14 DAY TRIAL // Panasonic is shifting its business focus away from the compact digital camera market and it's planning to release five new models during the next year. These new models will be part of their high-magnification zoom camera segment and will hit the market at a price of around $300 / €223 or more.
In comparison with this year's releases, these figures sum only half as many compact digital camera models. Panasonic's future strategy for 2014 will include an extensive focus on the interchangeable lens camera segment and are planning to release a new model capable of capturing 4K ultra high-definition video.
This detail is also backed up by Panasonic's recent announcement of a new image processor called Maicovicon, which will be able to capture 4K HD footage and as Panasonic puts it, the new sensor will be the “lowest noise sensor in the market.”
The Panasonic GH4 might be the camera they are referring to and as previously reported, the camera will feature a partial modular design, meaning that you could upgrade or change various camera components depending on your needs. Rumors also state that the GH4 will come packed with the new Maicovicon image processor, which will allow it to capture 4K high-definition video.
The company also stated that would try to increase sales in the lens department and according to recent patents, five new prime lenses (Panasonic 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic 65mm f/1.8, Panasonic 100mm f/2, as well as two different designs for a Panasonic 43mm f/1.4 lens) are already in development. Surveillance camera lenses will also take a spot in their lens promotion campaign, according to Japanese business newspaper Nikkei.
Based on the shrinking trend of the digital camera market, Panasonic anticipates losses on their digital camera business for the second year in a row. What do you think about Panasonic's new strategy for 2014?