(FT5) Panasonic G3 and lenses announcements delayed (coming in May now)

[/shoplink] Image on top: The [shoplink 14834]Panasonic G2[/shoplink] which should be replaced by the new G3.

I just received info from a few of my sources. Due the recent energy supply problems in Japan Panasonic had to delay the announcement of some of their upcoming products. The new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera and lenses will be announced in May (and not in April as I told you before).
UPDATE: Other companies have been hit very hard by the earthquake desaster. According to Bloomberg “Canon earnings this year will probably be 27 percent lower than previously estimated after last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan“. And Sony had to delete the lates product announcements!

Than Panasonic should announce a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the G3. The [shoplink 14824]Panasonic G10[/shoplink] has already been discontinued, the G2 price lowered to make room for the new G3. There will be also a new Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 lens. It is not Leica branded, has no image stabilization and unlike the famous [shoplink 16340 ebay]Four Thirds brother[/shoplink] it is not Leica branded. It should cost around $700. That’s more than just a rumor because Panasonic UK product manager John Mitchell confirmed that the 25mm lens is coming this summer: “We are sure it’s going to be a great hit because it’s 50mm [35mm viewing angle] equivalent – really fast, really bright” (Source: Amateur Photographer). Oh forgot to mention: It has double the size of the current [shoplink 14796]20mm f/1.7 pancake[/shoplink].

Is there room for some surprise? Let’s hope yes! :)

Links:
The Panasonic G2 price dropped during the recent months at [shopcountry 14834].
The Panasonic G10 already disappeared from most stores (See [shopcountry 14824])
The current 25mm f/1.4 Four Thirds lens at [shopcountry 16340].

Reminder: Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct