MrSMW

I agree and that is why I have the A7RV as my workhorse and previously a S1R.
I have been a full-time pro photographer for over 1/4 of a century but cannot put my finger on exactly what it is, but there is definitely a ‘something’ the larger the sensor and the higher the pixel count.
”It all looks the same on social media”.
Does it? I’m not sure whether I subscribe to that one. In fact, I don’t and it may just be marginal, but I can see that certain ‘something’ in my own work.
But it also exists between brands.
Take the results I get from my Zf and compare them with those from the S5ii and there is something I cannot define but just ‘is’.
Possibly there is an element of lens ju ju going on, but I am not one of those who simply believes in hype or others opinions, but rather based on my own experience.
This year, two facts exist for me and that is because of, or despite my use of, but probably the former, I have produced my best ever work and not simply because I have moved my own game on in any other way.
Or maybe I have and that is a factor, but it’s not the only factor, ie, I am adamant there is a tech element.
The second fact is I have experienced the same thing with the Nikon Zf which is why I have made this pairing of cameras my workhorses for stills.
I confident that if I brought one of the 100mp medium format cameras into the mix, I’d see another ‘step up’, but for a variety of reasons, mainly cost, I can’t see me going there any time soon. If ever.
Summary = great tools do not an artist make, but I do firmly believe that using the best tools that you have access to, does allow you to create an better end result than working with lesser tools.

Sony does ‘seem’ to have gone off the boil a little in recent times…
Low res LCD’s, a variety of video features ‘missing’ and pretty piss-poor firmware updates are the main gripes.
But then all brands have pros and cons…
Personally, I think it’s Nikon who have the most traction right now, at least when it comes to hybrids.
Canon fairly similar in some ways but far less lens options and higher prices.
Lumix on hold.
Fuji need to get their AF up to snuff.
Leica and Hasselblad inhabit their own universes so I don’t count and nor do I M4/3.
I certainly would not pay what Sony are asking for their mildly updated camera when the other options that exist are available.
The lens though… Still pondering that one but still think the Sigma pairing of the 28-45 f1.8 and 28-105 f2.8 are a more compelling option for essentially the same outlay.

Define 'better'...
Personally, I went from XT3 to S5.
It was going to be XT4, but Covid got in the way and as a result, I tried an S5 and liked it enough.
For me, it was slightly better video but noticeably better stills.
Video I was shooting S35 mode with either so not so much difference, but the stills, due to being full-frame over APSC, definitely better low light and the raws had a bit more latitude in post.
Tried S1R and S1H and S5ii since and of them all, I actually liked the video-orientated S1H files the best.
The S1R obviously had more detail being 45mp over 24mp, but there was something I preferred with the S1H files.
The S5ii I didn't much care for as a stills unit.
Video yes, but not so much for stills. Mostly due to the shutter mech feel and sound.
Step forward Nikon Zf.
Tried it and loved it.
Bought 3x Tamron zooms and the Megadap adapter.
Loved the zooms but not the quirks of using non-native lenses in the edit so reluctantly went Sony (A7RV) for stills.
But as per that post, regretted selling the Zf though it was the right thing at the time.
Now it's back.
It's a bit of a Marmite camera for some...
It's not as small or as light as some would hope and the screen is somewhat controversial for some folks but my only criticisms are yes, I wish it was smaller (lighter I don't care about as it's only 700g for heavens sake) and it's ergos do not suit bigger primes or zooms for all day use.
Can you use them? Sure, but a Z6iii would make more sense.
My own use case for re-purchasing is simple, - it will have 4 roles.
1. Personal camera with manual focus only Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 
2. As above for low light scenarios at weddings
3. Candid camera at weddings with the Nikon 40mm f2 SE where AF will be used for speed and accuracy
4. Flips to longer form video mode on tripod with adapted Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 for ceremonies and speeches.
But pocketable it is not, regardless of the lens other than maybe a very large jacket pocket!
S9 or Sigma FP would be my picks for something small for stills and video with the S9 if IBIS and AF are important. And a tilt screen, better battery life, and probably a few other things but the FP can arguably shoot produce 'nicer' video and stills in certain modes.
My only question now is do I flip my remaining S5ii and sole remaining lens for a Nikon Z6iii because I already have the equivalent lens for it and 2 systems are better than 3 right...??
 

I’m not sure whether the supply issues with these things is a good or a bad thing…
For me, it is a negative and I would not wait endless months for something.
Not that I am impatient, but with the X100V it pushed prices to silly levels and it almost (or is) a case of folks becoming desperate to buy a thing at any price, just because it’s popular.
 

It always does.
I currently hope they do not make a successor to the FP because my dancing skills are shit.
But until then, the GFX100S for me.
I have almost pressed that button so many times, but in the end, came down in favour of the A7RV.
 

But I’d rather have the Hassie 😉
I ogled one in a camera shop window the other day, but dared not enter and actually handle it. Or risk divorce papers being served.

Just made use of it with a bottle of Boss Bottled Absolu for £57. Bargain.

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Nope, but…
Well I am interested in it and was aware it was coming and for me, it is another lens that I am VERY interested in except for one fact, it’s a bit expensive 🤔
Until 2024 came along, for my needs, lenses have always been the Achilles Heel for me and I have both wanted and needed fast do it all lenses.
At the end of 2023, the ‘best’ option I had in L Mount was the Leica 24-90 f2.8-4 which was; big, heavy, variable aperture and not especially fast for indoor / low-light work.
Since then, all under 1kg/2lbs, we have had; Sigma 28-45mm f1.8, Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 and now this new Sony.
My system has been L Mount for photo & video for 2 years with Sony coming in this year for stills.
Nikon is coming back for 2025 for me as a hybrid option, as in can shoot stills alongside my main Sony (A7RV) cam, plus video alongside my Lumix.
But, as I am down to just 1 camera and 1 lens for L Mount and STILL no sign of any S2H or S2R, I have decided to throw my lot in with Sony & Nikon for 2025 and onwards.
Why?
Lenses. 
More specifically because I can lens share across both Sony and Nikon bodies with any e Mount lenses including if I fancied it, putting this new 28-70 f2 on any Nikon Z body.
Except I won’t because for one single fact and that is whilst any e Mount lens can be adapted with near native AF and IBIS on any Nikon Z body, you do not get the in camera corrections that you get with using native lenses on Sony bodies, so I am somewhat wary of using e Mount lenses on Nikon bodies.
More for stills than video, but a couple of tests required on that department before fully committing…
But back to this lens specifically…
Faced with a choice of Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 for indoor and low-light work plus Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 for outdoor, for the SAME cost as this new 28-70, this new 28-70 does not make financial sense to me.
It’s a stunning lens in isolation and if you do not need longer than 70mm, possibly great, but as above, I can’t see how it could work for me with this pairing of Sigma lenses which cover FAR more bases for the same total cost.
The camera doesn’t interest me. The S5ii does all I need and the Z6iii, most likely my main video unit for 2025, arguably even more and providing it can work with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 which I am going to test on my Zf, will almost certainly be my video A cam.
Actually, I have tested that combo for stills over several weddings earlier this year and for stills, worked very well other than the odd vertical distortion that was a bit of a PITA to fix in post, but for video should be OK.
Mostly I am happy to see these new fast zooms which were but a dream only one year ago.

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Nope, but…
Well I am interested in it and was aware it was coming and for me, it is another lens that I am VERY interested in except for one fact, it’s a bit expensive 🤔
Until 2024 came along, for my needs, lenses have always been the Achilles Heel for me and I have both wanted and needed fast do it all lenses.
At the end of 2023, the ‘best’ option I had in L Mount was the Leica 24-90 f2.8-4 which was; big, heavy, variable aperture and not especially fast for indoor / low-light work.
Since then, all under 1kg/2lbs, we have had; Sigma 28-45mm f1.8, Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 and now this new Sony.
My system has been L Mount for photo & video for 2 years with Sony coming in this year for stills.
Nikon is coming back for 2025 for me as a hybrid option, as in can shoot stills alongside my main Sony (A7RV) cam, plus video alongside my Lumix.
But, as I am down to just 1 camera and 1 lens for L Mount and STILL no sign of any S2H or S2R, I have decided to throw my lot in with Sony & Nikon for 2025 and onwards.
Why?
Lenses. 
More specifically because I can lens share across both Sony and Nikon bodies with any e Mount lenses including if I fancied it, putting this new 28-70 f2 on any Nikon Z body.
Except I won’t because for one single fact and that is whilst any e Mount lens can be adapted with near native AF and IBIS on any Nikon Z body, you do not get the in camera corrections that you get with using native lenses on Sony bodies, so I am somewhat wary of using e Mount lenses on Nikon bodies.
More for stills than video, but a couple of tests required on that department before fully committing…
But back to this lens specifically…
Faced with a choice of Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 for indoor and low-light work plus Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 for outdoor, for the SAME cost as this new 28-70, this new 28-70 does not make financial sense to me.
It’s a stunning lens in isolation and if you do not need longer than 70mm, possibly great, but as above, I can’t see how it could work for me with this pairing of Sigma lenses which cover FAR more bases for the same total cost.
The camera doesn’t interest me. The S5ii does all I need and the Z6iii, most likely my main video unit for 2025, arguably even more and providing it can work with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 which I am going to test on my Zf, will almost certainly be my video A cam.
Actually, I have tested that combo for stills over several weddings earlier this year and for stills, worked very well other than the odd vertical distortion that was a bit of a PITA to fix in post, but for video should be OK.
Mostly I am happy to see these new fast zooms which were but a dream only one year ago.

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Is it pocketable?

If anyone spots a 50% off all things Hasselblad, shout in my direction.
Thanks in advance.

The pocketable part is the trickiest bit...
Best of luck getting an S5 or R5 or anything of that nature in your pocket. Unless you are Matt Granger.
S9 springs to mind and maybe with that new 18-40?

Even then, still need a decent sized pocket!
I've been guilty of it myself and that is chasing a 'grail' solution that does not exist and you probably are better off with that S5 + GX85 combo?

I just re-bought one 🤑
I've had regrets ever since I sold mine because despite a couple of compromises (ergos not the best, especially without a grip and it could be smaller, but that is about it), it is one of my favourite cameras of all time.
I have a policy which is if it does not have a place in my life/work, it doesn't exist.
I originally bought it as both a personal camera and as a work workhorse with a trio of adapted e Mount zooms, but had too many niggly issues with the edit on the files due to the in camera corrections not being available as they are with a native Sony camera.
So 'swapped' it for an A7RV which arguably is a more capable camera.
It's just not as fun, or quite as good in low light, or for my video needs.
The Sony I don't use for video anyway and my rationale to buy this back was:
I like Sony for stills, but not for video.
I like Lumix for video, but not for stills.
The above has been my combo this year with 3x Lumix and 1x Sony.
I just off-loaded 1x S5ii because it was overkill having 3x video units.
I'm about to offload another and going for a 'hybrid' unit instead, ie,
1x pure stills = Sony A7RV + 1x pure video = Lumix S5ii + 1x hybrid = Nikon Zf.
So the Zf will now offer me the following:
A. Personal camera with 40mm f2 SE lens. Perfect combo but as above, ideally if the body was a little smaller, but it isn't but very well balanced and is an utter joy to otherwise use.
B. Low light stills for work, ie, this combo is better than my 61mp Sony with f2.8 lens, so fills a need.
C. Paired with adapted 70-180mm f2.8 compared with S5ii with Lumix 70-200mm f4, offers me a smaller and lighter static combo with better low light capability.
I've always said I'd rather have everything within one brand but my 2 brand/zero cross-compatibility approach has been fine this year and the fact that the Nikon can lens share with the Sony whilst replacing a Lumix is a win for me.
Ultimately, same number of bodies (3) and lenses (6) for next year, but more capable in so many ways.
That's my justification anyway!
Plus 37% off on Amazon UK and I snagged the last one 🤩

Agree, seems a bit of an odd omission.
Plenty of small cameras have very decent IBIS.
I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect every single feature from a high end camera and have it packaged in a tiny body at 1/2 the price, but seems an odd thing to not have in this day and age.
Some pretty disappointing camera launches this year, but then to be fair, most have been aimed at the lower end of the market.
The Zf for me has been the stand out and toying with picking one up again as a personal camera if I can work out how to also use it for work, ie, justify it…

So reading between the lines, YouTube/Google smashed Vimeo and the operators of YouTube/Google are the CIA who as everyone knows, are funded by aliens?
If so, that's cleared that one up.
What about TikTok?
Who is responsible for that shite?

I’m going to throw another type of hat into this ring and ask have you ever considered shooting faux-anamorphic?
That is use a slightly wider lens and use an in camera crop. Or rather crop markers.
Few cameras offer this feature, stills or video.
Lumix and Fuji do.
I can’t remember the Fuji crop markers, but with Lumix you can set up to 2.39:1.
With stills, Xpan mode; 65 x 24!
I wish Sony and my A7RV had this but it doesn’t so I am making an LCD overlay for this very purpose.
OK it’s ONLY a visual framing guide, but if shooting 6k OG, a great starting point to that wide angle anamorphic look, but without the flares (hate them), warped lines (hate them), blurry corners (hate them) etc, all whilst maintaining the smallest unrigged package with the best AF/IBIS, ie, for non-pro filmmakers who are not shooting a moovie or ad for Coca Cola.
Hello S5ii.
You can ‘black out’ the negative space 25, 50, 75 or 100%
At this point in time, it’s almost certainly my direction in 2025.
I’ve been shooting 6k 3:2 all year and cropping in post to phone favourite 16:9 but I want a bit more drama for 2025 productions in the width department and shooting anamorphic for me has too many compromises.
Not decided on an actual crop yet and waiting for my 3 new lenses to arrive so I can properly play…
20mm f2 replacing 20-60 f3.5-5.6
28-45 f1.8 replacing 28-70 f2.8
28-105 f2.8 replacing 70-200 f4
^Brings mostly at least a 1 stop lower light capability with a bit of an emphasis on wider end flexibility over actual reach^
I am probably going to end up shooting with frame markers and then actual crop to CinemaScope 21:9 which I think is a nice balance of wide without being too extreme…

I’ve limited experience of shooting Sony for video, but based on the specs alone, without real pro level grading as in folks that do that and only that for a living…and considering the value aspect, the S5ii is crazy good.
It’s got open gate 6k, anamorphic de-squeeze, the best IBIS in full frame and while many say the image is not quite as good as that of the OG S5 or the S1H, I’d say there is so little in it, it’s not a consideration and something only noticeable if shot side by side with everything identical. And then pixel-peeped etc.
Will there be that S2H?
Maybe, if so, bonus but if someone can’t make an S5ii work for them, it probably isn’t the tool’s fault.

Yup. They were my favourite for primes, but I preferred various recent Tamron's for zoom stuff, notably my current trinity of 20-40, 28-75 and 70-180. 
But this year, Sigma moved the game on with their 28-45 f1.8 and 28-105 2.8 and all that's 'missing' for me with them right now is a longer sibling to that 28-45.
I've said it before and will say it again, - if they make something like a 45-90 or 50-100, also f1.8 and internal zoom, I'm done!
As it is, I'm getting the 28-45 and 28-105 for next season as they just make complete sense for my needs.
Plus, yes, I also love their philosophy and family run nature. 

If anyone spots a 50% off all things Hasselblad, shout in my direction.
Thanks in advance.

Yup. They were my favourite for primes, but I preferred various recent Tamron's for zoom stuff, notably my current trinity of 20-40, 28-75 and 70-180. 
But this year, Sigma moved the game on with their 28-45 f1.8 and 28-105 2.8 and all that's 'missing' for me with them right now is a longer sibling to that 28-45.
I've said it before and will say it again, - if they make something like a 45-90 or 50-100, also f1.8 and internal zoom, I'm done!
As it is, I'm getting the 28-45 and 28-105 for next season as they just make complete sense for my needs.
Plus, yes, I also love their philosophy and family run nature.