The photographer’s curse is a gnawing feeling that, irrespective of how good your present equipment is, a vital lacking piece is simply across the nook. Sure, your digital camera is healthier than virtually each photographic software from the previous 150 years, however the cameras of 2022? They’re destined to hit ‘Peak Images’ and elevate your almost-great Instagram feed to new heights.
Even after we know it is a mirage that in some way does not dampen the enjoyable of digital camera future-gazing. And there are good causes to imagine that 2022 will likely be one other nice yr for digital camera launches. Except for the grim realities of chip shortages, we’ve fully-cooked mirrorless programs from Canon, Sony, Nikon and Panasonic all competing for our consideration, to not point out contemporary innovation from the likes of Insta360 and Alice Digicam.
Towards all the percentages, 2021 was a classic yr for brand spanking new cameras, even when that hasn’t but been mirrored in shipments and gross sales. That momentum is prone to proceed into 2022, with the yr wanting significantly thrilling for hobbyist shooters. Now that the massive gamers have established their professional our bodies – just like the Canon EOS R3, Sony A1 and Nikon Z9 – it is time for that innovation to filter right down to extra reasonably priced cameras.
Now we have Fujifilm prepared to affix the stacked-sensor sport with the long-awaited Fujifilm X-H2, Panasonic lastly able to unleash the Panasonic GH6 for video shooters, and OM System getting ready to channel the progressive spirit of Olympus with a brand new launch of its personal. Add a sprinkling of intriguing new gamers and you’ve got the recipe for an additional yr of defiant innovation within the post-cameraphone period.
Honorable mentions to cameras which can be lacking from our listing embody the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo (because of launch globally in February 2022), the rumored Sony A9 III, and a protracted listing of future smartphones, together with the Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 14 Professional. We have additionally prevented conjuring up rumored dream cameras that don’t have any present foundation in actuality. So with that in thoughts, it is time to start the slideshow. Beginning in reverse order, listed here are probably the most thrilling cameras of 2022…
The 12 most fun cameras of 2022:
12. Leica M11
- Chance score: 4/5
- Pleasure score: 3/5
Okay, Leica cameras are primarily thrilling to these with bulging Bitcoin wallets, however even for non-CEOs, there’s one thing reassuring concerning the cussed traditionalism of the M-series. The Leica M11 is not but official, nevertheless it’s an almost-certainty given latest leaked photos – and it may divide opinion if rumors are to be believed.
The most recent whispers from the likes of Leica Rumors (opens in new tab) recommend the M11 could have a brand new 60MP full-frame sensor, with modes for 50MP, 36MP and 15MP snaps to assist handle your file sizes. Extra controversially, it appears Leica will likely be eradicating the baseplate design that is been a staple of M-series cameras since 1954.
On the previous Leica M3, you’d take away this baseplate to load movie into the digital camera’s base. This uncommon design stayed on later fashions just like the digital Leica M8 in 2006, although it made altering the battery and reminiscence card a faff. But it surely appears Leica is now sensibly updating it on the M11 with the same design to the Q2. One factor will keep the identical although – the M11 will likely be expensive, like its $6,495 / £5,599 / AU$9,699 predecessor.
11. OM System digital camera
- Chance score: 5/5
- Pleasure score: 3/5
Aren’t Olympus cameras useless? Sure, formally deceased for the reason that announcement in October that the brand new homeowners of Olympus’ imaging arm could be releasing fashions beneath a contemporary ‘OM System’ model. Nonetheless, the spirit of the corporate, whose cameras date again to 1936, might dwell on if the hype coming from OM System proves right.
The corporate has promised that it is “creating a brand new interchangeable lens digital camera” for the Micro 4 Thirds system that can “convey pictures to the following degree.” Apparently, OM System says it can enhance picture high quality “by using computational photographic expertise.” That is barely ironic, provided that Olympus successfully blamed smartphones for the demise of its cameras.
Not that OM System will likely be totally new to computational pictures. Olympus cameras have beforehand pioneered software program tips like Reside ND, which composited a number of photos in-camera to create a slow-shutter impact. And it is this heritage that OM System is planning to construct on with its new launch. What’s going to the digital camera appear to be? It is not clear but, however there is a clue on the backside of the picture above.
10. Nikon Z f
- Chance score: 1/5
- Pleasure score: 5/5
The least seemingly digital camera on this listing to see a 2022 launch can also be one of the thrilling. The formulation demanded by Nikon followers is straightforward: take the fantastic design of the Nikon Z fc, which was impressed by the 30-year-old Nikon FM2, and apply it to a full-frame mirrorless digital camera. Then name it the Nikon Z f and begin printing cash.
It sounds easy, however will Nikon do it in 2022? All we’ve to go on is Nikon’s response to our mild prods again in August, when it instructed us: “Relying on how the Z fc is obtained by the market, and on buyer demand, we are going to proceed to discover concepts for future fashions.” Within the phrases of Lloyd Christmas, “so there’s an opportunity.”
The excellent news for these hoping for a Nikon Z f – its probably identify, given it would be a ‘fusion’ of previous and new, however transcend the ‘informal’ aspirations of the Z fc – is that gross sales of the Z fc seem like sturdy. In July, Nikon launched an announcement warning of delays to Z fc shipments because of demand outstripping provide – though it is potential this was additionally because of decreased manufacturing capability. A 2023 launch is probably extra seemingly, however Nikon may shock us.
9. DJI Mini 3
- Chance score: 2/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
For a lot of photographers, drones have taken one of many hotly contested spots of their digital camera luggage. A drone’s skill to mix distinctive angles with more and more spectacular high quality (in good mild, at the very least) makes them very useful allies, and one of the widespread fashions in recent times has been the DJI Mini 2.
A palm-sized 4K drone that is about the identical measurement as a mid-range zoom (and at 249g, a lot lighter), the Mini 2 is right for roaming photographers and YouTubers. Having been launched in November 2020, it is also doubtlessly due an improve in 2022 – and that is precisely what the rumor mill suggests will occur.
A Twitter account known as DealsDrone (opens in new tab), picked up by DroneXL (opens in new tab), has confidently predicted that the DJI Mini 3 will likely be launched in April 2022. This is not based mostly on any specific leaks, so proper now we’ll file it beneath rumour. However a DJI Mini 3, with new options like a 4K/60p mode and ActiveTrack focusing, would definitely be a welcome arrival. And provided that the DJI Mavic 3 has now launched, our cash is on that occuring someday in 2022.
8. Panasonic GH6
- Chance score: 5/5
- Pleasure score: 3/5
A useless cert for a 2022 launch, the Panasonic GH6 has already been formally introduced. In reality, it is the one mannequin on this listing that was additionally in our ‘most fun cameras of 2021’ preview this time final yr, which reveals how lengthy we have been ready for the video digital camera. However we’ll eat one in every of our lens caps if it does not arrive in 2022.
Unusually, we noticed a Panasonic GH5 Mark II arrive this yr, however that digital camera is aimed extra at live-streamers. The true successor to the traditional Panasonic GH5, which landed means again in January 2017, is the GH6, and it is shaping as much as be one other widespread selection for many who have been priced out of full-frame video cameras just like the Sony A7S III.
Proper now, all we all know is that the GH6 could have a speedy new sensor that’ll assist 5.7K/60p video capturing and that it will seize 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p video internally. Each of these issues will likely be widespread with filmmakers trying to shoot crisp video that may be color-graded afterward. However the large query is whether or not it will stick with the marginally underwhelming Depth by Defocus (DFD) autofocus system, or lastly change to a hybrid phase-detect setup. Hopefully, we cannot have to attend lengthy to seek out out.
7. Canon EOS R5c
- Chance score: 4/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
Sorry, Panasonic – the GH6 would possibly turn into an actual zinger of a digital camera, nevertheless it does not fairly match the prospect of a video-focused model of the Canon EOS R5. That is precisely what we’re anticipating from the Canon EOS R5c, which is now rumored to be launching “within the first quarter of 2022,” based on the dependable Canon Rumors (opens in new tab).
First, the excellent news: because of energetic cooling, the EOS R5c has been tipped to supply limitless 8K/30p video recording, which might be a serious enchancment on the photography-focused, and infrequently quite toasty, EOS R5. It is also been tipped to have a Digic X processor, the Canon EOS R3’s multipurpose hot-shoe (for powering equipment like XLR mics), and a full-size HDMI port.
Much less thrilling is the EOS R5c’s seemingly price ticket, which can most likely be larger than the EOS R5’s $3,899 / £4,199 / AU$6,899 asking worth, however mercifully lower than the Canon Cinema EOS C70 ($5,499), based on Canon Rumors. It is also solely anticipated to be obtainable in restricted portions after its announcement, so be ready for a Squid Sport-style battle on the checkout.
6. Alice Digicam
- Chance score: 5/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
The Alice Digicam, an Indiegogo challenge that is because of ship in April 2022, is an thrilling prospect for just a few causes. Firstly, it is a new digital camera that hasn’t been made by the standard pictures stalwarts, which may be very uncommon certainly. But it surely’s additionally bringing genuinely new concepts to the desk, because of its mixture of Micro 4 Thirds {hardware}, computational pictures and a mount to your smartphone.
The thought is straightforward: convey the slick menus, connectivity and multi-frame processing of smartphones to a mirrorless digital camera with a bigger sensor. Fairly than competing with one of the best digital camera telephones, the Alice Digicam needs to be the selection for creators who want to improve to a extra highly effective system for video and photographs. Its maker thinks conventional cameras are caught prior to now in relation to interfaces and social media uploads, and it has an excellent level.
However whereas the thought is straightforward, the massive query is whether or not a startup can pull off the extra advanced execution. Having been just lately bolstered by a contemporary spherical of funding, the makers of Alice Digicam instructed us about its AI coloration enhancement algorithms and AI autofocus, which “makes use of deep studying to grasp what to give attention to and learn how to give attention to it”. It is fascinating stuff that we’re wanting ahead to attempting out when it makes its belated bow this yr.
5. Canon EOS R1
- Chance score: 4/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
Canon has been eager to emphasize that the Canon EOS R3, its new mirrorless powerhouse, is not its ‘flagship’ digital camera, however as an alternative sits between the Canon 1D X Mark III (above) and Canon EOS R5. So which Canon digital camera will get that extremely prized flagship standing? The rumors are pointing in direction of a Canon EOS R1, which is strongly tipped to be arriving in 2022.
In line with Canon Rumors (opens in new tab), the EOS R1 will likely be a mirrorless equal of its 5D-series DSLRs – all-rounders which can be suited to just about any capturing state of affairs, from landscapes to sports activities and wildlife. To date, the one hypothesis is that it may have a fair larger decision than the 45MP EOS R5, and can seemingly shoot 8K video.
Regardless of the final specs, count on it to be Canon’s reply to the Sony A1. The one factor dampening our pleasure is the EOS R1’s potential price ticket. It is not anticipated to start transport till the final quarter of 2022, based on Canon Rumors, and can seemingly value greater than the Canon EOS R3 ($5,999 / £5,879 / AU$8,599). On the plus aspect, that provides us loads of time to promote our automotive.
4. Nikon Z30
- Chance score: 3/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
The arrival of the Nikon Z fc in June considerably dampened earlier hypothesis a few new entry-level mirrorless digital camera, which the rumor mill tentatively known as the Nikon Z30. However based on Nikon Rumors (opens in new tab), a digital camera that sits under the Nikon Z50 and Nikon Z fc continues to be en route, and we’re penciling it in for a launch in 2022.
After all, the worldwide chip scarcity may intervene, however there’s a particular hole in Nikon’s digital camera lineup for an reasonably priced, newbie digital camera. In January this yr, it surprisingly discontinued DSLRs just like the Nikon D3500, which has traditionally been a preferred selection for anybody trying to improve to their first ‘correct’ digital camera.
Proper now, the Nikon Z50 arguably fills that hole in its mirrorless lineup, nevertheless it’s over two years previous, and a video-friendly model – doubtlessly with out a viewfinder – could possibly be a preferred selection for hybrid shooters on a finances. Nikon nonetheless must flesh out its DX-format lenses for the Z-mount, however a Nikon Z30 launch could be the right alternative to just do that.
3. Sony A7R V
- Chance score: 3/5
- Pleasure score: 4/5
Baffled by the absence of Sony cameras on this listing to date? There are a few causes for this. First, it has been a stellar yr for brand spanking new Alpha launches, with the Sony A1, Sony ZV-E10 and Sony A7 IV all arriving in 2021, together with the Sony FX3 cinema digital camera. Fairly than launch a brand new Sony RX100 sequence compact digital camera, it additionally launched the Sony Xperia Professional-I smartphone.
However one other main issue is the worldwide chip scarcity, which is rumored to be pushing again Sony’s digital camera launches for 2022. The 2 cameras in its lineup which can be in want of refreshing are the high-resolution Sony A7R IV (launched in July 2019) and sports-focused Sony A9 II (which arrived in October 2019). And positive sufficient, the 2 large rumored launches for 2022 are the Sony A7R V and Sony A9 III.
Each are extremely anticipated by professional snappers, however we expect the Sony A7R V is the marginally extra thrilling prospect, given how spectacular the A7R IV’s all-rounder skills already are. There have been wild rumors about its potential specs, together with 8K/30p video powers, 20fps burst capturing and a brand new flip-out display. However we’re attempting to not get too excited, provided that Sony Alpha Rumors (opens in new tab) thinks new Sony cameras will arrive within the second half of 2022 on the earliest.
2. Fujifilm X-H2
- Chance score: 4/5
- Pleasure score: 5/5
Whereas Canon, Sony and Nikon have all targeted their consideration on full-frame mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm has been quietly refining its line of X-series cameras with smaller APS-C sensors. These supply a mix of measurement, energy and affordability that continues to be a tremendous various to full-frame powerhouses. In 2022 the vary is anticipated to maneuver into its subsequent technology with the Fujifilm X-H2.
The long-awaited successor to the Fujifilm X-H1 from 2018, the X-H2 is prone to ship a brand new, stacked APS-C sensor for a lift in burst capturing, autofocus and video powers. Stacked sensors, which have appeared in latest flagship full-frame cameras just like the Sony A1, Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9, supply sooner read-out speeds than backside-illuminated chips, which ought to theoretically make the X-H2 probably the most highly effective X-series digital camera to date.
However some confusion concerning the digital camera has arisen from latest rumors that it is prone to arrive in two variations; one with a 40MP decision and one other with a 26MP sensor. Will one in every of these variations have the present 26MP X-Trans IV sensor, or is it a brand new 26MP sensor? And does this have an effect on earlier hypothesis that the X-H2 will value lower than $2,500? It is not but clear, however we’re wanting ahead to lastly getting some readability on one of the extremely anticipated cameras of 2022.
1. Canon EOS R7
- Chance score: 3/5
- Pleasure score: 5/5
It has been enjoyable watching Canon, Sony and Nikon duke it out this yr to see who could make one of the best, money-no-object mirrorless digital camera. However not many automotive fanatics personal McLaren supercars, and the likes of the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3 are comparable propositions for photographers. In 2022, it is time to see a few of that expertise filter right down to a extra reasonably priced digital camera for the lots – and that digital camera could possibly be the Canon EOS R7.
A phrase of warning: the rumors to date do not conclusively level to the ‘EOS R7’ identify for Canon’s anticipated mid-range RF-mount digital camera. However we’re utilizing that because the probably moniker for a mannequin that’s most likely within the works for subsequent yr. As the gorgeous dependable Canon Rumors (opens in new tab) just lately claimed, “Canon is ‘undoubtedly’ releasing an APS-C RF mount digital camera in 2022.”
Earlier hypothesis about this digital camera, which dates again to December 2020, instructed that it could possibly be a child model of the Canon EOS R6, providing sports activities and wildlife shooters highly effective burst-shooting and 4K video in a light-weight digital camera. Canon actually must flesh out the APS-C lens choices for its RF-mount and the latest arrival of the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM ($299 / £319 / AU$549) suggests that’s occurring. If it is priced as aggressively as that lens, the Canon EOS R7 could possibly be one of the widespread launches of 2022.
