Dpreview outlines expectations and desires for future OM Digital cameras and lenses:

What We Expect from OM System:

1. Limited Camera Releases: OM System’s recent camera releases, like the OM-5 and OM-1 II, have been relatively minor updates from previous Olympus models. With these cameras still being fairly recent (OM-5 in late 2022 and OM-1 II in early 2024), it’s uncertain if we can expect any major camera releases from OM System in the near future.
2. Telephoto Lens Development: OM System released a roadmap stating its intention to develop a 40-150mm telephoto lens, but since then, there have been few updates. It’s unclear how far OM System plans to push the development of its system in the coming year.

What We’d Like to See from OM System:

1. PEN-F Revival: There is a desire for an updated or revived PEN-F, a truly compact interchangeable lens camera (ILC) designed specifically for photographers. It could feature a mechanical shutter, EVF, and a photography-centric interface. The original PEN-F had retro-inspired design features like a physical color mode dial, and a new version could capitalize on these trends that are currently in demand. Olympus PEN-F
2. Fixed Lens Rangefinder: Another potential product OM System could explore is a fixed-lens rangefinder camera, possibly inspired by the classic Olympus 35RC from the 1970s. It could include the 25MP Four Thirds sensor from the Lumix DC-G9 II paired with a F2 or brighter 17mm lens, with a compact, portable design reminiscent of the Fujifilm X100. This would cater to those looking for a small, well-rounded camera for street and travel photography.
3. Prime Lens Updates: OM System’s older prime lenses, such as the 17mm F1.8, are getting long in the tooth and could benefit from a refresh. A new optical design could make the lens sharper, lighter, and potentially weather-resistant—though the classic focus clutch feature should be preserved, as it’s highly valued by users.

Summary:

OM System may not have major camera releases planned for 2025, but the company could make waves with a revived PEN-F or a fixed-lens rangefinder inspired by the Olympus 35RC. Additionally, updates to some of OM System’s older lenses, like the 17mm F1.8, could offer improvements in sharpness, weight, and weather resistance, enhancing their appeal to photographers.

Panasonic HC-VX3: A Modern Spin on the Classic Camcorder

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
2024 in review: the most important trends in photography this year (Dpreview).
Why You Can’t Stop Buying New Camera Gear (George Holden).
From Auto Mode to Artistry: Discovering the Heart of Photography (42West)
Camera Strap Gift Guide (Explora)

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

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Dpreview outlines expectations and desires for future Panasonic camera updates. They only have requests for L-mount cameras with the only exception made in favor of a successor of the beautiful LX100.

What We Expect from Panasonic:

1. High-Resolution Full-Frame Upgrade: Panasonic’s current high-resolution full-frame camera, the S1R, is starting to feel outdated, particularly lacking phase-detect autofocus. There is potential for an upgrade to compete with cameras like the Sony a7RV, Nikon Z8, and Canon EOS R5 II. This would likely involve a new sensor and improved autofocus capabilities.
2. S1H Update: The S1H, Panasonic’s video-focused camera, is also in need of an update. A new model could essentially serve as a full-frame GH7, offering improved video features like minimal rolling shutter, 4K video output, and, most importantly, phase-detect autofocus. A new, faster sensor is needed as the current 24MP sensor is not quick enough for high-end video needs.
3. Autofocus Improvements: Panasonic’s autofocus system, while featuring a variety of tracking modes, struggles with moving subjects. Enhancing its phase-detection autofocus system would greatly improve subject tracking, making it more competitive with the best systems from other brands.

What We’d Like to See:

1. Enthusiast Compact Camera: Panasonic is encouraged to return to producing enthusiast-level compact cameras. The LX100 series, for example, could be revamped with a fixed lens instead of a zoom. A model like this would tap into the demand for high-quality, compact cameras, similar to Fujifilm’s X100 series. Alternatively, a more responsive zoom lens could also appeal to enthusiasts.

In summary, Panasonic’s future releases could benefit from updated video-focused models, improved autofocus, and an enthusiast compact camera, particularly revamping the LX100 series with either a fixed or better-performing zoom lens.

Packing Micro Four Thirds Cameras: My Rig Explained

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
The real reason I bought two LUMIX G100 cameras (Marlene Hielema)
The Impact Certain M43 Cameras Have Left (Grant Robert).
What Do The Letters on Your Camera Lens Mean? (Explora)
Flashpoint X100 TTL R2 On Camera Li-On Round Head Flash (42West)

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

BCNranking published the top 50 of the best selling cameras on the Japanese market for the month of December. I marked in bold the MFT cameras in this list:

1. Canon EOS R10 RF-S18-150 IS STM Lens Kit
2. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
3. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit (Black)
4. Fujifilm X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit (Silver)
5. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 Power Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
6. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
7. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit (White)
8. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
9. Nikon Z50 II Double Zoom Kit
10. Sony Alpha 6400 Double Zoom Lens Kit (Black)
11. Fujifilm X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit (Black)
12. Panasonic LUMIX G100D W Kit
13. Nikon Z fc 16-50 VR Lens Kit (Silver)
14. Sony Alpha 6700 High Zoom Lens Kit
15. Canon EOS R50 RF-S18-45 IS STM Lens Kit Black
16. Canon EOS Kiss X10 EF-S18-55 IS STM Lens Kit Black
17. Canon EOS R50 RF-S18-45 IS STM Lens Kit White
18. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV EZ Double Zoom Kit
19. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Lens Kit White
20. Canon EOS Kiss X10 Double Zoom Kit Black
21. OLYMPUS PEN E-P7 EZ Double Zoom Kit Silver
22. Canon EOS R100 Double Zoom Kit
23. Nikon Z 30 Double Zoom Kit
24. Sony A6700 body
25. Lumix G100D kit
26. Nikon Z50II
27. Canon EOS RP/RF24-105 IS STM Lens Kit
28. Sony A7cII body
29. Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Lens Kit White
30. Nikon Z fc 16-50mm kit
31. Sony A6400 double zoom lens kit
32. White Sony ZV-E10 with powerzoom lens
33. Nikon Z30 16-50mm kit
34. Sony A7cII with zoom lens kit
35. Sony A7cII with zoom lens kit SILVER
36. Fujifilm X-T50 silver
37. Nikon Z 50 Double Zoom Kit
38. Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body
39. Canon EOS R10 18-145 Lens Kit
40. Nikon D7500
41. White Sony ZV-E10 with double lens kit
42. OM-5 with kit lens
43. OM-5 with kit lens Silver
44. Nikon Z f with 40mm lens
45. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV EZ Double Zoom Kit Silver
46. Canon X90 with kit lens
47. Canon EOS R5II Body
48. Sony A7IV with kit lens
49. Nikon Z fc with 28mm lens
50. Olympus E-P7 with kit lens

A couple of things you learn from that ranking:

• Brands ranking: Sony (16 camera kits) Canon (13) Nikon (10) Om Digital (6) FujiFilm (3)  Panasonic (1)
• Again no Panasonic L-mount camera are present in the top

The Widest Lens For Micro Four Thirds

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Olympus Passion Photography Magazine – December 2024.
Setting Up Godox Flashes with my OM-1 at My Last Event (Rob Trek).
The Most Versatile & Valuable Lens (Explora).
Gear Up Like A Pro: Must-Have Accessories for Every Photo Shoot (42West).

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.