(FT5) E-P3 will be presented at a two days event in late June.
A fake E-P3 image made by our reader Leendert (Thanks!)
The most intriguing upcoming Micro Four Thirds product is certainly the new Olympus E-P3. Let’s start with a good news first. Two trusted sources contacted me to say that Olympus organized a huge event for the E-P3 launch. It’s a two day long meeting! Would you organize something like that for if the E-P3 would not be something more than just an updated E-P2? Certainly not!
And here are the last two rumors I got from new sources. As you can see there is a huge contraddiction:
Source_1: The E-P3 will be released in June. It has an integrated EVF and it will be smaller than E-P2. No on-board flash though.
Source_2: I also can confirm that no one will have an build in viewfinder. Design and features should be a small revolution I heard by Olympus PM.
That’s why I am always careful with new sources! Let’s hope my trusted sources can soon tell us more about the E-P3 and the other mini Pen camera!
P.S.: I got a TERRIFIC rumor about Samsung! Will post that on MirrorlessRumors as soon as I can! Pro photographers will be VERY happy with that news. And Canon-Nikon should be worried for the very first time! This could be the rumor of the year 
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Miroslav
12 months ago |No flash won’t do for me – got some nice photos with E-PL1′s little bounce flash. An articulated LCD and a viewfinder would make me upgrade, else I’ll pass. It’s not rocket science, all those things, Olympus has flashes, viewfinders and articulated LCDs on many cameras…
Michael Devitt
12 months ago |If Olympus will make small bouncable flash like SB-400 it would be great. Or is the size of FL-36R suitable for PEN?
Evgeny
12 months ago |+1. And internal flash is used to control external flashes. They haven’t added such feature in FL-14 (which is really disappointing). In June they should show camera which has:
1. Internal flash which can control FL-36R and FL-50R
2. Tilting (NEX-style) or articulating screen
3. Probably a built-in EVF.
4. Acceptable price (close to E-P2).
In other case they don’t have any chance to compete to Panasonic and Sony.
Alfons
12 months ago |Good ideas.
Only one critique: Tilting screen doesn’t deliver. The tilting mechanism takes space and it’s quite useless too.
Olympus knows how to make the screen rotate and last.
leendert
12 months ago |An optional angle viewfinder is better for outside!
(I use the angle viewfinder of Seagull on my E520 for birds and macro’s…)
Evgeny
12 months ago |“Only one critique: Tilting screen doesn’t deliver. The tilting mechanism takes space and it’s quite useless too.”
Tell this to the Sony NEX-5 users
. Almost the best solution for COMPACT cameras.
To be sturdy and powerful, articulating screen (which have only one fixing point) should be massive and bulky.
Tilting screen may have 2 fixing points and be much more compact. And still can be useful and quite strong.
ILO
12 months ago |+1
NEX
12 months ago |Yes, the NEX tilt is quite nice and takes up very little space.
Dummy00001
12 months ago |> Only one critique: Tilting screen doesn’t deliver. The tilting mechanism takes space and it’s quite useless too.
Yes. It is useless.
Oly should implement the proper swivel LCD like other E cameras.
Christian
12 months ago |I agree. The swivel screen employed by the E-620, E-30, E-3 and E-5 and Panansonic G/GH is what I want and need. Not the rubbish employed by Sony NEX. The only persons I can imagine to buy that crap are hardcore APS-C fanboys.
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |From this (and the other similar comments) I’d guess that you haven’t actually used a NEX-5. First, the NEX-5 is smaller in body size than any current Olympus, so we can rule out the “takes space” complaint. Second, in practice it is more useful than you think.
On the other hand, the primary thing I like about a rotating LCD is that you can flip it so the LCD isn’t exposed during travel, thus protecting it. A rotating LCD ends up making the camera wider when you angle it, which in some situations can be awkward.
But the bottom line is this: any kind of positionable LCD is better than a fixed LCD, so why protest?
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |All these “no flash no buy” comments are strange.
Let’s go back just a bit: SLRs didn’t get pop-up flash for the most part until the mid-90′s, and this was mostly aimed at the low end user (still is for the most part). The lack of a flash would indicate to me that Olympus is shooting for a higher-end user.
Personally, I don’t like on-camera flash other than as a trigger to off-camera flash. Even then I use Pocket Wizards these days. Generally you can’t soften or barndoor a built-in flash enough to get the quality of light a serious shooter would really want from a camera position. Especially true of front firing flashes. As for bounce, many built-in flashes can’t be bounced due to the way the flash is wedged into the remaining space in the body, but even if it can be bounced, that usually only works in small spaces due to the low power.
Thus, built-into-camera flash in a small body has a lot of limitations. Sure, it may be useful in a few situations, but the question is whether that’s enough to justify space dedicated to it over having a real flash system available. To put it another way: if the choice is between a competent external flash system or a limited internal flash system, I’ll take the external. Why not both? Great if you have the space in the body to do it right, but not necessary in my estimate. I’d rather have faster lenses and higher ISO sensor than a built-in flash, both of which should be priorities for a higher end Pen.
My guess is this: everyone that said they won’t buy it if it doesn’t have a flash will actually buy it if Olympus has done the right other things for the enthusiast and high-end shooters. The same thing is true to a lesser degree for EVF. Customers, including myself, often complain about lack of a feature, sometimes quite verbally, but when push comes to shove, it turns out that their complaint actually wasn’t as important as other things.
In terms of us serious users, the priorities for Olympus in order are:
1. Better performance
2. Better controls and menus
3. LCD improvements
4. EVF
5. Built-in flash with more features
For me, they have to get the first three done with this model, and #4 would be nice to have. #5 isn’t important to me if there is a strong external option.
And that brings me to another point: options. EVF and flash can live as options if absolutely necessary. Better performance cannot. Thus, the priorities.
AndyOz
12 months ago |Thom
I agree with your points. A couple of thoughts:
” And that brings me to another point: options. EVF and flash can live as options if absolutely necessary. Better performance cannot.”
The E-P1/2 approach was to make both the EVF and flash as options. But with only one hot-shoe that means users aren’t able to use both together as some might want. In my opinion I would prefer a built-in EVF and would be happy to have a flash option as an accessory. The FL-14 or FL-20 are nice small flashes.
In relation to a built-in EVF or not: I wonder if at some point they need to provide two higher end Pen models: one with built-in EVF and one without. The only issue is how the model without EVF should be placed – should it be above the E-PL2 or should the E-PL2 be up-specced (better performance, controls etc) for this purpose, if there is a smaller, more entry level mini-Pen on the way as well.
Any thoughts on that?
frosti7
12 months ago |Agreed,
Flash is not as important as EVF or Compactness (in a year i’ve used it dozen times only, while i use the EVF 80% of the time)
Second, as AndyOz stated, it would be plainly WRONG to have to choose between Flash and EVF modules like on E-P1/2
Because the most likely(except studio) user to use an external flash is the same user that would prefer an EVF
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |In terms of internal body priorities, I think I have it right: EVF before flash. Some of that is because of the “can’t use both” problem with the current E-P2 options.
I’m not saying that they shouldn’t do all five things, I’m saying that if they want to do more than get a few E-P1/2 upgraders they need to do those first three things first. Having a built-in flash doesn’t add buzz to their current offerings. Having an EVF adds a bit of buzz. But Olympus needs more than a bit of buzz, they need to get things absolutely right to regain the momentum they had in an area in which they were first.
Michael Meissner
12 months ago |I bought an E-P2, and for me the lack of the pop-up flash is an issue in several cases.
Sometimes I just want to travel real light, with a single camera, and lens. In this mode, I am not taking formal portraits, but just snapshots, and the pop-up flash is nice for those occasions I just want the snapshot without advance planning. Sure, I could lug around my FL-36 (or get a smaller flash like the Olympus FL-20, Olympus FL-14 or Panasonic DMW-FL220), but it adds extra weight and size. It also makes the camera bigger so it doesn’t fit in a jacket pocket. And an external flash on the camera draws more attention to the photographer.
Sometimes I am shooting in bright sunlight, but want some amount of fill flash to reduce the harsh shadows. With my E-P2, you have a choice of using the electronic viewfinder so you can see the image and not using flash. With the E-PL1/E-PL2 you can use the pop-up flash and the EVF, as long as your shutter speed is 1/180 or slower.
Given the Olympus remote flash support is done by the pop-up flash, if you want to do remote external flash, you need a pop-up flash to fire them off. While I would have preferred Olympus to use bluetooth for its flashes, optical triggering via the pop-up flash is the way they choose.
TheVoiceoverman
12 months ago |Hi Thom,
Not everyone is that serious a user! Look at the X100. There are pros buying those as a second camera for sure. And casual fashion conscious users buying them too. Will a casual user buy a camera with no built-in flash? Some will maybe. A lot won’t. And casual users outnumber pro’s by an unimaginable margin.
I agree almost entirely about your priority points 1 to 4, though I am quite happy with my VF2 it must be said. But there are a lot of situations when even a small built-in flash is a boon and to me, it’s never worth carrying a full-size flash gun. This is meant to be a SMALL system. That’s the USP. An FL36 or FL50 is the size of the camera again. No use to me for an occasional bit of fill-in work on a sunny day or the odd snap at a dinner party.
Of course, we are still at this point guessing what the final E-P3 will be like and maybe it will be super high end and out of my league anyway. But I think you’re wrong that everyone will buy it regardless of no flash. I held off buying an EP-1 or 2 because of the missing flash and I’m certain there were many more like me. I honestly thought that for the E-P1 in particular it was an idiotic decision. They had such buzz and goodwill around that camera. But if it can’t do everything a compact can, and you’re hoping people will upgrade from compacts, it’s just silly. When the E-PL1 came along I bought one instantly and have been very happy with it, though your points 1 to 3 still apply.
I’m excited to see what comes along. I’ve sold the E-PL1 and 9-18mm (almost never used it) in preparation and I’m making do with the XZ-1 in the meantime. But I mean what I say. No flash. No sale.
frosti7
12 months ago |TheVoiceoverman “Hi Thom, Not everyone is that serious a user…Will a casual user buy a camera with no built-in flash?”
No, but thats the beauty of having more then one body available to choose from (hint: E-PL2)
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |> Not everyone is that serious a user! Look at the X100. There are pros buying those as a second camera for sure. And casual fashion conscious users buying them too.
See my recent article on buying for style. Style is faddish, and you can be out of style as fast as you’re in it. Moreover, I doubt that most casual style-conscious users would have been aware of the X100 if it hadn’t been for all the buzz generated by the serious users.
None of the camera companies really understand who the key influencers are for their products. Even in times where they have, I can cite examples where they made it strangely difficult for the key influencer to get any experience with their product. It’s a lot more expensive to try to build product excitement with big advertising and promotion campaigns than it is to just find the ones that drive the buying in the first place. The world works faster and in a more grassroots way than it used to.
ILO
12 months ago |Agree. I always disable built-in flash because it makes image look unnatural and harsh. I prefer darker but more natural images. There are some situations when it is really dark but in this case I can turn on build in flash but it is pocket camera and image is not good anyway and I carry to these event only pocket camera. I cannot imagine coming with PEN to party. Well if to come as photographer you can carry external flash also. Consider 20/f1.7 if you are indoor.
RangeFinder
12 months ago |>All these “no flash no buy” comments are strange.
Just because SLRs didn’t have built-in flash doesn’t mean it wasn’t a desired feature. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t used it. Despite limitations, the convenience is undeniable, even though you will still likely attach a bigger flash for more serious work. It’s not as if the camera will lose the hot shoe when it gains built-in flash.
Nikon D7000 and Canon 7D have built-in flash, hardly “low-end” cameras. Can’t compete with them with out the flash. External flash, pocket wizard, etc. add unnecessary bulk and cost.
>In terms of us serious users, the priorities for Olympus in order are:
1. Better performance
2. Better controls and menus
3. LCD improvements
4. EVF
5. Built-in flash with more features
Your opinion only, other serious users have completely different lists.
Omitting internal flash would be a big mistake (again) for Olympus and mass-market sales would suffer. There are far,far fewer “serious” customers who don’t want it than “semi-serious” shooters who do.
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |> Your opinion only, other serious users have completely different lists
First part true, second part unknown because we’re not seeing any other serious users really try to prioritize what should be done. And again, I didn’t say they shouldn’t do all five, I just feel that doing, oh, say only 4 and 5 wouldn’t give them the same bang as doing 1, 2, and 3 would in the serious market. Again, we already have an EVF and flash option if we need it, it’s the other things we don’t have at all.
> mass-market sales would suffer.
The model we’re talking about is at the top of the line (enthusiast to pro), not bottom (mass market). Olympus has already catered to the mass market with two new cameras that didn’t do 1,2, and 3 but added 5 and didn’t get any traction with it. Part of analyzing the market is not making incorrect data observations. Adding an internal flash and making the camera smaller did not add serious users. So if the new camera is a top of the line model, the same thing will be true. Yet here we are knowing that it will be smaller (ala E-PL1/2) and speculating it will have flash (ala E-PL1/2) hoping that maybe an internal EVF instead of external will change the game. It won’t. The first three things I list are more important (and there are others I didn’t list that would be above adding internal flash).
Agent00soul
12 months ago |What we need is some way to control Olympus flashes remotely. The E-PL1 and E_PL2 can do it, so introducing a higher end model that can’t, would be very strange. Unforunately this means that a built-in flash is necessary, unless they come up with a remote flash controller that can sit in the hot shoe. I would be fine with that solution but currently such a product doesn’t exist. I’ll retire my E-3 when I get an m4/3 camera with built-in EVF that can control my wireless flashes.
Evgeny
12 months ago |Your thoughts are right, but it seems to me that you are new to Olympus, right? They never add features in already-sold units.
Take a look at FL-14. They haven’t added a controlling feature to that flash. All people who bought E-P1/P2 after, say, E-620, loose their remote flashes control.
So I don’t believe that they will add remote-control in a body without a flash. Olympus reputation is bad in that area. All should be in the package FROM THE BEGINNING!
C’mon, is that so difficult to create E-PL2 with tilting/swiveling LCD?!
Thierry
12 months ago |till we know more, we can still dream
Jimson
12 months ago |Interesting… I shot a photo of some tourists with their EPL-2 + 17mm f/2.8 tonight and was pretty impressed. Hope the EP-3 arrives and delivers…
Osang
12 months ago |If the price is right…
Agent00soul
12 months ago |Remote flash commander and EVF is a requirement by me.
Thevoiceoverman
12 months ago |No flash. No sale.
Alexander
12 months ago |exactly !!!!!!!!!!
Jorgen
12 months ago |It has an integrated EVF but no built in viewfinder? I don’t understand…
Willeh
12 months ago |I think he means no “optical viewfinder”, but just a digital/evf.
Unlike the Fuji X100 which has a hybrid, combination of both.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |An EVF alone makes sense, because an optical viewfinder only works effectively with a fixed lens. The X100 can use a hybrid because of it’s fixed lens.
AndyOz
12 months ago |Admin is saying there are two different sources (or people)
- one is saying there is a built-in EVF model coming
- the other is saying that “no one will have a build in viewfinder” : I think that could be the source saying that neither of the two new Pen models will have a built-in viewfinder. This is in response to the rumor that admin posted there are to be two new models: an E-P3 and a new mini Pen.
I certainly hope there is a model with a built-in EVF.
Both sources cant be right! It stumps me how two sources could be putting such different rumors up. Unless one of them is pretending to know more than they do.
sneye
12 months ago |The last two-day event arranged by Olympus was in June 2009 when they celebrated the launch of the first digital PEN. In a way the E-P1 was revolutionary at the time due to its small size and high image quality. I suspect that like the PENs, the ‘E-P3′ (It may have a different name) will have roots in recent history. I can see only two possibilities:
1. A rangefinder design based on the 35RC.
2. A vintage SLR design based on the OM series.
Both had very nice viewfinders and robust metal construction, so I’m optimistic.
BTW, I hope Olympus has learned the lesson from two years ago and will introduce a mature product that does not require reiteration after a few months. Hence, an internal flash or at least a TTL radio controller of external flashes is a necessity.
Tom
12 months ago |i would like 1) and 2)
Vintage SLR design would be awesome as well!
My guess:
It takes 2 days because on the first day, they will introduce the history of pen with its new ultra small PEN system. The second day, they will introduce E-P3 and their newly designed 12 MPix Sensor with DR and NOise Performance on par with latest APS-C models.
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |And when you look that time was pretty much when Olympus lost its way.
They better find back to road of how to have good product range with sense making products because at current market share decrease and running at loss their camera division probably won’t be around to have such event two years from now.
Roberto
12 months ago |I bought an E-PL2 two weeks ago, even if I love it very much, I’d go immediately for E-P3 for an EVF and FullHD video…
I have also to say I miss the 1/8000s shutter speed of 4/3 cameras:-S
I’m pretty optimistic too, I believe the recent change of the guy in charge of marketing will bring several benefits to us. Let’s hope so..
Tobias W.
12 months ago |Speaking of the shutter. If the E-P3 had a quiet shutter, that would also be awesome. *dreaming*
Thomas
12 months ago |some small revolution by electronic shutter perhaps, not by internal viewfinder ? panasonic is said to be working on it too, for their gh3.
sense
12 months ago |An integrated VF or even a hybrid VF like the one used in the X100 would be nice, same goes for a solid body, but the real killer feature that would make jaws drop hasn’t been mentioned here for some time: If Oly somehow pulled it off an created a mount that takes m43 and 43, I’d be running through the street naked…
M
12 months ago |It takes more than two days to present the 50 new artfilters in the E-P3…
Ross
12 months ago |That’s almost as good as the lightglobe joke.
I like it!
MJ
12 months ago |lol, the average consumer actually likes those things tho. I’ve seen some faces light up when showing the ‘awesome’ effects it can do.
But let’s hope the ‘pro’ model will be true to its name and bring back Olympus’ dignity.
Thomas
12 months ago |2 days event
i hope, the first day with introduction of the small tiny compact mft camera that’s so tiny, that it’s not much bigger than the lens mount 
with an nice 17/2 lens. and then please let them put an end the rally for the smallest possible camera…
second day they show an “e-p3″ with at least 2 of these 5 features: higher dynamic and iso-range, internal viewfinder, electronic shutter, faster af-speed, solid dslr-formfactor build. and then there’s the 12/2 shg lens and the 50/1.8 portrait lens.
AndyOz
12 months ago |Source 1 says that the model is smaller than the E-P2 but has a built-in EVF! I am just wondering about that. I would like it to be true but I am not sure how Oly would package in an EVF to fit in such a small body.
I would be happy if there was a body with built-in EVF that was the size of the E-P2 or even slightly bigger up to say the size of a Fuji X100. If it starts to get too small then I am not sure how the handling with be. Especially if there is a Pen Mini to meet that market-want of a small a body as possible.
So Admin, the trusted sources havent even given a clue about whether the E-P3 has a built-in EVF?
Thanks
Jimson
12 months ago |@M. That’s pretty funny and given recent experiences with Oly, frighteningly plausible…
WT21
12 months ago |I’ve been at my EP3 wish list since the EP2 released in that “chocolate” sort of color. I’m done! I can’t take watching, dreaming, hoping and posting any more. I’m going to keep shooting, but I’m just gonna wait this one out. I’ll see what June brings.
SteveD
12 months ago |The fake image would be be a good model for what I want.
Ross
12 months ago |It probably would be good, except he’s forgotten the accessories port under hot shoe. We still need the flexibility of adding those devices if & when desired, but we shall see when it comes.
amalric
12 months ago |The more I think of it the more I believe that plugging the EVF in the accessory port might have been a limitation of early design.
It’s very true that they need at least two ports, or a built in EVF and a free accessory port, if Oly wants a ‘connected camera’.
At the present stage of miniaturization it just needs a longish type of camera, a’ la X1. I also imagine a pop up EVF, which would be fun, not to spoil the original line of the E-P1.
As for the flash I never understood why one needs to popi it up to command other external flashes. Can’t it be done by an internaal radio command.
Also since it is a dwo days event they could celebrate the remake of the E-P1, perhaps with flip out screen and show the dummy of a later semipro, with built in EVF.
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |Giving up the electronics under the hot shoe would be a mistake. Assuming that they got the specs right in the first place (seems to be true given the number of things they’ve designed for it so far), it would be a big mistake to back off from it now: powered microphone, macro lights, bluetooth communication, potential more intelligent flash (want to bet that’s part of the new things announced?), GPS, wireless remote release, and more should be able to be done through that.
Beyond that, it would be extremely silly to start making options (microphone, macro lights, bluetooth) and then leaving the port off a camera, especially a flagship camera. That would be just another indication of lack of clear design direction. More likely we’ll see more things announced for the port than it’s removal.
Michael Meissner
12 months ago |Nothing says that the accessory port has to be under the hotshoe.
If Olympus had provided an extension cable that fit in the accessory port and allowed the EVF, microphone, etc. to be mounted elsewhere, it would have answered many of the complaints. Or if they had just used a standard mini-HDMI cable and let us use standard cables.
Similarly, the placement of the combine USB, shutter release, and A/V out cables is rather unfortunate. I could certainly imagine using the HDMI cable for both the EVF and microphone. But having the cable where you typically grip the camera, leaves me wondering what were they thinking when they put the cables there?
It is kind of sad, that they didn’t put the accessory port in the E-5, and that the bluetooth adapter needs the 2nd generation accessory port.
frosti7
12 months ago |Michael i think you right,
You can see a good example of what your talking about in video industry,
we just need something like “RED” modular camera, when we have plenty of space to mount accessories instead of HOT-SHOE
Like this:
http://www.tvtechnology.com/uploadedImages/TV_Technology/The_Reference_Room/f-FRANK%283%29.jpg
Ross
12 months ago |The connection under the hotshoe has been adopted because of the mechanical mounting point for these devices & by removing that, a bracket with the same connectivity would be needed instead (which would be another thing to carry). As Thom Hogan points out, the new devices made for this would need this feature to be available on this model PEN (for reasons expressed by Thom).
I would agree the accessory port would have been a nice addition to the E5 as well.
Ross
12 months ago |I think the idea of an intelligent flash would make a lot of sense. If it had the ability to trigger the RC flashes & also wirelss, blue tooth or whatever as well (& maybe useful add-ons that can accompany the flash), it would be a useful tool to go with existing FL36R & FL50R flashes & also provide the technology for future systems.
SteveD
12 months ago |Sure. I’m talking about general form factor, LCD, EVF, flash, etc. It’s a fake, after all. No problem drawing in an accessories port.
Ross
12 months ago |I wasn’t seriously picking on your image, but light heartedly pointing out the missing port.
TR
12 months ago |Thanks for sharing, Admin. It is interesting to hear what sources are sending.
I want the first to be right I would be happy to have an EVF over a built in flash. But I find it hard to believe that they would fit in an EVF and make the camera smaller. Personally I wouldn’t want a smaller camera, the E-p2 is about right for me.
I find it harder to believe the second source. As Admin points out, would they make a big launch over no real upgrade? Perhaps neither is right.
Clark
12 months ago |People please, If it gives better IQ and a EVF. Flash can be attached. NO big deal. Rather have a flash attached than get a flash like the zx1
ObZerver
12 months ago |The fact it will be a 2-day event means absolutely nothing!!!
And yes – History proved that Olympus certainly has no remorse announcing “just an updated” new/old designs.
I would not be too exited…
WT21
12 months ago |Sadly, this is far too accurate, and what I am expecting.
Bu
12 months ago |EP1 still works a treat. The only reason I would upgrade would be if it included a built-in flash into a similar form factor. Otherwise I’m happy with first generation
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |> EP1 still works
This is one of Olympus’s biggest problems, actually. Three additional models later and we have the same performance as the original. Thus, upgraders [sic] have been disappointed for the most part, and others still wait for a better camera. That’s why I listed performance as the number one priority. It’s probably why Olympus thinks why built-in EVF is the number one priority ;~(, because they see that they’re selling external EVFs and people complaining about lack of a built-in EVF.
You have to be careful not to listen to customers too literally. Which of the following would sell more cameras?
A. Better ISO and focus performance, fixed controls, better LCD but same optional EVF.
B. Same basic ISO and focus performance, changed controls, same LCD but built-in EVF.
If you just count Internet complaints you might think B. The correct answer is A. Now if you can do A and the built-in EVF in B, great, that’s even better, but doing B instead of A would be a mistake.
tmrgrs
12 months ago |This juxtaposition of choices is a close call for me Thom. Of course I’d like better overall performance from my E-P2 but in reality I haven’t been all that unhappy for the past ten months with it. I’ve likely been avoiding some difficult settings where its limitations would be more of a problem. Still, I get a lot of satisfaction from using it but a built-in EVF would have still been a real improvement for me and I really want one in my next PEN.
frosti7
12 months ago |As someone who invested a lot $ in M43 glass i find it highly troublesome that the 2011 bodies are exactly the same as the 2009 (or actually 2008, because the sensor is based on 2008 Panasonic G1)
So after 3 years (like 3 decades in digital cameras) and practically 0 improvement in IQ and performance (actually, in some aspects like AF the 2010 e-pl2 is slower then the 2008 panasonic G1) doesn’t bother you at all?
If we look at canon what they done in 3 years in photography
2008: Canon 450D
2011: Canon 600D
still doesn’t bother you?
tmrgrs
12 months ago |frosti7 – It’s actually less than two years since the E-P1 first arrived in the stores and the earlier introduction of the G1 isn’t relevant at all to what Olympus has accomplished. And BTW, my E-P2 with the latest firmware updates and a fast focusing lens like my Panny 14-45 for example is every bit as fast focusing as any Panny body except for the GH2 & G3. For a small company like Olympus, this isn’t unexpected or disappointing to me. Canon has huge R&D, manufacturing and marketing resources in comparison and hasn’t done too much to upgrade their sensor technology or resulting IQ results during those same two years. My 5D mkII is more than two years old now and is still as good as it gets for IQ with a Canon camera.
frosti7
12 months ago |Its true, but Olympus has done nothing, completely nothing, except for adding a flash(e-pl) and adding an EVF (e-p2)(which the latter is not actual camera improvement but an accessory)
In other words i’m certain that for olympus to survive they need to announce a revolutionary (not evolutionary) e-p3,
in conclusion Built-in EVF a total MUST and a new-GEN sensor (that replaces the 2008 G1′s 3 year old sensor wich wasnt so good even in 2008!!!)
Ross
12 months ago |They have done something & as they don’t make their own sensors (until recent rumours talking about their own design), they have extracted more image detail from the same sensor with the much lighter AA filter & provided an excellent process engine to work with it. Just look at images from the E5 (especially with SHG lenses).
We shall see which sensor will be in the new models.
mahler
12 months ago |I think the 460K LCD is probably enough good. More important is EVF and a tiltable screen, otherwise you get the same old PEN as before.
So option B is clearly the way to go for Olympus. I don’t even know why you put all these things as alternatives. In order to stay competitive, Olympus needs to improve on all features cited in A and B, because the competition has this from the beginning.
Thom Hogan
12 months ago |Again, I’ve prioritized the problems. Having the same camera with an internal EVF doesn’t move the bar very far from having the same camera with an external EVF. It’s not the lack of an internal EVF that is causing Olympus trouble in competing against Sony. It’s the sensor. And in competing against the GF series from Panasonic, it’s autofocus performance.
Also, most of the people posting here already have m4/3 cameras. They’re looking at things from a different viewpoint (e.g. “Gee, I like my E-P1/2 but I wish it had an internal EVF and flash”). A potential new customer looks at Sony and sees smaller camera with a better LCD and better sensor, looks at Panasonic and sees faster AF, looks at Samsung and sees a very nice set of photography-centric controls. It’s the new customer that Olympus really needs to get buzz with, and the only way to do that IMHO is to go above and beyond the current 12mp sensor and somewhat mixed controls they have now.
Olympus has twice now gotten a bit of buzz from a new different system, then lost all momentum in the execution. Every time you do that, the hurdle for generating excitement the next time gets higher. One or two feature changes aren’t enough. They need to make a strong competitive case.
Maciek
12 months ago |we should see a new roadmap for olympus, unless they have no idea where they are going.
lily
12 months ago |Am I the only one praying for weather-sealed? It seems pretty logical, their pro-level E-series DSLRs are weather sealed, so their “pro”-level PEN should be too, right? (Heck, their point-and-shoots are waterproof for Pete’s sake!) Fingers crossed!!!
Björn Utpott
12 months ago |I would really like a sensor stabilized Olympus body to complement my Panasonic GH2. But for me to be interested, it needs to be as responsive as its Panasonic counterparts. The E-PL1 I tested for a month while traveling felt considerably more sluggish than the GF1 I was using at the time. If Olympus can catch up in terms of performance, then it will be hard to resist built-in stabilization.
Chris L
12 months ago |Bjorn-
Tests indicate the E-PL2 to be MUCH faster with the new kit lens. To quote DPReview “…an increase in AF speed of almost 30% in some circumstances – a substantial boost….with the new kit lens the E-PL2′s AF-speed is on par with the best cameras in this sector of the market…”
This is very important to me. I purchased one and I can attest to the fact the E-PL2 is even faster focusing the little Panasonic 14/2.5 – the combination is wonderful.
However I’m not a dedicated video shooter – I don’t have a lot of experience to draw from to asses that performance. As a still shooter, I generally use a Nikon D300s and D90 and I find E-PL2 to be quite acceptable. Still keeping my DSLRS for sports and action and some other professional work.
Regards,
Chris L.
Nat
12 months ago |Is integrated EVF mean add-on EVF? Well, if there no VF then they better have at least 3 dials and lots of buttons
Björn Utpott
12 months ago |That’s good to hear, Chris. I will definitely give an Olympus body another try. I would love to have a stabilized 20/1.7 or even the upcoming 25/1.4. I’m not much of a video shooter either; I have the GH2 primarily for its articulated screen, huge EVF and multi-aspect sensor. Of course performance is also good.
Ross
12 months ago |Integrated EVF means it is built into the body.
Dummy00001
12 months ago |> P.S.: I got a TERRIFIC rumor about Samsung! Will post that on MirrorlessRumors as soon as I can! Pro photographers will be VERY happy with that news.
Announcement of preannouncement?
4 hours later, still no “TERRIFIC!” news/rumors on MirrorlessRumors about Samsung.
If it could wait 4+ hours in your pipeline that means it is not so terrific after all.
Kostas
12 months ago |No flash? In this type of camera a flash is a must!
Bild-in EVF? Sure we all want that with no added mass-weight and no extra cost. A tilting/swivelling screen is what I prefer since an EVF is already available (as extra). Those that say they do not want one are those that have not used one. Very useful, especially for street photography.
2-day event? Probably something big will be announced. My guess it has to do do with focus-lenses. Either pretty fast focusing or even better they have managed autofocus for old (4/3) lenses.
Michael Meissner
12 months ago |However, the problem with the current EVF is you can either use the EVF, or you can use an external flash, or you can use the external microphone. I often times want to use both the external flash and EVF when I’m shooting stills, and when I’m shooting video, I want to use both the microphone and the EVF. At least with the pop-up flash you can use it to control your external flash via the remote wireless TTL mode that some flashes offer. I recently bought a clearviewer for my E-P2, so that I could use the flash and still be able to see the LCD in bright sun.
Now, using the A/V out for an electronic viewfinder is another possibility, and I’ve done that, though the cable placement where you grip the camera is unfortunate.
Esa Tuunanen
12 months ago |As for that Samsung rumour Canon and Nikon have their religion to back them what ever they do later than others so they don’t have to go to any panic mode.
But if Samsung gets out actually ergonomic body with proper controls then it’s Panasonic and especially Olympus who should get very worried. That kind product would correct NX’s biggest flaw of having only tiny unergonomic bodies for big APS-C optics and remove obstacle of being (yet another) inbalanced system out of the way of recommending NX while M4/3 has been working so hard to sit with thumbs up their butt for loosing their headstart in making complete serious mirrorless system.
sneye
12 months ago |The mysterious rumor is probably about a full frame mirrorless system in the making. Completely out of Panasonic and Olympus’s league.
Dummy00001
12 months ago |> The mysterious rumor is probably about a full frame mirrorless system in the making.
Iff that is true, I wonder what mount would they use. Body alone isn’t enough – AF lenses are must too.
Otherwise, FF mirrorless doesn’t make much sense to me. Yes, optics design improved in recent years, yet not sufficiently to allow a portable FF camera system. If that is a mirrorless FF DSLR … can’t tell since I’m not a target audience.
admin
12 months ago |No, it’s even better
AndyOz
12 months ago |Hi Admin
Come on – give us a hint. How long before you post it?
Tom
12 months ago |mirrorless medium format ?
there was already such a rumor!
When this cam would have a sane price, it would be awesome!
Archer Sully
12 months ago |Its called a PhaseOne IQ180.
tmrgrs
12 months ago |I don’t understand why a medium format announcement is of any interest on this 4/3 specific site.
MJ
12 months ago |Exciting month this ! Me like ! Even if i won’t buy anything in the end it’s just fun.
DonTom
12 months ago |Gotta be electronic shutter then…..
Tom
12 months ago |ok, like i thought
But 6000$ isnt what i call a sane price
I hoped its priced at 3000
calxn
12 months ago |Samsung’s rumored other partners in MF – Schneider and Alpa are not known for bargain prices. Expect $3000 just for a lens.
Alan
12 months ago |If it loks like that mock up I’ll be buying! That is a smart desin!
James
12 months ago |Is this a mock-up? It looks stunning!
NaoyukiOi
12 months ago |I know that you may not trust Dicicame-Info, but it now says the source told them that the date has been re-scheduled to 30 June.
Jan Francois
12 months ago |Thanks for the bit on external flash, Thom. I think the external flash hardliners really ought to re-examine their priorities. Also, a built in flash is less important with an internal EVF.
Nathan
12 months ago |Yes, built in flash is important- and hotshoe is important too, for different things, both issues are solved with EVF built in. The E-PL1 and E-PL2 at least dont require you to use viewfinder and flash in an either/xor relationship.
I’m interested if it has evf and if it adds something to image quality- it has to do something photographically that my E-30 struggles to do.
Mr. Reeee
12 months ago |Fit in a pocket?
Ross
12 months ago |Ben
12 months ago |I really want manual controls on the camera, like a shutter speed wheel! I love my PEN-FT, and I have a GH2 for video, but Olympus has given me no reason to buy a second M4/3rds camera for photos only. If it had these sort of controls I would buy one.
Ross
12 months ago |You have to remember the EPL-2 is not the higher end model & is the entry level PEN (with a rumoured mini PEN being even lower in user level being more auto level) & the EP-2 having 2 wheels for manual use is the higher model. This EP-3 rumoured model should be even higher (if some rumours are correct).
calxn
12 months ago |Not sure if pro photogs are happy with the Samsung news since there’s very little info about the camera, but it’s a very interesting rumor. I also don’t think Canon and Nikon are worried. The professional market is a large and diverse group. Canikon’s and MF’s strongholds are very different, just as m43′s and Canikon’s market are very different.
New start Olympus
12 months ago |Please – high quality sensor, high quality 17 mm lens, sharpness, contrast, sharpness, contrast and more sharpness. By the way – could not care less about built in flash.
reverse stream swimmer
12 months ago |* JUST ANOTHER MOCK UP *
Each time Olympus has shown a new concept, it has been first displayed to the public as a mock up.
That was the case with: E-1, E-3, PEN E-P1.
Conclusion:
If this is a new concept, it’ll first be shown as a mock up.
Ulli
12 months ago |internal evf and smaller? wow!
alexander
12 months ago |VERY cool (fake) picture of the EP3 !!!!!
Thomas
12 months ago |Hopefully the EP3 will be something game changing. I’m getting a little tired of the “slightly larger” APS sensor greatly outperforming MFT in so many areas. Also, is it impossible to include both a built in flash and EVF, or does Olympus enjoy the extra revenue for us having to buy these items?
cbr09
12 months ago |I suppose both sources could be right if the Ep3 viewfinder is integrated but detachable. I think a very nice solution would be a lower profile fixed EVF a bit like the hump on an OM that could lock on with another hot-shoe on top. That way the base camera could be smaller than the EP2 but more like the G3 with the EVF on and the choice of using with the tiltable VF2 when you need the tilt option – or without either for compact street use. The design of a fixed detachable EVF could be much more streamlined and integrated into the overall body shape. It would be even nicer if such a new EVF also gotten on old bodies like the EPL2 but that might be asking too much.
Ross
12 months ago |Now we’re talkin’. That would be what I would like to see, but that would be a modular design adding more cost to the camera, but maybe a justifiable addition in cost, & while we’re talking about modular, maybe something better can be achieved with using 4/3′s lenses too.
amalric
12 months ago |Well, I was thinking along the same lines. Detachable EVF in a classic Pen body (or OM lookalike?) + predictive AF allowing better use of 4/3 lenses would motivate a 2 days event.
With the E-PLx accessories Oly has showed what it can make of the accesssory port. If they really wanted, they could even want a detachable LCD, a GPS, etc.
In terms of design then the problem becomes: how to have a clean line, and efficient photographic tool, and a connected camera, without it looking like a Tower of Babel
Apple succeeded but in many generations of product. That may well mean that we’ll see another important step in the right direction, and a dummy for a semipro in Winter.
Also, probably the Earthquake has delayed introduction by a quarter. Think of the losses incurred not only by producers, but by Japanese consumers too.
RangeFinder
12 months ago |Adding flash to E-PL didn’t attract serious users? It’s a downgraded model. They have yet to add it to the E-P line.
Are we sure this will be a line-topping model, or is there a top line coming in the fall?
If it is an enthusiast model, again, D7000, 7D and A55 have built-in flash. Go against them without it at your peril.
Not saying it’s the most-needed upgrade, but Olympus would be foolish to ignore the “no flash, no sale” crowd again.
Not that it matters now, since the design is set in stone.
Buzz doesn’t=sales. Sigma has gotten plenty of buzz the past couple weeks.
Ross
12 months ago |I wonder if the announcement will be at the PMA Australia show in Sydney Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 June 2011
PMA Australia 2011 Imaging & Entertainment Expo & Conference
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
http://www.pmaaustralia.com.au/a/38.html
I would certainly like that & be one of the first to see it if it was.
anton
12 months ago |What a coincidence..
I am long awaiting this camera and just sold my PL2.
Can’t wait to see with my very own eyes. For sure, I’ll be there.
Inge-M
12 months ago |Maybe only info,but olympus people vill say the so can.
safaridon
12 months ago |If integrated is it possible that this new EP3 uses a modular design like the small XA film 35 camera with very small base camera with optional EVF attachment on the side?
samshootsall
12 months ago |only if it stays portable, that would be awesome!!
AndyOz
12 months ago |I agree that would be an interesting way to go. It would probably make the camera quite a bit wider with an attached EVF but I wouldnt mind at all.
That could be a good compromise for those who want an EVF versus those who dont. Although I think the best long term solution is to have two models:
- with EVF
- without EVF for those who like the LCD and sometimes use the VF-2
sderdiarian
12 months ago |Olympus needs to first match the features of the G3 (built-in hi-res EVF and hi-res flip LCD or OLED) as the starting point for a new model, then introduce some game changer features such as a new low-noise sensor with further improved Truepic processing. A rangefinder styled slender body would set it apart from the masses.
Not to have a built-in flash and a port for accessories would be plain foolish, great way to lose sales right out of the box. Same for price point, it needs to remain affordable.
They’ve shown they can lead the class with the XZ-1, really hoping they do this again in mFT this go around.
James
12 months ago |if they want to compete with the G3 and they’ve half a brain they’ll announce before June 17 (expected shipping date for pre-orders of Panny G-3 according to amazon UK)
meanwhile; X100 is in stock for MSRP at amazon UK….. not sure I can resist….
cL
12 months ago |I really hope this is only a mock up…. The design is not very interesting and looks like a x100 wannabe. The thing that makes x100 great isn’t the design, but “the design” which involves how they put parts together to make a meaningful photographic too. That is, something a professional can appreciate, like fixed lens prime design that work together with a VF that’s specific designed for the lens and shutter speed dial and aperture dial. People at Fuji designed it so it’s very faithful to old cameras to the detail, such as texture and touch, the weight of the camera, the material used, the placement of the controls to the box it is packaged in.
If this mock up E-P3 can’t match how old Olympus cameras was packaged in, but a merely a cosmetic change from previous generation of digital PEN then it’s a dud for me. Old Olympus cameras used real metal, not plastic. Every design detail makes sense. One thing I chose E-620 over Canon is the quality of plastic used (Olympus 4/3 uses glass fibre reinforced plastic vs Canon Rebel line’s cheap plastic). Olympus cameras oozes quality where Canon models feel like a disposable camera. You get what you paid for. El cheapo.
The reason Apple products are such a big hit is their nice quality feel material. Style is trend setting, but not a wannabe. This is very crucial. Besides, maybe the cost of production is just a little higher by using quality material, but you’re going to sell that product vs using a cheap material that will get your product to become hard-to-rid-of inventory rather than profit margin.
Of course, the most important aspect of the camera is its lens quality. Olympus can deliver that, but to really make this camera extraordinary, the whole package must be carefully designed or it’ll be a lot of marketing cost wasted on something no consumer would drool over for. What’s the point of a good product when no one would notice it? I think that’s pretty much the case for OM and 4/3…. Best in its class, but no one tried….