Olympus drops jaws with retro Micro Four Thirds concept

We heard it was coming, but we didn't expect Olympus to bust out its first Micro Four Thirds system with such vintage hotness. Taking its visual cues from the classic Rangefinder cameras, this unnamed Olympus is just a concept for now with no pricing, specs, or release date announced. Still, it shows just how far Olympus and Panasonic can push the Micro Four Thirds standard while maintaining Four Thirds lens compatibility and a DSLR-sized 18 x 13.5-mm sensor. One more snap after the break, more beyond the read link.

[White @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:29AM]

that´s sexy as hell

[Knives_Out @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:12PM]

I loved my old rangefinder.

anyone know of a compact with manual controls/dials ON the camera?

[KilgoreTrout @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:19PM]

And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?

[KilgoreTrout @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:20PM]

And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?

[Knives_Out @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:20PM]

hmm. wish I could see a picture with the markings on the lens.

[KilgoreTrout @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:20PM]

And how sexy is that?
As sexy as this camera?

[Mat Packer @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:48AM]

@ 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.

[oxenford @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:57AM]

it's lovable. view finder on hot-shoe please

[Liam @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:53AM]

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.

[hansning @ Sep 22nd 2008 10:53AM]

since micro four thirds doesn't actually use mirrors, aren't they almost rangefinders?

[Liam @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:13AM]

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.

[Dtofte @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:46AM]

I want it...

[Tonicboy @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:43AM]

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.

[Musouka @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:43AM]

Lack of EVF = Epic Fail

Well, it still is a prototype so we still cannot judge it.

[Tonicboy @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:16AM]

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."

[Randal_Coc @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:44AM]

Brushed Aly - Brown Leather !!! Thats SO RETRO !!!

[smallcaps @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:47AM]

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.

[shimmy shimmy yah @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:47AM]

well that's a very nice looking camera. its i think the first one from olympus that actually looks solid and well built.

[farfisa @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:49AM]

Now you're talking!

[Shinigami @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:50AM]

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.

[ron @ Sep 22nd 2008 12:04PM]

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.

[sesu @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:10AM]

Awesome! It looks just like the old Olympus Pen or Trip cameras. They rocked!

[solmar @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:07AM]

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.

[jorvay @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:55AM]

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.

[Ian @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:13AM]

Personally, I think this is the best looking digital camera ever. I think it's even nicer than the Leica M8.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:13AM]

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.

[greatsunjester @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:22AM]

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.

[Temple @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:46AM]

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.

[g @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:26AM]

And THIS is the one I wanted when Panasonic originally showed the G1

[Chris @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:30AM]

If Leica pushes out these new rangefinders via Panasonic and be able to use existing Leica M mount lens...I'm in heaven!!!

[JayMonster @ Sep 22nd 2008 2:23PM]

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.

[XenoX101 @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:29AM]

A nice reminder of how cheap and crappy most compact digitals of today are.

[Sara @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:30AM]

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...

[paultakeda @ Sep 22nd 2008 12:44PM]

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.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Sep 25th 2008 11:56AM]

> 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).

[tekdroid @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:37AM]

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.

[why not the LS2LS7? @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:49AM]

Okay, now we're talking. This is the kind of camera that will make micro four-thirds make sense in the marketplace.

[davy @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:51AM]

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

[Maestro @ Sep 22nd 2008 9:57AM]

Was there some inside joke on how many times the author could put "Four-Thirds" in a story?
MEOW!

[silverblackvoid @ Sep 22nd 2008 10:14AM]

one of the most beautiful cameras that i've ever seen.

[tony @ Sep 22nd 2008 10:53AM]

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.

[JayMonster @ Sep 22nd 2008 2:25PM]

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.

[hansning @ Sep 22nd 2008 10:55AM]

damn this is hot

[jahcriado @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:12AM]

I definitely miss view finders. Its amazing how much steadier a shot can be when your face helps anchor the camera.

[Moose @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:23AM]

Beautiful. Just love it...

[ebinroy @ Sep 22nd 2008 4:27PM]

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.

[vadeva @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:27AM]

Where is the finder?

[brandon @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:39AM]

*DROOL* .....

[Rogbog4299 @ Sep 22nd 2008 11:56AM]

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.

[chadow @ Sep 22nd 2008 12:00PM]

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.