Olympus Imaging Australia has announced the second in in the top-selling OM-D series of mirrorless interchangeable cameras, the OM-D E-M1.
The new camera – which will be a highlight of this weekend’s photographics show in Melbourne – is positioned as the flagship model in the Olympus line-up. It features a new 16.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor with on-chip phase-detection AF. It also boasts a new TruePic VII image processor and a new electronic viewfinder that is bigger and brighter than the E-M5’s.
Its autofocus system supports both Contrast AF and On-chip Phase Detection AF. The camera chooses the optimal AF technology to suit the attached lens and shooting mode.
The sensor in combination with the newly developed TruePic VII image processor
reduces noise at high sensitivities and provides excellent image reproduction.
The 2.36 million dot EVF ‘creates an immersive photographic experience by
providing a true ‘What You See Is What You Get’ (WYSIWYG) experience’, with the
ability to change settings without moving the camera from the eye. An automatic
backlight control function provides more natural-looking picture (‘so natural it can be easily mistaken for an optical viewfinder’.)
Key features:
– Electronic viewfinder with 2.36 megapixel resolution, advanced aspherical optics, x0.74 magnifcation (35mm equiv), 21mm eyepoint and 100 percent feld of view;
– Dual FAST-AF technology – both Contrast AF and on-chip Phase Detection AF with lens detection capabilities;
– Enhanced 5-axis image stabiliser for improved stablisation at lower shutter speeds;
– New 16.3 megapixel LiveMOS high-speed image sensor (ISO 25,600 max. sensitivity);
– TruePic VII advanced image processor;
– Built-in WiFi function with full PASM control;
– Full HD video with image; stabilisation (broadcast quality; stereo sound);
– 3-inch tilting TFT-LCD touch-screen with 1,037K pixels;
– 10 fps sequential shooting rate;
– Splash-, dust-, and freeze proof (to -10°C);
– Metal alloy chassis;
-Intervalometer to 999 shots with movie compilation;
– New EVF Colour Creator functionality provides live interactive colour hue and saturation adjustments;
– Direct HDR Button;
– Focus Peaking feature for manual focus;
– Ergonomic twin input control dials with a lever switch to allow adjustment of aperture/shutter; speed, exposure compensation, ISO and white balance;
– Bundled with clip-on FL-LM2 weatherproof flash;
– Wireless flash control (when the bundled FL-LM2 or FL-600R strobe unit is attached);
– Shutter speed range 60-1/8000th seconds including Bulb.
Olympus has announced a slew of accessories for the EM-1 including an underwater housing and several bag, case and strap options.
Margaret Brown, technical editor, Photo Review Australia, has been putting a late pre-production camera through its paces over the past few days and has posted a detailed ‘First Look’ review of the EM-1 on the Photo Review website.
The OM-D E-M1 is due to go on sale in October at an RRP of $1599 for the body alone or $1899 for the body plus 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 lens. When the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO becomes available in November (see below), the E-M1 plus this lens will sell for $2399.
‘PRO’ lenses for M43
Olympus has also announced a new M.Zuiko PRO lens category for the Micro Four Thirds System, with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO the first release.
Olympus says PRO lenses will offer high optical quality combined with dust- and splash-proof construction. Scheduled for release in November, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens is a large-aperture standard zoom lens covering focal lengths equivalent to 24-80 on a 35mm camera. The optical construction includes 14 elements in nine groups, with two aspherical and one aspherical ED lenses, two ED lenses, two HR lenses, one DSA lens and one HD lens. The closest focusing distance is 20cm, which provides a maximum magnification of 0.3x.
It has a constant maximum aperture throughout its zoom range and is equipped with the proprietary MSC (movie & still compatible) autofocusing mechanism, plus a manual clutch and a distance scale. This lens weighs only 382 grams and is 84mm long with a diameter of 69.6 mm. It takes 62mm filters and will be supplied with a lens hood. Recommended retail price is $1199.
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