Slimmer and lighter cameras promised

Significantly lighter and more compact DSLR cameras and lenses are on the way from Olympus and Matsushita, thanks to the development of new lens technology.

The MFTS promises smaller and lighter cameras

The two firms have pledged to work together to produce lighter and more compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems based on the Micro Four Thirds System (MFTS) standard, which builds on the existing Four Thirds System (FTS) standard developed by Olympus and Kodak.

The MFTS uses the same 18 x 13.5mm sensor size as the FTS does, but enables slimmer cameras by removing the need for an optical viewfinder and mirror box.

Removing the mirror box allows for a 50 per cent shorter flange-back distance, but removal of the optical viewfinder means users are forced to frame images using the camera’s LCD display.

More compact lenses are also expected to be developed, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range.

It’s worth noting that existing FTS lenses can be used on snappers based on the new MFTS technology, thanks to a specialist adaptor.

Neither firm has announced when they’ll release cameras or lenses based on the MFTS standard.