Photokina is the
largest convention the imaging industry throughout the world observes every two
years. This is that time when the top brands in the industry put
forward their latest state-of-the-art products for the world to see. As its
venue has been since it started, Photokina 2012 will take place in Koelnmesse
Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre in Cologne, Germany. It will go on from the 16th
of September to the 23rd of September. During this time, imaging corporations
from across the world are expected to launch their latest cameras, accessories,
technologies, printers etc, as because of the congregation of delegates and
enthusiasts from across the globe Photokina is when these products get the
maximum visibility. We take a look at some of the top manufacturers participating
at the event and the products they might launch during the event.
Canon
Canon will be coming out with the EOS-M,
its multi touch equipped compact system camera, the exclusive preview of which
we gave you in the August issue of our magazine. Apart from that, there are
also rumours around Canon introducing a full frame touchscreen DSLR. There
might be a new Powershot on the way too, but that will be seen once the fair is
on its way.
Nikon
Nikon is scheduled to release the Nikkor
1 18-55 f/1.8 lens for its mirrorless cameras. The full frame, 24 megapixel
D600 is also expected to hit the markets, which is touted by Nikon as an
affordable version of the D800. As the D800 is already cheaper than Canon’s 5D
Mark III, the D600 might help Nikon to seal its hold on the full-frame DSLR
market.
Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss is all set to release a telephoto lens for SLR cameras, along with two completely new product families for the consumers. A new Carl Zeiss high-performance, full frame 55mm f/1.4 lens with manual focus will also be on display at the event. Given Carl Zeiss’s reputation for expensive, high quality products, its stall where all the Zeiss range of products will be displayed for the public is expected to receive a good response; including the 41 mp Nokia 808 Pureview which uses Carl Zeiss optics.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm, is expected to release the X-E1, a
cheaper alternative to the X-Pro1, along with a couple of digital compacts in
the X series. There have been quite a few rumours about Fujifilm launching the X-Pro2,
the successor to the popular mirorless X-Pro1, with the same X-Pro mount used
in the X-Pro1. But as it was only released earlier this year, it might take some
more time for Fuji to come out with the X-Pro2.
Sony
Sony should release the ∝99, a 35 mm full frame DSLT
which uses the Sony translucent mirror technology. Expected to be a 24
megapixels sensor, the ∝99 is claimed to be the first
full-frame camera in the world to have an electronic viewfinder. Rumours have been there around this one for quite some time now, and it seems
sure that Sony will release it at this year’s Photokina. Apart from that, Sony is also
all set to bring the NEX-6 to the imaging market, a 16.1 megapixels compact
system camera. Three new lenses will also be released with the NEX-6, which
will be compatible with all the cameras featuring the E-mount.
Leica
Being a Germany-based brand, Photokina
is kind of like a home ground for Leica. Based on speculations, Leica might
release the M10, the successor to the M9 featuring the M-system. There are also
rumours that Leica will release another M-system camera featuring a regular
viewfinder, which will be cheaper than the M9, though we won’t know for sure
until the show starts.
Samsung
There have been rumours around Samsung
releasing the mirrorless NXR at this year’s Photokina for some time now, but no
concrete press releases or announcements have been issued to the public. Apart
from that, Samsung’s latest Android 4.1 Galaxy Camera is expected to be
launched at the event, and looking at the growing demand for smartphone/camera
hybrids world over, it might be the main attraction at the Samsung stall.
Our daily magazine, Show Daily, will be
available at the stands at Photokina 2012, covering day-to-day press releases,
interviews and features based on the event. We will also be doing a full length
feature on the show in the subsequent issue of Asian Photography. We don’t yet
know the exact number of new products which are supposed to be released, but as
nearly all the top imaging companies wait for this event to introduce their
best products into the market, we are expecting to see the latest technology in
imaging on display.