[ closed ] Olympus Announces its latest Micro4/3 camera and lenses - OM-D

[ed9119]

Olympus Imaging Singapore (General Manager: Jimmy Loh) is pleased to announce the introduction of the OLYMPUS OM-D, a new generation system camera compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, scheduled for release in late March 2012.

Main Features
1. World’s first dust & splash-proof capability mirrorless camera. Proven with the E-5 camera.
2. World’s first*¹ 5-axis image stabilization to compensate for camera shake of any kind during both still photo and movie shooting.
3. World’s fastest*² FAST AF autofocusing system plus 3D tracking for improved moving object tracking performance.
4. Built-in electronic viewfinder with high image quality and high functionality that enables real-time checking of various shooting conditions.
5. 16-megapixel new Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processing engine for high image quality and high sensitivity

*1: As of November 30, 2011. Among interchangeable lens cameras.
*2:As of November 30, 2011. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras on the market. The time from the moment the OLYMPUS OM-D combined with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ that is set to a focal length of 35mm (70mm: 35mm camera equivalent) and focused at the infinite position starts autofocusing on a subject at a distance of 1 meter until it focuses on it and starts exposure. According to Olympus’s in-house test conditions



Forty years ago, in 1972, Olympus introduced the world to one of the most revolutionary cameras ever devised – the OLYMPUS M-1. Smaller and lighter by far than any other contemporary 35mm SLR camera, this camera was the first in a series that would become one of the most beloved lines of cameras in the world. Renamed the OLYMPUS OM-1 in 1973, this unique and innovative camera gave its name to the OM Series of system SLR cameras, evolving and maturing over the years through the OM-2 and OM-10, culminating with the OM-3Ti in 1994. Throughout this period, the OM Series maintained the compact size, light weight and originality that had made it a legend among camera buffs the world over.

The just-announced new generation system camera, the OLYMPUS OM-D, picks up where the original OM series left off. Like the popular PEN Series models, the OLYMPUS OM-D features a compact, lightweight design that's fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard. But whereas the PEN Series inherited the convenience, simplicity, and high image quality offered by the PEN Series in the film age, the OLYMPUS OM-D has inherited the tradition of a true system SLR from the OM Series. The OLYMPUS OM-D is designed for serious camera buffs who want to make full use of interchangeable lenses and shoot photographic masterpieces by looking into the viewfinder, without having to worry about the weather or environmental conditions. Sand, sun, sleet, or snow, the OLYMPUS OM-D is a camera that's ready to go.

From the outside, this camera looks very much like you would expect an SLR to look, yet like the original OM series. Its compact body exudes a feeling of compressed power, while its magnesium-alloy cabinet provides a solid, reliable casing with maximum rigidity. The top of the camera is also made of magnesium alloy, while the bottom is made of aluminum, reinforcing the sense of quality and durability. In addition to its rugged design and high reliability, this camera emphasizes the feeling of traditional quality and classic good looks that will make camera buffs eager to own and possess it.

The body employs shields extensively and has a dust-/splash-proof construction capable of standing up to the rigors of the toughest environments including heavy rain and blowing sand. When the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is used, the body and lens form an integrated dust- and splash-proof unit that is extremely reliable. In addition, a dust-/splash-proof mount adapter will be made available at the same time as the camera to allow utilization of all twelve dust-/splash-proof lenses made for the Four Thirds System standard.

The refined image quality of the OLYMPUS OM-D is made possible by the new Live MOS Sensor with 16.05 megapixels and the TruePic VI image processing engine. The excellent noise reduction capability enables still image shooting sensitivity as high as ISO25600. The dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful reproduction of a wide brightness range. With its high resolution and excellent color reproduction, the OLYMPUS OM-D offers the highest image quality currently available among Olympus digital cameras.

A well-designed LCD viewfinder with high 1.44M-dot definition and advanced optics is built into the camera body to ensure a stable view under any conditions. The ability to adjust brightness and color tones via on-screen simulations is one of the big advantages of LCD viewfinders. In addition, the OLYMPUS OM-D also features ingenious tweaks to the camera's operability that make it extraordinarily intuitive and easy to use, enabling the user to concentrate on the composition without having to take their eye away from the viewfinder.

Olympus’s built-in image stabilization has also been further refined. The previous system used a 2-axis compensation mechanism to deal with the two kinds of rotary movement: yaw and pitch. The OLYMPUS OM-D incorporates the world’s first 5-axis image stabilization mechanism that can deal with five kinds of motion including horizontal shift, vertical shift and rotary motion, in addition to yaw and pitch.
As a result, this new system can correct the kinds of blur that were difficult to correct with the previous built-in image stabilization, such as blurring of the viewfinder image or blurring during movie shooting. This technology has been made possible only by Olympus's ongoing efforts to further refine and improve the built-in image stabilization.

The FAST AF system that made the OLYMPUS PEN E-P3 the world’s fastest autofocusing camera has been further refined, setting a new benchmark for the industry once again. Olympus has also solved the problem of moving object tracking capability with a newly developed 3D Tracking AF system. Now, quick and accurate focusing is possible with any subject, whether it's standing still or burning down the track.
The OLYMPUS OM-D is a new type of digital interchangeable-lens system camera that meets the requirements of long-time SLR users, while utilizing many of the same systems as the PEN Series.

5 Axis Image Stabilizing .....

 

[sebastiansong]

Wow so retro!!

 

[ed9119]

Magnesium Alloy body

Other Features

 9.2 fps fast sequential shooting

 Evolved Art Filters

- New Art Filter “Key Line”

- New variations “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II”

 3.0-inch swivel-type OLED monitor, capacitive touchscreen panel with fast response

 Advanced movie functions

- Full-HD (MOV) movie recording function

- New movie effects

 Dust-/splash-proof compact external flash provided as standard

 One-push digital teleconverter function

 Two-dial system including the Mode dial and Main dial

 3D photography function


 Reliable, proven Dust Reduction System

 Live View image updating at preset intervals during bulb shooting

Main Feature Details

1. Compact, lightweight body in the tradition of the famous OM Series: Made of magnesium alloy and enhanced with the same dust-/splash-proof capability already proven with the E-5 camera

 Compact, lightweight, rugged body The design of the OLYMPUS OM-D takes its inspiration from models in the original “OM one-digit” Series – the OM-1 through the OM-4. The cabinet is made of a magnesium alloy, which gives the camera body a high degree of rigidity. The pentaprism section at the top of the camera body is made of the same magnesium alloy, which, along with the bottom made of aluminum, further enhances the aura of high quality and durability that surrounds this camera. The two dials including the Mode and Main dials are made of a metallic material with a fine-grained texture that assures reliable handling and smooth operability. In addition to its rugged design and high reliability, this camera emphasizes the feeling of traditional quality and classic good looks that will instill pride of ownership in any camera buff.

 Dust-/splash-proof construction The Four Thirds System flagship camera, the OLYMPUS E-5, has been widely praised by professional photographers not just for its outstanding, best-in-class picture quality, but also for the rugged design and dust- and splash-proofing that makes this camera such a reliable tool. Like the E-5, the OLYMPUS OM-D employs shields extensively and has a dust-/splash-proof construction tough enough to stand up to severe environmental conditions, including heavy rain and blowing sand. When used in combination with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens, body and lens become an integrated dust- and splash-proof camera system that offers excellent reliability.

 System accessories with dust-/splash-proof constructions The HLD-6 Power Battery Holder and the MMF-3 Mount Adapter announced together with the camera also have dust-/splash-proof constructions. The line of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses compliant with the Four Thirds System standard includes twelve dust-/splash-proof lenses in the SHG (Super High Grade) and HG (High Grade) Series. When one of these lenses is mounted on the OLYMPUS OM-D by means of the MMF-3 adapter, the lens can manifest uniquely high image quality under any weather and environmental conditions.


Weather Sealing

 

[ed9119]

60mm Macro

with hood

2. World’s first 5-axis image stabilization to compensate for camera shake of any kind during both still photo and movie shooting

 5-axis image stabilization The already-proven built-in image stabilization (IS) has made great technical progress. The previous mechanism compensated for camera shake by dealing with two kinds of rotary movement: the yaw and the pitch. However, camera shake is actually caused by five different kinds of motion: horizontal shift, vertical shift and rotary motion (rolling), as well as the yaw and pitch. The OLYMPUS OM-D incorporates the world’s first IS mechanism that is able to correct for all five types of motion that cause image blurs.

Horizontal and vertical shifts become more problematic when the shooting magnification is larger. Correction of blurs caused by these two factors exerts important effects on macro shooting. In principle, the rotary motion (rolling) blur cannot be corrected if the IS mechanism is built into the lens. The world’ first 5-axis IS mechanism of the OLYMPUS OM-D demonstrates that incorporation of the IS mechanism in the camera body is most appropriate for interchangeable-lens cameras in the digital era.


 Stabilization of image on the viewfinder screen The OLYMPUS OM-D also lets the user check the IS effect on the viewfinder screen, a facility not available with previous built-in IS mechanisms. The mechanism is switched on by a half-press of the shutter button so that blurs due to camera shake during framing can also be corrected. This not only makes framing easier, but also improves AF accuracy.

 MSC-IS enabling image stabilization during movie recording The new camera also inherits from previous models the multi-motion IS with wide frequency-band compatibility designed to compensate for camera shake caused by breathing or walking. In addition, while the previous design switched the IS mechanism to the electronic system for movie recording, the OLYMPUS OM-D is capable of using the built-in IS mechanism even in movie recording. As a result, the traditional built-in image stabilization has evolved to the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system applicable to both movies and still pictures.

3. World’s fastest* FAST AF autofocusing system plus 3D tracking for improved moving object tracking performance

 World’s fastest* FAST AF system For the OLYMPUS PEN E-P3, Olympus adopted the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, resulting in an S-AF (Single AF) speed* that exceeded that of a traditional SLR camera based on the phase-difference detection system. The FAST AF system drives the Live MOS Sensor at 120 fps, which is twice the previous speed, obtaining the video signal required for AF sooner, while the speed of the AF computation that generates the contrast signal from the video signal and determines the degree of focusing has also been improved. A total review of the AF system, including increasing the speed of communications for controlling the lens action, adopting the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system for AF speed increase and noise reduction in the lens, and increasing the response speed from the shutter release to the AF system activation, has made it possible to almost triple the AF speed compared to previous systems. So fast, in fact, that the new OLYMPUS OM-D has surpassed the world record previously held by the PEN E-P3.

*As of November 30, 2011. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras on the market. The time from the moment the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 combined with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ that is set to a focal length of 35mm (70mm: 35mm camera equivalent) and focused at the infinite position starts autofocusing on a subject at a distance of 1 meter until it focuses on it and starts exposure. According to Olympus's in-house test conditions.

 3D tracking AF with enhanced moving object tracking performance The goal of the previous tracking AF system was to track a subject moving mainly in the plane defined by the X- and Y-axes. As a result, tracking was delayed when the subject moved in the depthwise (Z-axis) direction. The new 3D tracking AF system performs AF tracking in all three dimensions, following the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve tracking performance and accuracy. When the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ is mounted, sequential shooting of 4.2 fps is possible with continuous AF tracking.

 35-point AF sensor with the group area selection capability The number of focus selection areas is 35. The size of each target has been reduced slightly so fine, pinpoint AF is possible across a wider area. When it is necessary to capture a fast-moving subject accurately, the group area AF is available, which selects an area composed of 3 x 3 points from the 35 points.


 Full-time AF The full-time AF keeps the image focused even when the release button is not pressed. As this allows the camera to be in permanently focus, autofocusing can be obtained by simply pointing the camera to the subject in a shorter period than activating the S-AF by half-press of the shutter release button.

 Improved AF accuracy under low light The new Live MOS Sensor features the accuracy of AF in low brightness. The AF in dark scenes is supported by an AF illuminator with a range of about 3 meters.

4. Electronic viewfinder with high image quality and high functionality that enables real-time checking of various shooting conditions

 Focus your vision by looking into the viewfinder The OLYMPUS OM-D is the first Olympus interchangeable lens type camera to incorporate a 1.44-M dot high-definition electronic viewfinder, which features a 100% field of view and max. 1.15X magnification as well as an eye point of 18 mm. The display time lag is very short, achieving high traceability that compares favorably to an optical viewfinder. The performance of the electronic viewfinder is not determined solely by the number of dots on the LCD. This viewfinder has a sufficient pupil diameter thanks to a unique optical design, allowing the image to be viewed clearly from the center to the periphery with little or no vignetting produced by fine movement of the eye positioning. The camera has an eye sensor and can switch the activation of the rear-panel monitor and electronic viewfinder automatically. Information including shutter speed is displayed at the bottom of the field to avoid interfering with the framing operation.* A dedicated eyecup is optionally available to attach to the viewfinder.

* The image and display on the viewfinder screen can be selected from three types. The magnification varies depending on the selected type.



70mm

with hood

FL-600 flash

 

[ed9119]

 EVF Creative Control enables the user to concentrate on the image composition The ability to check the effects of various corrections and Art Filters is one of the advantages of an electronic viewfinder not available with an optical viewfinder. The EVF Creative Control is a new interface that exploits this capability to the max. It allows the user to concentrate on composing the image without taking their eye away from the viewfinder.

This function divides the image brightness into the highlight brightness and shadow brightness, and adjusts them separately using two dials. The adjusted results can naturally be checked against the actual brightness in the viewfinder image, but can also be checked using a tone curve displayed on the viewfinder screen. After completing brightness adjustment, the user can also control white balance, magnification and aspect ratio using the Fn buttons and dials, and do it all without having to take their eye off the viewfinder.

5. 16.05-megapixel new Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processing engine for high image quality and high sensitivity

 New 16.05-megapixel Live MOS Sensor with halved noise compared to the previous model The new camera incorporates a new High-Speed Live MOS Sensor with 16.05 megapixels. This sensor not only boasts high resolution, but also features image quality improvement with significantly less noise than the previous sensor. The dynamic range has also been expanded to provide superb gradation reproduction across a wider range of brightness. The sensor also features a high data read speed, which supports full-HD (1920 x 1080) movie recording and the high autofocusing speed of the FAST AF system.

 New TruePic VI image processing engine The new camera incorporates TruePic VI, a new image processing engine first introduced on the E-P3. This engine improves image-processing quality and reduces processing time

 

[ed9119]

more to come in next few minutes

 

[noodlehaus]

This is all I have to say...

 

[ed9119]

Olympus Imaging Singapore (General Manager: Jimmy Loh) is pleased to announce that Olympus is developing two new interchangeable lens units for Micro Four Thirds system cameras.

These lenses will be launched in the second half of 2012.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm F1.8 lens has a very bright, large F1.8 aperture in a beautiful full-metal design that is great for portrait photography.
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro lens has excellent close-up shooting capability, in a dust-/ splash-proof body making it the ideal lens for nature photography.

The design mock-up of these lenses will be exhibited at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan, February 9-12, 2012.

Outline of Developed Product: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm F1.8

1. Offers high-speed shooting with a bright F1.8 suitable for the studio use, low light shots and indoor sports.

2. High quality metal design and finish. The displayed mock-up is not the final design.

3. Expected launch in second half of 2012. Specifications and price are not yet determined.

Outline of Developed Product: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro

1. Offers the 1:1 life size magnification (equivalent to 2:1 in 35mm) at the closest focusing distance of 0.19m/0.62ft.

2. Dust-/splash-proof design. The displayed mock-up is not the final design.

3. Expected launch in second half of 2012. Specifications and price are not yet determined.

 

[vainqueur]

Now I can't wait until March!!!

 

[ed9119]

Accessories

TWO piece handgrip

Small flash unit

 

[ed9119]

 

[zapp!]

Body+12-50 lens @ Amazon is 1299USD.

Body alone 999USD. Not too shabby considering it includes a built in VF and the small flash unit.

 

[zapp!]

Ed, u have any idea if Oly SG will organise a preview for the E-M5?

 

[vainqueur]

Body+12-50 lens @ Amazon is 1299USD.

Body alone 999USD. Not too shabby considering it includes a built in VF and the small flash unit.

Any idea how much is the 12-50 alone? If its above 600, then the package quite worth it.

 

[Evilmerlin]

USD999 body only is quite a steal. But will probably get it with the 12-50 for the weather sealing.

 

[Anthony Lee]

Such a compelling camera that took me more time reading the press release and hands on preview at DPR than that of the D800.

 

[esoeij]

Exciting!! Did Olympus say what the dimensions/weight of the body might be?

Edit - Just went to DPReview and got the answers to my own question

 

[ed9119]

Ed, u have any idea if Oly SG will organise a preview for the E-M5?

yah , please wait for news

 

[zapp!]

yah , please wait for news

Great looking forward to it

 

[ed9119]

for a sense of perspective on size, the OM-D's body (WITHOUT the vertical grip) is slighly TALLER and slightly NARROWER than the E-PL3 ..... so although it LOOKs big , its actually a little smaller than a PEN