Panasonic Lumix (4/3rd's) dSLR!

[Rokcet Scientist]

Panasonic announces its first digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with interchangeable lens (Four-Thirds system) and live-preview, the DMC-L1:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicdmcl1/

Doesn't look half bad.
But 3 years after it was announced, I suspect the "Four Thirds system" has missed its 'window of opportunity' and will never enjoy the success it could have had. Imo, we're looking at a dinosaur.

[sean_buerger]

Dinosaur?

Perhaps. But the camera does have an interesting feature! Live View. One would probably have to have a look at that. I do think that it comes with too high a 'pricetag', as the optical view finder will not be en par with other SLR cameras.

I rather like the 'classical' approach for the controls, realizing that it's not really a mainstream kind of thing though...

Cheers. Sean.

[Mr. Pickles]

I really think the dinosaur comment was meant as a means to privoke a more heated discussion on the topic. Some call it baiting.

Personally, I think it is NOT a dinosaur. It MAY become one, but it isn't right now and won't be for awhile. The Foveon sensor on the other hand could be called a dinosaur.

[Sidebyte]

Another marketing disaster. The camera and lens (14-50) Leica IS kit lens will sell for $1999 USD.
Compare this with a D200, Canon D30, or the Sony new A100 with kit lens, Panasonic will be lucky to sell enough to cover advertising costs.
There aren't enough "yuppies" with excess discreationary income to lust after the Leica label on the lens to justify it's cost.
The biggest competition (read Phil's comparison) is the Oly 330...virtually the same basic attributes with a lot of pluses. The 330 body at $999, add a good lens for $600. Is the Leica LABEL worth the $300 extra cost.
One thing that's evident is the Leica 14-50 IS is undoubtably a remarkable lens for sure but in the introductory camera market it's customery for the camera manufacture to offer a CAMERA KIT with the lens at a reduced price. Just as Nikon and the 17-80 kit lens is underpriced when part of the kit.
Be interesting to se if the "blew the duke" on this one?

[sean_buerger]

Ha Ha,

I am one of those lusting at the red dot

And I got one of the Foveon dinosaurs myself

Cheerio. Sean.

[Rokcet Scientist]

"There's a sucker born every minute"

Erroneously attributed to P.T. Barnum.
No less pointed, though.