Olympus E-P5 to feature E-M5’s 16.1-megapixel image sensor

The rumor mill says that the Olympus PEN E-P3 successor, called E-P5, will feature a 16.1-megapixel image sensor, the same found in the OM-D E-M5.

Rumors about a successor for the PEN E-P3 have been circling around for weeks. Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Olympus will definitely announce a new Micro Four Thirds camera this spring.

Olympus is very quiet on this announcement, fact which is understandable, as most companies choose to keep their plans secret, in order to avoid having their ideas stolen by the competition.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 will lend its 16.1-megapixel image sensor to the upcoming PEN E-P5, says the rumor mill.

Olympus E-P5 will borrow the 16.1-megapixel image sensor from its predecessors

Anyway, the new MFT camera from Olympus will be released under the name of the PEN E-P5. Unfortunately, the previous rumors which said that the shooter will have a new sensor are not true.

“Trusted sources” have confirmed that E-P3’s heir will be powered by the same 16.1-megapixel sensor found in the OM-D E-M5, E-PM2, and E-PL5 cameras.

The 16.1MP sensor will be a major upgrade over the 12.3-megapixel image sensor found in the PEN E-P3. However, many fans of the Micro Four Thirds system have been left wondering why they should buy this camera instead of its older siblings, which have been available on the market for quite some time.

Sources are speculating that the company may choose to remove the anti-aliasing filter, thus increasing image quality and sharpness. However, photos taken with the camera will be more sensitive to moiré effects, à la Nikon D800E.

The new Micro Four Thirds Camera will cost around $1,000 and it will arrive this June

Beside the aforementioned sensor, the Olympus E-P5 will also feature a hefty price tag. According to inside sources, the camera will cost around $1,000, but it will come bundled with a Micro Four Thirds lens.

Unfortunately, the Japan-based manufacturer will not add a viewfinder to this camera, choosing instead to push an external viewfinder with a 2.4 million-dot resolution to the market. The new viewfinder will be optional and its price is currently unknown.

The Olympus E-P5 announce date is scheduled for late April or early May, while its release date is said to be programmed for June 2013.