SOUNDIMAGEPLUS: Leica Panasonic and Sigma Full Frame using SL Mount ??

Andrea on 4/3 rumors has just come up with this. He is so certain he has just created a new website. In all the years I've been following 4/3rumors I've never known him to be so certain about something and then wrong. However, I guess I should advise caution, because there is always a first time!!

The thing about this, if true, is it makes sense for all concerned. These are small and medium sized players in the camera market. OK Leica's position is by design, but I think all would like to have more impact. All also have their own specialities and would benefit from combining them. Panasonic have a relationship with Leica who sell rebadged versions of their cameras already. There were strong indications that Sigma manufactured the Leica designed lens for the T/TL/TL2 APS-C system and the transformation of Sigma from a company turning out budget lenses for Canon and Nikon to one of the worlds best lens makers means that they are aiming for the high end of the market. There are also rumours that Leica and Panasonic may get their sensors from the same place.

I would imagine that Leica also want to find a way a way to go more mass market, without compromising their brand and this is an obvious way to do it. Sharing the SL / TL mount makes sense as well. They already work with Panasonic (The Leica Q being an obvious example) and if the rumours are true, Sigma as well. Sigma have given the Foveon sensor a good run, but it isn't going anywhere. It creates magical images but only at low ISO's and will only ever be a bit player in the camera market.

I have to say that I'm making a lot of this because I really want it to be true. And it makes the anticipation for the press conference in 5 days time more heightened. If it does materialise then it could really shake up the camera market. Three companies producing high quality products in collaboration has never happened before. m4/3 basically had Panasonic and Olympus but this is a step on from that.

My final suspicion is that this isn't going to be cheap!! But then going for the high end is probably where all three companies should be heading. (Leica being there already of course) But just imagining a combination of Leica and Sigma lenses plus Panasonic's video expertise and creating the best hybrid camera out there is surely mouth watering. I'm certainly hoping it's true. If it is I will be happier than a Koala in a Eucalyptus tree!!!

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