SONY has quickly attained a formidable position in the mirrorless camera segment. The A7 series is proving to be very competitive. The A6300 also competes well. Expect to see some more mirrorless camera lenses from Sony. On our part, we wish Sony would make their mirrorless lenses smaller and lighter.
FUJIFILM has been rather quiet in the Indian market preferring to push only its Instax series of instant cameras. Elsewhere, Fujifilm continues to impress critics and users with its range of mirrorless cameras like the X-TI, X-Pro 2 and X-T10. Just before Photokina, Fujifilm has launched the X-T2, the successor to the X-T1. The X-T2 borrows a lot of technology from the X-Pro 2 including the sensor (24MP) and processor. Rugged build quality, 91-point hybrid AF and a novel hinged LCD design are some of the features. The X-T2 can also record video in 4K. Also to follow shortly is a 23mm f/2 R WR lens and a EF-X 500 weather-resistant flashgun. A 50mm f/2 R WR and a 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro is also on the drawing board.
PANASONIC has had a quiet 2015. The mammoth corporation is under restructuring and is converting itself into a B to B powerhouse. It is therefore fair to assume that the consumer businesses (other than appliances) do not get much attention. In 2015, Panasonic dropped out of the Top 5 in Japan (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and Olympus were the Top 5). This is not to say that Panasonic imaging products are not upto the mark. Far from it. Panasonic’s imaging products are high-quality and have been reviewed favourably worldwide. The long awaited GH5 should see a launch at or before Photokina. It is likely to feature, at least, a 20MP sensor and probably, 8K video recording. Also on the anvil is a replacement for the LX100 and FZ 1000. On the lens front, the range will be further strengthened with the 12mm (i.e. 24mm) f/1.4. Panasonic’s presence in the Indian market, however is peripheral and tepid. Its website only lists the FZ 100, FZ 300 and the GH4. Neither the LX100 or the TZ 100 are mentioned.
For OLYMPUS, 2015 was a comeback year. It set its finances in order and recovered market share especially in countries like the UK. Olympus will now seek to consolidate. A replacement for the OM-D-EM1 is on the cards. Hopefully, a stronger presence in India is on the anvil.
Under Ricoh, PENTAX has cleaned up its act and has some very competitive models like the new full-frame K1. Expect some new lenses for the full-frame camera. In India, Pentax has been very low profile and the availability of equipment, limited. With the travails of Ricoh in India, this position may not change in the near future.
Under young Yamaki san, SIGMA has taken huge strides in the lens market and stands high towering over everyone else. The Art series of lenses from Sigma rank amongst the best, beating even the big brand names. Sigma will continue their onward march with new lenses.
We also expect to see new lens launches from Tokina and Samsung. Finally, will the top mobile phone companies be there? You will get a lot of answers at PHOTOKINA 2016. |SP
