Like I will do for Olympus I am going to collect the questions you have for Panasonic.
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99 Responses
I would love to hear more about the “rumored” new LVF for the Panasonic GF1.
Most important question for me is, how the GH-2 video capabilities will evolve and if they are comparable to the ones of the 7D.
1) Are there going to be fast primes (from f1.2 -to f1.8) in the near future for the m43 system?
2) Is there any chance we will see high iso speeds (6400-12800 ISO) comparable to the quality of other camera makers on m43 cameras from Panasonic? (The 6400 ISO on the G2 are nice, but not on par with the current standards)
3) Do you plan to further reduce the size of the GH* series cameras without sacrificing features?
4) By which year do you think we will start seeing silent electronic shutters on m43 cameras?
5) Will Panasonic stick to GF* (compact), G* (dslr like, not video optimized) and GH* (video optimized) range of cameras or do you plan to differentiate your models further in the near future?
Will we ever have live HDMI video output firmware for the GH1?
Will we see a REAL successor to the L1? or a full Manual M4/3?
I’d like to know when the 14mm prime is going to be released. (And if there is any plans for a 12mm one).
when will lx4 be announced?
Any plans on releasing lenses with lower number max f-stops or non-pancake primes (so that more shallow DOF is possible)?
How long before they produce a proper EVF, either built in (preferably) or attachable?
Any chance they will introduce a successor to the Digilux 2?
When will we see LX3 successor?
I’d like to know if they are likely to release a 12mm f4 pancake – yes a fast one would be nice but given I shoot outdoors and it would be for landscapes f4 will be fine for me.
Will the codec be improved on the GH2?
Any plans for a full frame mirror-less professional EVIL?
Will we see soon a competitor of E-PL1? Something that gets the MFT out of the realm of the expensive luxury toys?
When is Panasonic going to do a big push to get their four thirds and micro thirds cameras into independent camera retailers in the UK? Sony, Canon and Nikon reps seem to be very active. When I’m in my local store I can often here the sales assistants pushing the Canon G10 onto customers when they could be being sold Panasonic’s micro four thirds offerings.
Panasonic also need to do work with flash and accessories via third parties…
But hey they are on the right track 🙂
Are there plans to update the GF1 firmware to allow for a minimum shutter speed in Aperture Priority Mode and/or to allow Auto ISO in Manual Mode? If so, when? If not, why not?
When will the 14mm pancake be released? At what price?
Why can’t MFT-Lenses be a bit faster?
I second Oz’s question about the Digilux 2. Owning a GF1 and Digi 2 makes me want a hybrid — smaller and with better sensor than the Digi 2, with interchangeable lenses, but incorporating the elegant simplicity of control, the built-in, left- side EVF (preferably GH1 quality) and fast zoom(s). When will Panasonic offer this?
On the 2009 lens roadmap, the 2.8/45 macro OIS appeared late as an update.
Any surprises on the 2010 roadmap?
I have both Olympus E-P2 & GH1 and much prefer the GH1 for “feel” and speed in spite of no in body image stabilization. Panasonic already has the technology to manufacture a GH type body with a built in EVF. (Who ever comes out with a smallish M34 body with a built in EVF will not be able to manufacturer enough of them.) Hint! Hint!
What’s taking so long?
It would be nice to see a faster everyday zoom – maybe f/2.8-3.5 12-60 (or thereabouts) or even constant f/2.8 – do they have any plans for such a lens…?
What about 35Mb/s+ 1080p in the next GH…?
..and yes, what about the LX3 successor, and will they stick a micro-four-thirds sensor in it..?
Correction on previous post: Meant GF body not GH
-Any plans on releasing a “L1 like” high end m4/3? …same style and features (aperture ring, shutter speed dial, bounce / pop up flash,…)
-Will we see some new Panasonic and Leica collaboration products?
Will the gh2 have:
– NATIVE 1080 24p
– better codec implementation
– hdmi 1080 out
– oled screen
– better moire handling
Oh and manual audio control
When you will bring a kind of rangefinder highendcamera with good digital or normal viewfinder included?
It”s maybe not the questions but postulates according to improve the functionality of the use of the system:
– implementation of bracketing is weird, I now have to take 7 pictures to have +/-3EV it consumes time and affects scene changes limiting the use of MTF cameras producing HDR images, a lot of improvement is needed to firmware. So direct +/-3 EV in three steps please!
– As Rory mentioned earlier limitation of shutter speed is needed in Aperture Priority mode (dafault 1/30s is not the proper one – subject, people, movement).
– DOF and HyperFocal distance information on LCD/VF
– histogram display – only envelope is needed not all white diagram that covers a lot of frame, in the envelope diagram RGB and Luminance graph can be displayed simultaneously (look at Casio implementation)
– EV compensation scale – why only +/-3 EV? it’s stupid! +/-5 EV please for easy manual Zone Mettering use
– configurable time lapse please!
My question to Panasonic is… when????… 🙂
Is there an LX4 coming or not, and when. thanks.
Which presumably maximum integrated EVF size possible in slim GF1 like body ?
According to Panny, is such slim EVIL with integrated EVF considered as “niche” market or significant expectation ?
Depending on answers on above… 2010 / 2011 ?
As mentioned by others, would like to know if and when an upgraded EVF for the GF1 will come out, and if so, how much.
Also mentioned, if there will be a firmware update so that we can set the minimum shutter speed for the GF1.
Oh, and ask them if they plan to come out with a 14-140mm lens for consumers (i.e. cheap unlike the one out for the GH1) like the one coming out for Olympus.
Although it’s what most commenters seem to want to ask about, I doubt if Panasonic will be willing to comment specifically about possible future products and/or feature sets of those products. So I’d like to try a different tack: asking about support services.
Specifically: Based on its remarks to the press, Panasonic seems to have conceived its Micro 4/3 product line with the idea that it would appeal to casual users who want to “step up” from a fixed-lens compact camera.
However, my observation is that Micro 4/3 cameras are appealing strongly to professional and “serious” photographers who appreciate the cameras’ compact size, sophisticated features, and adaptability to a wide range of lenses. My question: Is Panasonic interested in providing the types of support these photographers would want, even though serious photographers are not their primary market? This support might include such things as:
— Software to provide tethered/remote shooting capability
— Serious-user-focused accessories such as wireless flash controllers
— Expedited repair services for professional/educational/corporate users
— Training on the cameras’ advanced features and capabilities (online, workshops, etc.)
— Enhanced technical support for advanced users
is the GF Series getting a
1) AVCHD mode (not the Lite one)
2) in body electronic view finder
3) tiltable lcd
4) in body Electronic stabilizer
4) when shall we ge a 24mm equivalent fast lense?
In other words I would like to see the specs o a GH or G camera in a nice
rangefinder like body.
How you go to improve the ergonomics necessary for the video on the GH2 ?
You planned audio control on the touchscreen of the GH2 ?
A headphone output on the GH2 ?
1080 24p for the GH2 ?
Panasonic:
1. Will you produce HDSLR cameras for the Mid to Pro Level enthusiasts?
2. If so, will it be standard 4/3 or M4/3?
3. Will you upgrade the external viewfinder for the GF1?
What are the chances of a micro 4/3`s camera based on the LC-1 style body?
The most imoprtant! -> I’d like to see some fast primes (i.e. 60mm F1.4).
And much lower price for the poor LVF1 – or make a much better viewfinder for same price. 😉
Will we ever see the true successors to L1 and LC1?
Any idea of the price point for the 100 – 300mm lens expected in the Autumn?
When will we get a firmware update for the GF1 so that it will shoot true 720P/60FPS and not be limited by sensor output 30FPS! If the EVF/LCD operate at 60FPS and the AVCHD Lite Codec supports it why can’t we shoot video at this speed?
When is the next LX3 successor?
I’m a newspaper pro and, if GF2 rumors come true (mainly in body GH1 hi-res viewfinder and some higher ASA specs), that day i’ll return my newspaper’s EOS and go to work with my own GF2, for me, i’m sure, the best camera possible (and the most beautiful ever, the contrary of the Oly, with all my respect)
in short: When and what fast primes?
Is Panasonic planning to incorporate in-body image stabilization in the G-camera range?
I would know every specs of the next LX-4 or if Panasonic will offer a real compact camera for expert with a big sensor (µ4/3 or APS but more more compact that the GF1).
That’s all ;-).
Do you have any plan to continue 4/3 camera and 4/3 pana-leica lenses, 50-200/2.8 or 7-14?
I want a camera that competes with the Canon’s and Nikon’s of the world, where I can feel good about it, and yet at a reasonable price unlike those two camera manufacturers. Utilize the latest technologies (HD Video, 15-25mp) and keep it for us pro-sumers out there. And try to drive home the 4/3 platform.
I’d like to know what Titus, declan, omox asked, let me write them in order of priority:
1) fast primes are required (from f1.2 -to f1.8). Particularly missing is a portrait lens, the Leica 45mm is outrageously expensive and bad for portraits. Will they fill this gap?
2) a prime wideangle is required too. The rumored 14mm will not be enough: a small 12mm f/4 is needed. Will they fill this gap?
3) high iso speed are still the Achille’s heel of Panasonic’s sensors. We don’t need more megapixels (we have more than enough), but more low-light performance with better quality. Are they working to provide it?
4) everything that omox said, let me repeat it here:
– implementation of bracketing is weird, I now have to take 7 pictures to have +/-3EV it consumes time and affects scene changes limiting the use of MTF cameras producing HDR images, a lot of improvement is needed to firmware. So direct +/-3 EV in three steps please!
– As Rory mentioned earlier limitation of shutter speed is needed in Aperture Priority mode (dafault 1/30s is not the proper one – subject, people, movement).
– DOF and HyperFocal distance information on LCD/VF
– histogram display – only envelope is needed not all white diagram that covers a lot of frame, in the envelope diagram RGB and Luminance graph can be displayed simultaneously (look at Casio implementation)
– EV compensation scale – why only +/-3 EV? it’s stupid! +/-5 EV please for easy manual Zone Mettering use
– configurable time lapse please!
These are trivial things to implement in firmware, that will make an HUGE difference in camera usability, and thus results. Will they provide these features?
5) not a question, but a suggestion (as declan said): Panasonic needs more sale “pushing”. They are improving, but they can do better: you can buy Nikon and Canon DSLRs even from the shoemaker, why not GF, GH, G cameras in shops like walmart, target and best buy?
6) when they plan to provide a completely silent, more flexible electronic shutter? With unlimited B- long exposure (especially with the point 3 mentioned above), and something fast like 1/10000?
7) the GF series should become even smaller and should have a tiltable display. Will they provide it?
8) will they be on par on the higher resolution displays of competing DSLR, or will they always lag behind? Right now they have half-resolution!
9) another not-a-question: they need to have only two series, GF-as-small-as-possible-optional-viewfinder and G-small-but-not-too-much-with-fixed-viewfinder. The 4 lines (GF1, GH1, G100 and G2) are too many and too confusing for customers.
Davide (proud Panasonic supporter, owner of G1, GF1, 14-45mm, 45-200mm, 20mm pancake, FX37 and several similar older compacts)
I second this question:
“Are there plans to update the GF1 firmware to allow for a minimum shutter speed in Aperture Priority Mode and/or to allow Auto ISO in Manual Mode? If so, when? If not, why not?”
And: Is there an external audio input accessory (like the Oly) in development for the GF1?
Do you have any plan to release a fast normal zoom lens, say 12-45 mm f2, in the near future?
One word question: LX4?
Why should I by a EVIL camera and not a mid range DSLR? What does the EVIL camera offer that you can’t get on a DSLR?
Will the GH2 have time lapse capabilities?
1. Why the old G(F)1 sensor in G2/G10 and not the significanly better one from GH1 (see DxO Mark measurements)?
2. Nice to have greatly improved Venus engine which likely would give greater low-light ISO JPEG performance over G1/GF1. But what about low light ISO performance in RAW? Do we have chances to get significantly better RAW quality as well (compared to G1/GF1) despite the fact that these cameras share the same sensor?
3. There are rumors saying that GH2 will have a totally new, advanced sensor which will offer not just mechanical shutterless operation but also much better low light performance for still images. But GH2 likely will be an expensive solution for the one who doesn’t need advanced video, just high quality low-light still image shooting. So, is it possible to launch at the same time either a „limited IQ“, but cheaper version of GH2 (a kind of GH10) or an improved G2, optimized for photo taking (not for advanced video) but using the same sensor GH2 has? It would be nice to have the presumably brilliant photo quality of GH2 in a not too expensive body as well…
Thanks a lot and waiting for responses.
Will you make a successor to the LX3? If so, when? What changes/improvements are planned?
Now let’s hope They listen to Our voices….
Some of our wishes are hi-tech stuff but some of them are trivial to implement…
MFT system is unique – it is used by novice who desire good quality pictures and expect ease of use, and on the other side it is a system for real enthusiasts who desire some more exotic functions then available anywhere else.
There was a time when I owned Nikon APS SLR Pronea 600i, it was an attempt to provide easy to use SLR gear, but it had a lot of profi-like features and two modes of operation Green for easy operation and Advanced that allowed user to access full options. In my opinion it was best of both worlds solution. Why not use the same concept in MFT cameras? Cretive and sometimes “exotic” functions and features in Enthusisast mode and common features in Easy mode.
MFT is the system of the greatest flexibility, ingenious design that allows configurations not possible ever before. For me it is obvious that it should be programmed in an non-standard, non-common way giving the user possibilities way beyond present DLSR’s, p&s, video equipment… And the funny thing is that it is only a matter of decision. Technology is there – firmware development is really not… yet. 🙂 And this changes are not expensive to implement.
Of course all of us waits for more lenses, better ISO performance, more Dynamic Range, global and electronic shutter… this all will happen, it is a matter of time. It is the trend no one can stop now. I dream of firmware development to go together with hardware development. This is what causes to stand out from the crowd of all similar equipment. This make the difference! Panasonic now needs some creative minded programmers and creative minded managers with balls 😉
@bill
Bill, You should try it, just try to take a pictureusing EVIL camera, and before you press the shutter you see what the final image will be! Not after you take it, but before including WB, Depth Of Fiels, Shutter speed influence on the movement, everything. It is something you never get on SLR equipment. Additionally look through the EVF of G1 (I own one) It is much bigger than in most DSLRs it covers 100% of frame so you can see exactly what you will get in the final image. Using EVF you can take picture in very dark environments because you can get light gain so you can frame properly andd during manual focusing you have additional magnification od focusing point so you can focus manualy very precisely – try it to compare. Not to mention that you can use almost any lens on the world. These are some reasons to own EVIL insteaad DSLR. I forgot to mention about smaller dimensions and weight of the equipment and probably a lot more other things you not get with DSLR (video-recording implementation for example etc).
Nowadays you can get three EVIL systems I know of: Leica M – series full frame system (very expensive and you don’t get live view feature), Samsung NX – APS-C sensor sized system, and Micro Four Thirds – 4/3 sensors.
Using DSLR or EVIL equipment will probably not make you better photographer but using EVIL gear photography is a great fun and really easy to set. You can concentrate to improve your skills seeing on-the-go how changes you make affects the final picture before… not after the shot!
When they are planning to release a better sensor with their m4/3 cameras?decent DR and better high iso performance (at least on nikons APS-C par?)?
Where is the DMC-L1 version for m43 made with a built-in EVF? This would make a great high-end model IMHO. Add a high grade Leica prime like a 10mm or 12mm f2 and it would be a slam-dunk!
I like the G2 features but its to big for me.
Are they going to release a “GF-like” body camera wich has a built-in EVF and tilt LCD?
I agree with all the precedent questions for future product like : when they produce lower F-stop prime ? put oled screen? do better video quality (anti-alliasing), lets choosing between 24, 25 or 30 (or more ?) FPS, using all pixels to downsize to 1080, will use a “reverse” sensor for better ISO, etc…
But I all want to know, if they thinking about the possibility to add 1080P video encoding in RAW format ? using a codec like adobe CinemaDNG format ?
Any other primes coming?
Will you ever make another 4/3 camera? I love my L1 and L10!
From the photography point-of-view, would Panasonic ever consider improving on the dynamic range of the sensor and the weakness of relatively low speed of when shooting in burst mode compared with D-SLR. Would transfer of color curve setting into the camera be possible with its M4/3 cameras? Will noiseless shutter be implemented with its new electronic global shutter?
From the video point-of-view, would advanced video features be added to the GH-series, like different color setting (Cine mode, Rec 709, EBU mode and SMPTE-C color mode, etc.), zebra, focus assist (instead of full-screen magnification), constant audio level recording, connection to LANC remote controller, servo control (if possible).
In addition, would you ever consider changing the body material of G and GH-series products to solid plastics instead of rubber-like nano-material for better cleaning. Will Panasonic provide external battery compartment accessories and larger body size as a replacement for DSLR users as Panasonic has nearly abandoned its 4/3 lines, while giving the same feeling of large body size (but not heavy weight) of D-SLR.
Panasonic…
Will you be making a Hi-Rez viewfinder for the GF-1 comparable to the G1 viewfinder?
also…
Can the firmware on the GF-1 be updated so there is an option to have the preview appear on the LCD after taking a photo using the viewfinder? This would be much more natural and more informative for many users of the camera.
–Bob
are you going to come out with a digital rangefinder???? you should and it should be like an m9 but cheaper version.. metal body
1.Are you going to realase specialized HQ, Fast aperture lenses for the m-4/3?
Because your 45-200 zoom lens is exactly the same size as of apc-c or samsung NX system
I’ve invested in GH1,7-14,20mm,14-140 m43 system because i was sure every lens would come out would be significantly smaller, currently this is not the case, is it going to change?
2.We would really want a rangefinder style camera, with VF and Flash, is it going to come out?
3.Current G and GH camera’s rubber nano coating always starts to come out after 6 months of normal use, is panasonic going to released
cameras with a longer coating life span in the future?
4.We really intrested in all-in-one lens like 12-75 HD OS, is such lens going to be released?
Nikon and Canon have been proactive in improving their camera’s performance after manufacture and sale through ongoing firmware updates that continue until a replacement model becomes available. Banding noise has been a problem in a few of thier models upon release, and subsequent firmware updates mitigated it for the most part. Will you try to improve one of the GH1’s few weaknesses and further develop it’s firmware to reduce the visibility of banding so that high ISO can be more useful in low light situations?
There is only one thing that prevents me go to m43. This lack of fast portrait (f1.4-1.8) autofocus lens with a focal length equivalent to 80-100mm. When you plan to release it?
Where is the LX5? 🙂
Hello! I would like to ask regarding about Panasonic’s O.I.S if that would be okay.
I realized that there are some people who has uncontrollably shaky hands whenever they hold items and would find difficult to take steady pictures with cameras that does not have strong Image Stabilizers. I know that you guys has recently created POWER O.I.S that is supposedly handle twice the shake compared to the MEGA O.I.S but I would like to know if you guys have any intentions of making a better O.I.S for those with that kind of shaky hand problems or would stick with POWER O.I.S for now?
Thank you! (:
Having an 18 month cycle between high-grade models (like GH1 to GH2 around September 2010) makes sense, but keeping up with the models released by Olympus recently (EP2, EPL1), can we expect a GF2 a bit earlier, lets say around Juli-September 2010 or maybe even together with a GH2 release?
Also, I was quite disappointed about the “only” 720 30p sensor output limit of the GF1 even I understand this as it probably would have cut into the GH1 market. Do you intend to go 1080p30 and 720p60 with the GF2 or do you deliberately keep the specs lower. I really think to keep competing with the upcoming Sony EVIL, the video simply needs to get better even on these smaller models.
Est-ce que des focale fixe ois à f1,4 ou f1,2 sont prévues ?
Et éventuellement (bien que ca m’interesse moins) des zoom ois à f2,8 en ouverture constante ?
Will you ever make a PRO m4/3 system or a PRO Lumix system?
My question would be (as many have already said). please, please can we have some fast prime lenses, something prestigious and aspirational, like the f0.95 Leice lens. Mt suggestions would be: first a proper standard lens, optimising quality rather than size, such as a 25mm f1.0 or f1.2 with O.I.S. Second priority would be a fast general prupose wide angle, e.g 14mm f1.4, again with O.I.S., to maximise the capability of the camera in low light, and give us some control over depth of field.
@MP Burke
first, 1.4/14 seems like overkill for such wide lens. On such wide angle, you are not going to get much shallow DoF worth to talk about, low light performance is probably good enough at the already announced f2.5 and then there is the whole issue of image quality.
You know, for most practical purposes, 1.7 is fast enough on the 20mm, now imagine 14mm..
No one makes such fast wide angle. …Well, if Panasonic designs one with proper CA correction that is sweet at f.4 and not out of price, why not. I am not holding my breath on that..
second issue is the OIS. On the market, you hardly ever see anything faster than f2.8 having OIS, VR or whatever they call it. There is a reason for that. Actually two. First, its near useless at max aperture, which is the reason you want a fast lens. Second, the price increase, size increase and overall complexity is not exactly linear with the speed increase. Be ready yo pay serious cash for a feature you may not really need…
Now, yes, I, you, we all want fast primes!
2.5/10 : please!
2.5/14 : in the pipeline
1.4/25 : please!
1.4/50 : please!
1.8/85 : please!
2.0/135: please!
2.8/200: please!
oh… on my daydream wishlist, the two last primes, 135 and 200mm may have OIS 😉
Please update the Lumix L1. Give us a built in viewfinder, classic style with a thinner body . Basically, a more affordable digital Leica. If you built it they will come!
Thank you,
Rob
Some people are interested in bigger sensors, preferably fullframe sensors, inside small bodies like the GF1. Are you working in this direction?
IS PANASONIC GOING TO RELEASE A 4/3 AGAIN ,WITH OLYMPUS OR NOT,,,????
BECAUSE I HAVE THE 25 f 1.4 LUMIX LEICA AND IT IS BETTER THAN THE 28 1.4 NIKON AND THE 50 1.4 ALSO ;THE 25 1.4 LEICA D IS A BOMB ,BUT TO BIG FOR M 4/3 YOU NEED(PANASONIC) TO RELEASE ONE MORE 4/3 JUST ONE PLEASE WITH METAL BODY PRO LIKE PLEASE.
A FAN.
…AND IS IT POSSIBLE TO DOUBLE THE SIZE OF THE SENSOR OR RESOLUTION WITH THE CLOSER M 4/3 OR NOT ,,,,???????????????????????????????
WITH 4/3 LENSES,????
Leica, Leica, Lecia…keep those 4/3 lenses coming please!
When will we have the following?
1. An auto and Intelligent ISO that allow us to choose a minimum shutter speed.
2. A fast(ie: F1.7 or below) 30mm-50mm m4/3s lens.
3 An F2.8 35mm-70mm or F2.8 14mm-35mm zoom.
4. A true 1080p @ 24 FPS and 1080p @ 60 FPS video mode.
I know this has already been asked, but a fast “prime” lens about 45 or 50 mm, 1.4 or 1.8.
To put this in perspective, Nikon sells a 50 mm 1.8 lens for $125, perhaps $100 on the street. This is the D type, which does autofocus using the camera motors. IF we had to add a motor inside (built in motor) it only adds some $30-40 (based comparisons between D and G/AF-S nikons). NOTE, this is a Full Frame lens, no even DX (APS-C). Thus, a m4/3 50 mm 1.8 should be able to be sold, profitably, well under $100. I confidently predict enormous volumes for such a lens. The Q is would Panasonic be willing to be bold, and also “cannibalize” the expensive “Macro” 45 mm lens it sells.
If we add O.I.S. into the lens, it gets a little bigger, but still should be sub $130. Heck, $150 and still most people would buy it.
Other “wish list” items have been stated.
Oh, can you also be realistic and honest in not just announcing a camera but also widespread availability? At some point, people get frustrated and move on. And if you do have a breakthrough camera in the works, then it has to be known, else Samsung, Sony, and even Nikon/Canon may jump into the Mirrorless world.
R
Oh, to second the wise comments as above, what are the odds of meaningful FIRMWARE upgrades or options?
E.g., ability to set a minimum shutter speed with iA? For moving subjects, that is a must. In fact, one could even say one wants a combination of shutter and aperture, to be set either as min/max (as appropriate). That’s nothing but software/firmware.
Also, the ability to modify bracketing options. And, a killer need (missing before) – ability to combine timer and bracketing – which is often done for tripod shots (one click).
Thanks (owner of 4 panasonics, but not yet m4/3 – thanks to the good UI and overall quality).
R
Time lapse functions for m4/3 as in the LX3 would be really useful.
Using old MF lenses has been really popular on m4/3 but currently the Panasonic line relies on lens based stabilisation . Perhaps the more expensive models could use sensor stabilisation to attract the ‘legacy’ market. I belive nikon does this with for example the cheaper d5000 with lensbased stabilisation and d3 etc. with in body.
The small and light format of m4/3 make them more suitable for outdoor/adventure photographers. But currently there is no weatherproofed version of any Pany camera. With Olympus saying they want users to move from m4/3 to 4/3 this could be included in Panasonics pro line.
The GH1 has been bought by many people just for video. How about a camcorder in the shape of a camcorder with a m4/3 sensor and mount. DSLRs are definiatly ergonomically designed for video.
I really hope there is a better LVF for the GF1/2 coming.
What is Panasonics longterm plan with m4/3 and video over the next five years as new competitors come into the market?
Please consider the following:
– wide angle and normal lenses *with* O.I.S.
– fast bracketing for HDR (-5, -3, -1, 0, +1, +3, +5 very fast)
– fast bracketing for eDOF (enhanced depth of field): five pics with manually pre-defined various focal points. In Photoshop CS4 these pics can easily be combined to look as if *all* areas are in focus
– a very small camera still with articulating lcd, but (to minimize weight and size) about no video capabilities; articulating lcd is essential for photography, low weight is somewhat essential for hobbyi photographers, video is not essential
– reduced pixel count to improve dynamic range (DR is more important than low noise). 6 – 8 megapixels are enough.
1) Do you plan to start supporting the professional market?
2) Do you plan to make a 300mm f2.8 with extension tubes? Aviation, Nature, and Birders would flock, I mean flock to m4/3 if you did.
3) Do you plan to make a 35-100mm f2.8. I would take a 50-100mm a f2 or faster
4) Do you plan on improving your flashes? A radio based wireless triggering mechanism would be fantastic. If you don’t have the resources then contract with Nikon and have them make it for you. Their flashes are much better and the same price. Theirs use light based wireless so a radio based system from Panasonic would be fantastic.
When will Panasonic introduce time lapse on any camera? It’s a deal breaker for some of us….we are sick of using rubber bands!
To R above: not sure about the G series, but my 2 year old TZ4 can do bracketing on the self timer with one push……
1. Fast Glass that draws beautiful images! That is why I bought my L1. A lens that preformed as well as the best Canon had on offer. Glass that is under 2f. The 20mm 1.7f looks great. A lens in m4/3 to replace my now worn Leica 14-50 mm F2.8-F3.5?
2. Dynamic Range rather than high Iso – at over 1600/3200 does it matter so much? I would rather have more Dynamic Range in the image. Fast lens can also make up for “only” 1600 Iso.
3. Value and performance: Great glass and quality cameras at less than Leica/Full Frame DSLR prices. I am happy to more than standard “consumer” level but the quality should be there. Not digital “tricks” (read “art filters”).
4. Micro 4/3 is a very smart system – keep thinking about it and keep it evolving. Someone mentioned a square sensor. Would that not be a cool way to push up pixel count and give photographers something more to work with? Keep that nice camera handling and ergonomics in place. The smart bounce flash from the L1.
5. Again repeat the question:”Why the old G(F)1 sensor in G2/G10 and not the significanly better one from GH1 (see DxO Mark measurements)?”
6. Weather proofing – if you can take it anywhere – that might mean any sort of weather.
7. HDR Setting that is smart, avoiding images that look radiated.
Bill, that’s not really a question for Panasonic. But the answer is simple: size. Micro4/3 cameras are way smaller than DSLRs. If size is an issue, get a Micro4/3. If size is NOT an issue, get a DSLR.
Do you plan to integrate GPS photo tagging into G or GF cameras?
This a function I’m highly waiting for.
The 7-14 is a great lens, while the 14-45 and 45-200 zooms don’t reach that level of image quality. They are rather slow, too.
When will I have a chance to buy a high quality 14-45, say f2.8-4? And a high quality 45-200, say f3.5-4.5?
I know, like the 7-14, they wouldn’t be cheap, but I’m willing to pay for good quality.
Instead of bringing out a lot of new camera’s. You should finally bring out the lenses.
I currently waiting for over a year here in Holland to see the macrolens in the shops.
I almost regret buying your systems, for it seems that you will not bring them out annytime soon.
In February it was stated that they would come out in April, and yesterday, it will not be out till June.
Without the lenses the camera’s are useless, so please do the lenses first.
I got a G1 camera with the two normal lenses that come with it. This set i bought in November of 2008
Are there plans for Bridge-Camera users for superzoom lenses like 14-280 ?
List of POSSIBLE improvements to G actual series (G1, GH1, G2 ) through firmware updates:
1- Improved Exif data recording lallowing third party lens naming through an input menu in custom modes instead of “no lens”.
2 – More custom modes to be user defined with the same naming possibility as above to be able for instance to have different modes suited to different lenses or situations.
List of improvement to a new camera version:
A – Tethered mode of acquisition through IEEE 1394 FireWire or even better WiFi, with full camera control on the computer.Not just a hi-resolution live view on a screen.
B – Quieter shutter action.
C – Shutter closed for sensor protection before lens removal.
D – Alternative eyecup for glasses.
E – Panorama mode.
F – Infra red or radio remote control.
My Panasonic wish list 🙂
GF2:
—-
GH1 sensor
In-body Image Stabilisation
High resolution External View finder
m43 Lenses:
———–
12mm
50mm (at least f2, f1.4 would be nice)
LX4:
—-
Same specs as LX3, but 1-2 steps better high ISO performance
Accessories:
————
Under water camera case for LX3/LX4 and GF1/GF2+20mm
What a plesaure to meet someone who thinks so clearly
Panasonic has started to make outstanding products – suitable even to pro photographers. But your repair division needs to be more informed and more customer oriented. On a recent trip to Kauai, I encountered a tropical rain storm. I was shooting with a Panasonic GH3 that on your website promises sealed against dust and splashes. I did not want to take chances so i put the camera back in my protected backpack along with an OM-D that I had as a backup that day. The GH3 died – the battery door seal was defective. Ultimately, Panasonic replaced the camera under warranty but not before their customer service representative argued with me that the GH3 was not a sealed camera. I had to escalate the issue and it was appropriately resolved, but really, can Panasonic get a little more customer oriented in their communication and also train their service representatives to know what the camera is advertised to be able to do? While the outcome was good, the process needed dramatic improvement… ps – the OM-D remained fully functional, but I really missed the GH3 for the remainder of that trip.