(FT5) Panasonic to create two new “categories” of Micro Four Thirds (video/photo) cameras (in 2011)!
According to my very best sources Panasonic will create two new categories of Micro Four Thirds cameras (within 2011). Not GH, not GF and not G cameras! The sources didn’t gave me any further details about those new products. But we received rumors from other (new) sources saying that Panasonic could launch an affordable Micro Four Thirds video-camera.
I tried to imagine what kind of new “camera category” could be developed (That part is my own speculation):
1) The compact Rangefinder styled Micro Four Thirds camera. Like the Leica M9 (Click here to see the design) but with EVF or Hybrid Viewfinder. We already saw a Panasonic patent of such a camera. That could become the High-end compact camera (the real GF1 successor?) we were waiting for. In my opinion there is a high-chance this is going to happen although I would expect that camera to be named GF3…
2) A fixed lens Micro Four Thirds camera. Like the Sigma DP1/DP2, Leica X1 and the future awesome looking Fuji X100 (Click here to see the design). But I see a very low chance that this is ever going to happen. From a logical point of view it doesn’t make sense to promote that camera as a Micro Four Thirds product. But from a marketing point of view Panasonic could advertise it as a fixed lens camera with Micro Four Thirds sensor. Ok I know…it doesn’t sound right 
3) A modular Micro Four Thirds system. OK, that is an extreme speculation. I haver never received any rumor about that. But isn’t that one of the future killer-features of digital cameras? To be expandeable, upgradeable without the need to buy a complete new camera?
4) A high spec camera (weather sealed and robust camera) like that nice Panasonic LC1 (Click here to see the camera design). Probably this is the product most of us are waiting for. A real professional photographic tool featuring the best Panasonic sensor, best AF, no AA filter, super imaging processor and all the stuff a semi-pro or pro photographer needs.
5) A video camera more affordable than the AG-AF100 (Reminder, preorder available on BHphoto!). Sony already has the NEX-VG10 so it makes a lot of sense for Panasonic to create an affordable MFT camcorder. In my opinion that has a high-chance to be announced in 2011.
I am “running out of imagination”…so If you have more ideas feel free to share it by commenting this post. I repeat, I don’t know what’s exactly coming from Panasonic but the sources that gave us that info are from a very very and very top level!
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dabn
2 years ago |That MFT design with builtin VF would be SWEEEET! I bought an E-PL1 this year. It’s great but “my” camera isn’t built till now. Maybe the X100… but fixed lens?! That Pana could it be!
Imants
2 years ago |Santa’s helper looking for brownie points type posting/rumour
panasonic
2 years ago |Wow, I have to hold mine penny before spend to Panny in 2011 which is few weeks to go. Most important, penny always goes to best price, performance and quality product (GH2, Nex7, GF3, Nikon MFT, these 2 rumors cameras…). Cannot wait for 2011 coming in ^^
Duarte Bruno
2 years ago |Unless you are talking about a low resolution video dedicated camera with integrated ND filters, then there is no point because there’s already a lot of affordable video cameras. In fact most of Panasonic’s m43 offering (except for the G1) fits that bill.
AL
2 years ago |Give us a proper GF1 successor!
Henrik
2 years ago |It seems mFT is all about Pana these days.
Miroslav
2 years ago |Olympus rumors are harder to get, I think. Look at E-PL1s announcement.
admin
2 years ago |They are harder to get because ther eare no new products. The E-PL1s is a small update meant for the japanese market only. And we received only one rumor from a new source. Good to know the japanese source was right
But Miroslav, you will not have long to get the first Oly rumor. I have two good rumors I am working on it. I will post them as soon as I get a confirmation form a second or more sources.
Bye
gekopaca
2 years ago |Pro camera with “Leica-like” built-in EVF …
I have a dream… Pany will make it!!!
Karli
2 years ago |No new idea but maybe there will be a new category of cameras with customisable software. Any rumors about a camera app store?
Voldenuit
2 years ago |My 2¢: I don’t think we’ll see a ‘Pro’ MFT camera until some fusion of on-sensor PDAF (like Fuji’s) and/or global electronic shutter converge.
Sports and action photography is still a big part of a pro photographer’s lunch ticket and customers don’t pay for blurry photos.
It’s not just speed of acquisition (GH2 is pretty awesome already) but the ability to predict focus between captures.
Mr Hipsta
2 years ago |I think we will see something in between nr 1 and 4 of the speculation above. The GF2 is the affordable m43 camera (as in nr 1), so I think Panasonic will also make something aimed for all of us enthusiasts. Not really pro-grade as weather sealed, 7 frames per sec etc, but Leica-style-pro with with build in EVF and multi aspect ratio sensor. Hopefully accompanied with some new bright lenses, zooms and primes.
Ian C
2 years ago |I have to admit I’d buy a Pro camera and a compact with built in EVF. It’s a pity we can only vote once.
I’ve been tempted by the GH2 but I’ve decided to hold off till I see what else is coming in the New Year from both Olympus and Panasonic. The processing engine of the Olympus E5 with a new improved sensor could be an awesome combination.
Parci
2 years ago |the name GF3 is highly unlikely, it would create a confusion in the product line. I think by naming the GF2 “GF2″, Panasonic decided to reposition this line/name for what the GF2 represents and the “real GF1 successor” will get a new name. hello GP1 / GX1!
Federico
2 years ago |We need a SMALL pro MFT with a built in hybrid viewfinder
No matter the price
Squirrel
2 years ago |If you put your eye into the visor of a GH2 you will see a huge difference with the GF1 LVF. I do beleive it’s not only due to electronic reasons but also to optical features. So an integrated viewfinder into the so called GF3 yes but not if it is so poor than the actual LVF1. This can increase the GF3 vs GF1 thickness.
kaine
2 years ago |Rangefinder style and Professional weather sealed series of cameras pretty please Pana.
Brod1er
2 years ago |Agree with most of the above. Voldenuit has to be right that global shutter is likely to be the key ingredient of one of the designs. I think admin reported previously that it was likely for 2011?
Whilst I voted for the pro camera, I did this because I see this as the most likely global shutter cam.
I don’t like to question peoples adpirations but I dont think the hybrid viewfinder concept will work on a ILC.
Dun
2 years ago |It may be a high spec camera better than GH2. According to Japanese charts, GH2 is not popular in Japan, selling even less than 2 year old models. Maybe Panasonic makes an evolutionary pro model that will attract attention.
Dun
2 years ago |I mean “revolutionary”. Not “evolutionary”
Ranger 9
2 years ago |I hope these “very best sources” are not the same ones who told you that the GH1 would ship from US stores yesterday :-0 because I very much would like for some of these rumors to be true!
Of these rumors, the ones that to me seem most logical would be a GF-style camera with built-in EVF (something many have asked for) and a less-expensive video camera (simply a GH2 with components rearranged so it would handle in a way more familiar to video users.)
Incidentally, it’s silly that so many photographers think “no AA filter” would be a good thing. On a small sensor, a properly-selected AA filter improves image quality; that’s why manufacturers spend extra money to include one! The correct AA filter prevents aliasing from forming in the first place; trying to fix it in software later can be done only by blurring details of the image. This is one case where 95% of photographers believe something that just isn’t correct. (Of course there are those Leica M9 users who admit that they like “false resolution” even though they know it’s false!)
Ranger 9
2 years ago |I meant GH2 ship from US stores yesterday. But you get the idea!
admin
2 years ago |No Ranger, those are very good sources. By the way US stores like Amazon and Adorama sent an emails to customers saying that shipment would begin by November 22. So that info came not from my sources. Now I posted a news with a message from Adorama. The GH2 shipment has been delayed
Bye!
43hk
2 years ago |It’s pretty clear that have aimed the GF2 as being a competitor to the NEX range from Sony. In doing so this has left a void in the product range that will be filled by a more professional camera. Small like a GF, spec’d like a GH.
Considering the close relationship with Leica over the last few years it’s almost certainly an RF type camera. Metal body, weather sealing, etc. Panasonic realize that enthusiast kit keeps the brand strong and the cameras on the in the hands of the influential.
The other camera, probably higher spec G series SLR type body.
Where Panasonic need to put the effort in, is faster zooms.
Still great news though. 2011 will be hard on the wallet I fear.
Seika
2 years ago |If talking about popular demand in camera news and review sites, it should be the cheap Leica M that doesn’t cost arm and leg for body only.
But likelyhood, thinking about video camera, but they already had such category with the AGF.
Lars
2 years ago |My wishes:
A Panasonic GH2 with
- a high quality 10 MP sensor (sharpness as Olympus E5, DR as Nikon D7000)
- better, tiltable EVF
- design like Pana LC1 or Leica M9, but smaller
- LCD with 920k resolution
- powered by AA cells
- more Leica lenses
All other features are fine:
- fast AF
- very good video
- tiltable LCD
- touch-screen LCD
- small lenses
- 4/3 lenses via adapter
- old legacy lenses via adapter
Miroslav
2 years ago |+1
+ IBIS
+ bounce flash
+ li-ion optional battery ( like Pentax K-r )
Fantastic, but not likely.
Leave a reply
2 years ago |+1!
L1 design also meaning aperture ring and shutter speed dial
+ exposure correction dial as on fuji x100
That’d be perfection!
Philumix
2 years ago |WTB : L2, i.e. a true blood successor to my treasured L1 – not LC1 – with its wonderful controls and averall quality. Equipped with a 12/16Mp sensor, and a more decent optical VF, no video needed, it would be my instant buy any time.
BTW I also use a G1, but MFT is not a patch on what we lost when they dumped FT, pity!
Miroslav
2 years ago |A rangefinder-like GF3 (GF1+EVF) and a cheap camcorder, those are my predictions. Panasonic will leave high end weatherproof and modular to Olympus.
frosti7
2 years ago |1.There wont me a Hybrid VF on interchangeable lens camera
2.A Rangefinder GF3 is not a new “category”, although i hope im wrong
3.new Category would be a Pro-MFT and Camcorder-MFT (i much prefer to see the PRO-MFT+Rangefinder MFT)
Thanx for the news admin!
clark
2 years ago |All I want is wireless flash! Is that too much to ask Panasonic???
If I can also get this in a gf2 body with more external control buttons/dials, swivel LCD, tilting viewfinder and built in flash with bounce capability THAT would be wonderful!
STAV
2 years ago |Ok if we are reaching for the stars and the moon my dream is:
A GH2 (i.e. hybrid, tiltable screen, extra tele function, still camera form factor, exellent stills, hdmi out to focus) with
-10-12MP foveon type sensor (no AA blur and demosaicing)
-in camera HDR (or at least better implementation of the intelligent exposure which I don’t know why is triggered whenever it wants)
-100% no banding at least until ISO 3200
-excellent codec, with adjustable maximum bit rate for video up to the limit of avchd, even if fast card is required (could be deep in the menu to fool proof it for casual users)
-better color sampling
-adjustable frame rates, full HD 24p,25p,30p, and then simply HD faster progressive frame rates to achieve beautiful slow motion without deterioration of quality in post
and also some extra features probably only for the lowest frame rates (due to fast processing required) i.e. some kind of in camera HDR for video
Would I want anything else? Hm I think I am fine with those, thank you!
:p
außerirdische sind gesund
2 years ago |I would love to have a “rangefinder” camera (not actual rangefinder, but optical finder) with framelines for the different
lenses/zoom settings marked with LCD lines (like the Grid in Nikon SLRs). Of course a finder like that would only be useful from say 28mm (14mm in MFT) to 90mm (45mm in MFT), but that would be no problem. If more can’t be done with a M9, it’s good enough for a GR-1 (GR for “rangefinder”, would be confusing though, with the Ricoh GR-Is). And you can use the display for shorter/longer lenses.
Next best thing would be a optical finder with the framelines for 20mm/14mm/45mm/(25mm) (the prime set) together or alternatively visible, and a mechanism to keep zooms “snapping” to these 3 or 4 positions (like the tri-Elmar for Leica M, basically a zoom with three fixed focal-length stops). Don’t know if this can
sensibly be done.
Also fine would be a G1-type camera (EVF, Display, still camera optimized) with the EVF in the upper left corner (where the finder is on a Leica).
And: Panasonic and/or Cosina should produce optical add-on finders like the one for the Olympus 17mm for the 14mm and 20mm lenses. Even one finder with the combined framelines of the 14 and 20 would be fine by me.
A combination of some of these “features” would get us 90% of the Leica M experience without paying ungodly sums for it. And that is what is missing in modern digital cameras. You get the SLR user experience rather cheaply, but rangefinders do not exist below a few thousand dollars/euros. A “90% rangefinder” (without the distance measuring mechanics/optics) would be good enough for me.
safaridon
2 years ago |Great News Indeed. What I like most is that there will be not one but two new categories and that to me means new camera bodies and not just modified ones. In my opinion this very likely means one will be a professional rangefinder style model much like the patent one with thick body to accomodate a larger tiltable EVF like that used on EP2.
The second one may be a smaller more affordable rangefinder model upgrade for the GF1 but will also sport an all new body not modified GF1 one but use a smaller EVF same size as Fuji X1 only the LCD screen would be entirely to the right of EVF not below to permit a lower height body and the screen would be tiltable hinged on the top. This model would have all the manual controls of the GF1 but not likely to include latest GH2 sensor to keep cost down but may be a 14MP version of the same.
Another possibility if there is only one rangefinder model not two is an all new small body much like that for the famed all metal classic OM and FM SLR series of old with a tiltable EVF on top with all the innards of the GH2. Pany has produced some very good m4/3 technology and practicality with their G1, G2, GH1 and GH2 series but somehow the body has not caught on as well as is dated. A new body which differentiates it from the rest of the pack may be just what that series needs. A metal body may be needed to dissipate sensor heat from fast video operation with global shutter and sensor.
Just my guesses
außerirdische sind gesund
2 years ago |The second “all metal” body would be a good candidate for a Cosina cooperation. Like the Epson RD-1 rangefinder, only smaller. The digital part could come from Panasonic or Olympus.
Joseph
2 years ago |They really need a fixed-prime lens camera to replace their LX series
Chris K.
2 years ago |How about a B&W m4/3 mirrorless camera? Without the color filter, it’d surely be able to get 1-2 f-stops out of the same sensor, plus higher resolution (3x, assuming RGB filtering.)
drj
2 years ago |Hi,
I understand that many dream about the LC1/L1 design – I own both. Remember however that this is a marginally modified w.r.t. to the classical Leica box one and that Leica does not belong to the micro four thirds consortium. Plus, look at the recent Panasonic cameras and you have the answer : not one chance that this may ever happen.
gekopaca
2 years ago |Very important for street photo : silent shutter, please Mister Pana!
James
2 years ago |Why does a fixed lens have to be a fixed prime lens? I would love a very compact fixed collapsable zoom on a camera with a 4/3 sensor and optical/EVF hybrid viewfinder. How often do most people take a photo outside of a 28-70 (35mm equiv) range?
cL
2 years ago |Probably a video camera using m4/3 mount, like the latest AG-AF100, which is shipping soon. And the second one probably a m4/3 phone.
mochapaulo
2 years ago |I want LC2 lol
safaridon
2 years ago |I think this news of two new categories of cameras coming from Pany this year is an indication of a shift to the popular compact rangefinder style ala LC2 and away from the DSLR look. Pany has invested a lot of effort into smaller DSLR shaped bodies(G1,G2,GH1,GH2) with large high resolution EVFs, best HD capability in the business, and smaller capable lens in the GH1 and now GH2 with very limited success inspite of initial rave reviews and user appreciation. Seems that Canon and Nikon have been very successful in selling their much larger DSLR models claiming they have just as good HD video capability which most video users would tell you they do not with few exceptions of maybe one high priced model. In contrast Pany has been much more successful with the compact GF1 format even without EVF, swivel screen, or advanced HD features and has followed up with an even smaller GF2.
Rather than bang their heads against a wall Pany needs to put the innards of the GH2 into metal bodied rangefinder models eliminating the huge bump in the middle and I believe you will see a stampede to this model for such a quality construction & compact attractive format compared to look alike DSLR plastic cameras from the competition unless someone else beats them to such a model. Hence my prediction of a smaller lower cost model upgrade for GF1 and a larger pro fully featured model along the lines of their patent.
Milos Janata
2 years ago |10-12Mpx for ultra low light videos photography.
Full manual controls, IBIS.
Image stabilization is so important for video, even fast zooms should be stabilized – so only sensible solution is IBIS.
Nathan
2 years ago |I was going to say wireless flash and in-body image stabilization, then I realized this was a Panasonic poll.
I already have those things on my Olympus. I love the form factors of the G2, GH1, but I won’t buy a body that doesn’t have those things. Legacy lens connectivity, the single best thing about 4/3, means in-body stabilization is the only practical system, and flash should be wireless and TTL and not on the body. There’s no point to a compact camera if it has a 14 oz flash unit mounted on top.
Panasonic really needs to take strobists seriously. Even a small infrared module with LCD for wireless flash control would be better than the NOTHING that they offer to anyone who might use flash.
Mounting a flash on a hotshoe is usually not the best thing to do with a flash. It’s great in a pinch, in a hurry, but for shots you plan and set up, it’s just completely unacceptable.
Panasonic GF2
2 years ago |Panasonic provides announced the Lumix DMC-GF2 Mini 4 Thirds camera. Any simplified model with the corporation’s GF1, Panasonic GF2 inherits the same flat-body layout but with revised handle layout and touch-screen manage.
You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.
Milt
2 years ago |Would like GF2 size with EVF and manual controls like GF1 – and an electronic level for landscape work. GH1 sensor.