I have just posted pictures and full specifications of the new Hasselblad X2DII medium format camera on MR and on my Youtube channel. The curious aspect that MFT lovers should pay attention to is the fact that this camera has a built-in Lidar autofocus system. This was developed by DJI, which also has an official collaboration with Panasonic:

So we should pay attention to the release of this camera to see how much the Lidar system can improve the autofocus performance of this otherwise very slow medium format camera. Perhaps, if this new technology works wonders, we will also see future Lumix cameras with Lidar AF systems!

Tomorrow (May 13) Panasonic will have an official press event. I leaked all info and images on this article and this article on L-rumors.com. So there seems to be no new MFT gear announcement but maybe in tomorrows press event Panasonic will at least tease something about their future plans for MFT?

I will livestream the event her and on L-rumors…let’s see…

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The new gear that Panasonic will announce on May 13:

• Lumix S1 II: 24 megapixels, partially stacked, 70 fps no blackout. 4k120p uncropped. 3500€
• Lumix S1 IIE: 24 MP (no more info about sensor). 2.800€. Less video specs than S1II.
• Lumix S 24-60 f/2.8. 544 gr, 999€, control button (Sony Style)

I’m now 99% sure that Panasonic will make a product announcement around the 13th of May. But from what I’ve heard so far, there will only be L-mount devices (more on L-rumors.com). But I hope I’m proved wrong and we might get an MFT surprise too!

DigitalCameraWorld made a speculative list of cameras that could be announced as next by OM Digital and Lumix:

1. OM System Trip 35: There’s speculation about a digital revival of the iconic Olympus Trip 35. This would likely feature a fixed 20mm f/2.8 lens, following the original’s popularity as a compact camera.
2. OM System OM-10: The potential release of the OM-10 has been discussed, with some thinking that it may never happen due to the current lineup’s clear segmentation, but it could be revitalized due to its past popularity.
3. OM System PEN Series: Despite confirmation from OM Digital Solutions that the PEN line will continue, no new models have been released since the PEN E-P7. Rumors suggest there may be future models, but they haven’t materialized yet.
4. Panasonic Lumix G100 II: A full update to the G100 vlogging camera could feature phase-detect autofocus and improved video capabilities, including 4K 60p and 10-bit 4:2:2.

Digitalcameraworld thinks that:

there’s another camera that OM could bring back – and if it does, it could do absolutely monster business this year in the same way that the Fujifilm X100VI, the Ricoh GR III and the Leica Q3 have done.

A digital Trip 35 not just a better prospect (than the PEN series), but arguably the best prospect for OM System. In case you don’t remember it, the Olympus Trip 35 was one of the best compact cameras of its era, with a slim and stylish body and a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens.

Sound familiar? Because that is exactly the kind of camera that is in white-hot demand right now – and the reason why compacts like the X100VI, GR III and Q3 are on perpetual backorder.

What are your thought on this?