A tester had the chance to test a Panasonic GH3 camera which he says was a final prototype with unfinished firmware. There are only few cameras at the moment going across the world in hands of photographers and journalists. First he said the specs I posted in these days are correct. The GH3 is weather sealed, has a new 16 Mpx sensor, ALL-I 72Mbit/s video recording, 100-12.800 ISO, external vertical battery grip and full Application remote control. While he can’t unveil the spec he said that the camera was a real surprise fro him:

1) Ergonomy: The GH3 is bigger and heavier, it is built like a tank! Panasonic clearly wants to give you a “DSLR feeling” going away from the “smaller is better” philosophy. It feels much more PRO than the [shoplink 29074]Olympus E-M5[/shoplink]. De facto it looks more similar to a PRO DSLR like a Nikon D7000 or Canon 7D more than to any other Panasonic/Olympus mirrorless camera we have seen before.

2) Specs: While he can’t unveil the specs he said that Panasonic improved any aspects of the camera. They really studied the feedback they got from Photographers and Filmmakers using the GH2. So almost everything you wished to have on a GH3 will become truth. The sensor gets on market with the “Wide Dynamic Range” definition while the Autofocus is said to be the fastest of the whole interchangeable camera world. Video specs and features are the best he ever saw on these kind of cameras. While there was no chance to analyze the stills quality he got the chance to see some videos made with the GH3. Definitely a leap forward!

3) Connectivity and accessories: The GH3 is all about getting connected. There are many physical and wireless connection possibilities. Filmmmakers are going to have all the connections they need for a professional production.

Thanks source for the precise report that I as usual rewrote (by adding my usual baby-English language) to hide your language style. We are all looking forward to see the GH3!!!

P.S.: All sources confirmed that the Gh3 is the “only” new m43 camera from Panasonic at Photokina. But as I told you before I expect a new GX2 to be announced a few months after Photokina.

For sources: Sources can send me anonymous info at 43rumors@gmail.com (create a fake gmail account) or via contact form you see on the right sidebar. Thanks!

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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

The image on top shows the current VF-3 viewfinder.

It looks like the viewfinder surprise coming along the new PEN cameras is a new external VF viewfinder. Have no other info yet but the source seems to be reliable. UPDATE: A source told me that is is not really an external viewfinder, nor an internal, but something completely “new”. The mystery gets bigger…

For sources: Sources can send me anonymous info at 43rumors@gmail.com (create a fake gmail account) or via contact form you see on the right sidebar. Thanks!

For readers: Don’t miss any news. Join our group on facebook and follow our tweets.

—

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

[shoplink 22264 ebay][/shoplink]

A nice [shoplink 22264 ebay]Olympus RC[/shoplink] picture taken by Blurdotblog.com.

A couple of weeks ago I got that anonymous message: ” “Although the EP3 is set to be discontinued, updates to the EPL range should include some sort of viewfinder. Not sure of any further details yet.” Trusted sources now confirmed that there is NO built-in viewfinder. The major changes on the E-PM1 and E-PL3 are the ergonomic and a slightly increase in image quality.

If the anonymous soruce told us the truth than the viewfinder news may be just related to an external viewfinder kit option. What’s sure is the E-P range as we know is not going to continue. There may be some news regarding that a couple of months after the Photokina show.

P.S.: Check out the [shoplink 22264 ebay]Olympus RC film cameras on eBay[/shoplink].

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

Yesterday Sony announced the new NEX-5R (Click here) and one of the features of the Sony NEX cameras is the “Focus Peaking”. According to tops sources Panasonic is going to implement that feature on the new Panasonic GH3! The video I posted on top shows you how it works. Great news I would say!

P.S.: Some Panasonic camcorders like the 90-series has the Focus Assist feature (Here is the description page)

These are the FT5 info about the GH3 for now: New 16 megapixel sensor, 72Mbit/s ALL-I recording, new bigger and more rounded body, weather sealed, battery grip available, WiFI, application support and backup service, focus peaking.