Panasonic at CES: What to expect at the tech supershow

Watch video: What to expect from Panasonic at CES 2021

Much like Sony, Panasonic traditionally focuses more on its broader range of consumer electronics devices at CES – which is quite fitting, since it is the Consumer Electronics Show after all.

However, for CES 2021, Panasonic has stated that it will be presenting products from its imaging division. So what exactly can we expect from the manufacturer, and will the focus be on Micro Four Thirds cameras or the full-frame L-mount line?

Well, it has already bigged up the Panasonic BGH1 – which was, like the Panasonic S1H, was recently certified by Netflix for use as a primary A camera. And it also showed off what can only be described as a 30,000 square foot Holodeck, which will be installed at entertainment venues across the USA to deliver the world's first virtual safaris and other experiences.

So will we see other dedicated photography and videography systems revealed at CES 2021?

After a protracted development, we might be ready to see a development announcement for Panasonic's line of consumer 8K cameras. Last year the manufacturer launched the Panasonic AK-SHB800GJ / AK-SHB800PSJ multi-purpose ROI (region of interest) camera, intended for broadcast use.

Released in time for the scheduled 2020 Olympics, this full-frame 8K camera is capable of 4 simultaneous 1080p feeds, enabling the user to punch into a large 8K frame and effectively crop 4 separate camera feeds.

While Panasonic has stated that it doesn't anticipate a consumer 8K camera until the 2022 Winter Olympics the Canon EOS R5 is already delivering 8K to the masses – and with the Sony A9S and Sharp 8K Video Camera supposedly on the way, we can see Panasonic at least unveiling details of its 8K plans ahead of time.

Could this even be for the Panasonic GH6? Very little is known about this camera, other than it could feature the 41MP Sony IMX594CQR image sensor – which would shatter the current 20MP ceiling that currently sits above Micro Four Thirds cameras.

However you slice it, CES 2021 is going to be an eventful expo for Panasonic!

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.

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