OM-5 - big grip apparently

[pdk42]

https://www.43rumors.com/om-5-has-bigger-hand-grip-like-the-e-m1iii/

Seems it'll have a big grip like the OM-1. Makes sense if it uses the same battery I guess. But a big grip would look weird on a small body so I expect it'll grow in size over the EM-5. I just hope it won't be as big as the OM-1 though.

So, putting all the rumours together:

- Same sensor and AF as the OM-1
- Same battery as OM-1
- Bigger grip than EM-5 and probably a bigger camera too
- EVF reduced in resolution compared to OM-1 (and perhaps lower magnification)
- Reduced frame rates over OM-1 (15 fps - I assume this is the mechanical shutter)
- Likely price £1499

If all this is true I'm a bit perplexed where they are targeting this. If the body size is approaching the OM-1, then this is looking a lot like a slightly cheaper version with cut-down features. Personally I wouldn't save £500 to do that.

I'd prefer it if they could differentiate the OM-5 as a landscape/studio/street/general camera rather than a sports/wildlife camera. So, put the focus on size and weight, but not scrimp on features like LiveND and HHHR (which I suspect they will exclude in order to build differentiation with the OM-1). It would be even better if they could add some additional features like:

- Using the dual gain on the sensor to improve DR
- Improving the HDR modes - e.g. more flexibility on nr of frames and EV spread, build a raw, fix the artefacts that can happen with slight subject movement)
- More computational effects - building on livetime/comp, focus stacking; perhaps even some computational background blur
- Using the IBIS to allow longer astro shots without a tracker (as Pentax do)

Of course, it's possible that the OM-5 will be more pitched at video - that would probably make most sense given the continuing decline of "serious" stills photography.

Well, hopefully not long to wait now.

[Dave in Wales]

The predictions don't stir my GAS molecules one bit.

Sounds all very underwhelming.

[pdk42]

I'm currently working on a cull of my photo gear and wondering if I could survive with a single body. I currently have both the EM1.3 and the EM5.3. If the OM-5 offers something significant then I might trade them both for the OM-5. But given that I didn't really find the OM-1 gave me much over the EM5.3 (and added some usability features I didn't like), I'd be surprised if this turns out to be the case. But we'll see - sometimes the whole is greater than the parts. I hope they go back to a magnesium alloy body for the OM-5 too - the EM5.3 is absolutely fine on all practical measures, but the feel of the poly-carbonate body doesn't inspire the same sense of quality.

[blu-by-u]

Agree. it will be a major deterrent to me if it comes with a composite plastic body.

[Ross the fiddler]

https://www.43rumors.com/om-5-has-bi...e-the-e-m1iii/

Seems it'll have a big grip like the OM-1. Makes sense if it uses the same battery I guess.

But the 'grip' does not have anything to do with the battery cavity, just the wifi AFAIK.

[OM USer]

I'm happy with a composite body it it saves weight and cost. I'm not happy with an <expletive> large grip. I don't care what it is called. I don't care if it does or does not have PRO in the name. I'm after an update in the EM5 tradition of small, light, functionally rich, compact bodies. Something I might call semi-PRO.

[AMc]

As an E-M10ii user I've always had half an eye on the M5 line but can't bring myself to carry a bigger body for marginal improvements in the pictures I take.
If the rumours are true this will be another Olympus offering that has no appeal to me at all.
I bought my M10ii in 2018 - I could easily afford a new body if there was one that I actually wanted.

[Melaka]

I agree with pdk42.

[AMc]

Me too - such a shame they haven't followed up with some of the newer features at a sensible size/price.
I'm sure they know the market but I'm losing my faith there will be another camera that appeals to me.

[Ross the fiddler]

The E-M10 II was too good for its category & had more advance features that 'beginners' may not have wanted, plus users were buying it as a second body to the E-M1 etc., so I can understand them making the Mk III more for beginners. Obviously those no longer getting an 'advanced' camera at a bargain price weren't happy.

[Ian]

Lots of speculation again. So much of this ends up as misleading!

Ian

[Ross the fiddler]

Lots of speculation again. So much of this ends up as misleading!

Ian

That is typical of rumour sites, many conjuring up their idea of what is coming, some expecting unrealistic features etc while others 'spitting the dummy' over rumoured specs.