Not as much longing for E-M1 II?

[LearningForeverIHope]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

 

[haslo]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

Maybe it was the PEN F with the realization that an E-M1ii can't do much more than E-M1 and E-M5ii plus 20MP (with about the same amount of noise) and touch focus, until technology is sufficiently improved for handheld high-res mode?

Personally, I'm holding my breath for that, but I'm prepared to wait...

 

[JacquesC]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

Oh no, I'm waiting for it - hoping for faster and more accurate C-AF, combined with a well positioned button for back-button focussing that can properly replicate the way I shoot with my DSLR's.

20mp is more than enough for me and any improvement in DR/noise will also be welcome.

It will make a very nice companion to my EM10 !

 

[Ribbit74]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

Maybe it was the PEN F with the realization that an E-M1ii can't do much more than E-M1 and E-M5ii plus 20MP (with about the same amount of noise) and touch focus, until technology is sufficiently improved for handheld high-res mode?

Personally, I'm holding my breath for that, but I'm prepared to wait...

--
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glodjib/
Ello: https://ello.co/haslo

It's true that the Pen F has pretty much given us a preview of what sensor we can expect in the E-M1 mk2.

Plenty of other areas could see improvements though. My wish list:

1) A brand new menu system, based on years of UX research! ....one can hope.

2) C-AF significantly improved

3) 4K video, good codec support, to bring on par with Panasonic

4) Much improved battery life

5) Handheld hi-res mode

6) *Six* axis image stabilization (thus stabilizing the focal plane) for when you're taking handheld macro photos of a flea with f/2.0 aperture and the focus fixed on the flea's left antenna

7) Take a page from Fuji - reduce the need for RAW processing with a new image processing engine and built-in simulations of real films

8) Take it a step *further* than Fuji, and support 3rd party effects plugins / film simulations. Cameras are basically computers anyway.

 

[Bobby J]

Nope, I still want (need) a fully articulated LCD. Otherwise I'm very happy with my EM-1.

 

[sderdiarian]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

FW 4 didn't quench my thirst mainly because I don't have an E-M1 ;-) .

I came very close to buying one at $800 new or $700 reconditioned during the 5 week Black Friday sale last fall, but was concerned by too many posts on buttons falling off, etc. along with buying a soon to be superceded (new sensor and other improvements) camera.

I instead bought an E-M10 II with most of the latest features plus touchpad AF for $550 as a holding measure, and find I'm very happy with it (less bulk and handles great with the add-on grip ).

I'd still be interested in an E-M1 II with:

1. No more strap lugs that let go, buttons that fall off, similar pitfalls having no place in a flagship camera.
2. 20MP sensor is assumed, but to include further improved on-sensor PDAF to better match similarly priced DSLR's regarding CAF tracking for BIF.
3. 6K video allowing for grabbing 18MP stills (GH5 to be released later this year is rumored to have this) and better matching other Panasonic video features/capabilities.
4. Hand-held hi-res mode utilizing still further developed IBIS.
5. Updated design to be as attractive as the Pen F but with a full grip and room for button layout/quantities (i.e., maintain existing E-M1 size, no more, no less).
6. A fair price, $1500 with the above features would seem about right, thereby avoiding their current practice of a Pen F at $1200 sans weathersealing and 300mm F4 at $2500, chilling my interest in either.

Of a little bit of concern relating to the above being realized are recent statements by Terada:

1. The PEN-F sensor does not have Phase AF because the target user for the camera doesn’t need that
2. Olympus does not have a video oriented line like the Panasonic GH because they are more focuses on the classic photography world

On 1, I think he was careful not to rule out Phase AF for future iterations of the E-M1, so likely safe there, but on 2 I'm left trying to read the tea-leaves regarding whether Olympus will ever combine the amazing capabilities of their IBIS with 6K video. An E-M1 II would appear the perfect platform for this and not to do so would be a real shame.

We'll see, but yes, still interest in an E-M1 II here.

 

[Daft Punk]

Nope, I still want (need) a fully articulated LCD. Otherwise I'm very happy with my EM-1.

--
BJM

Its funny how tastes differ.

I really dislike the flip-to-the-side fully swivelling LCD. It stopped me buying EM5II.

It would be a deal breaker for me if the EM1II had the same.

I much, much prefer a simple tilt up or down affair. Having the screen to the side is a complete no-no for me.

 

[SkiHound]

Just speculating but I have to think the E-M1 successor will have PDAF. If not, it will have to have some other technology for improved CAF. They've released the 300 f/4 and the 40-150. They really need a body that is proficient at CAF if they want to market the body as a professional body. They'll also very likely want to continue to give folks with 43 lenses a usable body. I think the camera would be a complete flop without PDAF. They may not bring it into other bodies in order to not cannibalize sales. I bought a used E-M1 after the firmware 3 upgrade. My primary reason was for PDAF. While I love the ergonomics I use my E-M10 more often because I really like the size, weight, and relative inconspicuousness of that camera when used with a prime. If the E-M10ii or E-M5ii had PDAF I almost certainly would not have been interested in the E-M1. And improved CAF would be one of the big attractions to me of an E-M1ii. I'd be surprised if it had 6k video. They've yet to release a body with 4k video. Somewhere I've read they were really having trouble with integrating the IBIS with 4k video. I don't really care much about video but I think that body at least needs 4K video.

 

[mujana]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

On the contrary...I'm really looking forward to an E-M1 Mark ll! No firmware 4 here, because I do not own an E-M1. If all deams come true, I'll "switch" in second half of this year....ehm...switching from E-M5 (mark l) to E-M1 Mark ll. If no dreams come true..maybe another switch.

 

[SpinOne]

IMO the Pen-F is currently getting all the attention. I also think people realize with the release of the Pen-F, the 20mp sensor is mostly marketing, and E-M1 successor is probably 6 months out (maybe more).

1) A brand new menu system, based on years of UX research! ....one can hope.

Seems highly unlikely

2) C-AF significantly improved

I'd expect some tweaks. Biggest issue really is getting the EVF not to black out.

3) 4K video, good codec support, to bring on par with Panasonic

Not gonna happen

4) Much improved battery life

Highly unlikely

5) Handheld hi-res mode

Not gonna happen

6) *Six* axis image stabilization (thus stabilizing the focal plane) for when you're taking handheld macro photos of a flea with f/2.0 aperture and the focus fixed on the flea's left antenna

The axis number is just marketing hype. You can only have 3 axes -- X, Y and Z.

I don't expect huge improvements there. More likely is that Olympus will start adding lens stabilization to longer lenses.

7) Take a page from Fuji - reduce the need for RAW processing with a new image processing engine and built-in simulations of real films

Why, so the E-M1 can be a lean mean JPEG machine?

8) Take it a step *further* than Fuji, and support 3rd party effects plugins / film simulations. Cameras are basically computers anyway.

Not gonna happen.

Cameras are pretty mature these days. There isn't too much more they can add.

 

[mujana]

IMO the Pen-F is currently getting all the attention. I also think people realize with the release of the Pen-F, the 20mp sensor is mostly marketing, and E-M1 successor is probably 6 months out (maybe more).

1) A brand new menu system, based on years of UX research! ....one can hope.

Seems highly unlikely

2) C-AF significantly improved

I'd expect some tweaks. Biggest issue really is getting the EVF not to black out.

3) 4K video, good codec support, to bring on par with Panasonic

Not gonna happen

4) Much improved battery life

Highly unlikely

5) Handheld hi-res mode

Not gonna happen

6) *Six* axis image stabilization (thus stabilizing the focal plane) for when you're taking handheld macro photos of a flea with f/2.0 aperture and the focus fixed on the flea's left antenna

The axis number is just marketing hype. You can only have 3 axes -- X, Y and Z.

I don't expect huge improvements there. More likely is that Olympus will start adding lens stabilization to longer lenses.

7) Take a page from Fuji - reduce the need for RAW processing with a new image processing engine and built-in simulations of real films

Why, so the E-M1 can be a lean mean JPEG machine?

8) Take it a step *further* than Fuji, and support 3rd party effects plugins / film simulations. Cameras are basically computers anyway.

Not gonna happen.

Cameras are pretty mature these days. There isn't too much more they can add.

Well, we'll just have to wait and see then. I do not care for a "lean mean JPEG machine"/ 6 axis image stabilization (except where it could be of help to handheld high res shooting). I DO care for hand held high res mode and 4k video would be very nice too (as an extra, because I'm not really into videography). Improved C-AF ofcourse!

 

[Jim Salvas]

I'm looking forward to the E-M1 successor. I look at the firmware updates as evidence that Olympus is confident it can improve the current camera and still count on people upgrading to the next model. Behind that confidence must be knowledge of how much better it will be.

 

[banosser]

Long time since a new thread about it started. Did firmware 4 alone quenched that thirst?

Oh no, I'm waiting for it - hoping for faster and more accurate C-AF, combined with a well positioned button for back-button focussing that can properly replicate the way I shoot with my DSLR's.

20mp is more than enough for me and any improvement in DR/noise will also be welcome.

It will make a very nice companion to my EM10 !

 

[Franka T.L.]

for real, its not just the firmware 4.0 on the E-M1 , but what Oly can or would put into the MK.II ; we all now have a decent idea how the new 20MP sensor perform , and likely we will be getting even more info when more Pen-F field experience feedback returnee. The big what if is : Panasonic GH5 , doubt Oly can match the Panasonic on true hybrid performance, and no less where the GH enjoy a hugh indie, 3rd party support where Olympus do not. Since the GH3, the GH is no less top end than the E-M1

The way I see it, Olympus really trying to trump themselves on several factor

• Lens, but these lens can easily be used on Panasonic also
• IBIS, but in lens IS is equally doing well enough
• Focus Stacking , but this can be done by anyone , need post though
• High Resolution capture utilizing the sensor shift .. that's unique to Oly, especially with RAW

So we are not really seeing enough of a differentiation with the E-M1 to establish itself among all the M4/3, might be not even against their own E-M5 MK.II, so the MK.II need to have something extra .. that will decide if the E-M1 MK.II had capacity to penetrate the market. Considering how much Olympus ask for the Pen-F, Price might also be a factor indeed. Right now I think the crowd is waiting to see who will get this new 20MP sensor. The GX-8 and Pen-F by their very nature and price is not for everyone. A new Panasonic GM-5 replacement or a new Olympus Pen-EPL ( this get exciting, will it get EVF ) would really brings the game a step forth ..

Oly again keep re iterating how they want to concentrate on still, which personally I think is a bit narrow sighted. But its theirs. Still they should really start to think about how they can actually differentiate their product lineup. Well at least now we have 2 tier of sensors being current.

 

[Skeeterbytes]

Just speculating but I have to think the E-M1 successor will have PDAF. If not, it will have to have some other technology for improved CAF. They've released the 300 f/4 and the 40-150. They really need a body that is proficient at CAF if they want to market the body as a professional body. They'll also very likely want to continue to give folks with 43 lenses a usable body. I think the camera would be a complete flop without PDAF. They may not bring it into other bodies in order to not cannibalize sales. I bought a used E-M1 after the firmware 3 upgrade. My primary reason was for PDAF. While I love the ergonomics I use my E-M10 more often because I really like the size, weight, and relative inconspicuousness of that camera when used with a prime. If the E-M10ii or E-M5ii had PDAF I almost certainly would not have been interested in the E-M1. And improved CAF would be one of the big attractions to me of an E-M1ii. I'd be surprised if it had 6k video. They've yet to release a body with 4k video. Somewhere I've read they were really having trouble with integrating the IBIS with 4k video. I don't really care much about video but I think that body at least needs 4K video.

 

[captura]

for real, its not just the firmware 4.0 on the E-M1 , but what Oly can or would put into the MK.II ; we all now have a decent idea how the new 20MP sensor perform , and likely we will be getting even more info when more Pen-F field experience feedback returnee. The big what if is : Panasonic GH5 , doubt Oly can match the Panasonic on true hybrid performance, and no less where the GH enjoy a hugh indie, 3rd party support where Olympus do not. Since the GH3, the GH is no less top end than the E-M1

The way I see it, Olympus really trying to trump themselves on several factor

• Lens, but these lens can easily be used on Panasonic also
• IBIS, but in lens IS is equally doing well enough
• Focus Stacking , but this can be done by anyone , need post though
• High Resolution capture utilizing the sensor shift .. that's unique to Oly, especially with RAW

So we are not really seeing enough of a differentiation with the E-M1 to establish itself among all the M4/3, might be not even against their own E-M5 MK.II, so the MK.II need to have something extra .. that will decide if the E-M1 MK.II had capacity to penetrate the market. Considering how much Olympus ask for the Pen-F, Price might also be a factor indeed. Right now I think the crowd is waiting to see who will get this new 20MP sensor. The GX-8 and Pen-F by their very nature and price is not for everyone. A new Panasonic GM-5 replacement or a new Olympus Pen-EPL ( this get exciting, will it get EVF ) would really brings the game a step forth ..

Oly again keep re iterating how they want to concentrate on still, which personally I think is a bit narrow sighted. But its theirs. Still they should really start to think about how they can actually differentiate their product lineup. Well at least now we have 2 tier of sensors being current.

 

[Franka T.L.]

that 20MP sensor cannot do 6K , since it just do not have that much linear count of photosite, the best would be 5K and that's cutting it real tight as it leave almost no margin of error ( the actual photosite count on the long axis just barely exceed the 5K spec ) . A 6K UHD ( which is more like 5.7k as its 5760×3240 pixel count thus sometime refer to as 5.5K) capable capture would require a sensor of roughly 25MP- ( on 4:3 aspect ratio, on 2:3 it would be 22MP+

If Panasonic indeed are coming out with a 6K GH5, then it might be having a new sensor on it.

 

[DLGW]

We can hope for better image quality (marginal unless we see a sudden breakthrough in sensor tech). I'm taking hi iso noise, dynamic range, and overall resolution. I'd hope to see small improvements in all of them - which combined would be a significant result.

Video quality is one easy upgrade - EM1 is lagging behind other Olympus m43 cameras.

We can hope for a marginal increase in focus - PDAF support for 4/3 legacy lenses could certainly be improved.

Tripod based hi res mode (potentially improved) is certain - hand held is totally up in the air, let's be realistic about that.

Almost everything we can hope to see if evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

There are lots of improvements that can in theory be made, but I'm not seeing any realistic upgrades that will make people start to drool.

Edit - one other thing - the new fangled EVF from the Leica SL would be a nice upgrade.

I think that would attract a few more people to mirrorless.

All that being said - if we get all these evolutionary upgrades, the EM 1 Mk II will be a cracker of a camera - but no one thing is 'sexy' enough to get people clamoring for it.

 

[Martian Flatcat]

Nope, I still want (need) a fully articulated LCD. Otherwise I'm very happy with my EM-1.

 

[dv312]

PDAF C-AF to keep up with the DSLRs

Even Nikon 1 has better PDAF CAF

4K just to keep up with the Joneses

Hand held Hi Res to feed the resolution thirsty

Leica SL like EVF

Longer lasting battery

Handsome design

Cheers,