Olympus has released its second OM-D mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the OM-D E-M1. Following on from the OM-D E-M5, which was announced in 2010, the new flagship model is aimed at professionals and advanced amateurs and features a 16.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor, dual autofocus systems, built-in Wi-Fi, and a new electronic viewfinder.
The camera's pro credentials are underlined by a magnesium-alloy body and weather-resistant sealing around the body. Olympus says the camera is "splash-proof, dust-proof and freeze-proof" and is certified for operation in temperatures down to -10°C.
Wi-Fi is standard – as it is with a growing number of new cameras – and it works in conjunction with the Olympus Image Share smartphone app to allow images to be wired direct from the camera to any iOS or Android device. Further, the shutter can be operated remotely from a smartphone or tablet with the view from the camera displaying on the command device's screen. Olympus says the remote function has been improved so various shooting modes (program, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, and iAUTO) are available and settings like shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation can be adjusted remotely.
Unusually, the E-M1 uses two autofocus systems – 37-point on-chip phase detection AF and 81-point contrast detection AF. Depending on the lens and settings, the camera decides which system to use. When a Micro Four Thirds lens is attached and Continuous AF is selected, phase and contrast detection AF are used together.
Another interesting feature is the camera's high-resolution electronic viewfinder which offers a 2.36-million dot resolution and 1.76x magnification.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 will be available in Australia from October with a recommended retail price of $1,599 (body only). Pricing for body-and-lens kits will be announced shortly.
In conjunction with the new E-M1, Olympus has announced a new Olympus M.Zuiko PRO lens category. The range launches with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens, which will be available from the end of November with an RRP of $1,199. Another lens in development, with an unspecified release date, in the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO.
Olymps OM-D E-M1 with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens and HLD-7 battery grip.