In mid-2020, Olympus announced that it had sold off its photography/camera division to a Japanese investment group, Japan Investment Partners (JIP). At the time, there were many questions as to what the future of Olympus cameras and the Micro Four-Thirds standard would be – Afterall, at the time Panasonic (the second-largest member of the MFT Consortium) was releasing full-frame cameras and with Olympus no longer in the camera business, there was no real guarantee that the format would be supported in the future. For MFT fans thankfully, we now know the answer; OM Digital Solutions recently announced its first new, flagship camera – the OM-1.
OM-1 Tech Specs via OM Digital Solutions
- Compact and lightweight camera body meets IP53 dust- and splashproof standard.
- Freezeproof up to 14°F
- New TruePic X Image processor – up to 3x faster processor power
- High speed sequential shooting (up to 50 fps C-AF, up to 120 fps S-AF)
- AI detection AF (Improved subject detection)
- 1053 Phase detection Cross Quad Pixel AF
- Up to 8EV steps image stabilization
- Backside illuminated Quad Pixel Bayer pattern stacked CMOS sensor
- 5.76M dots, Blackout free view finder
- Enhanced video functions for creators (4K 60p, Full HD 240p)
Why it matters
Last month was a banner month for fans of the smaller, Micro Four-Thirds camera system with the announcement of two new flagship cameras. The announcement of the OM-1 means that although Olympus is no longer in the camera game, OM Digital Solutions is stepping up by keeping with the legacy of stills-centric, tank-like cameras that endeared themselves to wildlife and travel photographers alike. The new OM-1 isn’t just about nostalgia, instead, it packs the necessary tech to make it stand out from its larger sensor competitors – namely its adoption of computational photography. The new TruePic X processor is the future of OM Digital Solutions’ MFT offerings, squeezing the necessary processing power for its improved AF detection algorithms and faster readouts.
The OM-1 also has its full-frame competitors beat on stabilization capabilities. While the OM-1 notes 8 EV stops of image stabilization casually, this translates into impossible hand-held shots in-camera – like shooting star trails without a tripod or taking advantage of 50-megapixel high-resolution mode without the use of a tripod.
Continued Lens Support
OM Digital Solutions also announced two new PRO lenses: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II and M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO. Both new lenses boast rugged weather-sealed construction that makes them suitable for shooting in the toughest elements. The 40-150mm boasts a ridiculously short minimum focus distance at just 70cm across all focal lengths while the 12-40mm is one of the most rugged and lightweight fast aperture standard zoom lenses you can buy for MFT cameras.
Pricing and Availability
If you’ve been waiting to hear what the future of the old Olympus line of cameras was before recommitting to the MFT format, here’s the sign you’ve been waiting for. The OM-1 will be available in early March and can be had as a standalone for $2100 or with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II as a kit for $2700. The lenses can be had for $999 (12-40mm) and $899 (40-150mm) also in early March 2022.
Sample Gallery via OM Digital Solutions
