Whoopsadaisies. Seems Panasonic "accidentally" posted specs and images of its upcoming G2 and G10
Micro Four Thirds cameras to its web site just long enough to be snagged by a few different photog sites. While there's no denying that the incident occurred (the pics are certainly legit), there's some speculation at
43rumors that the specifications are still "work in progress" and should be considered only partially correct. Nevertheless, let's go with what we've got keeping in mind that some of this might change. Both cams are said to feature a 12.1 megapixel sensor, touchscreen with touch shutter and touch MF Assist, and ISO 100 to 6,200 sensitivity. The G2 differs with its one-touch
AVCHD Lite movie mode (1,280 x 720, 60p) and 3-inch articulating display with live view. The G10 then, offers a "double live view" (LCD and live view finder) glimpse at the action while recording 1,280 x 720p motion JPEG videos at 30fps. However, the leaked spec sheet inconsistently mentions an AVCHD Lite recording format for the G10 as well... so who knows. Panasonic is expected to make an announcement on March 7th; surely you can wait you a few days?
I thought AVCHD Lite just meant 1280x720 instead of 1920x1080. And that's what both of these have.
omg this camera is unattractive! whats with the big bulky?
@emopoops It's not bulky really. It is only slightly bigger than the the GF1 because it has the integrated electronic viewfinder, hand grip and find screen. Sure it's not pocketable, but it's still smaller than a Cannon Rebel and most proper SLRs.
As for ugly... your consideration mate.
@YpoCaramel yeah im considering attractiveness and i find this downright unactractive. these cameras that are oh so large like this one are ust not cool! why do they keep making them when its more than obvious everyone is looking for the smallest gadgets!
@emopoops
totally agree,
the point of m4/3 is to as it states: "micronize" the 4/3 system. The G1/2/10, GH1 are really fugly IMO. I wouldn't doubt the image quality from these cameras but i just don't see a point for it to exist when u can get an entry level DSLR with better quality, similar in size and most importantly, a price tag that won't break your piggy bank!
@andyusa what entry level dslr?
is it small? these dslrs are all huge and have more image quality! WHY cant they make them small like the other non sdlr cameras? i dont understand
@emopoops
The Canon EOS T2i or 650D is an entry level DSLR size only slightly bigger than the G1/GH1 but definitely have higher image quality than all m4/3 camera. The reason DSLR can't be made any smaller is because the system must include a prism inside for image reflection whereas the m4/3 forgets about it. I'm not sure if the prism have anything to do with image quality though but i know the DSLRs definitely have bigger CMOS than m4/3s.
@emopoops
i guess you can buy dp1 or dp2 series from sigma
@andyusa well cant the prism be smaller? i think it can
@emopoops
I'm sorry but you clearly don't know what you're talking about (not trying to offend you here, just being honest).
Proper DSLRs are large for meany reasons:
They usually have much larger sensors (there are some exceptions). This allows for a lower pixel density, shallower depth of field, greater low light performance.
They have proper viewfinders (hence the pentaprism or pentamirror, these can't be made much smaller without impacting on the quality of the viewfinder).
Ergonomics, I don't want to hold some fiddly little thing at arms length. It introduces camera shake and results in poorer images.
Basically, DSLRs clearly aren't for you. Have a look at the Canon s90 :)
@Raikiri
Ugh, many* reasons.
Why can we still not edit out posts Engadget?
@andyusa
Its all about the sensor. The prism is used only to project the image to the optical viewfinder and hence why these cameras dont have one because they use and electronic view finder.
And its true, DSLR image quality will always be better than M4/3 due to the sensor size.
Where is the GF2?!
@Decel THIS.
I'm really into filmmaking so I would love to try out either the 7D or the T2i. But if I was getting a camera just for the sake of photography, then the GF1 would be at the top of my list. A GF2 that somehow integrates an EVF along with a stronger flash and a smaller body (though that might be asking too much) would totally have me consider taking a huge chunk out of my bank account.
@Henzapper
I'm a beginner and my next camera will be my first. I think SLRs are too big to lug around every day (my friends have D40, D80, 5D, etc), so I want a camera that I can carry around without too much hassle. That being said I would like something more powerful than a point-n-shoot. Though an LX4 might be tempting
I have the GH1 and have been very pleased with it - what exactly do these offer above and beyond the GH1 to make me want one of these instead?
@Dsunbury Sorry, I meant to say GF-1 :)
GF-1 is still the clear winner here,
no point carrying a G1/2/10 if it's only that much smaller than a standard DSLR.
I think the new rebel series from Canon is around the same size and can shoot 1080P videos. Plus those lens are not as expensive as the M4/3 lens.
@andyusa Only if you don't care about video.
Articulating LCD screen. End of story.
@Yemble
FYI, Nikon D5000 also have articulating LCD,
does that make it a winner? If u're one serious photographer, a small mirror gets the job if shooting in very low angle.
Conclusion: Articulating LCD vs Video quality
Video quality hands down!! End of story.
@andyusa Yes the D5000 is legit :)
If it's a choice between 1080p or a twisty screen, I'll take the latter thanks.
@andyusa Implementation very different - the D5000's live view is contrast detect only and very slow to autofocus. That limits the number of situations where you can use it, especially limited for movie recording, whereas the G-series has a very responsive live view LCD.
@andyusa
Actually, the GH1 is quite a lot smaller than similarly specced DSLRs. Also, not forgetting that the 14-140 kit lens you get with the GH1 is significantly smaller than the equivalent for an APS-C DSLR.
Having said that, I'm not quite sure where the big differences are between the G2 and G10 are. They seem to consist of the GF1 internals, in a GH1-alike body, with the G1's kit lens.
Personally, I'd get the GH1 or GF1 with pancake rather than either of these. Ho hum, YMMV.
@YpoCaramel
m4/3 use contrast detect too. Though (maybe not in the case of the EP1) it's very much faster and better optimised than the CD systems in DSLRs with live view.
Hah. This is funny because I just ordered a grey market Silver GF1 today. These are bulkier and less style, so no loss :]
I wish the GF1 had a stereo mic or perhaps an mic jack... oh well.
@Drew
congrats on ur handsome purchase, i can assure u to not disappoint at all. I hope u got the pancake lens instead of the zoom lens because it starts vignetting even at 14mm. Welcome to the club.
@andyusa
Yeah I realized that at the last moment to get the kit with the 20mm lens. It definitely keeps it compact and legit
I got the G1 and I absolutely love it. However, it's not small enough for me to carried on my trips so might as well buy a slightly bigger camera that has better quality images. Still, let's hope that the G2 is smaller and lighter.
In-body IS?.. Kit with 20mm?
Sadly, highly likely I would have to wait for the new Oly's offering. Cross of E-P2 and E-PL1 would be close to what I want. Only what's Oly's missing is a better pancake.
Oh man...I just bought the olympus EPL-1 and should be getting here today. But knowing the G2,10 coming out I don't think it would change my mind. I think the epl1 is much smaller and more like a point and shoot than a dslr when equiped with a small lens or lens removed. This is just a slightly smaller dslr and if I was to get this I might as well get a dslr.
Plus the epl1 has in body IS which I think panasonic will stick with the in lens image stabilization making it more expensive. I like the 60fps avchd lite on the panasonic, but not a deal breaker. Plus I got a panasonic zs3 that does that already.
unless it's pocketable I don't see the point for m4/3s..
if you are going to need a carry bag or whatever, why not just buy an slr for better IQ and lens/accessory option.
@existent
I agree. The lens is good, but it needs to be collapsible. I already have a full frame DSLR to take really good pictures, but if I am traveling, I'm not always going to want to carry around 25 lbs of camera gear, lens, and a tripod.
SOB, just got my G1 and just past the 10 day return period, well, 10 days ago.
But still no remorse, love the camera. Coming from a 35mm background, I was really hesitant to go DSLR, much less a mirrorless design.
But I love the camera, and the quality. Not big on the software the give you with it though, what ever comes with your PC when you buy it is better than what they give you, not even worth loading up.
Keep in mind when you are quoting better or not quality people, the devil is in the details!
What lens did you use?
What was your A setting, what was your C setting? Or did you just go with iA??
What resolution?
Jpeg VS Raw file?
What software did you use to edit?
Is your computer monitor calibrated to true color, what is it's resolution?
What photo printer did you use?
etc, etc...
In a way, 35mm was much simpler!
Oops I meant S setting not C. Dang!
Either way, like the the smaller micro 4/3rds format. Great quality, small package. You dont feel like you are pulling out a hubble telescope for your kids birthday!
@savytech
Exactly what I'm trying to say, great quality in a small package! But don't u think this camera kind of go against the idea? m4/3 systems suppose to miniaturize the 4/3 system and make it more portable. Not that this camera's not portable, but at least u can't pocket it without feeling the weight. I just don't find this design to justify the original idea of the m4/3 system. Unless they're putting in a DSLR class sensor into the body, then that's another story.