Olympus unwraps first Micro Four-Thirds camera
"Mirrors no longer necessary"
Olympus has launched its first camera based on the Micro Four-Thirds format. The firm claimed the result is a DSLR much slimmer than others.
Olympus' E-P1: uses Micro Four-Thirds technology
The E-P1 measures 119.3 x 68.5 x 33mm, yet sports a 12.3Mp sensor and support for interchangeable lenses. A range of Micro Four-Thirds lenses will be released for the camera, and Olympus has promised that “the full range of existing Four Thirds lenses” will also be supported by the E-P1.
But the E-P1’s other specifications aren’t half-bad, either. For example, the camera has a spacious 3in LCD display and features six “Art filters”, including “Pop Flair”, “Pin Hole” and “Grainy Film”.
Another setting, “e-Portrait”, smoothes away wrinkles and eliminates pimples from your people shots, Olympus claimed.
The 12.3Mp camera can also capture video
You’ll also be able to capture video on the E-P1 at 720p resolution and 30f/s speed.
Pictures are placed on Micro SD memory cards, while the E-P1’s integrated HDMI port should provide an easy and direct method for connecting the camera into your TV.
Both Micro Four-Thirds and Four Thirds lenses are supported by the E-P1
It’s also worth noting that Olympus has outfitted the E-P1 with image stabilisation and a dust-reduction system.
Olympus’ E-P1 will be available next month. You’ll have the choice of either a white or silver camera body, but a price hasn’t been disclosed, yet. ®
COMMENTS
FINALLY...Olypus have hit their old niche
As an avid Olypus photographer (E-3, E-500, SW1030, etc.), I have been eagerly waiting for Oly to recapture the niche that was their's back in the days of 35mm film: small, light travel cameras that did little to sacrifice quality. The 4/3ds format was supposed to be their position in that in digital, but the APS-C camers turned out to be not much heavier or lighter, leaving Oly with their top-quality optics but sensors that couldn't compete with APS-C in dynamic range, and bodies nearly as bulky and heavy.
Now the E-P1 and Micro 4/3ds changes all of that, enabling Oly to finally reduce the flange to sensor distance to almost nothing, resulting in a camera that can take advantage of Oly's great optical designs. Sure the sensors still won't have the dynamic range of APS-C, but the gap is so small now, and the E-P1 so much smaller and lighter, that it now has a niche - the ultimate travel camera. Nice one Oly - again the innovator.
