Dead project: the modular Olympus camera explained by a source

Years ago I did publish a couple of patents about a modular Olympus camera (Click here to read the patent that shows 8 different modular bodies). Of course this is now a dead project. A source shared some insights on this “experiment”:

  • Unlike the Ricoh GXR solution were sensor and lens were part of one single unit Olympus developed a fully modular system were every single part can be replaced.
  • The very cool thing is that you could rotate the sensor, and also use different sized sensors (!).
  • LCD and EVF were detachable (you can control the camera via wireless using the detached LCD).
  • It was meant as an open concept, it means third party companies could make single parts for the system. The Olympus prototype camera for example used both Kodak and Panasonic sensors.
  • The main body of the camera was mirrorless but you can attach a special adapter with included mirror to be able to use Optical View Finder.
  • It was a very advanced camera and that is probably also the problem of the whole project. To make it work flawlessly you have to work on many details. I have been told that engineers were facing many problems.

Old times folks, now Olympus is gone and we have to see if JIP will have the guts to try something new…

Olympus asks $70 for a hood? Don’t pay, Print it :)

Some say that 3D Printing is an ongoing revolution like it was Internet back in the nine-tees. And seeing how companies tend to charge you extra bucks on accessories you may just…print them for yourself! For example, if you don’t want to pay the $80 for the 75mm lens hood you can print a cheap plastic hood! All you need is a 3D printer (there is a list here at Amazon) and the hood design you can find and download here at thingiverse. For now you can print plastic elements only but in future also metal and wooden element printers will become mass products. Yes, I do believe 3D printing has a great future. And it will influence the camera market too!

Olympus accessories at Thiniverse.
Panasonic accessories at Thiniverse.

 

(FT5) E-M1II is coming at Photokina and has 4K!

Multiple sources confirmed Olympus will announce the new E-M1II at Photokina in September 2016. And the very first info I got about this camera is:

  1. it has 4K
  2. It has no global shutter. But Olympus worked hard to reduce rolling shutter to a negligible level

As usual sty tuned on 43rumors to learn more about the camera in the near future!


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FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
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(FT4) Some early Olympus E-M1 successor info.

Bildschirmfoto 2015-07-31 um 08.02.09

I got the following info about the E-M1 successor from a good source:

The E-M1 has improved version of the HR mode and a new improved viewfinder. What the conversations I’ve had so far all come down to is that the E-M5mk2 is acting as a proof of concept for the HR mode and improved IBIS (both are closely related). The E-M1mk2 is going to be released to incorporate improved (non proof of concept) versions of those things and the improved viewfinder. Primary goal is to stay competitive with competing offerings. My contacts suggest there are also some surprises included for sure, and some things that may be included but only if required for staying competitive, if not needed those will be kept for future models (and expanded in the meantime). Sadly I have no idea yet what those features are, other then those being related to processing, not to new hardware. The hardware platform is probably already finalized by this time, or will be in the next 1-2 months.

Thanks for the info!


For sources: Sources can send me anonymous info at 43rumors@gmail.com (create a fake gmail account) or via contact form you see on the right sidebar. Thanks!

To get notified on all upcoming news and rumors be sure to subscribe on 43rumors here:
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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct

(FT3) New Panasonic GH5 sensor is made by Sony.

MFT-sony

The current Sony FT sensors listed at Sony.net.

An Asian source reported that about the rumored new Panasonic GH5 sensor:

“Sony has an 18.9mm*13mm M43 sensor designed for Panasonic that could be used in GH5. Very high-end, 24 channel super fast readout speed that BIONZX could not keep up with. Only Panasonic can fully unleash the potential of this chip right now.”

Well, sounds great! Hope this means the GH5 is coming long before Photokina this year!


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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct

Poll: Should Panasonic join the T-mount system with FF cameras?

leicatmount
The Leica T FF mount

The “noise” is increasing about Olympus and Panasonic working on larger sensor cameras. There is yet no solid info a part of some Olympus patents. And as you know recently Leica launched the new SL FF system which has been co-developed with Panasonic.

The current Micro Four Thirds system has the best lens line up of all mirrorless system: And maybe the time has come to “expand” the possibilities by launching a new large sensor system. So let us know:

Should Panasonic join the Leica T-mount FF system?

View Results

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Hybrid E-M10II with Pen F mockup by Eearl

Bildschirmfoto 2016-02-13 um 10.38.40
Earl sent me this image:

FT 0.01… a Hybrid E-M10II with Pen F….lower cost with excellent ergonomics of E-M10II with corner EVF of Pen F. Retains grip, tilt, built-in flash. The camera I was hoping for…can’t seem to put pictures into forums…

Don’t think sucha a camera makes sense :)