Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

A new and considerably more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens camera system, a follow-up to the Four Thirds DSLR system, has been announced by Panasonic Lumix and Olympus. Backwards-compatible with the existing Four Thirds platform, which continues in parallel, Micro Four Thirds technology will reduce camera and, especially, lens sizes dramatically.

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[Ian]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

A new and considerably more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens camera system, a follow-up to the Four Thirds DSLR system, has been announced by Panasonic Lumix and Olympus. Backwards-compatible with the existing Four Thirds platform, which continues in parallel, Micro Four Thirds technology will reduce camera and, especially, lens sizes dramatically.

More...

I was fortunate enough to be briefed on this announcement recently and here are some questions asked and answered that I expect will be asked by interested parties:

1. Does Micro Four Thirds replace the original Four Thirds? No. Both manufacturers have stated that they will continue to develop and support Four Thirds bodies and lenses.

2. Is the sensor size smaller? No. The sensor size (image circle) specification is the same as the original Four Thirds spec.

3. Is the lens mount different? Yes. You can't directly mount Micro FT lenses onto an original FT body or vice-versa. The mount flange - sensor plane distance has been halved. But a spacer adapter will be provided to enable original FT lenses to be used, with full electronic communication, with Micro FT bodies.

4. If the distance between the lens mount and the sensor has been halved and the sensor size remains the same, where does the reflex mirror go? Well, there won't be a mirror! Micro Four Thirds cameras will have interchangeable lenses, but they won't, technically, be DSLRs (digital single lens reflex).

5. How much smaller will Micro FT lenses be? Incredibly smaller. The shortening of the mount to sensor distance enables big changes to be made possible in the optical design of these lenses, resulting in smaller and lighter optics. Just compare the sizes of lenses for existing interchangeable lens rangefinder cameras, for example, which also benefit from a closer mount to lens distance. Expect a halving or more in size and weight of some existing examples with comparable lens focal lengths, while maintaining the same aperture brightness.

6. Will I be able to use Micro FT lenses on an original Four Thirds body? No. The lens will be too far away from the sensor.

7. If there is no reflex mirror, does that mean Micro Four Thirds cameras must have electronic viewfinders? Basically, yes. Luckily, we can expect a major step forward in EVF technology for still cameras.

8. Without a reflex mirror, will that mean autofocus must be operated through the slower contrast-detection system, using the main sensor, instead of using the typical faster DSLR phase detection method. As far as I'm aware, yes. However, contrast detection AF technology is being refined for faster performance.

9. Photokina is coming up at the end of September? Will we see some physical examples of Micro Four Thirds at the show? I can't say, though I feel that the timing of today's press release is significant.

10. When will we see the first Micro FT products on sale? This information isn't yet available, but what I would say is that it's not a long way off. Micro FT has been under development for longer than you might think.

Ian

[Barr1e]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

Thanks Ian -

It is great to see the pace not slowing in this fast moving world. I am approaching old age with enthusiasm.

This news certainly I would imagine excites many who can't hold a dslr and also one might gain a pocketable sized camera of note.

Less is MORE.

Regards. Barr1e

[Ian]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

Thanks Ian -

It is great to see the pace not slowing in this fast moving world. I am approaching old age with enthusiasm.

This news certainly I would imagine excites many who can't hold a dslr and also one might gain a pocketable sized camera of note.

Less is MORE.

Regards. Barr1e

I have been predicting an alternative (not necessarily a replacement, well not yet!) to the SLR like this for a long time (7-8 years). Why? Well the SLR is a geriatric mechanical solution invented a long time ago. Don't get me wrong, I love SLRs and will be a committed user for a long time to come, but it's completely logical to me that the onward march of improving digital electronics should result in an alternative system camera that offers interchangeable lenses, but without the need for a flapping mirror.

And one thing that will wow everyone, when the first examples are shown in public, is just how much more compact and light Micro Four Thirds lenses will be. It's not just 'a bit' - the difference will be huge. And remember, the sensor size is unchanged.

By removing the mirror and providing a high quality electronic finder, the prospect of enabling video camera functionality in an interchangeable lens format at an affordable price is also there.

I know EVFs have a poor record, but the prototype I have seen was a revelation.

The concept of a DSLR-quality camera with very small and light interchangeable lenses and a high quality EVF is new and, I think, very exciting. For some, it will replace their current DSLR, while for others it will be a handy addition to their DSLR. And for others it will be seriously considered as an alternative to a bridge camera (cameras that look like DSLRs, but aren't really).

Ian

[Guest]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

Hi Ian - this sounds really exciting - just the sort of thing I have been waiting for. Having just achieved the age of 80 and although I am still physically and mentally able, I am getting less and less inclined to venture out on shooting jaunts lugging a heavy DSLR & lenses, so the ability to have the convenience of small light gear and still have versatility of interchangeable lenses would be great.

[Ian]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

Hi Ian - this sounds really exciting - just the sort of thing I have been waiting for. Having just achieved the age of 80 and although I am still physically and mentally able, I am getting less and less inclined to venture out on shooting jaunts lugging a heavy DSLR & lenses, so the ability to have the convenience of small light gear and still have versatility of interchangeable lenses would be great.

Dennis - I just wish I was fit and able as you if I reach 80! I certainly thought you were much younger when I met you last year at the Adobe training day

And thanks for the insight too.

Ian

[jonr]

Re: Olympus and Panasonic announce next-generation Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera system

I was fortunate enough to be briefed on this announcement recently and here are some questions asked and answered that I expect will be asked by interested parties:


7. If there is no reflex mirror, does that mean Micro Four Thirds cameras must have electronic viewfinders? Basically, yes. Luckily, we can expect a major step forward in EVF technology for still cameras.

I wonder if Olympus/Panasonic have made a breakthrough in this area. Looking at my Panasonic-HDC-SD5 digital video camera, I do notice a slight lag, probably more to do with processing than the screen itself. Maybe constant readyness for video recording slows things down?

8. Without a reflex mirror, will that mean autofocus must be operated through the slower contrast-detection system, using the main sensor, instead of using the typical faster DSLR phase detection method. As far as I'm aware, yes. However, contrast detection AF technology is being refined for faster performance.

That's was my first concern too. But I searched the USPTO, and found some "interesting" patents filed by Olympus

9. Photokina is coming up at the end of September? Will we see some physical examples of Micro Four Thirds at the show? I can't say, though I feel that the timing of today's press release is significant.

10. When will we see the first Micro FT products on sale? This information isn't yet available, but what I would say is that it's not a long way off. Micro FT has been under development for longer than you might think.

Ok, THAT is interesting... I guess Olympus burned themselves badly when they announced the E-1...

Just popped in to say hi.