Weird: No G5 news in Japan! And no G5 preorder run in US.
It may sound surprising but there were no news yet about the Panasonic G5 in Japan!!! Just check the most famous website: http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/. UPDATE: After 24 hours delay it now has been announced in Japan too!
Meantime preorder are up on Amazon too (Black here and Silver here and White here) but the camera didn’t manage to get into the top 100 of the most (pre-)ordered mirrorless cameras (ranking here). Also BHphoto has them available for preorder (Black here and Silver here).
On top of the post you can see the official Panasonic G5 commercial. And here is a list of new links to G5 related news: Photoxels, Pocket Lint, Akihabarenews, Quesabesde and Heise.
Below I posted a set of new deals including the other new Panasonic compact camera preorder links:
Via Techbargains I found a new PEN deal. Refurbished E-PL1 with kit lens for $189 at Cameta (Click here). But this is not the only refurbished PEN deal they offer…here is the full list.
$20 price drop on the Panasonic 20mm pancake at Amazon (Click here) and J&R (Click here).
Panasonic 14-42mm X pancake for $287 at Amazon (Click here).
The Olympus 75mm lens should start to be shipped after tomorrow according to BHphoto (Click here).
US readers that bought the Panasonic 12-35mm X via Pancam at Amazon (Click here) reported a good seller experience.
45-150mm lens in Black at BHphoto (Click here) and in Silver at BHphoto (Click here).
LX7 in Black at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here) in White at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here)
Other compacts, the FZ200 at BHphoto (Click here), the FZ60 at BHphoto (Click here).
Cork
11 months ago |Easy to explain about lack of coverage in Japan: The only model that will be available, the “Hello Kitty” version, is delayed due to lack of available pastels – especially pink – and the inability of Pany’s designers to duplicate big, luscious, anime eyes on the neckstrap. If they don’t get moving, Olympus will beat them with their upcoming OM-D EM5 HK model!
Bruce Hatfield
11 months ago |I just preordered! I ordered a silver body. I already have a G2 and a GF3 and the silver 14-42 x. I skipped the G3 generation because of the lack of auto switching for the viewfinder. The ergonomics on this camera look really good. Looks like Panasonic discovered their mistake with the viewfinder and also placing the movie button on the back. I think the zoom rocker on the body is a brilliant move. Hope all further models get it. i also like the way they have moved the rear dial away from the thumb rest. I moved the dial accidentally on my G2 on occasion due to its placement.
Godot
11 months ago |I will never preorder a camera. Simple reason: whenever a camera is a hit, the people who preordered always seem to get the shaft, receiving their goods after people who simply walk into the store or wait for e-tailers to have stock.
So I’m probably going to get a G5, but preorder? Nope.
Maybe enough people have been burned by this phenomenon that many of them are just sitting tight and waiting for the actual release instead…
Cork
11 months ago |I almost have to agree about pre-ordering. Three weeks ago, when reading umpteen threads/posts from people complaining about not receiving their OMDs ordered months or weeks earlier, I walked into a store a bought a black one…two days later I returned and picked up the silver. Turns out, from reading posts on this topic, that other people had had the same experience. Just paying attention to websites, posts, making an occasional phone call, and checking on mid-sized resellers instead of the biggies, can pay off.
43shot
11 months ago |Funny, I pre-ordered and EM-5 on Amazon USA and got it April 18 before few in the US had seen one in a store, so did my friend.
Godot
11 months ago |It’s true that those who get the shaft tend to be much louder than satisfied customers, so I acknowledge that my view on pre-orders is probably skewed.
TTTulio
11 months ago |“The revolution called mirrorless” and then they keep that inconvenient and ugly fake pentaprism bump in order to attract amateur who see the bump as “pro”. sign.
Godot
11 months ago |“Pro” has nothing to do with it; it’s all about finding good places to house certain components.
The hump houses the EVF and built-in flash. And certain IBIS components in the case of the OM-D. Sure, you can put those things elsewhere but then you have other trade-offs.
It may be ugly or inconvenient (matters of opinion), but it certainly is not “fake” even though it serves a different purpose than in a true SLR.
Montego
11 months ago |+1, and don’t forget the hot shoe and stereo mics on the hump. I’ve heard some video guys have flipped the built-in flash up on the GH2, and are able to slide a small dead cat over the assembly to cover the mics for run and gun shooting.
The hump on my GH2 may not be pretty, but for me it’s in the right spot and has good functionality.
Mr. Reeee
11 months ago |+++111
Absolutely. The so-called “hump” is a multi-function housing. I much prefer the viewfinder aligned vertically with the lens. It’s a natural position.
Igor
11 months ago |The lens mounting and the EVF of G3 and G5 are actually is closer to the side of the camera, than of GH2 or E-M5 due to lack of the second dial: http://camerasize.com/compact/#185,347,289,166,333,ha,f
Notice how significant a change Panasonic made to G5 grip and it’s shutter release button’s placement more forward and slanted (following the recent Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras). I think that in terms of comfortable ergonomics G5 may be a winner.
The more I see the G5 previews and its test photos, the more I consider G5 as my next MFT camera (first time in two years!).
Mr. Reeee
11 months ago |+10 as far as the G5′s ergonomic improvements go!
Lil Jerk Kid
11 months ago |Many modern motorcycles appear to have gas tanks, “humps” if you will. Function decrees that gasolene weight is better handled lower and more centrally. The “gas tank” that you see houses other vital components such as electrics and air filters. Same idea.
Bob B.
11 months ago |No G5 run isn’t weird at all …we are all OM-D’ed & GX1′ed out!!!!!! We are all spending our money on lenses…heh..heh……..
caver3d
11 months ago |I agree. And if you have the money to get the E-M5, why would you really bother with another mirrorless camera at this time? When you have the best (thanks Oly) all other cameras pale in comparison. Many of us are now going after better lenses.
And even if Pany comes out with the GH3, will it really be that much better than the GH2? Next year we’ll probably see the E-M6 or E-M7. The OM-D juggernaut continues…
tmrgrs
11 months ago |Yes it’s true that the OMD scooped up all the buyers ahead of the G5. And BTW, no IBIS & no wireless flash = no sale Panny!
Nick
11 months ago |The G5 looks to be a good product, but (I think) it is a bit pricey compared to other interchangable lens cameras on the market. If they had priced it at $650 or even $600 body only, it would be more well received. Now this doesn’t mean that it will not eventually be a hot seller (I think it will!), but people are simply waiting for more concrete reviews before placing their orders.
Olympius
11 months ago |Here in the USA:
Olympus E-M5 with 14-42 lens: $1099.99 USD
Panasonic GH2 with 14-42 lens: $899.99 USD
Panasonic G5 with 14-42 lens: $799.99 USD
Panasonic G3 with 14-42 lens: $550.00 USD
Which would you rather have? I’d go with the GH2, though I really like the features of the G5. Yet the G3 is still a very, very capable camera, with nearly identical IQ to the G5, but for a lot less $$$
I think Panasonic overpriced the G5. Also, there are just too many stinkin’ mirrorless cameras to choose from. Why spend $800 when you can still get very capable older model Olympus Pens for $200 to $300 USD brand new?
For $800, I’d be more tempted to get the new Canon T4i (650D), and I don’t even like Canon. Or even the Nikon D3200 with that snazzy 24mp sensor.
- Olympius
caver3d
11 months ago |I don’t agree. For all its features, you cannot beat the E-M5. And it is worth the price. You get what you pay for.
kesztió
11 months ago |It depends.
45/1,8 doesn’t necessarily need IBIS. Pana 14–42 and 45–200 already have O.I.S. So the 5-axis IBIS is not a necessary feature for me at all.
I greatly prefer high grade plastic over all metal body, the modern look over the retro one as well and the weather sealing in not a really important feature I’d spend extra money for.
Now take a look on G5. The swiveling LCD is clearly winner compared to just tilting one, the touchpad function finally lets me using the OVF in most cases and also the button layout/ergonomy is significantly better compared to E–M5.
So if the prices was equal I still would prefer G5 over E–M5!
Bob B.
11 months ago |…BUT it’s nice to have the IBIS if you want or need it……no doubt about it!
sqweezy
11 months ago |…AND not to mention weather sealing. A lot of people would change their mind about its value after they have their first accident or spill.
djmdgk
11 months ago |I’d go with the Olympus if my budget can accomodate it. If not, I’d choose the G3. Or a used GH2. No point to get the G5 IMHO and that’s what is reflected in the few preorders. No surprise at all. BTW: I *have* the GF1 still. Plus 4 lenses. It’s the lenses that make the biggest difference.
sqweezy
11 months ago |Anyone familiar with the original MSRP for the GH2? I am trying to estimate the probable price point for the upcoming GH3.
Did admin once say it will start at $1,500 for only the body?. If so, that is quite the premium over the G5.
Cork
11 months ago |It was around $15/1600 with the 14-140 lens. Body only was about $1,000, if I remember correctly. I paid $970 for my GH2 and 14-42 kit lens. This was about three months after introduction. It was the first one I could find.
Sqweezy
11 months ago |So if admin’s price of GH3 body = $1,500 vs. G5 body of $700…
There will have to be some pretty amazing stuff in the GH3 to justify a $800 premium!
I am hoping the original GH2 body price of $1,000 will still apply to the GH3!
Mr. Reeee
11 months ago |Original GH2 list prices in US.
14-140mm Kit = $1499
14-42mm Kit = $999
Body Only = $899
henrik
11 months ago |Here’s requesting another poll on 43roomors:
What is more dull:
- the new G5
- the G5 promo video
fan_guo_lai_xiang_xiang
11 months ago |Nothing beats the ever-recurring dullness of your depressing comments here. Sad!
Godot
11 months ago |Flawed poll.
Missing option:
- Kneejerk G5 bashers
djmdgk
11 months ago |If there hadn’t been the E-M5 released relatively recently, this would be the end for me in the MTF. I would not wait to switch to NEX. But there is the E-M5 and this signals that there is as much momentum in the camera body development as there is in new lenses. Even though I don’t plan to buy a new body soon, it is simply the existence of a great camera like the E-M5 that really convinces me to stay with MFT. Whereas the G5 with the same sensor as the G3 to me is a big disappointment.
safaridon
11 months ago |You apparently have not been playing any attention to the posted specifications and previews on the G5 or you would know that the G5 sensor which is 18.3 mp was modified from the GH2 one with faster digital output and not that from the G3. Also 43rumor post showed at low ISO its high improved DR matched that of NEX5N one of the best. When I look at imaging resources comparometer the G5 and E-M5, output even at highest ISO 12,800 looks the very similar.
Olympius
11 months ago |Why would anybody want a NEX? There’s only one decent lens for it, the Zeiss 24mm, and that’s about it.
The only reason people buy them is because they are either ignorant, or because they want to use them as a digital back for their manual focus lenses. I’d take both the Nikon 1 and any micro 4/3 camera over any and all NEX cameras — and I do like Sony.
The NEX, as a system, is a loser.
- Olympius
Mr. Reeee
11 months ago |A NEX-5N could be an excellent street camera.
I can think of 3 reasons… adapting manual lenses, Sony’s NEX focus peaking and TiltyScreen™.
The heck with native NEX lenses. I have a bunch of Voigtländer, Nikon AI-S, Pentax SMC Takumar and an Olympus OM lens that could work well on a NEX body!
Boooo!
11 months ago |TiltySwivelyScreen™
And it doesn’t have the PoppyUppyFlash™.
Gato
11 months ago |The G5 has enough new to bump the GH2 off my watch list, but not enough to make me rush to the store. I’m ready to upgrade, but in no hurry. Unless my GH1 dies I can wait for the Sony announcements expected next month and a possible GH3 before I make a decision.
The recent GH2 pricing has been tempting and I was hoping deals might still be available after a GH3 announcement, but for about the same money as a GH2 the G5 looks better for me.
Paul Alexander
11 months ago |Photokina in two months
that’s why.
Yun
11 months ago |If there is another mirrorless camera I have to buy then it’ll be the highest from Pana or the new Fuji X . Olympus’s new PEN with Sony sensor looks interesting too , for back up .
dau
11 months ago |Yeah, i must admit im wavering a little with mft. Ive used friends nex 5 and canon dslr and was very impressed with the results. At one stage i was shooting the same scene as a friend. He, using a cannon dslr with kit lens, me, my g3 with 25mm 1.4. It was a dimly lit room and ive gotta say his shot was far more vibrant. I know people say 1.4 is 1.4 no matter the sensor size, but im really not so sure anymore. The nex range is beginning to look quite appealing. I know about the limited lens rang but all i need is a fast prime and a decent kit zoom…
Cedric Leveille
11 months ago |Canon have an agressive noise reduction setting…
-Don’t blame the camera, blame the guy behind it.
nik
11 months ago |when is olympus next announcement?
Cedric Leveille
11 months ago |Photokina!
tj
11 months ago |I was hoping Panasonic would’ve followed Sony’s lead and included manual control in video at this price tier. Everything else looks really nice though.
Esrhan
11 months ago |I couldn’t at first find information on the video controls, but I’ve now stumbled upon a few pages that have mentioned full manual controls in video mode for the G5. I hope they are correct since it makes no sense to disable them in the first place.
NineFace
11 months ago |what is the name of the song?
Tack
11 months ago |>UPDATE: After 24 hours delay it now has been announced in Japan too!
But DC.Watch says “G5 was announced ‘abroad’.” No official announcement from Panasonic Japan.
camerafreak
11 months ago |G5 preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El1i0QoJkT0&feature=g-all-u