Pascal that image is suppose to be a confirmed fake, I first saw it on the 4/3rds rumour site..
However, there has been some speculation about Fuji mFT, some from me, some from Thom Hogan. Hogan speculates the Fuji mFT is for real from numerous sources, and also quipped something about Fuji Super CCD appearing in a future Olympus SLR in his 2010 predictions:
"# Fujifilm. A double play: a m4/3 DSLR with EXR sensor, and a sensor provided to Olympus for an Olympus camera, too. But 12mp EXR will be disappointing at m4/3 size, I think. Essentially, you return back to the old S3 Pro level of image quality: 6mp with dynamic range extension. I'm thinking that's not what people really want in a large sensor compact camera. I seriously don't understand why Fujifilm wouldn't have pushed more pixels here. "
he also posted this at dpr
"Here's a little background on that. Not too long ago (I'm not going to be very specific on this for reasons of protecting sources) Fujifilm did start talking to everyone about selling them sensors. Not just the big name camera companies. The problem was, they wanted far too much for their sensors. Indeed, both entities I know that were approached tell the same story: best Fujifilm price exceeded prices they were already paying for equivalent sensors by as much as 2x. "
For a 4/3rds sensor, we are talking a rise from $40 to $80 (approx), details of that speculation were documented on 4/3rds photo, however they saw fit to lock the thread (no apparent hostility) under the notion that there is no Fuji participation in 4/3rds. I complained using the knowledge that Fuji are a signatory to 4/3rds, but to no avail. I subsequently stopped posting there.
Sam Bennett wrote:
The GH series doesn't even remotely fit what I would regard as a "pro" camera. That doesn't mean it's not capable or anything like that, but if I have to worry about going outside with a camera due to weather, it doesn't have the level of confidence I expect from my pro gear. More importantly, I don't think that Panasonic is under the impression they're addressing that market.
Note for the market that is using the GH series professionally, weather-sealing is not really a requirement. It's no surprise that accessories for doing video with the GH1 are as plentiful as for the 5DmII.
I don't think Panasonic sees the GH series yet as pro kit, but it's definitely making some waves. With the GH2 strongly rumoured to have both 24MBps AVHCD and a global shutter (and possibly 1080x60p), it will be even closer to truly being a low-end pro video solution.
mawz wrote:
Note for the market that is using the GH series professionally, weather-sealing is not really a requirement.
There is a difference between something being used in a professional capacity, and it being designed for professionals. The fact that Terry Richardson uses Kodak disposable cameras for multimillion dollar ad campaigns doesn't make it a "professional" camera.
Weather sealing is not a requirement for all professionals, but it is a hallmark of nearly all cameras marketed to professionals. There's a lot more I'd like to see in a "pro" MFT, but this is one of the most basic requirements.
Actually, weather sealing is only a hallmark of many 35mm format cameras marketed to professionals. It's essentially unheard of in the MF and LF markets and not terribly common in pro video.
I'd like to see it as it's beneficial to some of my shooting, but it's hardly a 'Pro' differentiator.
Rob Riley wrote:
Pascal that image is suppose to be a confirmed fake, I first saw it on the 4/3rds rumour site..
................make of it what you will...
It got my hopes up as well..... saw it on RFF also...
If Fuji was to ever enter the mFT arena, man...that would really heat things up
Id be interested in the Super CCD in 4/3rds too. The utility of 2 resolutions, say 20/10Mp (their current densities allow for about 48Mp) will make that Zuiko glass work for a living, and better DR by a long way
mawz wrote:
Actually, weather sealing is only a hallmark of many 35mm format cameras marketed to professionals. It's essentially unheard of in the MF and LF markets and not terribly common in pro video.
...for obvious reasons. 35mm cameras are the ones you typically see in environments where its needed more often. Video is sort of a whole different ballpark where videographers I used to having a ton of equipment on their person and so having a weatherproofing cover/bag is not a big deal. For me, the weather sealing is a big deal - particularly since this is my "go everywhere" camera.
Again, it's just one aspect of what goes into a pro (35mm if you like) camera. Beyond that, I personally expect more a sophisticated AF system (faster, more configurable), greater configurability of the camera itself, greater resistance to accidental changing of camera settings, easier accessibility to common camera settings, superior battery performance, a well-rounded set of accessories for the system (flashes, grips, wireless remotes, etc.), availability of both fast primes and fast zooms, etc. Panasonic is understandably not really addressing any of those things so, again, there's plenty of opportunity for someone to provide leadership in that segment.
MF and LF cameras are not really used in adverse weather conditions, hence the lack of need for weather sealing. 35mm DSLRs though are, and weather sealing does add to the "robust" feeling a pro has come to expect as a given.
IMHO, the G1 /GH1 cameras I have used have a "plasticy" feel to them, in a sense, not feeling like profesional gear, in the same way a 50D does not feel like a 1D; they can both be used profesionally, but there is a clear distinction in the bodies.
I agree with Sam in that a m43 pro body would have to inspire that confidence, something currently absent in this format.
I think theres a mix of right, right, and right in the above comments.
All of the manufacturers offer small lighter SLRs, and some of those are suitable for pro use, but they are not intended for, or designed to do this. What mFT promises is that desirable compactness in its ultimate form, but it lacks that pro feel.
The GH1 comes close, but isnt durable enough, and GH2 will be even better with full HD video, perhaps at 60fps. The traditional manufacturer types still see 'big' as pro level which doesnt look like changing. Thats why I think if it comes from anyone, it will be from Panasonic
