A rendering inspired by the [shoplink 23692 ebay]DMC-L1 eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Tomorrow morning (April 5th) at around 6-7 am London time Panasonic will announce a new GF5 camera. There will be also a new (super 35mm?) m43 camcorder (tomorrow) and a new G5 camera in May. The GH3 is expected to be launched in September. Now you know what’s coming from Panasonic 🙂
The question today is, will Panasonic release some kind of surprise this year? I know from patents and from my sources that Panasonic developed a G camera prototype with built-in viewfinder on the corner. Like the fake GL1 picture you can see here on top. For some reason Panasonic doesn’t want to release such a camera yet. I also have been told that they might fear to hurt their own G3 (and the future G5) series sales. I think they are wrong and that it about time to take inspiration from the super Four Thirds [shoplink 23692 ebay]Lumix DMC-L1 camera (Click here to see them on eBay)[/shoplink]. I wrote a list f reasons why I think it’s worthy for Panasonic to launch the GL1 🙂
1) It has an attractive design. Yeah, I am influenced by the [shoplink 30167 ebay]rangefinder[/shoplink] culture and the design appeals to me.
2) I think the viewfinder in the corner is better placed than on top of the camera. You can make the camera a bit more compact and even more more important, you don’t have to push your nose and face against the back of the camera. It’s ergonomically easier to use.
3) Business. Cameras like the Sony NEX-7 (Click here) and the Fuji X PRO 1 (Click here) already proved that the concepts sells well!
By the way, I don’t fear the camera will hurt G sales. First it has a different design. Second you can still put some more advanced technology inside the GL1 (like for example a super high resolution OLED viewfinder).. Third,…wake up! Fuji and Sony are your competitors, not the G series 🙂
Here is an easy question for you:
[poll id=”130″]
P.S.:
The [shoplink 23692 ebay]DMC-L1 eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
The [shoplink 26385 ebay]DMC-LC1 on eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
99 Responses
Rangefinders are ergonomically better only for people that use their right eye to compose.
I prefer the viewfinder to be placed in the lens axis.
Well, with a dslr like camera, everybody will squeeze their nose on the back of the camera. Even if your left eye dominates, let 3/4 of the population with a right dominate eye compose their picture without squeezimg. Don’t be jealous! 😉
In case of Panasonic cameras, user will squeeze the touchscreen, not just “back of the camera”…
I would buy one if it was up there with the GH series in terms of video and had the multi aspect sensor.
Otherwise, I’d wait for Olympus to make such a camera! I like Olly JPEGs and Panny video.
I’ve been saying this here for a while, a true Hybrid with Oly’s pics and Panny’s Video, it would be awesome…
but this L1-like from Panasonic will never be on par with the GH series in video, that’s never gonna happen and I doubt that Olympus will make it too.
Not enough choices. I need 60/70 different models to choose from.
I am left eyed, and prefer the form factor of the rangefinder style – makes for a smoother design without a hump that if small enough, is easier to put it in my pocket.
I simple cannot understand what do you mean. The G3 vievfinder is as close to the margin as I’ve never squieezed the touchscreen with my nose.
There are left handed people but cars and about everything are designed to give best ergonomy for the majority, not to pee on majority to benefit minority.
Not in the UK.
+1
I agree. I’m left eyed. Composing and shooting with my right is strangely awkward.
Admin, you have a great idea!!!
Admin , You are not alone . That is my dream camera . GL , sounds terrific , might be what Pana consider a very high end camera .
As aware , Leica likely to announce it’s mirrorless system & I suspect this is the reason behind it ( VLux fr Leica & LX fr Pana ) .
> The question today is, will Panasonic release
> some kind of surprise this year?
Well, how can you expect a surprise from them, if you and your informers are snooping 24/7 around their facilities, and putting it out loud on this site ?
I agree. Leica will be announcing their new mirrorless camera this year. My bet is that it will be made by Panny.
Actually, they already made that rangefinder style camera of my dreams, the camera that I’ve been asking for at this site for some time. But to my surprise it was a bit larger than I expected and wasn’t labeled Panasonic, but Fuji…
(Also it was way more expensive…)
admin, better fix the headline! Now it says the G5 will be announced tomorrow, which is not true!
Hehe! That was my thought!
Oh yes !!!!
exactly what i want !!
Come on Pana !
Thx Admin , great poll !
What about the lx6? The lx5 came out at the same time of the first gf1!
Panasonic, listen!
Those with a left dominante eye will continue to buy the G3 series.
With a rangefinder, people with a right dominante eye will buy Panasonic instead of the sony nex 7!!!!
Do it!!!!!
This is the most irrational rationale behind buying a camera ever.
Whether or not your nose has room – lmao
I agree. Sony has the “nearly perfect” camera NEX-7, but it’s impossible for Sony to deliver quality lenses that can compete in size with micro 4/3, due to the optical limitations when using such a big sensor. On the other side Panasonic and the other micro 4/3 cannot deliver a body that can compete in size with NEX-7 as long as they use the hump-design, because rest of the body needs to be of a certain size to accomodate for the lens mounting. Maybe Panasonic has been waiting for a better and smaller EVF to fit into a GX1 (L1) type of design with EVF in the corner. Now, as it has been proven possible for Sony with NEX-7, it must also possible for a leading manufacturer like Panasonic, and also the new Epson EVF from E-M5 seems much smaller than the previous from GH-2. Hence, I believe it’s possible we’ll see “GL-1” released this year 2012 or at the latest in 2013 (but I doubt I can wait for it).
The sensor is not that much bigger. It is the inefficient 3:2 format that makes the lenses bigger. Chop the sides down to 4:3 and the height is very close.
I personally think it would be a mistake for panasonic to spend money on such a camera ( i do own two panasonic cameras). They would be competing over potential buyers of the likes of fuji x pro, and unless they come up with amazing new technology, they won’t be able to compete in image quality, and probably not even significantly enough in price. panasonic does not have enough of a “tradition” in the rangefinder legacy to help them with such a move. I think panasonic should play their cards on strengthening the GH line, which is their strength and where they can offer better or equal quality video for cheaper price, and where they have already built up good reputation.
Nex 7 is king sorry panny fanboys, your getting left behind
And we are infinitely sorry for your pathetic lens line, but have fun playing around with… well… almost nothing.
I think the tables will turn on that argument. It will take some time, but i sense more commitment to nex system among 3rd party lens providers.
I was considering nex 7 and move away from m43 (currently have gh2). However, in the end, the only significant sony advantage i saw was stills IQ. Some things with usability were deal killers for me (like no custom modes – one of my fav gh2 features). The lens issue, i could’ve dealt with until they caught up.
im sorry, but you’re joking right? voightlander, shneider kreusnach, slr magic, lots of boutiques and id rather forget about sigma. the tables belong to m4/3s and they wont be turning, it looks like sony migh just get a seat.
let me just second Zack Wagner. Great cam though… nice try sony.
Panasonic needs to stop making fugly cameras and start designing along those lines again.
The Gf3 and G3 look like toys. At least the GX1 looks nice.
It seems that GL1 will be Pana’s flag ship mirrorless camera. IMHO, if Panasonic wants to compete or be superior to NEX or Fuji’s XPRO1, Panasonic needs to seriously improve their sensor performance more than what they offer in GF, GX, and G series.
Forget about L1. It was a product design a decade ago. There are brands like Olympus and Fujifilm who love classic design you can opt for. I think the trendy and curvy design is the signature of Panasonic cameras. The company should focus on advanced features, technologies and improvement on picture quality rather than the body design only, innovation is the most valuable asset of Panasonic. Panasonic is not for those who would like to live in the good old days only.
Say no more…
I always was of the opinion, that Oly was the one who came up with the nmajority of the innovations in the FT/µFT world. Silly me!
I used to be all about the rangefinder style camera….and my mind does flirt with the “idea” of the Leica (out of my financial realm…and just too archaic in too many ways) and the Fuji XPro1. (The NEX is not a consideration at all which I will not get into here)…
…I have to have a FF DSLR outfit with the image quality and the lens selection, bokeh, etc… but want a small compact system with versatility and IQ to satisfy my “everyday” photography needs…I just do not see that being fulfilled with a camera like the Fuji. It is too limited and slow. Same with the Leica. Both cameras do some things VERY well…and although they are far apart in price even the Fuji is pretty hefty in the $$ department for a slow focusing system with 3 lenses.(great sensor..though!).
Gotta say…I think my G3 & GX1 (LVF2) really have those cameras beat. (as certainly does the new OM), I have from fisheye to 350mm lenses (equivalent) that fit in a tiny bag…mostly fast, sharp primes that focus really fast. I shot some photos yesterday with the GX1 and the Pany/Leica 45mm Macro that I kept looking at on the screen thinking damn these are clear and sharp! Most of what I shoot is just viewed on the web, but I do fine art images. I have been selling prints in galleries made from my GF1..so file size is not really an issue anymore…especially with the latest generation of MFT camera……
I don’t really think about where the viewfinder is. I would be open to trying it out a rangefinder-style, I may love it…but lately I have been into using and appreciating the amazing tech of what I currently own. My current contentment allows me to sit back and see what Pany has to offer without needing so much. I think they will be more conservative than Olympus though. (Love the OM!). I certainly would not be on the edge of my seat expecting the new “Leica”. Personally I would like to see Pany putting their R&D into DR improvement in the sensor…that would mean more to this photographer than where the VF is.
same old. pana please stop releasing the same camera every few months. “they might fear to hurt their own G3..” yeah right. this strategy will ruin the company. people will buy elsewhere.
Admin, there really needs to be 4th option in the poll.
Something like: No, but it’s important to offer a true rangefinder style body, with an integrated EVF, to compliment the GX, GF, G and GH series cameras.
I’m not a big fan of 35mm rangefinder style cameras, having used them for a number of years (Konica II and Konica Auto S2), but I understand the appeal.
Good thought. It would “round-out” Panasonic’s range of offerings to the market!
A rangefinder style camera based on the GX1 in addition to or perhaps instead of the L1 might be simpler, smaller, and less expensive – a “semi-pro” rather than the “pro” L1 camera. I would be satisfied with that. Panasonic has delayed pulling the trigger on both kinds of cameras, and the competition is getting fiercer and fiercer – from Nikon to Sony to Fuji to Canon G1X. Compact m43 “rangefinder” style cameras with internal EVFs are not only what a lot of people want, including me, but what I think Panasonic needs to be in the market with or get left behind.
The GH2 is still stealing stales from the 5DmIII for its video. Canon G1x is a joke.
I’d prefer a rangefinder styled camera from Oly because of the IBIS. They actually said they might make a Pen with a viewfinder, which I think would look like this.
I would like an OMD like camera with an RF-placed VF, so this dream would entice me. I prefer Oly controls and output, though.
Better yet… just update the design of G-series cameras with more of a rangefinder style. That way you are not adding yet another series of camera.
+++++++++++++++++++1!!!!
+1 You can already see the G series morphing from the faux dslr G1-2 to a shallower hump, smaller body and less obtrusive grip on the G3. The market segments could be
built in evf dslr style GH
built in evf brick style G
optional evf compact style GX
no evf compact style GF
Maybe the ‘evf brick’ option can’t be done at the G series price (no one else has done it cheap yet.) If Panny makes the Leica mirrorless and it has this style, they may do their own version as they have with digilux/lx etc. In that case, it probably would not be G series.
I doubt that Panny is too worried about hurting G series sales since they aren’t selling very well anyway with or without any in-house competition.
GUYS, TRY THE BEST TO UNDERSTAND.
1. The rangefinder style makes the camera even bigger, no way smaller! In case of rangefinder cameras all the body should be taller to get enough space for the viewfinder, as opposite to DSLR-like, where it’s enough to have a hump for EVF.
2. Swiveling LCD is a bit more unconfortable and difficult to implement for rangefinder cameras. No wonder that there are very few swiveling LCD fake rangefinders.
3. If the body has asimmetrical design (like G3) the nose normally lays NEAR the camera, and in no circumstances can squieeze the (touch)screen.
I’m not against launching a rangefinder-like serie for Panasonic, but please, don’t make ‘rangefinder-styling’ synonim for ‘professionalism’!
+1.
I learned on rangefinder cameras. In the “film era,” I shot most of my best photos with rangefinder cameras. I still use a rangefinder camera occasionally (Epson R-D 1.)
But what I like about rangefinder cameras is the optical viewfinder system, not the shape or the look. I don’t feel that sticking the viewfinder eyepiece on the end makes the camera handle better, or look cooler, or seem more professional. In fact, I don’t see any advantage to it at all. It’s just the way that some RF cameras had to be designed to make room for the range/viewfinder mechanism. (Incidentally, there were a lot of RF designs with centrally located viewfinder eyepieces.)
It’s time for a lot of you guys — and yes, that means you, Admin — to get over your obsession with making modern cameras look like something else.
PS — I predict that a lot of those hot-selling Fuji X-Pro 1s will wind up on eBay as soon as the advance purchasers actually receive them and discover how big and clunky the thing actually is. Honestly, it’s going to be like holding a size-12 wingtip up to your face…
Precisely.
Those World War 2 era camera designs aren’t such because of some ultimate ergonomy or anything profound but only because of limitations of that ancient analog mechanical technology.
SLR’s viewfinder+lens mount symmetrically in center of body came from those limitations. Same for knobs and dials being in top. And list goes on.
Copying those design features directly just because that’s the way it was is like making car according to Roman Empire era horse wagon blueprints!
So you don’t find being able to compose with your left eye open to be a huge advantage? I do, and so do many others.
+1
Everybody just wants to play Henri Cartier-Bresson.
There are ways to make a rangefinder body smaller and that is to keep the rear LCD smaller ie less height as the NEX7 and others have done and use all the screen space. A 3″ 16:9 screen is 0.2″ less height than one based on 3:2. The other way is to use a smaller EVF like 0.5″ as both NEX7 and Oly E-M5 have done?
Another way to obtain a smaller or at least lower height model would be to mount the EVF to far left with a tilting LCD screen in the middle to the right so it could project above the bottom of the EVF. Sort of like a Leica X1 with EVF where the flash is that way the camera need be no higher than the lens mount height.
I think the delay has been to get a small high resolution EVF like the NEX7 has. Remember neither Oly with their Epson EVF nor Sony developed these EVF screens by themselves but they come from outside manufactures so no reason why Pany could not obtain and use same technology.
I much prefer using a swivel screen for video use and there are several examples from both Canon and Nikon on high end compacts showing how this can be done.
I am surprised that Pany has not yet produced their version of the camera illustrated in their patent. Hope this will be a surprise one released just in time for the June Olympics, maybe I hope?
Ooops, you want to get rid of “full frame-sized”, huge, 140% (0,7×) magnificationviewfinder and replace it by a smaller one, just for the sake of having rangefinder-styled camera? Really bad idea, isn’t it?
No, my point is Pany is likely to produce both versions. You cannot fit the larger EVF into a small rangefinder that many want, while the DSLR hump format like the E-M5 or G5 is the most practical for a larger EVF screen and rear LCD.
Many? In a proportion to 43rumors readers? Dpreview readers? P&S upgraders? Professionals? m43 users?
Pany actually estimated that the rangefinder rectangular style would capture 75% of the mirrorless market and DSLR only 25% a year ago. Based on the sales of their existing products with GF3 and GX1 near the very top in mirrorless sales I would think the term “many” is appropriate overall but success of the E-M5 may change that perception. I think that applies to all the catagories mentioned except for the professionals.
DSLR like mirrorless design would surely sell better if it had controls and ergonomy to actually challenge real DSLRs.
one more pan with same old sensr tech?hummmm, yummy……..
LOL.
I would consider it – if it had an articulated screen!
+1.
It will have to be very compelling going against the NEX-7!
The GH-2 still rocks mainly because of the video capability.
I would love to see Panasonic produce a m43 rangefinder if it had…
-A magnesium alloy chassis
-True 2-dial controls a-la OM-D
-A better sensor / better IQ
-HD capabilities on par with GH2
-Dust / weather seals
-A hybrid, integrated EVF
-Integrated WiFi
I’m tired of plastic cameras. I want a RF that reeks of quality the same way the OM-D does
Of course the interesting point with this discussion is that we must remember that the original L1 was basically an Olympus E300 with some minor differences. So why not follow the same path here, this style body, with E-M5 internals. Could be a winner for those who want a rangefinder style camera. And lets not forget this would be a lovely small design, would beat all other Panny bodies hands down.
I’d definitely take a long hard look at a Panasonic rangfinder form camera. I’d rather it had the swivelling rear screen from the G series rather than the fixed screen of the GF’s as I like to use my G1 with the screen turned to the body. Even if a new camera offered no image quality improvements and had the same EVF as the G1 I’d still buy it, I may still also buy a X Pro 1 or Nex 7 but I’d buy the Panasonic first. Panasonic must be losing buyers to their competitors, I suppose the only question is how many they’re losing.
Based on everything I’ve read and the stark absence of such a viewfinder we should be able to conclude that Pana doesn’t have the viewfinder evf tech that Sony does. No one does really. This camera is long overdue. The Em5 is not the full realization, albeit closer. How about some new lenses pana?
“my dream ” about the L1 shape camera on m43 system body,.is dead ,..Panasonic killed it.
just see gf3- gx1 there’s no way panasonic would even heard it,..keep dreaming,… maybe
I have 5 Lumix cameras, but Panasonic has several problems:
– a price problem: expensive products relative to their level
– has good but not top-level products, e.g. its sensors are always below competition
– has not a professional service network and implement such network will be expensive = no interest in Pro products
I will like an L1 m4/3 camera but not at the nikon D800 price.
It is likely that top-level products will come from Fuji-Olympus or Sony-Olympus.
If L2 (lets call it L2, why not?) would be as good as OM-D, then I would think about buying it. Ergonomicaly, there was nothing wrong on L1, so.. just keep it that way?
Yea and I want new version of original kit lens. 🙂 14-50mm f2.8 – 3.5 ASPH Leica D … its still one of best zooms for 4/3 and m4/3s. Cause its true Leica..
Q:
Is it just me dreaming a L1?
A:
Yep.
Nope.
Wrong poll, admin :). I suggest this one:
Which form-factor of GH3 would you buy:
1. Similar to the current GH2
2. Brick-shaped (or NEX-7 alike L-shaped), EVF in the corner, fully articulating screen.
Why? Because Panasonic will not create 100500 “high-end models”. The only one thing we can do is affect the design of that flagship model (GH3, GH4, and so on…).
If my memory is correct I believe that earlier this year Pany spokesman in interview said that Pany was developing both a high end model as well as a new GH3?
I think it very logical that the referenced high end model will be like a mini L1 style while I think the GH3 will be in the G5 body with a larger EVF and articulated screen and most likely waiting for implementation of the global shutter? The only question in my mind is whether this new high end model will be based on the GX1 with EVF likely in the middle with small hump like the Nikon I-V or an all new model like the patent?
In the recent April 1, rumor memo of interview with the hacker Vitali mention was made that the timing of the release of the information was due to end of FY year and change in Pany management so perhaps they have been factors for the delays? Vitali mentioned they I assume Panasonic were working on the software for three models and I assume one of these is the high end model and the other is the GH3?
Given the poor response to sales of GH2 in Japan and many other countries I really doubt that Pany would stick to its present DSLR shape however erogonomic and practical it might be.
Just my two bits and guesses.
That’s difficult for every manufacturer to support wide variety of models. There’s only one reason for spawning models – to cover target groups with different preferences.
But that’s not the case in the MILC world. Casual buyers (potential target DSLR-shaped cameras) don’t buy MILC, or ask their advanced friends to choose the model. Advanced people and geeks prefer brick shape.
About ergonomics. There’s only one good strategy for making such a small cameras handy and easy to use – to make them L-shaped (like NEX-7). That gives more space for hands, controls, and internal space for components.
The only problem is non-traditional look of such cameras (many people still can’t imagine a serious camera without a hump). Could be solved by good advertisement and PR.
I really, really don’t need it to be high end. Lots of RFs were not high-end. The body design doesn’t demand high-end. I would really just like an Oly Pen with a left-sided VF. It would need to be a little bigger (or so people tell me, but I guess they didn’t look at the NEX 7)
I gave my L1 to my sister and I regret it
Auf eine Kamera wie die “GL1” warte ich seit Einführung des MFT-Standards. Gäbe es für die Nex-7 bessere Linsen, ich hätte meine Wunschkamera schon längst gefunden. Der Buckel der EM-5 sagt mir einfach nicht zu. Nikon ist hässlich und der Sensor zu klein. Mal sehen, was Canon bringt, sonst muss ich wohl wirklich auf eine GL1 warten 😉
Warum Pana so eine Kamera zurückhalten sollte, ist mir nicht ganz klar, das Geld bleibt doch so oder so bei ihnen…
We have been suggesting this to Panasonic for a long time, and some of us wrote directly to them to promote such a camera when the NEX-7 garnered so much attention. The L-1 never sold like it should have in the days when Canon and Nikon consumer DSLRs defined what the consumer thought a real camera should be – are Panasonic still gun-shy? While I would definitely buy a GL1 it would only be as my travel-light companion, in the same way the Rollei 35 was when my main cameras were F2s (but of course now with the added advantage of interchangeable lenses). The form factor of the GH2 and OM-EM5 is much superior for everyday shooting, but the centre EVF/flash hump, and the swivel/tilt screen, makes them awkward to pocket. So yes Panasonic, bring out the missing piece in your model line-up, and it will sell in adequate numbers. GF for hip girls, GX for hip guys, G for everyday stills, GH for indie video, and GL for travelling photographers. It makes sense.
Take that faux GL1 and call it the GX2. Then Panasonic won’t risk upsetting their existing lines by introducing yet another product line. So we would have 2 RF-like lines (GF-x and GX-x) and 2 SLR-like lines (G-x and GH-x). Nice. Now that my eyesight is going, I much prefer having a camera with built in viewfinder… so my next purchase will either be the OM-D5, or G5.
^…not since NEX7
I had an L1, it was a big ugly brick of a camera. Sure the EVF/viewfinder was in a good place, but why go back to this design? Just throw the EVF in the same location on an Pen!
Squeezing the camera towards the face is actually an advantage, since it helps keep the camera stable during image taking or video recording.
The GH2 is still so small that you can keep the left eye open and see the world through the viewfinded and outside at the same time, just like with a rangefinder.
Would you buy a high end GL1 with integrated EVF on the corner like on the picture you see on top of this post?
If it were priced nearer the X100 rather than the XPro 1 or NEX7 and the viewfinder was good, then I’d give it serious consideration. If high end just means high price and a velvet lined box then no.
If they have the Olympus E330 design, I would definitely get it!
Just FYI, the panasonic video camera you will be getting will be called the AF100b and it will have an updated MFT chip (same size) and feature a few software and codec tweaks (avchd 2.0) and that is all. You know how I know? because that would be the third time I bought a Pany camcorder right before they came out with a “b” model thats better. I promise, its not going to rock the boat.
I’s rather buy an E-1 styled µFT camera – with both the lens AND the viewfinder in the corner. So, I’d still have viewfinder and lens in the same axis. And its handling was just perfect.
I just can’t understand the fake-rangefinder obsession.
The Olympus E-1… now THERE’s a great design. I loved everything about it, and the Kodak sensor when used with Leica R lenses made it a sort of cheap Leica DMR alternative.
Good job with the poll, Admin. This shows that there are a lot of people that would spend money on such a camera.
Unless Panasonic has a deal with Leica to not make a rangefinder, I see no reason for them not to. I just hope if they do, it has a multi aspect sensor, like the GH series, for the majority of people that prefer 3:2 over the 4:3 ratio, which, by the way, would introduce more new users to the system.
The beauty of a EVF rangefinder type body, is the compact size, without the downside of things like parallax error, or lack of macro or long tele lenses, without funky adapters. I just hope it isn’t as large as the L1, if they make it. The size of the GX1 with a EVE built in would be perfect, or at least not larger than the Sony Nex7, which we know is doable with a larger sensor.
“Would you buy a high end GL1 with integrated EVF on the corner ?”
Buy the X pro 1 and stfu
Yeah right. You get two lenses, slow focusing and all the other crap that goes with immature fuji bodies. I’d rather stay with the M4/3 system, since I already paid my dues, waiting for it to mature. WTF would I want to pay to mature another Japanese camera company? Now if Kodak, was to come out with a new system, I’d consider it.
Panasonic already offers one rangefinder camera and it’s called GX1. Where’s the EVF, you ask? Well, it must be there according to its price which is higher than the G3 with VF included and similar or better specs otherwise. Although it actually wasn’t there last time I checked, which is weird, it would be even weirder if Panasonic scrapped the well-selling and young GX1 now in favor of GX2 which would sell in the same price slot but include a free built-in EVF, wouldn’t it?
Pana should fire their current designing team
and the old team back please
While I would like a range finder styled camera it has a few shortcomings…
1. Its a Panasonic and it wont have IBIS… A big minus. non stabilized camera in 21st century…
2. It will depend on 2 expensive f2.8 zooms and a lot of good but plasticy lenses
3. It will be hideous with silver OLY primes…
Faux rangefinders and faux dslrs seem to be en vogue, why bother with fakes if you can have the real thing?
I dont really care if the camera looks retro cool. i own a g3 and its easy to use and produces great shots. the evf is in a logical position imo, and if your face touches the screen well you can just flip it round! I never understood the gx, as its pricier and no evf. The only advantage is it looks cooler, and trust me, i guarantee nobody other than your fellow camera geeks (of which i am one) will notice! Btw nex7 aint pretty either, and though i wont consider it due to lens size, it is undoubtably a great camera.
I think if Panasonic is really considering a camera like the GL1 it will become the GX2. I can’t see how the GX1 survives a camera styled like it with an impressive spec sheet and a built in EVF.
I love my GX1, but I would totally trade it for a GX1 with a built-in viewfinder. 😉
Hell yea! Lumix DMC-L1 was aghead of its time and its glorious design was shadowed purely by the tech specs that turned out to be not competitive enough for the price. Panasonic in their sane mind must make a proper L1 successor.
I would buy GL camera while I have serious problems accepting tiny-slr styling of G3 or GH2.
It’s 2012 not 1912. Rangefinders are out. Modern design is in. Give me tilt/swivel lcd that i can see in any light and make cameras slimmer by eliminating viewfinders or sell them as cheap optional accessory.