Some years ago, in 2012, I have identified several kinds of cameras which were not existing, whilst there is certainly needs for them. I am not saying manufacturers should design and sell them, I have no idea whereas they can make money out of them, and I understand easily they prefer to focus on other topics more valuable to their business. But as a photographer, I do know I missed them:
- Wide-angle compact (16-35 mm Eq. Full frame): still missing. Nikon almost did it but finally, the project has been cancelled.
- RAW capabilities and more than a point and shoot underwater camera: partially, yes as RAW is now frequently available. Most of the cameras are basically point and shoot but let’s say this category is now existing.
- Viewfinder on small compacts: yes, absolutely. Sony RX 100 of course. And a few more.
The idea is not to dream of some impossible compromises like a “16-500 mm f/2.8 zoom weighting less than 500 g, sharp like Hell, and not expensive at all”. But these missing cameras are certainly not impossible to design and manufacture.
And Let me add a couple more:
- Very light drones, under 250 g which can shoot RAW. Basically, drones for photographers… DJI almost did it but finally no DNG files are available on their Mavic Mini.
- Full frame compacts ruggedized. Yes, I know, a niche market but such a compact, a mirrorless or whatever camera with a “big” sensor (at least APS-C) would definitively make sense. I am not talking about weather sealed bodies; you always wonder whether you are going to destroy your camera when it rains with these ones but a real certified one capable of going underwater. Maybe not for scuba diving, this is specific needs and underwater housing exist for a reason, but more a travel body able to follow you when you swim, snorkel, and shoot under a monsoon rainy day.
With the missing wide angle compact, that’s another 3 missing cameras for 2020 ! And you, what kind of camera do you want that the market does not provide, yet ?
Featured image: Photo by Alexander Lam