As a follow up to our Panasonic rumor round-up and predictions, here are some collected rumors and and a healthy dose of speculation about what we may see from Olympus.

We can expect to see two new Pen bodies announced in association with Photokina, most likely an E-PL5 and E-PM2 (R1). Our sources say that both of these cameras will use the E-M5 sensor while neither will use the E-M5 image stabilization system (R2). Otherwise, few changes are expected to these cameras other than revised ergonomics (1).

We do not expect a replacement for the E-P3 at this time. I'm told that another OM-D camera is expected at the end of 2012 or early 2013, will not be announced with the new Pens, and will not replace the E-M5 (R3).

I've gotten mixed reports about Olympus lenses. 43 Rumors reported that a tiny 15mm f/8 prime will be announced and possibly bundled with the new E-PM body (2). As previously reported, one source indicated that we would see black versions of the 12 and 45mm primes along with an inexpensive 25mm f/1.8 from Olympus and a a premium 12-60mm f/2.8-4 zoom. I haven't gotten any further confirmation of those rumors, so the likelihood of seeing those next month seems low. A different source tells me that we will see the 60mm macro, a new kit zoom, and learn that a supertelephoto prime is in development (R4).

My expectations for the September Olympus announcements:

-New E-PM2 and E-PL5 which are similar to the E-PM1 and E-PL3 but with small integrated grips and the E-M5 sensor

-Availability of 60mm macro, super cheap and tiny 15mm f/8 lens, and announcement of premium 12-60mm zoom in development.

I also expect that we'll learn more about a new regular (non-Micro) 4/3 body in development (3).


Rumor Grades: R1:B; R2, R3: B-; R4: C.


Rumor Evidence Grading System:
A = Proven source, rumor extremely likely to be correct
B = Good source, rumor likely to be correct
C = New source, rumor plausible


References:
1) (FT3) No spectacular changes on new PEN cameras? | 43 Rumors
2) (FT3) New 15mm comes combined with new E-PMx model… | 43 Rumors
3) Akira Watanabe: “Olympus working on new body for top-pro lenses”!!! | 43 Rumors

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Amin
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I think anything cheaper than OM-D with same sensor will be huge and will sell like hotcakes :) Would they really put the same sensor into a GF5 competitor like EPM though?? that would be a baffling move IMHO. not that I would mind.

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I REALLY really would love to see a 25mm f/1.8 (pancake style ;) )

Also another body to compliment my E-M5.

As for the 12-60... wonder if it would be something to get in replacement for my recent 12-35... Time will tell...

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25mm f1.8 pancake size, O12/O45 IQ and AF speed and im in.
EPM2 with EM5 sensor...sounds interesting, at what price though...

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This makes me sad. Very sad. I was especially excited about the possibility of the 25/1.8.

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That's what I'm hearing. I expect them to continue to sell E-PM1 at very low prices after E-PM2 comes in with the newer sensor. We still see the E-PL1 and E-PL2 selling strongly.

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Amin
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Any accompanying rumors to the one about a possible new OM-D body? Sensor and video upgrades?

Only that it will be the flagship (same relationship to E-M5 as GH3 to G5) and that it isn't expected to be available any time soon.

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Amin
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Thanks. I am thinking of adding a GH3 but now it looks there will be a decision to be made.

I expect GH3 announced in September and available a few months later. Any flagship OM-D is unlikely to come until at least a few months after that.

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