Olympus makes zooming even smoother
A new zoom lens for a new PEN generation
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ
London, 14 December 2011 – Olympus’s new generation of multitalented
PEN cameras can enjoy a new Standard Zoom, the M.ZUIKO
DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ. It comes with a new ultra-smooth,
near-silent electromagnetic zoom mechanism that powers the lens on
its own – no potentially jerky wristwork required. This makes it easy for
anyone to make great home movies. Add in variable zoom speed and
blazing quick auto focus, and it’s the perfect zoom lens for recording
movies and portraits. It’s also ideal for high-quality macros and wideangle
shots. With an 84° max. angle of view, 24-100mm* focal range and
manual zoom mode, this exceptional lens gives PEN owners all the
options. The PEN line-up has a multi-talented standard zoom lens to
match. It goes on sale from end of January 2012, for £349.99.
Smoother and quieter
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ takes the movie zoom
lens to a new level. An electromagnetically powered zoom mechanism lets
you zoom in and out smoothly and quietly, at a constant rate. This avoids
the camera-shake that often occurs when you zoom by hand and cuts out
the noise of motor gears in the background, which can potentially ruin your
movie. You can set the motor to zoom at one of three set speeds. The
‘slow’ setting allows time to concentrate on composing while ‘fast’ makes
sure no shot is missed.
Faster and closer
The new lens delivers 4.2x standard magnification and is very quick. The
electromagnetic motor makes for near-instant response and, in combination
with Olympus’ proprietary MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) technology,
ensures fast and near-silent autofocus. For this lens, Olympus enhanced
MSC by adding a Linear Motor Drive that makes use of the electromagnetic
motor to make focussing even faster, quieter – and better for recording
movies.
Automatic and manual
As you’d expect from an Olympus PEN lens, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-
50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ delivers superb image quality, thanks not least to a
multi-layer coating on all the lenses and two aspherical lenses that correct
common zoom aberrations. The pristine quality is particularly evident in
Macro mode, which offers 0.72x* magnification at 20 to 50cm. Less familiar
is the new L-Fn button (a first on a PEN lens), which prevents the camera
focussing on the wrong subject by mistake. Should something suddenly
come between the lens and your intended subject, you simply push this
button to temporarily suspend autofocus until it’s moved out of the way. For
fans of hands-on shooting, the lens offers another rare treat – the option to
suspend autofocus altogether and switch to the manual zoom ring.
The Micro Four Thirds standard makes PEN cameras especially compact
and portable, which allows PEN owners to shoot in all kinds of places and
conditions. So it’s comforting to know this lens is fitted with the same topnotch
dust- and splash-proof mechanism originally developed for high-end
ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro Series lenses. Now, wherever you go with your
PEN you’ve got a zoom lens that’s tough enough to go too.
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ will sell separately and
as part of a kit with one of the three newest PEN cameras: the PEN Lite (EPL3),
PEN Mini (E-PM1) and the flagship PEN E-P3. A matching protection
filter, lens case and hood are also available.
* 35mm equivalent.
For a full list of features, please go to www.olympus.co.uk
