Nikon: “100 megapixel Full Frame cameras are possible”

Focus Numerique interviewed Nikon at the Cp+ show. Here are some key info google translated from the original french text:

On the lack of innovation
we are not the first to launch a new technology. What is important to us is that our technologies are reliable and bring real added value to our users. For example, technologies such as Nano Crystal processing, PF lenses and optical stabilization are developed through our discussions with users.

On sensor stabilization
Nikon currently only uses optical stabilization. One of the problems of sensor stabilization, the sensor may no longer be exactly on the image plane of the camera and the image can lose precision. As we explained, we are not deploying new technology without being certain of its reliability and usefulness. Please wait, because we are developing this technology that will be used in the years to come.

100 Megapixel on Full Frame sensor and diffraction issue:
It will be possible! Diffraction is governed by physical laws and this phenomenon can not be eliminated only with optical technologies. We consider that on this point, a numerical correction is effective. What is very important for Nikon is that the use of digital corrections is not governed by technical constraints on a goal, but only to mitigate phenomena that we can not optically avoid.

About a possible Full Frame mirrorless:
Nikon launched the F mount 60 years ago. We have already sold 100 million goals. We have massive users who are already using our F mount lenses. Think of them. Nikon lens enthusiasts are very precious to us. In any case, it is difficult to answer your question clearly.”

My comments on this:
1) In this interview Nikon manages to sell their weakness as a strong point :)
2) Nikon is still hiding their cards on their mirrorless strategy.

Sigma CEO gives rare insight on future tech: Plastic Glass, Curved sensors and more…

The French website Mizuwari (google translation here) interviewed Sigma CEO MR. Kazuto Yamaki. There are a lot of news inside their article and I am only sharing four of them here:

Glass versus Plastic Glass:Plastic glasses suffer from a major problem: they dilate strongly when it is hot and shrink just as much when it is cold. These variations are detrimental to optical performance.

Curved sensors:The curved sensors would be an interesting solution for smartphones but too restrictive for a conventional camera, fixed or non-fixed.

Foveon sensors:We are not against supplying Foveon sensors to other manufacturers, but it is not so simple. Beyond the hardware, it is also necessary to take into account the dedicated processor, the way to exploit it, the very particular algorithms that make it possible to take advantage of the triple layer architecture.
I am completely for a Leica M with Foveon sensor! And if we made bigger sensors, I’d love to see Hasselblad Foveon sensors.”

Medium Format:we can not afford to embark on such an adventure.

One more thing: The new Sigma FE lenses are now on preorder here:
All lenses listed on one page at BHphoto (Click here). In detail:
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 for $1,599 at BHphoto and Adorama.
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 for $899 at BHphoto and Adorama.
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 for $849 at BHphoto and Adorama.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for $899 at BHphoto and Adorama.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for $949 at BHphoto and Adorama.
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 for $1,199 at BHphoto.
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 for $1,399 at BHphoto.

Olympus says they will not make a video oriented camera. Sigma says they will make E-mount natively designed lenses.

The big disappointment was big when Sigma announced their first FF E-mount lenses. But Sony folks will find new hope in today’s french magazine Focus Numerique article. They interviewed Sigma CEO Mr. Kazuto Yamaki and he said:

We will develop native optics for Sony FE if they are different from what we can already offer in our “reflex” range.

At last some common sense :)

The same french magazine also interviewed Olympus CEO Terada where he confirms there will be no professional video oriented MFT camera from Olympus.

 

What’s up next? Sony, Canon, Panasonic announcements at NAB show in April

The next wave of product announcements is coming in one month at the NAB show. There are no reliable rumors yet but this is what we can hope to get:

Sony:
The easy guess is that Sony will announce the new Sony A7sIII. This is really long due for an announcement. The Panasonic GH5s and Fuji X-H1 might not be Full Frame cameras but it’s time to get an upgraded Sony competitor.

Panasonic:
Don’t think they will announce anything MFT related. Although some folks still hope there will be a new AGF100 styled MFT camcorder.

Canon:
Canon will announce a new EOS Cinema camera.

It’s unlikely Fuji-Nikon-Olympus will announce anything at NAB.