Olympus has launched its new flagship mirrorless camera OM-D E-M1 in India. This is an upgrade over the E-M5. The company had first launched a camera in this category back in 2009 with the PEN E-P1, which was, in fact, the first in a pocketable size with a small lens. The E-M1 features a High Speed Dual fast Auto Focus, which uses phase detection as well as contrast detection. Thus, when phase detection technique doesn't work, contrast detection is employed for the purpose. The company calls this "On-chip Phase Detection Auto Focus".
This 16.3 MP camera with a magnesium body, has an Electronic View Finder (EVF), which the company claims, is as good as the optical viewfinder of a DSLR, meaning that what you see is what it clicks. The EVF features Adaptive Brightness Technology to adjust its brightness as per lighting conditions. Additionally, the company states that the camera is "Dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof". Of course, the company execs were quick to point out that it cannot be used underwater or in the sand. This means that it is merely resistant to these elements. It can, however, be used up to -10 ° C. Being a flagship product, it is priced steeply at Rs 1,05,000, putting it out of reach of most mirrorless camera aspirants. The pricing takes it deep into DSLR territory and it remains to be seen if it can hold its own against DSLR competitors in the price range even though the E-M1 is more compact.
