Olympus debuts OM-D E-M1 Mark III, mid-range zoom, and PEN E-PL10 digital camera

GaryPageau ,
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus America debut the OM-D E-M1 Mark III professional Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, scheduled to go on sale Feb. 24, 2020. The camera comes with a new image-processing engine, TruePic IX, enabling features such as 50MP Handheld High-Res Shot. The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is equipped with a 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor for high-precision focusing. Starry Sky AF delivers revolutionary autofocus performance for astrophotography, and the Advanced Face / Eye Priority AF tracks and ensures the subject’s eye is continuously in focus. This model is also equipped with versatile features that were popular on the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, such as 50MP Handheld High Res Shot, Live ND, Pro Capture mode, and handheld 4K video, thanks to its 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, designed to meet the demands of the professional photographer.

50MP Handheld High Res Shot makes it possible to capture high-resolution images without the need for a tripod, making use of the minimal movement occurring between each of the 16 shots to generate a single 50 Megapixel high-resolution photo. Tripod High Res Shot is also available for recording ultra-high-resolution approximately 80 Megapixel equivalent JPEG images.

Starry Sky AF is new for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. A new algorithm was developed to offer accurate focusing even on the tiniest stars shining in the night sky. There are two modes in Starry Sky AF. Speed Priority mode (default setting), which prioritizes focusing speed and complete AF operations in a short period of time. Accuracy Priority uses a fine-tuned focus scan and is effective for shooting specific stars with telephoto lenses.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (black) will be available body-only for a suggested retail price of $1,799.99 USD and $2,399.99 CAD. The camera body bundled with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO Lens will have a suggested retail price of $2,499.99 USD and $3,299.99 CAD, and the camera body bundled with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100 F4.0 IS PRO Lens will have a suggested retail price of $2,899.99 USD and $3,799.99 CAD.

Olympus also announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO lens, scheduled for availability April 7, 2020. This high-performance medium-range zoom Micro Four Thirds PRO lens possesses dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°C) performance in severe environments. This lens features macro capabilities with a maximum magnification of 0.5x (35mm equivalent) across the entire zoom range.

Olympus PEN E-PL10

Olympus also announced the Olympus PEN E-PL10. Drawing from the classic style of the 1963 PEN-F, the E-PL10 features an attractive clean aesthetic, built-in pop-up flash, and a wide array of expressive photography functions. The compact, lightweight body is equipped with in-body Image Stabilization and a 180-degree flip-down LCD screen with a step-by-step touch menu interface.

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is packed with features expanding creative expressions, such as Selfie, Art Filters for impressive, artistic finishes, and offers compatibility with various interchangeable lenses. By using the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in conjunction with the Olympus Image Share (OI.Share®) smartphone app, the camera easily connects to a smartphone to transfer images and share them on social media.