This straight-out-of-camera shot was
captured in high-resolution mode, and
comprises eight separate images stitched
together in-camera for a 50MP output file.
Looking at it side-by-side with a regular
file, we can tell you that the leap in clarity
is stunning, especially when zoomed in.
There are limitations, however, and we
were unable to go any narrower than
f/8, which means you can’t guarantee
front-to-back sharpness in shots which
contain both foreground and background
elements. It’s a bit of a shame, and may
not be an issue in the full production
release. However, for this kind of shot,
where we didn’t include any unique
foreground elements, you can see there
was no issue to be found.
Stitching pixels
creates a wonder
IMAGE
QUALITY
material to keep the weight
down, and the new thumb
grip design helps with overall
handling. New users will find
it easy to use, and returning
Olympus shooters will be
happy with a familiar layout
and weather-sealed build.
Performance
This is a jump up from the
E-M5 Mark II, and many of
the features of the E-M1 Mark
II can now be found housed
within. The key draw here for
many will be the lightweight
body and small form, meaning
it’s perfect for casual shooters
or as a travel option. The
sensor, although not ground-
breaking in the range, seems
to do a good job. Shooting
landscapes is further bolstered
by the high-resolution mode,
which moves the sensor
marginally and captures eight
shots to stitch together into
a single 50MP file. You can
in stantly see the difference
when you zoom in and,
although it’s not as advanced
as the E-M1X’s handheld
version, when using a tripod
it ’s a great tool to have.
The image stabilisation,
which is rated for 5.5 stops,or
up to 6.5 using Sync IS with
a compatible lens, feels solid
in both stills and video mode.
Olympus’ credentials are
proven in this area, and so this
won’t disappoint. It will also
please users looking to expand
into video, an area this camera
takes quite seriously. It can
shoot 4K, and even 17:9
Cinema 4K at 24fps. Full HD
provides 120fps for slow
motion, while regular 4K is
limited to the usual 30fps.
Add this to the IBIS, and
you’ve got a handy B-roll or
vlogging body, thanks to the
3.5mm microphone input jack
and the flip-out screen.
The AF system appears to
deliver the goods. We didn’t
tax it too much, though Eye AF
and leisurely tracking gave us
plenty to be optimistic about.
It’s brilliant to see the more
advanced 121-point phase
detect system make the jump,
though it would have been nice
to include some of the E-M1X
tracking algorithm updates,
which really impressed us.
Verdict
Olympus has crafted a solid
update to the E-M5 line-up
that will please anyone who’s
lo oking to step up from the
current Mark II version. It
comes with phase detect AF,
improved video modes and
a higher-resolution sensor.
You get a slightly faster burst
rate with the mechanical
shutter – 6fps v 5fps – and the
Pro Capture mode has been
in cluded to aid this. However,
while a solid update, Olympus
has played it safe in terms of
additions. Our full review will
tell us all we need to know.
AboveThenew top-platenow
includesa handyredesigned
th umb grip, which provides
a shortcut to your ISO settings.
ProCaptureis an interestingmode,andyou’llfindvariants
li tteredthroughoutnewermirrorlesscameras.It allowsyouto
st artrecordingimagesas soonas youhalf-presstheshutter
button.A 14-shotbufferwill keeprollingforas longas the
shutterbuttonis pushedhalfway,refreshingthe14 shotsas
re quired,andthenendingwiththecapturedshot.Thisis
gr eatif you’retryingto naila one-timeactionshot,suchas
bi rdsin flightor waterdropletphotography,forexample.
Whiletherearemanyvariantsto be foundin thecamera
world,mosttakeadvantageof the4K videofeature,and
ex porttheseshotsat reducedfile sizes.TheOlympushasthe
benefitof outputtingfull-sizedfilesformaximumversatility.
Tech Focus How does Pro Capture work?
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