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Petapixel hosts had a lot of positive things to say about Panasonic’s 2025 lineup

In their mid-year “grading” segment, the Petapixel hosts had a lot of positive things to say about Panasonic’s 2025 lineup:

• Camera bodies
– They praised the new S1R II and especially the video-focused S1II and S1II E for professional video shooters.
– Build quality, rugged weather-sealing, high-resolution EVFs and full-sensor (“crop-free”) IBIS stabilization all earned strong marks.
– Open-gate 8K modes and regular free firmware updates (e.g. adding 8K and “cropless” stabilization) show Panasonic’s commitment to improving existing bodies.

• Lenses
– The new 24–60mm f/2.8 S-Series zoom was a surprise hit: small, affordable (~US$900), tack-sharp and fully professional.
– Their integrated 25× zoom 4K camcorders also got a nod for stuffing serious features (4:2:2 10-bit recording, dual XLR, touchscreen EVF) into compact packages.
– On the flip side, most of Panasonic’s other lenses were described as “utilitarian” rather than exciting—good, reliable workhorses but lacking the innovative optical formulas you see from some competitors.

• Overall grade
– They settled on an A–, applauding Panasonic’s aggressive early-2025 refresh of both stills and video gear, its firmware support, and the surprisingly strong 24–60 mm f/2.8.
– Their main wish: more “soulful” or unusual lenses—small primes or novel optics—to pair with such solid camera bodies.

For comparison…here is how they graded all companies:

Camera Company Grades

Canon (B-/C+)
Focused on vlogging: V1 (fixed-lens compact), R50V (video-centric APS-C).
New lenses: 16-28mm f/2.8, 14-30mm f/4 PZ, 75-300mm (recycled DSLR design).
Criticism: No pro photo bodies, limited third-party lens support.

Nikon (A/A-)
Strong video push with Z5 II, Z8 firmware, and 28-135mm PZ cine lens.
Criticism: Still no full-frame Sigma lenses due to alleged Tamron exclusivity.

Sony (B-/C+)
Quiet first half: FX3 II, 50-150mm f/2.8, 400-800mm f/6.3-8.
Criticism: No major camera releases, stagnant APS-C support.

Panasonic (A-)
Launched S1R II (high-res), S1 II (video), and 24-60mm f/2.8 lens.
Praise: Open-gate video, firmware updates, cropless stabilization.
Criticism: Uninspiring lens designs.

Fujifilm (A/B+)
Diverse releases: X100VI, XE5, GFX100 RF, Instax Wide Evo, X half (film-sim compact).
Praise: Unique designs catering to different users.
Criticism: Autofocus still lags behind competitors.

OM System (C+)
Minor updates: OM-5 II, OM-3 (retro-styled), 100-400mm II.
Criticism: Lack of innovation, rehashing old designs.

Leica (D/L)
Only released the SL3-S (low-res cine variant).
Celebrated 100 years of M-mount with no new M camera.

Sigma (A+)
Strong lens releases: 50-150mm f/2.8, 300-600mm f/5.6-6.3, Cine line.
FP L camera with improved autofocus.

Tamron (C+)
Quiet first half: 16-30mm f/2.8 G2, firmware updates for existing lenses.
Promised more lenses in late 2025/2026.

Final Thoughts

Best Performers: Fujifilm, Sigma, Nikon.
Needs Improvement: Leica, OM System, Tamron.
Upcoming Expectations: Sony A7S IV, Fujifilm X-Pro 4, Canon R7 II.

Final Grade Summary:

A/A+: Fujifilm, Sigma, Nikon.
B/B-: Panasonic, Sony, Canon.
C/C+: OM System, Tamron.
D/L: Leica.

L-mount news roundup


Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 vs Meike 85 1.4 vs Lumix S 85 1.8 (FF L-Mount)

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Sold my LEICA and bought THIS! (Matt Osborne).
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH lens review (Christopher Frost)
How to Best Organize Your Camera Backpack (Explora)
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics: How to Choose the Right Microphone for Podcasting (42West)
Which Cameras are Creators Choosing? LUMIX S1ii or S1Rii (Matthew Dangyou).

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L-mount news roundup


LUMIX S1RII: Is it REALLY Better than S5IIX and S1H for Video?

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Switching to LUMIX?? Watch this video first to decide (Matthew Dangyou)
From Megapixels to Masterpieces: Choosing the Right Gear for Street Photography (42West)
Leica 28–70 f2.8 DOES THIS better than the Sigma but Worth it? (Gaston Shutters)
Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH
The Secrets to Great Lighting | Part 2 (Explora)

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