New Panasonic Micro 4/3 Hybrid Camera - the DMC-GH4

Image Source: http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras-dslm/dmc-gh4heb.html?utm_source=eloqua_audience-all&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter/link-GH4page-1&utm_campaign=newsletter_2014-0212_LumixGH4-launch-PCME&elq=~~eloqua..type--emailfield..syntax--recipientid~~&elqCampaignId=~~eloqua..type--campaign..campaignid--0..fieldname--id~~

Well, you've probably see my recent written meanderings about my own connection to and future with the Micro 4/3 system. The way I feel at the moment is that I have yet to really bond with my relatively new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 body, but have not really given it a chance yet. I'm not thrilled with the form factor, with the built-in EVF way over at the end of the camera body, and buttons that seem to get in my way. The few image results I have so far are quite impressive, however. So, I'm wondering if I'd be happier with one of the faux SLR-type bodies.

 

Until now, the DMC-GH3 was the latest in this style of camera, and has a lot of shared features with the GX7. Now, the GH4 has been announced. So, what's to like about it?

 

The biggest feature being emphasized at this point is "4k" video capability. If you know me, you know that video is not really my gig. I don't even know what 4k is or means. But, it's to be expected that video capability leads the features of a GH series camera; they have always been Panasonic's hybrid still/video line. It's a little difficult to tell from the specs if this camera really has any noise / high iso performance advantage over the GH3. However, that said, the sample gallery of still images is very impressive.

 

(Click Here) to see work by Bence Mate, Daniel Berehulak, and Takehito Miyatake (all still photos) and video by Bryan Harvey. For me, Bence Mate's bird images are quite impressive.

 

Honestly, though, I have not explored my GX7 and 100-300mm f4-5.6 OIS lens together. My guess is I can make some similarly impressive images with that. If I can get over the form factor, that is.

 

So, I'm resolved to doing a trip with only Micro 4/3 gear, relying on my GX7 (and GX1 as a second body) to do its best to impress me. I'd really like to fall in love with that camera. If it doesn't happen, I may have to trade the GX7 for a different Micro 4/3 body. It's not a question of image quality, it's more about useability and comfort with controls.

 

We'll see how it goes.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Panasonic Wins TIP Awards for DMC-GH3 and DMC-TS5 - Can't Wait to Test the TS5!

Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Awards

Image Source: http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/pressrelease/tipa_2013/

Panasonic has won the TIPA awards 2013 in two classes. The GH3 has won best Compact System Camera (CSC) award. This is an accomplishment, especially given the strong competition that Olympus has provided in this category.

Panasonic's DMC-TS5 has also won the award, in the Rugged Camera category. As I've written, I was chosen to test the new TS5, and am watching the mailbox every day until it arrives. I've already downloaded the app to connect to the TS5 with my iPhone. I'm ready to go out and get that camera wet and dirty - which won't hurt it a bit!

In the meantime, I have been covering the wet stuff with my DMC-TS3, the younger older cousin of the TS5.

Fossil Hunting, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Buy your own TS5 here, and help to support this blog!

The Lumix G6 Is Announced - Same Sensor as G5...

 

Image Source: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_G6/

 

I read an introductory hands-on review of the new Lumix G6 today.

 

(Click Here) to read it for yourselft on cameralabs.com

 

According to this article, the G6 is about the same size as the G5, and questionably, at least by me, it shares the same sensor with the G5. I am still shooting the previous series of Lumix Micro 4/3 cameras, the G3 and GX1. From what I can tell, the G5 is not enough of an improvement to justify upgrading. Again, according to this article, the G5/G6 sensor is based on the GH2 sensor. Well, the GH3 is already out and getting much better reviews than the G5. Why would they not use the GH3 sensor in the G6? This will keep me from purchasing the G6 as well.

 

Again, I'm waiting for the announcement of a GX2 (or something else). I sure hope the next camera designed primarily for stills (the GH3 is ostensibly a high end video camera) will have the very latest sensor technology. We all know that noise is the enemy of the small Micro 4/3 sensor, and still photographers need the latest technologies as much as videographers.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

43rumors Posts Olympus and Panasonic Roadmap in Micro 4/3 for 2013

 

Roadmap Source: http://www.43rumors.com/olympuspanasonic-2013-roadmap-sketch/

 

I don't usually give much thought to the sites that publish rumors about the camera industry. However, I have found 43rumors to be reasonably accurate, and they usually know when the rumor is likely to be incorrect.

 

This post is a little more fun than most on the rumor sites. The roadmap above shows what 43rumors thinks is coming in the Micro 4/3 arena from market leaders Panasonic and Olympus in this calendar year (and maybe a little later).

 

The fun thing is, you can vote on which three items on the roadmap interest you most, and see what the total voting results are so far.

 

(Click Here) to go to 43rumors.com and place your vote.

 

This tells me that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX2 isn't coming out anytime soon. I don't know what to think of the G7 coming out soon. The G5 was not very impressive to me. If the G7 has the GH3 sensor (or better), I may be interested, as long as the body doesn't grow too much in size from the G3. A "pro" grade Lumix may be interesting as well, but I have a feeling it'll be Nikon DSLR size, just to prove it's pro equipment. Finally, a 42.5mm f1.2 lens could be fun. Of course, characteristically, I'm focused on Panasonic more than Olympus. The OM-D is already a huge win for Olympus, and I'm sure it only gets better.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Nice DMC-GH3 Image - Am I Missing Micro 4/3?

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f56/pier-sunrise-gh3-40421/

 

Brian G posted the shot above, taken with the Lumix 20mm f1.7 lens and new DMC-GH3 camera.

 

(Click Here) to read Brian's post on mu-43.com

 

As I've recently written, I have not been exercising my Micro 4/3 gear much this year. Not at all, really. I am beginning to think the only reason is that I have so many other fun choices, and because I overdid it a little last year, focusing too much on that format.

 

I am planning a one day add-on to a business trip coming up, to go shoot in the California desert. In thinking about what gear to take, my first thought was Nikon DSLR. I want the ultimate image quality that the full frame D700 affords me, and everything from wide to macro to telephoto lenses. However, that would be a big, heavy pack. Hmm. Maybe. I think I would likely take a wide (20 or 24mm f2.8), 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, and one zoom - the 70-300mm AF-S VR. I could cover the wider focal lengths with a single 24-85 zoom, but believe the tradeoff in optical quality makes it less sensible to go Nikon in that case. I am becoming even more dedicated to primes as time passes.

 

Alternatively, I could carry my DMC-G3 kit, with the following lenses: 14mm f2.5 (tiny), 20mm f1.7 (tiny), 45mm f2.8 macro (no macro in the Nikon kit above), and Olympus 75mm f1.8. I get faster apertures, great optics, and a very light kit, particularly if I don't carry a second body. The only tradeoff (and it's a big one) is sensor quality.

 

On the subject of Micro 4/3 image quality, the DMC-GH3 is the top of the line for Panasonic. The shot above is one of very few I've actually seen posted. Maybe it's just early in the GH3 life cycle. But, I have also read that many people don't like the increased size of the GH3. I'm certainly in that boat. If I don't get the tiny size of previous Micro 4/3 cameras (like my G3s), I will certainly carry a full frame Nikon.

 

So, you may see some new Micro 4/3 shots from me in the near future. I think I've recovered from last year's Lumix focus, with some good old Nikon, Leica, and even film camera therapy. I'm ready to get the G3s out again. And I'm still waiting on that DMC-GX2 announcement...

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

First Report I've Seen on the New Lumix DMC-GH3

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

Image Source: http://www.digitalversus.com/digital-camera/panasonic-lumix-gh3-p14468/test.html

 
Digital Versus has posted a short review of the new flagship Lumix DMC-GH3 camera.
 
(Click Here) to read the whole report on Digital Versus.
 
This is not a in-depth investigation of the camera, as you may find on dpreview. I also question whether they have a production model, since they mention some pretty strange software / firmware traits, saying that they should be fixable in later versions.
 
In any case, one thing I learned is that the GH3 has a wireless connection built-in, allowing you to look at images on your cell phone, and trigger the shutter from the phone. Kind of cool. I wonder if it also allows automatic backup to and image display on the Apple iPad?
 
Amazon is listing this camera for $1299 right now, even though it's not yet in stock.
 
If the rumor about an upcoming DMC-GX2 having the same sensor is true, I'm likely to wait for the GX2. I still like my Micro 4/3 cameras to be as small as possible, while incorporating the features I desire. Of course, that will mean an auxiliary electronic viewfinder on the GX2, but I can live with that.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Panasonic Hands the DMC-GH3 to Pros To Generate Sample Images and Videos

 

Panasonic DMC-GH3

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GH3KBODY

 
The newly-announced Lumix DMC-GH3 takes its place as the flagship camera in the Panasonic line. The new body design is weatherproof, and larger than previous Lumix Micro 4/3 bodies. While larger than say the G3, it is still more compact than DSLRs, and approximately half the weight. In addition, the smaller lenses will still make a GH3 kit significantly smaller and lighter than an equivalent DSLR kit.
 
The most important room for improvement in Micro 4/3 is low noise, high iso performance. Since I shoot a lot of low light situations, especially in my live music project, this is where I'd love to see more progress. However, I want to start by saying that last year's state-of-the-art isn't bad. Here's an example of a shot I took recently with the DMC-G3 at iso 3200, in a very dimly lit venue.
 

Greg Ruby, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Olympus 75mm f1.8 Lens

iso 3200, f1.8, 1/100 sec

 
In the shot above, I was forced to shoot at iso 3200, even with the fast f1.8 Olympus lens. At 1/100 second exposure, I'm pushing the fastest shutter speed that can be shot with the camera handheld (carefully) with this lens. Since the 75mm has an equivalent field of view as a 150mm lens on 35mm format, ~1/150 second is the slowest speed that can reliably be handheld.
 
The new DMC-GH3 reportedly significantly improves high iso performance, with regular iso settings up to 12,800 and extended 25,600 capability. The question is - what do the images look like at these settings?
 
Panasonic handed the GH3 to six imaging professionals to generate samples. Bruce Logan, Philip Bloom, and Elliot Rosenblatt worked on video, while Ira Block, Daniel Berehulak, and Kazuo Unno focused on still images.
 
(Click Here) to see the results on Panasonic's special GH3 site.
 
Ira Block shares a variety of images from the American West, including a very nice night landscape, shot at iso 2500 and a shutter opening of 30 seconds! Quite nice.
 
Daniel Berehulak documented Muslim life in India. He includes a couple of shots at iso 1250 that are very low in apparent noise.
 
Kazuo Unno focused his (macro) lens on the insect world.
 
I still look forward to seeing some images shot at iso 3200 and higher. I sure would love to have a Lumix camera that could come close to matching the high iso performance of my full-frame Nikon D700!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

More Vicarious Travel Through Other Photographers - Lapland, This Time.

 

Swedish Lapland, by Lasse Eisele on dpreview.com

Image Source: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=42573637

 
This is a series you must see. Lasse Eisele shared an impressive series of landscapes shot with the Lumix DMC-G3 (and Olympus lenses) in Swedish Lapland. The images are just gorgeous.
 
(Click Here) to see all of the images on dpreview.com.
 
Lasse expresses general overall satisfaction with the G3, yet comments on weak dynamic range and clumsiness of the design of the camera controls. I can add that the G3 indeed does do better in low contrast situations, if you're looking for tonal range. Of course, that's true of any film or sensor, but it is an area for improvement in the G3 sensor.
 
Related to accidentally hitting controls that you don't want to hit, I feel the pain. I have more than one accidental video, for example, which causes a several second delay in getting back to still photographs. You can turn the button off in the menu, but then you can't respond quickly when you do want to shoot a video.
 
I imagine the GH3 may improve performance in both dynamic range and control layout. However, that comes at significantly higher cost and large overall size than the G3. It all comes down to compromises. The G3 is a pretty good set of compromises, overall.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Luminous Landscape Publishes Final Report on Photokina 2012

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GH3KBODY

 
Luminous Landscape has published a nice report on many incredible new cameras and lenses introduced at this year's Photokina show in Germany.
 
(Click Here) to read the full report on Luminous Landscape
 
Rather than attempt to paraphrase the report, I refer you to it for your reading pleasure.
 
What strikes me? Well, of course, I'm tuned in to Leica and Panasonic.
 
Leica has announced the new Leica M, the first CMOS sensor-based digital rangefinder in the M line, and the M-E, which is a slightly stripped-down M9, priced significantly lower, but still >$5,000.
 
Panasonic brought out the long-awaited 35-100mm f2.8 X-Series zoom. This is sure to be a big seller. I recently reminded myself that I am a prime shooter by ordering the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8. Certainly a very nice lens, mine went back. In its place came a gorgeous Olympus 75mm f1.8, which I have yet to report on.
 
More interesting to me is the Lumix DMC-GH3. The GH3 is the largest Micro 4/3 body to date. While I really like the small size of the DMC-G3 that I use, I think a little more space will be welcome. However, if it gets as big as my Nikon D700 or thereabouts, I'm going to question why I'm shooting Micro 4/3s. Really though, the smaller size and weight of the lenses still answers that question successfully.
 
The GH3 has a new LiveMOS sensor that is reportedly better at high iso, and has better dynamic range than previous sensors. The body is weather sealed, and has five custom function buttons. The external buttons are very useful on the G3, even though it's limited to two - five would be nice. The GH3 shoot 6 frames per second. It also incorporates wifi capability, but that is yet to be supported by software that Panasonic is developing. I like the idea of triggering the shutter via wifi, and automatically uploading by same. This would make my iPad a nice remote controller and image reviewer.
 
Of course, the GH3 is targeted at video shooters as well, just as the GH1 and GH2 did. I'm not personally interested in video so much, but the ability to record high fidelity audio (including a plug in for external microphones) is attractive, especially for recording the music events that I regularly attend.
 
There are really some great offerings by other companies, perhaps most notably Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon. So, check out Luminous Landscape's report to see all the news.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Some Sunrise Shots With the Lumix DMC-G5 by Phrenic on mu-43.com

 

This one was "de-fished," taken with a 7.5mm fisheye.

Image Source: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYDkB2iBQ7WHlb6G63xv3O94fXWR_mmr40hSlUgxLBM?feat=e%20%20mbedwebsite

 
User phrenic on mu-43.com shared a series of sunrise shots with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. Most were shot with a Lumix 14-45mm kit lens. The one above with a fisheye. The image was "de-fished" in post-processing. Wonderful job!
 
(Click Here) to see the rest on mu-43.com
 
I'm glad to start seeing some images from the G5 show up online. I'm holding off on any body upgrades (I use the DMC-G3) until I've had a good look at the GH3, which was just announced last week. More on that later.
 
This is a quick and easy post today, as I'm attending my favorite music festival, Watermelon Park Fest, this weekend. A quick run home got me connected to the internet, but I'm heading back out for another day of fun! Lots of DMC-G3 (including some with my new Olympus 75mm f1.8!) and some Leica M9 images soon to come!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

So What About the New Panasonic DMC-G5?

Well, I've written a little about it, but have not invested in one.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
Image Source: shop.panasonic.com
 
The SoundImagePlus blog is covering the G5 in an ongoing series (four installments so far).
 
(Click Here) to see SoundImagePlus' review series on the G5. There are some nice sample images there, as well.
 
Here's what I've learned so far:

• (+) Better grip than the DMC-G3, which is my current camera. Not surprising. The G3 is weak in this area. Can someone make a nice grip attachment for the G3?
• (-) Newly-redesigned menus (sigh). This would mean working through another long set of menus, and writing a new eBook to figure out how to set it up.
• (+/- no advantage) According to SoundImagePlus, essentially identical high iso performance to the G3 and GX1.
• (+) Electronic shutter mode for silent shutter release.
• (-) Different battery from the G3, which means carrying another charger.

So, here's where I am on this camera, at the moment. If I didn't already own the G3 (two, actually), would I buy the G5 instead? Yes.
 
Will I replace a G3 with a G5? No. There's just not enough improvement there to make the switch.
 
Of course, the buzz now is all about what the DMC-GH3, supposed to be announced this month, will bring. That may be a different story for me.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

How Well Does Micro 4/3 Format Work For Landscapes?

 

 

Landscape, by JohnW on getdpi.com

Image Source: http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/4-3rds-cameras/39861-m4-3-landscape-system.html

 

Garnet Lake, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 14-45mm kit lens at 14mm

iso 100, f8, 1/200 sec

 
NOTE: the original picture for this post, from JohnW on getdpi, is no longer available. So, I've substituted one of my own landscapes made with Micro 4/3 equipment.
 
Everyone knows that the tradeoff in Micro 4/3 camera gear is sensor size, which gives you awesome small form factor cameras and lenses in exchange for the small image format. This has been written about, and argued about, ad nauseum. In my opinion, Micro 4/3 cameras started out pretty good in the image quality department (my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 produced very nice images, and still does now in the hands of a friend), and have only gotten better. I'm pretty pleased with the Lumix DMC-G3 in terms of image quality and reasonably high iso situations. I understand the Olympus OM-D is even better. Maybe even better than the new products coming out from Panasonic. That last part is a little unclear, as the Lumix DMC-G5 has just come out, and the GH3 is anxiously awaited.
 
Anyway, one of the places where large format has always been king is in landscape photography. Ansel and his ilk carried 8"x10" or even larger cameras, films, and associated hardware (think BIG tripods) into the field to do their best work. So, how does Micro 4/3 fair in landscapes?
 
As usual, it's not black and white (pardon the pun). If you're printing wall-size, the bigger the format, the better. Unless, of course, it's so big that you can't carry it out to that pristine landscape that you want to capture. For those of us who print to 16"x20" or less, Micro 4/3 may just do the trick. Do we want better? Of course. Do we want to carry more and spend more? Well, not so clear.
 
(Click Here) to read a post on the subject by JohnW on getdpi.com. My personal opinion is that JohnW's image above is gorgeous. I see lots of subtle gray levels, smooth transitions, and high contrast in places where it matter.
 
Here's an example of a cropped panorama that I made with the DMC-G3:
 

Rural Virginia, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 160, f8, 1/250 sec

 
I have printed this to 18" wide, and am reasonably happy with it. Yes, a larger format would have been better. As it is, I'm quite pleased with the result.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Speculation on the Leica M10 - to be Announced in September?

 

Leica M9

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/

 
Steve Huff has posted his information and speculations on what the much-expected Leica M10 will be like.
 
(Click Here) to read Steve's post.
 
There is also a poll at the bottom of the page. I'll admit that I voted "No," I wouldn't buy the camera described in the text.
 
Why is that? Well, a Leica M with electronic viewfinder (EVF), video capability, and speculated $9k-$10k price won't work for me. I have a great EVF camera in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, getting even better with the DMC-G5 or soon-to-be-announced DMC-GH3. I expect my Leica M to be a rangefinder, as much a part of Leica's once-innovative, now-established design history as possible.
 
One thing I really like about Steve's post - he thinks this will drive the price of used M9s up. Like the smug new homeowner, I have just purchased an M9 at a steal of a price. I am waiting for the Paypal eCheck to clear (another story on its own), and the mail.
 
So, I hope my faithful readers won't mind a new spike of Leica images and stories. I have decided that since Panasonic doesn't have a long history in still photography (or any film camera history), I'll follow their (still existing?) collaboration with Leica for that part of my photography. I have had M9 on the brain for a couple of years now. I'm very excited to get started with it.
 
But don't worry, I am still very engaged in Panasonic cameras. This may just change my timing a little, driven by cost. For example, I did decide to hold off on the Olympus 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 lens, even though I know it's going to be great. While my bank account recovers from the M9 purchase, I'll see if Panasonic has an analogous lens to introduce. I would like the 75mm lens even more if it were from Panasonic, and included OIS, for example.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

DMC-G5 Is Now Available in the USA

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 

I see that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 is now available in the USA.

 

(Click Here) to read about the G5 at dpreview.com

 

(Click Here) to buy it at Kenmore Camera.

 

So where am I on this camera? Well, I'm not sure yet. It is the obvious upgrade to the DMC-G3, which is my standard kit. Is the upgrade worthwhile?

 

The G5 brings increased maximum iso setting (moving up from 6400 to 12800, like the GX1). However, what's not yet clear is whether the sensor is really up to it. I am looking forward to seeing how much better the new 16Mpixel G5 sensor is than the 15.8 Mpixel G3 at high iso.

 

Continuous shooting is increased to 6 frames per second (fps), above 4fps on the G3.

 

Two things that do matter to me are a better grip than the G3, and longer battery life. However, this means a different battery size. Therefore, keeping one G3 as a backup to the G5 is not a great plan; I would need to carry two different chargers when I travel.

 

Things I personally care less about include a higher resolution LCD display, more video options, and digital filters.

 

I think I'm going to wait and see if the rumored DMC-GH3 gets announced in September as expected.

 

If I have to go to a new battery anyway, I may want the really high quality video and audio features of the GH3 (including external stereo microphone jack). That could come to good use in my music project.

 

So, if you want that G5 right away - it's at Kenmore! Get it while it's in stock. I'll wait a while.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Well, Is It Sexy? Thoughts On the "X-Factor" And Camera Designs

 

New Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-G5KK

 
I have been sorely tempted with some great deals on used Leica M9s recently, almost to the point of giving in. Now that's a sexy camera. In fact, it's hard for me to come up with any other reason for wanting it. I have a Leica M8 that I am fond of, but use much less than my Lumix DMC-G3s.
 
In tussling with myself over whether to buy an M9, which even at a great used price is super expensive, I took my M8 out this morning, after a long hiatus. The M8 is also a very sexy camera and I had a blast shooting it today. The images were truly no better than I got last weekend with my DMC-G3. The M9 would get me a full-frame sensor, and moderately better high iso performance. That's it. And, the M9's 2.5X the cost of the M8.
 
I have built my Leica lens set pretty well around the cropped sensor of the M8, with a 25mm Zeiss Biogon (33mm equivalent full-frame), old 35mm Summilux (47mm equivalent), and Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 (100mm equivalent) as the main kit. All of these work great on the M8. So, full-frame doesn't mean much.
 
Better high iso performance is meaningful. But, to be honest, my DMC-G3 has far better high iso performance than I could expect from the M9.
 
Again, it's the sexy factor, the "x-factor" that attracts me to the M9.
 
I read a post on dpreview.com that discusses this very thing.
 
(Click Here) to read the post on dpreview.
 
This post talks about how the Panasonic camera designs are great technically, but rather pedestrian in style. In some ways, I do agree, even though it's obvious how much I like Panasonic. The G3 sure doesn't feel like a Leica in my hands. But, as I've said, in many ways it outperforms.
 
The post also talks about how the Olympus OM-D has the x-factor. I can see that - the retro styling is very nice. But, still not like a Leica, in my opinion.
 
I sort of see this like comparing a Toyota and a Porsche. Obviously, Panasonic is the Toyota analog, Leica the Porsche analog. I own a Toyota, and have owned two Porsches in my life. I rely on the Toyota now, and don't own a Porsche. The Toyota is definitely more reliable, economical, and reasonable; I still miss my Porsche.
 
Toyota makes some performance cars - the Supra twin turbo is a performance legend. I'm sure it's also reliable. So, maybe the right solution is a Panasonic camera with the right styling and features to be both reliable and exciting.
 

And How About This Toyota? Panasonic - Make Us A Camera That FEELS Like This

Image Source: http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/30000-toyota-sports-car-for-2012-20110302-1be0b.html

 
Is the DMC-G5 that camera? It looks pretty good to me. The grip will add a lot of feel, compared to the G3. If the sensor is as good or better than the Olympus OM-D, that will be great. It will never be a Leica, but it may just have some x-factor to it.
 
I think Panasonic could learn something of design by looking at the Leicas, and at the Fujifilm XPro-1. Fujifilm certainly put some x-factor into that design (closely modeled on the Leica).
 
I was thinking about what I'd like to try out in Micro 4/3 gear in the near future as I considered a great deal on a Leica M9. I figured out that I could buy a DMC-G5, Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens, Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, add in a new DMC-GH3 body when it's available (maybe that will be the sexy one?), and still spend less on these (all new) than I would on a single Leica M9 body only, USED!
 
So, I'll keep my Leica M8 for times when I just need that feel, but I won't upgrade to the M9.
 
I still miss my Porsche.
 
Panasonic, please try to build some x-factor into your upcoming designs. We'll be willing to pay for it, I promise.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com