If I get back to Fuji, I will ask about the bit rate on the X Pro 1 and PAL support. I should be able to check on the shutter speeds pretty easily - they are all listed right on the control wheel on top of the camera!

I can say that I do not think they are aiming at the videographer. The rep said, and re-confirmed when I asked, that they only shoot 1080/24p. I asked about 720p and he said he wasn't sure on that. My sense: he knew the camera inside and out on still photography but I do not think he had given much attention to video. That's why I do not think they are aiming this at videographers, even though it does shoot video.

I had good conversations with some Panasonic people - suggested they need to get some faster lenses out, and had a conversation with some there on the need for some camera vendor - like say Panasonic - to release a software development kit for at least one of their cameras. I gave them the whole story on how this can create a network effect ecosystem that increases their market share and differentiates their products in the market. That means that 3rd parties add value (think of how 3rd part software makes Windows, Mac OS X, the iPhone more valuable to you as a consumer). As 3rd parties add value, the camera's "ecosystem" grows and everyone wins - more great ideas get implemented, more cameras get sold, 3rd party developers make money, and the consumer gets some great new capabilities.

I suggested they start with one camera, such as the GH-2 :) The guy I spoke with "got it" and said he will follow up with others at Panasonic. I intend to discuss this with more people - but I emphasized that the work done by the hacking community on the Lumix and the Canon cameras has created an enthusiastic group of followers and influences buying decisions. I bought a Canon Powershot a while back just so I could use CHDK and some scripts for some capabilities I wanted. When explained to them in terms of selling more cameras, they became very interested. This effort will take more than just this one conversation though.

A friend suggested camera companies may be afraid to allow this sort of "expansion accessory" and possible risks and loss of control. But as I pointed out, Apple lets 3rd parties write software for their iPhone and Microsoft/Nokia let 3rd parties write software for the Windows Phone. It can be dealt with.

I think they need to start with a single camera - preferably higher end - to understand the opportunity and the risks. And because the higher end enthusiasts are more likely to embrace this capability, initially. Can't wait to see that software development kit for the first software expandable camera!

This is raw footage of Panasonic's 3D video cameras. Note the monitor atop the camera and how it oscillates back and forth between the left and right images, providing a simple glasses free 3D perspective for the camera operator. You should be able to see the 3D effect in this 2D video.

(At the time I posted this, the video clip was still being processed by Youtube)

Guys, remember to support Edward. Just donate and add "CES" as comment. He'll get all donations.

Finally, the Fujifilm X Pro 1. A really interesting concept - it greatly resembles an SLR (not a DSLR). The control knob on top has shutter speeds - just like my old SLR. Very traditional styling, but impressive, modern features.

The X Pro 1 features both an optical viewfinder (rangefinder type), an electronic viewfinder, and an LCD panel.

They've got an APS-C sized sensor, but not just any APS-C sensor - this one is a new design that features very low noise levels and eliminates the moire pattern problem. I've heard that, at least some pretty impressive ISO levels, it has less noise than the Canon 5D.

The rep I spoke with did say that at 1080p, it is limited to 24fps.

This 2nd photo shows the controls a bit better. At top left is an exposure compensation knob. The large knob to the right sets shutter speed, and other modes. I believe I heard the rep say that the camera will even accept a traditional shutter release cable.

The Nikon 1 system, announced a few months ago, would appear to have an exciting future. This is Nikon's mirrorless system that works with Nikon F-series lenses. Shown here are concept lenses and accessories that might be available in the future plus LCD panels, mini projector attachment, and also a Wifi attachment.

In addition to the head mounted concept, there are now several "weatherized" cameras that are water proof to 40 feet (about 13 meters). Nice demo in the fish tank!

Sharp demo'd an 8k LCD display. Many vendors are showing 4K displays now. This resolution level, for this size screen, exceeds the ability of many people to discern any difference with lower resolution displays - this affects anyone whose eyesight is not perfect (many of us). But otherwise - this is a fantastic achievement. When do we get the 8k upgrade at 1 Gbps compression for our GH-2? :)

The Panasonic rep told me that they are planning to have a total of 20 micro four thirds lenses in their lineup by the end of 2012. Competitively, they need to get there with more lens options. I (and I am sure many others) would like to see some faster lens in the line up.

Hello all, I am at CES. I have been very busy with my own business interests. But of course, I would rather hang out with all the camera folks.

I have many more still photos that I will be posting shortly this evening. Internet access from the hotel and from a nearby cafe that I tried are both super slow - a little better than dial up modem speeds but very slow. With the slow connections, video will likely have to wait until I return home.

I'll be posting photos in a bit.

Concept means that we can wait for another year... and it will cost a fortune.... hope canon will come up with something until then, because up until now there is not even a 1 good zoom lens for M4/3... which is a big shame...

edit: different topic for the zooms..

Photos of new panasonic fast lenses made by Edward: