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Olympus OM-D E-M5
Olympus’ first mirrorless camera, the PEN E-P1, evoked the popular Olympus PEN 35mm compact cameras of the 1960s. Now, we have the OM-D, a mirrorless digital model that recalls the name and look of the popular compact OM-series 35mm SLRs. The new camera is rugged and versatile, with a number of excellent features.
While previous in-camera image-stabilization systems compensated only for motion along the vertical and horizontal axes, the new 5-axis system in the OM-D E-M5 counters horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, yaw and pitch—including blur caused by the photographer walking or running. It works for both still and video shooting, and is built into the camera body, so it works with all lenses.
Lenses
As a Micro Four Thirds camera, the OM-D E-M5 can use all Micro Four Thirds System lenses. The sensor has a 2x focal-length factor: Any lens used on the camera frames like a lens twice as long on a 35mm camera. The new MMF-3 Four Thirds Mount Adapter lets you use regular Four Thirds System lenses on Micro Four Thirds cameras, and is dust- and splash-proof like the camera and many Olympus Four Thirds System lenses.
At the heart of the camera is a new 16.1-megapixel Live MOS image sensor. In conjunction with Olympus’ TruePic VI image processing, it provides improved image quality from ISO 200-25,600.
Building on the superquick FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system introduced in the PEN E-P3, the OM-D E-M5’s system is twice as fast—240 fps off the sensor—providing a maximum shooting rate of 4.2 fps with 3D tracking AF, which can follow the subject through X, Y and Z axes. The camera can shoot at 9 fps in single-shot AF mode.
Image Sensor: 16.1-megapixel (effective) Live MOS
Sensor Size: 17.3×13.0mm (CX)
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Image Stabilization: Five-axis sensor-shift
LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch, 610K-dot tilting OLED
Viewfinder: Built-in 1,440,000-dot EVF
Video: 1920×1080/60i and 1280×720/60i (MOV); 1280×720/30p (AVI)
AF System: 800-point high-speed imager AF
Shutter Speeds: 1⁄4000 to 60 sec., B; X-sync up to 1⁄250 sec.
Flash: TTL auto via bundled external unit and other flash units
ISO Settings: 200-25,600 in 1⁄3-step increments
Continuous Firing Mode: 9 fps with focus locked, 4.2 fps with continuous AF
Recording Format: JPEG, 12-bit RAW, RAW + JPEG
Metering: 324-area, CW and spot
Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power Source: Rechargeable BLN-1 Li-ion battery
Dimensions: 4.8×3.5×1.7 inches
Weight: 13.0 ounces
Estimated Street Price: $999 (body only); $1,099 (with 14-42mm zoom)
Contact: Olympus, www.olympusamerica.com
The new camera can record 1920×1080 full HD and 1280×720 HD MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) video at 60i (59.94 fps), and 1280×720 HD and 640×480 SD AVI (Motion JPEG) at 30 fps. A built-in microphone provides stereo Wave Format (Linear PCM) sound. You can shoot video in program, shutter-priority and aperture-priority AE mode or manual, and apply a number of effects, including the cool new Echo and Multi Echo, which leave a momentary residual image of a subject’s movements.
Two Viewing Options
The camera features a new 1,440,000-dot, eye-level electronic viewfinder centered over the lens axis, with a 120 fps refresh rate. Plus, a tilting 3.0-inch, touch-screen OLED monitor allows easy odd-angle shooting—and touch-screen AF.
The OM-D E-M5 features a rugged and lightweight magnesium-alloy body with dust- and splash-proof sealing like the Olympus E-5 pro DSLR—you can shoot outdoors in heavy rain and blowing sand. The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 EZ kit lens and provided FL-LM2 flash unit are also dust- and splash-proof, as is the accessory HLD-6 Power Battery Grip.
Olympus introduced its creative Art Filters in the E-30 DSLR, and the new OM-D E-M5 has several, such as the new Key Line I and II. Others include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia, Dramatic Tone. All are in-camera adjustable.
Creative Software
onOne Photo Suite 6 is a powerful collection of software that gives you absolute power over your images. Picking up where the OM-D E-M5’s Art Filters leave off, the onOne software will let you do more than ever with your photos. www.ononesoftware.com
Monopod & Head
Round out your travel outfit with the Really Right Stuff MH01-Pro Package. It includes the MC-34 carbon-fiber monopod and MH-01 Pro head. reallyrightstuff.com
Classic Bag
The retro look of the OM-D E-M5 calls for a bag with retro styling. The Billingham S3 is ideal for the compact Olympus camera. www.rtsphoto.com