Olympus / Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds

[Mikefellh]

But for the pass through between the lens and the adapter and from the adapter to the body, you would need 9 and 11, right? And wouldnt the communication be as expected only if the body detects that the lens attached is a legacy 4/3? I am assuming that S-AF mode would work with the 4/3 lens and the m-4/3 body and for this the body would need to identify the lens attached.

Pins 1 through 9 (assuming they have the exact same function as the old pins) would just be connected by wires, 1-1, 2-2 through 3-3, etc. with no connection to 10 & 11, the only thing needed is to restore the difference in flange back.

It would be like a dumb EX-25, optics, just connect the body contacts through the lens contacts with no intelligence. I say "dumb EX-25" because the EX-25 lets the camera know that it's connected.

Think of it like converting the regular sized USB connector to the mini-USB...all it is is straight through wiring, no conversion in signal.

Assuming there's a mini 14-42mm with the same f/stop range...the body couldn't care less if it's a mini 14-42mm, or a legacy 4/3 14-42mm through the adapter.

 

[diCam]

Another thing I'd be interested in seeing is what Oly marketing says about near telecentric lens designs now - after touting it so much as the advantage of 4/3rds - only to go against that with micro 4/3rds. Oly had said that 4/3rds was supposed to deliver a lot smaller, lighter and cheaper cameras and lenses due to the smaller sensor - which they didn't really deliver - the e-410 and e-420 are not much smaller than a d40 (which has a bigger sensor), 129.5 x 91 x 53 mm for e-420 vs 126 x 94 x 64 mm for the d40 - and the lenses are expensive and not smaller. Actually the lenses are bigger and more expensive because of the near telecentric designs.

micro 4/3rds is a good initiative - but I can't help but wonder if the other manufacturers also release an EVIL camera, the small sensor on the micro 4/3rds will also be the same thorn in the side that 4/3rds had to deal with - because the other EVIL cameras will be of similar size and will have larger sensors.

Since when did Olympus go against FT with mFT? How will the mFT affect the tele-centric lens design? :dunno:

 

[theRBK]

The RD-1 was terribly expensive.

And I'm really not too keen on carrying 135-format monsters.

as well, it had significant light fall-off for a 1.5 crop camera... an affordable, small, interchangeable lens RF type camera with great image quality would be incredible

 

[Mikefellh]

If everyone else does the same, it's probably going to be DoA for prosumers and advanced models such as the LX3 or DP1. This could be more earth-shaking (well, in the digital photography world that is) than we think it is.

The DP1 is only f/4, but the LX3 is f/2.0-2.8...that's the one area P&S cameras with small sensors have the dSLR beat, and even with the promise of smaller optics I doubt they could promise a decent sized 24-60mm with an 1:2.0-2.8 range, and keep the cost down to P&S level.

 

[diCam]

the 4:3 format is not that widely adopted & now become legacy lenses so soon? :bsmilie: maybe another 5 yrs down, legacy 4:3 will be totally phased out, m4/3 will prevail as the successor.

So we have Sony R1 & Sigma DP1, anyone rem Epson RD1? think that one has an interchangeable lens design too (rangefinder style) albeit not popular. Soon we'll see P&S using APS-C size sensor & DSLR converging to 35mm frame size. Back to 35mm & APS film cam days :lovegrin:

I think the term 'legacy' is used to differentiate between the original FT and the new mFT lenses. FT and mFT format still conform to FT standard. So long that the FT standard is alive I do not see the end of life for the 'legacy' FT lenses. I still think that mFT format will eventually evolved into a new camera design that serve different photography needs.

 

[Mikefellh]

Since when did Olympus go against FT with mFT? How will the mFT affect the tele-centric lens design? :dunno:

It was only announced YESTERDAY MORNING (UK time)...I heard about it in the middle of the night.

There's nothing to say they are "moving away from FT"...mFT is a system designed to compliment FT.

As for tele-centric lens design, there's also nothing to say that hasn't changed...with this design there could STILL be TC design as new lenses will be used with the smaller flange back, so the rear optic will be different, and as for using legacy 4/3 lenses it will be no different than using them on a legacy 4/3 camera, except that a spacing adapter will have to be used.

As well TC lenses are less critical with MOS devices than with CCD (from what I have read).

 

[diCam]

it means olym give up previous 4/3 system

micro 4/3 is like compact digital RF:thumbsup:

Since when did Olympus gave up on 'previous 4/3 system'? Where did you get that piece of information from? FT and mFT format is still FT standard...

 

[Mikefellh]

I still think that mFT format will eventually evolved into a new camera design that serve different photography needs.

Some will be those upgrading from P&S who don't want such a large camera, others will be current 4/3 users who want something more compact for trips, concerts, etc.

I think of this like my massive desktop computer, vs. my laptop...there are things I can do with the desktop that would make the laptop buckle and slow to a crawl, and I certainly can't take the desktop everywhere with me.

 

[Kirika]

I would think in the long run, new formats will definitely be introduced, and older ones will get phased out (think FD). It happens to almost all camera manufacturers. We just need to enjoy what we have now for as long as it last! And to think 4/3 is just 6-7years old i think it'll have at least double the time more before a new format takes over so not much to worry.

My primary worry isn't so much about having a new format introduced that's better than the existing one, but that all that glass may not be usable in the future as the circuitry may not match. Not quite like the manual days where the lenses would still function if the correct contacts weren't present (where applicable). Still, it's a step forward and I'd love to see them improve the EVF so it's very usable for manual focus. I mean hey...since cameras already won't function once their batteries are flat, it's pretty ok that the EVF refuses to work in that situation. The EVF is very likely the current viable alternative to the reflex mirror.

 

[sadwitch]

It'll be great cos i can sneak one into concerts! Clap your hands now

 

[dorts]

They claim that the current 4/3s system will not be replaced. But who knows what will happen in the future? :dunno:

It's hard and costly to maintain 2 systems you know...

 

[The Dry Box]

I am a nikon user atm, but I am psyche by the announcement. Should be fun to watch the development of this.

 

[Mikefellh]

They claim that the current 4/3s system will not be replaced. But who knows what will happen in the future? :dunno:

It's hard and costly to maintain 2 systems you know...

Sure, if all FT users migrate to mFT FT could disappear, but remember it would be no more expensive than adding another body, and another class of lens...most of the new cameras use the same parts, like the same sensor, support chips, etc.

For instance, rather than continuing to develop the E-3xx line they may concentrate on the new line instead (I admit I'll be upset to see the E-3xx line disappear since I'm an E-300/330 user, but I would understand it).

I think it would be more like some other brands having full frame and APS format, except instead of the sensor being different sizes it's the lens mount body size that's different for the other size.

 

[mactigasuku]

Anyone remember the Pentax 110 SLR?

My guess is this. If the m4/3 really takes off, Oly might abandon the 4/3 coz it'll become the new Leica M series ..... if not it'll just might be another dead end. Using 4/3 lenses on the m4/3 system? Defeats the purpose of it being compact ...... ;p

 

[bousozoku]

Anyone remember the Pentax 110 SLR?

My guess is this. If the m4/3 really takes off, Oly might abandon the 4/3 coz it'll become the new Leica M series ..... if not it'll just might be another dead end. Using 4/3 lenses on the m4/3 system? Defeats the purpose of it being compact ...... ;p

The Pentax Auto 110 was retired because it didn't sell well. It was too small to handle and the options were too expensive but the image quality was quite good. When I was selling cameras, I used our demonstrator but it was very difficult to sell. The people who might benefit the most didn't want to pay 3 times (or more) the price for a camera using 110 film and the 35mm people considered it a toy since it cost almost as much for the kit as a midrange body kit.

This micro four-thirds idea is somewhere between genius and madness. If everything is done well, it could be a big success. They must be certain of the image quality and improve the focusing speed over the current Live View.

In any case, it will probably rout the current high end point-and-shoot camera market, especially, if they have a 10x zoom that's nearly as small and light as the current ultra zoom point-and-shoot models.

 

[blackdrakes]

Imagine, the new Micro 4/3 with a new slim pancake lens..
It'll be something like the Sigma DP1..
.. Just that you can change lens.

 

[nightpiper]

this micro 4/3 is more likely than not for consumer market 1st. So i dun expect to see hi frame rates, big buffer, weather seals, etc. video capability also not likely cos it'll be too complex. how do u AF in video mode? What AF tech wud u use for that? Is it going to be the same as still photography or video cam type? Zoom? what rez 1920 HD or 720 SD? Frames rates? There's juz too much complexity surrounding video mode on an SLR so my bet is place on no video mode.

let me juz sit back & play role if i were the head of this product development. what wud i do to make it a success? hmmm... lets see

1) i'll aim it at consumer. so fps wud not be more than 3.

2) i may pick the new Kodak CCD for sensor or use existing NMOS inventory. Depends but 11MP standard. i'll pass prototypes of the 2 sensors to the pros to get feedback. Small buffer, slow write speed & slow AF for sure. Poor AWB but accurate metering & focus.

3) Definitely use a 3" hi rez LCD. To sweeten it further i'll want it to be fully touch screen driven GUI.

4) There'll be only 3 buttons on this cam: the on/off. the playback & the shutter release. This is to make the cam look like idiot proof & very easy to use

5) the GUI wud have similar gesture navigation like the mac book multi touch pad & fluid flow type of look for that "Ooouu" factor. (in case u haven't heard, new mac book is coming call the mac book touch hahaha, thats for another forum) I'll further market this unique GUI heavily as micro touch (uTouch for short)

6) There will be only 2 connectors. One for HDMI output (bundle with cables of cos) & the other is an AC inlet to charge the removeable batt. This further cut cost on having a separate charger. Looks really consumer style till this point.

7) 2 ways to transfer pics in mem card to computer. 1st is the old & tested removal of mem card into card reader. 2nd is via bluetooth (built in). There'll be a USB dongle bluetooth bundled to be plugged into the comp. Printers supporting pict bridge can print directly via this dongle as well wirelessly. How cool is that? :lovegrin:

8) LCD can tilt up & down only (30 degree up & 30 down). Swivel all round will be reserved for the pro ver.

9) pop up flash (guide no. 8 only) & support for wireless flash sys.

10) SSWF, Built in IS & face detection. This shud establish its value further.

what else wud be fun? how about throwing in a DOF calculator inside the menu juz for the techies? :bsmilie: oh, not forgetting it comes with 4 diff colours: sky blue, maroon, white & classic black (this colour cost S$20 more).

small package with 1 AC cord. 1 CDROM software. 1 HDMI cable. 1 Composite cable. 1 Bluetooth USB small dongle. 1 manual booklet. 1 Battery. Thats it. Kit lens wud be a new 15-35 F4.5 5.6 u4/3 lens. all for juz S$999 RRP. 12mths limited warranty & a 2GB mem card free.

think this is going to change the perception of DSLR & photographers alike :bsmilie::bsmilie:

feel free to add in your role play model.

 

[Mikefellh]

video capability also not likely cos it'll be too complex. how do u AF in video mode? What AF tech wud u use for that?

My answer to that would be, how do todays camcorders handle autofocus while they are recording? How to P&S cameras refocus while they are recording?

 

[viewwing]

Looks like the ultimate travel camera... IMHO i think the only camera sale thats going to be affected by this new micro 4/3 would be the e-4xx series...

Those of us using the E-5xx and E-X would be those who doesn't mind weight and size... not too much weight compared to the other brands... and others p&s or prosumers users might also use this as an upgrade...

But its still a DSLR type camera... meaning proper care and maintenance will be needed... its a good thing oly's dust removing system is the best in the market...

:think: really interesting... i would wish that it can be weather seal though... but i guess it will be overheating all the time given its small size... in warmer climate.

 

[sadwitch]

I applaud olympus and panasonic for this move. There must be some crazy young/old punks working inside the R&D department whereas for canon and nikon you can imagine retired government officials or principals in their R&D.

Being different does comes with being outcast or misunderstood. After reading so many opinions about mFT, there are so many people that just can't accept the fact that cameras with go E.V.I.L. cos of the EV. Just like people that can't accept digital when it first started.