Another camera ordered and deeper in debt*...

As previously stated on these pages, the new standard for 2:3 sensors is 18MB. Canon's 7D, 550D, Rebel T2i are the latest incarnations in the reduced-sized sensor world with this pixel-count. I have been predicting that the next Four-Thirds and Micro Four-Thirds sensor to be released will be around 14.7 MB.

I am still holding to this projection and believe that Panasonic and Olympus will be releasing cameras in February and March with pixel counts in the area of 15 MB with it being as low as 14 MP and as high as 16 MP, but most likely a usable 4:3 format of 14.7 MP. Actual usable pixel-count will vary due to the multi-ratio format of the newer sensors, as seen in the GH1, which are oversized and allow for 2:3, 4:3, 16:9 and 1:1 ratios. The sensor is likely to grow a little larger as well as the throat area in front of the sensor to accomodate a larger 2:3 and 16:9 surface area and greater sensor-shifting. The Four-Thirds lenses have a larger projected area than is currently being used by a static 4:3 image.

The timeline is sound and I see no reason for Olympus and Panasonic to break from historical trends now. The E-3 replacement, E-P3, E-340, E-40, E-630 will all use the newer sensor as will the Panasonic GH2 and L2. All should make their appearances in 2010.

Due to the greater pixel density on these new sensors, the trend towards weaker anti-aliasing filters will continue and the new sensor is almost certainly to be fully AA filterless with only electronic means of correcting moire and aliasing.

*Apologies to Merle Travis

Ken