Dynamic Camera Equipment at Paris Olympics 2024 and the Dawn of a New Era | Release #272
Cover image by akira
The Paris Olympics 2024 not only highlighted the athletes' performances but also drew attention to the evolution of camera equipment and technological competition. During this event, which concluded on August 11 at 28:00 (Japan time), Japanese-made camera equipment, particularly mirrorless cameras, played a major role and gained significant support among professional photojournalists.
This article explores the features of the camera equipment used at the Paris Olympics and how it supported sports photography worldwide.
Camera Equipment that Shined at the Paris Olympics
At the Paris Olympics, Japanese camera manufacturers fiercely competed with their latest mirrorless cameras. Once dominated by DSLRs, the professional scene has increasingly favored mirrorless cameras for their silent operation and high-speed continuous shooting, essential in sports photography.
Notably, Sony's latest models stood out, bringing a fresh breeze to the 'black and white war' with Canon and Nikon. Sony's support booths, set up in the stadiums, were extensive, showcasing an unprecedented presence.
Image by tamu1500
Mirrorless Cameras Symbolizing the 'Big Three Era'
The Paris Olympics clearly highlighted the 'Big Three Era' in the professional equipment market, with Canon, Nikon, and Sony competing closely. Especially in swimming and track and field events, flagship models from each company were lined up, with photographers leveraging their capabilities to capture decisive moments.
With Sony joining the previous 'black and white war,' the sight of these three companies vying for dominance was evident, underscoring the critical role of mirrorless cameras in sports photography.
Image by hiro
Smartphones Supporting a New Olympic Experience
At the Paris Olympics, not only professional camera equipment but also Samsung's 'Galaxy Zflip6' was provided to all teams, drawing attention to smartphones as a new tool for photography.
Athletes used this special model to capture moments during competitions and award ceremonies, sharing them with fans worldwide. These experiences represent a new aspect of the Olympics, highlighting the emerging role of smartphones in capturing moments.
Thus, the Paris Olympics 2024 was an event where the evolution of camera equipment and technological competition unfolded dramatically. These trends are likely to significantly influence future photography.
