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 🙁

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.

Follow live: Panasonic CES press event

We know that Panasonic has registered three new camera models in China. That means there will definitely be new cameras coming in Q1. But I’m not sure if they will talk about it today. But let’s hope we will all get a nice surprise 🙂

Curiosity: Panasonic, Leica and Sigma have only a small market share, according to a Shotkit survey

Shotkit asked 1,000 Photographers What Camera They Use in 2024, And here are the findings:

  1. Nikon is the most popular camera brand used by professional photographers. 31% of professionals use Nikon, closely followed by Canon (28%) and Sony (20%).
  2. Canon is the most popular camera brand used by amateur photographers. 27% of amateurs use Canon, closely followed by Nikon (25%) and Sony (16%).
  3. The Sony a7III is the most popular camera used by professional photographers. 7% of pros use the Sony a7III mirrorless camera, with the Canon R6 mirrorless camera and Nikon D750 DSLR camera coming in joint 2nd and 3rd.
  4. The Alpha a7III and the Nikon D850 are the most popular cameras used by amateur photographers. One is a mirrorless camera and the other is a DSLR.
  5. Professional photographers like to use the Sony a7III for their personal photography pursuits too. The Fujifilm X-T3 and Nikon D850 are also popular choices.
  6. Companies from the L-Mount alliance have only a negligible share in this survey 🙁

The Lumix S5II is now marked as “on clearance” at BestBuy

The Lumix S5II is now marked as “on clearance” at BestBuy. Normally that means Best Buy is no longer ordering them and is clearing out their inventory to make room for a newer model. But in this case, I don’t think there will be a new S5II successor anytime soon. Maybe they just decided to stop selling this model through their stores? Also because the camera is regularly in stock at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama. So I think it could be an internal decision not to buy new stock.

What do you think about that?

Thanks to the anonymous tipster of that news