(FT4-FT5) Also Olympus will make a very small PEN. And the E-P3 is “PRO”!
Is the new PEN light almost as small as the Olympus XZ-1?
It’s very hard for me to get a clear picture about the upcoming Olympus products. But after a long work with many sources (Thanks!) I can share some pieces of reliables rumors with you.
(FT4) It’s almost certain that there will be two new PEN cameras in June. A couple of new sources even said there are three new PEN’s coming. But according to two of our known sources that doesn’t sound to be right (or only two of them will be announced in June, and the other model some time after?).
(FT4) One camera will be a very LIGHT Pen. And it sounds like it will be placed BELOW the actual E-PL2!!! It has a completely new design. I don’t know how it will look but I wouldn’t be surprised if it would take the shape and form of the current Olympus XZ-1. But that’s my speculation only for now. Hope to learn more about the design soon. I got no specs about that camera from my known sources (new sources said that there will be a new 12 Megapixel sensor).
(FT5) I am almost 98% sure the Olympus E-P2 is going to be replaced by the newer E-P3. It will be announced in late June. My trusted anonymous sources said that this is a “PRO” model. But that’s all I got from them. I hope the word “PRO” defines a camera that it is a step above the actual E-P2. To me the new E-P3 has to be very different from the current E-PL1/2 line otherwise it doesn’t make sense at all! Let’s hope Olympus will not repeat the product reiteration they had the last two years. The big question is: Does it have an integrated viewfinder or not? Will the E-P3 resurrect the old Olympus SP rangefinder design? I didn’t get a definitive answer on that until now. If some of my sources knows something than please send me a message using the contact form on the right sidebar. Thanks! 
I really do hope Olympus will make it right with both new models. An ultrasmall PEN makes sense to me and it will compete against the upcoming GF3. Let’s see if Olympus manages it to keep the in body IS or not. And than let’s also hope the new Olympus E-P3 will be one of those cameras that can hurt the current Fuji X100 hype. that would be something amazing!
P.S.: I got some rumors about the second portrait lens from Olympus. Hope to get some confirmation form other sources too!
Links to cameras discussed in that article:
Olympus E-P2 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Olympus E-PL2 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Fuji X100 at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Olympus SP on eBay (Click here).
Reminder -> 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
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ronengelbert
12 months ago |Sounds good to me. If I had the money I’d buy both;-)
NiKo
12 months ago |Somewhat good news. I hope the “PRO” E-P3 has a built-in viewfinder, though. Olympus is potentially sit on gold here…
Tom
12 months ago |+1
EP-3 with EVF, RF style, take the 12/2.0, 20/1.7 and 50/2.0 primes and that system would kick X100s ass…
Eric
12 months ago |I was thinking this exact same thing. Although the OCPD part of me hopes Olympus has a 22mm f/1.4 planned just so all three primes match
Archer Sully
12 months ago |Yep. Especially because Olympus will a) make more of them and b) actually get them into the hands of customers. For all of the faults of Olympus marketing, at least the cameras get delivered.
Atle
12 months ago |I would like a smaller and lighter model, but only if it has stabilisation. Thats a main selling point for olympus. I also hope the sensor will perform well.
43RC
12 months ago |Hopefully it will have EVF and swivel screen. If Olympus wants 4/3 DSLR users to migrate to micro4/3, it should offer these features. Let us know if you find out, Admin! Thanks.
Duarte Bruno
12 months ago |I wondering if it really worth waiting for… until now the only technical big advantage Olympus have on their side is IBIS, because Panasonic is trouncing them on all other departments.
The G3 is already looking like a benchmark and I have to dig deep inside my head to justify the GH2 over it…
Digifan
12 months ago |Bruno you’re right on IBIS but you forgot JPEG IQ.
Even for Professionals JPEG IQ is very important, it’s a timesaver and thus money maker if the PP can be kept to a minimum.
In this regard Olympus is still king.
43RC
12 months ago |Olympus isn’t going to let Panny have all the glory. I expect a major update to the E-P3.
So the second lens is portrait, not macro? Hope so!
JRK
12 months ago |The G3 does look like it is going to get better than before though.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |It appears the G3 has caught up to Oly in regard to JPEG quality, although Panasonic JPEGs are hardly as bad as Oly users want to believe.
While IBIS can certainly be helpful in some situations, it’s hardly a panacea.
I’m more interested to see if Oly finally delivers some M4/3 lenses on par with Zuiko lens reputation. M4/3 needs more high quality native lenses!
Eric
12 months ago |I disagree on Panasonic’s JPEG’s. They are horrid on my G1, and up until the G3 I haven’t seen much of an improvement. However, I’m still not convinced the G3 is up to Olympus’ standards either. We’ll see after Olympus gets that sensor. Oly has been the market leader in JPEGs for a while now. So it’s not just Panny they’re trouncing. I’ve owned virtually every brand there is now aside from Leica and IMO only Nikon’s JPEG engine was close to Olympus’. Canon and Sony are both ok, but they use too much pixel blurring. Pentax has the same issue Panasonic has; flat colors.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |Then get a GH2. It’s JPEGs are fine, with natural colors and not over-saturated.
I have Nikons, Canon and Olympus and put Panasonic and Nikon images in the natural department and find Olympus and Canon too punchy.
Archer Sully
12 months ago |I suspect that we will start seeing real Zuiko glass in June. Just don’t be in a hurry to see the line filled out; I get the impression that Olympus takes their time in designing the real glass.
Eric
12 months ago |I was about to say the same thing. To this day my EP-1 is still the only camera I’ve owned that I’d happily use in JPEG mode.
Sören
12 months ago |Now, that sound good.
Lets hope the E-P3 is the model that gives an alternative to the big E-5 for all the E-420/E-520/E-620 users out there.
pete
12 months ago |e-p3 will not help olympus…. business will be bad for olympus.. remember my words.
DonTom
12 months ago |No need for us to remember, I’m sure you’ll remind us!
emde
12 months ago |OK for the cameras, but I am eagerly awaiting details for the portrait prime – focal length, maximum aperture, etc
Peter F.
12 months ago |Will the new portrait lens be a macro as well? Such as a 75mm?
ggweci
12 months ago |I hope Oly improves their AF speed and blackout time on this new “Pro” model to bring it in-line with the Pany GH2 and G3. That’s one area that they are lacking in IMO.
daniel highmountain
12 months ago |Sounds delicioius!
Miroslav
12 months ago |They are moving in the right direction. Hopefully at least one of those cameras has articulated LCD, both have IBIS and the small one isn’t oversimplified. Let’s hope Oly refreshes the software side as well. Waiting for more specs…
DonTom
12 months ago |Great news on the small PEN, the range needs a proper spread. Also very excited about the EP3, but it will have to have an EVF. Waiting to see the FT5 image of that one!
Most of us understand that 4/3 is where Olly needs to keep it’s DSLR “like” bodies at the moment, but a more serious m43 camera is going to be a strong seller for them, they can’t ignore it.
And the portrait prime will be welcomed, as long as it’s fast….
Agent00soul
12 months ago |I find it hard to believe that the ultra-small camera can have room for IBIS (and battery power to suit). Prepare yourself for an IBIS-less model and possibly a new ultra-compact zoom with OIS.
I don’t think OIS takes up much space in the lens as such. But it might be incompatible with the collapsible design, as this requires a certain arangement of the lens elements. Just compare the drawings og Olympus and Panasinic’s kit lenses. They’re totally different with regard to the lens elements.
napalm
12 months ago |they were able to make it for e-620. it was a “revolution” back then, smallest DSLR body with IBIS. I think it is still possible. although it might not be as effective. but i’ll take 2stops of IBIS than nothing at all.
Agent00soul
12 months ago |Well, the E-620 is huge even compared to the E-PL2. We’re talking a quantum leap here. And remember the battery will have to be smaller for this size of camera. So that means less power for the IS.
Atle
12 months ago |Doesn’t the XZ-1 have IBIS? Thats a pretty small camera.
Agent00soul
12 months ago |I’m pretty sure it has OIS, like all(?) compacts.
Archer Sully
12 months ago |IBIS is a core differentiator for Olympus. It will be there.
Ross
12 months ago |Except the E420 & E450 didn’t have it, so the mini PEN might not have it too.
Christian
12 months ago |Sounds good. The current PEN are too similar and Oly definitely needs to spread its range of products. A very small camera is suitable to compete against Panasonic GF and to demonstrate that it is possible to build smaller cameras than Sony NEX. A more sophisticated modell with swivel screen and EVF is needed for people coming from the DSLR-range. Using both E-3 and E-620 I would find it unbearable to dispense with these items.
ArKetsaint
12 months ago |Great news On Great site from Great Admin !
admin
12 months ago |Thanks ArKetsaint. Now I am very shy
sneye
12 months ago |Thank you, admin. Great news. I’m not concerned about image quality, because the old 12MP sensor is already good enough for my needs (with E-5 processing). However, I’m sure Olympus will not stay behind Panasonic in that respect. More important (as to the high grade body) are build quality, ergonomics and operation. The ideal design for me would be OM-like: slightly larger than the PENs with a large viewfinder, a thick metal envelope and dedicated mechanical controls for aperture (preferably a ring around the lens mount), shutter speed (top-plate dial) and EV compensation (a lever on the side). Would be nice if it supported faster AF with the ‘classic’ 4/3 lenses.
The Minipen (I like that name, wish Olympus used it) does not interest me.
napalm
12 months ago |please make the E-P3 have an EVF, fast AF for 4/3 lenses (like a simulated Phase detect AF) and hopefully able to use the AF-illuminator with the flashes (or at least release a new flash that can), JPEGs as good as the E-5 or G3 and 1080p video. that’s good enough for me.
Tobias W.
12 months ago |So, one more month of waiting. Waiting and searching for leaked images on the web…
AndersN
12 months ago |Well, since the XZ-1 is one of the ugliest compacts in the market I doubt that the mini-PEN will borrow its looks. A mini-PEN must be designed to appeal to the mass market, i.e. the non-enthusiasts. I wouldn’t be surprised if it will look like a slightly larger version of Olympus’ regular compacts.
Henke
12 months ago |Really? Has there been a voting for the ugliest compact camera and XZ-1 won? I think the XZ-1 has a serious look and not at all bad!
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |+1 Definitely not ugly. For once a camera whose designers didn’t think that they were the next Ive. A basic box with simple and relatively logical controls.
tmrgrs
12 months ago |I also like the appearance of the XZ-1. I’d be very interested in a PEN-mini that could duplicate that appearance and size. The XZ-1 has IBIS but maybe it’s easier to implement in that size body when the sensor is smaller as well. The XZ-1′s around-the-lens 2nd control dial would also be a great feature for the PEN-mini.
And BTW – If you want to see an ugly compact, take a look at the Coolpix P7000!
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |The XZ-1 is really nice looking and feels very solid, like a well made tool, not a fashion accessory. I appreciate it’s simplicity and it doesn’t have all those cloying hipster-bait faux-retro elements and cheesy chrome accents that mar The Oly M4/3 bodies. I’m not a fan of the white body, but it’s nice to use and surprisingly big, about the same size as a GF2!
It’s too bad it’s hampered by a clunky software interface and doesn’t have AVCHD.
I hope the rumored Oly’s move in that direction, visually.
@tmrgrs… No kidding about the CoolPix P7000. It’s the Quasimodo of compact cameras.
AndersN
12 months ago |If things like “serious look”, “basic box with simple and relatively logical controls”, “around-the-lens 2nd control dial”, “a well made tool, not a fashion accessory” is what really appeals to the mass market, how come there are fewer such cameras in the market than there are colour choices for a Canon Ixus?
Tobias W.
12 months ago |Thinking out loud, what does a PEN mini imply? What lens will be sold with such a PEN? It certainly won’t be the standard kit zoom, as it’s too big. So, the only Olympus pancake lens is the 17mm. Will this be the lens or will there be a new lens for the new PEN mini?
MJ
12 months ago |The new kit zoom is a fraction smaller than the first one isn’t it ? I think it’ll be alright, it’s not that big, especially if you compare it to panasonic’s zooms. But oh boy, more compact prime lenses are always welcome
Agent00soul
12 months ago |It’s slightly smaller in diameter but it’s also a few millimeters longer.
Nico Foto
12 months ago |Lets hope oly makes it right this time with the Pen PRO. Hopefully it will share the tactile “hands on” control gestalt of oly rf cameras of yesterday. Hopefully the new sensor will deliver. Hopefully the AF will be on par with Pana.
Hmmmm. I find it difficult to believe they’ll tick all the right marks given their recent history…but who knows…
lunic
12 months ago |For PEN ‘Pro’ with built-in EVF, olympus already has a very nice design. If they refine the E-300 design for new PEN and make good balance with EVF, hot shoe with AP2 port and built-in flash, It will sustain the gorgeous line of E-P1 and get some powerful ergonomics mainly from EVF.
spanky
12 months ago |If the “Pro” E-P3 is anything less than a mirrorless version of the E-5, Olympus will lose credibility in serving the “pro” market. The GH series proves that not all mirrorless users are hung up on the smallest possible camera size – some of us with large hands appreciate the ergonomics of a full-featured larger body.
MJ
12 months ago |You mean the capabilities of the E-5 in a GH2 type and size body. Yes that would be interesting. Either that or the x100 way.
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |GH2′s ergonomy sucks even compared to Oly’s low end hobbyer E-5xx/6xx serie so GH2 like body is bad design goal for high end body and would only confirm Olympus having lost their way.
It would be possible to make body with good controls and ergonomy to about that size but that needs pure utilitarian prioritizing of features and leaving PR BS features into secondary role.
MJ
12 months ago |Yep.
fta
12 months ago |“GH2′s ergonomy sucks even compared to Oly’s low end hobbyer E-5xx/6xx serie so GH2 like body is bad design goal for high end body and would only confirm Olympus having lost their way.”
Yeah.. I hear that a lot from people that don’t own or can’t buy a GH2.. My GH2 feels just fine in my hands.
weird, eh?
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |+1
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |Fine size if you’re Asian child worker or masochist…
Or is your ergonomy comparison point some Canon Elph/Ixus?
And don’t give me that crap about not having used it. Did that constantly for 20 days and ergonomy is even slightly worser than I deducted from pictures and measures.
It would be possible to make EVF body with very good controls and ergonomy into about same size (used one for five years) but GH2 does all important points wrong. Heck, even those decades old slim and gripless film SLRs are more comfortable to hold in hand because at least they got plenty of free surface area to grap from.
Modern consumer is too well conditioned to accept without questioning any crap what marketroids spew out as the latest second coming of the Jesus.
So get those heads out of butts of marketroids and start using other material than marketing for learning.
MJ
12 months ago |As it is I do not get the appeal of the Olympus XZ-1 because it is too big for a pocket, not that big a sensor, but it’s still expensive. So why not spend that money on m43 instead as either way you’ll need a bag for it where the size difference is negligible, and clearly m43 is much more capable. But yea put a m43 sensor in it and add the lens-mount, they might have something there.
TheVoiceoverman
12 months ago |Too big for what pocket? It’ll go in any coat pocket and some trouser pockets. Unless you’re a hipster in embarrassingly tight jeans. And the lens is extremely versatile. Since I got mine I hardly use my E-PL1 at all.
NiKo
12 months ago |Dear Olympus, I want the Pro Pen to look like this http://f.cl.ly/items/0i1U2m3H221w2d0j163c/$(KGrHqJ,!lIE3NS5LMegBN0M!w1WfQ~~_12.jpeg
Thank you,
Love.
Eric
12 months ago |+1
I still can’t wrap my brain around why Panasonic’s first idea was “lets make mirrorless cameras that look just like DSLR’s”. When I first read the m4/3′s announcement all I could think about was finally; we’ll get a digital Contax G2. It’s been almost 3 years since that point and we still don’t have one.
Peter
12 months ago |That was actually the first camera I bought! Or at least almost, this is a G2 right? Got a used silver G1 with the 28/45/90mm lenses and still have it for sentimental reasons
The viewfinder was not very good though.
cL
12 months ago |Contax G2 is a classic. It’s essentially a Yashica with a limited but very good set of lenses.
G1 doesn’t fetch as high price as a G2, but I’ve never used it, so G2 must have some improvement that is really important.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |Form follows function.
A built-in EVF, integrating a pop-up flash and microphone, centered over the lens. It seems pretty logical to me.
Is there something about an SLR type body that makes it worse, or less functional, than a rangefinder style body?
Right now, the GH2 (soon to be joined by the G3) is the ONLY M4/3 camera that has a built-in EVF and an articulated LCD, among other features. Those are things that apparently quite a few M4/3 users and potential users, want, are willing to pay for AND unfortunately WAIT for. (me too)
Does it really matter so much what the thing looks like as long as it can help someone take better pictures?
The funny thing is, that I’m not particularly thrilled with the look of any of the M4/3 cameras, aside from the GF bodies. The EP1 with the satin metal body is nice, too. I bought into the M4/3 platform and a GH2 based on what it can do, not on how pretty it is.
So, if Olympus had a full-featured M4/3 camera with an SLR style M4/3 body like the Gx or GH2, would you be hating on it in the same way?
Eric
12 months ago |No, ultimately it doesn’t matter. I’m a G1 owner even though I despise the design of it. There simply isn’t anything on the market I like right now. I use RF triggers, so external EVF’s aren’t an option for me. Nor is just doing without a view finder an option as far as I’m concerned.
The way I look at current mini DSLR designs are they’re neither fish nor fowl. They are not small, yet not large enough to comfortably to use. I’ve found that small cameras with large grips and not only pretty ugly to look at they are simply not very comfortable to use. My hand wraps all around them. So the grip provides no comfort at all because its simply not large enough. I’d rather do without it. As a result the camera will have a cleaner Leica-like design and they will be no worse ergonomically. The G3 is a step in the right direction, it reminds me a bit of the Olympus E-420, so that’s good. However they need to take it one step further.
It really shouldn’t be tough to make people like me happy. We’re not asking for something we didn’t have access to for 50 years prior to the digital switch. Up until the digital switch we always had Contax G2′s, Olympus OM’s, Zeiss ZM’s, Voightlander Bessa’s, Cannonet’s, and tons of other camera’s to choose from…all we want is something to fill that void. Camera’s are more then just gadgets; people use them to create art and memories. We want tools that feel like they are an extension of who we are. However when I look at cameras like my G1 I see something that looks like it was designed in a corporate board room to fill the biggest market segment it can by making it as generic as possible. It’s hardly something that screams “use me” when I see it sitting on my shelf.
Monty Leman
12 months ago |For better or worse, camera buyers in general seem to be very conservative about what they want a camera to look like. Every time a company has come out with a camera that had a distinctly different look, it hasn’t sold well, AFAICT. That’s probably a large part of why the DSLR look continues. (That, and the DSLR form factor isn’t all that bad, when you think about it: it’s got handles on either side, and a flat place to put buttons and a display…)
cL
12 months ago |That has some truth in it. Just look at Olympus E-1…, it still looks pretty weird in my eyes. Most of people choose Canon and Nikon because they’re not very adventurous enough to try something new. It is a very expensive purchase after all so most people are very conservative.
MJ
12 months ago |Oh boy oh boy i really really hope so ! Finder seems a bit small but just this kind of control and form-factor would be perfect. Imagine if it has a actual rangefinder, now that would be one awesome olympus surprise -that the true olympus is very much capable of.
Thomas
12 months ago |perhaps they thought their new OIS telezooms up to 100-300mm need some “grip” and where to store the decent viewfinder, without shrinking the beautiful new touch-tilt-display ? it’s a conversativ choice, but it’s more practicable until there are enough lenses to evolve to a rangefinder.
T.
MJ
12 months ago |Huh oh i see, you replied to Eric. But that’s what i was saying; Olympus is better than that. Instead of doing just whats practical for them, surprise us with a daring choice that’s made for photography and not ‘the market’. Something extraordinary, like Fuji did with the X100. Probably not tho, but we can all dream.
WT21
12 months ago |If Oly makes a mini-pen with IBIS that I can attach the 20/1.7 to, ummm … I think I would buy that immediately, even if the controls are all buried in menus.
Even if it was a fixed lens but m43 sensor, that would also be fantastic, if it was indeed as smallish as the XZ-1 (and shot RAW).
Having said that, I do want the EP3 Pen Pro. If it was at ALL Range-finder type (with a few more knobs), I would simply die with happiness.
So, in short, if this rumor is correct in the extremes, then Oly will fill some great niches, and I’ll end up spending lots of money.
I’m a little skeptical, though, because Oly really does seem pretty lost. We’ll see soon!
Jorgen
12 months ago |It seems Panasonic is lost actually with the GF2 and the G3, removing everything from the older models that made them nice (manual controls!) adding a touchscreen and only aiming to make everything smaller.
arguros
12 months ago |Hi,
Which one is the first? Is Olympus going to sell 2 new portraits lens?
>>P.S.: I got some rumors about the second portrait lens >>from Olympus. Hope to get some confirmation form other >>sources too!
Agent00soul
12 months ago |I think he meant the second new lens, which is supposed to be a portrait lens.
AndyOz
12 months ago |Hi Admin
Thanks for your work on this. As you say – the big question is whether the Pro Pen/E-P3 will have a built-in EVF. Do you have any hints from your sources that it might have one?
drawingyourattention
12 months ago |I wouldn’t want to replace my pen with vf2. If thats the ‘pro’ update. They really need to come with a better sensor (not more megapixels!)
NativeFloridian
12 months ago |IMO, the big rumor (labeled FT5) is that the EP-3 will be the ‘pro’ model. This leads me to belive that the ‘pro’ model will be more in the rangefinder mold which represents a sharp contrast from Panasonic.
I’m sure I’m in the minority, but I would prefer a more modular PEN design with attachable EVF, compatible with fexternal Flash, and have an attachable battery grip (for more battery life and to help balance the larger lenses). As long as all the attachments were high-quality everyone could mix there own ‘pro’ camera.
BTW, I bought an EPL-1 instead on an EP-1 because of the flash… but I’ve honestly had no need for the flash since I purchased the 20mm panasonic lens. Kinda wish I went with the EP-1 which has more external controls… oh well.
Eric
12 months ago |I could be happy with an external EVF if they’d just redesign the VF-2. I’d remove the hinge to make it smaller. Then add a hotshoe to the top of it and put it in a metal body instead of plastic. It would be very similar to the old Pentax LX with it’s interchangeable prisms.
That said, I’d still rather just have it built in instead of paying $220 for an external EVF. EPL2 + EVF = $800. Panny G3 = $700. Seems like Olympus is really overpricing the VF2.
Ross
12 months ago |An EVF without the hinge would be a backward step, except if it had a TTL flash hot shoe on top & was an affordable inclusion in a camera kit. The Pro model also needs a commander flash for RC flash control & the EPL-2 type pop up flash does that quite well, but the most important thing is not to limit the accessories to a single unit at a time on the hot shoe, because the EVF & an external flash needs to be operational together. That is just so limiting for a serious photog to be limited with options for that interface (accessories & hot shoe combined). Maybe an attachment that allows the external TTL flash to be used & a side extension for the accessories might work.
Duarte Bruno
12 months ago |(replied in the wrong branch of the thread tree)
Sorry, I tend to overlook about Olympus JPEG quality. Haven’t used that ancient form of masochism in 2 years…
Young-Sun Teh
12 months ago |I would love to see a Pen Mini. just hope that it won’t be dumb down. i do hope that there will still be a few dials to enable easy adjustments of exposure.
a pen pro is also something i look forward too lets hope its small light but built like a tank and every one will be happy
Tobias W.
12 months ago |How much “PRO” can we expect from the E-P3 if Olympus doesn’t even have “PRO” lenses (yet) for m43?
Open for discussion.
I really hope it will have an EVF integrated in a PEN like body (not G3 like body).
patrick
12 months ago |Interesting line-up … a small PEN with simplified control and a E-P3 pro model hopefully with swivel screen, EVF. That puts the E-PL2 in between.
Mark
12 months ago |I don’t understand all the people wishing for a mini-DSLR PEN in the same style as the GH2 or G3. It wouldn’t add anything significantly new to what’s already available and would simply square Olympus up against Panasonic.
The success of the X100 shows there’s real appetite for a rangefinder style mirrorless camera with non-sticky-outy EVF. If the Pro PEN is one of these it would make sense from a product line-up point of view and would provide m4/3 with genuine choice.
Duarte Bruno
12 months ago |What about T&S&S LCD?
Try that for street shooting and let me know how it goes.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |T&S&S LCD? What the heck is that?
safaridon
12 months ago |What if Oly was to use the same body and lens of the XZ1 only with m4/3 sensor and effective focal reach of lens would be cut in half to 28-56mm while retaining same fast f1.7-2.5? The IBIS would have to be larger for the larger sensor. I think such a camera would be very popular especially if Oly were to add the x1.3 extended optical zoom that Pany uses. Such a fixed collapsing zoom lens m4/3 camera would compete with XZ1 and that may be the problem of such a scenario.
John
12 months ago |This is what I’d like to see from Olympus and/or Panasonic:
(1) Compact m43 body with a collapsing non-interchangeable lens (24-80/2-2.8 FF equivalent) and no EVF. Built-in flash. Yes it’s not an interchageable lens body, but to get things compact you can’t have everything. I’d take the fixed lens and no EVF for the compactness and great IQ compared to any tiny-sensored P&S. A LX-5 killer if you will (though it might have to be a bit larger – that’s OK).
(2) Medium sized compact m43 body with interchangeable lens mount. Optional EVF and maybe a moveable LCD with built-in flash. Mixtures of physical dials and software to control the camera. Seems like they already have this in bodies like the EPL-2 and such.
(3) “Pro” m43 body with built-in EFV and articulated LCD. Lots of buttons and dials for control. Built-in flash would be great. Oly does not have this while the Panny GH-2 is close (needs to be more durable). Does not need to look like a mini-DSLR.
I’d buy #1 and #2 while many others will (and already are) buying #2 (e.g. the EPL-2).
Panasonic seems to be going the #1 route, but with interchangeable lense, which seems not so interesting to me because I might as well get a #2 then due to the lens sizes.
Just some thoughts and/or hopes from a full frame DSLR and LX-3 owner.
John
12 months ago |I meant:
I’d buy #1 and #3 while many others will (and already are) buying #2 (e.g. the EPL-2).
Just can’t type this morning.
frosti7
12 months ago |#1 my guess is that a non-interchangeable m43 would be up to 0.5 cm smaller, doesn’t worth the trade off IMHO
#2 you already have medium sized body WITH high quality EVF – G3
#3 it doesn’t have to have a bump but if you want to have the GH2 big EVF and a 3 inch articulated LCD then “rangefinder” style would be bigger then “DSLR” style
If anything, they could add additional GR-rangefinder camera with fixed 2.7 inch screen like the fuji X100, that might be slightly smaller then GH2 but it would be more stylish
SSingh
12 months ago |The E-P3 will be the game changer… Let’s hope.
Michael Devitt
12 months ago |I hope that Pro name won’t be just a marketing sticker on the camera but a true quality of a camera that photographers actually enjoy using it. Olympus with the MFT system can bring back “faded glory” of discrete cameras like OM series were back then.
And for that camera body design – I think that Yoshihisa Maitani would chose rangefinder style for PEN, because it’s easy to place EVF anywhere on a camera body rather than stuck with OVF placement in the middle of an SLR body (I know some models like L1 had viewfinder on the left).
There are full of DSLR styled MFT cameras from Panasonic yet, but not only one rangefinder styled model (with EVF).
cL
12 months ago |The original Pen isn’t a rangefinder. It looks like a rangefinder, but it’s actually an SLR with its prism hump on its side (covered underneath the chassis so it appears there is no hump).
Olympus 35 SP is a real rangefinder, so what you see is NOT what you get because of parallax error (it’s not TTL like SLRs are). What makes 35 SP special is because it’s the only camera of its kind in history: Spot metering + center average + auto exposure. Leica M5 has two of those features but not all three. All three features are taken for granted with SLR cameras, but for a rangefinder it’s not usual, especially given it’s a 40 years old camera with full mechanical design (springs and gears instead of circuit boards). With digital, those features won’t be special for today’s jaded consumers so can’t be major selling points. The exterior design itself is very similar to Minolta Hi-matic 7SII or many 70′s rangefinders. Canonet by comparison is one step down in term of sharpness. Yashica Electro is another series that uses the same design concept.
Olympus 35 SP belongs to 35 series, not PEN series…. Which would be weird if a digital PEN uses it. 35 series is NOT designed by Maitani.
What I wish for a pro style PEN is some sort of viewfinder. EVF or OVF, but because it’s mirrorless, so OVF would be weird, and would make it a real rangefinder (not just rangefinder style), which today’s customers would have trouble knowing how to compose and focus.
A rangefinders “style” camera does imply there won’t be super telephoto lenses…, even if it’s interchangeable lens system because of the small grip and balance issue. A real rangefinder also would face the issue of rangefinder focus frames…. That’s why most rangefinders are fixed lens design, not interchangeable lens system.
If you think Maitani would choose rangefinder because it’s “easy” to place the VF anywhere then you don’t know the man. The man is a legendary designer because everything he did was super difficult and never seen before. Original PEN as mentioned, used a very strange penta mirror design that’s laid on its side. It’s also world’s first half frame. OM-1 was the world’s smallest mechanical SLR when it was launched. XA uses a clam shell that was never seen before, and the way it hides its lens is by using retro focus design. None of which is “the easy way out” but “think outside the box.”
Michael Devitt
12 months ago |All true, cL, but is it Maitani spirit gone? I believe not. On the other hand we can take these old cameras and shoot film, even if it costs more than shooting digital, it’s fun. The Fujifilm X100 has shown there is a place for “classic” digital camera, not the mention fancy Leica still lives on (even though it is niche market).
cL
12 months ago |I hope the Maitani spirit would carry on into the digital age, because Olympus really needs it. I have a couple of cameras from Olympus 35 series from the 70′s, and they’re a LOT of fun to shoot with and they’re super sharp, even the cheap auto everything ECR is a pleasure to use and gives very good result.
If you have the pleasure to shoot with a SHG 4/3 lens, you know they’re out of this world, so maybe Maitani spirit does live on, but we probably won’t be seeing more of them on m4/3….
If you like Leica, one of the best Leica M mount cameras bears Minolta name as Minolta CLE, which is a joint effort between Leica and Minolta. That one is interchangeable lens system rangefinder. Not a very cheap camera though… (actually it’s more expensive than Leica CL, its predecessor). It reigned as the best Leica M mount camera for twenty years until Leica M7 was finally unveiled.
But of course, Olympus people would know better. An Olympus camera is every bit as good as a Leica, just with a lower price tag.
Leica isn’t a mass market camera brand though, so they’re okay the way they are. Maybe Olympus should make something like that. Expensive but very super. Actually that’s Olympus E-5 with SHG lenses, isn’t it.
Actually what killed OM-4Ti was its price tag.
cL
12 months ago |And of course, no camera system can be called pro unless it has pro lenses to accompany it.
compositor20
12 months ago |they need 1080p video
swivel screen
panasonic g3 sensor
HDR jpg mode and multishot low noise jpg and better DR in raw and good iso3200
better IBIS then e-pl1
off camera flash control
autofocus assist light (try focusing at night in the dark without one)
PDAF support or a wide angle 0.5 or 0.7 conversor to get 1 or 2 stops to compete with full frame in DOF and high ISO (only resolution and DR would suffer and that is probably the reason they are looking for better DR)
Miroslav
12 months ago |Agree with all the points. I’d add manual focus “peaking mode” assist.
Miroslav
12 months ago |And chromatic aberrations in camera correction for native m4/3 lenses. People seem to have forgotten Oly cameras still don’t do that.
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |Most of your list is “me-too,” “catch-up,” or “bug fix”:
Me-too and catch-up features:
* 1080P video, HDR, AF assist lamp, DR
Bug fix:
* IBIS
But I think that begs the issue. Is the CORE of the camera design correct? At a strictly photographer-centric consideration is the camera the right size, can you hold it well and not move your hands all over the place adjusting things, are aperture/shutter/ISO/compensation at a top level and direct controls, is it built well enough to stand up to constant use, is focus (both auto and manual) both fast and reliable?
Many of the complaints about both Panasonic and Olympus is that they’ve gone from a pretty decent core for photographers to more and more mass market considerations. The key decision tree seems to be “will it sell at Best Buy?” Which is why the marketing check list, gimmicks, and technology-driven things all come to the fore. “15 Art Filters” sounds like a plus in the Best Buy environment when the competition has none. But to me, the core and much of the enthusiast market the core is much more important, and we’ve seen a move away from a core that we want, thus the backlash.
This is not to say that the companies should produce consumer models that sell primarily in Best Buy. But the buzz that generates camera sales traffic tends to start and be amplified by enthusiasts. How many of you have been asked by others that know you’re a photographer “which camera should I buy?” If you think a company is abandoning you, you don’t recommend them. Simple as that.
Thus, the GH2 and a higher end GF are all critical for Panasonic, as is the E-P2 replacement for Olympus. The G3/GF2 and E-PL2 sell less well if the higher end models either don’t exist or are deficient in some way. In cameras, this “halo marketing” has long been a determinant of the winners. Minolta started slipping when it took so long before a Maxxum 9 series appeared, and it was late in the film era when a truly pro-level 9 finally appeared (one year before the Nikon D1).
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |+1
With nearly every consumer product… cameras, hi-fi, bicycles, cars, you name it… It’s the high-end products that lure buyers, pique interest, get them ready to buy, and push the brand forward. Very few end up buying top-of-the-line, but that’s not the point.
Fluff features like HDR, “art” filters, panoramas, in-camera editing, scene modes and such detract from core functionality. Photoshop does a helluva lot better job with that kind of thing than any camera ever will. How many times does anyone really use that stuff?
I’d love to see a camera that has PASM, iAuto, White Balance and ISO only. Video at this point is a must have thing, though not mandatory. Just get rid of the rest of the crap. Because it can be done and added, doesn’t mean it should.
alexander
12 months ago |everyone is waiting for the olympus of his dream!
this is the real m4/3.
let’s see if it will come out this time (internal flash, hdr, panorama stiching, retro look like fuji & maybe an internal viefinder)
MJ
12 months ago |‘internal flash, hdr, panorama stiching’
Really? Thát’s what makes a camera interesting for you?
babbit
12 months ago |A micro 4/3s camera with the basics and his list of features would definately make the camera interesting.
Ahem
12 months ago |As much as it pains to admit, that’s unfortunately what the masses want. Hopefully Olympus doesn’t ignore the needs of “serious” photographers with their list of features.
Miroslav
12 months ago |“‘internal flash, hdr, panorama stiching’
Really? Thát’s what makes a camera interesting for you?”
No, it’s much more interesting spending hours in front of the computer doing that yourself. If you have the time, skip in camera panorama and HDR and stitch in some software. I’d just shoot some more pictures.
MJ
12 months ago |I’d either do it properly or not at all, thankyou very much. I don’t know how you do it but you can be done before the last photo is uploaded from a card.
Miroslav
12 months ago |“I don’t know how you do it”
Haven’t tried the NEXes, but I used intelligent panorama on Sony’s HX5 P&S and have gotten some definite keepers. Not from a pixel-peeping point of view, but the effect and the composition are incredible sometimes. It’s not perfect, too automatic, but you learn how to get good results. I’m thinking of borrowing it for my trips just because of those panoramas, but carrying three cameras would be too much. That’s why I would like such feature in my m4/3 camera, I just don’t have the time at home to post process and I doubt any software could erase a moving object from a set of images made for panorama.
Mark
12 months ago |There are two good reasons why they should go for a rangefinder style body with a built in EVF.
1) Rangefinder style cameras are more pocketable. I’ve seen people argue around the houses on this one, but I can fit an EPL camera in my coat pocket (in any of my three coats) with the collapsible zoom or with a pancake lens. None of the mini-DSLR cameras will fit. They might be smaller in some respects but the VF hump just gets in the way. The pocketable point is very Very important for m4/3, because as soon as you’re carrying a separate camera bag there’s not really anything setting it apart from the rest of the DSLR crowd (unless you’re looking for video).
2) It does matter what a camera looks like. As the X100 and Leica’s show (along with all Apple tech) people will pay a premium for something which has been designed with care. There is not a rangefinder style body with built in EVF on the market currently from olympus or panasonic. They should be aiming to target as many potential customers as possible and should be looking to fill holes in their range, not release competing products with only minor differentiating features.
On a separate point it would really pay for Panasonic to release a consumer m4/3 video camera too.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |There should be several style M4/3 bodies to attract as many potential buyers to M4/3 as possible. Not everyone wants the same camera body type and some may want different camera bodies for different uses that all share the same lenses. Fixating on one particular body style limits interest in the platform. While the Fuji X100 looks like an excellent camera, it has very limited appeal. The more buyers, the more money there will be for R & D, the more varied lenses and bodies there will be.
So, yeah, there absolutely should be..
• true rangefinders style bodies with internal EVF and lots of external controls
• utilitarian SLR style bodies with EVF centered over the lens
• full-featured utilitarian cameras like the GF1
• full-featured fashion cameras like the Olys and GF2
• a very small, minimalist camera like the rumored GF3
Without a wider appeal the M4/3 platform could have a short life. Both Panasonic and Olympus need to do more marketing to let people know just what the M4/3 platform is all about and the advantages. I’d never even heard of M4/3 until last autumn and when people ask about my camera, most don’t get it.
P & O have a LOT of work to do in that regard!
frosti7
12 months ago |i belive sony outsells or sells as much of NEX as MFT, and thei are doing that with 2 bodies and 2 lens,
if MFT should develop more bodies to survive, then how can u explain the sony success?
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |Because modern consumer doesn’t buy product but religion.
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |>utilitarian SLR style bodies with EVF centered over the lens
Centered EVF doesn’t have anything utilitarian but its retro relic.
Rangefinders (+also camcorders) didn’t put viewfinder into top left corner just because of fun of being different but because that’s where it’s easiest to look into.
And that close enough to left side (to avoid nose hitting into body/rear LCD) is where EVF should be put in mirrorless system cameras.
Plain marketing won’t help if M4/3 keeps lacking high end bodies because that leaves much more room for Canikon to do easy entry into mirrorless systems.
But being late into game and going against full system would be always harder. (just like Oly was too late in getting into DSLRs for getting big share)
Dummy00001
12 months ago |Well, let’s wait and see what Olympus thinks “pros” need. Past experience tells me that many people would be gravely disappointed.
Boooo!
12 months ago |More art filters, of course.
frosti7
12 months ago |+1
not just art filters, but PRO art filters
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |lol
greyhat
12 months ago |Instead of grainy film will have several variants: Tri-X or HP5+, Plus-X, Pan F+, FP4+, “C41″, etc adding color filter variants as a second level (orange, red, yellow, etc)
For color: Provia, Velvia, Ultra Color, etc…
Olympus spent the last two years analyzing these films and making PRO art filters, that’s why it didn’t made a pro PEN or enhanced sensor: filters is creativity and creativity comes first.
Filters are finished, PRO pen is coming.
Ulli
12 months ago |when Olympus announces the E-P3 as a pro camera, you can be sure it will be the same grade as their E-1/3/5 models
Robbie
12 months ago |Agreed.
Martin
12 months ago |Right. But an Oly pro-mft model is very probably still somewhere in the distant future. One more year at least. Olympus themselves indicated that in one of the interviews. And btw., why would they call it E-P3 when the E-Px line hasn’t hitherto been ‘pro’ by any means?
Archer Sully
12 months ago |And as we all no magazine interviews are where definitive product plans are always announced.
Keep in mind that the major obstacle was AF speed, and it could be that Olympus made a deal with Panny for the GH-2 AF tech. Or Olympus looked at their market, and decided that they had to make a major move and moved up the “pro” camera.
Kornflejk
12 months ago |Source said about EP-3 that: “is a “PRO” model.”
I think that this statement means only that EP-3 will be a serious successor of EP-2 with some (hopefully major) improvements as faster AF, better IQ, longer battery life, more powerful built-in flash. Between lines: they keep the quality and reputation of upper PEN line. But I don’t think there is pro model above $1300 targeted for professionals coming. If yes I will be pleased
robin
12 months ago |agree
ksphotog
12 months ago |As a working pro and shooting Oly….I want a pro pen that is weather-sealed, a tilt/swivel LCD, 1/8000s, A pop up wireless controller for my FL-50′s like the PL series and some very fast m4/3 glass. Give me that and I’m a happy camper.
Happy shooting to all!
TR
12 months ago |Does ‘Pro’ necessarily mean weather sealed? If so I doubt there would be an external EVF. They would have to put out a new weather sealed EVF with a weather sealed connection.
Dummy00001
12 months ago |+1
frosti7
12 months ago |Deeply hope it will be “light rain proof”
digi
12 months ago |>A rangefinders “style” camera does imply there won’t be super telephoto lenses…,
That’s nonsense.
>A real rangefinder also would face the issue of rangefinder focus frames…. That’s why most rangefinders are fixed lens design, not interchangeable lens system.
There’s Leica if you want a real rangefinder. Even retro X100 has AF. But for those few still holding out hope for another real rangefinder, and not just “rangefinder-style”, chances are extremely slim. Best bet would be niche Panny-Leica, or Cosina Voigtlander microBessa?
For the rest of us, “rangefinder-style” is good enough. And it’s not just about “looks”.
But Olympus, please don’t make me have to buy the G3 with that ugly hump!
BS Artiste
12 months ago |I like my E-30 form factor. I would be interested in E-5 features and size with 1080p, fast autofocus, and a mount that can take my 4/3 lenses and new m4/3. That is the size of camera that makes sense for large zoom lenses.
The full size of Olympus’s DSLR products of E-3,E-5,E-30, and E-620 has a different feel than the current Pens. I don’t think one camera can fit the needs of users wanting a Pen-sized camera and users wanting a full-sized camera. The viewfinder and focusing technologies are not the issues, only the application speed and performance plus the user ergonomics.
BS Artiste
12 months ago |I hope for the best for something to work with my E-30 system. The 5Diii isn’t here yet, so I am still hoping for Oly to offer something for full size 4/3 users. I don’t really care about 4/3 vs. m4/3, EVF vs. OVF, CDAF vs.PDAF, or mirror vs. mirrorless. I just want speed (fast autofocus), performance (high video and still frame rates), and high quality (high resolution, low noise, high dynamic range) in an ergonomic package. Price is not a big issue. If I want an ultra small pocket camera with lesser capabilities, then I have my cell phone.
Robbie
12 months ago |I don’t get why so many wanted a “rangefinder” style camera. If you want one, maybe Fuji’s future X200 would be the one for you. Bright zooms, anyways, will also look awkward on such body. Olympus says that the E-XXX line will be replaced by the E-PX series. Then, why no DSLR-form bodies? I know one can always go for the GX or GHX but heck, I want an Olympus body! Just give us a mirrorless E-XXX style camera, is that SO DIFFICULT?
NiKo
12 months ago |If Fuji switches to micro 4/3 for its x200 I’ll be more than fine with it
But I highly doubt they’ll take this path and am pretty convinced that they’ll keep their all-around-the-lens approach, which makes perfectly sense to me.
amalric
12 months ago |I wonder if anybody remembers early rumors that predicted two Oly cameras for May June and a Pro later this year?
Among the first two, one would have E-P1 shape but either flip out screen and the other touch screen. Perhaps the latter is the Mini.
But it seems to me that there is some confusion between the E-P3 (traditional shape) and the semipro, which I hope might have more mechanical features and come later this year.