The Latest Imaging Tech Roundup

Imaging technology has a huge place at CES. Cameras are finding their way into all sorts of devices, from TVs, to smart speakers, to cars, and anything else you can imagine. Here at B&H, we want to focus on the true cameras at the show, because these are the tools photographers and filmmakers use.

Canon Releases EOS-1D X Mark III and Shows Some Concepts

Every four years, Canon reliably puts out a brand-new flagship. There was a lot of speculation this year about what form this would take, but it is still a familiar DSLR with a few new innovations. The EOS-1D X Mark III is a worthy flagship with a new 20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor, DIGIC X processor, and some outstanding speed. It’ll shoot up to 20 fps in live view and has a revamped AF system. Also, it is a stellar video camera, with up to 5.5K raw recording at up to 60 fps. This is a surprising spec for a DSLR and puts it on par with some Cinema EOS offerings. There’s plenty more to read about this camera in our announcement.

In Canon’s booth at CES, you will find a small area with four cameras that you haven’t seen yet. This is the “concept” area where Canon is showing a few ideas the company is working on, but aren’t quite ready for release. They are all consumer focused and have quite interesting uses. First up is the Intelligent Compact Camera. I like to call it a combination of a PTZ security camera and a webcam—it is well suited to both purposes. The Multi-Functional Telephoto Camera is a pocketable camera that has the equivalent zoom range of a 100-400mm or 800mm lens on a DSLR. It’s quite awesome. Another camera is in direct competition with smartphones: the Three-Style Camera. It has three configurations for shooting to give you great quality Super Macro, Super Telephoto, and Super Wide. Finally, there is the Multi-Style Wearable Camera. This is a cool tool which has the form factor of a smartwatch. You can wear it as such or change the strap to hang it or wear it as you please. There are two configurations being developed, one dual-lens option with OLED screen and a 180-degree camera. Read more about them here.

Nikon Goes Big with Multiple Releases

Two DSLRs announced within a day of each other? It happened. Nikon released the D780, an important mid-range option in its lineup. The D780 has a 24.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor and all the latest tech from Nikon, including UHD 4K video at 30 fps with N-Log or HLG. It appears to be a DSLR companion to the Z6.

Two major telephoto zooms were released, too: an AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. Both are fairly self-explanatory, and both look really appealing. And there was another big zoom released: the COOLPIX P950. It is a smaller and cheaper P1000 point-and-shoot with a 24-2000mm equivalent f/2.8-6.5 lens, a big zoom that is lightweight and easy to use. Plenty more details can be found in our announcement.

Insta360 Creates a Modular Action System

For those looking to have some fun with their camera, Insta360 has developed the ONR R Modular Action Cam System. This is a cool little system that you can build as you need it for the day. The Core is your standard action cam, and has a solid feature set to make it competitive in today’s industry. The cool things are the mods for changing it up. A 1" Wide-Angle Mod is available that can do 5.3K video and with improved image quality, a 4K mode for standard imaging, and a 360 Mod that adds some modules for converting it into a 360 camera. There were some more options on display that showed the potential of the system, including a drone mount. For more information, please read our launch article.

Kandao Creates Pocket-Friendly 8K 360 Camera

The QooCam, from Kandao, was a surprise for us. It’s a compact 360 camera that can record up to 8K30 resolution or 4K120. Extra resolution is huge for making 360 content, because generally, we are cropping in to a single area and only examining a single part at any one time. This means that any extra resolution will give us a clearer picture. It is also small and can easily fit in a pocket. If you want a user-friendly 360 option, this is a good place to look. Read more about it in our announcement.

Panasonic Produces Trio of 4K Camcorders

Need a run-and-gun camera worthy of broadcast? Panasonic’s latest camcorders may just do the trick. There are three releases, the HC-X2000, HC-X1500, and AG-CX10, and all are similar. They have a 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens (24x optical zoom), shoot in 4K up to 60p, and have ND filters. So what differentiates them? The AG-CX10 has networking options, with a built-in Ethernet pot, NDI | HX connectivity, and ROP tablet-based control. Both the AG-CX10 and HC-X2000 then have 3G-SDI (BNC) output and come with the VW-HU1 Handle with XLR inputs. The HC-X1500 is simply the most streamlined of the bunch for easy use. Check them all out here.

Autel Surprises with EVO II Drone

Drones are developing rapidly, and Autel is looking to sit right at the top of the industry with the EVO II Series. This is a class-leading drone by the numbers, boasting a 40-minute flight time, 45 mph top speed, and the ability to fly in heavy wind. Oh yeah—it also has swappable camera modules. All the cameras are cool too, with the standard EVO 2 using a 1/2" sensor that can record up to 8K video or 48MP stills. The Pro version sports a large 1" sensor with an adjustable aperture and 6K video. And, there is a Dual option that features the 8K camera and a FLIR thermal camera for unique applications. Read more about them here and stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

PowerVision’s PowerEgg X Is a Significant Upgrade

The PowerEgg was a unique drone. Cool and with respectable specs, though I’m not sure it quite took off with the public. PowerVision is back with a significant change in the PowerEgg X and I think everything is for the better. Don’t worry—it still looks like an egg. Now it has a 1/2.8" CMOS sensor that can record 4K60 video and capture 12MP still. Deep learning tech is built in for facial recognition and hand-gesture control. That is cool and all, but my favorite thing is the Wizard’s included waterproof housing that lets it fly in the rain or through light waterfalls. Another thoughtful feature is that the arms can be popped off and then the drone becomes a handheld camcorder. You can eliminate one piece of extra gear from your bag now. Read more in our reveal article.