Quoted By:
I found an interview about the background of the S series mirrorless in a Japanese economic magazine.
This is an interview between Tetsuro Homma.
Mr. Homma is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Appliances Company, which is in charge of consumer business in Panasonic.
This translation took time, but I think the content is interesting.
Source: Diamond Weekly, Toyo-Keizai
(1/3)
-- What is the status of Panasonic's camera business so far.
"We have shifted to the high-end market from 2 years ago, and the business performance has ensured an operating profit ratio exceeding 5% last fiscal year.
Entry into this full-frame mirrorless camera is a new challenge to continue to grow with profitability."
The turning point became the LUMIX GH series which developed the compact and video shooting function to appeal,
it was the announcement of the "GH4" series that shifted the concept of the GH series all at once into the high-end direction.
GH4 became a product appealing to some enthusiasts in Europe and the US and showed the possibility of directing the LUMIX brand to the high-end and professional.
But, GH4 was only "small success" yet in Europe and the US market.
At that time, reviewing the strategy and examining the investment began in earnest, negotiations for the L-mount aliance with Leica also began.
-- What kind of hypothetical users is the target product for mirrorless camera "S series" to be released next spring?
"Professional photographer.
We devoted all the techniques to make sure that the camera can be used at any time the professional wanted to use.
And we achieved a weather sealing performance that works even if bringing the camera to Antarctica.
We will utilize overseas Professional video cameras support centers and expand our service bases."
