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Olympus Reveals New EVIL Camera, Housing and Lens

By Joseph Tepper, February 9, 2012 @ 11:29 AM (EST)

Falling off the back of the success of their PEN line, Olympus this week announced an entirely new EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera—the OM-D E-M5.

Don’t be fooled by the cameras retro look, appearing more like an old Olympus film camera than its 16.1 MP self. The camera is also appealing to underwater video shooters, recording in full HD with a refresh rate of 120 frames per second. Other goodies include the TruePic VI image processor, an ISO range of 100-25,600 and what the company claims is the “World’s Fastest Autofocusing System.”

You might be thinking, “Great! Another impressive EVIL camera comes out but there are still no lenses suited to underwater photography.” Well, Olympus has some good news for EVIL users hoping to shoot true macro.

In the press release for the E-M5, the company detailed plans to release a 60mm F2.8 macro lens—a first for EVIL cameras! The lens will provide 1:1 shooting and, more significantly, has a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 inches. The lens is still “under development,” but more details regarding prices and availability will be announced soon.

Details are also emerging about the housing for the E-M5, the PT-E08, which actually features a bayonette style, replicable port system. It is expected that the standard port will fit zoom lenses like the 14-42mm and 9-18mm, while specialty ports are expected to be released to accommodate the Zuiko 8mm Fisheye and new 60mm macro.

Many of the details are still waiting to be confirmed on the housing and we will make sure to keep you updated on pricing and availability as it is announced.

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