to surface before the year is up.

Key highlights so far include Fujifilm’s monstrous GFX 100 medium format model, as well as Panasonic’s 6K-ready S1H and Canon’s super-affordable EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera.

So what happens next? We have an idea of what we expect and some manufacturers have already made it clear where they want to be heading with their various lines. And some rumors just don’t seem to want to go anywhere, even if we get a few curveball releases to throw us off the scent now and again.

With all of this, 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 and Nikon through to Panasonic and Olympus.

Camera rumors 2019

Canon EOS R Pro

Image credit: TechRadar

Could we see a pro-spec mirrorless equivalent of the EOS-1D X Mark II?

Predicted specs: Too early to say | RF Lens mount

While Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R is a very good camera, it’s not the flagship camera many had expected. What the EOS R is though is the first camera in an all-new system from the brand. With that in mind, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that we could see a new high-end model soon.

CanonRumours had previously reported that we could see an EOS R Pro development announcement in January, although this never happened. However, in a recent interview, it confirmed a more senior camera was on the way.

We reckon it’ll be a natural successor to the professionals’ favorite, the mighty Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (though that’s not to say we won’t see a Mark III version as well), with a launch next year enough time to establish itself ahead of the 2020 Olympics.

The strongest rumors suggest a new pro model will pack a 75MP full-frame sensor, considerably more than the 50MP EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R. Such a model, however, probably wouldn’t make as much sense for the sports and action photographer, where speed would be more of a focus than resolution. Of course, we may well up with one of each before long.

Canon EOS M5 and M6 replacements

It looks like Canon’s oldest current mirrorless cameras are going to get an update

Predicted specs: New 24MP APS-C sensors | 4K video recording | DIGIC 8 image processors

While Canon’s been focusing its attention on its new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera, the company isn’t about to drop its EOS M range of mirrorless cameras.

CanonRumors reports that “at least” two further models in the line are set to arrive in 2019. These two new cameras are likely to be replacements for the EOS M5 (launched back in 2016 and the flagship camera in the range) and the EOS M6.

Both models are designed around Canon’s 24.2MP APS-C sensors, but with both only shooting in Full HD video format, we expect both new models to get uprated sensors (though resolution is likely to stay the same) that support 4K video recording (though hopefully without the restrictive cropping that the EOS M50 suffers from).

This could mean we could see in DIGIC 8 image processors and improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology with better subject tracking.

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 8 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 8 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 EOS 90D

Canon EOS 80D. Image credit: Canon

The EOS 80D is now over three years old, and Canon’s mid-range DSLR portfolio could do with a shot in the arm.

Predicted specs: 32MP APS-C sensor | Dual DIGIC 8 image processors | 4K video and Dual Pixel CMOS AF

There have been rumblings of Canon developing a 32MP sensor for some time, and a model like the Canon EOS 90D would be a logical recipient.

The EOS 80D has been with us since the start of 2016 and while it’s a fine camera for the enthusiast – or well-heeled beginner – it looks a little dated next to current rivals.

There’s no 4K video, for example, and the autofocus system is outgunned by Nikon’s offerings. A slightly larger display with a higher resolution would be very welcome when you consider what’s on offer elsewhere too.

Rumored specs include Dual Pixel CMOS AF (a near-certainty), together with weather resistance, 10fps burst shooting and dual SD-type card slots.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Image credit: Nokishita

The three-year-old PowerShot G7 X Mark II is now sorely in need of an update

Predicted specs: Dual Pixel CMOS AF | DIGIC 8 image processors | 4K video

Rumours of a third PowerShot G7 X model just don’t seem to go away. The model was the subject of some fairly convincing Photoshop fakery a year ago, but more recent leaks have shown a more likely design.

In addition, Nokishita spotted a model mentioned in recent wireless certification documents from Canon with dimensions of 105 × 60.85 × 43.2mm – and such a size would be consistent with our expectations for a camera like the PowerShot G7 X Mark III.

The PowerShot G7 X Mark II was announced three years ago, so a successor is very much due. This would no doubt mop up many of the features found inside recent Canon models, such as the DIGIC 8 processor, and we may even be lucky enough to get Dual Pixel CMOS AF and an integrated electronic viewfinder. The original G7 X was a popular model for vloggers, so we expect there’s be a lot of disspointment if Canon doesn’t also furnish it with a 4K video recording option, something that was missed out of the Mark II version.

Nikon Z1

With the full-frame Z6 (above) currently the cheapest model in the Z system, rumors of something even more junior are heating up

Predicted specs: Too early to say | Z mount

Nikon’s Z system currently has two camera options, and the Z6 is the most junior of these. That may well have drawn many full-frame DSLR users across to mirrorless for the first time, but if Nikon is to entice a broader audience, a cheaper alternative is would be a sensible idea.

So, the rumors of a Nikon Z1 or Nikon Z5 that have been with us for some time are starting to look more credible. Indeed, there were some rumblings of an entry-level model quite recently, but this appeared to us a little more than a convincing Photoshop job.

The big question is exactly how a new entry-level model will be different from the Z6. It may, for example, maintain a full-frame sensor, although it might be fitted with an APS-C alternative to bring it into a new price category.

Perhaps Nikon will drop the viewfinder or the top plate LCD screen too, both of which would make the model a lot smaller and more attractive to those who want to travel light. Whatever happens, we can’t wait to see where Nikon takes the Z system next.

Nikon Z9

We think we could see at flagship Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera as early as spring 2019

Predicted specs: Too early to say | Z mount

Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras have already impressed, with the Z7 one of our favorite cameras right now.

However, like Canon with the EOS R, the Z7 and Z6 aren’t the top of the range cameras some were expecting.

Nikon itself it wanted to hold something back at the launch of the Z6 and Z7, which suggests we should see a flagship model. A baby D5 if you will, with the same tank-like build that working pros demand, with a performance that can keep up with the likes of Sony’s Alpha A9.

This should see a burst shooting speed of at least 20fps, an even more sophisticated autofocus system and a number of other advanced features. We’ll have to see what rumors develop in the coming months.

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

While the Z6 and Z7 have grabbed the headlines over recent months, we don’t expect Nikon to forget its DSLR heritage.

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 offerings.

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? Or could it get the same 24.5MP sensor as the Z6?

The D750’s maximum 1/4,000sec shutter speed is an understandable compromise to help it to be more reasonably priced, but a compromise regardless. A high shutter speed of 1/8000sec 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 add touchscreen control too. Finally, don’t forget Nikon will introduce its SnapBridge connectivity as well.

Nikon D6

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 rather than seeing a ‘S’ update that Nikon tends to do with its flagship camera every two years, we think Nikon might skip this and release an all-new D6 model.

So what are we likely to see? That’s hard to say at the moment, but NikonRumors.com stated last year that the D6 would be available for testing in February of this year.

We think 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.

While the 153-point AF system in the D5 is perhaps the most advanced autofocus systems going, we expect Nikon to improve on this even further.

We might also see some very subtle tweaks to the handling as well, but we shouldn’t see a huge shift in button placement.

New Nikon S-series lenses

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.8 and 20mm f/1.8 mock-up lenses.

Lots of new lenses for the Z-series cameras are due this year

What we know: At least four more lenses this year and three in 2020.

As with any manufacturer that has just launched a new camera system, Nikon’s main challenge now is to introduce many new compatible lenses – and fast.

The company has already released optics that cover some of the most popular focal length/aperture combinations, such as the Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S and the Z 50mm F1.8 S, and this year will also welcome a 24mm f/1.8 lens that was initially scheduled for a 2020 release.

We’ll also be getting 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 optics, together with the beefy, manual-focus 58mm f/0.95 Noct that was announced at the very start of the series.

Next year, Nikon plans to release 20mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.2 and a 14-28mm f/2.8 lenses among others, and has already started showing off mockups at various shows.

Sony Alpha A7S III

Rumors are growing that we could see an update to Sony’s video-focused full-frame mirrorless camera

Predicted specs: Full-frame 12MP sensor | Joystick AF control | Advanced 8K video features

Now we’ve seen the launch of Sony’s megapixel monster, the Alpha A7R III and the more enthusiast-orientated Alpha A7 III, could we now see an update to the more video-focused Alpha A7S II?

We reckon it’ll share the same updated body as we’ve seen with both the A7R III and A7 III, which means it’ll take on a number of handling refinements, including a dedicated AF joystick, AF-On button and touchscreen interface.

We’d be surprised if there’s a resolution increase over the 12MP Alpha A7S II, but we reckon it’ll be an all-new sensor, incorporating Sony’s latest sensor tech that’s already impressed in recent models.

The biggest improvements should be seen in video performance. With Panasonic’s Lumix GH5S and more recent S1R and S1 models offering a wealth of advanced video features, we’d be disappointed if Sony didn’t match or better these. The Alpha A7S II can record 4K 4:2:0 8-bit video, but could we see this increase to 4:2:2 10-bit like the GH5S? Could we see 4K capture at 60/50p possible as well? There are also rumors that we could see 12-bit 8K video recording. Let’s hope so.

Sony Alpha A7000

With the A6400 now with us, what might a more senior A7000 bring to the mirrorless party?

Predicted specs: 26MP APS-C sensor | Improved AF | Design similar to the Alpha A9

Sony has shown full-frame users a lot of attention in recent years, and this has left its A6000-series looking a little unloved. The A6000, A6300 and A6500 can all still be bought brand new, as as each camera had a solid set of specs to begin with, all three are still a respectable choices in their price categories.

The company finally showed the line some love with the most recent A6400, which technically replaces the A6300 and has a very capable performance to recommend it, but it’s fair to say it wasn’t quite the A7000 that everyone was hoping for. So what might the A7000 feature?

A ‘baby’ Alpha A9, with the A7000 camera borrowing many of the features of the flagship camera that would then be distilled into a camera based around an APS-C sensor. This is something that Nikon has done with its D5 and D500 DSLR models.

Rumors suggest that it matches and in some aspects exceeds the performance of the Fujifilm X-T3, with better AF and in-body image stabilization, while it will match the 20fps burst shooting speed of the Alpha A9.

As for the sensor, Sony’s just updated the database of sensors it manufactures, which includes a back-illuminated (BSI) 26MP APS-C sensor, which would be a good fit for the new camera. There’s also talk of the Alpha A7000 using a 32MP APS-C sensor as well.

Sony has made great changes to its autofocusing systems in recent generations of camera too, and while the 425-point phase-detect AF system inside the A6500 is still a cracking performer, the eventual update will likely bring speed improvements and additional AF points to form a denser array, with better tracking capabilities.

Design-wise, it’s likely the new camera will feature a similar DSLR inspired look to Sony’s full-frame cameras, with a raised and centralised electronic viewfinder.

Fujifilm X-H2

With the arrival of the X-T3, the flagship X-H1 is looking a little outdated

Predicted specs: 26.1MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS sensor | X-Processor 4 | Vastly improved AF system

It might not be the oldest model in Fujifilm’s X-Series range, but we think the X-H1 might be ready for an update.

Why? Well, the arrival of the X-T3 with a new sensor makes, better AF, enhanced 4K video capture and faster processing makes the flagship X-H1 look a little outdated and a hard one to recommend unless in-body image stabilization is a deal breaker.

That’s why we don’t think it will be too long before we’ll see a X-H2 with the new camera taking advantage of the company’s forth generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS sensor.

This should also see the arrival of Fujifilm’s X Processor 4 image processing engine and 4K video recording at up to 60p. Panasonic and Olympus have also put a lot of work into making their respective image stabilisation systems more powerful than before, so we expect Fujifilm will try to compete with more effective sensor-based image stabilisation.

Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm X-Pro2. image credit: Fujifim

The X-T2 got a new sibling in X-T3, so where’s the X-Pro2’s update?

Predicted specs: 26.1MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS sensor | X-Processor 4 | Even better AF with eye detection

The X-Pro2 has been with us for over three years now, and while we still have a soft spot for its retro charms and excellent images, we’d love to see something fresh to take its place.

Its X-T2 sibling did, after all, get a newer X-T3 update not too long ago, so it does appear to be the next obvious move from the company.

No doubt a Fujifilm X-T3 would inherit the newer 26.1MP back-illuminated sensor that we’ve seen inside not just the X-T3 but also the X-T30. It should also arrive with the similar blend of high-quality 4K video, faster processing and a revamped autofocus system that would include better subject tracking and better face/eye detection.

Hopefully with three GFX models under its belt, the company will now return its focus to the X series. And if the X-Pro3 is anything like the X-T3 and X-T30, we’ll be mighty happy with that.

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. The fact that company opted to use a 20MP sensor in its most recent OM-D E-M1X model lends further support to this idea.

We’d expect to see 4K video capture and maybe the excellent 5-axis image stabilization get a tweak to deliver 7-stop compensation like the OM-D E-M1X. Focusing could also get a bump up to 121 points.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO plus six further lenses

Olympus has already confirmed that it’s working on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, and this should be with us some time next year.

The lens is set to follow the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x and Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II in having an integrated teleconverter.

The company also updated its roadmap earlier this year to show that it will have seven further lenses on the way. While the focal lengths and specs of these have not been disclosed, the company confirmed that four of these – two telephoto zooms, one wide zoom and one standard zoom – would fall under its high-end ‘Pro’ label. These are set to be joined by a high-magnification zoom and super-telephoto zoom lenses.

Panasonic’s new lenses

Image credit: Panasonic

A sizeable collection of lenses to support the new S1R and S1 cameras is on its way

Predicted specs: At least ten new lenses released throughout 2020

Having just launched the S1R and S1, two full-frame mirrorless cameras in a brand new S system, and then followed it up by the 6K-capable S1H, Panasonic is entitled to lay low for a while. Yet, the promise of ten new lenses to be released before the year is up shows there’s little chance of that happening.

The company has already confirmed the Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S, S PRO 50mm f/1.4 and S PRO 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S optics, but a roadmap shown at the S1R/S1 launch reveals that it will focus its attention on 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 and 16-35mm f/4 options. The promise of at least seven further lenses on top of that leaves plenty of space for interesting primes, potentially some with particularly wide apertures.

1.4x and 2x teleconverters are also set to arrive at some point in the year and 2020 should bring two fixed-focal length lenses in addition to a macro and super telephoto optic. This system may just be getting started, but knowing how prolific Panasonic has been with its G series cameras gives us plenty of hope that it will flourish in little time.

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