(FT5) UPDATED: All Olympus camera will be mirrorless in the future
UPDATE: Read the very important editorial comment written by AP
At Amateur Photographer Olympus UK product manager Mar Thackare says that: : “We will continue to do these [Four Thirds cameras] until micro cameras can do what other products can,” and “All cameras will be mirrorless in the future.”
Olympus Europe spokeswoman Franziska Jorke cited the autofocus and burst rate of DSLRs as still being superior to Micro Four Thirds models, along with the optical viewfinders. Jorke predicted that the concept of a camera ‘will change in 5-10 years’. However, in a bid to reassure photo enthusiasts, she said there will always be an Olympus camera body available – whether a DSLR or another type of camera altogether – to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses.
Thanks Amateur Photographer!!!
P.S.: Let me know what you think about that interview…
Share
Recent comments
Comment from Per: Being a E-P1 owner I am very disappointe...
Comment from what!: They are Crazy to price a piece of shi...
Comment from Intruder: At $1,700USD, it's a bad camera with fea...
Comment from TempTag: and my Panny/Leica 25mm 4/3 seems to hav...
Rob
2 years ago |in other words, there will be no more 43 cameras. I wish they would just come clean.
Parci
2 years ago |if by “4/3 camera”, you mean a box with a swinging mirror, they yes. but does this really matter? if you get a tool with which you can use your 4/3 lenses just as well (!) as with an e-5, what’s not to like?
Martin
2 years ago |Read again:
“there will always be an Olympus camera body available – whether a DSLR or another type of camera altogether – to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses.”
It seams clean enough to me. I don´t think they mean micro (not in the current state, at least) by that.
the other Rob
2 years ago |I read it as being, there will always be an E5, but our focus in on micro 43.
personally I like the balance of a heavy camera if you are going to throw a big heavy lens on it. I am not sure how this will be accomplished in the future. I don’t see much hope for a weather-sealed mirrorless body unless it is this modular camera which they are talking about.
I guess we will see if they have anything a photokina to keep people interested.
KI
2 years ago |And now we wait for the first images showing us noise levels and some measurements on the DR of this camera. If the DR is any better than the E-3; it may still be useful.
(don’t get me wrong; I LOVE my E-3 .., but the DR is bugging me a bit).
The video is also a bit interesting for us that don’t carry a video camera all the time… if only it got 1080p/24 …, even 720p/24. 720p/30 is good though… – quality vise.
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Maybe a firmware update can add different video framerates choices in future? However, I doubt an upgrade to AVCHD is possible with f/w only, I think that needs additional h/w.
patrick
2 years ago |The goal is to get rid of historic artifacts like mirrorbox and of course the mechanical shutter. I doubt only Olympus will push development into this direction.
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Mechanical shutter will require space on the sensor.
I doubt that is good for Digital Still Photo, which need all available space for the 12 Megapixels.
However, for full HD video, the total amount of pixels needed is as ow as ~2 Mpix, so here I can see the need and possibility of an electronic shutter.
iMikl
2 years ago |Hopefully this means there will be a µE-5 in the future
Olympus Statement ‘All Cameras Will Be Mirrorless in the future’ « Digital Photography
2 years ago |[...] in the future’September 14, 2010 in News by Joanne Carter 0 commentsNews just in via 43Rumors, confirms what we have been thinking for some time, apparently, Mark Thackare the UK Product [...]
Agent00soul
2 years ago |I think they said that they will continue to offer mirror reflex cameras until the can get the same or better performance (focusing speed, finder quality etc) in a mirrorless camera.
Michael
2 years ago |If they (Olympus) aimed for semi-pro mirrorless camera market and not only for mainstream (long range slow zooms, ignoring rangefinder-styled potential of the system) the FT replacement could be already here. It is funny like no one(Sony, Samsung,anybody) wants to jump into this market except pricey Leica. The mFT will need unique sensor in the future (maybe Fujifilm can take care) with high optical performance to any best APS-C (yes, competition doesn’t sleep) sensor and lenses we know from regular FT but mostly higher aperture lenses (primes are the key, if you like zooms shoot DSLRs or there are bunch of mZD in the offering).
Michael
2 years ago |And for those that mFT are not small enough buy a compact camera or ridiculously small NEX body compared to dedicated system lenses.
CR102
2 years ago |It makes a lot of sense: Fuji has recently demonstrated that phase difference AF is possible using the main image sensor, so a mirrorless design could make the most of 4/3 lenses. The VF-2 demonstrates that EVFs are almost as good as OVFs (for some applications they are actually better). An E-OM must be on its (slow) way.
Michael
2 years ago |Phase detect Fujifilm AF system are faster than contrast detect one but in low light it switch to CDAF anyway. PDAF is not really necessary if CDAF has fast algorithm and PDAF is more to prone for front/back AF issues. Agree with EVF part and with digital OMs.
CR102
2 years ago |The trouble is that most of the high-grade Zuiko lenses don’t support fast CDAF. PDAF has to be performed in one way or another.
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Phase detect Fujifilm AF system is therefore an interesting route for use with the HG & SHG lenses.
Ganec
2 years ago |There is problem with front/back focus because AF senzor is separate of main senzor. With PDAF on the main senzor there is no problems with front/back focus.
maybe in low light there is a problem because senzor in Fuji is much smaller .. with bigger senzor there may not be such problem…
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |True, theFujifilm sensor is a 1/2″ 12MP Super CCD EXR sensor.
A 4/3 sensor is substantially larger to fit the CDAF sensels.
Good to see Fujifilm pioneering these new routes.
napalm
2 years ago |people are always hard on the one who makes the first move. remember when they were trashed for putting the live view on the e-300/330 and people called it a gimick? now everybody uses live view…
i believe it’s really painful for olympus to do this, but i dont see it as an abandonment of 4/3 users. whether we’ll see the next phase this year or the next, i’m all for it.
Chris
2 years ago |Just like how Apple got trashed for not putting a floppy drive in their first iMac. Where are floppy drives now?
I like Olympus because they innovate. The market would stagnate without them.
Jungle
2 years ago |Perhaps for those who already have the E-3, the E5 is not interesting update. But it will be good buy for those who have a E5xx.
In 5-10 years I’ll make many thousands of photos and enjoy my great glasses. And then I’ll have a m4/3 pro and I’ll be happy again.
Dummy00001
2 years ago |> But it will be good buy for those who have a E5xx.
Like me. But not at the announced price. I’d rather wait for the E-620 update.
Jungle
2 years ago |Yes, it’s expensive for me, too. Especially after so many doubts and sadness that this situation has created for owners of Olympus bodies and lenses.
If Olympus sells the E-5 to 1200-1300 euros, approximately, I would buy now. But I think it won’t be soon.
kesztió
2 years ago |It was the high time.
Les
2 years ago |The elephant in the room is that current electronic viewfinders are nowhere near good enough.
I was shooting my Hasselblad (old V series) last week, and looking down at that gorgeous focusing screen was a breath of fresh air. Everything was bright, clean, highlights weren’t blown-out, there was no lag, and I could judge sharpness while looking at the whole frame. EVFs are like being stuck in a tunnel with only a pen light. I realize that they are cheaper to build, but what’s the use if I can’t see what I’m doing? They just don’t inspire me to make pictures.
david
2 years ago |“current” is of course the key word
kesztió
2 years ago |First of all, just wait for next generation LVF-s (Newer than the one for G2/GH1, maybe a new one in GH2?)
Another thing is that even the huge prism on E-3 ha slightly smaller magnification than the EVF from GH1.
And – last but not least – manual focusing, metering by histogram, color balance checking is much-much easier using a – GOOD! – EVF.
Eric
2 years ago |The problem there is yes, older SLR’s do have great OVF’s, but good VF’s on SLR’s went the way of the dodo with the advent of autofocus. Then they just got worse once cropped sensor DSLR’s appeared. If someone makes a digital Olympus OM then I’m all for OVF’s, however I’d rather use a EVF over any of the 4/3′s or APC-C OVF’s. Even the giant full frame Canon 1Ds has a smaller peep hole then the minuscule Olympus OM4.
Chris
2 years ago |Definitely. I believe EVF is the future, as you get to see EXACTLY what is going to be recorded. I liken it to rangefinders vs SLRs: some disadvantages (like focusing accuracy), but getting to see directly through the lens is a godsend.
I still can’t get used to DSLR viewfinders myself. Then again, I shoot with a Pentax 67. If somebody can figure out how to make an EVF with a bright prism finder on top of it, they can make the EVF any size they want. They can make a camera with a big, bright viewfinder comparable to an OM or, heck, even comparable to a 645 SLR!
That is, if size isn’t a limiting factor (as it is now with Olympus’s m43 direction).
Inge - M.
2 years ago |Yes i also think the.
Ken B
2 years ago |Theres no point in complaning about EVF or the E5 or Pen cameras just beacause they dont suit your needs yet. Surely you look at your photographic requirements before you part with your cash.
They are only tools and it is up to us to get the best from them, so if you are not happy then buy something else, after all it has been known for some time that Oly are a wee bit behind in the ISO wars, but they always produce good IQ.
Technology is always advancing, evf, video, hi res screens, faster processors, global shutters, so the future can only get better unfortunately it never advances qick enough for us.
Lets just see what the reviewers make of the E5?
Trevor
2 years ago |What’s bad about this is that Oly has really painted themselves into a corner. What features from the E-5 will trickle down into the next body, mirrorless or not? Nothing, really. They’ve more or less conceded that from here on out it’s a game of processing and making things smaller (and adding art filters).
If that’s the case, create an algorithm to simulate shallow depth of field and build an iOly we can carry in our pockets and make phone calls with.
But, for those of us who really want to take amazing photographs, that will never suffice. Mirrorless may come for everyone (though I don’t look forward to it), but others will embrace it as an addition to their camera line, not the design principle underpinning them.
As for the comment that there will always be a camera “to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses,” well, that would be true right now of mFT. Similarly, we can still benefit from OM lenses, but that doesn’t mean there is a camera built for them.
Sorry Oly, it’s time for me to make a change.
nosinkingship
2 years ago |This is saying “don’t buy our products” to people who prefer OVFs over EVFs. Bye Olympus.
the End
2 years ago |hahahah so sorry for Oly owners.
end of the road.
Nomen
2 years ago |So this means that E-420 I currently use is not only my first Olympus, but also the last one. Farewell Olympus. Rest in peace.
davethevet
2 years ago |Me too, bye Oly
vegan
2 years ago |OLYMPUS PRIDE !!
Frosti7
2 years ago |You have to respect Olympus for sticking to its guns about the 12mp is “enough”
They preferred to upgrade the resolution&detail instead of uping the mp, the question is couldn’t they do both?
Rafa
2 years ago |“there will always be an Olympus camera body available – whether a DSLR or another type of camera altogether – to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses.”
Fine, but the real elephant in the room is, which lenses are replacing the current Four Thirds ones? without answering that question it doesn´t matter if you have a compatible body for using your old lenses, old lenses are prone to malfunction, and then what?
CR102
2 years ago |To all the mourners,
You don’t get it, do you?
The E-5 is a (rather nice) placeholder until the mirrorless 4/3 cameras appear. Those cameras will be slightly larger than the PENs, but will work seamlessly with 4/3 lenses and combine the best of 4/3 and m4/3. For example, they may have increased frame rates, quiet shutters, fast AF during video recording and the ability to use both 4/3 and m4/3 lenses for high quality imagery and diminutive dimentions, respectively. 4/3 is alive and has a bright future. Don’t dump those lenses just as yet.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |Agree, dont dump your lenses
Chris
2 years ago |No. Dump your lenses. Please feel free to send them to me so I can dispose of them properly =)
the other Rob
2 years ago |They should at least acknowledge that they are working on a pro-semipro m43 camera or that modular thing that will be able to use the great zuiko’s. I think its shabby to put a 35-100 on iterations of an EPL1, EP2.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |Hopfully at photokina
Toshiyuki Terada comments make it sound like its not far off at all.
They are not going to expect people to use the 35-100 on a pen
The mirror-less camera they are talking about will be big.
Remember just because its mirror-less doesn’t mean it has to be small
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |I don’t expect any of the HG & SHG weather sealed lenses to be recommended with any of the current µ43 cameras.
In some way or another, a more robust µ43 camera is therefore expected, howevever to best utilize those HG & SHG lenses, you’ll need CDAF techmology.
Only the 14-54mm/F2.8-3.5 Mk. II is equipped with High Speed Imaged AF (=CDAF), if I remember correctly.
Firmware updates is expected according to press release of today.
spanky
2 years ago |So… any news on the GH2?
BS Artiste
2 years ago |It would be great if the GH-2 has weather sealing, in-body image stabilization, an articulating LCD, and support for fast autofocus.
TempTag
2 years ago |1 out of 3 is not so bad…
TempTag
2 years ago |Sorry, I meant 2 out of 4 – see.. ..50%
monkp
2 years ago |problem is that all 4/3 lenses does not work properly under CDAF in m4/3 so I highly doubt that mirrorless 4/3 will support current generation of 4/3 lenses in the foreseen future. msc lenses are more likely the only option.
jeff
2 years ago |problem is they havent made a camera to use 4/3 lenses with CDAF yet.
when they do it will be fine
monkp
2 years ago |u mean like sony’s a55/33? I dont think oly is willing to sacrifice 30% of light to hit sensor
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Agree, but on the other hand, Olympus did use a beam splitter in the prosumer 2/3″ sensor equipped E-10 & E-20.
That Sony 2/3″ was a much smaller sensor than in current 4/3, but with not much system penalty, thanks to a fast fixed zoom.
However, the 4/3 sensor needs all the light it can, for the strong competitive scenario, so I doubt it show up in Olympus.
TempTag
2 years ago |and my Panny/Leica 25mm 4/3 seems to have acquired a nasty habit of front focusing on my GH1 in low contrast scenes – none of my m43 lenses do this (still love it though!) But it does suggest to me that even 4/3 lenses that “support” CDAF do not excel at it…
Marq
2 years ago |admin,
I feel it is very significant that Olympus chose to use the term “culmination” when describing what the E5 embodies.
http://asia.olympus-imaging.com/products/dslr/e5/
you can see it in the following areas:
“The E-5. The culmination of Four Thirds technology.”
“All of this works together to make the most of the imaging capability of ZUIKO DIGITAL lense”
I don’t think any marketing department would in their right mind suggest that the tech they present has reached the highest stage and that there is no further step above.
I for one believe this to be ominous – maybe linking perhaps to the modular m4/3 / 4/3 you mentioned previously – and as with AP’s views.
I am still relatively new to 4/3s, so this is a bit of a dissapointment. But seeing the video showing the ruggedness of the E5, I migh purchase an additional body (to my E30), especially if the purported image improvements do exist – the EPL1, has been mentioned as one of the sharpest (read lightest AA filter) cameras out there, so the 12.1Mpixel sensor may still have some juice in it.
I do cringe on thinking that OLY would plae the sensor from their cheapest model into their newer flagship that is at least double the price…its normally the other way around.
Anyway good work ADMIN, and hope you can send us some more detail about future m4/3s v.soon – the wifey is starting to fidget with her EP1…
On the other hand, should I consider getting the 50 – 200mm SWD first (I have the 14 – 54 II).
Marq
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Re: should I consider getting the 50 – 200mm SWD first (I have the 14 – 54 II).
That’s a beauty lens, lighter and smaller than eg. the Sigma 70-200mm, Get also the EC-14 to go with it. Matching it with preferably the E-5 to realy see it’s class and focus abilities. Not the same with the EP-1 & EVF.
david
2 years ago |Yes, they should put the sensor from the more expensive body into the cheaper one.
Of course, then they’ll both have the same sensor.
Oh, wait…
BS Artiste
2 years ago |The proof of Oly’s strategy will be in the sales. That is always the case for any product.
I just don’t see this product drawing in new customers, and it will even tick off some existing Oly users as supposedly the last 4/3 camera. I am not tied to mirror or mirrorless. I could not care less about the technology mechanism. I only care about the performance.
I don’t need a smaller camera. I need a camera with more features that can do more things in the same package. If this is the last 4/3 camera with processing, focus, and write time performance of a high end camera, then it should have had comparable video performance instead of video that is significantly below the video of last generation Panasonics, not to mention the upcoming generation of Panasonics.
Other than weather sealing, I have a hard time seeing how the E-5 is significantly better than the E-30. If all that was added as weather sealing to the E-30, couldn’t that have been produced back when the E-30 was released? Oly already knew how to do weather sealing, and chose to release the E-30 with better technology than the E-3. I chose the E-30 over the E-3 for the better technology although I wanted the weather sealing of the E-3.
Why would I now pay a premium to upgrade from the E-30 to the E-5 with essentially the same features I bought nearly 2 years ago except for weather sealing?
Plus, what does this decision by oly signal to the market about the future support of cameras with leading edge features that use HG or SHG lenses? I wanted to invest in a next generation Oly camera and start assembling a portfolio of HG and SHG lenses. Why would I do that now? I have most of Oly’s and Sigma’s standard grade lenses, but I do not see making investments in HG and SHG lenses that may not be usable with full functionality in the long term.
I have a very hard time understanding the target market and Oly value proposition.
Can Oly attract new customers with this offering?
Can Oly better retain existing customers with this offering?
What effect will this offering have in signaling to the market a long term commitment to 4/3 to make customers more comfortable investing in HG and SHG lenses?
Customers already received the signal that Sigma is discontinuing many 4/3 lenses, and may discontinue all 4/3 lenses when existing inventories are fully depleted.
To paraphrase a Gillette concept, give away the razor; sell the blades.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |Hang on BS artiste… I know its been a hectic ride
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |While I don’t care that much for Sigma lenses, however they fill some important gaps in the lens landscape.
But having seen the light with the HG & SHG lenses, lens lust is contagious. 50mm, 12-60mm, 50-200mm, 150mm/F2, 300mm/F2.8, these are all arguments enough, not to hesitate giving the E-5 a chance.
With the weaker AA-filter, and the enhanced image processing, I do expect wonders with the E-5.
It’s not a high ISO tocket, for that you need a larger 24x36mm sensor. But the rock solid body, paired with the fenomenal Image Stabilisation, it’s an addictive photographic tool with a great pleasure to use.
cL
2 years ago |@BS Article
If all you have are standard grade lenses, then you might be better off migrating to m4/3 and avoid the uncertainty (it may be better or bad, we don’t know yet). You aren’t miss much 4/3 can offer.
@Marq
I think what they meant by culmination is actually accumulation. Though it does suggest E-5 will be the end of the line. They’re putting all the best parts they have in E-5. E-PL1 sensor is the latest generation, you know.
Olympus tends to put their latest tech stuff in their lower-end stuff (E-620 > E-30 > E-3 in technology except for IQ detail). I bet that’s the reaction of Pen users when E-PL1 was released. How come E-PL1 has built-in flash, but higher-end Pens don’t…. But E-5 has everything latest that Olympus has (maybe not the body shell, the front half is clearly E-3).
Here is what I like about E-5 so far:
1. LCD screen resolution. Yes, finally something I could use. Those of you who don’t shoot moon or other stuff that requires manual focus under LiveView don’t know how important it is to have that 920k.
None of current Olympus camera has 920k resolution, so that may be the reason why initial price tag of E-5 is so high. FYI, the most expensive part of a laptop is the LCD monitor (not CPU or memory), so it’s expensive not to share parts with other line of product. I think the price of E-5 will drop, once newer Pens begin to use 920k LCDs.
2. My E-620′s flash can synch up to 1/180. 1/250 is welcome.
3. Electronic level. I ordered E-30 once just to check out the electronic level. Returned it right away because the grip is too large for me…. But that level is very important for me. Straight photo = less crop.
4. Larger OVF. Larger OVF = less reliance on LCD for manual focus.
5. SDXC. I personally prefer CF for the obvious reason (your camera can only be as quick as your memory card!), but people who prefer slower, but smaller SD and/or need to share media with their P&S instead of having two types of memory would welcome this, over the archaic xD.
What I don’t like about the new E-5:
1. Grip. Personal preference of course. As mentioned, E-30 is already too big for me. I personally prefer E-520′s grip, which is the most comfortable grip I’ve ever held of any DSLR. Only if Olympus would squeeze everything E-5 has into the body of E-520, or an oversized Pen (with an OVF, of course, and a larger grip, which probably would look like a Leica)….
2. No PASM mode dial. That thing can speed up a lot of things…. I have never used an E-3 so I don’t know how people could use it without that.
3. Price tag. I’d prefer it cost the same as current E-3. Of course, as mentioned, it’s expensive to manufacture a camera that uses custom parts, like E-5′s new LCD screens, new CF/SDXC compartment, new BLM-5 battery and its associated charger (BLM-5 has longer battery life, but is it really necessary to introduce something new if this is the last of the line?)
Something I have questions about:
1. What’s that dot above LCD screen? Is that the rear wireless remote shutter receptor I dream of? Or is that the Panasonic style (i.e. Ma, no hand) OVF/LiveView switcher?
2. Is that the accessory port a la EP-2/E-PL1) below OVF?
3. From the sample photos, it looks like it’s the quality I can achieve already with my E-620. But sample photos are JPEGs, that is, using the TruePic V+ engine (though it looks like it’s better than E-620′s JPEGs, namely, less color noise, which is already better than most of Canon’s DSLRs). What’s the RAW resolution like? It has to be less processed than E-620 to be a worthy upgrade.
Now, I’m pondering about what’s that Super4/3 thingy. Hope it’ll use my 4/3 lenses.
BS Artiste
2 years ago |“@BS Article
If all you have are standard grade lenses, then you might be better off migrating to m4/3 and avoid the uncertainty (it may be better or bad, we don’t know yet). You aren’t miss much 4/3 can offer.”
@cL – The only problem is that sports photography is one of my main uses. That means long telephoto zooms, fast focus, and fast flash write times. Those are not the characteristics of the Pens. When I bought into 4/3, the 2X additional zoom from the 4/3 sensor was a big plus for having a reasonably size zoom lens in a stadium seat.
Olympus even had several ads on the sports/nature photography advantages of the 4/3 format when I bought my E-30 close to two years ago. The ads were right in terms of usage but did not specify that Olympus’s development ideas for the 4/3 system were at the end of the line with the E-30. The features in the E-5 could have been done at the time of the E-30.
BS Artiste
2 years ago |Also, there is a potential marketing counter effect from many Oly loyalists feeling abandoned. That hurts future sales to those loyal customers in other formats (such as u4/3) as well as sales from convincing customers with other brand cameras to buy Oly mirrorless cameras.
If a consumer had a a competitor’s D-SLR and wanted to buy a mirrorless camera, should that consumer buy Oly Pen now or hold out for a mirrorless camera to be developed by the competitor? Wouldn’t the competitor’s customers be aware of such previous abandonments in OM and 4/3 (after just 4 or 5 years of development)? One of the selling points of soem competitors is that consumers can feel more confident in making long-term investmemnts in a camera system that will work together even as future technology advances. That marketing value proposition allows consumers to gradually migrate from one technology to the next without a major investment change, while keeping customers tied to particular brands and continually buying upgraded parts for the system.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |The E-5 is hampered severely in my opinion, It is still nice and a great option for those who have a 620 or even a e30, but….
they could have easily put 1080 or 60fps in it but they didn’t, eventually oly will offer a 1080 capable model, they must… When?
They hampered this in my opinion to not conflict with something they plan to release in the NEAR future
What?? I dont know
but I do know IF this E5 was planned to be a…. not necessarily flag but.. a model of OLY’s advance capabilities… They would have gave it 1080 and 60fps
That would have made me buy it, but they dont want me to buy it, I know it sounds funny but, they want me to buy what they are going to bring in the near future
because if this sells to well it will hurt sales of the future “model of OLY’s advance capabilities” which may be mirrorless or modular I dont know.
Its like they dont want to put all eggs in one basket
Thats my take, This E5 is nice I wont lie,, but it could have easily been better…EASILY!
Its business strategy they are implementing on us. Will the new cameras fully support current 4/3 AF better than the pens do, yes… As good as current mirror E cameras?? I dont know….
But i know if they can oly will do there best to do it
They dont want to put all there eggs in the mirror camera bag so they didnt, and they hint this may be the last of its kind so the real replacement cant be far off.
I just hope its big and sturdy like the E3 was
I do fear they may start with lower end models though, like a mirrorless E620 replacement(olys-gh1) and then work there way up and do the “FLAG” last since the E5 “Flag” was the last E to get an update
But the fact that the E5 is hampered shows hope that that is not the case, for they dont want it to sell to much. E5 is a bandage and there words show clearly show it… IMHO
BS Artiste
2 years ago |“But the fact that the E5 is hampered shows hope that that is not the case, for they dont want it to sell to much. E5 is a bandage and there words show clearly show it… IMHO”
I have to agree. This a bandaid, and I do not understand the mentality of crippling some video functionality to protect the E-5 from canabalizing another forthcoming product.
If this is to be the last E-X camera with a mirror, put in top end video, the best sensor you have now, and fastest processor/bus speed for high burst rate. Charge $3K USD would be fine.
Using an older sensor from the Pens is a really troubling signal as to Oly’s desire to sell leading edge products.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |It is, I think it was a bad choice on there part, They should have done that but I honestly think there hands were tied due to there poor E-sales and the soaring Pen sales.
I dont know there internal structure but my guess is that the anything that would help the pen in the long run was favored by the “Big Heads”, since pen sales rule.
And any ideas of bringing sales to mirror E cameras were deemed as to risky and treated with skepticism
I really would have bought the E5 if it had the GH1 sensor and video as good as the gh1, and if they gave it decent contrast AF with the mirror AF on all zukio like the GH1 & 5Dmk2 the E5 could have caused havoc in the DLSR video world and been ranked in the top 3
Thats my thought
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |Re: they could have easily put 1080 or 60fps
I don’t think so. This would have required an AVCHD license from Panasonic/Sony. Also putting more burdon on the TruePic V+, which currently cannot handle these signals.
(Panasonic has a Venus HD, which is a multicore processor. Olympus CDAF draws power on the E-5 as well, don’t remember if that still is a separate processor like it was in E-1.)
P.S. WHat lenses do you expect to use with the E-5 if it was equipped with full HD 1080p/50-60fps. No MSC lenses exists and will probably not for the classic Four Thirds. All has to be manual or slow CDAF. I also wouldn’t like to use the LCD for focusing, rather a hotshoe mounted EVF would be better.
So for HD video, the µ43 in a more professional GH-1/GH-2 costume is a better choice in my opinion.
P.P.S. I don’t know when we’ll see an Olympus weather sealed µ43 body together with classical Four Thirds lenses doing full 1080p videos, but certainly an interesting combination for the future.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |I mean 1080 video and 60fps with 720 not 1080…
Video like the, now old being replaced GH1 is not much to ask for in my opinion
They WILL do it on the future, but their choice not to do it in the E5 was strategic,
and I am bias because I am in the group that they knew would be effected, They know people would be upset and they cant satisfy both parties,
But I think that could have satisfied more people if they made the riskier choice of making the E5 better then it is
They are not going to make HD optimized glass for 43 and m43, that’s why they are pushing out the mirror so they can do it for m43 only and future hi and lower end models can use them
Im not terribly angry because i know they have plans for my glass and making it work with there future system cameras, but it is upsetting to have to again, wait a little while longer….
NativeFloridian
2 years ago |You’re kidding, right?
I’ve enjoyed reading the comments of ANGRY Olympus Owner over the last month. But your last comments seem way off base. To paraphrase, you think Olympus just presented a new professional camera that they don’t want to sell!?
IF they had another professional camera waiting in the wings, don’t you think they would present that prototype at Photokina and ask their loyalists to wait. The fact that they give us this camera now means it is the last ‘professional’ camera for the foreseeable future (read: greater than 2 years based on past Olympus release history).
I have seen absolutely ZERO evidence that Olympus is catering to the professional/enthusiast market. There has been no suggestion of a competitive professional camera (the E-5 doesn’t count) in the works; and no new lens development that targets anyone but the point-and-shoot consumer (f6.4 superzoom).
Your newfound optimism seems unfounded (and inconsistent with your posts over the last month). With statments like “the fact that E5 is hampered shows hope” appears to be somewhat delusional. As a piece of friendly advice, I would re-examine the real evidence before investing any more money into Olympus.
cL
2 years ago |@NativeFloridian
I don’t find ANGRY Olympus Owner inconsistent. Like I observed earlier, he is WORRIED Olympus Owner. He is frustrated because he is afraid his investment is down the drain. He felt left out because E-5 does not fit into the box what an E-5 could have been. Maybe he should have been on board to design the more consumer/marketing friendly E-5, instead of very engineer-oriented Olympus decision (i.e., let’s make a great camera, instead of let’s make a camera that caters modern consumerism).
If I were to design E-5, I’d built on Pen success and built one that looks like E-P2 (with built-in OVF or EVF), but behaves like a pro camera. Let’s face it, people who buy Pen are either: 1) it looks pretty or 2) it’s small so it’s perfect for travel, but still have acceptable IQ compared with P&S. It’s a lifestyle. No one would buys a Mac if it looks like a PC…, because that’ll just be a very expensive Intel-running Linux. Linux is not an easy sell, why? Because it’s so difficult to use…, and makes one looks nerdy (sales pitch).
Don’t you love capitalism? Consumers don’t always make the smartest decision. Remember when people DEMANDED GSM phones though sound quality was crap and it causes brain tumor. 300% more likely than one who doesn’t uses one. They wanted it so they can use lots of shells and accessories that GSM phones have and so they can call other developing countries which had no money to built expensive digital equipments. End result was, US government gave in and deregulated. GSM phones was allowed to be sold again in the US after FCC determined it was unsuitable for use because of public health concern. That being said, I still like capitalism (I’m not being inconsistent :-p), because it gives you more choices, even stupid ones.
cL
2 years ago |I agree with most of your comments. I thought I read about E-620 replacement rumor…. Only if they named this camera E-50, lots of public relation stuff can be avoided.
Yes, E-5 is nice (I think the spec is nice enough for me), but that single digit name might be its worst enemy…. Too much expectation. But it has to be that name, because it’s weather sealed and very possibly the last great 4/3 body.
I see a lot of parallel between E-5 and Minolta Maxxum 7…. My brother grabbed it for cheap that when it was well-known Sony was about to take over, and nobody was certain what they would do with the lenses (which Sony kept the mount eventually). But I continue to be wowed by my brother’s photos by its quality though its a 6mp camera (but then he processes RAW, so not much of the current technology matters).
Then there is this buzzword: Synergy. The result is greater than the sum of its parts, including the photographer as part of the formula.
Canonikon marketing pitch…. I don’t understand why people want to shoot movie with their DSLR, then ask for 1080/60…. If you want to shoot something with cinematic experience, you want 1080/24p. 60 fps looks very home video-ish (but very fluid video for sure, since it’s over-scan of 30 fps, which is the standard TV format). This is clearly a “bigger is better” mentality. 1080 and 720 are standards. Your 1080p HDTV can upscale 720 to 1080, by the way, but most likely it can’t do 1024/25 (1024 is a computer monitor format…, I don’t even know where 25 comes from… PAL format?). If you want video, get a Panasonic. Canon or Nikon can’t even compete in that department because that’s not their core business. They only added video so they can sell you a new but really the same camera…. Everyone complained Canon 40D and 50D are actually the same camera with new number. Some believe 50D is worse. Yes, there are whiners everywhere….
AVCHD is good for people who don’t need serious editing. It’s good straight out of camcorder, but has less editing flexibility. Again, if you just want to shoot home video, it’s fine. People who do frame-by-frame editing prefer mJPEG.
kylo277
2 years ago |I was really hoping that the E5 would have 1080P 60fps capability. I mean, it is the flagship of the E Series. Should’ve had it.
jeff
2 years ago |4/3 sensor is not capable of that
1080p 60fps isnt possible even on nikon canon
kylo277
2 years ago |Okay, how about 1080p 30fps or even 720p at 60fps? Panasonic and Canon have both been doing quite well for a while. Should have been included on the flagship E5.
kylo277
2 years ago |It’s fine to show up late…however, you better make dang sure you’re the best dressed chap at the party.
the End
2 years ago |admitted it! it’s over for 4/3 stop dreaming and crying.
Selling your gear now.
Almost 3 yrs and they have a wonderful piece of shit like E-5? ….
E-3 early adopter
2 years ago |It’s not the end.
It’s not even the beginning of the end.
It’s just started – the convergence of FT & MFT.
ANGRY Olympus Owner
2 years ago |+1
the other Rob
2 years ago |hopefully its not then end, I guess we will see at photokina. I am less optimistic about it.
Inge - M.
2 years ago |This is easy, Olympus made now room for modular camera so come soon by E-5 so is more a combo E-3 and E-30 and not a good evolution, but the is new modular camera so coming Hope i the is more evolution and maybe revolutionary also, but not so by DSLR.
So i think after 2-3 year is the only E-x and E-xx so is FT but many MFT and modul combo for OM, FF, FT and maybe MFT.
Olympus is Dead to me
2 years ago |Olympus just died.
I have no interest in any of their cameras now, E5 with low budget camera sensor installed after 3 years of waiting for revolution or just evolution instead hit the end of the line for $1,699
OM System Dead
OM 4/3 Dead
Pentaprism Dead
Olympus is now dead to me
R.I.P. 9-14-2010
Geir
2 years ago |As long as it delivers same image quality as the Canon EOS7D with great noise handling, I’m more than happy. All the HD movie stuff etc. is for geeks.
SkyZ
2 years ago |Message from Oly is crystal clear: No more OVF=SLR based digital camera system, which means the end of E system, period.
I would say, let’s hope there’ll be still some form of future camera system that can accommodate 4/3 lenses, might it be modular system or advance PEN system (not like the current PEN with snail speed AF), but the problem is, how much money Oly can lose to keep the production line of 4/3 lenses running, 3 months? 1/2 year? It’s like burning marginal profit if there’s no clear direction, and there’s also great pressure from Pana that, they will eventually eat up all m4/3 market share with their high price but really high quality, and frequently update cameras plus lenses (don’t forget they’re the developer & manufacturer of m4/3 sensors).
Tropical Yeti
2 years ago |Well, I am not going to read all these posts here, but what I think is:
- Im using (D)SLRs for about 30 years.
- I don’t like m4/3. I consider it downstep for me
- E-5×0 type 4/3 camera is ideal compromise between performance and size for me. It can handle big lenses well to
- I could swallow E-5 price, but i hate its size.
- So we, users of mid tier Olympus DSLRs, are left with lower performing sensor/processor cameras, with no option to upgrade to better camera, if we want to stay with mid tier E-DSLR cameras.
- I guess mid tier E camera users are not so small group, they can be easily neglected. I would say E-5×0 body with current state of the art imaging pipeline would be good seller. I think I would buy even two such cameras, to have along term reserve…
dCap
2 years ago |does anyone actually know the size of television you need to benefit from 1080p … 720p is HD right. Aren’t DVDs are 480p?
is this 720p vs 1080p comparison just headline stuff for the marketing boys to get a hard on about? I mean you can do 720p on some phones – but surely the lens must play some part in the QUALITY of the image?
I thought you needed a 42″ TV to ‘see’ the difference between 720p and 1080p. Below 42″ you won’t see the difference and might as well be shooting at 720p?
Dan
2 years ago |I’m basically with Angry Oly Owner. This camera isn’t even intended to sell a ton of units, and the development cost was kept low. It’s just to give current users something to upgrade to if they choose while a better m4/3 camera is being sorted out. They have basically said as much.
For me, the $1700 price is a joke, but I think even Olympus knows that. My guess is they felt they had to price it there originally to try create the idea that this is in a class with the 7D and all, but the price is soon going to fall.
Rocky
2 years ago |To the unhappy bunch: Please put up your equipment on eb… If the price is right, I will upgrade some of my lens and get another FL50r.
Vitasamb2001
2 years ago |Statement from Olympus is not promising. It is a failure! No reason to upgrade from e-3. Art filters-> really funny! Camera with these specs (flagship)should have been released 3 years ago. It is not competitive in today’s market. The specs are old at the day of release. Not even funny. Don’t get me wrong it still will take great photographs, but when you see no future why would you invest in it more?… I don’t.
omolympus
2 years ago |The E-5 is over a year too late, the Pens got the production capacity, but in the meantime they forgot to update the E5. Regular 4/3s is dead in Pro Semi/pro
Micro will never be “perceived” as a professional system. They need two product lines: micro 4/3s for compact consumer market and “Super” 4/3s – larger mirroless cameras with a bigger 4/3s sensor and new lenses (ZD in crop mode) to compete in IQ and differentiate themselves from Pen series. Are they capable of doing this – who knows?
Ronald
2 years ago |Ever since Olympus introduced the E-1 I’m interested to buy Olympus as a second or even main system.
Also now I’m sure the E-5 will be a fine photographic tool! However why the hell Olympus offer still only 5 frames a second???!!! If the could have manage to bring in higher frames(8 or 10) a second I’m sure that would double their selling.
The 4:3 system and the high quality Zuiko lenses would attract more sport/action photographers.
A bit strange on all those Olympus forum I almost never hear anyone about those only 5 frames a second.
I’m happy with my 5DmkII and some fine lenses. Mostly used for journalistic photography. But the 4:3 or MC4:3 attracts me very much. Maybe Panasonic will come with a surprise?
Please Olympus bring 8 or 10 frames a second and your might be back business with the Pro-photographers.
Smaller sensor and mirror must make it possible to make it faster either. Canon 7D, Nikon 300s, some Sony Apha’s, all have faster frame rates.
For all of you who don’t need this camera to be faster. Be happy with it and enjoy it much! I have no doubt it will be a great tool for your photographs.
Regards Ronald (from the Netherlands)
marilyn
2 years ago |im not happy with the E5 crap DSLR… if u have the pen camera and a e30, or e620 or the e3…. we dont need this crappy camera
BS Artiste
2 years ago |I don’t think it is a crappy camera. It is a fine camera. If the E-5 had been around when I purchased my E-30 about two years ago, then I would have paid extra and bought the E-5 instead of the E-30.
However, I just do not understand the justification and value proposition at this time to entice new consumers to invest significantly in 4/3 systems and expensive 4/3 lenses based on the E-5. This camera release relative to other products that can be purchased may just be a signal of Oly raising the white flag for at least one or more segments of the market.
Intruder
2 years ago |At $1,700USD, it’s a bad camera with features that have been surpassed by competitors.
A price point of less than $1,200USD makes it a nice camera that will attract current Oly owners.
I could wait for a price drop or wait another 2-5 years or so before I upgrade from my old E-1.
what!
2 years ago |They are Crazy to price a piece of shit like E-5 for $1700 USD
Per
2 years ago |Being a E-P1 owner I am very disappointed with th Olympus product strategies: OK the E3 is really outdated and the E5 brings it closer but not on par with D300s and 7D. = 4/3 users will not be very happy.
On the m4/3 very little happens. Point-and-shoot zooms that are good considering the form factor, but not really good lenses. Here Panasonic does the job far better with 20mm and now 24mm. The Olympus 17mm is not better than the kit lens and comapared to Pana 20mm not very fast either.
I need to take a closer look to what the competition offers/will offer.
Neither the m4/3 nor the 4/3 users are happy with Olympus at the moment!