Olympus' OM-D style 10x zoom bridge camera
A baby OM-D?
Olympus had a massive success with the OM-D E-M5, a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens system camera, thanks in large part to its unapologetically OM film SLR-styling that dates back to the 1970s. With its new premium bridge camera, the Stylus 1, Olympus hopes that OM magic will work again, but as with the E-M5 the the Stylus 1 is more than a looker. Although not as outrageously long range by some contemporary bridge camera standards, the 10.7x (28-300 equivalent) zoom lens boasts a very bright f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range. The lens also collapses down so efficiently when not in use that the Stylus 1 is almost like a compact camera rather than a bridge camera in terms of pocketability, being just 52mm from front to back.
Like previous Stylus models, the Stylus 1 offers plenty of external controls including what Olympus calls a Hybrid Control Ring on the lens barrel, plus a second adjustment knob on the top plate of the camera. There are several programmable function buttons and even a secondary zoom control to make it easier to operate when the camera is oriented vertically or if you prefer to use your thumb to operate the zoom. The Stylus 1 has a touch screen, supporting touch-focus and shutter functions, and a menu system that is very similar to the current OM-D and Pen cameras from Olympus. WiFi support for Olympus' Image Share app (Android and IOS) is included and supports full PASM mode controls as well as control over ISO, white balance and shooting drive modes.
Advanced precision optics
I was in Japan back in August to meet Olympus engineers prior to the launch of their current flagship camera, the OM-D E-M1. It was too early to see a Stylus 1 then but I was briefed on the camera's design and goals. One area that Olympus is very keen to promote is the the Stylus1's i.Zuiko optics. Not only does the 10.7x f/2.8 zoom pack away into a very slim package when not in use, but it also doesn't extend ridiculously even at the long end of the zoom. I'm told that Olympus engineers are particularly proud of the bonded pair of elements at the front of the lens which require a great deal of manufacturing precision. Optional add-on lens converters are available too and the tele extender brings the effective reach up to an equivalent 510mm without compromising the f/2.8 brightness. Unusually for Olympus, which usually favours shifting the sensor for image stabilisation, the Stylus 1 has an optical IS system. It's also voice-coil operated and delivers up to 5 EVs of shake compensation. There is also a framing assist feature that zooms you out when you are using the lens at tele setting so you can be more aware of what is just outside of the frame. A nice touch is the inclusion of a screw-on lens cap that has four petals that give way to the lens when the camera is switched on and then automatically fold back to protect the lens when the camera is switched off and the lens retracts.
Improved OM-D E-M5 viewfinder
Another feature borrowed from the OM-D E-M5 is the 1.44 million dot LCD electronic viewfinder. It's a high magnification finder that delivers a view larger than many DSLRs. Indeed, the Stylus 1 implementation is even more advanced than the E-M5's thanks to the addition of adaptive back-lighting, a trick first seen on the new E-M1 which adjusts the back-light brightness according to the brightness of the scene. This results in a more natural view even under extreme lighting conditions. Incidentally, the Stylus 1 eyepiece cups are the same fit as OM-D E-M5 ones and while the standard E-M5 eyecup is an E-P10 the Stylus 1 gets a more curved E-P14 as standard.
Under the hood the Stylus 1 uses a larger than average 1/1.7 inch back-lit CMOS sensor. It's about 50% larger in area than typical 1/2.3 inch compact camera sensors, although still small compared to 1 inch (Nikon 1-series) (2.7x larger in area) or Four Thirds sensors (5x larger in area). To go with the type of sensor used, Olympus has included some interesting functions, like high-speed movie recording for smooth slow motion playback. The ISO sensitivity range reaches 12,800 and there is a built in ND filter for use when the bright f/2.8 lens is needed even when the conditions are bright already. It's also good to see that Olympus retained compatibility with their multi-channel wireless flash system. The Stylus 1 can command up to three external RC flash units using its own integrated flash as the command communicator.
Areas to improve on?
While being an undeniably attractive little camera, there are a few relatively minor issues. The 28-300mm (equivalent) specification is fairly old hat these days - many will want to go wider than 28mm and 24mm is the norm now for some of Olympus' rivals. But that might have been too much for the compact design if the optics. It's also a shame that Olympus has not included the clever Accessory Port hot shoe-based system. This would have allowed the use of an external microphone adapter, for example. All OM-Ds to date are dust and splash proofed with magnesium alloy bodies; the Stylus 1 feels like it has a tough body but there is no mention of environmental sealing in Olympus' information.
Initial thoughts
With conventional compact cameras rapidly becoming extinct thanks to cameras in smartphones, specialist and premium compact cameras, like long zoom bridge cameras, remain solid sellers. Olympus has done its homework well and with the OM-D effect the Stylus 1 deserves consideration.
Pictures
Below is a picture gallery of Stylus 1 product shots we took of an early pre-production sample we were briefly loaned. It is likely that there will be some subtle detail changes to the final production version.
To see a larger view of the the thumbnail, just click on the thumbnail image you are interested in to open a new page with the full-size view.
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