News and Rumour Thursday: Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Zeiss, Lee and Lensbaby

In this week's summary:

• Canon: Rumours spread of a full frame mirrorless, plus the 5D Mark 4.
• Panasonic: Interview talks about their current strategy.
• Sony: A reliable rumour talks about the next generation of the Sony mirrorless cameras.
• Zeiss: The Batis 18mm f/2.8 announcement is imminent.
• Lee: A new harder neutral density grad filter is announced.
• Lensbaby: Lensbaby have announced a cheaper alternative for those who love twirly bokeh.

See digicame-info for more images

Canon

There have been rumours floating about that Canon will announce a full-frame mirrorless camera by the end of the year. If true, it remains to be seen if Canon will be seriously targeting the mirrorless market, or still just dipping in their toe to test the waters.

Canon Rumors also believe the EOS 5D Mark IV will be announced in late August/early September before Photokina.

CanonRumors: Some Canon Mirrorless Talk
CanonRumors: More on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in 2016

Panasonic

A reader of 43 Rumors has translated parts of an interview with Panasonic. A key point is that Panasonic is not considering looking at full frame - which I personally think is good news for Panasonic users. However, when the 43 rumors site ever runs a survey, an alarming number of readers seem to be pushing for it.

Another point was that the GM sales haven't gone as well as expected, so they're adjusting times for release. For my needs, the GM5 is the most exciting Micro 43 camera there is. So, I really hope to see a nice replacement announced for it.

43Rumors: Q&A with Panasonic at Popco - “24MP is the maximum we could reach now” and “We’re not considering going FF”

Sony

A reliable source has told Sony Alpha Rumors that the next generation flagship camera will be a huge leap on the A7R II and won't just be a successor. The only reported feature so far is dual xqd card slots with unlimited raw burst capability.

I applaud the dual card slots, as the single SD card slots have also bothered me about the current A7 series. I just hope other features will include a dedicated focus point control and that other flaws in the software will be addressed.

SonyAlphaRumors: Bomb rumor! First A9 specs - Dual XQD card slot, unlimited RAW burst.

Zeiss

Approximately an hour after this post, Zeiss should announce the Batis 18mm f/2.8 and is expected to ship in May.

SonyAlphaRumors: New Batis 18mm lens will ship in May
SonyAlphaRumors: Batis 18mm f/2.8 images leaked

Lee

Shooting seascapes? The newest filter from Lee may interest you.

DPReview: Lee announces very hard neutral density grads for seascapes

Lensbaby

Lensbaby have annouced a new lens based on the Petzval design, but at approximately half the price of current alternatives.

I did smile when I read one of the comments: The "swirly" bokeh looks exactly the same as what you get with the Zeiss Batis 85mm f1.8.

DPReview: Swirly bokeh: Lensbaby announces Twist 60 lens