While this thread took an interesting turn, I would like to address what I thought was the original question regarding high Panasonic pricing limiting market penetration. I will reaffirm what someone else indicated, Panasonic has kept the prices high on their products by limiting supply which they have been able to do because of limited market alternatives. My personal preference has been Panasonic rather than Olympus because of quicker AF, built in EVF and articulating LCD. Further, Olympus has not offered any EVIL cameras that compete with their DSLR's or with the G1, G2, GH1, G10.
Panasonic may squander its EVIL lead in two ways: not improving the ISO quality of its sensors (as I understand it there was no sensor improvement from the G1 to the G2); and not competing effectively when Sony releases its rumored NX 7 and NX9. Sony has the marketing power and financial strength to flood the market and at lower prices than the current EVIL prices. At this time Sony's NX3 and NX5 market focus seems to be P&S users that want a small camera with better IQ. The NX7 and NX9, however, may offer features comparable to the GF1, G2, G10, and GH1.
While Ricoh and Samsung has offered competing cameras, they seem to be minor players and at this time I do not perceive their products have gotten much traction in the marketplace. Sony, on the other hand, has shelf place in camera stores, discount stores, and great name recognition. I believe they are a formidable competitor.
I think competition is great and in the future Panasonic will have to improve their products, offer more lenses, and moderate their pricing structure or risk becoming a minor player in the EVIL market that they pioneered.
Howard
Panasonic may squander its EVIL lead in two ways: not improving the ISO quality of its sensors (as I understand it there was no sensor improvement from the G1 to the G2); and not competing effectively when Sony releases its rumored NX 7 and NX9. Sony has the marketing power and financial strength to flood the market and at lower prices than the current EVIL prices. At this time Sony's NX3 and NX5 market focus seems to be P&S users that want a small camera with better IQ. The NX7 and NX9, however, may offer features comparable to the GF1, G2, G10, and GH1.
While Ricoh and Samsung has offered competing cameras, they seem to be minor players and at this time I do not perceive their products have gotten much traction in the marketplace. Sony, on the other hand, has shelf place in camera stores, discount stores, and great name recognition. I believe they are a formidable competitor.
I think competition is great and in the future Panasonic will have to improve their products, offer more lenses, and moderate their pricing structure or risk becoming a minor player in the EVIL market that they pioneered.
Howard