What does the future hold at Photokina 2012?

Held every two years in Cologne, Photokina is the world's largest photographic trade show, and often the first place where new cameras, lenses and accessories first surface following their announcement. 

Each show is preceded by months of rumours and expectations as to what may be released, with many photo enthusiasts analysing manufacturers' product lines to find any gaps to be filled and ageing products to be replaced.

Over the following few pages we take a look at what may be coming from each major player, be it new DSLRs, Compact System Cameras or lenses. So, just what do we expect to see arriving shortly? 

Canon

One of the interesting rumours to unfold of late is talk of Canon announcing an ‘entry level' full frame DSLR. Having already refreshed the professional and enthusiast areas of its DSLR range with the EOS 1D X and 5D Mark III, there's growing speculation as to whether an affordable full-frame model could complete Canon's high-end EOS lineup.

Likely to sit beneath the 5D Mark III and predicted to fetch in the region of £1,899 (body only), there's no indication as to what the model number could be. Would Canon identify it as a 5D X or give it a completely new model number such as the EOS 3D? There have been a few rumours suggesting it could adopt the same 22.3MP sensor from the 5D Mark III and feature a more conservative 19-point AF system, with a wide ISO range of 100-51,200. To create an ‘affordable' full frame DSLR there would likely be some compromises, however. In terms of build quality it would possibly feature more plastic than metal, without weather sealing. A 4fps burst rate has been suggested and elsewhere it could feature a 3in touchscreen much like the one on the recent EOS 650D.

The other Canon DSLR that hasn't been renewed for a long time (36 months, to be exact) is the EOS 7D. There's a chance the 7D Mark II could be the camera that benefits from a full-frame sensor and it would naturally become the more affordable solution for those who can't justify £2,999 for the 5D Mark III.

Other rumours suggest that a replacement to the EF 50mm f/1.4 may also be on the horizon. This is likely to come in the form of a 50mm f/1.4 II, though there has been talk that a EF 50mm f/1.8 IS could be produced too. With no truth behind any of these rumours they shouldn't be considered too seriously, however it's going to be fascinating to find out which manufacturer produces an affordable full frame DSLR first. There are indications that Nikon may also be developing an ‘affordable' full frame DSLR.