If you had any doubts about which event retains the crown as the world's premier photography show, the sheer number of landscape-changing announcements from this year's Photokina, in Cologne, Germany, should settle any dispute among the photography show groupies. In the weeks leading up to the show, the photography world was bombarded with big-time announcement after big-time announcement. And then, at the show, more exciting news and reveals, as well as teasers regarding what is to come.
Even for those of us plugged into the industry, it was a lot to track. So, in case you missed something, here is your quick-and-dirty roundup of all the exciting announcements from Photokina 2018!
Cameras
There are camera announcements and then there are camera announcements. This year, we had the latter. We weren't given a slew of updated models, but we were presented with truly game-changing cameras.
Nikon and Canon, stalwarts of the SLR and DSLR markets and dabblers in the mirrorless-camera market, decided to go full-in with the launch of their first full-frame mirrorless camera systems. First out of the gate was Nikon, with the Z7 and Z6 cameras, along with a trio of new lenses and an adapter that lets you use your Nikon F-mount lenses on the new mirrorless camera. Right on the heels of the Nikon announcement was the new Canon full-frame mirrorless EOS R system, complete with four lenses and an EF adapter. If you were unsure about the future of mirrorless digital cameras in the DSLR market, I think we have seen the tides truly start to turn with this pair of announcements.
It has been a long time since anyone talked about a new camera from legendary lens maker ZEISS, but coming soon to the B&H SuperStore shelves is the intriguing ZEISS ZX1 camera—a full-frame compact camera that combines a high-resolution sensor, a sure-to-be-gorgeous ZEISS 35mm f/2 lens, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom built right into the camera. The goal, it seems, is to give you smartphone-like capture and allow you to edit and share experience—the difference being superior image quality without annoying calls or text messages.
Prior to the show, Fujifilm released its latest X-series flagship, the Fujifilm X-T3. A worthy successor to the X-T2, the X-T3 has some exciting improvements. Exciting as the X-T3 is, Fujifilm made an even bigger announcement at Photokina, with the launch of the medium format mirrorless GFX-50R. This new big-sensor camera has a rangefinder-inspired design that keeps it small and portable while delivering medium format visual yumminess. Fujifilm also announced that a 100MP monster of a medium format camera would be coming soon, for those of you who need more pixels. Start saving now for larger memory cards, hard drives, and cloud storage space.
Speaking of megapixels, Panasonic is also stepping into the full-frame digital arena with a pair of new cameras scheduled to hit the shelves in the spring of 2019. The new LUMIX S1R and S1 promise to bring a lot of Panasonic's video expertise and Micro Four Thirds innovations to a full-frame platform. An interesting angle to this new lineup is the adoption of Leica's L mount and the creation of an L-Mount alliance of lens makers that will allow you to mount Leica, Sigma, or Panasonic lenses on the cameras.
Pre-show, Leica announced its latest digital rangefinder, the Leica M10-P, that hides the Red Dot logo, features a super-quiet shutter, and has a touchscreen. Also announced at Photokina is a silver version of the gorgeous Leica CL.
On the superzoom end of the spectrum, Canon released its latest 65x optical zoom machine, the Canon SX70 HS, which zooms from 21-1365mm.
And, have you heard? Camcorders are back! Check out our coverage of the Canon XF705 4K UHD and HD cameras.
Lenses
With great cameras comes great glass. In addition to the new mirrorless-ready releases from Canon and Nikon, Photokina saw a handful of announcements regarding new lenses.
ZEISS just released its latest Sony E-mount Batis lens, the 40mm f/2 CF. We already have a hands-on review for you here.
Sigma rolled into Photokina with a big truck full of five new lenses, spanning many focal lengths. There is a monster 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens, a pro-minded 70-200 f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary, a 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM, and a 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM.
Canon released the new versions of its popular-with-sports-shooter behemoths—the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses.
Sony added a new G Master lens, the wide-angle 24mm f/1.4 GM.
Tamron launched its new lightweight 17-35mm f/2.8-4 lens for full-frame cameras that tips the scale at slightly more than a single pound.
Lensbaby continues to make interesting new lenses that all have a unique feel. The Lensbaby Sol 45 has moving bokeh plates, and we have a hands-on review of the glass here.
For M-mount fans, the Voigtländer NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical VM lens will be sure to please—it takes its place as the latest addition to my Fastest Glass article.
And for the mirrorless medium format enthusiasts, Hasselblad has rolled out three new lenses for its X-series system: the XCD 65mm f/2.8, XCD 135mm f/2.8, and the XCD 80mm f/1.9. The XCD 135mm f/2.8 will also be available in a bundle with a dedicated X Converter 1.7x teleconverter.
Other Stuff
Photokina isn't just for cameras and lenses, it is about all things photography-related and, just like it is the place for big announcements from the major camera and lens brands, it is also a place for the accessory vendors to roll out their latest innovations.
Dronemaker (new word!) DJI announced the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom quadcopters.
Profoto's latest off-camera small flash, the B10, is here.
Manfrotto is expanding its popular Befree tripod line with some new additions, as well as some new carbon fiber tripod kits for videographers.
Big video camera to steady? Check out the new Sachtler flowtech 100MS legs and kits and the Vinten 100mm Ball system.
If you need a smaller support, the Gitzo Mini Traveler is in that category of products you might call "cute," but, with Gitzo know-how, it can support up to 6.9 lb of gear.
Support company Joby has added fluid heads to its lineup of clever small tripods and GorrilaPods, so you can shoot stable video from almost anywhere.
GoPro raises the bar once again in the action camera market with the new HERO7.
Photographers and videographers love bags. You've got to have them! Lowepro has something for almost everyone, including these new releases and improved ProTactic bags.
It is the age of the stabilizer, and there are a bunch of companies competing for market share in this product category alongside these new gimbals from Feiyutech.
Pocketwizard has added Sony compatibility and a 2-remote bundle to its lineup.
Slide, pan, and create with Syrp's Genie II.
Wow. I am spent! Did we miss anything? Let us know, in the box below.