m43

New OM-3 Camera

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We don’t want the micro-four-thirds format to die but we worry that it will.  Creating new, innovative cameras, especially in the video domain, could be a viable path forward for the format.  Instead, what we often see if a recycling of parts and producing a camera that really isn’t compelling or competitive with its peers.

Unfortunately, these early, unconfirmed rumors about the new OM-3 Camera sound as if it’s using the same sensor as a previous OM camera has some minor iterative improvements.  Let us hope that’s not the case.

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Leica D-Lux 8 Digital Camera

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Leica_d_lux_8

The Leica D-Lux 8 Digital Camera is a quite unexpected camera. But we welcome any camera manufacturer trying something different or novel. This has a 4/3″ sensor and a built-in zoom lens. Panasonic has put out this kind of camera in the past and we always hoped they would continue in this direction.

The price is one element that may create some problems as at $1600 you are competing with a lot of other viable options. But for a Leica branded camera this is cheap.

Key specifications:

  • 17MP Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • Leica 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 Lens
  • 24-75mm Full-Frame Equivalent
  • 2.36MP OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.84m-Dot TFT LCD
  • DNG Format Support
  • Built-in Flash
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • USB-C Port, SD Card Slot

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OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens Micro Four Thirds Lens

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The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens Micro Four Thirds Lens (say that three times fast) is not what we were hoping for.  First, it’s massive.  One major selling point of Micro Four Thirds gear is the smaller bodies and much smaller lenses.  Secondly, this isn’t a lens designed for Micro Four Thirds but rather a repurposed full-frame lens from Sigma.  Third, OM SYSTEM, what were you thinking charging $2700.  And lastly, the image quality isn’t even that great.  This only makes sense for people who prioritize reach above all else.  Personally I keep meaning to get the Nikon to m43 smart adapter so I can see how well my Nikon 500mm PF will do on m43.

Let’s have more reviews come in before we make a final determination.  But for now we’d be lying if we didn’t say we were disappointed.

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OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

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A lot of people were unsure about the future of OM Systems (and Micro-Four-Thirds in general!) so it’s nice to see them releasing a new camera model.  But is it a new camera or did they basically take the previous camera, upgrade the processor, tweak and improve auto-focus, and add photo-ND features? At $2400 USD the price is too steep.  So a mixed bag with this release.  We’re not seeing anything truly innovative.  You also have to consider its competitor, the Panasonic G9 II, at a whopping $500 less.

Key specifications:

  • 20MP stacked BSI sensor
  • DCI/UHD 4K 60p video
  • 10 fps Shooting
  • Improved AF
  • 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Swivel Touchscreen LCD
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • High-Res shot, live ND and other modes
  • IP53 weather-sealed
  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • $2400

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