(FT5) “PEN pro” camera in 2-3 years (via Megapixel)

Image courtesy: Megapixel

Olympus gave an Interview at Megapixel (Click here). There is one big surprise statement:
“We see the mirrorless system as the future of digital photography. In 5-10 years reflex cameras will be a niche or will not be there at all. So we believe that PEN in the long run will also be in the professional market – but that will take maybe 2-3 years. In 2011 you will see more PEN products and more lenses (beyond what was discussed in the presentation).”

According to Olympus DSLR will become a niche market within 5-10 years. Interesting that Olympus says “PEN-type” cameras instead of “mirrorless” cameras :)

There are a also a few more info about 3D (they don’t plan to support the [shoplink 16264]Panasonic 12.5mm 3D lens[/shoplink]) and the new [shoplink 19904]Olympus XZ-1[/shoplink] (it will not create a new line of cameras). Editor’s note: The “good weapons” Olympus is talking about are the new [shoplink 18844]Olympus E-PL2[/shoplink] and accessories.

So dear readers….what do you think about that news? Are you surprised? The good news is that Olympus plans to enter the PRO market. The issue here is to define what is a “PRO” camera. We have been told that an advanced Olympus m43 model will be announced within 2011. It will not replace the [shoplink 17163]Olympus E-5[/shoplink] but as long as it has built-in EVF, a solid body, a new sensor and fast AF this will be PRO enough for me ;)

What is your opinion on that? What defines a PRO camera? What should Olympus do to satisfy your professional needs?