Mirrorless camera from Fuji with a standard sensor

Fujifilm has strong interest in sensors. Fujifilm DSLRs had very interesting sensors. In theur mirrorless cameras the company uses a unique color filter instead of 2x2 Bayer mask. Upon release the X-Trans sensor got a mixed reception. First, data processing from the complex color filter by third-party software was not as good as Fuji "in house" processing but this problem was eventually resolved. X-Trans sensor is also prone to "color smearing" in some situations.

In few days Fujifilm is expected to announce an entry-level mirrorless camera equipped with a conventional sensor (Bayer mask, not X-Trans). So, people will be able to choose between two entry-level models, X-M1 with X-Trans sensor, and X-A1 with Bayer mask. This may provide a very useful feedback to the company. 

The new tele-zoom XC 50-230mm lens is expected to be announced together with the new camera.

Second life for ZUIKO 4/3 lenses

Olympus announced the much anticipated flagship mirrorless model, E-M1 (read about the first impressions on DPReview and check the sample photos). The new model is positioned above the hugely popular OM-D E-M5, and it seems that both cameras will coexist for some time. In fact, E-M1 is viewed as the replacement for Olympus DSLRs such as E-5. The sensor development is improved significantly since 12MP sensor used in E-30 and E-5, so the image quality should be better on new model. Olympus decided to go with E-M1 instead of "E-7" and "merge" 4/3 and m4/3 systems (Photorumors).

The new camera got on-sensor contrast detection autofocus system, hence, better autofocus with ZUIKO 4/3 lenses designed for DSLRs. Olympus put a good viewfinder on E-M1, with fairly big magnification. 

To sum up:
the body is significantly smaller than E-5 / E-3
better autofocus with 4/3 lenses, not as good as on a DSLR camera but usable
hi-res viewfinder with good magnification comparable with high-end DSLRs
buttons and two dials, hence settings can be changed fast
16MP sensor without low pass filter
focus peaking
state of the art in-body image stabilisation (5-axis :-))

Naturally, it comes at price.

images of Olympus E-M1

Olympus is expected to expand its OM-D line with the new E-M1 camera (link to PhotoRumors). The new camera has a very pronounced grip. We may expect to see a bigger battery and better compatibility with 4/3 lenses (faster autofocus). Many people with 4/3 ZUIKO lenses might be very happy with this offer. In some sense the rumored Olympus camera might be similar to Sony A3000, a mirrorless "DSLR" camera.

=====
ooops - wrote X-M1 in the title - am I fixed on Fuji now? :)

New Fuji mirrorless camera with a conventional sensor

Fujifilm got a lot of attention with X-system. Even DPReview is joined the rumors crowd with the post about new X-A1 mirrorless camera with a standard Bayer sensor. It is expected that the new camera will be similar to X-M1 but fitted with 16MP sensor with the standard Bayer filter instead of the proprietary X-Trans mask used in X-Pro1, X-E1, X-M1 and X100S cameras. The camera would have a 3" tilting screen (for details see page on PhotoRumors). It seems that the new camera is pictured with the new budged tele-zoom lens, XC50-230mm (eqv 75-350mm). Hopefully the new lens will be announced together with the X-A1.