Entry level OM System camera - what should it be?

[Phaser]

To compete with the Panasonic G100D and G97, I think OM System needs more than just "incremental updates". It needs new designs that focus on Micro Four Thirds' core strengths while addressing modern demands.

Here's two speculative models I think OM-System could design:

1. E-M10 Mark V: Move the EVF to the top left to make it more compact like a rangefinder and finally add some weather sealing! Maybe they could implement a more advanced contrast-detection AF system or basic phase-detect. In all black or silver and black and mostly plastic.

2. OM-Vlog 1: An entry level vlogging model with weather sealing and IBIS to compete with the Panasonic G100D. No EVF or flash to keep the size and cost down, but a hot-shoe still there to add optional accessories. A new, versatile and very small flash should be designed. And a new ultra-wide power zoom kit lens with weather sealing. Maybe 10-25mm or 8-20mm f/4-f/5.6. And still capable of taking good photos with dedicated controls. In all black, or all silver.

 

[CBR1100XX]

Since every camera to no carry the OM System badge: OM1, OM-5, OM-3, and TG7 have weather sealing, I would bet that any entry level camera (if there ever is one) would be weather sealed.

Yeah, the easy answer is the next camera will be the OM-10 - mostly the same as the E-M10 but with weather sealing, USB-C, etc. Maybe it’ll come in a fun outdoorsy color? Olive?

The harder thing for me to predict is what will happen with the E-P7. I’d love to see a weather sealed variant, but if OM System is banking on providing a different “experience” vs a smartphone, having a viewfinder is core to that IMO. So, I almost think a PEN-F II would be more likely. Call it the OM-F?

I think it’s also pretty likely we’ll see Mark II variants of the 12/2 and 45/1.8. The streamlined styling of the 17/1.8 and 25/1.8 II, metal build (an upgrade for the 45), weather sealing, etc.

That brings up an interesting question. What's better for a spec bump/price?

OM-5 mkII sensor/processor in a non-weather sealed body.

Or a weather sealed body but with CDAF?

I think the question is how cheap can it go? The E-M10 has lost a bit of the retro look as the grip has grown but it still has some.

The EP-7 looks more like the camera of the moment though the flip down LCD is a bit of an issue. And again if possible throw the OM-5 sensor/menus in there as it unifies everything.

Even going to the parts bin as OM has been doing they have some options.

 

[Sam Bennett]

Since every camera to no carry the OM System badge: OM1, OM-5, OM-3, and TG7 have weather sealing, I would bet that any entry level camera (if there ever is one) would be weather sealed.

Yeah, the easy answer is the next camera will be the OM-10 - mostly the same as the E-M10 but with weather sealing, USB-C, etc. Maybe it’ll come in a fun outdoorsy color? Olive?

The harder thing for me to predict is what will happen with the E-P7. I’d love to see a weather sealed variant, but if OM System is banking on providing a different “experience” vs a smartphone, having a viewfinder is core to that IMO. So, I almost think a PEN-F II would be more likely. Call it the OM-F?

I think it’s also pretty likely we’ll see Mark II variants of the 12/2 and 45/1.8. The streamlined styling of the 17/1.8 and 25/1.8 II, metal build (an upgrade for the 45), weather sealing, etc.

That brings up an interesting question. What's better for a spec bump/price?

OM-5 mkII sensor/processor in a non-weather sealed body.

Or a weather sealed body but with CDAF?

I think they have to do both, TBH. The Mark IV was already getting slammed for its AF - it’s just not competitive, even at this price point. Everyone’s got pretty good AF, and I think Phase Detect needs to be considered table stakes at this point.

I think the question is how cheap can it go? The E-M10 has lost a bit of the retro look as the grip has grown but it still has some.

Hopefully since the EM1 Mark III, OM-5, and OM-5 Mark II all use the same sensor there’s some economies of scale here. There’s not much more the can “cut” from this camera and still be credible. Even moving from a tilt LCD to fixed miiiight bring costs down, but I think that’s risky.

Not sure what else they can do to simplify it and make it easier to weather seal.

The EP-7 looks more like the camera of the moment though the flip down LCD is a bit of an issue. And again if possible throw the OM-5 sensor/menus in there as it unifies everything.

Yeah again I think they need to stick that sensor in the E-P7 as well, to be competitive. And the form factor is so different between the two I don’t think there’s much risk in them competing with each other.

I think with the OM-5 having more customization, the function lever/AF-ON button and the Computational Modes, there’s enough differentiation to make the lineup make sense.
--

Sam Bennett
Instagram: @swiftbennett

 

[gary0319]

Since every camera to no carry the OM System badge: OM1, OM-5, OM-3, and TG7 have weather sealing, I would bet that any entry level camera (if there ever is one) would be weather sealed.

Yeah, the easy answer is the next camera will be the OM-10 - mostly the same as the E-M10 but with weather sealing, USB-C, etc. Maybe it’ll come in a fun outdoorsy color? Olive?

The harder thing for me to predict is what will happen with the E-P7. I’d love to see a weather sealed variant, but if OM System is banking on providing a different “experience” vs a smartphone, having a viewfinder is core to that IMO. So, I almost think a PEN-F II would be more likely. Call it the OM-F?

I think it’s also pretty likely we’ll see Mark II variants of the 12/2 and 45/1.8. The streamlined styling of the 17/1.8 and 25/1.8 II, metal build (an upgrade for the 45), weather sealing, etc.

That brings up an interesting question. What's better for a spec bump/price?

OM-5 mkII sensor/processor in a non-weather sealed body.

Or a weather sealed body but with CDAF?

I think the question is how cheap can it go? The E-M10 has lost a bit of the retro look as the grip has grown but it still has some.

The EP-7 looks more like the camera of the moment though the flip down LCD is a bit of an issue. And again if possible throw the OM-5 sensor/menus in there as it unifies everything.

Even going to the parts bin as OM has been doing they have some options.

Or, maybe they just stop where they are. The E-M10 IV, without a USB upgrade is seemingly slated for an end of model demise. And maybe the sales figures in the EU and other countries demanding the USB-C are not significant enough to warrant any additional models.

 

[Sam Bennett]

Since every camera to no carry the OM System badge: OM1, OM-5, OM-3, and TG7 have weather sealing, I would bet that any entry level camera (if there ever is one) would be weather sealed.

Yeah, the easy answer is the next camera will be the OM-10 - mostly the same as the E-M10 but with weather sealing, USB-C, etc. Maybe it’ll come in a fun outdoorsy color? Olive?

The harder thing for me to predict is what will happen with the E-P7. I’d love to see a weather sealed variant, but if OM System is banking on providing a different “experience” vs a smartphone, having a viewfinder is core to that IMO. So, I almost think a PEN-F II would be more likely. Call it the OM-F?

I think it’s also pretty likely we’ll see Mark II variants of the 12/2 and 45/1.8. The streamlined styling of the 17/1.8 and 25/1.8 II, metal build (an upgrade for the 45), weather sealing, etc.

That brings up an interesting question. What's better for a spec bump/price?

OM-5 mkII sensor/processor in a non-weather sealed body.

Or a weather sealed body but with CDAF?

I think the question is how cheap can it go? The E-M10 has lost a bit of the retro look as the grip has grown but it still has some.

The EP-7 looks more like the camera of the moment though the flip down LCD is a bit of an issue. And again if possible throw the OM-5 sensor/menus in there as it unifies everything.

Even going to the parts bin as OM has been doing they have some options.

Or, maybe they just stop where they are. The E-M10 IV, without a USB upgrade is seemingly slated for an end of model demise. And maybe the sales figures in the EU and other countries demanding the USB-C are not significant enough to warrant any additional models.

I don’t think they can just bail on that part of the market. They need something in that price point to compete with cameras like the Canon R50. It’s the first step in a hopeful upgrade path for people entering the system.

 

[John Bean (UK)]

2. OM-Vlog 1: An entry level vlogging model with weather sealing and IBIS to compete with the Panasonic G100D. No EVF or flash [...}

Then it doesn't compete with the G100D. At all.

 

[Promeneur]

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

.............

Come on…no complaining. - let’s just brainstorm and have fun with it.

Entry-level means the cheapest true system camera each manufacturer can make. And this also means that entry-level prices need to be competitive between manufacturers.

Entry-level system cameras are made to attract new customers to (obviously) a system, with the aim to lock them into that system for a long time.

To achieve that, entry level cameras must be aggressively subsidized. They are by nature loss makers. They must be seen as a marketing investment in future sales of profitable lenses, and profitable mid and high tier cameras.

At this point in time, I think OM cannot (or not yet) afford to make an entry level camera. They first need to make some profits and build up a war chest. Or find someone that advances them the necessary money. You cannot make profits today, by selling an entry level camera today. The profits only come many months or even years later after the sale. In the meantime a company must be able to survive, whilst selling loss making cameras with kit lenses.

In Japan price talks. Keep it simple for the entry level market. At the moment the EP-7 with the 14 - 42mm is 125,160 yen (US$855.96) and ranked 688 for the last 100 days. The G100D with the 12 - 32mm is 89,100 yen (US$609.35) and ranked 201 for the last 100 days. These rankings change rapidly and often. Inflation is on everyone's mind and elections for the Upper House are on July 20, 2025. Inflation is the number one campaign issue.

When I see young people shopping for cameras they often look at the E-P7. And the other day when I purchased a lens I saw a young lady talking to a sales clerk and looking at the E-P7 and she said it was "too expensive". She then thanked him and I saw her looking at the Sony ZV-1F for 76,800 (US$525.23) yen. My perception here is that people budget carefully like probably everywhere in the world for discretionary purchases and hobbies.

Much of the entry level market doesn't have a wish list of features. They want a simple, inexpensive camera as this is all new to them.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

OM System OM-10

Same sensor / processor as OM-5ii

Same menu system as OM-5ii

6fps burst -both mechanical and electronic with C-AF / 15fps electronic shutter with locked focus (same as E-M10IV)

4K30 8bit 4.2.0 video / 1080p 120fps

fully articulating screen

microphone jack with USB-C adapter to save space (like the headphone jack on some Fujis, that's a brilliant idea)

BLS-50 battery

plastic build

no weather sealing

same EVF as E-M10IV

single UHS-I card slot

pop-up flash

5 axis IBIS

$799 body only - $899 with 14-42 EZ kit lens

That would be a decent upgrde to the E-M10IV (about as much of an upgrade as the move from OM-5 to OM-5ii), and the price is pretty attractive, especially considering no other competitor has IBIS at this price point.

10bit view would be great, but I don't count on that as they already didn't include it with the OM-5ii

 

[cathal gantly]

The entry level OM camera is now the OM5.ii. The feature reduction of the camera is a clear indication of that too. No more F-LM3 flash support, and no battery grip. I'm not sure the EM10 will get V iteration.

OM have yet to decide what they do with the PEN series. While I'm not a fan of cameras without a viewfinder, some are, but it is limiting as a serious tool. For example, I wouldn't like to try using my 40-150 f2.8 on my E-PM1. Any continuation will no doubt dig into the parts bin and reuse technology rather than anything new and ground breaking. Nothing wrong with that by itself, just don't expect miracles.

The biggest issue OM will have to overcome with any entry-level camera is getting the price low enough. Here in the UK I can get a Lumix S5D with lens for... £900. An E-M10.iv with lens is £750. I would suggest an entry level camera needs to be under £500, and you're only getting that with older technology... which is fine for entry level.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

The entry level OM camera is now the OM5.ii. The feature reduction of the camera is a clear indication of that too. No more F-LM3 flash support, and no battery grip. I'm not sure the EM10 will get V iteration.

Not sure I agree about that.

Olympus always had an entry level body, or super entry level body in the shape of an E-M10, E-Px, E-PLx or E-PMx camera.

Other brands all have a budget option (Fujifilm with X-T30 / X-M5, Canon with R100 / R50 / R10, Sony with A6400 / A6100, Nikon With Z30 and Z50II, etc)

Right now, OMDS starts where other brand have their mid range bodies (the OM-5ii stands in a similar pricepoint as camera like the X-S20, A6700, EOS R7) and besides the E-M10IV that they are still selling (and lacks things like PDAF), they don't have a modern entry level camera that would bring modern-ish performance to that segment.

It's their entry level because it's the cheapest newer body that they sell, not because it's actually priced like an entry level camera.

OM have yet to decide what they do with the PEN series. While I'm not a fan of cameras without a viewfinder, some are, but it is limiting as a serious tool. For example, I wouldn't like to try using my 40-150 f2.8 on my E-PM1. Any continuation will no doubt dig into the parts bin and reuse technology rather than anything new and ground breaking. Nothing wrong with that by itself, just don't expect miracles.

The biggest issue OM will have to overcome with any entry-level camera is getting the price low enough. Here in the UK I can get a Lumix S5D with lens for... £900. An E-M10.iv with lens is £750. I would suggest an entry level camera needs to be under £500, and you're only getting that with older technology... which is fine for entry level.

 

[Sam Bennett]

The entry level OM camera is now the OM5.ii. The feature reduction of the camera is a clear indication of that too. No more F-LM3 flash support, and no battery grip. I'm not sure the EM10 will get V iteration.

Not sure I agree about that.

Olympus always had an entry level body, or super entry level body in the shape of an E-M10, E-Px, E-PLx or E-PMx camera.

Other brands all have a budget option (Fujifilm with X-T30 / X-M5, Canon with R100 / R50 / R10, Sony with A6400 / A6100, Nikon With Z30 and Z50II, etc)

Right now, OMDS starts where other brand have their mid range bodies (the OM-5ii stands in a similar pricepoint as camera like the X-S20, A6700, EOS R7) and besides the E-M10IV that they are still selling (and lacks things like PDAF), they don't have a modern entry level camera that would bring modern-ish performance to that segment.

It's their entry level because it's the cheapest newer body that they sell, not because it's actually priced like an entry level camera.

Exactly. It's a fact of life for any company who's trying to draw people into a system to start their journey towards (hopefully) buying more and more lenses and ever more complex (and expensive) bodies. Having entry-level bodies makes it more likely that you can capture younger buyers, or people who just don't have the budget for a more advanced body.

Canon, for instance has APS-C R mount bodies starting at $530 (which you can currently pick up for $430 new from B&H), which includes Dual Pixel AF, etc. I don't think OMS will be able to compete there but they need something sub-$1,000. The E-M10 Mark IV lists at $700 and is currently selling for $600. If they can stick Phase Detect in that body and keep the price down to $700-$800 they'll have something that's pretty competitive and much more attractive than something like the R100.

They will have to bank on the vintage styling, hopefully a more "premium" feel and weather sealing to justify people paying more for a bespoke OM-10. They'll never be able to beat Canon on price, so they need a solid product that stands out from the "big black camera" crowd.

--

Sam Bennett
Instagram: @swiftbennett

 

[Mark Ransom]

Steal a page from Sony's book, and sell the original OM-5 at a tremendous discount.

Except that wouldn't work for Europe, because they didn't have the foresight to switch to USB-C a year earlier.

 

[Jaime100]

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.

Here's a thought....why are we all looking at having 'entry' level cameras with 'entry' level pricing.

Just have a line.....a solid line with clear delineation between products. Don't worry about price point as honestly the newbie's/ young people in the crowd are going to go the 'retro' way and pick up some point and shoot on eBay.

Being that OM systems is a bit strapped for money don't waste it on conventional thinking. Build a solid feature-line of cameras and once the newbies are out of the 'point and shoot' /retro/cheap/ old Ebay bought cameras, they, the consumer jumps up into the features they need.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

The entry level OM camera is now the OM5.ii. The feature reduction of the camera is a clear indication of that too. No more F-LM3 flash support, and no battery grip. I'm not sure the EM10 will get V iteration.

Not sure I agree about that.

Olympus always had an entry level body, or super entry level body in the shape of an E-M10, E-Px, E-PLx or E-PMx camera.

Other brands all have a budget option (Fujifilm with X-T30 / X-M5, Canon with R100 / R50 / R10, Sony with A6400 / A6100, Nikon With Z30 and Z50II, etc)

Right now, OMDS starts where other brand have their mid range bodies (the OM-5ii stands in a similar pricepoint as camera like the X-S20, A6700, EOS R7) and besides the E-M10IV that they are still selling (and lacks things like PDAF), they don't have a modern entry level camera that would bring modern-ish performance to that segment.

It's their entry level because it's the cheapest newer body that they sell, not because it's actually priced like an entry level camera.

Exactly. It's a fact of life for any company who's trying to draw people into a system to start their journey towards (hopefully) buying more and more lenses and ever more complex (and expensive) bodies. Having entry-level bodies makes it more likely that you can capture younger buyers, or people who just don't have the budget for a more advanced body.

Canon, for instance has APS-C R mount bodies starting at $530 (which you can currently pick up for $430 new from B&H), which includes Dual Pixel AF, etc. I don't think OMS will be able to compete there but they need something sub-$1,000. The E-M10 Mark IV lists at $700 and is currently selling for $600. If they can stick Phase Detect in that body and keep the price down to $700-$800 they'll have something that's pretty competitive and much more attractive than something like the R100.

Yep exactly. Take the E-M10IV, slap an OM System logo on the front, the OM-5ii processor / sensor / menu system in there, keep everything else as it is right now and that's a pretty good entry level camera.

I'd prefer if they gave it a fully articulated screen to be more coherent with the rest of the lineup (that all have one), but if they don't that's fine as long as the camera is affordable.

They will have to bank on the vintage styling, hopefully a more "premium" feel and weather sealing to justify people paying more for a bespoke OM-10. They'll never be able to beat Canon on price, so they need a solid product that stands out from the "big black camera" crowd.

 

[Sam Bennett]

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.

Here's a thought....why are we all looking at having 'entry' level cameras with 'entry' level pricing.

Just have a line.....a solid line with clear delineation between products. Don't worry about price point as honestly the newbie's/ young people in the crowd are going to go the 'retro' way and pick up some point and shoot on eBay.

You can't tell a company building hardware to not "worry about price point". Creating successful products is a big balancing act between what the market expects and what you can build and be profitable with at a certain price point. There's no getting around it.

 

[gary0319]

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.

Here's a thought....why are we all looking at having 'entry' level cameras with 'entry' level pricing.

Just have a line.....a solid line with clear delineation between products. Don't worry about price point as honestly the newbie's/ young people in the crowd are going to go the 'retro' way and pick up some point and shoot on eBay.

Being that OM systems is a bit strapped for money don't waste it on conventional thinking. Build a solid feature-line of cameras and once the newbies are out of the 'point and shoot' /retro/cheap/ old Ebay bought cameras, they, the consumer jumps up into the features they need.

Just going out on a limb here. OMDS most likely knows exactly what demographic has been buying their 10 series cameras, and in what geographic markets. They also know how that demographic /area markets differs from their other offerings… OM-1, 3, 5, TG. Whatever we might think would be a good entry offering without having that kind of information is just fantasy, IMO.

 

[cathal gantly]

Whatever we might think would be a good entry offering without having that kind of information is just fantasy, IMO.

Absolutely agree Gary!

Reminds me of cries of "OMDS should make a Pen-F.ii". That camera failed, and Olympus said so, albeit politely. They know the development cost, timescales and resources required. They understand the supply chain. They know what price it has to sell for. They know the return they need. They have the sales data. People here have none of that.

 

[Sam Bennett]

Whatever we might think would be a good entry offering without having that kind of information is just fantasy, IMO.

Absolutely agree Gary!

Reminds me of cries of "OMDS should make a Pen-F.ii". That camera failed, and Olympus said so, albeit politely. They know the development cost, timescales and resources required. They understand the supply chain. They know what price it has to sell for. They know the return they need. They have the sales data. People here have none of that.

I don't disagree with that, but I would also say that they have current data about the market, and they're not going to make decisions based on what the market looked like ten years ago to make decisions now. That the PEN-F failed ten years ago, doesn't really say much about whether an equivalent product would succeed today, in today's market.

 

[ttbirds]

I think it should be an update to the EPL10 (i.e. not Pen F which is high end).

Will need at least 16MP, 3-axis IBIS, PDAF, UHSII, USB-C, UVC-720p and a mic-in port.

The key selling point is compact size for the smartphone user.

 

[gary0319]

Whatever we might think would be a good entry offering without having that kind of information is just fantasy, IMO.

Absolutely agree Gary!

Reminds me of cries of "OMDS should make a Pen-F.ii". That camera failed, and Olympus said so, albeit politely. They know the development cost, timescales and resources required. They understand the supply chain. They know what price it has to sell for. They know the return they need. They have the sales data. People here have none of that.

I don't disagree with that, but I would also say that they have current data about the market, and they're not going to make decisions based on what the market looked like ten years ago to make decisions now. That the PEN-F failed ten years ago, doesn't really say much about whether an equivalent product would succeed today, in today's market.

Absolutely true, but some here seem to want to revisit those same years by resurrecting the $500 3 lens, profitless, Costco deals.