Panasonic just presented its new compact/hybrid photo camera, the Panasonic Lumix G3 which brings:

• 16 MP on a micro 4/3 digital sensor
• continuous shooting at 4 frames per second
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture up to 50 fps

We were expecting a replacement for existing Lumix, here is the G3 with an electronic viewfinder (and an articulated back LCD of 3″ of diagonal, where you can touch the AF zone you want to select) in a quite limited volume (nearly exactly the size of the Panasonic Lumix G1 whose viewfinder was external and optional).

The full feature list.

Press Release

The Panasonic LUMIX G3: Creativity without limits

Smaller, lighter and with outstanding image quality, the LUMIX G3 is designed to go anywhere you do

Panasonic has today launched the LUMIX G3, the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in Electronic View Finder. With an exceptional range of features and stunning image quality packed into a beautifully lightweight aluminum design, the LUMIX G3 turns everyday moments into works of art.

The LUMIX G3 lets you capture great photos from the very first shot. A new 16.0-megapixel sensor and light-speed autofocus gives you the exceptional image quality that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features, combined with high-resolution free-angle LCD touch screen or Electronic View Finder, mean you get the picture you want, how you want.

With the LUMIX G3, there really is no limit to your creativity.

Exceptional image quality 
The LUMIX G3 has raised the bar in interchangeable lens camera image quality. With an optimal balance of the imaging engine and sensor size, the LUMIX G3 produces exceptional image quality to take your photography to the next level:
•    Large sensor, low noise: A 16.0-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor means images will be cleaner and freer of noise than ever. With newly developed processing capabilities, the low-noise pixel area and the low-noise circuit are combined, resulting in a noise level of less than one third of a conventional sensor
•    High-speed, high-performance: The Venus Engine VI FHD, incorporating the image processing technology Advanced Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent D-range Control, allows beautiful photos and high-definition movies to be captured with superior signal processing. Users can take clear, high resolution photography even at high ISO sensitivity levels, without the bleeding of colours
Never miss the perfect moment:  Speed is of the essence for exceptional photography. The LUMIX G3 pushes the boundaries of high performance with the world’s fastest pinpoint auto focus speed, approximately 0.1 seconds. A wide range of  AF modes are available, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, Face Detection, •    and AF Tracking meaning the LUMIX G3 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves
•    Crystal clear high speed action: The LUMIX G3’s burst shooting capability has been improved to make sure you get the perfect image, even of a fast-moving subject. With up to 4 fps capability in 16.0-megapixel resolution and 20 fps at 4.0 megapixels, the LUMIX G3 allows the ultimate action photography at high resolution
•    Rich detail definition: With the Advanced Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas – are automatically detected. Outlines are enhanced to give more clearly defined edges, while emphasising more highly textured areas of the image. The Venus Engine VI FHD also provides selective noise reduction to the outline, to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without any deterioration in resolution
•    Full HD Movie quality: The quality advances of the LUMIX G3 are not restricted to still photos. The camera lets you take over the Hollywood director’s chair to record Full HD movies. Long recording times and intuitive controls help you create perfect movies with ease. The LUMIX G3’s 16.0-megapixel sensor means the camera can record in Full HD AVCHD 1920 x 1080, 50i, producing higher quality movies with minimal noise. Due to the inter-picture prediction method for compression, the AVCHD format enjoys almost double the recording time compared to Motion JPEG. The Full-time AF and AF Tracking functionality allows you to take high-quality movies effortlessly. With just one touch of the screen, the LUMIX G3 locks on and automatically “tracks” the subject and keeps it in focus as it moves

Stunning images, with no boundaries
With its ultra-compact and lightweight aluminium-bodied design, the LUMIX G3 goes wherever you do, with no limits. High precision, digital processing functions are combined in an easy-to-grip body. While a choice of using either the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) or the 3.0-inch free-angle LCD featuring Full-time Live View for image-taking allows you to take capture the moment as the situation demands:
•    Sleek, ultra-compact and lightweight: At 25 percent smaller the LUMIX G2, weighing less than 340 grammes and with an easy-to-handle grip, the LUMIX G3 lets you take memorable photos, wherever you are
•    You choose how to shoot: Whether you want to take photos from above your head at a concert, or frame a portrait with your eye close to the camera, the high-resolution free-angle LCD screen or the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) gives you the right set up for the right moment.
Get the perfect result: With the Live View function, you can check you’ve got the perfect result, before pressing the shutter button. You •    can view the effects of your creative settings on the high-resolution, 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x Live View Finder with a 100 percent field of view. The LCD screen rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown on Live View, with a colour-coded warning that alerts you when the settings are not in the proper range
•    The world’s largest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses:  The LUMIX G3 gives you the widest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from to make sure you have the right set up for the right job. With eleven Panasonic lenses and the option to use all Leica M and R Micro Four Thirds lenses, you can select a lens for every kind of shoot

Let your creativity loose and make the most of every shot
For experienced photographers looking for advanced functionality of a DSLR, or a beginner who wants to take eye-catching images at the click of the button, the LUMIX G3 lets you get the results, as you want them. The LUMIX G3 provides the assistance to help beginners make the most of every shot, with advanced controls to take photography to the next level:
•    Touch control shooting: The LUMIX G3 features revolutionary touch control shooting, including full-area touch focusing where the focus can be set immediately to the subject, or to the background, by just one touch of the large LCD screen
•    Rich colour reproduction with Intelligent D-range Control: With the new Intelligent D-range Control, the LUMIX G3 allows photographers of all levels to achieve the rich colour reproduction expected by professionals. The blues skies of summer will appear more natural than ever, as the camera optimises the exposure and ensures that gradation and individual details are artfully reproduced
•    Intelligent Auto Plus functionality:  In addition to these advanced functions, Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Plus (iA+) mode provides the best shooting results when a photo opportunity appears or when you do not have time to make manual settings. This includes MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilising), which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. With Intelligent Scene Selector the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background to the scenery mode. My Colour mode has a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, and High Dynamic – alongside custom mode, which lets you manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels
•    Taking photography to the next dimension: The LUMIX G3 also lets you add an extra dimension to your photography skills, with high-quality 3D still photography with the LUMIX G 3D 12.5mm / F12 lens. The lens produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects

Key features:
•    Image Sensor 16.0 MP LIVE MOS
•    Engine Venus Engine VI FHD
•    ISO setting Auto / Intelligent ISO / 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400
•    AF speed Approx 0.1 seconds (measured with the LUMIX G3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to “2m” from “infinity” position )
•    Burst shoot: 4 fps (16.0M) / 20 fps (4M)
•    Movie recording: AVCHD 1920×1080 50i (Sensor Output 25fps), AVCHD 1280×720 50p (Sensor Output 25fps)
•    View finder: Approx. 100% Field of View, 1.44mil dots equiv.
•    LCD Screen: 3.0”,  3:2,  460K dots Free Angle Touch LCD
•    Size: 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7 mm (excluding protrusions)
•    Weight: 336g (body only)
•    Built-in Flash: TTL Built-in-Flash, GN 10.5 equivalent, built in pop-up
•    Interface: HDMI, USB 2.0, Digital AV Out, Remote input, microphone, speaker.
www.panasonic.co.uk

This is not perfect (it does not take into account any of the ergonomics of the camera, for example), but for a photographer in love with great image quality, the conclusion will be quickly drawn as you can see below:

The Sony NEX-5 is clearly ahead except in terms of color depth (which is particularly sensitive for smooth areas and soft fading colors that are more important in portraiture than in action sports photography).

• Sony NEX-5: 69 points
• Samsung NX 100: 62 points
• Panasonic DMC GF1: 53 points

• Canon EOS 60Dli>
• Nikon D3100
• Nikon D7000
• Olympus E-5
• Pentax K-5
• Pentax K-r
• Sony SLT-A33
• Sony SLT-A55
• Sony Alpha 560
• Sony Alpha 580

But, let’s also see what the camera and accessories manufacturers did not announce or launched too discreetly.

• Panasonic launches a new Lumix: The GH2 sports an 18MP CMOS sensor in a body very similar to the Lumix GH1. 1080p video capture, autofocus is 2x faster.
• Panasonic: New “G” lenses (14 mm f/2.5, Vario 100-300 mm f/4-5.6 Mega O.I.S., 3D 12.5 mm f/12)
• Sigma is ready to push forward after the SD15 (very late in the market) with a new Foveon sensor at 48 MP (15.3 x 3) which will arrive in a future camera to be named Sigma SD1. Notice that Sigma announced that the SD1 sensor will be protected against dust by a glass filter which will hermetically close the mirror chamber (this should be very efficient).
• Pentax : SMC DA 18-135 mm f/3,5-5,6ED AL [IF] DC WR zoom lens for the Pentax K range of SLR photo cameras.
• Leica M9: A special edition built out of titanium (for rich art collectors).
• Große Überraschung (Big surprise): Fuji presents a very cool new APS-C compact camera, the FinePix X100 which looks a lot like a smaller Leica M9 (very good looking) and which nobody heard about before (did you hear about any kind of link for it?). Price: About US$ 1000 or 1000€
• Adobe announces a new Elements version: Adobe Photoshop Elements 9
• Sigma 150 mm Macro and 120-300 mm f/2.8 stabilized
• Leaf Aptus-II 12 medium format photo camera with 80 MP resolution and €23,995 / $31,995 price tag
• Samyang présented two new lenses: V-DSLR 8 mm F3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fish-eye CS et AE 14 mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UM
• Metz comes with 3 flashes: 44 AF-1 (99.90€), 36 AF-5 (69.90€), 24 AF-1 (179.90€).

The final releases of DNG Converter 6.2, Adobe Camera Raw 6.2 and Lightroom 3.2 includes RAW file conversion for the Sony Alpha 33, Alpha 55, Alpha 290, Alpha 390, NEX-5 and NEX-3. Those were included in the Release Candidate versions, but they become official/final now.

Of course, other cameras are also taken into account like the all new Canon EOS 60D, the Samsung NX10, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 and the Pentax 645D.

But Sony love is still very visible here.

Download the new Adobe files (updates).

According to OkCupid (a dating web site willing to be described as more “intelligent” than others), you can draw your own challenging conclusions by cross-checking available data from users profiles. For example, since he users can rate the photos they see, it is possible to link these ratings (and later dates) to the EXIF data present inside the picture files.

The SLR cameras (in blue) are improving your dating prospects, especially if they are Panasonic 4/3 cameras. A mobile phone (in red) will nearly get you dumped on the spot, if it is manufactured by Motorola.

From this, if the photo pleased the onlooker, it is easy to understand that this quickly led to “something more”… But with a title containing the word sex, and so bold an conclusion, it was impossible to risk publishing this news on April Fools day. It had to be more urgent than that.

• Alpha 33 (a pellix camera with a 14 MP sensor)
• Alpha 55 (a pellix camera with a 16.7 MP sensor, 10 fps, ISO 100-25600, 15-point AF, EVF – all to be confirmed)
• Alpha 560 (with 14MP sensor, 5 fps, ISO 100-12800, 15-point AF, swivel display – near certain feature set)
• Alpha 580 (same as A560, with 16MP sensor)

Note: Pellix is the name usually applied to describe a camera where there is no mobile mirror, but a pellix semi-transparent mirror which is providing a simultaneous and continuous AF while bringing light to the photo/video sensor. For more information about it, see the Wikipedia articles in both English and German. The presence of Pellix should also allow to keep a LiveView operation during the photo/video capture (probably in association with an Electronic View Finder or EVF).

Images of the A55 and A33

Images from DChome

A33/A55 size

What is now certain is that the Alpha 33 and Alpha 55 will be very small indeed. They are smaller than the smallest existing Alpha cameras (the Alpha 290). They are nearly as small as the NEX-5 camera.

Thanks to SonyAlphaRumors, you can see a marketing-based and meaningful size comparison:

As was reported here about a month ago, Canon does not believe that it is necessary to leave the traditional APS-C DSLR format factor to compete with the EVIL cameras. Sony seems to have understood this too. But they decided to provide both the (still?) smaller ones (NEX series) and continuously shrinking ones (Alpha series). It will be interesting to see how this works in the end.

At least, Canon appears right and we can expect to see similar comparisons appearing with Canon bodies of the near future.

Compatible lenses for NEX

Additionally, some companies are rumored to be interested in providing a real competition in terms of lenses for the NEX camera range (Sony will no longer be alone). If Zeiss and Leica are actually present there in a few weeks, it will mean that this NEX camera series will certainly be a huge success, if only because of the large advertisement effort supported by several companies at the same time. However, it is nearly impossible to sort out the good information and the false rumors in what is said from all sides.

Be very cautious in terms of prices, some companies seem to be charging horrendously high prices (sometimes more than $2000) with a high risk of not receiving the part in the short future. Be attentive and check regularly the available offers in the page for the GH1.

All in all, you will find several hundred SLR camera tests, feature lists, prices and the special offers from our preferred partners.

• 1080p HD video capture at 24 fps
• 720p HD video capture at 60 fps

But the most interesting part is still the announcement of two new lenses:

• Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm/f4.0-5.8 Asph
• Lumix G VARIO 7-14mm/f4.0 Asph

According to Canon Rumours, there could be some concentration moves around the camera manufacturers. Up to this, it’s just in line with what I’ve been telling about some brands whose CEOs have heart burns from the intense current competition.

But they also give us names and combinations to think about.

• Panasonic could buy the photo division of Leica. Assuredly weirder than certain.
• Panasonic could buy Olympus. Here comes credibility. And it would be industrially much more tenable.
• Samsung could buy Hoya, the owner of Pentax. If Pentax is suffering financial pains, Samsung is nearly certain to come and help. But why buy Hoya? This would be bizarre.

Who will be the first to bring this innovation? And I really think it is inevitable that it will come soon on our reflex cameras. Even if only because it reduces the number of needed buttons and it brings a certain flavor of technical progress that should appeal to most of the camera enthusiasts buying SLR cameras (just think about the unrelenting success of video modes which should -as a matter of fact- only be considered as anecdotal on a photo camera).

I think that it’s possible to list the best candidates for this:

• Low- to mid-range camera at Sony, like a Sony Alpha 400
• Entry-level camera at Nikon, like a Nikon D65
• Lowest price cameras at Samsung and Pentax, Pentax K3000, Samsung GX-3000 (and maybe even a mid-range option for these brands are striving to distinguish themselves technically from the market leaders)
• A complement to Panasonic DMC-G1 under the name of DMC-G2 or DMC-G3

This is all mere observation of technolody presence among the compact models (such point-and-shoot cameras like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77, the Nikon S60 Coolpix, the Samsung NV34HD or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580). And there is more reality to these remarks than to most predictions about the launch of presumed major products at the next PMA fair in Las Vegas.

Latest news from the PMA

The PMA fair which will happen in Las Vegas between the 3rd and the 5th of March 2009 will bring us many news and a few surprises. All the signs are there, as confirmed by my informers. There is only a few weeks to be patient, but expect most important news to be revealed a few days before the opening.

If you want to go through the various brands with me, we will see what is coming.

Canon

The red brand will have few impressive news. This is a pity because it would be necessary to replace the Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi but it is probably still too early for that. Anyway, we should receive the first informations and an announcement that it will get video mode (the Nikon D90 is already working against it) and could bring the improvements needed for a serious use of video by all.

Canon will probably limit itself to pro products for the high-end only: An extension of the Canon EOS 1D range with a new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and most importantly a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV. This will not touch any of us except the real pros (with their budget), but the mere presence of Sony Alpha 900 and Nikon D3x unbalanced the aging Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

Nikon

The yellow brand had a sumptuous 2008 year with no less than the launch of the Nikon D90, the Nikon D700 and the Nikon D3x who are sharing the market from low-end to high-end. This full-barrel shot stunned the competition and is starting to collect market shares from immobile Canon.

But it would not suffice for Nikon. The Nikon D40 and the Nikon D60 need to be renewed for the customers with the smallest wallet (or suffering from our recession times)… because the Nikon D90 already aged them with its brining of video capability. Very certainly, Nikon will bring this mode to entry-level SLR cameras, may be with with very small improvement steps and in order to wait for more profound changes in the second half of 2009.

But in parallel to these army-level moves around SLR cameras, Nikon is preparing to launch a new range of super-tele-lenses. And it will be a loud bang: very wide apertures, fixed focal length from 200mm to 400mm (maybe even more); Enough to redefine the high-end of tele lenses. Unfortunately, this will be out of reach for most of us.

Sony

Here, information is scarce and this is usual with Sony. Some expected (!) to hear announcements during the CES fair this month. They failed to hear anything…

But, there are three SLR cameras to be replaced at Sony: Alpha 300, Alpha 350 and Alpha 700. They will be all replaced before Summer, this is certain now. PMA 2009 should see at least two of these announced.

Things are more uncertain for the Alpha 200. Even older, but its market positioning may not ask for an early replacement.

Furthermore, I was about to forget the arrival of some new lenses. At the strict minimum people should be able to see the already announced 70-400 f/5.6 G SSM super-zoom.

Pentax / Samsung

The association of Pentax and Samsung will soon produce new fruits. Everybody speaks about the Pentax K30D (either in full frame or APS-H version), some would like to see a K3D (full frame with a VERY high-resolution), but there does not seem to be any real informations for the PMA itself.

The only certain thing is the arrival of three (I said 3) new SLR cameras this year. They will be weather-sealed, which goes well with the good fame of the current Pentax cameras like the K20D. this was confirmed by Hoya (owner of Pentax). But what will be in them? All is depending on the ambition of Samsung (designer of the sensors) and the market understanding of Pentax (designer of the SLR cameras). Personally, I think (no actual information here) that Pentax and Samsung will be revealing the direction of their work IF they have a Full Frame sensor in the works. But nothing will be precise if they keep APS-H sensors (intermediate size between common APS-C and Full Frame). A lot of work is in progress and it is still a bit early to show finished cameras.

Olympus

Olympus must run behind the speeding train of Micro-Four-Thirds format that has been pushed by Panasonic. PMA-09 would be the place to announce a first camera of this kind at Olympus. But there probably not be anything more.

I am afraid this brand is on a sliding slope if it let itself go. At the latest this Summer, they need a complete overall of their SLR range with Micro-Four-Thirds (the Four-Thirds format itself seems to have no impetus left now).

Panasonic

Here is the big question mark: Will Panasonic present a complement to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1? the camera to bring Micro-Four-Thirds at a reasonable price level (the G1 is clearly priced at the wrong height). Without any precise information, I would think that this complement will arrive at PMA 2009.

• Nikon D3x
• Canon EOS 5D MkII
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

It is often difficult to group lens reviews in order to compare/evaluate a little more than their mere physical characteristics (focal length, aperture/diaphragm, or even number of individual lenses). But how would you evaluate/review optical quality? When I see the really impressive differences between two lenses, I would be prepared to judge from their price, but a cheap wide-angle lens is not always worse than a slightly more expensive one (well… if the price difference is really large, it’s not only an accident and quality explains a lot).

So, where should we go?

I collected the addresses of some web sites appearing quite able to provide this kind of quality reviews/comparisons/evaluations/tests (I try to be systematic, with your help, while telling what I believe are the strengths or the weaknesses of each one).

From here, I invite you to an orgy of lens reviews, lens tests, lens comparisons, lens evaluations. And remember to shoot some photos, too. It’s not only the lens which does the photo. Some are shot by telephones, if the photographer is an artist.