Update: It should be mentioned that the facts and figures in this post should be taken more as rumor than confirmed. Sure, the GF1 exists and probably is a lot like what we have here, but some of the specs are definitely not right, though we won’t have the correct information for a little bit longer. Rest assured, we’ll have that info as soon as it is available (maybe just a little before) and a full review as well. Maybe on or around September 1st?
You probably remember the G1 and GH1, Panasonic’s well-received contributions to the micro four-thirds photography world. The GH1 was respected for its HD recording capability, although the “micro” aspect of the camera was somewhat lessened by the enormous kit lens. The GF1, leaked in a PDF and captured at Chinese forum Xitek, appears to be the result of an unholy union between the GH1 and the LX3K. The body, in fact, is so similar that we might as well call it the same one. But while the D-Lux had a fixed lens, the GF1 obviously employs an exchangeable system and a M4/3 sensor. I call it hot.
This really looks interesting. I know John loved the LX3K’s Leica cousin, and the GH1 has been well-reviewed, but will this combo have hybrid vigor or the opposite? I can’t rightly say, since efforts to put a large sensor in such a small body (Sigma’s DP1 and DP2) have been troubled, to say the least. I hope Panasonic can pull it off, though, because with a little lens like the one pictured, that’d be a fantastic walk-around camera.
Update: I should have noted some salient specs. 12.1 megapixels, 460,000-dot 3″ LCD, video seems to be at 30FPS but that could certainly change.
[via DPReview forums]
While Canon may not have anything in this pricepoint with these features… just go with canon anyways. They have the best lenses (a lot of professionals agree) and your shots are only as good as the light the lenses lets in.
Excellent point. If you don’t want to think. Or consider features. Or price.
Canon cameras can offer some of the same features for lower prices (HD video and smaller bodies… but maybe not this small). The difference is that if you ever want to upgrade to something better – which most people do eventually – then you will have purchased canon lenses rather than Panasonic lenses.
Has the sand come out of your vagina yet?
What price point? This is very similar to the PEN-1 but if it comes in at a similar price to the current LEX-3 this will be a great camera and one I will be purchasing
i just paid $600 for “professional” digital cam that that changes the lens too. this looks like its gonna be half that price.
Ummmm NO. More like $900 for this.
I think its worth the money because your paying for a smaller size so you can actually carry it around instead of just leaving it in a bag in the car.
I love this, and have been waiting for this leak. Olympus did a bang on job with the design and performance of the PEN EP-1 except the forgot about one crucial thing, no on-board flash!?!
Also the EP-1 has got poor reviews on the LCD making outdoor photography difficult, Panasonic has a good LCD reputation, so I’m not too worried that this model doesn’t seem to have a viewfinder.
I want this camera.
That’s because experienced photographers or they don’t need a flash or they buy bigger, better ones, anyway, integrated flash it’s still a useful feature that could come handy in some situations
I want this camera too
Well one thing the olympus wins at is the onboard image stablization..so il take the panasonic 1.7 lens with the olympus body.low light photograhers dream combo