First independent pictures of new Olympus DSLR
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At a briefing this morning at the PMA show in Las Vegas, UK journalists were shown the first prototype samples of the Olympus code named Four Thirds digital SLR system project. I was fortunate to be in on this preview. Apparently we were the first journalists to be shown the new camera, lenses and flash unit prototypes. We were allowed to handle the items, though only after donning cotton gloves! Even Japanese journalists haven’t been shown them yet. Below are possibly the first independent photos to be published of some of these system components.
Launch date, 24th June
Olympus now says an official launch of the system will happen on 24th June. They also promised the system will go on sale in the Autumn.
We’ll have more detailed information on the Four Thirds system prototypes later, but a few key questions were asked and answered (reproduced in my words through my understanding of the answers given to me):
Resolution?: No comment until 24th June
What does Four Thirds really mean?: The sensor chip ‘size’ of 4/3rd inch. The actual physical dimensions of the chip are 13.5x18mm, with a 22.5mm diagonal. This is smaller than the APS size chip used several other DSLRs, but larger than the chips used in the Olympus E-10/20. The aspect ratio is 4:3, but the Four Thirds moniker refers specifically to the sensor size as the whole new lens system revolves around this.
Does the new camera use a conventional reflex mirror instead of the E-series beam splitting prism? Yes.
The lens mount looks about the same size and style as an OM mount, are they the same mechanical fit? No comment until 24th June.
Will the existing FL-40 flash be compatible with the new camera? Not yet determined, but the new flash units will have enhanced functionality.
The key theme underpinning the presentation signified that Olympus is seeking to re-establish itself in the professional market with the new system. This is good news in the sense that the design will be robust (magnesium alloy body) and high in specification, but it also suggests that, to start with at least, the camera won’t necessarily be a basic affordability breakthrough; something dpnow.com defines as a sub-$1,000 DSLR supplied with a standard zoom lens.
And so here are the pictures:
The prototype closely resembles the mock up shown at Photokina last year and borrows heavily from the Olympus E10/E20 fixed lens SLR.
This side profile shows the wide angle zoom (28-105 equivalent) fitted. It’s a f/2.8-3.5 optic, actual focal length range 14-54mm..
A rear three quarter view. This shows a plastic protective cover for the LCD view screen. As with the E-series, there is minimal left side body extension past the lens barrel.
The optional extended battery/portrait mode release and grip looks outwardly very similar to the existing grip available for the E-series, but in detail it is very different.
This close-up shows the relocation of the release to the extreme corner of the base from the recessed and rather impractical position it is found at in the E-series grip. A setting adjustment wheel has been added next to it.
That’s an equivalent to a 35mm SLR 600mm f/2.8 telephoto that Joe Matsuzawa, a key member of the Four Thirds development team, is holding. It’s around half the size of the corresponding 35mm system lens. Its actual focal length is 300mm. All Four Thirds system lenses have half the measured millimetres compared to their 35mm system equivalents.
This is a fixed focal length (50mm f/2) macro lens, equivalent to a 100mm f/2 macro. Also shown was a standard-telephoto zoom 50 – 200mm, f/2.8 – f3.5 zoom (100 – 400mm). It’s smaller than a typical traditional 75-300mm f/4 lens.
Here’s another view with the 14-54mm zoom and grip fitted.
The first public European showing of the system will be at CeBIT, Hannover, starting next week.
To read the official Olympus press release on the Four Thirds system, click here.
Our colleagues over at LetsGoDigital have some more photos of the system - click here.
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