The best camera and lens news and rumors of August 2014

Another month has come to an end and a new one has started. August 2014 is history now, which means that it is time to recap the most important news and rumors that happened during the past 31 days.

The summer does not usually provide many official product launches, especially when Photokina 2014 is scheduled to begin in mid-September. However, Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus, and other companies have introduced some products.

Fujifilm X30 is finally official. It packs an improved design, while the specs list includes a 12-megapixel 2/3″-type sensor and 28-112mm lens (35mm equivalent).

Fujifilm launched the X30 in August, will introduce new cameras at Photokina 2014

One of the most rumored cameras of the year has been Fujifilm X30. Thankfully, the speculation being ended recently, as the compact camera has become official with new features when compared to its predecessor, such as a built-in electronic viewfinder, 3-inch tilting screen, and a quick autofocus system.

The Japan-based company is expected to announce more products at the world’s largest digital imaging event. Inside sources are reporting that the X100T will replace the X100s, while the X-Pro2 will take X-Pro1’s place at Photokina 2014.

Sony A5100 comes packed with a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and 179-point AF technology.

Sony A5100 unveiled last month, while lots of new goodies will be revealed this September

Sony has unveiled a mirrorless camera this August. It is called A5100 and it appears that it is a replacement for both the NEX-5T and the A5000. Either way, the MILC features the same image sensor and autofocus technology as its bigger brother, the A6000.

The Japanese maker has added a compact camera shaped like a perfume bottle to its portfolio. It goes by the name of KW1 (or KW11, as reported by some sources), but it does not seem like its availability will expand to more markets other than those in Asia.

As for Photokina 2104, the manufacturer will launch a new QX30 lens-style camera as well as new cameras and lenses.

Olympus E-PL7 is a selfie camera. Its touchscreen can be tilted downwards by 180-degrees and the camera will automatically enter “selfie mode” when this happens.

Olympus E-PL7 announced, but expect many more cameras at the Photokina event

Olympus has officially unveiled the PEN Lite E-PL7 camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and a “black” version of its 12mm f/2 lens towards the end of last month. This device is packing most of the features found in the Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera, including WiFi.

The biggest digital imaging trade fair will bring a “silver” version of the OM-D E-M1 camera, a replacement for the OM-D E-M5, and some new lenses.

On the other hand, the Micro Four Thirds world will be expanded by Panasonic, too. The company will bring the GM5 (or GM2) in Germany along with the LX100 (or LX1000) compact camera with an MFT sensor.

This is the Samyang 50mm T1.5 lens. It has been designed for multiple camera systems and it will provide a very high image quality.

One Samyang lens introduced in August, more optics coming in September

Samyang has jumped on the bandwagon containing official announcements in August 2014. The manufacturer has launched the sought-after 50mm T1.5 AS UMC lens for multiple camera systems, while putting the Rokinon 7.5mm f/8 RMC lens for Nikon 1-series cameras up for pre-order.

Although it has not named anything else, the company has confirmed that new lenses will be present at this year’s Photokina event.

Pentax K-S1 employs an innovative LED illumination system. When the DSLR detects faces, it will indicate the amount by lighting up the LEDs on its grip.

Ricoh has made the most announcements during the past month

Ricoh has been the most active company this August, as it has unveiled three new products. The Q-S1 is a mirrorless camera with a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7-inch-type sensor, while the K-S1 is a DSLR with a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and an interesting LED illumination system.

Finally, the Pentax HD-DA 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR lens has been introduced for medium format cameras. As expected, Ricoh will introduce more products at Photokina 2014.

Other camera and lens news and rumors related to Photokina 2014

There are plenty of Photokina 2014 rumors circling around. Canon, Nikon, and Zeiss among others will make lots of announcements ahead of or during this event.

Canon will announce the EOS 7D Mark II DSLR and lots of new lenses, including an EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM.

Nikon is expected to introduce the D750, a DSLR with a 24-megapixel full frame sensor, WiFi, tilting screen, and a continuous shooting mode of up to 8fps.

Zeiss will join the Photokina event with a new lens series, called Loxia. The line-up will include the 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/2 lenses, which will be aimed at Sony E-mount full frame cameras.

Sigma will not miss the biggest photography and videography event in the world. One of the lenses most likely to be unveiled at Photokina is the 14-24mm f/4 DG OS Art.

For a complete list of things to expect at the trade fair, which opens its doors on September 16, check out our Photokina 2014 rumors and predictions round-up.