GX1 gets cheaper and cheaper:
The GX1 got another small price drop and now sells with 14-42mm kit lens for $460 only at Amazon (Click here). I am certainly not the only one having noticed the price drop as it managed to get back into the first page of the most popular mirrorless cameras at Amazon (here is the ranking). At that price it is $59 cheaper than the new Panasonic GF5 camera with the same kit lens. The GX line wasn’t supposed to be above the GF line? 🙂
The price dropped even In Europe (See price history for Germany). At [shoplink 34544 ebay]Fotomundus[/shoplink] you can get a GX1 for 50 Euro less than last months price.
GX2 coming soon?
And now let’s talk about the possible future GX2. It has been quite for some time now. I know via sources that this is the next camera that Panasonic will announced. And we also know that Panasonic officially said (back in Spring) that they will “better define” the GX line during the year. But there is no 100% reliable info yet about the exact release date. All we heard for now is that the GX1 has the GH3 sensor and a complete new design.
More GX1 related deals:
If you buy a GX1 (or GH2 or GF5 or G5) you can save up to $200 on camera+lens at Amazon (Click here to check the deal page). Here is the detailed deal list. Just click on the camera name link to check it out:
- $50 off the Lumix 14-42mm lens: DMC-GH2, DMC-GX1, DMC-GF5, DMC-G5.
- $75 off the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm lenses: DMC-GH2, DMC-GX1, DMC-GF5, DMC-G5.
- $75 off the Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-185mm lenses: DMC-GH2, DMC-GX1, DMC-GF5, DMC-G5.
- $100 off the Lumix 100-300mm lens: DMC-GH2, DMC-GX1, DMC-GF5, DMC-G5.
- $200 off the H-HS12035 Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm lens: DMC-GH2, DMC-GX1, DMC-GF5, DMC-G5.
27 Responses
I sure hope the GX2 doesn’t have a EVF. Hot shoe for an EVF – sure, but please not built-in. The added cost and bulk will lead me to look elsewhere. Plus if it had an EVF it would really just be a G5 in very slightly different form.
Better low light, better dynamic range, and you can sign me up.
In a way you are right that Panasonic already has the G5 with EVF, but it’s also true that they also have the GF line without it. So the GX line must be defined in some way that makes it different from both. I think that since it’s a enthusiast oriented camera, it makes sense to have the EVF built in and to leave the GF for those who don’t want EVF (usually P&S upgraders, as opposed to DSLR users looking for small and light alternative). Or maybe they’ll still leave the GX line without EVF and make the G line more ragefinder-styled. They already have the GH3 with the DSLR kind of body (And the GH3 is more photography oriented than the GH2, so it’s not for video shooters only).
BTW, what’s happening with the EVF in the GH3? First reports suggested it was very good, but now I’ve read two comments (The Phoblographer and Luminous-landscape) that there’s something wrong with it. Maybe it’s just due to pre-production models, but it would be a disappointment if it turns out to not be as good as expected.
Luminous landscape was rather impressed with, they even said it was better than the nex 7s view finder. Where did you read he didn’t like it?
Here’s luminous landscape on it:
Though neither screen is the highest resolution out there, both are more than adequate, and the extra contrast provided by the use of OLED technology is even more welcome than just resolution alone. The screen’s refresh rate is also very high, and this means little if any visual smearing when panning. (I am increasingly finding that enhanced contrast range and high refresh rate are much more important on camera screens and EVFs than simply resolution alone).
On their review of the Fuji X-E1, at the end there is this update:
“[Note: I originally said that the Oly and Pany EVF was “superior”. I still think the OM-D one is, but having played with the GH-3 yesterday, it appears they are not the same finder. In particular, I found the GH-3’s EVF very directional. Unless my glasses and eyeball were dead-centre to the eye-piece, one side of the image looked curved and blurred. I’ve not experienced that with an EVF before. Since I just had a few minutes with a pre-production model, I would not draw any firm conclusions about this other than to say that potentil users simply have to try EVF cameras for themselves to know if they like the look and feel of any given model, irrespective of their specs on paper.]”
The Phoblographer made this comment on the GH3 preview:
“Looking through the EVF was a bit difficult for me. It was a tiny bit muddled for my tastes.”
Why would EVF mean added bulk ? Please have a look at NEX6
I do agree that EVF means higher price, but it depends on quality. Some will just need EVF in bright sunlight and / or tele : not that expensive if lvf1 equivalent.
Damn, I love the gx1. Just wish it gets that EVF now!
just dont See it happen and still keep that very nice tiltable Flash and tight form-factor..
If it doesn’t have an EVF – and if it ain’t announced in the next couple of weeks, I’ll be going with the NEX-6 and I suspect there will be a lot of others too.
They should put an EVF on it, they would have sold so many more GX1’s if it had one and they would be head and shoulders above the competition had the earlier models had them too. In my opinion they have squandered their lead to the point of being behind now. And, well, I left will the announcement of the Fuji Xe-1. I wouldn’t bet on any soap bar model having EVF, which should be elementary, most enthusiasts don’t want to use it as a P&S.
I would have to agree about Panasonic squandering their lead. If they can’t compete in sensor quality, then they really should have exploited the cool factor, as in rangefinder type bodies. Making a very large version of their flagship is not going to make the sensor any better and drive many people, that go with a smaller sensor, only for the smaller form factor and weight savings, to Olympus or fuji or Sony. Sad times ahead for Panasonic, I’m afraid. They do have some nice lenses coming though, so it’s really a shame.
That goes for Oly as well, the EP’s should have had an EVF too, the OMD is a different beast, and a beast it is but I still don’t think it totally competes in the NEX6/7, Fuji X series range, whereas the EP1/2/3 would have totally with an EVF. The OMD overlaps with these but straddles the line between them and the SLR type as well. Well I want a NEX6/Fuji X/EP3/GX1 type body with EVF. I would bet the GX2 has no EVF, another let down.
I really thought that a built in EVF was going to follow the GF1, so needless to say it’s been a long wait for me and I will definitely be switching to Fuji, slower focusing and all, if it doesn’t happen with the GX2, specially since the GH3 has gotten so big and the G bodies don’t do much for me.
Well happy to have triggered a sensible little thread here. I can see many of your points if the form factor can be kept tight like the NEX-6, and the price can be kept sensible. Personally I’m a younger ‘prosumer’. I’ve been using higher end compacts like the S95 and manage to get shots other people tell me are fantastic. Buyers in my situation are price sensitive – love photography but may not be our #1 hobby and may not be the item we’re prepared to make a ‘big ticket’ purchase of every year or other year. Maybe the GX line, then, isn’t supposed to be for me, but the form factor is exactly what I love. I bought the GF1 previously, and shot with the 20mm pancake, and loved it, but the low light wasn’t good enough for me to justify the cost, so I returned it and have been waiting. The GF3 etc is hideous I would never buy it. Now the GX1 at its current price is tempting.
I also used an E-PL2 for a day or two, and empathize with the poster who commented on that line. I haven’t tried the OM-D but for me, even though the image quality was great, the build quality seemed sadly lacking on the Olympus m4/3rds. At least the E-PL line. The buttons were mushy and the whole thing was plasticky. It wasn’t a great experience and didn’t look or feel like a $600 camera should. You pick up a similar priced Panasonic, especially the GF1 and GX1, and you can’t help but smile. It’s solid and feels like quality in many ways.
But anyway my point being I’ve kind of grown up without a viewfinder and find the situation where it’s too bright out to use the screen is very rare. And the screens are constantly getting even better. And I shoot aperture priority or sometimes even full manual while using the screen too – you don’t need a viewfinder for that. So the GX line is interesting in that it’s very attractive to the sort of demographic I’m in but also clearly attracts higher end shooters who already own one or more DSLRs like you folks, where a couple hundred dollars is way less of a consideration.
I think Panasonic will stay relevant. Yes people who are only going to shoot with the kit lens will pick a NEX-3 or whatever but anyone who’s actually comparison shopping will understand that there are way more and better lenses available for M4/3rds, and the overall package is smaller and makes sense. I don’t particularly see the point of using a camera that is shorter than most of the lens barrels for it, not to mention almost pointlessly thin given most of the lenses are huge relative to it. NEX-6 and 7 are more sensible but $$$.
cheers
I just picked up a GX1 recently, and at the price where it is right now, it CAN’T be BEAT. GX1/20mm combo is Great. Picked up a EVF from ebay for around $160.00 and I couldn’t be happier.
As for the GX2, I hope it doesn’t have a built in VF. The only thing (I think) the GX1 is missing is Water Resistance.
Amen. I personally agree with you.
Gx2 is unlikely to be released this year or it would have been announced by now…
GX2 , is that kind of long rumour suggested the very highend camera from Pana ?
If yes , whether seal & build in viewfinder is a must . A sensor to perform above OMD is inevitable in order to shine otherwise I don’t see Pana have a chance to overcome Olympus’s semi pro stuffs .
Now that it’s obvious Panasonic is bleeding market share to Sony, they must shut up and just produce a GX2 that would be little different from G5 (including VF) except for form factor, and for about the same price, instead of making it a pitifully overpriced gadget like the GX1 that sold for much more than the G3 while being less of a camera. Pack it in a kit with a redesigned 20mm and they’ll have a satisfyingly awesome direct answer to Sony and Fuji.
Oops, the name field was not filled in automatically for some reason…
I agree. I would much rather see the 20mm bundled with the GX line than the big 14-42mm kit.
I recently purchased the GX1 at Amazon USA at 659 in silver color.
I could not wait to greater price drop because my girlfriend returned from U.S., but if I could, I’d wait a few weeks to see more price declines but I have saved a lot of money compared to European prices. The power zoom lens is great and the size of the set is perfect. All my friends want one! I need to try and read the manual well because I have no experience in m4 / 3 or reflex but I can say that it is very intuitive and easy to use. I bought a Kiwilens adapter to use Nikon F mount old lenses. I’m very happy.
I think GX2 will be GX1 plus:
– G5 sensor
– faster AF and operation speed
– 920k+ fixed touchscreen LCD or 610k OLED
– WiFi capability, apps
– Full HD video, 60/50p but no manual exposure controls
– power zoom lever like on G5
– one or two extra control dials and Fn buttons
– 40-150mm offered with two lens kit in some countries
– more picture styles/filters
– slightly worse battery life
I think it will not have:
– built-in EVF
“We still need to sell the DMW-LVF2. There is no way we will risk sales of the G5 by adding another similarly priced camera with onboard EVF. We may do this later, but expect to pay a LOT more for that.”
– weather-sealing
“Our weather-sealing feature is worthless, we cannot promise to protect your camera from the elements and we do not go through any independent testing. But we may still add it in a future model, but you will have to pay more a LOT more for this feature.”
– any new or significant sensor tech to “destroy” OM-D/PEN 5 series, Sony NEX, Fuji X etc.
“Live with what you have, not what we can’t provide.”
– high quality kit prime lens like 20mm f/1.7 or 25mm f/1.4
“We were surprised with the success of the 20mm f/1.7 as a kit lens with the GF1. We didn’t expect so many sales of the standalone lens. People are even willing to pay above retail for this on the used market. This is the most sold aftermarket lens in Micro Four Thirds format. So can you blame us if we NEVER offer this or a similar fast lens as a kit option for such low cost ever again? I’m sure you understand, from a business perspective. We offer the very good 14-42mm PZ instead. Sure, it’s not like the 20mm f/1.7, but it’s very compact.”
“Small iterations are best (for Panasonic profits!). We cannot give you every feature you want in the one model. This is not possible. We are in a modern business. We must sell MANY units. The features you want will be added VERY SLOWLY, one at a time. We even have to take some features away in successive models and add them back later, but always with some improvements, of course. This is business. I’m sure you understand. We do give you several “soft” features instead with each new model, like improved processing, AF and operation speed, improved face detection/eye recognition and picture styles/filters. This is very appreciated by our loyal customers.”
“SIGH….”
The Panasonic Hate, continues…
@Admin, I wonder if you have heard anything new regarding the upcoming GX2 and when’s the announcement? Thanks
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted
at this site is truly fastidious.
What’s up, I want to subscribe for this web site to take hottest updates, therefore where can i do it please help out.