It will still take a while. Official announcement is planned for Photokina this September in Cologne, Germany. But late prototype models of the successors to the Olympus PEN cameras E-PL3 and E-PM1 are about to be shown to trusted sources.

With the updating of the mid- and lower-end PENs Olympus attempts to further differentiate and therefore strengthen its position in the booming mirrorless market. The world’s camera leader Canon seems to edge closer to the announcement of a mirrorless compact system camera (CSC). Competition will be even fiercer, life is good for consumers.

The E-PL3 and E-PM1 will get a major overhaul, according to our sources. They’re rebadging the package. Expect sleeker designs, as none-too-subtle hints at Olympus’ intended target markets.

It’s also not clear if they keep the namesakes (E-PL5, E-PM2? Oly avoids the number 4 in its camera names). What’s clear is two new models are in the making. And expect a new strategy.

43rumors had this earlier post, promising a “revolutionized” lineup:

The term “revolution” has been used to say that Olympus will change the PEN strategy… not that the camera itself will have some revolutionary features (at least not that I know of).

But then again, Olympus is known for exuberant marketing. The last super-hyped PEN upgrades were rather old wine in new skins.

It’s not yet clear what (if any) top-notch technology that makes the Olympus OM-D E-M5 such a winner will be implemented in the new PENs. Remember, the OM-D E-M5 is specifically targeted at advanced users whereas the E-PL3’s intended target audience are new adopters and enthusiasts. The smallest of them all, the colorful E-PM1 a.k.a. PEN Mini, targets women and the fashion crowd.

You’ll have to wait for an update of the top-end PEN, the enthusiasts’ E-P3 that’s aimed at more serious shooters, businessmen and alike.

The E-P3 axed? No, but it will only be continued next year whereas the smaller siblings get the update this year. One could also argue that the OM-D E-M5 and E-P3 compete with each other.

We should have a better picture with clearer specs soon. Will keep you posted.

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