New 4/3rds (not micro) DSLR from Panasonic...the answer to all our problems?

I don't get why you guys would be excited by this. FourThirds and Micro FourThirds use the same sensors. The micro system just removes the mirror box, and has a new smaller mount (and shorter flange distance) that allows for smaller lenses. Image quality should be the same, in fact it'll probably be very similar to the GH1 in all respects, unless they upgrade the senor tech, in which case they could build a new MFT camera using the same tech.

-kap

Video quality is determined by many things, the and the limiting factor in any of the DSLRs that shoot video has not been the sensor but rather the processing and codec. Any new camera that might have video capabilities (which going out of your way to include a liveview finder would possibly indicate) is worth discussing as you can count on two hands the number of video DSLRs out now, and on one hand the number of good ones.

Also the idea of getting a the benefits of an optical viewfinder and a liveview finder in a single camera are pretty exciting. And this is NOT something that could be included in a micro 4/3rds camera by definition...unless they did some weird stuff which I've actually been thinking about....imagine a sensor sliding in from one side of the camera instead of a mirror revealing it when you press the shutter button...boom...optical m4/3...now to the patent office!
 
I think I read somewhere that when Panasonic introduced the G1 (the non-video cam) at a big trade show a year or two ago, they also publicly announced that the video-capable cam (the GH1) would be coming out in a few months.

So, even if they don't release the cam we really want at CES next month (although it would great if they did!), there may be some precedent for them to at least announce at CES a new, improved, HD-capable "GH2" cam -- perhaps for sale later next Spring or Summer.

Here's hoping!
 
The only company that hasn't added video in some flavor to their cameras would be Sony. At this point it's counter-productive to not tack on a video switch.

I havnt been so ready to dump a camera since the HVX200. I am itching for a dslr with no aliasing. 7Ds have irked me to no end.
 
The only company that hasn't added video in some flavor to their cameras would be Sony. At this point it's counter-productive to not tack on a video switch.

I havnt been so ready to dump a camera since the HVX200. I am itching for a dslr with no aliasing. 7Ds have irked me to no end.

Sounds like you need a pro-mist :)

I've said for nearly a year now that I think Sony could be the major spoiler in this market. They own every piece of the technology to do this well and with the XDCam cameras, they have proven that they are willing to move some pretty special stuff downmarket.

They have no significant market in stills cameras to protect, and Panasonic has nicely opened the door for them with the utter fumble of the GH1. Whoever green-lit the codec for that camera is hopefully seeking other employment opportunities, and should be standing next to the person who thought it would be ok to stop HDMI output when the record button is pressed. Geez...

Sony has the codecs, the sensors, the glass, the name, the marketing engine, everything.
 
Sounds like you need a pro-mist :)

I've said for nearly a year now that I think Sony could be the major spoiler in this market. They own every piece of the technology to do this well and with the XDCam cameras, they have proven that they are willing to move some pretty special stuff downmarket.

They have no significant market in stills cameras to protect, and Panasonic has nicely opened the door for them with the utter fumble of the GH1. Whoever green-lit the codec for that camera is hopefully seeking other employment opportunities, and should be standing next to the person who thought it would be ok to stop HDMI output when the record button is pressed. Geez...

Sony has the codecs, the sensors, the glass, the name, the marketing engine, everything.

First of all I resent the implication that the GH1 is a fumble, it's an amazing camera and I like it better than any other HDSLR I've shot with (5D, 7D, D90.)

Secondly I think it's in poor taste to wish that anyone lose their job, especially over something so trivial as video codecs in a consumer still camera.

Thirdly, composite output is what is stopped, HDMI output will never output live on this camera.
 
I agree with Ben_B

How can anyone claim that a $1500 camera is a fumble, especially with the features you're expecting. Yes, the codec is weak. Yes, it's missing features that keep it from being the real pro player everyone wants...

But a fumble? It's a consumer class camera. I thank my lucky stars that they chose to give it the features they did at such a price point.

Certainly, one day, a strong HDSLR camera will come along with most of the features you want. But the GH1 certainly isn't a fumble, it's just not clearly the camera for your current needs. It does meet alot of people's needs (including mine) for a really terrific price point.

As far as spoilers, does anyone think Nikon could really take over this market? I don't follow camera rumors, but it seems to me that Nikon has literally no Prosumer Camcorder market to protect...they have amazing DSLRs...great glass...

So what's stopping them from releasing a kick-ass hybrid?
 
Whoa Ben B...calm down man. He gave an opinion. The fact is Ben Panasonic did "fumble" with the GH-1. It's not to say that all the other camcorders don't have their issues. But if it were not for the codec the GH-1 would have been the new "HV20" (IMO). Everything else about it is great. But...I can't look past the faulty codec (coupled with the fact that you have to still remove pulldown).

I got a 7D .. I love it. But it is "fumble" too. Like in any marriage...it's my compromise.
 
First of all I resent the implication that the GH1 is a fumble, it's an amazing camera and I like it better than any other HDSLR I've shot with (5D, 7D, D90.)

Secondly I think it's in poor taste to wish that anyone lose their job, especially over something so trivial as video codecs in a consumer still camera.

Thirdly, composite output is what is stopped, HDMI output will never output live on this camera.

To each their own. The GH1 to *ME* is a fumble on the 1yd line. It's SO friggin close. A little sensor size, a bit of HDMI, and the use of a codec Panasonic already owns, and this thing knocks it out of the park.

As for wishing someone to lose their job.. don't be so literal. Come on...

And why can't HDMI be live out on this camera? Is that in a rule book somewhere? It's live out on other HDSLRs...
 
I got a 7D .. I love it. But it is "fumble" too. Like in any marriage...it's my compromise.

Exactly. I'm going 7D to because it fumbles in a way that's less damaging to what I need. I NEED that codec for my work. And I NEED the ability to have a focus puller see the scene. And for that, I am willing to put up with the 12 minute time limit, overheating, and other problems.

Someone shooting event's would likely be on exactly the opposite side of the coin, and that's cool too.

I only hope that whatever leapfrog's these cameras next year pays attention to the thousands of posts and gets the mix right. I have a feeling Scarlet, when it arrives, will get the mix right, but can any of us afford it!
 
If they cut the articulated LCD I will puke on them, it is the best thing they got going for them. Please don't even consider this an option or I will quit my love for Pana in a rage fit.
 
Kind of an interesting take on the GH1 codec posted on the Vimeo GH1 group forum entitled, "Warning: Considering deleting all troll posts about GH1 codec".

Check it out:

http://vimeo.com/groups/gh1/forumthread:10768

Oh geez.. not that chic. She and I have gone around and around. She claims to be some kind of video expert and claims she recently shot a film. Yet she has not a SINGLE video posted anywhere. Zero. By her own admission, she is not a professional, and has owned two HD cameras... and Xacti and the GH1.

Frankly, I'll put my stock in the the folks here, and elsewhere who do this for a living. And folks who produce work that I can judge for myself.

Not coincidentally, this is the same person who read Barry Green's post comparing the 7D and the GH1 and said, "Clearly the GH1 was the winner in that competition."
 
Oh geez.. not that chic. She and I have gone around and around. She claims to be some kind of video expert and claims she recently shot a film. Yet she has not a SINGLE video posted anywhere. Zero. By her own admission, she is not a professional, and has owned two HD cameras... and Xacti and the GH1.

Frankly, I'll put my stock in the the folks here, and elsewhere who do this for a living. And folks who produce work that I can judge for myself.

Not coincidentally, this is the same person who read Barry Green's post comparing the 7D and the GH1 and said, "Clearly the GH1 was the winner in that competition."

so, you are the troll she's talking about :laugh:
 
Oh geez.. not that chic. She and I have gone around and around. She claims to be some kind of video expert and claims she recently shot a film. Yet she has not a SINGLE video posted anywhere. Zero. By her own admission, she is not a professional, and has owned two HD cameras... and Xacti and the GH1.

Frankly, I'll put my stock in the the folks here, and elsewhere who do this for a living. And folks who produce work that I can judge for myself.

Not coincidentally, this is the same person who read Barry Green's post comparing the 7D and the GH1 and said, "Clearly the GH1 was the winner in that competition."

"Liza" (in quotes because I have my doubts about her real identity) is quite a character. Most of her stuff sounds like something a Panasonic company or marketing partner paid hack would write. And a semi/partially informed one, too. At least I hope she gets paid for all the "work" she does. :-)

Liza, here's a hint: "No B-frames."

And yes, it's pretty funny if her reaction to Barry's very level-headed GH1/7D comparison article was "The GH1 wins!", since the entire point of his article was "use whichever cam is most appropriate for your project & budget".
 
Sounds like you need a pro-mist :)

I've said for nearly a year now that I think Sony could be the major spoiler in this market. They own every piece of the technology to do this well and with the XDCam cameras, they have proven that they are willing to move some pretty special stuff downmarket.

They have no significant market in stills cameras to protect, and Panasonic has nicely opened the door for them with the utter fumble of the GH1. Whoever green-lit the codec for that camera is hopefully seeking other employment opportunities, and should be standing next to the person who thought it would be ok to stop HDMI output when the record button is pressed. Geez...

Sony has the codecs, the sensors, the glass, the name, the marketing engine, everything.

Haha. No, sounds like I need to stop being a baby and just lug RED around. These cameras have way too many shortcomings.

I don't think Sony will do anything new or different. In fact, I believe in Panasonic delivering the balls-all-camera before anyone else. Out of the Gate the GH-1 is the better camera, a few updates and upgrades and it'll smash everyone else.
 
Kholi, do you still use your GH1?

I sold my GH-1 a while back, due to not being able to get one because of the wait times and then the no video out, along with the compression, didn't go back. I still want one, but I'm going to wait until those things are fixed.
 
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