The current Panasonic LX7 model
I received some rumors that a new Panasonic LX8 compact camera will be announced on July 16th. The new model will feature a build-in EVF and a larger sensor. I have no other information at that point. The previous LX7 version was announced on July 18, 2012 and that product line has been on a two years refresh cycle. Stay tuned for additional details.
The new Pentax 645z medium format camera (announcement | sample images | pre-order) will start shipping on June 27th according to Ricoh Imaging Japan. There is still no US release date for the 13 Pentax 645 medium format FA lenses (they were not available for sale in the US before).
Fuji X-E1 camera kits are listed as discontinued at B&H (body only X-E1 models are still available on discounted prices).
There is a new Fuji X-E2 promotion that started today with $150 instant rebate on the camera body and $200 instant rebate on kits. Adorama is also offering either 4% rewards or a bundle with free accessories (card, case, battery, etc).
Fujifilm is definitely clearing their inventory ahead of Photokina where I expect them to finally announce the X-Pro1 replacement together with a X100s successor (a new X30 camera with 1″ sensor is expected to be announced in the next few weeks). For upcoming lenses, see this XF lens roadmap.
Samsung’s flagship NX1 mirrorless model is rumored to be announced at Photokina in September. The weather sealed camera will feature a 28MP APS-C sensor, 4k video recording and will run on the Android OS. Samsung is also still expected to announce a new NX 50-150mm f/2.8 OIS STM splash and dust proof lens:
Canon 100-400mm f:4.5-5.6 DO lens patent
Canon 70-300mm f:4.5-5.6 DO lens patent
A quick update to my last post: Canon filed new patents for a 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 and 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses with diffractive optical element (DOE).
Via Egami
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens patent
Sigma 12-24mm f/2.8 lens patent
Sigma filed patents for several different lenses designed for APS-C based DSLR cameras: 18-35mm f/1.8, 15-30mm f/1.8, 17-35mm f/1.8, 16-50mm f/2.8 and 12-24mm f/2.8.
Olympus filed a patent for a 12-150mm f/4-6.3 Micro Four Thirds lens with image stabilization (IS).
To celebrate their 100 years anniversary and their brand new headquarter (Leitz Park) in Wetzlar, Leica Camera announced several new products today (including a new watch). For more details check LeicaRumors:
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Adobe is apparently working a new touch-based version of Photoshop CC specially designed for tablets:
Few days ago I posted about the Fuji X20 camera being listed as discontinued at B&H. The Chinese website xjrumo now reports that a new Fujifilm X30 camera with a 1″ sensor will be announced in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more details.
The price of the Sony a7 full frame mirrorless camera dropped by $200 today (after $200 instant savings, incl. free 32GB memory card and free hand grip strap, free shipping and 4% in rewards). This is the lowest price for a new full frame digital camera I have ever seen (the Nikon D610 still sells for around $1,900).
There is also a new $250 instant saving on the Sony a7r with the LA-EA4 mount adapter kit combo (price after discount: $2,395.95). For comparison, the price of the Sony a7s model is $2,498 (shipping starts on July 8th).
