Camera News & Rumour Round-up - December 2019

Image Credit: Florian Klauer

Can’t resist a good rumour? Love to know the latest product news? Want to know what photography gear the future holds?

 

We’ve rounded up the big brands’ biggest product news and rumours, all in one convenient place, to satisfy your curiosity.

 

Get in the loop with the latest rumoured/confirmed specs, release dates and updates from:

 

• Canon

• Fujifilm

• Nikon

• Olympus

• Panasonic

• Sigma (see Canon / Panasonic / Sony)

• Sony

• Tamron (see Sony)

Camera Rumours & News

Canon 1D X Mark III – Coming Feb/Mar with IBIS?

One of the industry’s most eagerly anticipated releases is the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III, officially announced as in development in October.

 

Following on from the 1D X Mark II, Canon’s current flagship DSLR aimed at pro sports shooters and photojournalists, the 1D X Mark III will feature (as revealed by Canon):

 

• Uncompromising Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with enhanced stability, tracking and performance in even brighter and darker conditions than before

• Dual CFexpress card slots, which will enable more than five times the RAW burst depth of the 1D X Mark II

• Brand-new CMOS sensor and DIGIC processor

• Reduced noise and better results at high ISO settings

• 10-bit stills capture in HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) file format, which produces wider dynamic range and greater colour representation than JPEG

• 4K videos including 4K60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording

• Dramatic improvements to picture quality and communication

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth low energy connectivity, GPS technology

• More than 2x the data transfer speed as the 1D X Mark II using the built-in ethernet connection or optional wireless file transmitter

• Similar design, durability and ergonomics to previous 1D series cameras, with selected illuminated buttons and a new AF point selector built into the AF-ON button

• LP-E 19 battery

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF system covering approximately 90×100% of the image sensor with 525 AF areas

• Burst speed of up to 16 fps via optical viewfinder / 20 fps via Live View, with full AF and AE

 

According to Canon Rumors, the Canon 1D X Mark III is also said to have a 20.1MP sensor, crop-free 4K, and Dual Pixel AF (autofocus). A source alleged to have shot with a 1D X III prototype claims that the camera has in-body stabilisation (as all future Canon interchangeable lens cameras reportedly will) and 6K external RAW recording – though it’s uncertain whether 6K will feature in the final product.

 

It’s said that, following an official announcement in January 2020, the 1D X Mark III will begin shipping in February or March--after the rumoured pro EOS R mirrorless camera but before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.  

Pro EOS R Camera with Hybrid EF/RF Lens Mount

More details on a high-end addition to the Canon EOS R camera series keep emerging via Canon Rumors. It’s said to be a mirrorless follow-up to the Canon 5Ds/5Ds R or potentially even a mirrorless, high-resolution alternative to the upcoming Canon 1D X Mark II –  though it’s also been suggested that the 1D X III will hold its place as Canon’s pro sports flagship.

 

One Canon Rumors source claims to have used a prototype of the camera (nicknamed the ‘EOS Rs’), the rumoured features of which include:

 

• Next-generation 75MP full frame CMOS sensor “focused on dynamic range”

• DIGIC 9 processor

• Similar ergonomics to the EOS R (no touch bar)

• Similar continuous drive speed to the EOS R

• Bigger and higher resolution EVF than the EOS R

• Same joystick as the Canon 1D X Mark III

• Fully articulating LCD screen

• Weather sealing

• Dual card slots

• In-body image stabilisation (IBIS) (as revealed by Canon to Amateur Photographer)

 

and, most remarkably:

 

• A hybrid lens mount able to natively attach both EF and RF lenses (as reported by Canon Watch), made possible by a moving sensor that can move backward/forwards to adapt to EF and RF lenses’ differing flange distances

 

 

Such a lens mount would be not only revolutionary but also a game-changing benefit for current and prospective Canon shooters, who would be able to use any of Canon’s RF or EF lenses on the one camera without needing an adapter.

 

 

An official announcement on the new EOS R model is anticipated in February 2020.

Canon Patents Super-Fast Wide Prime & Bright Superzoom RF Lenses

Source: Canon Rumors

 

Anticipate eight new Canon RF lenses in 2020 – four to six of them in the first half of the year – say reports from Canon Rumors.

 

Canon has, according to Canon News, patented designs for the following lenses:

 

• Canon RF 18mm f/1.2L USM

• Canon RF 25mm f/1.2L USM

• Canon RF 16mm f/1.4L USM

• Canon RF 18mm f/1.0L USM

• Canon RF 28-135mm f/4

• Canon RF 24-170mm f/4

• Canon RF 28-280mm f/2.8

• Canon EF-S 17-170mm f/3.5

 

Should these lenses reach production. Canon’s already outstanding lens range will gain two all-new fixed focal lengths (18mm and 25mm) and some of the most unique and specialist lens options on the market.

New DSLR or Entry-level EOS R Camera

A new Canon camera model (‘DS126821’) has recently been registered with a certification authority, as reported by Nokishita. According to the register, the Bluetooth-enabled camera uses Canon battery LP-E17 – the same battery used by models like the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, 800D, 77D and EOS RP.

 

Canon Watch theorised that this unreleased Canon camera could be one of the two new EOS M models rumoured about in November:

 

Canon EOS M50 Mark II / Canon EOS M60

• 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor

• DIGIC 8

• 4K 30p/24p video

• Full HD 120p video

• 3”, 1.04 million dot vari-angle touchscreen

• Announcement date September 2020

Second new Canon EOS M camera

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor

• 3rd generation compatible Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye AF

• 3” vari-angle touchscreen

• Announcement date before July 2020

 

However, Canon News pointed out that the model numbers for Canon EOS M cameras begin with ‘PC’ rather than ‘DS’ – making DS126821 likely to be a DSLR or entry-level EOS R series camera.

 

Canon EOS 5D Mark V & EOS R Mark II

A new iteration of Canon’s bestselling professional full frame camera, the Canon 5D Mark IV, reportedly appeared on an internal roadmap, as did the Canon EOS R Mark II, which sources say is now in testing (source: Canon Rumors).

 

It’s said that the Canon EOS R Mark II may be announced prior to Photokina in May 2020. 

No timeframe has yet been offered for the 5D Mark V, although likely estimates at this stage are after Q4 of 2020.

SIGMA to address their RF mount plans in early 2020

Last month Canon Rumors also revealed that Sigma is “actively working on an RF mount lens roadmap”, with announcements expected early next year – likely before the CP+ 2020 trade show in February.

 

Browse the Latest Canon Cameras & Canon Lenses

Fuji Rumours

Fujifilm X100V Coming February 2020

If, like many, you’ve been hanging out for version five of the Fujifilm X100 compact camera, the wait should soon be over. According to Fuji Rumurs, the Fujifilm X100V is set to be released in February 2020 – three years after the release of the current Fujifilm X100F, considered as one of the ultimate everyday shooters.

 

Reports say that the Fujifilm X100V will debut a new fixed 23mm lens as well as the latest APS-C X-Trans sensor, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. Stay tuned for more!
 

New Fujifilm GFX Camera Coming?

CFexpress card manufacturer Prograde Digital recently debunked the rumour that Fujifilm was about to release a new CFexpress-compatible camera, attributing the theory to a typo (source: DIYPhotography).

 

What we do know is that Fujifilm has registered a second camera (FF190003) in addition to the anticipated X100V. According to Fuji Rumors, camera model FF190003's menu appears to be identical to that of the Fujifilm GFX50R, but with one additional menu item. An announcement is expected around 24 January. Watch this space.

"Reliable" Source Leaks Fujifilm X-T4 Specs

The current Fujifilm X-T3 | Source: Fujifilm

 

As shared by Fuji Rumors, a reliable source at Fujifilm reportedly leaked the following features about the future Fujifilm X-T4:

 

• In-body image stabilisation (IBIS)

• 6K/60 video with 10bit internal

• Anamorphic ratio

• Fully articulating flip screen

• Body approx. 85mm thicker and 140-170g heavier than the X-T3

• Late 2020 release

 

Many of these—particularly IBIS—would tick a lot of Fuji users’ wish lists.

 

According to Fujifilm (as quoted in the same article), including IBIS in the X-T series would require making the IBIS system smaller – something the company is working on. It’ll be interesting to see if Fujifilm can manage to pull this off in time for the X-T4’s anticipated 2020 release. Fingers crossed!                     

Fujifilm X-H2 Promised but Not Next Year

The Fuji X-H2 remains firmly on the Fujifilm roadmap but consumers shouldn’t expect to see it until after 2020. says Fuji Rumors.

 

According to a May interview between Fujifilm managers and Fujifilm Channel X, the X-H and X-T lines will continue to evolve as distinct concepts, with X-H cameras catering for those who prefer more grip and greater durability.

 

The X-Pro line will also remain distinct from the others, with a trusted source reporting that—in upcoming years—the Fujifilm X-Pro3 will be the only Fujifilm camera with a hidden screen. There’s been no denial or confirmation on whether the 2023-scheduled Fujifilm X-Pro4 will inherit the hidden screen.

 

Browse the Latest Fujifilm Cameras & Fujifilm Lenses

Nikon News / Rumours

Coming Very Soon: Nikon D6 & AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Telephoto Lens

Nikon announced in September the development of the D6 DSLR camera (the much anticipated successor to the flagship Nikon D5) in addition to the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens.

 

Like its single-digit D series forebears, the Nikon D6 is set to include Nikon’s most advanced technology to date, with top-tier image quality, speed, autofocus, reliability and usability to support professional use.

 

According to Nikon Rumors, rumoured specs for the Nikon D6 include:

 

• Improved in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) based on that in the Nikon Z series

• New EXPEED deal processors

• 20 or 24MP sensor

• Improved dynamic range

• Improved AF system, reportedly comparable to the Sony a9 II

• 4K 60 video

• Advanced video features with RAW recording

• Longer manual exposure times (like in the Nikon D810A): from 1/8000 to 120 seconds (up from 30 seconds)

• 14 fps in normal shutter mode

• Improved silent shooting modes

• .76-78x 100% viewfinder

• 3.2 million dot touchscreen

• Dual CFExpress memory card slots

• More features and customisation options

• Built-in Wi-Fi

 

Not much has yet been confirmed about the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens, though judging by the model name, image and pedigree it should include:

 

• Vibration reduction

• Fluorite and ED elements (designed to reduce weight and chromatic aberration)

• Dust and moisture resistance

• AF/MF, focus limiter, VR mode, memory recall/AF-L/AF-On, and focus beep controls

 

The Nikon D6 is rumoured for release in mid-February, while the Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens is expected to be officially announced in December 2019/January 2020.

 

‘Nikon D780’ Rumoured Specs & Release Date

Reports of a follow-up to the Nikon D750 DSLR—expected to be called the Nikon D760, D770 or D780—have been swirling for some time. And with more than five years elapsing since the Nikon D750’s announcement, a new version would be eagerly anticipated to say the least.

 

The latest rumoured D760/D770/D780 specs, as reported by Nikon Rumors, are as follows:

 

• Improved 24MP BSI sensor

• 3.2″, 2.1 million dot articulating TFT LCD tilting touchscreen

• A significantly upgraded processor (compared to the Nikon D750)

• Faster RAW burst shooting

• 3840x2160 24p/30p, 1920x1080 24p/120p video

• Excellent AF performance for video

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• No built-in flash

• Higher ISO sensitivity (better than the D850)

• Dual UHS-II SD card slots

• Between 51 and 153 AF points

• A Nikon Z series-like updated interface

• Slightly smaller and lighter body than the current D750

• Nikon EN-EL15b battery (also used in the Z7, Z6, D850, D750 and other Nikon cameras)

 

It’s said that the Nikon D750 follow-up will come out in 2020, possibly as early as January.

More Nikon Rumours: Z-mount & F-mount Lenses, 7+ Cameras Including Possible 60MP Z Series Mirrorless

Source: NIkon

 

Besides the soon-to-come D6 and 120-300mm lens and possible ‘D760’, there’s no shortage of new Nikon cameras and lenses confirmed/anticipated for near future release. Here’s a summary:

 

• NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens – expected by the end of the year 

• At least seven newly registered cameras expected next year – including an interchangeable lens camera (compatible with EN-EL15b battery, MH-25b charger, UC-E24 USB cable, ME-1 microphone, MC-DC2 remote) and suspected high-end Nikon compact camera (compatible with Nikon Speedlight SB-500, Nikon EN-EL20a battery (used for the Nikon V3) and Coolpix cameras’ Nikon EH-73P charging adapter and Nikon UC-E21 USB cable)

• More APS-C sensor Z series cameras – one above (Z70?) and one below (Z30?) the current Nikon Z50 – to be announced

• At least one new Nikon F-mount lens, expected next year

• A solid Z-mount range (both full frame and APS-C) within the next 2-3 years, as per the latest Nikon roadmap (above)

• High resolution 60MP Z series mirrorless camera and/or another fast Z camera (Nikon Z8?) expected in 2020-2021

 

Source: Nikon Rumours

 

Browse the Latest Nikon Cameras & Nikon Lenses

Olympus News

New Olympus Cameras Registered

Recently Olympus registered two new camera models under the codes ‘IM021’ and 'IM019'.

The only confirmed specs for IM021 so far are Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth, according to 43rumors.com, which also says that “we will get a new E-M1 III model sometime in 2020”.

 

Model IM019 has been registered in Asia and Russia, as body only and two lens kit options.

 

Given that the PEN-F line is reportedly discontinued, the E-M1 line was last updated in 2016 (with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II) and every other current Olympus camera series has been updated since, there’s a strong possibility that the camera model ‘IM021’ could be the long awaited Olympus OM-D E-M1 III. It's unclear what IM019 will be. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to find out! Watch this space.

Olympus 2020: 12-45mm, 100-400mm, Another Telephoto Zoom & 150-400mm with 1.25x TC

Source: Olympus

 

Olympus recently updated its micro four-thirds lens roadmap, officially announcing three new zoom lenses. Scheduled for release in 2020 are an ultra-compact Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS super telephoto, and a third PRO series telephoto zoom. Details of this third lens are yet to be revealed.

 

If our suspicions prove true, the 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens will be considerably smaller and lighter than the existing 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens – a definite benefit for travellers/active shooters who don’t need the extra stop of brightness. The 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens, meanwhile, will take the more affordable non-PRO line beyond the 300mm (600mm equivalent) mark – great news for bird, wildlife and sports enthusiasts who want the extra reach without the bulk of a larger camera/lens system.

Source: Olympus

 

Also coming next year is the highly anticipated Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens. Designed to be “compact, lightweight…along with dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (-10°C)” (Olympus), this super telephoto will feature a built-in 1.25x teleconverter that takes the lens’ zoom range to a whopping 300-1000mm (full frame equivalent). The lens will also work with the MC-20 2.0x teleconverter, and its image stabiliser (IS) will support 5-axis Sync IS in compatible Olympus OM-D cameras. So if you’re an Olympus shooter, expect to be able to get sharp handheld shots at a massive 2000mm (full frame equivalent) before the end of next year! The Tokyo Olympic Games seems like an optimal deadline.

 

Based on a September interview between Japanese website Newsswitch and Olympus executive Shigemi Sugimoto, these four new lenses will be just the beginning:

 

“I want to announce multiple new bodies and lenses. We will continue to launch cameras in three areas: entry, middle and high-end level. The policy is to release multiple lenses every year after FY19. The factory will work to increase production efficiency and reduce costs… We are considering automating lens production.”

 

Stay tuned for more Olympus product updates!


Browse the Latest Olympus Cameras & Olympus Lenses

Panasonic News / Rumours

Lens options for the Panasonic S1,  S1R and S1H are very soon set to multiply, with new L-mount lenses from both Panasonic and alliance partner Sigma shipping over the coming weeks.

Due in January: Panasonic S Pro 70-200mm f2.8 OIS & 16-35mm f/4

Panasonic is fast fulfilling its promise of 11 L mount lenses for its full frame camera range by the end of 2020. Having newly received the Panasonic S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens - L Mount, we’re on track to take delivery of the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S Lens - L Mount and Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 Lens - L Mount early in 2020.

 

Source: Panasonic FF

 

As this leaked shot of the Panasonic L-mount roadmap reveals, next year should also bring:

 

• a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens

• an 85mm f/1.8 prime lens

• a telephoto lens

• a wide-angle prime lens

• a standard focal length zoom lens

 

More details to come!

In Store January: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art for L-mount Lens

Source: Sigma

 

CameraPro’s first shipment of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for L Mount is due to arrive next month. As anyone familiar with Sigma’s incredible Art series lenses would attest, this will offer yet another outstanding lens option for Panasonic S1,  S1R and S1H shooters.

 

As well as exceptional optics, the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art promises dust and splashproof performance, a zoom lock switch, and an 18-38cm minimum focusing distance that will be very handy for close-range shooting.

Available Now / Due Next Month: Three Sigma Art for L-mount Prime Lenses

Also joining the Sigma Art for L-mount lineup are three prime lenses – one already in stock with Sigma’s Australian distributor and two due to arrive there by late January.

 

• Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM (Art) Lens L-Mount

• Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM (Art) Lens L-Mount

• Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM (Art) Lens L-Mount

 

Follow the links to pre-order and see full details on each lens.

Browse the Latest Panasonic Cameras & Panasonic Lenses

Sony Updates / Rumours

In Store January: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art for E-mount Lens

Source: Sigma

 

CameraPro’s first shipment of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for E Mount is due to arrive in just over a month. As anyone familiar with Sigma’s incredible Art series lenses would attest, this will offer yet another outstanding, yet affordable, lens option for Sony mirrorless camera shooters.

 

As well as exceptional optics, the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art boasts dust and splashproof performance, a zoom lock switch, and an 18-38cm minimum focusing distance that will be very handy for close-range shooting.

Tamron Macro Lenses for Sony E-mount Arriving Soon

Great news for Sony shooters and fans of Tamron’s outstanding E-mount lenses: two of the three new Tamron wide-angle macro FE lenses have started shipping. The Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 and Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 macro lenses are rolling out to Australian stores over December.

Tamron’s third new macro prime, the ultra-wide Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 lens, is estimated to reach Australian retailers in March next year (around the same time that the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens is due for release).

 

We’re expecting big things from these compact little macro lenses. The first prime and the first macro additions to the Tamron FE range, they should be fantastic options for nature, architecture, street and everyday stills, and video.

 

As well as a high magnification ratio of 1:2, each model offers silent AF operation, support for various Sony camera functions (such as Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF), and moisture resistant construction for worry-free outdoor shooting.

 

All three have the same diameter (67mm), as do the existing Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lenses, so the same filters can be used across the entire range.

 

We can’t wait to see how they perform in the field.

 

More details to come.

Sony a7 IV Rumoured Specs & February Announcement

In February 2018, four months after Sony released the hugely acclaimed Sony a7R Mark III , came the lower-res Sony a7 Mark III, which continues to take the market by storm. Now, four months have elapsed since the brilliant Sony a7R Mark IV’s release and the imaging world is waiting eagerly to see the Sony a7 Mark IV materialise.

 

If the reports from Sony Rumours are true, the wait shouldn’t be much longer. An official Sony a7 IV announcement is expected in February, likely at or before the CP+ 2020 trade show.

 

Rumoured Sony a7 IV specs (Source: Sony E-mount Rumors):

 

• Improved 24MP full frame CMOS sensor

• Improved weather sealing

• 5-stop, 5-axis image stabilisation

• Similar body to Sony a7R IV/a9 II 

• 693 phase detection & 425 contrast detection AF points

• 10 fps with AF/AE tracking

• Real-time tracking, real-time Eye AF for video, animal Eye AF

• Full frame 6K video, 4K video 30p, 1080p video 120p

• Standard sync terminal

• Lock release button

• New Save/Load setting

• Pixel shift mode

• Digital audio interface

• Dual UHS-II SD card slots

• USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-C

• 76MP EVF

• Full articulating 1.44MP LCD screen

Sony to Announce a7S III in April?

Back in July, senior Sony marketing managers Yosuke Aoki and Jiajia Yi confirmed (via Chinese website Fengniao) the news that Sony enthusiasts wanted to hear: the Sony a7S Mark III is under development.

 

According to Sony E Rumors, the long-awaited successor to Sony’s a7S stills/video hybrid line should be announced early next year, likely at NAB Show in April.

 

The a7S III’s rumoured specs include:

 

• 4K video at 60p/120p (but no 8K video)

• 10bit 4:2:2

• HDR video

• Stacked sensor

• A cooling fan similar to that in the Panasonic S1H

• Thicker body than earlier a7S cameras
   

More Rumoured Sony Cameras & Lenses for 2020

Sony Alpha a5

Said to launch soon at around AU$1,400 (RRP) is the Sony a5, an entry-level full frame mirrorless camera similar to the Canon EOS RP.

Sony RX1R III

Sources say the long awaited, Sony RX1R III full frame compact camera will be announced next year with a new sensor and improved image quality. (See Sony RX1R II.)

Sony RX10 V

The Sony RX10 V (also known as the RX10M5) will reportedly replace the RX10 IV, an enthusiast bridge camera with fixed superzoom lens, sometime next year.

Fast Sony GM Wide Angle Lens

A “reliable source” reported via Sony Alpha Rumors the imminent (i.e. early 2020) announcement of a new Sony G Master wide-angle lens. There aren’t any more details at this stage, but we think a 14mm f/2.8 GM or even fisheye zoom would round out the existing lineup (Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM lens, Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens) nicely.

 

Sources: Sony Rumors, SonyAlphaRumors.com

 

Browse the Latest Sony Cameras & Sony Lenses

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