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Dear Panasonic, I would buy this L-mount, FF, 4K 120fps, EVA2 in a heartbeat. Signed, a former EVA1 owner that is getting by with two S1H bodies at the moment.

Well I, for one, am pretty excited about this, went out and ordered the Mark III today. I was heartbroken to hear about the sale of Olympus, especially as I owned an E-M1 ii for quite some time and loved everything about it except that 8bit codec... so having just sold my X-T4, I pretty excited for this, even if it turns out to be Olympus’s last hurrah.

The a7c line has no impact on the future of the a6000 series. Its just another gateway to get people invested into the E-mount and buying FE lenses. There's nothing low cost or entry level about FF with the cheapest current body at $1798, and there isn't much by the way of small/cheap lenses which is where the low margin/high volume a6000 market sits. The marginal improvements made to the APS-c line in the last few years likely make it very profitable since they're the volume sellers. Many casual shooters have no interest in anything beyond the cheap 2-zoom-lens kits, and they're not going to spend $3000 for a FF equivalent when that a6000 kit is like $600. The a7c simply a parts bin camera - much like the a7III was/is - and they're testing the market for a small body in response to competitors like the RP and Z5. If its a success - and despite its shortcomings its going to sell well IMO - we'll probably see other variants pretty soon. Quite frankly its no different than Panasonic's S5 - which uses the same sensor as their others non-R bodies in a cheaper body. They're trying to recoup investment in the hardware/software development by amortizing the costs over multiple variants to hit sales volume needed to keep imaging afloat. That's also the business model entire Fuji X and Olympus (RIP) m43 line BTW. While this one doesn't interest me, drop the 42mp a7r3 leftovers into this with the new AF, processor, menus, touchscreen and such and they'd have me. Cheers Chris

Of course. It should be a free market. There's anti-trust laws against collaborative market fixing and segmentation, nobody wants cartel behaviour. But what's going on here is not a balance and it's not even really a free market. It is a destructive race to demolish other Japanese camera companies, and Canon / Sony are the number one suspects. A race to appeal to the masses at the same time as significantly raising margins and pricing the average consumer out. A race to lock-in customers to specific lens mounts, and charge extortionate money for optics. If the consumer could freely choose more innovative products, and more countries and more diversification and more niches were catered for, then it'd truly be a free market. It's about less diversity, less competition, this isn't a win for us. If Sony and Canon succeed in killing Panasonic, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax and even Sigma's fledgling full frame camera business, a duopoly will be created like AMD vs Intel. Personally I don't want this. I don't want a camera as dull as the A7C to kill APS-C Fuji X-Pro sales. Fuji X-T4 and X-Pro 3 offer so much more innovation than the A7C. They are strangling themselves. The camera range the A7C kills is the A6000 series. By using the A6600 form factor for the A7C, Sony is sending a message. That range is going full frame, more expensive, higher margins. But no new specs because they have to maintain the high margins. Same specs as the old camera (A7 III). Little investment in it, not even in new menus (crazy). Sure I am all for the concept of small, full frame, compact mirrorless cameras. Look at the Sony RX1R II. So much more innovative than the A7C. Look at Sigma Fp. Making an interchangeable lens high-end RX1R II with pop-up EVF is one thing. Slapping a bigger sensor in an A6600 and calling it quits, just to kill off other Japanese manufacturer sales, is quite another. And the prices of the Sony lenses is quite self defeating. But it is the soulless clinical blandness that bothers me the most. In this industry... Do we really want to end up with a dominant Sony and their soulless shooting experience, boring ergonomics, and Canon with their marketing games? Just those two? Rather than do something genuinely interesting in the APS-C market like Fuji has done with their rangefinder style mirrorless cameras, Sony has simply slapped a full frame sensor in one of the most unergonomic and boring bodies, it's the most unimaginative, most risk averse way to kill the crop sensor market I've ever seen. Customers will likely buy it instead of an X-Pro 3 or X-E3, because hey it's full frame and Tony Northrup likes it.

When the Sony A7 III was released it allegedly damaged the appeal of more expensive $3000 mirrorless cameras, not least of all Sony's own. In my opinion the electronics giant is now doing the same to affordable APS-C rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras, effectively ending their own APS-C line as well - an even more destructive move than last time. I am minded of the Nikkei Asian Review in July. "Smartphones are not the only reason [for the camera industry's decline]... Japanese industry, which has a penchant for competing against its own products, can also blame itself." The article goes on to quote Hiroshi Hamada (ex-CEO of Hoya / Pentax): "Digital camera companies intend to strangle their rivals through excessive competition, but in the end they'll strangle themselves" https://www.eoshd.com/opinion/opinion-why-the-sony-a7c-harms-the-camera-industry/

Press text: Seems like JIP running Olympus imaging isn't such a bad thing eh?

Honestly the GoPro era feels dead. These past couple of releases haven't interested me, both because of how over saturated the action camera market became and because of their yearly release schedule. They've ceased innovating. Yes, the stabilization is incredible, but each iteration is a modest upgrade over the last. While they're focusing on media mods, a company like Insta360 is innovating in much better ways in my opinion. I honestly feel, at this point, most people would be better off buying used or one of the cameras released by DJI or Insta360 instead. Hell, for a lot of people one of those cheaper ones from Yi would be sufficient if your primary use for an action camera is putting it in a tight / risky environment, like me.

That is not a minor quibble when it comes to our clients' confidence in us. We don't need any more hurdles (big or small) to doing our job and "selling" a client (who only knows enough to ask for a Red) on a different camera package gets old fast. If the EVA2 looked more like a baby Varicam, I would be very happy.

Tinkering with the raw files, no LUT, just basic exposure adjustments and balancing the RGB parade on the first, the second has a little more saturation. I'm a novice with grading and working on my skills. I've been told by others here I can't see good color because I like what's coming out of the a7s3, so if its shit, it is what it is, but I'm still buying the camera. Plenty of detail on the guy's face despite not being oversampled like the a73. Looking forward to my copy shipping. Cheers. Chris EDIT: colors pop more in my FCPx window than looking at this page on chrome.

Sad day . To find out I’ve only been using parts of my images for years? Bummer.

That´s exactely what I figured. Small recorder rigged beautifully the Ben Ericson way, giving hasslefree perfect 10bit HD up to 60p. 422 is still pretty great, even if YUV only. These smallrig parts have been getting pretty pricy. That swivel and tilt holder is a beauty though.

Thats odd as S35 cinema cameras cost a lot more than many fullframe hybrids.. and I'd rather have the money to buy a C300, a Red Komodo or an URSA 12k over a fullframe A7C, or any other fullframe hybrids for that matter... 😆😆

I'm a fan of the micro four thirds format, and the access it provides to lots of glass. Personally, I'm waiting to see what the GH6 looks like before deciding where I go next from my GH4. Frankly, the GH4 has all the capability I need aside from a bit more dynamic range at times, and better low light capability. A GH5S might be my next step, rather than the GH6 - but I probably won't be able to resist all the new bells and whistles... I'd be more inclined to look at the Sigma FP than this new Sony camera, and be forced to change all my glass. Lately, I've been finding I'm even enjoying my old BMCC 2.5k and Micro cameras, shooting in lower resolution raw that looks lovely and is a pleasure to work with in post. My work is not seen on big screens, but on a computer, so as you say the MP race is just irrelevant to me. I used to work in the telecoms industry in the early 2000s before the iPhone spoiled the party for the incumbent phone manufacturers. Remember how big Nokia used to be then? I think the camera market is crying out for a step forward in usability, which is what the iPhone did for the phone market. What Apple have done for creatives is what I think Blackmagic have set out to do for film-makers, and I think they illustrate very well the importance of improving (through innovation) the end to end workflow, and especially software. I'm now more interested in post production software innovation, like Cameralabs AI product for colour grading, than chasing more resolution. That's something that will make a real impact, day-to-day, on my creative output, productivity and frankly enjoyment - and if the manufarurers improve these things, the industry will find ways to expand. I've no doubt you're right that some more camera manufacturers will fall by the wayside. I hope Panasonic is not one of them, as I think they've done a fantastic job of bringing innovation to market in packages that are designed in a way that puts function first and respects customer choice. I'm encouraged by Sigma's direction and quality of their products. And of course Blackmagic. And then you have Z-cam, DJI and other Chinese brands that have both pushed prices down and produced excellent products. And even though I'm as astonished at Canon's arrogance as you are (ie throttling the performance of their expensive R5), they do still make fantastic cinema cameras. So the industry direction overally is not looking so bad IMHO.

There are definitely issues with Sony and Canon at this point. Looks to me like Sony won this round thus far. I agree with Andrew about not getting caught up with the hype, and take a good look at what these other companies are doing, because they're worth looking at for their quality and innovation. Myself? I ordered the S5 the moment I heard about it and saw it. There's a place for all these cameras----EVERYTHING doesn't have to be full frame---or even benefit from full frame. I just bought a G9----I'm knocked out at how good the video looks, skin tones in the Rec 709 profiles are beautiful---looking great out of the camera, and with 10 bit 422, super easy to grade and look great. There's a place for this camera---a time and occasion it will be better than full frame. IMO, I think Panasonic has done themselves well this round. They chose not to be in the mix with Sony and Canon and made a GREAT decision to contribute something sorely needed in their line of full frame cameras----a great camera with robust video features that doesn't require a fork lift to shoot. Good on ya, mates, good on ya. The S5 will be a solid performer on the market---that's how I see it.

Well, there’s no 10bit coming out of the Mark III- with or without an external recorder- just 8bit, so I’ll just have to wait for the raw update come winter to see how it looks.

How does a $1900 camera cannibalize sales of a ~$600 camera?

I don’t do auto focusing, so can’t offer an opinion on that. As for color profiles I use “natural” as Oly offers it out of the box. Tried a few experiments with flattening the image, but didn’t seem worth the effort (for me) BTW, I prefer the Oly histogram over the GH5 waveform. I’m only ever protecting the highlights anyway, so the Oly histogram is quite useful. (Again, for me)

Sony is just covering all bases with this new camera. It was not intended to be the latest and greatest. It will appeal to those that are looking for a more compact rangefinder form factor/aesthetic and combines a lot of very dependable tech from Sony’s current parts bin. If you need 10 bit video, look elsewhere. Sony and others have this covered. As it stands, the A7C will likely sell well offering ample stills resolution and video IQ with unlimited uncropped 4K recording (able to run for hours without overheating) as well as exceptional AF in video. Focus peaking is also exceptional (possibly one of the best implementations) and the A7C may prove to be an exceptional M mount body for a fraction of Leica’s ask.

Maybe it's just marketing. The FF enthusiasts / myopians will look at this and have their confirmation bias renewed and will be left with the impression that Panasonic understands them, sees FF as being the superior sensor size ordained directly by God, and that Panasonic is the brand to get. The MFT enthusiasts will look at this, be encouraged by the frame-rates and remember the track record of the GH line, and hold their opinions for when we see the IQ. Then the GH6 can be released and the MFT enthusiasts will see that the IQ is excellent. The FF myopians won't even look at "toy camera" reviews and will be none the wiser. ....and everyone gets what they want and Panasonic lived happily ever after. *roll credits*

Just found an old project I shot. These are some stills from a piece I shot 3 and a half years ago. Shot with the 85mm Zeiss. It's too damn shallow but I think the softness works okay for a close up.

Just to be clear, the Video Assist only does ProRes HQ 422. The benefit of the 444 model when using the video assist is to get 60p through one single SDI cable. If I still owned it, I would get one of these low profile mounts to make it even cleaner. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1570342-REG/smallrig_bse2346b_swivel_and_tilt_monitor.html

The Sigma Fp and even Canon RP is lighter than the A7C In some of the marketing Sony outright say "smallest and lightest full frame camera" as if their own RX1 series never existed. So much for honesty

I love the rich colors that you can get with prores raw. S1H + ProRes RAW is a super combo !

I don't think there is anyway out of the Canon/Sony duopoly nightmare scenario. They are the only two major companies even making money anymore: https://fstoppers.com/originals/covid-devastation-financial-results-sony-wins-canon-holds-nikon-way-out-516408 Everyone else will become a niche player (like Fuji, Panasonic & Leica) or go out of business (like Olympus and soon Nikon).

First picture leaked. Looks like the result of a Panasonic GX85 and a Sony A7III having a date and forgetting to use condoms. Talking seriously - as in the A6xxx line, no front dial AGAIN, Sony?

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Hi Andrew, This would be the very first time ever that I disagree with you. Let me explain why: 1. In a free market if a product does not meet user's expectation and a better alternative shows up the market will balance itself out. If there is too much competition prices will come down. If the prices hurt producers some will die and the market will balance itself out again. In the end we all win as we'll end up with better spec'ed cameras at lower prices. 2. It's best to eat your own lunch rather than having someone else come eat it for you. I think this is a decent move from Sony to protect itself from the likes like Fuji in this segment (should they decide to come into the market with a compact full-frame alternative. And it's better to get a consumer to invest into a lower-margin Sony camera than spending the money on a competitor. And finally if someone decides to go for this camera instead of an A7III is because they know what they're into and wanted a lower price option with similar features, and again it's best for Sony to grab that money rather than losing it to someone else. 3. There is a specific user-case for this camera: People who know and understand the value of a full-frame sensor, but who do not want to carry around a massive camera with them, and also have the spare money to buy such a camera (maybe as a second camera). I aaaaaalmost fall in that category but I don't want to pay US$2,000 for it. Had this camera been US$999 I'd have placed my order right away and never look back (and probably later spend a lot of money on lenses, maybe even selling part of my huge Canon collection of lenses). Bottom line: This camera is not for everyone, but competition and experimentation is a good thing IMHO. Cheers and keep the good work.

Not at all, the mount on the camera is very strong. Metal mount + steel Nikon G adapter from Optitek. If I was mounting a cinema lens on it yes I'd use a rail support, but photography lenses are relatively light in the grand scheme, if cheap DSLR can handle it this mount certainly can. It's a larger PIX-E7 with the XLR adapter attached. Honestly the camera itself is bulky so not going to switch to a smaller recorder to get it a little lighter. Working on the videos, but have other work I have to get done first. Including shooting a short on the F3 alongside the S1 on Saturday. So we'll see how they do!

It’s not surprising is it? Everybody wants full frame look, full frame low light, full frame image quality. Influencers scream it at the top of their lungs. “Great camera...but its not full frame.” So I’m not surprised at all. Sony asks a lot of money for their ASPC cameras. I’m not surprised they are moving their FF into smaller and smaller bodies. I recently picked up a used Pentax K1000 for cheap and bought some film and have really been loving it as an escape from the optimum capture settings mini-game we all play with these digital cameras.

So, if there is no way to get a close enough match in focal length for an equivalency test, how can any of the equivalency tests made so far be accepted as valid? Actually, there are a lot of 16 and Super 16 prime lenses. Start with that format as the smaller camera. There are also plenty of 8"x10" lenses. It shouldn't be too difficult to use the formula behind the equivalency principle to calculate a close enough match with lenses for those two formats. A little cropping of one of the images is okay, but a zoom lens is not okay. Well, everyone has a right to their view. You evidently don't see the stark differences that I can see with just a glance at the full frame and 1-inch images. Perhaps another comparison method of the two images would make the differences more apparent. Here is a gif of the two equivalent images alternately flashed at one-second intervals: Do you not see in the area outlined in red how the distant white building exhibits sharp edges in the 1-inch image, while it is much softer in the full frame image? Likewise, inside the green outline, do you not see how the distant trees are significantly blurry in the FF image, yet we can see their individual branches in the 1-inch image? Closer to the camera, within the blue outline do you not notice how the vertical supports on the fence are softer in the FF image and sharper in the 1-inch image? From your description, I wasn't completely sure which image came from which camera, so please correct me if I got the format labels wrong. Regardless, there is a substantial difference in the look and DOF of the two images. I actually offered to collaborate on an equivalency comparison with an EOSHD poster who is a staunch proponent of the equivalency principle and who happens to reside in my town. The equivalency poster refused my offer. I would not do such a test without an equivalency supporter present to oversee and certify the matching of the DOF. If I did the test alone, without such certification and if the results showed a dramatic difference in look/DOF, folks would just claim that I did something wrong or that I intentionally manipulated the images. Several times in this forum I have pointed out prominent discrepancies in DOF/equivalency tests and those differences were dismissed as unimportant or ignored as unavoidable testing "inaccuracies." I am not going to go through all the effort to do a proper comparison just to have the findings rejected outright. I never disagreed with Caldwell regarding perspective. Certainly, perspective is determined by the distance of the camera/observer from the subject, but there are exceptions to that rule, depending on how one defines "perspective." However, perspective has little to do with the question of whether different sized formats give contrasting looks or exhibit differing DOF. By the way, Caldwell agreed that there is more to DOF than the the factors/variables found in the DOF formula (which is the basis for the equivalency principle).

Basically an S1H with 120fps in 4k in a video-camera body (XLRs, internal NDs, etc). Has to be 20-24 megapixels to get 6k raw output or maybe even get it up to 8k raw output (36 megapixels?).

You must have a very large penis.