14 DAY TRIAL // Superstitions and teaser photos have come together, exposing the ETA (estimated time of arrival) for a next-generation photo and video capture device made by Olympus, or rather its Chinese branch.
The company intends to refresh its PEN series of cameras, starting with the flagship model that never came out last year.
True, in 2012, Olympus did launch a bunch of smaller PEN models, in addition to the semi-pro OM-D E-M5 and a camera called the E-P3.
This year, we may finally see some new mirrorless photo and video capture devices.
Rumor has it that the flagship camera being prepared by Olympus will be called E-P5, even though the naming scheme would suggest E-P5. There is supposed to be a superstition that P4 would bring bad luck.
Whichever the reason may be, E-P5 will come out at some point this year, and will be followed by the mid-range E-PL6 sometime after that.
The official presentation is supposed to take place in China, between May 11 and June 1, in four different cities even.
As such, we will have to wait for half a month before we learn what sensors the cameras have, what sort of image quality and video recording capabilities, if they have good zoom or not, what the light sensitivity is, what displays and resolutions, etc.
We expect at least a modicum of ability to take shots in the dark, and we imagine that autofocus systems will be implemented.
Wi-Fi is also bound to be included, as direct sharing via social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) has become a sort of must these days.
Pricing will vary depending on how many of these features are included and how refined the essentials are. No clue when availability is planned for countries other than China, but we can't see Olympus holding back for any reason.