Nikkei: Panasonic quits low end camera biz, release camera jointly developed w/ Leica

H

hojomo

Well-known member
This isn't exactly surprising. A lot of (probably correct) speculation for now this only means axing fixed lens cameras; but what about future models of the GH (goodbye) and everything on S series line but a S1h/Bs1h equivalent? Do those stay Panasonic and it will just be a future high end co-branded with Leica?

The prestigious website Nikkei reports:
The company (Panasonic HD) said, “We have stopped developing new models that can be replaced by smartphones.” Production of existing products will continue for the time being, but in the future, the company plans to concentrate on developing high-end mirrorless machines aimed mainly at enthusiasts and professional filmmakers. We are planning to release a mirrorless machine jointly developed with Leica Camera, which we formed a comprehensive partnership with at the end of May, in about a year.​
 
The problem for Panasonic isn't the MFT alliance but Sony and the cartel.

With the smartphones taking over the P&S business, MFT (Olympus/OMD and Panasonic) becomes the entry level line but they're getting squeezed from the top by the APS-C's from Fuji and Sony and full frame from Canon and Sony. They could venture into the high end but R5/R3, A1 and A7RIV (soon to be A7RV) seem to have a pretty firm grip there. And even the esoteric high end is fairly affordable now with $6,000 Fuji GFX 100 medium format model. Leica had a bit of the ultra-esoteric high end but the ultra high end isn't really needed much with 60+ MPX and great AF on full frame and medium format.

And so Panasonic may be all dressed up but they ain't got places to go. The industry is consolidating and they seem to be the next big brand name to move on.
 
This looks to me like Leica wanting to really get into the cinema market and Panasonic looking to add some allure to their dying line of Varicam line. Competition is stiff with Sony and Canon in the 6k-15k price tag arena. Keep in mind the last iteration of Varicam and the EVA lineup featured PL and EF mounts. Now that they have the L mount alliance I would bet we will see L mount versions of these cameras along with Leitz branded hybrid cine lenses based off the SL primes. I'm a big fan of shooting video with vintage and modern Leica M and R lenses and the L mount works best in adapting these lenses. Sure E mount can do it too but not as well. Issues with infinity focus and small nuances are present when using on the Emount. Works flawlessly on L mount with officially made and supported adaptors by Leica. Would love to have a proper L mount cinema camera with ND filters and all the benefits and ergonomics of a full fledged body made for video.
 
stoneinapond said:
Now where have I heard that song before? (ponders...)
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Two brands that have quit the photo-video business are Samsung (officially) and Pentax (Ricoh still does some specialty models).

OMD/Olympus, to their credit, looked to be out after the brand dump but then released a model that was probably in development for a long time. They do well enough in Japan. They don't seem to be doing well in the US with their MFT lineup, which might be enough of a reason for Panasonic to decide to move upmarket and upsize. Unlike Panasonic, Olympus doesn't have a full frame mount since it's not a part of the L-Mount Alliance. To me, their future looks murky.

Leitz can at least make a full frame or medium format lens. The problem, again, is the sensor manufacturer. If the L-Mount has to be approved by Sony, it's unlikely to be a huge success, except of the esoteric high end of Leica.
 
DLD said:
The problem, again, is the sensor manufacturer. If the L-Mount has to be approved by Sony, it's unlikely to be a huge success, except of the esoteric high end of Leica.
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I thought Panasonic had moved away from Sony with the GH6 sensor. And who manufactures Leica sensors?
 
stoneinapond said:
I thought Panasonic had moved away from Sony with the GH6 sensor. And who manufactures Leica sensors?
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Sony so far.

GH-6 sensor may have been made by someone else - Panasonic didn't say who - but it really doesn't matter because Sony itself doesn't belong to the MFT Group nor produces any MFT cameras. Panasonic sold its own sensor manufacturing business to Tower Jazz anyway, so they could have designed it together but with TJ being the actual manufacturer.
 
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