PetaPixel’s camera-brand power ranking

Here is PetaPixels ranking:

  • 1. Sigma (Grade: A+)
    The unanimous winner of 2025. Sigma was praised for having a “tremendous year,” releasing nine non-cinema lenses including a “flawless” 135mm f/1.4 and an affordable 200mm f/2 that excels at sports and portraits. They also shocked the hosts with a new camera (referred to as the “BF”) featuring an autofocus algorithm that rivals Sony’s real-time tracking, a massive leap for the brand.
  • 2. Nikon (Grade: A- / B+)
    Nikon maintained a strong reputation with the release of the Z50 II, which was described as “insanely well-rounded,” and the Z6 III. They capitalized on their RED acquisition to launch a cinema camera (“ZR”) and updated the legendary 24-70mm f/2.8 to “improve on greatness.” While the flagship Z9 is showing its age (“long in the tooth”), the ecosystem remains robust.
  • 3. Sony (Grade: A- / B+)
    Sony received a late-year grade bump due to the release of the Alpha 7 V. The camera features a 33MP partially stacked sensor (allowing for pre-capture and 90% of the A1 II’s speed at half the price) and a 4-axis multi-angle screen. While criticized for a stagnant entry-level lineup and “boring” designs, their optical engineering remains elite with releases like the 100mm Macro and 50-150mm.
  • 4. Canon (Grade: B / A-)
    Canon had a polarized year. The hardware was excellent, featuring the EOS R6 Mark III and the cinema C400 (finally adding Open Gate video). They also released a fun, unique 45mm f/1.2 lens. However, the hosts penalized the brand heavily for its “anti-consumer” stance on blocking third-party autofocus lenses, preventing them from taking the top spot despite excellent first-party releases.
  • 5. Hasselblad (Grade: B)
    A surprise addition to the grading list. Hasselblad impressed with the X2D II, featuring incredible 10-stop IBIS that makes shooting 100MP medium format handheld practical. They also released a new 35-100mm zoom. The brand was praised for its industrial design and distinct identity, even if it remains a luxury niche product.
  • 6. Panasonic / Lumix (Grade: B-)
    Panasonic started the year strong with the S1 II, a powerhouse for video, and firmware updates adding eye-detect box AF. However, their year “petered out” in the second half. The hosts felt that for wildlife and sports, Panasonic’s autofocus still lags behind the competition, making it hard to recommend as a truly versatile hybrid system compared to Canon or Sony.
  • 7. Fujifilm (Grade: B-)
    Fujifilm saw the biggest drop in grades. The year was described as “stagnant,” with the brand repackaging existing tech into bodies like the X-M5 and the controversial X-Half (half-frame camera). Autofocus performance for video was a major complaint (stopping halfway to the target), and no significant new lenses were released in the latter half of 2025.
  • 8. OM System (Grade: C+)
    OM System was described as “coasting.” The release of the OM-5 Mark II was viewed as a lazy update, primarily adding USB-C for compliance without significant innovation. While the new 50-200mm lens was praised as unique and high-quality, the hosts warned that the company needs to show more life to stay relevant.
  • 9. Leica (Grade: C / L)
    Leica received an “L” grade (for Leica) because they operate outside normal rules. They released the Q3 Monochrom, which was beloved, but also the M11-D (a rangefinder with an EVF) which the hosts felt lost the “soul” of the system. They remain a luxury brand that ignores market trends to focus on niche, prestigious experiences.
  • 10. Tamron (Grade: D+)
    Ranked as the loser of the year. Tamron’s strategy shifted toward manufacturing lenses for other brands (OEM work) rather than releasing exciting branded glass. Their only notable release, a 25-200mm super-zoom, was described as having “no excitement” and was completely upstaged by Sigma’s superior offerings.

Panasonic indeed had a slow second half of the year. Let’s hope they will catch up in 2026 with some exciting released like the S1HII and a new S9II 🙂

TTartisan 40mm f/2.0: Is This the Best Everyday Lens for the LUMIX S9?

Matthew Dangyou tested the new TTartisan 40mm f/2.0 lens. Conclusion:

The TTArtisan 40mm F2 is currently the best budget lens for the Panasonic Lumix S9 if you want a tiny, pocketable setup. For only $168, it delivers:

  • Extremely small size (4.45 cm) – finally a true full-frame pancake-style autofocus lens
  • Full-metal construction with clicked aperture
  • Pleasant rendering with soft, warm character (not clinical, but charming)
  • Good autofocus, especially when using Single Area AF
  • Surprisingly good for both photo and casual video

It’s not ideal for professional work (interviews, critical sharpness), but for everyday shooting, travel, lifestyle, and S9 point-and-shoot vibes, it’s a fantastic value.
The reviewer says he would put it on his S9 7 out of 10 times.

TTArtisan is clearly becoming the leader in small, affordable L-mount autofocus lenses, and this 40mm F2 is one of their best so far.

Black Friday: Today is your last chance to save big on Lumix gear, storage and more!

Cyber Monday deals are now live worldwide at Amazon US, BHphoto Holiday page , Amazon Canada.
In EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries. And also at Amazon Australia.

Today’s new deals:

Hot deals:

Storage and card deals:

L-mount deals:

Sigma can’t scale up production of the highly requested 300-600mm lens and Sigma BF camera

Phototrend had a talk with Foucauld Prové, Managing Director at Sigma France. Here are the highlights:

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports and Sigma BF production and availability issues:

He says for the past six months, they have been facing a global shortage. The factory’s production capacity is not scalable at will, with approximately one hundred units produced each month and to be shared worldwide. Also the Sigma BF is under high demand. He says they received a huge number of orders right from the launch, especially from resellers, and they are still booking new orders every day. Their production capacity can’t handle it all.

Sigma 300-600mm preorders at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.

How they managed to make the new 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art more compact and lighter:

The correction algorithms internal to the boxes have improved considerably compared to the 2018-2019 period, when the first model was released .
So, with this second version , they can rely more on these advances to optimize optical performance and reduce the number of lenses, particularly those that correct distortion or vignetting. This is a real advantage of hybrid cameras, which allows them to design more compact and lightweight lenses.

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

About the new competition from chinese manufacturers:

he thinks they have a little time before they see them in their rearview mirror, even if they’re moving quickly. Sigma doesn’t want to be overconfident, but they’re not afraid either.

Dear Europeans: Today is your final chance to grab the Black Friday deals!

New EUROPEAN Black Friday deals at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, and other Amazon EU countries. Plus on non-Amazon stores at Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet and WexUK.
Non Eu deals at Amazon US, Amazon Canada , BHphoto Holiday page, Amazon Australia.

Amazon Deutschland deal selection:

Amazon UK:

Amazon FR:

Amazon Italy:

Amazon ES: