PMA 2009 Preview Round-Up

In case you don’t follow photo news, PMA 2009 (which is going on this week) is to cameras what E3 is to gaming. Although details are scant amongst the different camera manufacturers and their related companies, that still doesn’t mean that awesome and exciting news for the imaging world won’t be present. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been hearing and what we can expect:



Samsung:We’ve got the newNX series camerasthat will be taking on the Micro 4/3rds format. These seem very exciting because of the APS-C sized sensor. This may be the first of many rangefinder-type digital cameras that consumers, enthusiasts and professionals have been waiting for. Panasonic was the first with such a camera in the form. of the G1. Many people’s biggest problem with it was that there was no video mode. The new Samsung NX seems to have that problem covered. Other than this, they may be showing off cameras like theTL320.Canon:We’ve heard almost nothing from or about Canon for PMA 2009. Their current entry level DSLR, the XSi, is doing very well for itself and is still moving units in stores. No other companies seem to be able to touch its performance yet, so Canon possibly won’t unveil another entry-level DSLR unless they need to. The 5D Mk II is flying off of shelves, although their higher model full-frame. DSLRs could use an upgrade right about now to take on Nikon’s D3x. They’ve shown off a lot of cameras so far for the year, so this is a tough one. My gut tells me they’re going to wait for Nikon to make the first move on other things: which seems like their normal tactic.
Nikon:There are rumors all over the place about theD5000. This new entry-level DSLR seems to be the one that Nikon will pit squarely against the Canon XSi/Canon XS. If it is real, then it will be creating a lot of buzz on the blogs as it seems to be the only big news that may come from Nikon for PMA 2009.

Sony:They’ve released a number of cameras so far for the year. We’re looking at the possiblyHX1and theSony A800that should be replacing the A700. Slight rumors have been on the web about them stepping into the premium compact point-and-shoot market in order to take on the likes of Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. They surprised everyone with the A900 DSLR as no one thought Sony was serious about digital cameras, so it may as well happen.
Pentax:Not really anything big coming out of them, but the possibility of a Pentax hybrid cam seems feasible as stated byLets Go Digital.
Olympus:Pictured above is the Micro 4/3rds camera that Olympus has been talking about for a very long time now–since Photokina of last year. They seem to be taking the approach to Micro 4/3rds that consumers will like more: get rid of the viewfinder and make it as simple as possible. It’s quite the classy looking camera. Other than this, they may just be showing off the recently announced E-620: which doesn’t impress me very much but is impressing many other digital camera analysts. Otherwise, Olympus has released a slew of cameras already for the year.
Panasonic:Panasonic has released nearly all of the possible cameras that they can release so far for the year. Their flagship point-and-shoot: the LX-3 is doing quite well but their superzooms do need an upgrade. Additionally, they’re overdue for DSLR replacements but there are no rumors on whether or not they will be replaced or not. Otherwise, Panasonic could steal the show if the rumored G2 makes its way onto the floor. Although the G1 has its flaws, people do like it. Last year Panasonic showed off the concept for the G2, which is supposed to have HD video. Panasonic already being in the camcorder market and utilizing Leica and other 4/3rds lenses could score a huge win here.
Leica:No rumors really, but if the G2 is announced then there is a possibility that Leica will announce lenses for it. Whatever it is, expect it to be expensive–more expensive thanEpson.
Casio:Remember the EX-1? You know, that ridiculously fast camera? Well it doesn’t quite have a successor. Perhaps we could see it here at PMA.Kodak:The only thing I predict coming from Kodak may be a new sensor for medium format cameras.This PMA will be an exciting one because there is so much that could possibly happen. If some announcements don’t come, expect lots of them to come before summer as that’s prime vacation and shooting time for many consumers. Some of the news may be confusing if you aren’t a camera geek, but we’ll analyze it all and bring you the best of the bunch as the week goes on.