E-P3 specs released

[ennemkay]

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

 

[Jorginho]

Only two things are really interesting to me: I heard that the 12 MPixel should be one with much better DR and High ISO noise (or lack of it).

The grips could be nice too, I was actually thinking about such a thing this afternoon!
Oh yeah, another one is the AF.

Wait and see I guess.

WOuld be somehting if this sensor would score like th G3 but with much better DR and ISO in the lower noise department. I might be tempted.

 

[Everdog]

Only two things are really interesting to me: I heard that the 12 MPixel should be one with much better DR and High ISO noise (or lack of it).

The grips could be nice too, I was actually thinking about such a thing this afternoon!
Oh yeah, another one is the AF.

Wait and see I guess.

WOuld be somehting if this sensor would score like th G3 but with much better DR and ISO in the lower noise department. I might be tempted.

Doesn't the new G3 sensor use NR on the actual chip and at the pixel level? If this is the kind of tweak they are talking about, it might be pretty good.

I am not sure how they would improve DR though. I do agree that 12 MP is plenty.

 

[BayAreaWZ]

I really hope the promise of better high ISO and DR is true. I'm still invested in m4/3, but most of my time has been spent with the Fuji X100

Fast AF and full HD AVCHD are things the X100 lacks so another plus in the Oly column.

No rumors on price yet which worries me.

 

[Jorginho]

I have no clue either, but they I read they did improve DR so....It is not impossible of course. Not at all...I am more interested in a 12 MP with the new Sony sensor characteristics than the current G3, although it seems to do really fine at higher ISO.

 

[alwye]

the new sensor gets me little excited, wait and see the sample images. Grip? not so much, I have no issue with E-P2's handling. The one feature I'd love to see is the build-in EVF at the upper left conner, doesn't have to be fancy like fuji X100, but they put a pup-up flash there instead, what a waste...

 

[Alexsfo]

Sounds like pretty significant upgrade from E-P2. I'd like to see some new firmware features though such as in-camera HDR, better MF assist (peaking or picture-in-picture). The absense of built-in EVF will probably be a deal breaker for me although if the price is competitive with G3 it could work. It's like IBIS vs EVF - you choose.
--
E-PL2; 20mm f1.7, 14mm f2.5, 14-150mm f4-5.6

 

[Photohobbyfun]

I'm curious to know how many differences we are going to see between the 3 models. It looks like tilt lcd, integrated flash, and metal build will be what separates them?

 

[MNE]

I am about to get the VF-2 for my E-PL1 and would hope that it could be used with the E-P3. I need built-in flash, so I am glad that is in the spec list.

 

[Jogger]

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

 

[SayJaiBow]

IBIS
Oly colors
maybe faster autofocus
maybe better high iso

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

 

[thx1138]

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

Sounds better than a GF3 and I'll bet it looks better too. Also if the AF performance is true that's very impressive. 12MP in m4/3 is plenty, that's 48MP FF equivalent. The only reason I wouldn't get one, I like a high quality EVF and I'd prefer it built-in rather than have to buy an add-on, which is why I'm still tempted by the G3.

 

[453C]

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

I note the distinct lack of an AF Assist Lamp. Olympus, what are you thinking?
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[453C]

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials

- fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).

• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

Jogger, I put something in bold to wake you up. Addressing one of the biggest complaints about the m43 system seems worth at least a little interest.

If all of that is true, it seems Olympus has been paying attention, four year old sensor or not. Let's hope the resulting camera is a worthwhile successor to the E-P2.
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[tedolf]

good ISO 3200 IQ, one more stop of dynamic range and a faster LCD refresh rate in burst mode my daughter will be getting one for graduation.

Tedolph

 

[amalric]

good ISO 3200 IQ, one more stop of dynamic range and a faster LCD refresh rate in burst mode my daughter will be getting one for graduation.

Your daughter is irrelevant here.

This is what I said at 43rumors:

The key is in the tweaking, and I suspect that the progress is in the use of the dual core technology.

It’s been a while since DPR reports that there are no advantages in DR to be had in Oly’s RAW.

I also understand that there are diminishing returns in increasing the Mpx count. Denoising must be increased at base ISO and that spoils resolution.

All in all one can’t say a next generation sensor is a progress, except that it allows to reach higher ISO to the expense of base ISO performance.

In terms of resolution and IQ Oly included the ‘old’ 12 Mpx sensor in the E-5 and nobody protested except the clueless.

Dual core will not only improve IQ processing but also fast AF.
--
Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amalric

 

[Everdog]

The key is in the tweaking, and I suspect that the progress is in the use of the dual core technology.

Is the processor not a 3 core like the GH2?

Also, didn't they say it does NR at the pixel level on the sensor? This would mean inproved RAW files.

 

[453C]

good ISO 3200 IQ, one more stop of dynamic range and a faster LCD refresh rate in burst mode my daughter will be getting one for graduation.

Your daughter is irrelevant here.

Come now, that was rather brusque. She is a photographer after all, and I think the point was that The Hammer likes what he sees so far.
+++snip+++

In terms of resolution and IQ Oly included the ‘old’ 12 Mpx sensor in the E-5 and nobody protested except the clueless.

Dual core will not only improve IQ processing but also fast AF.

I agree, and note that other good things may come from more processing power. In-camera HDR comes to mind. They can keep their 3D and art filters, but being able to auto-combine bracketed shots for improved DR would be welcome, as would faster AF, faster screen/EVF refresh rates, less shutter lag, etc. More processing power can help make those improvements.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what these new bodies deliver, and to see how Panasonic will respond. Great to see all of this development in m43, NEX, NX, and Q.
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[Spade357]

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

The only thing Panasonic have advantage over the Olympus is in its fast AF. If the super fast AF is indeed true then really, why buy Panasonic?

 

[Alexsfo]

Buil-in EVF

sorry, this isnt going to win any converts. why would anyone choose this over a panasonic m43? for the cute retro look?, thats all it has going for it. the sensor will be 4 years old by the time this is out

from 43rumors:

...I have the specs! Two weeks ago a new source sent me the E-P3 details and my trusted sources now confirmed the info he gave to me are correct (Thanks new source!). So here is the E-P3:

• It has the new Olympus “tweaked” 12 Megapixel Sensor
• Truepic VI engine (two processor in one)
• ISO 100 to 12.800
• 1080i 60frs AVCHD or JPEG video
• 35 point autofocus
• OLED touch Display (610k resolution). Sounds like it is almost the same screen used for the Olympus XZ-1.
• pop up live guide
• dual dials
• fastest AF to date for any mirrorless cam (and I have been told that it is considerably faster that the Panasonic GH2!).
• updated art filters
• effects to combine with art filters (like starlight)
• 3D still images
• Interchangeable grip. I have been told there are two different grips you can buy (and more will come after).
• Design changes: The top dial is now placed instead of the ON/OFF button of the E-P2. To make room for the built-in flash. There is a video recording button over the AEL button.

The only thing Panasonic have advantage over the Olympus is in its fast AF. If the super fast AF is indeed true then really, why buy Panasonic?

--
E-PL2; 20mm f1.7, 14mm f2.5, 14-150mm f4-5.6