Well, if it is coming soon, then as an owner of the EM1 MKII for 3 years and an EM1X for just under a year, here's what I'd like to see "improved" over the MKII version.
In no particular order - i'm sure some are definitely doable, but some maybe wishful thinking. Whilst this is my wishlist for the perfect micro four thirds camera, I know that the vast majority of the below we will never get (at least in a body the size of the EM1 MK II and at its relative price fight point).
- Sensor upgraded to approx 24mp (but no more than about 26mp). I tend to shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio so that would still give me over 20mp rather than the 17.9mp with the current 20mp sensor.
- BSI sensor with ½ to ¾ stop better high ISO (despite the MP increase) - to compete with the best of APS-C (not FF of course) - maybe not possible yet with sensor tech ?
- Higher Resolution Viewfinder with OLED screen - a must
- AF Joystick (must have for me to even consider)
- EM1X's AI tracking modes (and general AF improvements) but with more AI tracking subject types - e.g birds, animals etc
- Better AF-C and tracking performance (although they are already pretty good but an improvement would be worthwhile (the latest firmware on the EM1 MK II did wonders for AF-C performance - especially in video).
- Higher resolution rear screen (2mp+) with a 100% punch in review option like Nikon
- User menus like EM1-X
- GPS system from EM1X
- Upgraded video with 4K60 as a minimum, with internal log and 10bit 4:2:2
- Improved 1080p and Slowmotion
- Higher bit rates for Video and the latest codecs
- EM1X's HHHR and virtual ND filter modes
- Improved High Res shot function with a mode similar to the Panasonic G9's to remove artifacts from any moving objects.
- Dual UHS-II card slots (like EM1X)
- Keep the same batteries for backwards compatibility (I don't find battery life limiting at all on either current cameras)
- USB charging - and being able to use the camera whist it's being charged as well.
- A very minor one, but like my Panasonic G9 and both my Nikon Z6, and Z7, an image review screen that shows the shooting data (shutter speed, aperture and ISO) at the bottom of the screen rather than having to press info to get that information on a separate screen with a tiny image thumbnail.
- Don't know if this is even possible but I'd like to see a rear screen that's a hybrid of the tilt out only mechanism of the original MK1 version, but my pressing or sliding a button on the side of the screen the mechanism allow the screen to be fully articulated like the current MKII. That would give the best of both worlds.
As you can see I don't want much do I
So basically an updated for 2020 EM1X in a smaller lighter body (maybe what the EM1X MK II would be if they ever decided to produce one)
Not sure how much of the above we will get or is even possible as I guess they will still want to keep the EM1X as top dog (although I'm sure some of the above can be added to the EM1X via firmware).
Trouble is, whilst the above for me would be the perfect M4/3 body, it would probably be cost prohibitive. More especially as Fuji are in March due to announce the XT-4 and judging by the performance, success and great pricing of the XT-3 at launch, I fear the new EM1 MK III might have a tough time competing, as like Olympus, Fuji's bodies are well made, feature rich and they have (again like Olympus) a great range of affordable and great quality lenses for the system.
Olympus really need to get the EM1 MK III bang on right in terms of feature set, innovation and price point if they want to compete in this shrinking market. Something I fear (on price at least), they just don't get ?