Months ago I already published rumors about a possible GX1 successor coming after Photokina. Now rumors are getting stronger. According to multiple anonymous sources a Panasonic announcement is scheduled for the first half of November. One of the sources said that the GX2 has some “major differences” from the current GX1 and has “the same [shoplink 33624]PGH3[/shoplink] sensor“. The current GX1 got multiple price drops during the last weeks. The GX1 with kit lens (Click here) costs less than the “supposed to be cheaper” GF5 with same lens! I am still not sure if the camera will have a built-in viewfinder liek the [shoplink 23692 ebay]DMC-L1(Click here)[/shoplink] or not.
P.S.: I also heard that there will be no new lens announced along the GX2.
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Special GH3 page at Amazon (Click here) and a full Olympus presentation page at Amazon (Click here).
The Sony NEX-7 (Click here) and the Fuji X PRO 1 (Click here) are for now the only mirrorless cameras with such a rangefinder styled design.
The [shoplink 23692 ebay]DMC-L1 eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
The [shoplink 26385 ebay]DMC-LC1 on eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
129 Responses
IBIS and inbuild-EVF please!
+ Mikrofon for Video!
Forget IBIS, but there MUST be some kind of in-body stabilization, otherwise the camera is another junk.
Forgot “in-body-image-stabilization” but there must be some kind of “in-body-stabilization”.
wat
I was refering specifically to Oly’s 5-axis IBIS, sorry for confusion.
+1 yes please
5-axis IBIS 🙂 and AVCHD v2.0
Please buy your favorite year old olympus plus this:
http://www.decalsplanet.com/item-1584-car-audio-panasonic.html
and stop this inane ibis discussion every time. is trolling.
Panasonic cameras are never going to have any kind of IBIS. They put it on the lenses. Give up on that already.
There are no shortages of lenses with IS in lens ranging from a FF equivalent 24mm out to 600mm.Including two fast pro grade lenses 12-35+ 35-100. If you need faster lenses then you have a 20mm f1.7 a 25mm F1.4 a 45mm F1.8 and a 75mm f1.8 , these sub F2 lenses give excellent results in even quite low light and considering that IS only helps for static subjects due to motion blur. For most low light shooting I would want a faster lens to get a faster shutter speed.
For static subjects there are very many different camera supports from lightweight pocketable gorilla pods to heavy tripods that cover all possible scenarios and needs a camera support will always give a better result than handheld you can then shoot at any ISO and shutter speed combination you wish. The major players in the game Nikon and Canon who dominate the professional market almost totally seem quite happy to have in lens IS . The whining from Olympus fanboys about this gets tedious to say the least, Panasonic had a five axis IS built into their camcorder well before the E-M5 appeared .
I have 25mm F1.4, and shooting video handheld without IS, it’s a tragedy.
+ 1. Agree. IBIS should be as an alternative on board for non-stabilized lenses.
Perhaps you need to focus on your technique if your videos are such ‘tragedies’.
It’s not about technique. You simply can’t eliminate “micro shakes” handheld that make it a tragedy. They are simply too disturbing/irritating when shooting HD.
The “technique” is called a steady cam rig such as the Merlin. That is how the pros do it. They never rely on in camera stabilization.
Nice idea. Do you have this always in your pocket? On Holiday? In the theater? On a party?
For what? “Street videography” ?
It doesn’t matter, you are missing the point. Steadycam rig is for PRO usage, with a time for preparation. I simply can’t imagine, that I will take such equipment just to shoot a few photos and record a video whenever and whereever I want without preparation.
…and by an extension of your logic, a tripod won’t be carried everywhere, therefore it is for pro stills.
Nevermind that “non-pro” rigs costs as little as $100, are lightweight and portable, often very foldable.
OIS/IBIS only stabilize to a certain extent. handheld video will look just as handheld.
I know that it will look home-made, but at least I need some basic hw stabilization. When I had kit lens 14-42, I compared video footage with and w/o lens stabilization. Stabilized footage is enough for me, but the non-stabilized footage looks like there is a problem with the camera itself, because even P&S cameras give you better result (I come from P&S).
IBIS/OIS doesn’t do as good as a rig. Even a very basic affordable one.
Agree. But IBIS is much better than nothing.
Exactly, and you don’t need to take extra equipment to shoot non-pro footage. I understand that pro footage must be perfect, but for non-pro it’s counter-effective. For all CSC cameras it should be standard to have IBIS (with option on/off).
Even though I don’t shoot videos myself I can understand why some want it, but Panasonic have 3 or 4 models (the GF5, G5, GX1 and GH3), and can’t one of them focus on photography of stills and not try to do everything? I never do take videos and I hate it that valuable spaces are taken up for mics and a dedicated video button.
I really wish Panasonic would make one camera more dedicated to photography and although they keep the video feature do not try to do everything. I never use OIS, VR or IBIS myself. Maybe I could or should, but haven’t really missed it. I’d rather wish they made it possible to lock all buttons on the rear…
Maybe you think likes me , vibration absorber is not only 5-Axis,but there are many tech about such as Hardisk Drive,CD Player and More ,Plaese think different Guy (^_^)
Their most recent 12-35 has OIS so I am pretty sure IBIS won’t be appearing in a Panasonic camera. Not even Olympus is applying that so soon again.
What it’s missing is either a viewfinder or focus peaking to compensate for the lack of it.
then you want the G5 I guess…?
then you want the G5 I guess…?
or all models of every camera everywhere should have EVF and IBIS?
I wouldn’t be too surprised:
http://www.43rumors.com/surprise-panasonic-patent-discloses-a-new-in-body-stabilization-system-and-a-rangefinder-styled-camera-too/
Panasonic + IBIS?
Never. Gonna. Happen.
So get over it, already.
Develop your camera handling skills. It pays off.
So does using a viewfinder.
Haha. To hold a 500mm Mirror-Tele on MFT I need without IBIS a least 1/4000.
With IBIS 1/250 is possible. That has nothing to do with slills – it’s physics.
And again: Not every Panny-Lens has OIS. And for video IBIS is also important when using legacy glass.
And: They alerady signed a patent. They should use it.
@Bronica: go buy an Olympus E-M5 then? Jeez, you have money, I assume, you have choices, go buy the brand that delivers what you want. Olympus even gives you 5-axis IBIS with legacy lenses now.
Seriously, why should Panasonic put IBIS in when all their long lenses have OIS? You complainers are weird, you really are. Go buy what you want, stop whining.
@ DonTom:Of course, I have already the OMD EM5. It’s a good camera, best for stills. But not perfect for video.
And: I own lots of Oly and Panny-Lenses. Video without IBIS is even with an 20mm not nice to watch. The 1,8/45mm or the Oly 12-50/ 14-150 are simply not usable.
OK – you might say, I can use a Manfrotto Modosteady for example. But it’s like a crutch. IBIS is much more classy.
IBIS still wouldn’t look that much better, y’all are reaching. Stop whining. You already have IBIS in your camera that you own, use it. Don’t like your vids, get a camcorder, or get a cheap mount. It’s that simple.
Why buy another device?? Panasonic does quite a decent footage with last m43 cameras. We only need product feature that Olympus has, is it that hard? Panasonic otherwise should stop selling primes without OIS.
@DonTom: Haha, sorry, to me it sounds like: “Why do I need multi-aspect sensor? It still makes nice photos.” …and there are also a lot of complainers 🙂
Handhold a 500mm?
Repeat after me: G.I.T.Z.O.
😉
😉
M.A.N.F.R.O.T.T.O.
But: It work’s. The OMD is the first camera, which makes this little lenses usable. I prefer the Canon FD 8/500. It’s the best. But the cheap Tokina 8/500 is also a bargain.
Your right: It’s not an every-day-lens. And IBIS is on lenses likte the 1,8/ 45mmeven more useful.
I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, I suspect neither do you. I have a em5, and after 300mm the ibis is useless, there’s so much shake its like having it off. My 500mm mirror lenses are as useless handheld with the em5 as they are with the gh2. But, be a fanboy if you must…
Why are you so sure?
http://www.43rumors.com/surprise-panasonic-patent-discloses-a-new-in-body-stabilization-system-and-a-rangefinder-styled-camera-too/
Has “the same GH3 sensor” = Sony sensor
Great another Olympus fanboy the Panasonic GH2 sensor that is last gen is under a stop behind the E-M5. I am pretty sure than Pansonic can gain a stop in two years .
I swear, this site is getting harder to look at with all this Olympus-Sony fanboyism. It seems every time there’s a Panasonic Post, the “IBIS” and “Sony Sensor” soon follows…
ADMIN, I would ask you to create a Panasonic -Only M43 blog, but it would only get worse.
It’s getting really Pathetic.
word!!
please please just have built in image stabilization. that’s all i ask for!
… shouldn’t that just be a standard for these types of cameras?
+1
+1 for IBIS
-1 for probability of Panasonic putting IS in their bodies :(.
lmao panasonic is not gonna add I.S so stop wishing for it, they have it in most of there lenses after all
I will never stop wishing that! Ever. Not enough panny lenses have IS. i have the 25mm leica and the 20mm pancake… so all bad news for me. Plus i own a bagful of Oly lenses w/out IS. 🙁
I’m thinkin about the EM5. if it gets a tiny price drop by the holidays, then I might be all in.
@Kenn , Is the bulk of your photography made up of low light static shots with no option to use a tripod, gorilla pod, bean bag or whatever? Because that is the only area of photography where IS does anything. It is useless for moving subjects and possibly the most hyped feature around. The reason we hearbitching about it here is mostly due to Olympus fanboys who are pretty desperate to make their choice seem special
Is that the truth? image stabilization is useless for moving subjects?
I find that a tad hard to believe… but i can’t argue with you because i don’t know much about camera tech. and all that.
@Kenn….yes, it’s true. So go take some photos with the gear you have. Learn what it does do in reality, not what it can’t do in theory. Print some nice pictures you take, print them large. Make your family happy. You’ll find your problems with GAS become much less severe.
+10!!!
No Kenn, that is not true… IS is not “useless” for moving subjects, however, that still gets repeated like a mantra, ironically by those who are only thinking about it in theory and not using it in reality.
It is true that a low shutter speed will result in a moving subject being blurred – but that is not useless, in fact it is often the goal of a photo of a moving subject, because it conveys that motion or a sense of speed to the viewer. It is nice to have the option of having the rest of the scene unblured (which IS, either inbody or inlens gives you). This is the difference between a sharp scene with a subject in motion vs an entire picture that just looks out of focus or ruined by camera shake.
+1
It has been pointed out to you that IS can be very useful on moving subjects in quite a few ways:
– deliberate low shutter speed to capture motion blur
– panning shots
Just 2 examples, and by far not the first time you have been pointed at those.
Both ois and ibis suck for panning, theres even a panning mode. And while youre diving into the menu to change panning modes on the em5, ill flick the ois switch on the lens to off on the panny lens without having to even take my eye off the view finder and get the shot. But dont wory, while i review my photo you can tell me again why ibis rules!
Oh great idea,
I’ll assign one of the buttons on the body for IS On/Off for BIF/panning
Thank you
most useless fn assignment ever…what did you give up for that?
So homer, where exactly was I talking about IBIS?
Right, I wasn’t, I was talking about IS, regardless of it being lens based or ‘in-body’.
Another tiny detail, there are Panasonic lenses with OIS but without the swith.
The user interface for switching between various IS (note GENERIC IS and NOT just IBIS or OIS, as this applies equally to both) modes isn’t as god as it could be making it cymbersome to switch between modes, but have you tried what IS (again, generic and NOT talking IBIS or OIS specifically) can do for panning shots when it is enabled and in the proper mode?
@ Bart, yes “deliberate” motion blur is used in nearly every photo, right lol talk about reaching
So where did I say it is used in nearly every picture? Oh right, I didn’t.
I gave 2 examples of why IS can be useful for moving subjects. Note how the person I replied to claims IS is useless for those, and 2 examples simply demonstrate that is wrong.
IS does not stop motion blur, but that is not the same as it being useless when dealing with motion.
This is getting tiresome, but really:
– IBIS is a useful feature. No one should deny that unless they just want to argue. It exists and it doesn’t add much to the price of the camera (Sony/Pentax DSLRs have it, and they not more expensive than Canikon ones for it). So why not put it? Ok, Panasonic might be stubborn and will not put it, but they deserve to be told once and again. To defend them is useless (for example, I don’t want focus peaking, but many people ask for it. So camera makers: just put it. I personally don’t care, but I won’t complain for having it and I won’t call names to those who ask for it).
– IS (in-lens or in-body), is not only useful in those low light-static subject situations. Camera shake happens in every shot. Depending on the shutter speed and magnification (focal length) it will be more or less noticeable. But it’s there. It will make your $1000 lens (you pay for sharpness) perform like a $300 one in many situations, even if the images are perfectly usable. Just take 10 shots with and without IS (in lens or in body) at a focal length/shutter speed where camera shake shouldn’t be a big problem in theory. Then compare the sharpness of the shots. For obvious reasons, the ones with IS will be sharper. It’s physics.
So stop telling people who ask for this feature to stop it. Join them instead and tell Panasonic to put it. It can’t be denied that it’s useful (without looking stupid). You might not want it personally, but that’s not a reason to tell others not to keep asking for it (hell, I also don’t want 1080/60p, but if someone asks Oly to put it, I won’t tell him to stop whining and get a GH3. It’s a legitimate wish to have).
Nothing with way I have mine set up
+1
more features, the better… right? how can someone argue?
wait, so all we all have to wish for is a tiny EM5 price drop and you will shut the hell up?
THIS WILL HAPPEN GUARANTEED! YAY!
For a person to want IBIS on a camera they wish to buy and invest in is one thing. Owning a camera, or shall I say the OMD and hating in any Panasonic camera that doesn’t have it is another.
I mean seriously, it’s SO STALE. Panasonic isn’t going to include IBIS. They won’t. We’re better off asking for a built in view finder!
Stop trying to justify your purchase on us, you like IBIS and Sony sensors in your camera, fine. It’s gotten so bad here, I wouldn’t make another Olympus lens purchase. Thanks.
I’m not expecting IBIS from Panny… they’ve got too much invested in OIS… and all of these camera companies seem to suffer a bad case of “Not Invented Here”.
Nevertheless, they’re going to lose me as a customer when I go to upgrade from my G3 next year. It’s been too painful to be effectively cut off from half the lenses in the M43 system, and it gets more painful the more the system grows and succeeds. Especially from things like the 45/1.8 and the 75/1.8.
And purists, spare me the “learn how to shoot” smirk… I’ve been using OIS since 2006 and know exactly when it benefits my usual shooting styles and subjects, and when it doesn’t. No stabilization is a deal breaker for me, and probably a majority of other casual shooters out here. Keep your art pure if you like, but meanwhile I’ll come home with the romantic portrait captured at dusk, the still life in the dim room, and all my other recent memorable photos made practical thanks to stabilization.
+10
If you want IBIS so much, why not just get one of the new Oly pens?
And all this talk about gh3 having same sensor as om-d reminds me of all the talk of the om-d having the gx1 sensor…
I’m considering it!
WOW…rational imput…how refreshing ! 🙂
Also…will the price of the GX-2 Drop by more than 50% 4 months after it released like the GX-1?
Hmmmmmmm….Olympus OM: Sony sensor, IBIS, holds value longer…….Pro model on the horizon….hmmmmmmmmmm
I don’t think IBIS in the PENS works for video, instead they use software based IS.
I wonder why there was no talk of the E-M5 using a Sony sensor at the recent presentation about Sony and Olympus working together. Surely this would have been an excellent vehicle to demonstrate the potential successes of them working together.Maybe the E-M5 and GH3 have the same sensor after all though not in the way many thought lol
@ mooboy: Why not Oly-Pens? Because Lumix cameras a pretty good. I have two defect Olympus (including one Pen), but all Lumix-cameras are still working perfect. Even my scratched and batched up LX3.
what if you need AVCHD 2.0@60fps with IBIS neither pana or oly provide that option. why ?
You get what you hack 😉
if the gh3 does not have ibis a possible gx2 won’t have either
I think Panasonic should differentiate GF and GX even further.
They will. Although I don’t know how. Did you know that the GX1 iscategorized as “Luxury” on the Panasonic website? So they didn’t actually have a use case for it, it was just made to appease the GF-1 owners, and see if there is a market for this kind.
I think I suggested last year that the GX series should be something like the street photographer’s dream tool.
I’ll not consider anything than an L style camera this time .
GX2 if not equipped with new sensor , I’ll definitely skip it for sure .
The L style camera must be whether seal too & capable of X Pro standard otherwise I’ll join Fuji very soon .
Let’s see how things turn out .
Bye Bye! Say hello to Fuji for us! 😉
I don’t think the GX2 will be able to achieve Fuji’s level of color smearing, sorry.
@Yun..ask them for a fast telephoto, see how you go. How would you mount a 200mm F2.0 on a GX styled body anyway?
With an MFT-mount, of course! 🙂
There will be no IBIS.
Major difference is good to hear; that likely means built-in VF, I don’t think tilting screen qualifies as major difference, but likely that will be on board, too.
Panasonic has been talking about upgrading the GX-series to differenciate it from the G- and GF-series so I fully expect it to be as advanced as the GH3 (minus a few video features). Maybe it will even be weather sealed ; if so I might get this instead of the GH-3 or OM-D
Great to hear GX2 rumours, admin, I’ve been waiting for this for a while. Keep it coming!
It would be great if you could figure out what the “major differences” are.
Christian
http://www.flickr.com/photos/purecinema
Make a small L1, with EVF in the same place, same control layout and the same two positions pop-up flash and i have a winner.
… and you have a fuji x-e1! 😉
‘Same PGH3 sensor’ is slightly confusing. Does it have the same sensor as the GX1 or the same as the GH3?
Just what it says the Panasonic sensor from the GH3
NO view finder, BUT a tilting touch screen – would Pana EVER be that clever?
No, unlikely.
I’m hoping the GX-2 has a built in EVF, that way Oly will be forced to put one in the E-P5!
I’m sure the GX-2 will be a great camera and take great pictures, that are only slightly spoiled by camera shake… 🙂
I’m nearly 100% sure the e-p5 will have an integrated evf.
With “Focus Peaking”, I will buy it definitely.
Well, this makes sense. GX line should fit between G line and GH line targeted at experienced users. That means GH3 sensor and new Venus engine 7 as well. Now i am really interested in results of this “wide dynamic range” Live MOS sensor. And they say something about improved colours. These are only two things which hold me from Panny’s cameras so far. Hope we see proper images from independent sources soon!
A little question: Who do you want EVF? 🙂
Please, Panasonic, look at the market. For heaven’s sake, put EVF in GX line already!!! For $1,000, Fuji has a X-E1 to offer, NEX6 is even cheaper and yeah we have OM-D as well.
My humble wishlist :
– GH3’s EVF
– Better sensor – usable 3200. I don’t care whoever made it.
– Wireless flash capability like GH3.
– Traditional 4-ways controller NOT wheel.
– 2 dials would be nice but the clickable thing is still fine.
I don’t mind it being larger as this year seems to be a camera-beefing-up year for Panny. Something the size of X100 is fine as long as they can pack up all the features.
+1 for the size and dials and VF !
@DonTom
How I mount a 200mm F2 in GX style camera ?
You mean 4/3 lens ? No , I’ll never do that .
A new 200mm F2 ? I leave this to the Pana’s engineers to find out .
As a consumer , I just expressing my opinion .
The 75mm F1.8 is an example of small lens with big performance . That already in 150mm ,
Why not a 300mm in future ?
A new rangefinder camera need to be build solidly such as X Pro in whether seal to support the lens weight & that is possible .
Currently I’m using a GX to shoot with Mzd 75mm , & it’s quite comfortable .
It’s matter of attitude & depend on individual .
I’m in the process of deciding on a compact system camera to complement a Sony RX1 that I have on order. While the E-M5’s 5-axis IS is certainly a desirable feature, I prefer Panasonic’s user interface. I’ll wait until the GX2 is announced before making a decision, but the GX2 must have a tilting screen for me to consider it.
Can I ask someone if anyone know about it .
Is this GX series is what Pana claimed a very very highend camera ?
It don’t smell right to me , GX can’t be consider VVHE camera .
Olympus with Sony sensor technology looks more promising in next OMD ,
Let’s wait & see .
Depends on your definition of being high-end.
As for me, GX1 is relatively highend for M43 (as it was claimed to be) when it was released but later overshadowed by OM-D.
So now is the time! Panny, do something we can drool over!
I suspect that Panasonic users are a bit twitter and bisted, beset with Olympus fans insisting on IBIS, and discouraged by the EM-5 getting all the attention. The GX1 is a very good pocketable camera – only lacking an internal EVF for me. It is not a reason to abandon my GF1.
A lot of people are waiting for a camera like this with an internal EV, and are hoping this is the camera. But I surmise that they are not holding their breath, having been disappointed so often. If the GX2 has the G5 sensor (although Admin suggests that it has the same sensor as the GX1)plus internal EV, it would be a killer.
+ 1000.0000
“not holding their breath” though because “having been disappointed so often”
You’re wrong.
As a Lumix owner with both Panasonic and Olympus lenses, I was waiting to plop my cash down on a OMD, but after handling it in B&H, I found it TOO small. Too small of a body and the buttons as well.
Don’t care for IBIS and I just might wait to see what the GX2 is about before I go for the GH3.
You’re Correct! And that’s the good thing about tech. Panasonic, now’s your turn.
i mean novolatile stabilization axis. ^_^
What is more tedius? The photographers who keep calling on Panasonic to include IBIS or the self-righteous responses that always seems to garner from the other half of users: just carry a tripod or steady cam rig everywhere, it must be your skills as a photographer, just buy the other brand even though that is not what you wanted.
Im glad that both systems have implemented dust-reduction, otherwise we would see another conflict with half of users calling for it and the other half giving snide advice like, just carry a sensor cleaning kit, learn how to change lenses properly, just buy the other brand, etc.
There is nothing wrong with a user calling on a company to include the features they desire, whether that feature is better video, IBIS, focus peaking, fast primes or whatever. If another user is content with their purchase and enjoys the current feature set, there is no (rational) reason for them to feel threatened or take offence at what someone else wants.
Only if there is a button I can click to block all whiny posters
Good idea. Maybe the admin could build something like that into the comment section. If someone is on the sensitive side, they could click a “pro-panasonic” or “pro-olympus” button and choose to view only those comments that are favorable towards their brand of choice…
All Admin needs to do is block “IBIS” “Sony Sensor” and “No Buy” I’ll be happy with that.
“Only if there is a button I can click to block all whiny posters”
And then no one would see comments like yours :o)
@Fish: You forgot to mention that the obvious options besides carrying a tripod or a steady cam: Use lenses with IS or use sufficently short exposure times. 🙂
Ha, I knew I would forget some of the popular advice, hopefully the “etc,” covered that. 🙂
then there is quitting smoking, yoga, meditation. but I suspect that these people want the GX1 for video to stand in the back of the concert hall with the olympus 150 mounted and shoot Justin Bieber throw up on stage at 24p without the shake while they laugh with glee into their sleeves.
EVF-GF1 or an EVF-E-p5
dont care about canibalizing ur own products Oly and pana!
Are people still really hankering for a GX/rangefinder style camera w/ an EVF? From Panasonic? Really?
Fuji, people, Fuji!!
Surely Panasonic will no longer abandon the “rangefinder” style camera market to Fuji, Sony, Olympus…. It has an opportunity to create a modern, compact interpretation of that theme, and even has good patents for such cameras. Is it the Panasonic marketing department that has been getting in the way?
I honestly think it’s Leica.
Think about it, Panasonic has the capability to make a serious Pro rangefinder for CHEAP. If that’s your bread and butter, would you want a partner to out-do your camera for way cheaper?
Weather sealing please! I want a weather sealed CSC with the small, pocket-friendly form factor of the GF / GX / pen series, combined with weather sealed pancake lenses. And a panoramic mode =)
Dear admin,
any news regarding an external microphone socket on GX2?
It is very important, and it is so annoying that Panasonic decided to remove it since the G2.
Nowadays all entry level cameras by Nikon and Canon have it…
I avoided the GX1 due to lack of manual exposure control for video. Add that, and I’ll be very interested in the GX2.
Being alarmed by how ridiculously the GX1 was overpriced compared to the more capable G3 due merely to a more trendy appearance, I doubt I will be interested this time unless the GX2 delivers the real goods. My eyes are set firmly on the EM5 with its respective budget and I will only consider another camera if it’s a greater performer overall (with any Panasonic camera being inherently at a disadvantage for missing IBIS and producing so-so jpegs, albeit at the cost of a reportedly better software ergonomics). Why not make it a nice traveler camera with weather sealing, GPS, Wi-Fi, tilty screen. And a good sensor of course. Basically a GH3 – just drop the super duper professional video encoder, add some traveler friendly goodies, and wrap it all in the more handy body format. I’d easily pay EM5 or even GH3 money for such a camera.
I’m sure it will have image stabilization and EVF – and therefore I WANT IT!
I just hope that Pana makes this camera small and smaller than the GX1. For those who want all the bells and whistles there is GH3, and if the image quality is not better than G3 then I will switch to NEX. Even though I have made some investments in lenses but I will have to get rid of them.
I happen to think the size of the GX1 is perfect, with the substantial grip. It may not be weather sealed, but the construction is top notch.
If they have to make it as big as the GF1 to include the internal EVF, that is ok with me.
Didn’t they call that the GF series ?
I doubt it is strongly influenced by Leica. A GX2 with EVF would not be much threat, It seems to me more likely to be related to the marketing department’s ideas about what point and shooters want, and the idea that the EVF is for old timers from film and not hip for young adapters. With this kind of tunnel vision, they have missed opportunities that others have taken. Hopefully this can be turned around.
This is what I think:
GX2 will be direct competitive to E-M5 (and X-E1), which will lead to:
1. Same price range
2. Integrated EVF in rangefinder body
3. Some kind of swivel screen
4. Electronic shutter
5. It will not be weather sealed in order for enough differentiation with GH3.
In this way you will have range-finder form factor and electronic shutter in GX2 vs 5-axis IBIS and weather sealing.
If all this will be true and GX2 will not be considerably larger than GX1, than I think I will buy it over E-M5…
I know Panasonic probably won’t give an EVF to the new GX2 due to the LVF2 sales, but really a built in EVF on the new GX2 is all I am asking for! Please..