Last week was really good for L-Mount. Both the Sigma BF and the S1Rii give us new, very good, modern and competitive choices.
I wonder what will be next in the Lumix L-Mount line. As far as I can see it, we have currently the following Lumix cameras for different target groups (always current street price):
Lumix S9 - entry level hybrid (around 1450€)
For people who do not need an EVF, but an ILC. Video and photo oriented. Lower budget, but desire for fullframe. Probably the next step after a smartphone, to get more serious with video/and or photo. Entry into the Lumix FF line. LUTs and PDAF available. Price falls continuously.
Lumix S5 - entry level hybrid (around 1200€)
The S5 (D) is still produced. The (currently) cheapest entry into Lumix fullframe with EVF. Only DFD focus, but the rest still excellent. Target group of S5 are people, who are interested photo and video with fullframe, but on a budget. Same like S9, but with EVF, without LUTs & PDAF.
Lumix S5ii/x - mid level hybrid (around 1700€)
All you need for photo and video with 24MP. Clear added value/upgrade from the S5 via PDAF, cooling, 3.6MP EVF, LUTs and new FW updates. Without competition in that price range.
Lumix S1Rii - high level hybrid (list price 3600€)
The newest edition. In my view the best you can get, if you want hybrid with 44MP and the best bang for the buck. No real competition with these features, especially not at this price range.
What is missing?
This is all speculation, but looking at the S1Rii, I think Panasonic is well situated in the high end market and in my view does not need urgently a S1H successor. For me, the S1Rii is a replacement for both, the S1R and S1H. The S5ii is the replacement of the S1.
In my view, the missing product is an entry level model in the price range of 800€-1000€, smaller than the normal S5/S5ii. Of course with EVF, max. 24 MP and without all video features, to make it cheaper. I.e. no 4k recording, no cooling system etc. A camera which is focused more on photographers. It will be still hybrid, but entry level hybrid. Of course with PDAF. Basically a less capable S9, but with an EVF.
What do you think?
I wonder what will be next in the Lumix L-Mount line. As far as I can see it, we have currently the following Lumix cameras for different target groups (always current street price):
Lumix S9 - entry level hybrid (around 1450€)
For people who do not need an EVF, but an ILC. Video and photo oriented. Lower budget, but desire for fullframe. Probably the next step after a smartphone, to get more serious with video/and or photo. Entry into the Lumix FF line. LUTs and PDAF available. Price falls continuously.
Lumix S5 - entry level hybrid (around 1200€)
The S5 (D) is still produced. The (currently) cheapest entry into Lumix fullframe with EVF. Only DFD focus, but the rest still excellent. Target group of S5 are people, who are interested photo and video with fullframe, but on a budget. Same like S9, but with EVF, without LUTs & PDAF.
Lumix S5ii/x - mid level hybrid (around 1700€)
All you need for photo and video with 24MP. Clear added value/upgrade from the S5 via PDAF, cooling, 3.6MP EVF, LUTs and new FW updates. Without competition in that price range.
Lumix S1Rii - high level hybrid (list price 3600€)
The newest edition. In my view the best you can get, if you want hybrid with 44MP and the best bang for the buck. No real competition with these features, especially not at this price range.
What is missing?
This is all speculation, but looking at the S1Rii, I think Panasonic is well situated in the high end market and in my view does not need urgently a S1H successor. For me, the S1Rii is a replacement for both, the S1R and S1H. The S5ii is the replacement of the S1.
In my view, the missing product is an entry level model in the price range of 800€-1000€, smaller than the normal S5/S5ii. Of course with EVF, max. 24 MP and without all video features, to make it cheaper. I.e. no 4k recording, no cooling system etc. A camera which is focused more on photographers. It will be still hybrid, but entry level hybrid. Of course with PDAF. Basically a less capable S9, but with an EVF.
What do you think?