Every year, camera manufacturers, businesses, and video professionals alike come together for a few days of product launches, keynote sessions, and networking events at a little event called NAB. At NAB you can get your hands on never-before-seen cameras and test out the gear of the future. In short, NAB is a paradise for gear-lovers, and this year’s conference looks like it won’t disappoint. In preparation for this epic event we’ve put together a list of amazing cameras that are rumored to be debuting at NAB 2016.
Note: These are research-driven camera rumors. These are not official announcements from camera manufacturers.
1. Sony A9
- Notable Features: Unlimited RAW Recording
- Rumored Price: $3,000
Over the last few years Sony has released a number of cameras that have dramatically changed the indie-filmmaking and photography industry. Notable examples include the low-light Sony A7S and the all-purpose A7RII. However, while the photography capabilities of the Sony A7 series have been decent, they have not compared to cameras like the Canon 5D Mark III. However, sources have confirmed that a new line of Sony cameras will be introduced at NAB 2016. The first camera, appropriately named the Sony A9, is rumored to have unlimited burst RAW shooting and take dual XQD cards instead of SD, CF, or CFast cards. This camera is targeted at the photography industry, but it’s safe to say that a camera of this caliber will have advanced video features as well.
2. Canon C500 Mark II
- Notable Features: 8K Recording, Shoulder-Style Design
- Rumored Price: $20,000
Last year, Canon users were happy to see an update to the popular C300 line of cameras. However, the limited 4K recording capabilities of the C300 make it a mediocre option for filmmakers with aspirations of theater distribution. This year, rumors of a C500 update are beginning to stream in. The new camera is rumored to have resolution recording capabilities up to 8K, which will make motion tracking and cropping easier than ever. The body of the C500 Mark II is also rumored to have undergone a major overhaul to a ‘shoulder-rig’ design. In this regard the C500 Mark II will function in a way similar to the Blackmagic URSA or URSA Mini.
3. Panasonic GH5
- Notable Features: 8K Video, 4K at 60fps, 33MP photos, pre-installed V-log
- Rumored Price: $1,899
When the GH4 was released just two years ago it quickly became one of the most beloved mirrorless cameras on the market. Despite being a fantastic choice for filmmakers and video professionals, the photography capabilities on the GH4 have proved inadequate for professional portrait photography.
Panasonic is looking to address these issues with the Panasonic GH5. The camera is reported to have upwards of 33MP photos, 8K video, 4K video at 60fps, and HD video up to 120fps, and it will likely come equipped with V-log pre-installed to make color grading easier than ever. If these rumors turn out to be true, this camera will have better resolution options than many Hollyw00d-level film cameras.
4. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / 5D X
- Notable Features: 4K Video, 409,000 Native ISO, 32MP images, Wifi, GPS, and 2 CF/SD Card Slots
- Rumored Price: $3,500
It’s been four years since Canon released an update to their 5D line of cameras; needless to say, creative professionals are getting impatient. Since the 5D Mark III was released both Sony, Panasonic, and Blackmagic have completely changed the way consumers approach indie-level gear. While the 5D Mark III continues to be the most popular camera among professional photographers, it’s dominance is slipping and this is the year to correct course.
The new camera in the 5D camera line is rumored to offer 32MP images, 4K video, CF and SD card slots and, perhaps most exciting of all, native ISO recording of up to 409,000. This new camera will improve upon the photography capabilities of the 5D Mark III, introducing low-light features comparable to that of the a7S, and 4K video like that of the Panasonic GH4. In all likelihood this camera will become industry-standard for all-purpose creative professionals. There are even rumors of WiFi and GPS capabilities, which would make meta-tagging and monitoring much easier.
5. Sony 8K Cine Alta
- Notable Features: 8K 60fps Footage, 4K 120fps footage, 16-bit video
- Rumored Price: $65,000
While most of the announcements on this list have been for indie-level artists, this camera rumor is for film pros only. It is reported that Sony will be releasing an 8K Cine camera specifically designed to replace the industry-standard Sony F65. The camera will likely feature internal 8K recording up to 60fps and 4K recording up to 120 fps. If true, this would make the Sony 8K Cine Alta more powerful than any camera currently produced by RED or ARRI in terms of resolution.
The camera is also rumored to have 16-bit video recording, making it a dream for colorists. The camera will take the Sony FZ Mount which is reserved for Hollywood-level lenses only.
6. Canon T7i/770D
- Notable Features: 60fps HD Footage, 19 Point Autofocus, WiFi
- Rumored Price: $800
If you’re a creative professional, you probably get asked for camera advice often. Anyone looking for an all-purpose camera for video and photography will find the Canon T6i a great option, but rumor has it that a new t7i will be joining this incredibly popular line of cameras. While the rumors up to this point have not been earth shattering, it will be a welcomed upgrade. Features like 60fps HD footage, 19 point autofocus, and Wifi capabilities make the t7i a handy new tool for anyone looking to buy a great entry-level camera.
7. Blackmagic Pocket Camera II
- Notable Features: 4K Raw, HD ProRes 60fps, and 13+ stops of dynamic range.
- Rumored Price: $1,599
When the BMPCC came out just a few years ago it was a real game changer. Users could get cinematic quality footage with a camera that fit into their pocket. However, the camera had a few quirks that made it almost unusable, including an impossibly-high 2.88x crop factor. It is rumored that Blackmagic is looking to right this by introducing the Blackmagic Pocket Camera II. It’s rumored to have 4K RAW recording capabilities and HD ProRes recording up to 60fps. This also includes the Pocket Cameras 13+ stops of dynamic range.
Are you going to be at NAB 2016? Visit us at our booth (C1330 in Central Hall) and enter for a chance to win a DJI Phantom 4 along with other awesome gear. We will be hosting an assortment of industry-related talks featuring artists and experts from around the world. For more information on the schedule, check out our accompanying blog post.
Want to read more about cameras rumored for release this year? Check out this awesome camera rumors post over at PremiumBeat.
Top image by Nomad_Soul