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The Biggest Photo & Video Product Announcements for 2024 (So Far)
We’re now past the halfway point of the year, and it has been a big year for gear releases in both the photography and videography markets. And so, we thought it was worth spending some time, looking at the latest announcements and releases, and highlighting some of the new products that we’re both excited for. So without wasting too much time, let’s look at some of the biggest releases for 2024 so far.
Canon R5 II
To start the list, we should probably start with the newest release, right? The Canon R5 II continues its flagship line of full-frame mirrorless cameras, expanding the Canon R5 to have considerably more features and upgrades. For starters, the Canon R5 II comes equipped with a 45MP stacked CMOS sensor capable of shooting at speeds of 30fps, along with IBIS rated up to 8.5EV. Additionally, the Canon R5 II has an upgraded autofocus system (in part, thanks to the stacked sensor), including its state-of-the-art eye-control autofocus, that detects eye movements to direct the focusing to where you’re looking. The camera also uses a ‘Digic Accelerator’, implementing AI tools for white balance, noise reduction, and more. Oh, and it also shoots in 8K at 60p RAW. All in all, this is a pretty significant upgrade from the Canon R5, and you can get a full review of what the camera is capable of from the write from our friends at DP Review.
Canon R1
While the talk of the town with Canon’s recent announcements was the Canon R5 II, the Canon R1 was also released, and has some wildlife and sports photographers excited. Designed as the pro body, fast shooting system (not to be confused with the pro body, fast shooting system of the Canon R3), the Canon R1 is a 24.2MP stacked full-frame sensor with 40fps of blackout-free shooting. It also has a much higher resolution viewfinder over the Canon R3, and far superior battery life – along with an assumed more robust build. That said, the Canon R1 shares a lot of the same features as the already beloved Canon R3, which has a lot of shooters curious as to where this will fit in their current lineup.
Fuji GFX 100S II
Fuji has really done an exceptional job cornering the medium format market (though most of us on the GFX platform would love to see some more lens announcements), and they continue that takeover with their latest, the Fujifilm GFX 100s II. Mark two of an already incredible camera, the GFX 100s II increases the resolution of the viewfinder compared to its predecessor, as well as does several speed updates to both the shooting speed as well as the video bit rates. We can also expect some improvements to their autofocus system, but we won’t know much more until we get a copy.
Fuji X100VI
You may have gotten your hands on the impossible-to-find Fujifilm X100VI if you’re among the luckiest. The Fujifilm X100VI features a high-resolution 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS sensor, maintaining excellent image quality by improving resolution. This is complemented by the X-Processor 5, which provides 64-bit processing and accelerates both photo and video tasks by three times compared to its predecessor. These advancements enable fast operation, wide dynamic range, and impressive photo quality even at higher ISO settings. For video, it supports internal recording up to 6.2K at 30p in 10-bit color, with options for oversampled 4K output and high frame rates like 4K 60p or FHD 240p. Additionally, the X100VI introduces in-body image stabilization, a first for the series, offering up to six stops of shake reduction through its five-axis sensor-shift IBIS system. Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the specs of this small camera is the hype surrounding it. It’ll likely be considered the most difficult-to-obtain camera of the year.
Sony a9 III
We’ve talked about the Sony a9 III a few times now, discussing its incredibly impressive global shutter – but up until recently, the camera was just announced and not available. It has finally made its way to the masses, and we’re excited to give the global shutter a real try for our video projects. Aside from the revolutionary shutter, the Sony a9 III sports a 24.6MP full-frame sensor, and 120fps shooting speeds. With that shutter, Sony has managed to extend its Flash Sync at up to 1/80,000 a second. The camera is available now in limited supplies.
Leica SL3
Among the big releases for the photography community, comes the continuation of the SL platform with Leica, with the Leica SL3. The Leica SL3 integrates a robust 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and Maestro IV image processor, delivering swift autofocus and exceptional image quality with 15 stops of dynamic range and 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization. Key enhancements include a 3.2″ 2.3m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD for versatile shooting perspectives, alongside CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II slots for flexible file storage. Weighing just 1.7 pounds, the SL3 features a hybrid autofocus system combining Phase Detection AF, Contrast Detection AF, and Object Detection AF, ensuring reliable performance across various shooting conditions. These advancements in hardware and design propel the SL3 ahead of its predecessors, supported by a wide ISO range. The Leica SL3 is now available for $7,000.
Profoto Pro-D3
Profoto has been the industry leader in lighting gear for photographers for decades now, and they’re continuing their legacy with the Pro-D3 strobe. In the past, the Profoto lineup has been segmented into two systems. One side, the monolight, offers lower power options in a single-unit design. The other side has been Pro-Pack; where you get much higher power outputs, but in a system that has both the power pack and the head. The new Profoto Pro-D3 system gives you an easy-to-use monolight design while offering either 750Ws systems or 1250Ws lights. These new lights bridge the gap between Pro Packs and monolights – giving you a whole lot of power in a single-unit design.
DJI Avata 2
Over the past year, the DJI Avata has reigned as the ultimate drone choice, and DJI has now raised the bar with the DJI Avata 2, delivering even more dynamic drone capabilities. Enhancing upon its predecessor, the Avata 2 extends its flight time to 23 minutes and boosts its O4 Video transmission range to 13km with speeds up to 60Mbps. It introduces backward visual positioning for improved flight accuracy and safety enhancements. Additionally, the Avata 2 introduces “Easy ACRO,” enabling seamless flips, rolls, and 180° drifts at the touch of a button. Priced at $999, the DJI Avata 2 is now available for enthusiasts eager to elevate their aerial experiences.
Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K
We spoke about the URSA 12K a few months ago when it was unveiled at NAB, but it’s worth talking about again. The new Blackmagic URSA 12K claims to be the ‘World’s Most Advanced Digital Film Camera’, and a glance at its specs might validate that assertion. Boasting a cutting-edge full-frame sensor with an impressive 16 stops of dynamic range, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K offers versatility with interchangeable lens mounts including PL, LPL, and Locking EF. It captures stunning 12K resolution footage at up to 120fps (with 224fps available in 8K & 4K), complemented by 8TB of removable storage and built-in color-balanced ND filters. Incorporating an optical low pass filter and Blackmagic’s Generator 5 color science, this camera promises much more beneath its surface. Available now, priced at $14,995.
Insta360 X4
Insta360 has quietly dominated the action camera market in recent years, renowned for its innovative cameras often featuring 360-degree functionality. Their latest model, the Insta360 X4, continues this trend with impressive capabilities packed into a compact form. Boasting 8K30 resolution, the X4 offers 67% longer battery life compared to its predecessor, along with active HDR and waterproofing up to 33ft depth. Beyond traditional action cam use, it supports 4K resolution with up to 100 fps in 360 mode and captures stunning 72MP photos. Priced at $499, the Insta360 X4 is now available, promising versatile performance for enthusiasts across various applications.
DJI RS 4 Pro
Last but not least on the list is the latest from DJI with their RS 4 Pro gimbal system. A nice upgrade from the DJI RS 4, the Pro model is designed for the larger camera system, like the RED Komodo or BMPCC 6K Pro. With a 10lb payload, this new model gives you far more flexibility with your camera system while maintaining its lightweight and easy-to-use design. The DJI RS 4 Pro is available now for both renting and purchasing.
