With Photokina 2018 later this year, it’s almost impossible to avoid new camera rumors coming out of the woodwork every single day. But, with a finger on the pulse of the latest industry trends and rumors, and with a bit of our own tech knowledge, we’ll look at what the biggest names in the camera industry may be dreaming up.
We’ve culled through every single one of the latest camera rumors, from wild speculation to the most convincing leaks, and brought you the biggest and the best. With these rumors, 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 to Olympus.
Canon rumors: Canon had a pretty busy year last year, so what can we expect in 2018? Are we likely to see a update to the EOS 5D Mark IV in the shape of the EOS 5D X? How about at update to the EOS 7D Mark II? And will Canon introduce a full-frame mirrorless camera?
Nikon rumors: The Nikon D850 is already out, but could we also see an update to the underrated retro-inspired Df? The Nikon D750 could do with an update, too. And will the D5 get a midlife update?
Sony rumors: Sony's just announced the Alpha A7R III and Alpha A7 III, so that just leaves the Alpha A7S II in need of a refresh.
Fujifilm rumors: Fujifilm has taken the wraps off the X-H1, so what else are we likely to see this year?
Olympus rumors: There are rumors we could maybe see a update to the brand's inimitable OM-D E-M5 Mark II.
Panasonic rumors: Panasonic's already announced the Lumix GH5S, Lumix GX9 and Lumix ZS200 / TZ200 this year already. Could be see a replacement for the Lumix LX100 in the next few months.
Canon full-frame mirrorless camera
If the rumors are true, Canon is working on a full-frame mirrorless camera
Predicted specs: Possible sensor from the EOS-1D X Mark II or 5D Mark IV | Lens mount still not clear
Canon Rumors is reporting that the long-awaited Canon full-frame mirrorless camera has made it into the hands of a few select professional photographers, who are now testing it in the field.
Speculation that we could see a full-frame Canon mirrorless camera break cover has been rife for the past year or so, and this report makes the prospect even more likely.
As for the rumors of the Canon full-frame mirrorless camera currently being tested, what else do we know? Very little at the moment is the short answer, but according to a source who spoke with Canon Rumors, Canon is being very open with the photographers it's working with.
After the lukewarm reception for Canon's first mirrorless camera, the APS-C EOS M, Canon is keen to get its first full-frame mirrorless camera 'right'. Pros won't be as forgiving if Canon doesn't get its first-generation full-frame camera spot-on, especially with Sony on a bit of a roll at the moment with both the Alpha A9 and Alpha A7R III.
One big question mark is over what lens mount Canon's first mirrorless camera will use. Will Canon opt to stick with its EF mount, along with the vast array of legacy lenses that will support it, or take advantage of the shorter flange distance enabled by a mirrorless design (the distance between the rear element of the lens and the sensor) and engineer a completely new lens mount, which would require it to develop a new range of lenses to accompany the camera?
If Canon did go down the latter route we'd expect an adapter to allow existing Canon users to use their current Canon lenses on the new body.
With Photokina, the photography industry's big trade show, happening in September, it's possible we could see an announcement then, especially as Canon tends to announce its higher-end models in the second half of the year.
Failing that, we could at the very least see a development announcement at Photokina, with the camera then breaking cover in the early part of 2019.
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 7 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 7 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 PowerShot G5 X Mark II
Could Canon's overlooked 1-inch compact be about to get a refresh?
Predicted specs: Updated 1-inch sensor | DIGIC 7 image processor | Zoom range to stay the same
Canon's just updated its top-of-the-range PowerShot G1 X Mark III, and with recent updates to the G7 X Mark II and G9 X Mark II, that leaves the G5 X and G3 X as the oldest models in the range.
We reckon a new PowerShot G5 X Mark II will feature a modest tweak to the design, taking some of the design cues from the G1 X Mark III, while it should get an updated 20MP 1-inch sensor and the latest DIGIC 7 image processor.
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
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 arrivals.
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?
The D750’s maximum 1/4,000 sec shutter speed is an understandable compromise to help it to be more reasonably priced, but a compromise regardless .A high shutter speed of 1/8,000sec 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 at touchscreen control, too. Finally, don't forget Nikon will introduce it's SnapBridge connectivity as well.
Nikon D5S
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 with the company tending to launch a new flagship DSLR or 'S' update every two years to tie-in with an Olympic year, hopes there were hopes we'd see a D5S announced before the PyeongChang Olympic Games. There never materialised, but that's not to say we won't see a D5S later this year.
As it'll be an 'S' update, don't expect a raft of changes, instead it'll more likely be a few tweaks and refinements to an already great camera.
So what are we likely to see? 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.
We might also see some very subtle tweaks to the handling as well, but otherwise, don't expect a completely redesigned camera. That'll be the D6.
Nikon Df II
Perhaps Nikon will turn its retro-styled FX SLR into a retro-styled FX CSC?
Predicted specs: Mirrorless design | Class-leading electronic viewfinder | Nikon F-mount
Everyone got understandably excited about the DF when it was announced, but its high price and relatively low pixel count compared to the D810 made it more of a luxury item. The traditional controls also aren't quite as well implemented as on Fuji's X-T1, which was launched at about the same time.
It's feasible that the Df II will only fix the handling problems of the Df and have a higher resolution sensor – maybe even using the D5's 20MP sensor. Still, it's no secret that Nikon has lost some of its market share to Sony and its Alpha 7-series of full-frame retro-styled compact system cameras, and Nikon really needs to get back into competition.
Rumors have been floating around for a while that Nikon has a full-frame mirrorless camera coming soon, and the Df design has the potential to be an ideal starting point – albeit with a few major changes, like the removal of the mirror and the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder.
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 4K 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 GH5 and GH5S 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? Let's hope so.
Fujifilm XF10
A new sensor and processing engine, plus an improved AF system look on the cards for Fujifilm's pocket premium compact camera
Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C format sensor | 28mm equivalent lens | Improved AF system
Fujifilm's flagship compact, the X100F, is our pick of the current crop of compact cameras, but what's next for Fujifilm's other compact, the X70?
Again, FujiAddict.com believes the updated model to be called the XF10 and we'd be incredibly surprised if it doesn't get a resolution upgrade, increasing the pixel count from 16 million to 24 million as we've seen with Fujifilm's other recent announcements.
We reckon Fujifilm will stick with the 28mm equivalent prime lens, but it might be tempted to up the ante a little by increasing the maximum aperture from f/2.8 to f/2 for even better low light performance and depth of field control, but it may 'just' use a new optical design or coatings to boost performance.
Or perhaps we'll see multiple versions – maybe one with a fast 50mm f/1.8 equivalent optic.
Fujifilm has been working hard on improving the autofocus systems in its cameras, and this seems likely to continue, so we can expect the XF10 to focus more quickly than the X70, with better low-light responses.
Fujifilm X-T100
Leaked specs suggest we could see a new entry-level mirrorless camera with a electronic viewfinder
Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C format sensor | Built-in electronic viewfinder | 4K video
We could be seeing a new entry-level mirrorless camera from Fujifilm very soon. Specs have accidentally been leaked for a camera called the X-T100 and was spotted by Japanese website Nokishita.
The new camera looks like it shares much of its tech with the entry-level X-A5, including a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor (with the more standard bayer array, as opposed to the X-Trans design featured in higher-end X Series cameras), 4K video capture at 15p, 6fps burst shooting and a 3.0-inch touchscreen.
The most notable difference though is the addition of a built-in electronic viewfinder (something the X-A5 lacks), as well as a 3-way tilting screen and improved buffer capacity.
We could see an announcement very soon.
- Best DSLR
- Best CSC/mirrorless camera
- Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences
- Best compact camera
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.
We'd expect to see 4K video capture and maybe the excellent 5-axis image stabilization get a tweak to deliver 6.5 stop compensation like the E-M1 Mark II. Focusing could also get a bump up to 121 points.
- Best DSLR
- Best CSC/mirrorless camera
- Mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: 10 key differences
- Best compact camera
Panasonic Lumix LX200
Could we see one of our favorite enthusiast compact cameras get an update?
Predicted specs: 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor | Touchscreen | Improved electronic viewfinder
The Lumix LX100 has been one of our favorite enthusiast compact cameras of recent years, but it's starting to show it's age – it was announced back in 2014.
Even then we wanted a little more resolution – the Lumix LX100 features a 16MP sensor that produces 12MP images due to the multi-aspect ratio design of the sensor. If this could be increased to 20.3MP like the Lumix GH5, that'd be a big improvement.
The 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens on the LX100 offered a modest coverage, but for an enthusiast compact, so we wouldn't want anything necessarily longer. A larger zoom could also compromise the compact size of he body.
We loved the tactile controls of the LX100, but that said, we'd welcome some touchscreen control – something that's lacking in the LX100, while a larger viewfinder would definitely be welcome.