Olympus presents 16-megapixel camera that can shoot ’40-megapixel photos’
Olympus has presented a 16-megapixel camera that, according to the manufacturer, can shoot photos with a resolution of 40 megapixels. The camera does this by moving the sensor using the built-in stabilization, so that the light falls on the sensor differently.
The OM-D E-M5 II takes eight pictures in quick succession in ‘high resolution’ mode, while the built-in stabilization shifts the sensor by 0.5 pixels or one pixel each time. The software then merges the image into a large 40-megapixel photo that should be of the same quality as a photo that a camera with that resolution would normally take, according to the announcement that Dpreview has put online, among other things.
The mode may be a response to Nikon and Canon, both of which make cameras that have high resolution natively. The demand for photos with extremely high resolutions has increased recently, according to the camera manufacturers.
Compared to the previous E-M5, the new model has WiFi on board. It shares the Micro Four Thirds sensor with the E-M1 and also has the same TruePic VII image processor as the most expensive model in the series. According to Olympus, the 5-axis stabilization system has been further improved so that it now offers 5 stops of gain. Olympus also claims that the system works better in video mode; tripods and rigs are no longer necessary according to the manufacturer, everything can be done freehand. The camera now also supports 24p and a high bitrate of 77 Mbps for 1080p images.
The resolution of the electronic viewfinder has been increased to 1024×768 pixels and the screen is now not only tiltable, but also rotatable. It can fold out to the side so that you as a photographer or videographer always have a view. The screen is also touch sensitive. The magnesium alloy housing is dust- and splash-proof and resistant to frost.
The camera body will be in stores at the end of February for a suggested retail price of 1099 euros. In combination with a 12-50 mm f/3.5-6.3 or 14-150 mm f/4-5.6, this is 1299 and 1499 euros respectively. The kits come with a splash-proof FL-LM3 flash that can be rotated and tilted.
Update, 09.16: Added information about other improvements and prices.