I warned you there would be a camera tech post on 8th February, and here it is…
In 1959, Olympus introduced the Olympus Pen.
This was the camera that launched Olympus as a manufacturer of small cameras; and Olympus brought back the name in 2009 when they launched their first micro four thirds camera, the Olympus PEN EP-1. She who must be obeyed is a proud owner, to the extent that she won’t let me sell it even though she doesn’t use it any more.
Since 2009, there have been a number of PEN models and we now have the EP=3, the EPL-3 and the EPM-1.
All very nice cameras, but devotees have been waiting for Olympus to release something a little more serious. Integrated viewfinder please, weatherproofing, better everything.
To satisfy that demand, Olympus have gone back to the other cameras for which they are famous, the OM range. This is the OM-4, circa 1986:
There are many who will wax lyrical about OM cameras, and no doubt many of those people would like it if there was a digital OM. Well, as of this morning, there is:
You can pee on it:
Available with battery grip so you can look extra-professional:
The camera is actually called the EM-5, with OM-D being the system; just in case you weren’t confused already. But it does look pretty, apart from the hump which looks a little larger than it needs to be.
It’s micro four thirds, which means all those lovely lenses are there to be played with. Integrated viewfinder, weatherproofing, fold out rear screen, five axis stabilisation (whatever that is) and a new focus tracking approach. 16 megapixel sensor, which probably means the same as the GX1, but it will have been tweaked to produce those lovely Olympus JPEGs.
What’s not to like? Well the price of $1,000 (sorry $999.99) for the body only is a little steep; but I am sure people will be queuing up to buy it. I’d be tempted myself if I hadn’t just bought the GX1. But you dear reader; there is nothing stopping you (apart from $999.99).
Comments 🔗
2012-02-08| Bob saysNothing stopping you …. except that I just bought the E-PL3 a month ago….
2012-02-08| Spanky saysI just got my announcement in the mail today. It’s tempting when it comes out. I have mainly been shooting on my E-P2 and don’t miss lugging my Canon gear even if I still lust after a 1D but this may cool my lust.
2012-02-09| Antz saysNow this looks cool….. availability (in Thailand)? EPL-1 for sale, any takers….?
2012-02-09| Spike saysProbably April, which gives you plenty of time to sell the EPL-1.
2012-02-09| Spike saysAnd a good choice it was; and still is. I expect the EM-5 to be around 35,000 baht, body only; maybe a little too much for your budget, especially as you now have all those lenses you want to buy…
2012-02-09| Spike saysI’ve got a 1D Mark 3 coming up for sale if you want one.
2012-02-09| Bob saysNo regrets, as I needed the camera for travel this and next month. And, as you recall, size was the most important factor. The PEN Lite is SO small. Amazing. Reports call the OM-D the largest 4/3 cam out there. Happy with my decision.
But, I will say, I’m hoping they do an ML-5 later this year…..
2012-02-09| Grant saysOM-D, love it! The OM-1 was the toughest camera ever made, through the jungles, across the deserts, around the poles, up Everest, in the war zones - nothing touched it. I lugged a couple around for years until the supply of spare parts dried up. By God they were good. I think I am now so regretting selling all my lenses…
2012-04-13| JL says“…You can pee on it…” hahaha
2012-04-13| Grant saysDon’t forget to wash your hands…