The CP+ 2022 camera show has now opened its virtual doors and kicked off its celebration of all things photographic – including some previews of new camera and lens tech.
Following Photokina's seemingly permanent hiatus, the CP+ 2022 show (which runs from February 22-27) has emerged as one of the biggest dates in the calendar of photography fans. And while the Tokyo-based show sadly had to cancel its in-person event, the show is very much going ahead online.
We've recently seen a flurry of announcements from the likes of Sigma, OM System and Panasonic in the run-up to CP+ 2022, and that's no coincidence – camera and lens manufacturers often treat the show as a launchpad for newly announced tech.
So while the likes of the OM System OM-1 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 were announced on the eve of the show, CP+ 2022 could also see some further reveals, particularly in the lens department. The likes of Tamron, Laowa and Voigtlander, for example, have all been tipped to make announcements.
We've rounded up all of the latest CP+ 2022 news below, along with our thoughts on what might be to come. If you want to tune in to watch any of the show's videos or streams, you can register now for free to get access.
Cut to the chase
- What is CP+? One of the biggest camera trade shows of the year
- When is it? It takes place online between February 22-27 (physical event has now been canceled)
What's been announced at CP+ 2022?
Like previous years, we've seen some big announcements on the eve of CP+ 2022. Over the past few days, Sigma has revealed its first lenses for Fujifilm X-series cameras, while Panasonic has finally launched the Panasonic Lumix GH6. Just last week we also saw the OM System OM-1, another Micro Four Thirds camera with some big new features including a 'stacked' sensor.
While it's unlikely that we'll see any more camera announcements as big as those, it's possible that some new lenses and accessories will emerge over the course of CP+ 2022. Here's a recap of what's been announced and what could be coming soon.
OM System OM-1
The OM System OM-1, which was announced on February 15, will be the last new camera to ever bear the Olympus name. While that's a bit sad, the camera is anything but – and with a big OM System presence at CP+ 2022, we can expect to hear a lot more about it at the show.
The OM-1 takes Micro Four Thirds performance up a few notches, thanks to its 'stacked' sensor. This gives it the read-out speeds needed for it to hit 50fps blackout-free burst shooting with continuous autofocus, and serve up some tasty computational photography treats.
- Read more about the OM System 'Olympus' OM-1
Panasonic Lumix GH6
Announced right on the eve of CP+ 2022, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is one of the biggest camera announcements of the year for video shooters. Packing a huge menu of shooting modes, including the ability to shoot both 5.7K/60p and 4K/60p video with 10-bit color depth, it promises to be a serious workhorse for videographers and filmmakers.
The inclusion of fan cooling and a CFexpress card slot takes it up a notch from its GH series predecessors, and there are other treats in the form of 7.5-stops of image stabilization and support for 4-channel XLR audio recording powers. It's already a strong contender for the top spot in our list of the best video cameras.
- Read our hands-on Panasonic Lumix GH6 review
First Sigma lenses for Fujifilm X-series
They've been rumored for years, but Sigma's debut lenses for Fujifilm X-series cameras finally landed just before CP+ 2022. The three lenses are a 16mm f/1.4 DC DN, 30mm f/1.4 DC DN, and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN (all from its 'Contemporary' collection), which bring some affordable new options for Fuji fans.
Interestingly, they'll just be the start of Sigma's new Fuji-friendly glass, with the company announcing that the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is "under development" for the X-Mount. Sigma has since released some background info at CP+ 2022 about the making of its new lenses, and there could be more to come from the lens giant at the show.
What else is coming at CP+ 2022?
Tamron lenses for Sony E-Mount
Tamron has made some cracking lenses for Sony E-mount cameras recently, most notably the 35-150mm f/2-f/2.8. And it's likely to continue its form at CP+ 2022, with its exhibitor page for the event promising the "the online introduction of lenses by popular photographers and new product development by our development team".
Which lenses will they be? It's hard to say for sure, but patents from last year include designs for an FE 20-50mm f/2.0 lens and a 24-70mm f/4.0, which could make for a lightweight, walkaround travel lens. Another possibility is a 90mm f/2.8 macro lens, which was first patented back in 2020, with that patent receiving an update late last year.
Of course, not all patents lead to real products, and Tamron could come out of leftfield with something completely unexpected like Canon's bizarre dual fish-eye lens. But it seems more likely that it'll continue its good recent track record in zoom lenses for Sony E-Mount, alongside providing more affordable alternatives to Sony lenses with that rumored macro lens.
Cosina/Voigtländer lenses
Another manufacturer that's promising to reveal new lenses at the CP+ 2022 show is Cosina. The Japanese brand has been releasing glass under the classic Voigtländer name since the late 90s, with its most recent focus being Sony's E-mount and some stunning 'Vintage Line' options for Leica M-Mount.
The most recent example of the latter was the all-metal Color-Skopar 21mm f/3.5 Aspherical Type II (above). But manual prime lenses for Leica M-Mount cameras don't exactly have oodles of mainstream appeal.
Cosina did also register patents for three APO-Lanthar prime lenses last year, which are compatible with Sony E-mount cameras as well as the M-Mount. These included designs for 25mm f/2, 75mm f/1.8, 135mm f/2, and 135mm f/1.2 lenses. So if you're after a well-built, reasonably-priced throwback lens for your Sony, Leica or Nikon F-mount camera, it could be worth tuning into CP+ 2022 to see what Cosina has in store.
Digi Swap
Here's the kind of camera accessory we love to stumble across at big shows like CP+ 2022. The Digi Swap is effectively a 'digital back' for your old 35mm film camera that lets you attach an iPhone to it, so you can shoot digital snaps that retain some of its analogue character.
While the resulting contraption isn't exactly an ergonomic delight, it does look like an intriguing way to breathe new life into your old film camera, if you've lost the enthusiasm for loading it with real film.
The Digi Swap will apparently work with phones released from the iPhone X to the iPhone 13 Pro inclusive and the company says it's working on adapters for medium format cameras, alongside the current one for 35mm film models. Expect to hear more about it when CP+ kicks off from February 22.
A new Laowa lens?
Laowa lenses are rarely dull affairs, preferring instead to dabble in extreme bokeh (like the Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FFII), ultra wide-angle coverage (see the 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D) or even unique macro 'probe' lenses.
On its CP+ 2022 page, their manufacturer Venus Optics says that visitors will be able to "try out new products" on its stand. Does this mean it'll be launching new products at the show? That isn't yet clear, but the description suggests it's a possibility.
If so, the most likely candidate would be the 12-24mm f/5.6 lens that's been strongly rumored for full-frame mirrorless mounts including Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E and Leica M cameras. It was expected to arrive last year, but like most manufacturers Venus Optics was hit by delays. Fans of wide-angle zooms will be hoping it finally arrives at the CP+ show.
Nikon Z news
Nikon Rumors thinks there's a chance that we'll see a new Z Mount lens or two announced at CP+ 2022. Two new primes – the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 and Z 800mm f/6.3 – will apparently be the next additions to its roadmap, and it's possible we could see the development of one or both announced during the virtual event.
Portrait photographers will be particularly keen to see an 85mm f/1.2. The existing Z 85mm f/1.8 is a fine lens with an affordable price tag, but it was one of Nikon's first Z-Mount lenses. The Z 800mm f/6.3 would naturally be aimed more at wildlife snappers, though it'd likely carry a much higher price tag than Canon's unusual 800mm f/11 IS STM (which costs only $899 / £979 / AU$1,799).
What about Sony and Canon?
It doesn't currently look too likely that we'll see any major announcements from Sony and Canon at CP+ 2022. None of their exhibitor descriptions hint at any big launches, although Canon is talking up its VR experiences and technology – so perhaps we'll see more concrete info about the Kokomo video calling platform it announced at CES 2022.
