Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera: specifications, advantages and disadvantages

Olympus is one of the world's leading photo equipment marketers. The mirrorless camera with replaceable optics Olympus OM-D E-M1 - among the most popular devices from this brand in Russia and in the world. This device is characterized as effectively combining traditional and advanced technologies. It is considered one of the most functional and versatile devices in its segment. What are the main features of such a device, like Olympus OM-D E-M1 Kit camera? Advantages, disadvantages, characteristics of the device will be discussed in the article.

Characteristics of the device

Let's start with the technological capabilities of the device.

What functions does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera have? The characteristics of the device will allow us to understand this. Key form the following list:

- the lens of the device belongs to the category of elements with interchangeable optics, its bayonet is Micro Four Thirds;

- the device matrix is of the Live MOS type;

- photosensitivity of the camera - in the range of ISO from 100 to 25 600;

- The device has hybrid autofocus, functioning in 37 or 81 zone (in phase and contrast mode, respectively), as well as in 800 zones - with manual tuning;

- The camera is equipped with a liquid crystal display with a diagonal of 3 inches and a resolution of 1 megapixel;

- the device supports optical image stabilization;

- The device is compatible with such file formats as JPEG and RAW;

- the device can record video at a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels at a rate of 30 frames per second;

- You can connect an external microphone to the unit;

- The rate of continuous shooting in the automatic mode - about 10 frames per second.

Let's now consider what kind of equipment the device comes with.

Equipment

In the box with the camera, the user will find:

- lens - when the device is delivered in the Kit format, if the corresponding optical component is missing, the device will correspond to the Body format;

- external flash;

- Battery;

- Charger;

- cover for Micro 4/3;

- Eyecup;

- the belt;

- cable for connecting the device to the PC via USB-port;

- software package;

- warranty card.

Of course, the box also contains a detailed, user-friendly operating instructions for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera.

Let's study now what the device looks like.

Design and appearance

The camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 (reviews of professionals and users, presented on various thematic portals, confirm this) is characterized by an exceptionally high build quality. Using the device is carried out with great comfort, the main control keys are conveniently located.

What does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 look like? Examples (photos) of this product are below.

We see that the device has a stylish, modern and at the same time quite strict design - it does not contain any extra parts, almost everything that on the surface of the case performs useful functions.

There are several color modifications of the device. So, there is Olympus OM-D E-M1 Body black, and there is a silver modification of the device.

In the front of the device there is a button, with which you can adjust the white balance according to the reference mode. On the right side of the lens is the unlock button. Directly above it - a slot for synchronizing the connected flash (it is worth noting that the built-in device is absent). The screen of the device is mobile, it can be moved up and down.

Features of camera control

There are a number of nuances that characterize the management of the device. First of all, it is worth noting that the buttons that help to activate certain functions of the device are programmed. And if, for example, a person is accustomed to a certain location during the use of another brand of camera - you can reproduce their location on the Olympus OM-D E-M1.

The main elements of the device control are 2 wheels. They are supposed to be used with the thumb, as well as the index finger. It can be noted that at the top of the device there is a special button with which you can lock the mode dial.

There are a number of features of using lenses on the Olympus OM D EM1. The point is that the camera in question is, in principle, compatible with the corresponding optical elements in Four Thirds format. However, to use them in practice, you will need a special adapter. Note that when using lenses of the appropriate type, you can not activate contrast auto focus - only phase.

Image Quality

The camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 (reviews of professionals confirm this) in terms of the quality of the created photos - more than competitive in comparison with the multimedia content obtained by using similar solutions. Despite the relatively low area of the matrix, if you compare it with the one that is available on such devices as, for example, Fujifilm X-T1, the images are excellent. At least, if we talk about surveys within the ISO 6400 level. If it is higher, the quality of the pictures may have some drawbacks.

The optimum ISO mode, which achieves the best detail of the images created with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera - from 1600 to 3200. In the appropriate range, the device provides the quality of photos comparable to that achieved by using more technologically advanced devices that exceed The apparatus in question, in particular, by the size of the sensor. It can be noted that in practice even professional photographers quite rarely use ISO modes above those values that we have given.

The autofocus function on the device works fine, the color rendition is at the level, the noise indices in the picture are also within the limits of the norm. Some features are shooting when the frame is enlarged - in this case, the subject may fall out of the autofocus for a while. If the ambient light level is high, then the new focus is induced in less than a second, if low - for about 2. A better focus can be achieved using the touch screen. On it, you can point your finger at the device where you want to focus the survey.

Stabilizer

Considering the features that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera provides to the user, the technical characteristics of the device, it is worth paying special attention to the operation of the stabilizer, which is installed on it. The corresponding hardware component of the Olympus camera has 5 axes. It is capable of attenuating the vibrations formed by the matrix, at once along the 3 axes, and also stabilizing its rotation in 2 planes.

It is noteworthy that these characteristics sound impressive not only theoretically, but also during the practical operation of the device. The total stabilization effect when using the camera in question is 4-5 EV steps.

Lens Specifications

It will be useful to consider the features of the camera lenses. They can be presented in a variety of modifications.

Among the most popular are optical elements under the Zuiko brand. Many photographers are impressed with the product M.Zuiko Digital 45 mm f / 1.8. It refers to a lens with a constant focus of 45 mm. How does this optical element of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 look like? Examples (photos) of the lens are below.

Among its most obvious advantages are minimal geometric distortions and chromatic aberrations.

In addition, as experts say, the lens is characterized by a decent resolution at high-speed areas - in the interval between f / 1.8 and f / 16.0 its level does not drop below 0.6 lines in pixel. Resolution in the central part of the frame is higher than at the edges, but not much. If we talk about the interval between f / 3.5 and f / 11.0, then the corresponding indicator increases to 0.75 lines in pixel. As for the work within the diaphragm, equal to f / 22.0, the resolution, of course, decreases - to 0.45. But in general, taking into account the acceptable price for the lens, the set of marked characteristics makes the optical element in question more than competitive.

Another popular lens, produced under the brand Zuiko for Olympus OM-D E-M1 - 12-40 f / 2.8. It is able to work within the focal range from 24 to 80 mm. It is characterized by a high level of aperture and outstanding indicators of sharpness. This model is sufficiently universal: thanks to a small focusing distance with the help of the lens, you can shoot very small objects. The light output level of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 12-40 f / 2.8 allows the photographer to take high-quality images at low ISO - in the evening, at dusk, and also to use the camera for portrait shooting. One of the insignificant, according to experts, shortcomings of the objective lens can be considered its susceptibility to glare in some modes - in particular, if the light is directed from behind the object directly to the camera. But in general, the corresponding optical element is one of the most technological in the segment. It is successfully used by professionals in their work.

Another popular lens of the camera in question is M.Zuiko 12-50 mm f / 3.5-6.3 ED EZ. It has a non-constant focus in the interval 12-50 mm. Its resolution indicators are sufficiently competitive. If you consider the short focus - the resolution at the edges of the frame is slightly lower than in the center, and is in the interval f / 3.5 - f / 16 about 0.5 lines in pixel and higher. In turn, in the central part of the snapshot, the corresponding figure is 0.6 and higher. If we take the average focus - the resolution in the interval between f / 5.2 and f / 13 is 0.6 lines and higher. In the corresponding range, the difference in the resolution indices in the center and at the edges of the frame remains, but in the interval between f / 13 and f / 22 they are equalized. This lens - also among the best in terms of technological capabilities and prices.

Thus, the device is compatible with different lenses, differing in technology and cost. Therefore, the photographer has the opportunity to select the appropriate optical components for himself, based on his own needs and the budget that he has.

Speed of work

Now, having studied the features of the camera lenses, we will continue our description of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and consideration of its features. Among the most important for the modern photographer features devaysa - the speed of its work (in terms of triggering autofocus, as well as automatic shooting). Experts and many users believe that the device in question has outstanding performance for both functions. Particularly impresses photographers the fact that after receiving the frames in the required mode, you can almost immediately begin to view them. This is very important in cases when in a short period of time, for example, in the process of reporting for a news publication, it is required to remove a large number of different types of frames and make sure that each of them has the highest quality.

True, the responsiveness of the autofocus device depends largely on the level of illumination of the shooting location. If it is insufficient - the speed and quality of the corresponding function of the camera are reduced. But this pattern is characteristic not only of the device under consideration. Comparison of Olympus OM-D E-M1 with analogs shows that even more technological solutions do not always allow to provide sufficient speed of autofocus at insufficient level of illumination.

Video recording

The next aspect of using the camera, which is useful to consider, is video shooting. As we noted above, listing the characteristics of the Olympus OM-D E-M1, the device can record video at a rate of 30 frames per second. This is not the most outstanding indicator. However, there are not many competing solutions on the market that could provide a higher speed of video recording at a similar resolution.

Another nuance of using the device in the video recording mode is the lack of exposure settings in the process of shooting. However, those that are determined automatically, provide a very decent quality of video.

Advantages and disadvantages of the apparatus

Any electronic device, especially so technologically complex as a professional camera, has merits and demerits. Consider them - those that are determined by experts and users for the device in question.

The apparatus has much more advantages than disadvantages. The device has a great design, a comfortable arrangement of controls on an ergonomic casing. In this case, the dimensions of the camera, its weight, as well as the lens - not the biggest.

The device provides excellent picture quality provided that it will be operated in ISO modes from 1600 to 3200. But, as we noted above, in practice the need to use ISO at higher values does not appear so often.

The device pleases professionals and users with high speed of operation - this can be traced both in terms of the function of continuous shooting and in terms of autofocusing. Again - under the condition of sufficient illumination.

The advantage of the camera can be called a high-tech, providing a high-quality color rendering touch screen, as well as the presence of a viewfinder.

The device is equipped with a highly efficient stabilizer. In addition, the advantage of the device can be called compatibility with a wide range of lenses - both with those that relate to economical models, and with optical devices of premium level.

Among the shortcomings of the device - a relatively low resolution, not the most outstanding rates of recording frames in the video. Also, some experts note that the camera in the course of the work makes a little more noise than some competing solutions. Thus, the merit of the apparatus is incommensurably greater than the shortcomings, which by and large can be considered very conditional.

Summary

This is our, perhaps, not the most complete review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1, but it reflects the key features of the device, its strengths and weaknesses. What conclusions can we draw by considering the possibilities of the device?

Description of the camera Olympus OM-D E-M1 Kit, given in the official catalogs and popular portals, gives an excuse to make assumptions about the highest performance of the device, its wide range of functions, the ability to receive with its use of excellent multimedia content. But all these assumptions are theoretical. How are things with the practice of using the device?

Based on the opinions of experts, we can conclude that in key aspects the declared characteristics of the device have a real correspondence to its effectiveness. For example, in terms of image stabilization, the speed of automatic shooting.

We reviewed the main objectives of the Olympus OM-D E-M1, the characteristics of the photo data of optical components, and concluded that at the disposal of the user - several of their models, among which one can find those that optimally combine functionality and price.

Thus, the camera in question from the brand Olympus is a modern, stylish, high-tech device capable of working with lenses of different types and price ranges.