Tag Archives: four-thirds

New Olympus OM-D EM-1

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Olympus OM-D EM-1

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…

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The New Olympus OM-D

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Olympus Malaysia launched its much-awaited OM-D (E-M5), a day after its worldwide unveiling. Inspired by the legendary OM-4 film camera, the classy OM-D is built around a new Live MOS Sensor with 16.05 megapixels and TruePic VI image processing engine.

The new Olympus OM-D (E-M5) in 2 colours

The new Olympus OM-D (E-M5) in 2 colours

A newly-developed 3D Tracking AF system, 5-axis image stabilization, rapid 9 frames-per-second burst shooting and weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body are some of its headline features. The new built-in EVF system has a quick response display at 120fps for minimal lag. It does look better than my VF-2 when I did a brief comparison. For me, the magic of this new camera is its feel and handling.  All the buttons and dials falling in place, naturally.

The new OM-D is inspired by the original OM-4 film camera

The new OM-D is inspired by the original OM-4 film camera

During lunch, I had a chance to catch up with Mr Toshiyuki Terada (Manager, Group Leader of Product & Marketing Planning Group). Mr Terada, as expected, was tight-lipped when I asked him for more information on the sensor and would only say it is new and that there are some obvious improvements over the current m4/3 Pen E-P3. According to him, the new E-M5 has +1 stop noise improvement, +1/3 dynamic range improvement & 30% faster AF speed.

Mr Toshiyuki Terada (right) and Mr Tan Tick Boon, MD Olympus Malaysia

Mr Toshiyuki Terada (right) and Mr Tan Tick Boon, MD Olympus Malaysia

I also asked him about the relatively ‘slow’ speed of the new 12-50 mm weather-sealed lens . He explained that they designed this lens optimised for weight and size. Any brighter, it will have a weight payload, off-setting the compact advantage of the m4/3 system. He also said the camera’s firmware was still being fine-tuned at that time and thus I was not allowed to take home any sample pics. Nevertheless, their PR agency promised a review model the soonest.

Surprise, surprise. The optional VF-2 finder for the Pen fits and works

Surprise, surprise. The optional VF-2 finder for the Pen fits and works

The new model is expected to arrive at shops here in Malaysia some time end of March. Prices and any bundle will be announced later. Look out for some sample pics and a review of the exciting OM-D here soon…

Update: You can see my pics with the new OM-D starting from here