Dpreview discussed areas where Sony could improve and expand its camera lineup to better compete with Canon and Nikon, covering both updates to existing models and new products:

1. High-Resolution, High-Performance Camera: Sony lacks a versatile, high-resolution camera at a more affordable price point. The a7R V offers high resolution, and the a7S III excels at video, but only the a1 II combines both features at a premium $6,500 price aimed at professionals. If Sony could remove some professional features and lower the price, it would have a camera to compete with the Canon EOS R5 II and Nikon Z8, both offering similar capabilities at a much lower cost.
2. Update for the a6100: The a6100, launched in 2019, is due for a refresh. Since Sony has improved its autofocus and menu systems, updating the entry-level APS-C model could provide better value and performance for less than the a6700.
3. Update for the a7 IV: The a7 IV features a 33MP sensor, but it suffers from high rolling shutter in 4K video. A potential update could either lower the resolution or integrate partial stacking technology (like the Z6III) to improve performance without compromising dynamic range. An update to the a7 V could be expected soon.
4. Compact Camera Updates: Sony is encouraged to release a new model in the RX100 lineup, either a more affordable version with a non-stacked sensor or a higher-end version with advanced features and the fast 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 lens from the RX100 V. The RX1 also deserves an update, potentially using a modern full-frame sensor (from the a7CR) and Sony’s latest autofocus technology, with improved battery life.
5. New Lens Wish: The article suggests a new 50-150mm F2.8 lens, an APS-C equivalent to the full-frame 70-200mm, which would be smaller, lighter, and more affordable. This lens could be beneficial for all APS-C systems, and Sony is seen as the likely candidate to produce such a lens due to its commitment to innovative and unique lenses.

In conclusion, Sony could enhance its lineup by creating a more affordable high-resolution hybrid camera, updating the a6100 and a7 IV, refreshing the RX100 and RX1 series, and introducing a versatile 50-150mm F2.8 lens for APS-C cameras. Do you agree with this wishlist?

I personally think a the lens wishlist is way too short…would love to get the 50mm f/0,95 AF FE GM, 85mm f/1.2 GM and 70-150mm f/2.0 GM. When it comes to cameras we really do need a new A7sIV and a A7000 flagship APS-C camera.

A new soruce shared the possible specs of the rumored 400mm f/2.8 GM II. Just to be clear, this is not a rumor I got from trusted sources so be skeptical on this one until I can confirm or deny it:

Sony is going to make an announcement this Winter of the 400GMII lens in advancement of the 2025 NFL season & 2026 Winter Olympics. 
It will have a drop-in 1.4x TC like the new Nikon 400mm 2.8, and with advances in materials it will weigh 100 grams less even with the built in TC.  
Less busy Bokeh, and Quad XD-Liner motors for more accurate AF-C hit rate on erratic subjects.
Lens will be fully unveiled in May 2025, with shipping before the NFL 2025 season. 

What do you think about those rumored updates?

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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!

Guys, it’s vacation time and I need a break. So I figured I’d take the chance to post this crazy rumor I received from an anonymous source. I give it 0.000001% that it’s true. And I wonder why such a lens makes any sense at all! The “source” wrote:

The zoom lens is a FE 400-800 with large aperture values such as F8, I have seen it being used in the wild. Best Wishes.

For sure this would be a novice as nobody ever did something like this. But f/8.0 constant aperture? Would that be even interesting for someone?

PetaPixel made a forecast for 2025 and thinks Sony will launch those two cameras:

1) Sony will launch the a7R VI and it will feature a jump to 80-megapixels.

The a7R V is a great camera, but Sony will finally answer calls to make a full-frame camera that will make the most significant megapixel jump in recent memory. Technically, Sony semiconductor already has the ability to make a 90-megapixel full-frame camera based on Fujifilm’s excellent 40-megapixel APS-C sensor, so there is an easy way to get to this mark. The only thing holding that sensor back would be its scan speed, but for a stills-focused camera, that might not be a deal-breaker.

2) Sony probably will lean more toward bringing back the RX1 rather than an RX100-style camera.

What do you think about this?

My own take based on good guess and NOT on rumors:

I am really not sure the A7rVI will still be announced in 2025….and much less sure we will get the RX1 successor. But of course I hope to be proven wrong!

The CEO of Sigma, Kazuto Yamaki, shared his personal insights about the company and the photography industry as a whole. As always, a very insightful, honest and thought-provoking conversation that is well worth watching! At the very end of the conversation, he revealed a little sneak peek:

They are developing a telephoto lens that “never existed before”. He says: “Sports and wildlife photographers could be very excited about this lens”.

I have no idea what this lens might be, but in the past few years I have discovered a few Sigma patents with a “unique” focal length:

• 60-700mm f/4.5-7.4
• 50-500mm f/4.5-6.5

But I really don’t know if this is the kind of telephoto lens Sigma is working on. Let me know in the comments what you think or hope Sigma will announce in 2025!

It’s official, folks! Sony has registered a new camera with the code “WW773396” in China (source Weibo). It has dual-band Wifi support 2.4G/5.1GHz That means it:

• After registration, it usually takes up to 3-4 months for this camera to be announced.
• Since it has dual-band wifi support, it is definitely not a cheap entry-level camera

I believe this is the new Sony A7V as several trusted sources told me the camera will be announced in early 2025. They did NOT share any A7V specs, so I will share my own speculation from now on. I repeat: speculation and NO rumors from trusted sources, ok? I have a “conservative” and an “advanced” scenario when it comes to the possible Sony A7V specs:

Scenario 1: Conservative Evolution

This potential path sees the A7V retaining much of the A7 IV’s core specifications, with meaningful but incremental upgrades:

• Sensor and Resolution: A continuation of the 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor found in the A7 IV, offering excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
• Processor: The A7V could inherit the advanced BIONZ XR processor from the A7 IV while incorporating the AI processing chip featured in the Sony A9 III. This would enhance computational photography capabilities like real-time subject recognition and tracking.
• Autofocus: Improved AI-based autofocus, benefitting from faster and more accurate subject detection and recognition technologies.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 10 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical or electronic shutter, when using the compressed RAW or JPEG format.
• 5.76m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF: An upgrade from the 3.68m-Dot EVF of the A7IV
• Body Design: Borrowing the A9 III’s ergonomic design, the A7V could feature a more comfortable grip, better button placement, and increased durability for demanding use cases.
• Video Features: Continuation of 4K 60fps recording with Sony’s excellent color science and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording for high-quality post-production flexibility.

This scenario is likely to appeal to photographers who value reliability and consistency, as it builds upon the A7 IV’s already strong foundation.

Scenario 2: Bold Innovation

In a more revolutionary approach, Sony may surprise the market with cutting-edge advancements in sensor technology and overall capability. It could use the recent IMX366AJK sensor that has those key specs:

• Sony Semiconductor PDF
• 35mm full frame
• Back illuminated type
• 44.72 million pixels
• 26.15ps in still image mode
• 8K 12bit
• Designed for use in consumer digital still cameras and camcorders
• rolling shutter
• Electronic front curtain shutter

If the Sony A7V uses that new sensor than specs could be something like this:

• New Sensor: 44MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor (IMX366). This sensor would push resolution while improving readout speeds for better video and still performance.
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 20 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical or electronic shutter, when using the compressed RAW or JPEG format (The iMX366 sensor supports up to 26fps but I guess it will be limited to 20fps to now really come too close to the Sony A1II)
• Enhanced Video Capabilities: The A7V could include 4K 120fps recording and possibly 8K recording at 30fps, positioning it as a hybrid powerhouse for content creators.
• 5.76m-Dot Tru-Finder OLED EVF: An upgrade from the 3.68m-Dot EVF of the A7IV
• AI Advancements: AI-driven autofocus that excels in challenging conditions, along with enhanced real-time eye and animal tracking for both stills and video.
• Body Design: Borrowing the A9 III’s ergonomic design, the A7V could feature a more comfortable grip, better button placement, and increased durability for demanding use cases.

In both cases, I don’t expect the A7V to support the new generation 4.0 CFexpress Type A. Why? It’s hard to understand why the Sony A1II flagship didn’t get this, while the entry-level Sony A7V does.
The price will be somewhere in the mid $2000’s, with the current Sony A7IV keeping the new heavily discounted price of $2098.

So folks, what are your thoughts: Is the conservative scenario the most likely? Is it also enough for you to upgrade? Or like me are you praying to see “Scenario 2” becoming real? :)