Olympus Press Release Time

Looks like the Olympus company has some new equipment on release. Here's a precis of the information that has just come into our shop.

  I. Cameras:

They are releasing a new flagship camera model - the OM-D E-M1. This has a number of new professionally-oriented features as well as some new cosmetic touches.

Big news for studio people is that it can be directly tethered to a computer - that means remote viewing and control as well as direct image transfer.

There will be a new digital perspective control to help straighten up the keystoning inherent in may architectural and landscape shots. You'll get a shift with every lens you own.

The bells and whistles brigade will welcome the multiple exposure capabilities of the E-m10 in this model and several new Art filter settings. You get to see what you get before you shoot it too, as the filter effects come through the screens. the screens have also been sped up for faster high-speed action capture.

If it is looks you are after, there will be a new silver-bodied option. And there will be an option for current E-M1 users to upgrade to a V.2 firmware - not a bad idea for most people.

II. Lenses

New M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150 f:2.8 PRO zoom lens. This is the natural companion to their :2.8 12-40 PRO lens and features the same weather-resistant construction and superior glass. I note that the press release mentions an extremely fast focussing speedand a 9-blade aperture - the bokeh should be smooth. There will be a separately-available 1.4X teleconverter dedicated to doing the best with the image - that wold boost what it does up to an equivalent of 400mm in the old filmspeak. Long lens.

Note that like many long pro lenses that this has a sturdy foot to attach it to a tripod.

Final note: The press release and our computer listing have no price yet for this. We'll trumpet it as we get it. Be assured that this will be a must-have for the Micro 4/3 enthusiasts.