Image on top shows the current GM1.
I am 99% sure the next new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera will be a new GM2 with built-in EVF. It will be the world’s most compact system camera with built-in evf. And I am yet not 100% sure about that but one anonymous source said it has 4K video recording too!
It will likely cost more than the current GM1 which sells for $748 with lens at Amazon or with $100 discount as [shoplink 47449 ebay]Open Box at Samys[/shoplink].
This will be the only new MFT camera coming from Panasonic. There will be also a Four Thirds sensor fixed lens camera (specs yet not known).
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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
255 Responses
buy buy buy
Hoping for a clean 10 bit 4:2:2 HDMI output too.
In-body stabilization would be nice. Any chance for it?
Highly unlikely, GX7 had stabilization for still only, but it was a much larger body. For the video side, I’d rather have 2K recording capability, which opens up post options for stabilization processing for 1080P finish.
YYYYESSSSSSSSSSS!
PERFECT!
SOLD!
I was sorely tempted by the GM1, but the lack of an EVF, or the ability to add one, kept me from buying one. My girlfriend really wanted one, but after she used our GX1 for a bit, now will only use it with the LVF2.
Hopefully this rumor is the Real McCoy!
HUGE news for a TINY camera.
Even if the electronic shutter remains a let down.
I agree, hope this is one of the things they change with the GM2, or some other solution for the banding effect with artificial lighting.
And Bob’s your uncle if it gets 4K!
yes some simpeltons will believe everything….
I’m hoping for live video out with remote shutter release and 60fps, this would then take the aerial photography market by storm
Live and clean / uncompressed option too.
Sounds great – I’m hoping the 4K rumor is true. I would also love to see a battery grip, which would also make the camera better suited for larger lenses when you need them. Also panasonic, please add electronic stabilisation for video.
this just kills gm1 sales
Pretty sure it will get a price cut. IMHO, if the GM1 sells for $300 or so less than the GM2, there will certainly be a market for both.
No MFT camera from Panasonic besides this GM2! So, you mean there won’t be any GX8? But the GX7 as been discontinued and there will be no G7. People have to either buy the big expensive GH4 or a tiny expensive GM2 if they want a new MFT camera? What a strategy! I suppose that’s one way to force people to buy old Panasonic cameras. However it is more likely to be a way to get Panasonic owners who want a decent, compact and reasonably priced new MFT camera to buy the E-M10 or E-PL7. Brilliant!!
The GX7 is an enthusiast-level camera. Those are usually replaced every 2-3 years, whereas entry-level cameras get replaced annually. The GX7 has not been discontinued, I wonder why people think that it has?
GX7 hasn’t been discontinued. OTOH, I really think that they miss not having a G7
dear god, thanks panasonic. I will giving my GM1 to my wife.
As a GM1 owner, one thing I do have envy of other cams, is the ability to “low shoot”. It would be great if the GM2 has the tilting EVF from the GX7 (but better resolution) OR an up/down tillable screen. I’d prefer the tilting EVF, though.
so it may be announced soon but release date will be 2014 or 2015?
It would be a strange move to announce it now, but not release it before Christmas sales. I think a 2014 release is a safe bet.
Yes , GM2 is for me too .
What about sensor tech inside it ?
I always want to have this little gem camera but everytime hold back when thinking I have a GX1 .
This might be the great motivation I owned this master piece .
EVF from the GX7 (but better resolution) OR an up/down tillable screen. I’d prefer the tilting EVF
http://radyabkhodro.net
Sounds near perfect. Can’t wait to see how the buttons and dials feel. Good controls still matter to me, even on a camera like this that’s prioritizing size. But this could be the most exciting announcement of Photokina.
i have yet so see someone with the GM1. i hear it doesn´t sell well.
I have it. And I tell ya, when I was travelling, I felt so good carrying a point-and-shoot sized interchangeable lens camera. It was light, but coupled with a good lens like the Panasonic 15mm f1.7 or the Olympus 45mm f1.8, it took as good photos as many of those huge DSLRs people were carrying with them!
Likely better photos than most since most people with a DSLR are shooting only with the kit zoom that came with the camera. I personally didn’t fall in love with the ergonomics of the GM1 (too small for me, not enough physical controls for me), but I can understand its appeal.
Yeah, if you have big-ish hands the GM1 is small to hold, which is where the GX7 (or it’s successor) would come in.
Remember this patent? http://www.43rumors.com/new-panasonic-mft-camera-patent/
Yeah. that has to be it. Good find/good memory.
Is that a shutter button on the front?!?
No, it’s a dial in the front, like the one in the Nikon 1 V3.
I remember this design, but it’s not a GM2 – using the size of the lens mount as a reference, it is a much larger camera than the GM1; in fact, looks like a bit larger than the GX7.
My guess that it was a prototype for a GX8 – or a study for the to be launched (at the time) Leica T, consdering that the design is very look alike and the dominating LCD in the back (always had rumors that Panasonic was involved with Leica in the begening of the development of the T).
I love my GM1 (I have it in addition to the EM5), its a great little camera, and I am looking forward to what GM2 can deliver, I hope they keep the focus on having the smallest size possible.
That’s what they did with the GM1. Now they’re adding an EVF, which surely will make the camera larger, counteracting the entire rationale of the GM series. You might as well carry a Leica S!
Sony added an EVF to the RX100 MKII and it added a whopping 3mm to the thickness…
If true, this exceeds all of my hopes for the mythical “Trip D.” I hope that the EVF is on the left (no center hump) and there’s real ruggedization and a tilting LCD, but either way, this will be pretty enticing if the price is under US$1k
Hopefully there will be a two-lens kit with the 12-32mm and new compact 35-100mm.
PLEASE, Panasonic, release the BLACK body EVERYWHERE!
Agree, black body! That’s the colour of my GM1.
Yes! Silver and black versions everywhere. The two lens kit would be great. I’d love to see an option with the new 15mm too.
Is it possible that this GM2 will act as an LX7 replacement?
Good news 🙂 i wait for a contemporaneous launch of a fixed lens compact m43 camera witk gh4 video features. Is time to sell my GM1 before a new GM2 is on market.
Way too expensive a camera. It needs to be priced under the A6000. Unfortunately, Pana is pricing it against thr RX100 III, which is not it’s natural competition. As overpriced the RX100 III is, most people would still buy it over the GM series in a heartbeat.
Not I. I’d pick the GM because it can change lenses, larger sensor and touchhscreen and better high ISO performance.
Yes but many people don’t have to change lenses and then the RX100 MkIII is better deal since its lens is two stops faster than the 12-32.
You might change your mind after using the new Sony. I have a drawer full of m4/3 bodies and lenses considered the GM1 when it came out, but the sensor in the Sony is pretty good – very close to m4/3 in some tests – and, although I’m a prime user mostly, I kinda like having a fast zoom on a small camera with an EVF. I assume the GM2 would have an EVF similar to that of the Sony. It certainly would be an attractive offer, but then we’re back in the situation of choosing which lens to put on this little camera when we take it out. Not ideal. I like choosing lenses for my GH3, but not for a carry-daily camera in which you don’t know what your shooting situation is going to be at any given time. Not a RX100M3 fanboy here, but it is a nice complement to an m4/3, or any larger system.
It’s not just about IQ – the GM1 just operates and focuses lightning-quick, while the Sony is much slower and ponderous. You have to plan your shots much more, while the GM1 will give you lovely quick snaps (and the Ricoh GR is arguably the best in this regard).
I already have the RX100 MK1. I do use it along side my GM1. But a GM1 with the Olympus 45mm is superb compared to the RX100. If I need more range, I can slap on a Oly 40-150mm. If I want macro, the Olympus 60mm blows away what the RX100 can do. Yes, I know the MKIII has an improved 24-70mm lense. But what if you want something more than 70mm? For sure if I’m going to a party, I take the RX100 MK1 with me.
Yep, I picked the GM1 over the RX100. I simply asked myself, can my GM1 have a Panasonic 15mm f1.7 lens? Yep! Or the Olympus 45mm f1.8? Great! Or the Voigtlander 17.5mm f/0.95? Absolutely! Or the Panasonic 14-140mm? Sure! It’s super versatile compared to the RX100 imho.
But that defeats the point of a GM1, which is to be compact. I’m a big fan of Voigtlander lenses but I use them with my E-M5 on very specific occasions. Otherwise, I’d rather have a simpler compact camera.
It’s compact with the smaller prime lenses like the Panny 15mm or the Oly 45mm or even Oly 9-18mm – these lenses are good for travelling. However, when at home, I don’t mind using the Voigtlander as the quality is superb and I basically treat the lens like my camera body since it’s much bigger than the GM1 🙂
This. The RX100 fits in a jeans pocket, the GM1 with anything but the bodycap lens will not, at least without looking ridiculous.
As soon as you start attaching anything but the pancake, the effective size of the combo is the same as any other entry m43. If you have very limited space in your bag, or need one of its advanced features (like video), the GM1 is a good choice but otherwise the PM2 offers more bang for the buck.
What’s this obsession with stuffing cameras in jeans pockets? Pocketable to me means that the camera fits in a jacket or coat pocket. Who puts expensive equipment in their jeans pockets? I can’t even put my smartphone comfortably in my jeans.
No idea man. I don’t care either but looking at what price Sony can sell those, people obviously are obsessed with that.
Last time I checked many people carry their $$$ iPhone, Samsung and whatevers in their pockets.
They would sell a ton of these.
The GM1 is tiny, I mean really tiny. I hope they don’t depart from that aspect with the GM2… but this begs the question, where the heck does the EVF go exactly? The GM1 is pretty much one whole big (3″) LCD on the back. The buttons are (too) tiny and not much room for anything. A pop-up EVF would be sort of a bummer I think, surely a compromised electronic design. A center mounted EVF or even worse, a hump, would be atrocious for a GM design. Left corner please!!! If there is any compromise at all to the EVF, why even bother in the first place? So… being an extreme design, maybe Panasonic will be brave. Could this be the first mirrorless LCD’less camera? Just think, with that extra real estate on the back, the buttons could be nice and big, and have room for dedicated buttons, no need for touch screens and menus. Dedicated ISO and shutter speed knobs a la X-T1 would be fabulous. I know, I dream… unrealistic perhaps… If the flash has to go, fine by me, never used it.
imo lcd less woud be point less
I think it is generally known that the GM1 is not an “every person’s” camera. It is for those that want the utmost smallest in size, bodies that are just a bit larger offer many more features and quite frankly – have a bit better handling. I treat my GM1 sort of as a viewfinder, good for scouting and heck – it’s a damn great camera in its own right. 80% of my shooting is through an EVF or using a “loupe” in this case a Zacuto Z-finder. In my case, having an EVF will allow me to pull 3″ off the rear of my rig, which really couldn’t possibly get any smaller after that. A GM2, especially one that had 4K that was worth a damn, might find itself doing more serious shooting and not “just the viewfinder” for scouts and casual shooting. The loupe / LCD thing just gets old compared to a real EVF.
pic of rig…
Hi Tom,
How are you attaching the Zacuto Z-finder to the GM1? Does it line up nicely using the gorilla plate v2 or have you attached a frame?
I use the z-finder and gorilla plate with my GX7 but lose the left-hand side of the LCD unfortunately which sometimes puts my framing off in the thick of shooting (weddings).
Thanks in advance,
James
I use an EF to m43 adapter and SLR lenses. The GM1 is so small that the Gorilla Plate actually does not fit, and use a spacer between the plate and the camera. I do use a frame, though, and everything lines up fine with me. I loose a sliver of the right side of the LCD because I have to keep the frame far enough away from the buttons so I can still press them. Even still, making adjustments can be frustrating, so this news of an EVF is very welcome news for me.
Cheers Tom! Yes, will be very interesting to see how this GM2 turns out.
I have a LCDVF 3/2 for my GM1. It fits just perfect. 😉
Cheers Rinaldo =)
I agree btw about the loupe / lcd thing getting old. Wish the GX7 EVF was better, because sick of all these extra plates/weight and not being able to use the tiltable LCD without having to remove it all =)
Would buy something with better EVF than GX7 and 4k would be a bonus.
can you explain the the front module please? curious.
That’s an Arri MMB-2 matte box. Matte boxes serve a couple of different purposes… 1) to control light. Especially on film sets where there are typically a lot of lights, being able to control lens flares or loss of contrast is important, additional “french flags” can be attached for even more light control. 2) they hold filters, in this case, standard 4″x5.65″ rectangular and rotatable 4.5″ circular – for typical ND, polarizers, color, grades, etc… also is just a nice big square thing to hold onto, What’s missing here is my top handle and follow focus, but what you see is a pretty lightweight rig that can easily scale up to something a bit more serious when needed and “shooting for real”.
thankyou…a very interesting setup…the kens looks like a Leica but you are using an eos to mft adapter?
Leica Summilux-R 50 shown – all my lenses adapted for EF mount – most universal, so can get attached to RED, Black Magic, Sony, what have you.
At this point why are you not using a GH#?. Clearly this is a video setup and while the GM has decent video, you will get much better results from a GH camera. You said yourself that the loupe covers part of the screen and trying to push any buttons on the back is cumbersome. I this just a because I can thing or is there any practical reason to this? Genuinely interested….
The camera is a minor component in this, each component you see costs much more than the camera. The friggin matte box is more than the camera. You could probably buy 3 or 4 cameras for each lens… and those are primes, so a full set = a dozen+ cameras. The camera could easily be a RED Epic, GH#, A7, C300/500, etc… I personally like small cameras, so there’s a lot of situations that a GM1 @ 24p without a heavy duty codec is just fine or the other bodies are out working / shooting something else – or for what I’m doing, bringing serious iron is just silly. At this point, all cameras are seriously great for video (except Olympus or Fuji who don’t have manual modes and/or 24p). The GM1 is my sketchpad, my “viewfinder”, a cheap medium to explore and make mistakes and refine ideas.
I’m sorry, but this is one of the most ridiculous video rigs I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen some pretty asinine “FrankenRig” abominations.
i did use a zacuto on my e-p2 & ricoh gxr too, its a nice solution imo.
Well I guess I’ll wait. This will either make the GM1 cheaper or just be a much better camera overall.
Maybe Panasonic removed GF line and replaced by GM line?
Most likely the GF and G lines are gone. Only GM, GX, And GH will remain. If you want a cheaper camera, you buy last years model (think Apple iPhone). Good strategy in my opinion.
Alrighty the best little micro four thirds camera just got better! I love my GM1 especially when it can take on any Panasonic or Olympus m43 lens! Bring on the GM2!!! Hopefully Panasonic also fixes the dial button that’s currently too easy to accidentally press and invoke an unwanted menu item. Did I say I love my GM1?
Hopefully they’ll replace that lousy dial with a 4-way button. Add the typical Panasonic rear Control Wheel and it’ll be even better!
That lousy dial dampened my enthusiasm for the GM1 considerably.
Totally agree, even with my small hands, the dial wheel is much too fiddly and soft so I don’t use it.
would be nice if the evf has decent quality, but for such small camera i take it for granted if it has lcd only.
“I am 99% sure…”
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But you make it FT5?
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
2 things I would like to see:
1. Fix the scroll wheel, and
2. Flip screen
Evf is nice but for shooting low or high (and for those selfie, I am not one of those though), a flip screen is necessary.
I love my gm1 and have been using it more than my em5 unless I need the ibis at night. The electronic shutter, 1/16000, is so useful if you want to shoot wide open with the 25mm 1.4 or other fast lens.
Bring it on. Will buy definitely if it has 1 and 2.
Make it weatherproof, skip 4k and give it 2.5k RAW internal recording like the BMPCC, keep it super small and then if someone like Nauticam makes a nice housing it will be what I’m waiting for. If not I’ll probably settle for the new EM5. It’s getting a bit frustrating that m43 can do everything I want but not all in one camera yet because no way can I afford 2 housings.
Please don’t talk about features you obviously know nothing about.
Instant buy! Exactly what I’ve been hoping they would release, a tilting LCD and a faster mechanical shutter (or faster Electronic Shutter readout) along with the 4k and I’ll be ecstatic.
Might replace my E-P5 if it has an EVF close enough to VF-4 quality, even without IBIS. 4K would be a huge bonus. Would even buy GX8 with those specs if true.
As per my predict , GX8 is unlikely to happen . Pana did it right again .
Consider Oly hold EM5 successor for so long and the rumor of the A7000 as NEX 7 successor , Pana need to be aware the GX can’t be leave behind once more . I would urge Pana to continue hold it till a real breakthough took it’s place .
The GM2 is another smart move to answer the RX100m3 , make it cheaper then you will make us happy .
Yes, i think GM is replaced by GF series. A new camera GF was released every year. It’s time for a new GM and a new GX for every two years (GX1 2011, GX7 2013 and new GX 2015).
Hopefully the next GX can catch up with the much much anticipated OrganicSensor in 2015 , pair it with GlobalShutter , another Legendary product is born .
LEAKS PLS..! 😀
Stand up applause to Panasonic, please.
shut up and take my money
I’m waiting for such a small Pana to replace my GF1 but I can’t go without EVF.
We need a GM2, same size as the GM1, but with weather-sealing, two control dials, a good grip, fully-articulated screen, hot shoe, high-res EVF, three processors (like the Canon 1D X; two for image processing and one dedicated to autofocus and metering), extremely fast burst shooting with large buffer, no compromised flash sync speed, internal 4K recording, clean HDMI out, GPS, WiFi, NFC, and the possibility to install apps.
Make this happen now, Panasonic! We’re starting to lose our patience here!
Yes, 5-axis IBIS too, and a built-in flash. Thanks in advance, Panasonic!
And we want it at a price of 500 bucks or less! 😉
And it must cook me breakfast, otherwise my money stays where it is.
It’s funny to see how we long for the perfect camera, and then we defend what we are currently using if someone criticize it. 🙂
Personally I think that most of times we consider gear as objects of desire, and we think (wrongly) that new gear will improve our photography.
I had an epiphany looking at some pictures of an unknown photographer, and since then I started to consider my gear like a chef consider his pots: he knows by heart what he can do with them, and drools only over the results. 🙂 (this last image works perfectly, copyright is mine 😉 )
That! 🙂
No, happy to pay a grand for weather sealed gm2 with evf
Two function buttons is heaps for me, exposure lock and magnify
Ibis and flash is also important to me. But I hope for more improvements like a better battery life and a tilted screen.
Yes, iI am 99% sure that the GM2 will include a car, and a house and a wife, too…AND it won’t be any larger than the GM1!…the price will also be lower than the GM1, (that is because of the wife)
I would not care if the GM 2 would be a bit larger than the GM 1 if some improvements will be made. And I would not care if it costs Euro 200 more than the GM 1.
Nice! Although, as I don’t expect IBIS, not a camera for me, because I probably won’t ever own a significant number of stabilized lenses.
I hope the rumor is wrong and GM series will remain ultra small, adding a EVF will just make the camera bigger and not pocketable. The GX series is for people who want EVF’s, the GM1 was very nice because of it’s small size.
I am with you on that.
But if they keep the small size and manage to add an EVF, that would be great. The reason I did not buy the GM1 is because lack of EVF 🙂
Please check the Sony RX100 mk3 have an built-in evf. I hope same evf for the GM2 and i sell my GM1 and GX7. I only have 15/1.7, 20/1.7 and 45/1.8 lens.
What lens do you use to put it in your pocket?
Marco, I always wonder that too. 😉
Pocketable is subjective term. GM1 + Pan 20mm is my favorite combo and fits nicely in a bomber jacket or winter coat pocket.
And means absolutely nothing to people in Miami.
Pocketable implies the presence of a pocket, and usually that of a jacket or pair of jeans. Bags have pockets but I think tht usually people can put whatever common camera in a bag.
I’m not saying that you can’t put a GM1 in a pocket, but…isn’t it too bulky when a 17mm, a 15mm, a 25mm is mounted on it?
I know there are a 14mm pancake, a 17mm pancake and its kit zoom, but with most of m43 lenses I doubt it will fit easily/comfortably in a pocket.
All of this just to say that I don’t think an EVF will make it that big. 🙂
With the 17 or 15mm no problem, the 25mm (both of them) are a little bigger though.
True, but you can cover most bases with the 12-32 or the 20 (and maybe a 45 in a second pocket). In a Barbour jacket (although not in a suit jacket) even a Sigma 60 would fit comfortably.
Oly f8 lens cap 😉
Panasonic 12-32mm, 14mm, 20mm are all relatively small and fit nicely along GM1 in a lot of pockets. The GX7 with the same lenses is to big.
Same with me (except that I do not own a 14 mm); but, of course, we are talking about jacket or cargo pants pockets.
Of course!
I hope the price of the GM1 goes way down!
It’s maybe the best body since GF1 was released. I have the GX7 and i’m so happy with and GM1 that i’m already trying to sell it since this rumors43 here or it will be late, his price will dramatically decrease.
PannyMicroFanboisRejoice!
I’d rather have a screen like the G6 than an evf. If the screens not articulated I’ll probably look to the lx8 instead or maybe the fixed lens camera. I think Panasonic isset to release at least tw cameras I’ll find appealing. Well done.
I own gm1, but what I would like to see in gm2, instead of a evf, are:
1. better grip, it’s so tiny that it’s hard to hold it with just 1 hand when I flip the camera trying to take a selfie, my finger would accidentally hit the touch screen and set a focus point.
2. dial wheel placement, it’s very easy to hit the touch screen when I scroll the wheel using my thumb, I think remove that scroll wheel or add another scroll wheel to the mode dial would solve the problem.
3. articulated or tilted screen, I found it quite hard to take shots from ground level because gm1 is so tiny, a tilted screen would be far more useful than a evf.
4. IBIS 🙁 , I wanna get some olym lens because they are cheaper, but hesitated because the lack of ibis
5. NFC capability, this wasn’t in gm1, so hopefully there will be in gm2, just make setting up the connection easier.
6. able to shoot panorama
7. better portrait / face rendition… I seen the portrait shots taken using a nex-6 and I was amazed by how beautifully the skin tones are and how nicely it handles the skin softening…made me tempted to switch to sony. If Panasonic can provide the same thing, this will win many female users over!
8. built in GPS tagging
9. battery life – 4k video shooting is nice, but given gm1’s battery life, I doubt it will last long when turning on 4k recording, so hopefully the battery life will be improved to compensate.
10. more function buttons – on gm1 there is only 1 physical function button and 4 on screen function button, I wish if they could just add in 1-2 more function buttons or have a dedicated wifi connection button
Point 1,2,3,4,8,9,10 are due to the fact that the GM1 is very small, and it’s designed to be very small. There is always room for improvement, but when a camera is designed to be very small/light compromises have to be made. It’s almost the same as saying that you’ve bought a small car but want to have lots of space.
If those things more important then size and weight, you should get a GX7 or see if the optional grip improve things a little.
Portrait/face rendition is also very lens specific, plus personal taste, and correctable to liking in post. Panasonic normally has very good skin tone rendering, but again it’s personal.
Many people who own the camera and reviewers have commented that teh optional grip is quite nice. I can’t recall if it restricts battery and sd card insertion and removal though
Yes it is, and yes it does.
Still worth it.
David Franiec grip is very nice en doesn’t obstruct the battery/sd compartment
In my experience 4K recording consumes the same amount of battery as HD on the GH4.
A Franiec grip is good enough for me. But I would also like to see an IBIS and more control dials and buttons; perhaps the mode dial could be placed round the shutter button, a dial with an Fn button could replace the current mode dial in the right corner, a 2nd dial with an Fn2 button in the middle could replace the current focus dial, and the focus dial could be placed in the front (as in the Sony RX1). Hell, if you do not mind cramming it, there is even room for one more button/dial in the front (as in the http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/picrumors001/gm1_top_zpscce2ee5a.jpg) drawing, and even room for at least one lever, moving in a semi-circle round the mound, as in the old Olympus OM film SLRs…
Sounds like you need a full-featured, full frame camera. By the time Panasonic would all all these features the battery alone would be larger than the GM1.
Remember this?
http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/picrumors001/gm1_top_zpscce2ee5a.jpg
http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/picrumors001/gm1_bottom_zps33510b7e.jpg
Yep. That would be great!
As much as I like my GX7, if the EVF were centered it would be much better.
Don’t think this is it though, doesn’t seem to the have the same minimalistic design and ‘unibody’ built as the GM1, it has seams like a plastic body, and one of those ugly raised LCD panels.
That looks exactly like a GM1 with an EVF. Appears to have a decent amount of function buttons too… I’d be surprised if this wasn’t the final layout. Glad to see they ditched the rear dial/pad in favor of one on top.
We must have a different definition of exactly. And i wouldn’t say ‘ditched’, this patent is from before the GM1 even existed so there was nothing to ditch yet. 😉
If you can point out a camera in Panny’s model lineup that is closer to this patent picture than the GM1/GM2 I will immediately cede the point. Most folks know there are going to be differences between a patent picture and the final product, but the elements and shape seem pretty obvious even to the casual observer here. You can speculate on design motives all you want, but they still ‘ditched the dial’ if it doesn’t appear in a subsequent iteration.
Right, and all tablets look like the iPad. No more obvious than a Nikon V1 plus RX100, and some P7100 dial Frankenstein, look ‘exactly’ the same as this thing. It’s a camera with rounded corners and happens to have a MFT mount, that’s the only real similarity here.
“It’s a camera with rounded corners and happens to have a MFT mount, that’s the only real similarity here.”
And how many other Panasonic cameras does that resemble?
Thanks for eventually arriving at my point after the off-topic ranting and raving. It’s obvious you prefer to make contrarian emotional arguments rather than arrive at a logical conclusion based on obvious facts.
Lol, the heck is this .. you’re trying so hard you can’t even convince yourself.
How do you get a plastic body from a patent application line drawing?
That’s a stretch.
Like i said, location of seams and the raised back etc. It’s an educated guess. But feel free to disagree if you don’t see it.
Hey Jeff: Why would the centered EVF be better? Those style cues seem like part of the GX7’s appeal. Doesn’t it become a G when you center it? Or were you a left eye shooter just looking for the latest and best stills at that price point at the time? I love the idea of “nose clearance” and unobstructed left eye visibility but can see how this camera is less ideal for a left eye shooter…
Off centered VF are fashionable because of the “nose crushing” bogus problem and also because they look cool. Lets face it, they really do look cool.
But they are not quite as ergonomic for left-hander as well as for any one when held in portrait mode.
Who holds a camera with their left hand? I ask this as someone who is left handed.
It is sometimes said that have the viewfinder aligned with the optical axis (at least horizontally) makes it easier to frame because what you see when you move your eye just a bit away from the viewfinder will have the same perspective as what the camera sees.
Once you add a different angle, this slight disconnect becomes more apparent. Framing with a flip-out display (or articulated viewfinder or just a plain old waist-level viewfinder) already requires a bit more effort.
Exactly.
My first real film cameras were rangefinders (Konica II and Konica Auto S2) and I never really liked them. I tolerate the EVF location on the GX7, but for me it’s not ideal. Just swap the EVF and hot shoe.
Cool. Thanks for the added info. Makes sense. I do like having centered and left side options in the ecosystem. That variety is one of the benefits of M43 for me.
I wonder what the original function of the front dial was? The shallow dial at the top edge became focus mode and the other top dial is shooting mode. I’d like to see the top edge become exposure compensation, and the front dial for focus mode select, or something assignable. Since this is likely an old drawing, maybe they just removed the front control altogether. Pity. The GMs could benefit from more direct access, not less, in my opinion.
A labeled dial on the front is probably not the most useful thing, and a dial that isn’t labeled should of course always be custom function if you ask me. 🙂
The GM1 really is miniscule, i guess a dial there wouldn’t leave any room for you fingers at all. Doesn’t look like you could grip over that dial comfortably either.
Have two GX7’s and love them – been eying the GM1 – what holds me back is no In Body Image Stabilization like the GX7 – as Panasonic has the 20mm and the 25mm F1.4 and the many nice Olympus primes that do not have IS – all very small and nice on the GM1 –
I think the 12-35mm F2.8 35-100mm F2.8 are just a bit to large for the GM1 –
So my wish list for the GM2 – is first of all 1) IBIS 2) TIlt-able LCD 3) Pop-up EVF (like RX100m3) 4) one or two Fn buttons – then I will get one for sure as no question about IQ and nice menu system etc –
Hope the LX8 is still on the way – and look forward to an update to the GX7 for early next year –
Also hope Panasonic will create a premium Pro model to compete with the Olympus OMD-em1
Probably not room for IBIS in the GM2. Tiltable LCD would be great but needs to be very thin to stay with the GM philosophy. Pop-up EVF is probably what the rumor is about–doubt they’d stick it in the body like GX7 and make it bigger.
Ugh… More money I have to scrounge. I hope there’s a decent pack in price for the 12-32 kit. That lens will own on this little cam. 4k! Evf! I’m in!
Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Ricoh/Pentax, Samsung, Leica and “Kodak” (JK Imaging). That’s ten companies competing in the mirrorless ILC market. Eleven, if we count Hasselblad with their Lunar, but of course we don’t. But we really need Sigma, Lytro and Casio to make mirrorless system cameras too! And Phase One. And Sakar is welcome to make a new attempt with their weird Polaroid lensor system. Just don’t get sued by Nikon this time!
It will be interesting to see how this battle between the camera makers will play out over the next few years. In the end there can only be one!
But Canon and Nikon have only made half-hearted efforts. I can’t blame them because it makes sense from their business perspective. But honestly, all the innovation right now is being driven by Pana/Oly, Sony and Fuji. Also, Samsung’s idea of creating an Android device and incorporating its workflow is original.
That’s a little unfair on Nikon – they might not have thrown their entire weight behind the One system but it’s a creditable effort – they’ve been brave (going smaller sensor than everyone else) and produced a decent set on lenses and even an all-weather camera.
Canon, on the other hand, seem to have spent 5 minutes on the EOS-M. Unless you already have a Canon DSLR and a suite of lenses, it has no compelling features over MFT, Sony or Fuji (or even Samsung) in the ILC market.
5 minutes is actually the focus speed of the EOSM, not the development period.
I wouldn’t exactly call Canon “competing”.
Of course they are. If you release a product into the market, then you compete with all the other players in that market. Even if you always end up last in a competition, you’re still competing just by participating. “Competing” here has nothing to do with performance or quality, it just means that you’re one of the players trying to get customers to open their wallets.
The question is always how you define a market. The word compete is also commonly used to define whether two products address the same kind of customers, which can be mean whether they have the same quality standards or the same general feature sets.
Yes, but the Canon EOS M is pretty much on par with other EVF-less entry-level MILCs in terms of quality and features. The lenses are also great, even if there aren’t many to choose from yet. The one area in which it is noticeably behind the pack is autofocus. But some customers don’t need fast autofocus, because of the type of photos they take, so in that sub-set of the mirrorless market, Canon certainly is competing.
Seems no more affordable cameras from Panasonic. Every line will sport premium price-tag… So, for entry level there will be only outdated previous generations with noisy sensors, no focus picking etc…
The image quality of last 2 product generations hit the plateau. There’s no such thing as noisy sensors anymore, except as a compulsive idea in one’s head. Selling prev-gen models for less is a good strategy and the focus will be on innovation and top features for the current-gen model.
no GX8? 🙁 I don’t understand, just like Olympus did (EM10 & EM5), bringer out a lower end (entry level) model which exceeds higher end (GX7) is some ways and falling behind in others. Confused what buy.. 🙁
The GX7 was released last year. I got mine in October. A GX8 should appear in 6 months to a year from now. There’s really little need for an upgrade at this point without marked improvement in sensor image quality.
There are ergonomic and control improvements that could be made, but those could wait.
Are you any happy with the IBIS, i have manly Oly lenses. And do you know if long exposure shots are possible. I love the live time on OMD em10 but still think its the lesser camera. Anyway im upgrading from a epl3 who should be a good step up:)
Totally agree. The expression GX8 pops up every now and then without people specifying which particular improvement they would expect. In my case I would want this:
– better spatial separation between on / off switch and the mode dial. When turning the dial clock-wise it happens too often that I turn the camera off.
– GPS integration. The smartphone app thing is very convoluted (should I say ‘not usable’?)
– flash could be stronger
– ISO 200 limit can be quite problematic when using primes. There is the extension thingy (allowing ISO 125) but dynamic range seems to suffer). I hope Panasonic corrects this since the image sensor is state-of-the-art otherwise.
Do you think GX7 wil get updates (for wifi, iso etc) now that its marked discontinued? Panasonic creates the rumours about GX8 because it discontinued a year old camera..
Here’s my take on updated and improved ergonomics and controls…
Wider, taller grip that reaches the top plate.
Shift the shutter button forward on top of the extended grip, like the A6000.
Add a combo focus and drive selector knob like the GH2-3-4 in the old shutter button space.
Move the video icon to the top of the video button AND make it programmable as another Fn button.
4K will be the big improvement. They’ll be putting some level of 4K into everything and the GX is a prime candidate. It won’t be as robust as the GH4, of course, but targeted at regular consumers. It might not come in this round but I bet it gets announced in less than 6 months. Panasonic has a big lead in 4K and this is their opportunity to exploit it to avoid consumers bogging down in the apparent M43 stills IQ plateau. And it will help them sell 4K TVs, which won’t get broadcast or cable support any time soon and need content.
The GM series were never designed as a low level entry level model, but, rather, as a technological tour de force of miniaturization.
This seems strategically foolish. Keep the GM as small as possible. The GM1 was the coolest new m43 body in years why make it like all the others? This seems like the product of market research and not strategic innovation.
When users ask for a built-in EVF, or at least the ability to add one via an accessory port and hotshoe, it’s worth listening to. Panasonic does have a history of listening to users’ input and incorporating those changes into next generation camera bodies.
If only they’d listen to us about lenses…
A high-grade 100-300mm f4 or 100-400mm f4 anyone?
+100
Good point. You can use the P35-100 2.8 or the upcoming O40-150 2.8 cropped to get something close to the lens you desire.
A 2x crop yields 80-300 f5.6 (one stop slower)
A 2.5x crop yields 100-375 f7 (less than 2 stops slower)
And lose half the detail?!
Crop?
What’s the point of that?
It’s effectively the same as using a teleconverter but you can do it after the fact.
Sorry but you can’t multiply the aperture with focal length multiplier…. Doesnt work so at all.
Only angle of view gets narrower because smaller sensor, optics are as stated.
If we can use mm (FF equiv) as a proxy for AOV, we can also use f-stops (FF equiv) as a proxy for physical aperture diameter. A 150 mm f/2.8 m43 lens has the same AOV as a 300 mm FF lens and a physical aperture the size of 300 mm f/5.6 FF lens.
It has physical aperture diameter of 150mm f/2.8 then. You can not multiply the physical aperture size at all. Otherwise you are lying as the magnification from 150mm lens is from 150mm and not from 300mm and the amount of light from subject magnification is exactly the same. A m4/3 150mm f/2.8 is identical to 150mm f/2.8 on any camera on any sensor/film size. Only the angle of view gets changed by capturing different part of imagine circle.
Take 150mm f/2.8 to your 35mm camera
Take 150mm f/2.8 to your m4/3 camera
You get identical depth of field, identical shutter speed and ISO but only a narrower angle of view aka cropped view on m4/3 camera.
If you want identical subject magnification, you need to step back two times further and that means you get twice a deeper depth of field and magnification is two times smaller what brings still exactly same amount of light to sensor from subject.
Aperture can not be multiplied as that is like multiplying your penis length with your age and say that is your menhood value.
Just read a aloud the markings on 150mm f/2.8 m4/3 objective as that is the fact what the lens is and sensor size behind it doesn’t affect aperture diameter or subject magnification, only to angle of view.
35mm sensor is a crop sensor too, it isn’t any kind standard to for valuate other sensors sizes.
Don’t like the reference 35 mm, fine. Then don’t use equivalent focal lengths.
And I would like see your m43 camera with a 150 mm f/2.8 lens where the sensor is replaced with a photovoltaic cell produce the same amount of electricity as a FF camera with a 150 mm f/2.8 lens where the sensor is also replaced with a photovoltaic cell. Since “exactly the same amount of light” should result in exactly the same amount of electricity if we convert light into electricity with a photovoltaic cell.
Disclaimer: I own both a m43 and a FF system. I also own a RX100. I use each when it is, respectively, the best tool for the job.
Yes hopefully they will listen and come out with a 100-300/4.0. Even if it would look a little odd on a GM1.
Maybe they’ll take the same approach that Sony did with the RX100: the first version had no tilt screen, EVF or hot shoe. The second got a tilt screen, but both models remained available, with a price drop to the v1. The v3 added an EVF (kept the tilting LCD, lost the hot shoe) but all three models are available at corresponding price points. This seems like a very sound strategy. It satisfies users with either preference while allowing the company to continue to monetize early models. Presumably, lots of the R&D and ramp up investment carries over from model to model anyway, but this might be even more efficient.
I don’t have any information on how the GM1 sold. Anecdotally, the GH4 seems to be Panasonic’s big hit while the GX7 and GM1 lost initial buzz fast. Not that they aren’t still great cameras. They are. But the GX7 seems to have been eclipsed by the EM1 at the high end and the GM1 never generated the buzz that the RX100 did. I was all set to buy a GM1 until I held it and found the handling not to my liking and the lack of EVF was a deal breaker.
Lots of commenters seem to want a tiny, GM camera with an EVF, tilt screen and weather sealing. The market will ultimately vote with our wallets, but its good to see Panasonic iterating so rapidly. I hope they’re rewarded with a hit for their efforts. It would be good for the entire M43 ecosystem.
Or, the GX7 eclipsed the E-P5, and the GH4 eclipsed the E-M1. Might as well compare apples with apples.
@ Douglas:
just wanted to say that it’s difficult to assess the CSC market. One could look at Amazon’s CSC best seller page but the number of units sold is too low to really give a good impression (there is significant fluctuation) from day to day). What can be said is this:
Sony’s A6000 and NEX 6 are selling well (it is an advantage if a market segment is not shared by two vendors). The GH4 is selling really well but for some reason it is listed under ‘DSLR’.
As a m43 fan I find sales of the other Olympus or Panasonic cams disappointing but – again – the market is split between two manufacturers and a lot of different models (example: I would not want to get a G6 myself but I would have no hesitation to recommend it to a friend).
Of course there’s a new GM2 coming out. I just bought a GM1 after all. You’re welcome, guys.
Yes, that’s how I feel too…
Thanks to my Kaiser screenshield I will not miss too much the EVF, and I do not care about video. But, if the GM2 shares the same sensor and processor with the GH4, I will definitely miss the faster focus and improved low light performance. And, who knows, maybe the GM2 will also have a 2nd curtain, IBIS, more manual controls, maybe even a hotshoe, all in the tiny body (or a marginally beefier one) that we have grown to love…
Now, that would be frustration, indeed…
OTOH, dropping the G and GX lines was probably the most reasonable streamlining decision. I cannot blame Panasonic for taking that route.
Sounds good. Add working IBIS, and it would be excellent! Add weather-sealing, and it is perfect! 🙂
Serious weather sealing and a warranty to back it up would be a bold step
Shit! I just bought a GM1 and the only thing i miss is…? A VF…
Next buy? Guess what…
Just fix the woeful shutter and it will be a winner…
PS: Panasonic if you are just going to lift your designs from Fuji, at least keep the second dial in place!
I don’t get it. For me it would make much more sense to have a as small as possible cam with great IQ like the GM1, that has to sacrifice some features for smallness.
Than there is the slightly larger GX7 that has all the features but still in a rather small frame.
If you blur the lines you end up in having neither or 1000 models.
Agree 100%, especially since the GX7 is more than slightly larger than the GM1.
Agree there. If they put a VF in it it’s going to be bigger and take sales from the gx7.
This would also take sales away from the Sony RX100 III and other premium compacts.
And if somebody did buy this instead of a GX7 why would Panasonic care? This camera is going to sell for more money than a GX7. Canon and Nikon may worry about someone buying a $500 mirrorless camera instead of one of their $1200 SLRs but Panasonic would be pleased if someone bought a $1000 GM2 instead of a $900 GX7.
I am guessing about the price but paying $250 more for a viewfinder seems likely.
25 to 30% larger in each dimension, that is no longer ‘slightly’ larger.
and we hold our head to the left….
gm2 (photo/ 4k video)
and we hold our head toooo the right
g7 (photo/ 4k video)
thiiis is thhhe braaand new daiaiaiayyyyyy.
and we jump to the left…
Panasonic has great plan to boost their television sales with 4K being widely accessible to consumers. It has 1-2 years time to make money and get users now.
I hope:
no ibis because low life battery.
no 4k also because of battery.
i hope same definition evf as like lvf2 for gx1 and lx7. Evf are using a lot battery.
no centered evf.
not tiltable because i want the gm2 Small.
but if possible tiltable screen.
one more Fn button.
You should hope that the GM2 has all of those things because you’ll save a few hundred bucks on the GM1 that has 99% of what you want when the GM2 comes out. 🙂
A problem that goes battery life is the heat build up on the sensor. 4k would heat up the sensor very quickly resulting in horrible noise. 4k is a no go presently.
I haven’t seen a camera with ibis that couldn’t be turned off, and you don’t have to use the 4k video if it’s there, so I don’t think those battery draining features should be too much of a concern.
How about hotshoe?
Suddenly there’s this craze about cameras being small but capable. Mirrorless system cameras, premium compacts and whatnot. Not too long ago we used our DSLRs for serious work, and accepted their size as a part of life. For casual fun we used our compacts, and accepted the compromise we thereby made regarding image quality and performance. That’s how it’s supposed to be! Great capability should go hand in hand with size. Why confusing people and ruining the logic of the camera market with all these weird devices that try to be everything at once? Giving people the idea that they can run around with cameras in their pockets, and still accomplish the same things as they used to do with their DSLRs. It’s unheard of! And don’t get me started on that video thing! We used to have dedicated cameras for that, and we were much better off without it in our dedicated STILLS cameras.
Thats how is has to be.
You need not much room for a sensor, some electronics, a screen and a button to make the picture. On the long run, size of a m43 camrea is just a question of handling but not on quality of the results.
A better EVF, Screen, more dials and switches, a better grip a larger battery or IBIS is what need size and weight. The quality of stills and video is independant of size.
I’m sure, even for Panasonic, the GH4 has surprisingly shown that 4K video today is not a preview in the future several years from now but a quantum leap in videoproduction even for smaller sized videos. The result is, that from now on every Pana will have it and every other manufacturer has to follow.
I just sow this video about Hyperlapse Video from Microsoft:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA4Za3Hv6ng
It is just amazing what you can do if you have enough frames and pixels to work with in post. You can bet that GoPro is working on highest priority to get 4K recording with normal framerates.
Say what you will about the Pentax Q, but it handles extremely well despite its size. If the GM2 could be made to handle this well, they’d have a winner.
I love the Pentax Q. The latest update is a bit confusing tho. Seems not to have any big improvements — just a new body…
Basically, you get the slightly larger sensor from Q7, but in a body that is more like the original Q, rather than the less robust body of Q10/Q7. Not a huge deal, perhaps, but it makes for an overall slightly better camera. The AF is supposed to be improved too, but they always say that.
i agree, i have both GM1 and Q, and the Q beats the GM1 in an ergonomics point of view.
I’m not really sure if your comment is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but if so it’s not obvious to me. So this goes to you, or comments like yours in case you’re really not serious – others are.
Some perspective: All 35mm-film cameras were called “miniature” cameras in the 1920s and ’30s, and by the way 35mm film was cine film, not a still-photography medium. And at that time, there was a prevalent attitude that these “miniature” cameras were little more than toys or curiosities, not suitable for the realm of serious work in either studio or journalism work. Through the 1950s, Speed Graphics and Rolleiflexes were as small as one would typically find in reportage or other professional work
So, the harumphing against the adoption of new, smaller yet highly capable cameras is nothing new, and your standard of “DSLRs for serious work” has not been sanctified by very much time, when considered in historical terms. And the distinction between still and video was already blurring with the adoption of high speed motor drives in the 1960s, so why try to maintain a wall between stills and 4k video frame extracts now?
Technology has moved forward where we no longer need mirrors and pentaprisms for high end photography. We don’t even need full frame for most jobs. The GM1 represents a distillation of technology and industrial design and is THE product that leaves nothing that detracts from the concept of miniaturization, even at the expense of some feature or handling. GM is not an entry level or budget product, it is quite expensive with respect to the cost of other cameras. For professional photographers the GM represents a fantastic 2nd body, for enthusiasts, the ability to have and ILC but not sacrifice pocket-ability. I personally view it just as the sensor, no more no less, to be replaced when a better one comes along, and modular so I add features as I need it. The GM1 has just a little it too little for me, the GM2 sounds just right and then there’s the GH4 when I need the muscle. I almost view the GM as a necessity for any GH user, the ability to take your lenses out in situations where bringing a larger DSLR-like body would just be overkill or inappropriate.
Awesome, tiny camera bodies like these where space is right for buttons and dials make a good case for putting aperture rings on lenses. Just sayin’
Agree, but I just use manual lenses with manual aperture rings and focus – similar idea, just different approach.
That’s really appealing too. Leica glass? The EVF will be useful for manual focus
I loved my GM1, but just could not use it as well as I wanted without an EVF. So, after much deliberation, I sold it a few weeks ago, and figured I’d just use my primary camera for everything (A7). However, this announcement has me VERY happy, as it is exactly what I wanted for my small camera that complements the A7 when I want to go inconspicuous…and which I now will be able to use in bright daylight and without my reading glasses to see the LCD 🙂 . Also, the kit zoom is a really nice little lens, so I will be doubly happy to get that back, too.
Cause there’s already a GM1 with EVF. It’s called GX7. I’d rather welcome hot shoe mount and audio in.
We need an updated sensor…then more cameras…Its time for low light improvement.
I find the EVF in the GX7 a bit on the small side actually, and given the size if the GM1, I don’t see this being an improvement Hey, but each to their own. Maybe they have done something “crazy” and used a 16:9 LCD so they don’t have to increase the size by much. Or it’s pop-up like Sony’s.
I think GM2 also means no GX8 in the near future.
Would have preferred a GX8 😉
Agree. A much more capable camera, only slightly more expensive. Also, you can get the GX7 with the 20mm, Panny needs a 20mm kit with the GM1.
Agree, a smaller 20mm would be nice. I was indecisive which one to buy, the GX7 or the GM1 and decided on the small form factor. It is surprisingly useable, far more than what I thought at first sight. Now this is my only camera, better ergonomics than the GF2 which looks like a huge monster now. A hot shue is missing though.
I would not be surprised to see a GX8 with 4K video announced this year or very early in 2015. I’d actually be more surprised if this doesn’t happen! Start saving 🙂
Not worth the money if you know anything about photography. Bad image quality and too small to be handled correctly.
Obviously if you knew something about photography, you’d know technique and skill have more to do with a good photo than what sensor you are shooting with.
It’s good to have the choice, you want big camera ? GH4 is for you, smaller with EVF go to the GX7. The gm1 is a carry always camera, with very good mini zoom and sensor. I only miss ibis and the ergonomic is poor, but IQ wise, it’s a great camera.
A good photographer can make great photos with any camera.
Having owned the GM1, I completely disagree with your insinuation that the “image quality” is “Bad”. On the other hand, I do agree that the GM1 is difficult in handling, owing both to its size and the dearth of buttons/dials etc. Also the camera needs a tilting LCD screen.
Can’t wait for admin to de-troll this thread. Should take quite a while.
What’s the point of deleting troll comments when a thread has become this long? Soon this news item will disappear from the front page, and very few people will ever bother to look at it again. To be effective, deletion of comments should be done within a couple of hours after they are posted, before too many people get the chance to read them and reply to them.
Hmm, I don’t know if I need an EVF with this camera. If I use a small cam like this, I enjoy the freedom in movement, shooting from the view of a frog or a bird, being creative with viewing angles. That’s difficult and sometimes impossible with an EVF. So for me a tiltable screen would be more useful. I hope the GM2 will have.
It’s interesting that both Panny and Oly are concentrating on their smallest models (GM2 & EPL7), with no new sensor tech….I guess they are both saving that for when they renew their big guns…..
During the history of digital cameras, we have seen cameras being updated regularly without having new sensor tech. Apart from the switch from CCD to CMOS, the introduction of BSI-CMOS, and the occasional experiment (Foveon, SuperCCD, EXR, X-Trans), most camera introductions haven’t been accompanied by new sensor tech. So why are people suddenly demanding that the usual annual updates should have completely new sensors?
BECAUSE MFT has not had a sensor change for years. years. Sony has come out with the whole A7 line etc. MFT needs it more as it has smaller landmass and this kind of improvement is essential to growth for its adherents and for sales.
I personally will not be buying anymore MFT cameras with small incremental improvements. The ones I have are so good with controls, options etc. that there is no need…until I see “significant” low-light performance improvement. I would like to see MFT approach IQ of my current FF which is all I will ever need as a photographer. MFT is still lacking in DR and Noise. Its time.
NOT TRUE !
from G1 (rated 51 by XDO) to GX7 (rated 70), to GH4 (rated 74), there has been huge improvements both in IQ and features, not talking about video !
Just look at Canon, which in the meantime,using same sensor for years, years, made sensible IQ deterioration since the 400D in 2006 (rated 70) up to the 700d (now rated 61 !).
I have an EP5 and EPL6 both rated at 72 by DXO Mark (which I totally take with a grain of salt) My Canon 5DIII is rated by DXO at 81…trust me…whatever they say…I can personally tell you the files blow away my MFT files in lower noise, way better DR…etc. but with the price of size…
MFT is great for what it is but..I think the could get to and 81 or a 91.
The EM5 (DXO rating 71) was released 2.5 years ago. MY EP5 and EPL6 rock in the mechanical feature depts. …no new incremental upgrade is going to justify the outlay for this photographer. ….Hell..if MFT can get to an 80+..which I think they will…I am selling my big guns. No doubt.
please compare apples and apples.
You cannot compare FF and MFT, for sure, they are better noise/high ISO ! but according to DXO and others not in DR !
at least as I mentionned compare MFT to APS-C, and MFT did such great improvement that now they are on par with APS-C and sometimes outperforms some of them.
And don’t forget that the main advantage of MFT are their size/weight for the full system (body and lens).
BTW why don’t you go Medium format ?
PS: I was talking of Canon FF for lower DR than MFT, Sony and Nikon (Sony sensor) having better DR.
Boy Jack …you have an awful lot of rules don’t you?…you always so angry?
so YOUR rule when people desagree with you is to say they are angry ?
It’s not a rule…it’s just an observation! 🙂
you are so CLEVER !
jack you are an idiot, too…:-)
as you replied to Args just above “” Observer –> Args : You idiot, .. “”
Nice example of a polite guy (you boy) not beiing angry when somebody do no agree with him.
Why do you participate to such forums if you don’t accept people’s remarks to your thoughts ?
What are you talking about, Observer? Big Guns? Oly E-M1, no new sensor tech. Panasonic GH4, no new sensor tech (but a big new feature!). Your theory has no evidence, it is just thoughtless typing mania.
You idiot, I am taking about the next models of the big guns..the EM2 GH5 etc…
I know the current ones are no better than my EPL6. …go bother someone else with your attitude.
Not sure who’s the idiot here — when is the last time you were right and one of the majors introduced a “new sensor tech” with their top model? See what I mean about your theory having no evidence?
Nice camera, pity about the price.
The half-lives of new models seem to be shrinking even as the demand experiences diminishing marginal growth.
Prediction: The output of these will be indistinguishable from that of its ancestors of a couple generations earlier, although blog sites that make money on click-through sales will trumpet some ephemeral image improvement. And your GM1 of yestermonth will suddenly halve in residual value as a result of the marketing approach of model proliferation for its own sake.
So true. Especially about the “blog sites that make money on click-through sales will trumpet some ephemeral image improvement”. So true. I love my current MFT’s but I use them to complement my FF.
MFT could be all the camera any of us ever need with a significant change in the sensor. It’s very good…but still lacking for low light and dynamic range. Almost great!!!!
You seem to be measuring product half-life, and analysing the industry, based on RUMORS!
GM1 was almost perfect but mandatory needs an EVF. It is very very good news!!!. I got the GM1 and unless it is night time or indoor shooting , video capture could be very hard if you are in manual focus in daylight on a sunny day, specially to see the focus peaking or even sometimes just for framing. I hope the size will not increase, except for the bottom of the body because there is also sometimes an issue with some lens who are too bulky if you have a rapid plate in the 1/4 screw…
It can’t be ‘very very good news’, because it isn’t news at all!
If this is the GM2, what else are they going to improve besides adding an EVF? This might be a good one.
After thinking about it for awhile, my ultimate wish list keeping in mind, it’s the smallest m43 camera, it should not grow even a fraction of an inch…
12MP sensor with increased low light sensitivity
reduced rolling shutter or global shutter if possible
1080/24/25/30 internal recording w/ electronic IS + 10 bit 4:2:2 high codec
1080/60, 2K/4K/24/25/30 via clean HDMI (if not internal recording) 10 bit 4:2:2
tilting EVF like GX7 but upgrade to OLED and higher resolution, lower latency
16:9 LCD (to make room), no touchscreen, add buttons and dials, no flash, add DC jack
don’t discontinue the GM1 as proposed GM2 is obviously videocentric
There is a major issue with the GM1s lens that will likely be popping up over the next few months. The dial is glued on to the lens and it seems like it’s starting to wear off for users now. Mine recently fell off and I had no idea what happened. I did some searching and was able to see other users are having the same issue. If you search Panasonic 12-32mm glue. You’ll see some photos on a forum that a guy had of his lens. Hopefully Panasonic replaces these lenses. It’s very poor quality manufacturing to just glue such a vital piece of a device and one that will be constantly moved around to use the lens.
Not worth the money if you know anything about photography. Bad image quality and too small to be handled correctly.
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