2020 has been a rather ‘different’ year with the COVID 19 Pandemic and Global financial and industrial crisis but over on the Photography side of things, this year has seen some groundbreaking innovation in the imaging business and today we’re here to point out five cameras that came out this year that shook the industry and pushed imaging technology to abound further.
- Canon EOS R5
Top on the list is definitely the groundbreaking Canon EOS R5. The R5 is a masterpiece in image technology and innovation. The camera’s 45-megapixel sensor creates stunning visual imagery and the ability for the camera to shoot 8K RAW video is one that is compared to none. Yes, the camera was initially plagued with overheating issues but firmware updates over the last couple of months and DIY cooling techniques seem to have to the issue to rest and currently, the R5 sits comfortably as the must-have camera on any arsenal in 2020.
- Sony a7SIII
The Sony a7SIII was perhaps one of the most highly anticipated cameras of the decade and when Sony eventually delivered in August; the company hard. The a7SIII packs a simple 12-megapixel full-frame sensor that’s capable of delivering unlimited 4K video at 120 frames per second. The camera is video-centric and built with Cinematographers in mind but the 12-megapixel sensor still offers great image quality paired with premium E mount glass.
The a7SIII has amazing low light performance, thanks to its back-illuminated sensor, and costs around $3,450.
- Nikon Z6 II
The original Nikon Z6 was a wonder to behold with excellent low light performance and sensor performance and the new Z6 II fills all the lapses on the old camera like the absent Dual SD Card slot and video spec sheet and just ramps it to 100%. The Z6 II features the same 24.6 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with (5 axis inbuilt image stabilization) like the Z6 but with Dual SD Card Slots and an improved Expeed 6 Image processor, it means better low light performance. It currently shoots 4k/30fps but Nikon has promised a firmware update in the first quarter of 2021 that’ll take that up to 60fps. The Nikon Z6 II retails on B&H for $1,997.
- Panasonic S5 Lumix
The Panasonic S5 set the balance for the Lumix cameras with its relatively smaller body size as compared to the S1 Lumix series. The S5 has a 24-megapixel sensor that’s capable of 4k/60fps videos as well as 7 frames burst mode for images. Its built is not as small as regular mirrorless cameras but it does deliver on performance with its impressive battery life. Panasonic also promised upon its release that firmware updates would be coming to the camera in 2021 so it’s bound to get better. Currently, the S5 costs $1,998 (Body Only).
- Sony a7C
The last on our list but definitely not the least (except you’re judging based on size), Sony’s a7C is the first in an upcoming line of compact full-frame cameras that Sony is working on. The a7C features a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with 5 axis inbuilt image stabilization. The relatively small size doesn’t limit the camera’s potential though as it’s capable of 4K/30p video and photo burst of up to 10 frames per second. The camera is marketed as a vlogger’s camera or an entry level camera for photo enthusiasts or those looking to get into Sony’s mirrorless universe. It costs $1800 (Body Only).
