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Photokina Blog 2018 Live Updates News Trends

The latest news, rumours and product releases straight from Photokina 2018

Photokina 2018 is here, and we're updating our blog with announcements as they are made! This blog is the place to be for live updates on product announcement and camera news.

We also take a look at the latest Photokina 2018 rumours, consider what trends are expected to be a big deal at arguably the biggest photography, camera and imaging event of the year. Photokina runs from 26.09.2018 – 29.09.2018 in Cologne, Germany.

Photokina 1

Live Camera News and Updates from Photokina 2018

Panasonic Lumix S1, S1R - new full-frame mirrorless system

Massive news from Panasonic! A new full-frame mirrorless system, made in collaboration with Leica and Sigma using the L Mount! There will be a 47MP high-resolution body (the Panasonic Lumix S1R) as well as a 24MP body (the Panasonic Lumix S1). Both are expected to impress with their video capacity. 

Photokina 2

L Mount lenses

Massive news that the new Panasonic S Series will use the Leica L Mount, in collaboration between Panasonic and also Sigma. So Panasonic users will have the chance to choose which of the three brands' lenses they want to use. The L Mount is also compatible with both APS-C and full-frame camera bodies. 
 

With a large diameter, flange distance of just 20mm, a secure mount and enhanced electronic connections, it looks like Panasonic are adding to the recent wave of new mounts that have been developed to allow for optimal lens design - as per the Nikon Z Mount and the Canon RF Mount.

The prospect of Panasonic users being able to choose between Panasonic, Leica or Sigma lenses is undoubtedly exciting and offers consumers a lot of choice.

Photokina 3

Fujifilm announces major developments to medium format 

Fujifilm GFX 50R - a 50MP medium format rangefinder

The Fujifilm GFX 50S has been loved by anyone who has ever picked one up (a dubious 'fact' for you there!), and now Fujifilm have launched a rangefinder version!

Photokina 4

Fujifilm GFX 100 - A 100MP medium format digital camera!

With an incredible 100MP sensor, the GFX100 is the first medium format digital camera to feature in-body stabilisation - it was confirmed this was needed to make hand-held shooting practical, due to the sensitivity of the large sensor. The GFX100 is still under development, and is expected to arrive in early 2019.

Photokina Fuji XF100

Fuji add 3 new GFX Lenses to roadmap 

The announcement of an additional 3 lenses will take the total number of GFX lenses up to 11, covering a total focal range of 23-350mm, or the 35mm equivalent of 18-277mm. This shows that Fujifilm are looking to seriously open up the capabilities of their medium format range - great news for the commercial, portrait and studio photographers out there!

Photokina 6


  Fujifilm GF 50m f/3.5 - the 35mm equivalent to 40mm, this is the smallest and lightest GF lens available.

Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4 - a versatile zoom lens, the 35mm equivalent to 36-79mm, making it a versatile zoom lens.

Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6 - a long-awaited arrival from Fujifilm, the 35mm equivalent to a 79-158mm focal range. Combine with the existing GF1.4X TC WR teleConverter to cover the focal length range of 140mm to 280mm (35mm equivalent to 111-221mm).

XF33mm f/1 R - we finish the Fujifilm update with the news that they are developing a 33mm f/1 as part of their X-Mount series. Look forward to hearing news on this, as not only will it be incredibly sharp, it is also autofocus.

Photokina 7

 

Sigma announces full-frame mirrorless development

Sigma have confirmed that they are developing a full-frame mirrorless camera based on their Foveon sensor, as used in their 51MP Sigma SD Quattro H. It is expected to be available in 2019 - we only have limited details to bring you at present.
 
We know that it will use the L-Mount, so will be compatible with Panasonic and Leica L Mount lenses (more info on the L Mount above!). It also signifies the end of Sigma's own SA mount - it is understood that an SA to L Mount adapter will be available.  

Photokina 8

Sigma announce 5 new lenses

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 - A fast wide-angle available in Sigma, Sony, Canon and Nikon fit
Sigma 40mm Lens f/1.4 DG HSM Art - A 40mm cine lens, available in Sigma, Sony, Canon and Nikon fit
Sigma 56mm f/1.4 Lens DC DN - APS-C Sony and micro 4/3rds fit
Sigma 60-600mm Lens f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports - available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon fit
Sigma 70-200mm Lens f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports - available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon fit
 

New - Ricoh GRIII


A 24MP compact camera from Ricoh, designed to be the ultimate snapshot camera. Featuring a newly designed lens, image sensor and a new imaging engine. The Full Press Snap option mode on the GR II was a favourite feature among our staff, perfect for street photography. We look forward to seeing what the GR III has to offer.

 New - Hasselblad announce their fastest lens ever!

Photokina 11

XCD f/1.9 80mm - Hasselblad's fastest ever lens features twin AF motors - expect optical perfection with incredible bokeh and depth-of field making this lens perfect for portrait and product photography.

XCD f/2.8 65mm - Hasselblad's equivalent to the 'nifty fifty', this lens offers the 35mm equivalent to 50mm focal distance, making it a perfect all-rounder for street photography

XCD f/2.8 135mm and X Converter 1,7 - equivalent to 105mm focal length, this lens will be perfect for portraits. Pair it with the dedicated Converter and you have the 35mm equivalent to 178mm.

Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7

The 35mm equivalent to a 20-50mm f/1.7, this Leica made wide-angle zoom lens is the first in the world to feature a constant aperture of f/1.7.
 

New - Leica S3

Photokina Leica S3

 
A 64MP medium format DSLR. Leica haven't confirmed many details yet, but they have confirmed you can shoot 4K video, using the full sensor size! Wow!

New - Leica & Zenit collaborate on 'Zenit M'

...Because sometimes one major collaboration is just not enough... Leica have followed up their L Mount news with this design beauty - a Zenit M 

In addition, Leica have also confirmed a silver finish edition of their existing Leica CL, a new Leica Fotos app, and firmware updates for Leica SL-System, Leica S (Typ 007), Leica M10 and 
Leica M10-P
 

New - Sony announce 12 lenses... well, kind of...

So actually Sony (for the first time ever) will not be announcing anything at Photokina, although they did announce their f/1.4 24mm GM last week. The big news is that they will be announcing details of 12 (yes, 12!) new E-Mount lenses soon. This will increase their range from 48 to 60 lenses.

They have confirmed that they are working on their AI and updating their much loved Eye-AF to work on animals. Interestingly, they confirmed that they were open to sharing details of their E-Mount (possibly in response to the 'L Mount'), and when discussing the full-frame mirrorless market, acknowledged the new competition... and added a slight reminder that the a7 has been around for 5 years!

Sony lenses 2019

Park Cameras at Photokina 2018

Photokina is arguably the largest imaging event / photography fair of the year, an international showcase of the latest imaging and camera technology.

With over 5000 journalists attending, Park Cameras will also have representatives there, as part of our quest to inspire our customers with the latest and greatest in camera technology. We also like to make sure we confidently maintain our knowledge of the market at ‘expert’ level.
 

Photokina 2018 location

Photokina Trends 2018  

Photokina have listed the top 10 trends they expect to see emerging at the 2018 event. We’ve listed them below, but you can find out more on their blog. 
  1. Professional quality for everyone
  2. The future of cameras is mirrorless
  3. Instant images are no longer just "kids' best friends"
  4. Intelligent algorithms for ever better photos
  5. New, fantastic compact cameras
  6. 4K video offers new possibilities
  7. Enjoyment of the printed image
  8. High speed quicker than the eye
  9. Accessories for unique images
  10. The square format is on the advance

Recent camera and technology announcements

While you are here, here's a recap of some other recent announcements:
 
  1. DJI Mavic Pro 2 
  2. Pro Foto B10 (new portable light - more info coming soon!)
  3. Canon EF 400mm lens f/2.8L USM IS III
  4. Canon EF 600mm lens f/4L USM IS III 
  5. Canon EOS R and RF series lenses
    1. Read the EOS R review
  6. Nikon Z6, Z7 and Z series lenses
    1. Read the Nikon Z6 & Z7 review
  7. Fujifilm X-T3
    1. Read the X-T3 review

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By Park Cameras on 18/10/2018

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