What Dpreview hopes to get from Sigma in 2025

Dpreview outlines expectations and desires for future Sigma products:

What We Expect from Sigma:

  1. 50-150mm F2.8 APS-C Zoom: There has been a lot of demand for a 50-150mm F2.8 APS-C lens for mirrorless cameras. The original model was highly praised for being more compact, lightweight, and affordable compared to the 70-200mm F2.8 lenses, offering a more accessible option. An updated version for mirrorless systems would be greatly appreciated by users seeking a versatile, high-performance zoom lens for APS-C cameras. Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 APS-C Zoom
  2. Sports and Wildlife Telephoto Lens: Sigma has mentioned developing a telephoto lens aimed at sports and wildlife photography, which could be an exciting addition to their lineup. Details are still unclear, but it’s something to watch for in the future.
  3. Camera Updates/Expansions: Sigma has made waves with its fp series and DP series, and there’s curiosity around whether the company will update or expand on these concepts. A new iteration of the fp or a return to the roots of the DP series with its large-sensor prime lenses would be intriguing. Sigma fp series

What We’d Like to See:

  1. Refresh of the DC DN Range: A potential refresh of the DC DN lens range, re-bodied in i-series metal casings with functional aperture rings, would be appreciated. This update would benefit users with Fujifilm and Nikon Zfc cameras. While there may be limited hope for this, it would be a welcome addition. Sigma DC DN lenses
  2. Full-Frame Foveon Camera: The idea of a full-frame Foveon camera has been floating around for a while. Sigma has already developed an APS-H Foveon sensor, so a full-frame version seems plausible. The proposed camera would have 25.5MP resolution without the blurring effect caused by demosaicing, thanks to the large sensor and large pixels. This could offer superb detail, especially in good lighting conditions, and address past issues with Foveon sensors. Sigma Foveon Camera

Sadly I don’t think the Foveon camera incoming within the next few years 🙁

Leica SL3-S has same SL2-S sensor

This week on January 16 Leica will announce the new SL3-S L-mount camera. According to my sources this what to expect:

  • It uses the same 24.6MP sensor of the current Leica SL2-S
  • Tweaks have been made through the processor engine so that high ISO images do look even better
  • The one advantage over the SL3 is that the SL3.S will have C2PA support.

I know, this is not an exciting camera for most of my readers. But don’t worry, the next Lumix camera is coming soon!

Panasonic Lumix S1R successor will be announced in February!

According to two reliable sources, Panasonic will launch a new successor to the Lumix S1R in February! This will happen before the start of the CP+ trade show (before Feb. 27). The sources have not yet shared the camera’s specifications, but it is clear that it will use the same Leica SL3 sensor and core technology. But unlike the Leica, the new successor to the S1R will be able to take decent video and will have a much more affordable price.

I don’t know yet if a lens will also be announced along with the new camera. I have heard some wild initial rumors that this might be the case, but I need further investigation….

Now, don’t be upset if you were hoping to get the S1HII first. Panasonic has officially registered three new camera models in Asia. All three cameras are expected to be announced in the first half of the year, and I suspect that the S1HII is one of them. I have no idea what the third camera might be, but I personally hope it will be this one 🙂

So now I will work on getting the full specs of the S1RII, possibly pictures and also some more information about the lenses. If all goes well, I might also be able to share the first information about the other two new cameras 😉

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If you have any rumors about that camera feel free to share them anonymously using this contact box (try to use a nickname to be recognized in future) or via lrumorscameras@gmail.com.

What Dpreview hopes to get from Panasonic in 2025

Dpreview outlines expectations and desires for future Panasonic camera updates. They only have requests for L-mount cameras with the only exception made in favor of a successor of the beautiful LX100.

What We Expect from Panasonic:

  1. High-Resolution Full-Frame Upgrade: Panasonic’s current high-resolution full-frame camera, the S1R, is starting to feel outdated, particularly lacking phase-detect autofocus. There is potential for an upgrade to compete with cameras like the Sony a7RV, Nikon Z8, and Canon EOS R5 II. This would likely involve a new sensor and improved autofocus capabilities.
  2. S1H Update: The S1H, Panasonic’s video-focused camera, is also in need of an update. A new model could essentially serve as a full-frame GH7, offering improved video features like minimal rolling shutter, 4K video output, and, most importantly, phase-detect autofocus. A new, faster sensor is needed as the current 24MP sensor is not quick enough for high-end video needs.
  3. Autofocus Improvements: Panasonic’s autofocus system, while featuring a variety of tracking modes, struggles with moving subjects. Enhancing its phase-detection autofocus system would greatly improve subject tracking, making it more competitive with the best systems from other brands.

What We’d Like to See:

  1. Enthusiast Compact Camera: Panasonic is encouraged to return to producing enthusiast-level compact cameras. The LX100 series, for example, could be revamped with a fixed lens instead of a zoom. A model like this would tap into the demand for high-quality, compact cameras, similar to Fujifilm’s X100 series. Alternatively, a more responsive zoom lens could also appeal to enthusiasts.

In summary, Panasonic’s future releases could benefit from updated video-focused models, improved autofocus, and an enthusiast compact camera, particularly revamping the LX100 series with either a fixed or better-performing zoom lens.