Rumor: Panasonic will release system camera with full-frame sensor in March 2019

Panasonic will release a system camera with a full-frame sensor in March 2019. At least that is what the website 43rumors states based on a source. On September 25, ahead of the Photokina trade show, Panasonic would officially announce the camera.

According to the rumor website, a source has announced that the new full-frame system camera will have a lens mount designed by Panasonic. The website 43rumors reports that this rumor is quite reliable. The existing Leica SL mount would not be used; Panasonic often collaborates with Leica for, for example, the release of lenses.

A switch from Panasonic to a system camera with a full-frame sensor would be striking, because the brand, like Olympus, has been releasing system cameras and lenses for the micro four thirds system for years. The micro four thirds camera system has been around for ten years now and the first camera for this system was the Panasonic Lumix G1, which went on sale in November 2008.

The MFT sensor is significantly smaller than a full-frame sensor, making the lenses for this system a lot smaller. The smaller MFT sensor also has drawbacks: a more limited dynamic range and relatively poor performance in low-light conditions.

Recently, photos of Canon’s full-frame mirrorless camera have surfaced online. The EOS R would get a 30-megapixel sensor and a new RF mount. Nikon also announced two new system cameras with a full-frame sensor a week ago.

Render of the GH5 with a Leica SL full frame sensor. In addition, the regular GH5 with the smaller MFT sensor.