2008 PMA: The Top 5 Camera Predictions and Rumors We Hope Come True

It’s now only 2 weeks away from this years highly anticipated 2008 PMA show, and for DSLR enthusiasts there’s plenty of predictions, rumors, and hopes yet unrealized for whatever their camera fantasy may currently be. To further add fuel to that fire we’ve conveniently created a list of 5 of our favorite predictions for DSLR cameras to be announced at PMA. We’ll remind you that these are based on rumor only, only one of these theoretical cameras has an official announcement date (Pentax K20D), others are considered highly likely based on product cycles, and the rest seem somewhat plausible based on known leaks from industry insiders. Also, there are countless rumors on any number of camera bodies, and often there are multiple rumors on a specific predicted camera body, what follows are simply my personal favorites.

#1 Canon EOS 5D Mark II (aka Canon 6D, Canon 7D)

Of all the cameras rumored to be announced at this year’s PMA, The potential replacement for Canon’s full frame, “semi-pro” camera, the 5D is the one I’m most looking forward to. One reason I’m so excited about it is based on my expectations of how Canon will respond to Nikon’s D300, and the other is simply the potential to purchase a big chunk of Canon’s EOS 1Ds Mark III technology at a huge discount. We know the 5D replacement is coming, Canon is pretty good about sticking to 18 month product cycles, and that would mean the 5D is due for an overhaul, but hints from inside Canon would also indicate that a much improved, and relatively affordable 5D replacement is coming. Here’s what we’re hoping for:

14 megapixels, FF (looking at the upgrade in the 40D, this seems reasonable)
3″ LCD with live view and higher resolution than the 40D, but probably not of the flip out variety seen in cameras like the Olympus E-3
14bit RAW files (again, using the 40D as guidance)
Focusing System from the 1DS Mark III (45 TTL)
Shoots 7 FPS
Self cleaning sensor
HDMI out
ISO 3200
Upgrade in weather proofing, build quality
Priced at 5D initial recommended

#2 Nikon D90 (aka Nikon D80x)

The Nikon D80 is another camera body, that simply using Nikon’s product cycle calendar, that is due for an upgrade. With the introduction of the D80 Nikon was able to show that consumers would be willing to pay more for a camera that offered more features. That strategy has worked very well for Nikon, and we think they’ll try to further their gains by offering a serious upgrade to the D80, hopefully at this year’s PMA. Here’s what we think you’ll find in the D80 replacement:

12 megapixels
3″ high resolution LCD with live view (factors out the 40D’s lower res LCD)
14bit RAW
ISO 3200
Self Cleaning Sensor (a definite)
5 FPS
Much improved focusing system, something along the lines of 21 points.
Camera build Improvements, light weather proofing Priced higher than the D80’s initial entry and “kitted” with a VR lens.

#3 Sony A900

Last year at PMA , Sony said we’d be seeing a Sony “pro” body named the A900 sometime this year. With insiders at Sony saying 2008 could be a make or break year for Sony’s DSLR division, and the early entrance of the A200, we think we’ll be seeing the A900 sooner, rather than later. With absolutely no lineage to go off of, every guess at this point is pure speculation. We do think though, that the A900 will compete at a level closer to the Canon 5D replacement level than say a 1Ds Mark III level, and base on that we’d guess:

Full Frame
14 megapixel
14bit RAW files
3″ LCD high resolution flip out display with live view
ISO 6400 with boost
Double dust sensor cleaning (CCD-shift dust reduction mechanism, anti-static)
9 FPS
45 point focus system
“Pro” level super-steady shot
Pro level build quality, and heavy weather proofing.
Est. $3000
Introduction of 500mm f/2.8 lens

#4 Pentax K20D

The successor to the K10D, the Pentax K20D is one of the few camera that we know will almost certainly be announced for PMA. Last week Pentax invited various reporters to Dubai to showcase the latest in Pentax technology. While we have a hint as to what might be coming thanks to Samsung’s GX-20 leaked on the internet last week, we won’t know for sure until NDA’s on reporters (non-disclosure agreements) expire on January 24. Until then, here’s what we’re hoping for:

14.6 megapixels CMOS sensor (no full frame)
14bit RAW
2.7 inch LCD display with live view/ viewfinder live view
6400 ISO with boost
Advanced shake reduction
New and improved AF system
The ability to shoot 720p HD video
“Pro” type build quality
Est. $1300
Announcement of upcoming full frame “pro” type body.

#5 Nikon D60

The predicted successor to the very popular D40, the Nikon D60 will have to have the features and price point to compete with increasing competion which now includes Sony’s A200, which will clock in at $700 with a kit lens. Here’s how we think they’ll do it:
10 megapixels (no need to bump this up)
2.7 LCD with live view
Works with all Nikon lenses (built in focus drive motor)
Comes with kit lens, Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
small bump to 4fps
Increase usability (add ISO, WB buttons, RAW + JPEG fine mode, etc)
Est: $800