Every year the Japanese magazine Impress published their predictions on what product they expect the major camera manufacturers to introduce in the upcoming year (you can see their 2012 predictions here). Here is a recap of their 2013 prognosis (PDF file):
Brandon Remler published several sample images taken with the new Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 lens ($899.95) that was initially delayed and is expected to start shipping in early January, 2013. In addition to the 14mm wide angle lens, Fujifilm is expected to introduce five more XF lenses next year. Here is some technical information on the new lens:
DxOMark published their test results for the Sony a99 full frame camera. The a99 scored below the Nikon D600 and D800 cameras. It seems that Nikon still has the "secret sauce" that made the same 24MP Sony sensor to perform better in the D600. For reference, here are the test scores of the Canon 6D and 5D MkIII:
The Japanese online magazine Impress interviewed the head of Pentax Ricoh Product Development who said that "a new set of 35mm full frame specifications is being formulated and that new moire removal algorithms are being developed as new in-camera function (which the K-5IIs doesn't have). Besides, a Ricoh brand new camera will come."
Few days ago PhotoRumors broke the story about the upcoming Android based mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Few days later, Polaroid's CEO Scott Hardy confirmed to Imaging Resources that the company will indeed announce such camera during the 2013 CES show in early January:
In interview with Quesabesde, Miguel Angel Garcia (CEO of Olympus Spain) confirmed that in 2013 the company will release an E-5 successor that will support both Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds lenses. No other details on the new camera were provided. This is nothing new - Olympus executives made similar statement earlier this year and even released an official statement indicating that they are working on a new Four Thirds pro body.
The Olympus E-5 was announced on September 14, 2010 and currently sells for $1,499.
In a recent interview with Quesabesde, Michiharu Uematsu from Panasonic indicated that the company might be working on a high-end compact camera with a fixed lens and a Micro Four Thirds sensor. With the latest success of the RX100 (and RX1), I will not be surprised if Panasonic (or Olympus) go that route. Both company already have some serious compact cameras (Panasonic LX7 and Olympus ZX-2) and adding m4/3 sensor seems to be the next logical step.
Sony Japan listed the Sony a37 and 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM lens as discontinued. B&H recently also listed one of the a57 camera configurations as discontinued:
The Sony a37 was announced in May 2012, the a57 was introduced in March, 2012.
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