Above: mock up of what the LX4 might look like, with it’s range-finder style viewfinder and non-interchangable zoom lens by Leica.
43Rumors have reported that a new Panasonic ‘compact’ will be announced shortly. It sports a Leica designed rangefinder style optical viewfinder and a Panasonic Micro 4/3rds sensor, possibly from the GF1.
The camera is similar to the Leica X1 and Panasonic LX3 in terms of size – smaller than the GF1. But whilst the Leica X1 and Sigma DP2 only have prime lenses, the camera will have a retractable 3x wide zoom Leica lens. The first camera of it’s type to do so.
Something the GF1 started, has now become even smaller and truly pocketable, yet with an equally pocketable retractable Leica zoom to boot. This solves one of the main issues of the ‘small’ interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras (I’m thinking Sony NEX) which have small bodies but huge zooms.
How does it fit in with Panasonic’s existing lines? I’m expected it to be the LX4 or a new model entirely.
The end of small sensors in compact cameras? I hope so.
To put high end large sensors in compact cameras (even if it is a pricy enthusiast one) is quite a progressive thing to do – does this spell the end also for small sensors in Canon’s G11 range? That camera cannot compete with the LX4 with such a small chip, at a premium price just under entry level DSLRs.
Panasonic should be applauded for a less than conservative strategy, they’re being quite innovative and aggressive.
All that remains to be seen now is which rival camera Panasonic will choose to shoot the LX4 advert on.
