Olympus has officially unveiled the OM-D E-M5, a new Micro Four Thirds camera aimed at professional and advanced amateur photographers. Loosely based on the original OM-1, which was released in 1972, the inaugural E-M5 model features a 1.44-million-dot viewfinder, 16-megapixel LiveMOS sensor, high-speed autofocus, 9fps continuous shooting and image stabilisation.
While two-axis image stabilisation systems are relatively common, the E-M5 is able to detect movement in five axes: pitch, yaw, vertical translational (up and down), horizontal translational (side to side), as well as roll around the lens axis. Olympus claims the system allows for shutter speed reductions of up to five stops. It also claims the camera’s autofocus is the world’s fastest, thanks to a redesigned ‘contrast detect’ AF system with 3D tracking.
On the back of the camera is a tilting three-inch OLED capacitative touchscreen which allows tap-shooting with focus-point selection and ‘swipe’ playback control. Full HD video is available and rolling shutter effects have been reduced to negligible levels.
Underlining the camera’s professional credentials the body is made of magnesium alloy and is dust- and splash-proof.
Digital Photography + Design contributor Andrew Fildes attended the Sydney launch and had this to say about the camera:
"The key thing here is that Olympus are not so much launching a camera as
an entire system. There is a very conscious attempt to recapture the
triumph of the OM-1 in the early 1970s – that was a system that changed the whole
game. That's why it's an early announcement and there are images of the
camera surrounded by new lenses, accessories and compatible mFT
equipment.
"There are some really clever ideas in this body – I was impressed by
the step beyond face recognition - eye recognition. A boon for the
portrait photographer. And the two part grip is a nice design - you're
going to need the vertical grip if you have large hands but you can just
attach the grip part of it if you wish. I do. And the kit 12-60mm is a
bit slow compared to its predecessor in full Four Thirds but offers a
choice of manual zoom or silent electronic zoom for video – select by
pulling back the ring to engage the clutch."
Accessories for the new camera include a pro-style vertical grip, dedicated external flash and four-thirds lens adapter.
Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses were announced in conjunction with the new camera, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f1.8 and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is expected to be available in Australia in April. Australian pricing is yet to be announced.
