2010 showed us a glimpse of what is likely to come with:

• the continued rise in popularity of large sensor compact digital cameras with interchangeable lenses such as the Micro Four Thirds system by Panasonic and Olympus, and the systems by Sony and Samsung
• the increasing dominance of Panasonic in the quality of compact digital cameras
• the introduction of slate-type multi-touch devices such as the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy.
• the improving HD video capabilities of dSLRs
• the need for better lenses to cope with increasing megapixel density in dSLR cameras – both Canon and Nikon embarked on serious revamping of their pro lenses – Olympus had already designed their pro lenses to cope with this increased megapixel density.

What can we expect in 2011?

• more of the same but with incremental improvements
• Canon and Nikon may finally decide to enter the mirror-less interchangeable lens compact camera markets which must surely be cannibalising their entry-level dSLR sales as well as compact digital camera sales – Nikon has been rumoured to be looking at a smaller sensor than Micro Four Thirds, while Canon’s “EIS” is rumoured to be approximately the same size sensor as Micro Four Thirds but in 3:2 aspect ratio.
• an Apple iPad II to correct a lot of the very annoying deficiencies of the initial iPad – see my many blogs of my frustrations.
• a multitude of iPad-like devices using Windows 7 and Android operating systems
• the Panasonic GH-2 should dominate the travel photography world given its versatility, relatively compact size, the best HD video of all hybrid/dSLR cameras, the best electronic viewfinder, a relatively fast AF system and touch-screen flip out/swivel LCD screen – what more could you want? (I can think of a few but this camera should satisfy the needs of most travel photographers).

What would I like to see?

• Panasonic and Olympus to bring in more lenses for Micro Four Thirds, in particular, more fast prime lenses – I would love to see a 10mm or 12mm f/2, a 50mm f/2 macro, a 100mm f/2 macro and a 200mm f/3.5 OIS lens – oh, and there is need for a cheaper consumer level macro lens – perhaps their 35mm macro?
• Olympus to give us a really compact Micro Four Thirds body as well as a semi-pro level weatherproofed body similar to the GH-2 (given that it seems Olympus may not be producing any more entry level dSLRs such a body is highly likely).
• Olympus to create a macro flash system for Micro Four Thirds.
• a Windows 7 device that works as nicely as an iPad but without all the problems of an iPad.
• a global electronic shutter in a Micro Four Thirds to finally give us silent photography for use in weddings, classical music performances, etc, as well as the possibility of high burst rates such as 10-40 fps still photography.
• Panasonic and Olympus in Australia to start pricing their products to reflect their pricing in $US – why should Australian’s pay almost twice as much when hour dollar is par with the $US?