Olympus Micro Four Thirds E-P1 questions answered

[Robert Watcher]

I think with all of the conjecture going on, it probably is important to note what Mr Watanabe stated in an interview with Amateur Photographer:

He made the point too, on a number of occasions, that Olympus is producing a new system, not just one camera body.
There will be a range of products, and that range will include cameras that might have that distinctive pentaprism lump on the top plate.

When I asked where in the range the E-P1 would sit, Watanabe indicated that it would have models both above and below it.

Watanabe said there would be new lenses next spring, which would be wide angle zooms, but in the meantime FourThirds and OM adapters, as well as a host of other independent adapters, will provide plenty of optical choices.

Obviously not all features will be in one camera model. And the price that some think is high, will be balanced by higher and lower price points. Actually, the option of a host of adapters with the possibility of say using other brands of AF lenses, would be amazing if that is what is being implied. It's just the beginning - - - and it looks like a great beginning to me. The technology trickle up effect that Olympus seems to prefer, should be wonderful for us pros who will always being requiring larger higher spec'd DSLR style cameras like any future E-4,5,6 models.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by crysoprase

According to the Q&A, "most - maybe even all - Four Thirds lenses will autofocus on the E-P1." So all we need is a 4/3 to µ4/3 adapter?

Can we use the Panasonic adapter (MA1) instead of the Olympus one (MMF-1)? Or is there something different in the Olympus version that will allow it more functionality with Four Thirds lenses?

In theory, the mount adapters should have identical functionality. The fact that a Panasonic G1 can't autofocus older or SWD lenses is not an adapter issue, but the AF support built in to the camera. Olympus has a different AF system to Panasonic and it appears that in this particular case, Olympus has made their AF system work with a greater selection of lenses.

Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by AndyElliott

Check out the video samples on dpreview:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09061602ep1movies.asp

Outrageously good for such a tiny camera, surely on every spy's shopping list.

Andy

We have video samples here on FTU now, see:

http://fourthirds-user.com/2009/06/h...us_pen_ep1.php

Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by AndyElliott

I think what we need is the firmware updates for all of the lenses to allow this - as they have started to do already, e.g: the 70-300.

Andy

No, the 70-300 was designed from the start to be live view AF compatible. The firmware upgrade simply enabled it. But more recent Olympus E-System bodies have been able to autofocus all Four Thirds lenses using 'hybrid imager AF'. The problem is that this system is not guaranteed to be accurate, which is why focus is fine tuned by the phase detect AF system after you press the shutter button.

With the E-P1, hybrid AF is provided, but after using the E-P1 with my 12-60 SWD, I do feel you need to make a check using manual focus (which magnifies the image on the screen when you move the focus ring). So S-AF + MF is the way to go with lenses used with the mount adapter that aren't live view AF optimised.

Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by AdrianF

Just looked on the Park Cameras site and they're saying late July for availability. I've just got to convince the wife between now and then that we need one!

I'm being told the UK will get some stock in the first week of July.

Ian

[Raj Surin]

The size and performance seems to make it very adaptable to use for underwater photography. and from what i saw in their site it seems to have a very elegant and stylish case.
.. I wonder if the new processor and its delivery will keep the dslr buyer away from the current E-series and instead wait for the E-X because this is certainly a precursor to what might be.

@ Ian, do they plan on UW-housings ?

regards.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Raj Surin

The size and performance seems to make it very adaptable to use for underwater photography. and from what i saw in their site it seems to have a very elegant and stylish case.
.. I wonder if the new processor and its delivery will keep the dslr buyer away from the current E-series and instead wait for the E-X because this is certainly a precursor to what might be.

@ Ian, do they plan on UW-housings ?

regards.

There is no product info available concerning an underwater housing for the E-P1, but Olympus has a long tradtion in this area and I'm sure they will introduce one at some stage.

Ian

[AdrianF]

In theory, the mount adapters should have identical functionality. The fact that a Panasonic G1 can't autofocus older or SWD lenses is not an adapter issue, but the AF support built in to the camera. Olympus has a different AF system to Panasonic and it appears that in this particular case, Olympus has made their AF system work with a greater selection of lenses.

Thanks for clarifying that. I was assuming that it might be possible to use the Olympus adapter in place of the Panasonic adapter, for more lens functions on the GH1, but that appears not to be the case.

The video samples look great, much better than I expected. Being mjpeg, should mean far less hassle for the majority of people who will just be using the video function for a few occasions.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by AndyElliott

One thing that does bother me is the power-down-shutter-stays-open business. Given my propensity to get dust behind the focussing screen, this aspect worries me a bit. I can see why they do it (saves power as you are always using live-view).

Andy

Just off the top of my head, but I think that the glass surface you see beyond the lens mount, which is the SWF dust filter, is in front of the shutter, so the sensor is not at risk of dust while the shutter remains open.

Ian

[AndyElliott]

Originally Posted by Ian

No, the 70-300 was designed from the start to be live view AF compatible. The firmware upgrade simply enabled it. But more recent Olympus E-System bodies have been able to autofocus all Four Thirds lenses using 'hybrid imager AF'. The problem is that this system is not guaranteed to be accurate, which is why focus is fine tuned by the phase detect AF system after you press the shutter button.

With the E-P1, hybrid AF is provided, but after using the E-P1 with my 12-60 SWD, I do feel you need to make a check using manual focus (which magnifies the image on the screen when you move the focus ring). So S-AF + MF is the way to go with lenses used with the mount adapter that aren't live view AF optimised.

Ian

So I take it that we won't see the Contrast AF firmware updates making it to other lenses (if it is indeed, possible)? If so, that's a shame for E-520, E-420, E-620, E-30, G1, GH1, L1 and L10 users. I appreciate that 'not designed for contrast AF' lenses may not work as well but it doesn't seem like it should be impossible to get some optimisation for contrast AF focussing in the firmware. Have Olympus made any definitive statement on this?

Andy