These could be some of the changes you see on the new High End OMD that could be named E-M1. I also have been told the new camera is a tiny bit bigger. It will be also interesting to see how they will support the FT mount lenses! It’s said that the FT lenses will 100% be compatible with that camera. That’s why the new OMD will be also the successor of the current [shoplink 17163 ebay]Olympus E-5[/shoplink] camera too! One camera to rule them all!
via Photorumors.
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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
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196 Responses
Too big
Not everyone has child-sized hands, Tiny.
Get a Minox.
get Pentax,.then
Its now widely acknowledged that the EM5 is too small to get a decent grip for people with normal hands. Even the PEN EP-series, which is supposed to be a inferior camera, has a better grip.
And yes, we all know about the HLD-6 grip, but it feels awkward to most people to purchase an accessory item to be able to operate the camera properly.
A new OMDEM with larger and better ergonomics is obviously the solution.
Hopefully the size increase is related to better ergonomics. I thought they could have done better than those tiny mushy buttons. Also would be nice to have a built-in flash.
“Its now widely acknowledged that the EM5 is too small to get a decent grip for people with normal hands. ”
I have large hands, E-M5 is perfectly fine, I obviously don’t “grip” it but rest it in the base of my palm, like a compact which it is.
I bought the grip to get the extra shutter button, I find it rather convenient and it always stays on.
Agreed the extra buttons/dials mean I wanted the grip anyway and with the grip the size of the EM-5 is perfect even with large hands… If the camera was bigger and I added a grip it would be too big.. So no complaints here 😉
Widely acknowledge by whom? I have big hands and chubby fingers. Even the E-PL5 is fine to use, although the little dial on the back is a little fiddly I rarely have to use it when shooting.
I guess there are some people out there with no dexterity, or an inability to adjust from large body cameras (I previously owned an EOS-5 before buying my E-400). Of course the diminutive size from the EOS-5 was odd to begin with, but after a little time it became natural. I think some people dismiss cameras based on size rather than actually trying one for a while; perhaps not even trying.
By just about everyone out there besides you, peevee and maybe 2 other people. Almost everyone with an em5 has the horizontal grip permanently on there
I have normal hands and no problem with the size and the buttons of the E-M5…
You are all rather amusing. If you use the grip all of the time, what does that tell you about the size and ergonomics of the em5? ; )
And why do you think the GX7 was made slightly bigger?
The foremost advantage of the MFTsystem is the size of the lenses. Not the body. Most photographers have several bodies anyway. A smaller one Pen Mini when size is of the essence, and a bigger one with better features when size is of less importance.
it does not say anything about the body, but it depends on the situation or person; long sessions were you keep the camera in your hand instead of letting it hang with a strap, or some have too big hands(solution; settle with a DSLR).
You talk about having a small mft body for one situation, and a bigger one for other situation. So a modular approach like the OMD in its size makes it much more flexible. I dont think many people keep it on the body, if they use it for multiple kinds of situations.
The EM-5 always felt too small in my hands, but I did not want to put on an extra grip because of the extra cost – and the fact that is looks misplaced on the silver body. I wish for Olympus to make new models slightly bigger. I agree that the Lumix GX-7 looks fine.
Em5 too cramped
I don’t understand those “size fight” arguments.
OM SLR serie was designed small (use google as I did).. From OM-1 to OM-40 the size of the body was rouglhly the same (135x85x50mm). OM-707 was slightly bigger (146x89x50) and the biggest was the OM-101 or OM-88 in USA (151x90x63mm).
OM-D EM-5 is the smallest (121x90x43mm) and I think it’s quite logical since small form factor (and light weight) is the characteristic of OM family.
Now, I can understand arguments about ergonomics, but we shouldn’t complain about small size if it’s the key design of the product.
If you need a van, don’t buy a Smart.
Fabulous! Shortest comment gathered most replies 🙂
Well observed 🙂
Obvious troll is obvious!
keep it small!!!
look what will sell better: Panasonic GH3 or GX7!..
You are M I C R O (!!!) 4 / 3.
m4/3 users like small & high (!) sophasticated cammeras otherwise to go to Canikon..
this is not the camera just for m43 ok? live with it and wait for em7 that may make your dreams come true
Count me NOT.
My hand size is #8. I have almost ALL ePen.
I do NOT want that small. Big and light is my game.
BTW, oly doesn’t quit E-PM. Why worry??
They are two very different models the GH3 is aimed at a different user profile than the GX7/Pen style bodies. The top of a range tends to be a niche market Nikon or Canon will sell a lot more low end bodies than top pro options.There is also a bit of a pent up demand for a faux RF style body with built in EVF which will likely boost sales numbers.Just as the E-M5 was the first Olympus with a decent sensor after years of being behind the times the demand from Olympus users was thus high same story for the 5 axis IS,apparently no true Olympus user can use a camera with IS
Nope, it might why YOU picked m43, like most early adopter. Pros have been wanting m43 for different reasons however:
-can fit pretty much any lenses in existence
-very versatile offering that performs very well in both stills and video
-touch AF (now offered by on other formats)
-very cost effective and high ROI
-compatibility with a huge amount of accessories
These are the high selling point when I suggest m43, size rarelly is a decisive point, maybe for consummers and travellers but pros do not choose m43 because of size, it’s just a plus, a nice one.
That’s a great point. We always think about body size, but the lens are also very compact making the system well balanced. It makes m4/3 the perfect complement to a full frame system. That’s one area where APS-C mirrorless is having a harder time.
That said, I don’t have an issue if it grew a few mm to make the grip better and have better controls.
“m4/3 users like small & high (!) sophasticated cammeras otherwise to go to Canikon..”
What’s wrong with you people??? As soon as a new model announced, all previously released models like drop out of existence.
You want MICRO 4/3 – buy GF6 or E-PM2. Oh, what are you saying? – it’s too small and slips out of fingers?? No worries – buy a slightly larger yet still m43 camera like GX1 or E-PL5 or G6 or even E-M5. Oh, it feels unbalanced with a larger legacy lens? – then try optional grip for E-M5, or GH3.
The choices for *micro*43 were never really better.
http://camerasize.com/compact/#452,387,467,456,ha,t (modulo lens)
You’re sooo right, but there will always be the whingers for whatever reason. It’s hard to understand why they expect every model at every level to be exactly as they want it. ???
Narcissism; particularly prevalent in the USA and growing in the rest of the west.
I could not agree more.
He’s right. Small sensor, short flange distance, it would be weird to just put a lot of material around it to make it big enough for someone’s hands. If they do make it big, then why not use the space by adding a bigger sensor, make it legacy zuiko glass compatible.
The camera body should be designed bigger for ergonomics where it matters. For example, a larger grip bulge could hold two instead of one battery. Of course, the extra 50 grams weight will be too much to carry for some, and the camera won’t fit in a shirt pocket. 😛
and pro DSLR’s should install medium format sensors?
BINGO! When I moved from E-510 to E-30, I was struck by how large the body was in relation to the image sensor. I also began to understand how the small image circle / mirror / FT sensor made for a small viewfinder image. With a battery grip it became ludicrous, the size advantage was all but gone.
The first time I held an E-M5 I couldn’t get over how SMALL it was in person. The image quality, IBIS and 9FPS near silent shutter sold me, and after I couple hours use the size was one of the best things about it.
I recently went to a camera store and checked out the latest crop sensor Canikons and oh lord, they feel like a total boat anchor. I can’t imagine being stuck carrying such oversized clunkers all day. If the next OM-D grows a little, that’s fine with me too, but size DOES matter. And the smaller, the better.
almost perfect size for me. Just one thing – it could have been a grip like on the Em5 so I could take it off then using smaller lenses. Anyway, I am buying this one
where is the build in F L A S H (please!!!)
An inbuilt flash is useful mostly as a commander if you use larger lenses, because those lens will throw a shadow on your subject. A puny inbuilt flashs also burns out quickly, and then you have to send the camera in. I find a small external strobe preferable. An inbuilt flash is more useful in a point&shoot-like Pen, in my opinion.
Where’s the Edit function?
The in-built flash has many useful advantages, there are many weather sealed cameras with built-in flash E-5,K-5,D600,D7100 D800 etc with many systems on-board flash can be used as a master/commander.Though I am sure it can happen but i have never heard of an on-board flash burning out in any system the flash will out last the shutter and in all likelihood the lifetime of the camera
Yes. The lack of a built-in flash is very aggravating to me.
Built-in flashes, as wimpy as they are, are extremely useful for fill and for snapshots.
Build-in flashes are well known to the ‘point and shoot’ photographers, but Id say it offers little advantage for the more experienced shutterbug. Rather bring a small one in your pocket.
I always remote control my FL-50 flashes with the fiddly clip-on flash of the EM-5. I would love to have a built in flash that is always ready, like I had on the P3.
I would prefer that too. If it’s there, then it’s easily used.
Correct. The pop-up flash on the E5 is not very powerful, but is shines in being a master – commander for remote FL50R flashes without having to resort to (expensive and cumbersome) FL50R on the camera. Better to use the FL50 located off the camera for better flash effect. The existing E5 features, especially the articulating screen, if reflected in this upcoming camera, with upgraded sensor of course, will certainly address my wish list.
Because flash capacitors are either huge or useless.
This would work for me. I’ve got big hands, so a slightly larger body with built-in grip (about the size of the E-M5 with accessory grip but w/o external battery) would be perfect.
Extra bonus points if this model uses an existing battery type (either BLN-1 or BLM-5) and allows for an external power supply. Weathersealing is a must.
If you think of it the add-on grip of the E-M5 was just designed for 4/3 lenses. I love the idea of a button for WB. They should make one for AEL/AFL. Having an HDR lock is great too.
Smller than I expected. Keep up the good work, but main question is how do they achieve full 4/3 compatibility?
Does it improve CAF in m4/3 glass as well?
You appear almost normal and are fairly coherent when properly medicated.
ROTFLMAO
A tiny but bigger would be ok for me. But not as big as the GH3 monster, far from that!
Rectangular button?! Ah man, I love the circular release button. I really do. This is the worst day of my life.
I sold all my m43 gear when I heard this.
Real smart. A big rash decision based on a drawing in a rumor.
That’s it, I’m out. I wanted a triangular release button. This is so exasperating.
HDR ist great, what about usefull panorama mode ?
wish that someone could RE-design the picture base on the spec above,.
its difficult for me to describe it on my mind,.
I wish they also re design the new EYE CUP HOLDER,.i already lost 3 eyecup on my E-M5
An eyecup should be round or square with round corners.
… I super-glued the eye cup before it fell off. After that: no problem 🙂
disapearing eyecups is an Olympus feature.
I’ve heard complaints from others with similar issues (of other brands).
I have found a few eyecups while still working at the airport, I prefer to blame both manufacturer and user, caused by hanging your gear along your body with a neck strap. I prefer to keep the camera in a small sling shoulder bag, and only take it out when needed. On the other hand, manufacturers could decide to use a round eyecup with threaded mount.
Why do you think it is that the eyecups have been designed so that they are easily lost? 😉
Especially when they charge me $25 to replace the E-P11. Thankfully the local supplier gave me a spare with my last purchase.
This year I have found three eyecups so far. Alas, none was for an Olympus!
There you go. The problem isn’t unique to Olympus. 😉
LOL, exactly. I lost one on the E-M5 and one one the E-3.
Im on my 4th. Super gluing it is the only way.
I think the 4/3 M4/3 solution involves a new IBIS that moves the sensor forward and back to account for the different flange – imaging plane distance.
Funny how some people think every camera must fit their requirements
Yes, that’s so foolish. MY requirements are the only ones that matter.
Don’t be silly. Mine matter more! 😉
I see 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens is nice on this camera, look good.
From Photorumors:
The LiveView button will be placed to the left of the viewfinder
Read more on PhotoRumors.com: http://photorumors.com/2013/08/06/the-new-olympus-em-1-camera-described/#ixzz2bD4XxuCH
LiveView Button? Since when do m43 have extra liveview buttons? They have always-on liveview. Either this is a botched attempt at a rumor, or it’s the wrong name, or it’s a slr, or I don’t know what liveview is.
EM-5 has it on right-hand side – page 15 of manual:
“Press the button to display the subject in the monitor. Press the button again to switch back to the original display.”
Perhaps you should be learning the old model before considering the new
Ah thanks. I confused live preview and live view of DSLRs.
no, that’s still not right. the button next to the viewfinder is to toggle between the EVF and rear LCD screen.
I think I just went full retard
But to add to that. When the E-M5 is first switched on (it was when I got mine), it only shows the SCP on the screen & the EVF was for viewing the subject (TTL), just like typical DSLR’s were before Live View came.
Admin,
Have any of your Olympus sources said if they are planning on improving video, ever, on their cameras? I don’t see what the big deal is with adding existing still features to video (peaking, touch focus) as well as improving their codecs with higher bitrates/better compression as well as more framerates (true 60p, 24p)?
Can you ask your sources, especially as you seem to be a video guy?
Sounds promising. I like the GX7 a lot – Panasonic tend to deliver more rounded functions than Olympus imho – time-lapse to 999 frames, control exposure via WiFi are two examples that come to mind. And the ergonomics of Panasonics are appealing – that tilting EVF for example! But it’s the 5-axis IBIS… and next OM-D will have better handling than E-M5.
Fabulous to have this competition delivering range of offerings.
While I look forward to the new camera, I can only imagine that the ability to accomodate the legacy 4/3 lenses will add bulk or other compromises to the body. OTOH the engineers at Oly are far more imaginative than I am and thus I am encouraged.
Flash sync port is the main reason I haven’t gone micro four thirds yet. I use TTL for main light and dumb old shutter sync for all the slaves. There is no way to do that with just the TTL system unless you like buying only portable strobes. I am so glad to hear even a rumor that PC sync is coming back. Finally, my E-30 will get some rest.
I to think this camera is an good succssor for E-620 and E-30 user, if the can help better on old FT lens so not is for CDAF use, so E-M5 do.
GH3 has always had the sync port
Yes, the GH has a sync port, but I’ve found the sensor in that family does not significantly improve (for still photos) on the sensor in the E-30. It just isn’t all that revolutionary to me.
For video, wow, though.
Borderline insanity. The gh3 sensor is a million times better than the e30. And its the same on the em5.
The language about 4/3 compatibility suggests there will be an adapter involved. That’s probably the most reasonable thing to do, anyway.
According to admin, this is not a “normal” (Maybe he means “typical”) adaptor. That statement and the “live view button” imply inded an abnormal adaptor that is more than an extension tube with proper bayonets and electric contacts. If there’s a pellicle mirror involved, I’ll scream. 😛
Well, you know me, I’d support anything that’s abnormal. 🙂
PRobably or for sure again a new one, for at least 300 bucks. Call me pessimistic..
Nice for 4/3 users. At 2000$ Im planning to buy 12 or so 😉
Yes is all folk, from Standard lens so 25mm F2.8 pancake to large SHG 300mm F2.8 can be FT user.
Admin: Any word on what happens to the hump? Could the built-in flash be there, now that they’ve gotten better at packing the 5-axis IBIS into the body (as the EP-5 suggests)?
i dont think they will include a built in flash as the hump’s space is mostly occupied by the optics for the EVF. Thats prob why the OMD also a nice EVF optics part which does not stick out.
In the hump of the E-M5 are the gyrosensors for the IBIS, at least so was the info from Olympus. Since they managed it another way with the E-P5, theres no reason now for the hump, except for the EVF panel, which itsels is tall, but thin so I would say a built-in flash should be possible. Note that the new EVF will as large (image size wise) as the VF-4
gyrosensors and evf panel are taking less space then the optical part. Since Olympus spent much more effort in the quality of the optical part(and also keeping it inside almost 100%) and they use the OM design, I dont see much point in keeping discussing to get rid of it.
No builtin EVF – no hump. Built in EVF – hump. It’s that easy
There’s no reason for an EVF to require a hump–the GX7, NEX-7, and Fuji 100s manage it just fine. When the OM-D came out, we were told that the hump contained mainly the IBIS sensors and accessory port. Made sense at the time–why else make the hump so exaggerated? But Olympus seems to have gotten around the problem with the EP-5.
Guys, take note: OM-D line = dslr style, centered VF, hump (see old OM)!! PEN line = rangefinder style, VF possibility, absolutely no hump (see old PEN).
Yes, obviously. We know that. The question is only if the hump now has room to accommodate a built-in flash, as most DSLRs and the G6/GH3 do. See above.
1) function button ? Does that mean not having to go to a menu for everything ?
2) does it accept Nespresso Pods ?
Bad place for the af lamp, hand will cover it, what do you think peope?
they relocated shutter button and front dial to the protruding grip
Same place on E-P5 for example.
This looks very promising….looking forward to seeing it. It looks like finally a great replacement for my GH2 (I don’t do video, but the form factor of the GH2 (but not GH3) worked for me…so this might JUST right!.
I would be very happy to see a GH3 size/shape body from Oly
can’t quite understand how its gonna support 43 lens as well as m43? unless its just a free adaptor in the box!
I really like the mini-chunkyness of the GH3 … if the EVF wasn’t a distorted fishbowl I’d have one
really looking forward to this launch – it’ll help me decide if my next camera is the EM5 or GH3 or G6 … or GX7 or this new Oly!
There is a rumored Lumix GH5 according to this…
http://www.43rumors.com/camera-japan-speculation-for-2013-7-new-mft-and-ft-cameras-to-come/
What is the little round thing named – new flash port – in the diagram.
Is this actually a ‘flash’? It looks tiny. Or is it a light that communicates with an off camera flash like the FL600r?
Just watch the existing E-3 and E-5 owners finally switch to different systems if a small camera comes out…
I own E-3, E-5 and many other E-DSLRs.
Since this is just a rumor, I am not getting overexcited, but something like above (form factor) would probably work for me. Smaller than E-5 is nice. E-510 is best ergonomics in cameras I have used. (Olympus, Canon).
Yes maybe this E-M1 will look a like EOS 100D
God forbid! 😮
I have an E-510. It’s absolutely horrible to use after a bigger body. The hand doesn’t fit properly and there’s no room for buttons. The E-x line is a space shuttle compared to E-xxx and m4/3 bodies. The grip is solid, all the necessary buttons are there, and it’s impossible to press any of them by accident.
However, with a normal male hand, the pinky finger will still be dangling on the E-x, which means the camera is a couple of centimetres too short. Only the battery grip makes it handle well enough. On the E-510, you have the ring finger dangling as well. It’s a nightmare.
If *all* of your fingers don’t rest steadily on the grip, the camera is too small.
Being a Pro model, it should have a portrait grip available & if it is similar to the E500 series or the E600 series, then it might be fine. BTW, how would the gripped E600 series be for design size (I’ve not held one)? Maybe those general dimensions would work for this E-M1 (or whatever they name it).
Badly. The E-6xx is smaller than E-5xx.
I always have the HDL-5 on my E-620. In terms of size, this combination is as small as I would want a camera body that I use for extended periods. Anything smaller is uncomfortable in my hands.
Thanks for that & I can appreciate your sentiments too. I have grips on the E30 & E-M5 & was just curious how others felt about the size. I’ve also had E410 & E520 & have seen the after market grip on the E520 & that looked pretty good for size. However, just for the sake of it here are comparison dimensions (W X H X D in mm).
E30 141.5 X 107.5 X 75
E520 136 X 91.5 X 68
E620 130 X 94 X 60
E410 129.5 X 91 X 53
And by comparison
EM5 121 X 89.6 X 41.9
It will be interesting to see how Oly ends up sizing it, but perhaps the E520 size might be OK with the option of a portrait grip. I guess we can keep on guessing but will eventually find out by the announcement in September.
sorry, but this is really an ugly Body and not worth to be the new Flagship if it’s a Hybrid-Body.
if Olympus named it E-M1 and if it also repaces the FT-Flagship, they better should use a reengineered Body of the E-1!
If the hybrid will be able to focus FT Lenses as fast as the E-5 and if Olympus in Future also will develop and release fast mFT-Lenses in the Super-Tele-Range as for example a 400/4.0, a 200-400/4.0 or maybe a 500/4.0, I probably will stay with Olympus forever.
If “this” Hybrid does a good job, Olympus also better think about to reengineer all FT-Top-Pro Lenses with the mFT-mount. Of course the AF had to be state of the Art and offering all advantages of superfast Contrast AF
How is it possible to have any opinion at all on the beauty of the body based on some red arrows and text overlaid on a drawing of the OM-D E-M5? 🙂
—
Je te plumerai le bec.
Et le bec!
Et la tête!
Alouette!
A-a-a-ah
“sorry, but this is really an ugly Body and not worth to be the new Flagship if it’s a Hybrid-Body”
Have you seen it? Show the rest of us so we can comment on its looks too. I hardly think the above descriptions can bring that sort of response. You need to see it first (& use it).
“sorry, but this is really an ugly Body and not worth to be the new Flagship if it’s a Hybrid-Body.”
maybe you are getting confused with the GX7. 🙂
I think , the message appeal about ft just to test the answer by market to Oly decide if keep ft mount or end it…
if this OMD-EM1 is the high end an the replacement for the EM5 making it a tiny bit bigger for buttons spacing is OK ”BUT” making it more expensive with no choice is an NO NO for me i will NOT buy. doing what Panasonic did with the GH3 is cold blooded.
EM-5 replacement is due out next year, this is for the E5. However a proportion of EM5 users may use this instead of the next year edition.
Folk should not be fooled in this way, it’s a mastrubate image. I don’t think diopter could in that place and the mode wheel can be combined with 2nd dial
This something not will easily be both MFT and FT, but likely a trick for the consumer. Very so much terrified of this factor of the form and the quality of its function, the less we can have of that, the better pictures taken, believe or not.
A mirror in there, dividing light for a hybrid from distance? Impossibility of IBIS and water refusing at same time for both lens types? Who will buy this abominable when so much better can be had for less?
Ashamed must be Olympus and Sony too, that helping them make this ghoulish device. Please peoples of the earth, not buy this camera, not this time. Better will come upon us like thunder from sky.
Ashamed!
+1 TRUE. i feel this Launce will be nothing like the OMD-EM5 with amazing reviews an sales, this will be bland an go unrecognized compared to its little brother OMD-EM5.
Ghoulish device? What the heck was that all about?
If this is the future for Olympus 4/3 owners then I think I will sell my E-5 and lenses and move to Canon or Nikon. This camera will just be too small for my hands.
The only difference between the children games and adult games is the price……
I don’t understand the reason of this choise of olympus…..back the shouldsers…..
I prefer 10 to 1 GX7 or E-P5
Only one camera I’ll prefer on the future will be a FF olympus mirrorless that can also use mft lenses….not look at the past….
I’ll not get out my money…..
Mino
More function buttons with direct access to the most usefull function -like HDR sounds great! That’s what I miss from the E-5 when I work with the E-M5.
What about a really good kit lens??
Won’t be buying this camera as there are compromises in its design for lenses that I do not use.
I will wait for next OMD (and pick up a GX7 while I am waiting!).
I prefer to call those “compromises” the best of both worlds. But since we dont know much yet about the actual looks etc. I will just go on with my current camera in the hope i dont get infected with the upgrade virus.
Ah. The upgrade virus. While my camera was in the repair shop, I was totally freaked out, like, I have to get a replacement or a backup or something as soon as possible. Now that it’s back, I’m much calmer, and have very little need to buy anything. Not even an SD card. Funny how fragile our sense of self can be.
As long as the E-PM1 clicks away fine, I probably won’t get another body; by then, hopefully, the next several models will be in stock and properly tested/reviewed/firmware-updated.
I spent some money for the engagement ring to my gf, so for now I will use my current set up.
Wait, spending money for a ring could be considered a form of GAS?! 🙁
GAS? No, WAS – Wife Acquisition Syndrome. If you think the ring was bad, just wait until you find out what they want next.
😉
Oh, and congratulations!
I think it will be approx. as big as the GH3. With all the stuff they are adding, there is no way it’s gonna be as small as the E-M5
When, oh when, will this Retro-Design-Nightmare stop?! ;-|
(I switched to m43 and OM-D and regret it at the end of every longer shooting. Wished I had an ergonomic camera ;-/ Yes, also with this toy grip 😉 )
This camera will be an exercise in cynicism. That is Olympus will ascertain how many additional 4/3 lenses it will sell – prolly v. little. So the expensive (!) VF-4 and other perks will be conveyed to the E-M5 in 2014, and the OM-D Pro quietly forgotten, with its outrageous price.
I do hope that the GX7 is a resounding success, because that will tell Oly to put a (smaller) EVF in the next top Pen.
So I can wait a couple of yrs. And enjoy how 4/r diehards are forced to adapt to the MIcro paradise 🙂
Forgot your tablets?
There are enough small M43 cameras for those who prefer a small camera. For a “pro” camera and a flagship, something that can be used efficiently and effectively by the pro to take hundreds of photos without fiddling is needed, i.e. fix the problems in using the E-M5 – tiny squiggy buttons, small battery capacity, poor grip, a tripod mount that is not aligned with the lens, and no built-in flash for casual fill-in All these problems can be fixed with a slightly larger body.
Amazing how many people didn’t realize that is an image of the EM-5 with suggested changes written on top, not an image of the Hybrid mount cam.
It makes good sense that the design sill be basically the same, perhaps with a fixed grip, and different buttons. The design of the E-M5 is very sound, despite what is said by some. The real difference will be in the innards.
People have mentioned a sliding sensor but it’s all BS. Either you have a sensor with PDAF on it and an ordinary MMF-3 adapter, or a translucent new MMF. End of the problem. The OM-D design was planned from the beginning to include such a camera. The hump is for the bigger optical element of the VF-4.
By keeping some of the same elements of the E-M5 you can have an introduction price say of $ 1700. Same of the E-5.
I still think Olympus is making a mistake looking out for a small percentage of $# users.
If this body works well with HG & SHG lenses, then I don’t think it will be a small % that will be pleased with it. We may never get the longer brighter zooms (or primes) like the SHG for M4/3’s & this might be the only way of getting those focal lengths, brightness & quality.
Just make it like the E-410. Or 520.
The Fn2 button om current Em5 is a “mystery” to me. There’s an option to customize it in Em5 menu, but there’s no button to customize on the body camera.. There’s a Fn2 button on the grip, but it’s weird it’s not on the body.
Since I don’t take videos, I turned it that button into WB settings.
I’m curious to see this camera and its price.
I’m not sure what your saying here, but the E-M5 Fn2 button is on top in front of the Rec button. Look at page 10 of your manual for the position (4) Fn2 button …..P. 25, 69, 93.
Sorry Ross, I wrote a BS after driving for 1000 kms.. I meant the B-Fn2 and B-Fn1 buttons.. 🙂
B-FN2 and B-FN1 are the buttons that are on some lenses if may memory is correct.
That’s OK. My brain would be numb after driving that far.
Torstein
The B-FN2 and B-FN1 buttons are on the HLD-6 portrait part of the grip whereas L-Fn is on the 12-50 lens & it is useful to be able to program these buttons differently to the body function buttons (which includes Fn1, Fn2, Rec, right [>] & down [v] arrow buttons of the 4 way set), which actually makes it reasonably good for direct access & very customisable.
I think that if this camera incorporates the VF-4 evf and handles 4/3 lenses in an elegant manner then it will be a winner.
Form factor looks fine despite all the griping and trolling.
That’s my sentiments too.
No mic port, again? Too bad…
The most expensive lens converter ever if nothing new can be added inside EM-1.
There was a rumor about a low end omd version. Maybe this is it.
Maybe not, if this is an camera so folk by old FT lens can use again. The is many FT lens so not have CDAF support so i think this camera can be usable for. But if the is right we can use this on all FT lens is this camera. But mean this camera is an typical “twist camera” little so also NEX-6 is. But the we need if we upgrade from E-5 is an realy tools, not toy and camera so not is even solid so lens so we use.
I thought that the heatwave was damaging my English, but I had no idea it was spreading so wide 🙂
What did they ever mean?
Well, we will see. I would however highly appreciate:
1. a physical switch at least for the focua mode, even better also for the drive mode.
2. Side-hinged display with fully implemented touch functionality, like with Canon’s new EOS models.
3. Time limit for auto ISO (yes, I know about the sync time but its only down to 1/250 s) from 1/4000 to 1 s
4. Possibility to call MySet with a single long button press. Keeping a button pressing while taking pictures is, at least on the PEN and E-M5 rather acrobatic.
oh, oh, oh, I forgot one: the backlit buttons of the E-620, this is a hammer feature I miss on all other cameras
I like that feature but never got to experience it on an E620 (but I do with a phone). It would be nice for some applications (so long as it is optional).
Keep it small. GX7 is good example of the best size for micro43 body.
GH3 is too big.
Who care for 4/3 lenses? All are too big for micro43.
300/2.8, 90-250/2.8, 35-100/2, 150/2, 14-35/2 – huge behemoths.
14-54/2.8-3.5 has 67mm filter size, 12-60/2.6-4 has 72mm filter size, 50-200/2.8-3.5 has 67mm filter size
micro43 12-35/2.8 and 35-100/2.8 have 58mm filter size and weight 305g and 360g
Wieght of 35-100/2 for 4/3 is like more then x4,5 Panasonics 35-100/2.8
Well, fetch ur self a small camera with µFT lenses, and use ’em – where’s the problem with a bigger camera, which you dont own?
I have OMD, and I want new version with better IQ (especially DR), better movies, better AF-C, better EVF and in-build flash (for remote control of external flashes), and Wi-Fi.
With the same (or smaller – like GX7) size. I don’t need hump – GX7 has tiltable EVF, flash and hot shoe – without hump. There could be grip like in Sony NEX, but hump is not necessary.
I also have an OMD, and am very happy with it. I don’t know if I will upgrade at this moment, or wait a year — or longer. The size of the OMD is fine for me — even with my big hands. I don’t want a much bigger camera, and I certainly don’t want one that is much heavier…
Apart from this, I agree with much of what you write — but maybe not all.
* IQ: I’m happy with it. It is perhaps one step below that of the Nikon D700 — if they make it as good as the D700, that would be fabulous. With 16 Mpx m43 format, the pixel density is considerably higher than in the Nikon D800, so I doubt that it is possible to approach that one.
* EVF — yes, I’d like to see a better EVF.
* Built-in flash: yes. However, I have yet not used a flash on the OMD — simply because it works well in dark conditions, especially with the IBIS. On a few occations, I could have used a fill-in flash. But my *main* wish for a built-in flash would be as a built-in commander for external flashes. It doesn’t even have to be a traditional flash, as long as it can control other flashes — either by light or by radio signals (a la Canon).
* Top quality Tracking AF — *yes*.
* Improved ergonomics (the OMD is ok, but can be improved)
* Better battery capacity! This is more important than compatibility with existing batteries!!!
* I don’t need an OMD hump
If you’re getting an OM-D (of the future) it’s going to have a hump, because that is what an OM is. You will have to hope Olympus will produce a model similar to the GX7 instead or get a PEN.
Tiny bit bigger than E-5 or E-M5? That’s big difference 😀 … If it’s tiny bit bigger than the M5, then I could take it into consideration, but built in flash is a must. If it’s still an addon unit, then I’ll buy GX7.
As for built in flashes being too weak and useless, it’s up to manufacturers to make proper ones. Why not put a GN15 (@ ISO100) flash that can bounce? It’s not rocket science and it’s not that anyone else hasn’t done that before…
Bit bigger than the E.M5, dumbo.
On the E-M5 there is absolutely no room for a flash. All the top plate is crowded, and then really if you are a Pro (LOL) what would you use it for? Use a trigger most of the time.
Grip is more interesting: should be big enough to house a second (or bigger battery) and the Wi Fi of course. People complain about exgternal microphone, but if you are a Pro, you have a recorder that you sync later.
Most interesting will be to see how many will buy 4/3 lenses for this camera. I predict v. little. Main role will be to act as trainer to retarded 4/3 people who are still scared by the EVF – in 2013, LOL!
amalric, you should take your pills regularly – you’re aggressive again.
Don’t need a so called Guantanamo doctor. Go cure your KKK buddies – LOL1
how many will buy 4/3 lenses for this camera. I predict v. little
Very, very little. 4/3 system is dead. Maybe there are some users of lenses from TOP serie in 4/3 (35-100, 150, 90-250) but the same size you can get from Canon FF or Nikon FF. There is no sense to waste resources for 4/3
Why do you think so … eh … small? The 43 system has some excellent zooms and fixed lenses. Like the 12-60 f/2.8-4, the 14-54 f/2.8-3.5, etc.
After I bought the 24-70 f/2.8 for the my Nikon D300, this was my absolute favorite lens: very useful range, fast auto focus, good optical quality. My impression is that both of the above mentioned 43 lenses are of comparable quality as to that of the Nikon lens, they have an even wider range. They are slightly slower as tele lenses, but not much. (I’m not talking about DOF). AND both of them are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the Nikon lens.
That’s the catch. *If* the E-M1 is slightly bigger than the E-M5 who is going to use the top SHG glass weighting a kilo and more? Even with an add on grip a 500 gr, camera would still be unbalanced.
One cannot really clear all the mistakes of the past with a *Micro* body. So you are left with some few lenses like the 14-54 II or the 9-18 which will fare well, but that won’t appease the 4/3hirders foaming at the mouth.
Will Oly give them an E-7? The market for it shrinks day by day. It’s like dealing with fundamentalist: you can’t really win.
SHG glass weights more than 3 kg sometimes (90-250/2.8, 300/2.8), and it does not matter how big and heavy the camera is or whether it has a grip, you are not going to hold it by camera anyway or mount it on tripod using camera’s mount – it has its own collar for that. The situation with 35-100/2, 150/2 and 50-200/2.8-3.5 is not much different despite them being much lighter, nobody is going to make m43 1Dx to balance them.
The shorter FLs just do not make sense in 4/3, they could be remade much smaller in m43 (and sometimes were). Except maybe 50/2 macro.
I don’t understand this ‘unbalanced’ business – what’s wrong with a small body on a large lens? Maybe it’s to do with the way people hold the kit? With the lens cradled in the palm of the left hand, the right hand works the controls and helps steady the camera while pressing the release. All of the weight is carried by the left hand. I was somewhat surprised at seeing a video of some event where someone with some sort of DSLR with a fairly large lens was holding only the body, not the lens at all. Now that would be unbalanced, whatever size body you have.
It comes from P&S handling, where both hands hold the camera body up in front of the face. Add a larger than kit lens and suddenly, with that sort of handling, the camera becomes “unbalanced”. I think autofocus has also helped develop poor handling skills, since unless you’re zooming, why hold the lens?
I always find it hilarious to see folks with DSLRs holding the thing P&S style.
Right hand holding the camera, left supporting the lens allows handling of almost any lens, except for huge telephotos.
I don’t understand something:
“It’s said that the FT lenses will 100% be compatible with that camera.”
There’s already an FT to mFT adaptor, what is incompatible with this adaptor ?
Or what are its drawbacks ?
Thanks
The only complaints I’ve ever heard are very slow auto-focus.
I’ve never handled a 4/3 lens. Are they focus-by-wire or some sort of hybrid with real mechanical action?
There are some Oly lenses that have been optimised to work in Live View on DSLR bodies such as the 14-54 II, 14-42, 40-150 & 70-300 lenses (the 9-18 might be as well). These lenses work OK on PEN & OM-D M4/3’s bodies with one of the adapters such as MMF-3 but are not particular fast but have progressively got faster, especially on the latest PEN, the E-P5. The other 4/3’s lenses such as the SWD versions are not very good at working with AF on these M4/3’s bodies (although Olympus has improved them on the E-P5) & this is what should be fully compatible on this new E-M1 body (via an adapter of some sort). This is what many are hoping for anyhow. The older non-SWD lenses also work OK on the PEN’s & OM-D but a bit slower than the optimised ones (as far as I know from comments from others), like the 35mm macro lens. It works, but a bit slow.
In answer to Mr Reeee, most of the 4/3’s lenses are focus by wire except the SWD versions where they are mechanically linked & so is the Sigma 150mm macro lens for 4/3’s which is USM (UltraSonic Motor) similar to Oly’s SWD (Silent Wave Drive).
I hope I got all that right. 🙂
Yes, you made a good summary. Just to add that the lenses which are most used an desired are the 12-60 and the 50-200 (with extender). They are not CDAF optimised.
I am still by what I said. Everybody knows ho unpleasant it is when a camera becomes front heavy. Why do you think the poor devils at the 4/3 forum all want a *big* body? It’s all very well giving unasked for lesson on how to hold a heavy dSLR legacy lens. But that’s for collectors, not for people doing action. Where is Mr. Reee’s photography, does he shoot daffodils and butterflies?
So if you go to DPRìs 1022 you’ll find already people protesting that an E-M5-like camera is too small, next to the objection that, gasp, it has an EVF.
Dealing with legacy people can be v. tricky. Oly should have sent their Yakuza friends to them long ago, and good riddance 🙂
Uh no flash, what a cr…
Yes I know a build in is cr… But still having none with you is worse. A simple piece of white plastic can be used to bounce and bend that light if you want it in front of the lens or softened. A 2euro acc.
Would have loved a tilting Evf like the pannasonic has.
More buttons to the outside like the omd or e30 can only do good.
And a bit smaller and lighter as the e3 I would welcome
Now a rugged 12-150 m43 or 43 lens and it starts to be an even better travel companion as my e3 12-60 50-200 setup..
Looking DSLR sale graphs from 2006-2012 remember that from those ca. 500 million people who are DSLR (mirror/non-mirror) users nowadays about 3 % still owns some sort of 4/3 camera body. That is least 15 million active photographing people in world market whom still have at least one 4/3 lens (most have more) in their homes.
Of course this new Olympus DSLR-camera will be basicly micro 4/3-body, overlap model.
And how they are going to solve the problem of using 4 /3 lenses with full compatibility? It is adapter solution. Together with new camera release they will present 4/3 to micro 4/3 adapter. All forthcoming micro 4 /3 -bodies after September will be compatible to use with the new adapter, which makes the system “Hybrid”. Adapter cost will be between 200-300 Euros as body start price will be 1799 euro.
Investment to adapter for truly faithful 4/3 users is not too big investment taking account that their lens collections will have new life. How many are those people from that 15-20 million people? Probably little one third, which is 5-7 million users. They are willing to upgrade from E-30/E-3/E-5 to new adapter for sure.
Then there are those that are E-4/5XX users with maybe one or two 4/3 lens and have had or will going to jump fully on micro 4 /3 side or to Nikon / Canon.
They are not interested to pay same amount of cash on new OM-D-X pro body when you have D600 AND 6D around. These are not interested on new body.
Then there are those serious micro 4 / 3 users who after adapter release will begin to look on to “old” 4/3 assortment. Olympus will mostly kill 4/3 (or actually it did it in end of 2012) standard grade 4/3 lens production and keep on supplying HQ and SHQ lenses from Japan becouse those lenses still have lot’s of that pro appeal which will appeal to new pro OM-D-X users.
Olympus gains a lot, becouse on consumers mind those lenses weight/image ratio on micro 4/3 bodies is not as essential as on pancakes, kit zooms and primes. There will always be lot’s of bird watchers and sport photographers that are ready to use pro quality but “overheavy” lenses. They are ready to invest to adapter and buy few SQ or SHG lenses now when camera body continuation is secured.
Correction to my previous post. Looking into graphs again the figure 500 million users in world included also active compacts users
“”Millions of 4/3 bird watchers? Just do a search with Google, and you’ll understand that your figures belong to the Barnum Circus.””
I am starting to think that Olympus have some sort of hallucinogenic vapors built into their gear that produces mass hallucinations as well as seriously impairing the ability to have a rational discussion 🙂
“”Olympus will be lucky if it succeeds in selling the remaining stock of lenses, which might have left production 4 years ago or more.””
It is amazing that while even Olympus have finally got the message that small sells the 43rds faithful still don’t get it.Most people who are prepared to carry large heavy cumbersome equipment will use a larger format such as FF with all the advantageous that gives.For me and many others the main joy of mFT is the ability to have a genuinely small and light set up.
“”I knew that the small world of 4/r users was akin to the World of Oz, but I am always surprised by the amount of entertainment they provide even today :)””
In all honesty they should be grateful that Olympus has thrown them a bone in he shape of a proposed high end mFT body with good support for their what is in essence legacy glass. A high end DSLR only option would have been financial suicide by Olympus
There is a perspective error. This new camera is clearly targeted to m4/3 users, so that they can choose and use the 4/3 lenses they think better.
It’s no mistake that Oly proposes at the same time a new fast zoom, a native one, sending the message “it doesn’t end there”
So the new camera is not a 4/3 camera, it is a m4/3 one which is backwards compatible. 4/3 users want to delude themselves, because they always thought that they were superior to others, while now they must come to terms to their becoming captive of a new system.
Millions of 4/3 bird watchers? Just do a search with Google, and you’ll understand that your figures belong to the Barnum Circus.
Olympus will be lucky if it succeeds in selling the remaining stock of lenses, which might have left production 4 years ago or more.
I knew that the small world of 4/r users was akin to the World of Oz, but I am always surprised by the amount of entertainment they provide even today 🙂
All your four thirds nutters; question!
Do any of the SHG lenses have autofocus that is anywhere near current olympus standards??
I have done some reading and there are lots of comments that all say the glass is of unsurpassed quality, but the drawback is shitty AF specially in low light.. Seeing as I only want fast glass for low light, for me that defeats the purpose.
Anyone wish to share experiences with SHG glass? Is it a problem that firmware fixes adress? Is it worth considering 4/3 s glass if this new beautiful camera emerges?
best
R
richardhanbury@gmail.com
The AF depends on the camera and on the firmware of the lens, see ZD 70-300 w. v.1.4 and earlier. Or ZD 50/2 on E-3 and E-5 (~2-3 times faster!) Thus it is not clear how these lenses will work on a new camera, especially if they all get firmware updates.
I have no experience with SHG glass, but with Standard 4/3 glass, and I can tell you that by comparison with today’s Oly FAST technology, AF was slower even with the whole PDAF shebang and motors.
Linear motors and light groups, plus enormous increase in processing power, allow instant focus, which 4/3 AF never was. Additionally it was often backfocussing and needed calibration.
So don’t believe that all that shines is gold. I think that Oly knows v. well, ad the reason why it will introduce a new zoom at the same time of the OM-D pro. For action you will take native m4/3 glass anytime.
an SWD lens, mounted on E-3/E-5 ist just as fast as an E-M5 with 12-50. The point with the linear motors is the fact that they only can move small, light elements which is then the main contraint in the lens design if MSC is desired. An SWD is much larger, but also much more powerful and can therefore move larger elements or even the whole lens block. An example for a lens, where the whole block travels is the panasonic 20mm, which will never have an MSC – exactly for that reason.
From teh standard FT lenses which are okayish on µFT I could mention the 40-150, which is no slouch at all. Also the Panasonic Leica D 25 mm – see on youtube how the E-P5 focuses with FT glas
http://www.youtube.com/user/lowlence/videos
In your mind. Olympus never claimed the fastest autofocus in the world with 4/3, nor it won’t now. I perfectly remember my 9-18 with PDAF. it was not better than 0.5 sec, never for action.
That goes to show that anonymous are cowards, but also often ignorant, therefore not credible 🙂
PDAF lenses will still be fine with the new camera, but not instant fast as the new technology.
Olympus did claim world’s fastest AF for E-3 with 12-60 but a psych like you is allowed not to know it.
The fastest – when? Four years ago? That was the time of steam engines, unanonympus wimp.
Here good man, get my Eurocent. 🙂
Well for the record, you did use past tense “Olympus never claimed” and Olympus did claimed and that makes it obvious that that you are ignorant/unaware of it…
@admin With the picture of the last weekend, this rumor should be reclassifed at FT5.