Is That New Panasonic LX Series Camera Really Coming?

Were you waiting through the month of July for an announcement from Panasonic? Well, history did not serve as a great predictor for a new product introduction from Panasonic, at least not for a new LX series camera. As you may know, I'm a huge fan of the current LX7.

 

(Click Here) to read my (incorrect) musings about a successor to the wonderful DMC-LX7 being announced last July. It didn't happen.

 

Well, if the latest rumor on 43rumors.com is true, it will be worth the wait. Rated by the site as "FT5" (81-99% confidence), this rumor says the new "LX100" will have a Micro 4/3 sensor and 24-75mm f1.7-2.8 equivalent lens, all in a very compact body. It also says it will have a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Now, I'm not sure how they'll make such a fast zoom for a sensor that size truly compact (at least in comparison to the current LX7 model). It hasn't really been done elsewhere. Some of it is limited by the laws of physics. I don't immediately see how they could make a fast zoom for this camera any smaller than the ones that are already available for the Micro 4/3 cameras, if they're going to take advantage of the full sensor size.

 

In any case, (Click Here) to read the latest rumors on 43rumors.com. If they're correct, we'll hear more today (September 15).

 

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Finally! The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 is Announced and Looks Great!

 

Image Source:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/08/01/panasonic-reveals-lumix-dmc-gx7-enthusiast-mirrorless-camera

 

I have not been using my Micro 4/3 camera system much at all this year. Focusing more on Leica and film cameras, I just have not had the time to use it all. I did invest in a DMC-GX1 for a pittance earlier in the year, and took it along on a trip to Key West, Florida.

 

(Click Here) to see some shots I made with the GX1 on that trip.

 

The GX1 works very, very well in my hands. But, we Panasonic fans have been waiting for a next generation of GX cameras, bringing the sensors up to date with the state of the art, especially as it concerns high iso performance. Well, it's finally here, or at least announced.

 

(Click Here) to read about it on dpreview.com

 

What are the great features? Well, first, the GX7 reportedly has an all-new sensor with improved signal-to-noise performance. This means that it will indeed perform better at high iso settings (low light), with less noise. The maximum iso setting is now 25,600, though I would bet that the maximum useable setting is somewhat lower than that, if you don't want to deal with a lot of sensor noise. We'll see.

 

It also has in-body stabilization, which has been in Olympus cameras for some time, but never in a Lumix Micro 4/3 body. I hope this will work well with my older Micro 4/3 lenses that have stabilization built into the lens.

 

The next GX7 also has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), rather than the accessory finders required for previous GX cameras.

 

Finally, the GX7 provides "focus peaking," which allows you to know when you're in focus when you're using manual focus.

 

These cameras will be in high demand for some time. They'll sell lots of them. I can't wait to see just how good the new sensor is.

 

There's more news from Panasonic as well. They have announced a new Pana-Leica "Nocticron" 42.5mm f1.2 super fast lens. This will be a wonderful portrait lens, taking advantage of the compact Micro 4/3 design, yet with a sufficiently fast maximum aperture to produce shallow depth of field, a common desire in portraiture. More on that later.

 

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A Brand New Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex (TLR)? Apparently So!

 

Newly Announced Rolleiflex FX

Image Source: http://photorumors.com/2012/09/11/new-cameras-from-rolleiflex-hy6-mod2-and-fx-n/

 
Oh my goodness. I have always loved the Rollei TLR cameras. I own a Rolleiflex T with a wonderfully sharp Tessar f3.5 lens. It's clear to me why the Tessar was called the "Eagle Eye." I have always wanted a Planar f2.8 version, but haven't run across the right one at the right time.
 
According to reports online, Rollei has announced a brand new Rolleiflex FX with Rollei S-Apogon 80mm f2.8 lens. That's right, a new medium format film camera.
 
The price for the new FX will likely be exorbitant. And, Rolleis have a well-deserved reputation for lasting forever. I believe that my T will work forever, now that it's been given the once-over by Rollei wonder mechanic Harry Fleenor in California (that was ten years ago).
 
So, the question is, if you covet a Rolleiflex f2.8 camera, would you rather have an original that has been well cared-for and maybe sent off for maintenance, or a brand new one? Well, brand new sure looks like a great option. Until we see the price, perhaps. The previous version, with Planar f2.8, was over $5,000.
 
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Interesting Options Coming in September? New Lower Cost Leica M9, Fuji XPro Cameras

 

 
Leica M9
Image Source: us.leica-camera.com
 

I think it's still in the realm of rumors, but probably correct. LaVidaLeica has a post hinting at a Leica "ME," to be announced at Photokina in September. Reportedly, it will be along the lines of the M9, with a real rangefinder, and will cost less. Well, that will be interesting to see. I don't know exactly what they'll do to reduce the cost, but I'd like to see an affordable Leica M digital (along the lines of the Leica CL from the 70s). It won't invalidate the original M9 and new M10 (also expected to be announced), any more than the CL invalidated the M6 (it didn't).

 

(Click Here) to see the post on LaVidaLeica

 

There are also some rumors of new Fujifilm Xpro cameras to be announced, following on the XPro-1. I find the XPro-1 very interesting, but I think most users have some complaints. The biggest one is focus speed, from what I can tell. I hope Fuji has addressed the issues.

 

I have recently bought a used Leica M9. Even though I've spent my camera budget for the foreseeable future, I welcome all of these new additions. Looking forward to hearing the official announcements!

 

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By the way, new M9s are lower in price than I've ever seen right now:

 

 
 

Lest You Think I'm Asleep at the Wheel... Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/slrs/panasonic_dmcg5

 
Yes, I have seen the announcement(s) of the new G5. Yes, it looks interesting. Just don't want anyone to think I'm not paying attention.
 
At this point, I will remain quiet on this camera, until I have a chance to learn more. For now, I will rely on the excellent information source, dpreview.com.
 
(Click Here) to see what dpreview knows about the new DMC-G5
 
I find it interesting how it's being market as the mid-level Micro 4/3 solution. I can certainly see how it's higher than the GF series. I suppose they mean it's lower than the GH series (which is due for a GH3 announcement). At any rate, this camera has a good chance of replacing at least one of my DMC-G3s in coming months, especially if the new sensor really is better, as is being preliminarily reported.
 
Looks like writing a new eBook may be in my near future... Or at least an update to the G3 eBook posted here on DMC-365.
 
Stay tuned!
 
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