CP+ 2021: Date, time, major camera announcements expected from Sony, Canon, Nikon and others

The biggest trade show for cameras and photography CP+ - is almost here. Just like so many other major events, CP+ was also cancelled last year due to COVID-19 and the 2021 version of the show will be online only. Nevertheless, it gives the photography enthusiasts a reason to be excited for. The show is run by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) and is usually held in Japan. Major camera makers including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm and Panasonic will use this platform to announce their new cameras and showcase their future technologies.

We believe that this year the show will focus more on camera bodies, lenses and technologies than actual launches. There can also be announcements around future technologies from key camera makers.

CP+ 2021 Date and Time

The CP+ 2021 is scheduled to take place between February 25-28. The camera enthusiasts can register for the show for free. As mentioned before, the event will be entirely virtual this year in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. All the keynote speeches and seminars will be streamed online on CP+ 2021's official online channels. All of the show's content will also apparently be able to view until March 31.

CP+ 2021: Major announcements expected

Canon was expected to make big announcements during the CP+ 2021. The company was working to launch a new body along with few lenses but that seems unlikely now due to the "manufacturing challenges". A major reason for this is the pandemic but also the factory fire in Japan in November 2020 that left many camera companies with shortage of parts. Yet, Canon may unveil new bodies including Canon EOS R1 flagship, two new entry-level full-frame camera and the Canon EOS R7.

Sony is likely to make the most noise during the show. The company had registered five new bodies in Asia in early 2021 and it will be interesting to see how many of them are introduced during CP+ 2021. The company has announced the launch of a new cinema line camera, expected to be Sony FX3, for February 23. There is a slight chance that Sony A7 IV might also be unveiled during the event.

Nikon is having a tough time. Things have become worse due to the shortage of supply and manufacturing issues caused by the pandemic and factory fire. There is still a chance that we may see new Nikkor Z lenses and Nikon Z APS-C mirrorless camera during the show. It may also unveil Nikon Z3 which will sit below the current Nikon Z50.

Apart from these, Sigma may unveil the Sigma FP L which will be a upgrade on the Sigma FP. When launched, the latter was the world's smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera. If you still prefer DLSRs, then keep an eye on the Pentax K-3 Mark III. The company has claimed that it will be the "best APS-C format SLR model ever produced by Pentax.