First Leaked Photo of the Olympus E-P5 Confirms Retro PEN F-style Design

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Last month, a rumor emerged saying that Olympus’ upcoming E-P5 flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera would have a design inspired by the old Olympus PEN F. Today the first photograph of the camera leaked on the web, confirming that it will indeed carry a sleek new retro styling.

The leaked photo (shown above) was published over on 43 Rumors.

Specs reportedly include no-built in EVF, the same 16-megapixel sensor as the OM-D EM-5, built-in WiFi, and improved autofocus speed (ever faster than the E-M5).

There is also talk of a new standard kit lens option (the 17mm f/1.8 seen in the leaked photo) and a new external electronic viewfinder.

The original PEN F was an interchangeable-lens half-frame 35mm SLR camera that was sold in the 1960s. Here’s a photo showing what that camera looks like:

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For comparison’s sake, here’s a product photo of the E-P5’s predecessor, the current E-P3:

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Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two cameras:

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As you can see, the new design looks much more old fashioned. There’s a new grip covering on the front of the E-P5 that extends all the way across. Even the company name on the front of the camera has been changed to its old style.

The E-P5 will reportedly be announced at a launch event on May 9, 2013. You’ll be able to find out about the camera fully on that day, unless we see more of these leaks over the next couple of weeks.


Image credit: by *嘟嘟嘟*

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