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Panasonic G6 and Panasonic LF1 and 14-140mm MFT lens announced!

Specs and Preorders:
G6 at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and at Wex UK (Click here).
14-140mm lens at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and at Wex UK (Click here).
LF1 at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and at WexUK (Click here).

Previews and reviews:
G6 Hands-on at Dpreview, SmallCameraBigPicture, Techradar, Trustedreviews, Expertreviews, Photographyblog, Whatdigitalcamera, ePhotozine, Hybridcams (French) and official page at Panasonic.
LF1 hands-on photos at Photographyblog, Quesabesde (Spanish),

Image samples:
G6 at Panasonic website, Techradar.

Videos:
First Look Preview by Whatdigitalcamera, official shooting video by Panasonic, Italian presentation, Italian unboxing,

What’s hot:
The G6 gains considerably improved movie capabilities, including full exposure control, an external mic socket and the sensor from the GH2. It also adds the NFC-aided Wi-Fi for simple remote control and image download that we first saw in the GF6. it has the same GH2 sensor, albeit without that model’s multi-aspect feature. (Source: Dpreview).
14-140mm lens is smaller, lighter, less-expensive alternative to the original G Vario HD 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 ASPH Mega OIS. The latest version features three aspheric and two ED elements and an internal focus design with linear stepper motors to make the most of the faster focus processing of the latest Micro Four Thirds bodies (Source: Dpreview).
The LF1 marries the sensor from the LX7 to a longer, slower lens (but longer zoom range) and adds an electronic viewfinder (Source: Dpreview).

Official press release:
G6 press text at Dpreview, Pocket Lint, Cnet, Fotopolis (Polish), Imaging Resource, SystemKameraForum (German), Photoscala (German), DSLRmagazine (Spanish), Quesabesde (Spanish).
LF1 press test at Dpreview, Cnet, Dpnow, Whatdigitalcamera, ePhotozine, SystemKameraForum (German), Photoscala (German), DSLRmagazine (Spanish), Quesabesde (Spanish).
14-140mm press text at Dpreview, ePhotozine, Photoscala (German), DSLRmagazine (Spanish), Quesabesde (Spanish).

Poll:
[poll id=”186″]

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250 Responses

    1. Guy i know why you like it, because it looks like a leica r 9 or something in this way

    1. Comparing the “old” (2009) 14-140 and the new:

      Length — drops from 84 to 75mm (10% shorter)
      Diameter — drops from 70 to 67mm
      Min. focus — drops from 0.5 to 0.3 m
      Weight — drops from 460 to 265 gm (42% reduction in weight!)

      And it comes with a hood (ahem… listening, Olympus?). If the optics are any good, this could be a really handy travel lens.

          1. Will take a while for the price to be actually lower though, if at all. Current price for the old 14-140 is €549 in NL. Or £575 says Amazon UK.

          2. The list price for the new 14-140mm in the US is $699.

            If the image quality is markedly improved it might be worth selling my original 14-140mm. I only really use it as a travel lens, but dropping the size and weight would be a very good thing.

      1. It is also a less complex lens with fewer elements. This helped with the weight but may struggle to match the optical quality of the original.

        1. Yes this is what I want to know. How does it compare optically to the original. Something tells me it will be the same story as with the 14-45 update to the 14-42. Hopefully I’m wrong, as I would gladly sell my old version for a smaller optically better lens.

          1. Uberzone…perhaps you are seeing double, as you are appearing double, if so there is probably nothing wrong with any of your lenses?

        2. Yes this is what I want to know. How does it compare optically to the original. Something tells me it will be the same story as with the 14-45 update to the 14-42. Hopefully I’m wrong, as I would gladly sell my old version for a smaller optically better lens.

          1. The new lens looks better at the corners but in the middle 1/3 of the lens the old one looks slightly better for both sharpness and contrast.

  1. A new camera but with a previous generation sensor? Half measures and warmed over previous generation technology is what I expect from Panasonic these days and that’s just not sexy enough for me 🙁

    1. It’s too bad. I wish Panasonic would look at what Olympus did with its most recent round of cameras after finally getting a great sensor. Top to bottom, same great image quality.

      I really like how the G6 looks, especially in white. Reminds me of some of the later Leica R designs in a way.

      Oh well.

      1. I’ve been waiting for this camera to come out as the GH3 is too fat and DSLR sized for me but I will not be buying previous generation warmed over Panny tech… not when other companies are genuinely trying. It looks like Sony is the way forward for me now, leading edge sensor and ISO 100 available.

    2. There is nothing wrong with the GH2 sensor (I have that camera). And, apparently, Pany has tweaked that sensor some more before placing it into the G6. It also gets the video quality of the GH2. Sounds like a winner to me.

      Even though the sensor in the G6 is not multi-aspect, it retains the other characteristics of the GH2 sensor.

      1. “There is nothing wrong with the GH2 sensor…”

        But it isn’t top of the line anymore is it?

        If you already have a GH2 it’ll continue to be a nice camera but if looking to buy a new camera today why would I buy a camera with tech from a few years ago when other manufacturers are doing more to push image quality on?

          1. That you wrong,Sony don’t give new tech sensor.
            caparison : GF1-GF5 ~ NEX3/NEX5

            G3/GX1 ~ NEX5N and OMD/GH3~NEX7.

            and you see NEX-F3/NEX-3N/NEX-5N/NEX-5R/NEX-6 (5r & 6 plus pdaf not image quality).

            but Large Sony APS sensor better than M4/3 because of Size. Today sony has no innovation sensor tech (to mirrorless) .

          2. Sorry i mistake,repaired
            NEX-F3/NEX-3N/NEX-5N/NEX-5R/NEX-6 (5r & 6 plus pdaf not image quality) is still use same all sensor.

            why Sony still has no new Sensor to NEX ,but you think they are very exciting?
            why Panni still use GH2 Sensor in G5/G6 ,but you think they are so boring ?

            Ha Ha Ha,

          3. Because in the case of Sony, there is not better sensor out there. So you get the best (bar the NEX3s). I have Gh2 and EPl5 and the EPl5 is clearly better, something that would also be very nice in video as it is the DR and colours that stand out. this is really, really too bad.

        1. The thing is if you want the GH2 now you can only buy it used, and the image quality (at least in video, which is what I do) is amazing.
          If the G6 can pair it in image quality and even improves upon that of the GH2 (and adds a 3.5mm mic input and peaking!!) at a lower price, that’s wonderful if you ask me. No need for “top of the line” just for the sake of it.

        2. Why does it have to be top of the line? And who says that because something is older it isn’t any good any more. YOU need to get out and actually shoot with one of your “older” cameras, and appreciate what it can do. Or are you not a decent photographer? The photos I get now with the GH2 are still competitive with other cameras. And that is why placing it into the G6 is a good thing. For that matter, I am still amazed by the IQ I get with my “older” E-PL1 or E-5 or E-620 or … And you should see what a photo looks like coming from that “ancient” Pany LC1, with that “out-of-date” 5mp 2/3″ Sony sensor. You’d be hard-pressed to label it “old” technology.

          Get it? If you don’t then you are hopeless.

          1. If buying new why not buy “top of the line”? Why buy Panasonics warmed over technology?

            Choice is a good thing. If you’re happy with the G6 you are free to buy it just as I’m free to look elsewhere.

            What we don’t need is a load of shrieking fan boys who can’t accept that others may not be happy enough with this camera to buy it.

        3. You want top of the line? Get GH3 instead. Stop all the whine! Panasonic try to give their customers options with different price category and market.

          1. @kesztio
            The GH3 isn’t bulky it’s the right size for its target market and its feature set. Its aimed at users that like/need to change the controls often/quickly….

          2. +1. People need to stfu regarding the GH3’s size. You don’t like the size? Don’t diss on it. Its target market wanted it to be BIGGER, with more buttons, more features, and a better BATTERY life. Get an OMD if you like its size and stop whining about Panasonic’s decision regarding the GH3’s size. IMHO IT’S A BRILLIANT DECISION because it tempts the Canon-obsessed video crowd with a camera that is half the weight, half the price, but has very competitive video options. People need to stop whining. Jeez.

        4. Well it’s $400 cheaper than what I payed for my GH2, and it has some upgrades as well. If you can’t afford a GH3, then the G6 looks like a bargain. Also, five programmable function buttons! For the price, this looks like a very good camera.

      2. There is nothing *wrong* with the GH2 sensor…but being honest, it is not *great* either. I had that camera, and now have an E-M5. For stills its a night and day difference. The E-M5 has a beautiful output, images jump at you right out of camera, whereas the GH2 images always required a fair amount of post processing to look right. On top of that, i always felt there was something odd in Panasonic colours, can’t describe it entirely, like a magenta cast of sorts. Anyway. Just my 2 cents.

        1. I don’t care about neither Olympus or Panasonic’s colors. When I am lazy, I auto-everything from lightroom in a few mouse clicks and get Adobe’s colors.

    3. You buy this years car. It has last years engine, or the year before wheels. Or a 10 year old dipstick and 5 year old pistons.
      Even worse, 3 year old climate control with new knobs that are exactly the same as the competitions new knobs.
      Just like the old ones were the same as the competitions for the last 10 years.

  2. Nice to see that the LF1 has not got the scroll wheel on the back but sad to see that it is still on the G6.
    I’ve never got on with that scroll wheel. I sometimes accidentaly press it in and end up adjusting exposure compensation instead of aperture.

  3. I see that the base ISO has risen to 160.

    This move away from ISO 100 irritates me as I like shooting with wide aperture lenses and hate messing about with ND’s. As the cameras max shutter speed is 1/4000 and ISO 100 is no longer available messing about with ND’s will be even more of a requirement.

    Warmed over previous generation tech sensor and no ISO 100 mean this camera isn’t for me.

      1. Are you insane? Or just working for Panny as an internet forum poster? Biggest loser I’ve come across in years.

      1. A higher base ISO makes ND use more likely, yes. Perhaps you only use slow lenses or shoot at f4 and smaller and if so this probably will not be an issue but try shooting at f0.95 to f1.8 in good light and an ND may be needed to keep the shutter speed below 1/4000.

        Jesus, you fan buys just can’t accept any actual discussion or critisism of camera specs can you?

        OK. How do you like this… This camera is so WoW! Great! I’m gonna buy two!

        1. heres your logic:
          ISO 100= no need for ND at f.95
          ISO 160 (2/3s OF A STOP)= needs a strong ND filter

      1. II’m not a troll. I use a Canon 5D and a Panasonic G1.

        I was actually looking forward to this camera but the Nex looks a better path for me at this moment.

        Obviously expressing an opinion and dsappointment at this cameras spec isn’t allowed here without being called a troll by a bunch of childish fan boys.

          1. He’s a troll in denial… Honestly, a 60 ISO difference? Seriously?
            We’re done here.

          2. I don’t think the complaint is totally invalid. I moved from a GF1 with 100iso at the base to the Oly OM-D with 200, and I do find that I have to work around that with filters if I want to shoot a prime wide-open in bright daylight. Some folks like to shoot wide open in the daytime. But then again, I’m the kinda guy that gets excited when a camera has an option to extend the iso to 50. 😛

          3. Base iso and the lowest iso available are not the same thing. For many modern cameras the base iso is 200 and any lower values are ‘extended’. For those extended iso values you can also simply shoot at 200 resulting in an overexposed picture, and then correct exposure in pp. That is in fact the exact thing those extended iso levels are doing.

            For video those low extended iso levels are much more useful, but for stills? If you think they are a better solution then a nd filter you are technically wrong (unless you consider reducing dr an improvement), the only advantage for stills is convenience.

    1. Because it is not an upper end camera, and Pany does not have rights to the Olympus 5-axis technology. That is not really a concern, or need, for this camera.

  4. The LF1 has the EVF. If it just had a larger sensor – 2/3″ or 1″ – it would be a killer cam. My classic LC1 has an EVF and 2/3″ sensor (only 5 mp but you wouldn’t know it).

  5. G6 would be bundeled with 12-35mm f/2.8 for a reasonable price!
    reasonable price like what almost same as GH3 with same lense ? what is the good alternative for the 12-35mm f/2.8 fixed primes without any stabilization IBIS ?!

  6. I really wish olympus had a budge-priced camera with a built-in EVF, styled like dSLR.
    Or hell, I wish they just had a new dSLR. I love their JPG engine, but I really would like a
    camera with a grip. OMD is too expensive and as a result, I am still using E-510.

    1. I’ve always used Panasonic as a mirrorless cam. Well..G1 and GH2. Liked them both a lot. GH3, GF6 and G6 are fine cams, but I think Panasonic (like some other companies) could use some crowd sourcing to get the camera right. The strenght of the G1 was that it addressed some points a lot of DSLR photogs had. Namely the cams were too big. it was not aimed at PS shooters i think, but may be some bridge cam shooters.

      Now to me it seems they have lost this rather critical group out of sight. The sensor falling short in two ways: performance and also the lack of PDAF on sensor. May be the last thing is not so bad because currently, only the V1/V2 have got that one right.

      They also fall short simply compared to the competition. Olympus but also the new generaion Nikons, although a lot bigger now really have much better IQ. Size and weight are important, but there is the OMD or if it is not that important, D3200 or D5200…

    2. Yes you are right man im still using my old e420 and wait for an new one but olympus is still sleeping and forgot about us as solid customer who dont want buy a pen with an optional viewfinder. Optional mean we want more money!!!
      Guys just look at the prices what the hell happens! I have got my E420 just only for 350EUR, i mean this is a solid camera with all things what you need for poor man, but now olympus is on new trip, they sell you cameras like pens for high prices and all stuff what you need is optional.
      And the other kind of way you can choice with the omd cost to much money so what the hell is going on???
      Im very sad and angry about this company policy.

    3. Too expensive? The price now is around 30% lower than what a GH3 cost and what the OMD originally cost.

    4. dd if you are still using an e-510 you must be insane! Why not buy a panasonic g3 for 250usd? You get all the features you want. I had an e-510, and the jump in dynamic range and ISO ability is enormous. Unless you shoot low contrast scenes with no direct lighting, your pictures will improve considerably.

      1. I’m still using something older than the E-510 and from personal experience, apart from the obvious pixel count, walks over any Panny I’ve tried, including the GH2.

        By the way it’s an E-1.

        1. These older Olympus cameras seem to be wonderful if used at 100-400 iso, and provided key parts of the scene don’t burn out due to lack of dynamic range, they work fine. But it’s great to be liberated from these constraints. I used to use an e-510 with 14-54mm, now I have a g3 with the pana-leica 25mm f1.4 (a one lens set up). Certainly portrait shots have improved dramatically.

          One key feature of these newer cameras is the light metering based upon face detection. Overlooked by online reviews, this one feature alone improves the usual personal photos many people make.

          Also being able to use the display for taking pictures is a great benefit. Unsurprisingly, human nature seems to dislike someone covering their face with a big machine. Makes many people nervous for some reason.

          1. Not a normal focal length for portraits but if it suits your style OK, as for myself I love the 50mm macro for portraits, but it is somewhat unforgiving, for something faster I use on old 50mm 1.4 Zuiko, which is fabulous on 4/3 and u4/3 bodies but I don’t mind manual focusing.

          2. Define portraits, note that portraiture is a lot more then head shots.

            50mm equiv (25mm m4/3 lens) is a perfectly normal field of view for upper-body shots, your working distance will be pretty much the same as when using a ’85mm equiv’ field of view for head shots, and it is NOT focal length that changes perspective, it is distance, and distance only.

  7. Does anyone know if the G6 is made in Japan or China? I recently purchased the G5 however I ended up returning it, the camera and the lens are all made in China. Comparing it to my good ole GF1, the camera and the 14-42 lens that came with it are made in Japan, super smooth as far as zooming in or out….

    1. Are you crazy? So what if it’s made in China. China manufacture is controlled and overseen (including quality) by the company that owns the product – that is, Olympus, Pany, Sony, etc. If any of you believe that a Japanese company has to manufacture only in Japan in order to have a high quality product, then you are hallucinating. Take a good luck at where some of the better camera products are being manufactured. You’ll be in for a shock.

      1. I have nothing against Chinese-made products as long as the money I paid for reflects what I paid for. Unfortunately that is not the case with the G5, the first thing I took out was the 14-42 lens that came with it, connected it with my GF1 and first thing I noticed was the zoom adjustment is rough, VERY ROUGH. After getting the G5 out of the box, I can tell the difference in quality compared to my GF1. If that is the sign of the quality I paid for, despite the glowing reviews of the G5, sorry not for me. Im not the type to just bend over and just take it, I’ll just cough up the extra dinero and get the GH3 then…

    2. If you buy a made in China product from a major international company that is using Chinese companies to manufacture for them you should have no problem. The company will monitor production and may (often) have their own staff on site to maintain quality. If you are buying a Chinese factory production design run with a “name” attached you could end up with anything.

    3. Why so negative concerning Chinese products? The Chinese have a well-developed high-tech sector producing competitive products of top-notch quality both for Western companies (take the iPhones as an example) and as genuine Chinese designs for domestic companies (Lenovo’s laptops may serve as an example here). Quality thus should be no issue.
      You may, however, be worried about human rights. There I tend to sign in, but am afraid that buying “made in Japan / Korea / Germany / US / …” wouldn’t change too much either, as an enormous amount of components in the high-tech products assembled there will still come from China. I would very much appreciate a law mandating more substantial information on the origin of products and their components, as well as on the conditions of their manufacturing.

      1. Martin, not all Chinese production is nice and sweet. If they are not watched they will substitute components of a specified type for cheaper ones. If they can use the ones made by their mate down the road they will. Circuit boards if not seen visually are not cleaned and so on. This applies to a VERY wide range of companies and is why many western companies who have product manufactured in China have their own quality staff on site.

        1. I have never claimed that all Chinese products are fine. As everywhere, you get what you pay for. If you pay an appropriate price then you will be able to get top quality from a company which is Chinese throughout, from development over manfacturing to quality control (e.g. Lenovo, consistently delivering some of the best-built laptops around). But if you want to go cheap then you can’t expect quality control to be very discriminative. But as the products we are taking about are not exactly cheap (compared to the much more rebated entry-level DSLR market, they actually are still quite pricey), you should be fine. I own a Chinese-built G3 and it is absolutely convincing. Finish is visually better than on my wife’s Japan-made top end bridge camera and reliability-wise it has never let me down.

  8. Plus: 7fps, Focus peaking, Wifi, manual video mode, 14-140/3.5-5.6
    Minus: G5 sensor (well done Panny on a step backwards…), no mention of wireless TTL

        1. I hope it’s true. Although, I’d hate to have to buy the Panny strobe, because I already have an FL-36R, and I doubt the latter flash unit is compatible with Panny bodies.

    1. I, the Leica Apostate, hereby award you a Whammy for Excellence in Panasonic Feature Inheritance Prediction!!!

    1. and focus peaking, and nfc, and wireless flash, and 5 fn buttons, and 7 fps, and 240 fps refresh rate sensor, and mic output.
      You missed a few things didnt you?

      1. focus peaking and evf are nice. apart from that a big fail for me. All the movie related stuff? uninteresting for me. nfc and wifi? toys. If i would want to spend the money, a nice lens will do way more for my photos than upgrade G3->G6. Apart from that its too big imho, still has a base iso of 160 which limits wide open shooting with fast lenses and, for the most important feature for me (focus peaking), i still hope to get it through (hacked) firmware one day.
        Hope for the next Olympus/Panasonic….

          1. width and height are about the same as the OM-D, true. But the G3 is smaller in any dimension, not to mention not as bulky. It does make a difference for pocketability, especially with the 20/1.7 . I know that since i owned the G1. For me personally, i would still choose the G3 today.

            But it’s ok. I will spend my money on an (olympus) lens. Next years iteration of bodys will be better in all aspects anyway.

    1. evolve into what? cameras with weak af and watercolor photos and cameras with no view finders for 1000$?

  9. On a brighter side…

    Panasonic has just introduced superb video quality at an all time low price point.

    This would make an excellent B camera… if you didn’t already own a GH2…

        1. The GH2 is better than what you see in that video right out of the box, no need for a hack. Hacking it will certainly give you a more solid codec, but won’t improve resolution, for instance. So no, if that video represents the IQ of the G6, then no hack will bring it any closer to the GH2.

  10. i was hoping for the gh-3 sensor but i guess i should have known better. ill wait to see what the gx2 brings us but im not optimistic! other than lack of cutting edge sensor or ibis it still looks like a good camera. i like that it has good ergonomics, built in flash and fully articulated lcd. but at the end of the day, image quality is main concern for me when deciding to invest in a new body. lets see what the gx2 and omd pro bring us…

  11. I would guess that the GX2 will be either:

    A) The G6 minus the viewfinder.

    or

    B) The GH3 sensor with crippled movie modes.

    ————

    But I must say that after looking at the unboxing in Italian and looking at the other details the G6 is an excellent improvement to the “G” line. I like this camera.

    I would rather have a GH3. I will only pay full price for the GH3, but maybe in half a year or so when this camera is 50% cheaper I would gladly pick one up.

  12. Looks good. Nice looking camera. Look at all that external grippy action. Too bad about no GH3 sensor. No reason not to stick that puppy in I can see. I prefer the size of the G6 too. We’ll see about IQ. Hopefully lower noise output in high ISO vs GH2.

    1. Yeah,you re right ,Next from this cam Panny will rebuild camera to feature/smart camera is not Photograph camera ,it has so much tech and look like robot

  13. I liked the 14-140….could be nice lens…hope the price in combo would be better but not with G6 …I dont like those bulky dslr style as dont do video and dont have big hands…wait for gx2

  14. If nothing else, once hacked this will offer a really, really useful second/third/fourth body for those of us who use GH2 for video. No GH3 sensor is OK to keep the price reasonable– and focus peaking is huge, especially if it works during video capture.

  15. Where is the silver and black version shown on the 43rumours facebook post? That looked interesting.

  16. Has anyone watched the official video sample in HD? The video looks very soft. or is it because of the youtube compression?

    1. I’m afraid it’s not. YouTube can’t soften videos like that.
      I hope the guy who encoded that video made a terrible job, but if that video is anything to go by then the G6 image isn’t comparable to the GH2… Again, I really hope I’m wrong!

    2. Panasonic videos are nothing to go by, they post such terrible videos people weren’t even very exciting about the GH3 until some people outside of Panasonic started showing what the camera could do.

      They do such a great job making the cameras then they let Dave in the basement mail room do the promo video it’s ridiculous (remember the terrible day at the zoo shots too? god all those were horrible and the dancers lol)

  17. are there any picsshowing size comparison between the old and new 14-140’s. or any pics showing the new lens on a body?

      1. cheers! im definitely tempted by this lens. as far as im concerned this is what mft is all about. good image quality in a small package. id like to see what the nex version of a 28-280 equivilent lens looks like!

  18. Wish the 14-140 was a constant f/4 instead of f/3.5-5.6. I wonder how that would have changed the size/weight of the lens. I wouldn’t mind giving up a little speed at the wide end to gain speed at the long end. Throw in a weather sealing, and it would be the perfect all-purpose travel zoom. Quite a shame. Still, if the optical-tests prove sufficient, it may require purchase if the price is right.

  19. What I like most about the LF1 is a clue that the GX2 will have similar integrated EVF (hopefully 0.2″ with higher resolution). I expect Pany will produce a LX9 with similar design? Just imagine that Pany is capable of producing a m4/3 camera of similar design shape and size and still have a LCD screen substantially larger than any NEX or PEN.

  20. I would guess the next Pany camera like the LF1 will be a m4/3 model with fixed 28-100mm lens and same size?

  21. The new G6 not worth to upgrade for G5 holders .
    Seeing the specs , I only can concluded it just a minor improvements over it’s predecessor .
    Damn , I start to worry about the new GX .
    Again , Pana is wasting our time !

    1. sure if you consider focus peaking, wifi,nfc, 5 fn buttons, complete video control, 1.04 million dot lcd, and a mic socket minor then yeah

      1. The worst thing is that at this moment neither Olympus nor Panasonic has a camera which would satisfy my needs as well. Unless I buy a GH3 which has an ugly design, is unreasonably bulky and is pricey due to features I wouldn’t ever use in my life (video).

        1. I wonder what your needs really are then? You have to look at the Panasonic GH3 as a hybrid camera with an ergonomic, rugged body that also houses components and a heat sink that are required for high quality video processing. The GH3 is also a very good bargain considering the quality of the video it captures. No other company at this time offers anything similar in it’s price range and performance. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a good contender, but then you’re not talking about hybrid cameras anymore.

          I assume you’re only looking for still photography performance, so why isn’t the Olympus OM-D E-M5 your thing? It’s very light and compact, looks nice and is reasonably priced. The video capabilities on it are aweful but you won’t need them anyway.

  22. Sold all my Lumix kit two weeks ago. LF1 looks like a big yawn. Still think Panny missed the boat three years ago with the GF1. If it had had an EVF it would have cleaned up.

    Fuji X-E1 arrived last night. That’s how it’s done.

    1. Yeah I hear you, I mean who doesn’t want slow af that locks on things you dont want, watercolor photos and a noisy, laggy view finder?
      But it looks cool and thats all that matters!

      1. I attach significance to people who take the trouble to make things look good. I try to do that with my photographs too. I hope you’re wrong about the IQ. It’s too early for me to tell, obviously.

        But I took some valued opinions before I jumped in to Fuji. For example, the guys at Luminous Landscape are photographers. They love the Fuji IQ. And the guys at DPReview said it’s a camera that makes you want to take pictures.

        You may be right. It has to happen sometime. But not yet, I think.

        1. Lucasz, don’t bother listening to the trollboy. Nothing except for Panasonic can take photographs, according to this self proclaimed expert. He also claims to own mostly Olympus cameras and lenses. Which may well be true. But in some deranged form of self-hatred and self-inflicted agony, spends the majority of his time and posts on this rumors-site deriding Olympus and its users, with hardly anything positive to say about Olympus products at all. Call it a self-appointed vigilante crusade. Or whatever. At the end of the day, he can post what he wants, as most of us here do also. Just don’t assume that people who make bold statements know what they are talking about.

          As a new Fuji user, you may want to visit forums like fujixspot where you’ll find professional photojournalists and studio photographers using the Fuji X system, as well as many amateur street and landscape shooters and everyday users who are happy with their Fuji Xs and its IQ. Rico Pfirstinger, who is a real Fuji expert, frequents this forum and has his own dedicated subforum to help new and existing users. He also write a tips and tricks column at fujirumors.

          There are problems with the Fuji X system as there are with any system. A lot of it is overblown, especially from those who don’t comprehend the purpose of the system and who it was designed for, and consequently criticise it for not having things like superfast AF, touch displays, flip-out screens, more video features, camera bodies and lenses for under $500, and so on. For these, there is m4/3 and also Sony NEX (whose AF speed is still slower than m4/3, but still good). And there are those who somehow think that the Fuji X system is “too expensive”, while both X camera bodies the X-Pro1 and X-E1 can be bought for less than $1100, and the most expensive X lens so far is the 14mm f/2.8 which is $899. There are even genuine deals where you can get the X-E1 bundled with either the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 zoom or the 35mm f/1.4 prime for under $1200. Comparing that to many other systems, I think these are good deals and prices. Not super-cheap, but not super-expensive either.

          I would place much greater weight and trust in the opinions of professional working photographers who use many different cameras and camera systems, and who also cooperate with the camera companies to resolve issues and help improve future products, than on single-camera—single-brand—internet-fantrollboys who have no credentials whatsoever to back up their claims other than the ability to buy gear and spend the rest of their lives defending their purchases.

          BTW I currently use some low end m4/3 gear which I’m happy to continue using for casual use. But I am planning to adopt the Fuji X system in early 2014 (when the lenses I’m interested in will be available). Unless something else in m4/3 like Olympus OM-D Pro or even OM-D Lite can convince me to spend my money with them instead. Right now, I’ll just keep saving my money.

          1. only the entire web agrees with me on the fuji issues.
            Luminous landscape and dpreview has the cameras for a few days and then return them. How is that better than the opinion of users. And the majority of my gear IS olympus, you just cant deal with the fact that I dont perform fellatio on everything olympus like the rest of you fanboys. When I say something panasonic has done is better its because it simply is, another thing you cant seem to deal with.
            Time spent here? youre here at all hours of the day, literally. I check the comment maybe once a day in the bathroom, the only appropriate place to read all the unfounded crap posted here

        1. The personality problem appears to be yours he is absolutely correct in his post { perhaps that “IS” the problem?} the best APS comfortably beats the best mFT in image quality and the best FF beats the best APS comfortably, when you look at the marginal advantage that the E-M5 actually has over the G5 it really is amusing to hear the Oly boys gloat

          http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/816|0/%28brand%29/Panasonic/%28appareil2%29/793|0/%28brand2%29/Olympus/%28appareil3%29/814|0/%28brand3%29/Nikon

          1. @the jets or whoever you are today
            Those other camera manufacturers still gonna hurt though.

            Image quality is good enough for 99% of uses and 99% of users even Kesztio who doesn’t print as large as bus.

    1. I heard how Panasonic kicked down your door, punched you in the face and shot your dog.

      I’d be mad and hate Panasonic too.

      But hey, you have options, OMD, NEX and Fuji.

  23. Hope they can add focus peaking to the G5 in firmware as it is so recent
    and has the same sensor.
    Or do they expect us to buy a new camera every year?
    I expect the latter.

    1. Nobody is putting a gun to your head, forcing you to upgrade every time a new camera comes out. You don’t have to buy Anything.

      Don’t like it, don’t buy it. SIMPLE.

  24. G6 continues tradition of G range hitting the m43 sweet spot (price, features, size).

    But they really deserve a mark down for the old generation sensor. Cheap.

  25. Butt ugly and aged sensor – excellent strategy to beat Olympus and Sony 😉
    Sorry, I couldn’t resist…

    1. “Butt ugly and aged sensor”

      Agree. But those are G6’s only drawbacks. Focus peaking, panorama, HDR, WiFi, NFC make for quite an interesting camera. I forgot the lack of IBIS, of course, which is why I’m definitely not interested, but overall it’s a step in the right direction.

      OTOH, I love the improvements in the new 14-140mm. It’s almost a centimeter shorter than Oly and Tamron 14-150mm, while faster than the former. And it much lighter than the old one. I hope the image quality is improved too.

      Nice additions to the system.

      1. Please, are the Wifi and NFC such important features for a digital camera? I can see the only reason in remote controllinng, a serious photographer NEVER uploads a foto straight out from the camera, w/o post-processing.

        1. Yeah, remote control is the only reason I’d like to have WiFi in my camera. I understand your frustration at not getting the features you wanted. I guess I’ll be disappointed in the same fashion in two weeks time when Olympus announces new PENs :). But if G6 had IBIS, I’d accept that sensor because of many other features Oly cameras lack at the moment ( focus peaking, HDR, panorama, swivel screen, large grip, … ).

          A bit of a disappointment is the flash sync speed of only 1/160s, but we’ve gotten used to that from Panasonic :(.

        2. There are Pro’s who do ZERO post processing!!!!

          And as for the WiFi, I can be on a shoot, transfer the pics to my iPad, even do some minor post processing with Photo genie and show it to the client OR if he/she’s not there, email it to them for comments and instant gratification.

          Don’t knock the tech until you tried it. I have and it’s very good!

    2. Why is it always the sensor? It is a overestimated part of the package while the electronics and software are constantly overlooked. If Panasonic announces a new Venus engine and more powerful chips no body gives a crap, yet if the sensor it 9 month old, its a tragedy. Seriously…

  26. The problem for Panasonic is that they have no new sensor tech. The GH3 sensor is obviously Sony. Panasonic hasn’t moved up to that level, that’s why you see these old sensors in new cameras, Panasonic just doesn’t have a replacement.

    Olympus on the other hand has to buy their sensors for all cameras. So who cares if they are all from Sony? That’s why all their cameras have the latest tech.

  27. Epic fail as ususal since the LX3 and GF1. Panasonic dropped the ball after those two.. The LX3/GF1 was amazing for the time.. But now? Panasonic is years behind the others.. The G6 ? BIGGER then the already BIG G5?? Big body/small sensor is a really strange market strategy.. And, NO SONY SENSOR AGAIN??!! What in gods name are you doing Panasonic?

    1. wait to E-P5,OM-D Pro or E-7 if Oly use new sensor such as 20mpx sony same tech as
      A58 SLT or others from outsouce factory ,i will kiss to Oly ,and i hate Panny then
      not but thire cam any more.

      but i worry OM-D sensor will still use for 5 years from now!
      WHY Oly failed to advice new factory of image sensor ????
      Oly is small and low power than NIKON that NIK can announce new sensor to new replacment camera lines, they still keep the best underdog Olympus. 😛

  28. There is really not much to say:
    -G6 is ok, but not worth it for upgraders. Cynical cheap move not upgrading the sensor. First focus peaking for MFT us probably the only interesting development.

    -14-140 makes a lot of sense (IQ tests pending). The old lens was too large/heavy for the format. APSC lenses were smaller.

  29. I must say that i prefer the not so bulky look of the predecessor, like i prefer the look of the gh2 over the gh 3. The high shoulders make it look ….hmmm

  30. Well, my fury is gone. Giving another chance to Panasonic for GH5 or G7, maybe already with color splitter sensors. In the meantime I’ll use my G3.

    1. Dude, you need to chill out. A true photographer knows that it’s a good eye that makes great photographs and not the equipment. Technology changes daily, so don’t get so wrapped up in it. There is no such thing as the perfect package because it will become out of date tomorrow.

      I guarantee that a good photographer can make great pictures regardless of the equipment. The great thing about technology is that it gives the rest of us an opportunity to create photos we can be proud of…

    2. You took a right decision, the G3 is a good one and good reason to stay with it for next year. Invest in lenses and improve your photographer’s eye 🙂

      I had been longing for the E-P5, but it seems I’ll pick a discounted E-PL5. I will not buy any overpriced stuff. IQ/Price ration is much more important for me.

  31. I’ve been searching for a versitile all-in-one compact camera. Mainly for videos. Most of the compacts didn’t satisfy me with their poor low light performance. Then, last year, LX7 came along- it’s near perfect for my needs, I only needed a little more zoom- at least x7. So, now LF1 has been released- it’s perfect! Except for one thing- it’s less powerful and doesn’t offer option to shoot 60fps at FULL HD and 120fps at HD like LX7 does. A step backward. So, I pass…

  32. It takes pictures. It has a viewfinder at least that makes it a camera. Not a dork’s thingie.
    As some one else said before ‘no viewfinder it ain’t a camera’. This is a camera. Thats a good place to start taking pictures. Yea Yea

  33. Why in the hell Pana put focus peaking in the G6 (if it’s actually true, which I still doubt) and not in the GH3. Panasonic, helloooooooooooooo!!

      1. Yeah, of course… fw updates really exists! But they already released one and no focus peaking. If I remember a Panasonic manager in an interview didn’t give us much hope about it a while ago. And now they come with the feature on a non-flagship model, a bit wierd at least. Let’s also remember that’s the first m4/3 having that… so what? I still feel a bit skeptic…. 🙁
        Now it’s time for Panasonic to correct this! URGENT!!!

  34. G6 is the best m43 model designed to date, period. Nearly, almost, stupidly bought the POS OM-D this week… So glad I didn’t!

  35. LOL what a ugly little thing! looks like a cheap super-zoom. Gh2 sensor REALLY ? Panasonic is the most ecologic brand for sure ( recycling,recycling,recycling,recycling) lol!

    1. Such Bias and hate towards Panasonic.. When any other camera brand reuses sensors (Olympus, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji) it’s not a big deal, but when Panasonic does it, Get out the Torches and Pitchforks!!

      Such Muppets around here, hating for no real reason.

      GH2 sensor is very good and packaged around an even smaller body is a big feat, not to mention even a better OS to get the most out of the sensor.

      I’m tempted, seriously. This might be coming home with me come June, I mean July.. We all know Panasonic’s shipping dates never stick.

      1. “Such Muppets around here, hating for no real reason.”

        It’s not hate you fanboy muppet, it’s just an opinion that differes from yours. Live with it. Muppet.

        1. DO YOU USE IT, MUPPET??

          Back to reality though, opinions? Yeah right. Not here at 43 Rumors… It’s too easy to know the difference between opinion from hate here.

          And I like how you replied to the “Muppet” comment. I got to you, you read it.

          My job is done.

  36. In fact it seems to be a very good camera: well equipped/nice features, good Quality. As usual for Pana´s G-line the price-performance ratio will be convincing.

    But unfortunately it is by far too big and the DSLR design is not my cup ot tea.

    rational -> yes!
    emotional -> no!

  37. Does this still have the annoying 29 minute video recording limit in EU?

    Because this means I have to wait for hack before using it for event videos, which is an important use for me

    Otherwise I find this cam pretty compelling

    1. I have no issue with the G6’s general design and looks. The grip looks handy, and I think there may be enough room for placing the right thumb on the right rear without accidentally pushing buttons.

      My niggles are omissions: index finger dial, 1/250 synch speed, wireless flash control, and a threaded shutter release button.

      A vertical battery grip with extra shutter release button and dial would be nice. Like the G5, the G6 is similar to the E-620, at least in spirit.

        1. The G6 has wireless flash control with Panny strobes or with the FL36 R and FL50 R units. However, wired flash with Oly flash units is incompatible.

          I don’t know if anyone is going to sell a battery grip for a camera that will be replaced by a new model in half a year or so.

  38. I’m gonna dob you’s all in to the Yoonited Nayshuns for hate speech and hate crimes against Panasonic, you bunch of haters. Yeah, we realise the G6 is so damn ugly it’s causing people to go blind. We hear that recycling factories worldwide are celebrating and eco-tech share prices just rose to a historic high. And the sensor just screams corporate (self) responsibility. But does it deserve such relentless hate? We’ll let the Yoo Enn decide that. Maybe you’s can all back off a little on the hate speech. Someone somewhere might get their feelings hurt. And we don’t want that. In the meantime, why not dust off those old tape recorders and rewind and play a tape a few times. A good recording deserves to be played over and over and over again. Well, look at the time. Stock market is closing in 15. Gotta go and buy me some blue-chip eco-tech-recycling shares before the next price adjustment. What? Up five cents in the last 5 minutes? Damn, the market!

  39. I am unimpressed, G5 was more innovative compared to its predecessors than G6.
    Surely improved touch screen and wifi are nice to have, but are no dealbreakers.
    Focus peaking is a software upgrade. And boy it is UGLY.

    1. oled view finder, 1.04 million dot screen, 5 fn buttons, wifi,nfc, wireless flash, focus peaking, mic out, full video control
      It seems like hell of a more update than the g3-g5

  40. panasonic has to do a lot better than this. Where are the spiritual successor to
    GF1. All of us who has invested in several lenses expect a new GF1 mk2 (like Canon)
    with or without integrated VF. Otherwise Panasonic will be the best advertisment
    for Fuji and Sony CSC cameras. Regards Ulf.

  41. I fail to understand why Panasonic focused so much on the video abilities of the G6 when it already has the GH3 for video purposes. G6 should be an E-M5 killer and an old sensor won’t do it. Considering there is more than 1 year gap between the 2 cameras I was expecting more from the G6. Panasonic does not seem to have a clear market strategy, maybe it should take a good look at what Sony and Olympus are doing…

    1. Panasonic put a higher end camera sensor in this camera, one that performs very good (why fix it if it isn’t broken?) and improving it through better processing. As I understand it, they’re replacing a camera they’ve discontinued by improving upon it, and giving those features to a lower end range.
      Unfortunately, video doesn’t seem to be up to the task, but on the photography side I doubt you’ll find a noticeable difference between this and a similarly priced MFT camera. The E-M5 is above the price range, so it’s not a valid comparison, I think.

  42. About the visuals: The silver edition is looking VERY VERY nice. Maybe (if the G6 is “useful”) my FIRST silver body I consider to buy …

  43. No I did not, but maybe its the best way to update a GF1, unless you
    chose Olympus, Sony or Fuji. But I still fell it is Panasonics loss
    as the GX1 are not fully up to date. Regards Ulf.

  44. …if you want to know why panasonic focused so much on improving video, all you have to do is go to any video oriented forum. We all think it’s great !

  45. The styling on this just might be the best of any Panasonic mft camera, maybe even better than Oly cameras depending on your taste for retro. I wouldn’t go so far as to say ‘sexy’, but it is even retro in a way as those noting the leica R and S resemblance saw.

  46. As far as styling goes, IMO the GH2 was the best looking of the bunch. Then the G5. Less so the GH3 and now the G6.

    I miss the hump….

    1. After all the whinging over the OMD’s hump the folks at panny probably thought, “Let’s give them a reason to whinge over a very small hump.” 😛

  47. The same old GH2 sensor? FAIL Panasonic. If it had the same sensor as the GH3 I would have bought one, but this gives me no reason to upgrade from my GH2.

      1. “no IBIS, no buy” and “lens is not black, no buy” were getting seriously old, so they had to find an other nail to over-hammer until both the nail and the whole concept gets destroyed in ridicule..

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