Panasonic has officially registered two new cameras…Are they L or MFT mount?

Panasonic officially register two new cameras with dual WiFi support:

  1. On December 17, Panasonic registered a new camera model in China with the code “P2305A
  2. On November 22, they had registered another camera, “P2307A

For clarification, these codes are not for the upcoming G97 or TZ compact cameras, as those only support 2.4MHz. The newly registered models support 5.1MHz as well, indicating something more advanced. Usually it takes up to 4 months until these get officially announced. So far I am sure one is the S1RII L-mount camera. But I don’t know if the second model is also an L-mount camera (S1HII?) or a MFT camera (compact GF/GM model?).

What cameras and lenses should OM Digital make to bring back excitement in the Micro Four Thirds system?

Asked Chatgpt to collect all the complains and request he could find about the OM Digital strategy. And after that asked what kind of cameras and lenses should be done by OM digital to bring back excitement in the Micro Four Thirds system. Let me know if you agree with he answer:

What cameras and lenses should OM Digital make to bring back excitement in the Micro Four Thirds system?

To reinvigorate excitement around the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, OM Digital Solutions needs to leverage its strengths—compactness, affordability, and innovation—while addressing current gaps and aligning with market demands. Here’s a detailed list of cameras and lenses that could help revitalize the MFT ecosystem:


Cameras

  1. Flagship Professional Camera (OM-1xII)
    A true flagship camera that pushes boundaries in speed, dynamic range, and build quality. Key features could include:

    • A stacked 25MP sensor for ultra-fast readout.
    • 120 fps burst mode (with full AF/AE) for action and wildlife.
    • Advanced AI-based subject recognition and tracking.
    • Integrated vertical grip with extended battery life.
    • 8K video support with advanced heat management.
      Target Audience: Professional wildlife, sports, and adventure photographers.
  2. High-Resolution Camera with Pixel Shift (OM-1R)
    A higher-resolution option (30-40MP sensor) with improved dynamic range and a faster, handheld pixel-shift mode. This would appeal to landscape, studio, and macro photographers seeking more detail.
  3. Compact Travel-Friendly Camera (PEN-FII)
    A lightweight, pocketable MFT camera with a retro design and intuitive controls. Features could include:

    • Built-in EVF and flip-down LCD.
    • Weather-sealing.
    • 20MP sensor with advanced computational photography modes. Target Audience: Travelers, street photographers, and hobbyists.
  4. Affordable Hybrid Camera for Creators (PEN VLOG)
    A mid-range camera focused on hybrid shooting with:

    • 4K 120fps and 10-bit internal recording.
    • V-log profile for color grading.
    • High-quality microphone pre-amps and headphone jack.
      Target Audience: Content creators and vloggers.
  5. Monochrome-Only Camera (OM-1 monochrome)
    A niche monochrome camera with a black-and-white sensor for maximum tonal fidelity and fine detail.
    Target Audience: Fine art photographers.

Lenses

  1. Ultra-Wide Zoom for Landscapes
    A compact 8-16mm f/4 lens with exceptional sharpness and weather-sealing, ideal for landscapes, astrophotography, and architecture.
  2. Bright Telephoto Zoom
    A 100-300mm f/2.8-4 or a 200-400mm f/4 to offer wildlife and sports photographers a brighter, high-quality alternative to existing lenses.
  3. Fast Standard Prime
    A 25mm f/1.2 or 25mm f/1.0 lens with professional-grade optics for portrait and low-light photography.
  4. Affordable Pancake Primes
    Compact, budget-friendly primes like:

    • 12mm f/2.8 (wide-angle for street/travel).
    • 25mm f/2.8 (standard for everyday use).
    • 45mm f/2.8 (portrait for enthusiasts).
  5. Macro Lens with 2x Magnification
    A 50mm or 60mm macro lens capable of 2x magnification for extreme close-up work.
  6. Ultra-Telephoto Prime
    A 600mm f/5.6 or 800mm f/8 designed for wildlife photographers who value compactness over weight.
  7. High-End Cinema Lens Set
    A series of MFT cinema lenses (e.g., 12mm, 25mm, 50mm T1.5) with cine-grade focus and aperture rings to cater to video professionals.

Other Innovations

  1. Advanced Computational Features
    OM Digital could build on its computational photography strengths with new features like:

    • Advanced AI-assisted autofocus and subject recognition.
    • Real-time noise reduction in low-light situations.
    • Smart multi-frame stacking for higher resolution and dynamic range.
  2. Improved Video Accessories
    • A modular camera grip system with XLR inputs for professional audio.
    • A compact external cooling system for extended video recording.
  3. Lens Adapters and Collaborations
    Collaborations with third-party manufacturers (e.g., Sigma, Tamron) to bring more high-quality MFT lenses to the market.
  4. Smarter Ecosystem Integration
    Develop apps and cloud-based tools for seamless image sharing and editing, alongside wireless tethering options for studio use.

By introducing these cameras and lenses, OM Digital can reignite enthusiasm among both current users and potential newcomers. The key is to capitalize on MFT’s unique strengths—compactness, lightweight gear, and affordability—while incorporating modern features that address the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

And, what are your thoughts about this?

Wild Rumors: New vintage OM-1II edition to be announced in January?


Image on top shows the limited edition Titanium OM-5II

I’m still getting completely wild and unconfirmed rumors about some sort of new vintage camera. The latest I’ve heard is that it could be a vintage OM-1II edition. And it could be announced in January.

In the past Olympus has actually announced some limited edition titanium cameras. But I don’t know if that’s what’s coming….

 

Some wild rumors from China: OM Digital to announce a “vintage” camera….that is NOT the PEN-F?

A chinese reader told me that on chinese forums the following rumor is going around:

I have received a news that OM will release a new camera in the end of 2024 financial year.
It is a vintage looking camera with most of the OM-1 Mark II features and sensor. The engineering samples have been tested in numbers of photographers.
From what I have understood that will not be a OM-5 replacement. Not a PenF like body.
Sales price is around 12000 RMB body only

12000 Yuan is around $1700. So if this is NOT a PEN-F I really don’t know what else this could be. Provided the rumor is true…and at this moment I am extremely skeptical about this info being correct.

If you happen to have some more info on this camera please drop me a message through this anonymous contact box or directly via 43rumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

Did OM system just (un)intentionally tease the launch of the new OM-5II?

In this weeks OM Digital live chat Emily did share an image which she claims was shot with the OM-5II. Now, we all know this camera does yet NOT exist :)
A reader (Thanks) quickly noticed that this image is actually featured in their old OM-5 review video. So this image was 100% definitely shot on the current OM-5.

So either it’s a typo or this is an easteregg for the future OM-5II launch? What do you think?

No other new Lumix MFT camera in 2024?

Just recently (on July 12) Panasonic officially registered a new camera model in China. The camera code is “P2403A” and it supports dual-band WiFi + Bluetooth. But I have been told this is highly unlikely to be a new MFT camera. It’s going ot be a FF L-mount model.

Sources also didn’t get any hints about any other possible MFT camera coming in late 2024. I would love to get anew Gm/GF kind of model but Panasonic seems to act according to my dreams :(

I also did not get any rumor about possible Lumix MFT lenses…

What do you think…what kind of products Panasonic should release to make you happy in 2025?