24h deal: 50% off on the Sirui 24mm f/2.8 Anamorphic 1.33x Lens and $300 off on the Sigma 28mm f/1.4

For the next 24 hours you have the chance to save 50% on the Sirui 24mm f/2.8 anamorphic lens sold by BHphoto and Amazon.

$300 off on the Sigma 28mm FE lens at BHphoto:

Big Deal Zone:

For the next two days you save big on a ton of items listed at BHphoto’s Mega Deal Zone. A fe examples:

Save big on CFexpress Type A cards:

Save big on SD cards:

Save big on SSD storage:

In 2015 Sony announced the RX1rII for $3298…10 years after it still sells for the same price and has become a classic!

Nearly 10 years ago, in October 2015, Sony unveiled the Sony RX1R II. One key point to consider is that this is the only Sony camera that has maintained its value without losing a single dollar over the past decade. Back in 2015, it retailed for $3,298, and as of 2025, you will still pay the exact same amount for a brand-new model, whether at B&H Photo or Amazon.

Here’s the 10-year price history:

What this demonstrates is that it is still possible in the digital age to create products that retain their value over time and have the potential to become classics. To this day, the RX1R II remains the most compact and lightweight full-frame camera with a built-in lens, making it the only full-frame camera that can genuinely be called “pocketable.” This is an intrinsic value in itself.

Size comparison between the Sony RX1rII and the twice as expensive and much bigger Leica Q3:

The RX1rII do sell used for more than $2,000 on eBay and if you consider to buy one I highly suggest you to check the reconditioned RX1rII on sale at Amazon (Click here). You save $900 and get 90 day warranty that give you peace of mind!

Also BHphoto is selling a bunch of reconditioned RX1rII.

What is the future of the RX1 lineup?

Two sources have given me a hint of “something”. But it’s still too early for me to be sure that a new fixed lens compact camera will be coming from Sony… possibly even as late as 2025. If sources have more info about this (or any other product launch) please drop me a message using this contact box or at sonyalpharumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

But stay tuned folks….something tells me…I might have some SOLID rumors soon ;)

 

 

Mapcamera: December 2024 New and Used Digital Camera Popularity Ranking

Mapcamera shared the bestseller list for December:

Most sold new cameras:

  1. Nikon Z50II
  2. FUJIFILM X-M5
  3. Canon EOS R5 Mark II
  4. SONY α1II
  5. SONY α7C II
  6. Canon EOS R1
  7. FUJIFILM X100VI
  8. Nikon Z f
  9. RICOH GR IIIx
  10. SONY α7IV

Most sold used cameras:

  1. Canon EOS R5
  2. RICOH GR III
  3. Sony α7 III
  4. RICOH GR IIIx
  5. Canon EOS RP
  6. Canon EOS R6
  7. Nikon Z50
  8. Nikon Z f
  9. Sony α7C II
  10. Sony α7 II

Interesting tidbits:

  • The new Sony A1II made it up to the fourth place
  • Sony A7c series keeps selling strong

Sorry, this is not an alien: It’s the new Laowa Parfocal 15-35mm Zoom Probe Lens

The image on top reminds me of the aliens in the (great!) movie ARRIVAL.  IN reality what you see here is thew upcoming Laowa Parfocal 15-35mm Zoom Probe Lens. The press release writes:

As the originator of the renowned 24mm T14 Probe Lens, Periprobe, and 24mm T8 Pro2be, we continue to advance our products while always listening to user feedback and needs. With that in mind, we are excited to announce the release of a Zoom Probe Lens in Q2 2025, which retains the advantages of our previous probe lenses while introducing features that outperform competitors in the market.✨
1️⃣ 15mm Widest Perspective for Enhanced Storytelling Possibilities
2️⃣ Powerful & Par-focus 2.3x Zoom Range for Greater Framing Flexibility
3️⃣ Direct, Periscope, and 35-degree Tilt View for Dynamic Angles
4️⃣ Up to 2x Magnification for Finer Details
5️⃣ Unrivaled Sharpness and Superior Image Quality
6️⃣ Waterproof Tubular Barrel for Confident Shooting in Challenging Environments 

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Updates for Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III

Here is the press text:

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Updates for Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III
Updates include shooting function improvements and additional support for the Camera Authenticity Solution

Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announces new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 II (download Ver. 2.00 here), Alpha 1 (download Ver. 3.00 here), and Alpha 9 III (download Ver. 3.00 here) cameras. These firmware versions bring varying updates to shooting, movie, and operability functions, as well as added compatibility for Sony’s evolving Camera Authenticity Solution.

Shooting, Movie, and Operability Updates Per Model:

Camera Authenticity Solution Updates:

The new firmware updates bring compatibility with the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III for Sony’s expanding Camera Authenticity Solution. This expansion includes the launch of an Image Validation Site and the Digital Signature Upgrade License1, created for select news organizations and their staff photographers. The service is designed to enhance the implementation of C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)2, particularly within the news industry, by providing additional authenticity information and introducing a streamlined workflow for professionals requiring higher content verification standards. As a member of the C2PA Steering Committee, Sony plays a leading role in developing these standards and driving their broader implementation.

Availability:

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/cameras-camcorders-digital-cameras/downloads

For more information on Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution, visit: https://www.sony.net/cas/