LATEST CAMERAS IN 2019: MOST EXPENSIVE TO CHEAPEST CAMERAS

Canon EOS Rx

We would love to see a professional version of the R, which could well be called the EOS Rx, that is aimed at pro sports and action photographers looking for a mirroless alternative to the EOS-1D X Mark II. We'd expect a modest pixel count of 20 or 24 megapixels, but a dual Digic 8 processor that could deliver a boast mode of around 20fps. 

Canon EOS Rs

But what about a high-resolution model to compete with the Nikon Z7 and Sony A7R III? Canon already has a 50.6-megapixel sensor waiting in the wings (waiting in the EOS 5DS, actually), so could this be adapted for use in a 50-megapixel EOS Rs? We have also seen some rumors that suggested that a 100MP EOS R is being worked on

So far only four lenses have been announced for the EOS R, but we expect additional zooms and primes to be added to the roadmap very soon.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Another logical addition to the EOS DSLR line would be a replacement for the EOS-1D X Mark II, although there is no great demand for an update here just yet. It does, after all, offer a very respectable 14fps burst shooting option, together with 4K video and am excellent focusing system. That said, Nikon has been giving Canon heat over the past year or so with its excellent D5, so there's definitely room for something fresh.

A long-overdue replacement for the Canon EOS 7D Mark II

EOS 7D Mark III would be Canon’s next move for its DSLR users. While it's speed rather than pixel count that’s the priority for the EOS 7D series, we imagine the Mark II’s 20MP sensor would be replaced, and the Dual DIGIC 6 processors would no doubt be edged out by the DIGIC 8 engine(s) we saw inside the EOS R and EOS M50. We also expect refinements to the auto focusing system and perhaps 12fps burst shooting too. 4K video? Possibly, although this is Canon.

Nikon announces the D760 and new S-mount lenses

The company has already confirmed it will release the 20mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 and 14-30mm f/4 optics over 2019, as well as the beastly NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. As is often the case, it's stressed that these things are subject to change, and perhaps some other lenses will also arrive that weren’t included in the original roadmap. 

Aside from its Z system, rumours of a D760 model continue to build, particularly in the light of recently leaked images that show a product box (which, of course, may well have been Photoshopped). That said, the D750 is now over four years old, and a name such as D760 would certainly make sense if you consider such a model's placement between the D750 and D800-series models.

Nikon’s D5 will also turn three in January, so could we expect a refresh as rumours have suggested? There was a three-year gap between the D4 and the D5, after all, so the timing would make sense.

Some may suspect that a higher-end Z-series model might be Nikon’s priority for professional users, but it’s unlikely that Nikon will end its pro-grade DSLR line here. At least until we have the kind of continuous shooting and autofocus performance, as well as the rugged build of the single-digit DSLR series, Nikon will no doubt look to continue catering for pro photographers with its more traditional offerings. 

The company has, after all, made it clear that it will continue to develop its DSLR line, and when you consider that the last few releases were the D850, D7500 and D3500, it makes perfect sense that updates to the D5 and D750 would follow next. So here, we’re inclined to believe the rumours.

Fujifilm GFX 100S

What is it? A 102-megapixel medium format mirrorless camera

There’s no need to trade in rumours with the Fujifilm GFX 100S. FujiFilm has already announced the camera’s development, and that we can expect it in 2019 (with an official announcement expected in mid-2019).

It is the big brother to the GFX 50R, a 50-megapixel medium format model announced at the same time, during Photokina 2018.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S is more than just that camera with more megapixels crammed-in, though. It will have in-body stabilisation, because FujiFilm says the sheer resolution will otherwise make taking sharp images handheld too difficult.

It will have phase detection across the sensor, and a body comparable in size to a traditional full-frame pro-style DSLR. At first, its $10,000 price sounds intimidating. However, compare its obvious rival, the Hasselblad H6D-100c, and it starts to seem a great deal. That camera costs £31,080. And its modular design is far more unusual.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S will also shoot video at up to 4K resolution, 30fps.

Fujifilm refreshes its X-Pro2

The X-Pro2 used to be a co-flagship model, but many newer arrivals have come onto the market since then

The X-Pro2 continues to be a popular camera for enthusiasts, and it's been bolstered by numerous firmware updates since its launch, although Fujifilm has been busy enough since that model’s release for it to have lost some of its lustre. We certainly expect an updated model to cherry-pick some of the more recent goodies from newer X-series arrivals, such as the 26MP sensor inside the X-T3and an upgraded autofocusing system.

Another option, although perhaps a less likely one, would be a fifth iteration in the popular X100 series, following on from the X100F announced at the start of 2017. The X100F is still a very well-specced model by today’s standards, and so we don’t expect this too soon in the year, but we won't be surprised if it turns out that this is what the company currently has in the works.

FujiFilm X-H2

What is it? A video-focused high-end alternative to the X-T3

Medium format cameras do not have a huge mainstream appeal. They’re pricey and large. Which is why many might prefer to get their hands on the FujiFilm X-H2 in 2019.

Right now, the latest rumours suggest it might not be out next year. This is no huge surprise when the precursor X-H1 was only announced in February 2018, and would need to offer significant abilities the brilliant FujiFilm X-T3 does not have.

Granted, in-body stabilisation is one of the most important, missing from the X-T3. It does make sense for FujiFilm to wait a little longer, though, until video recording more advanced than 4K/60fps is possible. But there is still a chance it’ll arrive in late 2019.

Sony finally adds the A7S III to its stable

The A7S II is showing its age, and has been expected to be replaced for some time

With both the Sony A7 III and the A7R III having settled into the market, many have wondered where exactly the A7S III is. Having now been available for more than three years, the A7S II is still a highly respectable option for pro videographers, but at the same time it's very much at the risk of being eclipsed by newer rivals courtesy of Panasonic, Fujifilm and others. 

2019 will surely welcome the A7S III at some point. No doubt it will arrive with a revised sensor (not necessarily one with an increase in pixel count), together with stronger 4K video specs, better autofocus and an additional card slot, as well as a Z-series battery with much more juice than the A7S II's cell.

Sony also revealed this year that it would bring out 12 further lenses throughout 2019, so if you’ve recently switched to the Alpha system and the lens you want doesn't exist, we suggest you hold tight – it may be here soon.

Sony RX100 VII

What is it? Sony’s best compact, with bonus extras

The Sony RX100 is perhaps the most regularly updated camera line of the moment. We usually get a new model every year, with just the one gap in 2017 since the first RX100 in 2012.

Sony is expected to use its IMX 383 sensor in the next version. And this chip is already on the Sony sensor division’s books.

It’s a one-inch sensor, the size of all RX100 sensors, and has resolution of 20 megapixels. Again, this is nothing new. It is the same resolution as the current Sony RX100 VI.

However, further improvements in shooting speed are expected. The RX100 VI can already shoot at a blistering 24fps, but the IMX 383 increases this ceiling to a theoretical 50fps. That’s at full resolution, too. The other likely upgrade is 4K, 60fps video capture.

Ricoh introduces new APS-C DSLR

Ricoh is likely to focus on either a new medium format model, such as an update to the 645Z, or on its APS-C DSLR line

Ricoh is currently offering deep discounts on its most popular Pentax-branded cameras by way of cashback, and it’s no doubt looking to clear some stock to make way for new arrivals. We know the GR III is coming some time during 2019 as the company has already confirmed this at Photokina, but what else might we get?

There’s good reason to suspect new arrivals as the Pentax brand will join Olympus in celebrating its 100th birthday next year, and it will almost certainly look the mark the occasion in style. In the absence of a mirrorless line of cameras – at least not one that’s had any development for some time – and the K-1 Mark II introduced only a few months ago, it seems most likely that Ricoh will focus next on either its entry-level Pentax DSLR line or its medium format series – or both.

The naming convention set out by previous Pentax models doesn’t make it obvious what this might be called, but we expect once again for it to have a very competitive spec sheet, hopefully with a more refined autofocus system and a new sensor on board.

Panasonic S1R

What is it? The higher-res alternative to the S1

If the Panasonic S1 is the equivalent of the Sony A7 III, the Panasonic S1R is its Sony A7R III alternative. It’s still a full-frame mirrorless camera but the sensor is of a much higher resolution: 47 megapixels instead of 24 megapixels.

This is a rather blocky-looking camera, but it is certainly serious and has the potential to be a contender for the best-in-class tag when it arrives in “early 2019”.

PIXII

What is it? Leica style rangefinder without a screen

Every so often a camera from a start-up appears that has real enthusiast appeal. Pixii is one of 2019’s off-kilter choices. It’s a rangefinder in the vein of a Leica M10, and uses Leica’s M-mount lenses. The Pixii looks charming too.

However, it’s unusual. There’s no display on the back. Instead, it connects to your phone to let you review images.

Thankfully, there’s a small monochrome screen on the top so you can view certain settings, and the battery life. At around 3500 Euros (£3163), the Pixii is quite pricey for an unknown brand’s camera, but is still substantially lower-cost than a Leica. Then again, most things are.

Zeiss ZX1

What is it? Top-end fixed-lens compact

Compact cameras outside of hero models like the Sony RX100 don’t get all that much attention these days. But the Zeiss ZX1 is rather special, a direct rival to the Sony RX1R II, which is now more than two years old.

It has a 37.4-megapixel full-frame sensor with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens. Image quality per cubic inch should be fantastic. It also has an advanced Full HD OLED EVF and a 4.3-inch 720p rear display.

The basic concept is very similar to other full-frame compacts. And while we don’t know the price, you can bet the Zeiss ZX1 will be very expensive, likely more than £2500, perhaps substantially so. However, it also has “built-in” Adobe Lightroom software, which should let you process RAW images without transferring them to a laptop.

Ricoh GR III

What is it? Compact 28mm street camera with APS-C sensor

The Ricoh GR III was announced at Photokina 2018, but will be available to buy in 2019. This is a fairly long-awaited model. The GR II was revealed in 2015, and this category is not particularly well-served.

It’s a compact camera with an APS-C sensor, able to provide excellent low light performance in a compact shell. The sensor is perhaps the most obvious improvement, moving from 16 megapixels to 24. However, the new stabilisation may actually be more useful when out shooting. The GR II did not have any stabilisation, so the shutter speeds you could reliably use handheld were limited.

L-mount alliance will help to expand system quickly

With Panasonic, Leica and Sigma working together, we expect the L-mount to grow at speed

Panasonic is one of the most prolific camera manufacturers around, and both Sigma and Leica have also worked tirelessly to bring new models to market throughout 2018, so we expect the combined power of the three to firmly establish its L-mount system as a credible challenger to Canon, Nikon and Sony’s own full-frame alternatives.

While the mount has been in existence since 2014, being limited to Leica’s own products has means that it would only ever hold so much appeal to the everyday photographer. That’s all changing, though, as Sigma has stated its intentions to release a full-frame L-mount camera with a Foveon sensor over 2019, and Panasonic has already confirmed two debut models in the line. Panasonic is also set to bring four lenses to market (as discussed above), but we don't believe this is all we'll see before the year is up.