We just learned that Panasonic is going to introduce a completely new designed G3 camera. The new body looks different than the current [shoplink 14834]G1/G2 cameras[/shoplink]. But it will not have a “rangefinder look” like the famous [shoplink 17020 ebay]DMC-LC1[/shoplink]. One of our sources told us that the new body form is very close to the [shoplink 19190]Samsung NX10[/shoplink]. We received rumors saying that Panasonic wasn’t happy with the Panasonic G10 and Panasonic G2 sales. That’s why they anticipated the release of a new G camera having new specs and new design. As you know the G10 has been discontinued and the G2 price is decreasing.

The new sensor is the same that will be used by future Olympus cameras. We have no reliable info yet but we received rumors about a new 14-15 megapixel sensor from unknown sources. What’s certain is that the G3 can take FullHD videos (but not at 24mbit/s like the new [shoplink 16254]GH2[/shoplink]).

Stay tuned on 43rumors! I hope to receive some detailled spec as soon as possible. Thanks!

P.S.:
Links to the Panasonic DMC-LC1 on [shoplink 17020 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] or Amazon.
Links to the Samsung NX10 on [shoplink 19190 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] or Amazon.
The discontinued G10 at Bhphoto.

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

Image on top: The Hoya-Pentax 17mm f/2.0 Micro Four Thirds lens patent

Two days ago I posted a rumor about Tokina making two new Micro Four Thirds lenses which should be unveiled at the PMA show in November. The two lenses are the 17mm f/2.0 (or faster) and the 8-16mm/3.5-4.5 (or faster and with the body quality of the current [shoplink 19059 ebay]Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens[/shoplink]). Now we just noticed a very interesting “coincidence”. In recent years, Tokina has become a partner of Pentax, division of Hoya Corporation and jointly developed some lenses. And thanks to a discussion we had with one of our readers it came in our mind that a few months ago Pentax-Hoya fulfilled a patent for a 17mm f/2.0 Micro Four Thirds lens (Source: Egami). So if 1+1 makes 2 can we conclude that Pentax and Hoya are interested in joining the Micro Four Thirds world as lens maker (under the Tokina brand)? It looks like the answer is yes. But the one million dollar question is: Will this partnership go further and will Pentax join the MFT coalition? Probably not….or no? :)

[shoplink 19151 ebay][/shoplink] Image on top: The analogue Nikon S2 rangefinder ([shoplink 19151 ebay]Click here to see it on eBay[/shoplink]).

Sorry if I post a Nikon rumor on 43rumors but when we just got a “FT5” rumor about Nikon that will interest many 43rumors readers. One thing we were missing until today is a mirrorless pro system with advanced cameras that can compete against the best APS-C DSLR cameras. Now the same sources that usually are sending us top Panasonic and Olympus rumors now contacted us to say that both Olympus and Nikon will announce their PRO cameras in quarter two (Nikon will announce it in April)!

I repeat it, Nikon’s new system will not compete against the low entry Micro Four Thirds cameras like the [shoplink 17361]GF2[/shoplink] and [shoplink 18844]E-PL2[/shoplink]. I posted a few more info about the future Nikon system here: http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/exclusive-nikon-to-launch-a-mirrorless-system-in-april-with-sony-sensor/

The good news for us Micro Four Thirds user is that usually competition brings better cameras for a lower price. Let’s hope Oly will announce something spectacular for a decent price ;)

P.S.: I would love NIkon to make a digital [shoplink 19151 ebay]Nikon S2[/shoplink]. That’s how I understand the “PRO” characteristic.