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The current [shoplink 30485]GF5[/shoplink]
A trusted and a new source shared a news about the new GF camera. The miniaturization war is definitely over and the new GF will be bigger and have a “more high quality” feeling over the previous [shoplink 30485]GF5 model[/shoplink]. As I told you before the camera is going to be announced in early April. So like they did with the GH3 Panasonic is now going the opposite direction than they did in the past. Bigger is Better is the new slogan 🙂
That said the current GF5 is a bargain compared to the new GF camera (that will be priced at $599). In UK you can get the GF5 with X lens for 290 Euro(!) at [shoplink 37420 ebay]Wilkinsoncamera UK (Click here)[/shoplink]. Too bad they do ship in UK only 🙁
In US you can grab it for $399 on [shoplink 37424 ebay]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
63 Responses
To go back as previous GF2 size is just fine .
The current GF size is hard to handle some high grade lenses such the Summilux & the Zuiko 75mm lens .
Too compact & not handfull when doing shooting .
No it isn’t, the GF2 was comparable to the GX1 we have now. The GF3 became a totally different class camera.
I think it’s a mistake to make the GF series bigger. I see the GF as the step up from P&S and the GX as enthousiast camera. The G is for enthousiasts that need a bigger grip and GH is the hybrid “professional” in the Panasonic line.
There’s a whole group of people including pro’s that want to have a “mini” camera as an emergency backup or as a street shooter camera. The GF of today only need modern sensor, but a minor hardware upgrade (accessory port, on the left side, so you could mount VF or other items like GPS/WiFi integrated) and some firmware tweaks like remote flash capability would bring it in an entirely different category.
It would still be tiny with a pancake and veeeery useful.
Yeah, IF this is true, I am glad I got the GF5. It’s my pocket camera! I want my pocket cam to be as small as possible!
+10
The current GF is a great size, especially for the small primes like the 14mm, 17mm f1.8 and 20mm. Although, I opted for a GX1 because of the EVF option.
It sure would be nice if Panasonic or Olympus cranked out a couple more pancake primes, something like the tiny Pentax 40mm f2.8 or 70mm f2.4 Limited Series lenses.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366728-USA/Pentax_21550_SMCP_DA_40mm_f_2_8_Limited.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460850-USA/Pentax_21620_SMCP_DA_70mm_f_2_4_Limited.html
+10
The current GF is a great size, especially for the small primes like the 14mm, 17mm f1.8 and 20mm. Although, I opted for a GX1 because of the EVF option.
It sure would be nice if Panasonic or Olympus cranked out a couple more pancake primes, something like the tiny Pentax 40mm f2.8 or 70mm f2.4 Limited Series lenses.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366728-USA/Pentax_21550_SMCP_DA_40mm_f_2_8_Limited.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460850-USA/Pentax_21620_SMCP_DA_70mm_f_2_4_Limited.html
I think the most important thing is;” NOT TO MAKE SUCH A GIRLY LOOK CAMERA”.but also size of GF1-2 is fine for me
GF1 size is ok. GH3 size had its uses too. Agree on more pancakes – maybe a8 or 9mm one (not a fisheye).
Too bad, I feel the smallest ones fitted a nice niche, although they where not as usful for all lenses.
hopefully not as big as the gh3 🙂
yes …GH3 is so big when there is a pic of GH3 body only…the tiny sensor looks really small
and in our minds is bigger = better …so GH3 only give gunpowder to m4/3 haters
Will the new 14-42 II zoom be the kit-lens in the upcoming models to replace the 14-42 Vario G and X PZ?
New PZ X power zoom will bundle with new GX
It’s another indication that Mirrorless has come of age. So it can go bigger while Canon has to go smaller:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/03/21/Canon-unveils-EOS-100D-Rebel-SL1-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-APS-C-DSLR
Check the diagram, mirrorless has still a big advantage. OTH I had the PL3 and that is too small, i terms of proportion with zooms, adapted lenses, etc.
To me, perhaps because I am a purist, the original Pen stroke the perfect balance. The GF5 was unfortunate hubris.
The problem with the PL3 and all other Olympus m4/3 in general is not the size, but the lack of grip. NEX-5 and its successors are much easier to hold despite being even smaller.
Weren’t you told at school to make your opinion distinct from your interlocutors in a graceful way?
I never argued that the PL3 is too small in an absolute sense, but that it is or was FOR ME, in relation to CERTAIN LENSES.
Now you can go wash the dishes, and later wipe the floors, my good man. Don’t waste any more time chattering 🙂
Admin, when are you going to ban this troll?
You’ve just become the first here on my ignore list, analric. Congrats!
It is such a honour to be ignored by YOU!
I wished however that Booo followed your noble example, instead of yelping for his master.
Non you can go.
Please guys! No matter who is right…just try to not go to far with personal attacks! If you don’t like what the other one is writing just ignore it. Stop. I Thanks you for your help!
This is really excellent news – It means that the G7 won’t be smaller and cheaper quality either.
What G7? If they are going to continue with G line, it should be named G6. After all, they had G1, G2, G3 and skipped G4 only for “unlucky” number 4.
But if they are smart, they will drop both G and GX, and create a rangefinder-style with built-in EVF at G quality and price, say, GL. Those who want DSLR-style, usually chose DSLRs, and they have GH line for them anyway, although unreasonably expensive. No point to waste resources on too many lines, the resources would be better spent on IBIS development, preferably the one working together with OIS for extra efficiency.
Forget it. Cannot see any advantages of rangefinder format. Moreover if the screen isn3t tiltable/swivelable. The G5 shape is exactly what I need.
Advantages:
1. You nose does not hit the camera, or you don’t have to tilt your face to the left, so your left eye can look straight at action.
2. Even left-eye users have a chance to use it.
3. No hump means it fits into smaller spaces, like deep pockets with a pancake.
Swiveling screen has nothing to do with it – I agree, it is a great feature, and still possible on non-DSLR stile cameras.
Interesting.
My take on this:
GF5 is a GX1 with GH3 sensor, but maybe a bit smaller than the GX1.
The very high end camera is a higher end GX1 with built-in VF.
That’s a pity. The GFx should have been the smallest. I think there’s no purpose with m43 if it goes bigger like GH3. Canon just announced the 100D that could be as small as a G5. The GF3/5 camera’s were to take along with a pancake or the PowerZoom in a pocket, they were very unobtrusive, the only downside was the old sensor.
There was already enough choice if you wanted bigger, E-P3, OM-D, GH3, G5, GX1.
I think they make a mistake if GFx is bigger.
Put a lens on that 100d and call me back with the results
+1
size look bigger current gf is not mean bigger than GH3,what are you think?
and GF1 or GF1 size is smaller when competition to 100D
Sorry, but £299 are not 290 euros.
Sorry, there was an erro in the link. Now fixed. it shows: “249,99 GBP”
If the new GF is much bigger than GF5, that’s a stupid move in light of recent Sony and Canon announcements. Then again, Sony went bigger with the F3 and then returned to small with the 3n.
Panasonic should have just stuck with the current size, it was OK for the class the camera is in.
@ChristianG
The very highend camera can’t be GX2 cause GX1 already launched after Pana express it’s desire to include a very very highend camera . The plan , of course subject to revise but it just very unlikely to happen .
GX to compete against EP & NEX 5 .
The very highend camera to compete against X Pro , NEX 7 & EM7 .
This is what I predict .
That’s kind of what I was trying to get at:
High End Camera is GX1-like with VF and advanced features to compete with XE-1, OM-D and NEX7n.
New GF7 is bigger,and has more quality feel – sounds more like a GX1 to me. With GH3 sensor this would be a very appealing camera to me..
I won’t be happy if they go bigger. I bought a GF3 with the expectation of upgrading and even bought a leather case to fit. The GF series has a nice niche as the most portable P&S and I don’t see a need to reinvent it when there are other larger models for those who want them. The only good news I see from this is that GF5 bodies will soon be dirt cheap. I will upgrade to one of those I guess.
“Keep those steak’n’chips comin’. Gotta put me on some more pounds.”
i don’t care about this information ,good to know maybe they release new mega pixel image sensor
and return of hot shoe ,i ‘ll buy if it not bigger than GF1.
“the new GF will be bigger and have a “more high quality” feeling over the previous GF5 model. ”
Are they finally merging GF and GX lines? Good riddance, R&D resources are better spent elsewhere vs creating confusing barely different models every few months.
Since they split the GX from the GF line, this is highely unlikely. Panasonic probably realized they cannot make the camera much smaller, so they add back some features like hotshoe, some buttons. I don’t expect it to be much bigger, since they need the market of small and chic cameras.
Another possibility is that the GF line will go back to the roots (GF1 / GX1 style), while the GX series will become more advanced, maybe with integrated EVF, and there will be new line of ultra-small cameras. But while a higher-specced GX is likely, an ultra small line is unlikely as of now, simply because Pana cannot make their tech small enough.
I totally disagree. If they merge GF and GX it would be a very stupid move.
Why would a sane enthousiast want to have the GF series disappear, it’s what brings new users to the brand and thus money for R&D for higher specced bodies.
The GF sells better than the GX.
The GX only needs integrated VF.
If GF and GX lines are merged, it does not mean GF disappeared, it only meand that GF has better build, better sensor and hot shoe – what is not to like?
If EVF is added to GX (or a new line is created for this), it would be too similar to G, again a waste of resources. G would need to be dropped then, with tilting or even fully articulating screen on this new line.
If GF becomes bigger, THAT’s not to like.
GF has it’s place as the smallest m43 camera. Panasonic should only do like Olympus, put the best sensor in all their product lines.
That is where they waste research and developement resources today, optimizing so many combinations of sensor and processing engine.
Putting this into perspective the rumored price of new GF7 at $599 is the same as GF5 was at intro while the GX1 was $799 so unlikely that the GF7 is the GX1 with new GH3 sensor? If Pany were to add a feature like hotshoe or control wheel to GF line that would make the new GF7 a little larger. Note Pany made a new body for both the G3 and G5 so likely for the GF series as well? Given the previous high popularity of the GF3 and GF5 in Japan and Asia especially with women unlikely they would just drop the small GF model series?
The new GF7 will be successor of the GF5 and the GX1 in one camera. That´s the reason for its bigger size and higher quality compared to GF5. It explains also why we´ve heard no rumors confirming release of a GX2. The GX line will die and a new GL1 (high quality, metal housing, design like Pana L1 incl. viewfinder) will be announced end of April. Unfortunately just a dream. So far…
they may be doing it to reposition their lines- for example, to make the GF their mid range, which would allow for a higher end GX series to compete with the E-P series, maybe even add a viewfinder.
Only thing I would find strange if it is the case, is that they still need an entry level line. The GF line is well suited for that- it is small, simple, p&s interface…It would make more sense to keep the models as they are, and just add something above the GX- say, a GT1. Take a GX, add weatherization, viewfinder, and larger grip and voila!
I think the GF series should stay as cheap, small, and simple as possible. It will draw the most point and shoot upgraders that way.
Goal is to put it in the pocket! GF5 with the 14-42 is perfect !
What pocket do you have in mind?
my JACKET ! 🙂
Would that be a bellhop or an explorer’s jacket pocket? 😛
My GF5 with 14-42X lens fits in my pants pocket.
Besides the fact it can be found for a bargain the GF5 is a non-starter with the EPM2 around. Better sensor and IBIS in the same size package.
As to the next GF being larger, well as long as it is only slightly larger I think that will be just fine, but only slightly. Size wise they should maintain GF < GX < G < GH or there abouts.
A lot of people do not care a lot for IS and for those who do you are covered from 12mm to 300mm{ 24-600mm }though the shooters of static subjects sure seem happy about it . Movement plus low light = slow shutter speed means IS useless unless you want every shot to be an arty motion blur lol,
The scenario in which IBIS is useful boils down to shooting a static or very slow moving subject in low light otherwise motion blur will ruin the shot , unless you are going for the arty look { which funnily enough is very popular in mFT shooting due to the crap C-AF }. With the fastest AF lens being the 25mm f1.4 , you are looking at shutter speeds in the 1/5th at F1.4 and say 1600/3200 iso range assuming no movement to be in a zone where IBIS helps any slower and you are screwed and as the speed approaches 1/25th or above you have a more than reasonable chance of hand holding anyway .You can get from 12mm -100mm at F2.8 with OIS . Wider than this and you need IS less and less above this there are only slow OIS or IBIS options.
So you have exactly four prime lenses that are significantly faster than the F2.8 options namely the 17mm F1.8, 20mm F1.7 , 25mm F1.4 and last but not least 75mm { i didn’t count the 45mm as there is a faster OIS lens on the way}. And will give you an advantage shooting those static subjects without support in light levels low enough that you cannot get a fast enough shutter speed
Look how well cameras with IBIS are doing in the sales charts
Japan { Yikes,16 of the top 20 selling cameras are DSLR !}
http://dslrphoto.com/dslr/space.php?do=jranking
USA { really ,not good reading for mFT }
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Digital-Cameras/zgbs/electronics/281052/ref=zg_bs_nav_e_2_502394
UK {not good reading for mFT }
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Cameras-Accessories-Photography-Bundles/b/ref=amb_link_64355965_9?ie=UTF8&node=560836&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=12A14CX978AMEHC63DNC&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=390428267&pf_rd_i=560834
AdolfR, on OMD-Em5 IS works from 8mm to 1000mm.
You are misinformed, make bad assumptions, and unsurprisingly come to totally incorrect conclusions.
As Marco already pointed out, the E-M5’s IBIS works upto 1000mm, not upto 300mm as you suggest. For people with a Lumix camera, 300mm is indeed the current limit, simply because there isn’t a longer lens with OIS for them, but that isn’t the practical limit for IS in general, and not the limit for IS on m4/3 cameras.
It doesn’t just help with low shutter speeds, as camera shake can also occur with higher shutter speeds, its just a bit less likely to affect your photos unless you are also using a longer lens or doing macros or such.
It does not freeze motion, but it can be very helpful for doing panning shots, where you do want to introduce motion blur in the background. Here you explicitly use IS to deal with motion.
It helps achieving enough DOF while also keeping ISO low in lower light conditions, that isn’t just during near darkness, this already can be very helpful during twilight. Lower ISO helps improve image quality, so no, just using higher ISO isn’t a better alternative, it is a worse one.
It helps achieving a long enough shutter to smooth out that waterfall, again a case where you specifically use IS to deal with subject motion.
And there are many more situations that don’t involve trying to shoot at f1.4 and ISO 3200 and still not having enough light.
That YOUR photography doesn’t include many such situations could well be, and in that case its not very important to you, but that you simply fail to realize what it is good for beyond the absurdly limited case you mention simply shows that you never ever took a good look at why it can be very useful, or lack the ability to look a little bit beyond your own seemingly limited photography.
And no, that doesn’t mean its always useful or magic or improves every picture, but it does mean that it is A LOT more useful then what you are claiming.
>It doesn’t just help with low shutter speeds, as camera shake can also occur with higher shutter speeds, its just a bit less likely to affect your photos unless you are also using a longer lens or doing macros or such.
I agree. I’ve done a bunch of test shots, and both IBIS and OIS work pretty well at 300mm. And I’m talking about the E-PM1! (With Panasonic 100-300.)
The only situation both OIS and IBIS failed is if the shake has a lot of roll. I assume the E-M5 handles such situations pretty well. I made the mistake of playing with an E-M5 at a store the other day, and… well… I’m trying to be faithful… or at least wait until the next version is out… but… must… stay… strong…
“25mm f1.4 , you are looking at shutter speeds in the 1/5th at F1.4 and say 1600/3200 iso range assuming no movement to be in a zone where IBIS helps any slower and you are screwed and as the speed approaches 1/25th or above you have a more than reasonable chance of hand holding anyway ”
Make it 1/50s, and it still ruins the maximum sharpness. And then there is DoF and corner sharpness – sometimes you want more of them.
good news
That would be OK – if GX2 would have an EVF.
This makes sense…I had a GF3, which I really enjoyed as my portable camera alongside my GH2. However, I really wished it had the ability to take the excellent LVF-2 viewfinder…and I wasn’t really taken with the GX1, so I let that pass. Now, if the GF7 has the size of the GX1 with a better grip, G5 sensor, better LCD AND can take the LVF-2…I am IN. Perfect, and NOT expensive…and very competitive with Oly’s offerings in the same price range.
I bet they will do something like this, and then release a GX2 with a rangefinder style and the GH3 sensor….it would REALLY differentiate the product line, and be competitive with Sony products, plus offer something that Oly did not.
Makes perfect sense to me….
-J
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Fuji has already proven this to be true, mirrorless cams don’t always need to be mini cams.
Agreed. I like smaller cams, but too many sacrifices are made in the name of “pocketability.”
EVF comes to mind.
Maybe bigger because of EVF integrated? or Grip like Gx1? It sound interesting. Bigger doesnt mean like gh3 but back to GF1/GF2 size?
> Bigger is Better is the new slogan
I blame this all on Samsung Galaxy. I want a nice, little pocketable phone and a nice, little pocketable ILC. Is that too much to ask? First, the bigger iPhone, and now a bigger GF! Soon, I’m going to have to get a bigger handbag. Oh, that, too. Good luck finding a small handbag!
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