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.