Olympus: Micro Four Thirds with EVF enroute
updated 12:00 pm EDT, Tue June 16, 2009
Olympus on Future MFT Cams
The E-P1 will be supplemented by more distinct Micro Four Thirds models and with more professional features, Olympus product planning manager Akira Watanabe said in the wake of the new camera launch today. He explains to DPReview that the E-P1 is just the first in a larger range and that at least one future model will have an electronic viewfinder, much as Panasonic's Lumix G1 and GH1 have now. More lenses should also come in tow and may include more prime lenses beyond the new 17mm f2.8.
A pair of adapters are already launching with the new camera that will allow all regular Four Thirds lenses to work with the E-P1. Panasonic's own Micro Four Thirds lenses are already compatible.
The compact camera is launching first partly as Watanabe and his company see Micro Four Thirds extending into the realm normally occupied only by fixed-lens compact cameras and is particularly appealing to those hoping to 'graduate' from point-and-shoots but don't like the bulk and complexity of full DSLRs. The field in between the two categories is usually occupied by semi-pro cameras like the Canon PowerShot G10 that have non-removable lenses but have pro-level features like RAW shooting or full manual control.
