Just saw this post from everyone's favorite rumors site that seems to indicate that Olympus is going to streamline their PEN offerings and make the differences more "obvious". My initial thought after reading that was that the "PEN Lite" lineup would be eliminated, leaving the "PEN Mini" and the "PEN".

However the next sentence states that "Olympus were surprised by the huge E-PL3 sales". This seems to run counter to what I've seen from users of this forum who seem to have overwhelmingly chosen the E-PM1 over the E-PL3. Given the current (US) price structure, the E-PL3 doesn't seem to be well positioned. Is the E-PL3 selling like hotcakes in Asia?

What do you think the coming "revolution" for the PEN lineup means?

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While it has been great for consumers, I have always thought that Olympus' habit of bringing out a less expensive/full featured camera like the E-PL line couldn't have been good for the sales of their flagship E-P line. Given how popular the E-M5 has been I coud see them eliminating the E-P line and keep the E-PL and E-PM1 lines. That would differentiate their products a little more clearly. I'm not saying I agree with something like that but it wouldn't surprise me at all. The PEN brand would emphasize small size and be more consumer friendly in much the way Panasonic has changed their GF cameras between the GF1 and the GF5. The EM line might get expanded so that the hole left by the E-P3 is filled by a slightly scaled back version of the E-M5.

Just my 2 cents.

Sounds like a good move.

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The thought of eliminating the E-Px line hadn't occurred to me, but I guess that would make sense in light of the introduction of the OM-D. I'd hate to see that occur, but I agree that would provide more differentiation in their lineup.

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Would make sense to streamline down to 2 pen models instead of 3 - the E-PM1, E-PL3 and E-P3 are all a bit too similar in terms of features. (The only real difference between the E-PM1 and the E-PL3 is the tilt screen and a couple more buttons). Especially now there is the Em-5/OMD as well. EM-5 sensor in a Pen with the touch screen of the E-P3 but articulated like the E-PL3/Nex screens would be nice.

Maybe they will have one model with a built in EVF and one compact (E-PM1/E-PL3/GF3 style) model, catering both for p&s upgraders and those switching from a dslr?

Massage an E-PL3 a little bit (larger screen with touch, better build, revised sensor), charge an extra hundred bucks, drop the E-P, and you've got a solid contender for a camera at US 800. Maybe even 700. Leave the mini, brand em however you want, and you've got two steps of consumer PENs before getting to the OM-D lineup. Makes sense to me.

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Olympus E-M5, Sony A65, lenses.

I hope at least the spirit of the E-Px line does not disappear. The E-P3 appeals to me so much more than a E-PL3 or E-PM; there is still a market for people like me who will want a higher end model without a EVF.

I think you're right about the integration of the EPL and EP lines. I can really see them do that. The problem with EP now is that a new model, if priced same as EP3 before, would be more expensive that EM5 with fewer features, if you have to also buy a viewfinder separately. Sure, some people might still go for it because they really want that rectangular forum factor, but for most people I think it would be a really glaring inequity . I don't know if they would want to underprice EP either. That would dilute the brand name.
Maybe the EPL4 will just get beefed up and fancified a bit and that's all. 16mp sensor for the EPL4, and the 12mp GF5 sensor for the EPM2.

I hope the spirit of the E-Px continues too. I'd love a beefed up E-Px. Well, I'll say this much, Olympus has my attention, I'll be holding off any new camera purchase until I know what they are bringing to the dance.

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If the ZX-1 goes to a 1" sensor. I'd say drop the mini and merge the EPL and EPx into 1 cam. Leaving..

New Line-up would look sweet if it were:

E-X (if it's in the works); Flagship

OM-D E-M5 (weather sealed, EVF)

PEN EP-5 (non weather sealed, no builtin EVF, OM-D Sensor, EM-5 screen, built-in flash, hopefully 5-axis IBIS)

Sell the EP-5 at about $750 with kit lens

I'd scoop the EP-5 in a second. Even though Olympus may be surprised at the sales numbers for the the PEN lite variant, in my opinion it has more to do with the price point and rear screen then anything else... hopefully, they get that and redo the new EP-X accordingly.

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I was always eyeing a Sigma DP2s but with too many short comings to be my only body. Finally treated myself to proper camera. An Olympus EP-2 with a kit lens. 20mm/1.7 soon to be had, and the addition of a legacy zoom. May still get a used DP2s for landscape photography.. just something about that Fovean look. If anyone has a PS action replicate it, please let me know.