Weeks ago we posted a rumor about a possible large sensor compact camera with fixed lens (Like the Sigma DP2 or Leica X1). This rumor came from two known sources and two new sources. That’s why we posted it with a very high FT4-FT5 value. For 3-4 days I have been talking with many sources because we are receiving conflicting reports about that camera. And finally the clouds are gone and the sky is clear:

It seems that some of the trusted sources received pieces of WRONG information. When we post a rumor with FT5 value we do that because a (trusted and reliable) source claims to have seen specs and/or the camera. That happened but apparently some of the sources made a BIG mistake. For obvious privacy reasons we can’t tell you what happened but I hope you will understand that I did post the rumor with my most honest intentions. So what did happen? Their pieces of information were correct but the combination of the single puzzle pieces have led to a wrong picture. The truth seems to be the following:

1) The LX5 is coming by the end of July and not by the end of August -> ok…that’s even better :)
2) The compact camera with large sensor will be announced early September (and not now). The compact camera won’t have a fixed lens! It is a MFT camera. And yes, it is the most nice camera Panasonic ever produced (that’s subjective…but everybody told me so!)
3) There is still a surprise going to be announced by late July…after the LX5 announcement! We are working on it, but I can already tell you that a relative compact camera with advanced video capabilities is going to be released.

Sorry again for the confusion, but I hope you understand that these things can happen when you are dealing with rumors.

Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1Panasonic GH1 with the new Panasonic 8mm f/3.5 ED Fisheye Lens

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Panasonic G2 Review (Photographyblog)
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In fashion with the Panasonic Lumix G2 (ePhotozine)
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Panasonic Analysis GF1 (Elnidodelganso)
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 / FH20 review (CameraLabs)

We are getting closer to the final Panasonic announcement. According to our sources there will be a multiple camera announcement by end of July (not all the cameras will be presented on the same day!).
Expect the new Panasonic LX5 (with the same sensor size as the LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3LX3, but with some very new features), new compact cameras and one “surprise“. We hope to be able to give you some “real” details and specs next week!
P.S.: The surprise is not a MicroFourThirds camera…they will be announced in September!

The Panasonic LX3 now has the lowest price ever on Amazon (Black version)

A very…”cheap”…Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1Olympus E-PL1 review

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Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera Review on Slashgear
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Olympus E-PL1 ISO and Image Samples on Neutralday
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Panasonic DMC-G10 vs. Olympus E-P2 (Pixinfo / google english translation)
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Panasonic G10 image samples on DC.watch
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“Quick Service Repair” Notice of commencement (Olympus Japan)
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Olympus 14-150mm image samples on Trendy.Nikkei
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Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 Review (Digitalcamerareview)
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Three students in photography (at the ENSP, a well-known French school for photographers) with a pro will shoot the backstage of “les Rencontres d’Arles” with an E-PL1. Here is the exposition: http://www.forum-olympus-france.com/forum/blog/12-gallerie-darles-murmure-dimages/
Another link to the pitch of this event: http://www.forum-olympus-france.com/forum/blog/12/entry-9-presentation-de-murmure-dimage/

A quick recap of rumors about mirrorless cameras from competitors:

1) NIKON
According to Bloomberg Nikon Corp. plans to introduce a new type of single-lens reflex camera as early as this fiscal year, President Makoto Kimura said.
The “new concept” model will probably have an enhanced function for video recording and may adopt the so-called mirrorless structure, Kimura said in an interview today in Tokyo. “It could be any time this fiscal year or the following year, as new models are starting to sell,” he said, declining to specify when the product will be available.

2) CANON
According to Photorumors “At the beginning of next week Canon will make new product announcement(s) in the printer, camera and camcorder categories. I have no further details at that point.“. There was some speculation here and there about a mirrorless camera annoucnement. I don’t believe it will come yet but let’s see…

3) SONY
Kipon will release a huge ammount of different adapters for the NEX system: http://sonyalpharumors.com/kipon-to-release-a-huge-ammount-of-different-adapters-for-the-nex-system/

4) SAMSUNG
Samsung website leaks the new compact NX100: http://k-rumors.com/k5-samsung-website-leaks-the-new-compact-nx100/