The factory in Xiamen.

The Japanese site Asahi (via Digicameinfo) reports that Panasonic is seriously considering to completely step out from the low-end compact camera business. Panasonic’s Chinese factory in Xiamen that produces Panasonic’s compact cameras will be converted to produce cameras for other manufacturers too.

This is part of Panasonic’s strategy tofocus on the more advanced mirrorless camera market. New High End models are expected to be alunched in 2014.

Image courtesy Namen Color (Spain).

Readers from US, Canada and Europe sent me messages to confirm that they already got their preordered E-M1 camera. On top you see an image of a Spain Store (Namen Color). Please let me know when a store shows them as in Stock so that I can share this with all 43rumors readers. Thanks!

P.S.: Submit the info by commenting this post or by submitting the store link via DealsRunner.com.

Mr. Terada from Olympus. Image courtesy: Focus Numerique

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Focus Numerique (google translated) and Onfoto (google translated) posted interviews with Mr. Terada from Olympus. I rely on google translation tool to understand the text so please correct me if there is some error here:

Focus Numerique:
– Development TruePic VII for OM-D E-M1 took more than 3 years.
– It is not possible to add 14bit encoding via firmware upgrade. The encoded 14-bit files require more computing power and thus more expensive processor.
– touch screen on the E-M1 will be improved via fw update. But we need more time for it. We also need to work on the work directly connected to a PC mode. But then again, we did not have time to develop all the applications. There are many applications to integrate and soon.

Onfoto:
– FT lens production will continue until there is a demand for it
– Support of FT cameras and lenses will continue
– There will be no silver E-M1
– There is no plan yet to add phase autofocus on future low end MFT models
– We don’t exclude to go Full Frame one day

So, how does it sound for you?

Preorder Links:
Olympus E-M1 body at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto, Amazon DE (via DL), Amazon UK (via DL), Amazon ES (via DL), WexUK, Topshot FI, CameraWorldUK.
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, AmazonDE (viaDL), Amazon ES (via DL).
Olympus E-M1 with 12-40mm Lens kit at Amazon DE (via DL), WexUK and CameraWorldUK, Amazon UK (via DL), Amazon ES (via DL).
Olympus E-M1 with 12-50mm Lens kit at Amazon DE (via DL), WexUK, CameraWorldUK, Amazon UK (via DL), Amazon ES (via DL).
Olympus EP-13 Eyecup for E-M1 at Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus HLD-7 Battery Grip for E-M1 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus LC-62D Metal Front Lens Cap for 12-40mm at Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus LH-66 Lens Hood for 12-40mm at Adorama and BHphoto.

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As you know Fuji and Panasonic are working together on a new generation of organic sensors. Fujifilm just issued a press release to say that they developed a new photoresist technology for organic semiconductors enabling submicron patterns. Image sensor world writes that “Generally, patterning of organic semiconductor materials degrades the property of converting light into electricity, but the OPD developed in this case were patterned without degradation”

I don’t expect organic sensors to be used on production cameras before 2015.