Well this is a kind of news that really is unexpected! L-rumors reports that Leica-Panasonic-Sigma created a new partnership to develop Full Frame cameras and lenses around the current Leica SL mount.

I can see them “risking” much more than Canon and Nikon. I expect Panasonic to go full in by offering a unique package of 4k60, fully articulating screen, 40+ MP high-resolution sensor, dual slot and IBIS. Sigma will make some top quality and still not crazy expensive lenses. And Leica can give that extra touch of expensive class with their lenses.

But I don’t know if this “quality” will be capable to gain meaningful Full frame market share at cost of Sony-Canon-Nikon. For sure Leica-Sigma-Panasonic will have my sympathy. At last Sony cannot hold back the A7sIII launch anymore :)

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Here are the rumored Panasonic FF specs via L-rumors.com:

Panasonic high End Full Frame camera
– Close to 50 Megapixels
– L-mount
– Panasonic designed and manufactured sensor
– 4k60p
– IBIS
– 150 Megapixel stills in Pixel Shift mode
– Dual card slot (one card should be SD)
– Price below the Sony A9 (close to $4,000)

Panasonic entry level Full Frame camera
– 20+ megapixels
– L-mount
– Panasonic designed and manufactured sensor
– 4k60p
– IBIS
– Dual card slot (one card should be SD)

Panasonic FF lenses
– 24-70mm
– 70-200mm
– 50mm

Sigma
Sigma will make L-mount lenses, and EF to L-mount autofocus adapter and they are also developing an L-mount camera.

Next Tuesday at 10am Berlin time Sony will have a one hour press conference. The same trusted sources that correctly gave us the 24mm GM lens rumors confirmed that we shouldn’t expect any new product announcement (camera or lens). Sony unofficially told journalists to wait til October to see some new stuff.

We know from trusted sources that Sony has three products ready for the launch: Sony A7III, Sony High End APS-C cameras and the 135mm FE GM. Now let’s see what they will announce in October…

One more thing: On September 25 Panasonic-Leica-Sigma will announce their partnership on the SL-mount FF system camera. I suspect this one is going to be a more advanced proposition than the Canon EOS-R or Nikon Z7. Will be interesting to follow the event!

Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC APS-C E-mount lens

Here you have the leaked specs of the upcoming five new Sigma lenses. And we have some bad news. The zooms will NOT be available for E-mount right from the start. Remember that Sigma said it would take more time for them to adapt zoom lenses on E-mount because of the more complex autofocus algorithm:

28mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

Lens construction: 12 groups 17 (including 2 FLD lenses and 3 SLD lenses)
Shortest shooting distance: 28 cm
Maximum photographing magnification: 1: 5.4
Filter diameter: 77 mm
Size: φ 82.8 mm x 107.7 mm
Weight: To be determined
Mount: Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony E

40mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art

Lenses developed to meet the requirements of the high-end cinerene lens
Lens construction: 12 groups 16 pieces (3 FLD lenses and 3 SLD lenses included)
Shortest shooting distance: 40 cm
Maximum shooting magnification: 1: 6.5
Filter diameter: 82 mm
Size: φ 87.8 mm x 131 mm
Weight: 1200 g
Mount: Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony E

70-200 mm F 2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports

Lens construction: 22 groups 22 pieces (9 FLD lenses and 1 SLD lens included)
Minimum shooting distance: 1.2 m
Maximum magnification: 1: 4.8
Number of diaphragm blades: 11
Filter diameter: 82 mm
Size: φ 94.2 mm x 202.9 mm
Weight: 1805 g
Compatible with TC-1401 / TC-2001
Mount: Sigma, Canon, Nikon

60 – 600 mm F4.5 – 6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports

Lens construction: 19 groups of 25 (including 3 FLD lenses and 1 SLD lens)
Shortest shooting distance: 60-260 cm
Maximum photographing magnification: 1: 3.3 (200 mm)
Image stabilization effect: 4 steps
Filter diameter: 105 mm
Size: φ120.4 mm x 268.9 mm
Weight: 2700 g
Compatible with TC-1401 / TC-2001
Mount: Sigma, Canon, Nikon

56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary

Lens construction: 6 groups 10 pieces (including one SLD lens)
Shortest shooting distance: 50 cm
Maximum shooting magnification: 1: 7.4
Filter diameter: 55 mm
Size: φ 66.5 mm x 59.5 mm
Weight: 280 g
Mount: Micro Four Thirds, Sony E

Here are some more images of the lenses:

Links to current Sigma lenses:

Sigma APS-C E-mount lenses:
16mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
19mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
30mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
30mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
60mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon. Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.

via Nokishita