The new OM-D EM-1 is not as big as what everyone speculated initially. Shown here mounted with the 12-50 mm kit lens. Photographed with Olympus OM-D EM-5, ISO 200, f2.8, 1/15 sec.

Today, a new flagship mirrorless system camera from Olympus will debut. The new OM-D EM-1 inherits the classic design of the EM-5 with some distinct improvements. I have had the camera a couple of weeks earlier; and here’s my initial hands-on report in 17 pages.

I have owned and used Olympus system cameras from the E-1 (year 2003), E3, E-520, E-5, through to the E-P1, E-PL2, E-PL5 and my current favourite, the OM-D EM-5. Regular readers here will know, I use the OM-D EM-5 on a daily basis, in almost every conceivable situations and environment. As I write this, my EM-5’s LCD screen has cracked and the mode dial malfunctioning possibly due to the extreme situations I put it through. I hope to put the EM-1 through the same vigorous real world use and will report accordingly.

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This is not a technical or scientific review. It is more to introduce you to the new features and to share my thoughts as an existing EM-5 user. Here, you will find some new and exclusive pictures of the EM-1 and sample pictures photographed with the EM-1 itself.

Briefly: the camera has a new 16.0 megapixel sensor, new powerful TruePic VII engine, dual AF detection, ultra-large high res VF, improved I.S., time lapse, focus peaking, full Wi-Fi remote control and even a flash PC sync socket. Video specs remains almost the same as the EM-5 with improvements coming from the new processor and better I.S. While that may be understandably disappointing to some, it is nothing to scoff at.

Before we begin, big thanks to Olympus Malaysia and Synergy Consultants for arranging the review camera and lenses. Big thanks also to my camera assistant and model, Carmen Hong, who worked tirelessly through the hectic test drive.

Table of Content
01. Introduction
02. Dual Detection AF
03. Images With 43 and m43 Lenses
04. Color Creator
05. Dramatic Tone Art Filter Samples
06. Auto HDR Shooting Mode
07. Live Bulb and Live Time and New Low ISO
08. 1/8000th Shutter Speed @ 10 frame per second
09. New 12-40 mm f2.8 PRO Lens
10. New 12-40 mm f2.8 Image Samples
11. Image Stabilization Image Sample
12. Wi-Fi Remote Live View and Control
13. Comparison of EM-1 with EM-5
14. Main Features and Price List
15. Main Feature Details
16. Other Features
17. Concept Video, Links to Touch and Try Sessions and Pre-Order Online

See next page on Auto Focus…