Olympus on February 7, 2012 announced the OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera featuring five axis image stabilization, the world's fastest autofocus and an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Olympus terms the launch of the camera, the first offering from the company's newly introduced OM-D (OM Digital) mirrorless ILC camera series: The beginning of the New. The camera's impressive feature make it worthy of at least some of the hype.
The E-M5 features a 16 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor with five-axis image stabilization - up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonal - to minimize handshake. The sensor is supported by the new TruePic VI image-processing engine.
FAST Autofocus
According to Olympus, the contrast detection autofocus on the E-M5 is the fastest in the world, faster than the phase-detection autofocus on leading DSLR cameras.
(Panasonic earlier claimed contrast detection autofocus speeds of 0.1sec with its Lumix DMC GH2, achieved by doubling the drive speed from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second.)
The E-M5's fast autofocus comes from a 240 fps sensor readout and a technology that Olympus refers to as FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology).
It introduces new 3D AF tracking through the X-, Y- and Z-axes for improved performance following moving subjects at up to 9 frames-per-second.
Electronic Viewfinder
The HD EVF on the E-M5 has a 120-fps refresh rate, and an eye sensor to seamlessly switch between the EVF and the the tilting, 3.0-in, 610K touch screen OLED display at the back.
Accessories
An optional HLD-6 two part battery grip can be used either as a landscape grip for easier handling or as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the E-M5, thus extending battery life.
The FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO 200 or GN 36 at ISO 100) offers improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. Equipped with a built-in LED, the FL-600R can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light.
The retro design of the E-M5 is reminiscent of 1970s-era OM System from Olympus.
The Olympus E-M5 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds-compliant lenses.
The E-M5 is not conceived as a E-P3 replacement, rather a higher end add on.
A detailed comparison of mirrorless ILS cameras currently in the market is embedded below.
Such a great camera with impressive lens!
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