Things have been pretty quiet on the micro four-thirds (M4/3) front for some time now, however, all of this is set to change next month at the annual CP+ event.
The CP+ (Camera and Photo Imaging Show) event page has recently been updated to show that Panasonic and OM DIgital Solutions will be holding events on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, 2022, respectively. Fans of both OM Digital Solutions (formerly Olympus) and Panasonic’s M4/3 platforms could be in for a treat. The word on the street suggests we will finally get to see the Panasonic Lumix GH6 and the fabled OM Digital Solutions ‘WOW’ camera. Here’s what we hope to see.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 — What we want to see at CP+
Speculation about the GH6 has been flying around for many months now. Many sites out there with their ‘insiders’ have been posting specs, however, nobody knows what will be crammed inside the Lumix GH6. Now, here’s what we would like to see.
Class-leading 4K video
We know some of the recording modes that the Lumix GH6 will feature. A teaser from Panasonic showed us that 4:2:2 10-bit DCI4K at 60p with unlimited video recording will be present. 10-bit 4K 120p, and 10-bit 5.7K at 60p will also feature. We’re not expecting things to change around 6K and 8K video. The GH6 is going to be aimed squarely at producing some of the nicest 4K footage out there. Whether or not the camera will give us the option to shoot RAW video in-camera remains to be seen. Here’s hoping, though.
A stacked M4/3 sensor and image processor
It has been far too long since the last micro four-thirds sensor update. The last sensor developed for the system launched back in late 2015 early 2016. Since then, every single M4/3 camera has pretty much used the same 20-megapixel CMOS sensor. At a minimum, we’d like to see a BSI (backside illuminated) sensor. However, a brand-new stacked sensor that can catapult the GH6 into the future would be much better.
In terms of resolution, anything above 20 megapixels would be fine. However, if the sensor is still around the 20 megapixels, if it’s stacked, it will be a huge improvement over current M4/3 technology. Issues with rolling shutter will be a thing of the past. The low-light performance will be improved and dynamic range will be through the roof.
The new processor will hopefully bring huge upgrades in regards to burst modes and the contrast-based DFD autofocus system. DFD has long been a thorn in the side of videographers. So here’s hoping Panasonic can get the pulsing under control once and for all.
Even better M4/3 IBIS and more
It’s hard to imagine Panasonic being able to improve upon their already great in-body image stabilization. Still, it would be nice to see a micro four-thirds camera take back the IBIS crown from Canon. The EOS R5 and R6 boast 8-stops of stabilization. Improve on this and make the GH6 the steadiest platform on the market.
We’d also like to see improved battery life. The use of either CFexpress A or B cards. The same fully articulating 2.1 million dot LCD from the Lumix S1, and a high-resolution EVF with rapid refresh rates. UBS-C charging, a full-size HDMI port, hi-res modes, and perhaps even live composite that featured in the Lumix S5. As for pricing. We’d hope this camera remains under $2,000. However, we think the price will more likely be $2,497.99.
The Olympus ‘WOW’ camera at CP+
We’re just as much in the dark about the new OM SYSTEM ‘WOW’ camera as you are. While I believe that this new camera will be a successor to the OM-D E-M1 III, there’s an outside chance that it could be the successor to the E-M1X. Whatever form factor this camera takes on it has to hit the mark. OM Digital Solutions has but one chance to get this launch right. It’s also a pretty safe bet to say that whatever camera comes first, the cameras that follow will likely feature the same specifications. Here’s what we want to see.
A non-mechanical stacked sensor
We know the technology is out there still. Still, whether or not we’ll see a fully electronic sensor in the wow camera is unknown. What’s more likely is a 20-24 megapixel BSI or stacked sensor with mechanical and electronic options.
This new sensor will bring improved low light capabilities, there will be no rolling shutter (if it’s a stacked sensor) and the dynamic range will be improved. That’s all M4/3 fans have been wanting for a few years now. I still would not expect a high-megapixel sensor here. Instead, I fully expect this camera to bring it A-game in regards to AI to make up for any sensor shortcomings.
Artificial Intelligence and connectivity
If there’s one thing this company has never shied away from it’s AI. Current Olympus branded cameras have a fair few artificial intelligence features baked into them that make them stand out. The E-M1X has fantastic deep learning subject recognition algorithms. Then there are gems like Live Composite, Starry Sky AF, focus stacking modes and more.
I would not be surprised if this camera was bursting at the seams with computational technology. OM Digital could blur the lines between M4/3, smartphones and bigger full-frame cameras. We might see enhanced subject recognition (planes, trains, cars, birds, animals, humans). Real-time human and animal eye AF, improved Starry Sky AF, computational bokeh, depth perception and refocus tech, and more. If anyone can bring AI to the forefront, it’s OM Digital Solutions.
We’d also like to see a ‘WOW’ camera with the capability to connect to networks for data transfer. We would love to have a mainstream camera that can connect to data networks for instant live streaming, image sharing, uploads and more. A camera with a 5G connection? It has to happen at some point, right?
Enhanced video modes
OM Digital Solutions has said they will be focusing on video with the ‘WOW’ camera. So, we’re fully expecting the new camera to at least match what Panasonic will be doing with the GH6. This means 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI at 60p. 4K 120, 10-bit 5.7K60p, 1080 240 with full autofocus, and possibly internal RAW recording capabilities. That’s what we want to see. Honestly, if OM Digital Solutions wants to pivot more toward videographers they’re going to have to go after the jugular here.
And the rest
OM Digital Solutions cannot afford to cheap out in any area when it comes to the ‘WOW’ camera. The autofocus system needs to be greatly improved. There must be more than the paltry 121 focus points seen in previous cameras. This means there needs to be a new powerful processor to go along with the sensor.
OM Digital cannot keep using tired and worn-out LCDs and EVFs. Honestly, the EVF and the LCD used in cameras like the E-M1 III and the E-M1X are substandard. We need to see EVF’s with at least 5.76m dots and fast refresh rates. The LCD also needs to pack more than 2 million dots.
If they’re serious about video there needs to be a full-sized HDMI port and a mic input. USB-C fast charging should be standard as should support for UHS-II and or CFexpress. IPX1 rated weather sealing should be in all of the new OM SYSTEM cameras too. Bring on better batteries as well. Of course, all of this will come at a price. The E-M1 III was just under $2,000 when launched and it was a minor upgrade over the E-M1 II. I would not be surprised if this camera approached the $2,400 mark.
What do you want to see from the OM SYSTEM ‘WOW’ camera and the GH6? What else do you want to see at CP+? Let us know in the comment section below.
I’m excited to see the new offering. I’m really just excited for one thing – it has been a very long time since we’ve seen a new sensor in 4/3s land. If we see a 20 MP sensor with substantially improved low light and dynamic range, I’ll be thrilled. This article seems to set a high bar on things that are less important to me and many photographers (eg the EVF and LCD don’t have to be huge MP and refresh speeds in my book). Also I’m happy to keep using my SD cards and avoid that upgrade, UNLESS CFexpress… Read more »
Hey, Lucas Hope you’re well. Thanks for the comment. I think we’re all pretty excited about what the new cameras might bring. I do have to say though that the upgrades mentioned in the article would likely be welcomed by the masses. More autofocus points would give the camera a better chance at tracking fast-moving subjects across the entire frame. A better EVF with faster refresh rates would mean less stutter and lag when moving the camera quickly, less blackout, and a higher resolution would mean better performance for focus peaking and an enhanced experience when looking at critical focus… Read more »
This made for an interesting read. Panasonic has already started talking specs and what they have shown is going to be very nice. OM however have been totally mum on what they are doing, I wouldn’t expect them to be able to leapfrog Panasonic in one body for video specs… But then one only has to look at the Nikon Z9 to realize it can be done. If I were to put on my realistic cap I would expect the 20-24mp sensor count, better IBIS (and Canon has certainly not caught up to Olympus IBIS, and I have an R5),… Read more »
I want them to go ALL out, they have exceptional lenses in the 1.2 Pro primes and 150 – 400 Pro. A body to keep up with their lenses will hopefully materialise. With the price of the 150-400 and the surprisingly high sales, I think there is a market for a camera that is competitive and priced accordingly.
To be fair, m43 was meant to be the cheaper option and such, well seing the price tags on the m1 iii and the mx its more expensive then the Nikon FF Z line these days. With that price tag, I would rather buy a Z5 or something , even considering that I have Oly lenses. Dangerous to raise prices
Was it really? Where is that mentioned? Neither Pana or Oly has stated m4/3 is going to be cheaper than others.
I’d even be willing to pay more for m4/3 gear if they were on par with the bigger ones and were smaller (ie. E-M5 sized body). Miniaturizing isn’t cheap.
A better sensor for both using all the modern technology and a faster readout for the rolling shutter and computational photography. Both need better autofocus and low light tracking. I think the GH6 needs more tools for serious video and the focusing you mentioned. I also think the OM Systems needs better focusing. I have an R6 I just got for basketball and the m43 does make it in a lower light fast action environment. Better connectivity would be great. And if Olympus could improve their in camera processing perhaps with mobile Lightroom and Rush. And if OM Systems would… Read more »
TBH, the whole thing confuses me, I’ve used Olympus for thirty plus years, film and digital and still do as an amateur and semi professional, what else does a camera have to do the reach it’s peak?
I’m happy as things are but guess I’m becoming a dinosaur.
Happy days.
I have worked for Sony the past few years and I can’t stress how important competitive specs are to the financial viability of manufacturers now.
It’s compete or die which is why Olympus is where they are and why OM can’t fall short of the competition if there’s any chance they will have a future.
Right now Sony and Canon are to cameras what Samsung and Apple are to mobile devices. They have the money to continue the spec wars.
I love the micro 4/3rds formatt and I have been using Olympus for several years now. What I really want to see is a 20 MP sensor that is at least 14 bits and preferably 16 bits. The software these days handles any noise problems well and extreme enlargement is possible as well. I want as much dynamic range and color depth as possible so I can use single shot HDR with raw files.
Looking forward to see what OM has in store. It will be a make or break for me as to whether I continue keep my OM gear as a parallel platform with Sony. A new sensor that leverages every possible trick to maximize performance would be most important. I would love to use one camera system but poor lower lght performance when working with humans or moving subjects necessitates a bigger or better performing sensor. I also would expect some new Ibis improvements. I personally think that Olympus is still the best in this category. Canon’s claims of 8+ stops… Read more »
I’m very much hoping that this new Olympus will also have unlimited record time on its video settings so that it is on a par with Panasonic and other systems that have finally ditched the 29:59 constriction. I tested the E-M1X a couple of years ago on the ‘Test & Wow’ program that Olympus UK ran and was impressed with all of its handling, design and features. Image quality on video was also impressive though I struggled with the .mov clips being in approx 4 minutes files, even if the camera had been recording for the whole 29.59. Although I… Read more »
Send all video to free unlimited, unhackable, cloud.
Best lowlight of any video camera, New OMDS lens rentals, making it unnecessary to ever buy lenses.
IBIS better than any ever.
Built in, error-free, Drone flight
m43 sensor that become full frame.
Full 70mm film frame size without the need for anamorphic conversion. Includes full VR capability.
all for 3000.00 dollars.
Then WOW