Weeks ago the Australian store Discountcameras marked the GX7 as “officially discontinued”
According to one source the soon to be announced Panasonic GM2 will actually replace the GX7. And just like the GX7 the GM2 will have a built-in EVF and on sensor stabilization! The GM2 will also likely have 4K recording too (yet not 100% confirmed).
So basically we will only have GH and Gm lines for now. Have no info yet if the GX, G and GF line will be ever updated…
Reminder: $300 off on the Panasonic GX7 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
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134 Responses
Interesting…
I think this is the way to go. Too many models with confusing names and too little differences. In my opinion, Olympus is even worse (E-PM2, E-P5, E-PL3, OM-D E-M1 etc.) with the super long names which cling on to historical references nobody cares about anymore. OM-D E-M5 anyone? I can hear the olympus marketing people going like this: “Back in the days we had this cool OM series (which was not allowed to be called M because of Leica, so they added the O before). Let’s add a D for digital. And since it’s replacing the E-series we need to bring that into the name as well. Then it needs a cool model name. How about M? No, too short. M1! Yes there we go! OM-D E-M1, wonderful!”
OM-D is a product line what is digital version of OM. Nothing confusing in it. OM-D should not be used with combined the model version.
E-M1 is the model version name and very simple unless you confuse about – position (EM-1 or E-M1) but not hard at all.
Better than any GX something, GH something, PL something, PM something. Or that others having even worse like “something Mark II” etc.
Olympus E- line was clear separation from their pocket cameras etc. And them M for Mini and L for Large has better definition once you learned that other has articulated screen etc.
But if the full name (according to the front of the box when I bought it) is Olympus Pen Mini E-PM2, PM stands for Pen Mini, which is totally repetitive. They need to lose either Pen or P, and Mini or M. I would go with Pen M2. Pen Mini 2 would just sound too “Apple”.
The E has always been superfluous.
Agree on the naming conventions. Until E-M5 poped up, I was totally unaware that there was such a thing as OM system in the film days. I guess Olympus execs thought that it would be easier to revive a dead brand, than create a new one.
But to be fair, the PEN line would be fine if Olympus could stick to PEN, PEN Lite and PEN Mini names. It’s easy to remember, sounds good and makes sense. But instead, they insist on using E-P* monickers, which are exactly opposite of that.
But hey, It could be much worse. Look at Panasonic. They’ve got so many of those G something models, that it hard to make any sense of. Streamlining that to only GH and GM (and GX) seems like a good idea.
And look at the mess that Sony made with their mirrorless line. No matter how you look at Oly and Pana, at least it’s not that bad 🙂
What’s with all the friggin’ dashes in Olympus names?
GM1: tiny, barebones body with up-to-date sensor
G-series: full-featured, economy DSLR styled body and ergonomics
GX7: premium build, compact, yet full-featured, true-rangefinder style body
GH-series: premium build, full-featured, great handling, great ergonomics and a video monster.
Yeah, that’s really a tough line-up to fathom.
This is very good news. I may consider coming back to the m43rds if there is a GM2 with evf and a tilt LCD. 4K would be icing on top! 🙂
Oh please, not one of these stories again!
If Panasonic makes an official announcement that’s one thing, but the thing being out of stock in Austrailia? Really?
You can do better Admin!
Maybe you’ll get 200 comments, not a bad thing, eh?
And it’s not discontinued as the screenshot suggest, it was discontinued (weeks ago according to the text). Follow the link and it’s in stock now.
It’s certainly possible that a GM2 could replace the GX7, if it’s close enough in features, but Panasonic can’t live with only two fairly high end models available. I’d say three is a minimum, but four might be better. Old models might fill in the gap for a while, but not idefintely.
+1000.
Like spam says…the camera is totally in stock at that retailer, not discontinued.
That is a bunch of rubbish admin.
Sound a bit extreme but — giving Panasonic limited resource on marketing, two excellent product (GH + GM) should be better than promoting 1 budget cam (GF), 1 excellent video cam (GH), two prosumer (G/GX) cam and 1 really small cam (GM) 🙂
If this means the GX7 price will keep going down, I’m all for it. Would love to see that camera at $700 with kit lens by November.
just introduced now out of production..
buying panasonic (or m43) cameras is like burning your money.
how long was it in production?…. feels like 10 month…..
you buy your your photo gear to use it along with its features or to hold a value ?
i like my car and my photography gear to hold value… maybe you not … but my IQ is above 140.
I highly doubt the part about your IQ
Perhaps he was referring to his Ignorance Quotient.
Some of the smartest people I know are dumb shits when it comes to the real world.
Some of the smartest people I know are dumb as dirt when it comes to the real world. 😉
If your amazing IQ could grasp Moore’s Law you would realize that consumer technology goods are never investments, rather they are items that devalue at a continuous rate. The systems that devalue at the slowest rate typically have the longest product replacement cycles, 3 years or more (Canikon). That being said, the rate of devaluation in DSLRs will increase in the coming years as mirrorless delivers more innovation to consumers and pros in it’s shorter 18-24 month product cycle.
On the other thread ppl is complaining about the “not so new Elite E-M5″…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GX7
ok 12 month….. still these productcyles are just crazy.
Or you’re crazy believing this rumour! 😉
GM2 replacement for GX7 is unlikely .
Remenber the A6000 rumour to replace NEX 7 but is not same class if you look at the build quality of A6000 .
The incoming A7000 is real successor for NEX 7 .
Same to GX7 , GM2 might be better than GM1 but it can’t replace GX7 in a true rangefinder camera like the LC1 .
As already stated multiple times, there will be no a7000, most likely just an a6100.
Yeah, sure. Keep waiting for that non-existent a7000.
GM1 sized GM2 with tilt LCD, built in evf, and IBIS is something that other sensor formats cannot imitate. If it is true to have the features above, then GM2 is the first body that show true strength of M43 format. Especially paired with the handy set of m43 primes, such as olympus 25mm 45mm and pancakes, GM2 has the best mobility among any system cameras. I personally felt like m43 cameras have been gradually losing their strength in compactness as Fuji and Sony miniaturize their bodies. but the recent news about GM2 really changes my mind. I am really happy that panasonic is tyring hard to push m43 concept even further.
same feeling here,gm1 is my dream camera.
Increase size and insert a non pop-up evf eadphone ad mic imput and 12.2mp m43 sensor. Professional video features fith s-log color profile vwith all customizzation (aka a7s).. and a 1000$ price. Make this panasonic and fly on top of the market
Regardless of whether it has 4K video, I am IN if it has IBIS! Imagine the joy of shooting this with the excellent m43 pancakes and miniprimes!
News flash….if the GM1 has sensor stabilization and a VF why don’t we just name it the GX8?…It will be the big. LOL!
Admin you might want to take a look at amazon uk, where the grey gx7 body only is discontinued as well. But just that version
I think it makes sense if short-term financial situation is a concern (which for Panasonic obviously is) although in my opinion there’s no better form factor for mirrorless bodies than GX7’s rangefinder, Swiss-army-like design. I’m sincerely hoping they will keep the GX line as the ultimate enthusiast camera. Maybe they should position it as a rugged, all-in-one traveler’s / outdoor camera so that it gains some “personality”. No need to refresh it every year – the gap between GX1 and GX7 was relatively big too.
I agree with deadlock, a rugged GX line with personality is what I want to see. Fuji X dials with M43 portability. Now Pana and Oly need to marry aperture ring and clutch manual focusing in their lens range and weather seal them. A systems camera is all about the lenses and for me, Fuji and Sony (Zeiss) are producing more enticing lenses.
Add in PDAF and I join the Pana club.
And for what you need PDAF? Already DFAF is better than PDAF.
Will DFAF make FT lenses focus?
No it won’t, so he hasn’t got the clue.
There are still a number of us that don’t want to part with the excellent FT lenses, and bought the E-M1 already for that reason alone.
I think it’s safe to say it’ll have DFD, which performs better than PDAF competition. The downside is that it only works with Panasonic lenses.
What Panasonic lenses? FT?
Forget FT lens ,
dirty , problems within mechanic and electronic when you used for a long time,
nobody re-create new FT lens ,why u serious!
I learned my lesson, next time I’ll wait a little until I buy a new camera. Really strange, it looked like a lot of people wanted a GX7 style camera, but apparently it didn’t sell to well.
I think its timing was unfortunate – just before E-M1 and A6000 I think (?) Given its price tag, people likely opted for E-M1 which offers 5-axis IBIS and weather sealing – just so that they can sleep better 🙂
What better did GX7 really offer? Not much anything.
Exactly, it only had like 2 or 3 week head start and then its potential buyers were “stolen” by E-M1.
Selective reading problem you have? Why don’t you read Jeff’s comment above.
Reading is FUNdemental.
Maybe because Jeff’s comment was posted 1 hour after Fri13’s ?
Reading is FUNdamental as you say 🙂
Apart from the numerous advantages mentioned by Jeff, the GX7 is also very lightweight compared with the E-M1 and GH4.
Not really. $500 less for the GX7 is significant. It’s also a well featured, if underrated camera. One of the best-ever M4/3 bodies, I’d say.
I see the GX7 and EM1 as complimentary bodies, not one or the other. A full-bore SLR and full-featured, compact rangefinder.
Don’t discount the GX7’s fantastic features, like Silent Mode, Constant Preview in M mode, tilting EVF (yes, it’s quite useful), superb video (much cleaner than my GH2), excellent external controls, better touch screen implementation and superior UI. The GX7’s compact, streamlined body makes for an excellent street and stealth camera, too.
Well put Jeff! The GX7 has the best overall feature set and ergonomics of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera of that size that I’ve laid my hands on. A true pleasure to use.
You could say that about pretty much every electronic gadget. You could always wait a little for a better model, price going down, etc. But if you’d actually follow that logic, you would never buy anything.
And judging by latest sales trends, I think we’re nearing the end of the golden era of digital photography and I expect the pace of progress to slow down significantly in coming years. I don’t think one year product cycles will be sustainable with sales being so sluggish. If we’re lucky, the DSLRs will get hit first (looks like it, for now at least), but it’ll catch up with mirrorless sooner or later.
The price went down much faster on the GX7 than I expected. I assumed it was in high demand, because it was the first rangefinder styled m43, but either that wasn’t true or the inital price was just too high, or both
Technologically, there’s still a lot of room for progress. Sensor performance, EVF quality, IBIS quality etc. Most companies seem to go for premium products though, so if the pricer stay high or get higher most people won’t upgrade as often as before. Companies must react to that with either dramatically better features or lower prices. We’ll see.
Well, from what I read between the lines, GX7 was a failure for Panasonic, and that’s probably the main reason for a quick loss of value. Not sure what went wrong, it was universally praised by reviewers, and it’s one of a kind camera in MFT world.
I was very close to buying it myself actually, until I found out about heat issues and its consequences for BULB mode and long exposures. That was a deal breaker, as I dabble in astrophotography. Still, a very capable camera for normal use.
As for progress, there’s always gonna be room for improvement. Whether investing in it is gonna make sense (financially) is another matter. I do wonder if Olympus and Panasonic did not sleep through their chance to gain market share. It seems to me that they failed to attract mainstream consumers. And it might be too late now.
What lesson did you mean .
You still believing GM2 to replace GX7 .
Not possible , I have write off the possibilities .
GX7 only to be replaced on 2015 .
Everyone did want a GX7 styled camera. Sadly, it says “Panasonic” instead of Olympus on the front.
Did the name stop you too? Or are you saying you learned a lesson, because you brought a GX7?
I own the gx7 and it is my fav. Camera. Perfect size and features.
I bought it the day it was available. I prefer Panasonic, so it was non-issue. The GX7 is almost perfect, but if I had waited 3 months I could have had it for 200€ less.
very weird new.
Why should Pana replace GX line by next GM? Non sense.
Don’t believe such replacement claim .
No merit at all .
Admin should know about it .
Ha!
My question is, why not just extend the GX series instead of having two completely different lines of the GM model concurrently available? If this new model has IBIS and an EVF, why not just call it a GX8? Much less confusing that way.
Maybe because the GM2 should be MIni (small)?
i guess it not time for new GX,
2015 they will release GX7 replacment but now they(panny) want new entry competitor likes EM10/A6000 or NX400(EVF attach)
and next ,personality i think they need new GX & GX in 4K feature
GX7 is great little camera; but upgrade a GM1 with EVF and tilt screen and there would be not much difference, so I can see this being true, also video mode needs upgrading to meet Sony’s A51000 with XAVCs in what will be a cheaper camera.
Yeah, this is kind of what I thought when I heard the rumour that the GX and GM lines would be merged. We already know that the GM2 is going to have an EVF, and once you add a couple of other features you’ve got the GX anyway.
I just hope to god the thing’s got a grip.
I have a hard time believing this – the GM1/2 is in a different class altogether – it is like saying Sony will do away with their A6000 and make it the new RX100m4 –
It makes perfect sense to have the 3 sizes, the GM GX GH – the GM2 due to it’s size just is not well suited for the larger lenses like the 35-100mm F2.8 etc. the GX7 is a super super nice camera with a good grip and loaded with features and many dials and buttons etc. The GM size is so small it just cannot accommodate many manual controls – so is not the ideal camera in that sense but suited with some smaller lenses like the kit lens and the 45mm F1.8 Olympus etc makes it a super light and small picture machine but still lacks manual dials and controls –
Panasonic needs to have a competitor to the Sony A5100/A6000 and Olympus OMD-Em10/5 and Fuji Xe2 and Samsungs similar size bodies – but not having a GX line or a camera like the GX7 would leave a hole in their lineup –
Anyway, hard to believe – if so then I am off to get my 3rd GX7 body – have two now and just love them – more fun to use then the Olympus OMD-em10/5 and Sony A6000 and Fuji X-E2 –
The GX7 is loaded with features and total Touch LCD – perfect size – many manual controls and a good sensor –
The GX7 is totally underestimated – I hope this rumor is false – but I love the idea that the GM2 has IBIS as I would get one and put my 45mm F1.8 on it permanently 🙂
Just a question if you have tested GX7 and EM10. What do you mean by “more fun to use” ? and is there other things which make you prefer GX7 ?
I hesitate between these two models to replace my GF1.
Yes I have used both – Both are very nice – things I like more about the GX7 are – no hump on top, that hump on EM10 is OK looks wise but when putting camera in cases it often tangles on things – The GX7 has full Touch LCD – all functions and menu items can be used via touch – also love the many physical buttons – FN buttons – it has 4 Fn buttons – 9 Fn all together as there are 5 soft Fn buttons – I also love the C1 C2 C3 on mode dial for quick stored settings – it boils down to preference as both are really nice – to me the GX7 is more fun to use – both have 3 axis In Body IS – I also find the GX7 do better in low light focusing – The Olympus OMD-em5 is also a nice camera with 5 axis IBIS but buttons to small – I find the menu system in the GX7 a bit simpler also –
Like I said I have Fuji X – Sony NEX – Olympus and Panasonic in mirrorless as well as DSLRs – and like using my GX7’s the best – before getting the GX7’s I had seen a great deal on a GX1 and bought it – just wanted to try – just fell in love with menu system and the full Touch LCD control and many Fn buttons – but of course the GX1 is older and LCD not as good and sensor not as good – so when GX7 released I got one – loved it so much that I got a second one – I am also considering getting a 3rd one if it turns out that Panasonic is discontinuing the GX7 or combining into the GM2 – GM1 is a marvel but just to small for many physical buttons so not attractive to me –
Again both nice but I just think the GX7 is more to use
Thanks a lot ! This is really helpfull for my choice.
The single greatest feature of GX7 is being able to look through viewfinder and simultaneously change focus point using its touch screen 🙂
Is it not present on the E-M10 ?
I think this would be a step too far for Panasonic’s Downsizing of the line up. It leaves one with the choice of 2. . . .
– GH – Expensive and BIG
– GM – Small with an ultimate lack of handling and physical controls
Obviously they are both great cameras and I am pointing out their weakness. But What about the people that want good camera controls and ergonomics without going as big and expensive as the GH series?
It should be GM, GX & GH in my opinion. Sell the last gen’ GM cameras cheap to achieve a lower entry level price point.
FOUR models are better… GM, G, GX and GH.
There’s still room in the line-up for the G-series, too. DSLR ergonomics and handling, fully articulated screen, mic jack, good external controls. The G6, like the GX7, is another underrated camera.
I’m a fan of the G series too, but it doesn’t appear to have made a dent against the d5200’s of the world, at least not in the states.
I’d concentrate limited R&D and marketing on the GH, GM and GX lines. At least they’re unique.
If you want an inexpensive line, overhaul the GF.
If the GM2 truly is the replacement for the GX7, it will probably have similar handling and controls (and size). It’s the GX8, only it’s named the GM2.
if there is no 4K is a failure camera. Total failure and people remains with GX7,GM1
Admin. I don’t know why you continually play on with this “Officially Discontinued” for as it was very quickly replaced with “In Stock”. It would most likely have been a ‘typo’ at the time & this doesn’t make you look credible posting this sort of statement.
Exactly, one click on the link shows that it’s as much in stock as peanut butter.
Honestly, It kind of seems like there has been a new admin here for a while. This site seems different to what it used to be. . . .
I agree wt. Zeikon, those are Panny’s two unique models, the rest is covered better by Oly.
In daily life I use far more the E-PM2 than the E-M5, because of size, and E-PLx is top of sales in Japan, so why not? Camera Joshi also prefer small cameras. So even if it’s F2 It could still have some likelihood.
In my opinion the GX7 (with electronic shutter) is better then EM5 and EM10.
Only the EM1 is better.. but more expensive…
Your opinion doesn’t matter much if you forgot that GX7 sold infinitely less than the Olympus equivalents.
Get a job, you make me sad.
m43 has to be as small as possible, with all funcionality of DSRL (AF, IS, EVF, lenses). There is no place for such big cameras like GH4 and small sensosr like m43.
In future there is only place for:
– smartphones (like Nokia Lumia 1020 with sensor 2/3”)
– small mirorless (GM1 and small lenses is very good example) with WiFi and ablility to control via smartphones
– FF cameras (DSLR or mirrorless)
M43 has chance to be in good place between smartphones and FF cameras. But not such big bodies like EM1 or GH3, but only small. Like EM-10 and smaller. GM1 is really pocketable. With small lenese – pancakes or small like 25/1.8 or 45/1.8. Lenses like 75/1.8 should be the biggest in m43. 12-40 or 40-150 are too big, 100-300/4-5.6 too. Maximum weight of lens in m43 should be about 300g, and maximum filter size 58mm.
Impressive!
Please, tell me when I will get a new job!
Makes no sense. The sensor is already good enough for a large number of photographers/photographic situations; all pros worked with less capable equipment up until about 7 years ago. The next generation of organic sensors will be even closer to today’s FF – so then what, are you going to talk about DoF control all day? m43 is already significantly smaller than FF when you consider the system as a whole – yes, there are outliers like the GH4, but it has other (video) uses…
I don’t think so
There is much room between FF cameras and a GM1. I like the handling of my GH3 and I don’t like the size (and cost) of FF systems.
I think that the M43 sensors are good enough for most situations and they get better over the years.
I dunno…video is more sensitive to shallow DoF effects, since you’re constantly focusing in real time. Having a smaller sensor can be advantageous at times. Witness all the professional video cameras with 2/3″ sensors…
Right. Lack of controls, in small size can be obviated by touch screen like Leica showed in Leica T. Camera must be as small as smartphone, but.have photographic controls and features, and ILS lenses. Then it might be a great success, at least in Japan where the E-PL5 or 6 is still queen of mirrorless sales.
I approve: options are getting fewer and fewer for selling true cameras, hence a bold step.
that makes no sense whatsoever, if that was true, the GH4 wouldn’t be selling like it is and smaller cameras like the E-PM or GF line would be the best sellers, which is not the case, they are actually line ups that didn’t get new models. actually, what you are saying sounds like something out of 3 years ago or further, mirrorless cameras already got over that stigma of needing to be diminutive quite a while ago.
This reminds me that ten year ago people were saying that in the future all DSLRs would be full frame. Now ten years later, that didn’t happen. Given that currently only Sony and Leica make full frame mirrorless cameras, I won’t hold my breath waiting for the time when all largish cameras become full frame.
“no place for such big cameras like GH4 and small sensosr like m43.”
You gotta admit that’s pretty narrow-minded.
As sensor tech improves, both ISO quality and Megapixels will increase, and the m43 format offers the best balance of small size to lens system. Unless something happens to break the laws of physics, smartphones are a loooong way off from being real cameras with true F-stop, ISO, shutter speed control, and lenses for dictating angle of view, which are still the factors that dictate how an image is captured.
Even the GH4 is smaller than a 35mm DSLR, the lenses too, and lighter. So no, M43 doesn’t have to be as small as possible – you also have to consider ergonomics and physical controls.
Finally, we’ve been stuck on 16mp in the M43 world for some years now, so I expect a quantum leap to be just around the corner. Not that it actually matters unless you’re printing the resulting image at sizes above A3.
Yeah right. Like the headline in “Related Posts” abive that.says GF6 will replace the GX1.
But it kind of did, the GX7 was not really the successor of the GX1 since it came with a different approach, EVF, etc. but it didn’t totally do it simply because the GF6 is not replacing the GX1 either, it’s more like the GF6 was replacing the GF5 and they discontinued the GX1 in order to bring the GX7.
That’s quite a story.
The GX7 was the successor to the GX1.
According to Panasonic, the GX7 is not the successor to the GX1.
But… but… CN says it is!
No, decades of electronics naming strategy and a simple application of common sense says it is!
Link please? Surely that was marketing foo foo. “The GX7 is so grand, it can NOT be considered a successor but a ground breaking device on it’s own…. but we still kept the GX part…”
Use your brain.
For me, the question is, can the GM1 really replace the GX7? I can’t really see that happening since they are very different purposed cameras. For the GX7 you don’t compromise so much for controls and feats, the GM1 was really tiny, but had lots of compromises when it came to the shutter, controls, will the diminutive body be able to dissipate heat for the 4K feats? Will it have the extra buttons, hotshoe, etc? It’s hardly simply a matter of the GM2 being rumored to have an EVF, the EVF won’t make up for the other stuff that won’t fit a diminutive body. I can see the GX7’s successor replacing the G series and Panasonic abandoning the GF line up – as its predecessors’ price continue to fall every day – but I can’t really see the GM2 replacing the GX7.
Unless the GM2 is more like the GX7 than the GM1, in terms of size, ergonomics and features. Maybe it’s the successor to GM1 in name only.
Yeah but there is no such middle ground.
You either make something like the GM1, minimalist design, compact or you do something like the GX7 with physical buttons and controls, better ergonomics, you can’t do both. Making a kind of compact with GM1’s looks and GX7’s feats and ergonomics is to shoot in the foot because you will compromise on both sides.
You won’t really please neither the ones that wants more advanced feats or the ones that wants a compact ILC. In general, trying to please such different crowds with a single product never works and they probably know that.
Maybe the rumored fixed lens 4/3 sensor is the one replacing the GM1, maybe it’s only replacing the GM1, maybe they discontinued the GX7 for something else. But we’ll see what they really mean.
precisely
Your’re probably right. The rumors published here for the last few weeks were mostly rubbish. They look more like click baiting and/or wishful thinking or just plain guessing. Bunch of nonsense more or less.
We have no idea whatsoever what the GM2 will actually feature, so why not? If they’ve basically managed to shrink the GX7 I think it’ll be possible to do it.
The GX7 has been a delight to use – very glad I bought one – it has just the right size to fit all the buttons, etc. on the body and still be able to use it effectively. An excellent companion to my large and heavy Nikon D800-based system. I also have a Sony A7R that is approx. the same size, but the ergonomics and feature set (besides the larger sensor) are way in favor of the GX7.
It would be a shame if Panasonic ended the GX series – I was really looking forward to the GX8 (or whatever the name will be) that had some improvements like better IBIS, IBIS in video mode and perhaps better weather sealing. If it’s true that the GM line will be replacing the GX line, then I hope it will have all the GX7 features and then some. Don’t want any smaller of a body since at this point the small m43 lenses are what really make the system small and portable. Going to something smaller than the GX7 with its feature set is not really workable in my opinion.
It’s great if GM2 can get IBIS, then I would totally upgrade to it from GM1.
For the rest, i doubt it’s real, GM1 is already tiny with limited function buttons, unless they increase the size of GM2 which I wouldn’t mind, because GM1 seems to be a little bit too small to handle.
Increasing the camera size in favor of more function buttons and a evf / tilt screen makes it a possible replacement for the GX7.
I’m kind of torn about this. I want the IBIS and the EVF, DFD, and even 4K sort of interests me. But I would definitely prefer the handling of a GX7 to a small camera.
I just want a GX8 with some minor feature additions to the GX7. Nearly everything could be addressed with a firmware update, but apparently Panasonic doesn’t add features in firmware, even if it would dramatically increase the appeal of a currently-selling model…
I have GX7 and it’s the best body i tried, and i have an voigtlander 17.5mm. It’s very fast, sharp, and DoF like on FF.
But now, i would like some improvment:
-EVF less proeminent
-Better Focus peaking (sometime i turn off it because can’t focus soimetimes)
-Add an possible Fn button on Video button
-1080p with more fps like 1080p96 GH4
-Auto ISO with M
-Built-in Filters.
RIP micro four thirds, glad i held on to my Nikons…
Neither is going anywhere.
Yeah, Nikon 1 is clearly better. But not clear from which point of view.
Not all your comments are all that good (IMO), but that’s a BEAUTY! 😀
Would be great for sure. But following improvements are on my video centric wishlist:
1. IBIS to work in video mode. Yes, like Olies do.
2. Audio in and better mic – current audio is below mediocre.
3. AE Lock button to function WHILE recording video. Why none of Pana cameras do that?
4. P/A/S/M movie modes to be accecible from Quick Menu. Why aren’t they already there?
5. Timelapse mode to be accessible from Quick Menu.
6. AF+MF mode to be Oly-style, without having to halfpress the shutter button. That’s awkward.
Interesting.
I thought the GX7 was too big for its own good. Having the GM2 being essentially the fusion of the GM1 and the GX7 make it a lot more appealing. I’d be interested in that camera.
My only concern is that Panasonic doesn’t seem to have a low-cost, entry-level model. Olympus at least has the EPL7.
GM is the size target that m43 should have been from the get go, no reason to make the body larger for no good reason except…. handling and battery life. Solution, GM2 with optional battery grips when needed. Personally I’m fine with small as possible, use a rig anyways and appreciate near GoPro-like size for placement flexibility.
If true, I can see this working out to simplify the lineup, if GM2 is more of variant and GM1 series will remain as a ultimate compact (much like the Canon 5D is not a successor of 1D, but separate lines). This way, the GX line gets absorbed into the GM line as the more compact and discreet line:
GM1 – No EVF, No Tiltscreen, smallest size possible as a pocketable extreme of the MFT spectrum.
GM2 – Essentially the GX7 layout and ergnomics, Compact Rangefinder style, but with the similar design language to the GM. From a big picture standpoint, while not as small as the GM1, the GX7/Pen form factor is still towards the compact side of the spectrum.
GH – Center EVF, SLR-form factor, ultimate in stills/movie hybrid and professional needs.
With this strategy, GM 1/2 series is more of a size-prioritized premium-design(read: milled metal finish ala GM1) camera (With the GM2 having more controls than the GM1 series), differentiating from the pro-performance-prioritized design of the GH series. This organization and consolidation can be helpful, if it doesn’t sacrifice the controls that GX7 provided. Just my two cents.
I love my GX7, but I understand why it’s not popular enough to keep the line going. I really hope they add a few more manual controls the GM2, or shrink the GH5.
Actually, I don’t understand why the GX7 isn’t popular. I thought it was a great package. I’m looking to get one, either new or second hand in the next few months.
It is a great package – it’s perfect for those of us who want a pure stills-only experience with little to no video, but also have larger hands and want a few more manual controls on board. I’m seriously not looking forward to this form factor going away. Unfortunately I believe we’re in the minority here and the target market for M4/3 either wants a teeny-tiny like the GM1 or a video powerhouse like the GH4.
Can’t believe my prediction on this post http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-also-the-panasonic-gx-line-is-being-re-thinked/ seems come true only after 4 month. I thought that even GX and GM do become one someday but wouldn’t happen in near future.
I think both Olympus and Panasonic realise now that the business of big and expensive rangefinder shaped cameras are not so profitable, after the failure of both the E-P5 and the GX7 to capture a worthwhile market share. Make them smaller and cheaper. For higher-end expensive cameras, it is much easier to sell SLR like cameras.
Simplifying the M43 lineup down to just 2 “large” GH models and 2 tiny GMs is too extreme unless the GM2 gets significantly more ergonomic.
But I do believe that a camera mid way between GM and GX7 could have an EVF, tilt screen and comfortable ergonomics and controls and balance the larger lenses. Call me a hopeless optimist! 🙂
Not a single line without a built-in EVF? Sounds like BS strategy. And with EVF and IBIS, it certainly not going to be as tiny anymore. Again, sounds like BS.
What is the difference? Why do we need that? Is it going to cost more than the better competition as usual?
What is the difference? Why do we need that? Is it going to cost more than superior competition products, as usual?
1. You are not forced to buy it if you don’t need it – unless you have no self cotrol over your buying urges 🙂
2. If it has 4K and interchangable lenses it is very likely a lot cheaper than competition products – because the currently cheapest 4K mirrorless is the GH4, and the GM2 won’t be more expensive. Only thing closest to a competitor for Panasonic is the A7S which is a lot more expensive – and less pockatable than a GM.
Read. Understand. Ask. Wait for bls to drop. State.
This is yet another plastic toy from the hoover factory. Don’t buy it, I certainly won’t.
Some might be tempted by 4K video, sauf being able to actually use it – hint for the average reader here: they won’t, they can’t.
A swivel-screen is a must for any “main” camera i my gear bag. Hope they’re going to bring out something below the GH4 and above the GX7, even if the G line is discontinued completely. I have no need for the loads of video functions in the GH4, and dot wish to pay for them, but every other feature is essential, from the great sensor, AF-speed, EVF, swivel to the focus-peaking. and the G6 is just not up to date on either sensor-tech or features.
People, people, KEEP CALM!
Before you write anything else, what the Admin is writing is that the GX7 successor will be called GM2. No one said how big it will be, whether the screen will swivel, what the form factor is… We only got the name.
Neither did anyone said nor that there will only will 2 models from now: GM2 and GH4.
The GM1 isn’t discontinued.
As I see it we will have: GM1, GM2 and GH4.
To replace the GX7, the GM2 will necessarily have to be a middle ground model.
I guess we will find out in few days 🙂 so best to be calm like you said. Sony renamed their NEX line to A – which is very confusing to me – as they have the A7/s/r line and then their DSLR line also called A – NEX just made sense and one knew it was mirror-less and had APS-C sensor and E mount – I thought Panasonic had stressed that the M in GM1 was for Micro – and that it is – a very small form factor –
and it makes good sense to have the 3 form factors – the Micro GM1 and the middle size rangefinder style GX7 and then the Pro model GH4 – so it still would be very confusing if the GM and GX line where to be merged into one –
Maybe the GM2 will be larger then the GM1 and smaller then the GX7 – I think it is assumed it is larger as there will be a EVF and a tilt LCD –
I just think the GX7 size is a very nice size – as it has enough space for 4 Fn buttons –
A micro size is not so practical as lens design has not come up with micro fast zooms – If I was to get the GM1 which I have been close to do – I would just fit it with the 20mm F1.7 or the Olympus 45mm F1.8 – the dilemma is that the GM1 does not have IBIS – So hopefully this will be cleared up in few day s- hopefully a LX8 with a M43 sensor and 24-90mm F1.8-2.8 lens to blow the RX100m3 out of the water 🙂
and a update to the GM1 ( and a GX8 later ) – I guess I am dreaming 🙂
So when will the Admin stop perpetuating the rumor that the GX7 is discontinued? All he has to do is to go to the Australian link to see the the GX7 is NOT listed as discontinued.
GX7 has no practical use even with the GM1. They clearly crippled the GM1 with no EVF and stabilization to move the existing inventory of GX7. I doubt they will roll out a GX8, update the GM2 with stabilization, a tilting LCD and EVF/hotshoe and you’ve got all the camera you could ever need.