Nikon expectations for 2010: “plan to surprise the market”

From an interview with Hiroshi Takashima (General Manger of Imaging Division at Nikon) at Photofair:

Q: What can we expect from Nikon in 2010?

A: We plan to surprise the market. We will concentrate only on better quality and better line-up of cameras. So you can expect surprises.

This, perhaps, suggests that Nikon is about to dabble into EVIL cameras – also known as Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens cameras, or most commonly as interchangeable lens cameras; examples include Olympus’ E-P1.

Tetsuro Goto has already previously mentioned, on the subject of EVF (Electronic Viewfinders):

“In the near future, it is possible that we will also use electronic viewfinders, but for now the quality is not there yet.”

It is a possibility that Nikon is working on it, and ‘near future’ might turn up to be very near indeed.

Hasselblad teaser suggests new camera

The following image was featured on Hasselblad’s website recently (image PR):

This suggests a new medium format camera or something of the sort. Tomorrow (ie, the 1st of February), should bring an announcement from Hasselblad as previously noted earlier. They should be providing some sort of service, one we assume is similar in many aspects to Canon’s World of EOS – to cater to photographers.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV firmware update released

Canon has released a firmware update for its somewhat recent 1D Mark IV, or 1D MK IV, as previously reported.

Version 1.0.6 can be downloaded here.

A quote from Canon says,

1. Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance.*

*AF performance has been enhances for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

Expectations and Speculations of PMA 2010

PMA 2010 approaches; one of the major photography-related shows in the USA – and with branches worldwide – it annually brings lots of speculation. The event is being held at Anaheim, California from February 21-23.

Canon: 1Ds Mark IV, 60D and maybe three new lenses as a possibility; though there is a chance of a Rebel. Canon will be having announcements on February 9th, so we assume that’s when Canon will bring out its best.

Nikon: because we have not had an in-depth summary for Nikon, unlike the Feb 9 announcements in Canon, this may be somewhat longer. To see other brands, please look below these paragraphs.

- On the 20th, Mr. Tetsuro Goto, the Director of Laboratory Research and Development at Nikon Japan, did an interview with a French magazine. Here at some points:

• No medium format from Nikon: “We have no experience in the niche market of medium-format. It may simply be impossible for Nikon to go on the market.”

• On Micro 4/3 & Nikon: “If we follow this type of equipment, we change our frame (mount). The new frame will provide new opportunities or provide access to new technologies and to use targets smaller and lighter”.

• Large sensor compact camera: “We study this way. You’ll know soon enough.”

• On EVF: “In the near future, it is possible that we will also use electronic viewfinders, but for now the quality is not there yet.”

• On SWM (Silent Wave Motor): “We are currently investigating a new system for the future.”

A picture of a D700x (shown below, image NR):

A translation reads:

Nikon D700X
Price  350000 yen  (around?)
Special Feature: Fitted with the 24MP CMOS sensor that is the same (level?) as the D3X
The super high quality 24 million pixel CMOS sensor fitted in D3X

Another DSLR possibility is the D900. Previously, models listed as ‘compatible’ under different products have mentioned a D900 (Nikon Rumors has reported these, but Camera Tech has not mentioned these due to improbability). However, yet another one, from the back of a Phottix Titan battery case, it has mentioned the D900. Potentially, it could be real, although on their website there is no mention of this compatibility.

For a list of  previously reported products for Nikon D900 click here, here, and here (will link to Nikon Rumors).

Another translation from the same foreign source that linked the D700x:

AFS Nikkor 18-50 mm f3.5-4.5G
Reasonably-priced, high-quality FX standard zoom

as well as some discussion on a potential AF-S 85mm F1.8G and AF-S VR 80-400mm f3.5-5.6G.

In addition to the D700x, lies talk of D95 as well.

Every rumor is taken from just one of these predictions by three distinguished professional photographers you see on the lower left side of the page in the link Mr. Fool provided. On the upper right side, it reads “New Full frame camera will be the axis of Nikon’s new model in 2010″. They predict that D700X will be using the same cropped sensor as D3X and the price will be about 350k yen ($4000 US). They also predict that 14.2 mega pixel APS-C sensor ( the same one currently used on Sony A550) will be the new standard for Nikon’s APS-C camera, and the replacement of D90 (which they call D95) will adapt that sensor. According to them, it will have Full HD video. The least credible of all is listed lenses on the right page.  The source simply states “we want attractive lenses to fully experience new high-megapixel full frame camera”. So lens part is more like a hope than a prediction.

The above was a quote from a Japanese camera magazine, CAPA.

Panasonic: two compact (ie, point-and-shoot) cameras and a Lumix G replacement.

Olympus: several compact cameras.

Pentax: three new compact cameras, which should bring some variety in design.

Sony: a series of compact cameras and an a700 replacement.

Ricoh: new CX2 camera and a new 28-300mm GXR lens.

Samsung: a new k-mount for the Samsung NX-10 is expected, don’t have any other information at that point.

Tamron: two lenses; however, these could be released after PMA 2010.

Hasselblad: Hasselblad might feature whatever they’re releasing for the countdown (update in the link just mentioned contains news that it will be providing a service potentially similar to Canon’s World Of EOS.

Fuji: a new Micro Four-Thirds EVIL model; potentially some digital and film cameras.

Leica: Leica is not attending PMA 2010, but they should be releasing a 35mm Summilux M lens in March. Compact cameras then also are expected.

Canon 1D Mark IV firmware update approaching

Note: this was due to appear on the 24th, but due to technical problems we have had to delay it until today.

Canon is about to release a firmware update for its somewhat recent EOS 1D Mark IV (1D MK IV), which will further enhance AF performance for subjects that are approaching or receding at a low speed.

Panasonic Lumix G countdown back up

The Panasonic Lumix G countdown website is up: here.

The event details are listed below (image: PR).

Sigma UK reduces professional lenses prices

Sigma UK has announced a reduction in the recommended retail prices of several of its professional lenses. It says that it is the result of securing lower cost prices from its parent company in Japan.

All prices are inclusive of VAT (17.5%) in the table below:

Lens	New suggested RRP
4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye	£715.21
8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye	£766.29
10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye	£613.03
15mm f/2.8 EX DG Fisheye	£613.03
180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM Macro	£613.03
800mm f/5.6 APO EX DG	£5108.69
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX IF DG HSM	£1021.73
120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM	£2247.82
300-800mm f/5.6 APO EX DG HSM	£7152.16

Leica announces 31st Oskar Barnack photography award

Leica has announced its 31st Oskar Barnack Award for themed photo series.

First prize comes in at €5000, with the first place award for the ‘OB Newcomer Award’ reaching up to €2500.

Read about and participate in the Oskar Barnack Award here.

Cosina announces Voigtländer Heliar 12mm f/5.6 lens for Leica M-mount

Cosina has announced a Voigtländer Heliar 12mm f/5.6 Aspherical II ultra wide-angle lens, designed for the Leica M-mount.

Obtaining a 121° angle of view, the manual focus lens can be fitted on Micro Four Thirds bodies when paired with an adaptor. Cosina has also released a 12mm External Viewfinder alongside the lens, which are priced at 85,000 yen (approximately USD $932) and 34,500 yen (approximately USD $378) respectively.

The lens and viewfinder will start shipping from March 2010.

Possible Canon Rebel DSLR; speculations on Canon releases

Canon Rumors has received these set of specifications, which seem to indicate a new, upcoming Rebel (alternatively ‘other’ 60D specs, although that is highly unlikely):

- Articulating screen
- Metal body, but smaller than 50D
- Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor
- 720p Video at 30fps
-  Electronic Level
- New battery & battery grip

Speculations: February 9 announcements to contain the 60D and 1Ds Mark IV, as well as companion and individual lenses. We don’t think, at this stage, that Canon will release a Rebel – March or April seems more likely. An EOS 550D could be next (no current rumours on the next Rebel camera aside from ’550D’, which seems highly probable), or a 1500D/2000D (depending on the name, an update to the 1000D which so far has not been updated since the 450D).