New Olympus E-M10 specs show up, point to low-end camera

New Olympus E-M10 specs have been leaked on the web, this time suggesting that the camera is not replacing the OM-D E-M5.

The rumor mill has been talking about an Olympus E-M5 successor for a very long time. Recently, evidence about a new camera has begun showing up online, forcing sources to claim that a replacement is very near.

It is called Olympus E-M10, as shown by an Indonesian agency which regulates WiFi-connected devices. Some specifications have been leaked, allowing us to draw some preliminary and logical conclusions. However, in the wake of new details being unleashed on the web, it seems like we have been wrong all this time.

The new Olympus E-M10 specs are pointing to an entry-level OM-D camera, not a mid-level one and certainly not the one that is worthy of replacing the E-M5.

New Olympus E-M10 specs leaked: tiny E-PL5-like body and built-in flash

According to inside sources, the upcoming E-M10 will be based on a very small body, tinier than that of the E-M5. Additionally, it will feature a built-in flash. Both these traits are reminiscent of the E-PL series instead of the OM-D one.

Recently, it has been said that the new Micro Four Thirds camera will be powered by the True Pic VII image processor, which is found in the high-end E-M1.

Nevertheless, the 16-megapixel sensor will be borrowed from the E-M5, but will not sport Phase Detection AF technology and its image stabilization system will be 3-axis (instead of 5-axis).

Olympus E-M1 will remain the flagship OM-D camera and the E-M5 will be placed in the middle of the pack. The rumored E-M10 is set to become the low-end model in the following weeks.

Olympus E-M10 to become the entry-level OM-D camera, E-M5 to stay in the middle of the pack

Taking everything into account it is easy to see why the E-M10 will not replace the E-M5. People familiar with the matter have been claiming that the E-M5 will remain on the market for a long time, so this looks like it is the absolute truth.

Gossip talks pointed that the E-M5 will become the low-end model, but now it seems that this is no longer the case. Olympus’ OM-D series will begin the flagship E-M1, continue with the middle-entry E-M5, and conclude with the entry-level E-M10.

Launch event to take place sometime in the coming weeks

The announcement is expected to take place towards the end of January or beginning of February. It will include a 25mm f/1.8 lens for Micro Four Thirds camera and a small compact zoom should be revealed, too.

Considering the fact that the E-M10 will be the entry-level shooter, it will definitely be priced lower than the E-M5, which is available for $799 at Amazon.