I don't think Panasonic intends for the introductory price to stay for long. Right now it's for the early adopters - eg S1 owners who must have the successor at all costs. I am an S1 owner but I am not looking to upgrade, not in the next couple of years. Once the initial rush clears there will be a steep drop in price (in the form of rebates). By Thanksgiving I expect it will be around $2600 or less.