Lumix S9 firmware update 1.3 released

The new 1.3 firmware update for the Lumix S9 has been released:

  1. Feature changes due to security enhancements
    – When directly connecting the camera and smartphone via Wi-Fi, the connection has been changed to always require password authentication. (The [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed.)
    – The [TKIP] encryption method is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point.
    – The [No Encryption] option in network authentication is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point.
    – The image transfer feature to PC via Wi-Fi has been removed. (Only European/Ukrainian models)
  2. Other improvements
    – The startup speed when powering on has been improved.
    – The operational stability has been improved.

More Chinese brands will soon join the L-mount alliance

A reliable chinese source on Weibo posted this:

According to reliable sources, more domestic (Chinese) brands are expected to join the L-Mount Alliance in 2025.
In early 2026, the L-mount lens portfolio is expected to expand rapidly with the addition of several Chinese optical brands, which could make the L-mount one of the mirrorless camera mounts with the most extensive lens portfolio.
A new milestone is approaching for the L-Mount Alliance.

There are currently many Chinese companies that could join the connection, such as 7Artisans, TTartisan, Viltrox, Venus Optics and so on. We urgently need more lenses for the L-mount system, and they could definitely contribute.

It’s official: Sirui joined the L-Mount alliance!

Sirui is the ninth company to have joined the L-mount alliance. Sirui writes:

We’re excited to announce that SIRUI has officially joined the Leica L-Mount Alliance! 🎉 As part of this prestigious group, we’re dedicated to working alongside alliance members to further expand the L-Mount lens ecosystem, offering more creative possibilities for photographers and filmmakers.
The first SIRUI autofocus lens to be offered in L-mount will be the full-frame Aurora 85mm f1.4. This will be joined by other SIRUI AF lenses later in the year. This will provide owners of L-mount cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX S5X II and S1R II, DJI Ronin 4D and Blackmagic PXYIS and Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with exciting new lens options.

Welcome to the club!

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Also thanks TechMixr

New Sigma 300-600mm f/4.0 reviews

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

Darek Dariuszbres tested the Sigma 300-600m lens and concluded:

Technological masterpiece , a top-shelf telephoto lens, which includes 500 4 and 600 4 class primes. Bright, fast, sharp throughout the entire range, universal, giving plastic frames, stuffed with the latest technologies and… above average sexy!

And this is a review from Seth Miranda from Adorama:

Sigma preorder links:
300-600mm at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.
16-300mm at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.
Sigma BF L-mount camera at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.