UPDATE: The image of the GX7 can be seen at Postimg and Tinypic.
–
This is the first image of the brand new Panasonic GX7 that will be announced in August! As you see Panasonic goal was to revive the glorious Four Thirds L1 camera (here on eBay). And some of you also saw a touch of Fuji X-M1 (very similar back!) on the new GX7. And this could not be casual because Fuji and Panasonic are working together on the new organic sensor tech. That said here are the specs:
– The leaked document says it’s 16Megapixel but I heard it’s 18MP. This makes me think the sensor may be multiaspect. Which means 18 megapixel sensor with 16 megapixels effective resolution (like it was on the GH2!).
– It has a Magnesium body and comes in full black or black-silver.
– It has an on sensor stabilization (first ever for Pana).
– Same video quality as the GH3
– Shutter speed up to 1/8000
– 5fps (4fps with continuous A)
– it can focus also in very dark conditions
– Tiltable 2,76 Million Dot EVF
– Tiltable 3 inch LCD (1,04 Million dots)
– Integrated WiFi and NFC
– Focus peaking
– Stereo Mic
– Shipment in September
– Body only price 1.000 Euro
– There will be two kit version. One with 14-42 and one with 20mm lens.
So, do you like the new Panasonic? Me…yes!
Thanks Harry and Ulrich!!!
329 Responses
Full frame ?
Of course, full frame. Full micro four third frame. If they used a different full frame, it would require different lenses. mFT sensors, lenses, and mount all work together, you can’t change one without changing the others. That’s why it’s called a standard.
Ha. This puny cameras with their puny sensors.
I think it’s only matter of time before the reinsurgency of the 8×10 format.
Taken band, artist, streetphotography and have made full CD cover, promotion pictures, posters and have pictures accepted by Vogue.it.
Who says that size matters stupid ?
As long as Panoly keep making mFT, they will never make a full frame camera.
UGLY, TRÈS MOCHE….
À chacun son goût. I love it. Just take my money already, Panny.
looks pretty good! The now which will drop their price faster? the EP5 or the GX7?
Looks sexy
WHERE DO I BUY ONE!!!!! Where in FRANCE!!! I WANT IT I WANT IT!!!!
Thank God I did not preorder that UGLY EOS 70D
Near PERFECTION — only needs 5 AXIS
If you think it is ugly why did you plan to preorder it?
Looks pretty damn good.
When do we get to see the BLACK one, admin?
WOW, must be mine – sooner or later 🙂
I know, right? Looks fantastic. Checkout the AF/MF lever! It sure is getting close to a body that “has it all”.
I’d still prefer two dials and five-axis, but I will certainly do a hands-on before I make up my mind. Still awaiting word on sensor performance, of course! I won’t jump on it if it’s the same technology as the current 16MP.
Yes if one distances oneself one must still believe that the E-M5, and scions is still the better camera.
Design wise however the GX7 will put Oly in a quandary – retro OM or RF form factor? I wonder how long they can ignore this, especially since the hump is not strictly needed.
Mind you Jutting out EVF is even worse for pockets.
Is a fuji?
Can’t compute top photo. The viewfinder pops up with the flash?!
Also, is the screen definitely articulated?
The top image show that the viewfinder flips up. The pop up flash is to the right of the hot shoe.
No, that is only the viewfinder articulating. The flash is to the right of the hot shoe.
Indeed. The controls are Fuji. MUST be a fake.
My thought also. That “Q” button comes from new Fuji cameras..
Anyway, it looks nice. I wonder how “firmly” the EVF will lock in position.
Hot year for cameras: now I’m waiting to see what OMD “Pro” will offer and how NEX FF will be.
What, the Q. Menu? (there’s no Q button, but there’s Q. menu). That Q. Menu button that’s been on, well, the Panasonic GX1, GH3, GH2, G6, G5, G3, G2, GF5, GF3, GF2 and GF1? That Q Menu?
Yes, I noticed that on new Fuji cameras RAW button now names Q. Is there any reason connected to Panasonic?
It looks a big bigger than an E-P3
Looks good, but looks SMALL. Really small. GX1 small, which is good, I guess, but with the EVF I hope it doesn’t feel too small.
Only real concern I have is that the mode dial is to the right of the shutter button, which means that there’s potential for accidental knocking of the mode dial just through normal use of the camera. Depends on how your fingers will naturally fall, and how stiff it is. The EC dial on the Fuji X-E1 is in a similar spot, and I don’t have any issues there, but it’s a larger body and the dial is recessed into the body and further back, where this looks like your finger will rest on top of the mode dial while shooting.
We’ll have to see when I get one in hand for review.
The EVF is well-positioned, your nose won’t get in the way.
Not everyone uses their right eye to focus. I prefer the OM-D’s EVF placement.
“Not everyone uses their right eye to focus. I prefer the OM-D’s EVF placement.”
So you prefer a design that makes sure EVERYONE’S nose gets in the way, rather than just SOME people’s?
Use your head.
I prefer my noseprint at the right edge of the LCD, as opposed to smack in the middle of the screen.
Are you saying that my personal preferences should be based on other people’s requirements?
left eye shooter too here, thats one of the reasons I dont like the RF design, but not because i have a problem with my nose, but i can’t use my right eye for overseeing the scene while shooting, this is the advantage of the hump design, you can look over the body, using your secondary eye, be it left or right eye. I am sure more people do shoot like. Its also a matter of aesthetics to a certain extent ofcourse. Some love RF, some love a hump.
….. that’s ugly. Design has never been the strength of Lumix/Panasonic. Not every thing in two tone look good.
BTW Must look like a rabbit if the VF and the flash are popped up the same time 🙂
If you don’t like classic retro silver-on-black, you’re in luck because the post states that all-black will be an option.
Oh crap. It’s the either the GH3 sensor or the G6 one… DAMNIT
Pana can’t be serious if it’s the one from the G6 which means basically GH2 sensor.
Beautiful
I like this camera, I’m going to buy one, with the 20mm lens.
Yes, I like the look of that. I will wait for prices to drop, but it does ‘look’ pretty much my ideal travel camera
“Same video quality as the GH3” … same sensor?
Like it alot. Now it will be tough to choose between om-d e-m5 and gx7. It will come down to ergonomics. Hope they will bring body-only too.
why no second dial..?
I guess you can press the dial so is has 2 function like the gf1? hope so
I think there is one around the shutter.
It´s beautiful. Admin, has it the same lcd and evf as the Olympus e-P5?
WOW, a dream come true!!
Specs are perfect!!
Design very cool and good ergonomics (no nose smearing an LCD)!
If only the new sensor is at least as good as the GH3-senor – that’s my camera for shure! (Coming from Sony NEX and Nikon D7000)
> – There will be two kit version. One with 14-42 and one with 20mm lens.
20mm kit – Yes!
If it’s priced right, and performs right, this will make a great 2nd body to go with my GH3
Admin – “Same video quality as GH3”? That can’t mean same video recording OPTIONS as GH3 can it?
go on then … I’ll say it:
don’t want a built in viewfinder
😉
why?
touch Screen? I guess not…
Looks like the perfect second camera to me!
The camera I have been waiting for from panasonic since the GF1 ! finally a viewfinder!
I am disappointed of the design though, looks pretty awful to me, like a failed retro attempt.
“failed retro attempt”
Exactly!
grouchomarx
ISO range, hopefully starting at 100?
too bad the mount is not visible, wondering if it still has that weirdlooking mount as seen on that illustration.
Yes i too wonder on this ???
Sony’s sensor?
GX-7 vs E-P5,
so far, I think E-P5 leads..
how come? I mean, they cost the same with the little exception that GX7 has a built-in articulated EVF on it. as everybody reviewing the E-P5 says, it’s a great camera, but an overpriced one. and this X-E1 looks nice… hahahaha…
Sorry, guys, the G6 looks a bit more professional to me.
5 programmable buttons (instead of 4), swiveling LCD and a much more confortable grip.
Very pity that Panasonic won’t put their latest technology in G series as well.
I like the tilting EVF though.
That’s what the GH series is for — latest tech in a weather sealed DSLR style body. The G series is the budget version of that.
The GX series is the premium counterpart to the GF series, with the rangefinder body format.
Not as pretty as pen which isn’t too big of a deal but I wish there were more dials.
Looks very good… pretty much what everybody here has been asking for, including IBIS. 😉
Only concern… where is the 2nd wheel? Maybe the thing around the shutter button can be used as such?
Also: It has a nice massive looking grip. Well done Panasonic!
The second wheel is the rear Control Wheel. By pushing on it, you switch modes between aperture and shutter. It’s very simple and elegant.
Granted two dedicated wheels are better in many ways, but to keep the size down the Control Wheel is great. Using manual and adapted manual lenses, set the aperture on the lens and rotate the wheel to adjust the shutter speed. It’s very fast and easy.
Hopefully, Panasonic will see fit to include Constant Preview (in M mode) from the GH2 and GH3.
Looks little bit like the Olympus Pen E-P5!! Specially the lens remove button 😛
Panasonic had the L1 as a design legacy from FT camera (2008), after the launched of GF1 , people wished the The GF2 to have the RF style but Panasonic ignored the the voices of mft user, i hope this camera can satisfied the LUMIX lover. I wished this camera had already came up before NEX7 and Fuji X-Pro/E 1. … It just not exciting as many years before when we’re longing this style camera came to surface.
I waited sooo long for this one, and hoped it will have the same price as the gx1… Now they put in things i think no one need in this camera (stereo, film options like gh3… i mean this is not a film camera, you can’t hold it like you can hold a G6) which makes it naturally more expensive.
Why is the Fps-rate at 5 , cheaper cameras two years ago could achieve 7-10?
Well mFT is crap for fast moving targets so super high FPS are of almost no use at all lol
No issue at all, as long as your subject stays within DOF. And if it doesn’t, a high frame rate is even more beneficial to ensure that one of the shots is a keeper.
“Almost” is different than “no”.
> Why is the Fps-rate at 5 , cheaper cameras two years ago could achieve 7-10?
Actually, 4-6 fps is the norm (e.g. Canon’s 5DIII and T4i, Nikon’s D800) and the recent Olympus cameras are in that range if you want metering or auto focus. There are a few outliers (maybe Sony’s NEX-6?), but generally the only disappointing thing about 5fps is that’s it’s just normal.
5 fps on GX7 with without AF (or with AF and metering on first shot), just like 9 fps on E-M5 and E-P5. I guess the small body filled with goodies does not leave much space to properly cool their processor.
Looks and sounds great.
Oh, Panasonic is going to sell a re-labeled NEX6! 😉
Looking good. I believe, though, that to me the kit with silver body would look better with black lense. I’m really looking forward to read reviews. Looks like a little dream come true 🙂
EVF jutting out: combination for disaster in a pocketable camera. 5 fps, are they real? It’s funny like even in a perfect camera they always screw something. Now waiting for news about the Jpeg engine…
I hope the big eyecap won´t shade the lcd – it looks so close and overarching.
I am also a bit concerned with the protruding EVF. It’d better have a good lock mechanism to hold it in place if you are not using the tilting feature.
This reminds me of Leica Digilux 3 >____<
All I can say is: WOW. This looks fantastic… Panasonic is challenging the E-P5 big time.
Body is is brilliant, and doesn’t look any bigger than the GX1 (great because I thought that was perfect). The high res LCD is nice (I wonder if it’s the same as the E-P5’s 3in, 1.04Mdot) and the EVF seems fantastic (high res than the VF4!). Also focus peaking, WiFi, NFC… They were well implemented in the G6/GF6 so they should be solid on this one. Metal body, 1/8000 shutter, high end video: awesome.
A little disappointed by max 5fps shooting and only one control wheel, but neither are deal breakers… The GX1 wheel handles fine and I basically never shoot high-speed no-AF.
Finally, I’ll be interested to see what the sensor and IBIS can do, and what “focus in very” means practically. Given the size, I’d hope that there’s some way to limit how much the EVF protrudes (removable eyecup?).
All in all, for 1000 Euro (so probably $1000) I’m pretty excited. This really heats up the competition with Olympus for the high end. At the same price, the P5 still has a few solid pluses and a lot remains to be seen about the GX7. Still, with a better EVF builtin, better video, much better WiFi (actual camera control) the GX7 seems like a solid winner for me.
Beautiful looking camera terrible sensor.
You own one?
Hot!
Does it have GPS? I am running out of things to whine about. 🙂
does it even have wifi? 🙂
People who complain about the sensor of a camera that’s not even released yet, and that we haven’t even seen samples from yet, should really maybe consider getting a different hobby.
Better yet… a life.
I’m running out of things to complain about too. Only 2 things I really hope it has is electronic shutter (and or a delay to minimize shutter shake for always tack sharp pix) and tiltable flash for the few times I want some bounced light. If this has GH3 like video performance + decent sensor ibis. Our prime lens handheld videos are going to look AWESOME. Oh last thing please have stereo mics that sound close to as good as my GH2 does + mic input =). All of the above for me will make this the closest perfect camera (perfect would also include 5-axis ibis but 2-axis works =p).
Please quit complaining about only 2 axis. I had an Olympus E-510 around 5 years ago and it already gave me an amazing 3-4 EV stop gains when compared to the 35mm equivalent SS = 1/FL rule. Panasonic cleared 90% of the path by switching to IBIS, I couldn’t give a shit about the rest of the 10% (5 axis).
THIS CAMERA IS FLACKING PERFECT!!!
Very glad to see more video capabilities in the gx series. Any word on if it has mic input and manual controls in movie mode?
I’ve been waiting four years for this? Come on people get some taste, that’s the ugliest Gawd Damn camera I’ve ever seen and it looks like the EVF cup will get torn off every time you pull it out of a bag or pocket. Why did they have to get so complicated, when a simple EX1 design is what everyone wanted? Where do they get these designers and why do they hire them? I’ll be sticking with the G5,6 now. Come on Panasonic, quit taking stupid pills like Olympus does!
Damn, we’ve found the one arbiter of True Good Taste, who’s completely tuned in to what Everyone wants, but she’s staying anonymous. Why do you tease your minions so, dear Goddess?
it looks damn GOOD – bravo Panasonic 🙂
Hope the specs ares good as well!(?) (I have my doubts: no 5 axis IBIS, Resolution EVF…)
But all in all it is the camera we talked years ago…
Hard life for E-P5…
Wow this gorgeous! looks like a mix of the
hope the new 14-42mm has NO (!) OIS – than it would be perfect 🙂
Looks good, but certainly not like a revival of the L1.
Agreed. To me the look is a cut below L1 and LC1. Maybe because the look is no longer refreshing and unique since we now have Fuji and NEX cameras.
I don’t believe in that name … but GX1 need to be upgraded and it can be a very nice upgrade !
Finally .
The only thing across my mind is what make our Admin so confident to place booking on this camera without knowing how far is the performance of the camera sensor .
1K price tag sounds high if GX7 can’t beat the famous OMD sensor . What about the incoming OMD Pro ?
I like this GX7’s design but IQ ( RAW ) is the most important to me .
DAMN IT. WAS HOPING “GX7” WOULD BE ON LEFT AND “LUMIX” ON RIGHT. DAMN IT!
It’s nothing a couple of pieces of black tape can’t handle. 😉
I cover the logos on my cameras first thing!
Let’s see the BLACK body!
Agree Mr. Reeee as usual.
Looks nice. but I still prefer the E-P5 look. Good that Panasonic includes an EVF, but it seems to be uncomfortable mainly when you mount an external flash. Only one dial, when in the E-P5 you have 2 and the lever to switch to other functions.
Panasonic: I have an idea, lets make a really slick rangefinder style camera, that will slip in and out of a coat pocket easily, but wait, then lets add a 3 inch long rubber VF cup to it, so it won’t slide in and out of anything easily and lets complicate it even more and make the viewfinder tilt up too. P.S. Hey Olympus, send us another batch of those stupid pills you gave us, the last batch was great.
Did you know that the rubber cup as all other rubber cups, does comes out? Now that you know, where do I send you the invoice?
Looks like they managed to put the strap lug in the way too, just like the highly ergonomic EM5.
Or many other cameras.
Looks great. Want to see how that grip feels.
touch Screen? I guess not…
200 – 300 to expensive.
Looks very good to me. If the sensor delivers at least the performance of the GH3 I’ll be tempted to buy one.
Woohoo!! I like it a lot and will buy. I like that it has a nice big grip, tiltable LCD and no hump, of course. 1/8000 shutter speed is cool. Two minor concerns still holding are firmness of EVF when folded and pressed against eyebrow, and sensor strengths (low light, dynamic range), but I’m sure there will be nothing not to like about this camera.
I’ll reserve my wishes for weather sealing and GPS until GX8 🙂
I’d like to buy it kitted with the 14-42 PZ since I already have a 20/1.7.
I am very disappointed! I like the new features but I do no appreciate the small size of the camera, and the ugly look. While I love compact cameras, I do not understand the need of going smaller and smaller… Besides, I would love to see a little retro look from Panasonic, like Fuji or the new Olympus Pen. I would not buy!
It looks like composite image. I think its fake.
That said, it would be great…
this will put a lot of pressure on Olympus!…
Specs sound great and camera looks like a winner.
GX 7 or E-P5 ??
this is the question… ;-/
Let’s hope this is quite a different sensor from the GH2 and its ilk.
Other than that the specs that are known are of course great. Would like to have an intervalometer and a electronic shutter. Sensor needs to be GH3 like in still IQ too.
If these are provided and it looks like this, count me in.
Great camera. Panny really needed this release. m43 needed it, too. I think this camera will get some more interest in m43. It’s a good answer to NEX 6/7 and the Fuji line, and will have access to the AF speed and lens selection of m43. It’s the camera the EP5 should have been.
Well played Panny.
1000 euros : Gh2 sensor for sure. And 1 dial ??
Absurd, isn’t it? 1000 EUR, tiny bad sensor, no dials, no way to check focus. Hmmm a 6D is how little more?
You are an idiot. It is NOT a tiny sensor, and it is NOT bad. You moron. If it has the GH2 multi-aspect sensor (and, yes, it will have further sensor improvements), it will be outstanding.
i think he come from others mirrorless format,
yeah he only had stupid concept of APS/FF35 but i guess that format lacks of lens
poor performance lens.
He speaks about Canon 6D, this has FF sensor, which is 3,83 bigger than the MFT Panasonic/Olympus sensors. And … be polite !
And to continue my idea, a MFT sensor is not bad in dynamic range and colors compared to a FF sensor, but in ISO is bad compared to FF.
Bollox don’t ‘ave any
Just like the EP5, the price is a big fail.
The grip looks humongous, like it extends to much towards the barrel. Since the camera is still very small, it might not be an issue, but still.
Hope they didn’t fuck up the sensor. GH3 sensor is the minimum I expect. Viewfinder protrudes quite a bit. Damn shame, you can’t have it all.
But in all in all, I like it.
Charning.
The silve 20mm also looks cheap.
Agree. Looks like the original Oly 17/2.8.
View finders typically protrudes, and I suspect there is a reason for that.
Don’t understand all of the complaining?
Finally a rangefinder ‘style’ MFT camera! Yeah!
We have no reviews. No one has held or used the camera? We know nothing about the sensor and people below have misunderstood Admin’s speculation about it possibly being a multi aspect sensor “like” the GH2 sensor and are asserting that this new camera “has” the GH2 sensor? WTF?
Hey..this camera looks really cool…I hope it is a giant step forward for the Panasonic line of cameras…but it is going to have to be pulling some serious weight to tear me away from my OMD. Let’s hope that it is that good!…
theres nothing to understand, 43rumors is the panasonic complaining capital of the internet
Looks like a winner! I was considering the EP5 (primarily for the 5-Ax-Stab. But this is intriguing. At the worst, when it is announced, I expect some price shuffling in already released models.
It looks pretty damn good to me too (& I’m an Oly user with E-M5 & DSLR’s). I don’t understand the critics above though, as no camera is ever perfect for everyone. I hope Olympus is bringing something amazing to the table too, in the OM-D range (or whatever else they introduce).
Agreed. A camera is a tool. You look at the specs to see if it fits your needs, and after that it’s a subjective choice. Most of the chatter is based on the simple mistake of mixing objective things that can be measured and subjective aspects like ergonomics, jpeg engine, lens library, aesthetics, etc.
Anyways, M43 is a mature and exciting system! I’m looking forward to using my kit and adding to my kit as my needs change.
Yes, I have an E-P5 and it is a great camera, but for video unfortunately it is only 30p AVCHD. If the GX7 can shoot the same video as the GH3, WOW! With my GH3 I shoot 720p, 60p, .mov, with 72Mbps ALL-INTRA. If the GX7 can do this, I’m in.
That retro look and magnesium body along with in-sensor stabilization, tilt-able touch panel and evf, multi-aspect? shooting, videos like GH3? Wow! Now where the OMD successor will fail is probably in size, look and video feature.
You know, there are people who buy photocameras to take only photos. Most of those really interested in video could as well buy a serious video camera. I know people will always want the top and for free, but this complainings are non sense to me.
Looks great (assuming it is the second dial around the shutter button)! I wonder what is the cover between the hot shoe and the dials?
And most interesting (for me) specs are unfortunately behind 1.5 y/o E-M5 – no weather sealing, no 5-axis stabilization, just 5 fps (cannot believe this one!), at the price which is above current prices of E-M5. If the sensor performance is not above E-M5, they are going to coast on form factor alone, and I doubt it would bring them many customers who could buy NEX-6+16-50 cheaper than the GX7 body alone… which is very sad.
That cover is the pop-up flash.
Sign me up for one please. Amazon, B&H, Adorama, open up the reserve list for the GX7 please.
That looks fantastic. I hope performance is in the same league as the OM-D.
nice specs…but its ugly! its like the kid of sony nex and fujifilm x100
I cannot say why but I also dont like how it looks…I wait for real product product foto and IQ samples …anyway I think the best bargain is to buy used OMD once the new stuff hits the market in September ..
I couldn’t care much at all how the camera looks. It’s how it works, and how the images it produces look, that matter.
What would you rather have, a camera that looks goofy but is a dream to handle and use, or one that’s a classic, museum-ready design but is a pain to use, with controls that get in the way of shooting?
I think some people view cameras as fashion accessories, not as tools to make beautiful images.
I think some people seem to think that aesthetics and function are mutually exclusive, for whatever reason. There is a certain enjoyment from using a beautiful tool, and I would also argue that defining a camera as a tool to create beautiful images is overly simplistic.
Yes but buying a camera just because its pretty is about the stupidest thing in the world
Finally- this might be my GF1 replacement….
Yes, finally a worthy GF1 replacement, a winner with the EVF & Magnesium body!!!
Could only wish for WiFi and GPS…
Can’t speak about GPS but wifi and nfc are in.
Yes, if:
1. Mar sensor is inside
2. Sensor matches at least my PM2 performance
3. Buttons at the back are sturdy enough not to be clicked by accident.
For me 20/1.7 II only.
Marvellous! A true rangefinder MFT.
Olympus, watch and learn for the P6!
Outstanding!
Can you elaborate on how this is a true rangefinder, considering that it lacks the quintessential component (the actual rangefinder)?
Bla bla bla, din tøv-peis! Its got the viewfinder, which is the WHOLE POINT! you stupi* git!
the whole point of a rangefinder is to have a rangefinder… easy on the insult you’re the one speaking nonsense dude…
As im sure you agree, its a rangefinder-style camera because of the viewfinder. Now please stop your childish slibberslabber, this is a serious forum, not a playground for your notorius bellyaching!
You’re crazy dude. Lots of cameras have a viewfinder… it’s not optical. This one just happens to be a rectangle… otherwise it’s no more a rangefinder than the EM5. The “point” of rangefinders is the focusing system… and many also like being able to see outside the framelines. You won’t get that here. Calm down, you look insane.
Your insulting everyone for no reason doesn’t sound that mature to me 🙂
you’re enthusiastic about the camera, great ! now how about you share your enthusiasm without insulting people.
of course I see the point of calling that a “rangefinder” camera, but what you call here a ‘true” (??) rangefinder is another rangefinder lookalike without an actual rangefinder.
do you call an SLR a rangefinder also because of the viewfinder… come one please…
As someone who has been waiting for a true rangefinder for ages (my epson r-d1 grows really old now…) I find the distinction much more important as you seem to, and the many people spreading this non sense.
I see your point.
Calm down son. You actin’ a fool.
Harald, you’re an idiot.
“As im sure you agree, its a rangefinder-style camera because of the viewfinder.”
That makes it a viewfinder camera, which it is to begin with. 😉 A rangefinder camera is a viewfinder camera with a coupled rangefinder.
Does this guy even understand what “rangefinder” is?
din tøv-peis -> Your nonsense-fireplace? Could you provide spelling?
Means Nonsense my beautiful and lovely friend ; )
Tøv=nonsense, peis can be fireplace, it can also mean dick, which is more correct in this context. A wellknown North Norwegian expression. Harald Hardråde should calm down a bit, or I’ll have to learn him some other North Norwegian lessons 🙂
OK OK everybody, it’s rangefinderish styling.
A true rangefinder?
Have you been drinking again, Harald?
Don’t like the price. With magnesium, 2.3MPix VF and image stabilization onboard it is a great competitor for the E-P5, but unfortunatelly in the same price range. Hoped for a mid-class device, lika a compact g6. But no problem: I bought a new E-P3 with 14-150mm lens last week for 600 bugs, so less than 150 for the body. So in 3 years the GX7 will be its successor…if the price drops.
Ahem… Tiltable 2,76 Million Dot EVF. 🙂
We never like the price. At best, we tolerate it.
When you factor in the cost of the EP5’s external EVF, the GX7 is NOT in the same price range. It’s $400 cheaper.
Wrong, Mr. Reeee!
GX-7 body 999 pound.
E-P5 plus EVF4 1110 pound.
E-P5 is just 111 pound more expensive.
E-P5 has 5-axis stabilization, one more dial at the front, and I have an option of not looking down into the EVF.
But lets see how the sensor performs.
Nono….It is 999 euro. And that is about 850 pound. In NL the EP5 body only with EVF costs 1289,- euro. So if the GX7 costs 999 euro body only indeed it is cheaper. And I really prefer a built in EVF. I have EPL5 with the EVF3 and it is nice and all (VF3 is of course a cheap and mediocre EVF) but I much prefer a built in one.
How the two will compare otherwise remains to be seen.
Nono….in NL EP5 with EVF4 = 1289 euro. So 999 euro (not pound) body only meakes in it a lot cheaper.
everything about it looks great, except 1 dial?? I’d be ready to sell my OMD and buy two, but 1 dial is a dealbreaker for me. If only the E-P5 had that EVF…
Look close, there is also a dial around the shutter button. 🙂 Not unlike the back and front set up of the EM5. Works well for cameras this small methinks.
If you buy 2 you will have 2 dials.
LOL
haha! like that
I see two dials. One on top of the cam and another, black one, right below it in the body. So that seems covered too.
I suspect your wishful thinking on that, it’s a smooth ring, no friction knurls or coin milling like on the larger top dial and the rear black dial … if it were a 2nd wheel, it would not be smooth as it looks …
They’re not going to add a separate piece for no reason. That would cost a few extra cents per camera, that’s not generally how this game works. I’d say it’s just not the final design.
Sure looks like two dials to me. One on top, and one on the back, where every other Panasonic m43 camera has one. What each one does is hard to tell, though.
everything about it looks great, except 1 dial?? I’d be ready to sell my OMD and buy two, but 1 dial is a dealbreaker for me. If only the E-P5 had that EVF…
Is that the power switch directly above the back thumb dial? Does anyone else think they are a little too close together? You go to change the aperture and accidentally turn off your camera…
It looks like, if that is the case, that turning the camera on will involve fliping that switch to the right, and conveniently out of the way of a careless thumb on the wheel.
Think I’ll wait or the new fuji ilc
I like that the EVF tilts like the LVF2.
I also like; shipment in September. But I’ll believe it when I see one in September.
Damn, the seemingly weirdly placed right hand strap attachment and protruding EVF make it probably not suitable as a replacement for my GX1, and it’s not interesting enough to replace my E-M5, so I guess I’ll still take an E-P5 as a backup/more compact alternative to the E-M5 (as a bonus they can share batteries and I can expect the same image quality and character from either).
The lack of accessory port seems weird too, I think there were accessories other than EVF using it.
Nearly perfect
Just add phase detection on sensor and we have a complete winner.
Fully articulated screen could be nice too
A complete PDAF/CDAF solution, 5-Axis IBIS, and a global shutter are the major improvements I am looking for in the next version. Oh yes, and WEATHER SEALING, please!
Yes PDAF. M43 (mirrorless generally) needs that. Without PDAF it’s an incomplete system. With the GH/G/Pen/OMD ranges at a point were they compete image wise with the larger sensored cams all that’s left is PDAF.
Love it overall, but….
– new sensor? I mean isn’t 18mp with 16mp effective sounds quite familiar…. Let’s hope it’s not the one from GH2. If it’s new and it’s MAR then I’ll swallow the price.
– 1 dial!? for real? Though I have no problem with the clicky dial on GF2 but a camera at this price should 2.
Hopefully, the specs will be revealed soon.
After all the hype, this is slightly disappointing.
My two PL1:s will stay a while longer.
Sexy..! A true replacement for my old gf1! 🙂
Lets see the IQ.
Let’s hope Panasonic is not reusing the old GX1 sensor again.
So Panasonic reuse the gh2 Cmos again?
Unless they use Mar sensors, the IQ remains ” “, worse than the olympus entry M4/3 camera.
i think panny use new sensor least as same as GH3 IQ,
for a camera more than 1000 USD,if they still reused it not higher price mare than G5/G6. 🙂
In the end the IQ will be the watershed. So far however it seems a consumer, not pro oriented camera. Whereas the E-M5 already had some pro elements.
So I suppose the Pro OM-D (in September?) will leave it far behind. However I am still in favour of a Leica-like camera. Seems that Oly designers however think differently.
If Panny designers dared more however, perhaps they could make a Pro RF in the future. That was Fuji’s idea, and it’s not a stupid one.
This isn’t intended to compete with the OM-D. The EP-5, maybe, but Panny’s competition for the OM-D are the GH3 and, to some extent, the G6.
Two very different designs for different market segments.
I have to laugh. Oly fanboys have been crying for a “rangefinder-style” m43 camera with built-in EVF in the corner. Now that Panasonic’s built it, they find all sorts of other excuses not to like it.
OMG…somebody wrote a comment with sense! I might die…Its amazing to go read the rampant defenders of the EP5 when it was announced and compare it to the reluctance here. Its amazing how people here deny being fantards
It looks oddly proportioned for some reason.. mostly in the front. I’m happy to see a MF/AF switch though
The AF/MF switch is in the back, above the top right corner of the screen…
I predict the GX7 uses a multi-aspect version of the GH3 sensor. I doubt they would use anything older in such a premium offering. Also great to hear the body is magnesium and not cheap plastic. Although, it’s a shame they didn’t weather seal it!
Big problem there that I can see:
The EVF has to be tilted to be used!!!
The EVF is TILTABLE.
What comment are you making?
Of course the EVF is tiltable for it to tilt up!
The trouble is, it has to be used tilted up!
I don’t like that at all.
Tilting up should be an option, not a must.
Why does it have to be tilted to be used? I have the LVF2 and it works in any position from 0 to 90 degrees.
Why you think is a must??
You’re joking, right? You can’t seriously believe it must be titled up to be used…..
Shaking my head in disbelief….
No, it’s likely not true.
The diopter adjustment is the only thing which cannot be performed while the EVF is folded up.
The space above the LCD is too small. The EVF has to be tilted when in use.
Don’t be silly. Of course you can use it without tilting it. Even if it covers part of the LCD (which we don’t know yet), that doesn’t make the EVF unusable.
worse I think, the diopter dial is underneath and available even while it’s down, that EVF sticks out the back far too much for my preference. It looks far too much like the older model it’s styled after, which also had an extremely protruding EVF (the original L1)
This is something that both Olympus and Panasonic need to work on, their EVF seem to require far too much length between the eye and the VF film? They really need to shrink that dimension because it negates the RF style compact shape!
Says who ?
I suspect the ring around the expo button is actually a control lever similar to the one on G5/G6 an in fact to most compact cameras with motorized zoom.
In this case the ergonomics is quite close to the one on G6.
BOW DOWN
damn just bought a epl5 with vf-4 ,love the design I like the view finder built in and specs look good interesting to see how vf compares to vf-4 ,anyway Panasonic winner for sure it ticks nearly all boxes .
I think I’m going for a Nikon 5100 + 35mm f1.8 Nikon lens, for half the prce od this body.
grouchomarx
I think I am going for this body and leave DSLRs for what they are at three times the weight.
“It can focus in very dark conditions”
What sort of spec is that? Have they upgraded the 20/1.7 II with better (faster) focusing?
It’s probably a sensor spec… The sensor catches the light.
From DPR: “‘Low light focus’ mode slows down the sensor’s live view framerate during CDAF in low light, allowing it to collect more light per measurement and therefore get more accurate results. This means that AF can continue to work in lower light, although it necessarily slows down a bit in the process.”
ANd t really does work. I did the update on the GH3 and it will focus just about as dark as you can imagine
Where do I sign up for the waiting list? Panasonic, PLEASE DON’T have us wait in the States like forever! I still haven’t heard wind of the G6 anywhere but Europe and Asia, So if they say September, then we’ll see it in January!
That’s too long of a wait!
1. Ok the grip has to be big to accomodate a bigger battery but it looks like a blob. Hopefully it is just a bad angle and the grip is more angular and prononced.
2. Standard lenses again! At least Oly gets it and bundles a premium lens in the 17mm. Pana, this is your takeaway point. Build up some premium primes with built-in depth of field and distance indicators and bundle them with your premium products!!!
The most important question now is the sensor/image quality. It must match GH3 and ideally have PDAF. Fingers crossed, GX7 is still on my buy list.
I hope Pana will have other kit options with new fast lenses or I might have to buy Oly 17mm and wait for a new 25mm in metal…
Whoa, almost pulled the trigger on the EP5, but now I’m VERY glad I didn’t! GX7 looks incredible. My only concern is how far the EVF is going to protrude out the back. Hopefully the eye guard thing is detachable.
Fuji way better option way superior image quality
Interesting. Please point us to some GX7 sample images for comparison.
I think that this image is a fake. The design elements look wrong, the shutter release looks out of place. I think it looks like someone has taken the drawings of the purported gx7 that are knocking about and just done a cut and paste job to make it look like a real version. Have a look at the bottom of the grip too at about the 8 o’clock position on the lens, that gap just looks plain wrong, as does the grip itself.
The GX7 is a camera I’ve wanted for a long time in concept and if this is it, I will have one, but I don’t think this is it. It just looks clumsy. The GF1 and GX1 never had the retro looks of the competitors like the Fuji cameras, but as pieces of industrial design that just worked, they were second to none. If the camera has the form function of the GX1, but with a built in finder and articulating screen, i’ll be happy.
I think it’s FAKE too.
Firstly I think it is ugly as hell, while the GF1 and GX1 were beautiful.
Secondly the image just looks plain dodgy all over
Thirdly the body looks too small (compared to lens) to have all these things packed into it
Finally the strap lugs look very Oly. (although the GHx cameras do have these type of lugs)
I agree,it look like weak 3D render from last image drawing,
i return to this site and not found this image???
Why would a magazine have a fake image of a new camera? The picture isn’t very big, and admin blew it up a bit, so it’s mushy. I see the gap at the grip, that’s nothing that screams fake. If someone took so much time to do such an elaborate fake, they would have checked for the gap.
“As you see Panasonic goal was to revive the glorious Four Thirds L1 camera”
er, no, Admin. This is purely your personal obsession which it seems absolutely nobody shares, especially not Panasonic. The L1 was an ugly heavy brick, just a big square box with a dumbed-down E-330 inside. It made zero sense compared to the E-330 – apart maybe from the kit lens, but even that wasn’t as good as the Zuiko 14-54.
Fortunately Panasonic grew up and started designing their own cameras. The L10 is worth reminiscing over, as, at it’s time, the best FT body on the market. The L1 was pure form over function – the proof: Leica rebadged it. Or maybe it was the other way around.
Anyway, this GX7 looks NOTHING like an L1. You need new glasses 🙂
“er, no, Admin. This is purely your personal obsession which it seems absolutely nobody shares”
Hah, glad to know I’m not the only one who thought that.
I don’t think this is related to the L1 at all. Rather, it looks like the aim was to copy the look and feel of the recent Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.
The E-P5’s price will drop quickly.
Why not 2000 or 3000 finally leicasonic is here. Having the ex1 y dont pay this amount in any way. Also the lack of good zooms (the 12 35 os a mediocre value as dxo mark) then pay 1000 plus 300 for the 20 plus 600 for the 40 plus 800 for the 75… cazy. I thin every body want a good medium zoom (like 18 55 2.8 4) and one pancake or macro. No tons of primes that the become richman selling us this lens.
Buy a XE1 then. Other people. like me, will buy this. XE1 is very good and all so have fun with it!
Really like the look. Price is not that much more than intro price of GX1 + EVF, so does not seem out of line.
Wonder if it has a mic input jack? That is becoming a must for me.
I just realized you can’t tilt up the EVF with a flash attached. Oh, well. Small price to pay.
Just use a bracket.
A well designed and thought-through product should not require “just use…” of anything!
A compromise between function, size and cost should not be seen as not well designed.
🙂
I’ll just get the E-M5 then…
Because the EM-5’s tilt viewfinder works with flash attached? Oh, wait, no it doesn’t! In fact, it doesn’t have a tilt viewfinder at all.
Yeah, that was a really brilliant comment, Shin.
True, but if you use an LVF2 on a GX1 you can’t use the hot shoe for a flash.
Well, this would be from the next issue of Fotomagazin, then? Which will be released on August 1.
I believe a commenter on Digicame Info also stated that it would be announced on August 1, though that doesn’t have to mean much, I guess:
http://digicame-info.com/2013/07/999gx7.html
But still, with all these leaks happening, is the announcement really still a full month away?
SO is Panasonic the new Olympus? With Oly going to Sony sensors I can’t support them past E5 but Panny is looking the cool new odd kid on the block with some cool stuff.
For all of those who said a viewfinder could not be fitted to the Ep5 because it would defy the laws of physics! have a look. Note well it will fit and a flash as well.
Now go hang your heads in shame. And leave physics alone. She is fed up being toyed with by guys who know little of her.
half of the GX7’s VF is sticking out the back, which I think is an ergonomic fail. It’s clever it tilts as long as it’s sturdy, otherwise the EVF is going to be the breaking point of this model. Whereas if you break one of those stupid flappy flash gizmos, it’s not a real loss, breaking a contained EVF is going to be a real issue.
And I don’t blame Panasonic alone, the size/depth of the Olympus EVFs seem to be overlarge as well, especially seeing it reduced on the OMD. They really need to take a lesson from Sony which seems to be able to flush the EVF into the body, [and Sony bodies tend to be thin to begin with] this is a lesson worth copying to the mFT world. The rest of the camera design is shrinking, the VF’s need to hop on the boat!
I couldn’t have said it better. However I tried the 3 models at a photo fair, the E-M5, the X Pro 1, and the NEX-7, and the latter had the smallest EVF, although I couldn’t tell a difference in resolution.
So if you want a large magnification, like in VF-4 you need room, probably for the optical part. That would probably push the size up, like in the X-Pro 1. So instead Oly decided to vertical space, and Panny horizontal space. Both solutions stretch an ideal FF for m4/3. So I believe none has the final design yet. They clearly don’t want or can get as large as the X Pro 1, which is similar to a Leica.
Sony has the more integrated EVF design, but I believe the magnification is smaller.
People want long eye relief in a high magnification viewfinder that offers an undistorted view. The problem is that the eyepiece optical design cannot overcome physical limitations, and the eyepiece will stick out due to design limitations – unless a bulge on the front of the camera is acceptable.
Besides, people have been complaining about smooshing their greasy honkers into the rear LCD display. A protruding eyepiece should offer welcome relief to hard-pressed shnozzles. 😛
The only advantage I see in an off-center (relative to lens) viewfinder design is that I won’t stir with my thumb in my right eye when using thumb-operated controls on a small-bodied camera.
I’m so gonna buy this in 2016. Can’t wait.
I’m sure it will be a great camera…but I worry that Panny and Oly are pricing their best m43 cams out of the market. They do not exist in a vacuum. This cam will be compared with the competition.
At this price point you can get Fuji X series or Sony Nex…both cameras with much larger sensors. You can get the Canon SL1 very small DSLR for less…you can get the Nikon D5200, which is not that big, for less. Canon will probably up its game with its next M series model, and for now you can get the M for a lot less.
So there are other options that give you the benefit of a much larger sensor, at a similar or even lower price point. And consider that companies like Panny do not have a great retail distribution network in the US, so it’s not like people will be able to try one out and be sold on its size and handling. People will have to primarily buy online, at least in the US, and thus decide on specs.
Looks like it is going to be a fine camera. Congrats Panasonic! Very solid body releases from both Olympus and Panasonic for us to choose from.
Too expensive, XE1 with APSC sensor is cheaper than GX7! The right price should be around 500-600 usd for body only
Exactly. panny you know your cameras don’t hold their values. GX1, all the gf cameras are 50%-70% within a year, some in 3 month. Okay manybe $700 and get the fanboys out of the way first and $500 is a decent start. btw…I ‘m really enjoying the g5 for $250, no problem waiting for the price drop on gx7. Pitty the fool who bought GX1 for $750.
SO what happened to the GH1? who held 80% of its price for a year, and what about the GH2? who held 95% of its price right to ( and in some places after) the announcement of the GH3? better still, have you checked the price of a new GH2 in amazon?
Guess what? lower tier bodies on other brands depreciate like hell too!
Georgeous camera with nice features! The e-p5 should have been like this.
I want, I want, I want …..
Finally, a mature rangefinder-style Panasonic m4/3.
Too bad they let Sony and Fuji beat them to the punch.
No let’s see if Olympus can finally join the club.
If it had full-flip screen like NEX-5R, I’d buy one.
ahhh!!!!
love it , i need you now!!!
Very nice spec, but no L1 feel.
I have to admit, I’d love a rebadged Leica version of this. That huge LUMIX on the front is just hideous. Needs a red dot makeover. Digilux 3 reborn!
Black tape helps,
Suddenly, I had a vivid memory of good times with the GF1. We were so innocent back then 🙂
Nothing to complain indeed, though the price may be a little higher at launch.
250 comments in a few hours ….. that pretty much sums it up …..the polar opposite of any lunatic hassablad announcement i other words
I can’t believe that Panasonic now also feeds that silly retrodesign-hype!!! As if there weren’t enough camera manufacturers building rangefinder-CSCs that look like old-fashioned 35mm-rangefinder cameras. This may please those people who still live in the past and would find a Harley Davidson attractive too, but we live in the 21st century and adopting retro-design is a serious lack of originality.
Tehy simply think tis design will sell the best. I have to say that I too fid it not so original but I also like it. Looks indeed classy..But the most important thing is how it works. If it works out very fine and ergonomics are really good, would you mind?
Not everyone finds a DSLR attractive in design. Or admires Harley Davidson motorcycles if they don’t. It looks like a cleaner design than the EM-5, and if the eye piece does not protrude too much, should be pocketable with a pancake lens.
Will it have time lapse functionality?
It all looks promising so far. I like the looks, I like the specs. Obviously, the sensor is going to be the deal breaker. Fingers crossed it’s a new one.
oly!!!! Why cant you make one of these?!?
Curious how pany’s new IBIS will fair..
EFING FINALLY!!!
I don’t care what the Oly or Pany fanboys say here, this is, without a doubt, THE camera I’ve been waiting for after so many years. I’ve been an Oly user (not fanboy) since the PL1 and this is the first camera that has really made me re-consider abandoning this system. Sure, this camera will have many flaws, but above all of them is the fact that it features the design and function we’ve been asking for years, just what other camera can offer this combination within m43? NONE. This is the first camera that is up to the market standard (and more), that, for me, is enough.
Now, IQ wise, Pany will have to prove themselves this time, in any case, it won’t be worse than my PL1
I am not sure I like the lumpy grip. It is probably necessary, given the size of the camera and all the long lenses available in m4/3rds relative to the pancakes. Will see how it handles. The sensor is the sting in the tail. Will it be a great one or a good one?
5 FPS ???? It is a slow old sensor design!!
GH2 sensor would be a shame. The sony sensor in GH3 was an emergency solution and a new fuji-cooperation is still in work?
Hopefully it has multiaspekt capabilities.
Buyers with more interest in Foto will tend to E-P5 instead.
The FPS values seem very weird. Even the GH2 had 5 FPS continuous (the GH3 has 6), the GX1 4. I wonder if they copied both sensor spec and FPS from the GX1. If it has the GX1 sensor, then God help us all.
GH2 Performance same 5 FPS: H: 5 FPS, M: 3 FPS, L: FPS , SH (4M): 40 FPS
So we can “expect” G6 picture quality?!
No one will be able to help Pana if it is the same old sensor. If it is, they would be sweating themselves silly right about now, or shooting themselves in the foot before we shoot them down on the sales charts…
I hope it is all just coincidence and it will be a new sensor, othrerwise bye bye…
Even the old sensor will sell very well. You’ll see!
Why do people keep assuming it’ll be the old sensor when we’ve seen several times an FT5 rumour confirming its a new sensor?
A Fuji XE-1 in panasonic disguise!! Impressive!!
Admittedly though, the specifications seem really mouth-watering!
I swear some of you have never learned how to read. Obviously, if the video is up to par with the GH3 it must mean that they are using the GH3 sensor or something better. It doesn’t take a genius to see that in what the rumored specs say.
As for the styling of this camera, I absolutely love the retro look. Some may not care for it, but some do. Fanboys’ opinions are irrelevant with me.
The thing that stands out for me is the MP rating of the EVF – better than SONY’s A99 EVF! Think about that for a second…
I’m looking at buying a GH3, or the rumored GH5 (will have the specs of the GX7 and more). 😀 My wife is going to get a G6 or a GX7. We just bought a brand new G5 with the 14-42mm lens (for $399.99) and a 45-150mm lens (for $150 off of $230) from Amazon. It’s for her niece that is showing some pretty amazing artistic skills. We gave the whole kit to her yesterday – she was so happy. 😀
“Obviously, if the video is up to par with the GH3 it must mean that they are using the GH3 sensor or something better.” You are wrong, even the G6 (with older GH2 sensor) has the same video quality with GH3 (check the review, the video comparison and the comments from eoshd and the comments from that video on vimeo). GH3 is old and Panasonic already made some video improvements in G6 compared to GH2 or GH3. If GX7 has the sensor from GH2 … his video quality will be exactly like G6 and equal with GH3, if GX7 has the GH3 sensor or better … his video quality will be better than GH3.
Of course, like so many others I only care how many more millions I can make each year with the best possible video quality! This is why we all should take video quality on a $1000 body so seriously!! Otherwise: bye bye Panasonic!!! You’re a bunch of obsolete losers with no understanding of video anyway, insulting your customers again and again by just releasing anachronistic cameras to those who deserve so much better! Mwuhahaha.
But wait! As we all now, m43 has really teeny weeny sensors anyway, so perhaps I’ll need something bigger to make billions instead of just the usual millions.
Hilarious! As an owner of both GH3 and G6, I can say for certainty they definitely do not have the same video quality.
To start with, there is a massive difference in video bitrates.
GH3 can do up to 72mbps with an intra codec vs up to 28mbps on G6.
You have the choice on the GH3 of shooting mov, avchd and mp4.
You can also do in camera slow motion and fast motion.
The GH3 sensor performs better in low light and has better dynamic range.
The fact you call a camera that was only available at the beginning of this year “old” is laughable.
For *His Photography*, he really needs those new cameras, you know. Anything that was available in 2012 is completely outdated.
On the other side: thank goodness we have “photgraphers” that keep driving innovation by demanding new products every year. Because I think most people who know how to work with their equipment usually use them for 2-4 years, easily. 3-5 years with current models…
I told “old” for GH3 in video because:
– raw in video (BlackMagic cameras, Canon Magic Lantern with experimental builds) which is much better than any GH3 video image and at any GH3 bit rate
– ProRes codec (used in BlackMagic cameras) is better than any GH3 video codec
– the video codec in G6 was improved compared with GH2/GH3 codec at the same bit rate 28Mbps (G6 will be hacked and it will have bigger bit rates than now)
– the sensors from 2014 (organic from Fuji for Panasonic, new sensors from Sony for Sony/Olympus) will make GH3 really “old” in video
– now even the new Olympus E-P5 has the video image close to GH3 (and better stabilisation, the problems for Olympus E-P5 is only one frame rate 30p for PAL, and low bit rates), check the video on youtube: “GH3 vs E-P5 – SHOOTOUT – PEN EP5 or Lumix DMC-GH3? You decide…”
– the new Panasonic GX7 is rumored to have the same video quality with GH3
10 months ago GH3 was the best option for good video at an acceptable price, now other cameras are close or better than GH3 in video, some for a lower price.
GH3 is no longer an amazing video camera for me, like it was 10 months ago, the new and the smaller BlackMagic Pocket will destroy GH3 in video.
For photo … GH3 is not old (and GH3 is better than G6 in photo), GH3 is very good for photos today in 2013 … until the new organic Fuji sensors will appear in 2014.
“GH3 is no longer an amazing video camera for me, like it was 10 months ago, the new and the smaller BlackMagic Pocket will destroy GH3 in video.”
Sorry but that is just utter rubbish.
That GH3 is a little bit better then it was 10 months ago due to firmware updates. Other cameras appearing do not magically make the GH3 bad.
Instead, they may offer you better options, and if you are still in the process of buying a camera, may make for more attractive choices, but this still in no way changes the GH3, and if you already own one, it will keep producing video in the exact same quality as it did before, completely independent of other cameras appearing.
> For photo … GH3 is not old (and GH3 is better than G6 in photo), GH3 is very good for photos today in 2013 … until the new organic Fuji sensors will appear in 2014.
When those appear they’ll possibly allow for even better cameras, they in no way change what the GH3 can do.
You make the mistake of only considering the newest with the highest numbers on a spec sheet as ‘good’, that is silly, good depends on what you are using it for, not on what else exists.
Let’s be completely clear here, GH3 and BlackMagic Pocket Cam are for different types of video users. To say the black magic will “destroy” the GH3 for video is quite unfair. It depends on what your video needs are.
Based purely on image quality sure, but there are other factors to consider for videographers.
* high frame rates (gh3 does 1080p60)
* auto focusing ability (important for some event, run and gun and doco shooters) GH3 video af is very good, enabling multi-area, single area using touch screen while filming and even face detect (and recognition).
* workflow and file size – not every type of shooting benefits from the very large file sizes from bmpc. People need to factor in the cost of more cards etc to the overall package.
* no viewfinder on bmpc – unlike dslr GH3 viewfinder works in video.
* GH3 has physical controls and weather sealed body
* GH3 has 3 custom modes and 5 custom fn buttons to easily access your assigned features like etc mode.
* battery life – gh3 around 4 hours shooting on a battery
* different crop factors and sensor sizes, bmpc sensor size super 16. Putting m43 lenses are going to have a very different field of view. And dare I say more difficult shallow dof ability on bmpc (I hate that argument, but for people hung up on it, I guess it’s valid)
Also, there are many people looking for hybrid shooting and the ability to get good quality video easily without needing to shoot manual everything.
Surely you can agree that from the points I’ve made above, the bmpc doesn’t destroy the GH3 for video, they’re just different beasts?
1. The only selling point of m43, Nikon1 etc. system over aps/ff systems is to provide good enough IQ in a small size. That selling point makes them not as ergonomic. They are not that much cheaper and smaller sensor size usually offers no advantages. But that only selling point is important for many. So asking panaoly to make bigger cameras is quite weird.
2. If someone complains that rangefinder-look is just retro gimmick and form over function, he should remember that the dslr style is dictated by mechanics of optical viewfinder. There is no reason except marketing, why any of the top m43 cameras look like slr cameras. We are just used to think that good cameras look like slr and rest are mediocre.
Good points. 🙂
The Af of mirrorless systems is much more accurate than pdaf of SLRs – no more testing and adjusting for back/front focus (that makes my life a lot easier).
The Af points cover the whole sensor and the af for stills is faster than most SLRs.
The Live-View implementation of mirrorless is much better than in SLRs (who would have guessed that^^) and many people like to see how the picture will look before they take it.
Last but not least, I find the m43 lenses (fast primes and some of the zooms) better than their bigger counterparts on larger formats – the lenses are not only lighter, they focus more accurately and (some) are cheaper and sharper and have less optical flaws (maybe due to software corrections).
And I say that although I own a Canon 6d.
I forgot to mention that another positive aspect is that you get more dof at equal apertures than on aps-c or ff. That means, that dof limits not my use of lenses wide open. I rarely close down the aperature of my 25mm 1,4 but I usually have to stop down my Canon 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 to get more than the eyes in focus (and even that is not that easy). In low light it is actually easier to use a fast m43 lens wide open and get sharp pictures than with ff lenses.
Now these *are* good point. Probably because they come from experience.
You may not have noticed but the aperture on your FF lenses can be changed by stopping down worse case scenario you have to bump up ISO to match shutter speed. The 50mm options including the dirt cheap F1.8 options will deliver better results on FF than the 25mm F1.4 in any scenario.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/%28lens1%29/435/%28brand%29/Nikkor/%28camera1%29/0/%28lens2%29/450/%28brand2%29/Panasonic/%28camera2%29/0
Unless you are using the 8yr old 5D all current FF options have far better ISO so no downside to upping ISO. Good try at finding a niche where mFT can compete lol
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/836|0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28appareil2%29/793|0/%28brand2%29/Olympus/%28appareil3%29/792|0/%28brand3%29/Nikon
You are absolutely right. However, I think that those benefits are usually hard to communicate or proof for the m43 target audience.
I’ve heard a lot of nonsense around here before, but I find these half truths more disturbing, since you don’t sound like an obvious troll/fanboy/what-have-you.
You compare m43 and Nikon 1 to APS-C-slash-FF. That’s insane. Are you remotely aware of the surface area differences between m43/APS-C and FF? Have you seen how cheap and small a modern APS-C DLSR can be with its “huge” sensor?
You are quite wrong about the “only selling point” for m43 and the recent more expensive bodies prove that (you simply find them “weird”, which is indicative of your lack of understanding). As you know, there are also cheaper bodies on the market, but regardless, you apparently missed the bigger picture of m43 completely, probably because – unlike Charles, for instance – you don’t have relevant experience across different formats (mine ends at 645, btw), just blabbering blanket statements.
But worse still, you say:
“If someone complains that rangefinder-look is just retro gimmick and form over function, he should remember that the dslr style is dictated by mechanics of optical viewfinder.”
You seem to imply no other DSLR designs ever existed, while these usually attract more than enough attention. Regardless, not many people whine about retro gimmicks anyway.
“There is no reason except marketing, why any of the top m43 cameras look like slr cameras. We are just used to think that good cameras look like slr and rest are mediocre.”
No reason except marketing? I for one am convinced the DSLR “look” is best for video at least. And who is “we” anyway? Leica and Fuji users?
My friend, get educated.
Correction… “The thing that stands out for me is the MP rating of the EVF – better than SONY’s A99 EVF! Think about that for a second…” should be “The thing that stands out for me is the resolution of the EVF – better than SONY’s A99 EVF! Think about that for a second…”
Forgive me, it’s late. LOL
Tiltable EVF and tiltable LCD. Why?! They just duplicates function.
At least they give you the option when using either the EVF or the LCD screen. 🙂
Cheers Karen.
It’s not a function duplication because the EVF and LCD don’t play exactly the same function.
Ex: it’s extremely unlikely that you would take a shot close to the ground with the tiltable EVF.
And I’m sure some photographers would rather use a tilted EVF on tripod mounted cameras if there is too much sun light outside.
I understand your point, in 80-90% of my shooting situations the EVF does duplicate the LCD’s functions, but there are situations where each has it’s own advantages. Having said that if I had to opt I would clearly go with a tiltable LCD instead of EVF.
I like using a viewfinder, and honestly it’ll be nice to have a GX7 on a tripod and not have to get in a awkward position to use the viewfinder.
We’ll have a choice!
Also 2.7 million dot sounds amazing!
I’m buying my first digital camera with interchangeable lenses soon – either the GH3 or the rumored GH5. Personally, I have zero desire to lug around a 35mm FF or APS-C camera body and all of the lenses I’d get. The Micro Four Thirds format really appeals to me, since I have a back injury from an accident in the Canadian military that left me permanently disabled. So, camera body and lens weights are important to me.
After trying out the new G5 with the 14-42mm and 45-100mm lenses bundle that we got for my wife’s niece, I am convinced that m4/3 is the way to go. The G5 felt so nice in my hands. 😀 I want the GH3 (or GH5) with a battery grip though.
The GX7 would be great for my wife as a Christmas present. 🙂
High quality stabilised video sounds very good to me, I hope it’s as good as the OMD 5-axis, or at least close.
how are you going to be able to use the tiltable EVF with a flash fitted?
Well, I guess you would use it in the horizontal position like people normally do, or you have the choice of using the tilt-able LCD screen. 🙂
Not tilting it? Sigh…
At least with the Lumix GX7 you have an EVF built-in, and you can use a hotshoe flash if necessary. On the PEN E-P5? Not so much. You can’t use the external FT-4 EVF with a hotshoe flash. The Lumix GX7 is a nice design, since it allows the use of both.
so whats the point in having the evf tiltable if it’s functionality is crippled when using either on or off cam flash or any other device one might wish to stick on the flash shoe. lots of additional engineering (and inflated price because of the “feature”) for something with only limited use. personally I don’t see the need for tiltable EVF if you have the tiltable screen.
I have to say I’m TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED with the GX7.
This absolutely failed placement of the EVF leaves me with no way to activate the Touch shutter with my nose WITHOUT tilt/shifting the LCD, which is what everyone has been asking since the day the GF1 came out…
Shame on you Panasonic. I bet you won’t sell 10 cameras. 😛
BTW, why the hell doesn’t the battery compartment/card slot tilt and shifts??? Absolutely needed when mounted on tripod!
We should really make a big fire and burn the GX7 designers… :O
… and their mothers!
Looks like a strong addition to the m43 family.
Details:
– looks like the built-in flash will have two modes (tilt and normal).
– a switch under the mode dial – perhaps for drive mode?
– a reasonable side front grip – it’s width suggests the GX7 might pack a larger battery than previous models (I hope so!)
– second dial around shutter button – looks serrated on top to ease turning.
– a good thumb rest given the small body
– at least 4 custom buttons
OM-D, E-P5 and this GX-7. excellent to have the choice.
My bet is that the switch under the mode dial is simply on/off, and the second dial around shutter has a function similar to the well-known lever from G5/G6.
Dial around the shutter seems great, presumably we’ll be able to assign aperture or shutter to one dial and the other to the rear dial like the GH3.
Or when is A or S, use the shutter dial as EV comp.
Also loving wi-fi on my GH3, use the tethering to my phone feature quite regularly so very glad they kept it on the GX7.
Can’t say I like how much the EVF sticks out…isn’t going to be as pocket-friendly as my old GF1 that this would be replacing. Still, better than no EVF for my uses.
The specs always seem to tell you how many million dot the EFV is but don’t tell you the refresh rate.
Not sure why there’s so much negativity here. The GX7 (if it lives up to its rumours) looks a really nice camera and probably a real competitor to both the E-M5 and E -PL5 as well as the Nex 6 and Fuji XE1. Given the need/opportunity, I could see me buying one.
On the u43 vs other formats debate, it seems to me that the one area where u43 wins is the size of the lenses. You only need compare the Panasonic 12-35/2.8 with equivalent zooms in APS-C or FF formats to realise the advantages – less than half the size and a third of the weight.
And, you can get u43 cameras in sizes to suit taste ranging from the ‘DSLR’-sized GH3 down to things like the E-PM2 and the GX1. Personally, I think the u43 format has a lot going for it. I can’t see FF going to die, but ru43 offers such a size and weight advantage over APS-C DSLRs without losing anything to them on IQ.
I hope the grip will be good (better than OMD) and that IBIS will be good with primes. I don’t need it to be as good as em5, but at least that it can be leaved to “on” most of the time without loosing sharpness.
If so, this camera will be mine even at full price.
Bursa’nın lider kompresör firması olarak ihtiyacınıza uygun çözümler sunuyoruz. Uzman ekibimizle tanışın.