A source just told me that there will be an “impending Olympus announcement in April“. It seems to be something “Big” but we have to see if this is related to a new camera/lens announcement or whatever.
I ask my sources to check into this. All I know is that an E-P5 and new f/2.8 zoom will hit the market in June. Don’t know if the announcement will come earlier in April.
Something else: I am surprised ot see how many of you liked the idea to have a digital version of the current [shoplink 37006 ebay]Olympus PEN-F (here on eBay)[/shoplink]. Results of your voting can be seen here:
[poll id=”180″]
Hope Olympus is getting your loud and clear message 🙂
—
Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
105 Responses
Yes , Olympus please speed up the process .
I eager to know too how is the look of the EP5 .
Could change my mind if Pana fail to deliver what I expect .
Yun, just curious, what is your current setup?
Looks like the Marketing Dept. was reading 43rumors and decided to launch the Pen5 in April…….
So does that mean, if we all want/demand/hope for a mid March announcement, that then they would ?
If the PEN5 is just like the current/new OM-D just with the EVF on the side and more wheels like the OM-D I’d go for that, if not it’s gonna be a OM-D
Let’s wait and see……
I think it should be the E-P5. It would be strange to announce that it’s coming (see picture above) 6 months before the real announcement. So I think it will be here in April.
We have been asking for a rangefinder “style” MFT camera since the introduction of the Pany GF-1 in Sept. 2009……….
NEX 7 or E-P5
this will be the question for me!!!
NEX7n or EP5 is what I am wondering about.
good timing !!!
Big as Olympus XZ-2 big? Last time Olympus marketed with “Big” turned out to be XZ-2…
If E-P5 is as big as XZ-2 it won’t be a bad thing ;).
“All I know is that an E-P5 and new f/2.8 zoom will hit the market in June. Don’t know if the announcement will come earlier in April.”
In 2010 and 2011 Olympus showed lens mockups in January/February and announced them in May/June. If they follow the pattern, we won’t see E-P5 before the end of May. Note that their products are available soon after the announcement, unlike Panasonic’s, so June market release is in accord with May’s press release.
OTOH, they have skipped their traditional m4/3 January announcement for the first time this year, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something in April.
If it is em5 in a rangefinder body I will buy it. Any improvements can only be a bonus.
Maybe the lens announcement before the body, the same as the 12-50mm prior to the EM5.
f/2.8 Olys and 42.5/1.2 OIS and bring back mar sensor to GH5
… I second the above comment… The two control wheels on the em-5 was what sold it for me, even over the EVF . Whilst i’m not looking to upgrade it, A rangefinder style/ pen -f style but with omd control would be a very, very compelling camera..
I want to think that Olympus is innovative. So I think if they will release the E-P5, it will have something technologically that will differentiate it from the OMD. Thus putting the EVF on the left hand corner is nothing than a rearrangement. I hope they give us the option of true rangefinder style shooting with a true rangefinder viewfinder. Anyone who has used a Leica knows how well a rangefinder works. Now if they can add all the important information that we need on a hybrid finder, now that will be the innovation. It’s already been done in the Fuji X100s and Fuji Pro…
Prob an E-P5 would become very expensive with an hybrid viewfinder, but I dont think Olympus will go for a “best of both worlds” option.
This isn’t a rangefinder system- it’s an autofocus TTL system, and they’re mutually exclusive concepts. Rangefinders need a mechanical coupling between lens and body so that the rangefinder elements can be moved in exact proportion to the lens movement, and lenses designed to all move focus in exactly the same mechanical relationship to rotation.
Rangefinder operation is not a desirable aesthetic, the method for using a rangefinder is dictated by its function. SLR operation is the norm because for a wide variety of operating conditions, it is superior, while the rangefinder has significant issues with macro, telephoto, and wide angle photography preventing its usefulness in almost everything outside of 35-70mm focal length street photography.
None of the Fuji cameras are rangefinder cameras or have rangefinder mechanisms.
They are going to give all registered E-M5 owners a free 4/3 lens and adapter.
Isn’t so nice to dream? 😉 😀
BTW, I rang up Oly Aus today & asked what happened to Shane & he is no longer there, but I wonder what other interesting things he is doing? Playing with N***n cameras maybe? 😉
I already have an E-M5, the adapter and 2 43 lenses, just give me the PDAF (in a new adapter)!!! 🙂
in my country price of E-M5 is about to go down on March 1st. so that might mean new body is coming
What ever it is it is being timed to take the steam out of Panasonics next round of product releases. That could mean anything from another small camera, to a surprise real top end m43, to a 4/3 lens adapter for PDAF on m43, to a real m43 0.51 x adapter with universal front mount.
Take you pick. Get what your given!
If such an adapter was possible, then I’m sure very many of us will be ‘tickled pink’, well very pleased then. 😀
That would be the ‘4/3 lens adapter for PDAF on m43’ I was referring to. I wish I could edit my comments.
No, it is being timed to take the steam out of Sony’s next round of product releases ;).
plus 1 for Olympus trying to divert from Panasonic offerings. The number of people finding possible Olympus offerings more exciting in the last poll here shows Olympus arketing is more successful.
R&D from ground up is a lengthy process and no ones times them in function or reaction to concurrents. This is over-analysis.
So. If the trains are running 20 minutes late and they normally run every 10 minutes what’s the problem. From a user perspective none.
A bit different with the R&D and new product. One of the questions at progress/review meetings will be if the project is still relevant to the market place. R&D cannot be allowed to stumble along at its own pace. They might remake the instamatic, box brownie or even, of all things the dslr. Anyway much of the R&D is hand cutting jigsaw pieces to make this suppliers bit fit with that suppliers bit and their own bits. Then writing the glue to make them stick together (software).
This news is so boring and repetitive.
You best take a nap for a couple of months & then you might find the news a little more interesting then. 😉
Good reply.
Admin do you have any more news on the ep5 you are holding off on and waiting to verify?
Why everyone care so much about the design rather than the sensor inside . Design is important but sensor is the most important . I expect the design of EP5 should be as the OMD style but the sensor should outperform EM5 . It’s still not too late to wait for Pana before to decide which one to go for .
The sensor we have now on the OM-D is remarkably good. The next step is improving the design of the camera.
“”The sensor we have now on the OM-D is remarkably good. The next step is improving the design of the camera.””
Too much Olympus kool-aid there the sensor is not even a stop better than the GH2 its high ISO is terrible, assuming you want a detailed image and not a NR mush.Take a E-M5 image in low light at high ISO and take a look at the file with the mush inducing NR turned off , that is not “remarkably good”The “wow! look at this awesome 400pix 6400ISO taken in decent light ” gang are dreaming.The bottom line is that it doesn’t even catch up with the previous gen APS { D5100 etc}.The delusional E-M5 { that’s its name } fanboys make me sick
So you expect a new Pen, which will somehow not be a Pen but an OMD actually? With a new sensor?
Then I expect you being disappointed a tiny bit.
Ergonomic, interface, external controls and handling are as important as the sensor. It’s the whole camera, y’know. If I don’t like the handling and feel, I won’t buy. Otherwise I’d buy a D800E and call it a day. 😉
Sensor Fanboy:
“Mirrorless, Mirrorless, on the wall! Who has the best sensors of them all?”
Mirrorless:
“Why, Sony, of course! But I like Olympus’s images better than Sony’s.”
Sensor Fanboy:
“Damn, Mirrorless! That’s not what I wanted to hear.”
Mirrorless:
“You asked the question. I gave you the answer. Why the angst?”
Sensor Fanboy:
“Because the sensor is the most important thing. It is. It just is.”
Mirrorless:
“Well, you’re wrong Sensor Fanboy. Have you considered optics quality, internal processing chips, image processing engines, color science implementation, photographic skills and post processing techniques? These all play an important part in final image output quality.”
Sensor Fanboy:
“Hmmm, I never really thought of that. The posters on the forums, rumor sites and blogs always tell me how important the sensor is. They are always comparing this to that and that to this. It’s really confusing and depressing. I can’t decide what camera to buy. I don’t want to waste my money on something that’s going to be obsoleted a few months after I buy it because a camera with a better sensor is just around the corner. What is the solution, Mirrorless, Mirrorless, on the wall?
Mirrorless:
“Buy a camera you can afford. That is available to buy now. Or at the worst, within the next two months. That has a good kit lens or good lenses you can buy now and afford. Go out and take pictures. Learn and improve photographic techniques. Buy a good RAW conversion and post processing softwares. You can try using some free programs first to save money. Don’t hang out at forums and rumor sites 24/7. Stop reading 30 page reviews and scientific analyses. Print some photos once in a while. Don’t believe the marketing hype. Sensor Fanboy, you can do it! It’s not too late! You can escape the Wastelands of Gear Knowledge Accumulating Gearheads and Forum Fanatical Fanboys and be free!
Sensor Fanboy:
“Okay, Mirrorless! Thanks!
“Mirrorless:
“Go! Time is ticking. Don’t be another victim of the Wastelands. Freedom, sunlight and oxygen awaits you!”
Well written. And true. 🙂 Now I can’t wait for the next Sensor Fanboy’s adventures!
Great fantasy novel, should outsell the Wheel of time and Sword of truth books. But, when does the reality series start of TV and will the plot line hold up?
You realise you have taken all the adventure out of the blog, we will never again arg… err..discuss products again.
The EM5 price gone down in Malaysia. Is that a sign??
Yes. As was that comet, stange flickering lights in the sky and what looked like the letters E-M6 in my tea leaves this morning.
THE END IS NIGH!
In addition to the built in EVF I hope they bring in revised Menus, and better buttons. The advantage of RF-like must be quickness of operation, with a lens such as the 17/1.8.
I checked yesterday: the X-E1 with 17-55/2.8-4, sells for ‘only’ 1100 EU. They shouldn’t exceed that from the start to compete.
Or they could provide a light 2.8 zoom in kit. Thus the bulge under the blue cover.
“…we have to see if this is related to a new camera/lens announcement or whatever”
A new endoscope will be announced. You can start looking forward to it!
The Slogan: Up yours!! 😉
One..Two…Three…Endoscopy
Yes, that matches.
Yeah and the sensing camera will be the OMD from the teaser. Wow, that will be something 😯
but which website/tester will have the questionable honour to test it out first? DP,LL? Ken Rockwell???
What on earth do voters imagine they mean by a “Pen F designed camera”?
Do they mean a camera with a dim viewfinder, difficult focusing, and an unreliable, inconvenient metering system? That’s exactly what the Pen SLRs had.
In terms of shape, the existing Pen E-Ps already are “Pen F designed” in the sense that they have a faux taper on the right-hand end and a lens mount placed toward the left-hand end. So if that’s what you want, it’s already here…
+1
100% agree
Exactly.
I think Admin means a fixed lens camera. If it has to be, I “fear” it will have a m43 sensor, it should have an EVF and it would (should?) be an alternative to Fuji x100s. Actually ‘m really tempted by Fuji x100s, and I don’t think I’ll wait for a product like this.
If you will pardon the pun for me at least the retro designs have got real old real quick.I detest the design of the E-M5, and hate the ergonomics . On the other hand I like the image quality and especially the 5 axis . I try not to look at the camera too much when shooting lol
The “Big New Annoucement” will make the OMD bodies sell for USD 750!!!
…no..no… It’s limited edition Pink EPL-5 and OMD’s!!!
+1!!! 🙂
I wouldn’t buy anything from Olympus, period.
period? a month a year a day a life time. Well?
Period? Sounds more like a PMS response to me! 😉 Never mind. It will pass. ;D
Yeah, I’m starting to wonder about Olympus myself. I just compared my Panasonic screw on wide angle converter that I use on my 14 mm and it just smokes the Oly 9-18 in sharpness, color, and distortion and it’s two stops faster and costs a fifth as much. What a waste of money that zoom was.
You must be dreamin’ B-) Sharper, also 2 stops faster??? C’mon… Maybe cheaper, but that’s it…
No, sadly, I’m not dreaming. Try the two side by side and you will see the distortion difference, sharpness and better color from the Panasonic add on lens and obviously a 2.5 lens is faster than a 3.5-5.6.
Can you post some comparison photos???
Official announcement… E-7, I wont keep my hopes up as we seem to have an autumn release date… But fingers crossed as I would like to see what it will be 😀
Must admit I am totally confused by the Olympus model names/numbers, except for the OMD-EM-5. EPL-5? EP-5? Mini EP5?
quite easy
on one side there is the OM-D line. Quite easy for the moment, only one model.
on the other the Pen-like series. This last one is divided in 3 with the Pen (EPx), Pen Lite (EPLx) and Pen Mini (EPMx).
The EPx cost more, have more direct dials, are larger.
The EPMx cost less, have less direct dials, are smallest.
EPLx are in between
They have too many models, and it’s going to be worse, because the OM-D is going to branch out too.
They clearly want to cover all bases, but it’s really confusing for first time buyers.
It also kills any hope of durability, although Oly cameras are traditionally well made, So there is a lack of consistency, IMHO.
Thanks
It’s strange that they haven’t announced the EP5 already. So a ‘early’ announcement any time now wouldn’t surprise me. 🙂
This smoke and mirrors under a cloth is not going to work anywhere as well as Oly’s incremental lead up to the EM5 where actual bit parts were shown. As others have noted probably intended and timed to draw attention from what Pany is about to announce.
To me the box indicates there will be one humongous long tele lens and the EP5 camera probably larger than most are hoping for if the shapes and sizes shown are any indication???
“Smoke and mirrors”?
Smoke will not hold up a cloth. Its mirrorless so no mirror. Unless is for 4/3 glass.
Please a OMD successor with manual video control and 25p/50p. Thanks.
Same here, mate. Same here.
I’m hoping for an OM-D successor—largely because I’m contemplating buying an OM-D, and if we get a successor, the current-generation OM-D should drop in price.
I want a CCD version of EM5!
A CCD-version? It’s hard to imagine how you’d use a mFT camera without a video feed.
i hope they (olympus) will add advance video feature to new PEN.
E-1 body with new sensor and 5 axis. tilty touchscrren. ok asking too much! Lol!
i would like that
Zooms, zooms, zooms, I want nice Oly m43 zooms… 😉
SMALL ones !
FAST ones.
Small, fast, wide ones.
What will people do if E-P5 (or GX2 for that matter) doesn’t have an integrated EVF? Will it finally be jump ship time?
If it doesnt’t have EVF, I won’t be buying it. But I’ll continue to use my current m4/3.
What if the sensor is so good that it performs like a full-frame camera?
It will be the quickest denial in history led by OXO or DiOXin or whoever, no they are always late when they don’t like the news.
LOL!
What if it performs better!
Well the current Olympus fannyboys nearly wet their pants with excitement with the E-M5 that was under a stop better than the previous GH2. If by some miracle of technology it was at least two stops better there would be heart attacks all round.
All I want is a real pancake. F-stop not so important.
Must be ultra fast and silent focussing, with high optical quality.
17-20mm F3.5-4.0, and thinner than the 20mm Pana.
Or so.
The Panny is optically ok, but utterly useless for video.
A bit wider then what you zre asking, but the pana/lumix 14mm/2.5 is optically good, has fast AF and is smaller then the pana 20mm/1.7
My experience with the 14mm is that it is fine on a Pana body, but horrid on an Oly. The difference was quite dramatic.
Cup of plain flour, add an egg and beat, if required add some milk and beat. Heat a wide pan with a teaspoon of butter in it. When hot (not very hot) put mixture in a thin layer in pan when its set flip over and cook the other side. put on plate sprinkle a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lemon, roll it up and eat.
There you have it pancake.
😀 😀 😀
Raw suger & lemon juice for mine please! 😉
Funny, this rumor exactly tells us what was printed in Nippon magazine: E-P5 announcement in April. So this should not really be a surprise. 😉
I want new lenses matching 45mm in term of IQ & price
+ would be great if AF lenses would have aperture ring like on manual lenses…mostly I use A mode and is anoying to change it via controler…aperture ring would be comfortable..
not even 10% of the “yes” voter will buy such a camera if the price is higher then the E-PM2!
My mouth is watering with anticipation!!!