(FT2) Is the Panasonic GP1 going to be announced soon? First MFT weather sealed camera?
A few months ago I posted a rumor about the Panasonic GP1. The rumor said the camera should be announced in November. I have no confirmation from our sources about such a camera but there are a few shows coming soon and I will try to find out if there could be a surprise annoucement by Panasonic (and of course Olympus).
Those were the rumored specs:
- The GP1 is a pro camera, weather sealed, all in metal
- 14 megapixels, 12 effective, all ratios, new BL Live MOS sensor
- Iso up to 6400, with true clean 3200 iso, Hi setting to 12800
- Touch screen like the shoplink 14834]Panasonic G2[/shoplink], New Venus HD III engine
- The design is like the G1 and G2, the EVF is better
- Video Full HD 60 frames at full resolution
- New feature is multi spot metering
- 6 FPS, and a new Pro Manual mode
I am repeating that since a long time. Panasonic give us a Micro Four Thirds camera which is built like a tank…like the Panasonic DMC-LC1! That’s an order 
Share
Recent comments
Comment from marilyn: a big upgrade but not as great as the em...
Comment from ctedin: It'll be out of stock in a week too, and...
Comment from Miroslav: It's L1 on http://www.panasonic.co.uk/ht...
Comment from FatDrunkAndStupid: The EPL1 is behind the GH1, to say nothi...
Parci
2 years ago |seems unlikely after the gh2, but sure sounds nice.
David
2 years ago |To be used with what professional weather sealed lenses?
Tobias W.
2 years ago |Exactly. This ain’t even a rumor. It seems rather probable that this is closer to a hoax than a rumor.
Dummy00001
2 years ago |> First MFT weather sealed camera?
What’s the point of the weather sealed MFT camera – if there are no matching weather-sealed lenses?
> … Pro … and so on
What’s the point of pro MFT when there are no pro lenses yet? (And matrix of 43 optics vs. CDAF compatibility is rather scarce, especially on the high-grade end of the line-up.)
To me, first sign of the pro-body in making would be the release/announcement of high-grade and/or weather-sealed optics.
P.S. Probably another MFT camera prototype is roaming around.
Professzore
2 years ago |David is right. Without a lens, it’s not weather-sealed.
Archer
2 years ago |I want this cam to come from Olympus, not Panasonic, as I need in-body IS. And pro-quality weather sealed lenses, of course. Which Olympus has a lot of experience with.
Norm
2 years ago |Seems to me that this camera is more likely a year away. That would give them time to design the weather sealed lenses. It would also stagger the release to be a year off from the GH2. It would make sense to stagger GH and GP releases on alternating years. So, agree that there may be a prototype floating around, but I doubt the release will happen before another six months minimum.
Also, if Olympus builds the modular 4/3 and micro 4/3 system, this may be a better option. Unfortunately, Olympus has been weak in autofocus and video. But a pro Olumpus body that can use 4/3 and micro 4/3 lenses and has in body image stabilization would be real interesting.
berbert
2 years ago |You really think it’s true, it’s just a GH2 with different material…
The New Venus HD III engine it’s the GH2 core, why he doesn’t make 1080p 60fps..?
Gianca
2 years ago |dman if need more pro 4/3rds cameras.
I would be happy to spend $2500 for a pro 4/3rds camera with the Gh2 sensor (or another with the same DR), industry standards remote connectivity and built in bracketing capability for 9 brackets 3 stops apart.
And since I’m dreaming I’d like a pony too.
SkyZ
2 years ago |Although Pana is famous to make bullet proof/war zone laptop, it makes no sense to introduce such kind of camera at this time, especially GH2 still isn’t on the shelf yet…. Keep going Pana and kick Oly’s ass
Richard
2 years ago |What is Wheater Sealing? Will it protect from maize too? How about corn?
Duarte Bruno
2 years ago |Nonsense. Not even FT2 value.
Why would it feature a less resolution sensor than the GH2?
And why would it beat the GH2 in video specs?
Don’t get me wrong, an improved 12MP sensor with better DR, sensitivity and color reproduction would be the best of news, but marketing doesn’t that way!
This is just a wishlist compiled before the GH2 was known!
McSmooth
2 years ago |Panasonic did admit the GH2′s rez had to be bumped up mainly for marketing reasons, but it is aimed at a consumer market. A pro oriented camera with a higher cost is aimed more at a market that actually understands what the specs mean (instead of bigger is always better). It’s also easier to squeeze better performance out of the pictures and video. Not saying it’s going to happen, but I think there is def a market for those specs (esp if one of those rumored fast zoom lenses ends up being weather sealed).
bilgy_no1
2 years ago |Did you see the flack that Olympus got for keeping their Pro-level E-5 at 12MP?
Alec Yudin
2 years ago |GF2 is all I’m asking for…
kesztió
2 years ago |LOL
Henrik
2 years ago |“That’s an order
”
–
Aye, boss!
Brod1er
2 years ago |What if the upcoming 25mm f1.4/1.2 was weather sealed…….
gekopaca
2 years ago |MFT weather sealed lenses exist already :
We could buy on the bay all the bloody M42 lenses for single use only!
Ahem
2 years ago |Adapters aren’t weather sealed, and they introduce two circular entry points for “weather.”
Catastrophile
2 years ago |i thought there was going to be a GG1, if the G stands for great or grand, then the GG is the greatest. maybe just GJ1 (the J stands for jpg). seriously the new series is likel to be a smaller than GF form factor camera a la NEX5 & NX100 (it will sell like cheap sweets for children who don’t care about their teeth or health).
Michael
2 years ago |Seems like someone wish list, nothing unexpected if you read 43rumors comments daily. But true is that one day Olympus and Panasonic have to go to high-end mirror-less market to take an interest of serious photographers. What I missing here is clear lenses qualification that we know from classic Four Thirds: Standard Grade, High Grade and Super High Grade lens line (even Std. Grade and HG line would be enough). All lenses we have seen developed so far for MFT belong to standard grade (optimized for size and weight). Big fast zooms for MFT are not best solution for small body (maybe short zoom range like ZD 14-35mm f2) – primes are what can really shine on this type of camera system (pancakes for standard grade are ok, but compact ones for the sake of IQ and handling in HG/SHG quality for more demanding use are missing badly).
JoelH
2 years ago |OK, almost all of the objections to the probability of this camera are based on the weather-sealed issue. If you just take that away, it still makes sense for Panasonic to issue a high end body with a great built-in, hopefully corner mounted finder – basically a descendant of the LC1 / L1 cameras.
We could see something like an Olympus EP3 and Panasonic GP1 competition for the high end “RF like” bodies. Weather sealing is nice but by no means required for a high performance, solid and rugged camera.
Catastrophile
2 years ago |not sure whether or not they can seal it..
ItsaChris
2 years ago |A pro m43… I know people are asking for it… well I have seen one or 2 post on about one, but I think the Gh2 is as pro as the m43 needs to be. would much rather see a nex competitor,
As much as i love the nex camera style, there are no pancakes coming.
I would love to see a tilting screen and smaller camera from m43 it could even be called the GP1. =)
Astonandy
2 years ago |The thing I find bizarre is that dragging up an old rumor because there are shows up-coming at which something could be shown somehow gives this renewed credibility. What nonsense. There is clearly interest in weather sealing from some MFT users but without Olympus FT style weather sealed lenses it would have no benefit.
Frank
2 years ago |I would “order” any kind of new micro 4/3 type DMC- LC1 camera.
Leica glass obviously……12-65 F2.8 Please…..
Joseph
2 years ago |Hmm… well it may sound far fetched, but I’m hoping it happens. Afterall, what better way to introduce more serious lens’ (brighter, more expensive) than to intro them with a new pro body?
They could also release a new fourthirds adapter that is sealed so olympus sealed glass made sense.
With all the buzz around the Fuji X100 with it’s robust build, this seems like a big area that microfourthirds is missing.
sam
2 years ago |Was just on the Panasonic UK site registering my new GF1 when I noticed this image on the bit about surveys:
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/get/params_W0_MThtml/235286
it looks like an LC1 with the Lumix branding, interesting.
It looks weather sealed and a bit more of a “pro” body, maybe I’ll be upgrading soon. Bring it with a wide tilt shift and that is 100%.
Make it strong and functional like SL1200′s!
Miroslav
2 years ago |Wow! I haven’t seen anything like that either. Don’t know what camera is that. It really could be a new Panasonic m4/3. What’s more amazing is that it resembles this one: http://www.43rumors.com/a-fake-panasonic-gf2/ .
safaridon
2 years ago |Thank you Miroslav for posting this link to what very possibly could be the in my opinion the new GF2. I had seen it earlier a couple months ago and thought it matched the descriptions projected for the new GF2 in most respects as to size. What I like most is the inclusion of a swivel screen on the back. Note this camera although same height of GF1 is narrower in body thickness at the top and in less width. From the controls shown there is a pop up flash included and provision for an EVF attachment to the hot shoe. Note sure what the display button is for of maybe a popup EVF with flash on the front?
I really do think this is the real thing the GF2 and not a pro m4/3 model with indoby EVF likely to follow. I am surprised to see that this was revealed by Pany so early as a teaser unless its release is sonner than most predicted? The lens shown is also interesting as is Leica labels and could be the long projected 12-75/2.8? The body would appear to be metal with a hinged handgrip.
I would be very excited by this model worth waiting for as would undoubtedly also have the new lightening fast 3 core processor and probably a new sensor with better high ISO performance and less noise. The swivel screen makes a lot of sense especially if the EVF is a optional add-on and the follow up model with built in EVF likely to follow and I would expect that would be the rumored pro model.
sam
2 years ago |jesus/buddah/allah/jahova/jah/amen ra, if it looks like that I definitely will not be buying it, that is really ugly, give it funk like technics 1200′s. Or at least to look as good as the LC1.
If you need a hand give me a shout.
safaridon
2 years ago |On closer examination the small photo shown in the pany website appears to be that of the LC1 not L1 looking at the narrower grip while the photos in the 43rumors appear to be photoshopped version of the L1 reduced in size and modified with swivel screen and no EVF? What gives it away is the side view of the grip which does not look very plausible.
I jumped to the early conclusion it may be the real thing rather than the stated fake because the post seemed to disappear after only a few days so maybe withdrawn because of release of unauthorized material? Also it does not quite fit the description of NEX size as the GF1 could be made smaller with less height and width but it does seem to match many of the rumored descriptions made for the GF2.
Dude!
2 years ago |That’s the L1 with the 14-50 Leica lens, from around 2006. I have an L1 and it’s great–solid, great rangefinder-like form and handling, very detailed RAWs (weak anti-aliasing filter IMO)–in full daylight anyway. It really is a camera that was ahead of its time in 2006. In low light (above ISO 800), however, it’s another story–very noisy and blotchy, slow, slow lenses, poor AF, very dim/unusable viewfinder.
I’ve given up on 43rd/m43rd makers to bring out a m43rd camera designed for photographers (not for soccer moms and neophytes), having tactile controls, a decent viewfinder and fast primes–so I’m waiting for the Fuji X100 instead.
Miroslav
2 years ago |It’s L1 on http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/My+Panasonic/Product+registration/219283/index.html. I haven’t studied the image long enough
. What’s interesting is that the image of a discontinued camera is above “Influence future products”. Maybe some new Panasonic m4/3 will look like L1.
Tobias W.
2 years ago |After playing around with my new E-PL1 toy for about a week now (made Flickr Explore with one of those shots yesterday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/polarapfel/5120868111/), I think I have a pretty clear image of what MFT is capable of doing and what not. This is what I noticed:
* Image quality of the E-PL1 is much better than my E-520 due to the newer sensor. Still, I wouldn’t compare it to what I know about a 7D and likewise. It’s enthusiast, not professional level.
* The battery life, even when using the viewfinder accessory, is poor compared to my E-520. This is one of the biggest drawbacks to using a PEN as a professional tool.
* The kit lens really sucks in my opinion. Its AF is really slow (I hope it’s just this lens and not all MFT lenses), it’s slow in terms of aperture and the image quality is average. In fact, I like the images my S90 renders much better. At the moment, I only use manual focus Minolta lenses with a Novoflex adapter, mainly the 58mm f/1.2. I ordered a MMF-2 adapter to use my 12-60mm on it until I can get a new FT SLR body (as my E-520 is with Olympus service for now).
* Using legacy lenses with the external viewfinder is a winning combination. I convinced myself to get an E-PL1 for that reason and it seems to be worth it. Focusing manually through the viewfinder is easy and fun.
* The E-PL1 cannot compete in terms of ease of use and handling with any DSLR. There are too few buttons and dials to control the exposure fast enough. It takes a lot of time to get the settings right and change them for the next shot. I guess the E-P2 is slightly better, but I doubt it can compete with the DSLR format. I guess Panasonic’s G and GH bodies are better suited in that regard.
Taken from what I have seen, I don’t think we’ll see a Pro grade MFT body anytime soon. Several reasons for that:
* Why would a pro photographer use a MFT body when its battery capacity sucks compared to DSLRs?
* Why would a pro photographer use a system with comparably slow autofocus?
* Does it make sense to produce sealed MFT bodies and lenses when this will make them MUCH bigger and heavier, taking away all the obvious advantages of the MFT system without being able to technically compete against DSLRs? There’s a reason the existing MFT lenses are so damn slow. Making them faster, giving them some stops more will make them much heavier and bigger.
It’s pretty obvious that Panasonic is seeking the movie niche while Olympus still has a dual strategy with the PEN range (popular with women) as fashionable camera and the E-5 as an almost pro grade hard ass camera with a lot of good glass. Why would Panasonic change their strategy? Why would Olympus jeopardize its FT line with a pro MFT body and lenses?
safaridon
2 years ago |Tobias – Why try to hyjack a discussion on a possible new Pany GP1 pro m4/3 model when all your discussion pertains to EPL1 and Oly producing such a model? The new Pany GH1 with 3 sensor processing engine has the lightening AF speed probably at least 10 times faster than the PENs so yes very applicable for a pro model.
Tobias W.
2 years ago |This rumor is about a possible pro grade, sealed MFT body. I have taken great care to describe why I think this is not probable, based on my recent experience with a E-PL1 (which seems to be one of the most modern MFT bodies available RIGHT NOW). If you have failed to make that connection, sorry for you.
FatDrunkAndStupid
2 years ago |The EPL1 is behind the GH1, to say nothing of the GH2. So while I agree with you a weather sealed m4/3 is unlikely, your reasoning is poor. Panny has no incentive whatsoever to release such a body. They have no weather sealed glass. Oly is phasing out 4/3, so they might someday build a weather sealed m4/3 as a “replacement” for the E5, but that’s many years down the road.
sam
2 years ago |mate, i know pro photographers shooting with iphones but i know none shooting olympus.
ctedin
2 years ago |It’ll be out of stock in a week too, and no batteries available either. And, you’ll still have to wrap up your Panasonic lenses in a ziploc bag. I’ll stick with my GH2 and E-3 for now, and grab either one after looking at the weather report.
marilyn
3 weeks ago |a big upgrade but not as great as the em5