Panasonic has a patent assigned for a camera design with extendable grip. Retracted can the body be used as a camcorder, while it is in extended position suitable for taking photos.
In the patent the design of a camera body with a long instead of wide central part is described, as is reading at Egami. The grip on the right hand side is, however, extendable. The advantage of this is that the camera with lens so small can be created, for example for storage during transport. The extension would make it easy to go from camcorder to dslr-handle and vice versa to switch.
The lcd is, just as in the Lumix G-m4/3-camera series swivel. Both in the dslr – as the camcorderconfiguratie can the lcd be used for the image to show, while that to the front in the longitudinal direction of the camera body when folded up may be for protection during transport.
The camera design makes use of interchangeable lenses, and although the m4/3 system in the patent of Panasonic not mentioned by name, it seems that the lensbevestiging in the illustrations in the Japanese patent on the m4/3-mount.
The current Lumix G – and GF-cameraseries have the ability to both pictures and video, and Panasonic has the AG-AF100, a professional video camera with m4/3-mount. The design looks a little cumbersome and large, but it is a design study and not a final product.
It is not known if Panasonic is really a camera with such a grip will be released. The patent application in december 2009 in Japan submitted, while the patent at the end of June of this year it is awarded.
