Olympus drops jaws with retro Micro Four Thirds concept
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Sep 22nd 2008 8:27AM
posted Sep 22nd 2008 8:27AM
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
that´s sexy as hell
I loved my old rangefinder.
anyone know of a compact with manual controls/dials ON the camera?
And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?
And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?
hmm. wish I could see a picture with the markings on the lens.
And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?
@ Knives_Out you might want to check out the Canon PowerShot G10, just announced last week. It's got all the manual controls as well as your standard point n click functionality. I've got the G9 and it is awesome.
it's lovable. view finder on hot-shoe please
Yeah, I'd love it if these micro four thirds cameras brought back rangefinders. How awesome would that be? You'd still be able to use tele lenses with the LCD too, best of both worlds.
since micro four thirds doesn't actually use mirrors, aren't they almost rangefinders?
Not even almost. They'll all be using "hi-res" LCD screens on the back. For wide angle work, a pop-on rangefinder would be nice, though.
I want it...
Very nice. DSLR sensor quality in a pocketable size. Who knew that consumer electronics companies could make such big promises and then actually deliver? Well, not delivered quite yet but this is promising anyway. I may have found my new travel camera.
Lack of EVF = Epic Fail
Well, it still is a prototype so we still cannot judge it.
labeling things the superlative Epic Fail = THE MOST EPIC FAIL EVER
Next time, keep your worn out internet memes to yourself and just say, "Personally, I prefer a camera with EVF."
Brushed Aly - Brown Leather !!! Thats SO RETRO !!!
finally, this is what i have been waiting for from the fourthirds system since its inception. nothing has replaced that place in my heart that my old minox once resided in. if they make this camera i will be the first to pre-order, and thank you olympus for showing us that you not just another conventional camera company but are willing to innovate.
well that's a very nice looking camera. its i think the first one from olympus that actually looks solid and well built.
Now you're talking!
That's more like it. A small camera with changeable lens and big sensor. A must have for those who want DSLR quality and compact size.
They also promised a viewfinder as an accessory for the hot-shoe.
IMHO, not everyone is able to make a great picture, like a pro, but everyone will benefit from higher quality of pictures taken.
At last! DSLR sensor in a compact package! I will switch to olympus if they are able to pull this off. Hopefully they will resist the temptation to overcrowd the sensor with megapixels.
Awesome! It looks just like the old Olympus Pen or Trip cameras. They rocked!
Now this is actually going in a direction which would make more sense than Panasonic's attempt. The target of having a small size would actually be realized. However, the amazing EVF mechanism in the Panny looked pretty big, so I wonder if they can fit it into this body. The EVF quality is pretty important since you don't have any optical viewfinder.
If they can make some fairly small lenses (as in pancake lenses) for this, then they will be able to find a market for it, albeit not a very large one.
The initial preview of the G1 on dpreview.net suggested that it would be quite a bit more compact than a traditional dslr. I just like the idea of having slr functionality without worrying about mechanical components. I honestly don't think people are considering the impact of a mechanical-free camera. I can't wait to read a full review on any of these devices.
Personally, I think this is the best looking digital camera ever. I think it's even nicer than the Leica M8.
At least now I understand better why they introduced u4/3...
SEXY
Depending on accessory line up - I'm potential customer. I like to carry camera around all the time and with DSLRs this is quite troublesome to have always couple of grands of not-so-compact equipment on your back.
I hope this one is cheaper and more resilient than plastic DSLRs: something that tiny I can try to keep it in my pocket where it's going to be safer than in a rucksack.
wow... and here I was starting to look at the full size DSLRs, just working on rationalizing the size. I can wait to see how these turn out pricewise.
Probably much cheaper then a entry-level dSLR. These m43 bodies don't have a mirror-mechanism, optical view finder, shutter mechanism, etc. Its all done electronically, like in constant Live-view mode. This particular model seems to lack an EVF, meaning it should be cheaper then an EVF equipped model. I would assume we'll see these m43 cameras the same price as a Canon G10 or Nikon P6000 but with a dSLR sized sensor.
And THIS is the one I wanted when Panasonic originally showed the G1
If Leica pushes out these new rangefinders via Panasonic and be able to use existing Leica M mount lens...I'm in heaven!!!
It will NOT have the Leica M mount, Micro Four Thirds has its own lens mount, but also will have an adaptor that will allow it to use "full" four thirds lenses.
A nice reminder of how cheap and crappy most compact digitals of today are.
Cooo.
But, can we get shallow depths of field with these things? Is the sensor big enough and the lens long enough?
That's all I miss from SLR-type cameras really, the ability to take wonderful portraits, sharp subjects and creamy backgrounds...
It's an m4/3 standard camera. All the image characteristics of the Olympus DSLRs will be present in this camera. It shares the same sensor and the same 2x equivalency as the 4/3 standard. If you want to know how lenses will behave on this one, check out an Olympus E-420, E-520, E-3 or the Panasonic L1 and L10, or the Leica Digilux 3.
> can we get shallow depths of field with these things?
On 4/3, to have a shallow field of depth you need a lens which is of size ... well normal Canon/Nikon lens.
Generally, 4/3 has large DOF - but not as bad as in point-and-shoots. There are several 4/3 (not u4/3) pro lenses with high aperture values (below f2.0).
make it real metal with no painted plastic fakery, along with a reasonable sticker price (and performance) and I can see it being tempting. Now I can see some compactness.
Okay, now we're talking. This is the kind of camera that will make micro four-thirds make sense in the marketplace.
oh shnap! If this has rangefinder functionality and ease of use, I'm in line. Us rangefinder fans have been waiting for something like this for a while...especially since most of us can't afford an RD-1 or M8
Was there some inside joke on how many times the author could put "Four-Thirds" in a story?
MEOW!
one of the most beautiful cameras that i've ever seen.
Finally! A DSLR sized-sensor in a compact form. Plus a splash of retro-goodness! Thanks Oly! I will order one for each pocket it will live in. That means FOUR?
This going to be the Sigma DP2 and Canon G10 killer.
Sigma killed the DP line all by itself, 1. by contiuing to use the Foveon sensor, and 2. making a lousy overpriced camera.
I agree that this thing could (if as good as it looks) could be a G10, and P6000 killer.
damn this is hot
I definitely miss view finders. Its amazing how much steadier a shot can be when your face helps anchor the camera.
Beautiful. Just love it...
Wow that design is unbelievably good! If only more companies would bring back these type of classic designs instead of all the shiny plastic crap they have nowadays.
Where is the finder?
*DROOL* .....
Olympus has a great camera and a great system to go along with it. The new DSLR-sized 18 x 13.5-mm sensor is a great addition.
I love it. Looks like I will be buying a second Olympus camera. My E-510 has been serving me well, but this thing would be alot more convenient under many circumstances.
Nice work, Olympus.
I've never been big into cameras, but given the right price, I'd buy that in a heartbeat! It's compact, sleek as hell, and takes killer shots as well! Can't wait...
This is the hotness. Been postponing my jump to DSLR for what seems like forever. This is it. Me want.
Looks nice, although they'll probably mess it up by making it use xD memory.
Looks very much like one of Olympus' old 35 RC rangefinders
If that really does come out it is bought day 1. Exactly what I am looking for.
That is one sexy beast! WTG Olympus.
Woah woah woah woah woah woah. Come on! Don't make it a concept. Just sell it :P.
This camera is hot as hell, I want one now!
I'm thinking of a $600-$800 price range..
Cool looks but I'm waiting to see the specs. I was disappointed by Panasonic's first Micro 4/3s with its DSLR looks, bulkiness and digital viewfinder. I'm not sure who their market is the guy with enough money for a entry level DSLR but who is going to buy the smaller puesdo DSLR for more money. Olympus took the right approach appealing to camera buffs who will pay for a small secondary shooter with all the DSLR controls with a retro look.
I want a small digital rangefinder without paying 5k for a Leica M8. I hope between this and the Sigma DP2 some one has created that camera ideal for street photography- good fast wide angle lens, good at 800 ISO, optical viewfinder, fast frame rate, manual controls, and tab focusing.
I was hoping Panasonic would make it because of the Leica lens of the LX series.I would really hate to breakdown and buy a film camera at this point but the wait is killing me.
I WANT ONE RIGHT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me wants one. If the price is less than 500USD for the body, this will be a KILLER camera. I'm totally dropping my Konica Hexar AF as my walk-around camera for this one - if I can afford it.