Egami spotted a new Panasonic patent showing a yet unseen MFT camera design. I asked my sources and they said this is definitely NOT the GM1 design. Nevertheless this could be one of the next cameras to come in 2014. It has built-in EVF right in the middle of the camera. It could be a new Panasonic GX camera variation?
Reminder: All newest Panasonic MFT cameras got a discount in USA:
GX7 got $100 off at Amazon, Adorama, Samys and BHphoto.
GH3 got $200 off at Amazon, Adorama, Samys and BHphoto. A special mention goes to Samys because they also give you a Lowepro case, 32GB SD and a $50 gift card for free!
G6 got $100 off at Amazon, Adorama, Samys and BHphoto.
GF6 got $100 off at Amazon, Adorama, Samys and BHphoto.
130 Responses
Oooohh it looks interesting!
Looks like a hybrid Leica/Nikon V1….very cool.
I hope that Olympus makes THIS camera!
Well….it has Olympus strap lugs on the body….hmmmmmm? LOL
The article says it’s from Panasonic, not Olympus. Can you not read, or are you such a fanboy you’ll only buy cameras from Olympus?
It’s also more than a bit hilarious that you want a camera based on nothing more than a sketch of the design. Function apparently doesn’t matter to you? A camera is nothing more than a fashion accessory?
Sheesh!
It looks like a Leica
Certainly a camera ripe for rebranding
Exactly my impression, too. That would be a major event, Leica coming back to (M)FT, after they silently stole themselves away from FT when the Digilux 3 failed.
The Leica CL had a front dial…
It has an EVF!
How do you know its a m43 and not say a FF? Hehe..wishing
How do you know its a m43 and not say a FF? Hehe..wishing
Does that mean the price of the GX7 will be slashed next week? D)
It has an EVF…in the MIDDLE!!! Heresy! (Sarcasm, I like this design)
But does it tilt??
That’s going to be a more analogue version of the gx7 same sensor but with more controls like x100s plus 5 axis ibis
that LCD screen looks HUGE
HATE 16:9 screens on 4:3 cameras. 🙁
16:9 = 4:3 squared 🙂
Admin – how does Egami know for sure that this is not the GM1? If this is a patent then it has been in the works for a couple years. If it is a patent application, it would be more recent. Look at the back – no control wheel. Depending on its scale, it sure could be the GM1.
Have a look at the Egami article the Admin provided a link too. It includes an image of the GF series. You can scale off the mount that this new design is larger than the GF, but the GM is reputed to be smaller.
I think this is a design study for a proposal to Leica, would likely be parrallel to the GX7 with Leica branding.
LOL…this looks NOTHING like the GX7??????????? HEEEEEEEEELLO?
Heelloooo! No one said it LOOKS like a GX7. What was suggested was GX7 functionality in a Leica styled (and branded) body. Which actually makes a lot of sense if Leica is interested in getting back to m43.
But I don’t think Leica would want the EVF in the middle. If the idea is to make it seem like Leica, the VF should be on the left.
Looks a bit like Nikon V1.
It’s looks aren’t anywhere close to a Nikon V1.
More similar to Leica
I Like the design, especially the tilting viewfinder. But wonder a where Panasonic will put this on their lineup. it got to few buttons for the g7, gh 5, gx 8. But a viewfinder would mix the as small as possible idea of the late gf series. If this is not the gm then probably Panasonic will go for a 6th model? Out they drop the g style, to protect the gh series.
Agreed… I can’t see where this one fits into the lineup, unless it is still far away from market – in this case, it could be the GX8.
It appears much of control will be passed to the touch screen. I don’t care as long as it works well and is intuitive.
They may be integrating the EVF to the GF series… this could be the GF7, which is maybe a “dumbed down” GX7. Now they have EVF’s on all their camera lines except for the GM, which is a brand new line which replaces the GF series as the ultra-compact camera.
Or maybe it’s the GX2. Sort of a “dumbed down” GX7, but still an upgrade from the GX1, hence, no tilt screen but it has an EVF and upgraded sensor. BUT, it’s weird that it doesn’t have as much buttons as the GX1. That’s why I think it’s more viable that this is a new direction for the GF series.
Or this could be the GM but it’s weird that it also has an EVF.
Geez, really? How could you possibly KNOW the GM1 has no EVF? I agree it seems unlikely, but there’s no way you know enough to make such a statement.
GF7
I guess you’re right-it got no hotshoe 😉
Hmmm… screen does not tilt, so it’s prob not the GF7. Could be the GM1’s bigger brother, the GM2?
I’m wondering what is that big button on the front?
I bet it’s a front dial-like on the old contax g2.
Wow indeed.
wowwwww I just searched it in google
Thank you for your answer!!!
It could be the camera’s belly button?
Is that a flash in the front of the camera, the big circle? or an focus assist lamp?
The flash is on top.
Its look better than GX7
Oh YEAH! Waaaaaaaaaaaaay better.
See, you can build good-looking cameras without putting the VF in the edge.
I think the position does not matters for most, but the fact that the VF (e.g. on the OM-D) protrudes and makes it bulky.
Honestly, as a left-eyed photographer this would be my design of choice.
The hump on the OM-D won’t be as big as it is if it weren’t for the accessory port. If you look at the back of the E-M1, the EVF doesn’t extend above the mode dial. Olympus should change the port so it’s more like the Sony’s multi-interface hotshoe on RX100II/RX1 (and have some kind of adapter for backwards compatibility).
+1000 you are absolutly RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you think of what accessories are there for that port, there is no reason for it to be put on the OM-D. Flash should be in body, EVF is already there. Bluetooth is not needed when there’s WiFi. And you’re left with what? MAL macro lights? I’ll gladly give that up if the hump is smaller.
Good point 🙂
Contax G
It’s a good design, but, – are you reading this Panasonic? Have a look at the X100, XE-1 etc. and notice how close the VF cup is to the camera body. I don’t understand your obsession with making the VF stick way the f##@# out on the back of the camera, which makes the camera look stupid and causes it to catch when coming in and out of pockets and bags.Stop being stupid, least you look like Olympus.
Pantard much?
It’s so there’s room for your nose, fool!
The kid gloves are OFF!!!
Maybe they’re making a GX2 as well as a Leica-branded version? Though the lack of a hot shoe is confusing.
Oh wait, it looks like that could be a plastic hot shoe cover on top of the viewfinder.
I think you’re right on the money with the Leica rebranding of this. That would be a first for Panasonic interchangeable cameras as far as I know.
L1 – Digilux 3 (2006)
you’re right.
To bad-I think your right. 🙁 then it’s no tilting viewfinder, and it’s really small-maybe the size if the Panasonic LF 1. That would be a little bit disappointing. Still it is a good compromise to integrate a ’emergency’ viewfinder for sunny days 😉
Strap lugs in wrong position. FAIL. When will they learn? This is also too big, too small, too expensive, and has too many and not enough manual controls.
+100
Everything you said is so much true.
LOOOOL
But there’s no way you can know all that yet! 😉
I wonder if it is easier to make a water resistant camera with the EVF in the middle rather than tilting.
tilting isn’t even dust proof, it’s a dust and moisture trap. If you want watersealing, you need simplicity in such things, no pop-ups.
The Egami post also shows designs for possibly the next G and GF models. The G looks quite compact as well.
GF version looks like GF3 with bigger grip, the G looks very strange. I think these are iterated versions too, and I find it hard to believe that we will see these designs in future models.
it’s maybe GX7 Leica version.
Looks like what the Olympus PEN line should look like, with EVF. Maybe Panasonic will go and do it right.
Panasonic already did the Pen line right. It’s call the GX7.
Oh i remember Admin told there will be a new GX announce within 3 monthes after GX7 release. Do you remember? That maybe a possible GX2!
GX2 makes more sense than Leica version of GX7. Reason being that IF Leica were to rebadge a GX7, then it would have all the important bits (EVF, dials, buttons, etc.) in exactly the same place as on the GX7.
I could also see this as a future GF, but not necessarily the next one. Adding a viewfinder (probably low-res given the minimal hump) would distinguish that line from the upcoming GM.
Maybe you’re right but GF6 got tiltable screen, not this one. I think if it was an new GF, Panasonic would have keep tiltable screen.
Good point, but then again the GX line also has a tiltable screen now. And who knows, maybe the fact that it’s not shown in this diagram doesn’t mean anything.
Anyway, given the minimal physical controls on the back and the size of the EVF (must be low-res, barring some amazing breakthrough), I’m thinking if this represents a real future camera (it might not) it will be very much a consumer-grade offering, no matter which letters they stick on it.
No hotshoe. It is not a GX2.
And (Lumix) GX2 -> (Contax) G2… sounds like very plausible indeed 🙂
I’d wager this was an exploratory alternative design for the GX7 that proved interesting enough to patent even though they went with another design.
It is not an alternate GX7 design. No hotshoe.
Agreed.
Those two cameras are too similar to coexist in the Lumix m43 line.
Besides, I prefer the GX7 design.
Yeah, probably. Viewfinder looks like it could tilt, screen could easily be tiltable too. Controls are very un-panasonic, but there are plenty. Too similar too GX7 too be a real product.
I agree that the LCD might or might not be tilting. It’s just not completely clear from the drawing, or might not be shown because it isn’t relevant.
But I don’t see how the viewfinder could tilt. It’s right over the mount assembly, so there’s not nearly enough room for a mechanism like the GX7’s. Taking the drawing at face value (maybe not a safe bet), it looks to me like a fixed, low-res finder, barring amazing breakthroughs.
With a tilting viewfinder that could sit right over the mount like that, I’d expect there to be another drawing illustrating the tilting action, just like in the patent for what eventually became the GX7.
This could still be the GM1 in spite of what someone told admin.
Looks like it has almost all I would want in a compact m43 camera – built-in EVF, flash, decent external controls.
Just missing an articulated screen.
Now if there were some really compact wide angle primes to go along with it I’d be in heaven.
A decent collapsing compact zoom would be great too – I’d be willing to pay extra to have very good performance and build and compactness in such a lens, though I doubt I’ll get it.
Center EVF = nose print on LCD.
Thats a big ass nose you have, ive never had this problem with any g, gh, omd or slr camera I had. Learn how to hold a camera
… and touchscreens are covered with fingerprints and grease, your point?
All LCDs suck when it comes to pressing skin against them leaving oil and residue on the surface, and yet their direct function is an interface where they are “directly used as such”. A couple of nose prints isn’t going to ruin anyone’s day. The modern LCD concept is a ergonomic disaster and it’s used in all manner of devices that people cannot live without?
If you need a pristine LCD, buy a camera with no EVF and no touchscreen features.
I like the accessory tilting vf that mounts on the hot shoe. When tilted at 45 degrees your nose ends up to the side of the vf (in my case, vf2 on GX1) and your mouth is roughly level with the top plate of the camera. Very comfortable, and you can keep your face more or less facing the world. Bonus that you can remove the vf if you don’t want to be all grandpa.
strange, the only thing i see on the bottom is the tripod mount, no battery or sd card slot. Thats different than the normal gf/gx series
looks very nice …
Maybe integrated battery?
It’s the new NEX-FF!
JShin that would be a nice camera indeed. Are you interested in the new Sony?
I was very interested in it a year ago, but now that I’m smitten with the E-PM1, and now that I’ve sold off most of my Leica lenses, I have a lot less need. I’m watching it, tho’, and still have money set aside for it; it does look promising so far.
At this point, I think I’m more of a “mirrorless fan” more than I am a fan of any one mount or company. And I believe that if NEX-FF is a success, it will be good for all mirrorless formats, putting the whole concept on equal footing with DSLRs.
This is quite sensible. Sony might prefigure things to come for Olympus if it establishes FF sensors with a multiple mount and multiformat in a body not bigger than the OM-D.
I am watching to see how the deal with AF. IBIS is not yet there, and perhaps might be difficult to achieve. The A7 might be a good complement for Landscape, though.
Since you mentioned multiformat 🙂 :
http://leicaapostate.com/index.php?file=20130928__CCP_1(46)1_Aspect_Ratio
I think five-axis IBIS on a full frame sensor is going to be challenging. Double the movement. Quadruple the mass. But, still, technology marches on, so maybe by the time I am ready to buy a new body… (I mean, *camera* body!)
Yes I had noticed. In fact Riley explored the concept with is notion of Super 4/3. But you did quite a thorough Job.
Sony seems to put together the two notions of mutiple adapters and multiformat. and that could have some interest for Oly too, although they should share protocols.
But it remains to be seen if the new A’s format juggernauts can come up with ultrafast AF, and IBIS.
I like the looks of this concept and hope Pany will produce it. The first thing I noticed is the screen is 16:9 not 3:2 thus if 3″ size it will be lower height enabling a smaller camera size. The second is there is no rear dial so the width of the camera can be reduced. Contrary to most speculation I would guess this design is very much what the GM1 will be only without EVF and this maybe the GM2? Next I would guess the small EVF shown is from the FZ200 hence smaller body then that used in the GX7.
I do not like the looks of the concepts shown for either the future GF or G series and again they seem to be using the smaller LCD screen. Just my 2 bits.
I like the design for the g series-the controls look really good, it still got the fully articulated screen-and it is smaller then the g6. I would buy that
auffällig leica X2 designed – LX (?) + D-Lux (?) nachfolge mit MFT-sensor ???
Looks like a Leica/Pany design much like the Leica X2 only its has 4/3 mount and an inbody EVF which would make it very attractive.
http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2013-10-08#more
I hope the desisn of GM1 is not to be the GF series @@
Wish that shit ain’t no EVF… It’d better an overly bulky accessory port! Stop making people believe we Asians’ got no nose although that is true!
This is so full of pretty. I very much agree that it’s going to be a Leica, by the placement of the scroll wheel among many other things.
And a question to those more knowledgeable: could this be a Panasonic patent (in that they will patent and produce it) but only be released as a Leica ? In other words, has Panasonic in the past released cameras for Leica without releasing them under their own brand ?
“In other words, has Panasonic in the past released cameras for Leica without releasing them under their own brand ?”
No, unless Panasonic is a secret manufacturing partner for any of the X cameras. But AFAIK that is not the case.
always that crappy m43!!! wait the nex FF and bye bye crappy tiny cell sensors XD
Why go FF? Your photos will still suck.
I think you mis-spelled your name. That 2nd “a” should be an “s”.
With Panasonic’s move to cut out compact cameras & concentrate on mirrorless, this could jolly well be their solution. It looks more like a LF1/LX-7 replacement.
It looks cool.
However, me being a left eye shooter i can see some issues with this.
More thn one, actually.
Alpha cameras never survived to see digital, unfortunately for you.
Been using a new EM1 for the last week, wonderful. 8mm, 7-14mm, 12-60mm, 50-200mm, 90-250mm work fine. Shot nearly 500 shots at a golf match with the 90-250mm, not hard to get focus to lock on golfers, only had ONE soft focus 8 frame set, I’ll take it. Ordered Olympus 12-40mm and Panasonic 35-100, for real fast focus. Non M4/3 are fine, but going to put 4/3 lenses to the test this weekend at a night football game.
Don’t you get tired of taking photographs of left eyes?
Praise God, that damned SLR hump is gone!
Admin, are you sure it was m43 and not LC43?
http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-LC43 🙂
Not only has camera technology come a long way, that beauty’s manual pdf is 17 megabytes, more than three times the size of E-M1’s!
I hope it’s not a new GX, GX7 is fine as it is. This should be how GF7 will look like.
Panasonic GM1 Specification Leaked
According to latest rumors [almost confirmed] the upcoming GM1 will feature same sensor and image processor as Panasonic GX7 camera , take a loot at the detailed information below
http://thenewcamera.com/panasonic-gm1-specification-leaked/
According to latest rumors [almost confirmed] the upcoming GM1 will feature same sensor and image processor as Panasonic GX7 camera , take a loot at the detailed information below
Panasonic GM1 Major features
16MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
Venus Engine Image Processor
12-32mm is about the same size as a 14mm F2.8
Full HD 1080p AVCHD Video at 60 fps
Built-In Wireless and NFC Connectivity
3.0″ 1,040k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Upcoming Ultra-compact size is similar to Panasonic LF1 / RX100 camera but the build quality is excellent and same as high-end M4/3 camera
Tilting 3 inch screen? Doesn’t fit into the whole “very thin, very small” thing.
I think the most important info for most is the GX7 sensor. OLED screen can be paper thin so why not tilting?
To bad there wasnt an inbuilt EVF but I guess that was never to be expected ;(
Panasonic GM1 adopt the same sensor and GX7?
http://digicame-info.com/2013/10/gm1gx7.html
From readers, we have to provide some information about Panasonic GM1.
Image processing engine and sensor of the Panasonic GM1 is the same as the GX7
Wi-Fi built-in
Touch panel
12-32mm is about the same size as a 14mm F2.5
Quality is high in the same line as the GX7 design
Size is small enough to approach the LF1 or equivalent RX100
Ultra-compact Micro Four Thirds machine Panasonic “GM1” Because that quality of exterior and image processing engine and sensor that same GX7, is not an inexpensive entry-level model, it is going to be a camera of high-quality route even if small.
When the 12-32mm zoom lens of the new development, and it is the same size as the pancake 14mm, I seem to be into the pocket really leaving the standard zoom.
There is no excuse not to have the GX7 sensor in this camera.
L E I C A
Wow nice design but the camera looks really big or the sensor is just tiny.
This camera is REALLY small.
Judge from the design , it can’t be higher than GX7 in class . My bet the design is for GF camera .
GF7 deserve to be special .
pricing?
Any news on GH5?
Thanks for your work!
yep. Rumors coming soon.
And here is the inspiration: http://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2013/10/iveleicam2.jpg
The body looks like a Leica body, or what a mini M should be !
This camera if built will be very small and approach LF1 size if you look at the proportion of the back and top views. I would guess the GM1 would be this model only with tilt screen and hotshoe with attachment for optional EVF and a GM2 might be this model with fixed screen and EVF as shown?
I can’t help but think that this steps on too many Leica styling queues to sell as anything else. If Panasonic sold this under their own name, without Leica permission, Leica would be all over them for trademark and patent infringement and the like.
Don’t think you can trademark and patent things like the curved body ends? Then you haven’t followed any of the Apple / Samsung court battles, where Apple successfully argue that they “owned” the concept of a rectangular phone with rounded corners.
now that’s what i call a mini m!