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At the Focus on Imaging Show that started two weekends ago, Panasonic pulled off a significant coup by [URL="http://dpnow.com/6899.html"]launching two new Micro Four Thirds hybrid cameras[/URL] that had originally been slated to launch at the new CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan. CP+ started the day after Focus on Imaging closed.
Fortunately for us, Panasonic previewed the new G2 and G10 to journalists under non-disclosure agreement at a Panasonic press and trade event in Munich, Germany, three week earlier. We were also treated to a preview of a new forthcoming pancake lens from Panasonic, a 14mm (28mm equivalent) f/2.8 optic to follow the very popular 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens that Panasonic launched with the GF1 last year.
So it was with some curiosity that I saw the 14mm pancake labelled with the aperture f/2.5 at Focus on Imaging, rather than f/2.8 as it had been in Munich.
Enquiries made with my very reliable Panasonic Japan contact revealed an interesting reply; apparently in response to feedback at the press event in Munich, Panasonic decided that the new pancake would benefit to from having a slightly faster maximum aperture - all one third of a stop, from f/2.8 to f/2.5.
This news is very representative of Panasonic's willingness to listen to what people say about its products, even feedback from journalists!
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See, journalists CAN make a difference
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#1Stephen commentedEditing a commentI can't imagine that 1/3rd of a stop would make that much difference in terms of brightness in the viewfinder, or in depth of field. So what was it that the journos wanted and Panasonic decided to achieve in actual real terms. This sort of speed difference can be achieved in other ways, but it doesn't seem like a significant change that would make the average user want to buy it knowing they were going to be getting an advantage :confused:
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#2Ian commentedEditing a commentYou're right, a third of stop is not much, but from what I understand, it was deemed possible without too much of a redesign, and it does make the lens stand out a little more among all the f/2.8s. It doesn't take anything away from the fact that Panasonic were willing to listen and act on feedback.
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