Panasonic Lumix GF5 possibly leaked with new sensor, LCD
updated 01:00 pm EDT, Sun March 18, 2012
Panasonic GF5 to be quick turnaround
Panasonic may have a quick refresh of the Lumix GF3 just a year after it first arrived. Skipping a whole version number out of superstition, the GF5 was briefly shown in an Instagram photo (direct link still active) from Panasonic brand promoter Angelababy of Hong Kong. On the surface, the Micro Four Thirds camera appears very similar to the small GF3, but the grip has come from the GX1.
While Angelababy didn't reveal hardware details besides a video-friendly Lumix G X lens likely being standard, tips earlier to Nphoto had it keeping a 12-megapixel sensor, but with significant quality boosts. Its signal-to-noise ratio would match that of the G3 to produce overall better images, and it would be joined by a doubled sensitivity of ISO 12,800 that would presumably raise the quality of lower-ISO shots. A much sharper 920,000-pixel touchscreen (up from 460,000), a revised software interface, and an 0.09-second autofocus time would be its other core improvements.
The GF5 is reportedly due to show within two to three months, or in line with its anniversary. A companion, larger G5 camera has equally been hinted and would have a 16-megapixel sensor from the G3, but with a new design. [via Engadget]
