Photokina briefing: press day

The day ahead of Photokina’s opening in Cologne is given over to the press, and there were several announcements throughout the day, dominated by Canon, who surprised no one with the introduction of the EOS 7D Mark II, and Samsung, who did, launching the NX1, complete with numerous innovations that all in all make it a compact system camera worthy of pro attention.

[bjp_ad_slot]

With its 28-megapixel resolution, 205-point phase detection autofocus system and 4K UHD video capture, the NX1 deserves attention, marking itself out as an extremely versatile camera packed into a compact body.

The 7D Mark II, on the other hand, is more of an evolutionary development – though coming five years after the original 7D, there’s lots to improve on, including a highly developed autofocus system.

PowerShot G7 X FRTCanon also announced the new PowerShot G7 X, its “most powerful pocket camera ever”. With a continuous shooting speed of 6.5fps, and an AF system that includes 31 points, the G7 X can focus “three times faster than the human eye”, said Canon at this afternoon’s press launch, “and offers a photographic experience comparable to that of Canon’s DSLR cameras”.

Panasonic unveiled its new flagship compact camera, the latest in the critically acclaimed LX series. The 16-megapixel DMC-LX100 offers 4K video capture and has a newly developed Leica DC Vario-Summilux f/1.7-F2.8 lens, equivalent to 24-75mm.

Sony debuted the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS, designed for its E-mount system, but primarily aimed at owners of Alpha 7 series cameras. It is optically image stabilised and is dust- and moisture-resistant.

2.2_40-150mm Telephoto Zoom Lens (1)

Olympus also had a new lens up its sleeve – the M.Zuiko Digital Ed 40-150mm 1:2.8 PRO (80-300mm equivalent on 35mm). The telephoto zoom lens (above) is due for release in November, priced €1400 (no UK price available at the time of writing). It is lighter and more compact than a typical full-frame lens, claims Olympus, and is also quick to focus, the company adds.

Stay up to date with stories such as this, delivered to your inbox every Friday.