It’s that time of the year where we look back on 12 months of great photography, but also look forward to what may come in the near future. Despite all the challenges, 2021 saw some amazing new tech become available to photographers, including powerhouse cameras like the Nikon Z 9 and Canon R3. But what cameras are we likely to see arrive in 2022? Here’s our pick of what we’d like to see…
One: Olympus E-M1X Mark II
In January 2022, it will have been three years since Olympus’ professional-level sports and action camera was brought to market, so it is well overdue for an upgrade. The original model features a 20-megapixel Micro Four-Thirds sensor and, while the newly-named OM System is sure to stick to the MFT set-up, photographers will surely be hoping for a boost to the resolution delivered from any new camera. With 5-axis IBIS and up to 60 frames per second burst rate, wildlife and sports shooters will be hoping OM System can ring out even more speed from this lightning fast platform should any new camera come to market.
Two: Nikon Z8
Okay, so Nikon was late to the mirrorless camera game, but it’s fair to say the brand has fought back and 2021 was a huge year for Nikon as it launched the impressive Z9 – a 45-megapixel pro-level sports and wildlife camera that can fire off a whopping 120 frames per second. One camera that is missing from the Z-series line-up that’s missing is an ultra high-resolution camera that would be suitable for use by professionals looking to capture billboard-size frames of landscapes of portraiture. Perhaps Nikon could release a Z8 that breaks that magic 60-megapixel barrier and reach new heights in Nikon’s mirrorless game.
Three: Pentax K-1 Mark III
Although mirrorless cameras dominate the kit bags of photographers these days, there are still those who prefer the feel and operation of a DSLR body. One great DSLR that’s proved to be consistently popular is the Pentax K-1 Mark II – featuring a full-frame sensor that delivers a decent resolution of 36-megapixels, alongside a ridiculously tough body that boasts extensive weather-sealing. However, this camera was launched back in 2018, so it’s obvious that photographers would love to see a Mark III version in 2022. Areas for improvement are a jump in resolution, but also an increase in burst rate, which is currently limited to 4.4 frames per second.
Four: Canon R7
So far Canon has brought five full-frame mirrorless cameras to market and the EOS R, RP, R5, R6 and most recently R3 have all proved to be hugely popular with photographers. One camera missing from the line-up though is a crop sensor model. If Canon brought out an APS-C sensor camera, it would enable the brand to take advantage of the benefits crop sensor cameras allow – namely incredibly high burst speeds and extended focal lens reach thanks to the typical 1.6x crop factor found on Canon APS-C DSLRs. Canon has already proved it can deliver high-resolution from APS-C sensors; the excellent 90D serves up 33-megapixels, so hopefully Canon will bring such a camera to photographers in 2022.
Five: Panasonic GH6
Okay, so we do know that the long awaited replacement to the GH5 is on its way, we just don’t know exactly when. The upgrade is due because the GH5 was launched way, way back in January 2017 so even if the GH6 arrives in early 2022, that’s a five-year wait for Panasonic loyalists (although the GH5 Mark II was launched in mid-2021). Because the GH5 lacks in megapixels (just 20-MP), the chief upgrade for the GH6 surely has to be a big hike in resolution, but also needed are improvements in video because this line of cameras has always been popular with creatives who enjoy shooting movies as well as stills.