whenever I'm indoors either in the daytime or especially in the night, I'm reminded of the four thirds constraint ie. high noise levels. Of course this can be said of Nikon and Canon with thier non full frame sensors.
Now with the D700, I can finally go to ISO 3200 OR 6400 with acceptable noise levels.
Flash is not always an option indoors if you want candid shots, or if you're in a public place where the patrons don't like to be blinded by flashes, one or two they will tolerate, but not more. I'm drooling for a full frame sensor camera. The Canon full frame is out of my reach, but give the D700 a year for the price to subside, then it is time for indoor candid pics. I've lost so much opportunities.
I'll still use the Olympus for daytime outdoors, and when flash is acceptable, at least for now.
If Olympus doesn't come out with a full frame sensor soon, it's going to lose more ground to the market leaders.
I don't see that it conflicts with their four thirds strategy. Both Nikon and Canon has DX sensor and APS sensors as well as full frames.
Now that Nikon has the D700 and the Canon is coming out with a replacement for the 5D, is Olympus going to sit quietly by and watch C&N clean up the full frame market ? flashless low light shots will now be possible and opens up a new realm of opportunities. I don't need super sharp or super noise free images at ISO 3200 or above, just enough noise free for 4R pics is fine with me. Currently the Olympus at ISO 3200 is unusable at 4R size pics.