I was busy with my Fuji X100 vs. Leica X1 review today and still have some catching up to do: in an interview today, Panasonic UK confirmed that they are working on a new, Leica branded, 25mm f/1.4 lens for Micro Four Thirds:
"Q: And there's a new lens to go with the G3 isn't there?
A: Yes, here's the first working sample of the 25mm f/1.4; really eagerly anticipated and not planned for launch until the second half of this year. It will be Leica approved and branded."
In addition to the Lumix G3 camera, Panasonic also announced another point and shoot model and a new 14MP MOS sensor for compact cameras (1/2.33 in.). The new MOS image sensor has the following features:
- The fine process technologies provide a sensitivity of 3050 el/lx/sec/μm2, the industry's highest*1 as a MOS image sensor.
- The new light-focusing structure significantly expands the incident light angle, ensuring uniform and high picture quality, as well as produces a slimmer camera.
- The simple manufacturing process is based on the current MOS image sensor structure, ensuring a stable supply.
The new MOS image sensor has been created using the following Panasonic technologies:
- The 32 and 45 nm (nanometers) leading-edge semiconductor process technologies lower the wiring layer profile, expand the opening area, and increase the photo diode volume.
- The low color-mixing characteristics are enhanced by light-focusing structure design technologies that use a three-dimensional wave optics design to minimize light leakage at the structural boundaries.
- Image sensor mass-production technologies allow stable production of MOS image sensors with high picture-quality.
The new sensor will start being produced in December 2011.
