Photokina 2014 takes place from September 16th to the 21st, when it will bring together the biggest names in photographic equipment to Cologne, Germany for a celebration of all things clicky and snappy.
It's especially noteworthy because, despite being the world's biggest photography equipment show, it only takes place every other year. This makes Photokina just that little bit more special than other, more frequent tech shows.
Here's what to expect from the biggest names in photography at Photokina 2014.
Canon
Canon has promised "its most interactive environment ever" at this year's show, which will be "dedicated to the journey of capturing a moment or memory."
This will involve shooting challenges that should push attendees well beyond the usual pick-up-and-play means of testing.
In product terms, rumour has it that Canon will be showing off an EOS M camera with a built-in electronic view finder - perhaps known as the Canon EOS 7D Mk II. Indeed, Canon’s digital imaging chief Masaya Maeda has hinted at such a device in the recent past.
Sony
We know that Sony is going to be showing off the Sony A5100 at Photokina 2014. This is a mid-range CSC that the company is calling "the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera" with this size of sensor (APS-C).
Far more exciting, though, are the rumours of a new fixed-lens full-frame camera to follow on from the Sony RX1. Yes, we could well see the RX2, perhaps just the RX1s. Even more exciting, though but by no means a certainty, is the suggestion that it could sport a curved sensor.
We'll talk about the benefits of a curved sensor a little later - suffice to say it could be a very big deal indeed for photography.
Also expect Sony to continue its experiments into smartphone lens add-ons with another addition to the QX family.
Nikon
Nikon is setting out to "educate and inspire" at this year's Photokina, with a range of talks from professional photographers and an interactive lightbox where "visitors can experience the excitement of creative photography beamed to the giant screen."
It's been rumoured for a while now on the dedicated Nikon fan sites that Nikon would be releasing a full-frame action camera positioned somewhere between the between the Nikon D610 and D810.
In recent days, that rumour appears to have crystallised into the Nikon D750. We're expecting this light-bodied DSLR to sport a 24-megapixel sensor and 51 auto focus points, as well as the ability to shoot at 8fps.
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Olympus
The big rumour surrounding Olympus at Photokina is the possible launch of a new OM-D camera with a full frame image sensor. This isn't something the Japanese manufacturer has dabbled with in recent times, so it would be an interesting turn of events if true.
Not only will Sony supply the full frame sensor, but the camera will support Sony's E-mount lens system. Sony, of course, holds a majority stake in Olympus.
We also know that the recently announced Olympus E-PL7 will be on display at the show. It's a compact Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera with an unusual flippable touchscreen display for selfie-shooting purposes.
Panasonic
Expect to see Panasonic rolling up to Photokina 2014 with a successor to the Panasonic GM1 in tow. The Panasonic GM2 will apparently be a compact camera with 4K video recording support and a built-in EVF, as well as a hot-shoe.
There's also been talk of a new compact fixed-lens Micro Four Thirds camera from the company, possibly called the LX1000. It could well be capable of 4K video recording, too.
There seems to be some disagreement on how solid these rumours are, and some are questioning whether it will be ready for Photokina. Here's hoping.
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Fujifilm
Fujifilm celebrated its 80th birthday earlier this year, and you can expect the company to be in triumphant mood at Photokina 2014.
The company has confirmed that it will be unveiling its latest line-up of X-series cameras at the show. Once again, the company assures us that "the emphasis will be on the high resolution of the APS-C sensor."
However, as revealed recently, the new range will also include the Fujifilm X30 - the follow-up to last year's X20. This compact camera will feature the same 2/3-inch sensor and EXR Processor II image processing engine as its predecessor, but will switch from an optical viewfinder to an EVF.
We're also expecting to see the Fujifilm X100T at Photokina following a spec leak. Those suggest that this follow-up to the X100s will also implement an EVF, as well as a new 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS image sensor, a tilting display, and a wider area for the Phase Detection autofocus system.
Hybrid viewfinder fans should look out for possible Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X200 announcements.
Samsung
Samsung is still fighting for credibility in the camera market, and it could take a considerable step forward in that regard if rumours of the Samsung NX1 prove true at Photokina.
This compact system camera is said to include a totally new APS-C image sensor and engine, bringing about a considerable step forward in image quality, as well as super-fast AF. Again, 4K video is rumoured.
If it can give the Sony A6000 a bloody nose, then things will really hot up for the world's biggest tech firm.
General Themes
If there's going to be one hot theme for the new cameras launched at Photokina 2014, we're expecting it to be 4K video. A number of the major players will be introducing cameras with the ability to shoot UHD video, and it won't just be the really expensive devices that can do so. 4K is going mainstream.
While it might be too much to call it a theme, you can expect there to be plenty of buzz surrounding curved image sensors at Photokina. It's long been expected that this will be the next big step in compact camera technology, with Sony having produced a prototype 2/3 sensor already (pictured, courtesy of Image Sensors World).
Might we see the first complete camera with a curved sensor at Photokina 2014? Some reckon so, and that it'll come in the form of the Sony RX2 or RX1s.
Curved images sensors will improve detail levels at an image's corners, and will greatly simplify and lighten lens design. Put simply, they'll enable better images from smaller cameras.
Are they ready for mass production yet? Possibly not, but we'll know either way by the end of Photokina 2014.
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