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Year in Review

As we reflect on the year, we revisit the most significant product launches, highlighting the best camera of 2023, the rise of AI in photography and the standout compact camera that captured global attention.

The year saw several significant milestones as Sony celebrated a decade of innovation in full-frame mirrorless cameras, closely followed by unveiling the A9 III, which is notable for arriving with world's first global shutter. Meanwhile Canon celebrated 5 Years Of Canon EOS R Mirrorless Cameras, an anniversary that was further highlighted by the launch of new Canon cameras for 2023, including the beginner-friendly EOS R100, and ultra-compact Canon EOS R50.

Yet it was perhaps Leica that truly captivated the photography community this year, as they took the compact camera segment to unprecedented heights with their next generation Leica Q3, hailed as the best compact camera of 2023.

Whether you love photography, video and content creation or vlogging, join us as we celebrate the biggest releases of 2023 in our year in review.

Quick links

• AI photography
• Content authenticity
• Best compact camera of 2023
• Best mirrorless camera in 2023
• Best action camera of 2023
• New lens releases in 2023
• Park Cameras year

The rise of AI photography

In 2023, AI generated photography made a significant impact in the photographic community, particularly following an incident where a German photographer won the Sony World Photography Awards with an AI-generated image, only to later relinquish the award. This event sparked widespread discussion and debate as AI photography swept through the community.

Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay, impacting the way we engage with photography forever. It’s also become prevalent in digital cameras, with AI models used ever more frequently to recognise and track subjects in the pursuit of perfecting autofocus.

AI is also widely used by software editing apps, with Photoshop and Lightroom in particular embracing AI to not only clean up noisy images, but completely switch out elements of an image in favour of computer generated elements, made entirely from user prompts.

While AI technology sparked a whole new conversation about the nature of image creation and manipulation, Leica chose to uphold the fundamentals of real-world photography. They have done this by launching their next-generation rangefinder camera with pioneering technology, which authenticates the provenance of an image. Discover more below.

The year content authenticity became a thing

As AI transforms the landscape, Leica responded by upgrading their rangefinder lineup with the M11-P Digital Rangefinder. This is the first camera with content authentication in line with Content Authenticity Initiative standards. While this feature might not be applicable for all photographers, it is poised to become essential for fields such as sports photography and journalism, among others.

This wasn’t Leica’s only groundbreaking announcement of 2023, as this innovative company also released one of the most sought after compact cameras of not just the year, but the decade so far. This release further cemented Leica's reputation as a leader in innovative camera technology.

Best compact camera of 2023

The release of the Leica Q3 garnered significant global attention, and is arguably the best compact camera of 2023. It surpasses its predecessor in almost every respect, yet preserves the fundamental imaging capabilities of the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, a hallmark of its desirable photographic results.

In a feat of German engineering, Leica has achieved the impossible, by packing features into a fixed-lens compact camera that rival those of flagship mirrorless models. This impressive device boasts a high-resolution 60 megapixel sensor, 8K video in ProRes, and introduces a new Hybrid AF system, showcasing Leica's commitment to pushing the boundaries of camera technology.

Best mirrorless camera in 2023

2023 saw numerous camera releases, which standout as contenders for the best mirrorless camera of 2023. Every brand launched incredible models, all bristling with technology, making it easier to create more impressive images and videos.

The table below highlights the biggest 15 or so mirrorless camera launches of the year (and one film camera), with technology highlights from each brand. Notably, all but two or three employ deep learning artificial intelligence within their AF systems.

Best action camera of 2023

As more creators embark on making YouTube channels and sharing action-packed content, manufacturers are responding by designing increasingly powerful, durable, and user-friendly cameras. In 2023, the Insta360 Ace Pro 8K emerged as the world's first action camera capable of capturing 8K video, as well as incorporating state-of-the-art Leica imaging into the compact camera.

Earlier in the year we saw the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 launch, which redefined our preconceptions of Gimbal Cameras are capable of. It offers a 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps video recording and 3-Axis mechanical stabilisation, vastly surpassing what smartphones are capable of, in terms of video recording and stabilisation.

New lens releases in 2023

The mirrorless camera market enjoyed a surge of new lens releases from all brands, complemented by third-party models from Sigma, Tamron, and Voigtlander. New releases included lenses covering virtually every focal length, with some unique zooms like the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G and Canon RF 10-20mm F/4 L IS STM.

Sony further expanded its mirrorless lens lineup with the introduction of a second-generation G Master lens, notably the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II, as well as the updated Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 G OSS II. Both of these managed to reduce in size and weight, while improving on aspects like image quality, focus breathing and AF speed.

Back to Canon’s release of the year, which also saw the RF 24-105mm F/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens. This marks a new generation of hybrid lenses, designed specifically for professional stills and video creators, with more to follow in the coming months.

OM System joined the foray, with the OM System 90mm Macro lens, which is an impressive first close-up lens that offers 2x magnification, 7-stops combined body stabilisation and P53 dust and moisture sealing.

Telephoto photographers enjoyed a year of new releases for wildlife and sports photography, with lenses such as the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports for Sony and the Olympic-ready Sony FE 300mm F/2.8 GM OSS Lens.

The Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR Lens was another significant telephoto lens launch from 2023, providing everything from 5.5 stops of VR and TC compatibility, to its extremely low weight of under 2kg.

Canon also launched the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens, with a similar zoom range and equally impressive features as the Nikon.

For those looking for a premium telephoto, the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L lens stands out for professional sports and wildlife photography. Priced at £11.5k, it represents a significant investment, but offers performance and quality, which make it a valuable asset for photographers in these fields.

These are just a few of the releases from 2023. To explore a broader range of options to suit various budgets and requirements, browse our extensive collection of mirrorless lenses here.

Park Cameras in 2023

Park Cameras enjoyed a fantastic year, marked by our return to events such as SWPP and Birdfare. These, along with other photography events, provide us with an opportunity to connect with our customers, engage with brands, and share our passion for photography with fellow creators.

The company's YouTube channel experienced impressive growth, reaching 40,000 subscribers, with an audience engaged to hear from our resident expert, Gareth Evans. We also introduced dozens of new brands, with the likes of Shimoda Camera Bags, Spypoint Trail Cameras and Sky-Watcher amongst many more.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our customers who supported us in 2023. Indeed, it's the community of photographers, videographers, and creators across all skill levels that truly drives the innovation of new camera technology.

Your passion, feedback, and evolving needs are what inspire manufactures to continually push the boundaries and develop new products, which in turn inspires us to help you on your creative journey.

If you're considering an upgrade, our winter sale is the ideal chance to buy the latest cameras, lenses, and compact cameras at discounted prices. Additionally, we offer a wide selection of used cameras, all backed by a 6-month warranty, providing a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. We're excited about the upcoming year and have lots of plans in store and hope to see you then!

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By Nick Dautlich on 20/12/2023