DC.watch interviewed Mr Haruo from Olympus Imaging. And there are a couple of interesting info:
1) smartphones did eat up the compact camera market with exception of models having those characteristic: Good Low Light performance, larger zoom range and weather proof cameras.
2) This year Olympus system camera sales went up + 140-150%!
3) Successor for the E-M5 is ready to be launched as next!
That’s great news for Olympus…and us 🙂
263 Responses
LOL more overpriced toys coming soon…. Just what everybody needed.
http://bitsocialmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Internet-Troll.jpg
The Hulk sure looks funny with a gold ear ring on.
Look at you HarryTomDickSDCanonapologist, you have the first comment. You forgot to type “FIRST!”, by the way.
For someone who hates M43, you certainly monitor this site closely.
1) Yep. Too bad Olympus realized this a bit late.
2) According to some Olympus and Jessops employees, the E-M10 is the best selling mirrorless <£800. In any case good news for EVERYONE. For Olympus users as business people will keep m4/3 funding; Panasonic and other makers users as it will push them to try harder and harder.
3) I said that a few weeks ago! ^^ Should be announce sooner than later.
Successor for the E-M5… what was the E-M1 then?
The E-M1 is different line of cameras, thus the different ergonomics. The E-M1 is/was aimed to:
1) 4/3 users, especially ones with SHG/HG glass.
2) People who wouldn’t mind a tad larger body for extra comfort, especially if they are using big zoom lenses.
3) Pro-users who need the extra speed, ISO, etc aka concerts, fashion, sports, etc
I believe Olympus plans to have E-M1 line as their professional-dedicated line, the E-M5 as a professional/advance users’ line and the E-M10 as an entry level camera for advance users.
Seems that they’re making the same mistake with the OMD line that they made with the PEN line, too many models with too little to differentiate them.
That’s the point of the Pen line. I quite like the choice of different features, than having a swiss army knife camera with half the features I don’t want. Like for a small pen I don’t care about the tilty screen I want something small, hence e-pm2 is what I got.
I expect Olympus to make their own LX100 variation and maybe even a M43 version of the Ricoh GR which would be fabulous
They already said they don’t have plans to do an LX100. Hopefully they will still make the mythical Trip-D, though. I agree that would be fabulous for sure.
That question is what can the Digital Trip-D bring to the table that the other large sensor compacts cannot? Fuji has innovative viewfinder tech, Sony has the best package in a truly pocketable camera, Panasonic has the most versatile camera. Oly can obviously put 5 axis IBIS in it, but with a prime lens this isn’t as awesome.
I wonder what the E-M5 successor will be called. Simply E-M6 I reckon, but as a lower non-pro model, that name does not resonate well with the naming of the flagship E-M1. And it leaves the future E-M1 successors with just 3 eligible numbers, E-M2>4. So sooner or later they’re running into naming troubles w/ the E-M* series. IMO they should rather use the naming convention from the 4/3 DSLRs, and call the OM-Ds E-M* (single digit) for the flagship/pro models, E-M** (double digit) for the mid/enthusiast tier, and E-M*** (triple digit) for the entry level models.
I think they will do it like Canon. Both the 1 and 5 are professional lines, with the 2nd also aiming at advance users.
The E-M5 would be a professional model only if you considered the Canon 7D and D7100 “professional” cameras. It’s more of a semi-pro, advanced amateur model, to me. What the G6 is to the GH6. Right now the OMD line is just nice, though: entry level, semi-pro and pro. Easy segmentation.
*GH4
The 7D and the D7100 as of now, are both professional and advance cameras. Don’t forget sensor size isn’t everything. Nikon for example had the D300/s in parallel to the D700/D3 as a professional model, but not exclusively.
My parallel was the 1D and 5D actually. The 1D is 100% pro model, while the 5D is a professional camera, but at a price/ features list picked up by advance amateurs as well.
The reason I am calling E-M5 a pro/semi-pro or advance camera is that lots of Olympus pro-users (including most Olympus “Ambassadors” I met) still use the E-M5 over the E-M1, especially for urban photography.
Well, I’m not quibbling. If they make an already very good camera even better, then that would be great news. Although I am reasonably sure I will be getting an LX100 to replace the E-M5 I sold off last month, it’s good to see the system keep improving. I have no issues with my E-M5: I just found out that for small cameras, I prefer using a “rangefinder” model than a mini SLR one, that’s all.
Forget the digits. Olympus models are like PC laptops: they all have complicated model numbers to deliberately confuse users. It’s not enough just to say either OMD-5 or E-M5, they had to overcompensate and go for OMD E-M5. As if someone might confuse “E-M5” with a PEN model if the OMD is not inserted.
It’s marketing, Jim, but not as we know it.
Simpler still, they should have just used OMD-1, OMD-2 … etc.
Then for the refreshes: OMD-1n, OMD-2n … etc.
I guess we can forget that EM-5 focus peaking firmware then. Bad Olympus, Bad!
Uh why bad Olympus?
I have an E-M5 and would welcome peaking if the released it, but it’s not the end all be all. The E-M5 is 2 years old so I don’t expect really new FW.
Grow up.
If they release a successor, I’ll wait to see what it brings, I have two more body’s, amongst them is an E-M1 so I’m set.
I can imagine ppl, with the M5 as the main camera, could be a little dissapointed but hey peaking was not on the cam when it was released, while some other brands had it.
In fact E-M5 is closer to 3-year-old already so why on Earth would they keep on updating the firmware? It’s time to retire the E-M5 and introduce the new, even better E-M5mk2. 🙂
^^ that was meant for gian, not digifan…
hey I was just hoping that we could get it as sometime ago I read here, maybe sounded a bit hard on Olympus but that was the only thing missing from that model that could have been better implemented.
Grow up? LOL to another model? If I had the money I would do ahah
Why? Because if Olympus makes me buy the successor to a camera (a camera that used to be their flagship model to boot!) after only two years just to get one of the most basic mirrorless features imaginable which could have easily been delivered by software, it gives reason to strongly doubt that Olympus is dedicated enough to their products and their customers in general. In gross contrast to Fujifilm, by the way!
So why are you not with Fuji than.
The E-M5 didn’t have peaking to start with and is now 2,5 years old. It has had a few FW updates with the last one a very useful one too. Might be they can’t get peaking displayed at a satisfiable refreshrate on the existing LCD, that would mean there would be many complaints about the FW.
IO’d better they implement it the right way a combination of peaking and enlarged (zoomed in) box in the middle of the total frame, so you could see and keep track of your framing while checking out critical focus on your subject.
I’m not with Fuji because at this point I’d prefer the E-M1 over the X-T1, because I prefer a 16 MP FT sensor over a 16 MP APS-C sensor, and because my Four Thirds glass cannot be attached to a Fuji camera. With every new round of Fuji’s extensive, photographer-oriented firmware updates I feel the need to re-evaluate, though, and if Fuji’s 140-400mm zoom is any good, and if it even comes before Olympus’ 300mm f/4 lens, there will be another huge reason to re-evaluate.
You might be right, though, in suspecting that the E-M5 processing capabilities may not be enough for peaking. Even the E-M1 got fast enough peaking only recently (although in this case a software update was indeed sufficient)…
Yeah let’s all grow up, so we are going to be as smart as some pointless spotty teenager who writes “ppl” and “body’s”.
I guess you’re a native english speaker.
I’m an over 50, non native english speaking guy, thank you for you grammar comment, maybe you should try dutch.
And yes indeed most here write with a tone as if they were infants.
Comments like: If they don’t give me my toys/what I want, I won’t buy from you anymore.
And: ooh I have to watch out for the misses (wife).
She won’t like me buying yet another toy (which is clearly not needed, but GAS) and more of that childish egoistic sh!t.
Look here, you are one of the worst. Sure, you are over 50, yeah yeah.
It’s very possible that E-M5’s hardware isn’t capable of delivering good quality(they are not going to half-ass it for good reason, because then the complaining would really start) focus peaking.
The focus peaking “workaround”(using art filters) shows that it slows down to unusable framerates, maybe they tried but were unable to improve on that. Even the faster E-M1(before latest firmware update) had kind of laggy focus peaking in some circumstances.
Another reason(out of their hands) could be, is that they made an agreement with Sony(E-M5 sensor), that they would not include focus peaking. Who knows….
You’re right, I think e-m5’s processor couldn’t handle focus peaking. I’ve tried using the art filter hack but it really slows down the frame rate.
you don”t really need focus peaking for to focuse. The E-M5 EVF is very enough and sometimes, Focus peaking is not very accurate and sometimes, a lot of focus peaking disturb the focus.
You’re the ‘bad’ one for judging Olympus for something you don’t know anything about. It took them till now to produce a nice (smooth) Focus Peaking with the latest firmware 2.0 update in the E-M1, so what makes you think they would try to implement it in an older camera with the previous processor. It ain’t ganna ‘appen!
The E-M5 II is the real deal. Forget the E-M1, which is a more specialised camera, made mainly for people who really want to use their old 43 lenses as something to let the E-5 people move on. The E-M5 II will be the one with some real IQ improvement over all current M43 cameras, the camera for the majority of enthusiasts and a camera to again set new standards for a small but high performance camera, like its predecessor.
I somehow doubt that it´ll have a new sensor (what was it called – organic, foveon?). I would weep tears of joy though if it would be a leap forward in terms of IQ but it may be too soon for that and we might be disappointed, again…
I tend to agree. Olympus is too dependant on Sony and Panasonic for sensors. I doubt Oly will get next-gen sensors before they do. It kind of worked with the E-M5 though.
Yep, however my E-m5 is getting old, and might replace it with an E-M1 or EM5-II anyway, even if IQ is only improved marginally. Like the form format on the E-M5 better. Is use it with and without grip, depending on which lens I use it with. Like that modular flexibility a lot.
Would be very nice to see some improvements in IQ & noise & DR though…
Old in what sense (if new models offer only marginal improvements)?
Still works fine …but it’s missing some features(although I don’t really need them). If the E-m5 II has some IQ improvements, then it’s going to be a nobrainer for me.
I love my e-m5, I still use it daily. But I would jump ship to e-m5 II if they offered focus peaking (definitely coming), 1/8000 shutter and improved EVF.. I would be happy.
The chance to have new sensor is 50-50 for me .
Although Oly like to reuse old sensors base on it’s track record but EM5 is a premier Oly product so let’s wait & see .
If by mid of 2015 , we still don’t see the EM5 successor , congratulations to EM5 holders .
The Organic Sensor is on it’s way .
wait Organic sensor from Panny ,it’s the way,
Sadly why oly cannot produce their Sensor.
Because of Expertise & R&D factor , Oly never be a strong contender when come to sensor making just like Nikon & Canon .
Fuji-Pana in collabration of organic sensor & Sony’s Exmor sensor are currently top ranking among the rest .
Why wouldnt Olympus get a new sensor from Sony. Sony are major Shareholders in Olympus Imaging so its in their best interest for Olympus to be successful.
something wrong my friend,look history Oly cannot produce image sensor,
cannot co-produce with outsource factory(nikon can do it ,Aptina,Sony and more),
Oly had any patents about image sensor who can do?
i think no new sensor to Oly until Panny use new sensor or sony make new 4/3 sensor ,alright!
Don’t write off any possibilities .
As the release of EM5 m2 likely fall in 2015 , they still chance to have that ultimate organic tech sensor together with DMC GX? .
That would be great 🙂
It’s not just a matter of getting the sensor. They have to develop the surrounding circuitry and integrate it into the camera including the viewfinder (unlike a DSLR) Then they have to develop focusing algorithms and the processing software and update Olympus Viewer.
Then finally there is the assembly line processes to develop ( if the wiring is different). Basically if they’re not getting samples now they’re unlikely to have a fully developed camera using it by next Spring.
And why would Fujonic rush to share the technology (assuming it becomes available so soon)?
The Organic tech sensor is a callobration project fr Fuji-Pana , is not owed by Fuji alone .
Fuji is confident with it’s APSC , why ? No plans at all to go FF .
Because they already got something that will shock the entire digital photography world .
X Pro , GX & OMD likely to feature such sensor , it’s matter of time .
“a callobration project fr Fuji-Pana”
may be in the interests of clarity I should have written Panafuji, instead of Fujonic.
However, the question still stands: why would P+F offer the sensor to competitors, unless there is a cross-licensing agreement? What are the patents that the competitors hold and F+P craves to license?
I am not saying that they do not exist, only that I cannot think of them.
Otherwise yes, competitors probably will get the new technology, eventually, but, more likely than not, only after a few years of delay. Just as Olympus could not get hold of P’s latest sensors in the past (then, it went Sony).
Yes , you are right .
But that is in the past ( Oly never have latest sensors )
The invention of Sony EXMOR sensor changed the rule of the game by offering EM5 , EXMOR sensor follow by Pana’s latest sensor tech in EM1 with PDAF .
I still feel the chance of EM5 successor to have new sensor is quite high & as I said if you don’t see EM5 successor by this mid 2015 , likely EM5 is the first OMD to have a breakthough sensor .
Brad I think you’re right.
The E-M5 was a game changer to m43 in the IQ department, it still get’s used many times.
The new version should be improved in the CAF department (maybe PDAF on sensor) and should have all the features that are now common like WiFi, peaking, NFC, GPS, tethered shooting and still be light and small as the E-M5 is.
Maybe a revised battery grip, where one could change batteries when only the grip part is attached.
If MP’s are increased while maintaining sam IQ it’d be fine, or just improved IQ. And I don’t mean higher ISO range with IQ but total output quality, less noise at basic ISO, basic ISO set at 100 maybe 14bit output etc. etc.
You could see it this way, too: if you need serious lenses beyond the limited scope of what current mirrorless systems have to offer, the E-M1 is the only alternative that fully supports at least some such lenses, even if an adapter is needed. Those lenses are not necessarily “old”, there still all being manufactured. And that’s not the only advantage over the existing E-M5, there’s a faster shutter for example, which I’ve always found convenient in my DSLR.
And then, even if an E-M5 II would be somewhat less-featured than the E-M1, I see no reason at all why it shouldn’t get the PDAF-capable sensor, too.
So can we hope the next E-M5 will get:
* A new sensor? 16 MP is getting somewhat old, the new Samsung already tops MFT with regard to telephoto reach; or:
* At least the E-M1 sensor so we can use FT lenses?
The E-M1 sensor in the future E-M5 MkII would be nice. Not sure how useful it would be to plug larg 43 zooms on the tiny E-M5 body, though, but at least there’s another option to keep old shooters happy. They could differentiate the next E-M1 MkII model by incorporating the 4k video features we keep hearing about.
They will be losing out on sales in the short term if this is the case. Better video will sell immediately. If they wait until the next flagship, most would be m43s buyers will already have a Panasonic in their hands. Better to sell now and come up with new differentiating features in the future.
New sensor tech for m43’s that has a significant increase in IQ is still likely at least a few years away… maybe even longer. I doubt we will get an MP boost until that time.
Great news. If the video offering is improved, this will be the camera for me.
Apparently some commentators here have suggested that if the video is improved then the image quality of the still pictures will dramatically deteriorate.
Good to hear that it’s coming. However, I doubt it will be as impressive as the E-M5 was, which had two features that are difficult to outmatch in one generation: 5 axis IBIS and the new sensor. 5 axis can be improved marginally, and for sensors, Oly is too dependant on Sony and Pana. But maybe they’ll get a good deal like they did with the E-M5.
yeah,dependant on Sony and Pana you ‘re right but who make new sensor for EM5
replacement ? sony do not send new sensor since 2011 (e-m5).
may new em5 has new sensor , we want follow by new ILC lumix model or sony sensor rumors. hu hu
The E-M5 was a remarkable breakthrough camera for its time. I don’t think it’s realistic to expect any camera manufacturer to knock it out of the park every generation.
Having said that I’m afraid the 1 major improvement that could really move the needle won’t be coming–a new sensor. Nothing wrong with the current one, but a new one with improved performance would definitely grab people’s attention.
Michael Reichman from LL said that sensor technology, altho important, is over rated, while processing power and software is heavily under-appreciated, while weighing at least as much in the equation.
No matter what sensor, the circuitry and processing in body makes a difference on how the RAW data is brewed.
And then Michael went on to say that using the same RAW files, the difference between every Light Room version is noticeable. LR1 vs LR5 is not even a challenge…
Bottom line, please, a new sensor, but image quality will probably be improved a notch no matter what.
Yes, I think M Reichman was right. Now, a new processor, preferably with a 14 or (dream on!) 16 bit raw converter would have been a totally different matter…
But I cannot see it being introduced first in the middle tier model.
14bit RAWs would help, but i still think there is high possibility we will get new sensor in the E-M5 II. The E-M1 came out in November 2013, the E-M5 II will hit market shelves in February 2015?… If we consider longer life cycle of OMD model it would be stupid mistake to hold back the best what they have at the moment. And the E-M5 series is $1000 – a very good cash cow… + competition is getting stronger > they have to answer…
Yawn sad boy types a lot…
Combine everything in point one together and I am yours 🙂
Pretty good timing actually. This “should” solve the majority of 4k and focus peaking whining issues and leave the sucessor to the EM-1 a bit of time & space to get the first round of organic sensors. By then the Pro zoom lenses should be complete and everything should be in place for M43 to muscle in on the true “pro” market.
I haven’t handled the EM5, but from pictures the dials look much lower quality than that of the EM1 or LX100. I hope they improve the build in that regard. I want this to be the model I splurge on. Will this be the first OMD with extra video frame rates?
My wish is that the E-M5 MkII will have similar dimensions to compact film SLRs like the Nikon EM, Pentax ME and original OM. And a much bigger viewfinder.
The problem I found with my E-M5 which led to sell it off was that it was too small to use in the SLR form factor. For that size I much preferred using an E-PL5 which I borrowed to test out instead. The E-M5 just felt too cramped, both physically (due to the slight grip on the right hand side) and mentally (mainly due to the tunnel-like viewfinder, when I’ve become used to the bigger views from the Pentax K5 and Canon 5D).
If you need an E-M1, then buy an E-M1! Don’t expect a smaller model that is supposed to be smaller (except when added to with a full grip) to take the place of the E-M1 just because you want it to. The three tier OM-D’s are there for a reason, not so every level is there to suit just you.
The E-M1 covers his needs nicely. Better grip, larger EVF, still compact.
Who are you, the Kitchen God? Thanks for answering my prayer, Lord. So you are saying I can now get that camera at the price range of the E-M5? Thank you, O Lord.
You have to understand, if we look at most people’s wishlist, what they are basically saying is that they want, not an updated E-M5, but an updated E-M1, for the price of an E-M5, that’s utterly ridiculous and unreasonable, and not what people who have and keep an E-M5 for what it is want, instead of having it because they don’t have the money to get an E-M1.
Why might that be unreasonable? Innovations and new tech tend to trickle down eventually all the time, and not just in cameras. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with every model. If Olympus thinks so, no wonder they have a hard time turning profits every quarter. The odd thing is they do allow their tech to trickle, not down, but sideways: into the PEN range.
I really agree with you on the camera body design. I would love to the MkII have a body style like the OM4.
Then people would complain it didn’t have a grip.
From the garbled google translation of the interview I gathered the impression that viewfinder quality is one area where the EM5ii will be positioned below the EM1. And a bigger sized EM5 would not make much sense – why not get the EM1 instead?
If I had the money…
I wouldn’t say the dial “quality” is lower. I would say ergonomics is a problem for those of us with big hands. It took me a bit to get accustomed to the EM5
Funny enough, dial quality is (or was) an issue – in the first year after release, there were loads of complaints about the rearmost dial cap coming off (reported here, on dpreview, and the u43 forums).
It happened to me too – the cap is attached with the barest amount of silicone adhesive… probably to make it easy to remove for servicing, but not a great design for daily usage. 🙂
“successor or the e-m5 is ready to be launched as next”
If the EM5 successor was ready why not show it at photokina? Sounds like Olympus are upset and trying to recapture the headlines to me
It’s ready to be launched next is not the same as ready to launch. It basically means Oly will no put the finishing touches on it. It’s also perfectly normal to spread your product announcements over the year. Lastly, I don’t even know what you mean by “Oly are upset”? Can you explain?
I sort of agree with you. I think that the em replacement must be a little way off yet. Insofar as i think if it was ready they’d have shown it
My guess is that there’s so much talk about the lx100 that oly are worried and are trying to recapture some headlines
Do you think it will be announced in the next couple of months? If so, I’m proven wrong
I’m just hoping the e-m5 successor will get a new sensor, with much better low light capabilities. I also cross fingers it will be a bit more video oriented, as it’s really lacking behind the competition. As long as I get the e-m1 evf (or better), an improved weatherproof body, a better sensor, 4k video and a nice screen, I will definitely upgrade.
4k isn’t important to me but I’m with you on your other points. A lower base ISO would be nice.
If you want better Low Light capabilities, you’re going to have to upgrade to a larger sensor. The 43 sensor cannot compete when it comes to low light.
I wanted better low light performance, so i had to buy a Fuji.
No Fuji camera is substantially more low-light capable than a current Olympus. You might get the impression though because, even when shooting RAW, the data has already chroma noise reduction applied. (Which is not something evil, but makes comparisons more difficult.) If you really need better High ISO, you need to go Full Frame.
All camera manufacturers cook their RAW files now, but Fuji does it more than Olympus. Some people like the look; I don’t. I’d rather a bit more noise and detail due to less noise reduction smudging.
I don’t know what else Olympus or Fuji might be doing there, but reducing color noise before writing the RAW data isn’t too destructive, it doesn’t really cause significant detail loss. Only when luminance noise is about to be tackled, too, things start getting ugly.
i think the larger sensor story is a bit exaggerated. last weekend I did a modelshoot with a borrowed Canon EOS 600D (since i dont have any gear myself right now) on a dim old trainstation with a roof, and an even dimmer woodpark when there was no sun. I really felt no gain in a larger sensor (except for possible more object isolation, but the zoomkit was not capable of doing that) For my feeling I missed that E-M5 alot, but that was because i worked with that body for 2 years alot, while the 600D still was a new experience for me.
None of the Canon past APS-C sensors have been competitive with the Sony/Nikon APS-C sensors in terms of noise characteristics or DR. I believe the current m43 sensors have generally measured better than the Canon APS-C sensors. Don’t know how the new 20mp Canon sensor in the D7 will compare, but the sensor in the D70 certainly is not head and shoulders better than the sensor in any of the current m43 bodies. I do think the Sony/Nikon sensors are class leading.
i think improvement is mostly because a new sensor gets a new processing engine. I think a new processing engine alone does not make people buy a new body. Only the combo with a new sensor, so people think the IQ improvement is by hardware only. just look at the 1st fullframe sony dslr..when nikon used the same in their dslr with their engine, the differences were very clear in the noise performance on a subtle level. if everyone uses same engine , maybe we would be left with subtile differences only. But to be honest i care little about new sensors as the progress is amaller then needed, processing by the image cpu and others is more interesting.
Nope, for low-light shooting Fuji is every bit as limited as µ4/3, it might even be worse if you don’t use the right derawtiser whereas µ4/3 are fine even using ACR.
As a museum shooter, I’ve switched to an A7s (damn, that thing is a dream in museum conditions) as my main body for that particular exercise, however the E-M5/GH3 are still my main bodies for everything else though.
You have to understand that not everyone can afford to have one body for each and every situation they usually encounter, they have one, at best two, if possible sharing the same lenses, and µ4/3 systems for all their shortcomings are the best compromises for a lot of people.
Don’t bother. MrALLCAPS is the Fuji housetroll. He has no time to take pictures at all because of that.
The funny thing is that, if he is a Fuji housetroll, Fuji does not need any trolling. It’s a great system, probably the best APS system in the market, it just does not (and cannot) have the scalability of m4/3; it will compete with the GH4/EM1, but never with the GM1/5…
“Cannot compete” – and yet it does, very well: so much so that it’s irrelevant in all but exceptional circumstances.
The next MFT sensors will be at least as good as today’s APSC sensors. No doubt when that happens you’ll still be here to remind us why MFT is worthless in absolute terms — just like you do today, even though MFT IQ is equal to or better than the best 35mm imagers prior to around 2006.
Of course, all of those old photos suck now…
Or even better go FF. M43 has some terrible low light performance. The M43 lover girls over here will not see it but the difference is huge.
try harder, boring troll
4/3 is more than full.
Its probable that the E-M5 II will use the new sensor. The current one (E-M5, E-P5, E-PL5,6,7, E-PM2, E-M10) is more than 3 years old (technology). The question is who will be the vendor? Sony, Panasonic, Samsung or someone else? We will see… 🙂
My “minimalistic” wishlist :
– Exact same form factor
– Compatibility with BLN-1 batteries and HDL-6 grip
– NOT the E-M1 sensor (I find the E-M5 or E-P5 better suited to that task than the E-M1 which I found not inferior but with a less pleasant output in museum conditions)
– 1/8000s shutter speed
– silent electronic shutter
All the rest (screen, EVF, WiFi, video, PDAF, CDAF, processor, even IQ improvements) is utterly secondary to me or might even make me opt NOT to upgrade.
If the “update” doesn’t suit me I’ll just buy another E-M5 in case I need a spare.
separate two way (in AF tech).
1.develop predict-AF likes DFD and use Lumix lens info by firmware & M.Zuiko.
2.use PDAF base on E-M1 and speedy release new PD-support lens,oh so tries.
Do we know when is soon?
The normal refresh cycle might suggest spring 2015, but “soon” sounds sooner 😉
I would guess that the camera will be announced at CP+ and in the stores in Spring.
It’s Spring now! Do you mean 2nd quarter 2015?
CP+ is late January for the announcement. Then about 2 months for it to reach the stores will be about March 2015.
articulated screen?
It that is the case I’ll hack mine with glue LOL
I think it’s possible that some new gimmicks are being implemented in the EM5 II. That seems to be in line with Olympus’ strategy that the newer lower end models always trump the older yet higher end ones LOL
All camera companies have done this.
Except for Canon maybe
I hope that an E-M5 successor will have a better tracking AF.
It would be nice for moving targets.
Im not expecting the successor to be that much of an upgrade due to hurting the EM1 unless they use the 4K firmware on the EM1 to protect their top dog which I thing would be a good move.
I am expecting it to be an upgrade from the EM1. Time will tell.
The main requirement is that they write “pro” on the camera.
Launched next doesn’t necessarily mean soon.
i think it does as sooon can mean alot in a vague way:
“when?” “SOON”
“how soon?” “VERY SOON”
Glad to read the sales picked up but if Olympus is figuring out the 1) just now, I say fire the management but keep the engineers.
I’ll take the bet on #2: Olympus will NOT announce mirrorless system sales went up 140-150% in their next quarterly results. Privately, Olympus appears to be telling Tokyo analysts the opposite: sales are slightly down on m4/3 cameras (110k units for the quarter is the number that is being whispered).
I hope Olympus will leap-frog the E-M1 with the E-M5 successor. I hope Olympus will also fix the ergonomics that makes the E-M5 not as enjoyable to use as it could be. I hope Olympus will significantly improve the video component of the E-M5.
Olympus cant do that. Otherwise kills E-M1 sales at that moment to zero. E-M5 successor cant be better than E-M1, or they need to release successor to that too and make it much better.
I hear what you are saying, however, I suspect what Joseph F says is exactly what will happen.
And that will doom OM-D line from new and existing customers to trust at all to Olympus.
Releasing a three models in 3-9 months separation isn’t wise at all. Best would be to release all three simultaniously so customers can always choose the model what fits their needs without worrying that their new camera is worse in few months from same manufacturer.
It is like a problem with the specific release schedules, it eats sales as people know that in specific month there is new model and sales slows and eventally dies 1-3 months before release.
So for Olympus to release 3 models every 24-36 months random periods is smarter than scatter releases and schedules.
Nobody knows what will happen, but if the new EM5 “out does” the current EM1 it will not doom OMD. EM1 users will be upset, but they’ll get over it when the new upgrade of EM1 comes out. Anyway.
So they should get working on the E-M2.
Sure they can, they just need to differentiate the line better. If they bring the E-M5 II with less than the E-M1 they won’t make it compelling to upgrade.
25p and audio in. That’s the things I miss the most. Other bells and whistles are welcomed but not crucial. That’s personal, of course.
I’d also add: 1080p video quality equal to a GM1 or GX7 would be good.
Soon as in?
6 months I guess.
For the sensor I would like:
– One stop more DR,
– Less grainy low ISO in poorer light situations,
– 20MP
– Native ISO 100 extended to 50,
– ISO 6400 without nasty color shift
For video:
– better codec and bitrate for full HD.
– more fps rate choices
– OK speced 4k
Let see what will come of it.
Backward compatibility with batteries s a must, IMO. They are true Olympus robbery, worse than lens hoods.
Compatibility wth Grip would also be great, but I doubt it. I do hope they keep its dual nature, so I can make it small, with good ergonomics or whole package when nature of the task calls for it.
If you want those characteristics you have to look to other producers and bigger sensors. When Olympus will have those characteristics other producers will offer even better ones. My advice is to know your gear, enjoy what you have and take great pictures. Today’s digital cameras can produce much better results than the ones 10 years ago. And even then there were great pictures taken with digital cameras.
So we don’t have to complain about gear 🙂
http://photobyandrei.wordpress.com/
I know exactly what I need. All those things will come naturaly to m43. I just hope and wish they will come now. If not they mostly will in time for the e-m1 upgrade.
While I am 90% too hapy wih my e-m5 there is that 10% of times and occasions that my work would benefit from the things I mentioned. Either in end result or post processing.
If they manage some of these things i mentioned thats OK, but I counted sensor related things that would make it a pretty worth while upgrade for almost as much as anticipation for e-m5 was.
If its a minor feature upgrade with mostly processor based IQ enhancements then I will wait for a good deal on it first.
I would like your purposed enhancements as well. Andrei is also correct. If the new EM5 has all this it will be quite expensive. I would happily buy it, if so.
I agree with the “dual nature”, its the unique feature of the E-M5, stay small/compact without the hld6, and turn into a minimonster equipped with it. would be nice if it comes with an even better evf
More pixels would imply worse noise performance and a higher base ISO
Sorry. It is not that simple. “Noise performance” depends on my factors and number of pixels plays a very small role in general. Lets kill this bit of fiction.
Ok, I’ll be more specific – smaller pixels using current tech – would have a lower signal to noise ratio than would larger pixels.
Isn’t that the premise of the “organic” sensor: much smaller pixels?
I said ‘current tech’ for a reason. Asking for more pixels with the current tech means the size of the pixels would be smaller, which would lead to a lower signal to noise ratio and would give you more noise, a higher base iso and lower dynamic range.
I hope the new E-M5 i exactly like the old one, only different.
Soon meaning approximately when exactly?
New sensor, new sensor, new sensor !
New sensor with cleaner IQ is the main thing, definitely.
Big boobs, big boobs, big boobs!
I like small ones…
I’m still pretty happy with the EM-5, though what would tempt me:
New sensor, Wi-Fi, and 1/8000 shutter speed. Really that’s about all- the EM-5 was pretty much all I had wanted from a camera.
Oh, and if I were getting nit-picky: Move those damn strap lugs, a newer EVF would be nice too.
Yup, I doubt that I’ll be getting this without a new sensor, as the EM-5 does everything I need it to. EVF and Wifi would be nice though, as would GPS although that seems unlikely.
My wish list :
No need more than 16MP.
No need the PDAF (tracking and FT lenses), let it for the E-M1 for sport and better grip for big lenses.
No external port (like E-M10) -> not useful for me as there is an EVF, and more compact
New sensor with better ISO/DR would be great.
WIFI !
tropicalization.
Same size, but better grip like the E-M10 (more pronounced angle).
IBIS with automatic mouvment detection.
1/8000 without more noise (quit shutter on E-M5 is very good)
electronic shutter
Automatic braketing for use on tripod (one short press -> 5 or 7 pictures, with no vibration)
Their basic add-on flashes use the AP2 port, so they would also need to add a built-in flash like the EM-10 (which is fine by me)
No, we need the accessory port to use the macro lighting thingamajig (it looks ridiculous but it’s surprisingly useful and tolerated by museums).
New sensor and sensor capabilities are fairly low on my list. Sensor technologies in the big cameras move naturally forward, anyway, on about a two-year-per-observable-difference rate (faster with phone-sized sensors due to all the R&D money being poured in).
The real issue for me is the menu system organization and naming, coupled a bit with which controls are linked to what abilities and customizations and how they interact. Let’s face it, the Pen/OM-D cameras are geeky, at best. Failing to address this will keep them from getting momentum in the consumer market, unfortunately, and they need that.
PDAF please……
Get a E-M1 then. You want that extra grip for heavier lenses then.
If Sony can offer 179 PDAF points in a $650 camera, why can’t Olympus offer it in a much more expensive camera? I don’t want E-M1. Too much camera for me. But I do want fast Tracking AF.
Great news that this is coming. I hope they do a firmware upgrade for existing EM5 users first.
And a “pro” Pen with integrated EVF and weather sealing please 🙂
you were already thinking about another from Olympus, they heard you and admitted an e-m5 followup. Maybe they hear you now again hehehe
🙂
TripD?
You need to say it louder. Mt Olympus is pretty high up.
We all need to shout it 🙂
I did that until I was hoarse but I guess Zeus is still busy updating their EPL line for reasons only he knows why.
How about a “tough pen” something like this:
http://livedoor.2.blogimg.jp/e_p1/imgs/c/8/c8e33d3d.jpg
Weather sealed with evf.
Great mockup. Pity that Fuji didn’t go M43. That’s an old mock but still looks very current
That’s just a squashed Klasse. I’d prefer the original — it’s more elongated and easier to hold as a result. I wish camera makers would follow the form factor of the old film cameras… they evolved to that design throughout the years for a reason. Olympus got it right for a brief while with the e520.
Good spotting! It looks like the Klasse you mention was the source material for the basis of the Photoshop work in that mockup. No wonder it was so convincing.
Ahah. I know only because I used to own one. Really good camera. Very well made. Well recommended. The lens was sharp as a razor.
I know. More in system would be great. Maybe Sigma…
They got the mock pretty close to reality. Fuji seems to build high quality products…
Still need a weatherproof pen with em5 specs. Would be nice to have this option too.
If Sigma went m4/3 it would be a huge win for them I feel. They already make some m4/3 lenses, and I bet a lot of m4/3 shooters would pick up a Sigma camera just so they can have a Faveon sensor in their arsenal.
If I were Olympus, I will not release a meaningful firmware upgrade to existing E-M5. I want people to upgrade to its replacement next year.
Unfortunately, that seems to be the m.o.
I for one am frustrated. I love my EM-5 and wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, when I bought it the rumors were strong that focus peaking was coming. I know… don’t buy based on rumors of future features. I assure you, I didn’t. But it’s the fact that the EM-5 could have EASILY received this feature, yet was passed up. And then the next two models receive it? I hear reports of how awesome Fuji is with their constant firmware updates. The EM-1 is being updated with awesomeness as we speak. But the EM-5 has truly gotten the shaft IMHO. No, I’m not trolling… just letting the reality of what this announcement means for an EM-5 owner set in.
Not providing firmware updates to handle shutter shock and focus peaking for the current EM5 is a big mistake. I hope Olympus address it. As an owner of other, more recent Olympus cameras, I still watch how they treat older models and it will influence my future purchase decisions.
I love what Fuji does with their firmware, that’s for sure. Not enough to want to switch systems, but I’ll admit that the thought crosses my mind from time to time. They seem to treat their customers very very well.
We’ll see what the X-Pro 2 brings.
Yup. I’m waiting to see the XPro2 as well. A few things will keep me in M43:
* If the “organic” sensor from Fuji & Panasonic is real, I would assume it will ship in both mounts, and M43 would provide more DR and rez than I’ll ever need. But will the glass be good enough? I think so, for many of my current lenses.
* If Panasonic’s new design direction (aperture rings on lenses, and the controls seen on the LX100) continue across the lineup to ILCs. Fuji styling and direct access controls are the main draw for me. IQ between them and the best M43 is pretty close.
* The Olympus Pro zoom 40-150
* If Fuji autofocus doesn’t get to EM1/GH4 speeds (or better), it would never be my primary use camera. It has improved a lot, but still seems way behind the curve. I want a mirrorless that can beat the best DSLR for focus speed and tracking.
We had one already. It gave us small focus points (awesome) and enabled ISO 100. What, you want more free upgrades???
IMO an important question is: will that new model have a new TruePic VIII or will it have the TruePic VII we have in E-M1 and E-M10?
TOTALLY! So we can shoot JPEG with acceptable quality. TP VI above ISO 1600 is baaad; doesn’t correct CA. HDR and panorama would be nice too!
They should release the 0-sec anti-shock fix for the existing EM5, EPL5, EPM2. It’s inexcusable for Olympus to have known the problem and have the solution but not to release to the existing customers.
The fix might not be needed, while I did have shutter-shock problems with the E-M1 and E-P5, I never, ever had with the E-M5.
However it is true that a handful of people complain about it, with pictures showing real problems that don’t seem to be operator errors, so from Olympus’s perspective, it’s a problem related to quality control on a few cameras, not a problem linked to the actual design (as is the case with the E-P5) and present in every E-M5 produced.
Eosphoros, I can assure you from my own experience, it IS happening on the E-M5.
But it’s really not that much of an issue. Since I never take just one shot of something important, it’s unlikely to really ruin an important shooting.
However, I agree with Boston C, Olympus should offer the 0-sec antishock fix. Just to show they care.
I’ve been using e-m5 for a year and a half, and have not once experienced the problem.
What would make a new OM-5 successful ? Well, a better EVF, an AUDIO and MICRO 3,5mm jack, a slightly better grip and video mode (24, 25 and 60p).
If Olympus can agree a deal with Samsung to use the new sensor technology, that would be good too ! ! More low light ability and DR. They could stick with the 16mp resolution and keep a 20mp sensor for the next EM-1..
What you’re describing is the EM-1 with better video, right?
No, just the natural evolution of the camera, an audio jack is clearly gone happen, same thing for improvement of the video (but I don’t see 4K coming until the new EM1). EM-5 will keep the smaller form factor and the EM-1 will still be the only one to have PDAF and a faster Shutter.
What is that huge combo in the picture? Is it expensive? Has it got a tiny sensor?
It’s sensor is a lot bigger than yours.
HarryDickTomSDblahblahblah, your slavish devotion to Canon is fascinating, even admirable in a sad way.
Did you feel the need to re-post because your first one today was deleted?
Poor guy.
A: You toss a lot with your tiny sensor.
B: They pay you to defend the indefensible
Which one? Just say A or B, no further drivel pls.
They will put 4K and 24p in the E-M5 Mark II and the videographers will go crazy: 4K + 5-axis IBIS
don’t think that is posible in the small form factor that the e-m5 has, 4k on that sensor with IBIS will burn it up without a proper heat sink.
Huh??? Clueless are you?? Check out this tiny 4K camera. Educate yourself.
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx100?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=features-default&utm_medium=homepage-block&ref=features-default
like i said, with a sensor image stabilisation you have to make the assembly light, panasonic went on the road of in lens optical image stabilization, that allows them to fix the sensor on a frame that can dissipate heat, keeping the sensor from overheating. i can feel the aps-c sensor in my nex heating in the magnesium alloy part when i film with it. just imagine a sensor without something else to trasmit the heat to on a larger demanding resolution.
will it still be unusable above ISO 800 like all MFT??
You are clearly not coming from film… don’t expect me to take you for anything more than a troll or an uneducated idiot. 🙂
Damn all those CCD cameras, including Medium Formats that can’t go past ISO 800, they sure are piles of crap and utterly unsuitable for any kind of serious photography…
I’m trolling, actually 🙂 MFT is my second system. BTW I never shot film past 400 ASA.
Why? Is m43 actually useable above ISO 800? Amuse us peabrain.
For an angry looking guy, you’re not very current.
Actually, m4/3 is unusable at any ISO, because of the inherent qualities of the sensor size. 4/3″ is the worst of all sensor sizes, combining the worst qualities of small and large sensors with none of their benefits. Even the crappiest 1/2.3″ sensor produces images of a quality just not possible with 4/3″. You can’t cheat the laws of physics.
Don’t bother trying to explain science to these troglodytes. The typical m4/3 user is completely brainless.
JPEG-wise it’s good till ISO 1600. RAW probably till 3200.
Color is fine at 3200 and BW conversions work fine at 6400. The grain looks good in BW and the 5-axis 4-5 stop stabilization is killer. Stop trolling.
Olympus OM-D E-M4(K) cinema camera 😛
Locking dials please (with option for not-locking). I hate it when the A-P-M-etc. mode dial moves on me and I don’t notice.
Or ditch the PASM and have shutter speed and exposure compensation dials instead
New gadget same bad picture quality. Yaaaaaaaawn.
Where do you live. I’d like to come knock on your door and meet you.
SDHarryTomDickVeizelstiltskin lives here. Right where his Canon masters tell him to be.
Right SD?
Right!
So, you’re the new resident troll stalker now, or is Hedge Hopper/Head Chopper still around?
I’ve been around awhile and it seems like you’ve got the stalker part backwards, but I’m happy to assume troll patrol when I come across him. Sorry ‘them’.
Don’t know about your other friends.
Don’t you have anything better to do than hanging around in camera forums and harassing alleged ‘trolls’?
Troll patrol? But you are only a girlie, that won’t do, no, no, no…
SD, you’ve gone back to random names and put away the HarryTomDickViezlstiltkin puppets? I’m sorry I’ve upset you. Again.
We can talk about Canon if that makes you feel better buddy.
Girlie want talk Canon? Girlie want sux dix. Girlie yuck.
Well what do you expect from this fagster? 🙂
You forgot to upvote yourself SD.
Fagster? Is that English too?
Get a room you two! I’ve been watching this from the sidelines, and it’s an obvious case of two people being in love with each other without realising it.
Yeah, my friend Zeikon is very gay.
I thought Zeikon was a girl! I guess he must be extremely gay.
Only two? What about HarryDickTomViezstickleProfessoSDproctologistNerdButtBobEnemaspankerblahbeedeeblah?
Wait you’re right, there’s only two.
Anyway, I’m throwing a pool party tomorrow night, and you’re both welcome. Lots of beer, booze and naked women!
Now that sounds great. I don’t think that’s going to be much incentive for SD or his Butt Plug Bob sock puppet though.
How about it SD?
How rude girlie. Remember your sad self.
I’ll take that as a maybe?
Zeikon is not into women, but I am in.
Well, at least everyone is reminded why you’re called SD.
Carry on.
Zeikon is a fully negligible troll, never a useful post. Just ignore him/her.
SD, even the professor is calling you a troll. Time to put down the EOS M and reassess?
Gay huh? Are you Zeikon in a “clever” disguise?
You’re getting paranoid HarryTomDickViezzlestick. Sounds more like ‘Chris’
You know, gay, Zeikon… One calls for the other. Sorry, I could not resist that 🙂
Hey SD, no need for apology since I have no idea what you’re trying to say.
I know English isn’t your first language, but you can at least make your homophobic slurs understandable?
Read again and you may understand, and maybe learn some English, too.
Chris, are you a FF shooter?
Can’t wait, a 16mp micro 4/3 camera! With image quality every bit as good as the 16mp micro 4/3 of three years ago!
The full frame is coming…
Please make the new E-M5 FF equivalent!
Im tired of all my photos coming out two stops underexposed..
Hilarious ^^ I like that one 🙂
Then learn how to use a camera.
What was that that just flew over your head!?
Keep calm, and move along with your bulky ideas.
It’s interesting that Olympus sales went up 150%, when Thom just announced Olympus sales are way down from last year.
http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/photokina-mirrorless-scorec.html
Of course, Olympus, like all Japanese photo manufacturers measures “sales” as shipments to distributors, not like everyone else in the world as unit sales to consumers.
So, who knows.
No, they don’t measure sales as shipments. CIPA publishes shipment numbers, and nobody claims that they are sales numbers.
When Olympus claims that sales went up, they clearly aren’t telling the whole truth.
Your looking at the graph wrong. You need to turn it upside down, then it will all make sense.
Having a look of the comments from the ones probably with 10+ phD degrees in the fields of digital camera technology, Newton thermodynamics, business, marketing and sales, I decided to go back to the university. Wow, you guys so pro.
Olympus, give us a curved sensor full frame EM1. Do it before Sony does- game changer.
Curved sensors won’t be used in interchangeable lens cameras anytime soon. They’re only suitable for fixed-lens cameras.
That’s why Olympus needs to step it up.
Full Frame? Why would Olympus cannibalize its own m4/3? m4/3 It’s a great standard that excels at what it’s best for.
The only reason I use Olympus is because of m4/3, if they went FF then I would be choosing between Canon, Nikon or Sony.
Samsung Sensor Tech is coming..
For people that think that Olympus cannot release an EM5 that could be spec-wise (video and IQ) better than the EM-1, look to what happen to Nikon and Canon. . . Canon release a 70D that was way better than the 7D for about a year… Nikon was doing the same things with the D5w00 that is better for a lot of things than the D7000 was… But the “pro” specs are still on the side of the D7000 and 7D (Bigger body, finner AF, faster shutter,etc)
Sounds good…
My wish list
Same body shape so the grip still works
Same vf resolutions, faster refresh and better control of contrast and colour.
Same ergonomincs
Possibly higher mp, say 20 (18 doesnt sound much)
Faster af and focus peaking
Base iso 100 not extended
Better video codecs and more frame rates but no 4k, leave that for the flagship an develop the tech
More dr
Then all the fun stuff, wifi, live composite, tethering etc.
I would buy it.
Like someone already said, I wait for an improved image engine. The …VI on E-M5 produces JPEG acceptable only till ISO 1600, but even 800 has artifacts all around, like with fine mesh, blues… And it doesn’t correct CA, I wish it did cuz I only use Takumar, Canon FD, Hexanon lenses.
Look, the cam is fine, but to get very good results I don’t wanna mess with Lightroom!
I DON’T SEE IT COMING BEFORE APRIL!
Lets think about this rationally – where is the existing e-m5 losing sales and why? Ignore the loss of sales to FF as they are impossible to combat unless you change sensor size and focus on what the current model is lacking/hampered by:-
1) lack of 25p video. That stops anyone enthusiastic or more using it indoors in most of the world
2) focus peaking
3) high ISO noise
4) software functions like HDR and timelapse
5) lack of 1/8000 / silent shutter
6) lack of PDAF
So, the majority of these are software related, so I predict a mk2 will have significantly improved processing power. As has been stated above, it’s in the software that the noticeable improvements are to be seen these days. A new sensor with ‘deeper pixel wells’ would improve the high ISO noise, we don’t need more megapixels. I think the em5.2 can ‘leapfrog’ the E-m1 in terms of software. Remember, it was the flagship product until the e-m1 came out and that can be done again. I’m guessing on it having truepic 8 offering all the software enhancements of the e-m1 & 10 plus good video, and an enhanced shutter.
2) focus peaking is a big one (at least for me)
3) high ISO noise, don’t think they can improve much on this. E-M1 isn’t that much better in high ISO noise than the current e-m5, unless a new sensor is on horizon
4) I personally never use these, but timelapse might be interesting. HDR can be achieved, pretty sure e-m5 has bracketing, I personally don’t use it
5) 1/8000 shutter, I think this is pretty important as well, especially for smaller format cameras, in fact it would be cool if they included a super fast electronic shutter for static scenes, like fuji’s x100t
6) I don’t really care about PDAF, I think anyone with legacy 4/3 lenses will end up going with e-m1 because of better balancing anyways
“soon” probably means they’ll announce it in the next couple of months (I guess February). Then then won’t be able to ship until April or so and not enough samples… so probably those who will get it (like me, probably) will have in May or June…
Speculation, I know. But it would be surprised if it goes faster.
Any chance for high flash sync speed? Taking pictures underwater on a bright day one might want to reduce ambient light as much as possible, so a sync speed as high as possible is wanted.
…and the same physical layout as the old EM-5 so the underwater housing may be used for both versions. After all, Nauticam housing is listed at 1450US$ – so an upgrade would quickly be expensive.
It already has high speed sync. I’ve been using it. 😉