The Sony RX1R III is the most compelling compact camera on the market. Yes, there are drawbacks – the fixed screen being the biggest one for me – but its strengths are such that I would be perfectly happy using this as my everyday snapper or travel camera. Obviously its price puts it in the same category as the Leica Q3 but, while the 61MP resolution is about the same, Sony’s autofocus is on another level entirely – and it’s also a whole lot smaller and lighter.
Roundup of new rants and odes to this new Sony camera :)
For the first time ever, Sigma has built a lens that no one else dared to create — a true BOKEH King, designed to rule them all. Introducing the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 for Sony E and Leica L-mount. With a massive 105mm filter thread and weighing 1350g, this isn’t exactly a lightweight lens — yet it’s still 300g lighter while matching the size of Sigma’s other legendary 105mm prime.
Why choose this over a “classic” 85mm f/1.4?
Delivers nearly one-third the depth of field, creating dramatically stronger bokeh.
Makes background separation effortless for portraits.
If needed, you can shoot from farther away, making it less intrusive.
In crop mode, it transforms into a 200mm f/1.4, perfect for indoor concerts and even sports photography
Sure, it’s heavier and bulkier — but after seeing sample shots, I can confirm this lens delivers absolutely breathtaking results. And since most of the weight sits close to the mount, it’s surprisingly well-balanced and not tiring to handle over longer sessions. Stay tuned on SAR — this one’s going to be exciting!
SonyAlphaBlog tested the new 6mm FF lens and highly recommends it:
The Astrhori 6mm F2.8 Fisheye (299$) is a unique circular fisheye with a record field of view of 220° . Results are very good to excellent in term of sharpness. Very good color rendition and bokeh but bad resistance to flare
Basically all manufacturers except OM Digital managed to increase the numbers of cameras sold. In general global shipments of digital cameras in 2024 were up for the first time in seven years
One more data:
CMOS image sensor global market share by value 2024
Some more info about that exciting new Laowa 200mm lens:
-> A source sent me two large image samples shot on the Laowa 200mm f/2.0. You can download them here: wetransfer.com
-> And here is some additional info (Thanks Avandu):
Laowa’s new AF 200mm F2.0 full-frame autofocus lens is expected to be released around October 1. It will be the first 200mm fixed-focus autofocus lens from a domestic optical brand. The lens will be offered in two color options, gray and blue, and will be available in Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF DSLR mounts. Among these, the Sony E-mount version supports rear filters, while the Canon EF version weighs only 1,588 grams.”
-> This is the MTF graph:
Not as super razor shape as the Sigma but very close!
The new Laowa 200mm f/2.0 FE lens release is set for October 1st! Matt Granger just published a teaser about his upcoming review. Below you can see more images of the lens:
