The Five Cameras We Hope Sony Launches In 2021
We have some pretty good guesses at what we think these newly registered Sony cameras might be.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Sony just upped the camera ante in 2021. The brand new Sony a1 looks to be a beast of a camera. Just when we thought that there couldn’t be more to come from Sony, we learn this. Apparently, Sony has five more new cameras, including two high-end offerings, coming in 2021. One of these offerings should be fairly obvious. Still, the other four remain a mystery. What could they be? Let’s talk about this after the break.
A posting over at Sony Alpha Rumors shows that five (yes, five) new cameras have just been registered in Asia by Sony. The listings themselves are rather cryptic. However, a translation will show that two cameras feature the 5GHz band. This means they are probably high-end cameras, while the other three show 2.4GHz. As noted in the article, once registered, the cameras are usually announced within 2-3 months. We have a fairly good idea of what the two high-end cameras might be. Let’s break down what we think will be coming soon.
Another a7r and a New a9
But, the Sony a7r IV only came out in late 2019, you cry! Well, don’t be surprised to see the a7r V come your way soon. Sony is no stranger to releasing new models quickly. For a while, Sony was introducing a new model in the a7 line every year. The original a7 launched in 2013, and the a7 ii followed in 2014. Sony now needs to create a gap between the a1 and the a7r IV in terms of megapixels. If Sony wants to keep their a7r (resolution) line alive, it needs to be beefed up. I would not be surprised to see an a7r V with a 70+ megapixel sensor. All new bells and whistles (new menus, new processor, articulating screen) will also be present. My guess is that it will hit with a price of $5,498, and sit directly beneath the new flagship a1.
Don’t be shocked if we see a new a9 as well. The a9 II is a great camera. It’s still one of the best I’ve used for sports and wildlife. Still, an a9 III with a stacked sensor that eliminates rolling shutter would be perfect. I wouldn’t expect much more in terms of resolution: perhaps a small bump to 32 Megapixels. This again will create a nice gap between it and the upcoming a1. The lower resolution sensor will also allow them to price it at $4,998. It makes sense, too, as this is an Olympics year.
The Most Expensive Sony A7 Yet
So, we all know that we are due a new camera in the a7 line. If we don’t see the a7 IV this year, I’ll eat my socks. Yes, the a7 IV will not be (and should not be) considered high end. It’s not. No matter how good these cameras have been for the masses. Sony has always called the a7 line their entry-level cameras. My prediction is that it will come with a BSI (non-stacked) 32 Megapixel sensor, a pretty low-resolution EVF (3.76 million dots) and low-resolution LCD. However, the screen will likely fully articulate. I predict it will pack dual UHS-II card slots, or one CFexpress A and one UHS-II slot. It will take on the new BIONZ processor and, therefore, the new autofocus system Sony now uses. I also believe this camera will be their most expensive entry-level option to date. $2,498 is my guess.
A New Curved Sensor RX Camera and the First Sony a7000
Let’s face it. The a6xxx series is a bit long in the tooth now. The design has not aged well, and the sensor needs a big upgrade. I predict we’ll see a brand new line to replace the a6xxx series. The a7xxx series will likely feature an all-new design with a better grip. In fact, better ergonomics overall should be expected. Gone will be the tired 24 Megapixel sensor. It will be replaced with a 32 Megapixel APS-C variant. IBIS will be reserved for the better spec’d a7000 series cameras. Still, we’re hoping all models will now at least be weather sealed. If the a7500 launches first, with IBIS, expect to pay roughly $1,498. An a7000 could be priced at $898 and the a7300 at roughly $1,198.
Perhaps 2021 will be the year the first mainstream curved sensor camera comes about as they are becoming easier to make. They have been talked about for a while now. The problem is that they need to be mated to one lens. So, there’s no better camera to try this with than an RX model. Give us a fixed lens camera with a fast 35mm prime. Weather seal it. Give it a blazing fast autofocus system, the new user interface, great 4k video options, and stellar battery life. You’ll have a pocket monster that will appeal to the niche these cameras go after. I wouldn’t expect it to be cheap, though. New technology comes at a cost. If it’s below $2,000, it will be a win.
So, there you have it. Our predictions for the five newly registered Sony cameras. What do you think we will see in 2021 from Sony? Let us know in the comment section below.