Digifotopro spotted a patent showing that Panasonic MFT camera design. The chance is high this could be the final Panasonic GX7 design. Digifoto calls it GX2 but we know from our sources this will be the GX7 and feature a new 18MP sensor, tilt screen, built-in on sensor stabilization and obviously an integrated viewfinder. The viewfinder can be tilted and that’s the first time ever we have this on a digital mirrorless camera. The GX7 will be announced in late August!
The GX7 is bigger than the current GX1
So…do you like it???
180 Responses
Hope it comes in black as well as the white with black outline.
Black outline is the new black! 😉
Wonder if Pentax know that?
Cool!…if the sensor is a significantly better than current offerings…I could definitely see myself buying one …..Maybe a white one.just for a nice change!
…significantly bigger ( double 4/3 ?)…
Thought i read “significantly better”.
But double 4/3s? Sounds interesting. Would that be mega six-eighths? Or FF??
6/8 is a smaller number than 4/3. Just putting it out there!
Do you mean the sensor? (That will NOT be changing in size…it will of course remain MFT…perhaps you should look to FF cameras and lenses if that is the case).
Do you mean this camera body is 2x the size of the GX1??? (LOL! It is slightly wider to accommodate the nifty new VF…but the height is well below the height of the OMD…me thinks you tend to exaggerate or are just outright blind…therefore not needing a camera, after all! :-)).
it looks similar to some sony, with the evf in the corner, Does it have a pop up flash?
Except that the Sony still might have the better grip.
It looks like the EVF can tilt also. That could be a great feature, i wish mi EPL-1 would have that.
Looks like there’s a pop-up flash on the opposite side of the hot shoe from the EVF.
@Soeren… Possibly, but it looks more like the GX1 grip. The ridge makes it quite good. Better than the NEX bulge.
Yes, and there is also a slide to release button next to the evf/lcd sensor.
Nice cam ! Good competitor for e-m5 !
This camera exist… Sony NEX-6.
It is the same design..
BUT, it is cool! 🙂 wait to see
True, but this one comes with something else — AF LENS OPTIONS, lol.
Plus the grip of the NEX is awkward to me.
I like the NEX-6 bulge. I think it’s well balanced with the thinness of the camera. I’ll withhold judgement on this GX7 grip though until I see it in person.
Same, nex-6 sits in hand really well, far better than any m43 expect maybe gh3. But gh3 is rather bulky and heavy. This kind of design can go quite compact when needed with pancake lenses and has decent handling with bigger lenses.
It’s like you’re gripping a square D battery. There’s no contour to your hand whatsoever.
Still better than m43, especially oly bodies. Grip is safe and can easily walk holding camera with one hand without using much strength in fingers. When i tried telezooms on nex-6, also was not a problem to hold, unlike olympus. Panasonic g5-6 are quite good, but they got a bit “fat”. g3 has nice size, but grip is slippery.
From those pics here, new gx might be best m43 body for ergonomics while keeping compact body with a vf. As long, as sensor is not worse than gh2/g5/g6 it’s a winner! 😀
You have a problem with Olympus 40-150 on OM-D? Really? 😉 I bet it’s just a fantasy and you never actually tried. The lens is very small and light (and great, sharp and fast focusing), not at all like the Sony 55-210 junk.
No, it looks like Samsung NX 200 or 300 cameras. Only EVF has been added…
Sort of looks like Olympus E-P and Sony NEX combined. I think I like it, though.
Viewfinder _and_ tilting screen, yet not an SLR-like body – how awesome is that?!
Looks really cluttered with the hot shoe, EVF, and flash, but I’m glad they have all three.
I could have wished for more controls, though… looks like only one dial and one FN which is disappointing. But, there seems to be a power zoom lever on the mode dial; if that is programmable that could be neat. Also there’s that weird buttony+levery thing next to the thumb wheel… wonder what it’ll do? Mode switch key like on the P5?
One of these two levers or switches is for on/off. I don’t see any other possible on/off switches, unless it will have a on/off button rather than a switch.
Haha, oh yes, that would make a great deal of sense, wouldn’t it :D? (Especially as power zoom isn’t exactly pervasive!)
The ‘weird’ control is actually two separate switches. They’ve used something similar on their DMC-L1 models on the top-place. The bottom-left switch looks like it has 2 positions and the top-right switch looks like it has 3 positions.
I might guess the 3-way switch will choose between metering modes. But there’s little to go on (the L1 has three switches: metering, drive and focus modes.
I do think that this double switch control is also a button. Perhaps AFL/AEL
“I could have wished for more controls, though… looks like only one dial”
What is this around the shutter button then? Looks like another dial. And off-on is probably the button next to flash on top of the body, with LED in it it seems.
Amazing! Simply put, this is the design Micro Four Thirds has aspired to become from its inception. Integrated corner viewfinder, pop-up flash, hot shoe, tiltable LCD screen, rumored in-body stabilization, all in a compact body with a wealth of manual control. Its new sensor is all-the-more inspiring and should create high hopes of boosting image quality beyond what is currently achievable. The only changes I would like are a more substantial grip (why can’t it at least protrude to the point of the shortest pancake lens?), and weather-sealing for its all-conditions, take-anywhere potential. Still, this is an amazing design. Something many of us have long been waiting for!
“why can’t it at least protrude to the point of the shortest pancake lens?”
It does indeed. Oly 15mm f8!
Haha, good one! Of course you are technically right, but I guess I was thinking more along the lines of the 14mm f/2.5, which is the smallest m43 lens of substantial quality.
In fact that depth would be more than enough https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8339996/14mm.gh1.jpg
+1000
+1
My gripe is also with the grip or the lack of proper one. But I could live with this one. Big like for the design from me. It indeed looks like a design for 43rumors readers 😀 .
That’s really like a recto design of L1
I was just looking at my GH1 and realised the flip screen actually reduces the protrusion of the EVF. Therefore, it would be good if the GX7 has a flip screen.
Let’s hear it for fully articulating screens. It’s odd that Olympic hasn’t put one on a pen or omd yet, given that they put so many on their dslrs. Would love to see one and a new improved sensor on the gx7.
Can’t see all that much difference between g5 and g6 in terms of IQ other than maybe the new lens. Gx7 might be a step up in that department.
Needs control dials. Dual contol dials like the OM-D are way more useful than all the other stuff they carmmed in (tilting screen, tilting EVF, built-in flash). I am sticking with my Olympus…
It seems to have two control dials. One in the back and one around the shutter.
I agree that two dials besides the mode dial would be great. The ring around the shutter button does protrude out a bit, so I’m hoping it’s a dial.
In some of Panasonics cameras the control dial also acts as a button. This lets you toggle its operation. Effectively as good as having two control dials.
Yes, with the Control Wheel is brilliantly simple. It can toggle between aperture and shutter speed simply by pushing on it. It also works for magnified focus assist.
Yep. My standard configuration is to toggle between aperture and exposure comp. Works a treat.
Yep, I shoot in M mode with manual lenses most of the time, so once the aperture is set on the lens, I just tweak shutter speed with the Control Wheel. It’s dead-simple!
I’ll give it a try. I predict it will drive me nuts; I don’t like to have one thing do multiple things. Getting too old and curmudgeonly. 🙂
I like the tilt aspect of the EVF, this is a tool of the VF’s that has become really useful with use, more than any LCD feature. Having the internal evf has certainly grown the body size.
Hmm, only two buttons on the top plate. Makes me wonder if they’d drop the movie recording button or the Intelligent Auto button. Or perhaps one of those will be mapped to that button next to the thumb wheel.
Seems to be the prefect camera. Tilting viewfinder and tilting screen. Also ibis.
The lens mount looks strange. What’s that?
The odd lens mount is definitely the intriguing part here. Panny could be launching a hybrid mount designed to support a crop mode with m43 glass via adapter and also some yet-to-be-released glass made for full coverage of a larger sensor. A hybrid mount would also tie in nicely with the Panny super 35mm cinema camera that has yet to be revealed but we know will replace the m4/3 AF100 series. You would only need a simple ring with blades that steps down to m4/3 or even 4/3 from a universal mount.
And vise-versa would be a dream!
Here’s hoping.
Sorry dude but I think you’re dreaming. Looks to me like the mount is just more extruded than before, quite possibly to make the rest of the body a little thinner than it otherwise would have been.
I agree, looks like a GX1 mount with the outer ring just sticking out a couple of mm. It would be great if Panasonic could turn this into a programmable control ring – one use would be for a manual lens aperture ring in Aperture Priority and Manual modes, but could have multiple uses based on user preference. I doubt this is the case but it would be my preference.
18 megapixel? But didn’t Kai of DigitalRev say in his E-P5 review that m43 will not go above 16 megapixels? 😉
Yes. Yes he did.
As many already pointed out, it lacks of dials. I prefer having more tactile controls, instead of relying on screen options. But it’s just a patent and looks nice. The rangefinder style was awaited for long time and it’s welcome.
I’m curious about the specs, let’s see if Admin can gather some info. 🙂
Isn’t that a dial around the shutter button? Just like the OM-D?
Some of Panny’s dials are push-to-toggle, as good as having two dials.
The push in toggle works wonders
Love it ! and if the sensor is up to par with OMD, this is a dream camera in my opinion.
I also like how it manages to stay as tall and thin as the GX1 (the little extra length is fine with me)
Excellent. Add a couple of dials, make it $1099 with lens / $999 body only and I’ll buy two.
Thankfully it’s mostly just bigger in the long direction (which doesn’t really matter) and not in the height direction like the EM5!
and height matters more because…..?
+1
What’s wrong with a little more height? I have no problem with slight increases in height or length over the GX1, especially if some of that goes to battery capacity. It’s the clean, square rangefinder-style shape I like.
As the height gets shorter, the lenses look bigger. Eg Pany GF3 and NEX-5. Both awkward looking shooters in my opinion.
Because it doesn’t fit in my coat pocket.
sexay!
Aww man.. August/September is too long of a wait!
Looks like a flip out screen as well… Wow.
Yeah, Flippy screen, flippy flash (possible bounce) and now flippy BUILT-IN EVF.
All round flippy heavenly goodness.
Yep! Flippity Doo Dah! 😉
This thing is looking like it has everything but the kitchen sink!
I like the fully articulating flip screen, especially with the ability to use it as a touch pad interface while looking through the EVF. However, the drawing doesn’t show an obvious flip hinge; it looks a little more like a pull-out-and-tilt style. That’s second best IMHO but better than a fixed screen.
I do hope the top plate won’t be silver even on the black version of the body, as is the case with the GF6.
Well….that sounds great: new sensor and finally the right design. Have to wonder what they will charge us for this mirrorless miracle though…
Probably looking at Fuji EX1 as a reference point. EP5 is definitely overpriced.
You are delusional … with the features that are packed, we are looking at least at E-P5 price.
This is aimed at NEX-6, so I guess it’s going to start around 900 USD.
I too am a little disappointed about the lack of dials so it is likely the dial can be pressed to switch functions. The On/Off function will most likely be the rotatable switch near the dial like the L1.
Wonder whether the top dial will be allocated to mode, exposure compensation, or shutter speed.
Was hoping for an additional dial with the 4-way controller at the least…
But the rest of the camera looks great, if it is made anything like the L1, it will be a winner 🙂
Looking forward to actual images…
I’m hoping that fat ring around the shutter button turns out to be a dial. It’s the same diameter as the rear dial.
Well spotted, I hope you are right 🙂
looks like a dial to me. either ways, the click-dial they have is awesome since it’s so easy to switch from one mode to another with it, that I wouldn’t mind just one dial.
I like what I’m seeing… at this point it all rides on how that sensor performs against the omd/ep5, and I hope it doesn’t disappoint. unless oly comes out with a similar design real quick (not likely) or the ep6 is rumored to have an evf, this is the camera for me.
Now, in the nick of time.. I’m so tempted by the Fuji EX1 and the X100s.. The X100s is out of stock at most places, and I keep thinking about the focus speed of the EX1… But seeing this is clouding my mind…
Now after all this time we seem to be getting what so many have wanted since the beginning.
This may, may that is, be my em5 replacement. Or stablemate.
Will you replace your e-m5 if this GX-7 has the same e-m5/GH-3 sensor?
Yeah, forget this GX7 naming rubbish. This is the real GF2 (remember that let-down?). Only 3 years late though. Wonder if that bright spark in Pana marketing got canned for that GF and GX stuff up???
real gf1 successor was gx1 🙂
Even got paid work with it. Then I switched to a GX1. Now, I’ll pick this up most likely.
So the family will look like:
L1
GF2
GX1
And the G-Whatever its called. Can’t wait.
Pics.
Please Panasonic, don’t put some warmed over sensor you’ve had in your cupboard for three years in this camera. Try and make it a cutting edge camera for still image quality.
PS… and please give it a base ISO of 100 and make it possible to shoot RAW at ISO 100 and please give it a max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.
If this is the new GX7 I will buy it… 100% sure …
Looks like a winner to me.
I’m fine with the design .
This is the camera that suppose to appear 2 years ago .
My concern still the sensor inside it .
A 18 megapixels , debut in Pana’s line up .
Let’s wait & see what will this 18 megapixels sensor capable of .
Let us nothing…how bout you keep waiting on your own and the rest of us buy stuff now and take photos now
Or this is the NEX7 MkII?
This is one good looking camera!!! Pana, give it a sensor as good as GH3 and take my money!
I hope the camera will be in stock straight after announcement.
We shouldn’t have to wait months for availability.
If the patent depiction is to scale then yes the GX7 will be slightly larger than the GX1 I would say 3″H x 5.2″W assuming it has same 3″ 3:2 screen size as GF6. However Pany seems to have gone to great lengths to keep the model small, it may still be same size as GX1 as earlier rumored if Pany is using the lower height 3″ 16:9 screen size the NEX uses? This GX7 appears to aimed at NEX7 as NEX6 has fewer controls. I sure hope that Pany has retained an all metal body.
Since m4/3 aspect ratio is 4:3 and the GH3 is the “video camera” in the Panasonic lineup, a 16:9 LCD on the GX7 would just be a waste of horizontal space. Might as well go with a smaller 3:2 LCD to limit camera height.
For NEX, going 16:9 makes more sense as picture aspect ratio is 3:2.
..ooh-er…be still my beating heart!
– perfect replacement for my GF1, but unfortunately won’t be out in time for our trip in September, which is probably a good thing budget wise !
-will it also be graced with a “red dot” and accompanying price tag ? (& if so will it be the acclaim or annoyance of leica-philes?)
If the GX7 comes with a brand new sensor, then it should out-spec all other cameras in Panny’s lineup. Having the best sensor in m43 effectively makes this more “professional” than the GH3. If that is the case, then where is the WEATHER SEALING??? Admin, please tell us there is still hope for this!
Your logic is interesting 🙂
The only thing I think they forgot, is to make the evf close to the body, like the X100, with only a small protrusion. That’s the only thing I don’t like about Panasonic evf’s, they stick out too far and catch on coat pockets.
As a left eye shooter and GH2 owner, I’d say that without this protrusion, I’d have to cram my nose even further into the LCD. Tiltable EVF would be a suitable workaround for me, though.
Panasonic finally beat Olympus to the dream M43 camera that a lot of fanboy wanted, integrated everything camera in a range finder package
Having the GX1 and few primes, I will wait until this model or the EP-5 come with 500$ superdeal for a body. The GX1 is good enough for the next year or so.
Looks pretty good. The tilt EVF would be a genuinely useful improvement vs. current cameras, and I’ve always found Panasonic’s “push dial” (as on the GH2) to be a good alternative to the two dials on the Olympus E-M 5. I don’t think there’s anything unusual about the lens mount; if it looks different, it’s probably just because patent drawings usually are somewhat generalized.
I don’t even care if the sensor packs any “breakthroughs.” If it’s as good as the GH3’s that’s all I need. I’ll be more interested in how well the in-body stabilization works (still hard for me to believe Panasonic switched sides on that!) and whether it supports wireless flash, as the GH3 does.
Buy one? I honestly don’t know. The E-M 5 still does everything I need to do photographically. The only possible feature update I could really use is built-in WiFi — I use Eye-Fi cards a lot, but they come up a bit short both in convenience and in reliability. I assume WiFi will be a must-do for Panasonic from now on, since their two most recent models have it. If the GX7 does too, and if it works well, that might push me to take the plunge.
You wrote what i am thinking.
I would suspect that there are lots of E-M5 users like us that would have possibly bought this Panasonic instead of the E-M5 or the Pens.
I’ll be the voice of dissent and state that I don’t like the tilting LCD, would rather have it fixed and only in use for reviewing shots – maybe, if at all. I’d also rather that the EVF not tilt, but be fixed in place… unless it is really solid. When I put my eye up to it, I’d want a solid anchor point, not something that could potentially shift or wiggle a bit as I apply a little bit of pressure. Doesn’t look like the camera has enough manual controls for my preference either.
From someone that has both the L-1 and the GX1, I can tell you the swivel VF will be awesome. And if it has the 2 position flash, I’m gonna pass out.
Don’t knock it ’till you try it.
Looks tempting!
I think the em5 will be a hard camera to beat feature for feature… (IBIS, AF, weather sealing, jpeg engine, current price)
But.. I think the rangefinder-style layout will win it out for me as long as they can offer competitive IBIS/AF/high-ISO performance.
The lack of manual controls concern me too.. One of my biggest qualms about the GF2 was the lack of manual controls coupled with horrible software UI. Equally bad was the high-ISO performance and processor speed.
A lumix camera with a horrible user interface? Are you kidding me?
Are you really going there??
Olympus UI is a complete JOKE. only pros/semi pros will work with it and complain doing so! Look at all the reviews of the OMD!
Hurry up and take my money
Bigger grip would be nice
This will be an excellent second body for any E-M5 or E-P5 owner.
1. It has both the EVF, the flash built, and the hot shoe all built-in and available without sacrificing one for the other (like choosing between using flash or EVF or microphone). No Olympus M43 camera is so convenient.
2. It can automatically do CA correction to allow use of any Panasonic lenses without extra PP work or penalty in IQ. Saves time for many types of shooting. For example the excellent 12-35mm f/2.8 can then be used without such hassle or penalty by Olympus owner.
3. It eliminates or minimises various other issues of using a few Panasonic lenses on Olympus bodies, like purple flare/spots, banding and rattlesnaking. For example, the 7-14mm should work a lot better under some diffcult lighting conditions.
4. It provides a tilting EVF to allow viewing from awkward positions even in bright sunlight, when a tilting LCD would not work well. No other MILC has this.
This looks very good at this time and it will compete well also with the Sony NEX-6 and 7, but I suspect Panasonic might hold back on some technology/features, like using a cheaper EVF, LCD, sensor, or processor .. and miss the opportunity to get something really significant.
“This will be an excellent second body for any E-M5 or E-P5 owner.”
Really?! If Panasonic has indeed not cut any corners (EVF resolution etc.) then ANY current Olympus body will be a distant second body to that.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Best joke of the week thus far!!!
Please tell me that you own a EM5 and just simply justifying your purchase! This camera OWNS the EM5, and it isn’t even out yet, nor set in stone!!
Second body? Hahahahahahaha!
Allot of us own E-M5’s – very popular. I would think that not many of us feel the need to justify owning one either – after all it’s not a Pen 😉
To “own” the EM5 here are the questions:
1. Sensor performance – If its the same as the GH3’s sensor than it will be the same as the EM5 (and EPM2/EPL5/EP5). If its a tweaked version of the same sensor as in the GH2/G6, well not so much i’m afraid. Still probably good enough though?? If its a new sensor as has been rumored, then is it better than the GH3 sensor, and why would they produce a body so soon after the GH3 with a new and better sensor? Will they implement this new sensor into a replacement for the GH3? Shows how silly Panasonic is with their tiers and classes of sensors across their range.
2. IBIS – This will be the first Pana body to implement IS. Going to be pretty good to own the Oly IBIS.
3. Tilting EVF is great feature. Will the EVF be better than the GH3’s EVF? Needs to be to come close to owning the EM5. If they went with a regular EVF, would that lead to a better quality EVF?
Hope you’re right though. If this does end up owning the EM5 (and the GH3 by default) it’s going to be pretty bl**dy great. As they say, onwards and upwards.
I think that by “second body” he simply refers to a… second body to carry around! 🙂 that’s what I need for my work for example. A body with a 17/25mm lens and another one with the 75mm, so I don’t have to change lens that often.
Great, carry around two different bodies with different operation, so you’ll never get confused. BTW I checked your photos: you need to learn quite a bit more about light, best with a proper camera, which gives you more control both visually and haptic-ly.
Nobody serious would pay 1000 USD for another toy with no proper VF and no dials. Multi-function rings don’t count, EVFs are still crap – all of them.
@nodials
I just looked at his photo’s and don’t see any issues, maybe you could be precise and constructive rather than talk out of your backside. But then again you’re clearly an idiot so it likely won’t happen.
These pictures look great! Can’t see what you’re complaining about
@no dials
You are the one that always criticizes others work here but don’t provide links to your own… So you opinion counts for zero.
Its because he doesn’t take photo’s, he lives in his mothers basement and trolls forums to make himself feel better about his miserable life.
“NoDials” can you please be more precise about my photos? I’d like to read a constructive critic, I’m always willing to learn and improve myself. Can you please link your portfolio/flickr/website? That would be nice to see.
No,I’m not looking for a second different body because I get confused: I clearly wrote that it’s because I don’t want to waste time (and moments) swapping lenses.
Already owning almost all primes, a nice new MFT body would be perfect
Still I’m deciding to buy an M240, but it takes more efforts in saving money (and it’s off topic here).
Marco: yours are good amateur photos at best. You lack the time or the patience or the skill or whatever to manipulate the light, or wait until it comes your way – or both. They look like tourist photos, taken with whatever light was there because the coach starts over in 10 min.
Tip for all: check out strobist.com and put your money into lights, rather than overpriced toy cameras.
So. Marco has to purchase several thousand of your lights to light up Venice prior to taking a shot?
I think you are a bit of an idiot.
I nearly gave you the prize for the silliest fool on the forum but your alias bart ripped it out of your hands. Sorry mate.
PS the lighting idea is really good, try it. Learn the ropes a bit and soon you will be laughing at your own stupidity suggesting to light Venice.
No. Learn, then talk. You’ll be surprised how easy it is, and fun too.
What’s wrong this being a second camera to the E-M5?
The E-M5 still have things that are not in this GX7 but that are important to numerous people who bought the E-M5, if not to you.
1. 5-axis IBIS. This is really great for some shooting, including video shooting. It is unlikely the GX7 will have an IBIS as effective in its first generation product, and there is also a question of how well Panasonic’s IBIS will work with Olympus lenses, which include some of the best for MILCs.
2. Olympus JPEG won’t be in this or any Panasonic camera.
3. The looks of the OM camera. Some of you just do not have any idea and probably will never understand this appeal to many old Olympus SLR users and even what the name Olympus means when it’s on one’s camera vs a “Sony” or “Panasonic” label, or “Ricoh”. This may not even have anything to do with taking photos, but one reason for buying things, cameras or whatever, is to feel good.
4. Weather-proofing, as well as other features that may not be important you but that show the innovative ideas of Olympus and give pride of their owners, like the LiveBulb or exposure curve adjustment. Read up in Wikipedia if you do not know how Olympus innovated in its OM days.
BTW, the E-M5 would be 2 years old when the GX7 is available.
^ +1000
Everything is wrong. If you want a second cam to any cam on earth, buy one more of the same sort, with the same dials, the same usability errors etc. And amateurs like you guys don’t need more cameras, just more practise.
I loved my GF1 but needed EVF so G3 was ok. I like some features of both Panny and Oly. This GX7 looks like the one for me. Tiltable EVF is fantastaic, as is tiltable LCD (sorry just not really a fan of side angle viewing of articulated lcd). It could even just be fixed if it has tiltable EVF. Too many buttons means no room for my thumb or the buttons become too small. A compromise in grip size is okay if comfortable. Prefer 3:2 lcd over 16:9 and better sensor does the trick. This one looks designed just for me…where do I send my check. And I’m sure there’s a model right for you…
With mode dial, AF-S/C dial (or drive mode, not sure but hopes it’s drive), dedicated video button, shutter/exposure dial, 4+2 custom buttons… someone please enlighten me what people means with not enough manual control?
I am surprised only a few people were wondering about that weird looking mount; almost looks like its retractable?
Is it me or is it looking like NEX-6
Not too crazy about the button layout, to be honest. Especially that the mode dial on the outer edge. And the back looks cramped as hell. Then again … if it has tilting evf, tilting screen, built in flash, and a high performing sensor, how can this not be my new camera?
The similarity to NEX is because there are only a few ways you can put all of that in a camera. The mount makes it wuite obvious that this is m43.
Hopefuly will it have the best possible sensor!!!
Well rumors say new 18 MP sensor … but do you know which other sensor has 18 MP? GH2. Multiaspect makes 16 MP out of it. Maybe the rumors confused it with “new [processing engine for the old] 18 MP sensor!!!”. Oh god I hope that’s not the case.
most of the time when a new sensor is used and when there is improvement, its mostly caused by the new image processing pipeline, the sensor mostly just adds more pixels.
Not happy at all. NOT EVEN CLOSE TO G6’S ERGONOMY.
Oh c’mon, how can it possibly have the same ergonomics of a faux-DSLR?!?
Some people here seem to whine for the sake of whining..
So why rangefinder-shape if not even ergonomical? Just for so-called coooool retro design?
Seriously though. Would Sir like some cheese with your whine?
Panasonic currently have compact P&S (LX) compact (GF); RF style (RX); Small dslr (G); mid dslr (GH). All are capable of great photography. Pic one that suits your needs. It’s not that hard.
yeah they do – true first world problems at that: “oh how will I survive if it doesn’t have more megapixels than my friends camera, how will I brag and show how superior I am”
Just what I expected: typical Lumix: Not sexy design. Too much ergonomics. Choose for sexy design or ergonomic design not in-between. I do not like the assymmetrical position of the mount.
The DMC-L1: “Atop the camera you get a dial for controlling shutter speed where a mode dial is more commonly located on comparative DSLRs. The dial has just the right amount of stiffness and resistance so that you don’t accidentally flick past the setting you actually wanted. Ergonomically situated at its centre is a shutter release button, which is nicely springy to the touch. Below this dial are two levers. The forward situated lever falling under the forefinger controls the metering: spot, multiple or centre-weighted, while the rear lever; falling under the thumb, governs the drive modes. Here you get the options of single shot, burst mode (two high or low settings: 3fps or 2fps), auto bracketing and self-timer.”
The point I’m making: Panasonic have a lot of options for fitting controls into small spaces.
Looks very promising. I am not a fan of how Panasonic handles JPGs nor of its design, but it’s encouraging to see a MFT with such a completeness of features. If they can deliver a good product at a reasonable price they will have a winner for sure. Yay for more competition!
Early days, however if the patent is the real blueprint, then it has the same defect of my E-P2. Plenty of buttons too close to the thumb rest. I always ended up in pushing them when in a hurry, and settings went astray.
Despite complaints, the E-M5 has much better button placement.
Biggest problem I had with my EP1 was hitting the power button instead of the shutter release.
I have hands with a 13th interval piano finger reach and EM5 buttons and placement are great for my hands. Find it curious when some are critical about buttons and ergonomics. But then we’re all different I suppose.
Patents rarely correspond precisely with final designs. So I would say that calling it the final GX7 design is very much a stretch. There also is often a significant interval between the filing of a patent and it’s issuance.
Lens patents tend to be rather different with the lens much closer to the design drawings as the optical formula is the essence of the patent.
Looking great indeed! If it features MAR sensor, I’ll buy it first day.
Photorumors writes that the fastest shutter speed is 1/8000. I wonder where they got that from? From 43rumors? Or was it another site?
I’m buying this body and the new 20mm mark II. I’ll be happy with just those two!
I like the outline design.
Fuji is better
The design looks good. However the real competition here comes from the OM-D (and not Sony NEX). If the GX7 lacks one or more of the followings, then there’s no reason not to choose an OM-D over it:
– As good or better sensor than OM-D
– As good or better VF
– Same OM-D IBIS
– Better AFC
I think the only hurdle is to match the OMD’s EVF, not pixelwise but regarding to the optics. Olympus is known for excellent viewfinders in the MFT format. Probably they used the experience from their microscope division.
I think the main hurdle is the GH3. This GX7 is unlikely to have a better IQ than the GH3, as that would cause a problem for Panasonic, as the GH3 already has a problem in sales. So it will have the same IQ as the GH3, i.e the same as the E-M5. The GX7 is unlikely to have better EVF than the GH3. It is likely to be allowed to have the same EVF as the top model, ie. the EVF will NOT be as good as the E-M5. The IBIS in the GX7 is something new and it is possible that it could be as good as E-M5’s, but it seems more likely that it won’t be since any IBIS is already beating the GH3 as it would provide stabilization for many M43 and for legacy lenses. Another thing to consider is Focus Peaking. It makes all the sense to include FP, as IBIS+FP would be great for legacy lenses, and FP does not cost much to put in. Then, getting an IBIS that matches E-M5 will make the GX7 too good and cause a problem with GH3 sales. We have seen how Panasonic wants to protect its flagship before, refusing to share with lower models. The only way, it would share more is to raise the price to a similar level as the GH3, but that is not going to happen. Olympus, whose E-M5 is due to be upgraded, can have another model with a few better features and a very high price, as its new E-M6 will reclaim the top spot with higher features and an even higher price very soon. The GH3 is however still quite new and not going to be upgraded yet, and its price is already very high, the highest in M43. So, everything would suggest the GX7 is unlikely to get all the best features, IBIS or whatever IMHO.
My prediction:
sensor- only sl. better than GH3
VF- from GH3
IBIS- basic- ~previous gen. of OLY
AFC- unchanged
..hey but still a great camera!
My prediction
– sensor slightly worse than GH3, or maybe is just slightly enhanced GH2.
– VF from LF1
– no weather-sealing
🙂
Why keep just one wheel ??!! 🙁
It surprises me how rude http://www.digifotopro.nl/ are
They steal the product photos from http://esearch.oami.europa.eu/copla/design/data/002237313-0001 and then have the audacity to put their own watermark over the image…
idiots will do what they do I guess
– in-body sensor stabilization ?
– new sensor ?
– phase detection on the sensor for useable C-AF ?!?
– 1/8000 shutter speed? (or even a fully electronic/global shutter?)
– weather-sealed body ?
– two dials? (shutter button and back)
I will instantly dump my e-M5 and get this little baby if it has all or most of this!
I just hope it gets a little better handgrip than what we see on the pictures.
and I forgot:
– native ISO 100?
– focus peaking?
– custom modes on mode dial (for Pany, nothing unusual actually)
I hope in final version you could use the flash AND tilt up the EVF….
Nope, you won’t be able to. But you can use a simple and cheap flash bracket and cord, if you want to tilt an external flash unit.
This blog or comments section is even more interesting than DPR’s M43 forum on specific topics. Great to have Thom Vitaliy etc and also many others posting serious points and not just politicking or fanboy talk. Or worse marketing talk, or I know everything patronising talk, or.
Let’s hope some of those types do not come in so soon.
Looks like it has built-in flash – good, but just a single control dial (in addition to mode dial) – bad. How hard it is to put a clearly marked exposure compensation dial (working in all modes) on the top and two control dials with assignable functions – one on the front, one on the back? What is wrong with all those camera manufacturers (except Fuji, but even them now – X-M1 – arghh)?
Oh wait, maybe it is another control dial around the shutter button?
It’s my dream camera and I hope it has ISO100 and 1/8000 shutter!
John
I wish they would put a dial on the back instead of those arrow keys, has nobody noticed how right the nex-7 got the controls? Otherwise this looks nearly perfect
I’m so glad they didn’t. As a Panasonic customer, I am very happy with their current implementation and don’t want fiddly scroll wheels. Up/Down buttons for menu lists make more sense than the weird backwards Olly scrolling method.
I’m so glad they didn’t. As a Panasonic customer, I am very happy with their current implementation and don’t want fiddly scroll wheels. Up/Down buttons for menu lists make more sense than the weird backwards Olly scrolling method.
Its not right, that they made this cam for you:They must have made it for me! I don’t need a new superb sensor, no 2.4million led evf, no advanced 5axis is, no microsize. Just give me a compact mft cam with evf, campact size with grip, tiltable screen, build in flash, a g6 sensor and Venus engine in a 14-140mm kit below 1000 bucks and i’ll ne only one in between 5million buyers!
Thanks for posting this link of the original patent sketches. From these it appears that the GX7 or whatever it will be called may be the same height of the GX1 not higher as depicted in the DIGIPHOTOPRO renditions. So I would say 2.8″ high by 5″ long. From the depiction would appear Pany may be using a 2.75″ screen based on 3:2 and not 3″? I hope Pany will be using one of the Epson small higher resolution EVFs which Epson supplies to both Sony and others but wonder what size as appears to be smaller? Somewhere in between the 0.2″ and 0.5″ size?
The patent sketches also give us a clue as to what the super small next model w/o EVF will be like? Note the housings for the EVF and the flash are the same? For the smaller model just swap the in camera flash for the EVF and put the control dial in the space vacated shortening the camera by say 0.5″. Both models are rumored to be high end models for the enthusiast so likely they would be based on same mechanical innards only the smaller model having less controls buttons and no EVF?
Just my two bits and best guesses.
Lists and lists as to why the omd is better. I expected nothing less from this place. Not a couple of weeks ago there were lists and lists as to why the ep5 was better than the omd, sooo the ep5 is also better than this yet to be announced camera. Even without a vf. Unbelievable
Tilting EVF is not new, Minolta had it in its Dimage 3/5/7 and A1/A2 Series about 10 years ago! Another sad fact about the most innovative past enterprise….
This looks extremely promising. What I can’t understand is Panasonics new strategy concerning image stabilization since all of their long lenses are stabilized already and so far there was likely no massive urge towards Olympus or manual non-stablized long lenses from Panasonic users. It’s not a video camera either.
I think it might be because they watched this site a bit too closely and paid far too much attention to the oly fanboys shouting “no ibis no buy” every time any new item came up here.
Yes ibis on the OMD performs very well and yes the parkinson video was impressive, however how many people have parkinson and aspire to be a professional photographer/videographer?
Nonetheless this looks to be my next camera, finally a GF1 upgrade with EVF. That is all I wanted, without the extra bulk of the G series. hopefully the ibis did not ad too much too the cost of the camera as indeed i also do not understand why it is there.
Looking at the size of EVF depicted in these renditions of GX7 it would appear that Pany may be using the latest EPSON UHimicron 0.48″ size (Jan 2013). EVF with XGA 1024x 768 resolution which really is 0.8mp not 2.3mp (for 3 colors). I thought the size shown was too small as appears to be 0.4″ high but that equates to 0.5″ diagonal distance so very likely the EPSON EVF 0.48″ diagonal designed to be compact. This is 4x higher resolution than the EVF used in the LF1 which is only 0.2″ size so appears to be a very good choice for any compact m4/3 camera. I expect the G6 and GH3 series use a larger size EVF?
@admin, have you got any hints on lense bundles?
Will there be new lenses?
I wonder who (Pana or Oly) will be first to release a quality fast kit zoom.