This could be the first image of the new Panasonic S5II. The camera is rumored to feature a new autofocus system (unclear if it has Lidar). And it might be announced on January 4th.

On the web I see many speculating with a release of the new Panasonic S5II ate the CES show. It’s also said it will be Panasonic’s first S camera with phase detection AF (maybe even Lidar!). So let’s start with the facts:

1. Yes, Panasonic held a big secret meeting in Tokyo with many famous youtubers and reviewers. So obviously something big is coming soon.
2. Panasonic has a scheduled CES press conference on January 4th. But so far there is no hint or teaser about some camera related announcement.

And now to my speculation:

• I do believe the S5II will be the next new camera to be announced by Panasonic.
• I am not sure if it’s coming at the CES show but the fac they fahd that big Tokyo meeting surely suggests there is something coming soon
• While I am certain they will have a new autofocus system I am not sure if this means they will implement the new LIDAR tech. It might be the “Normal” phase detection AF

Anyway, let’s see what’s going to happen on Jan 4th!

Image on top shows the current 60-600mm lens for Nikon F and Canon EF (for about 2000 Dollars/Euro here on Amazon). 

Sigma will soon announce the new super tele zoom! Here are the specs:

60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports 

• Lens construction: 27 elements in 19 groups
• Minimum Focus Distance: 45-260cm
• Maximum magnification: 1:2.4
• Number of aperture blades: 9 (circular aperture)
• Filter diameter: 105mm
• Size: φ119.4mm x 279.2mm (281.2mm for E-mount version)
• Weight: 2495g (2485g for E-mount version)
• Hood: LH1144-02
• Lens cap: LC-740E
• Tripod socket: TS-121

via Asobinet

One of our readers noticed this:

Damien Bernal and French Reviewers are in Tokyo right now.
Chris and Jordan from Dpreview seem to be at the same place too.
Source: latest stories of Damien Bernal today : https://www.instagram.com/damien.bernal/?hl=en

On Damiens story it looks like I can see Lumix ambassador Sean (his youtube channel is here) and Richard Wong (his youtube channel here). So this might be a Panasonic announcement!

Sigma currently sells a 60-600mm lens for Nikon F and Canon EF (for about 2000 Dollars/Euro here on Amazon). According to a very reliable Japanese source Sigma will announce a new 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS lens in early 2023. This will be available for L and E-mount for sure. There is yet no info about the pricing and exact release date, btu stay tuned for more!

via Asobinet

Astrhori 18mm f/8.0 shift lens specs:

• optical structure of 9 elements in 9 groups
• field of view of 99.2°
• shift of ±6mm
• minimum focusing distance of 0.34m
• filter interface of 58mm
• lens body size of 62*36mm
• weight of about 164g. /RF/L bayonet