(FT5) Small pieces of G3 rumors…(and I am travelling to Antwerp)
A fake and completely unrealistic G3 rendering (but I liked it) Source: Iffo.nl
I am on the road to Antwerp (Belgium) and it will take a few hours (exactly 11 hours drive) until I will be there. I hope I will not find any big traffic jam like the historic Florence jam in December (9 hours stuck in the snow) and the jam in Aachen in late December (4 hours…again snow.). It shouldn’t snow in Belgium at that time 
so I am quite confident I will be at my home in a reasonable time. I am writing this because I will have no Internet connection and comments that do need moderation will have to wait for my arrival.
And here is the news:
I asked my sources if they can give me some more details about the G3. I didn’t get a lot of info. First, the announcement will be made on May 11th (London time) and not on May 12th. Second, I got confirmation that the new 16 Megapixel sensor is NOT a multi aspect sensor. It’s a completely new sensor, but I don’t know yet if Panasonic managed it to improve the noise performance and dynamic range. Third, the design. Confess, you got a heart-attack when you first saw the image on top or not? Like you I am also hoping that Panasonic will sooner or later make a Micro Four Thirds version of the L1/LC1 camera (Click here to see them on eBay). That would kick in the xxx of the Fuji X100 
. Kill your dreams and let’s go back to the cruel real world. The G3 is not the L1/LC1 copy. Compared to the Panasonic G2 the G3 is…more compact. It’s a bit like the difference between the GF1 and the newer smaller GF2. Panasonic reduced the size, added more touchscreen options and removed some physical controls. Don’t know if you will like that change!
I didn’t hear anything yet about possible new “revolutionary” features and honestly I don’t think there will be spectacular surprises. The real new thing here is the 16 Megapixel sensor and the new design.
For the rest I am still trying to get some info about the next Olympus PEN. Sounds like it’s not in the near future (next 2-3 months). Don’t know yet if there was a delay or whatever. The good news is that I started to receive some info about the lenses. I am double-triple checking the specs with other sources. As usual if you can help me with rumors contact me at 43rumors@gmail.com or use the contact form on the right sidebar. You can avoid to send me your name and contact address and no IP-address gets stored. Thanks!
Links to the cameras discussed in that post:
UPDATE -> Link fixed: The dreamers camera, the LC1 search results at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay (don’t know if you can find it in Stock)
The older but very popular Panasonic GF1 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
The newer more compact and touchscreen Panasonic GF2 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
The Panasonic G2 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
P.S.: Message for Panasonic: take a look at the crazy expensive Fuji X100 auctions on eBay (Click here). You might get an idea why we want the LC1 back
P.P.S.: First 43rumors mini-meeting in Antwerpen (Belgium) on Saturday 23 April at 15.00. Location: Bar 2 (Vrijdagmarkt). For those of you that want to participate please drop me an email at 43rumors@gmail.com.
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Recent comments
Comment from safaridon: What happened to the picture of the G3 r...
Comment from Joel: Sorry meant G2 not G3 ;-)...- Comment from Joel: Smaller with less buttons???
Ohh well...
Comment from Esa Tuunanen: You got GF (like Oly PEN) right with it ...
Milt
2 years ago |If I remember correctly, Panasonic killed a new camera recently that you (Admin) thought might be the kind of L1/LC1, or GF1 with built in EVF, or four thirds X100 that we are waiting for. Is this right?
Angry Olympus Owner
2 years ago |True,
but after that he also got this:
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-a-special-lumix-micro-four-thirds-camera-to-be-announced-in-q3/
I’m hoping Panasonic realized the camera they “killed” would not have been that good compared to frenzy over the x100. So kill it and plan for a x100 type camera later?
This new camera wont be a GH GF or a G3, so it would only be logical for it to be what the GF2 should have been, the x100 type camera
Just pure speculation on my part though
tobi
2 years ago |You Sir are a cruel man.
To post such an image under an FT5 headline and then to shatter my hopes…
bah, humbug!
Have a good drive.
tobi
Bob Bowné
2 years ago |Obviously, the photo at the top of the page is what I would like to have seen the GF2 become. I did’t see the G3 going there…but basically you are telling us that the G3 is headed in the same direction as the GF series…marketed at the smartphone crowd. More touch screen, less dials (ie…menu driven) etc….Oh well. Can they make it so we can download apps too?
I guess I will really have to see what I can do financially to get my hands on an M9 and some lenses. Micro 4/3 is headed in a direction that truly disappoints me. I was hoping that there would be one body & sensor combo improved for serious photographers but it appears that business is business and the mass appeal rules to sell units. Its looking kind of bleak.
The initial promise is fading. The GH2 is a hopeful sign…but that is really for video.
Eric
2 years ago |Ugh, so it’s going to be yet another soccer mom camera? URGGGGGH!!! Haven’t we had enough of those? Why can’t Panasonic make just one enthusiasts camera? Is that too much to ask? And no, the GH2 is not an enthusiast camera. It is geared towards video way to much and not built tough enough.
Oh well, my attention turns back to Olympus. Hopefully the EP-3 will be something special. I prefer built in stabilization, Olympus’s color processing and white balance anyway.
GreyOwl
2 years ago |L1/LC1 links to Amazon.co.uk instead of eBay.
admin
2 years ago |Damn! Again a plugin error. I am getting tired with that.
Rupert
2 years ago |I can’t see why these manufacturers can’t see the value in a great mid range interchangeable ‘rangefinder style’ camera. Leica has the cream on that, sure but so many people are asking for a serious contender that it would be very popular indeed!
Seems a bit mental to me!
greyhat
2 years ago |That’s a simple one. Because they are japanese and look first to their target on local market: everybody complains but NEX is selling like hot cupcakes!
And you have to please your boss first and your customers second.
Yes, Fuji x100 is a success and a interchangeable lens version would be a major hit… but for a niche market. Sony is making more money with NEX.
And Panasonic needs money.
BR
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |I was wandering along on the High Line in Manhattan last week and saw the M4/3 target user…
2 young Japanese women…
one with a silver NEX5 and the other with a red GF2 w/ 14-42mm lens.
Kawaii! And the red camera was too!
@Eric…. The GH2 IS an enthusiast camera. There’s more than one type, I believe.
@Bob Bowné… The GH2 is excellent for stills. I think the video quality is so good, it kind of overshadows the still quality.
Luke
2 years ago |Saying the GH2 is an enthusiast camera is an understatement. To the average consumer, it looks like a Canon/Nikon/Pentax, etc DSLR body. Only problem is that it has (to the mass market consumer mind) a NON-camera name attached (Panasonic makes TVs and radios, right?.
If you want new customers, make a new design (or an old one new again) and rangefinder-style body is the way. When I had an E-P1 everyone one of my friends asked me what that cool camera was. I sold it because the focus was too slow. I bought a gf1 and no one ever asks about it. It is dependable and a touch boring in the design department. They were quite close and then for the follow-up, they make it work more like a cel phone?
I don’t get it. I love that Fuji design, but I’m too poor at the moment. I’ll just wait a year or 2 and buy a used one. Or maybe by then, Panasonic can make a nice design (like the mock-up you have here) or Oly can make the E-P1 without its’ performance flaws.
Really, that E-P1 just about hit it out of the park….and then as they fixed the performance issues, they slowly morphed it into an ugly mass market camera.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |Yeah, maybe enthusiast is the wrong term to use for the GH2. I was thinking enthusiast in respect to function, in that I’d guess the majority of M4/3 users are buying specifically to use multiple lenses. The majority of low-end DSLR users never change the cheap kit lens that comes packed in the box and rarely, if ever, use anything other than Auto settings. But maybe I’m just being snobby.
Sure, Panasonic may be a non-camera name, which did make me hesitate when first looking at them, but the name LEICA on most of their lenses erased those doubts pretty effectively.
A rangefinder-style camera is the way? Really. It’s a way, not THE way. There is no ONE way.
None of the M4/3 cameras are true rangefinder style. The ones that vaguely resemble them look more like large glorified digital point and shoots… framing with the LCD and lacking integrated viewfinders.
The X100 looks like a nice camera. I’ve not seen or handled one, so reserve judgment until then. A return to more external controls is good thing! I’ve owned several 35mm rangefinders and found a fixed lens limiting and would never buy the same style. I moved to DSLRs when I was able. When I put my GH2 next to my Nikon FM2, they’re almost exactly the same size.
I bought my GH2 based on what it DOES, and HOW it does it, NOT on the look. Yes, it’s comparatively bulky compared to a GF1 or EPL2, but for me the broad and flexible feature set trumped the size, with some reluctance. But now that I’ve been using it for a few months, I can’t imagine going without.
Bob Bowné
2 years ago |I know the Nex is selling ….and great sensor….blah..blah…but I can’t do the monkey thing….I HAVE to have a viewfinder. The Nex is useless for anything serious or critical. Basically the companies make trend cameras with mass appeal so they can sell lots of them. Guess we can’t blame them for needing to make money.
Sam
2 years ago |I hope panasonic do the equivalent in camera design to the sl1200 series turntables that owned the dj scene for at least two decades (going on for 3) drop the gr1 rangefinder style camera please it will kill leica! It would be worthwhile from a brand equity pov at the minimum and I’m sure sales would exceed senior management expectations. It must make sense. DO IT!!!!!!!
leendert
2 years ago |Why all this negative comments? Whats the bad news?
A new 16mpx sensor (probably better for stills then the sensor of the GH2) en a new more compact design then the G2 is good news!
When this camera produce better stills then the GH2, its a good cam!
Eric
2 years ago |People are simply tired of m4/3′s cameras designed for families (like the Panasonic G2, GF2, EPL1, etc) instead of cameras designed for enthusiasts (Fuji X100, Pentax K5, Leica M9, etc). The description in this post makes the G3 sound like yet another family camera. That is why people are upset.
greyhat
2 years ago |Probably Panasonic think we are wrong on demanding a camera of this size for enthusiasts.
Market segmentation
Pros: elephant sized cameras, it must weight a ton
Enthusiasts: big cameras (aka normal sized cameras)
Families Plus: CSC (Aka mirrorless) more quality than typical P&S but similar experience
Families: P&S
Kids: Mobile phones
We are wrong: we don’t fit. We are enthusiasts (and some pros) and we want small size.
For sure we are crazy.
But we are so many now…
Such a waste
Jules
2 years ago |I love it when “People” is involved.
Taking your statement without critics nor clarification, at G2, GF2 or EPL1′s price range, how many enthusiasts digital alternative are there on the market?
here is a checklist:
Fuji X100 : $1000, fixed lens
Pentax K5 : $1500, body only
Leica M9 : several times more, body only.
Eric
2 years ago |I don’t expect them to make an enthusiasts camera for $600. I’m perfectly willing to pay over $1000 for a m4/3′s camera similar to the X100. It’s so frustrating; m4/3′s is the absolute perfect platform for a high end rangefinder-like camera. In-fact the lens mount practically begs for such a camera; and they won’t make one for some unknown reason.
Jules
2 years ago |GH2 with the pan-leica certainly is stereotyped as an enthusiastic set-up. Not to anyone’s taste, but the same can be said of any enthusiast models.
greyhat
2 years ago |“it depends”
New sensor is better if at least one of below three features are improved:
* readout speed is faster (fast auto focus, like GH2)
* low background noise
* higher DR (related to background noise)
It would be better if it became one generation behind new Sony sensors at least. But the higher pixel count/small photosite are seems to point in the other direction.
Removing buttons is good to NEX/GF2 type of users, but not for this forum typical user.
Market will decide if it is a better camera, not us.
BR
Zaph
2 years ago |So a dSLR style camera, without manual/physical controls? Basically an iG2?
DonTom
2 years ago |Maybe I am reading too much into the “smaller” comment, but: where would you put a built in EVF on a smaller body than the G2? Off to the side of course dummy! It would make perfect sense for the G3 to be the camera that so many hoped the GF2 would be.
The GF2 made it obvious, there will be 3 lines, GF#, G#, GH#. It will make sense for the G# series to be rangefinder “styled”, because the GH# line will always be about pulling in the DSLR crowd……
That’s my take, and I’m happy to be wrong anyway, cos I use an E-PL1 and am in no rush to upgrade…….
mahler
2 years ago |Abandoning external controls in favor of the touchscreen is an unfortunate development, but not to put a multiaspect sensor into the camera is a HUGE MISTAKE.
I don’t know why they don’t get the potential of m4/3: different body concepts, same lens system. However, I want the SAME IQ (and hence the same GH2 sensor or better) in different body types – one small, one versatile.
I did not consider the GF2 as an addition to my GH2, because of the IQ penalty of the GF2.
At the same time Olympus misses also, because of their user interface, which really sucks.
Did the m4/3 companies stop listening? While they were right on spot with their first models (G1, GF2, GH1, EP-2) they fail to deliver with newer concepts (GF2, EPL-1, EPL-2, and now G3?)
MK
2 years ago |doesn’t lx5 have multi-aspect sensor? i just bought an olympus 9-18mm and noticed that on my gf1, the flash becomes obstructed by the lens around 11-12mm focal. this is the probably the range at which i would use it most. sometimes it seems like everything was calculated to piss you off at just the right moment.
RW
2 years ago |I don’t see the point of the current G line. Its not as full function as the GH line and not as small as the GF line. Thom Hogan talked a while back about product differentiation – the iPod, iPhone, iPad model of providing very different product lines aimed at different groups. Panny could learn from that.
I get the GF line – you service the market of people that want to supplement their DSLR rig with a smaller street camera, and also the market of soccer moms and kids posting on Facebook (although I suspect the latter prefers cell phones to m43).
I get the flagship GH line with its superb video capabilities and somewhat larger size that makes larger lenses feel and balance better.
But I don’t get the G line. Whenever I discuss it, people say “I don’t need video”. Is that really a justification for a whole new line? Lack of product focus IMO.
A lot of us (certainly me) were deeply disappointed in the direction that Panasonic took with the GF-2 after scoring a home run with the GF-1. The GF-1 was an enthusiast camera – but the GF-2 was aimed at the Facebook crowd. If Panny thinks that it makes the best market sense to refocus the GF line on the Facebookers – why not refocus the currently rather faceless G product line on the enthusiast and provide some real competition for the X100?
Bob Bowné
2 years ago |The G line always was based at someone looking to upgrade from a point & shoot to a better camera…but not an SLR…Panasonic kept it affordable by focusing on stills (not video to keep the cost down). It rounds out their offerings for features cost, etc. The “pretty” colors..and familiar design (DSLR-looking) and low-cost made it there average-person’s entry-level camera.
Seems that the cell phones and I ipads are messin this all up (for me, LOL)…I don’t need or want a touch screen on my camera….but I am old-school and these companies are marketing to the trends that they are creating. Makes sense. Its a young, multi-tasking crowd out there…and this is probably what they want. Can’t blame the camera companies for giving it to them.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |The Panasonic G-Line is about different price points. The built-in EVF and articulated LCD are big selling points for some and good differentiation point from other M4/3 body designs. While the GF/EP and EPL lines are all fine cameras, they’re also not for everyone.
Personally, I think it’s a shame that Olympus doesn’t offer a G-series equivalent with a built-in VF-2.
Most P&S camera have no viewfinder, so when looking at the GF/EF/EPLs it may appear that you’re stuck with extended arm framing and shooting. On the surface it appears to be same old same old..
If a P&S user wants to upgrade to a more full-featured camera and considers an EVF an essential upgrade feature, but doesn’t want the price and inconvenience penalty of an add-on EVF, then the G line works well. Except for the ill-fated G10, it seems like a good middle of the road design and seems to sell well.
I got a GH2 and really had forgotten how much I liked using a real viewfinder, from 35mm film days, as opposed to dark and dinky prosumer viewfinders and minuscule to nonexistent P&S viewfinders.
For some, me included, it turns out to be a big deal. And yes, it would be great if there were a traditional rangefinder style M4/3 camera with all the traditional external controls. Hopefully we’ll see that as the platform matures and more and more varied users are drawn to it.
spam
2 years ago |Agree, G-series is a cheaper version of the GH to provide for customers who can’t afford the GH2. Panasonic remove enough features so people who can afford GH2 still prefer that. The G3-rumors confirm that Panasonic will continue this strategy (like most other companies).
Luke
2 years ago |I have to disagree with you here. If I want a great camera and don’t mind carrying around a big DSLR-like camera……I’ll buy a big DSLR-like camera (and quite frankly, it won’t be a Panasonic). But if I’m willing to buy a cheaper one because I don’t shoot video (or I have another camera) or I can do without a nicer, bigger EVF…… do you see my point?
I LOVE my gf1 for it’s compactness and everything else. But I wanted something bigger to balance the bigger lenses (and I LOVE the tilt screen of the janky old G1, so I have those 2. I could have spent a MERE $100 more to get the GH1. $100 is still $100….so when comparing numbers on cameras…don;t forget to compare them all.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |If I wanted a DSLR, it would be a full-frame like the D700 with FX lenses, not an APSC body and DX lenses.
Compared to a DSLR, the GH2 is quite small. Look at one next to a D7000, which was my first choice until I actually handled one. The difference in size and weight is striking, without even mentioning the smaller, lighter M4/3 lenses.
Martin
2 years ago |Hi, i know this isnt the plase but i dont know where more to go!!!…. I’m trying to win a 5Kg nutella!!! but i need to have more likes in my recipe (in facebook) then the other users!!! please help!!
Hit the link and put i like y the recipe (the lang comment)
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150157769702192&id=528357191
Thanks!!!
Miklos Rabi
2 years ago |You made my day, dude! 5Kg Nutella! LOL!
safaridon
2 years ago |I like that G3 rendering what one site thought might and could happen. I think that is the GL1 or GS1 model patterned after the Pany patent that is predicted to come by end of year if the timeline is not delayed by the natural disaster which occured in Japan. It also would make sense to release the 12-50/f2.5-3.3 lens with that pro model.
Earlier 43rumors sources said that the G3 will look very much like the Samsung NX11 which seems to copy the form of the Pany handgrip style found in ZS20, LX5, and GF2 and this would make the camera body have much less depth ie 2″ vrs 3″ and maybe they will use a fixed LCD screen enablying them to shave a little off the width as well and to differentiate from the GH series? I am disappointed to hear that they may be deleting some of the controls and I hope that does not mean the top control dial? However that may happen as it done with GF2 in order to keep the body as thin as possible.
I still think if that is the case it is possible that Pany has based the new G3 on the GF2 body only using a small high definition EVF raised in the middle? If that is the case then Pany needs to bring back the GF1 only with the new sensor and new small higher definition EVF to go with it as many on this forum have been calling for. Maybe that is the special m4/3 model projected for this fall in August?
sachi
2 years ago |NOT a multi aspect sensor ? am not buying
sderdiarian
2 years ago |Like Don Tom, I don’t understand all the Panasonic angst. At least they’re doing things and have a clear model structure in place:
GF series = small, simple and affordable bodies for both upgraders from compacts and enthusiasts who want a take anywhere IL camera
G series = the above, but targeted more to enthusiasts with flip LCD (please retain this Panny!) and built-in EVF. I see the new body as smaller and thinner with a non-toy DSLR look, rangefinder look (EVF to the side) fine by me, and improved sensor all good. Now, maintain the price point.
GH series = the present top-of-the-line with best sensor for video setting it apart from the pack. I’m hopeful Panasonic will next either upgrade its body design for a less frumpy toy-like look or bring out a new top model with magnesium-alloy body and full enthusiast features/build coupled with some pro lenses.
Hearing Olympus has yet again delayed a model intro I can only guess their Imaging Division is in trouble. Maybe their new president has looked at the numbers (sales down dramatically last two quarters following the “no more 4/3′s ” announcement) and has called a time-out as they consider whether this division has a future or should either be mothballed or sold off.
Hope they get it together, my ideal being the above model structure but with Olympus IBIS, colors and elegant design. Fingers crossed, and they must get their hands on a new generation sensor (Sony?).
Luke
2 years ago |I think you are NEARLY right. But you should have the G series as the simple, affordable one. GF is compact and “enthusiast” oriented. GH is their “high-end” full featured model.
Esa Tuunanen
2 years ago |You got GF (like Oly PEN) right with it being Point&Shootish compact body and actually new camera class which was impossible with mirror camera design.
But instead of enthusiast class G-models are entry level DSLR equivalent, they’re similarly clearly out of pocket size but forget about good ergonomy.
And GH is same entry level body with just multi aspect sensor and more video regardless that marketing tries to make it comparable to Canon 7D/Oly E-30/etc while in comparison GH2 lacks proper size grip, enough direct controls and has small frame buffer for RAW and lousy buffer full performance.
Oliver
2 years ago |Hello everybody! I just found this image while browsing online. Thought you might find it interesting.
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/105/8/4/olympus_e_zero_black_by_ryuugene-d3e38gr.jpg
It’s just somebody’s concept.
Eugene
2 years ago |Very nice design. Yeah, It’s the prototype for the E-1 successor.
I hope the E-5 successor would look like this.
Miroslav
2 years ago |“next Olympus PEN. Sounds like it’s not in the near future (next 2-3 months).”
Disappointed. I was hoping they would stick to that late May / early June announcement. This sounds like July at least … or August – and since Cliq ( ex PMA ) is in September, why not announce it then?
Maybe I’m expecting too much from that devastated country
.
The only good news is that it will almost certainly feature that new Panasonic sensor. How good it is we’ll find out after the first G3 reviews.
Thyl
2 years ago |As digital evolved, I had high hopes that it would eventually allow to combine the versatility of a exchangeable lens camera with the compactness of a P&S, i.e. a combination of a Leica with my beloved Olympus XA. When Oly/pana announced mft, I thought that this idea would finally materialize. The G1 then disappointed me, as it was still too much DSLR, and I did not like the EVF. The EP-1 pointed in the right direction, with its pancake and the OVF. I got one and it turned out to be an operational err nightmare. And no follow ups, no further small lenses, no more versatile OVFs.
Mft was announced as a system. A system to me is not another more-of-the-same camera every six months, nor a dripping in of lenses. I still can’t see the system aspect,
mahler
2 years ago |How do you come to call the Lumix G system not a “system”?
It has one fo the most ergonomic body concepts available to date. Your quibbles with the EP-1 usability would be gone. The EVF of a GH2 is much brighter and larger than the OVFs of most DSLRs. You have lenses from 14 to 600 mm (@ 35mm equiv.). The GFx, Gx, and GHx bodies are significantly more compact than any DSLR on the market. If you exclude body concepts, which are “too much DSLR” (is that only defined by the “hump”?), you do not do yourself a favor.
As a small system camera, the Lumix G concept is close to perfect. It should not get any smaller (because of handling issues). The major problem is that Panasonic does not understand that we don’t want to make sacrifices of IQ in the small bodies. To put the best and most capable (multiaspect) sensor only in the flagship product is utterly wrong and misses one key opportunity of m4/3.
Thyl
2 years ago |Mahler: _No_ number of viewfinders
_no_ good concept for accessory port from the start, or even now
_no_ options for studio monitors via HDMI
_no_ options for expanded power suply
Etc.
No extension rings or bellow
Not even all lenses can be equipped with accessories, as some have rotating filter mounts
TR
2 years ago |Sounds like the G3 might be closer to filling the G10′s spot rather than the G2′s.
Did anyone actually buy the G10?
safaridon
2 years ago |This posted rendering of a hoped for future model represents much of what I hope the next G3 and GH3 will look like except you would shorten the handgrip end by 0.5 inch and have a similar stepdown on the otherside for where the recessed flash would be.
Consider this if you reduce the rear swivel screen size down to 2.7″ instead of 3″ or make it 3″ for 16:9 format then you can lower the height of camera by about 0.2″. The G2 body with large EVF and surrounding flash is 3.3″ high so that reduces the hump to only 3.1″ or if you retain the existing swivel screen the middle flat section would be only 3.3″ high and the sides only +/- 2.8″. With the flat top EVF section this camera would actually be similar in volume to the X100 and would overcome much of the objections to an obtrusive DSLR hump many dislike?
Anyway that is my hopes for the new smaller bodied G3 to come.
Joel
2 years ago |Smaller with less buttons???
Ohh well there goes my idea of upgrading my G3… I hope someone else comes up with some better options? Olympus?
Joel
2 years ago |Sorry meant G2 not G3
safaridon
2 years ago |What happened to the picture of the G3 rendering previously posted?
Perhaps the new design for G3 is rangefinder style afterall?