We had the oportunity to ask Olympus Imaging America a few questions regarding the new extension of the system. We still have a lot of questions, but this should provide solid answers.
- Technology
- Micro Four Thirds
- What companies are contributing to the development the M4/3 system? Will it be mostly Panasonic, or Olympus, or a new partner?
- Is M4/3 a sign that the standard cannot increase the MP count on their SLRS? (Dynamic range, Diffraction, etc)
- Who is the M4/3 system suited for, professional photographers, everyday users, etc? (Is it seeking to draw users up from the point and shoot market? )
- What are the advantages and disadvantages M4/3 verses the 4/3 standard?
- Will the ratio of the sensor be 4:3, 16:9, 2:3, etc?
- Lenses
- Video
- Other
Technology
Explain the benefits of a shortened flange back?
The image sensor size of the Micro Four Thirds is the same as the current Four Thirds System and the lenses feature optical designs optimized exclusively for digital cameras, enabling the same high-level picture quality to be achieved as is currently offered by Four Thirds System cameras. In addition, the Micro Four Thirds System increases flexibility in the design of optics at the wide-angle end, especially for very short focal distances. This will allow a more comprehensive selection of more compact, higher performance lenses to be implemented.
The shortened flange back makes it possible to implement the body and lens in slimmer, more compact configurations. [Top]
What is the crop factor (from 35mm)?
The term “crop” does not apply to Four Thirds based lenses used on a Four Thirds based DSLR camera body. Because the lenses are designed and mated to the capture format, none of the image area is cropped. The correct description to understand the relationship between a Four Thirds lens/format and 35mm format would be the equivalent ‘angle of view’.
The terminology ‘crop factor’ came about to describe analog based lenses used on a DSLR camera body with a smaller than 35mm equiv. sensor size. Because these 35mm film based analog lenses were designed for the 35mm film format, the actual angle of view that they produce on the smaller image sensor is ‘cropped’ from their original specification.
Since the Micro Four Thirds sensor size is identical to the current Four Thirds System, the focal length, angle of view, and image magnification remain the same. Shortening the flange back length simply makes it possible to implement more compact wide-angle and zoom lenses. [Top]
Will there be in-body IS?
The standard allows incorporation of both SSWF and IS mechanisms. [Top]
Micro Four Thirds
What companies are contributing to the development the M4/3 system? Will it be mostly Panasonic, or Olympus, or a new partner?
We cannot provide details at this time. [Top]
Is M4/3 a sign that the standard cannot increase the MP count on their SLRS? (Dynamic range, Diffraction, etc)
NO. [Top]
Who is the M4/3 system suited for, professional photographers, everyday users, etc? (Is it seeking to draw users up from the point and shoot market? )
The expected targets are current users of compact cameras, first-time digital SLR users and those who desire a more compact yet versatile design. Serious users can also use the camera to supplement an existing system. [Top]
What are the advantages and disadvantages M4/3 verses the 4/3 standard?
Small, more compact. [Top]
Will the ratio of the sensor be 4:3, 16:9, 2:3, etc? There seems to be some confusion about whether the aspect ratio has to be 4:3 to meet the standard or just the sensor measured size.
You are correct, the Four Thirds Spec. and Micro Four Thirds Spec. define the Lens Mount Size, Electrical Contacts, Flange Back distance, and Image Circle only. [Top]
Lenses
In what ways will the optics be smaller and faster?
Having the same size sensor as the Four Thirds System means that we can continue to design bright lenses in compact configurations. Since the lens brightness is identical, the shortening of the flange back length simply makes it possible to implement more compact wide-angle and zoom lenses. [Top]
If we use standard 4/3 lenses do we have to manual focus?
They can be mounted with an adapter. However, with some lenses, the AF function may be restricted. [Top]
What types of new lenses are being planned for the M4/3 system? Will there be a primary focus on any particular type of lens? (E.G. Super zooms Fast primes, Pancakes, Tilt Shift, etc)
No information at this time. [Top]
Will lenses be able to protrude into the flange backspace, and if so what would be the benefit?
The space between the shutter and mount, which incorporates the quick-return mirror on conventional SLR cameras, can be exploited to design lenses that are both more compact and deliver higher performance. [Top]
How much reduction in lens size with the M4/3 offer - E.G. 14-35 f2 same size as 14-54mm?
No specifications are available at this time. [Top]
Any thoughts on an OM adaptor for the M4/3 system?
OM lenses can be used by using both an adapter and an OM adapter. However, available functions and performance may be restricted just as they are when OM lenses are used with the current Four Thirds System cameras. [Top]
Video
Because of video, will the camera use SD cards (because of Greater card size, and speed)?
The standard does not dictate the type of media used. [Top]
Any information about movie mode?
Nothing at this time. [Top]
Will there be video on the first generation of M4/3 cameras?
TBD [Top]
How will a HD video and 10 MP all in one camera work?
No information at this time. [Top]
Other
How does this impact the existing 4/3 product line?
We will continue to develop Four Thirds System products. [Top]
Will Olympus Continue to develop top end products (Top Pro line / E-3 / Etc), or focus primarily on the consumer market?
We will continue to develop products based on market needs. [Top]
Will there be a "Pro-line" of M4/3?
No information at this time. [Top]
Will this line replace the E-4xx line of cameras?
The E-4xx series are still valid products in the E-System line-up and the E-420 DSLR is the World’s smallest, lightest DSLR. [Top]
What of the E-3? Will its descendants be up-classed ever closer to the Canon/Nikon flagship class? Do you see the E-3 as taking on the D3? As the E-3 vs. D300?
The E-3 continues to exist in a category of its own, offering features that no other DSLR camera offers: Fastest AF technology when combined with SWD lenses, Built-in mechanical (5 EV) image stabilization with all lenses, Fully articulated full live view LCD, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Spot Highlights, Spot Shadows meter modes, to name a few. Dedicated Zuiko Digital Specific lenses that are mated to the Four Thirds capture format to produce sharp detail, from edge to edge, with all lenses including extreme wide-angle lenses. [Top]
Source: Olympus of America
