Curiosity: Two new medium format cameras leaked (using the Sony’s 102MP sensor)

Recently I leaked the first image of the new FujiFilm GFX100RF (my video is here) and of the Hasselblad X2DII (my video is here). Both will use the well known Sony 102Mp sensor.

And this once more reminds of the fact, that I would love Sony making a medium format system camera too. And if patents are any indications than if Sony would go medium format they would really do it differently than competition:

  1. BIG and REAL Medium format sensor:
    Most of Sony’s patent show that they use the larger 53.5mmx 40mm size sensor with 0,65 crop factor. This is larger than the current Fuji GFX sensor (44x30mm, 1.7 larger than FF and 0,79 crop)
  2. CURVED (patents here)
    Usually larger sensor means larger lenses too. But in most of the Sony patents we see the camera suing a curved sensor. This allows the lenses to be much smaller because they don’t need additional glass to correct for distortion. And it allows to get the same sharpness all across the frame. The f/2.8 (FF equivalent f/1.7) lenses are barely larger than Full frame f/1.4 primes.
  3. FAST LENSES:
    The patented lenses are all primes with f/2.8 aperture. This is equivalent to f/1.7 in Full Frame terms.

Final take:
But I think the curved sensor tech is still far out and if Sony would go medium format now they would use the regular flat sensors. Their latest sensor for the 53x40mm sensor size have 150MP and 250MP resolution. For the 44x30mm sensor size sonny released a new 126MP global shutter sensor. Still, so far I got no indication Sony plans to enter the medium format world.

In my opinion, they should do it because it would open up a new mounting system for them to develop potentially exciting cameras and lenses that they can sell at a higher margin than full frame. What are your thoughts on this?

 

Next rumors about the Sony A7V launch delay

Recently I reported to you that Sony has decided to postpone the launch of the Sony A7V, even though my sources told me that this camera is ready and in production. Sony executives also said that they are behind on production of the Sony A1II because demand is much higher than expected. Now a Russian photography channel shared some more info that yet has to be verified:

At CP+ behind the close doors Sony stated that they could show A7V by the end of 2025 and release it in 2026 in ideal conditions. The ideal conditions means a supply chains that are undergoing serious corrections because most photo mfrs (i assume he means not native Chinese but Japanese) are leaving China due to very high tariffs that are being placed on parts made in China. Every mfr is moving factories to places like Vietnam or Thailand or South Korea, there are serious delays with implementing something new. Behind the closed doors Sony said A7V will get a new sensor and will be a pretty interesting camera. Nothing else was said.

If what they are writing is true than the Sony A7V will be announced at latest in November with availability in January/February. I still hope the Sony A7V is coming before fall.

Schneider Kreuznach 14-24mm f/2.8 FE lens price info and first lockup of the future 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens!

I have two new info for you!

  1. The Schneider Kreuznach 14-24mm f/2.8 FE lens will be priced at around $1100. That’s about $300 lens than this FE lens.
  2. Schneider Kreuznach also displayed a lockup for another standard zoom lens. They said the wide end is 24mm. I guess this is a 24-70mm f/2.8 FE!

Reminder: Key Features of the Schneider Kreuznach 14-24mm f/2.8 FE lens:

  • World’s first 14-24mm (Sony E) compatible super-wide zoom lens allows front filters (77mm filter size)
  • Enables ultra-close-up shooting at just 0.18m
  • Jointly developed with Schneider-Kreuznach
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Weight: 445g Only
  • $1100
  • coming in 2025

Sigma says a new 35mm f/1.2 II FE lens is coming in 2025 and it will be smaller and better!

Sigma CEO Yamaki had a talk at the CP+ show. And there he teased the launch of a new updated version of the current 35mm f/1.2 FE lens. The new version will be:

  • Released soon
  • Be way more compact (similar design to the Sigma 50mm f/1.2)
  • Be lighter
  • Be optically superior despite the smaller size
  • Made for Sony E and Leica L mount cameras

Sigma CEO Yamaki also said there will be many ART lenses released this year!

The launch of the Sony A7V is postponed and another E-mount full-frame camera is expected sooner!

Back in December and in January Sony did register two new camera codes. Usually this means we should get an official announcement within 3-4 months. But now I have a bad news (and two small good news):

The very same sources that gave me correct info about the just announced two new 16mm and 400-800mm G lenses told me that the Sony A7V launch has been likely postponed by a few months. I made a quick summary of what they told me:

Source 1 (long time trusted source):

The Sony A7V is ready but Sony is waiting for Canon R6III to make the first pricing move in this segment, and are willing to postpone the A7V launch if they have to.

Source 2 (new source, but I believe he can be trusted):

The Sony A7v will be delayed, unfortunately a lot.
It could be so bad that it won’t come until the end of the year, late autumn at the earliest. This is information I have received from the depths of Sony.

Source 3 (trusted source):

Sony is still having problems producing enough Sony A1II cameras. This is also a reason why they are waiting with the launch of the new A7V. The production of the A1II should reach the targets by the end of March/April.

Reminder:

Sony OFFICIALLY registered two new cameras in December and January,  and I think one of those might be the A7V. This is another indication that the A7V would indeed be ready for launch, but Sony prefers to wait.

TWO good news:

  1. Another new camera coming: One of the sources also told me that now that the A7V has been delayed, Sony is planning to introduce another E-mount full frame ‘niche’ camera in the spring. I should have some information about this camera soon.
  2. A stunning GM lens coming soon: One trusted source told me about a “stunning” GM lens that should be announced in Spring. More about that soon on SAR!

Recap:

It’s disappointing to hear that the A7V is coming later than expected. I hope that at least the long wait will be worth it and that the specs will be great and it won’t be another ‘lukewarm’ update like we had with the Sony A1II. But I hope to be able to bring you some joy with rumors about this next “other” camera and the GM lens ;)

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If you have rumors to share send me a message using this contact box, SIGNAL, or at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

Sony 16mm and 400-800m G lenses to be announced today!

Sony didn’t tease anything but I am going to tell you that today at around 2-3pm London time Sony will announce the two new lenses. A source also added some more tidbits on the 400-800mm G:

  • it is just slightly larger than a 200-600, almost not noticeable,
  • and the whole feel is like that lens. What is different is:
  • tripod foot is not removable without tools, unlike most of the Sony feet so far.
  • Lens hood has a button like usually G lens hoods, and also the window for rotating filters.
  • And the lens IS sharp, very sharp, unlike some rumors suggested so far. Tried it on a7IV, a1 and a9III.
  • I think it is going to be a winner for anyone who needs this range.

Sony 400-800mm f/6-3-8.0 G lens specs:

  • 11 aperture blades
  • 19 lens groups with 27 lens elements
  • OSS
  • internal zoom
  • 105mm filter thread
  • full time DMF switch
  • minimum focusing distance varies between 1.7m-3.5m
  • far-mode starting at 8m (instead of the usual 10m)
  • supports teleconverters
  • 2.475kg
  • 119.8mm wide x 34.6cm long
  • Shipment start: March
  • Price: 2999€ (USD price possibly around $2,500)
  • Preorder links: BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, WexUK.

Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens specs:

  • 11 aperture blades
  • 15 lens elements in 12 groups (including AA, ED and super ED glass)
  • aperture ring (de-clickable)
  • same XD linear focussing motor as the 14mm GM
  • 15cm minimal focussing distance
  • 73.8mm + 75mm
  • 304grams
  • Shipment start: April
  • Price: 999€ (USD price possibly around $849)
  • Preorder links: BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, WexUK.