A reader (thanks!) has just discovered these pictures of a new OMD camera. They seem to be real, but I can’t be 100% sure yet. Basically, it might be the new OM camera that will be announced soon. The pictures show that it has a very classic look, similar to the original OM-1 from 1972 (see it here). Of course, these are low-resolution pictures and we can’t tell too much. But the dials look like they are made of solid metal and the finish is elegant.

One more info: Another source, who has sometimes been quite accurate in the past, told me that the camera will have a “new sensor”. Well, we shouldn’t get too excited. Maybe “new” means they’ve reworked the current 20 MP sensor on the OM-1II. In the optimistic scenario, we might get something REALLY new, like this 41MP Sony sensor :)

Let’s recap what this new vintage OMD camera is:

• OMD vintage camera could be named “OM-3“
• Announcement around Chinese New Year (around Jan 29)
• “new” sensor (whatever this means)

Images (sorry for the funny watermark but other rumor websites constantly use AI to remove my simple elegant made)

s:

Question:

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So that’s about it for today, I am working now to get better quality images and also some specs. So stay tuned!

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If you happen to know more about this camera you can share rumors anonymously using this contact box (please use a nickname to recognize you in future) or via 43rumors@gmail.com

Over the past week, I’ve received repeated unconfirmed hints about a possible new camera from OM Digital. And that it could be some kind of “classic” OM model. Today I learned from a new source that this camera will be called “OM-3”. It is supposed to resemble the original OM-3 film camera that you can still find on eBay. I have posted some pictures of this camera here:

According to the rumors, the OM-3 will basically have similar specifications to the current OM-1. However, these rumors have NOT yet been substantiated by leaks or trustworthy sources. So take them with a grain of salt!

And now the question is for you: Would you want to buy the vintage OM-3?

Om Digital CEO Shigemi Sugimoto wrote a letter that has been published on om-digitalsolutions.com. In it he teases the launch of two new products:

we plan to add a new camera to our lineup and bright, compact single-focal-length lenses with splash & dust-proof performance. Additionally, we are continuing to work hard to bring to market the long-awaited mid-range telephoto zoom lens on our lens roadmap by the end of this year

According to latest rumors the camera should be a vintage OM model. I have no info on the bright prime lenses yet, all we know is that a sort of 50-200mm PRO lens is on the roadmap.

This is the full letter:

A Happy New Year.

As we enter our fifth year of business, we are celebrating our achievements over the past four years since OM Digital Solutions Corporation split from Olympus Corporation. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our customers, stakeholders, suppliers and employees for their continued patronage and support.

2021 was shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic as it changed lives and economies across the globe; creating concern and worry about starting a new company. Whilst transforming into a compact and highly mobile organization, with revamped processes to deliver a profitable business; we also launched our new brand OM SYSTEM. The result has been increases in consolidated revenue and profit for the past three fiscal periods, a trend we expect to continue for the current fiscal period concluding in March.

With an expansion into solution and services, our success has not been limited to the camera and audio markets. Built upon a solid foundation of imaging and optical technology production, we now provide solutions to industrial and academic fields; along with services in high-quality electronics manufacturing; both of which have led to stable profitable growth.

The vision of OM SYSTEM brand for camera and audio equipment is to provide enriching sound and imaging experiences that contribute to the experience of life outdoors for everyone across the world. As we look to the future of the camera business; we will provide more options for compact, lightweight, splash & dust-proof products to expand photographic horizons for our customers. With features like computational photography, our dust reduction system and powerful image stabilization, which have been highly regarded by professional photographers, will be available to both existing and new customers. ‘It’s in our nature.’ is the heartbeat of OM SYSTEM. We create cameras to facilitate a life of curiosity and joyful discovery, enabling you to explore nature’s beauty and, perhaps, uncover forgotten parts of your own being.

Shortly, we plan to add a new camera to our lineup and bright, compact single-focal-length lenses with splash & dust-proof performance. All created to meet the challenges of harsh outdoor environments to ensure that you enjoy not only landscape photography in the great outdoors, but also authentic photos of life every day. Additionally, we are continuing to work hard to bring to market the long-awaited mid-range telephoto zoom lens on our lens roadmap by the end of this year.

We look forward to delighting our customers again with these products and encourage you connect with us on social media or sign-up for our newsletters to keep up to date with these announcements.

Bringing joy, inspiration and excitement through our products drives each and every one of us, and we hope your year ahead will be filled with adventure.

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My take:

I really like the fact that the CEO wrote a personal letter to explain OM Digital’s plans. We need this kind of direct communication to build trust in the company. What are your thoughts on this letter?

What can we expect from OM Digital in 2025?

Let’s start with the likely new releases:

• Telezoom: there is one last unannounced lens on the lens roadmap, the “Telezoom, which could be something like a 40-200mm PRO series lens.
• Vintage OM-1II: The rumors about a possible vintage version of the OM-1II are intensifying. Same specs, but more “classic” look. OM-1II

Old cameras that need to be replaced (but not yet a rumor):

• PEN E-P8: The E-P7 is selling very well in Asia and after four years it’s time for a new model, right?
• OM-10V: The E-M10IV is now 5 years old. It would be nice to get a new update.

Unlikely to happen:

• PEN-FII: OM Digital is asleep at the wheel and I don’t think they will release a new PEN-F.
• Other lenses: I haven’t heard any solid rumors about possible fast lenses or other lenses. It could be that the telephoto zoom is the only lens we will get in 2025.

I’m almost certain that we’ll get the Zoom and the old OM-1II. And maybe an OM-10V and/or a new PEN at the end of 2025. What are your expectations?

Panasonic has launched a lot of new MFT cameras in 2025. The GH7 is great, but the G97 and G100D were just incredibly minor updates. They haven’t announced a new lens, and so far I haven’t heard any rumors that we might get anything new in 2025.

I’m pessimistic for 2025. At best we’ll get a new GM/GF compact camera model. The Panasonic exec has stated that they haven’t given up on the mirrorless compact camera market… so I’m hoping a GM/GF model is on the horizon for 2025. But that’s about it… I don’t see another camera coming in 2025… or do I?

As for the lenses, there are no rumors or hints of anything new. I hope to be surprised…. but as a serious rumor collector, I have to tell you that I’m pessimistic.

I know I’ve given you a gloomy outlook, and I hope I’m just wrong. But where do you see hope where I don’t?

Panasonic officially register two new cameras with dual WiFi support:

1. On December 17, Panasonic registered a new camera model in China with the code “P2305A”
2. On November 22, they had registered another camera, “P2307A”

For clarification, these codes are not for the upcoming G97 or TZ compact cameras, as those only support 2.4MHz. The newly registered models support 5.1MHz as well, indicating something more advanced. Usually it takes up to 4 months until these get officially announced. So far I am sure one is the S1RII L-mount camera. But I don’t know if the second model is also an L-mount camera (S1HII?) or a MFT camera (compact GF/GM model?).