Reliable leakier How2fly just reported that Panasonic will announce “something” next week. I still have no idea what it could be. But it’s strange that a camera or lens is announced just before Christmas. So maybe it’s something else like a firmware update or so?

Kazuto Yamaki, the CEO of Sigma, recently shared his thoughts on the company and the photography industry in an insightful, honest, and thought-provoking discussion. The conversation is well worth watching!

At the very end, he offered an intriguing sneak peek: Sigma is developing a telephoto lens like no other. Yamaki hinted that this new lens could be a game-changer for sports and wildlife photographers, saying it’s something they might find very exciting.

While the specifics remain a mystery, a few unique Sigma patents from recent years come to mind, such as:

• 60-700mm f/4.5-7.4
• 50-500mm f/4.5-6.5

It’s unclear if this new lens aligns with these designs, but it’s certainly an exciting prospect. What do you think—or hope—Sigma will unveil in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Rumors suggest the Panasonic Lumix S1R II may arrive in early 2025 with specs inspired by the Leica SL3, positioning it as a high-resolution powerhouse with an appealing price point just above the original S1R. Here’s what we might expect:

Rumored Core Specifications of the Lumix S1R II

• 60MP Full-Frame Sensor:
• 8K Video Recording: High-resolution video capture for filmmakers and hybrid shooters, likely with options for 30fps and possibly 24fps.
• Advanced Autofocus: Likely incorporating AI-powered subject recognition and tracking, improving performance in action, wildlife, and portrait photography. Panasonic is known to focus on better tracking for faces, eyes, and even animal recognition.
• Enhanced In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Offering potentially up to 8 stops of stabilization, ideal for handheld shooting and low-light conditions.
• New Processor: Expected to deliver faster processing speeds, reducing lag in burst shooting and video, while improving overall camera responsiveness.
• Robust Build and Ergonomics: The body is rumored to retain the sturdy build of the S1R with weather-sealing, but possibly with an improved EVF and a larger, higher-resolution rear screen.
• Updated Battery and Cooling System: Likely optimized for handling the demands of high-resolution video without overheating, with improved battery life for extended shooting sessions.

As you know Panasonic officially registered a new camera in China, it might be this S1rII or a new S1hII. Both cameras are long due for an update!