I guess I can see that line of reasoning.

I've never really figured out the differentiation between the Gx and GHx lines. I get that the GH have some more video-centric features, but the differences have never seemed like enough to me to warrant keeping them as separate lines.

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It is kinda like the older Nikon days to me. I USED an F3HP for work, but there was nothing like picking up an FM/FE to shoot with. Somehow the camera nailed the user experience like no other. The F3 was a cold, impersonal workhorse that never let me down, but that FE was like a friend. The E-PL2 is like a Nikon FM/FE to me, always a joy to shoot with, but I'd like an E-P3.

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Nikon D600, 24-85VR, 70-300VR, P7700, SB-700.

I think that's why the G3 is much simplified control wise compared to the G2. Of course Panasonic has introduced the GX line now so that gives them four different products but it looks like they are really divided into two lines. Consumer oriented with the GF/G (the biggest difference being the EVF and flip out LCD) and the GX/GH as their enthusiast oriented cameras (with the biggest difference still being the EVF and flip out LCD).

I've avoided the EPL line because of the controls it drops, which are important to me. But with the full and abundantly customized controls of the E-M5, the Pen line would be more distinctive if built along the lines of the EPL models. If they take that route, my future m4/3 cameras will very likely all be OMD's. They may be anyway, as the two dials make shooting it a real joy for me. But no dial is a no starter.

Whatever it's called, whatever else happens around it,

E-PL3 + E-M5 sensor + Touchscreen = WIN

The E-M5 sensor in a shrunken down E-PL body will be a camera where you just wonder how they made something so small to be so good. Rear LCDs/OLEDs are great. Articulate them and they become awesome. Add a capacitive touchscreen with focus and shutter control and they deserve their own religion.

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Nic
E-M5, GH1
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>> Insert quote here <<

That's pretty much all I'm looking for in the next gen, although I'd really really like the E-P3 pop-up flash too.

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E-P3 | 14 | 25 | 45 | 40-150 | various legacy

I think the best re-jig in the PEN line from the customers' standpoint would be:

• E-P5 going with EVF (like NEX7), touchscreen (surely present), no weathersealing. This is unlikely as it would undermine the OM-D line.
• E-PL moving slightly up towards the E-P3 position in price/controls
• E-PM No idea, I prefer to have more controls. I would hope they don't take the hotshoe off, I think it's a selling point for many over the similar cameras without one (GF, NEX3/5). Maybe the mini would be taken out of the PEN line, different branding?

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GX1 - OM-D E-M5 - Lumix G 7-14 | 12-35 | 20 | 35-100 | 45-175 - m.ZD 12-50 | 45 - Samyang 7.5 - 500px

If you take the hot shoe off of the mini, then you have no flash and no possibility of a flash. Seems unworkable. I think they make it a touchscreen and either lower the price with the current sensor or update the sensor. I think they're hoping to steal P&S buyers with the mini and they are well positioned to do so, especially if they can kick the price down a tad. Doesn't sound like a revolution, though ...

I'd make a small change. Take an E-P3 + EM-5 sensor + articulating OLED touch screen + take the flash off the E-PL1 (where you can flip it back with your finger to bounce it) + clickable thumbwheel. That would bring the awesome.

I'd buy that.

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Twitter: @xmunos | Flickr: Digital3x | Blog: http://blog.alexmunos.com