Panasonic GF5...

jct us101 · 03-07-2012, 02:15 PM

Apparently this thing is coming soon and will look like the GF3.

What's the point though?

Source: http://e-p1.net/the-rumor-bin/panasonic-will-make-a-gf5!/

pingflood · 03-07-2012, 03:19 PM

I guess the point is a friendly m4/3 camera that doesn't intimidate those looking to upgrade from a point and shoot. The GF1 was a real enthusiast's camera, and the GF line has since changed to be more "consumer friendly" while we finally got the real successor to the GF1 in form of the GX1.

pxpaulx · 03-07-2012, 05:06 PM

There is no point. Panasonic has built a history of churning out entry level point and shoot oriented bodies while keeping their top end bodies (not to mention lenses) on limited supply - it is a terrible business model, but perhaps they just don't see an enthusiast market in the US - pretty hard to believe if you ask me. Aside from re-acquiring the 20mm, I've no interest in anything from them and will stick to the Olympus cameras and lenses, including that pretty little e-m5 coming out shortly.

Aegon · 03-07-2012, 10:24 PM

What happened to the GF4? Shouldn't they make one of those first?

If they go about selling the GF5 for about $200, including the sensor from the GX1/G3, then I'll happily grab one for the road. For some reason Panasonic loves to heavily discount their stuff. And, in my opinion, you don't need a "top end body" to get good photos, but that G3 sensor can really make the difference compared to the old 12MP, low DR, poor-sensitivity sensor from the GF2/3.

If nothing else, the GF5 will force Olympus to keep the E-PM2 reasonably priced.

pxpaulx · 03-08-2012, 06:56 AM

Originally posted by Aegon

What happened to the GF4? Shouldn't they make one of those first?

If they go about selling the GF5 for about $200, including the sensor from the GX1/G3, then I'll happily grab one for the road. For some reason Panasonic loves to heavily discount their stuff. And, in my opinion, you don't need a "top end body" to get good photos, but that G3 sensor can really make the difference compared to the old 12MP, low DR, poor-sensitivity sensor from the GF2/3.

If nothing else, the GF5 will force Olympus to keep the E-PM2 reasonably priced.

On the bright side even if the price is $500 to start, it'll be $200 used in about 8-10 months!

Aegon · 03-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Rumors indicate even faster AF speeds, which is astounding.

A newer lens, such as the 14/2.5, 25/1.4, or 45/1.8, can AF-S under good light conditions in an instant. The newest bodies will get there in half an instant. All combined with the pinpoint accuracy of CDAF.

pxpaulx · 03-08-2012, 12:15 PM

I'll be picking up the new Oly, not really interested in a body without IBIS, and the Oly focus is pretty much instantaneous...at least, as fast as I can think it, focus is achieved, can't beat that!

03-07-2012, 02:15 PM	#1
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Panasonic GF5... Apparently this thing is coming soon and will look like the GF3. What's the point though? Source: http://e-p1.net/the-rumor-bin/panasonic-will-make-a-gf5!/

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03-07-2012, 03:19 PM	#2
pingflood Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Borås, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,169	I guess the point is a friendly m4/3 camera that doesn't intimidate those looking to upgrade from a point and shoot. The GF1 was a real enthusiast's camera, and the GF line has since changed to be more "consumer friendly" while we finally got the real successor to the GF1 in form of the GX1.

03-07-2012, 05:06 PM	#3
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	There is no point. Panasonic has built a history of churning out entry level point and shoot oriented bodies while keeping their top end bodies (not to mention lenses) on limited supply - it is a terrible business model, but perhaps they just don't see an enthusiast market in the US - pretty hard to believe if you ask me. Aside from re-acquiring the 20mm, I've no interest in anything from them and will stick to the Olympus cameras and lenses, including that pretty little e-m5 coming out shortly.

03-07-2012, 10:24 PM	#4
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	What happened to the GF4? Shouldn't they make one of those first? If they go about selling the GF5 for about $200, including the sensor from the GX1/G3, then I'll happily grab one for the road. For some reason Panasonic loves to heavily discount their stuff. And, in my opinion, you don't need a "top end body" to get good photos, but that G3 sensor can really make the difference compared to the old 12MP, low DR, poor-sensitivity sensor from the GF2/3. If nothing else, the GF5 will force Olympus to keep the E-PM2 reasonably priced.

03-08-2012, 06:56 AM	#5
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Aegon What happened to the GF4? Shouldn't they make one of those first? If they go about selling the GF5 for about $200, including the sensor from the GX1/G3, then I'll happily grab one for the road. For some reason Panasonic loves to heavily discount their stuff. And, in my opinion, you don't need a "top end body" to get good photos, but that G3 sensor can really make the difference compared to the old 12MP, low DR, poor-sensitivity sensor from the GF2/3. If nothing else, the GF5 will force Olympus to keep the E-PM2 reasonably priced. On the bright side even if the price is $500 to start, it'll be $200 used in about 8-10 months!

03-08-2012, 11:14 AM	#6
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	Rumors indicate even faster AF speeds, which is astounding. A newer lens, such as the 14/2.5, 25/1.4, or 45/1.8, can AF-S under good light conditions in an instant. The newest bodies will get there in half an instant. All combined with the pinpoint accuracy of CDAF.

03-08-2012, 12:15 PM	#7
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	I'll be picking up the new Oly, not really interested in a body without IBIS, and the Oly focus is pretty much instantaneous...at least, as fast as I can think it, focus is achieved, can't beat that!