We’ve been talking about the rise of the compact system camera for a while now, but 2013 has been a pivotal year for the genre with more CSCs being announced than DSLRs.
And we’ve not just seen cameras to entice new photographers towards interchangeable lens models. There are also now more options for serious enthusiasts and professional photographers who want to use a smaller, lighter camera, or make use of some of the new features.
The prevalence of camera phones has also been a hot topic of conversation over recent years and it is really biting into the compact camera market, especially the lower end. This fierce competition is forcing manufacturers to rethink what they do.
Some have responded by concentrating on new cameras that offer something that the cameras on phones generally don’t – extensive zoom ranges, waterproof construction, traditional controls, larger sensors and high-end features.
Others have introduced new cameras that are designed to compliment a phone by offering Wi-Fi connectivity for quick and easy image upload to the handset and subsequent sharing on Facebook and Twitter etc.
It’s an interesting time for photographers of all levels and our thoughts are naturally turning to what 2014 might hold. Here is a list of what we believe will happen in terms of photo trends and new camera technology.
Our 2014 Predictions for Photographers
1. Small cameras will be big in 2014
2. Self-levelling images
3. Widespread in-camera frame, light-leak and flare effects
4. CSC AF will match SLR
5. More pros will switch to using a CSC
6. Nikon to put a touchscreen in a DSLR
7. Canon to introduce a high-end CSC
8. Wi-Fi connectivity the norm
9. Better remote control apps
10. Small CSCs increasingly used instead of compact cameras
Over the next few pages we’ll explain what we mean by each of these.
DON’T MISS: Best cameras of 2013: the top DSLRs and CSCs of the past year
2014 predictions for photographers: new cameras will get smaller
We saw a lot of downsizing towards the end of 2013 and I think this trend is set to continue during 2014.
The Panasonic GM1, for example, is a tiny Micro Four Thirds model which the company is pitching into the market amongst compact models and not making a big deal of the fact that it can accept interchangeable lenses.
Conversely, Panasonic made its GF6, G6 and GH3 larger than their previous incarnations and I wonder if they might reverse this during 2014 and bring out smaller replacements?
While the GM1 is very small, the most impressive feat of downsizing was seen with the introduction of the Sony Alpha 7 and 7R (See our Sony A7R / Sony A7 Review).
These new cameras have full-frame sensors, but are about the same size as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 (£1,299 body only) – an excellent camera but as a Micro Four Thirds mode it has a sensor that’s smaller than the APS-C sized devices in most DSLRs and some compact cameras.
SEE MORE: Full frame DSLRs – do you really need one?
What’s more this shrinkage doesn’t come at a hugely inflated cost as their price tags (A7 £1,299 and A7R £1,699 both body only) sit comfortably amongst those for the Canon EOS 6D (£1,399 body only) and Nikon D610 (£1,499 body only).
As well as providing a smaller, lighter alternative to a DSLR for full-frame photography, the 24/36Mp A7/R raise expectations about what should be possible for cameras with APS-C and Four Thirds format sensors.
PAGE 1 – 2014 predictions for photographers: new cameras getting smaller
PAGE 2 – 2014 predictions for photographers: new features to look out for
PAGE 3 – 2014 predictions for photographers: light-leaks and frames
PAGE 4 – 2014 predictions for photographers: lovely lenses
PAGE 5 – 2014 predictions for photographers: death of the SLR
PAGE 6 – 2014 Predictions: a manufacturer’s view
PAGE 7 – 2014 Predictions: a dealer’s view
READ MORE
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Source from: http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
