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This is really an exciting camera I hope it exceeds everyones expectations.

We all know what we want in an OM camera. I am basically looking for an OM4 body with a 4/3 sensor and some amazing primes that olympus whats known for during it’s film days.

My guess is that the OM-D is the new 4/3 body that a lot of people have been waiting for … but the lenses would have to be revised in size…

FourThirds *is* full frame you freaking idiots! IT IS FULL FRAME!! ALL THE LENSES ARE FULL FRAME RELATIVE TO THE SENSOR!! 135-format is no longer the only full-frame format. GET OVER IT!~

A digital csc that looks like the old Olympus om? Olympus must be short of new ideas. Couldn’t they have done the same thing by putting a viewfinder into the ep3? Now they have 4 cameras that use the same mount, same sensor and essentially do the same thing, the epm1, epl3,ep3, and a m43 csc that resembles the om slr. why camera makers have to make several cameras that that do the same thing are beyond me.Wasting time and money making several cameras when they could have just made one. Case n point, the Olympus epm1, missing evf and swivel screen, epl3 has the swivel screen, ep3 still has missing evf and no swivel screen, and now the om-d has the evf but chances are no swivel screen. They wouldn’t have to release 4 cameras if they made one with all the necessary features. so basically if Iam correct the new om-d is like a e450 without the mirror box. Why didn’t Olympus do that from the start? Same with the rumored Sony full frame A and E mount camera. Camera makers are sure funny, they keep releasing new cameras that end up at where they should have started in the first place.

If it’s an OM, then I want full frame and use my OM lenses

“2 days ago | A $10 disposable film camera will give one FF experience. What so special about FF?”

Yeah… that’s why Pentax Q lenses and bodies are the same size as a Nikon D4 with a 70-200 f/2.8 attached. Wait, what?

I’m sure you will come back with Leica M9 as an example of smaller size, but most companies could not get away with such a manual offerring (as can’t charge the Leica tax to generate profit on a relatively small number of sales).

Forbes — you are 100% right. Although I love my D300, the 24-70/2.8 lens + other lenses, I simply don’t use it much: I need a bag to lug it around, and get totally soaked by sweat after 5 minutes carrying the bag — note, I spend much of my travel in warm climate. For me, m43 implies that I get reasonably good pictures with a camera weighing 1/3 in “90%” of the cases, and I get back the joy of taking pictures. I think these arguments are representative for the majority of those buying into the m43 system.

I agree with u.
But, again, hoping that Oly doesn’t get the Leica-4-poors way like Fuji does with X-PRO1.
If it doesn’t, why sticking with OM so?
Why do not speak about a PRO-PEN?
I fear that geniuses of mktg will relegate the PEN series to pro-sumers, that do not have a need for an integrated EVF (like Panny does for the GX1).
All i (we) hope for is a M4/3 PRO-PEN with an embedded EVF and some good dials to play with.
Best regards
M. Costa

Hopefully your brief comment will put the full frame crowd to rest…

That’s just an opinion!

I guess you must have misinterpreted my post. I said nothing about ergonomics or controls, or m4/3 users for that matter.

What I was aiming at is that a camera like a GH2 is a pretty good alternative to a DSLR if size is an issue. A similar camera from Olympus (based on a modern OM inspired design?) that has the build quality of the E-P3 could be even better.

I’m not saying it will happen but to say “unless there is some revolution”…erm… that’s what technology is, I mean how much of the world do you think you will recognise in say 20 years, obviously there will be revolutionary things come out, or do you think the world wide market for PC’s is about 20…

You can build grips for small cameras as well. Plus you can design grips to add. If Olympus can come up with a OM sized camera that handles just as well there will be a demand for it. OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 all handled better than 7D, 5D, D700, D3 etc because they were so small. They reduced the risk of camera shake which you see now so often in photos taken on large modern DSLRs because people can’t hold them still enough and that includes professional photographers.

If you really think you can attract DSLR users by removing ergonomic grip and with limited retro controls you’re smoking wrong stuff.
Or are you just wanting to help Canon, Nikon and Sony by treating 4/3 users as disposables?

You don’t know anything about that camera yet, nobody knows either, so why are you already ranting about it ? Wait that we know more about its look and capabilities before you start whining about it. The only thing Olympus has said is that it will have a stunning VF and continue in the spirit of the OM which was a highly regarded camera. We still don’t know what is marketing hype and what will be true. Going out from the Pen series, I think we will get a modern reinterpretation of the OM. How much it will deliver and how well it will do is way too early to speculate on.

Me too, I thought OM-G1. Would have been perfect in connection with the Oh My God teasing ad campaign.

> 3) Larger sensors cost more due to the larger wafers needed.
Wafer size doesn’t change any from the one factory is using!
You’ll just get lot less products (rectangle areas called dies) out of single silicon wafer because of less sensors fitting into it, more wasted area of round wafer on edges and fever defects being enough to make bigger part of dies useless.
As manufacturing cost of single wafer stays same regardless number of usefull dies “full frame” sensor could cost easily twenty times the price of 4/3 sensor.

Here’s good explanation of manufacturing problems of big die size components.
http://www.robgalbraith.com/public_files/Canon_Full-Frame_CMOS_White_Paper.pdf

Only if its parabolic to produce sharpness in the edges

yes you are right and this is a GOOD thing . Who would be interested in such a new system and to WAIT for years to get enough new AF lenses

4/3 ratio is fine . they just need a high quality sensor ( meaning NOT FROM Panasonic)

It’s not just technology but a bigger sensor will have given equal tech, richer DR/tone/ISO.

Not happening.

So you (and others) have been dreaming of an FF sensor? And the camera would come with an adapter for m43 so they could actually use the new m43 12-50 kit lens with it? And another adapter for the 43 lenses? And Oly should come with a new line of FF lenses with some 10+ top quality lenses so they would stand a chance against FF systems from Nikon and Canon? Even in science fiction, there has to be a believable plot.
They will come with an m43 camera. This makes it possible with a good balance between size and quality usable in 90% of cases (according to photo bloggers which make a living out of photography). The size advantage causes people to actually use the camera and not leave their heavy FF equipment at home/in their hotel. To sell the new camera, it must be sufficiently good compared to the competition (Panasonic, Nikon 1 mainly). To me, APS-C cameras are not an alternative due to the size.

I have heard of the kirk L plate before, thanks for pointing out

Finding fanboy link on dpr is not the same. i owned E5 , 5d and D3, all i kept is the nikon FF system. It s so good it might be good enough for the next 20 years if you are no early adopter. Not castrated in every possible way just a superb camera made to last.

I suggest to try prime lenses on FF. 2 or 3 is all you need. Where you can reach 4-5 stops over the E5, all with creamy files kickass Dr great colour latitude and low noise. Fantastic af.

Funny how everybody says the ff lenses are big and expensive… When the oly SHG are about the biggest and most expensive lenses on the market incl FF. Even if those lenses are good. The catastrophic af system kills it for me.

Oly stopped the e system bacause its pointless compared to the competition so did panasonic. Even a guy working for oly told me this once. Also the dof penalty kills it for most pros.

M43 is the right way to make good use of smaller sensor. But its not done right yet. I ll keep my breath for feb 8.

Sony has a FF nex9 up it s sleeves, hold your breath

D700 can shoot every manual nikkor ever made in all modes, you can even save the lens profiles for quick access and full exif even without chip in the lens. A manual shooters dream, so are the files dr and iso

Disappointing … was expecting OM-G

As time marches on, physics does not change. There is a reason FF lenses are so large. Also, the wafers that make the sensors are actually more expensive to make large. When you have smaller sensors you can get better yields and even if you loose some to defects, there are still a lot on a wafer you can keep, not so with bigger wafers. Also, computers and cameras are different — cost comes down due to volume, look at the number of cameras sold, while large, most of the sales are to repeat customers not new customers.

The P&S will be eaten up by Cell Phone camera many with 12, 14 and 16mpx and now even with 720p video. The question is what happens with the low end DSLRs, due they share market with mirrorless?

The future of DX is cloudy and may be replaced with defeatured FF but still in the $3K range and lenses will not get cheaper because the cost of optical glass goes up every year due to the process required to make clean glass

In short, not gonna happen!

MikeH,

A few things about Panasonic

1) They will not go it alone, they like to copy but they do not really innovate

2) They do not market well and they have a very poor distribution channel and do not know how to effectively get product on the shelves. Ask the 4/3 fans the PITA of getting a Leica 25mm

3) Larger sensors cost more due to the larger wafers needed. It is not not cost effective unless you already have the forges.

4) Each business unit must make its own money without money from the mother ship, they make money in the camera division but they are not that big thus is why they paired up with Olympus to start

All these leads to — its not gonna happen because neither Panasonic nor Olympus know what to nor do it in a cost effective money making manner. Should Samsung join the party, they would offer the missing pieces, but that is still unknown

Any talk of FF is just dreaming. Canon, Nikon and Sony will rule the FF market now and in the future.

Lastly, in marketing and business, if you can’t beat them, make yourself a new market. m4/3 (mirrorless) is the Niche where they can compete — they have the lead, the mind share and it is their market to screw up.

As time passes by, eventually dirty cheap P&S cameras will be equipped with full-frame sensor and sold for less than $100 in a number of years.

I still remember that 13 years ago I spent $2500 for a Dell desktop with Pentium 400M kHz CPU, and another $2500 for the Dell laptop with Pentium 300M KHz CPU. And people reviewed them claimed their performance was ‘laser fast’. And NOW they are not even qualified for donation!

43 cameras without continuing upgrading sensor technology will be dead meat very very soon.

I’m just hoping it’s a much better sensor and doesn’t look like the hideous OM-88 !

Panasonic is huge. They could conceivably have m43 and FF lines.

There’s no way Olympus or Panasonic will ever launch a FF sensor camera. Period. Dot. Not gonna happen. They’ve simply put way too many resources into the m43 architecture to go back.

OMD?

Oh My Darling!

=D

Not everyone loves manual focus or has a big bag of old manual glass. For me, if I am using the larger full frame lenses, they are big and heavy enough I may as well bring the FF DSLR along as it will balance out better anyway and I’ve yet to see a m43 camera that can match DSLR in ergonomics (forgetting size and weight).

I’m just not sure why people lusting after FF – not saying you Mr. Reese – even bother on a site for 43 rumours… the rumoured NEX/Alpha hybrid at Sony is probably your best bet.

I would like to see a 4/3 camera with an internal EVF, manual controls and OM4 styling that would compete with the Panasonic GX1 and GH2 for the enthusiast 4/3 market – and with the Sony NEX7 and the new Fuji in design if not technology.

I’ve always wondered, why, if people hate Oly so much (or name whatever company you care to name), why do they troll around so much on the company they hate’s web site?

It kind of reminds me of all the Republicans who hate gays so much, but somehow end up caught with gay rent boyz at Reagan National or LAX.

That’s it you know. These trolls all have Oly E-520 cameras in the backs of their closets that they take on vacation instead of their ultra-huge Canikons (when no one is looking).

“Full Frame sensors require large lenses”

“Full frame sensors require huge bodies”

Ummm… Right. Sure they do.

Good gods.

I agree with Berneck

My bet: E-P3 crammed into an OM body with a built-in EVF. Nothing special. Olympus really needs to get on the ball, drop Panny as a sensor provider and seriously think about making a revolutionary camera.

With the new Canon G1X and the Fuji X-Pro, I’ve lost all interest in Olympus. I was really excited when the E-P1 came out, but they really dropped the ball on everything from camera design to optics (although the E-PL3, 12mm and 45mm were a step in the right direction).

Guy makes the L-brackets and tripod heads?

Oh that is disgusting!

There is no reason to have Full Frame except to fully take advantage of legacy lenses. If you’re from Nikon, using your old F-mount lenses on your D700, or similar, then there’s no reason to make a new full frame digital camera just because everyone else is making sensors of that size.

For a newly designed digital system, the sensor size can be completely arbitrary. Full Frame has no logical grounding.

Even if it was FF… with Olympus’s current financial state… would you want to buy into a new (expensive) system?

If you buy into an Olympus m43, at least you know Panasonic will be around producing lenses if Olympus goes down.

(Sorry if someone above pointed this out)

I agree with others above, FF DSLR and m43s make a good team.

95% of the work on 500pix is done by technicians, not artists.

One who uses his hands is a worker.
One who uses his hands and head is a craftsman.
One who uses his hands, head and heart is an artist.

Ranger 9 is spot on imho.

What are we talking about as far as price? It’ll be weather sealed and have the new weather sealed lens right? Maybe $1,500? That’s way too much money for me on a micro four thirds sensor- especially if it has something like the G3 sensor (and I can’t imagine it having some sort of revolutionary sensor). But I think a lot of people will consider that a reasonable price.

“The sensor is likely going to be a tweaked EP-3 sensor (or the same damned one).”

In that case, it would be the Olympus DOA.

Thank you for typing, nearly word-for-word, what I was going to have to type myself.

The number of people clamoring for an FF sensor on a 4/3rds forum is kind of confusing. How about this:

I really hope this camera does *not* have an FF sensor. I like my lenses, I like the flange back distance, I find the m4/3 noise performance absolutely acceptable, and I like the current price points. Thank you very much.

Wow, a lot of people are going to be disappointed when Olympus releases their OM-D camera and it’s not a FF sensor. I really don’t see why so many think it IS going to be a FF sensor, especially just from hearing the name of the camera.

I’m pretty sure the “OM” designation is due to the styling of the camera (retro look, centered EVF, etc) and nothing to do with the sensor.

The sensor is likely going to be a tweaked EP-3 sensor (or the same damned one).

Yes all this FF talk is just foolish nonsense. There are plenty of FF DSLR’s already saturating that niche market segment and also this new Olympus is going to use the recently introduced 12-50 Zuiko which automatically means that it’ll have a 4/3 sensor.

There once was a Digital camera that used Olympus OM lens and was full frame. It was incredibly expensive, and was about 4 megpixals or less. It was priced way out of my price range, an most if not OM uses. I wish I could remember its name. It probally had the Kodak sensor, their was another version that used Nikon glass at the time.

“But pro pen/mft e5…

…8 february ”

Isn’t that the GH-2? I am getting mildly interested.

The 2nd mount could be the square sensor from Samsung? Photokina, then!

Please tell me the design is not based on the OM2000! It wasn’t even made
by Olympus and was a butt ugly mass market product pushed out during the death knells of OM.

It had none of the elegance of the OM4ti or OM3ti.

Sensor on FF size is only alternativ photography in 30 years in future.

lol

Only one person here has come close. 2 cameras, 2 mounts, 2 sensors. Don’t get excited about OM for a few months. But pro pen/mft e5…

…8 february

Sony appears to have abandoned full frame in favor of the new 24MP APS-C sensor.

No, we’re just after that one ISO stop current 4/3 sensors lack and wish we could use old lenses at focal lengths written on them.

Whatever, now that admin’s confirmed sensor is 4/3, it’s either old 12 Mpx that drags from 2008 to this day in various models or 16 Mpx that first appeared in the G3. Has a Panasonic sensor ever had its debut in Olympus camera?

No need to. OM could be digitalized (that mount is big enough). And OM lens are more than usable even today. Yes they have sometimes lower contrast or bit of CA, but doesnt regular crappy kit lens too?

Point isnt that we can buy Canikon or Sony FF. Sure we can, but maybe we would like perhaps Olympus FF or Pentax FF? Its not just brandname, both companies are bit different than Canikon or Sony. I like especially Pentax cameras (ergonomic wise, its really for photographers). Similar goes to Olympus.

Well and mirrorless FF.. they would be first and they would win whole mirrorless race (if they wont make any serious mistake). I think that first mirrorless FF manufacturer (whoever it will be) will lead market for long time. Probably Sony.

+1

By reading this rumor blog I really see what “Dream the impossible” mean to some people. Wishing for a FF(36x24mm)from Olympus is like asking for auto-focus OM system 30 years ago…

I just want an E-P4 with better sensor and no EVF …

Oh and with PDAF on the sensor …

My Prediction – M43 sensor a certainty. Comparability with 43 and M43 lenses a strong probability. They have always hinted that 43 would not be abandoned, but they cannot afford to keep it running as a separate platform. This new camera will make all the 43 E series cameras old generation, and able to be quietly dropped. Overall I think this would be a good move by Olympus, they have to get rid of 43, but in a way that keeps faith with the customer base. A body that pulls together the 43 and M43 ranges is what is needed to help them reduce costs and range breadth while keeping their word to support owners of existing kit. All talk of FF is pointless, they don’t need another sensor size, they need to cut down the range of cameras they are supporting so the limited R&D funds they have can make the very best of the platform they are banking on – that is M43 (or Mirrorless four thirds).

Ranger9 – spot on!

Sure, here it is the big announcenent!!! Pay 1400 dollars for body only, you get an om designed g3, we charge you double for the weathersealing, yes the videofunction is still crap but who cares? We have that great olympus colour instead….

Jokes aside if this om is no fullframe camera, or a completely new sensor it s the end of oly cameras,,, nobody will comit the same error for the 5th time bobidy want another slow 14 to something kitlens either

) some people around are ,,camera geek”. but compare to the computer ones, they don’t know how to use that cameras. they need to have the best camera just for sake of having. not for results.
if you look at 1x.com or 500pix.com, will see very old cameras, but the images are stunning. conclusion : brain does 90% of the work.

I bet on G3 / GX1 sensor since Panasonic will announce a GH upgraded model soon.

Hi Admin,

When you say “m43″, does that mean 12 MP?

Thanks;)

Heheh

I guess we’ve got more than we bargained for…

From what I have heard and read from past interviews with Olym. They have been working on a camera which uses both m43 and 43 lenses. I hope this really works out.

Comparing an 5d to the e30 is pathetic, there are lightyears of quality in between

Who cares about the pens anyway? Seriously now…

YAWN…more hype….stop with the big intro and show me the beef. The kit lens is something I would never buy…so I am prepared to be underwhelmed… hate to be negative …but I just don;t see this camera rockin my world.

OM-D = Olympus MUST Deliver!…

…or else!

Medium format or GTFO! Just kidding but everyone saying if it’s not full frame or it’s a bust is kind of dumb. It’s going to be Micro Four Thirds, why would they abandon the only format that makes them money?

“Full-Frame and µFT are a perfect team!”

Exactly

The four years old sensor again?!?

Great

Although Kirk Tuck puts it bluntly regarding the wish for FF, I agree ; an FF is a total turn-off for me. I want a light, small camera, solid with good direct control buttons (less dependant on menus), with long battery life and faster operation/tracking, weather sealing, and with as good a sensor as possible. Preferably not a hump. A control dial around the mount might be ok (OM style, but not tied to shutter speed – a la the XZ-1). But I’m open to see what they come up with. I’m pretty sure it will be a 43 sensor size — if not the new 12-50 lens doesn’t make sense — unless there is also a PEN PRO in the pipeline. And I’m pretty sure it has improved video capabilities, or else the zoom buttons on the 12-50 doesn’t make sense. Is it true that from Jan 1 2012 of, they are not contractually obliged to use the old, 12 Mpx Panasonic sensor?

OMG. Want one as an addition to my OM-4 & E-P3

“FF with 43 and m4/3 working in crop!”

Certainly not. It is supposed to be Pen-compatible, i.e. must share the mount. FF sensor would be too big for the m43 mount.
I also believe that the sensor could be of a different size, but not THAT different. I guess APS-C at maximum.

I’m betting it will be 43rds size sensor. OM-D will be for design and shape. Larger, better controls, weather sealed, built in EVF. Maybe PDAF on sensor for AF with 43rds lenses. Hopefully the sensor is not based on the old 12mp one.

It was supposed to be OM-G: oh, my god. But the guy who registered the name was dyslectic .

yes, the OM-2000 was an olympus branded cosina.
… and to all of you that thinks that “OMG” would be a nice name…; the OM-20 was named OMG in the states. … so it’s already used….

OM-5D Mk I & OM-5D Mk II

Not really although it would be nice if they did. One can dream. Shutter speed dial around the lens mount would be nice. I have a feeling I’ll be disappointed which happens a lot with Olympus. Ah well.

I hope on GH1 and GH2 sensor.

i dont think it will be a full frame.

The G was a well built camera, came from the OM-4 series. Considering it replaced the OM-10 which build was OK for a general consumer camera, but not up to the standards of the single digit OMs.

OM-2000 is not even a real Olympus camera.

I fear the worst. Hopefully, this won’t be another retro design camera trying to catch up on the success of the OM camera line…

+1

Sorry for the double posts

Wasn’t the 2000 a badged Cosina? Probably an EP made to look like an OM.

Now that we know release date and the name, can we have a hint at the specs?

Thank you dear sources .

Bad marketing decision again. If they’ve called new camera Alphaville, it would be big in Japan .

Looking forward to this.

How it could work/look:

Large 4:3 aspect sensor which works in “4/3rds” mode with 43rds and m43 lenses in 1:1 ratio (using 18x18mm surface).

Larger area when mounting FF lenses.

I’m very intrigued by this “OM” designation – and I don’t think it’s going to have regular sized 4/3rds sensor because of this.

After reading these all crappy comments about full frame sensor I am sure you will be really disappointed in February. Just like after E-5.

Admin, any news on the sensor?

Thanks!

Classic eighties -OMD

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

“i bet they can make the 4/3 lenses work in crop”

Yeah! FF with 43 and m4/3 working in crop!!!!! Much too good!

yeah. if it’s full frame, count me in! 4/3 sensor is getting their ass kicked. i bet they can make the 4/3 lenses work in crop

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark?

OM-D –> Olympus Manoeuvres in the Dark? The shoe fits …

OM-2000 looks as modern as GX-1 (actually they look quite a lot similar). Not much of retro if its designed like that. Well, its year 97 .. so not really old.

Hm..

Hope it wont be “OMG” .. OM with 4/3 sensor? No thanks.

But full-frame.. well that would seriously shake our small photographic world.

OM-D = OM-Duh Sure hope it ain’t another Retro design. Time to live modern.