Photokina is the perfect place to talk with the big guys from Olympus. We collected some news and rumors from users that talked with them. Here a roundup of “rumors” collected from here and there. Cannot guarantee that every info is correct!
1) Fotopolis asked Olympus “What future for smaller SLR cameras? Are you going to let their successors?”
Olympus answer was: “We do not have concrete plans to replace the E-620 and other newer Class “entry level” SLR can be completely replaced Pen system, in terms of performance. Current amateur SLR users can move to the Micro Four Thirds system, along with their Four Thirds lenses and use them through an adapter or buy the E-5.”
2) A DSLR-Forum.de user had a small talk with Olympus Japan. He sounds really honest when he reports the content of the chat:
Translation by Google:
“In the conversation with the engineers and managers it became also clear, in which difficult situation the development occurred. Still last year was not clear, whether this rail (E x row, not DSLR in himself!) generally wide should be served. Nevertheless, by the economic crisis the Imaging area has clearly broken. The success of the E-PL1 has provided again something upward wind, nevertheless, the default scarce for the E-5 – she must be profitable from the outset, only than it would be factured. However, after the experiences with
[shoplink 15032]E-3[/shoplink] it was just also clear that the whole one must become an evolution. Now the rest we know.”
3) More info I received via email: “The E-5 is the only Olympus DSLR in production right now“
48 Responses
“Current amateur SLR users can move to the Micro Four Thirds system, along with their Four Thirds lenses and use them through an adapter or buy the E-5.”
That’s just a sad excuse, since 4/3 lenses don’t work well enough on m4/3 systems and E-5 is too valuable for amateur SLR users.
In conclusion, Olympus raped the amateurs.
I agree with you on that assessment.
third that
During the E-5 introduction this week many negative comments were made about Olympus that I thought were too harsh. But this statement here is no less than outrageous, it is a slap in the face of the average 4/3 user.
One wonders why Olympus showed up at Photokina at all? To show us their semi-vapour-ware LX-5 imitation? Or perhaps to insult and alienate their few remaining users with statements like the one cited above? They should rather find themselves a small hole in Japan and stay there until they can produce something useful and interesting.
Bye bye Oly. That explains Oly’s AF performance history if they think micro 4/3 is good enough. As much as i love the IQ from my E-PL1, i hate the AF performance on what ever i had in front; 20mm F1.7, 14-42, 12-60, 50-200, 50-500…
So sad the will not suport the majority of the 4/3 users. I bought the E-3 because i needed the weatheproofing, i will not buy the E-5, it is to left behind on the video specs, and the CD AF will propably be up to Olympus standards;-)
In terms of handling and ergonomy, E-620 can be replaced by G1, G10, G2, GH1, GH2 but never a PEN. Olympus better wake up.
IMO, anyone who invested in 43 in the last 12-18 months wasn’t paying attention. Oly was falling behind fast, and then they released a competing system with more potential mass market appeal (i.e. m43). I looked at the 510, 520, 420, 620 as I preferred a smaller body than my Canon, but it was way too risky of an investment. Sad to see my misgivings came true 🙁
Oly has to be careful. If they don’t show immediate and increased investment in m43, then they’ll kill their photography business. The Photokina releases for Oly were weak.
I agree with this. To anyone paying attention 4/3’s SLR development was in serious jeopardy from the moment m4/3’s was announced. There just isn’t much of a point in a bulky DSLR with a smallish sensor. I saw no reason to buy an E-3 over a Pentax K-7 and I see no reason to buy an E-5 over the K-5, D7000, or Canon 7D. The E-5 isn’t even far off from price and size from the full frame D700. That said, if you are a current E-3 owner and you want to keep on using your 4/3’s system then the E-5 will allow you to do so. It’s not as if the E-5 will hamper anyones photography unless you regularly shoot over ISO1600; I just wouldn’t choose it over those other cameras if starting from scratch.
As far as leaving entry level users out in the wind. The vast majority of people buying entry level DSLR’s buy few or no additional lenses. Most just stick with the kit lens and maybe a telephoto zoom. In reality those users will keep that camera until it breaks then just buy another entry level kit.
dmn, i wasnt paying attention when i bought my gear. That’s what i also realised since 14-09-2010
+1
Count me amongst the dummies that bought an E-30 around February/March of 2009. I then added EC-14, EC-20, EX-25, HLD-4, FL-36R, FL-50R, 9-18mm, 14-42mm, 18-180mm, 40-150mm 3.5-5.0, 40-150mm F4.0-5.6, 70-300mm, Sigma 18-50mm, 55-200mm, 135-400mm, and 50-500mm.
I had planned to add the HG/SHG lenses 7-14mm, 8mm, 12-60mm, and 50-200mm this year, but not with the current weakened support for the platform. I normally buy new products unless a product has been discontinued. However, I might now see about buying those lenses used on eBay if I can get them at about 25% of list price.
The E-30 and my current lenses work fine, but the long-term future for the SYSTEM does not look too rosy. I will keep using and enjoying the equipment because I almost never sell my old gear. I like my current gear, and enjoy using it.
If I was a professional and needed a new camera right now, I would buy a Canon 5D Mark II. However, Canon seems to be on a 3-year update cycle for the 5D, and that would mean a year from now will be the next generation 5D. Hopefully Canon adds a pop-up flash, articulating LCD, 1080p at 60fps, and raw stills at 5fps to the next generation 5D. I also hope for in-body image stabilization form Canon, but I doubt it given Canon’s preference for lens stabilization.
As an amateur and hobbyist I am waiting on the 5D Mark III for a year, and maybe Oly will do something in the interim to convince me to remain with Oly. However, I have not seen anything real positive so far beyond vaporware and empty promises. I would love to find some adapters and devices to help ease transition from 4/3 to other possible platforms given that Oly currently has no plans for future 4/3 lenses such as telephoto zooms for sports and nature.
BTW – I have only had Oly gear for digital photography as I moved from the prosumer C-5050, SP-510, and then to the E-30. I have been getting my family to buy Oly compact point-and-shoots as well to be able to support them on their camera questions.
I feel your pain bro. But your so invested I would hold on until we hear what the modular camera is like. As 4/3 bodies are finished if only the E-5 is left and this is there only 4/3 camera with video mode and a poor one at that. Olympus have a chance to come back/survive but they seem to be blowing it. They have to pull there finger out video wise, im sure there poor video modes have something to do with not wanting to tread on Panas toes, there new Master.
I agree. Just quickly totally up an estimate, I probably spent over $8,000 USD in the last 18 to 20 months on a 4/3 system and parts tied to that system. I was planning to spend another $5,000 to $6,000 this year on 4/3 lenses and maybe a new body (if the E-5 had included better video). The only migration path at present is u4/3, which is a poor substitute now.
Having just moved up from prosumer Olympus point-and-shoots to my first D-SLR in the E-30, in no way am I going to go backwards to a camera with slower focus or slower write times to flash memory, especially when I like to photograph action sports.
I am so entrenched into an Oly 4/3 system that I just will have to keep using it to get some value back. I probably will consider minor investments in Oly equipment to continue to use the system, which admittedly works pretty well for me right now. However, buying a bunch of new HG and SHG lenses (as I had wanted to do) does not seem to be wise at this time. Also, I am kind of pinned into a position of not easily using and experimenting with the latest technology features such as video.
Somewhat painfully I will just have to think about dropping another $10K into a different system in the next year or so. At this point, my Oly investment is an economic sunk cost and should not logically be considered in future decisions. The only issue is whether I value 1080p video and astrophotography enough to drop $10K on a new system like the next generation Canon 5D in about one year.
Totaling, not totally.
Such a good lens system. Lets hope they give us a fully featured camera body that rivals the latest Canon/Nikon bodys to use with them. But they seemed to have been neutered feature wise by the relationship with Pana, as thats why people use to buy Olympus 4/3 bodies as they never skimped on value/ features and they seem to have changed this stance since the partnering with Pana, m43 and the new video revolution. Its just passed Oly by. The only modern Oly we have now is the poor E-5 and the crap UI M43 cameras that arent a patch on Olys amateur DSLRs of the past.
Johnny Rotten “do you ever get the feeling youve been cheated?”
i feel forced to buy the e-5 to further make use of my pro 43-lenses for the next years.
but one thing is for sure, oly has disapointed me deeply, so after that investment, oly will not be considered in any future plans “for good” …
I plan to wait for E-620 body to get around 300-350€.
The new modular camera could be amazing so if your invested wait for that. But knowing Oly in recent times….
I ordered my 7D yesterday. I am excited to move forward.
My wife has adopted the e520 because she like the picture quality over her P&S.
Slightly better, more idiomatic translation:
“In conversation with the engineers and managers it also became clear in what a difficult situation the development took place. For the last year, it wasn’t clear whether this track (the E-x line, not DSLRs as such) should be pursued further. Through the economic crisis, the imaging business has been clearly broken. The success of the E-PL1 provided something of a ‘favorable wind’, but all the same, the specifications of the E-5 are scant – it has to be profitable from the beginning, or it wouldn’t get built. After the experience of the E-3 it became clear that the whole thing had to evolve. Now we know the remainder.”
Anybody who wants is quite welcome to improve on my half-assed translation!
I am seriously considering jumping ship. I have loved my two E series dslr’s…but if there is no future in the system why stay? Over the last few days I have begun to question my Olympus loyalty. Maybe I will get a Pentax or Sony next, I want in body stabilisation. I need something better than the pen’s in performance, and I thought E5 would be my step up… Now that i heard that they will not FOR NOW (whatever that means) develop any more fourt thirds lenses it feels wrong in acquiring more lenses for myself. I have 4 lenses for my cams, was about to get another two…
I feel torn.
Will Olympus make up their mind!
Hmm, I was saying I would stay, but if they are now saying there will be no more DSLR’s then why bother!
I am sorry but I won’t move to the Pen’s of this world. I have a point and shoot to put in my pocket when I don’t want to carry my gear. I like the full size DSLR’s. So for me it’s either the E-5 (in about a year when the price is down) or go full frame…
Oh dear, it seems as though panasonic is gaining momentum over Oly in the m43 business as well. Oly m43 bodies are ok but I would replace an e620 with a gh1 or 2, not an ep-x.
On the lens front I would bet panasonics lenses are outselling their olympus equivalents. Olympus should make a 50 f2 macro quick, the 43 version was the first I bought and it will be the last I sell.
A photographer told me to wait till march 2011 with stepping over, new models will be shown in Japan. Nikon D700s?
“Current amateur SLR users can move to the Micro Four Thirds system, along with their Four Thirds lenses and use them through an adapter or buy the E-5.”
Of course at our expense, the least they could do is to give the adapters for free when you buy a new m4/3 if you prove you are having lenses.
… and I wasn´t talking about a temporary promotion to boost sales when models are replaced.
For now I´ve stopped 4 people on forums of buying olympus gear.
People are leaving in droves. Oly havent played this well. Panasonic are the winners of the M43 relationship.
I hope this pushes prices of used Olympus equipment down. I’m waiting with open arms. 😀
And I’ll probably keep my eyes posted on whatever Pentax and Sony do in the DSLR segment. It’s just sad that Pentax isn’t the value system (well, it still is, but not as value-laden as before) it used to be.
I’m in love with my new d 700. I can’t believe all the things I don’t have to worry about any more! 🙂 everyone is going to have to leave oly sooner or later:(
Olympus better step up their development, and fast. Panasonic is going to own this market before long.
if this is really the situation … then I think I’m out
Luckily I only have E-30, 14-54 II, 50-200 SWD in FourThirds. Waiting for a right priced f1.4 prime and with only a half promise (under consideration) from Panasonic. Not wanting to foot the Pan/Leica 25/1.4 bill unless I can see a future in the system (just one body available is no future). Its time to look at the top of the range APS-C cameras.
I really do like the FourThirds system. A lot. I like the 4×3 shape. Very happy with my E-30 + those two superb zooms, but if the FT market is gonna belly flop I want my gear on eBay while I can still get a half decent return on them.
The knock on though is how much I want to keep my m43. I was already a bit pee’d off at having to get a non-Oly lens (the 17 didn’t deliver the goods) so I got the excellent 20/1.7 (yuk looks and build, but fine image).
Photography is my hobby, but its also my passion. I like being part of an exciting system, and that is why I jumped on FT – the lenses available (although there are only a few) have some amazing spec and range, and they deliver the goods so well.
So … why dump out? I only need a fast prime for my FT camera (and won’t buy a nonFT lens, so Sigma is out). But for the price of the Leica 25/1.4 I can buy an entry level dSLR from someone else and a 50/1.8 or 50/1.4 and still have change.
Pentax K-5 looks interesting. I’ve not been impressed with Canon build for the last 5 years, and both Canon/Nikon are a bit insulting in the pro-lens prices (the f2.8 zooms).
Darn it. There is no alternative for the 50-200/2.8-3.5
Thanks Olympus 🙁
I think Oly would be great as a prosumer point-and-shoot camera. Given my experience from my purchasing an E-30 and system components beginning in Feb/March ’09, I have more concerns about the credibility of Oly for making longer term investment in a camera SYSTEM.
I always wanted to ask Olympus about the potential loss of telecentricity in M43 wide-angle lenses.
When I looked at the comparison between Zuiko 9-18mm and M.Zuiko 9-18mm, the regular 4/3 version seems to have better edge performance (and lower CA) at 9mm. Maybe this is just sample variation? Or perhaps this is not field-relevant?
Considering that the regular 4/3 version is considerably cheaper (and it comes with a free hood), I do not know what to make of this.
> We do not have concrete plans to replace the E-620
That sucks. Would wait a bit more for E-620 prices to fall down further and get myself one. E-5 is waaay tooo heavy.
> and other newer Class “entry level” SLR can be completely replaced Pen system, in terms of performance
Load of B.S. None of the E-Pxx cameras (neither the highly prised GH2) can focus as fast and as good as the E-xxx cameras.
> Current amateur SLR users can move to the Micro Four Thirds system, along with their Four Thirds lenses and use them through an adapter or buy the E-5.
ZOMG. If such [*CENSORED*] was even allowed to open his mouth, if Oly pays him money for it, then the 43 (and Oly itself) are surely doomed. Because a professional marketroid would never ever say something like this to the customers. They’d rather lie or sell their mom – but they would make it look as if it is going to be absolutely cool and trouble free.
Admin, please start a poll named “43 is dead.”. Answer options: “Sure”, “Yes”, “What’s the 43?”.
Poll – How badly has Olympus screwed its strongest supporters on a scale of 1 to 10? but only have 9,10 and 11 as being selectable.
To say no more 4/3 lens and now no more 4/3 bodies is system suicide.
That (plus stiffer competition from Panasonic, Samsung and Sony in the EVIL market) makes me think that they are going to either regret dropping the 43 or resume its development 1/2/more years later.
They can’t milk m43 forever: novelty would wear thin, competition would drive margins down – while most consumer still prefer cheaper compacts and PnS.
I have this bad feeling that Oly doesn’t have any plan spanning 2+ years in future… “Suicide” as you say.
mmm … so I can’t find a camera body that matches the spec of the E-30 in any other system for less than twice the price 🙁
or is that 🙂
guess I might be staying on 4/3 and either waiting for a made to measure f1.4 or slum it and take on a Sigma 30 or 50 f1.4
Pentax K-5 looks really interesting, none of the others have in camera IS (Sony not in the running)
I do like 4/3 and m4/3 … but I’m really not very happy that Olympus have exited the system already (low grade consumer zooms only)
booooo
I visited Photokina, and in the brochure “The World in your Hands, The Olympus Collection 2010” there’s only one 4/3 DSLR displayed, the E-5. Not a word about E450/520/600/620/30. The E-system is just one “Pro” camera for Olympus from now on as it seems.
I must say after taking some comparision shots between the E-5 and my E600, the noise levels are really a lot better if you’re willing to pay for it…E-5 takes the best pictures ever I guess. It’s like a happy end…
So, remember the discussion about an Olympus hybrid design, allowing 43rds and m43rds? How realistic is that now? What incentive does olympus have to develop a camera that supports a lenses mount that they admit will not be manufactured anymore? If their decisions are purely financial, what’s the point of including 43rds at all in their new designs?
Or, could hybrid mean something else, like interchangeable finders and stuff like you could get in the old days…
You mean Modular camera by Hybrid Design?
The so is logical so, Olympus low end is M43 and over this is 43 and over this is Modular cemera, Olympus wild use more Modul on camera for use difference lens.
I’ve been oly for 18 years until now. They screwed it up baaaad.
“The E-system is just one “Pro” camera for Olympus from now on as it seems.”
…which is exactly what they did with the manual focus OM system in the 80s, when their flagship OM4Ti remained their only camera.
And a little bit of history:
“The message is Olympus hasn’t forgotten about Four Thirds but you’ll have to trust us on that” – Toshiyuki Terada, manager of Olympus SLR planning team, March 17 2010 (http://fourthirds-user.com/2010/03/lunch_with_olympus_manager_of_slr_product_planning.php)
We should trust Olympus, indeed…
I visited Olympus at Photokina yesterday and they told me when I asked about the future of 4/3, that in the future it will always give one DSRL from Olympus. Actually this is the E-5 and maybe that there will also be a smaller DSLR after the E-5, but there are no actual plannings.
Oly’s main focus is the m4/3 system and here it will give some news regarding cameras and lenses in the near future.
I don’t know if this is the reality but it sounds concrete. So let’s see what the future will bring us.