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Ichrio Kitao from Panasonic confirmed to PhotoRadar that “Panasonic plans to split the GF series into two lines and release a GF camera aimed at experienced photographers.”
That fits perfectly with the rumors I received saying that Panasonic is working on a Micro Four Thirds version of the popular [shoplink 20740 ebay]Panasonic L1 (Click here to see that cam on eBay)[/shoplink]. And one more hot news: “Kitao told us that the company’s next priority is the GH series and bringing out a successor to the [shoplink 16254]GH2[/shoplink]” and “Improving EVF resolution and refresh rate is a priority and Panasonic intends to liaise with its supplier, Epson, to achieve this.”
I also received some news about that and will write more soon on 43rumors. Stay tuned! Lot’s of Olympus rumors coming too 😉
UPDATE: In an interview with Amateur Photographer, Kitao said Panasonic is committed to the Micro Four Thirds system and has no plans to change the sensor format. “Once we launched the G system we have a responsibility to continue the system“. My personal take on that. Mr, Kitao, this sounds like “would like to change format but I can’t“! You should have answered something like that: “Why change sensor format? m43 is the best format to realize compact and good quality mirrorless cameras!” Better communication please 😉
129 Responses
Hooray!
Any idea when this will be out?
Not so far away 😉
Nice, thanks! Hope that is sometimes before winter, I would like to compare this new machine with the up-coming Ricoh GXR M-mount unit
and just when I just decided to grab a GF1…
Admin wrote:
> Panasonic is working on a Micro Four Thirds version
> of the popular Panasonic L1…
Well, hardly popular. They didn’t sell many (as also Olympus didn’t sell many E-3xx). That is the main reason these two companies will hardly ever design “rangefinder like” camera.
Geekish 43rumors readers population asking for such a design is hardly big enough, to persuade manufacturers to make something like that. That’s why Panasonic has “DSLR like” viewfinder cameras in portfolio.
Popular from an astethic point of view. It didn’t sell a lot because of other reasons (price, bad sensor performance compared to the competition and so on).
i agree with the L1 being a beautiful design, but what i didn’t understand why olympus was forced to drop their e-300/330 design and went back to the regular dslr design with the e-500…i liked the e-300 alot and it was easy for me to put t a very small shoulderbag plus a sony viao picturebook..that was vry compact set back in 2005
I agree, it’s not the design that turned me off from the L1, it was the performance. There were simply much better cameras available for less money. Also, it was quite large and had a poor viewfinder. Really, the only thing they got right was the aesthetics. Hopefully Panasonic is aware of that when they make a m4/3’s version.
Excellent! What has gotten into them 🙂 ? The pace of Panasonic releases is only matched by Sony, which has three lines of ILCs – mirrorless, SLT and DSLR.
it is that exactly. sony is driving them to compete. they are huge rivals in japan.
i hope it will be a m4/3 version of L1 (interchangeable) and not LC1 (fixed lens)
That’s what I am waiting for. I love the GF1 and nothing I have seen so far compares.
Agreed, GF1 is still king in my books for what it is.
Oh, ok for bodies, but we wont lens!! A cheap stupid 50mm f/1,8??
+1
We already have 15 lenses (18 when the latest ones are delivered) whereas NEX has 3 (4 when the latest one is delivered). Not that I wouldn’t want more, but it’s a little unfair to complain.
Looks like all those people concluding that Panasonic had “lost the plot” with the GF3 rumor maybe don’t have anything to complain about now! Lets just hope it has that built in “EVF, IBIS, dials in a weather sealed body”
The trolls can always find something to bicker about.
Fingers crossed for the coming new GF…
Good! The more the better. It’s just that entry level always seems to get the highest priority…
I suppose the new Leica is a good indication of what’s coming next. We all know what kind of camera this lens requires 😉
Guys,
I really love 43rumors but I “hate” it as well – for one certain reason.
Immediately you accomodate to an idea of buying a good camera you are promised by the next, “much better” one.
No, thanks! 😀 I’ll buy the G3, I can’t wait anymore.
And this is my highest recommendation for all the folks from here:
Time is precious! Never wait for the better camera! Just buy the good one and take beautiful pictures!
1+
No need to hate me! I still use my old Mamiya 7 for 80% of my pictures. And the “old” E-P1 does the rest! I fully agree with you, don’t wait for the newest camera!
😀
> Time is precious! Never wait for the better camera! Just buy the good one and take beautiful pictures!
E-620 + 12-60/PL25 – still goes strong.
All I was waiting for is the promised Oly upgrade path. But that became mood point too: why on earth would I buy a camera/system from such unstable and erratic company?
And since I do not like the ergonomics of the Pannay, I guess I will have too look for an /upgrade/ somewhere else. (I’m not even sure why I’m still reading the 43rumors: m43 doesn’t have a single camera I really like.)
Some kind of GF1/X100 hybrid will make me very happy.
Will it have an electronic and noiseless shutter?
thats it.. im eating instant noodles to save up!
Yes, that seems something to save up for.
Here is my hope for features in such a body:
– rangefinder style like smaller L1/LC1 merged with X100 type design
– built-in EVF top corner
– multi-aspect sensor as per GH line
– manual controls as much as possible – maybe dial for shutter speeds plus a thumb wheel for aperature control
– I dont mind if they cant fit in a built-in flash
Any other thoughts?
solid metal and all-weather body
1080p/60p video
dual SD card slot
*built-in “bounce” flash as the original L1 is much appreciated
Also, add a sensor of which the priority while designing it was on dynamic range and low noise rather than on a high pixel count. It doesn’t have to be more than 12 megapixel imho. The G3 sensor is cool, but not quite satisfying.
Configurable
– Why not switch the focus dial to something else like aperture?
– Why not switch iA to a shutter button (Huh fast – do the best you can!)
This body will of course have all the features of current GF series including a touch screen. This makes switching through options for custom configuration quite easy.
And this style of cam could benefit from an open application platform. If you don’t like or miss something it’s possible to be added later, just like you would change a lens for your needs…
Yey – an L1 µ4/3 version with a viewfinder?! Sounds good.
Any news on the rumoured fast zooms or fast portrait length lenses? Anything at all?!!
admin
any word on when apps will be coming to Micro Four Thirds as the new GF3 has drag and drop in the menus…
no idea, but I know they are working on it…
Timelapse would do well I think.
Apps? That sounds very cool! Would be awesome if they could add some like what you can get for the iphone!
yeah maybe one with a wedding photo check list/ notes you could tick off “have to get” shots as you get them on your app
Sony is the only one on the right track, with their auto HDR and panorama Stiching
This sure will be interchangeable lens m43. However, I don’t mind if they going to make fixed lens or even true RF camera because I want high quality compact lens like X100.
There’s no causal relationship between high quality lenses and RF camera body.
Watch carefully, Olympus. You’re walking close to the edge. Maybe it’s time to shift focus away from new art filters…
take a look at flickr and 500px consumers love the art filters, also art filter apps are some of the most popular apps on iphone
God I hate art filters, such a painful gimmick.
I actually like the communication from Panasonic. At least they’re saying that they’re committed to the platform. Wish Oly had said as much regarding classic Four Thirds :/
+1.
But Oly … Oly even can’t commit to “43 is dead.” All they give us is the “mirrorless is the future” what (when comes from marketroids) sounds rather stupid and irresponsible. For it says “43 is dead,” but only between lines, without commitment. And btw neither that spells they do commit to m43. So good luck, mina-san.
Current PEN bodies lack major features the E system had
– Focus and continuous shooting is just to slow. With major improvements here there’s chance the can replace E series by mirrorless cams.
– View finder
And bodies are to small for those fantastic but large Zuiko Digital lenses. Providing a grip/battery/FT adapter for PEN (pro) style bodies may be the way
M4/3 category is looking much more interesting all of a sudden. Let’s hope that within 6 months there are several high end bodies to match the ever increasing quality lens selection.
well kitao knows that M34 sensors are verly limited… he is a pro he knows that.
wow!!! maybe this one is the one we are waiting for a long time !
my old lc1 in a m43 version !!! i got a lc1, a gf 1 and a x 100 , melt them together, and this will be the perfect camera !
* there is always a hint of sarcasm and scepticism in the way amateur photographer reports four thirds and micro four thirds news 🙁
if interview has been reported correctly Panasonic hints they may drop pixel count for GH3 😀
EP-3 or GF-1 successor…
first one to make rangefinder body with tilt/swivel screen gets my $$.
Come on, m4/3, don’t let Samsung beat you to it.
“first one to make rangefinder body with tilt/swivel screen gets my $$”
+1
and my €€.
note: IBIS required
Tilt swivel is desirable and IBIS (from Panasonic) is day draming quite unfortunately.
I’d much rather see EVF and oversized sensor.
Panasonic won’t put IBIS in it, because it is not in their interest. With the bad decision of Olympus not to put OIS in their lenses, Panasonic is now in a very comfortable position as its lenses are attractive to both Olympus and Panasonic users (lots of Olympus owners have bought Panasonic lenses), whereas almost no Panasonic user has interest in Olympus lenses (no stabilization).
This game can only change, if Olympus dares to release an advanced body, like the GH2 (not necessarily DSLR shape though), instead of relying on this getting old PEN bricks.
It also works the other way round. Some pana lenses like 7-14, 14, 20 and new 25 benefit from Oly bodies.
And Oly lenses like 9-18 or 14-42II are a good choice for small package on pana bodies too.
Panasonic will NEVER integrate IBIS as their G system lenses have IS at longer focal lengths.
43RC said “EP-3 or GF-1 successor…”. So If GF1 successor does not have IBIS, E-P3 surely will.
So some will expect pany to mimic the almighty X100.
And… What Olympus doing now?
So Panasonic, Olympus, and Pentax are all releasing X100-like cameras soon. Sounds good to me!
And the M43 LC, like the GF1 better be bundled with the 20mm 1.7. Been waiting for that lens to be back in stock for a while now.
or the 25mm f/1.4!
+1 much more sensible. GH3 and GR1 bodies with either the 25mm f1.4 or the as yet unannounced 12-35mm f2.0. Same spec, same sensors different body options.
Then the Panasonic/Leica Macro 4/3 medium format for spring 2012.
Exactly…if Panasonic actually produces the camera that “we have all been waiting for”…it should come with the best prime lens..and the 25mm f/1.4 Leica-branded “could” be it. (I will wait to see what the reviews are like…).
If Panasonic actually produces this camera (with an improved sensor) and bundles it with the new lens…I will buy it…even though I own a 20mm f/1.7!!!!!
Oh, everyone will see the buzz the X100 generated and rush to copy it. Question is, will they correctly figure out what caused the buzz, let alone what kept so many X100 users from returning a camera whose software can only be called beta at best? ;~)
Let’s see, add dials, make it silver and black, put a combo OVF/EVF in, charge US$150 for a lens hood, does that cover it?
Thing is, the image quality (sensor AND lens) is what makes most people keep their X100 DESPITE the fact that it’s bigger and heavier than expected, the dials move when you’re not looking, the focus is terrible, the OVF is inaccurate (and did I mention the focus is terrible when you rely on it with the OVF?).
I would love to see a bigger sensor. A 1,5 crop factor would be a lot better I think. I have a lot of 50mm legacy lenses and the 100mm equivalent is a bit too long for my linking… Plus the reduced DOF would be a real bonus 🙂
How will the change of sensor size affects the M43 lenses today, if the are not adapable then it would kill the M43. For 1.5 crop, try NEX.
But I like the IBIS too much for that 🙂
Well it puzzles me that Sony hasn’t implemented it on their NEX line…
They try so hard to make NEXs slim.
I don’t know that I can buy an m4/3 with the updated comment. I don’t want something that will be abandoned. I need a stable system.
you’re going to base your entire purchase decision on the updated comment which attempts to read between the lines of a one-line off-hand quote on a blog post on 43rumors.com. that’s hilarious.
If you’re going to make a bigger sensor make it 40x30mm. Done.
This is more like it Admin! Skip the E-bay crap and go for the rumors instead.. Good working! 🙂
m43 has too small a sensor.
you need rediciolous fast lenses to get good DOF.
handling will always be compromised on very small bodys.
it´s toy stuff….
“you need rediciolous fast lenses to get good DOF”
I get a great DOF from my 14-150 zoomed a bit, when it’s around F5.
That was what I was going to say, with zoom lens and good distance, you will still get good portraits. As long as the distnce is not a problem. Looking forward to a better quality zoom portait, like the 70 – 200 F 2.8
There is always the Voightlander 25mm f/0.95.
Go and find your 5D mk2.
if you need shallow DoF, Pentax 645 is your best bang for the buck at digital MF 😉
There are of course situations for thin DOF. But better go FF for these style of pictures.
For video or daily shooting a little less focus blur helps a lot get more keepers.
Too small a sensor by what standards?
And what is a “good DOF”? Not every photograph requires a DoF of a couple of inches with everything else blurred. There is more to photography than a ridiculously blurred background…
More and more professionals are getting Micro Four Thirds cameras as a second system to have with them at all times.
I agree, can’t wait to see a GF1 successor with built-in viewfinder in top left corner, and ideally dedicated shutter speed dial plus electronic shutter option like G3/GH2.
If Panasonic can pull that off – and recent evidence makes me believe they can – they’ll have a real winner on their hands.
A GF type body targeting the experienced photographer is what I expect Panasonic will release to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lumix brand. While an excellent camera, the GH2 doesn’t look unique enough to celebrate the brand.
I am hoping for a rangefinder style camera with EVF but the more I think about it the more I wonder whether Panasonic will just go back to the form factor of the GF1 when it ends up splitting the GF series with one for enthusiasts. If the GF is meant to be the compact line with:
– GF3 for P and S upgraders
– GF? for experienced photographers
I wouldnt expect that many experienced photographers would go for a GF3 without hot shoe etc (I know some will just for the compactness as a 2nd body).
So what do ‘enthusiasts’ want the most – do they want a compact body but with better controls etc? Is a GF just meant as a second body? If the user wants a VF then Panasonic might say get a G3 or GH3 or alternately use an external accessory EVF. If Panasonic is only doing one model for enthusiasts and this GF? has a built VF then it could be almost as big as a G3 just with a flat top and VF in the top corner. What then is the option for someone wanting a quality, good controls in a small form factor? Not a GF3. So maybe it might just be like an improved GF1. I dont know – just speculating. Any other thoughts?
Ideally there should probably be three GF models:
– GF3 for P&S
– GF1 replacement – compact good controls
– GFL1? an LC1/L1 styled body with built-in EVF
“I wouldnt expect that many experienced photographers would go for a GF3 without hot shoe etc (I know some will just for the compactness as a 2nd body).”
Pros, not forum rats, pros: they will love the GF3 for what it does, not what it doesn’t do.
I know one having fabulous Nikon gear she uses for her living …and a Canon s95, which she loves for what it is.
In other words : I would not expect that many experienced photographers to put anything at all on a GF3’s hot shoe, had it had one. Not even an EVF.
.”A GF type body targeting the experienced photographer is what I expect Panasonic will release to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lumix brand”
I would expect an LC1/L1 type camera bundled with the 12-50 2.5-3.5 fast zoom. The sexy L1 bounce flash,real dials and switches,two control wheels and an articulating screen and EVF. With the GH3 sensor. Now that would be tenth aniversary for me and I’ll pay Panasonic prices to get one. I love my L1 but it’s big and heavy, the kit lens is superb. Another instant classic
Dig out the original sketch of L1, replace all the electronics, and sensor. Change the nameplate, put on a new kitzoom (12-50) then we have it!
Yes, I’m dreaming about that scenario too, but this dream won’t come true.
This is the best rumor since the GF1 was announced. Perhaps Panasonic is actually going to split the GF line and give us what we want instead of point and shoot cameras, (GF2, GF3).
They can call the new camera the BA1 (as in Bad Ass). 🙂
Here’s what I don’t get: why is Panasonic announcing new models before delivering those they’ve already announced? (Still waiting for my G3, Panasonic.) They’re getting dangerously close to the “I’ll just wait to see what’s next” reaction from customers.
Both Panasonic and Olympus need to think more about the “story” they’re telling potential (and existing) customers. Too many people are beginning to think “random” is the story.
Meanwhile, both P and O have inventory buildup of much older models they need to clear out. So we’re back to the US$399 m4/3 body+lens (e.g. E-PL1 right now). This is lowering price expectations for new models, yet they’re coming in at old prices (e.g. US$699 for GF3+lens). Again, the “story” isn’t consistent.
Seems as if Panasonic are re-actively responding to Sony’s scatter-gun. Whilst Olympus say they are waiting for the tech to improve the boat sails away. Still interesting times. Looking forward to a comparison between Ricoh’s GXR m-mount, the Nex-7 and this rumored pro GF.
Yeah, you have a point here.
Still using my G1 and added cheap GF2 lately. GH2/G3 are fine but maybe GH3 is a better upgrade. Or wait for G(H)4 and get an additional lens first…
Panasonic acts on MTF like a P&S series. While doing so on GF(2/3) line may maybe on G line is ok the GH and GR(?) series should be more stable. Releasing every two years may be more suitable. One year a GH the next year a new GR. And a firmware upgrade so features from latest body get available for last year’s model would be a trust building move by Panasonic.
I think Panasonic has this ancient idea that if they flood the market with different models then the costumer would think that they are doing very well and hens buy into the system,
I believe that Panasonic is looking for its costumers and is unsure who they are.
The truth is that panasonic has released only 3 cameras thus far G1,GH1,GH2 all the others are just variations (the gf1,gf2 is basically stripped down G1, so is the G2(a g1 with touch screen), GH1-the first video camera, GH2-the new G3 is a stripped down GH2)
So instead of working on a substantial cameras/sensor and moving the format forward they were busy with flooding the market with old technology and i believe the consumers can see that
admin,
Would be nice to hear something about Olympus on this Panasonic day.
What, that Olympus is going the same route? ;~)
From what I know GF3 = Pen Mini (E-PM1). Same target, same sensor, same thinking.
Other than that we get the usual modest updates to the other Pen bodies (E-PL3, E-P3).
Did you really want to hear that?
Thom,
Sad but true. I can understand the need for Olympus to bring out a Pen Mini but in my opinion if the E-PL3 and the E-P3 are minor updates then there will not be enough product differentiation (unless they really surprise with the E-P3).
What are your thoughts as to what features Panasonic should design into another GF line, aimed at the more ‘experienced’ photographer? Would something along the lines of the L1/LC1 be the right way to go? Should it have EVF as many of us hope or should they go compact but with advanced controls as per GF1?
Well, first of all, they need to stop calling everything G. G, GH1, GH2, G10, G20, G2, G3, GF1, GF2, GF3. Okay, then, G means nothing other than it’s a m4/3 camera. The 1, 2, 3 mean nothing other than generation of design (some would say that they don’t even mean that). Hire someone other than engineers and get some real names. (I’m not going to waste my time suggesting any; that’s the sort of thing I do for money ;~).
Then we’d see that a GF for real photographers, as hinted at, isn’t part of the GF line at all, it’s a return to something they moved away from.
It really isn’t that hard to come up with the “design.” Elevate all the common decisions to direct controls/buttons/dials. Improve image quality (not just in JPEG). Improve “viewfinding” however it is done (internal EVF, external EVF, color LCD). Add features (GPS, intervalometer, HDR, etc.). Put it all in a GF-1 sized body. How hard was that?
Wandering around Olympus site I found an article I had missed before on the E-PL1 design. A few quotes:
“The PEN E-P1 and E-P2 were hit products, and before starting to design a new model to succeed them, we decided to carry out in-depth research to investigate what users wanted from PEN cameras.”
Interesting. But the connection is doubtful in practice, as the things highest on actual user lists didn’t show up in the E-PL1. So maybe they’re referring to users of something else ;~).
“There are people who understand SLR cameras and those who do not. The PEN E-PL1 was created for the latter market.”
Seems to invalidate the first quote. But confirms that the E-PL1 is essentially the same thing targeted at a different user.
“People may be surprised to hear that we didn’t have a predetermined concept in mind when we started to design the PEN E-PL1.”
“Surveys of PEN E-PL1 purchasers have shown a substantial increase in the percentage of females. White is especially popular. Most of the people who chose white said that they thought the camera looked “cute.” It’s unusual for people to buy a digital SLR camera because it’s cute.”
When you see the Pen Mini, remember that last quote. And compare to the GF3.
“People may be surprised to hear that we didn’t have a predetermined concept in mind when we started to design the PEN E-PL1.”
No I am not surprised by that at all. It seems the driver for the E-PL1 was to get a flash in a Pen model, to reduce the cost as much as possible over the E-P1/2 and to get it in a few different colors. Oh to also get rid of handy control wheels.
Interesting article. I will remember that quote when I see the Pen Mini. Are you hinting at anything there? I wonder how the styling will look compared to the GF3.
Great to get a bit of a roadmap ‘from the horse’s mouth’! Should head off some disgruntlement from GF1 fans unhappy at the way the GF line is going, and also give encouragement to those patient people who buy m43 gear because they like the size and because they bet that as the format matures it will eliminate its main practical drawbacks compared to DSLRs. Looking forward to more announcements in the near future!
One has to remind that the advantage of m4/3 is not only smaller lenses but also more resolution from edge to edge.
It seems interesting that Kitao mentions the new ‘pro’ model together with the GH3 priority.
Perhaps Panny doesn’t automatically believe that an expensive model will be a money maker, as much as the GHx, especially if it won’t be videocentric.
That might explaln also that Oly is in no hurry to deliver one. They must prove to the general public that 4/3 is viable, and even, that it is the best format for mirrorless, in order not to make the bad end that classic 4/3 did.
Personally I think they are very good, but brand recognition does not play in their favour. Therefore the priority to entry level cameras, and video.
True, m43’s success has been built by building a large owner base making it attractive to 3rd parties by targeting that lower middle and video. With the GF3 is a direct response to NEX and everyone saying NEX is smaller and has an APS-C sensor. The pro-gf and even the gh would be about enchancing their perception up the ways. Do they need to? *shrugs* As has been mentioned, all moot if they are not delivering the products to the shelves.
With the GF3, m43 version of L1, G3 and the GH3, Panasonic has a nice product range!
Panasonic is doing wel!
For Olympus is still all unclear!
A more durable camera with analog controls a’ la X100 is the single issue I have with m4/3. Indeed with 12 Mpx we have outreached film, except perhaps for dynamic range.
So if any of mirrorless makers concentrates on photographic issues, instead of trendy perks, such camera could be a success. Spending 1200 $ or worse, EU implies that one would keep such a camera for a few years, despite technological progress.
However perhaps times are mature enough for getting such high tier cameras. If Fuji gets there before O&P they will lose an opportunity. But, follow the lenses: if O&P succeed to have a good lineup in the Leica focal range plus some ultrawides, I’ll keep faith to them.
My preference however goes to IBIS, because of the MF lenses I love. Having an all metal body with all metal and glass lenses would be no mean tactile and aesthetic pleasure.
A rangefinder which is sturdy and balanced well enough to use some heavier lenses too.
amalric, do you think there will be an interchangeable lens X100? I think Fuji would have another hit on their hands if they came out with one.
Yes, A Fuji representative spoke about a successor to the X100, and ILS. But Fuji has no lenses, so either they make them or choose and existing mount.
OTH both the new PL 25mm, the Oly coming 12/2 and portrait lens hint to higher tier cameras.
So it will be Fuji egonomics and sensor against O&P lenses, give or take one year.
I don’t have the crystal ball, but some interesting challenge is coming.
BTW Sammy is getting there too: they showed the top of a camera with wheels a’ la X100.
A combination of manual controls with advanced technology like the X100 viewfinder, and IL, is really a killer for a no-frills photographer.
Yep, similar here, but I guess we are not directly where the money is 🙂 I think you do need to have the higher level models in the stable to improve the overall perception of the brand otherwise you’ll be forever slugging it out at the lower end. Seems Olympus is currently happy there but I hope Panasonic don’t spend their time trying to out Sony Sony. Don’t think so though. These releases from Panasonic seem more about sorting out their product differentiation and getting a settled product line. No idea where Olympus are.
For my needs I “just” want 1080/60p, m mount compatibility, good manual controls, and a decent native mount long telephoto. So it may be a two company solution with the GXR for street/portrait, the GH3 for video and dabbling in wildlife. And whichever I have on me for landscape. But the NEX 7 or GF pro may be a one camera solution.
There is one thing I do not understand …. what are Olympus’s plans regarding their exquisite SHG lenses? These lenses are a class on their own. Everybody including competitors think so. Their 43 system is catching up. Again everybody thinks so. I do not see big, bright, beautiful SHG lenses with an adapter on a PEN camera with a dozen artfilters being a valid option.
I once read that Olympus highly regretted their decision to abandon the OM system. Seems that they are going for the same route … loyal customers are left behind.
Why is it so difficult to communicate a clear path, a path of confidence to their customers?
Is there a time frame for the “holy grail”?
I don’t have much hope of seeing a decent integrated EVF AND G3 sensor in a future GF model since then there would then be no reason for anyone to buy the G3. Why buy a G3 when you can have a smaller camera that does exactly the same?
My guess is that it will get either the G3 sensor or an EVF in a slightly slimmed down body from the GF1. Possibly the G3 sensor + improved EVF external add on.
A fast 12-45 zoom would be nice but I won’t hold my breath. For me length of lens is more important that width. An F2.5 12-45 zoom that is shorter than the current 14-42 would be fine even if it is wider that the 14-42.
i hope if it does have an external viewfinder then we can use it with the gf1, i still love my gf1
Non-right eye dominant people might prefer a central VF; the ‘GF1 Pro’ probably wouldn’t have space for an articulated screen; potentially different kit lenses… I think there are a few things that could distinguish the lines.
Some people prefer rangefinder-style, some people prefer SLR-style. Anyway, on the assumption that GH’s aren’t aimed at stills enthusiasts, it doesn’t seem excessive to have one RF-style stills enthusiasts’ camera and one SLR-style one. To me, anyway.
Anyone else actually like the 2x crop? Id love a teleconverter sometime too. Thats why I loved the 4/3 format for wildlife. Theres plenty of shallow depth of field available for cheap but its reach that is hardest and costs. ADMIN! Any rumors on accessories like Teleconveter/AF adapter for manual lenses/Full frame focal reducer? M43 would kill them all with such devices.
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/panasonic_lumix_gf3_aims_to_widen_csc_market_news_308062.html
“In an interview with AP, Kitao said Panasonic is committed to the Micro Four Thirds system and has no plans to change the sensor format. ‘Once we launched the G system we have a responsibility to continue the system,’ he said”
does that mean, someone else does have plans to change the sensor format, ‘O’?
I’m hoping for MACRO 4/3 from Panasonic – 40mm x 30mm 40-80 megapixel plus sensor that is modular a la the nikon D800 rumors without the 3:2 aspect ratio.
The high end choice currently is the Hasselblad H4D with really unrealiable RAW capture from Phocus, the Phase One/Mamyia 645DF with the best RAW software available (Capture One) or the untried and untested in the field Pentax 645D.
The Leica S2 is interesting but it uses the mid range 3:2 aspect ratio and I’m not sure how the sales are going? It could be a great opportunity for a Panasonic Leica Macro 4/3 high end system camera – Panasonic make the sensors and bodies and Leica deal with the glass. Now that would be something to get really excited about and take plenty market share from Canikon.
Put a short distance (for medium format) mount on the thing and get out a load of adapters (like what made m4/3 more appealing) so that people can use all the great medium format glass that needs bodies to use on. Make it mount Mamiya 7ii lenses and it’s over!
Hope bordering on delusion. They just released another E-pee camera and you think theres a chance they will bring something like this out to save there camera business?
They really should not have removed those absinthe laws.
Frankly advices to P&O are worth two cents a dime especially from Nikon watchers and FF watchers
M4/3 is not your next medium format or FF and never will be. Focal reducers, I read, must be specific for each lens, making them inconvenient.
If you don’t like Micro buy something else instead of trying to f. up a system you don’t understand. Give it a couple of months and the full range of Micro options will be apparent.
The most flexible system is indeed flexing its muscles 🙂
A focal reducer adapter is completely possible for old manual lenses. How do I know this? As I have made one myself from a ten dollar astronomy focal reducer. It aint spot on but works. With some Olympus optical engineering goodness, a focal reducer should be 99% useable at all focal lengths.
I like micro 4/3 it is a great system, I think there’s a place for Macro 4/3 as well is all I’m saying, I think it would probably be a wise move seeing as there is a finite shrinking market for the compact camera business. Mobile phones will eat into the low end. It won’t be long before there is an m4/3 (or similar) mobile phone I am sure. (6 months – 3 years).
Well, I can stick with my E-PL1 for a while longer, so it will be interesting what both Panasonic and Olympus will throw onto the market. With Olympus I already got a hunch it will be just an updated E-P3 with nothing revolutionary, we already know it will not have an integrated EVF. My interest in Olympus wanes although I am depending on their IBIS for my old Minolta legacy glass. If the rumor comas true and Panasonic is indeed releasing a camera that has more or less the PEN style form factor with a built in IBIS and enough buttons and dials at the right place to control exposure settings in every mode, including a way to manipulate exposure compensation without using a touch screen or something like that, I will probably ditch Olympus for Micro Four Thirds and go to Panasonic. They already produce the better lenses.
I sure hope someone from Olympus is reading this. We have about 7 Olympus cameras lying around at home, most of them being Four Thirds bodies, including an E-5 and an E-30. I really like Olympus, but if Panasonic comes up with something like a Micro Four Thirds L1, then the decision will come very easily.
I think Olympus haters should be banned from this forum or at least taught to be civil. They have done enough damage.
I will also believe in Panny’s IBIS the day I see it.
My question is when Canon release Mirror less camera…
you came to the wrong forum 😀
If X100 is all about sensor and lens, I haven’t seen any samples from it that any µ4/3 with Panny pancake can’t match (unless your shooting black cats in a coalmine)
Then there’s the PL25, Oly 12 f/2.0, to add to your $400 EPL1.
I didn’t hear buzz about the sensor and lens, it was always the EVF/OVF and retro styling that made headlines. In fact, most say the noninterchangeable lens, though nice, is the biggest negative.
I understand that people are getting impatient but makers have roadmaps.
It might be a matter of a mere 2-3 months before we see advanced m4/3 cameras in the same ballpark of the X100, but with IL.
If HG lenses are coming, advanced bodies might not be far away. I am sure Admin is checking rumors about them too. But understandably they must be the most guarded secret.
Why warn the competition in advance if you have a killer camera?
digi…don’t get me wrong…I love my GF1…but at higher ISO the X100 blows away all of the MFT cameras including the GH2. There is no contest. I will not buy an X100 because of the fixed-lens situation…but it DOES have some serious tech savy with all of its caveats. No doubt.
GH3 to have emphasis on low light performance, new EVF technologies.
http://www.eoshd.com/content/3061/gh3-to-have-emphasis-on-low-light-performance-new-evf-technologies
super! 🙂 i can’t wait