Asobinet spotted a newly published Panasonic patent that shows new variants of the existing 26mm f/2.8 lens:
I doubt Panasonic will ever release those 24mm and 28mm f/8 lenses. But a 22mm f/5.6? Now that would actually be an interesting option.
Leica’s CEO Andrea Kaufmann has confirmed that the company is once again developing its own image sensor. After using AMS sensors up to the M10 and switching to Sony sensors for the M11 generation, Leica appears set to return to an in‑house solution—a process that typically spans about five years and is reportedly already well underway.
A strange rumor is making the rounds, suggesting that Leica might release a “clone” of the current Lumix S1R II. The idea would be to fill the gap between the lower-megapixel SL3-S and the high-resolution SL3.
The camera would reportedly use the same 44MP sensor as the Lumix. Autofocus could see improvements, while video features might be toned down. One thing seems certain: it will cost more than the Lumix. 🙂
An announcement is rumored for May 2026.
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via DClife via LR
Somebody shared this on Weibo and I guess it’s a joke! Anyway, here are the so called “rumored” Panasonic S1HII specs:
Even if tis is probably a pure speculation…would you like to get such features?
The full interview can be followed from minute 20 to 55 but the key points about the future are:
I am one of the few out there that really do like the BF design, but this is a camera for a niche of people. A proper big L-mount camera would be really nice to get. Also because right now we can only count on Panasonic cameras (Leica cameras are for the few rich of us).
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Sigma lens preorders:
300-600mm lens at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.
16-300mm at BHphoto. Amazon. Adorama. FotoErhardt. Fotokoch. WexUK.
Fengniao had a chat with a bunch of Panasonic managers and there are couple of interesting notes:
The google translated text:
Fixed lens cameras:
In terms of market demand insight, Panasonic is keenly aware of the trend of recovering demand in the fixed lens camera market. Based on this change in the market, Panasonic is looking forward to the fixed lens camera market and is actively planning the introduction of new products. Although it is not yet possible to determine the specific time of the release of new products, it can be seen that Panasonic has launched an in-depth thinking and layout in this area.
New Telephoto L-mount lenses needed:
For example, in terms of the lens group, compared with other competitors, Panasonic has certain shortcomings, and the lack of telephoto lenses is particularly obvious. Currently its longest focal length is only 300mm, and the lens level is not high-end. In order to make up for this deficiency, Panasonic has taken a series of positive measures. On the one hand, to strengthen the internal lens R & D mechanism, increase R & D investment, accelerate the development of new lenses; on the other hand, with the advantage of the L-mount alliance, and the alliance members to carry out in-depth co-operation in lens research and development. In this way, not only can we enhance the compatibility and affinity of Panasonic lenses, but also provide users with more lens options. In the future lens research and development planning, Panasonic will take the L-mount alliance as the basis, give full play to its own advantages, and develop lens products that are more distinctive and meet the needs of users.
S1H successor:
Panasonic is also actively exploring the planning of the follow-up products of LUMIX S1H. LUMIX S1H, as a camera positioned for film creation, has a unique position in the market. With the continuous development and changes in the field of film micro camera, Panasonic has received a large number of opinions and suggestions from all sides. In terms of product form, there are different expectations from users and the market. Some want the product to be similar to the FX3, cutting out the warship section and focusing on cinema and video functions; some prefer to keep the micro-single form while strengthening the video function; and others expect to make it a square camera similar to the FX6. In terms of functional requirements, features such as 8K 60p or even 8K 120p video shooting and built-in ND filters have become the focus of users’ attention. In order to better meet market demands, Panasonic merged with its professional-grade system imaging division in 2024, integrating the technical resources of both parties and engaging in deeper and closer discussions with technicians. Although the launch date of the next generation of the LUMIX S1H has not yet been determined, it can be seen that Panasonic is putting its best foot forward in the development of this product, and is striving to bring users an even better tool for film creation.
Younger generation shows interest in cameras:
Nowadays, an interesting phenomenon has emerged globally: more and more young people are starting to use card machines for shooting. This group’s interest in camera shooting has shown a significant increase. Unlike the pursuit of extreme high image quality, many young people are keen on the retro atmosphere created by CCD cameras. Such retro-style photos, with their unique colors and textures, evoke a sense of the past.
This phenomenon has also brought new thoughts and opportunities to camera manufacturers, prompting them to pay more attention to the needs of young users in product design and function development.
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Lumix S1rII: BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama. Fotoerhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK. Clifton. ParkUK.
