Olympus announces OM-D E-M5 weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera

Olympus has finally announced the long-rumored E-M5, the first of its OM-D range of Micro Four Thirds cameras. The E-M5 is built around a 16MP sensor and features the company's latest 5-axis image stabilization system that works for both stills and movies. It can shoot 1080i60 movies in MOV format (h.264 compression) and includes a 1.44M dot EVF in its weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.

It will cost around $1299.99 / £1149.99 / €1299.99 with the weather-sealed 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 power zoom lens and will be available from April 2012.

We've also written an Olympus OM-D E-M5 hands-on preview

Jump to:

• Hands-on Preview
• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional Images

Press Release:

CLASSIC OM DESIGN REVIVED INTO A NEW STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL CAMERA - THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW:
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5

Olympus OM-D (E-M5)

The Olympus E-M5 Unites an Intuitive Built-In Electronic Viewfinder with the World’s First*1 5-Axis Image Stabilization and World’s Fastest*2 Autofocusing System inside a Powerfully Portable and Rugged Dustproof and Splashproof Body

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012, 9:00pm – Today Olympus builds upon the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series and marks the beginning of the new digital imaging era with the launch of the Olympus E-M5, the first of the new Olympus OM-D (OM Digital) Series of Micro Four Thirds™ products. Designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers, the Olympus E-M5 is packed with a built-in electronic viewfinder, superior image technology, blazing fast speed and total creative control in a classic, rugged body ready for sand, sun, sleet or snow.

Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, the Olympus OM-D Series is a new and entirely unique Micro Four Thirds camera system. It combines outstanding features found in the Olympus E-System DSLR line with those of the compact Olympus PEN® Series to meet the requirements of discerning photographers who demand more performance and portability from their interchangeable-lens cameras. The compact and ready-for-action Olympus E-M5 boasts breakthrough innovations inside, including:

• A built-in 120-fps (frames-per-second) refresh rate, high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with outstanding image quality, eye detect and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions
• A 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic™ VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity
• The world’s first*1 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking
• The world’s fastest*2 autofocusing system (FAST AF) plus new 3D AF tracking for improved performance following moving subjects at up to 9 frames-per-second sequential shooting
• A lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with the same dustproof and splashproof durability of the Olympus E-5 DSLR
• A tilting 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and new Movie Effects: One Shot Echo, for a semi-transparent frame at your whim and Multi Echo, for a multi-motion trail effect.

 Intuitively Designed Electronic Viewfinder

The OLYMPUS E-M5 is the first Olympus interchangeable-lens camera to incorporate a 120-fps refresh rate, High-Definition electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor to seamlessly switch the display between the tilting, 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and the electronic viewfinder for ease-of-use, features a 100-percent field of view, maximum 1.15x magnification and an eye point of 18mm for fatigue-free viewing. Camera setting information, such as shutter speed, is displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder so photographers can concentrate on framing shots and take full advantage of an EVF’s ability to display the effects of various exposure adjustments and Art Filter effects – all without having to take the eye away from the viewfinder.

Superior Image Quality

The Olympus E-M5 uses a new 16.1 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor offering improved performance and exceptional clarity and speed in all aspects of image capture. Olympus’ TruePic VI image-processing engine dramatically improves image quality in low-light environments. The camera’s sensor allows for a maximum ISO of 25,600, and the dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful color reproduction.

Unprecedented 5-axis image stabilization

The Olympus E-M5 is distinguished by the world’s first 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism capable of reducing the effects of camera motion and image blur from five directions on stills and video, even including motion blur caused by the photographer walking or running. Previous IS mechanisms compensated for camera shake by addressing only two kinds of movement along the vertical and horizontal axis. However, camera shake can actually be caused by five different kinds of movement: horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, as well as the yaw and pitch. While some technology has attempted to correct for camera blur by building the Image Stabilization mechanism into the lens, the Olympus E-M5 IS mechanism is incorporated into the camera body itself so that all lenses mounted on the body can take advantage of this sophisticated technology, whether shooting stills or HD video.

Blazing Speed

Focus and shoot faster with record-breaking autofocus speed and imaging processing. The Olympus E-M5 employs the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, introduced in the PEN E-P3, but with even greater speed. The 16MP Live MOS chip drives image data off the sensor at a blazing 240 frames-per-second, a 2X speed increase in Continuous Autofocus, with reduced image blackout enabling photographers to track fast action, Maximum frame rates in sequential shooting have also increased more than 2X with a max frame rate of 9-fps in Single AF. A new 3D tracking AF system can follow the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve focus on moving subjects. Paired with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50-mm f3.5-6.3 electronic zoom lens for optimum focusing speed, fast camera start-up times and operational speeds enable the photographer to keep up with the most challenging shooting situations, while dual control dials and dedicated function buttons help them adjust settings on-the-fly.

Creative Freedom

The Olympus E-M5 features a 3.0-inch tilting OLED touch-screen to enable photographers to get up high or down low for any shot. The touch screen interface offers intuitive focus and release of the shutter and review and enlargement of images in playback with the touch of a finger. The new Live Bulb feature updates the Live View image on the OLED screen at pre-set intervals during long exposures and enables the user to preview continually unfolding action such as fireworks or waterfalls and adjust the exposure time accordingly while capturing the image at the desired moment. An innovative new interface, EVF Creative Control, produces a tone curve overlay on the viewfinder screen to enable separate adjustment of highlight and shadow brightness, white balance, magnification and aspect ratio can also be manipulated via the EVF

A new “Key Line” Art Filter joins ten other available filters on the Olympus E-M5 and enhances the edge lines of the image to make it look more like an illustration. New “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II” Art Filters provide variations on the popular existing filters, and the two new Echo effect for movies leaves a momentary residual image of a subject’s movements when activated during movie recording. Users who like to perform their movie post-editing on a PC will particularly appreciate the Full HD 1080i movie recording function, which adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).

Powerful Portability and Rugged Durability

The striking, iconic design of the Olympus E-M5 is more than just looks; its magnesium alloy body is rugged enough to stand up to severe environmental conditions like heavy rain and blowing sand. The Olympus E-M5 employs internal seals extensively and, when the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is attached, this combination delivers an integrated dustproof and splashproof camera system. The electronic viewfinder section of the body is also made of magnesium alloy to ensure durability, and the FL-LM2 Electronic Flash that ships with the camera features the same dustproof and splashproof construction.

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge

The HLD-6 Power Battery Grip, in the same dust- and splashproof construction as the Olympus E-M5 body, is an adaptable, two-part grip that can be used either as a landscape grip for easier handling or as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the E-M5, thus extending battery life. The FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO 200 or GN 36 at ISO 100) offers improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. Equipped with a built-in LED, the FL-600R can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light. The MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter is designed for mounting a Four Thirds Standard-compliant lens on a Micro Four Thirds Standard-compliant camera body. The MMF-3, which also features dust- and splashproof construction, is ideally suited for use with Olympus’ similarly constructed High Grade and Super High Grade lenses.

The Olympus E-M5 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds-compliant lenses, including two new lenses that Olympus will introduce later this year: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro. The 75mm lens is a high-quality metal design with fast aperture settings for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dustproof and splashproof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 7.5 inches.

*1 As of February 2012. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.
*2 As of November 2011. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras on the market, and using Olympus’ in-house test conditions. In C-AF Tracking mode, maximum frame rate is 4.2fps.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus E-M5 will be available in April and ships in the following configurations: 

Estimated Street Price: 
$999.99 (Body only, available in Black and Silver)
$1,299.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens)
$1,099.99 (Black body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens)
For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1583

To find out more about the OM-D E-M5, visit the OM-D site at: www.olympusomd.com

Olympus OM-D E-M5 specifications

Additional images

Top view with additional grip attached.	Accessories
Weather sealing
Splash proof	Optional hand strap
Left and right sides of the OM-D	Optional 4/3 lens adapter

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Comments

Total comments: 218 1 2

By Footloose1949 (6 months ago)

'Rectro' it may well be, but that's because the original OM1 set standards in size and quality that took the other manufacturers a fair amount of time to compete with. Up until the OM, quality cameras were by default, bulky and heavy. Olympus seriously clobbered that perception. I have the E1, much maligned, bit a superbly competent and compact camera. Then they blew them up in size, but obviously their chief designer's ghost started haunting their R&D dept, and as a result we have the OM-D. It might have it's failings exposure latitude-wise, but it's one hell of a lot more user-friendly, unobtrusive etc than APS-C cameras. ... it's also got some wonderful optics, with specs which are still unavailable in the APS-C format, 6 years on. Most cameras are compromises in one way or another, but I personally think the OM-D, offers less of these than most other camera manufacturers products.

0 upvotes

By Camerabrain (Mar 25, 2012)

Sweet.

0 upvotes

By Mtsuoka (Feb 11, 2012)

On second thought this Film era SLR design is kind of old fashioned.
reminds me of the old film SLRS
I'd still prefer the RF styling

0 upvotes

By T3 (Feb 16, 2012)

"On second thought this Film era SLR design is kind of old fashioned.
reminds me of the old film SLRS"

Uh...yeah. That's why they call it "retro" styling. It's *supposed* to remind you of an old film era SLR! LOL. Did you just *suddenly* realize ("on second thought...") that this "retro" styling gave the camera an "old fashioned film SLR" look? That must have been a very eye-opening revelation for you!

"Hey...wait a minute! This retro-styled camera named after the old film era Olympus OM cameras reminds me of an old film era SLR camera! Wow, did anyone else notice that?!?!"

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 12 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

By Gofindjp (Feb 17, 2012)

Ha ha, love it.

0 upvotes

By safeashouses (Feb 20, 2012)

Yeah, looks kinda retro to me. Does anybody else see that?

1 upvote

By Blob999 (Feb 10, 2012)

How "high" is the chip sensitivity. No mention of the LUX value, so I assume it will be not be sensitive enough to replace my <1 lux CCD camera.

(it is for astronomy)

0 upvotes

By luchoh (Feb 10, 2012)

OM2 has the best viewfinder in 35mm.
This was the only object I carried with me on my wedding day. I shortly let go of it when I had to sign the papers. That's how good it is. The viewfinder is comparable to Pentax 6x7!

Olympus has the technology. Unfortunately it seems it is infested (as most of the surviving modern businesses) with sales and marketing people that have the upper hand over ingenuity.

I had given up on Olympus and for a short time regained hope when they pre-announced this camera. Perhaps I didn't read carefully to notice the m4/3 mount. Perhaps I couldn't believe they will so cheaply exploit the legacy...

Have you noticed how most of the old film gear has become twice as expensive during the past year or so (OM gear eve more so)? This is a direct consequence of marketing people trying to sell half-baked products to (as they think) half-baked people. Well, I hope not everybody is half-baked.

Farewell Olympus!

0 upvotes

By T3 (Feb 10, 2012)

Yeah, but the reality is that the so-called "half-baked" OM-D will out-shoot any of the old OM cameras. Believe it or not, today's photographers want to do more with their cameras than just fawn over how big and pretty the viewfinder is.

You also have to consider that, with an EVF, there's technically no limit to how big the viewfinder can be. If a manufacturer wanted to, they could put an EVF on a future OM-D camera that is as big as a Pentax 67 viewfinder, if they wanted to! (But obviously, that would look rather weird.) It's because the size of the viewfinder is no longer defined by the size of the film frame or sensor frame. With an EVF, the viewfinder simply takes a data feed from the sensor, and displays the sensor's image on any size screen you want to display it on, whether it be a rear LCD screen, or an LCD screen in the viewfinder.

1 upvote

By luchoh (Feb 12, 2012)

Image vs. Photograph
I can certainly see your point. As physics major and software engineer, I'm quite intimate with technology.
However, this is not the point I was making.
I agree that the images that the new camera will produce will be superior to anything produced by OM cameras except perhaps for slides scanned on a drum scanner. Even then, if the behind-the-scanner-device is not vastly experienced, the images will be inferior. Also, such scans will cost $40 and more per image.
I agree. Images from the new camera will be superior.
How about photographs?
I sold my 5D 3 years ago when it became obsolete - I realized l was using old school medium format and then subsequently large format and the 5D didn't get much use. The large viewfinders help you see your future work of art.

My point is: unless one shoots walls and compares pixels, the image quality doesn't matter all that much. What matters is what you see in order to create the photograph.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

By AbrasiveReducer (Feb 13, 2012)

Which old film gear has become twice as expensive? And by this, I mean people are actually paying double as opposed to the asking prices.

0 upvotes

By T3 (Feb 16, 2012)

"What matters is what you see in order to create the photograph."

Well, considering that the E-M5's EVF has an excellent OLED EVF, with 100% frame coverage and 1.15x magnification (which is better than most cameras at this price point offer), I'd say that this viewfinder is actually as good or better than most DSLRs in this price range. Furthermore, how many OVF's can actually show you how your image will be exposed "in order to create the photograph" even before you take the photo? Frankly, an EVF will actually allow you to see more information in order to "create the photograph" than you realize. Eventually, most EVF's will incorporate focus peaking, highlight/shadow clipping indicators, in-viewfinder histogram viewing, in-viewfinder framing guides, and so much more...all of which you can choose to "see in order to create the photograph."

As for the notion that "image quality doesn't matter all that much", there are a few people here who might disagree.

0 upvotes

By Nathebeach (Feb 9, 2012)

Can someone please tell me if this camera, or ANY micro four thirds camera, can use the standard four third lenses without penalty? Yeah I know you have the adapter, but is there an image quality when using adapters? Obviously (at least if you know anything about Olympus lenses) I am lusting for this camera with the amazing Olympus 12-60 zoom. I seriously doubt that the new M43 version counterpart (I think it is 12-50 approx) can hold a candle to that lens. Opinions welcome but experienced/informed opinions even better.

0 upvotes

By BJL (Feb 9, 2012)

There is no inherent IQ problem, as the adaptor is just a mechanical-electrical connection, no glass. But AF is not so good with lenses designed for the PD AF of a SLR; the new m43 lenses use a different type of AF motor.

0 upvotes

By Nathebeach (Feb 9, 2012)

That makes sense that the IQ would not suffer since it has no glass element, but it does move the lenses further away from the focal plane and I was wondering if that might be an issue, even if only a slight one?

0 upvotes

By BJL (Feb 10, 2012)

The adaptor puts the lenses at the right distance. The micro 4/3 lens mount is far closer to the focal plane that the 4/3 SLR mount (about 22mm vs 38mm) so the adaptor just has to be thick enough to correct for that (about 16mm). More generally, that is why it is so easy to have adaptorrs for using all kinds of lenses on m43 bodies (ditto with NEX).

Comment edited 36 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

By sauchiyong (Feb 10, 2012)

For Micro 43 the lens-camera communication has information of how much the camera need to correct for lens inperfection. If you want to pay less and get a smaller lens for the same job, you should get a m43 lens...

0 upvotes

By Mtsuoka (Feb 11, 2012)

looks like the air quality inside the 43 adapter will also affects the final IQ, make sure that you mount your lens when there is "good" air

Comment edited 17 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

By toomanycanons (Feb 9, 2012)

Check out the AE bracketing: 2,3,5,7 frames. I wish my Nikon DSLRs did that. And 9 fps continuous shooting.

0 upvotes

By Linnin (Feb 8, 2012)

Absolutely Love The OM-D! HUZZAH OLYMPUS!

0 upvotes

By audijam (Feb 8, 2012)

i want Canon F1D or AE1D...that's all...

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

You're really confused, right?

0 upvotes

By neekoh_dp (Feb 9, 2012)

Oh, me too! A1D for me, or just any FD-D. ( http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/canon-ae-1-program-slr-gets-a-digital-retrofit/ )

0 upvotes

By YoHahnMD (Feb 8, 2012)

I was kind of hoping for this camera with the full 4/3 lens mount . . . not the m4/3.

Oh well . . .

We'll see, although while I do like the 4/3rd's DSLR's, I've never been much of a film era OM fan.

1 upvote

By mediokre (Feb 8, 2012)

Panasonic put this stabilized sensor in the AF100 successor.

0 upvotes

By Baxter Bad (Feb 8, 2012)

In the U.S. at least, silver kits come with a black 12-50 lens. There's a silver lens available, why not include that with the silver body?

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

I was considering this one mostly for video work, as the Panny Lumix DMC-GH2 is getting mighty old in the tooth. Some negatives I picked up on the OM-D E-M5:

(a) LCD is only 610K resolution, weird.
(b) Video recording is 60i instead of 30p or 60p. Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but disappointing nonetheless.

(c) No 3.5mm external mic input. That is probably a deal breaker for me, actually. The $800 Fujifilm X-S1 w. the 26x zoom has such a jack, but not this high-end Olympus. Weird, huh?

0 upvotes

By Macx (Feb 9, 2012)

Yes, it is a bit weird. There is a clip on external mic input available for the hot shoe, but my take on it is that Olympus doesn't really target the videographers with this. If I did video work mainly, I'd stick with the GH2 for now.

0 upvotes

By BJL (Feb 9, 2012)

There is an adaptor for 3.5mm mics. But clearly, Panasonic m4/3 is the way to go if video is your top priority.

0 upvotes

By sorinx (Feb 8, 2012)

Very good features for such small camera. I like the IBIS because it works with any lens. And it will be upgraded with each camera iteration for all your lenses.

The only useless item in digital world is optional grip. They could just make a bigger square sensor that will cover completely the lens circle. But i guess that we have to wait another 10 years for this. As we had to wait for this camera although it was technically possible to be made long time ago. But selling 5 generations of incomplete camera is more profitable than just make directly a good one.

1 upvote

By sorinx (Feb 8, 2012)

Some people want NEW look just because is NEW. It does not matter that it is UGLY, that it has horrible ergonomics, it only matters to them that it is NEW and INNOVATIVE.

I guess they hate women because the model is waaay too old. They would prefer probably a square women. That would be COOOOOOOOOL.

0 upvotes

By AbrasiveReducer (Feb 8, 2012)

Novelty for novelty's sake, I say! It works for pop music.

0 upvotes

By kscharf (Feb 12, 2012)

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder. I don't think this is a truly ugly camera, at least when you leave off the extra grips.

0 upvotes

By Baxter Bad (Feb 8, 2012)

Is it true you can create your own aspect ratios for jpeg shooting? Would love to have 5:4, have missed it from my E-30.

0 upvotes

By Michael Doleman (Feb 8, 2012)

This may just bring me back to m4/3, depending on final street price. That's a pretty nice little practical shooter. I guess the rumors of Olympus' demise have been greatly exaggerated...

In a way I'd have rather seen them build an actual DSLR, especially given the styling--I mean, why mimic the OM of yore if it is, conceptually, not even close to the same camera? But, then again, the EVF sounds promising, it's a great-looking camera, it's amazingly compact, and I can certainly understand why Olympus wouldn't want to go up against the latest and greatest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon--it's wise of them to bail out of that market, entirely.

1 upvote

By IamJacksBrain (Feb 8, 2012)

It would be more useful if they placed the EVF on the left side of the camera instead of in the middle.

0 upvotes

By Esa Tuunanen (Feb 8, 2012)

Better question would be why in the heck body has to continue so much to left from lens mount while there's no film roll to need it?
We've had over decade of digital cameras and actually there are still very few designs which actually utilized possibilities of new digital technology for improving ergonomy and most of them are old digicams. Like this (Konica)Minolta and others of its kind from time before cheap entry level DSLRs.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/konicaminoltaa2/page3.asp

0 upvotes

By Davidfstop (Feb 8, 2012)

I think you miss the point - RETRO.
I think it looks fantastic.
Shame about 4/3 sensor though.

0 upvotes

By tkbslc (Feb 8, 2012)

So you want the body to stop right at the edge of the lens? Would you be happy with a 1" LCD?

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

"Shame about 4/3 sensor though."

Renewed trolling time for Micro 4/3 haters, though.

0 upvotes

By snapshtr (Feb 9, 2012)

The new Sigma DP1M and DP2M is one example of "the body stopping at the edge of the lens". It has a 3" screen.

0 upvotes

By AG (Feb 8, 2012)

look ugly to me

1 upvote

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

And what are you, a beauty queen?

0 upvotes

By snapshtr (Feb 8, 2012)

I agree. Awkward proportions, pentaprism is too tall. The original OM cameras looked better.

1 upvote

By ashwins (Feb 8, 2012)

As a graphics designer I would say that mixture of retro and futuristic—pretty nice design. The silver/black looks more elegant than fully black.

1 upvote

By MrPetkus (Feb 8, 2012)

m43, etc., not withstanding, this is the most perfect *looking* camera I've seen in a long time. It is absolutely stunning.

4 upvotes

By Linnin (Feb 9, 2012)

Agree Totally! She Is A Beauty!

0 upvotes

By chris96326 (Feb 8, 2012)

Hmmm, a splash-proof camera in a m43 system that has NO weather sealed lenses. Interesting...

Hopefully I missed a new/old weather proof lens, but if not, my statement stands true. If I did, I am sure the replies to this will bring me up to speed. :) I will be optimistic and assume that Oly has some future weather proof lenses on the horizon. It seems (to my advantage) that Micro Four Thirds is gathering momentum. It has to be the most exciting platform in the camera world today. As more companies jump on board, I see a future where photo gear/entire kits won't wear you down. If they could just control image noise and/or low light photography, they would dominate.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

By CurtisLewis (Feb 8, 2012)

MFT 12-50mm is weather sealed.

1 upvote

By T3 (Feb 8, 2012)

Yes, you did miss it. The new Oly ED 12-50 mm lens is weather sealed. It was announced in December:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/12/14/olympus1250EZ

It's the announcement of the 12-50mm lens that led many to believe that the OM-D would also be weatherized, because obviously if you introduce a weatherized lens, you need a weatherized body to go with it.

0 upvotes

By cleverinstigator (Feb 8, 2012)

12-50 is

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Also, the 12-50mm M.ZUIKOS has a professional video camcorder optic style internal zoom mechanism. When you zoom in/out, the front barrel does not pop in and out harmonica style, like it does with the cheap Canikon DSLR style zooms.

Much better weather protection this way w. the internal zoom design.

0 upvotes

By Linnin (Feb 9, 2012)

And not only that with their handy dandy adapter my weather sealed Zuiko High Grade Lenses are ready for all weather action with fast glass and excellent image quality! Ha!

0 upvotes

By inevitable crafts studio (Feb 8, 2012)

i like the design, but mFT AND evf only ?

hahahaha is this first of april? ^^

0 upvotes

By Paul Farace (Feb 8, 2012)

Yea, I agree... it was almost a winner until I realized it was evf!

0 upvotes

By T3 (Feb 8, 2012)

Guys, you can't have m4/3 without the EVF because m4/3 has no room for a reflex mirror, which is needed for an optical viewfinder. In case you just crawled out of a cave, if you want 4/3 and an optical viewfinder, Oly has a whole line of 4/3 cameras! But m4/3 is clearly a /mirrorless/ system, which means if you want a viewfinder it has to be EVF. And I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss EVF. EVF's are getting better with every new generation. The OLED EVF on the OM-D appears to be plenty good.

4 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

The brain trust is out early this year.

0 upvotes

By Superka (Feb 8, 2012)

I'll keep shooting with my OM-10, and never will buy this crop-2 digital. It not even close to original OM series by the features and appearance.

3 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Thanks God, the rest of us no longer live in the year 1970.

0 upvotes

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 - funny...Why so slow at the long end?
f6.3 is already diffraction limit for 16 MP crop 2x sensor.
I don't catch the logic - it's only weather sealed lens for m4/3 - right?
But why it's so slow?

DOF equivalent at 35 mm - 100/F13...:)

1 upvote

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

It looks like agony...Too many efforts to put more features into small retro body.
But...What can we expect from IQ and Olympus lenses?
Rather mediocre results. Crop 2 is forever. It's unreal to deceive physics.

Consumer level.

Is this camera Attractive? Yes. Well-made? Yes.
Good featured? Yeahhh...
But it's all marketing tricks. Game.
The new cameras are soulless. X-Pro1, OM-D are not real retro cameras, it's fake.

The retro flirting of camera-makers and retro-design makes me sick.
It's like peanut politician.

Yes...It's good camera for anybody. But it's boring camera. Like D800.

1 upvote

By inevitable crafts studio (Feb 8, 2012)

i agreed till you meantioned the d800

1 upvote

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

D800 is just 36 MP upgrade of D3X/D700. Is it cool? Yes. And it's FF.:) But...I mean mainstream pattern of thoughts...

0 upvotes

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

between OM-D and D800 is abyss...:)

0 upvotes

By T3 (Feb 8, 2012)

Not everyone needs or wants a "pro" level camera for every moment of shooting in their lifetime. I use Canon FF and APS DSLRs. But I also have an m4/3 camera for times when I don't want to lug around my much larger, much heavier, much more conspicuous DSLR gear. And the results are far from mediocre. As for "real retro", what the heck is that? Are you expecting an all manual film camera? LOL.

If you think cameras like the X-Pro1, OM-D, and D800 are all "boring" and "soulless", I think you've got some serious mental issues. They are tools used by craftsmen to create images. Nothing to get "sick" over.

1 upvote

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Yes, ogl. You SOUND like agony, too.

0 upvotes

By Linnin (Feb 9, 2012)

Thanks T3, you bring the voice of seasoned professional without brand bias. MANY pros are coming to Micro Four Thirds for many of the same reasons you stated. Most have come away impressed with capabilities of the system and the image quality.

0 upvotes

By slncezgsi (Feb 8, 2012)

Loos great to me. I would only say - the EVF seems to have the same specs like the clip-on one. Personally a bit larger magnification would be nice. 1.15x only translates to about 0.59x in FF. But maybe it would not fit the (rather slim) body.

0 upvotes

By ARTASHES (Feb 8, 2012)

It could have a built-in flash in that huge "pseudo" house for pentaprism.

0 upvotes

By micahmedia (Feb 8, 2012)

...and thankfully it doesn't! Who want's a weatherproof camera that can zap ya? In fact, I'm kinda pessed the D800 has a flash. That's what the hot shoe and point and shoots are for. This new Oly is full of win. If it focuses fast, it's the mirrorless camera many have been waiting for!

1 upvote

By ARTASHES (Feb 8, 2012)

Canon 7D, Canon XXD, Nikon DXXX, D7000, K5, they all have built-in flashes and these are the best (not FF) sealed cameras out there IMHO so somebody needs them I think.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

By Paul Farace (Feb 8, 2012)

I say if there is room put a darn flash aboard... you don't have to use it! and if for no other reason than it can talk to remote flashes as a commader! Stick that up your flashless D700 and 5dMkIIs!!! :o)

1 upvote

By T3 (Feb 8, 2012)

@micahmedia - "Who want's a weatherproof camera that can zap ya?". Hey micahmedia, in case you didn't know, the OM-D's plug-in flash is weather sealed! In today's day and age, it is possible to weather seal a flash, just like you can weather seal anything else on a camera. No zapping! Time to join the 21st century, pal.

1 upvote

By AbrasiveReducer (Feb 8, 2012)

I presume Paul Farace, who writes on photography, knows the D700 does have a built-in flash.

0 upvotes

By safeashouses (Feb 20, 2012)

And yet it doesn't. How will you live now?

0 upvotes

By Carl Sanders (Feb 8, 2012)

It's a start!

0 upvotes

By M1963 (Feb 8, 2012)

I can't say I fell in love with this camera the moment I saw its first photo, as it happened with the E-P1, but this is gorgeous! Hopefully the new sensor will be an improvement over the old 12,3 CMOS in terms of noise control, in which case Olympus will have a winner in this camera.

1 upvote

By goloby (Feb 8, 2012)

so they made a SLR without the R :)
what's the point

0 upvotes

By inevitable crafts studio (Feb 8, 2012)

nothing :)
there IS no point, they found the prototype in a closet in their office, and there was a post-it on it that said "bring out before 2005 or throw in trash"

the guy that found it couldnt read, like the rest of the company, thats also the reason why their medizm format concept "mFT" turned out to be microFT instead of megaFT

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Did you guys hear about that huge asylum inmate break-out?

0 upvotes

By thx1138 (Feb 8, 2012)

I quite like the styling. Wish LCD were tilt and swivel. Price is better than was rumored at $999 body only, not $1200. AF sounds good and this is where Sony fails big time. I would have gone with NEX 7 but AF is not in same league as Panasonic and Olympus and this sounds best yet.

Ok I just need Samsung to announce NX20 and I can decide which ship to jump on.

1 upvote

By Calvin Chann (Feb 8, 2012)

Looks kinda big for a m43 camera.

0 upvotes

By M1963 (Feb 8, 2012)

Not bigger than the Panasonic G3 and GH2.

0 upvotes

By Francis Sawyer (Feb 14, 2012)

In other words, it's not bigger than other big cameras. Got it.

0 upvotes

By Ergo607 (Feb 8, 2012)

I like it!

1 upvote

By Daryl Cheshire (Feb 8, 2012)

Maitani should be happy with this.

2 upvotes

By qwertyasdf (Feb 8, 2012)

Quite revolutionary, with the 2 optional grips added, you'll have a camera with 3 shutter buttons!!!

0 upvotes

By The A-Team (Feb 8, 2012)

Looks like a nice camera but I wish it was full frame. Then I'd spring for it and pull all my old OM lenses to proper use!

0 upvotes

By 453C (Feb 8, 2012)

You don't need a full frame body.

Buy a $20 OM-MFT adapter and use OM lenses on any MFT body.

Comment edited 12 minutes after posting

1 upvote

By inevitable crafts studio (Feb 8, 2012)

@453c : but you DO understand focal lenght and sensor sizes?^^

0 upvotes

By 453C (Feb 9, 2012)

Yes, I do. Lenses work much better when mounted to actual cameras, not dream cameras.

Does anyone think it likely that Olympus or Panasonic are about to introduce a FF body and all of the lenses needed to support such a body? For the last three years, it's been easy to mount OM lenses on a MFT body. Either adapt those OM lenses to an available body (like I do), or leave those fine lenses on a shelf and wait for a FF body that may never appear.

1 upvote

By Knight Palm (Feb 8, 2012)

External Flash FL-30?

I've seen the FL-14 & FL-20, but never heard about FL-30! Is that an upcoming flash?

http://www.olympus.se/consumer/21693_pen-camera_fl-14_21790.htm
http://www.olympus.se/consumer/21693_fl-20.htm
http://www.olympus.se/consumer/21693_accessory_fl-300r_24791.htm
http://www.olympus.se/consumer/21693_FL-36R.htm
http://www.olympus.se/consumer/21693_FL-50R.htm

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

By olyflyer (Feb 8, 2012)

Must be the one we can see in the image. Olympus has not had weather sealed flashes before and that image displays a soaked camera and flash.

0 upvotes

By Knight Palm (Feb 8, 2012)

-Do you know, or are you just guessing?

*On the pictures: FL-KM2 & FL-600R are shown*.

-I guess, FL-30 is a typo by dpreview.

0 upvotes

By armanius (Feb 8, 2012)

Five customizable FN buttons. And metering can't be assigned to any of them. WHY????

0 upvotes

By Chris Tofalos (Feb 8, 2012)

Personally, I think this is carrying the retro look a bit too far. That 'pentaprism' looks very dated. But the specficications, that's something else; mouthwatering! (If it delivers what Olympus claim)

0 upvotes

By M1963 (Feb 8, 2012)

The retro look has an explanation: Olympus wants to take over where the OM-4 left - hence the "5" in the model name. It's a bit silly, of course, because the two belong in different worlds; one is digital, the other is analogue. Anyway, this is a good looking, well-specified camera. I wonder how it will acquit itself before the competition, namely the Fuji X-Pro1 and the Sony NEX-7, on the grounds of image quality.

0 upvotes

By Guidenet (Feb 8, 2012)

I like the looks pretty well. The fake pentaprism housing is a good location for the EVF parts, so it's not a waste up there. Might as well make it retro. It's small and seems well featured. I would hope the EVF can really track fast moving things unlike many of its competition. I also much prefer the viewfinder centered over the back panel for ease of use, something Canon and the Nex 7 seem to miss. It also makes it less likely to move when poking your eye up there when the camera is supported on a tripod head (providing the tripod socket is also centered).

My only concern would be the 16 mp sensor. The old sensor was already too noisy and small. Now we have more pixels on the same small size. I would hope it will be on the order of the 16 mp Sony sensor used in the D5100, D7000 and K5 with regards to overall performance. That would give Olympus a homerun, in my book. Kudos to Olympus during these hard time for them.

1 upvote

By MikeMercer (Feb 8, 2012)

I bought the E-510 for it's small size wound up with 9-18mm, 14-42mm, 35mm, 40-150mm, 70-300mm and a 500mm Cad. Could not bring myself to buy the E-5 or even the E-30 when Oly discontinued the E-xxx series, because they are just too big and heavy.

Now I see the upgrade path that I have been wanting. It seems the OM-D and the 12-50mm may be the perfect walk around lens.

0 upvotes

By cheenachatze (Feb 8, 2012)

Is this a useless 16:9 LCD again, married to a 4:3 sensor? Does Olympus really think that people that buy cameras with interchangeable lenses don't know anything about photography? Just for the record, I bought an Olympus E-PM1 and returned it after a day. The pictures are great and the camera is fast, but the ergonomics are just awful, especially that useless 16:9 LCD.

1 upvote

By Andy Crowe (Feb 8, 2012)

I've measured it in Photoshop and it's 3:2, not 16:9. Not quite ideal for photos but a good compromise when using other aspect ratios or shooting video. My GX1 also has a 3:2 screen and I've not had any problems with that.

1 upvote

By Izu (Feb 8, 2012)

Hello?!?! Can you remember about Full HD video? a 4:3 display is not convenient at all...

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

It's b*tching time, folks!

0 upvotes

By Francis Sawyer (Feb 14, 2012)

"Can you remember about Full HD video? a 4:3 display is not convenient at all..."

Wrong. The space above and below the image is perfect for settings displays that don't cover the image.

This is like bitching about the aspect ratio on an iPad. It's not as if you're LOSING anything. Whoop dee doo, there are extra pixels. What are you crying about?

1 upvote

By UncleBob (Feb 8, 2012)

does anybody know if this body will accept the old manual focus Zuiko lenses from the original OM series cameras?

0 upvotes

By Sosua (Feb 8, 2012)

Sure it will - with an adapter of course.

0 upvotes

By 453C (Feb 8, 2012)

Add a $20 OM-MFT adapter and you can mount an OM lens to any MFT body.

0 upvotes

By delastro (Feb 8, 2012)

Why buy this for more than 1000 euros when I get a pana g3 for 500 euros: what has this camera more for 500 euros more?

1 upvote

By ijack (Feb 8, 2012)

Well, there is a lot more to a camera then the sensor, this is not news, it has been this way ever since we had the first 35mm film camera

1 upvote

By Sosua (Feb 8, 2012)

I guess this has latest generation IBIS, weather sealing, metal build and higher spec auto focus.

And an Olympus badge.

2 upvotes

By olyflyer (Feb 8, 2012)

Look at the specs beyond the 16MP... maybe that explains the price difference. This is not just an Oly branded G3.

1 upvote

By M1963 (Feb 8, 2012)

Because it will have better out-of-camera JPEGS, better colour accuracy, image stabilization in the body, better styling, greater build quality, weather sealing and, when it's been around for as long as the G3 is, it will arguably cost more or less the same as the G3 does now. Plus it carries something Panasonic can't buy, no matter how much money they invest: tradition and prestige.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

By inevitable crafts studio (Feb 8, 2012)

iam no mft shooter, but the reason is pretty clear. why would you buy a camera from a home electronics company when there are optical companies like olympus? ^^

thats like saying, why should i buy an audi when walmart sells cars too hehe

2 upvotes

By tkbslc (Feb 8, 2012)

That's like asking "why buy a GH2 when I can get a G3 for like half the price"

Different tiers.

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Panasonic Lumix DMC M4/3 series cameras are cheap-cheap-cheap plastic jobs, consumer/prosumer grade at best. Not serious equipment. Maybe that's why?

0 upvotes

By Mssimo (Feb 8, 2012)

nice video preview. I wish DPreview had one! lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yutTntpDhE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

Thankfully not. Guy with the super-poor Ingles and bad hair day put me to deep sleep inside of 120 seconds.

0 upvotes

By DioCanon (Feb 8, 2012)

AWESOME !!!!
what a beautiful camera!
Olympus design spot on once again.
Hat off this beauty!

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

7 upvotes

By Mssimo (Feb 8, 2012)

Mid size high ISO samples:

25,000 is horrible but not as bad as you would think.
12,500 seems ok, detail looks good.

http://olympus-imaging.jp/product/dslr/em5/feature/index2.html#anc01

0 upvotes

By sauchiyong (Feb 8, 2012)

I know it will not happen, but still wish a OM-D can be a FF with OM mount. Wouldn't it be nice to have 36MP OM size body with OM mount.
I do not think making a EVF like a OM body is a good idea, Although I still own a OM-4Ti OM-1n. The main advantage of EVF is its ability to change angle of view finder. EP-3 with EVF can tilt up, but not good for vertical... and now this do not even tilt. I think Olympus should make this new camera a new shape, a shape that take full advantage of EVF. May be a wireless link to an ipad for viewing would be more interesting... Anyways, I still think the will get my money... but still disappointing.

1 upvote

By Andy Crowe (Feb 8, 2012)

A full frame digital camera with a manual focus, manual aperture mount? Nice niche product there :)

If you want a full frame camera with OM mount support you'll need to get yourself a Canon DSLR, perhaps a 5DII, as the short and wide EOS mount can take an OM adapter that allows for focus to infinity.

0 upvotes

By tkbslc (Feb 8, 2012)

Olympus doesn't make OM mount lenses anymore and I don't think they want to start again.

0 upvotes

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

Mirrorless like small DSLR: funny, but silly.
The specs are nothing special.
Do you know m4/3 weather sealed lenses?
The design is like wardrobe or cupboard.

0 upvotes

By mister_roboto (Feb 8, 2012)

Really? Trolling all of the µ4/3 announcements?

4 upvotes

By Mssimo (Feb 8, 2012)

yes, he has been doing this. trolled the 17.5mm .95 lens post also.

0 upvotes

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

Do you know m4/3 weather sealed lenses?

0 upvotes

By Mssimo (Feb 8, 2012)

He is a pentax K-5 owner that takes lots of cat pictures. Check out his profile. He has a Pentax K-01 on his wish list and yet he is trolling the looks of the OM-D!!! lol

6 upvotes

By Mssimo (Feb 8, 2012)

Yes, the lens it comes with silly. 12-50mm

3 upvotes

By Sosua (Feb 8, 2012)

Ogl, your mind is like cupboard, yes? Empty cupboard, it is so, no?

0 upvotes

By ogl (Feb 8, 2012)

Outstanding

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (Feb 8, 2012)

ogl FOR REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT!!!

0 upvotes

By Francis Sawyer (Feb 14, 2012)

"The design is like wardrobe or cupboard."

This did make me laugh, though.

0 upvotes

By Chaitanya S (Feb 8, 2012)

A great addition to micro 4/3 line-up.

1 upvote

By LJohnK2 (Feb 8, 2012)

Freakin' AWESOME !.....I sold all my Olympus 4/3rds gear a little over a year ago....so here I go again.

This is what m4/3rds should have been from the get go...hope the IQ measures up to the E-PL2 !

0 upvotes

By Chris_in_Osaka (Feb 8, 2012)

Same here. Got rid of my E-3 and E-620 plus lenses and got a 5D Mark II. Now I wish I had kept the FL-50R and FL-36R flashes.

1 upvote

By LJohnK2 (Feb 8, 2012)

....I went for a Nikon D5000 & D5100...everything Nikon is CCW and switching btwn systems confused me.
I got rid of E-620, E-520, & E-510 and a whack of lenses and two flashes.
Wished I'd kept my FL-36R also and my 70-300....got trashed in reviews but I loved its lightweight and stopped down a bit was tack sharp for birding.
...bad for my economy, got for the rest of the economy :)

1 upvote

Total comments: 218 1 2