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Year in Review

2024 has been another significant year in the imaging industry, with major camera releases, second and third-generation updates from all the key brands, and numerous new lenses.

This has undoubtedly been the year of sequels, with several Mark II, III, and beyond cameras hitting the market. The lens landscape flourished, with exceptional new prime and zoom lenses coming into fruition from all brands, while the Canon RF mount finally welcomed Sigma’s APS-C lineup, which is a promising sign of future developments.

Accessories, which are sometimes overlooked, also saw major growth, with thousands of new products designed to help creators elevate their content. AI integration has also continued to evolve, while content authenticity has gained more acceptance in response to the wider adoption of AI.

For our 2024 A Year in Review we also have Park Cameras’ very own Gareth Evans sharing his thoughts on some of the year’s biggest releases along with his personal favourites. And, of course, we’ll be highlighting some of the new brands that joined Park Cameras, helping to make 2024 another exciting year for content creation.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Key 2024 camera launches

Although 2024 saw an impressive number of camera releases, with all major manufacturers unveiling new models aimed at different levels of the market, it was definitely the year of evolution, rather than revolution. From next-gen. flagship mirrorless cameras attempting to push boundaries to groundbreaking compact models, some of this year’s launches set the stage for the future of imaging.

2024 was a year of exciting developments in the camera industry, with all major manufacturers unveiling new models aimed at meeting the needs of various photographers. This year focused on evolution rather than revolution, with next-generation flagship mirrorless cameras nudging boundaries and groundbreaking compact models redefining the point-and-shoot market.

Canon

In 2024, Canon introduced two particularly significant additions to its mirrorless EOS R lineup with the EOS R5 Mark II and the arrival of the flagship EOS R1.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Building on the immensely popular first-gen., the R5 Mark II adds a 45 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, delivering high-resolution with faster readout speeds and enhanced autofocus capabilities. It offers continuous shooting at up to 30fps and continues to support 8K video recording, catering to hybrid photographers and videographers.

Canon EOS R1

Designed primarily for professional sports, action and wildlife photographers, the R1 boasts a 24 megapixel full-frame stacked BSI CMOS sensor. It achieves continuous shooting speeds of up to 40fps and features a maximum shutter speed of 1/64,000, for the rapid and precise capture of fast-moving subjects. It was a while coming, but the R1 sets a new standard in professional image capture.

Sony

Sony's 2024 mirrorless Alpha range releases focused on enhancing user experience and performance with a couple of amazing new models.

Sony ZV-E10 II

Made for content creators, the ZV-E10 II features a large sensor from the FX30 cinema camera, enabling 4K recording at up to 60fps. Its interchangeable lens system offers versatility, while the camera's design prioritises ease of use for vloggers and YouTubers – and all for under £1k!

Sony A1 II

An evolution of the flagship series A1, the A1 II continues to deliver exceptional image quality with the same 50MP high-resolution sensor and an even more advanced autofocus system. It supports high-speed continuous shooting and 8K video recording, catering to hybrid professionals who need versatility for both stills and video.

Nikon

Nikon's 2024 offerings include new Z mount cameras that build on the success of the Z8 from 2023, offering enhanced features in cameras for beginners and enthusiasts.

Nikon Z6 III

The Z6 III features a 24 megapixel partially stacked full-frame sensor with advanced autofocus capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of photography and video applications. It offers 4K video recording and superb image stabilisation, enhancing its suitability for hybrid creators and is one of the most rounded hybrid cameras available today.

Nikon Z50 II

An upgrade to the Z50, the Z50 II introduces a dedicated Picture Control button, allowing users to preview and toggle between film-inspired colour styles in real-time. It retains the 20.9 megapixel sensor from the first-gen. and offers improved autofocus performance, for enthusiasts who love shooting with a compact yet capable mirrorless camera.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm expanded all of its ranges, with a new GFX medium format, new X Series and the latest addition to the wildly popular Fuji compact series.

Fujifilm GFX100S II

This medium-format camera includes a 102 megapixel CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional image quality with extended dynamic range. The smaller version of the flagship GFX features in-body image stabilisation and advanced autofocus, making it a powerful tool for professional photographers, even when shooting faster moving subjects.

Fujifilm X100VI

A compact point-and-shoot camera, the X100VI features a higher-resolution 40 megapixel sensor and a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. It offers more advanced autofocus, and new film simulation modes, appealing to street photographers and enthusiasts for its desirable styling and portability without compromising on image quality.

Fujifilm X-M5

Aimed at aspiring vloggers and content creators, the X-M5 features a 26.1 megapixel sensor and X-Processor 5. It includes a unique dial for quick access to Fujifilm's film simulations and a three-mic system for versatile audio capture, along with support for 6.2K/30P video recording. If you’re stepping up from smartphone creation, this is a brilliant option.

OM System

OM System's notable MFT camera release was the second-gen. flagship OM1 mark II, which arrived at the very beginning of 2024.

OM System OM1 II

The second-generation flagship from OM System features a 20.4 megapixel sensor and advanced image stabilisation. It offers high-speed continuous shooting and 4K video recording, catering to both stills and video enthusiasts.

Leica

Leica introduced camera across all of their lineups, powering through 2024 with significant launches that included some of the most popular cameras of the entire year, which is impressive for one of the more boutique manufacturers!

Leica SL3

A third-gen. full-frame mirrorless camera, the SL3 features a 60MP triple resolution sensor and advanced autofocus system. It offers 8K and ProRes video recording, along with robust build quality, appealing to advanced enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable red dot hybrid camera.

Leica M11 Rangefinder Camera Glossy Black

A special edition of the regular M11, this rangefinder camera also features a 60 megapixel sensor and the ability to switch M-series lenses. It offers manual controls and a classic rangefinder experience, appealing to traditionalists and collectors who will no doubt enjoy developing their own unique patina over years of use.

Leica Q3 43

An updated version of the Q series, which was quite unexpected, the Q3 43 features a 60MP sensor and a fixed 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. It offers excellent autofocus and triple resolution image quality, maintaining a classic design and simplicity, with cutting-edge tech, which Leica is known for.

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica launched the next generation of their more accessible compact cameras, which features a 17 megapixel sensor and a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens. It offers 4K 30p video recording and a super stylish design, suitable for everyday photography and travel.

Panasonic

Panasonic's 2024 Lumix camera releases included their highly anticipated flagship hybrid MFT body, and a new ultra-compact full-frame body, which was somewhat hampered by the delay of a compact lens associated with the launch.

Panasonic GH7

A superb camera, the GH7 features a 25 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with PDAF and impressive video capabilities. It is capable of recording 6K video, 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ, and naturally has a fully articulated screen, catering to videographers and hybrid creators.

Panasonic Lumix S9

Panasonic released a new compact full-frame mirrorless camera range with the S9, which features a 24 megapixel sensor and accepts interchangeable lenses. It integrates Look Up Tables (LUTs) for in-camera colour grading and easy smartphone connectivity, appealing to social media creators who don’t want the bulk of the S-series, but many of the benefits.

A quick nod to the Lumix TZ99, which just nipped in before the year end, and is almost certainly a sign of trends to come.

Before we look ahead, the lens market also saw significant innovations, so let’s dive into the lenses, which launched in 2024.

2024's Lens Releases

2024 has been a year of innovation and expansion in the lens market, with all brands introducing new mirrorless lenses aimed at improving image quality, portability, and versatility. Many lenses entered new generations, becoming lighter and more compact, while others have taken a bolder approach, offering larger apertures for greater creative freedom.

Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma, Tamron, and several other brands released exciting new options for beginners, professionals and enthusiasts, with a variety of smaller primes and faster zooms. So let’s focus on some of the optical highlights of 2024…

Canon Expands the RF Lineup

Canon made significant strides by expanding its RF lens lineup in 2024 with the introduction of the VCM Trilogy (RF 35mm F/1.4L VCM, RF 24mm F/1.4L VCM and RF 50mm F/1.4L VCM). These are designed for photographers who need a combination of sharpness, low-light performance, and high-speed AF, offering the ability to capture a variety of subjects with a collection of primes.

Additionally, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 impressed in 2024, with their fast apertures, making them ideal for portraits, event, and sports photography. These lenses both provide exceptional clarity, brightness, and AF speed, reinforcing Canon’s position in the high-performance, high-speed market.

Nikon Z Mount Developments

While 2024 was a quieter year for Nikon in terms of new Z mount lens releases, they did release the highly anticipated Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 and Z 50mm F/1.4 Lens, twi affordable primes designed for those who want high image quality and excellent low-light performance from a wide aperture. These new lenses adds to Nikon’s growing Z-mount collection, which now includes options for just about every genre.

Third-party manufacturers, like Sigma, Voigtlander and Tamron embraced the Z-mount, launching their own offerings throughout 2024, including the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN, bringing more affordable, high-quality optics to the system.

Sony’s Glass

Sony’s 2024 releases have continued to set new standards for optical performance. The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens and the 85mm f/1.4 GM II illustrate a commitment to developing some of the world’s best professional-grade lenses. The 28-70mm f/2 GM, in particular, offers superb image quality with a wide aperture and compact design, while the 85mm f/1.4 GM II is an amazing option for portrait photographers, combining stunning bokeh and sharpness in a considerably smaller size.

Fujifilm’s GF Medium Format and X Mount lenses

Fujifilm released the GF 500mm f/5.6 lens in 2024, which is ideal for wildlife and sports photographers who adopted the medium format system and have waited patiently for a super telephoto to add to their kit.

Alongside this, the next-gen. XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II for X mount was re-engineered to be smaller, lighter, and even sharper than its predecessor, making it a great all-around lens for landscape, travel, and everyday photography. The lens combines quality and portability, reflecting Fujifilm’s commitment to producing top-notch optics for both APS-C and medium format systems.

Sigma’s Incredible Third-Party Lenses

Sigma had another exceptional year in 2024, with several releases that solidified their position as one of the leading third-party lens manufacturers. The Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN and Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens for Sony and Leica L were both highly-regarded launches delivering even better optical performance and faster autofocus.

The 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens also arrived, providing a unique zoom option for Sony E-mount users, and finally, Sigma expanded its portfolio into the RF mount with a slew of APS-C format lenses coming to fruition. These include the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN for RF mount, which brings high-quality, affordable options to crop sensor Canon RF users.

Tamron’s Versatility and Innovation

2024 saw Tamron lenses continue to impress with several new releases. The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD for Sony E and Z-mount cameras became a key option for macro photography, with exceptional image quality and fast, silent autofocus (see our hands-on review here).

The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for Sony E and the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z are two further options for wildlife and sports shooters, offering impressive zoom ranges with great stabilisation. These highlight Tamron’s ability to offer versatile and affordable options without compromising on performance, and long may that continue!

Samyang’s Exciting New Range

Amongst other releases, Samyang introduced the AF 35mm f/1.4 P FE Lens for Sony E mount, which is an exciting addition to their autofocus lineup. With a fast aperture and solid performance, this is a great choice for content creators and photographers looking for an affordable yet capable prime lens. We’re excited to see which further models they come up with for this range in 2025.

Voigtländer and Leica’s High-End Offerings

Voigtländer’s foray into the Nikon Z-mount included several new releases for 2024, expanding with options like the 50mm F/2 Apo-Lanthar II Aspherical Lens For Nikon Z Mount. Meanwhile, Leica continued its legacy of creating exceptional glass with the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH lens, which delivers a unique combination of aesthetics, sharpness and bokeh.

As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that the lens market has seen amazing growth, with brands focusing on more compact, versatile, and high-performance options keeping pace with ever faster AF systems and continuous burst rates. With these developments, photographers can look forward to more innovative lenses in the years to come.

AI in Photography and Editing: 2024's Developments

Whatever your thoughts on it, there’s no denying that AI has become an increasingly powerful tool in the world of editing, providing creators with new ways to adjust their work.

Adobe has made strides with its Firefly AI system, which powers features like Generative Fill in Photoshop. This allows users to alter backgrounds and even generate entirely new elements within an image, offering new possibilities, albeit with minimal creative input required from the photographer.

Similarly, Generative Remove, (which is also now in Lightroom), can intelligently remove unwanted objects from photos while maintaining natural-looking results on the whole. I’m sure the debate will continue regarding how much editing is acceptable; however, these new tools are here to stay and will be adopted by some, but not by others.

Content credentials are a growing step towards transparency in digital content production. This enables photographers to track and allows the viewer to verify whether AI has been used in the creation process, helping to maintain authenticity and integrity in your work.

2024's New Camera Accessories

In 2024, the camera accessories market experienced significant growth, with brands introducing innovative products to enhance the photography and videography experience.

Lowepro's Green Initiative continues

Lowepro continued its commitment to sustainability by launching updated camera backpacks like the ProTactic Lite BP 150 AW III in its Green Line. This initiative focuses on using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, allowing photographers to make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on Lowepro’s legendary quality. 

3 Legged Thing's Innovative Additions

3 Legged Thing broadened its product range with several innovative accessories in 2024. The introduction of window clamps and cloth wrapz featuring nano technology offers photographers solutions from storage to capture. Additionally, the Ultra Plate and BINOZ Binocular Mount provide enhanced stability and support, while Reusable Cable Ties offer a practical and eco-friendly option for cable management. What a year for UK brand 3LT!

Summit Creative Camera Backpacks

Summit Creative entered the market with a range of backpacks designed for adventure photographers. The Tenzing series offers durable and versatile options for various outdoor activities, ensuring photographers can carry their gear comfortably and securely during their expeditions.  Check our Summit Creative Camera Backpack Review here for more.

Manfrotto's Befree Travel Tripod Refresh

Manfrotto revitalised its Befree Travel Tripod range in 2024, introducing new models that cater to hybrid creators on the move. These are compact and lightweight, which is ideal for photographers and videographers who require portability for travel, without sacrificing stability.

Video-Centric Tools

The year saw the introduction of several video-centric tools. Feelworld's field monitors, such as the T7 Plus 7-inch IPS 4K HDMI Camera Field Monitor, offer high brightness and accurate colour representation, enhancing the on-set monitoring experience. 

YoloLiv released several products including the YoloDeck Streaming Controller catering to the rise in pro-level content creation. Meanwhile, the Atomos Shinobi II 5-inch 1500nit HDR Monitor launched, which delivers high brightness and portability for vloggers and videographers.

New Brands at Park Cameras

In 2024, Park Cameras broadened its product offerings by introducing several imaging brands, enhancing the range of equipment available to our enthusiasts and professionals.

Moment

Moment is known for its photography accessories, including bags, filters, and mobile gear, designed to help users achieve more professional results. Moment's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a dedicated following among photographers.

Urth

Formerly known as Gobe, Urth joined Park Cameras making a significant impact with its range of eco-friendly filters and accessories. Their products including lens filters and camera bags, are designed with sustainability in mind, while also garnering positive reviews for their quality and robustness. Our Urth Magnetic Filters Kit Review has a lot more detail for you to discover more.

Kase

Kase joined, with numerous innovative products such as the Armour Entry Kit 100mm System, which we praised in our Kase Filters Review for its ease of use and performance. We’re excited to have Kase on board with their huge range of clever accessories.

VSGO

Established in 2004, VSGO is a leader in camera cleaning products with award-winning designs, including Red Dot and iF Design Awards. Their products come online in 2024, with a range of lens and sensor cleaning kits, which are essential for maintaining your camera equipment. 

These cameras, lenses, accessories, and brands are just the beginning, with thousands of exciting new products added to our range.

We hope 2024 has been a year of growth and inspiration for you, and we look forward to a peaceful close to the year, filled with fresh creativity and new possibilities in 2025.

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By Nick Dautlich on 20/12/2023