{"id":402,"date":"2012-02-07T21:22:56","date_gmt":"2012-02-08T02:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/?p=402"},"modified":"2012-02-07T21:28:15","modified_gmt":"2012-02-08T02:28:15","slug":"olympus-releases-the-e-m5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/olympus-releases-the-e-m5\/","title":{"rendered":"Olympus Releases the E-M5!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Olympus OM-D E-M5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The much leaked and highly anticipated Olympus E-M5 is finally here. \u00a0Olympus has finally released the “professional” grade Micro 4\/3 camera they’ve been promising for years. \u00a0Will it measure up to the hype? Will it take the Micro 4\/3 format in a new direction? \u00a0I’ll dissect the press release a bit and give you my initial thoughts.<\/p>\n

What I like about it…<\/span><\/h3>\n

Caters to photographers<\/strong>\u00a0– The best thing that I see about this camera is that it caters to photographers…it’s a small body, but ruggedly built, with full weathersealing for shooting in the rain (with a sealed lens, of course), and has the ability to take additional grips to improve handling for assignments where size might not be the biggest consideration. \u00a0They’ve improved autofocus even further and include a tilting 3″ OLED touch screen on the back. \u00a0Dual metal dials for changing image parameters are a welcome sight.<\/p>\n

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Olympus E-M5 in Black<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Excellent design<\/strong>\u00a0– Some people won’t like the combination retro\/modern design of the E-M5, but I love it. \u00a0I think it has just enough classic look to harken back to days when cameras were solid mechanical machines, but looks sleek and modern enough to feel at home in 2012. \u00a0The modular design of the grips again is well executed, and buttons appear to be well positioned. \u00a0Olympus is issuing the E-M5 is both black and silver versions, and my honest opinion is that both look outstanding. \u00a0If I ever get this camera, I will be hard pressed to choose a color.<\/p>\n

Image quality should be very good<\/strong>\u00a0– It uses a modified version of the sensor found in the Panasonic GX1, which is a solid performer. \u00a0Olympus usually gets the best out of these sensors, so I expect it to have best-in-format image quality. \u00a0ISO is extendable up to 25,600. \u00a0We’ll see how usable that ISO is.<\/p>\n

5 stop Image Stabilization<\/strong>\u00a0– Yes, that’s right…Olympus is claiming a 5 stop working in-body IS unit that works on 5 axes…yaw, pitch, roll, vertical shift and horizontal shift. \u00a0If it works as well as claimed, this would be exceptional. \u00a0Just think…you should be able to hand hold a 25mm ‘normal’ lens at approximately 0.6 seconds and get sharp shots! \u00a0We will have to wait and see if it is truly as effective as claimed, but even if it only does a very solid 3.5 stops, it would be outstanding.<\/p>\n

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Olympus E-M5 Back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Autofocus improvements <\/strong>– Olympus is claiming a doubling of continuous autofocus speed. \u00a0Whether this brings CDAF into the realm of speed and accuracy in line with modern phase-detect systems remains to be seen. \u00a0Since current Micro 4\/3 cameras are among the absolute fastest cameras in the world at single shot autofocus already, the AF on this camera should be truly blazing in single shot, and hopefully very good in continuous mode.<\/p>\n

Pricing – <\/strong>Olympus is pricing the body only at $999. \u00a0Steep for a Micro 4\/3 body, yes, but less than anticipated and a very good deal, in my opinion given the build quality and other improvements.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What don’t I like –\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Well, at this point not much. \u00a0The only real disappointment from me is the viewfinder magnification. \u00a0The original OM series SLRs were renowned for their enormous viewfinder. \u00a0This was an opportunity to make the best EVF ever. \u00a0The E-M5’s viewfinder is only 1.15x (when measured with a 50mm lens…equivalent to a 0.58x full frame viewfinder). \u00a0This is significantly smaller than the Panasonic GH2 and G3 viewfinder (and the add-on finder to the GX1), which all feature a 1.4x magnification (the same size as most full-frame DSLRs).<\/p>\n

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Olympus E-M5 showing it's tilting screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It also would have been nice to see 14-bit RAW files instead of 12-bit….I will be looking forward to full size image samples as soon as I can get them.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h3>\n

Olympus appears to have a winner on its hands. \u00a0The E-M5 looks like a camera many of us have been clamoring for…a weathersealed, beautifully built and responsive camera with good image quality and a host of usability tweaks and features. \u00a0The improvements to the in-body IS system look amazing, and I will be very excited to see if it works as advertised.<\/p>\n

Oh, and one little plea:\u00a0Olympus – I would LOVE to review the E-M5, and would be happy to put the camera through its paces if you’d be so kind as to lend me one for review. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Go to the next page for the full Press Release.
\n<\/p>\n

Olympus E-M5 Press Release:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Press Release<\/p>\n

CLASSIC OM DESIGN REVIVED INTO A NEW STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL CAMERA<\/strong>
\n– THE BEGINING OF THE NEW: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Olympus E-M5 Unites an Intuitive Built-In Electronic Viewfinder with the World\u2019s First *1 5- Axis Image Stabilization and World\u2019s Fastest*2 Autofocusing System inside a Powerfully Portable and Rugged Dustproof and Splashproof Body<\/p>\n

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012, 9:00pm \u2013 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\u2122 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.<\/p>\n

Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, t he 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\u00ae 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:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic\u2122 VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The world\u2019s firs t *1 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The world\u2019s 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
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with the same dustproof and splashproof durability of the Olympus E-5 DSLR
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Intuitively Designed Electronic Viewfinder<\/strong>
\nThe 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\u2019s ability to display the effects of various exposure adjustments and Art Filter effects \u2013 all without having to take the eye away from the viewfinder.<\/p>\n

Superior Image Quality<\/strong>
\nThe 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\u2019 Tru ePic VI image-processing engine dramatically improves image quality in low-light environments. The camera\u2019s sensor allows for a maximum ISO of 25,600, and the dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful color reproduction.<\/p>\n

Unprecedented 5-axis image stabilization<\/strong>
\nThe Olympus E-M5 is distinguished by the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Blazing Speed<\/strong>
\nFocus 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.<\/p>\n

Creative Freedom<\/strong>
\nT he 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 adju st 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.<\/p>\n

A new \u201cKey Line\u201d Art Filter joins nine 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 \u201cCross Process II\u201d and \u201cDramatic Tone II\u201d 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\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

Powerful Portability and Rugged Durability<\/strong>
\nThe 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 E lectronic Flash that ships with the camera features the same dustproof and splashproof construction.<\/p>\n

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge<\/strong>
\nThe 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\u2019 similarly constructed High Grade and Super High Grade lenses.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

*1 As of February 2012. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.
\n*2 As of November 2011. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras on the market, and using Olympus\u2019 in-house test conditions.<\/p>\n

U.S. Pricing and Availability
\nThe Olympus E-M5 will be available in April and ships in the following configurations:<\/p>\n

Estimated Street Price:
\n$999.99 (Body only, available in Black and Silver)
\n$1,299.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens)
\n$1,099.99 (Black body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The much leaked and highly anticipated Olympus E-M5 is finally here. \u00a0Olympus has finally released the “professional” grade Micro 4\/3 camera they’ve been promising for years. \u00a0Will it measure up to the hype? Will it take the Micro 4\/3 format in a new direction? \u00a0I’ll dissect the press release a bit and give you my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2},"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5,21],"tags":[13,46,11,10,9,12,29,45],"class_list":["post-402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-opinion","tag-csc","tag-e-m5","tag-m43","tag-micro-43","tag-mirrorless","tag-mu43","tag-olympus","tag-om-d"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/front.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p28RGq-6u","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=402"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":408,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions\/408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}