[Off-Topic but related] Sony new DSLRs inspired by Olympus E-4x0/6x0 grip?

[travelfotografer]

This is just rumors until proven otherwise. Nonetheless, the images of the new DSLRs (1st, 2nd and 3rd from the right) sport a new grip design, which I see is similar to the finger-style grip of the E-420/620:



See writeup: http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/0...-future-model/

[theITguy]

Whether true or not true does not matter. What matter most is that everyone can copy anyone (legally).

Yesterday you may have what others do not
Today you may be out-innovated
Tomorrow you will need to do much more better to move ahead of others

[shaoken]

This kind of "design", anybody also can copy.
Olympus also never put trademark on the design of the body grip.

So it's nothing wrong for them to copy Olympus body grip design.

[aryanto]

If people copy you, you must have done something right. That is the highest level of compliment.

[spidey89]

there is logic in what Aryanto says,lol

[Benares]

Let's not say that Sony is copying, but think of it that, there's only "that many ways" a grip can look (I'm not talking about the feel yet) for a small-sized dslr camera... It's not rocket science to R&D a grip. It's like if you were to nitpick, it's similar to saying brand A copying brand B's t-shirts cutting from 1 glance (4 opening points - 2 for your arms 1 for your neck and the other for your body). As far as the feel is concerned, it probably boils down to the material used and thickness. Having not felt them, I shall not comment.

Anyway, it's nothing new to Olympus, since we all know that, a lot of the nifty features, they pioneered them and got the market's attention. It helps Olympus to reassure that they got things right (especially coming from fellow market competitors) and have once again become the market/technology leader/trendsetter. Kudos to Olympus...

[Benares]

Originally Posted by spidey89 there is logic in what Aryanto says,lol

You mean he's usually illogical? just kidding

[travelfotografer]

BTW, I did not intend to imply by "inspired" that the E-4x0/6x0 grip style was copied. I really meant "inspired"

Looking at it more, I suspect the marketability of such a grip design may be in part due to its similarity to the way you hold a P&S camera. This might make the entry-level DSLR bodies, the kind that upgraders from P&S look at next, more attractive and familiar to the potential buyer. The smaller grip also goes a long way to making the DSLR body smaller and slimmer (I own the e-420 and I know it really works), and less of a size shock to the P&S upgrader. As for those who want a big grip, there are the higher-end models to buy (maybe now a pistol grip is one of the reasons to go and pay for a mid-level DSLR! What a ploy by the manufacturers!)

I kinda like the grip design. It looks more "modern and trendy", compared to the E-4x0/6x0 which look more "classic". I personally still prefer the Oly design.

Now all Sony needs to do is release a pancake lens to make the outfit really trendy! All assuming this Sony Banner graphic is not a hoax!

[Benares]

Originally Posted by travelfotografer BTW, I did not intend to imply by "inspired" that the E-4x0/6x0 grip style was copied. I really meant "inspired" Looking at it more, I suspect the marketability of such a grip design may be in part due to its similarity to the way you hold a P&S camera. This might make the entry-level DSLR bodies, the kind that upgraders from P&S look at next, more attractive and familiar to the potential buyer. The smaller grip also goes a long way to making the DSLR body smaller and slimmer (I own the e-420 and I know it really works), and less of a size shock to the P&S upgrader. As for those who want a big grip, there are the higher-end models to buy (maybe now a pistol grip is one of the reasons to go and pay for a mid-level DSLR! What a ploy by the manufacturers!) I kinda like the grip design. It looks more "modern and trendy", compared to the E-4x0/6x0 which look more "classic". I personally still prefer the Oly design. Now all Sony needs to do is release a pancake lens to make the outfit really trendy! All assuming this Sony Banner graphic is not a hoax!

I got to agree with you and I apologise if I sounded that I had mixed up inspired from copying as mentioned in your post, it wasn't my intention. It's more of a reminder to the rest who posted here to try to refrain from using that word or sounding like that (explicitly) - to prevent some nasty things that could potentially spark off. Peace

[travelfotografer]

I was not directing my second post to anyone but in general, and definitely not directed at you.

Originally Posted by Benares I got to agree with you and I apologise if I sounded that I had mixed up inspired from copying as mentioned in your post, it wasn't my intention. It's more of a reminder to the rest who posted here to try to refrain from using that word or sounding like that (explicitly) - to prevent some nasty things that could potentially spark off. Peace

[aryanto]

Originally Posted by Benares You mean he's usually illogical? just kidding

wahlao!

If you cannot convince them, confuse them - Harry S Truman

[Hitman]

Olympus creates, others follow....

[Mikefellh]

Well, all grips have to do the same job and are operated by the same object (human hand).

Which makes you wonder what Olympus was using as a model in designing the E-300 and HLD-3 grips!!?!

[Mikefellh]

Actually, I was looking at a magazine from 1978 and came across a 2 page Olympus ad...on the left side was an OM1 and in large letters was the caption Innovation, and on the other page was various cameras from the competition (their names and markings removed, but you can tell by the designs) with the caption Imitation...things haven't changed:

"Wouldn't you rather buy the innovator instead of the imitator?"

[shaoken]

Now not only Sony copy Olympus design!
Even the Nikon D5000 have a LCD screen which can rotate "540º" (to me I think they get the idea from Olympus bodies).

Sorry if the pics of Nikon D5000 is too big.. Got it direct from websites.

Nikon D5000








Olympus E-30

[Ouverture]

not to intrude and stage war here but i feel that copying is one thing, to make it better is another. Japanese is very good at these anyway...also sony liveview af was also inspired by olympus design...

[egnaro]

Originally Posted by shaoken Now not only Sony copy Olympus design! Even the Nikon D5000 have a LCD screen which can rotate "540º" (to me I think they get the idea from Olympus bodies). Sorry if the pics of Nikon D5000 is too big.. Got it direct from websites. Nikon D5000 Olympus E-30

to me, this is not a smart copy.

[napalmdog]

the middle one looks awfully similar





but as they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery

[spidey89]

Actually,the D5000 more like the Panasonic FZ50 and L10 in their screen rotation

[Ouverture]

All lenses are made in similar shapes as well (round), so it means everyone imitate from each other?