JIP may kill the entry level mIcro Four Thirds products line in favour of high end OMD and PEN

43rumors got the following info from an Olympus source:

I have recently been told by a Olympus representative that JIP is most likely to continue developing the PRO segment of their MFT system, and possibly there will be a re-branding without the Olympus name. It is also likely that they will discontinue the volume cameras, such as the E-PL series. Non of this is officially confirmed, but it is said that they are working on a press release that will be released within approximately one month from today.

to me it makes sense to focus on high end only. There is no way to make money with uninteresting $500 PEN cameras.

LEAKED press text: Panasonic S5 will cost $1999

The Panasonic S5 will be priced at$1997.99 and $2297.99 with the kit lens. ISO sensitivity is 50, to 102400 with an extended ISO of 204800.

Leaked press text:

LUMIX S5 full-frame mirrorless camera is designed especially for content creators. Latest advances in image resolution, image stabilization, and autofocus all in this compact camera that is the signature of LUMIX.
Experience extraordinary video recording in 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit. It also offers a Full HD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as 4:3 Anamorphic support. This is what makes S5 perfect for use when talking still photos or as a vlog camera.L-rumors

With 24.2MP 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, the LUMIX S5 boasts a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity performance. The adopted Dual Native ISO technology enables the LUMIX S5 to record maximum ISO 51200 crystal-clear high sensitivity video. Dual Native ISO minimizes noise in high sensitivity. V-Log/V-Gamut compatibility offers a 14+ stop dynamic range to sensitivity. V-Log/V-Gamut compatibility offers a 14+ stop dynamic range to capture every detail.

The improved autofocus detects head as well as eyes, face and body. The powerful Dual Image Stabilization with 5-axis enables 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.

The compact nature of the S5 is one of the signature features of the LUMIX series. To make sure that your camera withstands tough field use, the S5 comes with a dust and splash resistant construction. Optimized heat dispersion ensures a stable, continuous video recording without interruption.

One of the expanded features of LUMIX S5 is the Live View Composite mode which instantly creates a stunning image out of several live shots; the shutter releases at designated intervals of exposure time to merge the bright parts into a single image. Useful for shooting fireworks or a starry sky.

via Nokishita

Rumor says Sony might give you a new Full Frame A5 with IBIS, pop up EVF, 4k60 (crop) for a price around $1,000

rendering of a possible A5 camera (Yukai)

Now if that rumor turns out to be true than Fuji and MFT folks will have to worry. Sony might plan to launch a new $1,000 Full Frame camera in September. Those are the first and super wild rumored specs via SAR:

  • new body design similar to a5xxx/a6xxx mixed metal and plastic.
  • The grip is pretty large to accommodate the battery.
  • 5 fps
  • ibis
  • no pop-up flash
  • there is a pop-up evf with 770.000 pixels (2.3m points) 0.6x mag.
  • Also touch screen like the a7sIII
  • records 4k 24p 10bit 100mbps, 4k 30p 10bit 100mbps and it even has 50/60p 4k but is really crippled they told me no audio, cropped and works only in s&q mode

This one would sell hot and basically kill the entire APS-C segment!

MR note: I only wrote this statement to attract Fuji and MFT trolls in the comment system….like flies on shit :)