Image courtesy: CameraSize.
The last couple of weeks I got feedback from store owners saying the E-PM2 is now discontinued. Some of them also said the E-P5 has been discontinued too. They have been told by Olympus reps new model are on the horizon. It is likely that Olympus will announce them in a timeframe set between May and June. There are no info yet about possible specs. All we know for certain is that the PEN line isn’t as successful as the OMD line and Olympus needs to reinvent the wheel to make it very attractive! It’s likely the E-PL has been discontinued too (although store owners didn’t confirm yet).
You tell me what you expect from these new models! And sources may tell me what we can expect for real 🙂
P.S.: In US the E-Pm2 with double lens kit sell for less than $400 at Amazon (Click here).
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121 Responses
E-PM2 is great value for money – a full-featured MLC for less than a decent compact’s price. While not as tiny as GM1, it does have much higher flash sync speed and IBIS.
And a hotshoe with ability to add EVF.
You can put a viewfinder on the E-PM2 hotshoe, I use the VF2 or VF4 on it all the time.
VERY good price – Yes.
But it also has problems with the IBIS …
Just disable it. IBIS on a small body was never going to be a flaming success, anyway.
Hope the E-P5 is discontinued, some bargains might sway me to pick up a m43’s camera again, to me the E-P5 is the best model they’ve made.
I have one with a VF-4. …and….after having it for a couple of weeks I sold my EM5. It’s a solid camera…even I was not expecting to like it as much as I do,,,once you set it up to your needs it is just fluid in your hands…great feature set and it does not get in the way of making images. GREAT camera. I am sure Olympus will make more… The E-P5 was overlooked by the public, too bad….I think part of that was because of the GX-7 release and part was price. ..everyone expected it to have a built-in EVF so they did not consider it. Their loss.
And it has had its WiFi updated to match the other cameras now as well.
So it’s pm-2/p-5 discontinued or whole series pm/p? Clarify this, please.
Agreed. The title of this article and its content is not clear. It is natural for the latest models to be discontinued the new ones become introduced, but it would be bigger news if the whole series is dropped. Which one is it?
Maybe there is too much emphasis on discontinuing & not enough on the fact that it’s just coming up to the time when new PEN models would be coming anyhow. What they bring is still open to speculation though.
I expect a built in EVF and also a built in flash. Everything else is not so important compared to these, but of course there should be the usual upgraded performance, features, etc. Otherwise, I will just buy an OMD, or perhaps the next update of the GX7.
Hopefully they will finally bring out the camera they should have in the first place, the Pen F-D1., with a built in EVF. A bit late though, as I can’t see them producing a better featured “RF” style body than the Panny GX-7. While I gave up waiting and bought an E-M1, the one thing I miss from my E-PL1/VF-2 combo is the tilting VF, I’ll probably pick up a GX7 when they are being sold through later in the product cycle.
Will be sad to see the E-Px line go away. But it can’t really compete at it’s price point now that the E-M10 is out. It could sit along side but that seems like unnecessary product overlap for a business that is struggling.
I always wanted an E-Px Rangefinder. Oh well. . . .
E-PM2 was a good entry point into Olympus for people who were reluctant to switch to 4/3. Most people are like this. I was… but decided to get one instead of a DSLR which seemed like the natural choice. Now that this “entry point” is gone, and after that bad experience, I guess I’ll just get a DSLR.
In general it´s a good move, as the PM2 has problems with the IBIS and the P5 is priced too high compared to the GX7 for example. It WOULD be also a good move, to discontinue the PM series bodies completely – As the OMD style bodies are selling WAY better internationally (at least the charts I remember actually showed that). And it´s also better to concentrate on fewer body types.
> PM2 has problems with the IBIS
Care to elaborate?
Shutter shock continues to be an issue with such a light body.
Shutter shock doesn’t have much, if anything to do with IBIS, though.
We don’t know that. IBIS might react to the movement caused by shutter shock.
I would just turn off IBIS except when needed and if shutter shock remains an issue, use the delay function (I think it’s called anti-shock or something)
Well. Just google about it – It seems like you often get sharper images without IBIS switched on – Maybe it´s also fixed now (with the newest firmware). I am not searching for such fixes all the time (as I don´t own a PM2 any more) ^^.
The EPM2 two lens kit is a fantastic bargain. I bought the kit for my son, and he and his fiancée have been ecstatic with it’s performance. There’s nothing wrong with the camera except marketing. It needs to be sold at Target.
PEN series are mess. But killing the E-PMx doesn’t make any sense: they are great contenders in the entry-level segment. E-Px series were IMO killed by the E-P5’s price point. Many cameras were ridiculed for their launch price – but E-P5 IMO has fully deserved it.
Kill the E-Px. Rename (and upgrade) the E-PLx to E-Px. Leave the E-PMx alone. Finally: add EVF to the new E-Px. MSRPs: E-PMx for $500 kit and E-Px to $800 kit.
I do not expect much change but I really hope I am wrong.
I would like to see reliable IBIS, a built in flash, a 4:3 aspect screen, the new small kit lens bundled as standard and a lower introductory price.
Sonys cheapest NEX camera comes with a small kit lens, built in flash and an articulated screen, all for under £300. If Olympus can not match or better that the PEN series will continue to be poor sellers.
To have 3 PENs didn’t make any sense. Olypus just needs 2 OM-Ds (E-M1, E-M10) and 1 PEN (E-PL5 because if you want to use the rear screen, better having a tilting one).
3 m4/3 bodies are enough. Instead, they should release other type of cameras (to compete with Fuji X100s, with Canon G1X II,… or Sony RX1).
Having 2 PEN bodies makes sense, if they are different enough. They need to sell the E-PM as an ultra-compact camera, like the GM1. With the new pancake lens that is a possibility, they just need to shrink the body more. The E-PL is actually the odd one out, but I think its price makes it more attractive to people than the E-P. It would make sense to merge the E-PL and E-P lines into something around the price of the E-M10. Maybe with 3-axis IBIS.
You’re right that they really only need 2 OMDs though. The E-M10 and the E-M1 are a perfect pairing, The only reason the E-M5 looks good is because the price has dropped due to age, and it still has the 5-axis IBIS.
Please, not !
I don’t need an E-M1 with hybrid AF and big grip. But I want an E-M5 with five axis IBIS and with the bigger E-VF, same as the E-M1. Also, wheather sealing is a plus. I’m ready to pay more than the E-M10 to get the bigger E-VF, aka the VF4 equivalent.
So basically you want an E-M1.
Or an updated E-M5 😉
To be fair, I love my E-M1 but the PDAF and large grip is lost on me. Updated E-M5 would be slightly preferable for me.
M5’s still far better than M10, imo.
Where are the E-P5 deals then? I’d love to pick this hot baby up and push all of her buttons.
That would be great: three OM-D bodies (M1, M5, M10) and two Pen series (“Pen Lite” for entry users and point-and-shooters and “Pen Pro” with no “PASM” but lots of dials, for advanced users and L1-nostalgics).
Where do you see anything about a dial encrusted PEN Pro?
…it was just wishful thinking.
Well, and i was just about to buy an OM-D E-M5….. Tanks for nothing oly
What’s the conection betwen EM5 and EP5 and EPM?!!!
I don’t know what to choose…. 😛
You could just keep waiting forever, because there will be a new model of something coming out all the time or you could just get that nice E-M5 now (which has lowered in price) & enjoy it now.
I want a High End PEN – don’t care about a viewfinder!
I want a maximum small and maximum professional camera. Costs are secondary.
But you are an exception. 99.9% of people who are enough into photography to buy a semi-pro camera + lenses for well over $2000 want to shoot through a VF (except for a few shots at strange angles).
People who prefer a rear screen are mostly ok with their smartphone, unless they need a zoom in which case they buy a travel zoom compact.
Most viewfinders are difficult with glasses. Most people begin to need glasses by 45.
Can’t shoot video while looking through a viewfinder.
Manufacturers can sell cameras without viewfinders, but they can’t sell cameras without rear screen.
PENs in their current format have served their purpose (the original target market has changed), they need to be pivoted…
Marketing expert like you not work for Olympus is real shame.
Olympus may try to compete against the GM1.
In the meantime, didn’t you say Admin that Panasonic were making some announcements this month or next? I look forward to learning about the G7 as an alternative to the GH4 (and the E10 and EM1).
My guess is that the production costs on a new flagship PEN were optimised so it makes no sense to produce it anymore.
I expect the new E-P6(?) to cost more in the line of E-M10
I think both this cameras are better than most people ever need. So there is no need to upgrate them us such. But there is need for a path from mobile phones to proper photography. So the future Pens must be better than anything from Canikon. Good as the Pens are, there might be need for something special for “novices” to take note of (and beat Canikon).
I’ve been recommending that double lens kit quite a bit lately. It’s an amazing deal and a great way to get into a seriously good photographic system and average people can actually afford to upgrade over time.
I hope they introduce a new low-end PEN at this price point and keep it there. It’s really the best marketing they can do.
The best thing to do with the E-PM is make it even smaller. Make it a true competitor with the GM-1. Bundled with the new 14-42 EZ it would be a nice compact offering both for people moving up from a P&S and those with a larger MFT body who want a second camera.
With the E-P they need to either reduce the price point so it is close to the E-M10 or else load on pro features so that it is an E-M1 sans EVF.
If you really want a small camera, isn’t it better to have s fixed lens so it can actually be quite smaller? I thin kit’s better to make an RX100 competitor than a GM1 competitor. Such a small body loses its meaning once you put any other lens than a pancake, and then it’s better to have a fixed lens altogether (the Canon G1X II has a fixed zoom which is m4/3 terms is equivalent to 24-60 f/1.9-3.7, would you ever need anything more in a pocket camera? All for $800).
+1. With so many “kit lens only” customers. Just make a fixed lens 4/3 model. Lighter, smaller, faster, better. 4x zoom but faster than G1 X II. Pop-up flash, 180-degree flip screen, control dials and rings. Heck, Canon’s done all the R&D for you. Just give it those great Oly colors, customization, and superior (Sony 16MP) sensor. And please no more bar of soap cams without a grip.
They don’t need to reinvent the wheel. They need to put an EVF in it.
Terada say no EVF in Pen. Olympus stubborn and not listening to customer.
My favorite PEN was the E-PL5. Just put WIFI, Focus Peaking, the new 3ax-ibis and the new image processor in it, combine it with the 14-42-pancake and price the kit at 600 euros – and it will sell very well.
Sounds good to me! I like the PEN form factor a lot, and do not really want to migrate to the OM-D, which does not fit in my purse as neatly.
If I’m to be greedy, I would like a microphone input. And I’m still rooting for the corner EVF. I wonder how well the GX7 is selling; maybe that will persuade Olympus, or persuade Panasonic to continue on to 3- or 5-axis IBS. Or, perhaps I will forever have to choose one feature over another, which is fine.
I currently own the E-PM2, E-PL5 and OM-D E-M10.
The PM2 feels bulkier than the PL5 due to the squared off corners. There’s no reason to own the PM2 over the PL5 (which is a superb design) other than price.
1. Dump the hotshoe on the PM2 and shrink it so it has a significant size advantage over the PL5. The PL5 concept is fantastic as-is.
2. Dump the P5 since I can’t imagine why anyone would pick the P5 over the M10 particularly at the current price..
3. Ditch the Stylus since the M10 is available.
4. PLEASE redo the horrible PEN numbering system.
Done and done.
If they dump the hot shoe, they should at least add a PC connector…
Do you think they should phase out the accessory port as well?
I don’t know how they’d use the accessory port without the hot shoe mount, so yes, drop it too. Build in the flash like the Panny GM1 or GF5.
They have already dropped the port on the E-M10 so it will probably not make it to the new PENs.
I would think the number 1 use of the accessory port would be an external EVF. This is more of a moot point on the E-M10, since it has an EVF. I’d be all in favour of them dropping the accessory port to save size, if, and only if, it had an EVF.
Indeed. PM and PL lines are the way to go. Even with built-in EVF BFU will see the E-P line as premium compact camera. In the end the right price will determine possible success of PM and PL models.
Your idea of ditching the Stylus 1 because there is an E-M10 can only be from ignorance. Have you even tried the Stylus 1? It’s a great carry everywhere (so long as it is dry) camera with a reasonably bright lens that is a very compact version of the 14-150mm lens. I have both the Stylus 1 & an E-M5 kit & they both have different uses & the E-M10 won’t be as versatile as the Stylus 1. You might have ideas & suggestions, but please don’t shoot your mouth off in the process!
It’s funny, reading most of these comments, asking for premium, adding a EVF, when in actuality, the reason the PEN series is failing so horribly, is because it’s TOO expensive!
Everytime a new PEN is released, it doesn’t matter what it has, it’s overpriced. It’s ridiculous and on top of that, Olympus refuses to compete price wise.
The Fuji X-T1 is cheaper than the E-M1 and the Sony A6000 is much cheaper than both those cameras and it has a 20+ mp sensor! How can M43 compete with that!? They Cant!
I think the best camera out of M43 at the moment is the GM1. If you can’t beat them in IQ, beat them in size, but overall M43 needs to come down in price considerably, or they’re be soon Done.
almost always I dont agree with AllCaps…but with this I agree …price must compete with sony/fuji
Yup !
And not only that. They need to start listening to their customers !
Why any other mirrorless company can produce a rangerfinder style camera but Olympus NO. And don’t tell that I can choose OMD no I want a rangefinder style camera for a competitive price. That’s all.
I’m still shooting Olympus (only because of Oly colors) but its time seems to be running out 🙁
I think that PEN has lagged more because of the way it has been marketed (or not marketed) than features. Olympus seems to be getting great profit out of the EM1, which is marketed to pros, and priced accordingly, and delivers features pros want, like ruggedization, a great EVF, burst rate, and IQ. There’s more profit in the high end. It seems like both Panasonic and Olympus are shifting to this market, rather than chasing the low end. Panasonic is releasing very high end glass (the 42.5 f/1/2 Leica badged lens), and Olympus has shown a roadmap with several high end, pro lenses. And Panasonic has the GH4K coming soon. I’m happy to see them pushing the boundaries. I would like them to keep a toe in the low end, and I’m sure they will, but focusing on the high end seems smart.
Perhaps Oly will surprise us with proper video capabilities, (PAL) with decent codes and bit rates. Make it similar to GX7 (with view finder) for us who like Olympus glass.
I expect evf and price max 500usd-eur fork kit to compete with sonyA6000
Exactly. It would certainly help if they do not offer it for higher price than Canon/Nikon entry level DSLR. The production cost of a no-evf-camera should be much smaller than mirror equiped cameras (if it is not, something is wrong). So a point and shoot upgrader may think something is wrong if E-PL5 costs the same price as Canon EOS 650D.
Another point is – as many (including me) are shouting loud for ages – they should have add an EVF into at least one of the PEN models.
Different strokes for different folks, or in this case cameras. I really enjoy using the PL-5 w/VF-2 view finder, fits my needs.
I have an E-P5 & EPL6. Great cameras. When I want to go out REALLY light I take the E-PL6 and the Panny 14mm 2.5. Great set-up!
Hello OLYMPUS
You should make a Camera like the CANON G1X mk2 with the PEN – Series.
At least one Model !!!!
24mm-120mm rocks !
Check the Stylus 1, 28-300 equivalent f/2.8 constant aperture.
Yep, & I love mine. The E-M5 kit stays at home more now or I have a camera with me more often with the Stylus 1.
i think it can still make sense to have 3 PENs, especially if seen from a clear-headed branding perspective (vs. camera enthusiast forum wishlists):
– Pen Mini: priority = tiny size (a la GM1). but not dumbed down – has a couple dials and build quality is strong. with electronic pancake kit zoom: $700; body-only: $500
– Pen Lite: priority = low price. corners are cut on features and build quality but the basics are there (i.e. same great image quality as the rest of them). with traditional collapsible kit lens: $500; body-only: $400
– Pen: priority = premium design (EVF, flash, folding screen, switches and dials, build quality, 5-axis IBIS, etc.). with 17mm f1.8: $900; body-only: $600
olympus may find these prices insulting but they’re gonna have to toughen up if they seriously want to compete with sony, fuji, canon, etc.
I don’t understand Olympus “strategy” when they talk about PENs: president said that pEN serie is something aimed at those asking something more from a smartphone but are not “seriously” into photography yet. As it should be the first step toward a better or a pro model (OMD line). They can’t complain the sells are low. They even declare that a EVF is not possible on PENs.
A lot of readers here are asking for a rangefinder style camera, with EVF on the side and not as an accessory.
Still Olympus decides to offer a good product (in IQ and build quality) for a premium price (as if it was aimed mainly at a female target, more interested in a cool looking object of fashion) and acts deaf to fori readers.
Before getting flamed, I have nothing against the big advertise where you can see a man holding an OMD and a girl using a PEN camera.
As far as I’m concerned I’m happy with what I have, it serves me well. (And I’m saving again for a MM 😉 )
I also think the reason Oly won’t put in a Corner VF because the Original Pen had a center VF.
What they SHOULD do, which is Highly unlikely, is just simply sell the E-P5 for $599. Basically, make the PEN series affordable. M43 will not survive if they can not AT LEAST be competitive in price! And the sad thing is, M43 started the mirrorless trend and they’re only losing market share every year..
I hate to say it, as much as I dislike Sony, the A6000 is a wake up call to M43. It just is. That one camera alone can seriously hurt Olympus and Panasonic, simply from name, but most importantly, PRICE.
Having the Largest selection of lenses and ibis will not save Olympus any longer. That crutch has been broke and it’s now Wheelchair access now.
M43 most importantly Olympus, needs a wake up call.
Agreed about the A6000 threatening this segment of the Olympus lineup.
All new Olympus cameras need to have the full E-M1 phase detect autofocus system, without a doubt, in order to compete with Sony, and with DSLRs as well.
Panasonic needs to do the same. Maybe their DFD technology will prove to be something special, but maybe not.
It is time for mirrorless cameras to seriously compete, and that means autofocus.
What is an “MM”?
a Marcus Miller edition from the Fender Jazz bass
Lol! Good one!
A Leica M Monochrom 🙂
Thanks, Marco!
They remind me a lot of Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s. They often said “You will like it this way.” but eventually, they learned to bend a little, in order not to break, especially when BMW, Audi, etc. were in their territory.
The best PEN is the Lumix GX7, sorry but that´s my opinion …
Yeah.
Lens reviews and photo article that prefer Olympus m4/3 almost always use OM-D these days, not PEN
One of the 2 new cameras could be Olympus EPL6 digital 14-42 1;3-5,5.611.. which you can now get in Great Brittan at a price £419,00 the only snag is, it is in red and that from Digitalrev.
I think Olympus in particular and Micro Four Thirds in general should adopt a Nikon D4s/D800 strategy.
Her is how: The Nikon D4s is the uber-ruggedized speed demon at a moderate pixel count, 16 MP, just like the EM-1. So The EM-1 is already postured in the same place of the lineup occupied by Nikon’s D4/s.
The PEN cannot justify its existence with the same sensors as OM-D at the price point it is at right now. I suggest PEN-high takes the place the D800 has in the Nikon lineup: slower, not-as-tough camera with a high pixel count and moderate price. A 20-24 MP PEN would make for an awesome landscape/studio photography weapon, applications that do not require speed or (necessarily) ruggedness. The pixel pitch may be a concern, but the Sony RX100/II seems to do okay with 20 MP on a 1-inch sensor.
The PEN-mini could stay at 16 MP and go for low price/small size.
By the way, I own the E-P5 and love it…don’t see it surviving another iteration under its current evolution.
While I value the system, I dont really care how they do things. I have chosen for a body which is very suited for my needs. I dont care if the competitors do it better. I will not try to say how it should be done. I am just a TTL voyeur. As long as my camera works thats fine. If the system will not continue because of wrong marketing then I can live with that too. If no omd’s are available anymore, I will choose for another system. If photography will be forbidden, then I have a problem.
Shame as the E-P5 just won a iF 2014 product design award. http://exhibition.ifdesign.de/entrydetails_en.html?mode=madr&offset=1
Together with most of the competition… 🙂
E-P5 is nice, it’s just too expensive IMHO.
I have said it so many times, dare I repeat it once again? The GM1 is the game changer. Olympus cannot beat it on size, so it must beat it by cramming as many features as possible, into a body as small as feasible (definitely smaller than the PM2): IBIS (preferably 5 axis), 1/8.000 mechanical shutter (preferably and/or 1/16.000 global e-shutter), flash synchronization >1/250, full manual controls, and weather sealing. And it needs to build a new weather-sealed pancake zoom: the new 14-42 EZ cannot compete against the Panasonic 12-32 in terms of IQ (according to the first reviews), nor against the zoom in the new Canon GXpro, in terms of specifications. Such a camera could easily sell for a price higher than the EM10, even without an evf (which probably would not fit). EM1 users would easily choose such a camera as a second body and enthusiasts who put a heavy emphasis on size and weight would easily choose it as a primary body, over a GM1 (if the difference in size and weight were not significant).
Short of that, there is only room for a rock-bottom priced entry level PEN to compete against the entry level NEX and some high end compacts. But I don’t see Olympus making much money from it, unless it manages to convince buyers to upgrade into the EM series (which sounds like too much of wishful thinking to me)
From a branding perspective, it’d be good to simplify the lines into just OM-D & PEN. I remember spending much time trying to understand the philosophical/branding difference between the E-PM2 and E-PL5. Hopefully Olympus will clean up that branding mess, and introduce a new jacket-pocketable PEN model to replace the PM2/PL5.
E-PM2 was an entry point. It is gone now.
Yes simplify they should, definitely.
Remove their cheapest, best-value and well reviewed bait… oh well I’ll just get a Canon.
E-PL7 – good.
E-PL submicro – better.
OM-D submicro – excellent.
The only think that doesn’t work with Pens is that probably they don’t bring in enough profits.
Despite intentions Mirrorless 4/3 is specialty, So a Pen needs to be a sort of Ricoh GR, with lots of pull in what it does, and some 600-700 tag.
To me it’s OK for street shooting, just make it for adults, not for geeks. No big money for mere toys.
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EP5 scaled down and made way cheaper. All the controls, 2 or 3 axis ibis only and scrap epm and epl models.
For heavens sake every non photographer knows how to put a camera in ‘A’ mode and the manual controls are still there if they want to get adventurous. Holding creativity tools back only detracts from the creative experience that could otherwise suck budding experimental photographers into this art.
Honestly, I pity the person who considerers aperture and shutter speed to complicated for normal people…
Needs to had a detachable grip. They made a mistake getting rid of it. It seems so minor but it turned people off. Built in EVF- at this price it is expected. I don’t think you miss it but consumers looking into this camera are polarized by the add on.
Lastly, and this IMO is a big one, back screen needs to be OLED and FULLY articulating by swinging around aka Sony a77.
I hope to pick up an ep5 for 500 soon. I canceled my order for 499.00 on the last holiday for 20 off of a refurb- I regret that. Right now I think the ep5 is an amazing deal if you can get it under 600. It’s the competition that is killing it though.
I agree about the grip. I was going to buy an E-P5 until I realised that it was like trying to take photographs with a small brick. I bought an E-M1 instead. If price had have been more of a concern, I’d have gone with the E-PL5, which has a detachable grip.
The olympus mirror-less camera line is getting more and more complex. Only slight difference between models and a difference of roughly 200€. I think they should simplify the PEN line: the small and entry level E-PM/E-PL and a higher end E-P-whatever. Also, if the price tag of the EP is intended to be above the new OM-D EM10 as currently is, the E-P5 successor should be at least weather sealed. If not, the last one will beat the high-end PEN as it has a integrated EVF… EP5vsEM10 the main difference in favor of the PEN is the shutter speed and 5axis IBIS… and for the cost i think i would not hesitate to go to the OMD: EVF, new TruePic VII processor, better handling… and 3 axis is not that bad.
Ok, here is what I expect from the new models:
1. An inexpensive PEN, similar to the E-PL5 with a lightweight, plastic build.
2. An ultra-tiny PEN, about the size of a GM1, with high build quality.
Releasing three models was a disaster last year, they need to release only two. They do not need a premium PEN like the E-P5, that area is covered by the OM-D line.
Both of these cameras need to have the highest level of Olympus features possible, with no skimping. This means phase detect autofocus every bit as good as or better than the E-M1.
We like to mock Nikon mirrorless, but Nikon is STILL selling brand new J1’s with two zoom lenses for $225 brand new.
How on earth is a Pen-anything going to compete with a potential customer walking into a store and asking about all these mirrorless thingies he’s been hearing about? Especially when the Nikon is in the store and the Olympus is not?
The Nikon is a very viable offering, and if we want to deride it for being too small then we are doing nothing else but using the same arguments that say DSLRs are making against mickey-four-three. (Except of course DSLRs are not making ANY arguments at all against mickey-four-three, because, well, it’s just not perceived as a strong contender: you don’t hear DSLRs talking about how DSLRs will be the death of all other formats…).
Not that a Pen won’t be prettier and nicer to touch etc etc. But from a price performance perspective?
Olympus’s pricing model has bought it a nice niche but its growth is stalled. Nikon is buying the segment. Olympus if it can compete at all must compete on price at least to build brand recognition (Hint: Nikon would not survive on D4 and D800 sales alone, just as Olympus won’t survive on EM1 sales alone). Or of course Olympus can try to carve out an enthusiast niche market- just as Fuji and Sony and Panasonic are- and slowly starve.
Olympus, please continue to make OM-Ds. But please put out some really REALLY affordable small mickey’s.
I used the J1 for a while during a long planned shoot and expected it would give good extra video footage for behind the screen situations. While it gives ok quality in good light, the video performance is rather diappointing in lowlight and night outdoor scenes. The E-M5 was much cleaner and i wished i used it for all videoshots instead of this 2 camera setup. The AF of the J1 is awesome though during video though.
I agree – mirroless is great – but I do think prices are to high – which explains why so many rather buy the Canon Rebel series etc.
Canon sells their 50mm F18 for around $100 – why can’t Olympus and Panasonic do the same – Panasonic is selling the 20mm F1.7 for almost $400 – why??? neither have IS and both are made out of plastic and similar focal length –
I would think that less material would be an advantage – as M43 lenses are so much smaller – but they seem to be costly –
Granted I think that there is more more to making say a OMD-Em1 /10 /5 or a Lumix GX7 than a Canon Rebel T5 –
I think for example Sony is charging premium for example the RX100m2 as there are not many competitors in that small body IQ class –
I think that Panasonic, Olympus and Fuji and Sony have to lower prices a bit.
Sony is actually holding back prices on the a6000 at just under $800 with a lens – and it will remain a good seller –
Olympus and Panasonic need to start getting more into the US market and advertising and cutting prices will help with that.
The GH4 will be good for Panasonic for video productions –
Cell phones used to be large and folks thought that meant better quality – now we have small and better quality – so it is a matter of time – so in essence it is a good thing that Canon and Nikon and Pentax have not gone wild in mirrorless as that could possibly mean an end to Panasonic or Olympus
Supposedly, the lack of cost in the typical 50mm f/1.8 is that the focusing motor is so rudimentary, plus you can’t get good sharpness for quite a while. Of course, the 20mm f/1.7’s focusing motor is tiny, so it’s slow, but it’s probably still too expensive.
However, what’s the price on a 35mm f/1.8 for APS-C? It’s not around US$100, is it? That’s the effective 52.5mm lens.
@ronin
clueless!
Nikon are selling “brand new ” (ie been sitting in warehouses for 3 years) Nikon J1 with kit lens for just $65 = loss major loss for the retailer and major loss for Nikon.
Nikon 1 isn’t just too small, it’s unusable, lacks inspiration, was too long in development, over priced at launch, poorly marketed by Nikon, video output is awful and photo output is the same as the latest smartphones. For anyone to pay full or half RRP of a Nikon 1 you would have to be pretty stupid.
“Olympus’s pricing model has bought it a nice niche but its growth is stalled.” a big fat NO! Olympus mirrorless has been showing growth unlike free fall fail Nikon 1.
Can’t imagine that the new Pen will not have an EVF – I think Olympus is making a mistake by not having it with one.
I have for example the Fuji X20 with a small optical viewfinder – yes it does not have a large hump in the middle – but that little viewfinder is OK for that camera – of course I expect that Fuji will improve it with the X-30 if it will ever come out.
Panasonic for example has put a small EVF in one of their point and shoot cameras –
I do have the Olympus Stylus 1 – it has the EVF from the OMD-EM5 and therefore it is a large hump on top of a small body – I would have preferred a smaller body and a slightly less sophisticated EVF – Same with the Pen – I think it is important to keep the same form factor and size and no hump – they already have 4 bodies with the hump –
The Panasonic GX7 which I also have has a good EVF – maybe not as cool and nice as the OMD-Em1 but it also is smaller – more of a range finder style – and it is good enough for that type of a camera – similar to the Pen –
Of course I have no issue withe hump and larger EVF on the OMD-Em1 as it is more of a Pro body –
The Pen is a great camera – just add an EVF – keep the ability to use an addon EVF
Olympus has said they have no plan for rangefinder-styled PEN
http://www.43rumors.com/olympus-strategy-roundup-focus-on-omd-fast-primes-no-rangefinder-pen/
In the other hand, what if it’s not called a PEN ?
Seen a pattern in reviews too. When the reviewer prefer Olympus m4/3 camera to do their review of lenses, it’s always the EM-5 or EM-1. Never a PEN anymore.
n this tight market, with m4/3 camera manufacturers under such pressure, why should Olympus build a “GM1-alike”? The GM1 already defines that category, AND the Olympus silver small primes match the GM1 better than any Panasonic lenses, other than the 12-32mm kit lens.
Seems like Olympus would have to spend a ton of money trying to “re-invent the wheel”; money that would be better spent modernizing/upgrading the E-M5.
Part of the problem with the m4/3 format is that Oly and Pany are wearying themselves competing with each other instead of co-operating together for the benefit of the m4/3 format. Once economic/market conditions improve there will be plenty of opportunity for Oly and Pany to beat each other to death.
Each of us who believe in this format should endeavor to support the format rather than choose sides like at a soccer match. I have already begun to buy Oly lenses for my GM1 . . . they are perfect for that camera. It’s bad enough to have Full Frame Flamers trying to stir up trouble, we also have an Friendly-Fire Frenzy within the m4/3 camp between the devotees of both major contributors.
If Olympus needs to rethink the PEN series and concentrate more of their resources to their E-M5 & E-M1 it’s probably the better move for Oly and all of us too.
Good to see some PEN news at last. Here’s hoping for a “pro” style PEN in the EM1 class with an EVF and weather sealing but also differentiating with small size (but not at the expense of buttons and dials).
I’d love to see a rangefinder style body with a tilting screen, but smaller than the current EP5. It doesn’t need to be as small as GM1. Better to have the EVF, tilt screen, hotshoe and buttons. But smaller than an OMD would make sense. And making it high end will allow for the kind of profits they’re reaping from the EM1. They could do a plastic, non-rugged version at a lower price point, like the EM-10: a PEN-1 for pros/enthusiasts and a PEN-10 for entry level consumers.
http://www.43rumors.com/olympus-strategy-roundup-focus-on-omd-fast-primes-no-rangefinder-pen/
Olympus has said there’s no plan to make rangefinder-styled PEN
So what if it’s not called a PEN ?
I’ll take a digital Pen with a small built in VF not unlike the Canon G16 or Fuji x10. I mean seriously, why so much snobbery over a silly BIG VF? The only time I ever use the VF is for extreme sun light or for some night shots. I just need it for composing, I really don’t care about it looking like a 70″ tv.
I even bought the E-P5 over the GX7 because my main composing tool is the screen. The VF on the GX7 protrudes like a sore thumb. At least with the EP5, I can remove the large wart when it’s not in use. I had a G3 prior and I ripped off the rubber on the VF on the darn thing multiple times. Is M43 the only mount that is incapable of making a small VF? Look at the XT1, XE2, X100s, even the Leica Ms out there have small VFs. I’ve avoided the OM line because the VF is half of the size of the camera! I love olympus and M43, but OMG, they can’t design a modern camera to save their lives. Mini DSLRS? Mini SLRs? =P bleh!
I love the RF style form factor, but I think the tilting screen is overused and not nearly as good as it’s popularity would make it out to be. I think cameras like the Canon G1X and the Nikon P7700 are amazing form factors as far as body styles go. They have fully articulated screens, manual controls and dials, built in VF/EVF, hot shoe, and a built in flash all in a small RF styled body. I don’t understand what’s so hard with coming up with a similar design. I would be the first in line for a Pen camera with all these features! Throw in some 60p video and I’ll buy 2! Well, maybe not, but I’ll be happier than a fat kid in a bakery!
Don’t like the tilting screen too.
But it’s good enough for most, and more importantly, maybe cheaper and less service claims from customers to the manufacturers so the put their marketing behind it.
I have a E-M5. I love the camera. I hate the hump. I’d pay for a Pen with build in EVF.
something like http://microsite.fuji-server.com/signature/ would be a good idea, also it might be the time to add a forked Android version to PENs (ideally this would be better done in a joint announcement with Sony, Panny and Fuji)
New Pens probably have no improved video. Pen for people coming from cell phone.
Dropping the EPM2, or its form factor, is a big mistake. I don’t know if Olympus is making any money on it at the $399 two-lens kit, but that is the best bargain in interchangeable lens cameras out there now. I bought the kit for my son and his fiancee and they are ecstatic with it. An improvement would be to go with the new super compact kit lens and a small, inexpensive, built in EVF for use in bright light situations. Then sell the thing at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. If you don’t sell there, nobody in America knows you even exist.
The headline says that the E-PM and E-P series have been discontinued, and then in the text we’re told that the E-PM2 and E-P5 models have been discontinued. So which is it? Can we expect a restructuring of the PEN line, or just new iterations of the old series (E-PM3 and E-P6)? And what about the E-PL series?
Yep, that’s the point.
I just hope they will reorganize the Pen line-up. As I repeatedly said before, Pen Mini + Pen Lite = nonsense. They should merge PM and PL in a brand new PL5-alike “PEN for entry users” and then release a well-equipped “PEN PRO for advanced users” (no mode-dial, please) that are looking for a rangefinder and don’t need/don’t like dSLR-shaped OM-Ds.
Honestly, after owning an E-M5, I’m not longer considering a camera without an EVF. I don’t use it all the time, but when I need it, I don’t want to fiddle with an add-on. So, the only thing that would make a PEN interesting again, to me, would be to attempt to outdo the Panasonic GX7.
Yes… there is a Need to simplify the PEN series
Entry Level: PMx, small, light weight, no (less) controls / Buttons – use the touch screen
Price tag: 400 EUR/USD sold with a Kit-lens 14-42EZ
Advanced Level: Px: flip Screen, thumb wheel, customizable Buttons and sophisticated grip, full of latest technique
Price tag: 600-850 EUR/USD Body only or Kitted with 17 or 25mm lens
you want Viewfinder or weather sealing – go for the OM-D series
That just sucks. After researching for a long time, I’ve finally settled for buying the E-PM2. Yes it’s cheap, but not in image quality and performance! I really liked how it packed almost as the much more expensive Olympus models. I guess someone at Olympus decided that the fun must end?
Once I decided to buy it, the prices started going up and stock started running out all over the place. I couldn’t understand why, and I found myself chasing something elusive, and being occasionally faced with prices which are twice what I was expecting to pay.
On the Olympus websites for UK and Canada, it said “temporarily out of stock” (or something to that meaning).
I really think they could’ve bothered to put up a more descriptive message.
This was exciting at first, but turned into a totally bad experience, and I guess I’ll just get a Canon EOS 600D DSLR. It wouldn’t cost much more than what you’d have to pay for the E-PM2 if you’re lucky enough to find it now. My old Canon camera is 20 years old and still works…
I’m not too excited about the size of the Canon, but then I tfujifilm x-e1hink I would have been deceived by the E-PM2, it is probably bigger than what I was hoping.
I’m not buying the more expensive Olympus models, and pay double for something that is only marginally better then what I was about to get. I don’t care much about the looks.