Originally posted by Marktax an articulated screen on Q would defeat its small form factor.
Personally, I think that giving the small form factor such a high priority is a mistake. For me, the true strength of the Q system is adapting lenses to such a small sensor format which makes for dramatically different image capture potential than any other ILC system. Sure, the IQ with Q lenses is surprisingly good, but it really doesn't compare favorably against larger format ILCs for normally used FOV applications and we already have a number of Q system bodies to choose from if small is the priority (every body up to the QS 1) Why not give the lens adapters a more useful body for their purposes? A good EVF, Larger battery, and articulating high res LCD screen, plus CIF in addition to an upgraded application of focus peaking would be welcomed by those who primarily use the Q to expand their photographic capabilities beyond what is available to them in the more conventional larger format bodies and existing lenses. If I want to shoot wide, normal, or up to ultra tele, I already have more conventional format cameras and lenses that can do these better than the Q. Sure they're larger, but they're also much better suited if IQ is the priority.
This Q system adapter oriented body would be larger, but still very small. Super tele users wouldn't care because the EVF would eliminate the need for the very large LCD loupes which are now almost universally used for this application. An articulating high res screen would benefit both super tele and super macro shooters, both for handheld and tripod mounted applications. A larger battery would be appreciated by all, and would be useful because the high res screen and EVF will require more power. If CIF could be adapted to contrast detection AF, then this would be a boon for all adapted lens users, IMO -- and I don't see it as very hard to adapt -- All they'd need to do is implement a focus priority shutter actuation to the focus confirmation indicator. I think that this would be a revolutionary feature for adapted lens use on a MILC.
I also think that they should upgrade the flash protocols to be fully as capable as those in the DSLR systems, Allow the OB flash to act as a master or controller, or at least allow us to use the new compact external to do this, and eliminate the obvious flash anomalies that all the Q bodies have had. If this requires more circuitry in the body, then without the "small" priority, they'd be free to do this.
All in all, dumping what seems to be the current Q design paradigm would be a benefit. With the Q system lenses, the Q system would still be far and away the smallest ILC system, and this body would be the first that truly showcases the unique virtues that adapting lenses to a very small format can offer. For those who want the smallest possible package, we already have the bodies to do this. This new body would be an addition to the system, and doesn't have to replace what already exists. I'd think that it would attract a larger following for the Q system as a whole.
Scott