Read our review of the Olympus OM-D E-ME Mark II
Today, Olympus unveiled the new OM-D E-M1. This camera will be their flagship camera, sitting at the top of their interchangeable lens camera range and has many of the features that the first OM-D included (E-M5), but have added to this to make this new camera superior. We have been fortunate enough to see a pre-production version of this camera, and here are our initial thoughts.
When first
looking at the OM-D E-M1 the styling is pretty much the same as the E-M5
keeping with the more retro styling that many customers fell in love with. This
camera is certainly not bulky at all, and is therefore ideal to be used out and
about on the go. When looking at the camera in more detail, it becomes clear
that some of the buttons and dials have been moved around, and in general gives
it a more professional look and feel. Although we didn't have the benefit of
seeing the HLD-7 battery grip that was available, having seen images of this
attached to the camera, we think this only enhances the look of the camera, and
will improve the overall ‘feel’ of the camera when in use.
When the E-M5 came out in early 2012, the autofocus system was the worlds fastest, and now with the E-M1 they have improved on this again to be amongst some of the world’s fastest AF systems both for sequential shooting and for regular stills. When mounting either a Micro 4/3 or 4/3 lens (using an adapter), the camera will detect which type of lens you’re using and automatically make a switch in camera to provide the most suitable AF technology (as Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses use different technologies). Don’t worry though, you’ll not notice any change, apart from the fact that the focus should be fast and accurate.
Similar to
the E-M5, the E-M1 has an Electronic viewfinder in addition to the tilting 3.0”
OLED display. However, they have improved on this making it super large with an
increased field of view, displaying 2.36 million dots. When raising it to you
eye, you certainly notice this improved size (it might even be slightly larger
than can be found on some DSLRs), and whilst we only had access to a
pre-production model, the clarity was excellent. The viewfinder will also
feature something that has not been seen before, with its HDR preview mode.
When this is activated, you’ll be able to get a preview of how your image is
likely to look once shot, along with the ability to adjust colour before the
shutter button is pressed.
Like the OM-D E-M5, the E-M1 is both dust and splashproof. However, the new E-M1 will now allow
you to work not only in damp habitats or sandy situations, but also in cold
conditions as well, working down to -10oC. Connect this to the new
12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens which is also freezeproof, dustproof and splashproof,
allowing you to enjoy absolute peace of mind even in the toughest environments.
Similarly to
many other new cameras that are now available on the market, the E-M1 features
built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to send images to a smartphone or tablet to then
e-mail or share on the various social media platforms. Connecting the camera to
your device is really simple as the camera generates a QR code on the LCD which
you ‘scan’ using your device and that should then ‘pair’ them together. You’ll
need to download the Olympus Image Share App first of all, but once you’ve done
this you’ll be able to do things such as mirror the LCD screen on your phone,
or release the shutter remotely.
In terms of
caring for your camera, Olympus know that cameras such as the E-M1 deserve
special care and attention. As such, with the launch of the E-M1 they’ve also
announced a ‘Service Plus’ package that is free of charge. This includes an
extended warranty of 6 months and offers a more personal service with things
such as a priority hotline number should you encounter any problems. To get
this service, you’ll simply have to sign up after purchasing an E-M1 at https://olympus.co.uk/serviceplus.
The OM-D E-M1 will be available as a body only, with the 12-50mm lens, or with the new
12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens. The body only and standard kit is anticipated to arrive
with Park Cameras in early October, with the 12-40mm kit due hopefully in early
November.
Pre-ordering
this camera will ensure not only that you’ll be one of the first in the UK to
get your hands on it, but will also give you the opportunity to receive a FREE
HLD-7 battery grip. If you are an existing E-system user and were registered
with MyOlympus, you’ll also be entitled to claim a FREE MMF-3 adapter. Terms
and conditions apply. Visit www.olympus.co.uk/buy-OMD for full details.
Want to be one of the first in the UK to see
the OM-D E-M1 in the flesh? At Park Cameras you can! Visit our showroom on
Saturday 14th September 2013, and you’ll find a technical expert
from Olympus UK who will be able to show you through this latest addition to
Olympus’ range of cameras and answer any questions you might have. For our
opening times and directions to the store, visit parkcameras.com.Andy Steel
Park Cameras Ltd.
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