Chapo: Today, digital cameras are part of everyday life as billions of people use them professionally or to document their lives, especially through social media. There are many exciting trends to expect as cutting-edge technology takes center stage in the market.
Photography, videography, and surveillance are so omnipresent today that you’d quickly forget how long it took for cameras to evolve. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can take pictures and videos, edit files, and share them online for the world to see. But did you know that the first camera—the Camera Obscura—was invented in the 3rd century to help people safely view solar eclipses?
Fast forward to the 21st century; Kodak engineers invented the first digital camera in 1975, and Epson introduced mirrorless cameras almost three decades later. Let’s look at what to expect from all digital cameras, including Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLRs) and PTZ cameras (point-and-shoot) in 2023 and beyond.
The Key Camera Trends for the Future
Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the 2020s ushered in an incredible era in imaging technology and the latest camera features, ensuring an easier-than-before application. Some of the notable innovations include:
Eye Control Auto Focus (AF)
Canon introduced this technology a few decades ago, but it only recently refined the system’s calibration for intuition, speed, and quick response. For example, sports photographers use the various AF modes in the Canon EOS R3 to track a single player on the court or pitch. The camera can hold focus even if other players run through the frame by simply looking at the selected player.
Ultra-fast Frame Per Second (fps) Rates
For years, the standard was 24fps as it accounted for the inconsistent speed connection to deliver a traditional cinematic appeal, mainly when filming people and landscapes. With the launch of cameras that deliver 120fps and above, like the Nikon Z9, filmmakers can now accurately capture high-speed action and sports at a smoother, natural level.
Cinematic Video
iPhone 13 cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to create cinematic mode, allowing you to hold focus on a subject in motion. The AI uses an advanced algorithm to detect points of interest, such as faces, objects, and animals. Although this mode is limited to 30fps, professionals can still use it to add depth to their videos, especially during presentations.
Pocket-sized Polaroid
Although Polaroids have only undergone a few changes in decades, modern technology has tremendously enhanced their quality and portability. The pocket-sized Polaroid is the smallest instant analogue camera ever created. The new design features a self-timer, selfie mode, and a double exposure function, thus offering travelers an inexpensive way to get instant photos.
Super-fast Stacked Sensor
The dawn of mirrorless cameras motivated manufacturers to remove the mechanical shutter. The Nikon Z9 was the first camera to use the super-fast stacked sensor and abolish this shutter without compromising output. Stacked sensors revolutionized light processing at super-fast speeds, enabling engineers to create hybrid cameras that shoot high-resolution photos and high-end videos.
A recent report reveals that action cameras are becoming more popular because of advances in high-definition (HD) technology, adventure tourism, and the rise of TikTokers (of course). These cameras capture high-speed action in excellent quality.
What’s Next for DSLR Vs. Mirrorless Cameras?
Originally, cameras used several glass plates to focus on subjects, but this changed with the invention of digital cameras and LCD screens. So, what’s the difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras? And what future innovations can we predict for both?
Here’s an overview:
- Size: DSLRs are heavier than mirrorless cameras because of the various lenses and larger grips. Both categories might become more compact as engineers search for ways to reduce size and weight.
- Sensor quality: Although the first mirrorless cameras had much smaller sensors than DSLRs, current models offer multiple sensors and various medium formats. This means image quality will continue to improve.
- Viewfinders: Mirrorless cameras don’t have optical viewfinders as they lack a mirror for light to bounce off. However, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that resembles an LCD screen ensures mirrorless cameras deliver optimal results.
- Battery life: DSLRs have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras, lasting twice as long. Technology will improve this, and we bet a solar-powered option is in the making in the quest for unlimited, portable battery power.
- Lens/mode selection: The market has numerous lens options since DSLRs have been in production for decades. Still, more models of mirrorless cameras will be available in the future as manufacturers strive to meet the ever-increasing demand.
- If you are looking for your perfect camera, but still have some hesitations about whether you should go for a DSLR or a Mirrorless camera, consider buying second-hand equipment. This will save you some money and also give you the opportunity to try out the gear at a much more pleasant price.
Emerging Trends in Surveillance and CCTV Technology
Security equipment is advancing rapidly due to AI, Machine Learning (ML), and higher video resolution. The enhanced media quality and detailed data ensure CCTVs can effectively monitor crime in real-time, such as loitering, trespassing, and intrusions.
Today, cutting-edge technology allows facial recognition through a detailed video recording encompassing a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) feature, which balances light for better image clarity. Speech recognition will also become a standard feature. PTZ cameras will continue to be a staple in surveillance because they’ll be easier to install, provide better image quality, offer greater coverage, and be tamper-proof.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G will provide more responsiveness, flexibility, and security to remote surveillance. AI and ML provide digital brains, so they’ll continue to gain traction with the growing complexity and severity of cyber threats, including fraud, process compliance and digital theft.
What More Should We Expect?
More innovations will be unveiled in the global digital camera market thanks to the key players’ new technologies and the adoption of new strategies. For sure, compactness, long battery hours and backup, more mode selections, and waterproof features could be launched to cater to the distinctive market demands. What else do you think we should expect? Drop us a line today.
