After hearing that Panasonic is rethinking their camera line up I thought I would ask you one simple question:
[poll id=”237″]
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50 Responses
Honestly? While I’m a big fan of the GX line, I think Olympus, Fuji, and Sony are eating their lunch in that market. The GH and the GM both have undeniable unique selling propositions that make them best in class. The GX is just a very competent, usable rangefinder-esque mirrorless in a field of similar entries..
I agree, and chose the GH & GM….but…the one m43 camera I almost certainly will buy at run-out prices is the GX7, just “because”! I used the E-PL1 for 3 years, now have the E-M1. Loved the tilt feature using the VF2 with the E-Pl1, but hated that it was an add-on EVF. There are many times when the E-M1 is “more camera” than I want to carry, but I won’t use a camera without an EVF. However, I am also really tempted by the RX100 M3, it looks like a great camera for travel scenery and landscapes.
My vote goes to GX & GM ( only can pick 2 )
GH should retain as well for SLR style photographers .
In fact , GX7 / GM1 are capable of pro standard photos , is just the community still hard to accept anything compact for a Pro works .
Like I mentioned before , the mindset of “bigger is better” need time to correct .
And what about LX line?
Despite marketing geniuses, mirrorless cameras still don’t fit to everybody… A good and really pocketable compact camera would be fine to rival Sony’s RX100!
Stick a M4/3 sensor in the thing, or at least a 1″ sensor and see what happens!
I have the LX7 and love it. If I ever had to pare down to 1 camera it would be the LX7.
The Panasonics are all well differentiated from each other, but could do better with a few changes. 5 models aren’t too many and give users a pretty wide selection of body styles and options.
I think the GF needs to reintroduce a hotshoe and the LVF port and get back to the original spirit of the GF1/GX1! The ability to add an EVF or external flash are important to retain flexibility.
If the G6 were more like the GH2 and it was a bit less generic looking, it would probably sell better. It’s really the best bang-for-the buck M4/3 camera!
I’d like to see the GM2 add the standard Panasonic rear Control Wheel.
Since I don’t do Xmas or believe in Santa Claus, I won’t be holding my breath. 😉
I agree with you .
GF should back to it’s basic & G take over GH2 . Brilliant move !
Don’t agree, if Panasonic keeps the line it the GF should be the ultra cheap model, but imo the GM has all it needs for the step up/entry level, maybe a hotshoe port, then the original GF (GF1/2) would be redundant completely.
GX has replaced the original GF model (GF1/2).
But they should only keep 3 lines GH, GX and GM but because I could only choose two I chose Gh and GM
The GM1 all is about the small size/big sensor, great image quality… NOT about ergonomics or a plethora of features.
Panasonic can easily stick a hotshoe and LVF port on the GF and not break the proverbial bank. A hotshoe is hardly groundbreaking tech, nor is the already existing LVF port. Somehow Olympus managed to use BOTH in the EPMx and keep the cost down. Basically, they could update the GX1… latest sensor, add a tilty screen and call it a GF7.
If they AND Olympus were smart, Panasonic would license the Olympus EVF port and allow users to use the Olympus EVFs. Jeez, but that would make too much sense.
I voted GH and GX, but GM is as important to me! Maybe Turbofrog is right and GM might becom even more important for Pana than GX thanks to the competition. I will get the GM1 for sure! 😀
Bad poll, they should keep developing the GH! The GX, and GM (please put a hotshoe or evf on that)
It definitely needs three options in the pol. Its GH, GX and GM that are the key lines for Panasonic. It’d be nice if they added a hotshoe for the GM and/or a tilting screen but my guess is that it then pushes too close to the GX line so they won’t do it for a while.
If they could consolidate the GX into the size of a GM I’d say scrap the GX and go with the GM that has a hotshoe for an improved EVF and for pocket wizards
They *ALL* have their role to play!
If any one was to be dropped, maybe the GM. And just keep on making the GF line smaller, while preserving their low prices too.
+1
They should keep them all and do with lower end models what Oly does: keep the inside parts the same, just change the shell. Not much R&D required. Most people choose products by their looks anyway. So, none should be dropped.
GH and GM lines!
And make MOAR!
I think GH and GM are the most important lines.
There is a large gap in between for a high quality camera with less video capabilitys, less size and less weight.
I think it should be possible to have a GX and/or a G beeing technically the same camera with just two differen form factors. If I have to choose, I would go for the GX because the fans of the DSLR-form factor are probably going much easyer to the GH.
So overall, I think Panasonic is on the right way.
(I’m using a GH3 and I’m hoping to replace the GF1 with a new GM with a small EVF, can’t take pictures without)
I don’t care what they name it, but they need a $399 camera+lens that looks more like the GM1/Gx7 and less like a point and shoot.
Surely the GH for planned (video)shoots needing a great level of control and quality. And the GM as well, because it’s such a tiny powerhouse, together with the small zoom and some primes, you can carry it around with you always! GX for its built-in stabilization, which needs to work together with non-stab lenses/primes during video and feature focus peaking.
Also. I want a successor to the FZ200. They we’re the first ones with a f/2.8 constant aperture bridge about two years ago. Now Sony has the RX10 and Olympus the Stylus 1. But the RX10 is kinda mucho expensivo and the Stylus 1 is a tad bit ‘mweh’, I’m sure Panasonic could create something really awesome here, improve it in certain areas and give it 2014 quality/features.
I feel like the LX-7 could use a replacement as well. Something that would make the Sony RX100 mkIII look silly.
this is a dumb question. It should be which line should they drop ! And my vote goes to the gf
While I too voted for the GM and GX series the votes for GH seem to be very justified given what the GH4 is showing in performance and sales. Just take a look over at DPR m43 forum and look for the post “Best Sports & Action Camera” tests by Chip de. In their tests the GH autofocus was faster than any other camera including the FF pro cameras. Not only that the GH4 at ISO3200 had significantly higher resolution than any other APSC or m4/3 camera! Seems the news is starting to get out given the very good sales of GH4 on Amazon and now in Japan inspite of price. The above results if verified and Chip de is I believe a respected tester the GH4 would appear to be a real game changer. I only hope Pany quickly introduces this new predictive auto focus into their other smaller more compact lines like the GX.
I went for the GX and GH lines though I think it would be good if they could make the next GX less expensive. But looking at the three most popular choices there is a requirement for a camera that competes on price with the low end Canon Sony and Nikon offerings, preferably small with a built in EVF. Sony created that low cost Alpha with the E mount so I don’t see why there could not be a low cost panasonic even if some corners have to be cut.
The GX7 sells new on eBay for $621 with 2 batteries, a case and a memory card. How cheap does the camera need to be?
I was thinking of a lower launch price, Im going to check that out though one might be in my hands soon. As for how low should they make a camera, I would like to see either panasonic or Olympus release one at less than and of the lowest cost DSLR’s or mirror less options.
It needs to sell from reliable domestic retailers with a domestic warranty. But I can’t specifically set the right price.
Nor, apparently, can the manufacturers. That’s fine, the market will define the price for them. And Mr. Market says the right price is lower than you are selling it today.
Indeed, it may be too late to lower the price. The demand is already shrinking, can they grab it back?
GX7 should be $499 body only.
6-7 months after launch? I’d be shaken about what kind of tech a camera maker can develop and include for $499.
My guess, late 2015 both the E-M5 and Gx7 will be $499 cameras.
In Europe and SE-Asia it is more than 1100$ for the GX7, a very expensive camera. I want G-Line!
I would say that this poll really should have allowed 3 choices. If it did, I would have voted for GH, GX and GM.
The GM can fill in the benefits of the small family pocket camera, the GF, and also serve as a bridge camera while the GH3 can serve most of the audience which would have otherwise bought the G or a small DSLR and who don’t want to reach for the GH4’s pricepoint. The GX is the enthusiasts camera or the small family camera for people who want a bigger form factor or a rangefinder style.
Overall, I think that Pana has got a really good lineup now. Short of new sensor technology, I don’t know what more Pana could do to improve the GH4. However, the GX and the GM lines can iterate and improve slightly. In particular weather sealing on the GX line and improved IBIS.
I think GH series should be positioned as “pro” cameras (weather sealing, features, accessories, etc). Money-making tools, basically. GX series as enthusiast’s “swiss army knife”, which they already are. GM series – small, stylish form factor, maybe with simpler interface and emphasis on WiFi/connectivity and social/sharing apps (don’t forget that half of the population are women ;)). These are the product lines that are most distinguishable. My only concern is, how many people are going to buy expensive gadgets year after year – it’s not like guitar players buy a new guitar every year, too 🙂
In where I’m from, virtually all retailers no long sell any G series cameras, and they tend to display the Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony dominantly.
Honestly, I find Panny cameras better designed, engineered and made than its counterparts (that ironically sell far better – talking about you, Nikon and Olympus!). I think Panny needs to put more effort in marketing and maintaining relationships with the big box retailers…
Panasonic apparently have decided to keep just 3 lines, so this poll is kind of flawed as it should have allowed more lines and not just 2, or like another user has said, just picking the lines that should be dropped.
I don’t know how skewed the results would be but, … the poll I started at dpreview showed a massive demand for the G line, and I just can’t justify the discrepancies except for a very different user base.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53584654
Anyway, the user demand is clearly not inline with Panasonic’s business strategy.
Part of the reason is what you mentioned on the G7. The GX7 insides, IBIS, great sensor, nice video (not as good as GH4 or 3 but second place) with the form factor many are comfortable with. Now, if Pana made such a camera, I’m sure it would be great. The G6 was an interesting camera, with good video and the like, but many scorned it not using latest sensor, which GX7 did.
The users here may be just thinking G line like how it was, budget, good, but not GH and GX level, slightly under.
If one of the 3 must be dropped (G and GF are already out anyway), I cannot see the GH specifications go, but I can see the GX and the GH lines merge (GH specification and GX styling, perhaps even GX size, if heat dissipation problems can be solved without impairing video capabilities). I cannot see the GM been replaced with anything else – just with a better GM (more manual controls, electronic global shutter, perhaps even ibis and weather sealing).
Keep them all, just drop the price across the board. The current pricing model is broken, it was fine for 2010 but those days are gone and will not return.
LX?!? fz?? :p
Voted for GH and GX. GX is the only one I would consider, but I believe Panasonic need the GH-line. My problem with the GH-line is large body and small sensor.
I would actually love to have a G1Mk2! One with modern sensor and electronics but in a body like the G1 would be great!
Ironic how the users think the lines that need focusing are the lines that were refreshed in almost exact reverse chronological order…
How sick is this?
Does it make any sense???
@43rumors:disqus , I’m also not a native English speaker so I might be wrong but I think the correct question would be
If you had to choose: What two camera lines would you try to focus on?
By the way the three ‘must have’ camera lines would be obviously
1. GH for professionals and/or video,
2. GX with articulating screen for enthusiasts,
3. GM for those who need really small bodies – for both professionals (second body), enthusiasts and casual shooters.
GM can’t cover both enthusiasts and casual shooters, because it is/would be too expensive.
I know people here frown at GF series, but all Pana needed to fix was the MSRP, bring back the hot shoe and put inside the up-to-date sensor. 12MP sensor, based on the GX7/GM1 16MP sensor’s tech, could be really something. Oh and yeah, make cheaper 14-42 PZ. It still costs too much and drives up the kit prices by at least a $100.
Not to be difficult (insert laughter here) but I’d like a GX8 with weather sealing, 4K and all of the GH4 video chops and an optional battery grip. 🙂
And a GM2 with hot shoe and port, tilt screen and weather sealing. 🙂
I don’t care what “line” that becomes. Just merge the looks of the mid range with the best features of the top end!
A distribution channel or it really doesn’t matter. B&H, Adorama, and Amazon with their 30 day return policy is not a distribution channel.
I defiantly voted for G and GF.
I personally bought the GX7 because I was tired waiting for Pana to put up-to-date sensor tech into the G body.
Same story with the GF. GF’s sensor was improving, but like the G’s it was always bit lagging behind. Kit availability also played role.
I don’t care much about any line except the GX, though the GM looks desirable (yet with not a single undisputable advantage over the GX) and the GH is kind of symbolic to me as a flagship. Since only two options were allowed, I chose the GX and GM.
Well, this site is most likely mostly read by “hard-core” micro 4/3 fans, and those naturally are most interested in the upper lines like GX and GH. However, there are also other people, less likely to come around here, who want to use a micro 4/3 as an affordable, small and light second or travel camera, in addition to a DSLR. Those people are less likely to spend almost as much for their second camera as for their DSLR, so they might be much more interested in an affordable, all-round G-series camera. It is not clear whether this group of users is smaller or larger than the “hard core” micro 4/3 fans. So I believe the result here is not representative.
I would like Panasonic to impletement GH3 video stuff on the GX8 and make the IBIS work on video. THAT would be eff GREAT!