Rumors are circulating that Sony and Panasonic are not far from announcing new full frame cameras. What are they, and how excited should we be?
With Canon having put out the EOS RP in early 2019 and Nikon following suit with its own rather impressive Z 5 that's due to hit the shelves before the end of the month, Sony is looking to add to the choices for those seeking a more affordable mirrorless camera.
The registration for an unknown Sony camera has been floating around for a few months now, and Sony Alpha Rumors reckons that the camera — called either a5 or a6 — might be appearing in the near future. It’s suggested that it will have the same fully articulating screen as the recently announced a7S III, a single SD card slot, the same battery (NP-FZ100) as other recent full frame Sony cameras, and both a mic jack and headphone jack. Speculation includes a new design for the body that will make it smaller than the a7 series of cameras, 5 frames per second, IBIS, and some limited options for 4K video.
Elsewhere, Panasonic has confirmed that it will be announcing the much-anticipated Lumix S5 on September 2nd. The widely respected Nokishita has released a list of specifications that describes a full frame, 24.2-megapixel camera that shoots 4K/60p in 10-bit 4:2:0 and 4K/30p in 10-bit 4:2:2. Head to L-Rumors for the full list. This is not the entry-level full frame hybrid that some had been expecting. The rumors suggest that it will certainly smaller than the S1, but IBIS, a vari-angle touchscreen, and dual native ISO make its specs sheet something far meatier. Pricing and autofocus performance will probably be decisive in whether it will be a tempting alternative to the Sony a7S III.
Are you excited at the prospect of these two new cameras? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
I am excited for the A5 and what it means for the future A74. I truly hope the A74 is announced soon after, because I need to upgrade two APS-C bodies into two FF bodies. The A5 and A74 potentially are a good pairing.
The Canon R6 and R5 though appleaing are way beyond the budget. And the finicky overheating issues together with the record limits don't fit my needs.
The Panasonic S5 specs are amazing, since the GH5 I have always been intrigued. But their focusing issues doesnt suit my needs. They can be a real force if they ever choose to do PDAF. From interviews it's seems like it's a conscious choice on their part not to do PDAF, rather than them just not possessing the ability or know how.
It's a strange, because I would happily buy the S5 with these specs, even if it could only promise 3rd rate Nikon level Hybrid AF.