As a reaction on all the E-5 comments, I have chosen to write the following post:
I am as surprised as you are about the new Photokina Olympus products (the MFT lenses and the rumored E-5 specs). Those are not what we were hoping for. The past few months I received so many rumors about the Olympus modular system, new electronic shutter Kodak sensor, super43 sensors and more! Over ten(!) good sources from three different continents contacted me to talk about those features. Some of them saw prototypes of such cameras! I don’t believe those rumors are false, not for a second! As I told you months ago (Click here to read the post) I don’t know when we are going to see all that nice new stuff. It sounds like the E-5 will be an “in-between” solution. But that could not be enough! I really hope Olympus will give us some clear answers about the FourThirds future. I know Olympus is reading me, so I ask you: “Can you not reveal us what you plan to do in the future?”
P.S.: What is the super43 sensor? A larger 43 sensor, defacto Fullframe 🙂
57 Responses
Well you can ask the Question, but what Olympus is doing now is unbelievable Stupid!
They know how to build great lenses, but they now lost totally their mind when it comes to a ProBody. Where is the E1 spirit gone?
They need to rewrite the dictionaries and replace the word stupidity with Olympus.
B
olympus isnt stupid and just because its the pen sensor doesnt mean its going to function just as the pen sensor does.
keep that in mind
A PEN sensor works exactly the same in all cameras. There may be small differences due to sample variation and measurement errors, but they are the same sensors, and there’s nothing that can be done about it.
If this is the PEN sensor, Olympus is dead. Completely. They can quit the photography business right now, because this *will* also translate to disastrous sales in the m4/3 area as well.
The very minimum that should have been used was the GH1 sensor, which is 18 (!!!) months old now. But they used the PEN sensor, which is over two years old.
It’s over. It really is. Embrace the facts, embrace the reality – Olympus just killed itself.
If you don’t like this one there is another camera coming in Nov. It is surprising that Oly would use a sensor from an existing camera since they have stated many times that the flagship E-x is where all the cutting edge r&d is first implemented. The Nov. announcement should shed some light on the real direction of this company, it is surely not going in the E-x direction right now. Photokina will be very lackluster if this is all Oly have to talk about. A warmed over leftover from last year is no way to gain market share during Photokina.
“But that could not be enough! I really hope Olympus will give us some clear answers about the FourThirds future. I know Olympus is reading me, so I ask you: “Can you not reveal us what you plan to do in the future?””
Even if they would do so, long time Olympus users should know better than to count on statements and roadmaps 🙂
If you can’t entertain for “one second” the idea that fanboys are blowing smoke up your a$$ on a regular basis, then this site’s credibility factor has fallen several notches
Hi Rocky. Those are the same sensor that helped me to leak all cameras since we started our blog. They were correct many times!
let´s see your cards 😉
I will play them soon 🙂
Prototypes means nothing, even if they are spotted in the wild. Few make it into production, but part of them might…
It is very strange that we have only one day left and we have nothing… Even the Panasonic GH2 is in the field but no Olympus E-5 model leaked photos and REAL specs. I just read the update about sensor and… emmmm… Really? It is strange that Olympus didn’t like new Panasonic sensor so maybe the real deal is that it would take a lot more time to develope good IQ and the true pic sensor isnt enough to proces bigger pictures. I wonder how Olympus will turn out with DR, ISO and AF because if that magazine is right about Olympus trying to make the best IQ it turns everything around in my head again. If I would want to confuse people and make it a big surprise I also would send such rumours so lets just wait a day 🙂
Edgaras. The specs have been leaked! And we also leaked the first E-5 image.
Emmm http://www.43rumors.com/ft4-first-e-5-image/ you call this image? :D:D:D You even rated it f4 and the spec? Once you say F5 and after a day or two you change it to F4 and the spec change too. I dont need YOUR SOURCE information. I need REAAAAAAAAAL leaks like the one with the magazine or like this http://www.43rumors.com/olympus-e-5-teaser-leaked/. This is more reall to me then just simple words in rumour website 😀 I need a photo of a camera in someonce hand, a pic of the specs or a print screen on Olympus website that was leaked by someone working for Olympus
I didn’t change the specs. Maybe you are referring to the Photorumors specs!
Edgaras, please keep in mind that I am a non professional blogger and I work in my free time on 43rumors. We leaked almost every Panasonic and Olympus camera. It’s a lot of work to get images and specs. Sometimes I am lucky sometimes not. Today I am lucky (wait few minutes) 😉
I think I’ve concluded that whatever they’re going to do, it’ll be too little, too late. They’re in last place, this is not the time to be coy. This is the time to make promises and keep them. As I see it, they have three problems:
1. Too much time between design iterations. They are the 3DRealms of camera design.
2. When products actually come to market, it’s missing the one thing that would really make the product. Olympus has no access to sensor technology. They can’t shop around. Their increments are too small, and they play it too “safe”. “Safe” in the world of electronics actually means “so revolutionary everyone can’t stop buying them”, not “conservative”. Sorry, Olympus, but this isn’t 1963. You must do better, work harder, and stop letting old men make your decisions. They have let you down by being too cautious, timid.
3. They have all the tech necessary to produce something truly revolutionary. All the patents are lined up perfectly. Too bad that they’ll bring it to market 10 months after people got disgusted with their lack of innovation and left.
Nah… I think you didnt understand me. I few days before we get something official, you get real stuff from somewhere and these things are true pictures of the camera, something leaked from the official website and it is like 100% pure thing not writen by you or sended by someone saying something. Now I can see only two 100% things – magazine and teaser leak. I know that it is super hard job to do this and I respect you!!!! I dont care about anything here – I just like to read new fantastic ideas or news about something that is maybe in stores a month later
All I can say is that if this rumor is true, this camera is inexplicably 12 months late to market.
> I don’t believe those rumors are false, not for a second!
It is a long road from a prototype on R&D’s desk to a product on the retail shelves (often 6-18 months isn’t unusual).
And whyever it happens, but it is often happens that R&D doesn’t connect well with the marketing or product strategy thus many ideas are destined to rot forever without ever leaving labs (or even designer’s heads).
There were some indications before (along with xD card discussions) that that is the case of Olympus. Sad reality.
After months and months…and months…of denouncing the M4/3 format as a ‘toy’, I’ve just bought an EPL-1……and eaten every single word of my criticism. I LOVE it.
Olympus knows how to innovate and it knows how to surprise. Whether it will on the 14th September 2010 remains to be seen…but I’m certain that something is brewing. SOMETHING is waiting in the wings that will blow the photographic world wide open.
And, to be honest, even if I’m way off the mark, I don’t care. My equipment takes awesome images (with a little help from me) so if I have to stay with the E-620 + EPL-1, so be it. Just because cameras become dated, it doesn’t mean they become bad cameras.
After a lot of reading and experimentation, I know what I’ll be doing with my Olympus kit should the E-5 not live up to expectations. I’ll be carrying on as normal – quite happily, thank you. And I’ll be spending the money I’ve saved for the E-5 on some glass…that 50-200mm really does look nice 🙂
People need to stop and think. REALLY think.
What a sad state of affairs for the Olympus faithful (me included!) A PEN sensor is the BEST they can do? Please. I think this is further proof that Oly has given up on the DSLR market, pro or otherwise, and are going the Panasonic route – μ43. We all know that Oly simply does not have enough photo-related resources to compete with the dynamic duo (Nikon & Canon) on their turf. And, unless Oly came out with some truly revolutionary technology, they will always fall behind in the IQ wars – great lenses, or not!
So, what have they done? Nothing! Grab a sensor they have laying around (PEN sensor) and stick it in a pro-looking body. Oooooo. That will make the photo world stand up and take notice! Yeah, that the Oly DSLR is a thing of the past.
Like many, I feel cheated. I’ve kept the faith that someday Oly will find a way to make a camera that matches their superior lenses. And waited, and waited … In the mean time, technology and photo advances have moved on. The mid-level cameras of the Batman & Robin are already well past the e3 and are both being updated. Pentax and Sony are both ramping up in IQ and high-ISO performance and competing, if not exceeding, Nikon & Canon.
What do we get? A PEN sensor! Noisy at 800ISO (400 in dark areas)! Don’t get me wrong, I’m keeping my PEN – it’s a great “little” travel camera. Pro sensor? No way!
Well, I could go on and on about my disgust and disappointment. Unless the powers that be at Olympus can truly pull off a miracle and truly make a “silk purse from a sow’s ear” (no offense to the PEN intended) you will see a flood of Oly DSLR equipment on eBay pretty soon.
at least the fact that they didn’t choose the 18mp would mean that Olympus stays true to their claim that 12 mp is enough :-))
I don’t know how that’s a benefit. Just because Olympus says 12MP is enough doesn’t mean that it is. That’s just their way of trying to cling to customers.
Several years ago, I was the first on the net to let out the info about the SHG lenses. I had an E-1 at the time, but it didn’t do some of the work I needed done no matter what Olympus or its fans (of which I was one) said. I had to pick up a Canon 1D MKII and hoped for Olympus to come out with something better, and current.
I want to be a 4/3 user. I love the build quality, the aspect ratio, the feel, and several other aspects. But, when it comes down to the core pieces needed to be an up to date PRO DSLR, Olympus just doesn’t cut it. Olympus has been behind in the DSLR game since the E-10. The E-3 took too long and now the E-5 has taken too long–especially considering the technology they are providing with their “new” models.
I am jealous of those who get to use the 35-100 or the 14-35mm, but without some sort of solid assurances that there is a real future for 4/3’s cameras (and real improvements in the core technology), I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to be in the E-system fanbase again. It’s sad really.
With all the negative griping & wringing of hands, I might just score a couple of bargain lenses as the rats jump ship. You beauty! 🙂
Ulli, I do not question the wisdom of 12mp is enough, though if others are getting better performance from an 18 or 16mp sensor, why wouldn’t we want more data to work with and be able to make bigger prints or more severe crops?
My point is that Oly has a talent of pulling out the most from what they’ve got. Unfortunately, as good as the PEN is as a “small” camera, it really can’t compete in the world of high-ISO, high dynamic range IQ. This may not be important to some types of photography, but for MY purposes they are. High-ISO for available light photography (family events, kid’s recitals & sports events, street photography, etc.). High-DR for landscape work (my passion – natural AND urban).
> My point is that Oly has a talent of pulling out the most from what they’ve got.
That is not true. Oly consistently lost sensor benchmarks to Pannay – where cameras using the identical sensor were compared. Oly’s implementation of Pannay sensors is clearly sub par.
> High-ISO for available light photography (family events, kid’s recitals & sports events, street photography, etc.).
I do not think that “available light photogy” extends to the parties. For poorly lit environments like parties focusing becomes the major problem. Even if camera’s ISO can handle it, it is all pointless if there is not enough light to acquire the focus timely. In my experience the Oly results are not that much different from Canon or Nikon here: good flash is the only solution. (And if you have flash, then ISO isn’t problem anymore.)
You jive turkeys are talking about it like the end of the world. just buy a different system & donate your 4/3 gear to the smithstonian if that will make you happy; sad pleas are not going to make olympus change their habits. they are in the BUSINESS of making cameras, and most of us are in the HOBBY of taking pictures.
in addition i agree with the assertion that these rumors (sorry admin) are only partially accurate. they are talking about specs for a camera that could have been release 1-2 years ago, and selling it for $1700 when there is so much competition AND a depression worldwide? come on any reasonable person would see that is a ludicrous proposition from a marketing standpoint. don’t be so gullible people; we do not know all the facts! just have some flipping patience, photokina is in less than 2 weeks.
if you’re not happy in the end buy another product, or an older product for cheaper. thats the way capitalism works my friends.
Hi MK! Your critic reminds me when I posted the E-P2 rumor. There were not few saying that I was cheating with them because Olympus could not be so stupid to release almost the same camera as the E-P1 after only few months 🙂
MK wrote:
“sad pleas are not going to make olympus change their habits”
This comment was quickly followed by MK’s own sad plea to Olympus:
“they are talking about specs for a camera that could have been release 1-2 years ago, and selling it for $1700 when there is so much competition AND a depression worldwide? come on any reasonable person would see that is a ludicrous proposition from a marketing standpoint.”
At this point, I have more faith in the rumored specs (thanks admin) than I do in Olympus’ ability to deliver a professional camera.
Olympus Plan is simlpe to use EVF where sublimal messages would change you brain into zombies – then Olympians once again will rule the World. Future is 4/3 – four rulers will rule the Amaericas, Eurasia and Africa – and one will rule them all (The forth of 4/ part)
Only chance for humanity is Australia somehow forgotten in The Plan
The only thing worth discussing on this post is a larger size m4/3 sensor. The Olympus debate has been discussed to death on previous posts.
The real question is that can we have a full size sensor in such a shallow body? Is that even possible for it to work with current lenses?
i wanna make things clear olympus can used the same sensor of the Pen series… take note… same sensor but triple layered… that what panasonic develops… let me recall that olympus is still using panasonic sensor for the E5… how if u have 3 pen sensor with a PRO DSLR
You mean 3MOS?
yes triple layer sensor for better dynamic range that what i read about it
The is not E-5 but E-4 so come(4 is number for misfortune on Japanese)LOL
a super43 will need a new mount, if the senosr is larger. So AGAIN new mount, zero lenses – oh wait it is modular this time.
This is nonsense. I dont believe there will be a fullframe 43.
But i also believe that your E-5 rumors are false. Maybe it is just a shitty protype. Or, the new E-5 will have a interchangeable SENSOR!and because of that there are a new kodak and fuji (super43) sensors!!!
with this specs it feels like they have wasted three years of (our) time. i don´t mind the 12mpix, it ok, but not with the “old” pen sensor. there is no way i am updating from my e-30, why should i???
playing hide and seek with the 4/3-customer over the last two year, oly have to frankly address the valued? customer needs ….
It’s good that Olympus reads you here, and I wish they’ll unveil something about the too long awaited successor of the E-3. I’ve set this years Photokina as a deadline wether I’m definitely moving away from Olympus or not, the waiting must take an end!!! Good and near-future news about the “E-5” will make me “stay”, bad or no news, and I’m heading to the competors, N or C.
I am waiting for this too, I want to finally put my Olympus film SLR’s to rest. If not, then I guess i’ll have to go to Pentax side.
A oversized Sensor and lager lens still compatible with the current ones, would definitely be a plus, just like N does it with the D3, the mount of 4/3 is definitely big enough for a bigger sensor!
yes, and knowing how good Olympus is at making lenses, I know would find a way to use 4/3d’s lenses on “super4/3” sensor, not being cropped, and not loosing too much of quality.
Admin, I’m waiting a few minutes. Are you about to release the image? And full specs? I’ve got a few of my own sources, but I want to see what you have for us first….
Jeje, Jason you’re such a joker
tomorrow can’t come soon enough. I really WANT this to support Olympus….but the 5D Mark II is suddenly looking cuter to me by the hour…
I think the effort and thought that has gone into the alleged E-5 is an indication of a lack of commitment and resources allocation to 43 proper. So, its pretty indicative that you will probably not see many lenses or exciting new cameras in any frequency. The 43 development will be meant to appease current owners looking to upgrade. I think that is a decent business strategy since the market share is so poor in those areas anyway.
Meanwhile, m43 and a possible modular system are areas in which Olympus can see a much bigger return on investment, technologically. The DSLR market is slowly creeping away from average consumer who wants more portability.
for me personally, I still find m43 too bulky to replace a standard dslr. although the form factor is significantly less, they are still not portable enough. If there was a bigger selection of pancake and prime lenses, I would be much more interested, but for now, I see no clear advantage to a panasonic LX-3, LX-5.
It probably won’t happen, but I wish Olympus would just come clean about their feelings about 43 and m43 and whatever other system they are developing. I personally switched systems because there was no assurance or even a hint of product development. I sold all of my gear, and I feel validated with these new rumors.
Ill consider m43 in the future, but it will take some progression for me to re-invest.
If there is nothing else from Olympus at the show, I’m going for the a55. I already have it preordered. Just a matter of whether I cancel or not. I’ll still keep my epl1, but no more investment in glass or accessories. The lenses I have will get dumped to pay for alpha glass. I’m sure Olympus has seen how much ground they lost to Sony already. They need something new asap.
Chaps, I think it’s all fine. The 12mp sensor will be a variant of the all-new sensor tech being used in the gh2.
The idea of the e5 will be turn out the finest possible quality, colours, dr etc. A sensor that will match up to oly lenses. This camera will be about superb images first and foremost.
I bought an e1 and e3 kits a longed for a body and sensor that would out run, say, the 12-60mm. I think that’s what the e5 will do.
I’m with Tom but d700
I’m also hoping for that. I am still not put down by the rumors. They’re just rumors after all and I still don’t have the information I need to make an informed decision to buy or skip it. Fact is, I need a sealed body for the next year and I have a lot of Olympus glass.
Ive also sold my E-3 a few months ago, Im still using my lenses with my first olympus body E-500 :). But now, i think im going to have some pro lens for sale 🙂 Unless, they have got an ace in their sleeve.
I’d like oly and panasonic to be more innovative in the way they design cameras, they really looked like old reflex. Is apple the only company that understand that spec is maybe as important as ergonomy and design
You know, it occurs to me that even if these rumors are true, that might not be a great thing for Olympus marketing. It is hard to sell your current product if all your marketing is about, “But the NEXT product is going to be REALLY amazing!” – it just makes people decide to wait for the next product…
good point.
If these rumors turn out to be true, then to me it’s pretty clear Olympus is deliberately sinking its own 4/3s sales in order to drop that market all together and focus on m4/3s while not making it look too bad for them. It would seem that they’re just looking for an excuse to leave the DSLR market.
The market must be saturated with wedding photographers….
Wait and see before your burn Oly at the stake. My E3 still does a great job no questions there.
I would like to remind everyone that the Olympus manager responsible for the development of these cameras stated, approximately 6 months ago, that the primary focus for Olympus would be DYNAMIC RANGE. In other words, quality of pictures. There are two reasons for buying Olympus now: quality of pictures unmatched by the competition and smaller sized cameras. Does a high megapixel sensor contribute to ultimate picture quality? No. In fact, all that data can be a real pain when you have to transmit it to a central repository. The issue for Olympus is to design a camera that does what it does better than anything else and that seems to be what Olympus has tried to do with the E-5.
I’m a proud owner of an E-30 and I really like it. I would like to know whether the announced 100mm Macro-lens is going to be introduced real soon now. Olympus, please, be so honest and speak it out if that lens will never come out. The 100mm Macro is not a rumor, it is an official announcement. But there was a rumor that this plan has been stopped.
Massive failures from Oly–re-used sensor from their EP-2? And no fast wide angle primes?
How can Oly sell its newest, supposedly state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line, pro-level camera with a repackaged sensor? Oly has pretty much given up on the pro market. Regarding lenses, what’s the use of large f/2 lenses with medium sized bodies, when the sensors are 1-2 stops noisier? At least in film days, Oly had f/1.4-f/2 prime lenses that were also compact. Now–big fast zooms or slow plastic lens mount lenses. At least Pany got it right with its 20mm f/1.7.
E-5 = “Almost as good as Canon or Nikon”; “image quality is not bad” = Fiasco.