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

 

 

An Image That Sticks in My Mind

Sunset Approaching, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, Lumix 20mm f1.7 Lens

iso 400, f4, 1/640 sec

 

For various reasons, I've had very little time to get out and shoot much in the past week or so. So, I'm going back through some old images, looking for the ones that make me think "Hey, I remember that one!" The shot above is an example.

 

I shot this one right before sunset on the boardwalk in Sacramento, California. To me, it says something about aging, the passage of time. I love the texture in the wood on the boardwalk, and the paddlewheel boat in the distance.

 

Perhaps I also remember this shot because I was in Sacramento that evening to meet with some good friends that I hadn't seen in a while at that point. I spent part of our dinner time explaining why I was so pleased with the GF1.

 

I still have my GF1, even though it's multiple generations old now. The form factor is so attractive. The image quality was quite good. I find that I don't use it much anymore, but with the price of used digital gear, I'd rather keep it as my in-car camera than sell it for a little over $100. The GF1 was a ground-breaking design, in my opinion. I'm waiting for the announcement of the GX2, which should bring me back to that form factor, yet with the very latest sensor technology.

 

Maybe I'm not done with Micro 4/3 yet.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

GF1 Love

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f88/i-love-take-pictures-38016/

 
Member "red" on mu-43.com posted this awesome collage of images taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.
 
(Click Here) to see the comments and original post on mu-43.com
 
My friend James McKearney just purchased a used GF1 as a back-up to his Olympus OM-D. I still have a GF1, as well. I love the form factor of the GF1, even though it's imperfect in some ways. In order to keep to the clean lines and shape, you must shoot from the LCD. Adding the LVF-1 accessory finder, which I think of as required, significantly changes the outline. But, all in life is compromise.
 
The cool thing is that the LVF-1 works on both the GF1, and the more compact DMC-LX5.
 
I'm looking forward to the announcement of a DMC-GX2, which should have the same basic shape as the GF1, yet also have the latest in sensor technology.
 
In any case, the GF1 is a great little camera, and I need to drag mine out.
 
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
 
 

Now Here's A Rumor That I Hope Is True - Lumix DMC-GX2 Will Have GH3 Sensor!

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 
I have pretty much decided to ship a model in the Panasonic Lumix G series - the new DMC-G5. While I really like the ergonomic design better than my G3, there doesn't seem to be enough image quality improvement to justify the upgrade. Apparently, the G5 has about one stop better dynamic range than the G3, which would certainly be welcome, but it doesn't gain much in high iso performance.
 
The newly-announced DMC-GH3, the flagship Lumix that is also a high end video machine, promises much more. The new GH3 sensor is preliminarily reported to be much better at high iso settings. While I do like the idea of being able to shoot the highest quality video, especially in my live music project, the truth is that I'm currently just not a video guy. So, I'd love to have a still photography-targeted camera with the new GH3 sensor.
 
According to a post on m43blog.com, the rumors are saying that a new DMC-GX2, with the GH3 sensor, will be announced before the end of this year.
 
(Click Here) to read the post on m43blog.
 
I would really welcome this development. The GX series is a little different from the main G line, mainly in that it does not include an integral electronic viewfinder (EVF). The GF1 (predecessor to the GX1) and the GX1 both have optional add-on finders. They're expensive, and really take away from the small size and simple shape of the camera, but EVF is essential to me. I just can't shoot by framing on an LCD. This is why I chose the G3 over the GX1. I know that I will always have the EVF mounted, so I'd rather just have it built into the body.
 
In any case, I would seriously consider getting the GX2 and accessory EVF, if it indeed uses the GH3 sensor.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
If you can't wait, PLEASE order your GH3 here :).