Spring 2015 cameras to look forward to

From the highest-resolution dSLR to the biggest zoom range to date, 2015 is starting to look like an interesting year for cameras.

Canon's G3 X, a 25x megazoom with a 1-inch sensor, makes this list in spirit; the company only issued a development announcement thus far, but it sounds intriguing. Another high-probability, rumored model we eagerly anticipate includes the replacement for the Sony A6000.

We'll update as new ones are announced, so check back often.

Price: $800 (with 14-42mm lens)

Availability: June 2015

The outlook: If it lives up to its performance claims of 6 frames per second with autofocus, that plus its 4K video capability would make it a really attractive alternative to an entry-level dSLR for family photography.

Price: $900 (with 16-50mm lens)

Availability: June 2015

The outlook: While it's on the expensive side for its class, it does incorporate Fujifilm's unique hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder and the company's APS-C-size X-Trans CMOS II sensor delivers excellent quality for this price class.

Price: $430

Availability: June 2015

The outlook: It's (currently) the world's smallest 30x zoom with an electronic viewfinder, incorporating the pop-up EVF design of the higher-end RX100 models.

Price:
5DS: $3,700
5DS R: $3,900
Body only

Availability: June 2015

The outlook: Who can resist the chance to see if putting 50 megapixels on a full-frame sensor turns out to be a good idea? The two models differ by the antialiasing filter: the 5DS R cancels its effects, while the 5DS doesn't.

Price: $850
Body only

Expected ship: April 2015

The outlook: In a departure from its typical Rebel design, Canon adds a slightly more upscale model to the line that inherits some design updates from higher-end EOS models. And that's on top of the significant updates Canon made to both of its midrange consumer dSLRs.

Price: $500
10-30mm PD lens kit

Expected ship: TBA

The outlook: This J model looks and operates more like a "normal" camera than any of its Nikon 1 predecessors.  It has the fast burst rate that is the hallmark of the series -- 20fps with autofocus -- and a flip-up display for selfies and groupies.

Price: $600

Availability: April 2015

The outlook: 83x zoom. How could you not want to know if it will solve all your telephoto dreams?

Price: $1,200

Expected ship: April 2015

The outlook: It's a minor update over the D7100 -- some improved processing for better continuous-shooting performance and built-in Wi-Fi, plus a few other tweaks. But the D7100 and its predecessor are excellent cameras, so we expect the same of this one.

Price: $900
With collapsible 18-50mm WR lens

Expected ship: March 2015

The outlook: In contrast to many competitors, Pentax builds its lower-end dSLRs like tanks. This will be one of the cheaper weather-sealed models on the market.

Price: $800
With 16-50mm power zoom lens

Expected ship: March 2015

The outlook: Samsung squeezes most of the high-end performance components from the NX1 into the more consumer-friendly NX500.

Price: $1,100
Body only

Expected ship: February 2015

The outlook: Cramming it with its most current technologies, Olympus makes the E-M5 Mark II sound very attractive to photographers looking for a camera more advanced than a point-and-shoot but smaller than a dSLR.

Price: $1,000
With 18-55mm VR II lens

Expected ship: February 2015

The outlook: While it's not a particularly notable update -- the addition of a touchscreen is nice -- Nikon's entry-level dSLRs are generally well-performing crowd pleasers.

The cameras may not be available yet, but now's the time to start planning which lenses you'll want to splurge on, too. Check out some recommendations for lenses under $1,000.