Every photographer is different. We each have our own likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. But I believe that every photographer definitely has two things in common. One, of course, is a passion for the art of photography, capturing that perfect moment. The other is, we all love our gadgets and tech toys. Which is why February is one of our favorites months. Not for Valentine's Day but because it officially kicks off the trade show season for our industry. The time of year that all the new equipment is unveiled. First up in the trade show parade is CP+, Japan's largest photography trade show.
Canon was the big dog at the show. They introduced a lot of new cameras and a new lens. But the stars of the show were the Canon 5Ds and the Canon 5DsR. Both cameras sport a whopping 50 megapixel full frame sensor. The difference between the two cameras is that 5DsR doesn't have an anti-alias filter, which in theory gives you sharper picture at the expense of moire (moire is wavy stripes that appear when in your photographs when you shoot naturally occuring patterns). From a tech geek point of view these cameras are pretty cool. 50 megapixels in a portable body for under $4000 is a neat trick. From a practical stand point these are specialty cameras which are intended for a narrow niche because most people honestly don't need 50 megapixels. The 5Ds will set you back $3699 and the 5DsR will cost $3899. For those of you looking for something practical, Canon also introduced to new Rebel cameras. The Rebel T6i and T6s both have 24 megapixel APS-C sensors. The T6i wll cost $799 and tack on an extra $100 for the T6s. These entry level camera's represent pretty good upgrade over the older Rebel models. What's the difference between the two? They are almost identical and the difference is subtle. Basically if you're a person who likes to control the functions on the camera the T6s is for you. On the other hand if you like things simple, and don't want a lot of buttons to worry about, the T6i is for you.
Nikon also introduced a new specialty camera the D810A. The camera is designed for astrophotography. The specs are identical to the D810 which has a 36 megapixel full frame sensor. But the infra-red fliter has been modified so it sees the lights from the stars and nebulas better and it gives better long exposures. For all you well heeled stargazers this camera is for you. Expect a price in the range of $3000 to $4000.
Pentax also introduced a new camera, the Pentax K-S2. This is nice little entry level camera comes with a 20 megapixel, APS-C sensor. It has wi-fi, fully articulated LCD, and is weather resistant. It will cost $799 when it is released. The nicest thing about this camera is it still uses the k mount. So anyone who still has older legacy lens from when they shot a Pentax film camera can use this new camera with their old lenses. For those of you who are waiting for a full frame Pentax digital camera, Pentax said that they are working on one and it may make an appearance by the end of the year.
Last but certainly not least is Olympus. Olympus has released the new OM-D E-M5 Mark II. It has 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor. Early reports indicate that this camera is pretty good upgrade over the well respected previous model. I'm not a huge fan of the micro four thirds mirrorless cameras but Olympus makes nice cameras and they look great. This beauty will cost $1099 when it's released.