Images of Panasonic GF5 start to appear: Digital Photography Review

The handgrip looks photoshopped on and if you compare the existing GF3 logo (under the LUMIX name) to this, why is this in a different place? Certainly not real IMO, not to say there isn't a GF5 in the wings (with the better GH sensor)

0 upvotes

hahah.... your statements seem pretty funny now that we know these photos are real.

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Ok but why have we got the new Nikon D4 ?? if its unlucky......

Comment edited 23 seconds after posting

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Maybe that would be the reason for some drawbacks...

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The number "4" is considered inauspicious in many Asian cultures, in other words, to be avoided. It sounds like the word "death" and is worse than the "unlucky 13" in western culture.

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Not many asian cultures, but Chinese.

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@dwnthk It depends on the dialects.

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uhhh... LOL... I think you mean south-east-Asian, or the Han race, correct? ...because Russian, Slavic, Indian, etc. is all in Asia too!

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GF5? Why not GF4? Did I miss something?

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I think 4 is an unlucky number in Japan!

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The designer try to say "Cameras are only a grip of lense" ...

Comment edited 39 seconds after posting

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hey, thats my line... which is why I'd design a tubular camera with hand and finger shaped indentations :D

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Yeah, Yeah, fine....but when is the LX6 with larger sensor due out?

2 upvotes

I second your emotion, Just Ed !

With built in EVF, paleeez !

1 upvote

So we won't have to settle only for Canon G1X?
It's great to have choice! :)

1 upvote

Right, Timmbits,
And keep the lens Leica-sourced and wide,
at AT LEAST 24 equiv. !

Enough with this mediocre 28 equiv. compromise crap we keep seeing.

Let's say, 24-120 equiv. , and keep it BRIGHT -- easily achievable with today's ED glass and aspherics.
In fact, if you want to be truly bold, Panny/Leica, why not be the first into the 18mm equiv. genuinely WIDE end of the pool !

Oh, and sharp, sharp, sharp . . . . did I mention SHAAAARP ?

I can dream, can't I ?

Comment edited 4 times, last edit 12 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I wish they sell GF5 kit with 20mm/1.7.

1 upvote

Just so long as Panasonic supplies lenses without an electronic zoom.

Decent reviews led me to replace my much-loved RZ50 with an RZ150.

Oh, unhappy days... the electrozoom is near-useless as a framing tool, turning the camera into little more than a consumer toy.

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The '5' looks photoshop'd to me. Has anyone else mentioned this?

1 upvote

I think you're onto something. There are several distinct features about the 5 in the picture that make it look photoshopped:

1. Spacing between G F and between F 5 are not equidistant.
2. 5 is larger than G F.
3. 5 has different spatial anti-aliasing compared to G F.
4. 5 has different Luminance than G F
5. 5 appears to have different z-buffering.

Anyone else see these visual anomalies?

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#1 is debatable... microspacing is character specific within a given font.
#2: could just be the font's design, or may be intentional design feature
But #3 and #4 I do agree with you, and they are the most significant elements here.
#5 I am ignorant to, so can't comment.

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

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Does this look like photoshopped too?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/3/19/Panasonic-GF5-images-leaked?comment=9377770347

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Until Panasonic introduces a phase AF sensor, any other new camera is not worth much attention in my opinion.

Comment edited 32 seconds after posting

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GF5 should do well against G1 X. Kinda spy-looking, too.

Now, I'd like to start a rumor that the X PZ lens is going to be fixed as well. A great gamechanger idea that needs a positive closure -- in light of other pre-announced Pana m43 constant-F zoom sub F2.8 lenses (or was that a rumor?)

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I highly doubt someone would cross shop a G1X with a GF5. Two completely different markets.

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But of course the two will cross. In the movie, Russians will try to steal GF5 plans but the clever good guys will substitute G1 X instead and the Ruskies will be made to smile. That's the rumor, anyway.

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I am waiting for a GH3, but hope that Panasonic takes more time before announcing it, because I hope that it will have a sensor capable of phase autofocus, like the one Nikon showed on the V1 (forget the rest of the V1).

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looking forward to this. also curious when a GX2 will come out. currently using a G3 and want a second smaller body with only a 20mm or 14mm on it.

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People complain about viewfinders - viewfinders add a certain degree of bulk, so it'll be a bigger camera with one, and they make one, its the G3, or the GH2, or the GF2 or GX1 with optional viewfinder. I think the whole point of the GF series now is to minimize the size and make operation as simple as possible for those upgrading from a point & shoot. I think if you take the GF1 out of the GF series (maybe think of it as the GX0), this makes more sense.

If you don't like the lack of hot shoe, viewfinder option, dials, etc., then this clearly isn't the camera for you. But there is good news - there is a newer article on M43Rumors indicating a G5 will be released along with the GF5.

But no one has brought up the most important question - why is Panasonic afraid of the number 4?

Comment edited 22 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

The two numbers considered most unlucky in Japanese culture are 4 and 9.

The number 4 is pronounced SHI which also means "death".
The humber 9 is pronounced KU which also means "agony" or "torture".

I believe no further explanation is necessary.
Aaah, superstition lives, even in high tech !!

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

Check out the nikon p60, it has a very compact evf that most people dont' even know is an EVF. More compacts and CSC's ought to do the same only with a more improved EVF screen inside.

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Thank you, Ben Raven !!!! nice explanation !!!

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Normally, I could not care less about how a camera looks but everytime I look at one of these I think they made body first and then found out it wasn't big enough to accomodate the lens.

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GirlFriend 5! I think having tiny M43 options is great, even if they are driven by annoying menus.

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Interesting that virtually every comment, good points or no, is exclusively on the mere fact that DP is even posting this in the first place, and not on the subject of the post -- the coming(?) G5.

So, since I myself have now just commented on the comments instead of the subject. . . mea culpa,
I'll take my own implicit advice and say something about the rumored G5
(Ooooh, I used the "R" word !! But at least I didn't anger the Gods by using the number that shall not be named !!)

To Panasonic, (and all the other manufacturers) --
AGAIN, WITH THE NO VIEWFINDER THING !

Three incarnations ago, when I was Matthew Brady, I didn't mind looking at a screen on the back of my view camera, it was all we had.
"UPSIDE DOWN LINCOLN, PLEASE TURN A LITTLE TO THE LEFT, UH, I MEAN RIGHT."

But in the ensuing lifetimes, including this one:
I WANT AND NEED A DAMN VIEWFINDER !!

AND MAKE THEM CONTINUALLY MORE ADVANCED !

Comment edited 5 times, last edit 10 minutes after posting

1 upvote

No you don't need a viewfinder. I used to share this delusion until I brought a Lumix LX5 to compliment my D90.

Don't use the D90 for 99% of shots and don't miss the viewfinder.

Get with the 21st century dude.

2 upvotes

Hugo808,
Respectfully, YOU don't need a viewfinder.

But if you've seen the real trend of recent camera intros, which as a reader of DP, I assume you have, you must be noticing that indeed the FUTURE of the 21st century is the "return" of the viewfinder, in a increasingly high form factor. (eg. EVF and hybrid) And the photo public is overwhelmingly hailing the return and voting for it with their dollars.

There are three places for the non-viewfinder camera:

1. the dust bin of photo tech history
2. the lower end of camera equipment.
3. phones and pads

The occurrence of viewfinders (more so with the latest generations) increases DIRECTLY PROPORTIONALLY to the higher level of the camera.

And Hugo, seriously, if you have a camera with a viewfinder, it is just that much more capable. As you yourself stated it in so many words, if you don't use it, then don't . . . except in that 1% of the cases when you, yourself say YOU need it--it's there.
The camera with both options is best.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 7 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Get a G3 / G5, period.

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People like Ben drive me mad on forums .... why on earth are you talking about viewfinders in relation to a camera that was never designed to have one nor ever will! Putting a viewfinder on it would defeat the object of what the camera was intended for ... so if you want a viewfinder, buy a camera with one (!!!!) ... but don't go round saying every 4/3rds ILC based camera needs one else we'll end up with countless other posts from people who want a small camera WITHOUT a viewfinder!

(Jesus .... its like looking at a 2 seater sports car and moaning it hasn't got 4 seats!!!!!)

2 upvotes

43 Rumors asked for more internet traffic or what?
This is mine speculation...

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I like it...
Small and simple.

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Another iteration of the glorified point-and-shoot but with big sensor.

I really can't understand why same P&S migrants who supposedly want everything on auto with minimum external control would want complication, expense and hassle of multiple interchangeable lenses.

This target audience is much better served by the fix lens Canon G1X.

2 upvotes

Dur!

'A glorified P&S with a larger sensor' is a pretty dumb comment really isn't it ... as in effect you're saying all 4/3rds ILC's are glorified P&S's ... which is nonsense (and not what the buying public are saying!)

The G1X is SIGNIFICANTLY larger and heavier in size and is limited to the one lens! Its also considerably more expensive and you lack the option of the glorious panny f1.7mm. A lot of people are also happy with the std dual lens kit and like the option of being able to buy more lenses in the future rather than be stuck to just one like on the Canon.

The G1X has its place as does the GF3 and all other 4/3rds ... me thinks you need to get back to your P&S and leave any sort of photography other than taking pics of your children to those that understand a little more!

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DPRouView ….

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YAWN ... a new items reporting on a rumor ( a strong one might be ) ... Can't we just have some real effort and articles. Say the long awaited review many are waiting for that sitting back there.

DPR used to be quality and dedicated on their news reportage, now its just viral and trying to be ...

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Agreed totally. DPreview has become a gossip blog like Gizmodo fuelled by fanboy comments. It needs to return to it's roots and focus (no pun intended) on content that is not available everywhere else.

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As we like to occasionally remind our readers, none of our core content (reviews/previews/articles) are ever harmed in the process of also covering news.

There is a big difference between us assigning writers to spend days/weeks working on our core content, and spending 5 minutes letting our readers know what's abreast in the photography technology world.

Will we become a "Rumor Site"? No. But, we will cover interesting news, and we happen to find the GF5 photo leak interesting, as do a lot of our readers.

:)

6 upvotes

Dear Mr.Everett, fair reply.
Still, please consider that your readers love this site as it is (I do) as much as they love cameras in their bags. This is the most trusted source of information and reviews, for me at least. I come here often, to enjoy reading your reviews, user comments, and to escape from aggressive news and ugly commercials (yes, the Raven don`t belong here, MHO). I also don`t think that printers belong here. When you wrote that "none of our core content (reviews/previews/articles) are ever harmed in the process of also covering news", please note that trusted information don`t came along with rumors. I don`t think you can have same trusted reputation, and link rumors. There is nothing wrong with rumors, just leave it to other sites, or perhaps use your facebook page to inform your readers. I am writing this because I love this site, I hope that it will stay what is always was. Thank you!

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Good points Jokia.

I see DP as a great reference site and believe they should focus on new products and other camera features ... leaving the rumours to other sites! If DP don't have the contacts to confirm this rumour as being legit, then they should spare themselves the potential embarrassment of posting on something that could be fake thus damaging their reputation as a site that is all knowledgeable on the camera market ... if you understand my point!

:o)

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I agree that this site expands, perhaps too much.

I started to read it because of the very balanced, and unbiased reviews.
Based on those reviews I could make good decisions about buying some expensive cameras, which I really did not want to be mistakes. The day those reviews stop I will not read this site anymore. So please focus on those.

Now I am waiting for a thourough review of Fuji X-Pro 1.

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Any rumors about Rebel T4i, or Nikon d3200? I am really interested.

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Good to see Panasonic mindful of superstitions against the number four. Maybe the astrologers and psychics have counseled against announcing a GH3 any time soon. Better to wait until Venus and Jupiter are far apart and gone from the evening skies. It's also nice that HK actresses get the first hands-on experience with cameras and other matters.

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it is not superstition ... in japanese the " 4 " has the same pronunciation as the word death ( chi ) ... imagine a camera in UK or USA called G Death ...

1 upvote

and the same applied some years ago in regard to the canon enthusiast camera, after the G1 G2 and G3 they skipped and went to G5.... for the same reason ...

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Zen Rider,

. . . you mean, like the new "NIkon D Death" ??

Panny may still fear the gods (and the Japanese market) but apparently Nikon doesn't !

3 upvotes

D4 perhaps wil sound closer to "daichi" which means something else... :)

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DpReview is not launching into rumors territory, the GF5 has been known for a while, DPR is only reporting something upcoming. Question is, will the GF5 serve any purpose? New camera models appear ever more frequently, almost invariably of an incremental nature so more fool us if we buy into each new model: this GF5 is one of those. Rather than a model every 6 months that only tweaks a few parameters, how many of us would prefer a camera every 12-18 months that embodies new technology and real practical advances? Most cameras are boringly evolutionary, less often do we see more radical models like Olympus OM-D or Fuji X-Pro that excite our interest. Panasonic enthusiasts are not looking for a GF5 but want to see how Pany move the game on from the G2/G3/GH2, bearing in mind what the EM5 has brought to the m4/3 party: the G5 is on the way, it needs to be good to maintain impetus alongside the likes of Sony NEX, OM-D and Canon’s new CSC, which surely must break cover this summer.

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Everybody complains when a review isn't posted immediately after a launch, now everybody complains when news comes off the grapevine early. It must be hell being forced to come to this website every day, being made to pay the hefty subscription price and then not finding it to your taste...

15 upvotes

Amen - I think they do a great job

1 upvote

That Explains it.

Now I understand why Panasonic is sending GF3C offers (with 2 lenses) to their email subscribers for nearly 50% off!

Such heavy discounts are always a sign for a new model to arrive, or a model being discontinued.

1 upvote

You guys are not seeing the big picture. It probably isn't a rumour anymore for the dpreview staff. How do you think they always have all them previews ready on the exact moment of announcement.

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Leave the rumours to those rumour sites please.

Do the news and reviews (not previews) and keep your authority, don't lose it! Seriously.

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Perhaps it is dPreview's way of saying: "What's the use of signing NDA's when info is (intentionally?) leaked out to the internet?"

Comment edited 24 seconds after posting

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Long, long ago dPreview made camera reviews. Now they make previews. To-morrow they'll do rumors.

Meet you in the basement.

1 upvote

by the time you get there they'll be gone

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Be serious, don't post rumours.

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Once upon a time 43rumors would cite dpreview, now, it's the other way around. Changing times!

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Not a big fan of the styling, I'd much rather have the retro look like of the latest Olympus OM-D.

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my guess Angelababy won't promote the GF6 anymore ;-)

2 upvotes

Congratulations 43 rumors... you've made it, linked from dpreview front page. Very impressive.

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Wow DP review are posting rumours now???

2 upvotes

So they haven't given you one? Shame. I'd like to know what sensor they used, as part of the ever fascinating Mystery Of The OM-D Sensor.

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Rumors on dpreview? Surprised!

0 upvotes

get the M9 and stop these upgrades.

0 upvotes

I really don't like the humpbacked look of GF3 and "GF5".
I think you must to love your camera and the way it looks to enjoy using it.
And this one is just ugly.

1 upvote

Official leak, and tease.

1 upvote

Angelababy, she is so skinny

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Why is this rumor even listed as news?

1 upvote

Im sorry but the panasonic gf and line-up hasn't been very impressive lately i wish companies would follow the old tradition of film less bodies with an increased shelf life while expanding lens profromance and lens variety.

5 upvotes

Oh, that tradition lives. Have you shopped for a view camera lately?

When technology moves rapidly, manufacturers have to run to keep pace with or trump the competition, and consumers don't settle for last year's performance. Retailers complain if they don't have a new model to push - one they might not have to discount quite as steeply as the old one (to start). "Why should we support your brand if you don't give us new product?"

My business is travel guidebooks. It's little different. For some destinations, you don't have to revise a book for two or three years. Sleepy places don't change that quickly. At the hottest destinations new attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. open on a regular basis. An annual is a competitive necessity. Sales of a stale annual will dwindle to almost nothing by the end of the first year.

2 upvotes

I agree the GF line is underwhelming now, but that's why Panasonic released the GX1 and GH2.

1 upvote

The GF series got boring. Just entry level cams anyway.

3 upvotes

By Photoshop only.

0 upvotes

Yawn...Another generic looking camera without a soul.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

5 upvotes

Why does it matter what a camera looks like?

Surely all that matters, depending on your use cases, is lens and sensor quality and/or speed of handling and/or size and weight etc.

3 upvotes

You can't dismiss aesthetics completely. And if you intend to draw the "it's just a tool card," well, I'd rather use a nicely made and well finished Rahsol torque wrench than a clunky torque wrench peddled by Sears. Do you care what your food looks like? Or do you eat only tasty mush? ;)

4 upvotes

We're talking cameras, not food. Seriously, how it looks is totally irrelevant.

2 upvotes

I fully agree! And this cam cannot even cook a proper dinner too....

1 upvote

The soul has been out of camera's since film was ditched ;).

0 upvotes

@RPJG - But looks are relevant too, not just with cameras, but everything else too. If looks didn't matter, we would have cookie cutter designed cars, clothes, shoes, etc. Let's face it, we live in a society where looks matter. When I shoot with my X100, people ask about its looks and are intrigued. Is it a rangefinder? Is it a film camera? Is it digital? When I shoot with my 60D, they couldn't careless because it looks the same as any other DSLR out there. Both have great image quality, one just gets more attention because it is more pleasing to look at.

@D1N0 - For the most part but Fuji, Leica, and Olympus are all companies that are incorporating that retro look into their modern cameras.

Comment edited 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Not sure what the sneering and posturing is about, as one can easily imagine you "guys" whipping a GF5 out of your fierce manbags and photographing yourselves at the bistro torquing your Artichoke Pesto Tilapia with your pinkies in the air.

1 upvote

rohom you have a sense of humor, I'll give you that! ;)

1 upvote

i created a thread in the News section but later was moved to Pana talk, http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=40954823

suspect DPR already has one in hand but waiting for its release date to official announcement here.

0 upvotes

If we did, we wouldn't be able to speculate.

5 upvotes

tricky answer..... hehehe

keep up the good works!

0 upvotes

DPR is treading dangerous ground with posts like these, and I've seen a select few similar ones in the past. I notice how they don't comment on long rumored products that they themselves eventually preview prior to press release(D800, D4, 5DM3, etc.).

I don't care personally, I just hope it doesn't affect the potential for this site to get exclusive previews when it comes time for press release. I love the in-depth previews here, and I can't imagine that things like this make the companies happy. I say leave the rumors to the rumor sites; they can afford to drop info like this without compromising any relationships.

15 upvotes

A mention of a camera that DPR does not have in hand (or acts as if it doesn't) that gives out no solid information but displays someone else's shot of it (or a nicely-imagined fake)? IMO it would be naive to think that vendors aren't very happy to see "buzz" like this and, I suspect, encourage it in various ways.

Comment edited 31 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Nowhere did I say that companies don't want word of mouth buzz floating around about their products; however, an official news/review site like this simply isn't the place for it. I'm a frequent visitor of the rumor sites and think they're a great source of information.

Comment edited 13 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

This has been all over the internet for two days before dpreview even posted it. It's hardly a disclosure anymore. Panasonic is probably behind the whole thing anyway.

0 upvotes


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Images of Panasonic GF5 start to appear

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