Panasonic manager Yamane explains why Micro Four Thirds (and particularly the GH line) has a future

Imaging Resource had a chat with Mr. Yosuke Yamane, Director of Panasonic’s Imaging Business Unit. This is what he had to say about the future of MTF:

There is some video footage which only Micro Four Thirds can realize, in terms of optimum depth of field, mobility, zoom ratio and so on. So Micro Four Thirds is also a precious asset for us to cover video shooting needs. The GH-series has been already used by lots of videographers, and it is used for high-end video shooting by one-man operations. So without fail, by using the GH, customers can make very attractive footage using the characteristics of Micro Four Thirds. We are now studying how we are going to evolve GH series going forward, [to make the most of its advantages].

Thanks to Micro Four Thirds’ smaller sensor size, it is good for high-speed response; high frame-rate video

For telephoto or super-telephoto, maybe we should go with the Micro Four Thirds, which makes a more compact package with high-zoom. So we are studying the future development plan, including Micro Four Thirds.

Interesting to hear that Panasonic basically gives up the compact fixed lens camera business:

Looking at the evolution of smartphones, they will have a multiple sensors and lenses to adapt to various focal length shooting conditions. So this category is gradually being taken over by the smartphone. Especially compact cameras with middle-range zoom lenses, they will be the most affected by the smartphone evolution and expansion of the smartphone. Personally, I use LX or GX for snap shooting, and this is very effective. But we have to admit that this category is the most affected by the smartphone’s expansion.

Summary:
Miro Four Thirds will focus on video and telephoto performance. While the fixed lens camera business is death.