Interview with Panasonic managers at CP++ 2018, Tokyo, Japan

March 1. 2018

Questions asked by:

Todd Mellon Japan PV Team

Your questions answered by:

Michiharu Uematsu (Panasonic Technical Consultant)
Masanori Kouyama (Panasonic Assistant Chief of DSC Product Planning)
Tetsuji Kamio (Panasonic GH line development team)

Question - Don't you think that cameras kind of stuck in the Apple II era (in stone age, in other words)? As you go from one camera manufacturer to another you need to learn new OS, new structure of menus, sometimes new specific terms even. I am not talking about mounts here, but it is also related to Apple II era as different computers had different expansion slots :-)

Answer - It’s an interesting observation. But we don’t expect changes in this soon.

Q - To extend previous question. Don't you think that for present time cameras are still really dumb? May be it is related to the fact that it is very relatively small teams of developers are working on camera software?

A – We have to differentiate from many manufacturers. We are trying to make our best. Others also. We do not think we reached our limits yet.

Q - GH cameras price is rising with each new model, especially GH5s. Lot of people who stopped updating at the GH2 and GH3 times ask if Panasonic will address the video focused amateurs in GH line. Or it is now G line that is made for them?

A - G series are also actively used by filmmakers and now they offer better image quality than earlier GH series.
Actually, what functions you want to be present additionally in G series? Please tell us.

Q - Any chance of GH5 / GH5s specifications ever appearing in an m43 video camera form factor (a la AF100 lineup)?

A - This is difficult to say

Q - Lot of members ask about cheap video oriented fixed aperture lenses with linear focusing like 12-60 F4 or 50-200 F4, for example. It seems like it is one of the few remaining niches in m43 lenses line-up, don't you think?

A - Thanks for the request, we will look into it.

Q - Is 48 frames per second still planned for the gh5 and gh5s cameras?

A - This may be a compatibility issue with 4k

Q - Any plans to enable option for control for aperture/ shutter via USB. So devices like Promote that work with the gh4 can work with the GH5?

A - We have no plan, but it would be interesting to do if we have enough requests

Q - Any plans to for an "untouched" picture profile? One that will completely disable noise reduction (especially temporal noise reduction), Sharpening, and any additional processing.

A - This is an interesting idea.

Q - Will future firmware updates increase the differences between the GH5 and GH5s? But, as Panasonic continue to improve these cameras, will there be other features that one camera gets and the other doesn't?

A - Of course each camera has it’s features. IS sensitivity, etc. There will be updates, and maybe some overlap, but each will remain individual.

Q - One member really wished that G85 could have gotten anything higher than 60fps, even if I had to drop down to 720p resolution. Is it possible or it is also hardware limit?

A - Although there is no plan to do this, it is possible to do and unlikely to be a hardware limit.

Q - Another question considering G85, any plans adding V-log modes via future firmware update?

A - There are no plans.

Q - Do you think that double card slots will become standard feature for all cameras on the market above certain level?

A – We are not sure.

Q - What do you think about users critique considering protruding strap lugs on some Panasonic m43 cameras?

A- It’s interesting. Most seem to not mind, but we have heard this from some users, and we are considering other options.

Q - Whether we will see the multi-aspect sensor on all future cameras?

A - It depends on the camera’s sensor. We know people like this function, and some of us do too. Sensors cost money. Common sense is a factor.

Q - Is Panasonic planning to further improve color science in the full range of the camera lineup?

A - HDR mode has 2020 color space in intelligent mode, we feel it is enough.

Q - GH5s in manual video mode does not support both auto ISO and AF lock at same time, so user can lock/unlock ISO with one touch.Is it possible to add?

A- If we understand the question correctly, in our opinion, nearly the same function can be done with AE mode. Do you mean to lock and unlock both simultaneously?

Q - Can and will DCI Cinema 4k 60fps be added to the Original GH5?

A – Heat would likely be an issue.

Q - Multiple members want, if possible to try adding some raw video modes to GH5 and GH5s, even if it will be sensor crop or other limits. Is it possible or hardware here is the limit?

A - Officially we are unsure, but it is likely a heat issue as well.

Q - All last years in video oriented mirrorless market it was move to higher bitrates. No one followed Samsung with their move to more efficient HEVC codec and lower bitrate (and price for their last NX model still keep rising on used market). No one offering 10bit and 12bit HEVC video options. Do you expect it to change (not talking about Panasonic plans, but as general market approach)?

A - We have to consider compatibility first. BlackMagic Davinci and other editors have HEVC support already. But it is still rare.

Q - Can cameras become sold as part hardware and part service, especially low end cameras? I mean here that you will pay for subscription to advanced cloud based artificial intelligence that will help you with framing, exposure, lighting? Is it possible?

A - We cannot answer to this question as this is business strategy matter.