Author Topic: Why so many models Olympus?! (Read 1418 times)

Smeghead · « **on:** June 29, 2011, 09:32:41 AM »

I really really cannot understand why Olympus insist on creating so many models to confuse the consumer. They got enough criticism for releasing the E-P1, E-P2, E-PL1 and then the E-PL2 in just 2 years. Now they've gone and created a NEW model, and not only that but they're announcing THREE new cameras at once!

The difference between the PLx and Px series are pretty negligible, in that it would be easy to merge the features. The only standout feature of the PLx series was the flash (and maybe the art filters). The camera layout tweaks could easily have stayed the same as the Px. But now that they've even gone and given the E-P3 a flash, seriously, what is the point in the other models?!

adash · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:19:12 AM »

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But now that they've even gone and given the E-P3 a flash, seriously, what is the point in the other models?!

The idea, IMO, is to create a differentiation, so that they can charge premium prices for "premium" products that do not differ so much from the cheaper ones.

voyager · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:23:44 AM »

I was trying to figure this out too. Rarely does a camera maker release three separate interchangeable lens cameras on the same day. It's almost overload for consumers to try and figure out which one they want to get.

popo · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:25:15 AM »

For starters, a product cycle of a year is common on lower end consumer devices like these.

On the latest batch we're about to get, they are different enough. The M is smaller, the PL3 has tilty screen, and... I'm sure the P3 has something too.

As for 3 at once, I think they want to make the new AF speed big news and if it lives up to the hype then who would want to buy the old ones?

adash · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:42:29 AM »

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It's almost overload for consumers to try and figure out which one they want to get.

But the three will have quite different price tags, and most purchases will be based on price, so that's why they wanted to have a model to fit in every budget. Feature-wise the difference will be minuscule...

voyager · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2011, 11:04:17 AM »

I've been thinking about that too though. They're saying the E-P3 will be $799-$899 and the E-PM1 will be $549, so that leaves what for the E-PL3? Are you sure they're distinct enough?

adash · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2011, 11:08:41 AM »

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Are you sure they're distinct enough?

Can't yet say....one has to see the item itself, touch the material, feel the camera, etc. That's what's gonna happen at the shop when one goes in for a new camera.

count_zero · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2011, 11:48:19 AM »

I'm starting to think the E-PM1 stand for "Mythical". No photo leaks of this model. It might be something further down the road map, maybe for next year.

asterinex · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2011, 11:50:23 AM »

Well I think it is not bad to have choices. The most important thing is that lenses and acc. are compatible. Everyone happy !

lisandra · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2011, 02:32:29 PM »

one more day and well find out for our selfs

rparmar · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2011, 03:53:28 PM »

Hype. Marketing.

Because people believe in the myth of progress.

lisandra · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2011, 04:37:58 PM »

Yup, progress is a myth

Panther · « **Reply #12 on:** June 29, 2011, 04:42:52 PM »

Olympus seems to be doing very well in sales..
http://e-p1.net/other-cameras/'may-2012-camera-sales-in-japan'/msg53224/?topicseen#new

tadeobiologo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:19:44 AM »

seems to me like some sony´s designers moved to lympus to produce the new epl3 lol!

and about seemingly redundant products, what about the canon t3, t3i and 60d. what are the differences? the three new pens happen to have familiar trend to me.

but the most remarkable point are the new lenses! fast primes is what i was hearing more about the last years since the mft system´s release.

Why so many models Olympus?!