Olympus introduces new E-M5, the first model in its new OM-D (OM Digital) Series of Micro Four Thirds camera system, build upon the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series. Featuring the classic design of original OM Series, the new camera uses the modern Micro Four Thirds system. Olympus combines features found in the E-System DSLRs with those of the compact PEN Series to create a new compact, interchangeable lens camera for photographers who want both performance and portability.
The E-M5 sports a 16.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, TruePIC VI image processing engine, and a 3-inch tilting OLED touchscreen display. The M43 camera features the world’s first 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking, and the image stabilization system is incorporated into the compact camera body itself, which means all lenses mounted can take advantage of this 5-axis stabilization system.
The OM-D E-M5 offers fast autofocusing speed and image processing featuring the world’s fastest FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system. 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 have also increased more than 2X with a max frame rate of 9-fps in Single AF. There is also the new 3D tracking AF system that can follow the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve focus on moving subjects. It is equipped with a built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder with 120-fps refresh rate, eye detect and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions.
With a 3-inch touchscreen, the E-M5 offers easy touch operation, including intuitive focus and release of the shutter. 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.” Spcieal effect art filters are available for users to add creative touches to their photos and movies, including the new Movie Effects: One Shot Echo, for a semi-transparent frame at your whim and Multi Echo, for a multi-motion trail effect. The camera records Full HD 1080i video recording in MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has a lightweight magnesium alloy body with extensive internal seals, making the camera dustproof and splashproof. To be released in April, the E-M5 will be available three configurations:
- $999.99 (Body only, 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)
