Big new rumor on E-3 (sensor tech)

[Raist3d]

There a new big rumor going around. The issue seems like when Olympus did the Korean presentation, there's a mention of a "trine FFT CCD."

And also someone points to a picture of a document showing something:



What this would mean is the light is split into three CCD's - r g and b giving it effectively a 10 megapixel Foveon sensor like resolution.. which in turn would mean the E-3 would have an effective comparable resolution that would match or probably even exceed even the new Canon EOS 22 megapixel full frame camera (and with no issues of having to buy new lenses to take advantage of that).

What to I think? Well, *IF IF IF IF IF * *if if if if if * IF IF IF x 55 if's Olympus is *really* doing this and pulling this off, then that would explain why they have been so darn secretive all along. This would be a major jump in 4/3rds and the market actually at that range. It would really stop most of those thinking the D300 is their next upgrade form 4/3rds. Quite frankly, this would be revolutionary. And Olympus could *easily* charge $2,500 to $3,000 USD for this camera.

But I don't think this is happening, it could still be a hoax. The picture above could certainly be a hoax, so I don't consider it evidence that this is what is going on. The only credibility I will give it is that this rumor of something like this surfaced more than a year ago for the technology of this camera and that Olympus is in bed with Panasonic/Matsushita, which have some patents and know how precisely in doing something like this form their cam corders.

Oh, it would also mean that I am wrong about the sensor in the E-3

Anyway, I still categorize this in the hoax realm, so I wouldn't get too excited yet.

Everything now seems to point that the camera will be announced in Oct in a show in New York. The USA Open wont' be it- they are pushing the e-510.

- Raist

[Raist3d]

- Raist

[Sidebyte]

Irrespective of the size and format of the sensor, I don't believe Olympus would abandon the 4/3 mount and the ability to use 4/3 lenses. That would be the coup-de-gras and the end of Olympus for sure. If in fact they have developed an upgraded sensor utilizing layers or paths that in fact increases the overall ability of the sensor above the present used in the E-510 and perhaps even above the big two, then that would be a blessing.

[Mr. Pickles]

They could "easily" charge $2500 to $3000 for it.

Sure.

But who is going to pay $2500 to $3000 for it is the real question. Not I is one answer.

[Raist3d]

Originally Posted by Sidebyte

Irrespective of the size and format of the sensor, I don't believe Olympus would abandon the 4/3 mount and the ability to use 4/3 lenses. That would be the coup-de-gras and the end of Olympus for sure. If in fact they have developed an upgraded sensor utilizing layers or paths that in fact increases the overall ability of the sensor above the present used in the E-510 and perhaps even above the big two, then that would be a blessing.

To be clear,- doing this wouldn't mean abandoning the 4/3rds mount, it would still be 4/3rds.

- Raist

[Raist3d]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

They could "easily" charge $2500 to $3000 for it.

Sure.

But who is going to pay $2500 to $3000 for it is the real question. Not I is one answer.

I am talking only *IF* (big huge *if* and at this point, I don't think it's happening, I think this is a hoax), it actually captured 10 x 3 because it would give it a medium format class resolution. But I don't think this is happening.

- Raist

[Paul Shields]

I think the thing that made me think hoax when I saw it (apart from the typos) was the 11fps. That would need a very powerful shutter mechanism and I find it hard to believe Oly would go that far. The CCD sounds great, and there have been lots of rumours about using 3 CCD's split via a prism, like you see in video cams. Again, highly unlikely - but we can all fantasise until this thing gets out .

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

They could "easily" charge $2500 to $3000 for it.

Sure.

But who is going to pay $2500 to $3000 for it is the real question. Not I is one answer.

I would . Converted to UK prices, it would be a bargain. Of course, what usually happens is the $ is converted to a £ so it would cost $5000 - $6000 in the UK.

[Mr. Pickles]

I think at this point in time, Olympus would do best to put out the stupid body YESTERDAY. They can worry about slapping some Foveon-like sensor in a different body within one year. Maybe 6 months. Give it a different number designation.

If they wanted to tow around with a radically different sensor, they should have signed with Sigma on the actual Foveon, slapped it in a body and already had 10,000 units on the street.

Enough of the Olympus new body garbage. Put the stupid specs out there officially, get the dang camera on the street, and do it all now. Otherwise, the Nikon D3 will fit my hand just fine...

[riha]

hehehe ,just look at the typos

"angel" = should be "angle"
...system(5... = there is no space between "system" and "("

[Raist3d]

I really think that many people are acting as if Olympus decided to change plans again simply because Canon and Nikon announced new cameras. Olympus is not going to change plans- nor should they if they are so close and already have said time and time again that it is this year. Besides, their announcement would get lost in the hype right now of the competitors if they announced right now.

I say that they should proceed as their plan is. And if that bugs me so many then those, jump already. I mean really. If you can't wait ~2 more months because of an announcement, simply jump and be done with it.

- Raist

[Paul Shields]

Originally Posted by Raist3d

I really think that many people are acting as if Olympus decided to change plans again simply because Canon and Nikon announced new cameras. Olympus is not going to change plans- nor should they if they are so close and already have said time and time again that it is this year.

You're probably right Raist, and I'm personally not looking to jump ship based on what the E-3 has or doesn't have (I already have one leg in another camp as it is ). I will however be a little disappointed if it's using the same sensor as found in the E-510/410. Nothing against that sensor, but I would expect more in their 'pro' version.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Raist3d

I mean really. If you can't wait ~2 more months because of an announcement, simply jump and be done with it.

Where does this come from? Is the Nikon D3 and/or D300 available, on the street, today? I think not. Supposedly, they should be around the first to middle of November. Right?

So lets see, Nikon announces and a few months later, there is a the product on the street.

Has Olympus announced anything official? Let me answer by saying NO. So, do you believe that when they announce, it will be available immediately?

If they hold true to form, and Canon did the same as Nikon when announcing the new MkIII and the 40D, whenever Olympus does announce this camera they were going announce last year and showed the world a clay model, it will still be a few months away.

Enough said. When jumping time comes, it comes. When more Olympus fanboys jump, Olympus better hope that the new owners will pick up the slack. The E-410 and E-510 were a huge hit and boost for Olympus, and the lack of an E-3 announcement and such is a big slap to all the good press they were getting. Olympus is not #1 or #2 for a reason, and they are not making strides to get anywhere close in my opinion.

[Sidebyte]

I never see Olympus being #1 or #2 but that is of no consequence. If they are profitable, then they have met their target. It's only the "outsiders" looking in that envision #1 or #2. It is my belief that they have NO aspirations to bump heads with C&N but just want to be a reasonably successful company. There is no intelligent reason for them to even try to get in a p!ssin match with a skunk. They have always since their inception been an innovator i.e. live view, dust buster and excellent lenses.
They will continue to be an innovator and with any luck also be profitable.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Sidebyte

I never see Olympus being #1 or #2 but that is of no consequence. If they are profitable, then they have met their target. It's only the "outsiders" looking in that envision #1 or #2. It is my belief that they have NO aspirations to bump heads with C&N but just want to be a reasonably successful company. There is no intelligent reason for them to even try to get in a p!ssin match with a skunk. They have always since their inception been an innovator i.e. live view, dust buster and excellent lenses.
They will continue to be an innovator and with any luck also be profitable.

Probably why "they" released a PDF directly comparing their "coming soon" pro-level DSLR to a Canon model AND a Nikon model?

Making statements like "worlds fastest auto-focusing" or whatever?

And I don't know what is so innovative about releasing a "5 year in the making" pro-level replacement body with an "advanced amateur" sensor inside, either. Oh, but they may tweak the colors or dynamic range. Yippee. Only means those with the E-510 could have it to if they hacked it.

If they patented Live View, the Dust-Busting system, etc., and were making boo-coo profits from others, then that is profit. Does it make their systems better?

[jazzology]

FWIW

Panasonic Expands LUMIX SLR Line with First SLR Model Featuring Face Detection, Advanced Intuitive Features

a 4:3 cam... from the folks who are stealing sony's dominance in Video with their Varicam, HVX900 and HVX200

Another external link to a dP review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Hands-On Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

[Mr. Pickles]

The L10 is, in my opinion, a re-badged Olympus E-410. Except with the L10, it has a "moveable" LCD screen, where as the E-410 and E-510 are not.

[Raist3d]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Where does this come from? Is the Nikon D3 and/or D300 available, on the street, today? I think not. Supposedly, they should be around the first to middle of November. Right?

Well then that kinda makes the point of decrying Olympus to hurry up and announce already even more moot, doesn't it?

So lets see, Nikon announces and a few months later, there is a the product on the street.

Has Olympus announced anything official? Let me answer by saying NO. So, do you believe that when they announce, it will be available immediately?

Olympus has said officially that they will sell the E-3 this year. For all we know Nikon could meet a manufacturing bump and delay since they are not out. I think both cameras will be out this year.

If they hold true to form, and Canon did the same as Nikon when announcing the new MkIII and the 40D, whenever Olympus does announce this camera they were going announce last year and showed the world a clay model, it will still be a few months away.

Olympus never commited to a year where they would sell. They announced the mockup but they never gave a "we are selling it this year."

Enough said. When jumping time comes, it comes. When more Olympus fanboys jump, Olympus better hope that the new owners will pick up the slack. The E-410 and E-510 were a huge hit and boost for Olympus, and the lack of an E-3 announcement and such is a big slap to all the good press they were getting. Olympus is not #1 or #2 for a reason, and they are not making strides to get anywhere close in my opinion.

I don't see how this changes keeping thing on their schedule, particularly when already plan. Anyone expecting any big surprised other than that leaked document, is setting up themselves for a dissapointment.

- Raist

[Raist3d]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Probably why "they" released a PDF directly comparing their "coming soon" pro-level DSLR to a Canon model AND a Nikon model?

Well first of all, Olympus didn't release this. If they leaked it on purpose or not, it's something we can't conclude in the end.

Making statements like "worlds fastest auto-focusing" or whatever?

This leaked document was an internal presentation inside a big company. It sets targets and all that, not for public consumption. This is pretty common of presentations like that inside companies.

And I don't know what is so innovative about releasing a "5 year in the making" pro-level replacement body with an "advanced amateur" sensor inside, either. Oh, but they may tweak the colors or dynamic range. Yippee. Only means those with the E-510 could have it to if they hacked it.

Not really- if they change the ADC or do the HDR patent. That requires some hardware unavailable with the e-510 (or e-410 for that matter).

If they patented Live View, the Dust-Busting system, etc., and were making boo-coo profits from others, then that is profit. Does it make their systems better?

Olympus keeps certain advantages. To me interface, size and value come to mind. A dual kit lens of the e-510 or e-410 is quite a value, more so considering the quality of the lenses involved, and the size of the overall system. If this doesn't represent value to you, start marking the calendar for the D300 release.

- Raist

[Mr. Pickles]

You argue whatever you want to argue. They "announced" their intentions a year ago to replace a 4 year old camera.

Since then, the big two have rested, and finally, publicly announced their intentions to replace their one or two year old models, and they will hit the streets in a month or so, if not already.

And Olympus is still mum about a public announcement, even though they have the world stage right now in being "THE" camera sponsor, and a major sponsor of one of the tennis's MAJOR tournaments, the US Open.

Seems to me they continue to un-impress a lot of Olympus fans, apparently not you, with their inability to get a replacement out there. If it is exactly what the leaked PDF claimed, they will only break even.

In order for a new Olympus to "beat" or "compete" with a Nikon or Canon, it HAS to be a better camera. Period. From what I hear, read, etc., the Nikon D300 will stop the new E-3, even though it isn't really better overall.

So, Olympus better be holding its cards (still) to tweak it more or slap in something that wasn't leaked, like an odd or innovative sensor design. Olympus is noted as an innovator, and it doesn't sound like the E-3 is innovating anything, based on the leaked info so far. A new sensor would possibly change that.