Although the pandemic has thrown many industries into crisis, there's still plenty of cameras making their way onto the market - especially it seems of late at the high/pro end of the scale. The latest rumors suggest that the market isn't slowing down any time soon, and we could be in store for even more releases before the year is through.
Recent headlines have been dominated by those pro-level models such as the Sony A1, Canon EOS R3 and the development announcement of the Nikon Z9. We might therefore reasonably expect to see some upgrades to those lower down the scale sitting in the mid-tier or entry-level ranges. More affordable options will be good news for the average consumer who doesn't have thousands to fritter away on the latest high-end model.
Before the end of the year, we might reasonably expect to see some more travel-friendly/cheaper APS-C mirrorless options, as well as some full-frame cameras too.
Although the DSLR is far from dead, it feels reasonably unlikely that we'll be seeing any new ones making their way onto the market before the holiday season, with manufacturers tending to use this time to purge their old stock before making new announcements.
So with all that in mind, you might be wondering what the latest camera rumors we've heard this year are... you might be also be thinking about how the pandemic and other global problems might have affected release and availability schedules. This round-up aims to bring all of the latest camera rumors in one place, using our extensive knowledge of typical release schedules, as well as scouring the web for the latest rumors, insights and leaks, we'll bring you all the latest camera gossip you could ever need.
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Camera rumors 2021
Canon's super high-end Canon EOS R3 includes a dazzling array of specs. We might see a distilling of some of those top-line features into more affordable bodies as the year goes on.
Nikon's most recent announcement was the Nikon Zfc, a retro-styled version of its beginner-friendly Z50 model. We've also had a development announcement of the Z9, but as of yet, the full and final specs are yet to appear.
This year we've been treated to the Sony A1, but for us mere mortals with more realistic budgets, we're still waiting on a number of key releases. That includes an update to the all-rounder A7 III, presumably called the A7 IV.
The big exciting Fujifilm announcement of 2021 is the super-affordable (by medium format terms) GFX 50S II. There's the possibility that we might also be treated to the X-H2, an APS-C top-liner sooner rather than later, too.
Panasonic announced the GH5 II earlier in the year, as well as its development announcement of the GH6. The latter is yet to materialize just yet, but is surely just around the corner.
Since Olympus was taken over by an investment fund, we've seen just one launch to date - the Olympus PEN E-P7. We might also expect to see this year an upgrade to its Tough line of compact cameras, and the next OM-D model.
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Canon EOS M7
The EOS M7 was expected to launch sometime last year, though after it failed to materialize, more backing has been given to rumors that Canon is phasing out its EOS M-series cameras.
It could have instead been delayed due to Covid-19 pandemic related restrictions, but given that it’s been nearly a year since we heard anything, this camera could be dead on arrival.
Predicted specs: 32MP APS-C sensor | 4K video recording | DIGIC X image processor | IBIS | Dual card slots
Last year we saw the double-launch of the full-frame Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6, while this year we've also seen the Canon EOS R3, an even higher-end full-frame model make its way into the line-up. It would therefore make sense if Canon turned its attention towards its APS-C cameras - if indeed it intends to keep them at all.
Canon has already replaced its viewfinder-less EOS M6 with the Canon EOS M6 Mark II , with Canon Rumors suggesting that model would be followed up with two new models: a Canon EOS M50 Mark II and a new flagship Canon EOS M7. While the first one did indeed materialize, there's no sign yet of an M7.
If it does make an appearance, it seems like it'll effectively be the successor to the Canon EOS M5, with rumored specs including a 32MP APS-C sensor (the same as the one in the EOS M6 Mark II), in-body image stabilization (IBIS), dual card slots and "all the bells and whistles".
One thing we really want to see is some new native glass to make the APS-C mirrorless system as a whole more appealing. That's especially true when you consider that Canon uses a completely different mount for its APS-C models compared to its full-frame models. This is certainly one area where Canon is still lagging behind the likes of Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus and Sony, but a Canon EOS M7 still sounds very appealing in theory.
Canon EOS R7 & R1
We've already seen the Canon EOS R3 this year, but it could be that we've also got the R7 and the R1 to come before 2021 is up - or in the early part of 2022.
The latter half of this year is rumored tp be the release date for the Canon EOS R7 - a mirrorless follow up to its 7D line.
There were reports back in December 2020 that the Canon EOS R7 was being tested in the wild which was described as “an APS-C sensor equipped RF Mount camera” that looks “nearly identical to the Canon EOS R6.”
There’s no guarantee that this camera will be called the ‘Canon EOS R7’ but whatever name it’s given the camera is expected to be the smallest in the EOS R line-up.
We could also see another Canon EOS R camera release in 2021: the Canon EOS R1, a true mirrorless replacement to the 1D X Mark III DSLR.
The Canon EOS R1 has leaked with some phenomenally good specs: an 85MP global shutter sensor that can shoot in 20FPS bursts at full resolution along with quad pixel AF and in-body image stabilization. There’s even more to boot that makes this camera way too good to be true.
We’ll have to wait and see how the rumors shape up, but if everything turns out to be true, we could be in for a real treat of a camera.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark III was rumored to be coming in early 2020, but we haven’t heard anything since. This could mean the camera has been severely delayed or has been canceled all together, right now it’s hard to say for sure.
Predicted specs: 1-inch 20.1MP CMOS sensor | Digic 8 processor | 4x optical zoom | 4K/30p video
Rumors have been circulating for a little while that a refreshed version of the affordable G9X line is coming. Supposedly launching "relatively soon" all the way back in early 2020, details were scant at the time and have failed to lead to anything concrete now.
If we do see it making an appearance, we'd expect specs like the Digic 8 processor, which is found in the EOS 90D and the EOS M6 Mark II. We'd also expect the one-inch sensor to remain, but a bigger/longer zoom to be included. Currently, the Mark II uses a 28-84mm f/2-4.9 lens offering a 3x optical zoom, so it'd be useful if we also saw a wider angle like that found on the G7 X Mark III's 24-100mm lens.
It also seems likely that video specs will be upgraded, especially given the soaring popularity of vlogging-style cameras. To that end, 4K shooting at up to 30fps seems obvious, but whether that would have an impact on the camera price is, of course, yet to be seen.
Indeed, we might not ever see the G9X Mark III at all - perhaps Canon will stick with just the G5 and the G7 line-up to keep things simpler and more streamlined.
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Nikon Z9
We know that the Nikon Z9 is officially coming this year - Nikon announced its development a few months back. Details are still thin on the ground, but rumors are swirling.
Predicted specs: 50MP 'stacked' sensor | Z mount | 8K video recording | 5.76 million-dot viewfinder | Twin card slots
While details are still few and far between, we do now know that the Nikon Z9 is officially coming this year. Not only that but the camera will be packing a new processor, is capable of 8K video and will be released sometime in 2021.
Various resolutions have been predicted for the sensor, but a 50MP count would seem credible, to match the Sony A1, and boost the Z9 past the 45MP of the Z7 Mark II. As it's likely to be aimed at those replacing or upgrading from a D6, we're expecting fast burst speeds, such as 20fps - it's interesting to note that Canon went for the 'low resolution / fast shooting' option for its pro-level Canon EOS R3, so if Nikon can provide both speed and resolution it could set itself apart from its big rival.
Otherwise however, full details are a bit lacking, but with a rumored price tag of between $6,000 and $7,000, which would likely equate to around £6,000 / AU$10,700, we expect the upcoming snapper will have more than its fair share of impressive tools at the ready.
Nikon Z8
Perhaps the long-rumored Z8 will also see the light day of 2021 - but it seems unlikely given we're still waiting for the Z9
Predicted specs: 60MP sensor | Z mount | 4K/60p video | Twin card slots | USB power
In what’s expected to be a step down from the Nikon Z9, the long-rumored Nikon Z8 could also see the light of day in 2021, though with nothing officially announced yet we aren’t 100% sure on this one - and indeed we might find we're waiting until 2022 for anything concrete to show up.
Although we haven't heard too much recently, the Nikon Z8 is expected to compete with some of the best performing cameras out there, supposedly boasting a 60MP sensor, burst speeds of 14fps using the mechanical shutter, and a pixel-shifting mode for shots with 240 megapixels worth of data. It’s all incredibly impressive but until we know anything officially we’ll have to wait and see.
Nikon Z30
We're big fans of the travel-friendly Nikon Z50, and it sounds like an even more affordable sibling could be en route...
Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C sensor | Z mount | 4K video recording | USB-C connectivity | No built-in viewfinder
If you're looking for a small stills camera with a big, APS-C sensor then the rumored Nikon Z30 could fit the bill.
There's been some speculation from Nikon Rumors which suggests the camera giant is planning to launch an even more affordable version of its excellent Nikon Z50 later this year, possibly in November (which would make sense for the main gift-buying time of year).
Specs are thin on the ground so far, but we're expecting it to essentially be a pared-down version of the Z50, which would leave it with a 24MP sensor, 4K video recording and likely lacking a built-in viewfinder to keep the size and cost down.
If the rumors turn out to be true, it could be a compelling alternative the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which arrived earlier in the year.
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Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 III remains one of the finest full-frame mirrorless cameras around, so surely a successor is imminent?
Predicted specs: 30-32MP sensor | 3.69-million dot EVF | 5-axis stabilization | Real-time Eye AF | 6K video
The Sony A7 IV, a successor to the excellent A7 III mirrorless all-rounder, was expected to be announced at the CP+ show in early 2020, but it didn't arrive and although rumors went quiet for a little while, an end of 2021 showing is looking increasingly more likely.
Not a huge amount is known about the Sony A7 IV right now, but we strongly expect it to rival the likes of the Canon EOS R6 - especially with its rumored price tag of around $2,500 / £2,500 / AU$3,900.
The biggest rumor about the Sony A7 IV suggests it will have an all new sensor that’s got a much higher resolution than the Sony A7 III. Older rumors suggest this will be the Sony IMX 554 - a full-frame sensor with an effective resolution of 30.65MP. Tho given we heard this back in 2019, we could be looking at something different (and hopefully better) when the camera is officially announced.
Other speculation suggests the A7 IV will have the same design, EVF and autofocus system as the Sony A7R IV. Considering the viewfinder is one of the main aspects of the A7 III that we'd like to see upgraded, this is potentially very good news - though in order to keep the costs down, we think it's more likely that it'll be lower than the A7R IV's resolution, but higher than the existing model - so around 3.69m seems realistic.
Sony A7R V
Sony A7000
If the Sony A7R V is the next high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera from Sony, it could be the first to take the world past a 100 megapixel Sensor - truly cementing the company’s reputation as innovators in the sector.... but a more modest pixel count seems more likely.
Predicted specs: 61MP sensor | 10fps shooting | 8K 24p video
Initial leaks suggested that Sony's next ultra high-resolution camera could feature a 102MP sensor. If that were true, it'd likely take the market by storm and show off Sony's prowess as a true innovator in the mirrorless and general camera sector. However, it'd likely be a very expensive proposition, so it seems perhaps more likely that a more modest resolution count, such as the existing 61.2MP of the A7R IV will be on offer.
Other potential specifications that have already been leaked include Other possible specifications include real-time tracking eye focus for a number of subjects such as birds, animals and humans, 5.5-stop five axis image stabilization and high-performing phase-detection AF.
We’d expect this model to feature the best Sony has to offer in terms of the viewfinder and other design features - so a 9.44 million pixel EVF, a 2.36 million pixel flip LCD screen and dual pixel slots are all very likely specifications.
With the A6600 now with us, what might a more senior A7000 bring to the mirrorless party?
Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C sensor | Improved AF | Design similar to the Alpha A9
The Sony A6000 was a phenomenally successful model for Sony, and the A6000 line has been padded out since then with the more senior A6300, A6400 and A6500 models. Back in 2019, we also witnessed the A6100 and A6600 arrive to add lower-tier and upper-tier options to these, but some still suspect a model that sits between the A6600 and full-frame A7 series has
This could be a 'baby' Alpha A9 II, borrowing many of the features of the flagship camera that would then be distilled into a camera based around an APS-C sensor. This is something that Nikon has done in the past with its D5 and D500 DSLR models.
Rumors suggest that it matches and in some aspects exceeds the performance of the Fujifilm X-T3 (which has since been succeeded by the X-T4), with better AF and in-body image stabilization, while it will match the 20fps burst shooting speed of the Alpha A9.
As for the sensor, Sony's just updated the database of sensors it manufactures, which includes a back-illuminated (BSI) 26MP APS-C sensor, which would be a good fit for the new camera. There's also talk of the Alpha A7000 using a 32MP APS-C sensor as well.
Sony has made great changes to its autofocusing systems in recent generations of camera too, and while the 425-point phase-detect AF system inside the A6500 is still a cracking performer, the eventual update will likely bring speed improvements and additional AF points to form a denser array, with better tracking capabilities.
Design-wise, it's likely the new camera will feature a similar DSLR inspired look to Sony's full-frame cameras, with a raised and centralized electronic viewfinder.
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Fujifilm X-H2
With Fujifilm insisting that the X-T4 doesn't mean the end of the line for its X-H range, what video powers could we expect from a Fujifilm X-H2?
Predicted specs: 40MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 'stacked' sensor | 5.76-million dot EVF | In-body image stabilization (IBIS) | 8K video
In 2020, Fujifilm focused on its mirrorless APS-C models such as the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-S10, while in 2021, the big news from the company is its (relatively) affordable medium format model, the GFX 50S II. That leaves a pretty big gap where the X-H1 used to be, so it could be that the X-H2 is just around the corner. Maybe.
Although the X-H2 isn’t necessarily expected to arrive by the end of 2021, reliable sources suggest it will be “well worth the wait”. The pretty reliable Fuji Rumors has suggested that it will indeed be 2022 by the time the camera sees the light of day - with the global chip shortage causing delays across the board, it’s hardly surprising.
In terms of specs, as the X-H2 sits at the top of Fujifilm’s APS-C line, we’d expect the best tech possible. That could mean a new ‘stacked’ sensor using an X-Trans design, with perhaps even a 40 megapixel resolution.
We’d also expect to see features such as IBIS (in-body image stabilization), a high-resolution EVF, 8K video recording and a new battery.
Of course, we don’t know what the camera’s price will be for certain, but the Fujifilm X-H1 arrived for $1,899 / £1,699 / AU$2,700 (body only) back in 2018; so we’d assume that a similar pricing structure will be followed. That said, FujiRumors is reasonably confident of a “sub $2,500” price which could make it a touch more expensive.
- Read more: Fujifilm X-H2 release date, news and rumors
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Olympus PEN-F II
Olympus is now under new ownership and has already started releasing new products. We've already seen the PEN E-P7, is it time for a long-awaited successor to the PEN F in the shape of the PEN F II?
The original Olympus PEN-F was a stylish middle ground between its more serious OM-D cameras and more beginner-friendly PEN line. Unfortunately, rumors in early 2019 suggested it hadn't sold as well as expected, and it was officially discontinued soon afterwards.
Given that the camera is still just a pipe dream with no concrete specifications or release date at this point however, it’s hard to speculate exactly about what features or hardware the Olympus PEN-F II could be equipped with. Given however that it’s been a fairly long time since the original PEN F, it’d likely represent a fairly big jump in terms of sensor tech, in body image stabilization, AF and more besides. The firm would likely stick with the ultra-retro looks which appealed to those who were keen on the PEN F in the first place, though.
At certain points, there have been rumors of fairly high-end or advanced specifications such as 18fps burst shooting and an 80MP High Resolution mode, but we think this reads more like a wishlist than anything based on reliable sources. We'd love to be wrong, though, and will update this page if we hear anything more concrete.
Given that Olympus have confirmed it will continue its Tough line of cameras, it makes sense to expect a Tough TG-7 will be coming at some point in the not too distant future. We imagine it won’t be leaps and bounds ahead of the Olympus Tough TG-6 - but given that it sits at the top of our best waterproof cameras list that wouldn’t be the end of the world.
We haven’t heard any rumors about the potential hardware or features that the Tough TG-7 could come with, but expect your typical improvements to the camera’s performance and image quality.
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Panasonic GH6
Panasonic announced the development of the GH6 earlier in the year, throwing those who had been waiting for a GH5 update a bone by also introducing the GH5 II at the same time.
Both cameras are squarely aimed at videographers, with the GH6 looking set to kick specs up a notch for those who are seriously into it. We don’t have the full specifications yet, but we do know that it will have a new high-speed sensor and processor, which should make the camera a good alternative to larger sensor models on the market - such as the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.
So far we’ve only been treated to a development announcement, but it came with the assertion that the camera will be available by the end of 2021. With the months fast running out, we’d expect to see an October or November announcement to make sure it’s ready in time for the Christmas buying season.
During the launch, Panasonic said that the price point is likely to be around $2,500 (around £1,700 / AU $3,225) which puts it at a very competitive price for the likely tech on board.
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