â–²Latest ad on Olympus Hong Kong for the hand-on session tomorrow
Olympus is set to start a global launch of its first M4/3 format camera, dubbed the E-P1, tomorrow (Jun 16). Some lucky Hong Kong users have managed to book for the three hand-on sessions to accompany the launch here. Olympus Hong Kong says that these users will be the first group to play with the camera, with models provided of course.
The new camera sheds the mirror and the viewfinder to achieve a smaller size. Rumour has it that the E-P1 assumes a smaller body than the GH1, which has certainly been pined for among many photographers who look for the combination of small size and high image quality. Apart from the top view photos about the new camera wisely circulated on the Internet, there is an addition of a picture of the E-P1. On top of this, news have seemingly be leaked about its kit lens, M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 ED. It is a 28 - 84mm equivalent lens. Price-wise, there are guesses on 1,200 pounds per kit set. Others have said that the kit set will sell for about US$1,000.
â–² The E-P1 front view as the most recent picture has it.
Following the introduction of the M4/3 format by the two big players, Olympus and Panasonic, in August 2008, Panasonic rolled out the first M4/3 camera in September the same year, the Lumix DMC-G1 with interchangable lenses. This has set the discussions on the new format soaring in the past months.
What is M4/3?
The M4/3 system is an improved version of the 4/3 in terms of size and weight through some hardware changes. However, the M4/3 is principled on the following aspects in the process of change :
1. High image quality
2. The 2X multiplication rate in using the existing 4/3 lens
3. Same high image quality in new M4/3 lens
4. Addition of video recording function
5. Reduced size of wide angel lenses
6. Adoptation of LiveView
â–² M4/3 cameras will accept 4/3 lenses via step-ups
Olympus to Unveil its First M4/3 Camera
Panasonic has launched its two M4/3 cameras, Lumix DMC-G1 和 GH1 but not without dismay to many in terms of size. Therefore, Olympus' version holds much interest among photographers after the company revealed the small size prototype last year.
â–² The Olympus M4/3 prototype shown in October 1998
The prototype shows clearly the intent of Olympus to introduce the real M4/3 camera in the heart of many, which is small as a DC and uses interchangable lenses. Its M4/3 camera will do away the viewfinder and switch to the LiveView for composition, which is at the core of the M4/3 rationale.
Incidentally, this year marks the 50 anniversary of the birth of the Olympus Pen series. The Pen series stand for the famed compact cameras sold from 1959, including the Pen EE, Pen EES, Pen D and Pen EM. The series reached its heyday with the release of the world renowned Pen F, of which 17 million sets have been sold around the world. The reason is probably that it was then the first and only half-frame SLR in the world which is supported by over 20 interchangable lenses.
â–² The lightweight half-frame Pen SLRs shook the market 50 years ago
The Chairman of Olympus Japan confirmed in the March business report that Olympus' first M4/3 will be launched on 15 June, in which mention was madeon the Pen series. Suffice it to say that the two news were inter-related. It is believed that the Pen Digital version will make to the selves in the first week of July. There are evidence showing that the camera will be much, much smaller than the Lumix G1 and GH1, and that it will be named E-P1.
â–² The widely rumoured Olympus M4/3 camera to be unveiled
According to Olympus' statistices in August 2008, the M4/3 camera will achieve a sale number of about 20 million sets, accounting for nearly 20% of the DC market. The success or not of the new camera hinges on not only the portability but also, more importantly, the range of interchangable lenses and pricing. The answer is to be revealed real soon!
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