Two new cameras coming soon: Sony A6xxx and Panasonic GH4R!

The big October PhotoPlus show is getting closer and we are getting first rumors about the next bunch of new mirrorless cameras:

1) Sony A6xxx (Sony A6100?)
That camera is rumored to feature a brand new backlit RGBW sensor. The “White” pixels are added to increase the dynamic range. The Camera also records 4k at 60fps and has the fastest autofocus system of all mirrorless system cameras.

2) Panasonic GH4R
Panasonic is going to launch a new Panasonic GH4R camera which is basiccally a GH4 with V-LG added. This isn’t good news because it means current GH4 cameras will not get the firmware update for free :(

No other rumored camera yet, not from Olympus, Samsung, Fuji, Nikon and Canon :(

Coming soon: An interchangeable lens version of the Leica Q, with AF lenses. Due out in time for Photo Plus, in October!

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A source just sent me that exciting news:

Coming soon: An interchangeable lens version of the Leica Q, with AF lenses. Due out in time for Photo Plus, in October.

This will not be the replacement to the M240 but rather a new system with new AF lenses, bulkier than the Q or M lines, with an EVF and lighter build despite the bulk. Sensor will be similar, if not the same, as the Q’s sensor. Anticipate that it will come bundled with a 50 mm f/2 Summicron lens and retail around $8,000 USD. Build quality will be comparable to the M line and Q line…much of the Q’s tech, including in body image stabilization, electronic shutter, and built in high res EVF, will be included. The camera may harken in design to Leicaflex bodies of years gone by…like a bulkier XT-1 with more simplified layout. This may end up being called the new “R” camera and may well take old R lenses via adapter, along with new AF R lenses. Not sure that it will take M lenses.

Anticipate that Leica will begin to simplify options, but canceling the T line and possibly the X-line. What will remain are the DLux, VLux, M, Q, S lines…
Wow!

Thanks to the source for sending this! Really sounds like Leica is going to challenge the Sony FE system!

If you consider the price of the Summicron is around $2,000 well this means you will pay around $6,000 for the camera body only. A Full Frame X-T1…well that looks great on paper!

Yole Developement predicts Sony sensor domiation to increase the next years.

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The upcoming years Sony is highly likely going to increase the “domination” of the sensor market. Pierre Cambou from Yole Development writes:

“Yole forecasts that the CIS industry will reach $10B this year, with Sony remaining the undisputed world leader –mainly at image sensor level, but gaining strong momentum at camera module level too. And what will Sony’s $4B be used for? Probably to increase capacity, enhance R&D efforts, and further widen the gap between its competitors. It may also be used in applications that will generate a firm lead in automotive, and to develop sensing technologies for consumer and automotive applications. With this bold financing move, Sony is leveraging its leading technology position and demonstrating the confidence it has in its products, its technology, and its future.

I am really wondering what this will mean for the photographic industry. Fuji, Nikon and Canon…how will they work or compete against Sony?

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found via Image Sensor World.

Some additional A6100/A7000 camera info.

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I still don’t know the real final name of the new Sony flagship APS-C E-mount camera. But the same source who sent me the image the previous day now also sent me some more tidbits:

It has a new 24MP sensor with ISO range of 100-51,200.
15fps continuous shooting with AF.
30fps continuous shooting in “4K Mode”. This is similar to Panasonic 4K Photo Mode.
Still no touchscreen, but it has a new 2.8M dot OLED EVF. Rear monitor is 3″ 1.04M dot and is now fully articulating.
Mic input support.
It will have lots of exciting video features previously not seen on Sony APS-C cameras.

This camera will be placed above A6000 and target users that need both stills and video features. A6000 will continue to be sold as is.
Let’s see if the source is sharing the correct final camera specs…

Has the digital camera fall been stopped? Signs of recovery!

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After years  decline the falling digital camera sales trend seems to have stopped for the first time! CIPA reports that sales number in June where almost the same as the sales in June 2014. The data have been nicely summed up by Personal View.

And moreover Sony, Olympus, Fuji and Nikon posted positive sales results in their digital camera business. We have to see the coming months if the trend will be confirmed or not.