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!