Let’s gather ideas for what it should be - let’s not have this be a place to complain about the direction of OM System or how micro 4/3 is a failing system.
I think we should see something like the EP-7 become more common in the U.S. as the entry level camera for OM System. No viewfinder but you can add one with hotshoe. Or something like the old Trip? And make them available in 4-5 different colors?
20Mp non-stacked sensor.
Should it forego video and only be for photography?
metal body or plastic?
one color ?? All black or silver and black? sand color?
maybe redo the small EZ lenses we all used and make them a tad higher quality?
Come on…no complaining. - let’s just brainstorm and have fun with it.
Entry-model cameras suffer from its target audience of beginners, whom (usually) lack the experience to discern between features they need from the overwhelming marketing promoting the latest and greatest. More experienced users will realise 20MP is more than sufficient for most use cases unless they need heavy cropping, but for beginners they have all been indoctrinated to believe “more MP is better” from years of marketing (eg. 200MP cellphones ermahgurd!). The main challenge of selling entry-level bodies IMO is therefore to convince users they don’t need the kitchen sink (nor can they) at a sensible price-point.
Side note: I see tons of Chinese tourists in Hong Kong touting brand new FF bodies like the A7R (61MP ermahgurd!) around, with the PASM dial set to auto…
My ideal entry-model body would have the following features:
- 20MP sensor - stacked or non-stacked, whichever is logistically cheaper to share production lines with higher-end models.
- PDAF - CDAF is fine for stills, but PDAF offer miles better performance with C-AF. If the camera can’t focus and track as well as cellphones, beginner users will likely prefer their phones over the proper camera.
- IBIS optional - being able to use lower shutter speeds is great, but most of the time when beginners ask why their photos are blurry it’s because their shutter speeds weren’t fast enough.
- Flippable screen - doesn’t quite matter whether it’s tilt or fully articulated, as long as it can be flipped forward to placate the selfie crowd. But for heaven’s sake don’t let it flip downwards like the E-P7, flipping upwards like the GX880 is ideal.
- EVF optional - having an EVF will help better distinguish the camera over cellphones, but at the same time I also observed most beginners almost never use the EVF.
- 2 control dials - I’d kill to have a third dial for EC or ISO in addition to the usual shutter speed and aperture dials, but I admit 2 dials is enough for me most of the time.
- Weather-sealing - given the heavy marketing focus from Olympus/OMS to sell outdoors adventuring, having all their bodies rated to at least IP53 would be an advantage over other brands.
- Video capabilities - I’m not at all well-versed in what videographers need or want, but the Pany bodies seemed well-received enough so I’ll take whatever they have. More or less to placate the vlogging crowd.
- Small size and weight - I'll be generous and say 350g max with the battery inserted. Portability is key, users who see the camera as too big and heavy will be less likely to bring them out.
- Modest price-point - ~800USD is probably competitive enough, matching the Fuji X-M5.
- Bundled small flash - the FL-LM3 is a real gem and certainly better than pop-up flashes.
Funny enough, I’m essentially describing a G100D with PDAF, weather-sealing, optional IBIS, lobbing off the EVF hump and pop-up flash.
