In a transfer that no person noticed coming, a model new Olympus digital camera has simply been launched: a particular version astrophotography model of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, previously the model’s flagship digital camera.
When Olympus concluded the switch of its imaging division to OM Digital Options in 2021, it signaled the tip of the Olympus model identify showing on cameras. Nicely, it was alleged to.
Whereas the corporate insisted to me that the OM System OM-1 could be the final digital camera ever to bear the Olympus model identify, OM has simply introduced the brand new OM System E-M1 Mark III Astro – which, as you possibly can see, bears the Olympus brand. (OM truly did the identical factor a few years in the past,
That is modified model of the unique E-M1 Mark III. The whole lot is identical (save for the purple “Astro” badge on the entrance) besides that it has an specialised IR reduce filter in entrance of the picture sensor.
This “considerably enhance[s] transmittance of Hα rays, which ends up in photos with a robust reddish forged,” says the corporate. This refers back to the hydrogen-alpha wavelength of the spectrum, invisible to the bare eye, which is the strongest emitted by hydrogen nebulae generally noticed in astrophotography.
“The OM System E-M1 Mark III Astro has an IR reduce filter in entrance of the picture sensor that has been optimized for optical traits to attain roughly 100% transmittance of Hα rays, that are essential for astronomical pictures. This lets you vividly seize the attractive shapes and colours of nebulae that emit mild from Hα rays, that are troublesome to seize with strange digital cameras.”
Nonetheless, in contrast to some astrophotography cameras from different producers, this is not any outdated digital camera with an IR filter slapped on it and marketed for astro work; the E-M1 Mark III boasts a variety of computational options that make it one of many greatest cameras for astrophotography.
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Chief amongst these is the Starry Sky AF operate, which makes use of a particular algorithm to facilitate autofocus on even the tiniest stars – liberating stargazers from having to focus manually. It even gives a mode for handheld Starry Sky AF, which is a little bit of a recreation changer!
Mixed with different options corresponding to Excessive Res Shot (which makes use of pixel shift to generate 50MP or 80MP photos from the 20.4MP sensor) and Reside Composite (a bulb mode which solely exposes new or brighter areas of the picture, making it perfect for star trails or taking pictures stars), this turns into a really formidable astro digital camera.
So, whereas the cynical would possibly recommend that OM merely discovered a couple of packing containers of unsold E-M1 Mark IIIs in a warehouse and located a artistic solution to offload them (as it could have finished in 2023, when it launched the IR System that includes infrared-modified variations of the E-M1 Mark III and E-M1X), this new Astro physique is extremely succesful.
At the moment, and little question ongoingly, the OM System E-M1 Mark III Astro will solely be out there in Japan – and as a particular made-to-order product, priced at ¥327,800 (roughly $2,025 / £1,590 / AU$3,030), happening sale July 25.
Apparently, it comes bundled with two new physique filters that match between the lens mount and lens: the OM System BMF-LPC01 (mild air pollution) filter and BMF-SE01 (gentle focus) filter. These can even be out there individually, priced ¥41,800 ($258 / £203 / AU$387) and ¥30,800 ($190 / £149 / AU$285) respectively.
Whereas the OM web site states that they’re solely suitable with the E-M1 Mark III, OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II, I don’t imagine there are any bodily variations between these mounts and people of another Olympus, OM System or different Micro 4 Thirds digital camera – so I am unable to see why they would not work on any given physique.
Check out the greatest Olympus / OM System cameras, together with the greatest Olympus / OM System lenses. And, as an open platform, you need to use any of the greatest Micro 4 Thirds lenses in your MFT digital camera.