Panasonic GF2 previewed

[Four Thirds User editorial team]

We've had some time with Panasonic's replacement for the popular Lumix GF1; the new GF2, but you will have to wait until January before you can buy one.

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[John Perriment]

Another step in the development of MFT. When you get this small shaving a few millimetres off the dimensions can make a huge difference. It does puzzle me that there are no plans to sell it body only - what about those wishing to upgrade who already have the lenses they need or say, a G/GH user who wants a smaller second body? Surely it does not make sense to restrict your target market like this, or risk alienating existing users?

BTW - Ian, I noticed all the empty beer bottles at the press launch, bet you try to tell us it was mineral water!

[Ian]

Ha! I was offered wine with my lunch but declined it

Maybe you will see a lot of 14mm f/2.5 pancakes on eBay at the end of January!

Seriously, though, you may find some dealers un-bundling lenses from bodies.

Ian

[Kurt]

I don't know what to think now. I intended to get a GF1 with 20mm pancake shortly (having sold my Nikon equipment) and then go for a GH2 and more lenses in the New Year.

Reading between the lines, however, I am not sure whether the GF1 still might be a better second body than the GF2 (particularly "Panasonic is really aiming the GF2 at people upgrading from compacts").

Any views, anyone?

[John Perriment]

Originally Posted by Ian

Ha! I was offered wine with my lunch but declined it

Maybe you will see a lot of 14mm f/2.5 pancakes on eBay at the end of January!

Seriously, though, you may find some dealers un-bundling lenses from bodies.

Ian

Hi Ian,

I would imagine that at these events it's best to decline the alcohol and keep a clear head. Incidentally, who provides the best lunches - Olympus or Panasonic? Canon and Nikon would probably claim their lunches are best because they offer a full plate rather than just a quarter plate.

I wouldn't mind a cheap 14mm f2.5 off ebay myself and I'm sure some dealers will split bundles, it just seems a strange policy for Panasonic to have. At the moment I'm in the unexpected position of prefering Olympus MFT bodies but with Panasonic glass. I guess that means I get the best of both but I really would have expected Oly to take the lead in optics, given their pedigree.

[dalexa]

well, for me it's a bit of a disappointment.
i was looking for a l1 look in gf2 and it turned out like a compact like camera.

i guess i'll have to wait for a m4/3 from voigtländer (that would be nice) or for a x100 with an interchangeable mount.

[DennisP]

Ian - Will there be an electronic viewfinder available for the camera which clips in the flash shoe?

[fluffy]

Originally Posted by John Perriment

Another step in the development of MFT. When you get this small shaving a few millimetres off the dimensions can make a huge difference. It does puzzle me that there are no plans to sell it body only - what about those wishing to upgrade who already have the lenses they need or say, a G/GH user who wants a smaller second body? Surely it does not make sense to restrict your target market like this, or risk alienating existing users?

BTW - Ian, I noticed all the empty beer bottles at the press launch, bet you try to tell us it was mineral water!

Alas this is always the Panasonic has sold their mFTs and might always be. Yes, it is very stupid.

[click-click]

Smaaaalll... Any word on the price?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by fluffy

Alas this is always the Panasonic has sold their mFTs and might always be. Yes, it is very stupid.

The marketing is locally tailored, so the GF2 may be available as body only in other territories.

Ian