Big announcements: New Fuji and Panasonic lenses. New GH5 and GFX firmware update

We got plenty of new stuff to report today:

Leica 8-18mm
Panasonic announced the new Leica 8-18mm lens. You can preorder it here at BHphoto, Adorama, Panasonic and Amazon.
And there is also a new ZS70 compact camera at BHphoto, Adorama, Panasonic and Amazon.

Fuji GF 23mm and GF 110mm lens
Fujinon GF 110mm f/2 is now available for preorder at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.
Fujinon GF 23mm f/4 is now available for preorder at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.

Panasonic GH5 and Fuji GFX
The GFX got a new firmware update: “Fujifilm will release a free firmware update for the FUJIFILM GFX 50S later this spring, adding new functionality and improving operability. New functions include computer tethering via Wi-Fi and improved operability in exposure compensation and autofocus performance in difficult scenes.”
Panasonic announced the Gh5 will get a firmware update on April 24.

Fuji GF lens roadmap
On top of this post you can see the new GF lens roadmap. It includes Tele Converters and a Telephoto Prime Lens.

GF 110mm and 23mm to be priced at around $3,000

Nokishita (translation via Fujirumors) leaked the specs and pricing of the two new GF lenses:

  • GF 110 mm F 2 R LM WR
  • Expected release date: June, 2017
  • Suggested retail price: 359,500 yen + tax
  • Mass store sales price: around 350, 460 yen (tax included) – ($3,222))
  • 14 groups in 9 group, minimum 0.9 m, maximum 0.16 times, filter 77 mm, ? 94.3 mm × 125.5 mm, about 1010 g
  • GF 23 mm F 4 R LM WR
  • Expected release date: June, 2017
  • Suggested retail price: 339,500 yen + tax
  • Mass store sales price: around 328,860 yen (including tax) – ($3.023)
  • 12 groups 15 pieces, minimum 38 cm, maximum 0.09 times, filter 82 mm, ? 89.8 mm × 103.0 mm, about 845 g

These are the two next Fuji system cameras…

Fuji is really restless when it comes to launch new camera one after another. A part of the long time rumored new fixed lens X80 camera it really looks like Fuji will launch two more system cameras within the next 12 months:

1) Fujirumors confirmed they are going to launch a new Very High end X camera which will be priced between the $2,000 and $3,000 range. This camera has a similar X-T2 design but is the best video Fuji camera yet.

2) Fujirumors also reports the new X-E3 is coming too. And it will be a tiny bit smaller than the X-E2.

New images of the production ready Light L16 camera!

Lightrumors spotted four new images of the production ready L16 camera. They noticed those changes:

  • The flash used to be above the “Light” logo and it has now moved and is a dual-color flash
  • The laser focus assist moved a bit to make room for the flash and appears to be a solid color (not see thru glass any more)
  • The grip section is flat – earlier images had a very slight rise from the flat surface of the glass
  • There’s a tiny hole to the right of the Light name – probably the mic hole for video
  • On the left side (when facing the front), we see the attachment slot for the wrist strap – but there also used to be a plug slot there – it is now gone
  • We don’t get to see the bottom – this is where I assume the micro-usb port and the power adapter (unless they’re the same now) will be
  • We also don’t get any shots of the back?

And Capture.Light posted a couple of image samples too:

 

   

Official Sony statement confirms their FF mirrorless cameras are onthe raise on the US market

Today Sony issued an official press text which is going to worry the two companies that still are more or less ignoring the professional mirrorless market:

Here is the Press text:

SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced today that their continued growth has vaulted them into the #2 overall position in the U.S. full-frame interchangeable lens camera market. 1

Sony’s interchangeable lens cameras and lenses have seen record sales in 2017, in particular within the U.S. full-frame camera market, where they have experienced double-digit growth (+23%) 2 compared to the same period last year.  The popularity of key models including ?7RII and ?7SII has been paramount to this success.

Additionally, Sony’s rapid growth has helped to drive growth of the overall full-frame interchangeable lens camera market compared to the same period last year.  Without Sony’s contributions, the full-frame market would be facing a slight decline. 3

“Our commitment to the industry is stronger than ever,” said Neal Manowitz, VP of Digital Imaging at Sony North America. “We are always listening to our customers, combining their feedback with our intense passion for innovation to deliver products, services and support like no other.”

A variety of exclusive stories and exciting content shot Sony ? products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com , Sony’s community site built to educate, inspire and showcase all fans and customers of the Sony ? brand.

Notes to Editors

1The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan- Feb 2017
2The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan/Feb 2016- Jan/Feb 2017
3The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame, Based on Dollars, Jan/Feb 2016- Jan/Feb 2017