As 2019 draws to a close, it seems like a good time to look back and reflect on the positive memories we made throughout the year. At pictureline, most of our memorable moments naturally involved amazing new technology from some of the best brands out there. Read on to find out which innovations of 2019 were our favorites, as selected by the staff.
Fujifilm GFX 100 Medium Format Camera
Our top favorite product of 2019 was by far the Fujifilm GFX 100. This amazing medium format digital camera boasts a 43.9mm x 32.9mm 102MP back-illuminated sensor and captures true-to-life imagery, whether you’re shooting stills or 4K video. Fujifilm’s Quad-Core X Processor 4 processing engine ensures the delivery of crisp image quality and smooth tonality with reduced noise. Enhanced autofocus speed and accuracy provide face/eye detection and top-of-the-line subject tracking. Autofocus phase detection pixels cover nearly 100% of the sensor in the GFX 100, allowing you to pinpoint an area of focus anywhere in the frame.
Why we love it
With the GFX 100, Fujifilm is offering an amazing 100MP at a quarter of the price of the offerings of the past. Add to that an incredible selection of lenses, an intuitive user interface, and Fujifilm’s legendary color science, the GFX 100 is a tough camera to beat.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Our next favorite product released in 2019 is the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The lightest and shortest 70-200mm zoom from Canon, this lens packs a powerful punch in a very compact size. Designed for maximum compatibility with Canon’s EOS R series of cameras, the RF 70-200mm features state-of-the-art optics as well as two Nano USM focus motors, a 12-pin communication system, and is dust- and weather-resistant. This L-series lens maintains a constant f/2.8 aperture through the entire zoom range, generating exceptionally bright video and stills, even in low-light situations.
Why we love it
The highly anticipated RF 70-200mm is the first telephoto zoom native to the Canon full-frame mirrorless system. Canon didn’t disappoint, and produced a lens that is lighter, sharper, faster, and built better than their traditional SLR counterparts—an absolute home run from Canon with this lens.
Leica Q2 Digital Camera
Building on the success of the original Q, the Leica Q2 features a larger 47MP full-frame sensor with 95% additional pixels for enhanced detail and better-quality videos. The fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens provides exceptional low-light shooting performance, and a new 3.68 MP OLED electronic viewfinder demonstrates increased sharpness and contrast for shooting more accurate images. And finally, the compact body is IP52-certified weather-sealed against dust, rain and water spray, making the Q2 the perfect camera companion for any adventure.
Why we love it
Jumping from 24MP to 47MP, the Q2 has raised the stakes for a compact, full-frame digital camera. Still priced aggressively, the additional resolution, 4K video, increased dynamic range and simplified user interface make this a highly attractive camera for anyone looking to return to the basics of photography. But even with all these added improvements, the Q2 still retains the smooth, ethereal look that Leica is famous for.
And it was a three-way tie for fourth place when we voted on our favorite products from the past year:
- Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- GoPro MAX Action Camera
- Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
Fujifilm X-Pro3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
The best part about the Fujifilm X-Pro3 is its design innovation created to reconnect you to the subject of your shoot—and the moment you’re shooting in. A hidden 1.62M-dot tilting LCD touchscreen can be closed to only show essential settings, removing the distraction of a full screen and the temptation to review every shot as it’s taken. The 26.1MP back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor combined with the Quad-Core X-Processor 4 provides clear, accurate images that are processed quickly and smoothly, while the hybrid OVF/EVF helps ensure you’ve set up the shot you want.
Why we love it
Designed mostly for casual street photographers looking for something a little different, Fujifilm’s X-Pro3 definitely encourages users to slow down and more carefully compose their shots. The image quality is excellent, and the fold-down LCD screen intended for waist-level shooting is really the camera’s defining feature.
GoPro MAX Action Camera
Built with the same rugged construction and vlog-friendly features you’ve come to expect from GoPro, the MAX takes things one step further and features three cameras in one. Shoot traditional HERO-style photos or videos, and now capture immersive 360° footage—complete with six mics for the best sound ever found on a GoPro. Horizon leveling in HERO mode keeps your video smooth, and four digital lenses—Narrow, Linear, Wide and Max SuperView—keep your shots creative. MAX also maintains GoPro’s waterproof construction down to 16 feet and features a customizable screen for maximizing functionality.
Why we love it
Building from the design and capabilities of the Fusion, GoPro made the MAX a lot more usable. The camera is smaller, there’s an intuitive screen/menu with the ability to preview right on the camera, and the audio capture is definitely better.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
Fast, powerful—and small—the Canon EOS M6 Mark II mirrorless camera was engineered to capture high-resolution imagery with speed. Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 5,481 manually selectable AF positions help you maintain accurate focus while shooting fast action. A powerful 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor captures 4K video at a frame rate of up to 30p and supports high-speed continuous shooting of up to 14fps.
Why we love it
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a solid, all-around camera. The sensors and processors are the same as those found in the EOS 90D and produce detailed images with good color rendition. The wide availability of affordable EF-M lenses makes this camera even more attractive.
While 2019 was definitely a great year for digital imaging technology, we can’t wait to see what new and exciting innovations that 2020—and a new decade—will bring.