Today Olympus officially announced the OM-D E-M5 high end micro four thirds camera body. The feature set of the camera is impressive for this type of camera. The camera features a 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor, updated fast auto focus, a built in electronic viewfinder, a new image stabilization system, a retro design similar to the film Olympus OM series, magnesium alloy / aluminum construction, and weather/dust sealing. Not bad for a camera body that costs $999 Cdn.
Full Details Of OM-D E-M5 (Olympus Canada)
Although a 16MP sensor is nothing new for a micro fourth thirds camera, Panasonic has had one in the G3 and GX1 for a while now, it is the first time Olympus has included one in their cameras. The build quality of the E-M5 should be outstanding, considering it is said to equal that of the high end four thirds E-5 DSLR. Having a weather sealed m4/3s camera, and being the first to do so, should help propel Olympus to be a leader in mirrorless cameras (they currently lead in mirrorless cameras sold in Japan). This camera is clearly targeted at enthusiasts and pro 4/3s system users.
Fuji's recently announced X Pro-1 is an impressive camera, but the price may put some people off. Olympus rightly puts the price of the body in the sub $1000 category ($999 Cdn/USD), which should attract more people to it. Not to mention that the m4/3 system has some very attractive, and decently priced primes to keep the camera compact (think 14mm F2.5, 25mm F1.4, 45mm F1.8 and new 75mm F1.8). Olympus also offers a kit with the also weather sealed 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens.
Overall the E-M5 looks to be an impressive camera, but we'll have to wait until it is in the hands of consumers and reviewers to know if it meets expectations.
Full Details Of OM-D E-M5 (Olympus Canada)
Although a 16MP sensor is nothing new for a micro fourth thirds camera, Panasonic has had one in the G3 and GX1 for a while now, it is the first time Olympus has included one in their cameras. The build quality of the E-M5 should be outstanding, considering it is said to equal that of the high end four thirds E-5 DSLR. Having a weather sealed m4/3s camera, and being the first to do so, should help propel Olympus to be a leader in mirrorless cameras (they currently lead in mirrorless cameras sold in Japan). This camera is clearly targeted at enthusiasts and pro 4/3s system users.
Fuji's recently announced X Pro-1 is an impressive camera, but the price may put some people off. Olympus rightly puts the price of the body in the sub $1000 category ($999 Cdn/USD), which should attract more people to it. Not to mention that the m4/3 system has some very attractive, and decently priced primes to keep the camera compact (think 14mm F2.5, 25mm F1.4, 45mm F1.8 and new 75mm F1.8). Olympus also offers a kit with the also weather sealed 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens.
Overall the E-M5 looks to be an impressive camera, but we'll have to wait until it is in the hands of consumers and reviewers to know if it meets expectations.
Seriously considering selling my 5D and Canon glass for this and the primes. I currently have a GF3 (because it was super cheap) and love it barring the poor external controls. The 20/1.7 is great, and being able to use my film Nikon lenses with it is great.
ReplyDeleteI only occasionally shoot for money, I love street and portrait stuff. Any thoughts?
I'd wait and read some reviews before purchasing, but I suspect that the image quality and auto focus (in good light) is very close to the 5D.
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