We are now ready to start into the next MFT camera and lens announcement period. Starting from late Janaury and til June we will see a couple of new cameras and lenses. And now let’s talk about the thing we know that will be announced:
1) Olympus E-M10 to be announced in late January (or early days of February at last). It will succeed the E-M5 (althaugh the E-M5 will keep remaining for sale for a longer time). Same E-M5 sensor but with new E-M1 imaging processor. Expect it to have most of the E-M1 features without the E-M1 extra grip and buttons (and not freezeproof body).
2) Olympus will announce two new lenses along the E-M10. The 25mm f/1.8 and a new compact zoom lens
3) Panasonic is likely going to finally introduce the Noctirocron 42, 5mm f/1.2 in February
4) The Panasonic GH 4K camera is likely going ot be launched in Spring. I have no exact timing but NAB show in Las Vegas (April) seems to be the right place for it.
But there is more to come: We can expect a new GF camera (see patent images), new G camera and new PEN cameras too.
The surprise: I got the feeling there will be some suprises this year. Particularly on the Sony-Olympus partnership front.
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I hope the E-M10 has better video and that it can use the E-M5 grip.
The E-M1 is so good it’s probably going to overshadow everything m4/3 for 2014. I have a feeling the E-M10 will be a bit underwhelming (maybe a step backwards from the E-M5 in build quality).
GH4(K) looks to be a Canon 1DC competitor, so more of a philosophical proposition than practically interesting to us stills-shooting mortals.
More like a Canon C300 competitor is what the GH4K will be I hope, rather than compared with a Canon 1D C.
I am hoping to see a lot of new stuff videowise in the em10, with a concurrent firmware up date for the the em1 on the em10s release. let’s put this one in the ft dreaming rating
It’ll be interesting to see if Olympus yet again overprices their new camera.
Depending on build quality, it will cost $850 to $1000. Anything outside this range would surprise me.
Who does everyone have a go at Olympus on their pricing strategy. Can you name any manufacturer today who does not overprice their equipment on release?
Yes, the Sony A7 is a bargain in comparison. It was expected to be 3000+ and came at under 2000, cheaper than all FF DSLR launch price and cheaper than the mighty E-M1.
but that simply does not compare with an E-M1. Quality wise I’d rate it alongside the old 12mp sensor.
So it’s gonna be a facelift?
Another ‘new compact zoom lens’? Can’t they plan a bit more in advance and concentrate on
good quality optics. Probably a very compact zoom like the panasonic 12-32…
But we’ll see what it brings, if weather-sealed it could be an interesting option… I hope the 25
1.8 will be weather-sealed as well, so we can have a compact durable set. I’m still wondering why
the 75, 12, 17mm aren’t. (but the 60 macro is, luckily).
Iwert
There are a few reasons not to offer weatherproof primes. Cost is one. The second is that zooms are more
practical when weathersealing is appropriate: changing primes in wet or dusty conditions is always going to be difficult.
It sounds like cars don’t need to be waterproof because you never open the door in the rain oO
That would qualify as one of the most inane replies I’ve ever read.
But, to humour you: I’ve just come in from a drive in heavy rain. My car interior didn’t get wet, until I had to open the door.
Which proves my point, I guess.
“2) Olympus will announce two new lenses along the E-M10. The 25mm f/1.8 and a new compact zoom lens”
any info about this new zoom?
there should be something in between kits and top pros, so i’m hoping this new kid to have better IQ and aperture than 14-42.
If “new compact zoom lens” means a smaller and lighter version of the 12-40mm (in other words: high quality but say f/4) then I would be delighted.
If it means that they’ll release just another cheap kitlens then no thanks.
I’m thinking it’ll just be a smaller version of the 14-42 kit, to match Panasonic’s 14-42 PZ and Sony’s 16-50 kit.
I agree 100% … Weather sealed lens please!
If the EM-10 looks as nice as the EM-5, has iso 100, weather sealing, ibis like EM-1, 1/8000sec and no shutter shock – I´ll probably buy it.
The 1/8000s (1/320s X sync) shutter is expensive 3rd party component, it is the one thing they should not include for cost reasons. The sensor on the other hand should be from E-M1, with OSPDAF – processor and software already support it, C-AF is the biggest complaint about mirrorless, so why not?
so with additional grip the E-M10 will cost the same as the E-M1, available in shops next August 😉
I’m rather more interested in a good cam at affordable price like the new Lumix G. These high end Olympus and Panasonic GH cams are just too expensive.
Depends on what you as an individual wants Juan, as for myself I don’t think they are.
Any price indication so for EM-10? And compatibility with 4/3 lenses?
If it’s the same sensor as the E-M5, then there’s no PDAF, so you probably won’t want to use it with 4:3 lenses.
Wow how many lenses <100mm do we need? I have had it! What an overly disappointing system this has become. It has come to the point of being a joke.
25mm f1.8 is a classical cheap 50 f1.8 FF lense. So we can expect an entry level budget price camera, cheaper than an E-M5. I hope Olympus can surprise us with something like a digital O-M10.
I agree, I hope this is a companion to the 45/1.8 in build, optical quality and cost. It would be a great kit option on an E-M10.
No surprise about some form of closer link/partnership between Sony and Olympus. It could even be a part sale or increased investment of the camera division of Olympus, and it could even be a staged merger or takeover. You heard it from me first.
Well, well…
All nice news but we desperately need to know more about the real stuff – the upcoming Olympus Pro Lenses, esp. about the Pro-Supertele and the m4/3 EC Converter.
B
I hope Pana will make the Nocticron’s price attractively. Today Fuji just announce their XF 56/1.2 at $999.
Depending on that, I’ll decide if i chose the Fuji X-E2 or the E-M1! And the Image quality!
@Bob
Agree with you. I have both X-E1 and E-M5. My decision will be based on the price, IQ, and built quality
Forget it. My estimation would be $1300-1400. However, I bet the Nocticron performs more than slightly better than the Fuji 56.
At that price, it’s better to go with the Fuji. Better fuji IQ, better Price.
Price will definitely play a more important role for me.
I think it’s too soon to judge. However, at $1400, Nocticron must be clearly better for optical performance, IQ, and construction. According to Fuji’s description, 56/1.2 is based on metal construction including chassis, focus ring, and aperture ring.
The issue is whether you really need f/1.2. M4/3 has a very good, affordable f/1.8 option. Fuji does not.
yes Sneye there is truth in your words, but I dont want to believe in it.
Well said…but it’s not true. lol
If price is more important than Image Quality, why don’t you use a Smart Phone, any of them will suit your purposes.
If Noctiron is about $1400, I will switch to Fuji 56/1.2 surely. According to their XF lens standard, quality is second-to-none.
Perhaps you should re-evaluate your assumption. All X lenses except the 60 macro are quite soft wide open.
True… why buy a fast lens to use it at F5.6 all day… might as well slap a good standard lens on there… It’s wide open where the quality counts… maximum res at F8 be dammed!
Are you using Fuji’s sytem? Based on my own experiences, it’s not true. Their XF lenses are superb.
Is that true…?
LINK/S?
Agree with Glen. At $1XXX, I will choose Fuji definitely. Except if Pana’s Nocticron blows away every 85mm in the market.
@Hunter
I always have to smile if I read these comments.
It means the commenter has neither.
Or one already has a system this would mean they stick with it if price diff of a desired lens is not that big. $400 price difference will not have me change a complete system.
The Fuji seems nice but is slow in comparison to the E-M5 let alone E-M1. The IQ isn’t earthshatteringly better than them either.
But hey the grass is always greener ….
You’re right, the grass is always greener, in Fuji’s case.
Olympus’s on the other hand is oversaturated.
“Forget it. My estimation would be $1300-1400. However, I bet the Nocticron performs more than slightly better than the Fuji 56.”
At $1400, “slightly better” is not enough. It must be far superior in every aspect (i.e. IQ, construction). In fact, at $1XXX, the expectation must be extremely high. Pana’s Nocticron must prove that it’s much better than every 85mm in every system (i.e. Nikon 85/1.8G, Nikon 85/1.4G, Canon 85, and Zeiss 85mm)
And now I smile again.
Fuji’s existing XF lens lineup and their latest 2014 lens roadmap are very tempting.
http://www.fujirumors.com/announced-xf-lens-56mm-f1-2-black-x100s-and-more-live-blogging/
The 56mm f/1.2 is yes, and it gives hope that the noctitron will cost the same.
Given F1.2 and the “Leica” badge, I belive it will be higher than $1000.
ah, that would be a bad move, especially since the Lumix lens only borrowed the names from the german company(right?). I would buy the lens anyway, but I just wait then untill it drops under the magic border or wait for a used one(thank god for the regretful buyers).
I think pana will have better looking bokeh, 9 vs 7 aperture blades most likely will make this difference true.
What ?
Again the Nocticron introduce in the coming Feb 14 .
I believe everyone here already very familiar with the lens , no further introducing needed for something everyone is waiting
Just deliver it to the market .
How about the pana 15mm 1.7? It was announced alongside the gm1. No word on release date and price since then, any idea when we will get more news?
I would have bought the 20mm recently if it weren’t for this lens. I’m still waiting for reviews and the price to decide which one to get.
Yesyesyes, or 10mm f/1.x, f1.0 preferred 😉
But please not again a new 25mm or 4Xmm.
Wider please, much wider…
Regards
noctitron in february…i will try saving money by just living on bread and water.
Ulli, would it help if I sent you a bar of chocolate every day untill………..
Omega yes, if possible milk chocolate please.
“I got the feeling there will be some suprises this year. Particularly on the Sony-Olympus partnership front.”
Oly re-releasing OM classical lenses for the A7 cameras?
Sony making a m43…?
Sony does the camera and electronics – Oly becomes their lens bitches…
The E-M10 sounds like a stripped down E-M1.
My guess is that the EM10 will come at a lower price than the EM5, because the em5 if alone will have a decrease in price, if they manage to get a new step in the OMD line they can freeze the price of the EM5, arguing that they have a cheaper model, etc.
So i hope/think it will have:
*Smaller Plastic Body.
*Weather Sealing.
*Wifi.
*Focus peaking.
*i hope for a screwable grip, like the E-PL5.
*Same IBis than EM1.
*i am willing to trade the lcd screen in favor of the same Viewfinder than the EM1, so i could live wih a 300k fixed non touchscreen lcd ( but i guess not every one thinks this way).
It is not possible to release an OM-D model below E-M5 today. After all, by the announcement in February, E-M5 will be 2 years old. What would they strip, weather-sealing, 5 axis IBIS? It would be a terrible move. It will have newer processor for sure (TruePic VII from E-M1), 99% it will have WiFi too (after all, E-PL6 had it a year ago). Probably sensor from E-M1 too, after all it is just more work (higher fixed cost) to integrate the new processor with old sensor while they already have sensor-processor integration done for E-M1.
Probably just E-M1 without grip, front and left-shoulder buttons, and with shutter and maybe even viewfinder from E-M5. Maybe with the CPU a little downclocked, for 9 fps sequential vs 10.
We are almost certain that sensor will be from E-M5 and Processor will be from E-M1, an easy marriage as the only real difference is PD cells. Other than that I’d expect same body shape as 5 ability to accept 5’s grip, Polycarbonate body instead of Magnesium and lack of weather sealing, that is my expectation.
that would make sense to me..I guess the EVF will be same like the E-M5.
I don’t see Oly moving from the existing body styles, both have been well accepted by the market, so it would make little sense to move away from them (other than possible button usage), grips can remain in place for those who require them. Therefore the only places where the 5 can really be downgraded is body material and weather sealing, no point in reducing functions as it is all only firm/software changes and as Oly have stated the 5 will remain in place for the near future, hardly a case to upgrade any features.
I think most people have accepted they will not impinge on Panas video feet and will concentrate on the stills marketplace.
I believe the E-M10 will be the step up from the compact and a sideways move from the Pen series for those who prefer the SLR type of body.
It’s simple: an E-M5 replica (same sensor, viewfinder and construction) with some of the recent bells and whistles thrown in, i.e. “2X2” switch, WiFi, HDR, color creator etc. PDAF is not going to happen. Button layout on the back might see a makeover.
Such a package should replace the E-M5 (same introduction price: $1000), so the E-M5 will become the OM-D entry level. Nevertheless, Olympus has a tendency to do the unexpected.
Well, that seems very plausible since the OM10 was a consumer line lauched after the OM2, and it had some plastic parts and was targeted as an entry level camera.
Lets hope that the weathersealing will remain and only the interiors change.
Peevee…E-PL6 does not have wifi and it was “available” 6 months ago. The camera was (in some instances) bundled with a wifi card. Also, you could purchase a separate PenPal module to set the camera up to use Bluetooth.
I believe the first camera with wifi capabilities may have been the E-P5, not sure though.
Agree. The “lower level” OMD will be the “old” E-M5. Think about it. Even a newer non-metal and non weather sealed camera will have development costs. Cut the price of the EM5 to $749 body only, $799 with the 14-42 and $849 with the 12-50 and thats your low end camera. No R&D costs to recoup.
Prediction: given that Panasonic is crazy with their lens prices recently, they will dare to ask for 42.5/1.2 as much or more as Fuji asks for their 56/1.2 covering APS-C sensor ($999).
Is the EM10 weather sealed like the EM5?
Hope we get full specs leaked soon.
I wonder what a new G7 will be bringing?? And I wonder how late in the year it will be released?
Hopefully it provides live HDMI out! As this is the big flaw with the Pansonic G6, that you can’t use an external monitor with it while recording :-/
If it also gives a higher framerate (120fps?) and ProRes that would be sweet as, but I’m pretty sure I’ll just be dreaming for these two extras for a long time!
somehow i get the impression that videographers are more spoiled then stills users.
Any camera with RAW HDMI out, reasonable onboard CODEC (AVCHD 40Mbit) 25,30,50,60p and a good IBIS (Olympus) will be a winner in todays market.
Add 120p @ 1080 and it will be hot for about 2+yrs…
Add 240p @ 1080 and 4K @ 25/30p and it will be hot stuff for about 5+yrs…
These speks are all the market is after – and most things can be found in diffrent consumer camera electronics but never all together in 1 package, and that is all we need! – thing is Olympus in many ways is perfictly placed with the incredible IBIS fast processors and even PDAF to add in to the mix. They could make a killer if they nailed the video rather than being purest about still photography.
…and 24p!
replace RAW with clean uncompressed and you have it right, HDMI out is never RAW.
Yeah, I’d be happy with merely clean HDMI out. (like there is already with a number of MILC/DSLRs)
Raw video and high frame rates will be a bit of a dream for a while yet, currently if I want high quality FHD high frame rate video I’d need to go with a Sony FS-700 (and even that is just recording it to a buffer for very short takes, need a Phantom for longer).
+1 on be happy with just clean hdmi. I’m not spoiled
I really wish that Olympus upgrade the video specs on the OM-10, i know many of you think this is irrelevant, that Olympus is a photo company and video is not in the top priorities, but also Nikon is a photo company and look what they have done.
The excellent Olympus IBIS have to many people waiting for this tech to arrive on the video front, so? my wish of improvements could be this:
Video:
-1080p at 24(25), 30, 60(50)fps.
-Quality Improved codec.
-Clean live HDMI output.
-Mic input and earphone jacks.
-Manual audio control.
-Improve battery live on video recording.
Body:
-Keep the same body of the E-M5 also the battery grip.
-Improved the buttons and add two custom front buttons on the lens mount as the E-M1.
-Same EVF of the E-M1
Photo:
-1/8000s shutter
-Single point focus.
-Improve IBIS
My two cents.
Xenogear’s wish list above would certainly get me to order one right away, but as always in this game, prepare to be disappointed.
But for some further realistic dreaming, what if Oly decides to take a bold step here? Eg, leave out the weather sealing, metal frame, PDAF, 10fps, and 1/8000 shutter of the Em1 to separate it from the pro body, and go all-out with a lighter-weight, Em5-sized Super hybrid:
Make an innovative model using the Em1 EVF, add electronic ND filtering, all the focus peaking options that they can muster, advanced video spec, perhaps a hot shoe accessory for integration w/ one of Oly’s (Excellent) pocket audio recorders… This could be truly differentiated from the current OMD’s, and fulfill the promise many having been waiting Oly to deliver on. Break away from the pack. Some of these video-centric features will be found to be quite useful for still shooters, too, btw.
Don’t be slaves to the “we’re a stills-oriented company”. Pull out all the stops.
And as compromise to keep down the price, a lighter, plastic body is more than acceptible to me.
Yes yes yes x1000 for that list for video on Olympus!
Even if only half those things got implemented it would get me to seriously consider Olympus rather than Panasonic for my next m4/3 camera.
The new Fuji 56mm f/1.2 along with the 14mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/1.4 is honestly starting to look like an awfully appealing system, compared to the constant re-iteration of kit lenses going on with m4/3
Terrible new model number.
So we started with E-M5, then got E-M1 and now it’ll be E-M10, which is an updated E-M5?
Why not go the Canon route and have E-M1 as flagship, E-M5 as enthusiast, then go to E-M7 or E-M9 for entry level? Each refresh of the same level will get a Mark II, III etc..?
So instead of E-M10, please call it E-M5 II!
To understand the numbering scheme you have to go back a ways. Olympus named the dumbed-down OM-1 the OM-10. The dumbed down OM-2 was the OM-20, and so on. What’s out of place this time is the E-M5 designation.
For me all they’d have to do is replace the f1 button with the afl/ael button and lever from the E-M1 and add the built-in flash from the Stylus. I would drop everything else for that.
900 USD price tag, E-M1 image processing and PDAF would be great. Still looking for a “cheap” replacement for my E-3 😉
Yet another small mirrorless camera to add to the list. I do hope Olympus has fixed the horrible shutter shock issue with this model. I’m waiting for a shutter shock free model.