Panasonic says L-mount alliance formed just a couple of months ago and Olympus didn’t want to be part of it

Well Panasonic manager Yosuke Yamane just spilled out some beans at an interview with Lesnumeriques:

  • Eight years ago Panasonic had the idea to go Full Frame but at the time there were technical and commercial challenges
  • Two years ago they started to look for an alliance around a Full Frame platform. At the beginning of 2018 they approached Leica and Sigma.
  • Why is Olympus not on board with this? Yosuke said “we do not really have the same vision. Our directions are different now, on this format“
  • The new AI autofocus system works on the question of “where to focus”. For example we use deep learning to track flying birds or human eyes
  • Panasonic has abandoned the smart phone project and there will be no follow-up of the CM1 (here on Amazon).
  • Panasonic does not think the smart phone market is a threat for MFT

Will Olympus regret this decision???

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You can join the new L Full Frame Facebook group if you plan to buy this camera. There you can discuss all features and tests once it’s released!

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The next Zenit M lenses will be the 50mm f/1.0 and 21mm f/2.8

DC.watch reports that Zenit will release two more M-mount lenses

Zenitar 50mm f/1 (a future lens, hinted at but without any mock-up or prototype being showcased)
Zenitar 21mm f/2.8, a prototype of which was showcased.

They give a few specifications of this Zenitar 21mm f/2.8 :
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Minimum focusing distance: 50cm
  • Available in 2019
  • Price around €800

Thanks Mistral!

 

Sony spills out some info on the future A7sIII : No 8k, not coming soon, but will go beyond expectations!

Sony Senior Manager Yutaka Iwatsuki just spilled out some bits about the future Sony A7sIII:

1) Mr. Yutaka said that “for time frame, it may require longer than you probably imagine”
2) This long waiting time is necessary because Sony wants to “go beyond the customers expectations”
3) A7sIII will not have 8K recording

Sony also made it clear they want to focus on FF and APS-C and they have no plan to go MF yet.

via Cinema5D

One last Photokina surprise: Zeiss ZX1 full frame camera released

As expected our rumors about this camera were 100% accurate. Zeiss today announced the new ZX1 fixed lens camera and here are some key specs:

37,4 Megapixel Full Frame Sony sensor
35mm f/2.0
No distortion in RAW
4,3 inch Multitouch
Aluminum Body
Adobe Lightroom CC integrated in the camera!

Press text:

ZEISS ZX1: The Camera Concept for the Creative Flow in Photography

First full-frame camera from ZEISS with first-class image quality and the familiar, intuitive image editing and connectivity of a smartphone.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

ZEISS ZX1 – That is the name of the newly developed mirrorless full-frame camera from ZEISS that was presented today in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to the ZEISS lens and a sensor developed in-house at ZEISS, the camera delivers first-class image quality combined with an operational concept and user experience that make the photographer’s jobs-to-be-done as intuitive as on a smartphone.

The ZEISS camera concept is just the first step to opening up a new world of possibilities for ambitious photographers – from taking the shot to editing the image and sharing it on the web.

SHOOT. EDIT. SHARE. – Harmonized hardware, software and optics for a seamless creative process

SHOOT: the ZEISS ZX1 features a newly designed, integrated ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus that has been perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed in-house at ZEISS. The interplay between the lens and sensor ensures first-class picture quality with that typical ZEISS look.

EDIT: The ZEISS ZX1 enables photographers to professionally process RAW images directly on the camera thanks to fully integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. Moreover, the ZEISS ZX1’s unique user interface supports the user’s particular workflow without any interruption – providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via a 4.3″ multi-touch display.

SHARE: when the networked full-frame camera is connected, the user can upload selected images directly to the internet – without the intermediate transfer to memory cards or other external devices.
512 GB of internal memory provide sufficient space for approximately 6,800 RAW files (DNG) or over 50,000 JPGs – more than enough to handle photos, even during a longer trip, and giving the photographer the chance to let their creativity flow. Versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure that various peripherals can be connected. Over-the-air software updates keep the camera up to date without requiring a computer connection.

Designed with a passion for detail and a focus on the essentials

The design of the ZEISS ZX1 is characterized by its iconic shape with carefully crafted details. The overall form and reduction to just those elements that are absolutely necessary lay the foundation for an ergonomic camera and ensure easy handling. The symbiosis of hardware and software is exemplified by the newly defined user interface that utilizes the 4.3″ multi-touch display. The slightly bent screen separates the live view from the control elements, making camera operation comfortable and straightforward.

“We know that we exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the ZEISS ZX1. With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the Internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the ZEISS ZX1 offers,” explains Jörg Schmitz, Head of the Consumer Products business group at ZEISS.

ZEISS ZX1 available from early 2019

The ZEISS ZX1 will be available at selected dealers in early 2019. ZEISS will announce the recommended retail price at the start of the official market launch. Starting now, anyone interested in receiving information on exact availability can register at www.zeiss.com/zx1.

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

Zeiss also announced the new Batis 40mm f/2.0 lens (info on SonyAlphaRumors.com).