I can't understand the improvements in 24mbits.. it already has p and b frames and an excellent iq/dimension ratio. I think that that 24MBit is an error, they would have written 192mbit (at least for a marketing reason).
@Vitaliy What do you think about an implementation of avchd 2.0? Is it possible?
>Btw, looking at GX1 specs, under "New video mode which is suitable for editing video recorded at high bit rate " they mean videos in MP4 container, most probably including 25p. Ephotozine seems pretty sure about 25p, don't know from where they got the info : http://www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-lumix-gh2-firmware-updated-17773
Vitaliy, do you think the gh2's processing power would make it possible, in theory, to record at 2,35 aspect ratio with same 2mp resolution? - this would be something like 2208x939 pixels.
Do we have an idea how many engineers work on the hardware/firmware for the GH-3? They do nice work for an inexpensive camera. Just wondering if its 10 guys or a 100?
Btw, looking at GX1 specs, under "New video mode which is suitable for editing video recorded at high bit rate " they mean videos in MP4 container, most probably including 25p.
Also no mention of HDMI! (grumble) Either its there and not discussed (Panny never said their HDMI was 'screwed' in the first place so why now say that its fixed when it 'is') or its there as an Easter Egg for VK! (lets hope it doesn't take till Easter to get this FW!) ;-P
Panasonic Announces the Firmware Update Program for DMC-GH2 and PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition
Panasonic announces the new firmware update program for the digital interchangeable lens system cameras DMC-GH2 of LUMIX G Micro System and for the GH2 bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition.
The following functions will be available with the new firmware:
For DMC-GH2 • New video mode which is suitable for editing video recorded at high bit rate (24Mbps) • New functional option with Power Zoom Lens ([DISP FOCAL LENGTH (Display of Focal Length)], [STEP ZOOM], [ZOOM RESUME], [ZOOM SPEED] and [ZOOM RING *]) • Full area enlargement of AF area setting • Improvement in the speed of consecutive shooting when shot with auto bracket • Increased number of recordable images in consecutive shooting • [EX.TELE CONV. (Extra Tele Conversion)] can be set ON/OFF separately in photo or video recording • More accurate light adjustment of built-in flash • Improvement in the AF performance in video recording • Synchronization of alarm volume for low battery with [BEEP VOLUME] • New [HALF-PRESS RELEASE] function • Improved NR(Noise Reduction) in high sensitivity shooting • ON/OFF control of the touch-screen
For PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition • Compatible with new video mode added with the GH2 firmware update mentioned above * Available with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. only.
@Ptchaw I think that VK was in the know for this one... so hopefully this will be a really great Christmas! (lets just hope we don't need to wait that long to see it!)
Let's not speculate too much; the release date was just a rumour anyway. Software development isn't exactly reputable for delivering to schedule either...
We know GX1 won't compete with NEX-7. GH3 is far away. Panasonic gotta revamp GH2. But NEX-7 release was delayed due to the flooding. Hopefully Panasonic fixes more bugs and adds a lot more features.
NEX-7 to be shipped on Nov 30th. GH2 firmware 1.1 next month? Then new PTools, new testings, new settings. Then Merry Xmas and Kumbaya moment to end this ugly year... if we are lucky.
A Panasonic guy at the "salon de la Photo" in Paris told me 10 days ago that the GX1 will not have evf, and that a 1.4 Mp external evf will be released. He also told me GH2 firmware with 25p had already been released. I thought he was full of shit (because of 25p), but seeing that he was telling the truth about GX1, I'm now wondering about 25p...
I think the delay in release of both the GH2 firmware and ptool is because secretly Panasonic has allowed Vitaliy access to their codebase and what is going to be released will actually be a "pro" version of the panasonic firmware giving us the full capabilities the hardware can offer 1080p25, 1080p30 with sound, 10 bit 4:2:2, high bitrates with spanning working, etc, etc - with full on-camera control.
Always wondered Vitaliy if you had ever taken a look at the lens firmware for the most popular gh2 - 14-40 and 14-140? A lot of manual lenses work great under certain conditions where the Panny's will fail.