What's this Lumix countdown clock all about?

[Paul Shields]

http://panasonic.jp/dc/0615/index.html

Currently at 111:52, which according to some reports is the number of hours before an announcement regarding Lumix. Hopefully it's about the very sexy looking DMC-L1 rather than yet another Pany compact. Only 4 and a bit days to go I guess before we find out .

[Max@Home]

...probably the countdown of the official launch of the Lumix DMC-L1 4/3 DSLR,

preview/announcement from DPReview:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06...sonicdmcl1.asp

from the pressrelease:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is a finely crafted camera designed to give beginners and professionals alike a powerful tool for creating truly outstanding photographic masterpieces. Following additional development efforts, Panasonic plans to shake the market with the DMC-L1 later this year. The best in the digital SLR market is clearly yet to come.

end quote

...FWIW, *my* €0.02...

Regards!

Max@Home

[Paul Shields]

That's what I'm hoping it is too Max. I've no intention of buying one (at least, not yet...), but it is a really attractive entry to the 4:3rds format. We'll know one way or another in a few days I guess.

[Mr. Pickles]

Be nice for the 4/3 line to have some press about new bodies, but it looks odd to me. Just doesn't "look" like a SLR type body, but it isn't the only one. And why can't the flash be inline with the lens?

[Paul Shields]

I like the clean looks, plus the emphasis on manual controls (shutter speed dial, aperture ring on lens). Very old school, which will appeal to certain people (including me). Not sure about the reasons behind the flash. It has a pop-up flash as well as a mount for an external one, so I guess it allows both to be used at once? Hopefully there will be more hands-on reviews coming soon.

One thing I am concerned about - having owned the E-330, the viewfinder is rather small and not very bright due to the porro design. It would be nice if that could be improved upon.

[Raist3d]

If the Lumix was weather proof (is not, AFAIK), and had a real advantage in dealing with noise (apparently it does, but I want to see it) and Panasonic improved in its color handling (their usual Lumix series is really cool in some light situations and colors but in others some greens get hyper crayola plastered), I would be considering swapping my e-330 for it.

But as it stands, no, though I am sure it will be an extremely well built "sexy" camera (read small, functional).

- Raist

[Mr. Pickles]

I agree that the design will appeal to some. It looks old schoolish and some like that. The viewfinder does look small, and the placement is different, but part of the old school design.

[dougjgreen]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Be nice for the 4/3 line to have some press about new bodies, but it looks odd to me. Just doesn't "look" like a SLR type body, but it isn't the only one. And why can't the flash be inline with the lens?

Because it's easier to put the flash further away from the lens that way, which is what you want to minimize red-eye.

[scoundrel1728]

Current countdown time is 102 and 53, with the last two places decrementing between once every thirty seconds and once a minute. Anybody here read Japanese?

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by dougjgreen

Because it's easier to put the flash further away from the lens that way, which is what you want to minimize red-eye.

Well then why don't they just mount it on the side then?