Realistic "WOW" Camera expectations

[Raist3d]

I think it would be good that some realistic expectations are drawn for this camera. Here's what It think would be reasonable for this camera to do/have, that seems doable. And to be clear: this is just a thought, it could be spot on or off in some areas, but what I expect.

• ~$2249 MSRP USD
• EM1MKIII class body but with some layout enhancements from EM1X
• Astro Tracking probably happening

• 20 MP sensor
• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• Slightly improved HHHR - making the process faster = avoid movement/light changes in scenes more often
• Probably some degree of automatic movement removal in HHHR shots

• Def. improved video quality (bit rate/pro raws support- or whatever the name is- maybe, etc.)
• Live ND from EM1X, but maybe one more stop of filtering sim.
• IBIS - maybe 0.5 stops better than EM1MKIII

• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Maybe bracketed HDR mode with 14-bit RAW capture, but not 14-bit raw generally speaking

• Maybe improved tripod high res reaching to 100 MP of details through more precise sensor shift mechanism
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Maybe- some way to connect camera directly to internet and upload/transfer shots

• Fully articulated LCD (unfortunately )
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Dual UHS-II or III card slots (probably II)

• Ability to do Panoramas. Better than what we see on OM10/EP7
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with full AF over EM1.3/EM1X
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with locked AF/Exposure rover EM1.3/EM1X

• Maybe improved LCD resolution
• New UI enhancements particularly where it concerns touch screen.

What I don't expect:

• New miracle sensor designed by OM Digital Solutions / Olympus. And definitively not multi layer like Foveon. Those of you from the 4/3rds era maybe remember the "Trine/Thrine" sensor that never happened
• 14-bit RAW
• Better tones/DR/ISO than best ASPC/FF cameras on general shooting (i.e. not using special modes)

• Priced less than $2,000 USD MSRP
• A major IBIS breakthrough like 1.5 or more stops of improvement over EM1.3
• Improved LCD resolution (though maybe it can but doubt it)

I basically expect it to be an "EM1MKIV" - a pretty solid MFT cameras for those who are doing pro work earning cash. Everyone going to jump here remember the current camera you adore so much keeps working the same - do you really need any of this for your photography?

Speaking for myself: to me this is about showing new tech and make it trickle down fast to other models. I don't see myself buying this camera due to size and that I have what I need right now. An EM5.4 that could do the same level of HHHR I expect this one to do could be wonderful.

I hope OM Digital Solutions realizes that spreading the new sensor/cpu speed/key image quality through the whole line is better for them. Distinguish by continuous drive buffer, build quality, more sub-options for some of the features vs the lower end. Overall speed/battery life.

Thoughts?

What is the one feature you expect this camera will bring and which key things you don't expect to have (whether you would like it to or not).

--
Raist3d/Ricardo (Photographer, software dev.)- I photograph black cats in coal mines at night...
“The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.” - Apparently Selwyn Duke and not George Orwell

 

[skysurfer5]

Seems reasonable, but time will tell. BTW, the E-M1 Mk III already has live ND.

 

[Raist3d]

Seems reasonable, but time will tell. BTW, the E-M1 Mk III already has live ND.

Thanks for the reminder, I guess I meant improved in some way vs now.

 

[laikam]

most of the camera DNA is leftover Olympus thinking and development, so it will be a upgrade not a new camera.

 

[Stizzu68]

most of the camera DNA is leftover Olympus thinking and development, so it will be a upgrade not a new camera.

Owners aside OM Solution is Olympus. The technical staff and organization have been maintained, although probably reduced in order to make the company profitable.

But finally, a new sensor is available and pretty sure they required a new much faster processor to take advantage of its speed.

So will probably look very similar to the OMd1Mkii and III (that would be a very good thing) but in many respects, I expect a greater leap forward than between the original OM-D E-M1 and the MKii.

 

[AnthonyC2000]

I might be proven wrong however I really think this wow camera will be the successor to both the M1.3 and the M1X. Meaning the 2 product lines will be merged. Because 1) The M1X large form factor really doesn't go with the light weight, mobile DNA in Olympus/OMDS and its marketing image. M1X had to have a larger body due to technological constraints at the time. Now things have advanced so more functionality can be packed into a smaller body closer to the E-M1 series. 2) From financial point of view, it doesn't make sense for OMDS to maintain two product lines. OMDS's top priority now is digging itself out of the deep financial hole. It needs to survive first. Well, we are only one week away to find out...

 

[Messier Object]

I expect it to be called "OM-1"

This in itself will (in the eyes of the OMDS Marketing Dept) constitute the majority of the "wow"-ness.

The rest will be new EVF, LCD and tweaked features and maybe some new ones which will be argued over by tech heads and forum pundits but it will ultimately make no more of a dent in the market place than the E-M1X did.

The opening price will be high just as the E-M1X was and will fall gradually over 2022-23.

Early adopters will rush to buy it but by the end of the year smart buyers will choose the E-M1 III as it will be 90% as capable for 60% of the price.

Peter

 

[Stizzu68]

I think it would be good that some realistic expectations are drawn for this camera. Here's what It think would be reasonable for this camera to do/have, that seems doable. And to be clear: this is just a thought, it could be spot on or off in some areas, but what I expect.

• ~$2249 MSRP USD
• EM1MKIII class body but with some layout enhancements from EM1X
• Astro Tracking probably happening

• 20 MP sensor
• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• Slightly improved HHHR - making the process faster = avoid movement/light changes in scenes more often
• Probably some degree of automatic movement removal in HHHR shots

• Def. improved video quality (bit rate/pro raws support- or whatever the name is- maybe, etc.)
• Live ND from EM1X, but maybe one more stop of filtering sim.
• IBIS - maybe 0.5 stops better than EM1MKIII

• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Maybe bracketed HDR mode with 14-bit RAW capture, but not 14-bit raw generally speaking

• Maybe improved tripod high res reaching to 100 MP of details through more precise sensor shift mechanism
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Maybe- some way to connect camera directly to internet and upload/transfer shots

• Fully articulated LCD (unfortunately )
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Dual UHS-II or III card slots (probably II)

• Ability to do Panoramas. Better than what we see on OM10/EP7
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with full AF over EM1.3/EM1X
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with locked AF/Exposure rover EM1.3/EM1X

• Maybe improved LCD resolution
• New UI enhancements particularly where it concerns touch screen.

What I don't expect:

• New miracle sensor designed by OM Digital Solutions / Olympus. And definitively not multi layer like Foveon. Those of you from the 4/3rds era maybe remember the "Trine/Thrine" sensor that never happened
• 14-bit RAW
• Better tones/DR/ISO than best ASPC/FF cameras on general shooting (i.e. not using special modes)

• Priced less than $2,000 USD MSRP
• A major IBIS breakthrough like 1.5 or more stops of improvement over EM1.3
• Improved LCD resolution (though maybe it can but doubt it)

I basically expect it to be an "EM1MKIV" - a pretty solid MFT cameras for those who are doing pro work earning cash. Everyone going to jump here remember the current camera you adore so much keeps working the same - do you really need any of this for your photography?

Speaking for myself: to me this is about showing new tech and make it trickle down fast to other models. I don't see myself buying this camera due to size and that I have what I need right now. An EM5.4 that could do the same level of HHHR I expect this one to do could be wonderful.

I hope OM Digital Solutions realizes that spreading the new sensor/cpu speed/key image quality through the whole line is better for them. Distinguish by continuous drive buffer, build quality, more sub-options for some of the features vs the lower end. Overall speed/battery life.

Thoughts?

What is the one feature you expect this camera will bring and which key things you don't expect to have (whether you would like it to or not).

I guess and hope you are not too far from reality.

Concerning the sensor, I do not expect miracles but it will be designed by Olympus and manufactured by Sony (at least this was what a german manager from OM solutions clearly stated last year in a video interview). Not sure how much will differ from the one announced by Sony but for sure will include PDAF and probably some changes.

As far as I'm concerned I hope:

• no increase in resolution (I prefer more speed)
• better focus stacking (faster and with more frames), the current one already works wonders and for my work as a geologist and for my hobbies it is very useful
• improved HHHR, faster and with more fields of application (I don't care about the extra pixels but it is a very good noise reducer)
• New viewfinder
• New AI functions to surprise me

 

[SonyX]

I think it would be good that some realistic expectations are drawn for this camera. Here's what It think would be reasonable for this camera to do/have, that seems doable. And to be clear: this is just a thought, it could be spot on or off in some areas, but what I expect.

• ~$2249 MSRP USD
• EM1MKIII class body but with some layout enhancements from EM1X
• Astro Tracking probably happening

• 20 MP sensor
• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• Slightly improved HHHR - making the process faster = avoid movement/light changes in scenes more often
• Probably some degree of automatic movement removal in HHHR shots

• Def. improved video quality (bit rate/pro raws support- or whatever the name is- maybe, etc.)
• Live ND from EM1X, but maybe one more stop of filtering sim.
• IBIS - maybe 0.5 stops better than EM1MKIII

• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Maybe bracketed HDR mode with 14-bit RAW capture, but not 14-bit raw generally speaking

• Maybe improved tripod high res reaching to 100 MP of details through more precise sensor shift mechanism
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Maybe- some way to connect camera directly to internet and upload/transfer shots

• Fully articulated LCD (unfortunately )
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Dual UHS-II or III card slots (probably II)

• Ability to do Panoramas. Better than what we see on OM10/EP7
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with full AF over EM1.3/EM1X
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with locked AF/Exposure rover EM1.3/EM1X

• Maybe improved LCD resolution
• New UI enhancements particularly where it concerns touch screen.

vs the lower end. Overall speed/battery life.

Thoughts?

which spec is related to the promised WOW factor in 2022?

 

[Mercius]

• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Priced less than $2,000 USD MSRP

These improvements would make me buy it. Definitely. Wish you're right.

 

[Vahur Krouverk]

which spec is related to the promised WOW factor in 2022?

There is already WOW

https://wow.olympus.eu/

 

[Stizzu68]

I might be proven wrong however I really think this wow camera will be the successor to both the M1.3 and the M1X. Meaning the 2 product lines will be merged. Because 1) The M1X large form factor really doesn't go with the light weight, mobile DNA in Olympus/OMDS and its marketing image. M1X had to have a larger body due to technological constraints at the time. Now things have advanced so more functionality can be packed into a smaller body closer to the E-M1 series. 2) From financial point of view, it doesn't make sense for OMDS to maintain two product lines. OMDS's top priority now is digging itself out of the deep financial hole. It needs to survive first. Well, we are only one week away to find out...

We will see.

Personally, I like a lot the OMD-1x when I use telelenses, but yes the OMD 1 "normal" line is more versatile and they should give priority to it.

But if they will have the resources to develop in the next years a 1X MKii with the new sensor and 2 new processors this will allow further improvements in things as AF tracking or AI-driven features.

It will find estimators like the 1X eventually did, but it will never be as popular as the 1 series and will remain a niche product.
Since I think they were talking about one camera per year, there is room to update all product lines, from the smallest to the largest.
We'll see if they do that, I hope so.

 

[Dspider]

I think it would be good that some realistic expectations are drawn for this camera. Here's what It think would be reasonable for this camera to do/have, that seems doable. And to be clear: this is just a thought, it could be spot on or off in some areas, but what I expect.

• ~$2249 MSRP USD
• EM1MKIII class body but with some layout enhancements from EM1X
• Astro Tracking probably happening

• 20 MP sensor
• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• Slightly improved HHHR - making the process faster = avoid movement/light changes in scenes more often
• Probably some degree of automatic movement removal in HHHR shots

• Def. improved video quality (bit rate/pro raws support- or whatever the name is- maybe, etc.)
• Live ND from EM1X, but maybe one more stop of filtering sim.
• IBIS - maybe 0.5 stops better than EM1MKIII

• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Maybe bracketed HDR mode with 14-bit RAW capture, but not 14-bit raw generally speaking

• Maybe improved tripod high res reaching to 100 MP of details through more precise sensor shift mechanism
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Maybe- some way to connect camera directly to internet and upload/transfer shots

• Fully articulated LCD (unfortunately )
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Dual UHS-II or III card slots (probably II)

• Ability to do Panoramas. Better than what we see on OM10/EP7
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with full AF over EM1.3/EM1X
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with locked AF/Exposure rover EM1.3/EM1X

• Maybe improved LCD resolution
• New UI enhancements particularly where it concerns touch screen.

vs the lower end. Overall speed/battery life.

Thoughts?

which spec is related to the promised WOW factor in 2022?

The $

 

[Interceptor121]

Your view seems more an incremental upgrade

Nothing seems to benefit from the faster sensor readout or the fact that each pixel can be configured for imaging or phase difference?

I believe some of the points Olympus was lagging on (video, subject recognition) are unrelated to the image sensor but connected to the rest of the image pipeline.

I wonder what has been done to catch up on that front?

 

[Adrian Harris]

I might be proven wrong however I really think this wow camera will be the successor to both the M1.3 and the M1X. Meaning the 2 product lines will be merged. Because 1) The M1X large form factor really doesn't go with the light weight, mobile DNA in Olympus/OMDS and its marketing image. M1X had to have a larger body due to technological constraints at the time. Now things have advanced so more functionality can be packed into a smaller body closer to the E-M1 series. 2) From financial point of view, it doesn't make sense for OMDS to maintain two product lines. OMDS's top priority now is digging itself out of the deep financial hole. It needs to survive first. Well, we are only one week away to find out...

One reason for the larger em1x size if I recall correctly was it featured cooling pipes. Surely if the speed and recording quality - and time before overheating causing shutdown, - are improved, it's going to need even more cooling?

Technology won't shrink that very much.

 

[faunagraphy]

I think it would be good that some realistic expectations are drawn for this camera. Here's what It think would be reasonable for this camera to do/have, that seems doable. And to be clear: this is just a thought, it could be spot on or off in some areas, but what I expect.

• ~$2249 MSRP USD
• EM1MKIII class body but with some layout enhancements from EM1X
• Astro Tracking probably happening

• 20 MP sensor
• New AI AF modes (all the ones from EM1X but finally we get People/Pets)
• Slightly improved HHHR - making the process faster = avoid movement/light changes in scenes more often
• Probably some degree of automatic movement removal in HHHR shots

• Def. improved video quality (bit rate/pro raws support- or whatever the name is- maybe, etc.)
• Live ND from EM1X, but maybe one more stop of filtering sim.
• IBIS - maybe 0.5 stops better than EM1MKIII

• EVF without blackout (at least in some fps modes) in continuous shooting
• 1/3rd to 1/2 of a stop DR/ISO improvement over EM1MKIII (probably 1/3rd)
• Maybe bracketed HDR mode with 14-bit RAW capture, but not 14-bit raw generally speaking

• Maybe improved tripod high res reaching to 100 MP of details through more precise sensor shift mechanism
• Increased resolution EVF, while keeping refresh at 120fps
• Maybe- some way to connect camera directly to internet and upload/transfer shots

• Fully articulated LCD (unfortunately )
• Definitively improved AF in general over EM1MKIII/EM1X
• Dual UHS-II or III card slots (probably II)

• Ability to do Panoramas. Better than what we see on OM10/EP7
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with full AF over EM1.3/EM1X
• Faster continuous shooting/length of continuous shooting with locked AF/Exposure rover EM1.3/EM1X

• Maybe improved LCD resolution
• New UI enhancements particularly where it concerns touch screen.

vs the lower end. Overall speed/battery life.

Thoughts?

which spec is related to the promised WOW factor in 2022?

Since this is an OM SYSTEM camera, the wow factor would be something that m43 shooters have been craving but has been missing, other brands be damned.

For example, algorithms like ProCapture, LiveBulb or Live ND would be a "wow" factor for your beloved Sony cameras. Or even reliable weather-sealing.

 

[Chris R-UK]

It is extremely likely that the new camera will use Sony's new IMX472 sensor which is back illuminated, stacked and with a maximum shooting rate of 120 fps. Why on earth did Sony develop the sensor if it isn't going into this camera.

Back illumination means slightly less noise (?). Any other benefits?

The stacked sensor means virtually no rolling shutter which will be a big deal for me and others shooting fast moving wildlife and sports.

I wonder if it will be electronic shutter only like the Nikon Z9?

 

[Interceptor121]

Back illumination means slightly less noise (?). Any other benefits?

It means higher sensitivity which means ability to catch light at low level of illumination. This does not mean it has less noise in fact it may have more but should have better SNR at high ISO

 

[SonyX]

which spec is related to the promised WOW factor in 2022?

Since this is an OM SYSTEM camera, the wow factor would be something that m43 shooters have been craving but has been missing, other brands be damned.

For example, algorithms like ProCapture, LiveBulb or Live ND would be a "wow" factor for your beloved Sony cameras. Or even reliable weather-sealing.

You are missing 2 things - "WOW" features was promised for a new MFT camera, in comparison to existing MFT cameras, not other brands. "ProCapture, LiveBulb or Live ND" - were selling features for previous cameras.
the only real WOW factor for now - that will be announced.
I'm not "diving" with the cameras, weather-sealing is more than reliable and satisfactory, newer had a problems with it.

 

[Raist3d]

I might be proven wrong however I really think this wow camera will be the successor to both the M1.3 and the M1X. Meaning the 2 product lines will be merged. Because 1) The M1X large form factor really doesn't go with the light weight, mobile DNA in Olympus/OMDS and its marketing image. M1X had to have a larger body due to technological constraints at the time. Now things have advanced so more functionality can be packed into a smaller body closer to the E-M1 series. 2) From financial point of view, it doesn't make sense for OMDS to maintain two product lines. OMDS's top priority now is digging itself out of the deep financial hole. It needs to survive first. Well, we are only one week away to find out...

Well I see it more like the Em1X line reaching a dead end and the Em1MK1, 2, 3 .. continuing.